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Hawthorn Lake Water Quality Improvement Plan presentation available for public comment

Posted on by Sam Parsons

BARNES – Iowans interested in the results of a DNR study to improve water quality in Hawthorn Lake in Mahaska County can view a presentation on the Iowa DNR’s YouTube channel.

Hawthorn Lake is on the state’s list of impaired waters for high levels of algae. The current study, or DNR water quality improvement plan, shows how these problems are caused by too much phosphorus in the lake. The problems impact recreation on the lake and aquatic life.

The plan explores the amounts and sources of phosphorus entering the lake and offers potential solutions to reduce those levels and work toward fixing the problem. The document is designed as a guide for local resource agencies, partners, stakeholders and residents to improve the lake.

The presentation is available now at youtube.com/iowadnr/HawthornLake through August 19. The full document can be downloaded on the Iowa DNR’s website at:https://www.iowadnr.gov/Environmental-Protection/Water-Quality/Watershed-Improvement/Water-Improvement-Plans.

Public comments must be submitted by August 19 to James Hallmark at James.Hallmark@dnr.iowa.gov, tmdlcomments@dnr.iowa.gov or mailed to James Hallmark at 6200 Park Ave Suite 200, Des Moines, IA 50321

Once public comment is complete, the DNR will submit the final plan, also known as the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for approval.

Mahaska Mixer to be Hosted at Southern Iowa Fair Tomorrow

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA — The Diplomats of the Mahaska Chamber & Development Group would like to invite Chamber members and friends of the Southern Iowa Fair to the next Mahaska Mixer for pancakes, sausage and drink served by Chris Cakes. Also known as the Buyers’ Breakfast, this event is being hosted by the Fair Board and the Chamber Diplomats on Saturday, July 20, from 6:30 – 8:30 am. The event will be held in the Wash Rack Building of the Southern Iowa Fairgrounds just south of the Pavilion.

Following a full week enjoying the fair, plan now to join others for breakfast and show your appreciation to all who continue to make the Southern Iowa Fair new and exciting year after year. A HUGE thank you is extended to the Fair Board, 4-H, FFA, participants, leaders, sponsors—anyone responsible for making the fair possible. You are encouraged to stay for the livestock ribbon auction that begins at 8 am in the pavilion as well.

Contact the Chamber at 641.672.2591 for further information.

Stegosaurus fossil fetches nearly $45M, setting record for dinosaur auctions

Posted on by Sam Parsons

NEW YORK (AP) — The nearly complete fossilized remains of a stegosaurus fetched $44.6 million at auction Wednesday, Sotheby’s said. The buyer’s name was not disclosed.

The fossil, dubbed “Apex,” is considered to be among the most complete ever found, according to the auction house.

The price blew past a pre-sale estimate of $4 million to $6 million and past a prior auction record for dinosaur fossils — $31.8 million for the remains of a Tyrannosaurus rex nicknamed Stan, sold in 2020.

Apex “has now taken its place in history, some 150 million years since it roamed the planet,” said Cassandra Hatton, who heads Sotheby’s science-related business.

Dinosaur fossil sales stir some frustration among academic paleontologists who feel the specimens belong in museums or research centers that can’t afford huge auction prices.

Sotheby’s said the anonymous buyer is American and intends to look into loaning Apex to an institution in the U.S. The purchaser beat out six other bidders.

The stegosaurus was one of the world’s most distinctive dinosaurs, featuring pointy plates on its back. Hatton has called Apex “a coloring book dinosaur,” for its well-preserved features.

Eleven feet (3.3 meters) tall and 27 feet (8.2 meters) nose to tail, Apex was a big stegosaurus that lived long enough to show signs of arthritis, Sotheby’s said.

A commercial paleontologist named Jason Cooper discovered the fossil in 2022 on his property near, perhaps unsurprisingly, the town of Dinosaur, Colorado. The tiny community is near Dinosaur National Monument and the Utah border.

Iowans in 14 counties may be eligible for FEMA’s Temporary Housing Assistance

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa)

Federal officials have approved Governor Kim Reynolds’ request that Iowans in 14 counties who cannot live in their own homes due to flood or tornado damage may apply for temporary housing assistance.

“We’re trying to do everything we can to help these communities keep their citizens there and they want to be there,” Reynolds said this morning during an interview with Radio Iowa. “They want to stay. They don’t want to leave and so I think it’s just been a gallant effort from the locals and the state and then FEMA coming through with that was just a true, true blessing.”

FEMA’s Temporary Housing program is often used in hurricane zones, but Reynolds made the request late last week to extend it to Iowans in counties declared presidential disaster areas. “Thrilled beyond thrilled,” Reynolds said, “really, really grateful for the quick turnaround so we can get these people in some type of more transitional housing and then they can start making decisions about more permanent housing and what that looks like.”

Officials estimate over 2000 homes were destroyed by severe storms that swept through the state in April, May and June. Even more homes are uninhabitable due to serious damage. State agencies have already lined up the recreational vehicles and travel trailers that will be used as temporary housing. “The state will be purchasing the RVs. We’ll be delivering them. There won’t be any cost to the citizens that will be in them and then it’ll be a covered cost by FEMA,” Reynolds said. “We have contracted with a vendor to do some of the maintenance and some of the oversight.”

Modular homes may be brought in later if some residents need longer term housing until their permanent home is ready. To be eligible for the program, home owners and renters must have qualified for FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program. In some instances, the RV may be parked on the same property as a home that’s been damaged or destroyed.

Iowa Department of Education announces more than $320,000 in emergency assistance grants to disaster-impacted school districts to serve students experiencing homelessness

Posted on by Sam Parsons

DES MOINES — The Iowa Department of Education today announced over $320,000 in emergency grant funds available to support Iowa school districts serving students experiencing homelessness as they respond to and recover from the impacts of the recent weather-related disasters.

“The Emergency Grants to Serve Students Experiencing Homelessness program will help remove barriers faced by students who are displaced or experiencing homelessness, including short-term housing, transportation to school, and basic needs like food, clothing, and wellness items,” said Iowa Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow. “The Department will continue to support local education leaders in disaster-impacted communities as they reinforce student success and safely welcome students, families, and teachers back to school.”

Districts eligible for the Emergency Grants to Serve Students Experiencing Homelessness program must be located in a county that was included in a disaster emergency proclamation issued by Gov. Kim Reynolds between April 26, 2024, and June 28, 2024. In addition, 25 percent or more of the school community must be impacted by the weather-related disaster outlined in one of the proclamations, and 10 percent or more of the school community must be displaced or facing homelessness due to the weather-related disaster.

Eligible districts can apply for up to $80,000 in funding to provide wrap-around services and supports for students who are facing homelessness as a result of the natural disaster so they can attend school and fully participate in school activities. Allowable use of funds may include, but are not limited to:

  • Short-term emergency housing, including motel/hotel stays.
  • School supplies, including school uniform fees, book/registration fees, activity registration fees and any supplies designated for school or extracurricular activities.
  • Groceries and wellness items, including clean clothing, personal hygiene items and household cleaning supplies.
  • Transportation assistance, including gas cards for the purchase of fuel.
  • School uniform fees, book/registration fees, activity registration fees and supplies designated for school or extracurricular activities.
  • The adaptation of space and purchase of supplies for any non-school facilities, including shelving for the creation of a food pantry/clothing closet, refrigeration units for a food pantry, washer and dryer units and cots for emergency shelters.
  • Costs for medical, dental, mental and other health services.
  • Costs associated with tracking, obtaining and transferring records necessary to enroll in school, including birth certificates, immunization or other required health records, academic records, guardianship records and evaluations for special programs or services.
  • Resources and activities to support the involvement of parents and guardians in the education of their children.
  • Costs associated with the coordination of schools and agencies in providing services to students facing homelessness.

Applications for the Emergency Grants to Serve Students Experiencing Homelessness program will be accepted in IowaGrants.gov beginning July 17.  The applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on July 31.

Make Ottumwa Shine Litter Cleanup Set Runs Today Through Monday

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OTTUMWA — The City of Ottumwa is proud to announce that the annual Make Ottumwa Shine litter cleanup event will take place from July 18-22, 2024. This event typically coincides with Earth Day, but this year will take place the weekend before Ottumwa hosts an overnight stop for RAGBRAI.

Individuals, families, and businesses are invited to volunteer to adopt and tidy an area of Ottumwa. Locations can be adopted by visiting www.ottumwa.us/about/make_ottumwa_shine. Volunteers can pick up bags and gloves for collecting litter at the temporary City Hall on the Second Floor of the Ottumwa Train Depot, the Recycling Center, and Greater Ottumwa Partners in Progress on July 18, 19, and 22.

“Hosting RAGBRAI is an important responsibility and an economic opportunity for Ottumwa,” said Mayor Rick Johnson. “Combining Make Ottumwa Shine with the preparations for hosting the ride is a great way to put our best face forward as we welcome over 20,000 riders to Ottumwa.”

For more information on the Make Ottumwa Shine litter cleanup event, please visit www.ottumwa.us/about/make_ottumwa_shine or contact Janice Bain at the Recycling Center at 641-683-0685.

Singer Ingrid Andress says she was drunk during panned MLB anthem performance, will get treatment

Posted on by Sam Parsons

ARLINGTON (AP) — After a widely panned performance of the U.S. national anthem at the MLB Home Run Derby, country singer Ingrid Andress apologized Tuesday and said she was drunk.

“I’m checking myself into a facility today to get the help I need,” she wrote in an Instagram post. “That was not me last night. I apologize to MLB, all the fans, and this country I love so much for that rendition.”

The MLB is not commenting, spokesperson Matt Bourne said.

A representative for Andress said there will be no additional comment at this time.

On Monday night, the four-time Grammy nominee belted an a cappella version of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” an incredibly challenging song to sing. Clips of her less-than-popular rendition at the Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, went viral.

Sports Illustrated writer Alex Carr posted on X, formerly Twitter, “I’m so sorry, I’m sure Ingrid Andress is a wonderful person, but that was one of the worst national anthems I think I’ve ever heard in my whole life.”

Learn to Hunt program opens registration for waterfowl course

Posted on by Sam Parsons

DES MOINES – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is offering a program to teach skills needed to hunt, field dress and cook waterfowl to women who have little to no waterfowl hunting experience.

“Waterfowl hunting can be challenging and this course will teach basic strategies, proper equipment, where to hunt, safe shooting practices, and how to field dress, prepare and cook them,” said Jamie Cook, program coordinator with the Iowa DNR.

The Aug. 24 course costs $35 and will be held at the Olofson Shooting Range, near Polk City, from 2 to 7 p.m. Space is limited so early registration is encouraged. For more information and to begin the registration process, go to http://license.gooutdoorsiowa.com/Event/ViewEvent.aspx?id=3117

The program is provided through a partnership with the Iowa DNR, Iowa Hunter Ed
Instructor Association and Delta Waterfowl. It’s part of a national effort to recruit, retain and reactivate hunters due to the overall decline in hunting and outdoor recreation.

Oskaloosa Business Owner Lauren Terrell Selected in the Top 12 for Open 4 Business Grant

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA — Oskaloosa business owner and art creative, Lauren Terrell was recently selected in the top 12 candidates who submitted an Open 4 Business Grant Application for 2024 to Main Street Iowa. Terrell and business, Studio Osky will receive $500 from the Oskaloosa Main Street Board for being selected as the local winner.

Lauren Terrell is the owner of Studio Osky, an art collective, gallery, and event space located at the Old Mercy Hospital and Clinics at 212 N. Market St in Oskaloosa. Studio Osky currently houses 23 renting tenants, with businesses ranging from hair salons to artist studio space. As business continues to thrive at Studio Osky, Terrell has plans to expand the art collective to incorporate something for everyone. With a walkable distance from William Penn University and downtown Oskaloosa, Studio Osky has become a hub for students and patrons to experience art, live music, and workshops.
Launched in 2015, The annual Main Street Iowa Open 4 Business Grant encourages business development among business owners and entrepreneurs in designated Main Street Iowa Districts, around the state. Applicants have a chance to win up to $28,000 in grant funds for expenses such as display equipment, computers and software, varied kitchen-like appliances, website development and marketing, and inventory to name a few. Some expenses not eligible for application include payroll, training costs, general operating expenses, or remodeling.
To apply for this grant, a business must have been in operation for one year, have a physical store location within the applied Main Street District, provide a 25% match, and remain in business for two years after receiving the grant.
If you are looking for ways to further develop and expand your business,  located in the Main Street District of Oskaloosa, or plan to relocate, contact the Oskaloosa Main Street Economic Vitality Committee at 641.672.2591 or email mainstreet@mahaskachamber.org for more information. Applications will be released in March 2025.

Kading Properties to Host Second Hometown Tours Stop in Oskaloosa Tomorrow

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By Sam Parsons

Kading Properties will be hosting their second Hometown Tours stop in the city of Oskaloosa tomorrow, Thursday, July 18.

Kading, which is a family-owned development, construction, and property management company based in Urbandale, has 28 workforce housing communities across the state and will be exploring the opportunities that the city of Oskaloosa presents as the next location for a workforce housing community. CEO Karie Ramsey said that workforce housing communities don’t differ too much from standard residential communities.

The Oskaloosa Hometown Tour agenda, planned by the city, features stops at Musco, Edmundson Park, Gateway Development, Full Bloom Brewhouse, Solar System, Lacey Complex, Mahaska Health, and other significant developments. These visits will highlight the community’s potential and the possibilities for future growth and collaboration. Ramsey said she hoped to hear some good input from the city’s major employers.

Kading kicked off their inaugural Hometown Tours workforce housing road trip to identify its next workforce housing community on June 14 in Corydon, Iowa.

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