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Iowa’s Unemployment Rate Decreases to 2.8 Percent in April

Posted on by Sam Parsons

DES MOINES, IOWA – Iowa’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 2.8 percent in April, down from last month’s rate of 2.9 percent and tying the rate from a year ago. The state’s labor force participation rate fell to 66.8 percent, down from 67 percent last month. Meanwhile, the U.S. unemployment rate rose to 3.9 percent in April.

“April’s report shows signs of easing across the Iowa economy, with several industries inching back from huge hiring sprees earlier in the year,” said Beth Townsend, Executive Director of Iowa Workforce Development. “Many industries remain at or near historic highs for employment despite Iowa’s aging workforce. Last month was the tenth month during the past year where Iowans voluntarily left the workforce, possibly to retire or go back to school. With IowaWORKS continuing to list more than 56,000 open jobs, we see plenty of opportunities available for those Iowans who want to work.”

The number of unemployed Iowans decreased to 47,200 in April from 48,700 in March.

The total number of working Iowans fell to 1,646,900 in April. This figure is 1,300 lower than March and 19,300 lower than one year ago.

Seasonally Adjusted Nonfarm Employment

In April, Iowa’s business establishments trimmed payrolls slightly relative to March (-900), lowering total nonfarm employment to 1,610,800. Hiring in private service and government was eclipsed by layoffs in goods-producing industries, particularly within construction, which eased down in April following a sizable gain in March. Private services received a boost from leisure and hospitality and other services, which advanced by a combined 2,000 jobs.

Construction shed the most jobs (-3,100) after establishing an all-time high in March. Even when factoring in the April loss, this sector continues to generally trend up and has gained 1,500 jobs compared to last year. Professional and business services lost 600 in administrative support and waste management services. This sector fared well last month, gaining 2,400 jobs since February. Heavy and civil engineering construction was responsible for much of the movement. Finance posted the only other loss in April, paring 300 jobs with losses in both credit intermediation and insurance. Alternatively, leisure and hospitality expanded their payrolls in April (+1,000). Most of those hires were within eating and drinking establishments, although arts, entertainment, and recreation gained 200 jobs. Other services also gained 1,000 and has advanced by 2,500 jobs over the past three months. Trade and transportation advanced by 600 since March with half of all jobs added being in transportation and warehousing.

Over the past 12 months, total nonfarm employment has increased by 22,900 jobs. The largest gain has been in leisure and hospitality (+5,900). Accommodations and food services fueled all the hiring in this sector; arts, entertainment, and recreation has decreased slightly since last year. Education and health care have added 5,300 over the past 12 months. Most of the jobs gained originated from health care and social assistance (+4,500). On the flip side, trade, transportation, and utilities has lost the most jobs (-3,000). Retail trade along with transportation and warehousing have been responsible for the jobs shed over the past 12 months.

“Ask a Master Gardener” Sessions to be Held

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA — Do you have horticulture questions?  The Mahaska County Master Gardeners would like to answer them.  They will hold “Ask a Master Gardener” sessions on Tuesdays 9 -11 am and 1-3 pm, Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Mahaska County Master Gardeners are celebrating their twentieth year.  The local program organized after the county held their first training.  The educational volunteer program, sponsored by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, provides current, research based, home horticulture information and education to the citizens of Iowa through programs and projects.  Master Gardeners receive horticulture training, and volunteer to promote a mission of education and service.  The program is open to anyone 18 or older with an interest in gardening and a willingness to use their knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to make a positive impact on their local community.

Clients with questions may also call the office at 641-673-5841 or email striegel@iastate.edu some inquires may need additional information (such as pictures). For more information you may contact the Mahaska County Extension Office; 212 North I Street; Oskaloosa and www.extension.iastate.edu/mahaska.

Matthew Perry’s death under investigation in connection with ketamine level found in actor’s blood

Posted on by Sam Parsons

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Authorities have opened an investigation into how Matthew Perry received the supply of ketamine that killed him, police said Tuesday.

Los Angeles police are working with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service with a probe into why the 54-year-old “Friends” star had so much of the drug in his system, LAPD Capt. Scot Williams said in an email.

An assistant found the 54-year-old Perry face down in his hot tub on Oct. 28, and paramedics who were called immediately declared him dead. His autopsy, released in December, found that the amount of ketamine in his blood was in the range used for general anesthesia during surgery. It was listed as the primary cause of death, which was ruled an accident with no foul play suspected, the report said.

Drowning and other medical issues were contributing factors, the coroner said.

The investigation was first reported by TMZ.

People close to the actor told coroner’s investigators that he was undergoing ketamine infusion therapy. The decades-old surgical drug has seen a huge surge in use in recent years as a treatment for depression, anxiety and pain.

But the medical examiner said Perry’s last treatment 1 1/2 weeks earlier wouldn’t explain the levels of ketamine in his blood. The drug is typically metabolized in a matter of hours. At least two doctors were treating Perry, a psychiatrist and an anesthesiologist who served as his primary care physician, the medical examiner’s report said. No illicit drugs or paraphernalia were found at his house.

Perry had years of struggles with addiction dating back to his time on “Friends,” when he became one of the biggest television stars of his generation as Chandler Bing alongside Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer for 10 seasons from 1994 to 2004 on NBC’s megahit sitcom.

Drug-related celebrity deaths have in other cases led authorities to prosecute the people who supplied them.

After rapper Mac Millerdied from an overdose of cocaine, alcohol and counterfeit oxycodone that contained fentanyl, two of the men who provided him the fentanyl were convicted of distributing the drug. One was sentenced to more than 17 years in federal prison, the other to 10 years.

Two doctors and a manager of model and reality TV star Anna Nicole Smith were charged after with conspiring to get her prescription drugs before her 2007 death, but they were not charged with causing her fatal overdose. All the counts except one misdemeanor fraud charge against one doctor were eventually dismissed.

And after Michael Jackson died in 2009 from a lethal dose of propofol, a drug intended for use only during surgery and other medical procedures, not for the insomnia the singer sought it for, his doctor, Conrad Murray, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2011. Murray has maintained his innocence.

Tornadoes in Iowa Tuesday cause deaths, injuries

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa)

The southwest Iowa community of Greenfield has been partially leveled by the tornado that tore through the town Tuesday afternoon.

“Sadly we can confirm there have been fatalities with this tornado, Also injuries have been sustained by residents here in the Greenfield area,” Iowa State Patrol Communications Officer Alex Dinkla said in remarks in Greenfield that were posted on KCCI.com.

A tornado near Corning toppled wind turbines and damaged several farms. Adams County authorities have confirmed one person died in a weather-related incident.

Dinkla said officials believe everyone who was in Greenfield when that tornado struck is accounted for and they will confirmed the number of injuries and deaths later today.

“Obviously, this tornado has devastated a good portion of this town and community and with that much damage we want to make sure that we’re doing our due diligence and making sure we cover that area extensively,” Dinkla said.

A 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. curfew is in effect in Greenfield. Dinkla said details about clean up and volunteer opportunities in Greenfield will be shared later today.

“The Greenfield community has a long road ahead of them,” Dinkla said, “but if their actions today are any indicator of what lies ahead, they will emerge stronger and more united than ever.”

Greenfield’s hospital was hit and patients were transferred to other hospitals. The Nodaway High School in Greenfield is serving as a shelter for residents.

Classes are cancelled today at Johnston High School due to extensive storm damage at the school. Governor Reynolds has issued a disaster declaration for 15 counties that were hit by yesterday’s storms. In a written statement, Reynolds said she’s committed to providing the full resources of the state to support response and recovery efforts. She plans to visit Greenfield today (Wednesday) to assess the damage in person.

The 15 counties included in the governor’s disaster proclamation are Adair, Adams, Cass, Clay, Hardin, Harrison, Jasper, Kossuth, Marshall, Montgomery, Page, Palo Alto, Pottawattamie, Tama, and Warren.

Mahaska Health Awarded Education Recognition for Diabetes Self-Management Program

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA — This month, Mahaska Health achieved a significant milestone by receiving the Education Recognition award from the American Diabetes Association.

On behalf of the American Diabetes Association, Health Care & Education President, Patti Urbasnki, and Committee on Education Recognition Chair, Michelle Stancil, recently sent Mahaska Health award letters to recognize the Diabetes Self-Management Services at Mahaska Health. Lea Rice, Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist at Mahaska Health, holds this new recognition from April 22, 2024, to May 22, 2028.

With a focus on education and empowerment, Mahaska Health service professionals Lea Rice (RD, LDN, CDCES), and Nicole Palmquist (RDN, LD), have been dedicated to equipping patients with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of diabetes self-care effectively. 

“The American Diabetes Association is pleased to award Education Recognition to your program. Adherence to the National Standards has undoubtedly improved the education provided to people with diabetes,” wrote Health Care and Education President, Patti Urbanski, in the award letter. “We are confident that those you serve appreciate your effort, commitment, and success in providing quality diabetes education.”  

Receiving the Education Recognition award from the American Diabetes Association is a testament to Mahaska Health’s unwavering dedication to enhancing the lives of those affected by diabetes. This esteemed recognition signifies their adherence to the high standards set by the ADA, ensuring that patients receive the highest quality of diabetes education and support. More information on the Diabetes program can be found at mahaskahealth.org/diabetes-education. 

New Principals Announced for Fremont Elementary, EBF Jr-Sr High School

Posted on by Sam Parsons

EDDYVILLE — The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District is excited to announce Mr. Mike Nicodemus as the new Fremont Elementary Principal.  

Mr. Nicodemus’s education statement is, “I am passionate about student learning and adjusting instruction to meet the learning needs of our students. I want all students to reach their goals. Fremont Elementary will be a safe place for all students to work together and learn the importance of being a respectful and caring person.” 

Mr. Nicodemus brings 26 years of experience in education, 18 of those years are as an elementary principal.   Mr. Nicodemus will be a great asset to the EBF community and the Fremont elementary building.  His ability to speak easily and comfortably with all people is a great asset.  His knowledge around the elementary curriculum and literacy processes will impact our students.

EBF is also excited to announce Mr. Jordan Buell as the new Jr-Sr High School Principal.  

Mr. Buell’s statement is, “It is an honor to be selected as the next secondary principal at EBF. My family and I have ties to the EBF community, and I am excited to work alongside others who have long called this school district home. I look forward to the opportunity where we continue to build upon the great academic growth and community of the school to provide the best environment for our staff and students.” 

Mr. Buell has masters degrees in Educational Leadership and Curriculum Instruction with emphasis in Reading 5-12.  He also has a special education endorsement and a bachelor’s in secondary social studies.  His educational background, creative problem-solving skills, and student growth first attitude, are qualities that will be great assets in the Jr-Sr High School and across the EBF district.  Mr. Buell has the ability to speak to anyone and bring a very positive and energetic attitude to the conversation.

Scarlett Johansson says a ChatGPT voice is ‘eerily similar’ to hers and OpenAI is halting its use

Posted on by Sam Parsons

NEW YORK (AP) — OpenAI on Monday said it plans to halt the use of one of its ChatGPT voices that “Her” actor Scarlett Johansson says sounds “eerily similar” to her own.

In a post on the social media platform X, OpenAI said it is “working to pause” Sky — the name of one of five voices that ChatGPT users can chose to speak with. The company said it had “heard questions” about how it selects the lifelike audio options available for its flagship artificial intelligence chatbot, particularly Sky, and wanted to address them.

Among those raising questions was Johansson, who famously voiced a fictional, and at the time futuristic, AI assistant in the 2013 film “Her.”

Johansson issued a statement saying that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman had approached her in September asking her if she would lend her voice to the system, saying he felt it would be “comforting to people” not at ease with the technology. She said she declined the offer.

“When I heard the released demo, I was shocked, angered and in disbelief that Mr. Altman would pursue a voice that sounded so eerily similar to mine that my closest friends and news outlets could not tell the difference,” Johansson said.

She said OpenAI “reluctantly” agreed to take down the Sky voice after she hired lawyers who wrote Altman letters asking about the process by which the company came up with the voice.

OpenAI had moved to debunk the internet’s theories about Johansson in a blog post accompanying its earlier announcement aimed at detailing how ChatGPT’s voices were chosen. The company wrote that it believed AI voices “should not deliberately mimic a celebrity’s distinctive voice” and that the voice of Sky belongs to a “different professional actress.” But it added that it could not share the name of that professional for privacy reasons.

In a statement sent to The Associated Press following Johansson’s response late Monday, Altman said that OpenAI cast the voice actor behind Sky “before any outreach” to Johansson.

“The voice of Sky is not Scarlett Johansson’s, and it was never intended to resemble hers,” Altman said. “Out of respect for Ms. Johansson, we have paused using Sky’s voice in our products. We are sorry to Ms. Johansson that we didn’t communicate better.”

San Francisco-based OpenAI first rolled out voice capabilities for ChatGPT, which included the five different voices, in September, allowing users to engage in back-to-forth conversation with the AI assistant. “Voice Mode” was originally just available to paid subscribers, but in November, OpenAI announced that the feature would become free for all users with the mobile app.

And ChatGPT’s interactions are becoming more and more sophisticated. Last week, OpenAI said the latest update to its generative AI model can mimic human cadences in its verbal responses and can even try to detect people’s moods.

OpenAI says the newest model, dubbed GPT-4o, works faster than previous versions and can reason across text, audio and video in real time. In a demonstration during OpenAI’s May 13 announcement, the AI bot chatted in real time, adding emotion — specifically “more drama” — to its voice as requested. It also took a stab at extrapolating a person’s emotional state by looking at a selfie video of their face, aided in language translations, step-by-step math problems and more.

GPT-4o, short for “omni,” isn’t widely available yet. It will progressively make its way to select users in the coming weeks and months. The model’s text and image capabilities have already begun rolling out, and is set to reach even some of those that use ChatGPT’s free tier — but the new voice mode will just be available for paid subscribers of ChatGPT Plus.

While most have yet to get their hands on these newly announced features, the capabilities have conjured up even more comparisons to the Spike Jonze’s dystopian romance “Her,” which follows an introverted man (Joaquin Phoenix) who falls in love with an AI-operating system (Johansson), leading to many complications.

Altman appeared to tap into this, too — simply posting the word “her” on the social media platform X the day of GPT-4o’s unveiling.

Many reacting to the model’s demos last week also found some of the interactions struck a strangely flirtatious tone. In one video posted by OpenAI, a female-voiced ChatGPT compliments a company employee on “rocking an OpenAI hoodie,” for example, and in another the chatbot says “oh stop it, you’re making me blush” after being told that it’s amazing.

That’s sparked some conversation on the gendered ways critics say tech companies have long used to develop and engage voice assistants — dating back far before the latest wave of generative AI advanced the capabilities of AI chatbots. In 2019, the United Nations’ culture and science organization pointed to “hardwired subservience” built into default female-voiced assistants (like Apple’s Siri to Amazon’s Alexa), even when confronted with sexist insults and harassment.

“This is clearly programmed to feed dudes’ egos,” The Daily Show senior correspondent Desi Lydic said of GPT-4o in a segment last week. “You can really tell that a man built this tech.”

Dry weather leads to record number of wild turkeys taken in Iowa

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By Dar Danielson (Radio Iowa)

Iowa’s spring turkey hunting season wrapped up with a record harvest of 16,059 birds, topping the record of 14-843 set last season.

DNR Wildlife Research Biologist Jim Coffey says the records are one good thing to come from the dry weather. “We’ve had three good years of back-to-back hatches, and then just some exceptional weather that just made for good turkey hunting conditions,” he says. The weather allowed more young turkeys to survive after hatching. “Typically cold wet weather is not good for ground nesting birds so drought conditions we tend to see a bump up in production,” Coffey says. “It can be too dry as you get farther west that can have an impact, but we kind of hit the sweet spot the last few years.”

He says more hunters chased the elusive wild turkeys. “So success rate right now will probably be about the same and that 25% category, but we did see an increase in license sales as well. And that’s usually an indication of people noticing more birds on the landscape or more game to chase,” he says. “And so we always usually see a little bit of an uptick in hunter numbers when we see an uptick in populations.”

Coffey says bagging a wild turkey is one of the tougher challenges. “They can be very difficult, they’re very weary they’ve got great eyesight and great hearing and they don’t give you a lot of room for error if you’re a new inexperienced hunter and even a seasoned hunter that Turkey is a difficult query to get after,” Coffey says. Coffey says the turkey numbers could be strong again next season. “This year with extreme rain we’re having will probably you know speculating see a downturn in the population. But we have to remember that it’s usually the two year old birds are what carry the numbers,” he says. “And so next year is birds will really be the ones that were hatched last year and 2023. So we should have good turkey numbers for another year or two depending on how the weather lays out the next couple of years.”

Coffey says wild turkeys aren’t be the same as the ones you buy at the grocery store. “They’re a little drier because they don’t have the fat that a domestic bird does. And of course domestic birds are bred for that delicious taste and that moist moisture content,” Coffey says. “We have to remember that most domestic birds are less than six months old. And most of the males that we’re harvesting in the field of the wild, they’re probably two years old. So kind of think of a fit athlete. The muscle is a little tighter, a little more structure to it, and not as much fat in it.”

Hunters report taking turkeys in all 99 counties — with a high of 649 birds bagged in Clayton County to a low of three in Osceola County.

Former Oskaloosa Athlete Erik McGee Begins Leadership of Boys’ Basketball Team

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA, Iowa — Oskaloosa High School boys’ basketball program will be ready for tip-off this fall with a new chapter. Erik McGee will step onto the court as the newly appointed head coach. With a rich background in both playing, coaching and teaching, McGee brings experience and a passion for mentoring young athletes to the coaching role.

“I’m incredibly honored and excited to accept the role as the new boys’ basketball coach at Oskaloosa High School,” said McGee. “This opportunity means a lot to me, and I can’t wait to lead these remarkable young men and foster positive relationships along the way. Combining my love for basketball, in the community I grew up in, is exciting.”

McGee’s journey to this position is a nod to the hard work and dedication he brings to the program. He graduated from Oskaloosa High School, where he played on the basketball, football, and baseball teams. McGee continued his athletic career at William Penn University. While there, he earned All-Conference recognition and contributed to the WP men’s team’s achievements in national tournaments.

His coaching career began at Oskaloosa Middle School, where he progressed to roles as the JV coach and varsity assistant coach.

“I am all in on Oskaloosa Schools,” McGee affirmed. “As an Osky Lifer, I am deeply passionate about our community’s youth. My commitment is to ensure that our student-athletes have an exceptional experience both on and off the court.”

In addition to his coaching duties, McGee is a 6th-grade English Language Arts teacher at OMS. Outside of his career, he enjoys spending time outdoors, particularly fishing, where he finds peace and relaxation on the water.

Looking ahead, McGee’s top goal for his new role is clear: to build a program of sustained success through an exciting, hard-nosed brand of basketball. With his leadership, Oskaloosa High School aims to raise the bar and inspire excellence both on the court and in the community.

“I am thrilled to embark on this journey with the Oskaloosa High School boys’ basketball team,” McGee concluded. “Together, we will strive for greatness and create a legacy of achievement that extends far beyond the game.”

McGee graduated from William Penn University with a degree in education. He lives in Oskaloosa and is married to Megan. Together, they have three children: Myles, who is 5, and Hazel and Luca, who are 3.

Oskaloosa Public Library to Host Summer Reading Kickoff

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA — The Oskaloosa Public Library is excited for the return of the Summer Reading Program. The theme for this summer is “Adventure Begins at Your Library” and will run from June 3 – July 18. All are invited to participate! The program is beginning with a Summer Reading Kick-Off Party on June 3 from 5pm-7pm. Join us for shaved ice, popcorn, hot dogs, yard games, and crafts as we begin our “Adventure”! This event will take place outside the Library in the Reading Garden. In case of inclement weather, the Kick-Off will be moved to the third floor of the Library.

 

TIMES                                                            CONTACT                                              LOCATION

June 3, 2024                                                  Library Staff                                          Oskaloosa Public Library

5pm – 7pm                                                    641-673-0441                                       301 South Market St

Summer teen programming – Teens are invited to the Library for a special series of programs this summer titled “Adventure in Adulthood Begins at Your Library”. Those who have just competed grades 6-12 are invited to attend as special guests present each week on their field of expertise. Sessions include First Aid on June 4, Budgeting & Money Management on June 11, Bank Accounts & Credit on June 18, Yoga on June 25, College & Career Readiness on July 9, and Resumes, Cover Letters, & Interviews on July 16. Each program will be from 3pm-4pm. A special prize drawing will be a part of the Teen programs, all you have to do to enter is attend at least one!

 

TIMES                                                            CONTACT                                              LOCATION

June 4 – July 16, 2024                                   Library Staff                                          Oskaloosa Public Library

3pm – 4pm on Tuesdays                               641-673-0441                                       301 South Market St

All ages and youth programming – Several special programs are happening for all ages this summer! The Blank Park Zoo is coming on June 12 at 2pm. The Police and Fire Departments will each participate in a 10:30am Story Time on June 18 and June 20, respectively. Come watch the Traveling Lantern Theatre Company on July 2 at 3:30, or join Mikayla Oz the Magician on July 16 at 1pm. Regular story times for birth through 5th grade will still be occurring this summer on the dates without special guests. These occur Mondays at 4pm; Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 10:30am; and Wednesdays at 3:30pm. We look forward to seeing you at the Library!

 

TIMES                                                            CONTACT                                              LOCATION

Throughout summer                                     Library Staff                                          Oskaloosa Public Library

Various times                                                641-673-0441                                       301 South Market St

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