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Vermeer Corporation Announces Des Moines Metro Facility Expansion

PELLA — Vermeer Corporation has announced its acquisition of 186 acres of land and the intent to build an all-new 300,000 square foot facility in the Des Moines metro, located in Bondurant, that will be home to initially 300+ jobs related to the manufacture and support of Vermeer industrial parts and equipment.

This investment supports the growth Vermeer has seen due to an accelerated momentum of innovation, increasing customer demand across all markets, expanded support in the field and a growing strength in the Vermeer brand worldwide.

“I’m incredibly proud of this business my grandfather, Gary Vermeer, began 78 years ago and the team doing the work to equip Vermeer customers around the world. While Pella will always be home to our headquarters, the need for Vermeer equipment has continued to grow and the innovation coming from Vermeer requires continued investment both in Pella and beyond. After announcing the launch of our Vermeer Des Moines team just three years ago, we’re excited to further our commitment to our customers, our team, the greater Des Moines metro and the state of Iowa through this investment,” said Jason Andringa, President and CEO and third generation family member.

Vermeer Des Moines operations began spring of 2023 and today the team of 143, working out of 108,000 square feet, has demonstrated an incredible ability to deliver parts and equipment Vermeer customers need as they feed and fuel communities, manage natural resources and connect people to daily needed infrastructure.

As innovators, Vermeer knows power doesn’t lie in the product alone, but in the tools, the space and the people building the equipment. This state-of-the-art facility will include advanced manufacturing tools and practices, a patented air circulation system and other exceptional investments to ensure another worldclass manufacturing location.

Today, the Vermeer Des Moines team builds critical, wearable components Vermeer equipment uses during job site operations, known as Cutting Edge products. The all-new facility will serve as a state-of-the-art center of excellence for all aftermarket components supporting our Cutting Edge business. Additionally, the facility will also include full-spectrum manufacturing capability – including machining, weld, paint and assembly – giving Vermeer Des Moines versatility to meet a continually growing demand and will focus on the manufacture of key products, including new generations of equipment, from our Utility, Tree Care and Landscape product line ups.

“The Des Moines area has proven, in a short amount of time, to be a great place to build out our team and get important work done. We strive to be a top employer in the region, are committed to best-in-class manufacturing and believe this growth only helps demonstrate that. We’re proud to call Iowa home and we’re proud to build our team and our equipment right here in the heart of the Midwest,” said Mindi Vanden Bosch, Vice President of Operations and third generation family member.

The announcement of a new Vermeer Des Moines facility is the most recent investment in a series of strategic growth moves Vermeer has made following a strong growth trajectory since 2016. In the past three years alone, including upgrades across multiple facilities, Vermeer has added a 135,000 square foot expansion at Vermeer MV Solutions in Greenville, SC, opened a 312,000 square foot Global Parts Distribution Center in Pella, leased and built out 108,000 square foot facility in Des Moines, reworked 127,000 square feet of operational space in manufacturing in Goes, the Netherlands and acquired significant ownership in a manufacturer located in Queensland, Australia.

Vermeer has been in close partnership with the City of Bondurant, the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and the Greater Des Moines Partnership. Through effective collaboration and a shared vision for the future, the City of Bondurant and the IEDA have been critical in helping make this announcement a reality.

New Mexico reopens investigation into alleged illegal activity at Epstein’s former Zorro Ranch

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico’s attorney general has reopened an investigation into Jeffrey Epstein ’s former Zorro Ranch, as allegations swirl about what role the secluded spot played in sexual abuse or sex trafficking of underage girls and young women.

Attorney General Raúl Torrez’s office said Thursday that the decision was made after reviewing information recently released by the U.S. Justice Department.

Although New Mexico’s initial case was closed in 2019 at the request of federal prosecutors in New York, state prosecutors say now that “revelations outlined in the previously sealed FBI files warrant further examination.”

The New Mexico Department of Justice said special agents and prosecutors at the agency will be seeking immediate access to the complete, unredacted federal case file and intend to work with other law enforcement partners as well as a new truth commission established by state lawmakers to look into activities at the ranch.

“As with any potential criminal matter, we will follow the facts wherever they lead, carefully evaluate jurisdictional considerations, and take appropriate investigative action, including the collection and preservation of any relevant evidence that remains available,” the New Mexico Department of Justice said in a statement.

The investigation was one of several major developments in the continuing fallout from the release of the federal government’s so-called Epstein files. Earlier Thursday, British police arrested the former Prince Andrew on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to his links to the late sex offender.

Renewed efforts to investigate the sex trafficking allegations

In Washington, D.C., members of Congress are still working to lift the veil with more testimony from powerful people.

On Thursday, video was released of a six-hour deposition of billionaire retail mogul Les Wexner. In it, Wexner remains defiant that he didn’t know of or participate in Epstein’s crimes, and he doubles down on the fact that the two “weren’t friends.”

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is scheduled to appear before the same House Oversight Committee next week, with former President Bill Clinton following the next day.

In New Mexico, the state’s truth commission had its first meeting Tuesday. Aside from looking into the abuse and trafficking allegations, New Mexico lawmakers want to know why Epstein was not registered as a sex offender in the state after pleading guilty in 2008 in Florida to soliciting prostitution from an underage girl and whether there was corruption among public officials.

Epstein never faced charges in New Mexico, but state prosecutors confirmed in 2019 that they had interviewed possible victims who visited the ranch south of Santa Fe. They never elaborated on how many accusers were interviewed or what they say took place at the ranch.

Also Thursday, lawyers for Epstein accusers said they’ve reached a proposed settlement in a class action lawsuit against his estate — the latest effort to compensate his victims. Pending a judge’s approval, Epstein’s estate would pay between $25 million and $35 million, depending on how many victims qualify for the settlement.

The estate previously paid 136 claimants a total of $121 million via its Epstein Victims Compensation Program and paid more than $48 million to settle claims from 59 other victims, court records show.

Property is under new ownership

Epstein purchased the sprawling Zorro Ranch in New Mexico in 1993 from former Democratic Gov. Bruce King and built a hilltop mansion. Nearby was a private airstrip with a hangar and helipad. The property also included a ranch office, a firehouse and a seven-bay heated garage.

The property was sold by Epstein’s estate in 2023 — with proceeds going toward creditors — to the family of Don Huffines, a Republican running for state comptroller in Texas. In a social media post on X, Huffines said the property has been renamed San Rafael Ranch after a saint associated with healing and that his family plans to operate a Christian retreat there.

A spokesperson for Huffines has said that the owners have never been approached by local, state or federal law enforcement requesting access to the ranch and if they do, full cooperation will be granted.

Ranch appears many times in released documents

There are thousands of references to the ranch in the documents released by federal authorities.

Former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, a Democrat, was among the guests to have visited the ranch. Following one of the early investigations into the disgraced financier, Richardson donated $50,000 in 2006 gubernatorial campaign contributions from Epstein to charity.

Emails and schedules recently released by federal authorities also show a long list of entrepreneurs, actors and scientists were invited to the ranch over the years, including Woody Allen, Robert Redford, Reid Hoffman, Joi Ito and Peter Thiel.

New Mexico Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard canceled grazing leases held by the ranch in 2019 after her office was denied access to inspect the nearly 2 square miles (5 square kilometers) of leased state land.

Garcia Richard in a letter sent last week called on federal authorities and state prosecutors to ensure a thorough criminal investigation into allegations related to the ranch. She called the allegations “deeply disturbing.”

In 2019 after Epstein’s death, a woman identified as Jane Doe said in court that he had molested her at Zorro Ranch in 2004, when she was 15. The woman recalled feeling small and powerless, describing how he laid her on the floor so she was confronted by all the framed photographs on his dresser of him smiling with wealthy celebrities and politicians.

“People deserve to know the truth about what happened on Epstein’s ranch and are looking to leaders for answers,” Garcia Richard said in a statement.

Secretary Pate reminds state and federal candidates of the filing window to appear on Primary Election ballot

DES MOINES – The filing period for Iowa candidates seeking to appear on the ballot for the June 2 primary election begins Monday, February 23 and runs through Friday, March 13 at 5:00 p.m. Primary candidates must submit the necessary paperwork to the Iowa Secretary of State’s Office.

Candidates running for their party’s primary election for federal offices (U.S. Senator and U.S. Representative), state executive offices (Governor & Lt. Governor, Secretary of State, Auditor of State, Treasure of State, Secretary of Agriculture, and Attorney General), and candidates for the Iowa General Assembly (State Senator and State Representative) must submit both an affidavit of candidacy and nomination petitions during this period in order to qualify for ballot access in the June 2 primary.

The February 23-March 13 filing window is only applicable to candidates seeking the Democratic or Republican nomination for the November 4 general election. Candidates with no party affiliation or affiliated with a non-party political organization (NPPO) cannot appear on a primary election ballot. These candidates must file during the general election filing period to have their names placed on the general election ballot. These candidates may file for the general election between February 23 and June 2. Primary candidates running for county office must file their paperwork with their local County Auditor between March 2 and March 20.

“Running for office is one of the most important ways Iowans can actively participate in our democracy,” said Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate. “We take the responsibility of receiving and accepting candidate paperwork very seriously. Our team is committed to assisting all candidates with integrity – ensuring elections in Iowa are accessible, transparent, secure, and fair.”

State and federal primary candidates can submit their paperwork to the Iowa Secretary of State’s Office between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (Note, the Lucas Building Office will be open until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 13):

  • The Iowa State Capitol Building, First Floor Room 105, 1007 E Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA
  • The Lucas State Office Building, First Floor, 321 E. 12th, Des Moines, IA

Additional information on the number of signatures needed for petitions for each state and federal office, and other information on filing candidate paperwork is available at sos.iowa.gov/voters/candidates.

Candidates whose papers are received and accepted by the Iowa Secretary of State’s Office will be added to a list on the Iowa Secretary of State’s website. Candidates who submit their paperwork may also have their pictures taken with Secretary Pate or his staff at the Capitol Office after delivering their petitions.  These pictures are posted on the Secretary of State’s social media channels. Photos with candidates do not indicate endorsements.

Oskaloosa Main Street’s Community Input Survey Remains Open Through Sunday

OSKALOOSA — Oskaloosa Main Street is conducting a community input survey aimed at gathering valuable feedback from residents and business/building owners in the Main Street district. The survey will help shape the strategic plan for the Main Street program, ensuring it meets the needs and aspirations of the community.

The survey is available online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Oskaloosa_CommunitySurvey and will be open until February 22nd. We encourage everyone to participate and share their thoughts on how we can improve and revitalize our Main Street district.

Following the survey, a public input session will be held at Bridget’s Public House on March 30th at 5:30pm. This session will provide an opportunity for the community to hear about the survey results and offer further input on the strategic plan.

“We believe the best way to create a vibrant and thriving Main Street district is by involving the community in the planning process,” said Angella Foster, Oskaloosa Main Street Director. “Your feedback is crucial in helping us define a strategic plan that reflects the community’s vision and priorities.”

For more information, please contact Angella Foster at mainstreet@mahaskachamber.org or 641-672-2591.

Rose Man Arrested Following Oskaloosa Burglary Investigation

OSKALOOSA – A Rose Hill man is behind bars following an investigation into a burglary that occurred in Oskaloosa last weekend.

According to court documents, the Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office investigated a burglary that was reported on Sunday, February 15, in the 2000 block of Highway 92 in Oskaloosa. Authorities say that 41-year-old Jacob Lowe of Rose Hill forced entry into a residence there with the intent to steal various items. Several items in the residence had been gathered and placed in the kitchen, and police say that this was most likely done to make it easier to remove them from the residence and take them to a vehicle.

Some of the items involved in the incident included a compound bow valued at roughly $150, camera equipment valued at roughly $300, a cell phone that was removed from the basement and was later found outside the residence, and an iPad that was reported missing.

Lowe allegedly admitted during a phone call that he had been inside the residence, and multiple witnesses corroborated him being in or near the home.

Deputies were initially unable to locate Lowe, but after an arrest warrant was issued, he was found and arrested. Lowe remains in custody in the Mahaska County Jail and he faces a charge of 3rd Degree Burglary, a class D felony, as well as Parole Violation.

Mahaska Health Invites Community to Attend Free Heart Health Event Tomorrow

OSKALOOSA — In recognition of American Heart Month, Mahaska Health invites the community to attend a free health event on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Mahaska Health through entrance #4.

This annual event shines a spotlight on knowing your numbers and taking proactive steps toward better heart health. Adults of all ages are encouraged to attend.

The free screening event will include cholesterol checks, blood pressure screenings, sleep quality assessments, healthy cooking tips, and additional important health screenings. Mahaska Health experts and providers will be available to offer guidance and education to help participants better understand their results and next steps for maintaining a healthy heart.

This annual screening is an opportunity for community members to gauge their heart health and take the appropriate steps to stay healthy. Using state-of-the-art technology, including a highly advanced CT scanner for Calcium Scoring tests, Mahaska Health Cardiology Center of Excellence offers echocardiograms, electrocardiograms, and other essential diagnostic cardiac tests.

“Knowing your numbers can make a big difference in your life,” shared Dr. John Pargulski, Director of Cardiology at Mahaska Health. “This event gives our patients, families, and neighbors the opportunity to better understand their heart health in a supportive and accessible setting. Prevention and early intervention are key to long-term wellness.”

Screening participants will receive their results by mail, along with an analysis and recommendations for necessary follow-up care. 

Registration is encouraged but not required. Walk-ins are welcome. Fasting 8-12 hours prior to the event is recommended. To register, visit mahaskahealth.org/2026health.

Former Prince Andrew arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, in photos

LONDON (AP) — U.K. police arrested Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Thames Valley Police, an agency that covers areas west of London, including Mountbatten-Windsor’s former home, said it was “assessing” reports that the former Prince Andrew sent trade reports to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in 2010.

The assessment followed the release of millions of pages of documents connected to a U.S. investigation of Epstein. Mountbatten-Windsor features a number of times in the documents.

The police force did not name Mountbatten-Windsor, as is normal under U.K. law. But when asked if he had been arrested, the force pointed to a statement saying that they had arrested a man in his 60s. Mountbatten-Windsor is 66.

“Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office,’’ the statement said. “We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”

Mountbatten-Windsor has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in his relationship with Epstein. Last fall, King Charles III stripped Andrew of his royal titles, including the right to be called a prince, as he tried to insulate the monarchy from the continuing revelations about his younger brother’s relationship with Epstein. Those revelations have tarnished the royal family for more than a decade.

Images circulated online appeared to show unmarked police cars at Mountbatten-Windsor’s home, Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, with plainclothes officers appearing to gather outside.

Spring-like weather bringing Iowa’s ice fishing season to early end

DES MOINES — Ice fishing for winter 2026 is rapidly coming to an end in Iowa, including at traditional late season lakes across the far north part of the state.

In the past two days, a UTV broke through the ice on East Okoboji Lake and a pickup truck broke through to its frame on West Okoboji Lake. Earlier on Wednesday, a wheel house-style ice fishing shelter broke through on West Okoboji Lake.

The UTV has been fished out; the pickup removal will happen soon; and the wheel house is being removed.

“The quality of ice is deteriorating quickly in a lot of places,” said Capt. Greg Harson, Law Enforcement supervisor for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources covering northwest Iowa. “For anyone coming up here looking for ice, the conditions are not great. Ice could be good in one place, then poor in another.

“Most of the locals have put their gear away for the season.”

Much of the north side of Spirit Lake is ice free and the ice heaves near shore on Clear Lake have opened. All other north Iowa lakes are losing ice as well, and while the spring like temperatures are forecast to retreat to more seasonal for middle February, the nightly lows will not be low enough to reset the ice.

Anyone planning to go ice fishing should do so on foot, with a spud bar to check ice thickness often, and plan to bring a throwable flotation cushion with at least 50 feet of rope.

Fairfield Man Arrested for Making Threats, Brandishing Knife

FAIRFIELD – A Fairfield man was arrested yesterday morning after allegedly threatening multiple people while wielding a knife.

The Fairfield Police Department reports that officers were dispatched to the 1300 block of West Jackson Avenue for a report of a male subject who was threatening residents located in one of the trailers on the property. The caller told police that the man was outside of the trailer and had a knife in his hand.

Officers were able to detain the man when they arrived on scene. A knife was found around the area where the man was located; officers conducted a preliminary investigation and took statements from witnesses, and eventually arrested the man, who was identified as 41-year-old Adam James Schafer of Fairfield.

Schafer is charged with Going Armed with Intent, a class D felony, as well as three simple misdemeanors, including Interference with Official Acts, 5th Degree Criminal Mischief, and Disorderly Conduct. He was lodged in the Jefferson County Correctional Facility pending an initial court appearance.

Oskaloosa to Host Junior League Softball Central Region Tournament

OSKALOOSA — For the first time ever, Oskaloosa, Iowa, will host the Junior League Softball Central Region Tournament from July 23 – 29, 2026. This will be the qualifying tournament for the 2026 Junior League Softball World Series (JLSWS) to be held at Everest Park in Kirkland, Washington. One of seven World Series events held by Little League® International each summer, the JLSWS is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for players to represent their communities on the global stage. The games provide an opportunity to build teamwork, friendships, and memories.

“From my first visit to the Lacey Recreation Complex, it was clear Oskaloosa is well suited to host a tournament of this caliber,” said Assistant Central Region Director Cody Shimp. “The facilities are first class, and the combination of a strong and welcoming community will create an outstanding experience for the players.”

“We’re so excited to host the players and their families in Oskaloosa,” said Oskaloosa Mayor Dave Krutzfeldt. “The welcome ceremony will be on our historic square the same night as our annual Sweet Corn Serenade, which makes the experience even more special for both the players and our community.”

The Central Region Tournament is one of 12 tournaments – eight in the U.S. and four internationally – to qualify teams for the JLSWS. Little League estimates the tournament will include about 150 players with about 500 additional family and friends attending the tournament. From regular season community games to the World Series, the experiences as part of the Little League program teach life lessons that build stronger individuals and communities.

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