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William Penn University Receives $500,000 from George Daily Charitable Trust for Spencer Chapel Renovation

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA — William Penn University has received $500,000 from the George Daily Charitable Trust for the renovation of historic Spencer Chapel, which will reopen as the Spencer Performing Arts Center.

The Trust approved $350,000 for the project and an additional $150,000 as a challenge grant to encourage new donor support, matching each dollar of new gifts with two. William Penn met the challenge in full, with alumni, friends, foundations, and community members contributing more than $350,000 in new gifts to the project. 

“We are deeply grateful to the George Daily Charitable Trust. Its challenge inspired our alumni, friends, and community to join in, and through the Trust’s commitment to projects that benefit this community, George Daily’s legacy lives on. The Spencer Performing Arts Center will once again bring people together, serving William Penn and the wider community for generations to come,” said Kenneth Oliver, Executive Vice President for Advancement at William Penn University.

Built in 1923, Spencer Chapel served as the spiritual and cultural heart of the university for more than seven decades, hosting religious services, convocations, guest lectures, musical performances, and theatrical productions. The renovation will bring the building back into use for the first time since the late 1990s, restoring its original role as a gathering place for campus and community.

The Spencer Performing Arts Center will provide a modern venue for William Penn’s fine arts programs, guest lecturers, student activities, and community events, along with classroom and meeting space.

Upgrades include theater seating for 472, updated audio/visual systems, a conference room, and improved accessibility throughout, including a new elevator. A geothermal heating and cooling system, which draws on stable underground temperatures, will reduce the building’s energy use.

The building’s historic character remains intact: the roof, trim, columns, windows, and stage are being preserved or restored to retain their original appearance.

Interior demolition began in October 2025, and construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

The George Daily Charitable Trust supports projects that develop leadership and initiative for the benefit of the community. 

City of Ottumwa Releases Statement on John Deere Plant Closing

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OTTUMWA — The city of Ottumwa released a statement regarding John Deere’s plans to close the Ottumwa Works plant:

“It is disappointing to hear the news of John Deere making a transition that will close the Ottumwa Works plant. John Deere has been part of Ottumwa and a piece of our identity for a long time. We want to thank John Deere for the investment they have made in Ottumwa for so long. We appreciate all that they have done for our community and for the commitment they are making in helping Ottumwa through this transition and in locating a future company to Ottumwa.

“Seeing that part of Ottumwa go is not something anyone in Ottumwa wants. The impact of this loss creates a challenge for Ottumwa. We look to losing approximately 400 jobs. There is about $100,000 in economic initiatives that John Deere has given each year and the amount of payroll loss is above $30,000,000.

“We want to thank the John Deere Foundation, who has affirmed their commitment of nearly $1,000,000 to support both Ottumwa and Clarion over the next three years. ‘The Foundation also plans to continue providing financial assistance to both communities over the next decade.’

“It is difficult to see this piece of Ottumwa leave. We continue building on the opportunities we have that bring new technology, new industry, and new growth to Ottumwa and Wapello County. The City of Ottumwa has been working with the University of Iowa to study the impact and recovery needed when losing a large employer like John Deere. That study will be invaluable through this transition. We strive to bring growth to our employers that continue to invest in Ottumwa, like JBS, Ottumwa Regional Health Center, and Indian Hills Community College. We have already begun the work necessary to lessen this impact simply by working diligently toward economic and industry growth in Ottumwa.

“Through this transition it is most important that we remember that our best resource is our people. Ottumwa is resilient and we will care for the families of Ottumwa that are impacted. As the City of Ottumwa, we are here to help connect those families to resources in our community, like Iowa Workforce, IHCC, Small Business Development Centers, and, of course, the new growth we are diligently working on bringing to Ottumwa. Ottumwa will see this through, we are working towards new future growth, and we are excited for the new opportunities that are coming.”

Oskaloosa Main Street’s “Turn on the Lights!” Event Coming Up

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA — Oskaloosa Main Street is excited to announce, ‘Turn on the Lights!’ will take place in downtown Oskaloosa on Saturday, November 21. Bring your family and friends to the square for the Oskaloosa City Band to kick off the event at 5:00 pm. Join them as building facades around the city square illuminate with over 300,000 colorful light bulbs at 6 pm, all from a flip of a switch by the Citizen of the Year, Linda Fox.

The annual Painting with Lights raffle drawing will begin immediately following. Stick around to see if you are the lucky winner of one of this year’s raffle prizes. 20 different prizes to choose from and 20 opportunities to win. Haven’t bought your raffle tickets yet? Don’t worry, there is still time! Tickets can be purchased at Mahaska Drug and Mahaska Chamber & Development Group, until Tuesday, November 17, 2026.

There is no cost to attend the event. Make sure to grab some free cookies, hot cocoa, popcorn, and a picture with Santa and friends. Step in line for a horse-drawn wagon ride around the square, provided by Mahaska Drug. Free will donations are welcome. All proceeds go to maintenance and installation of the Painting with Lights display.

Don’t worry about dinner! Food trucks will be on the East side of the square on November 21, from 5-8pm. More details to come!

The Painting with Lights Display will be from 4:45 pm- 11:00 pm every night from November 21- January 10, 2027.

Voters Reject Bond Referendums for Knoxville, Keota, PCM and Pekin School Districts

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By Sam Parsons

The school districts of Knoxville, Keota, PCM, and Pekin are headed back to the drawing board as bond referendums were rejected by voters in the general election on Tuesday.

In the state of Iowa, bond referendums need support from at least 60% of voters to successfully pass. All four bond referendums fell short of that threshold.

The Knoxville school district’s proposed $15.3 million general obligation bond referendum was intended for the construction of a new school in the Veterans District for grades 2-5 to replace Northstar Elementary. The bond referendum received only 45.2% “yes” votes.

Voters within the Keota school district considered a $6.4 million bond referendum for facility improvements, including addressing issues with heating, plumbing, and safety systems. The measure received only 53% support from voters.

Residents within the PCM school district voted on a $14.2 million bond referendum that intended to fund projects that included remodeling, repairs, and improvements to various classroom and career and technical education spaces, in addition to the construction of a multipurpose performance gymnasium, support spaces, and site improvements. The referendum was supported by only 48.5% of voters.

The Pekin CSD’s bond referendum of $9.2 million, which pledged to address safety upgrades and aging infrastructure, in addition to providing classroom improvements, was also rejected by voters. It received only 51% “yes” votes.

Statement from Knoxville CSD

Statement from Keota CSD

Statement from PCM CSD

Statement from Pekin CSD

Escaped Tennessee inmate caught after 10 days on the run when his truck gets stuck in the mud

Posted on by Sam Parsons

KANSAS CITY (AP) — An escaped Tennessee prisoner convicted of murder was recaptured Tuesday near Kansas City, Missouri, when his truck got stuck in the mud after troopers used roadside cameras and a helicopter to track him down, ending more than a week on the run, authorities said.

Jacob Morley, who was serving a life sentence for killing a co-worker four years ago, was apprehended at around noon, officials said.

Investigators learned early Tuesday that Morley was believed to have been hiding in a shed at a hunting camp in the area of Marion, Illinois, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. A truck was allegedly stolen from the property.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says it was informed Tuesday morning that Morley was possibly traveling west on Interstate 70 in the Kansas City area. The vehicle was located using automated license plate readers and undercover officers traveling on a state highway in western Missouri.

Morley was driving a “metal flatbed work truck” with a white cab, said Sgt. Justin Ewing, a spokesperson for the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Two rifles and a shotgun were recovered from the vehicle, which authorities suspect was stolen in Illinois, according to Ewing.

It’s unclear where Morley was going. Morley may have had connections in the Kansas City area, but authorities don’t think that he stopped at any residences, Ewing said.

A Kansas City police helicopter also followed the vehicle, which made it into Carroll County, a small county in northwest Missouri. Morley drove off the road and got stuck in mud, according to Ewing, and a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper took him into custody without incident, ending a weeklong hunt. Morley was “compliant” when he was arrested, Ewing said.

Williamson County Sheriff Jeff Diederich said that Morley is suspected of stealing a white farm truck from the farm southwest of Marion where the hunting camp is located. The truck had a full tank and extra fuel. Morley is also suspected of stealing clothes and three firearms from the farm, according to Diederich.

Deputies found an apologetic handwritten note in the place where the truck was stolen, according to Diederich. Investigators also found evidence that Morely had prepared garlic bread and other food in the structure.

“He probably came and left from this property at least for a couple of days,” Diederich said of Morely.

Morley, 28, escaped from the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tennessee’s far northwestern corner on Oct. 25, after he slipped through a fence in his prison clothes.

Surveillance video showed him stealing a truck from a farm near the prison, which he abandoned last week in Marion, Illinois. That is about 120 miles (193 kilometers) north of the prison.

Morley was serving a life sentence for killing co-worker Cody Birchfield in 2022. Birchfield’s body was found in a box under Morley’s home after he had been missing for a few weeks. The two lived in Carter County, in eastern Tennessee.

When Morley saw deputies at his home, he led officers on a chase that ended in North Carolina, authorities said. Morley was convicted of first-degree murder, aggravated burglary, tampering with evidence, vandalism and evading arrest.

After his escape, law enforcement agencies searched buildings and other structures near the prison, which is in Tiptonville, about 90 miles (145 kilometers) north of Memphis in flat farmland near a bend in the Mississippi River. Prison officials offered a reward of up to $17,500 for information leading to Morley’s arrest.

Morley’s escape is the latest blemish for Tennessee’s prison system.

Several violent attacks between inmates and by employees have been reported in recent years at Northwest Correctional Complex. A grand jury in July returned dozens of indictments for five inmate killings and other violent acts.

Following the failed execution of Christa Pike in September, Department of Correction Commissioner Frank Strada resigned after less than three years on the job.

Democrats win Iowa’s U.S. Senate race and race for governor

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa)

Democrats won Iowa’s U-S Senate seat, three of Iowa’s four seats in the U.S. House and the governor’s race in this year’s election.

Josh Turek flipped Iowa’s open senate seat into the Democrats’ column, defeating Republican Ashley Hinson. “Together, we have made history,” Turek said, to cheers from supporters.

Rob Sand is the first Democrat in 20 years to be elected governor. Sand first thanked the Republicans and independents who voted for him. “To Iowa Democrats, you’ve had a hard few years here in Iowa,” Sand said and the crowd gathered in the State Historical Museum laughed before he continued: “But balanced government has been restored.”

Sand pledged to work across party lines when the Republican-led legislature convenes next year. “Because of all of us coming together in January, no Iowan has to fear their government anymore,” Sand said.

And Sand promised to represent Iowans who voted for his Republican opponent Zach Lahn. “You are going to see me out and about. I hope that you stop me and I hope you introduce yourself and I hope you kindly tell me why you didn’t vote for me. I hope you also keep an open mind because you’re going to get to know me over the next four years and maybe you’ll feel differently the next time,” Sand said, as the crowd cheered his reference to a campaign for re-election in 2030.

Lahn told his supporters the nation is at a crossroads. “The fight right now — I’m just saying this — the fight is just beginning right now,” it is only just begining right now,” Lahn said during remarks at the Iowa GOP’s Election Night gathering.

Lahn ended by saying he’d see his supporters again in four years. “Tonight, we are going to see this as the beginning of a movement, a real movement that has legs, that says that corporate interests, lobbyists, career politicians, that we are putting them on notice tonight because the movement is just beginning here and now,” Lahn said. “It’s beginning here with you.”

Turek, celebrating his victory with supporters in Des Moines, noted it’s been 18 years since Iowans elected a Democrat to the U-S Senate. “Iowa, we have done it!” Turek said. “…Together Iowa, we have proven that the impossible was possible.”

Unofficial results indicate Turek finished 3.7T ahead of Hinson in one of the country’s most expensive U.S. Senate races. Turek said he intends to be a senator for all Iowans, regardless of party.”Here’s my promise to each and every one of you: in the United States Senate, I will fight to end this war in Iran,” Turek said, to extended cheers.

Hinson spoke to supporters in Cedar Rapids last night. “Never underestimate a mom on a mission. Never count her out,” Hinson said. “The fight for common sense is far from over.”

Hinson, who’s won three terms in the U-S House, will return to Washington Monday to cast votes on things like a spending plan to keep the government operating. “A campaign is behind us and the work of serving the people of Iowa remains ahead,” Hinson said. “It is time to put politics aside, dial down the rhetoric and start solving problems for Iowa’s families and Iowa’s farmers.”

Mahaska County Conservation Announces Temporary Park Closures for Woodland Restoration

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA — The Mahaska County Conservation Board (MCCB) will be conducting aerial spraying operations between November 4 and November 18, 2026, to control invasive honeysuckle and improve the long-term health of our woodlands.

Spraying will take place at the following locations:

• White Oak Conservation Area – South of Rose Hill

• EverTru Wilderness Natural Area – North of New Sharon

• Eveland Access – South of Oskaloosa

• Quercus Wilderness Area – North of Eddyville

Temporary park closures will occur while spraying operations are underway. Because spraying is weather-dependent, exact dates and times cannot be determined in advance. Rather than closing these parks for the entire two-week period, MCCB will limit closures to the times necessary to safely complete the work.

Anyone planning to hunt, hike, or visit these areas during this period is encouraged to call 641-673-9327 before visiting or follow Mahaska County Conservation on Facebook for park closure updates.

Invasive honeysuckle is an aggressive species that crowds out native vegetation, prevents young trees from regenerating, and reduces wildlife habitat. Controlling this invasive plant will help restore native woodland ecosystems, improve biodiversity, and promote healthier forests for future generations. “We recognize that temporary closures may be inconvenient, especially during hunting season, but this is a short-term inconvenience with significant long-term benefits,” said Chris Clingan, Executive Director of Mahaska County Conservation. “These efforts are an investment in the future of our woodlands, helping ensure healthier forests and better wildlife habitat for generations to come.”

Missouri Man Arrested by Newton Police Following Online Child Exploitation Investigation

Posted on by Sam Parsons

NEWTON – A Missouri man was arrested by police in Newton after an online child exploitation investigation.

The Newton Police Department says that on Wednesday, October 28, at around 1:13 PM, officers took 29-year-old Adel Noah Dwayne Abdelhamid of Canton, Missouri, into custody after an investigation that began in March 2026. Abdelhamid was allegedly engaged in online conversations of a sexual nature with a Newton Police Department detective who was posing as a minor. In August, search warrants were executed and interviews were conducted in Canton, Missouri, with help from the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.

Abdelhamid remains in custody in the Jasper County Jail and has been charged with:

  • 2 counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor (Class B felony)
  • Enticing a Minor Under 16 for a Sexual Purpose (Class D felony)
  • Grooming (Class D felony)
  • 2 counts of Distribution of Obscene Material to a Minor (aggravated misdemeanor)

Mahaska County General Election Results

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By Sam Parsons

The results from the 2026 general election are in.

A total of 1,375,547 ballots were cast in the state of Iowa for a voter turnout of 63.2%. The complete, statewide results can be viewed here.

In Mahaska County, voter turnout was at 70.9%. There were no contested local elections. The results from the state- and federal-level elections in Mahaska County are below:

US Senator: (R) Ashley Hinson – 5,516 votes (66.2%)

(D) Josh Turek – 2,524 votes (30.3%)

(L) Thomas Laehn – 287 votes (3.4%)

US Representative District 2: (R) Mariannette Miller-Meeks – 5,544 votes (66.6%)

(D) Christina Bohannan – 2,488 votes (29.9%)

(I) Michael Bridgford – 287 votes (3.5%)

Governor: (R) Zach Lahn/Derek Wulf – 5,457 votes (64.6%)

(D) Rob Sand/Dave Muhlbauer – 2,977 votes (35.3%)

Secretary of State: (R) Paul D. Pate – 6,082 votes (73.0%)

(D) Ryan Peterman – 2,243 votes (26.9%)

Auditor of State: (R) Chris Cournoyer – 5,770 votes (70.2%)

(D) Taylor Wettrach – 2,443 votes (29.7%)

Treasurer of State: (R) Roby Smith – 5,760 votes (70.4%)

(D) John Norwood – 2,420 votes (29.6%)

Secretary of Agriculture: (R) Mike Naig – 6,069 votes (73.0%)

(D) Chris Jones – 2,239 votes (26.9%)

Attorney General: (R) Brenna Bird – 5,734 votes (69.2%)

(D) Nate Willems – 2,551 votes (30.8%)

State Senator District 19: (R) Barb Kniff-McCulla – 1,362 votes (83.6%)

(D) Zachary Mecham – 268 votes (16.4%)

Constitutional Amendment 1: Yes – 4,568 votes (65.3%)

No – 2,428 votes (34.7%)

The complete results for Mahaska County are available here.

Lindsay Clancy returns to court in a bid to dismiss charges she killed her three young children

Posted on by Sam Parsons

PLYMOUTH, Mass. (AP) — Lindsay Clancy ‘s lawyer urged a judge Monday to either the dismiss the murder charges against her, or get on with the business of putting her back on trial.

This was the second time the Massachusetts mother has been in court since her first trial with ended with a deadlocked jury unable to agree whether she was legally responsible for killing her three young children. Jurors were split 11-1 in favor of acquittal when the judge declared a mistrial.

Clancy’s defense team moved to dismiss the charges on double jeopardy grounds, based on an unusual argument that the judge should have removed the one juror who favored conviction, then allowed jury deliberations to continue.

Judge William Sullivan did not immediately rule on Monday. Clancy’s lawyer, Kevin Reddington, implored him to decide quickly, and also pressed the Plymouth District Attorney to reveal soon whether he plans to try Clancy on murder charges again.

“I am not going to have this woman sit incarcerated for the next year, or two or three,” Reddington said. Putting aside his sharp disagreement with the judge about the way the first trial ended, he said he wants Sullivan to preside over a second trial, if one happens. “I want a trial and I want it with you and I want it this spring.”

Sullivan scheduled another hearing for Nov. 16 and suggested a retrial could begin in March.

Prosecutors said they intend to retry Clancy if the case proceeds, but haven’t yet settled on whether they would pursue the same charges, or opt for a reduced charge that might be more palatable for the jury.

Clancy’s lawyer has argued that she had postpartum psychosis and was unable to control her behavior when she killed her three children in 2023. Prosecutors have acknowledged that Clancy had mental health problems, but said she acted deliberately and understood her actions were wrong.

Hearing had heated moments

Reddington has staked part of his post-trial defense on assailing the one juror who wanted to convict Clancy.

He urged the judge again on Monday to investigate that juror, whom he accused of being untruthful on his jury questionnaire and improperly using his cell phone during jury deliberations.

At one point, Sullivan admonished Reddington to stop using the juror’s name in open court. Sullivan has a standing order sealing the names of the jurors temporarily to protect them from harassment — though several have done media interviews, including the holdout, Michael Desronvil. Reddington protested that the juror’s name “was all over the internet.”

“Why don’t we all dial this back a little bit,” Sullivan said at one point.

Defense challenges judge’s handling of deadlocked jury

Another of Clancy’s lawyers, Martin Weinberg, argued Monday that a mistrial could have been avoided had the judge more thoroughly interrogated jurors about their breakdown in deliberations after the foreperson sent two notes indicating that the lone holdout wasn’t following the court’s instructions on reasonable doubt.

After receiving the notes, Sullivan spoke with each juror, reminded them of their duties and explained what constitutes reasonable doubt. He asked whether they could apply the law to the case, and all said yes.

Prosecutor Jennifer Sprague argued Monday that Sullivan had struck the right balance — and that pressing further would have required delving into the substance of the jury’s deliberations, which isn’t allowed.

Juror’s lawyer defends his conduct

Desronvil said in a recent interview that he was certain of Clancy’s guilt, but other jurors wouldn’t listen.

His lawyer, Heather O’Connor, urged the judge Monday not to investigate his conduct any further, saying he had simply done his duty as a juror.

She disputed the allegations of improper cellphone use, saying all jurors were allowed to keep their phones and there was no evidence Desronvil had used his device to improperly research the case.

“If that’s enough to put a juror under oath, to search their phone, to pull their history, then the lesson (for) every future juror in this Commonwealth is simple: Agree with the majority or potentially be investigated,” O’Connor said.

Sullivan also heard arguments on the prosecutors’ request for a gag order while the case remains pending, to avoid influencing a future jury. Reddington gave interviews during the trial, while prosecutors generally did not speak to reporters. Clancy’s lawyers argued that it would amount to an unconstitutional restraint on speech.

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