WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden says Democrats should give up “restrictive” caucuses and move to champion diversity in the order of their presidential primary calendar. His recommendation deals a major blow to Iowa’s decadeslong status as the state that leads off the process. In a letter to the rule-making arm of the Democratic National Committee, Biden does not mention specific states he’d like to see go first. But he’s told Democrats he would like to see South Carolina moved to the front of the calendar, according to three people familiar with his recommendation who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss private conversations. He recommends that Michigan and Georgia move into the first five states.
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State Board of Canvassers certifies Iowa’s 2022 general election
Posted on by Sam Parsons
DES MOINES – Secretary of State Paul Pate announced the Iowa State Board of Canvassers officially certified the results of the 2022 general election on Thursday. Election turnout was the second highest in state history for a midterm election, with 1,230,416 voters casting ballots.
“I’m very proud of Iowans for stepping up in high numbers once again,” Secretary Pate said. “My thanks to our county election officials and 10,000 poll workers across the state. We could not do this without them. They’re on the frontline of our elections and step up to do a great service for our state and nation.”
There are two Iowa House races still conducting recounts and a third county needs to complete their recount canvass, so a special canvass for those three races, in House Districts 59, 73, and 81, will be held after the recounts are completed.
Below are some statistics from Iowa’s 2022 general election:
- 55% of all registered voters participated in election. 65% of active registered voters participated. Iowa had 1,880,415 active registered voters on November 8.
- The last time Iowa’s entire congressional delegation was represented by one political party was 1955, when all eight congressional districts and both U.S. Senators were Republicans. We have that again now with all four congressional districts and both U.S. Senators being Republicans.
- 859,835 voters cast their ballots on Election Day. 370,581 voters cast absentee ballots.
- Winneshiek County had the top turnout in the state with 64% of all registered voters casting ballots.
- 18 counties surpassed 60% total voter turnout: Benton, Bremer, Cedar, Chickasaw, Clayton, Dallas, Delaware, Fayette, Guthrie, Harrison, Iowa, Kossuth, Madison, Ringgold, Sioux, Warren, Wayne, and Winneshiek.
The State Board of Canvassers is comprised of Iowa’s Governor, Secretary of State, Secretary of Agriculture, State Auditor and State Treasurer.
Habitat for Humanity of Marion County Receives $1.5M Grant from State
Posted on by Sam Parsons
DES MOINES — Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds announced a total of nearly $20 million in investments to advance homeownership opportunities for more than 90 families through the development and rehabilitation of single-family homes and down payment assistance initiatives in dozens of Iowa communities. The grants were awarded to 16 organizations, including 12 Habitat for Humanity affiliates throughout the state to assist in meeting local housing needs.
Habitat for Humanity of Marion County was among the organizations to receive funding. They will receive $1,540,356 for a total of 6 homes.
“We know that homeownership is the leading driver of wealth creation,” said Gov. Reynolds. “The investments announced today will not only assist many Iowan families in opening the door to homeownership, upward economic mobility and the ability to live in the communities where they work.”
“The awards made to Habitat for Humanity affiliates across the state will fuel a historic and transformational investment into sustainable homeownership opportunities for Iowans,” said Lisa Houser, Executive Director at Habitat for Humanity of Iowa. “Habitat for Humanity of Iowa commends Gov. Reynolds’ commitment and leadership in advancing housing opportunities for Iowans.”
Examples of projects awarded funds include:
- The construction of 69 single-family homes by Habitat for Humanity affiliates to be sold to income eligible families in communities throughout the state.
- The development of six 3-D printed homes for first-time homebuyers in Muscatine with a specific focus on qualified first-time homebuyer teachers.
The program had $20 million available for awards and received 24 applications requesting more than $30 million in funding.
The Iowa HOME Grant Program was created as a part of Gov. Reynolds’ $100 million investment to increase the supply of housing options and protect and expand housing opportunities for Iowans to live in or near the communities where they work. The funds are made available through Federal American Rescue Act State and Local Fiscal Relief Funds.
The full awards list is available here.
Osky’s 35th Annual Lighted Christmas Parade Tomorrow
Posted on by Sam Parsons
By Sam Parsons
One of Oskaloosa’s most beloved holiday traditions makes its return tomorrow night.
The 35th annual Lighted Christmas Parade is happening at 7pm in downtown Oskaloosa. This year’s theme is Christmas Canvas, and Oskaloosa Main Street Director Amy Brainard says that even now, in its 35th year, the parade is still growing.
“We have over 60 entries,” Brainard says. “All of our entries will be lighted, and a dozen of those are actually new. They’ve never been in the parade before. So it’s really exciting to see the parade growing.” In addition to the parade itself, Oskaloosa and surrounding communities have plenty of other festivities lined up, so Brainard says that whether you’re a newcomer to the parade or if you’ve been enjoying it for years, she recommends making an entire day out of it.
“We will have different stores that will be open,” she says. “Some will be doing specials, some will be doing treats and goodies, just different things within our local retailers. So, just lots of things for everybody to do, see, experience, and enjoy their time in downtown Oskaloosa and the communities surrounding.” She also had some advice to share with a chilly weekend ahead and streets that will be full of parade-goers.
“The biggest thing we’re saying is to bundle up. It’s going to be cold, but it’s going to be a great one. We’ve definitely had parades where it’s been colder, so we’re pretty fortunate that it’s not going to be crazy cold. But bundle up, head down to the parade route. Parking is always kind of a tricky situation, so we recommend finding a side street and just parking on that.”
The parade is scheduled for tomorrow night at 7pm in downtown Oskaloosa. The festivities tomorrow include the Holiday Tour of Homes, horse-drawn carriage rides, specials offered at local retail stores, hot cocoa, photo ops, and more. Brainard recommends parking on a side street away from the parade route, which can be found on the Mahaska Chamber website.
Our full conversation with Brainard can be listened to below.
House votes to avert rail strike, impose deal on unions
Posted on by Sam Parsons
WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress is moving urgently to head off the looming U.S. rail strike. The House passed a bill Wednesday that would bind companies and workers to a proposed settlement reached in September that failed to gain the support of all 12 unions involved. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration. It would impose a compromise labor agreement brokered by President Joe Biden’s administration. That agreement was ultimately voted down by four of the 12 unions representing more than 100,000 employees at large freight rail carriers. The unions have threatened to strike if an agreement can’t be reached before a Dec. 9 deadline.
Iowa’s governor urging congress to repeal military’s COVID vaccine mandate
Posted on by Sam Parsons
By O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa)
Governor Kim Reynolds is among 21 Republican governors who’re asking congress to repeal the COVID vaccine mandate for America’s soldiers.
Governor Reynolds, in a written statement, said the Biden Administration’s vaccine mandate for the military “creates a national security risk.” Reynolds said it affects national guard units at the state level as well and restricts governors’ ability to respond to natural disasters and other emergencies.
About 8000 active-duty soldiers who’ve refused to get a COVID shot have been discharged. A Pentagon official told a Washington, D.C. radio station in September that about 9000 National Guard soldiers around the country who haven’t been vaccinated may be discharged this year.
As of today, 93% of Iowa National Guard soldiers and airmen have complied with COVID-19 vaccination requirements, according to a spokesperson for the Guard.
Neighboring governors from Missouri, Nebraska and South Dakota are among the Republicans who’ve joined Iowa’s governor in sending a letter to congressional leaders asking for the COVID vaccine mandate for the military to be eliminated.
Pella’s Kerstmarkt, Tour of Homes Underway Today
Posted on by Sam Parsons
By Sam Parsons
A couple of big holiday events in the city of Pella get going today and run into the weekend.
Pella’s 59th annual Tour of Homes is happening today through Saturday. The event is described by Visit Pella as “a beloved tradition that will warm your heart as you tour four beautiful homes decorated for the holidays. If you love architecture, decorating, or are just looking for a festive activity to enjoy with friends or family, you’ll make wonderful memories at the Christmas Tour of Homes.”
Ticket includes home tours and refreshments to go provided for pick up at the Kerstmarkt Christmas Market on the Molengracht, 700 Main Street.
Tickets are available for purchase at the businesses listed below throughout the event:
- Visit Pella (915 Broadway St)
- PACE (818 Washington St)
- The Sanctuary (719 Franklin St)
- Pella Hometown Variety (635 Franklin St)
Contact Visit Pella with questions at 641-204-0885 or follow the Visit Pella Facebook page for the latest details.
Kerstmarkt, Pella’s Dutch Christmas Market, also gets going today. This is now in its second year and is held in conjunction with the Tour of Homes. It is inspired by outdoor markets in the Netherlands, and folks can stop in and shop from artisan vendors, enjoy hot Dutch eats and drinks, and listen to live music.
Dates / Times:
- Thursday, December 1 – 11 AM – 8 PM
- Friday, December 2- 11 AM – 8 PM
- Saturday, December 3- 10 AM – 8 PM
For the latest information, visit the event’s Facebook page, or check out the event schedule HERE.
Ottumwa City Council Discusses Heartland Agreement, ATV/UTVs
Posted on by Sam Parsons
By Sam Parsons
The Ottumwa City Council held a special meeting this week to discuss the status of the city’s financial agreement with Heartland Humane Society. Board member Garrett Ross spoke on behalf of Heartland at the meeting and reiterated the animal shelter’s need for additional funding.
The Heartland Humane Society serves all of Wapello County and adjacent communities, but Ross estimated that 60-70% of the animals in the shelter come from the city of Ottumwa. Currently, the shelter receives $1,000 a year in funding from Wapello County, and their agreement with the city of Ottumwa provides that the city subsidizes 10% of the slots in the shelter, which amounts to roughly $10 per animal per day. Ross said that the current expenses per animal per day amount to about $20 per animal per day, and that the shelter is currently operating at a loss of $3,000-5,000 per month. Ultimately, the council requested more concrete information on the expenses per animal and will revisit the agreement in a future meeting.
The council also discussed a possible new ordinance for ATV and UTV usage within city limits. No action was taken, but city administrator Philip Rath received direction to consult with the city’s legal department to research and draft a possible ordinance for next year.
Osky Splits Openers vs. Fairfield
Posted on by Sam Parsons
By Sam Parsons
The Oskaloosa Indians hosted Fairfield for their season openers last night and split the girls and boys doubleheader.
The Indian girls got the night started with a bang, as they stormed out in front of Fairfield and never looked back. Jumping out to a 12-1 lead early, the Indians led 27-10 at halftime and finished the night with a 56-29 win on the back of strong performances offensively and defensively from Pressley Blommers, Kassie Johnson, and Dasia Foster.
The boys game was much more tightly contested. The Osky boys led early in the game by as much as 10 points, but the Trojans didn’t let it get away from them and were quick to rally back any time it threatened to do so. The score was 34-33 in favor of the Indians at halftime, with the Trojans finishing the half on an 11-2 run. The second half was just as back-and-forth as the first, with the game tied 63-63 in the final seconds thanks to clutch free throw shooting from Indians freshman Max Roach, but senior Trojan guard JJ Lane hit the game-winning 2 point jump shot with 3 seconds left to put Fairfield on top 65-63.
The Indians (1-0 girls, 0-1 boys) travel to Pella Christian this Friday.
Congress prepares to take up bill preventing rail strike
Posted on by Sam Parsons
WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress is moving swiftly to prevent a looming U.S. rail workers strike. Lawmakers are reluctantly intervening in a labor dispute to stop what would surely be a devastating blow to the nation’s economy if the transportation of fuel, food and other critical goods were disrupted. The House is expected to act first on Wednesday. The bill Congress is considering would impose a compromise labor agreement brokered by President Joe Biden’s administration. That agreement was ultimately voted down by four of the 12 unions representing more than 100,000 employees at large freight rail carriers. The unions have threatened to strike if an agreement can’t be reached before a Dec. 9 deadline.
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