TAG SEARCH RESULTS FOR: ""

Mahaska Health Welcomes Dr. Marissa Haubrich to the Family Medicine Team

OSKALOOSA — Mahaska Health is proud to welcome Marissa Haubrich, DO, to its Family Medicine team. Dr. Haubrich is a board-certified Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine who specializes in Family Medicine and is dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care to the community.

Dr. Haubrich received her medical degree from Des Moines University in Des Moines and completed her residency at UnityPoint Family Medicine in Cedar Falls and Waterloo. Her clinical experience includes scheduling elective rotations at Allen’s Women’s Health Center & OB/GYN clinic with a focus on preventative screenings, and family planning. Dr. Haubrich provides compassionate, patient-centered care by prioritizing shared decision-making and working together as a team to develop an effective treatment plan.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Haubrich to our Family Medicine team,” shared Dr. Richmond, Mahaska Health Family Medicine Director. “Her dedication to compassionate, patient-centered care aligns perfectly with our mission to support families across every stage of life.”

One Week Left to Register for 2025 Young Ambassador Contest

OSKALOOSA — One week remains for registration for Oskaloosa Main Street’s Young Ambassador Contest. One young man and one young lady will once again be chosen as Oskaloosa’s Young Ambassadors. If you have a three-year-old to kindergarten-age child, enter them now!

The Young Ambassador contestants will all be introduced, and the winners will be announced on Monday, Dec. 1 at 6:00 pm at a gala event at Penn Central Mall held for the winners, their fam­ily, and local media. All participants will receive the same great prizes and will have the opportunity to participate in the “Holiday Joys and Toys” Lighted Christmas Parade, on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 7 pm.
To enter submit the following to Oskaloosa Main Street, 222 1st Ave. East, Oskaloosa. (2nd floor of the MidWestOne Drive-thru building): A photograph of your child no larger than 3×5, $5 registration fee, Child’s name, birthdate, parent’s name, address, phone, school attending, favorite activity, and what they want for Christmas. If you have a preference on canister location, you must get permission from that business. Entries will be accepted until 3:00 pm, Friday, October 17.
Business sponsors are needed to display a secure bank that will be provided for collecting monetary votes for the candidates. Voting begins Monday, October 27 and ends the morning of December 1. The Young Ambassadors will be determined based upon amount of money they receive in their canisters. Proceeds from event will enable a contribution to a local preschool and go towards Christmas parade expenses.  For more information call 641.672.2591.

Federal government shutdown grinds into a week two as tempers flare at the Capitol

WASHINGTON (AP) — Tours at the Capitol have come to a standstill. The House is keeping its doors closed, while the Senate repeated its loop Wednesday of failed votes to reopen the government. President Donald Trump is threatening to mass fire federal workers and refuse back pay for the rest.

As the government shutdown entered a second week, there’s no discernible endgame in sight.

“Congress, do your damn job,” said Randy Erwin, president of the National Federation of Federal Employees, with other top union leaders near the Capitol.

No negotiations, at least publicly, are underway, but behind the scenes quiet talks are emerging. Clusters of lawmakers, Republicans and Democrats, are meeting privately, searching for ways out of the impasse, which hinges on striking a deal for preserving health care subsidies.

Signs of discomfort are apparent: Military personnel and federal employees are set to miss paychecks, flights are being delayed at airports nationwide and federal programs are disrupted. Confrontations erupted at the Capitol.

Two dueling bills, one from Republicans and the other from Democrats, failed again in the Senate.

Shutdown grinds on and tempers flare

The Republicans who have majority control in Congress believe they have the upper hand politically, as they fend off Democratic demands to quickly fund health insurance subsidies as part of any plan to end the shutdown.

House Speaker Mike Johnson appears so confident he is preparing to take live questions from callers on C-SPAN’s Thursday morning public affairs show.

But so have Democrats dug in, convinced that Americans are on their side in the fight to prevent the looming health care price spikes and blaming Trump for the shutdown.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer insisted it was Republicans who are “feeling the heat.”

Tensions rose Wednesday to a boil.

Outside the speaker’s office, Arizona’s two Democratic senators who were demanding that Johnson re-open the House to swear in Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva. She won a special election to the state’s Tucson-area seat last month and has said she would sign on to releasing the files on the sex trafficking investigations into Jeffrey Epstein, but has yet to be seated in Congress.

Johnson, facing a diminished GOP majority once the new Democrat takes office, declined.

A short time later House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York was confronted by home state GOP Rep. Mike Lawler. He was demanding the leader’s support for a one-year extension of the expiring health care subsidies, as Democrats pushed for a better deal. The encounter quickly digressed.

“You shut the government down,” Lawler railed.

“You’re embarrassing yourself,” Jeffries retorted.

Health insurance for millions is at stake

At its core, the debate is over the health care issue that has tangled Congress for years, and in particular, the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, that Trump tried, and failed, to repeal and replace during his first term at the White House.

Congress increased the federal subsidies that help people purchase private insurance policies on the Affordable Care Act exchanges during the COVID-19 pandemic. The federal aid was popular, and it boosted ACA enrollment to a record 24 million people. Those enhanced subsidies are set to expire at year’s end.

Republicans say Congress can deal with the health insurance issue in the months ahead. Democrats are fighting to resolve the problem now, as people are receiving notices of higher policy rates for the new year.

Two prominent Republicans, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia and Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri, have broken from their party, saying something must be done to help Americans pay for the coming health insurance rate hikes.

Trump wants to make a health care deal

A loosely formed collection of senators, Republicans and Democrats, have bantered about options for addressing the health insurance problem. Some of them met over Thai food dinner.

Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine has offered her own plan for kickstarting talks. It involves re-opening the government now, but with a “commitment,” she said, to discussing the health care issue.

Another option floated by GOP Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota, a former state governor, is a temporary extension of the subsidies, for one year, and then a phase out.

And Trump himself signaled he was open to negotiating with Democrats over their demands to save health care subsidies. Earlier this week, the president said that talks were already underway as he wants “great health care” for the people, only to shift his tone hours later to say the government must reopen first.

“I’m pretty discouraged,” Rounds said Wednesday. “My sense is that’s probably past the point of getting anything done.”

Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., sounded a similarly sour note.

“I’m an optimist, but wow are we not making much progress,” Coons said.

But GOP Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma, who is close to Trump, said, “There’s always a group talking,”

Missed paychecks for workers, and more failed votes

While federal employees have often missed paychecks during shutdowns, Trump is now threatening to do away with guaranteed back pay, which would be a stark departure from what is normal. The White House budget office, under Russ Vought, argues the law says back pay is not automatic, and Congress would need to approve it.

The union leaders warned Trump against using the federal workers as “political pawns” in the political brawl.

“And president, you better start obeying the Constitution,” Erwin said.

Part of the reason the parties are so unwilling to budge from their positions is because their internal data is encouraging them not to cave.

Senate Democrats have been briefed on information suggesting their health care messaging was resonating with voters. A memo from Senate Majority PAC was also circulated to House Democrats and campaigns nationwide on Tuesday, with a clear directive: hold the line.

Republicans, meanwhile, are sticking to their own playbook. A memo from the House GOP’s campaign arm urged candidates to focus on the shutdown’s economic impact, including a district-level breakdown of who would be affected by a government shutdown.

Each side has framed the shutdown fight as a precursor to the 2026 midterm elections.

Weekly Fuel Report

DES MOINES — The price of regular unleaded gasoline fell 4 cents from last week’s price and is currently averaging $2.82 across Iowa according to AAA.

Crude Oil Summary

  • The price of global crude oil fell this week on the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) by 7 cents per barrel and is currently priced at $62.53.
  • Brent crude oil rose by 54 cents and is currently priced at $66.20.
  • One year ago, WTI crude sold for $85.89 and Brent crude was $78.19.

Motor Fuels

  • As of Wednesday, the price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $2.82 across Iowa according to AAA.
    • Prices fell 4 cents from last week’s price and are down 12 cents from a year ago.
    • The national average on Wednesday was $3.12, down 4 cents from last week’s price.
  • Retail diesel prices in Iowa fell 4 cents this week with a statewide average of $3.46.
    • One year ago, diesel prices averaged $3.35 in Iowa.
    • The current Iowa diesel price is 22 cents lower than the national average of $3.68.
  • The current Des Moines Terminal/Rack Prices are $1.86 for U87-E10, $2.07 for Unleaded 87 (clear), $2.36 for ULSD#2, $2.75 for ULSD#1, and $2.02 per gallon for E-70 prices.

Heating Fuels

  • Natural gas prices were down 5 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $3.32 MMbtu.
  • Propane prices averaged $1.52 per gallon in Iowa.
  • Home heating oil prices had a statewide average of $2.88 per gallon.

Tips for saving energy on the road or at home are available at energy.gov and fueleconomy.gov.

Vehicle Theft in Wapello County Leads to Arrest

OTTUMWA – Authorities in Wapello County arrested an Ottumwa man this week following a vehicle theft.

According to the Wapello County Sheriff’s Office, in the early hours of Monday morning, a Wapello County Deputy on routine patrol discovered a Nissan Frontier in the ditch near River Road and 110th Avenue just south of Ottumwa.

An investigation into the incident revealed that the vehicle was not yet reported stolen at the time. The owner of the vehicle was unaware of the theft when the deputies made contact.

Further investigation led deputies to arrest 18-year-old Brayden Michael Freddy Morrow of Ottumwa at around 10:03pm on Wednesday night. Morrow is currently in custody and is facing a 2nd degree theft charge (class D felony) as well as a charge of driving while suspended. He is being held in the Wapello County Jail in lieu of a $5,000 bond.

EBF High School Student to Possibly Faces Criminal Charges for Fire Extinguisher Incident

EDDYVILLE – A student at Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont High School may face criminal charges for an incident on Tuesday that resulted in the school being placed on hold.

The district shared in a statement on Facebook that a fire extinguisher was discharged onto a staff member and into the entrance of a classroom of students. The discharge reportedly caused the hold to be extended while the debris was cleaned up by school staff.

During the incident, the student also allegedly assaulted other students and broke a classroom window. Multiple people were sent to the hospital to be treated for inhaling the discharge of the fire extinguisher, and all were later released.

Authorities say the student is likely to face criminal charges for the incident. The district said on Facebook that they are “addressing the situation with the seriousness it deserves,” and that they are “working within all legal and professional guidelines related to this scenario.”

The incident remains under investigation.

Truck driver sues Mark Sanchez and Fox after violent fight over parking space

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — A 69-year-old truck driver who was seriously injured in a fight that prosecutors say was started by former NFL quarterback and sports analyst Mark Sanchez is suing Sanchez and his employer, Fox Corporation, in Indiana state court.

Lawyers for Perry Tole filed the lawsuit Monday seeking an unspecified amount in actual and punitive damages, as well as attorney’s fees. The lawsuit accuses Sanchez of instigating a fight with Tole Saturday night outside a downtown Indianapolis hotel, leading to “severe permanent disfigurement, loss of function” and other injuries and emotional distress.

Tole also stabbed Sanchez several times in the fight, according to police. A picture of Tole circulating online shows him in a neck brace on a hospital bed, covered in blood with a deep slash to the side of his face.

In an email, Fox Sports declined to comment on the lawsuit. Attorneys representing Sanchez in his criminal case also declined to comment on the lawsuit.

Attorneys representing Tole in the lawsuit, which requested a jury trial, did not immediately return calls seeking comment.

Sanchez is facing a felony battery charge, along with several misdemeanor charges, for what prosecutors said Monday was a fight over parking.

“We are literally talking about people fighting over a parking space and-or a dispute about where people are parking, and it resulted in someone receiving just incredibly significant injures,” Marion County prosecutor Ryan Mears said at a news conference Monday.

A police affidavit says the 38-year-old Sanchez, smelling of alcohol, accosted Tole, who had backed his truck into a hotel’s loading docks in downtown Indianapolis. Tole’s lawsuit said Sanchez entered Tole’s truck without permission, then physically blocked and shoved Tole, who then doused Sanchez with pepper spray.

When Sanchez advanced after being sprayed, Tole pulled a knife to defend himself, authorities said.

Sanchez was hospitalized with stab wounds to his upper right torso, according to a police affidavit.

Sanchez was in Indianapolis for Fox’s coverage of Sunday’s game between the Colts and the Las Vegas Raiders.

Sanchez had a 10-year NFL career before retiring in 2019. He spent four seasons with the New York Jets and also appeared in games with Philadelphia, Dallas and Washington.

He appeared on ABC and ESPN for two years before joining Fox Sports as a game analyst in 2021.

Iowans Reminded of Deadlines to Request Absentee Ballots, Return Absentee Ballots, and Vote on Election Day, November 4

DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate is reminding Iowans that local elections matter, and it’s time to make a plan to participate in November’s City-School Election. Iowans can begin casting ballots for the 2025 City-School Election on Wednesday, October 15. This date marks the first day of Iowa’s absentee period and the first day Iowans can vote in person absentee at their local county election office. October 15 also marks the first day county auditors can mail absentee ballots to those who have requested them.

Secretary Pate is also urging Iowans to submit their absentee ballot requests early – written applications for mailed absentee ballots must be received by the county auditor’s office no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 20. Marked absentee ballots must be returned to the county auditor’s office by the time polls close on Election Day, November 4, at 8:00 p.m. The United States Postal Service (USPS) encourages voters to put their ballot in the mail at least one week before Election Day to ensure it arrives on time.

“Local elections matter. Now is the time to make your plan to vote and have an impact on what happens right in your neighborhood,” said Secretary Pate. “Our City-School Elections decide who sits on our school boards and city councils, and have a profound impact on local taxes, property values, infrastructure quality, and access to community services.”

All registered voters are eligible to make written requests for absentee ballots. In order to receive an absentee ballot, registered voters must provide the following information on the request form:

  • Name
  • Date of birth
  • Iowa residential address
  • Iowa Driver’s License or Non-Operator ID Number OR
  • Four-digit Voter PIN found on voter’s Iowa Voter ID Card. Any voter can request an Iowa Voter ID Card by contacting their County Auditor’s Office.
  • Name or date of the election for which a voter is requesting the absentee ballot
  • Signature and date the form was completed

All eligible voters are also encouraged to provide a phone number and email address in the event their county auditor needs to confirm any information on the request form.

“It’s never too early to make your plan to vote, and voting absentee by mail or absentee in person are both safe and secure methods to make sure your ballot is cast this fall. Whether you vote early or on Election Day, Iowans can trust that their votes will be counted accurately and fairly.”

Absentee ballot request forms are available for download directly from the Iowa Secretary of State website, voterready.iowa.gov. Requests to receive a ballot by mail must be received by the County Auditor’s office by Monday, October 20, no later than 5:00 p.m. In-person absentee voting at the county auditor’s office is available through November 3, the day before the election.

Fall community trout stocking starts October 23

DES MOINES — Eighteen lakes across Iowa are gearing up to receive trout this fall. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will release between 1,000 to 2,000 rainbow trout at each location as part of its cool weather trout program that brings trout to areas that cannot support them during the summer months.

The fall community trout stockings are a great place to take kids to catch their first fish. A small hook with a night crawler or corn under a small bobber or small simple spinners such as a panther martin or Mepps is all you need to get in on the fun.

Bringing trout to cities and towns offers a “close to home” option for Iowans who might not travel to northeast Iowa to discover trout fishing. A family-friendly event is often paired with the stocking to help anglers have success and fun while fishing. Check the Iowa DNR Community Trout Stocking Schedule website to see which lakes are having events.

The popular program is supported by the sales of the trout fee. Anglers need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. The daily limit is five trout per licensed angler with a possession limit of 10.

Children age 15 or younger can fish for trout with a properly licensed adult, but they must limit their catch to one daily limit. The child can purchase a trout fee which will allow them to keep their own limit.

2025 Fall Community Trout Stocking Schedule

Oct. 23, Ottumwa Park Pond, Ottumwa, 11 a.m.

Oct. 24, Prairie Park Fishery, Cedar Rapids, 10 a.m.

Oct. 24, Liberty Centre Pond, North Liberty, 10:30 a.m.

Oct. 25, East Lake Park Pond, Mount Pleasant, 10 a.m.

Oct. 25, Wilson Lake, Donnellson, Noon

Oct. 25, Lake of the Hills, Davenport, 10 a.m.

Oct. 27, Triumph Park East & West, Waukee, Noon

Oct. 27, Terra Lake, Johnston, Noon

Oct. 29, Big Lake, Council Bluffs, 3 p.m.

Oct. 29, Moorland Pond, Fort Dodge, Noon

Oct. 29, Sand Lake, Marshalltown, Noon

Oct. 30, North Prairie Lake, Cedar Falls, 11:30 a.m.

Oct. 30, Heritage Pond, Dubuque, 11 a.m.

Oct. 31, Lake Petocka, Bondurant, Noon

Nov. 1, Stolley Pond, Spencer, 1 p.m.

Nov. 3, Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake, Ames, Noon

Nov. 3, Bacon Creek, Sioux City, 1:30 p.m.

Nov. 26, Blue Pit, Mason City, 11 a.m.

Find more information about trout fishing in community lakes on the DNR trout fishing webpage.

Laborshed Study to be Conducted in Oskaloosa

OSKALOOSA — The Mahaska Chamber & Development Group is partnering with Iowa Workforce Development and Iowa Economic Development Authority to complete a Laborshed employment study for the Oskaloosa area. This study will geographically define which communities contribute to Oskaloosa workforce, regardless of political boundaries. This defined area is called a Laborshed area and is based upon commuting patterns.

The purpose of this Laborshed study is to measure the availability and characteristics of Oskaloosa area workers. Laborshed studies are useful tools for economic development teams and existing or prospective employers to understand the local labor market, make informed expansion and site selection decisions, and maintain/recruit a high-quality workforce. The Laborshed boundary is based on the place of residence of individuals commuting into the Oskaloosa area for employment. For the success of this study, we will be sending letters to employers in Oskaloosa asking that they provide us with aggregate counts of their employees’ residential ZIP codes. This reporting will give us an understanding of where each community’s workforce resides.
Every year Iowa Workforce Development conducts Laborshed studies across the State. The results of each analysis are publicly available online at workforce.iowa.gov/laborshed. If you have any questions about the Laborshed project, please contact Sam Queen at samuel.queen@iwd.iowa.gov or 515-281-8179 or Deann De Groot with the Mahaska Chamber at 641.672.2591.

NEWSLETTER

Stay updated, sign up for our newsletter.