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Weekly Fuel Report

Posted on by Sam Parsons

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

Posted on by Sam Parsons

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

Posted on by Sam Parsons

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

Posted on by Sam Parsons

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

Posted on by Sam Parsons

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

Posted on by Sam Parsons

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

Posted on by Sam Parsons

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.

Taylor Swift’s ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ breaks record, sells 2.7 million copies in U.S. on first day

Posted on by Sam Parsons

NEW YORK (AP) — It’s the life of a saleswoman. Taylor Swift’s 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” sold 2.7 million copies in traditional album sales — which include physical and digital formats — in its first day in the U.S. That’s according to Luminate, an industry data and analytics company.

The album was released Friday.

The sales are impressive for a number of reasons. Swift has broken her record for most first week sales… in one day. Her last album, 2024’s “The Tortured Poets Department,” amassed 2.61 million equivalent album units in the U.S. in its first week.

“The Life of a Showgirl” has also become the second-largest sales week for any album in the modern era, since Luminate began tracking sales in 1991. That was also accomplished in just one day.

Currently, Adele’s “25,” which sold 3.378 million copies in its first week in 2015 in the U.S., holds the top spot.

Also, according to Luminate, “The Life of a Showgirl” has already broken the record for the most copies of a vinyl album sold in a single week in the U.S., with 1.2 million copies. The previous record holder? “The Tortured Poets Department,” which sold 859,000 copies on vinyl in its first week.

Swift’s many variants may have something to do with the album’s economic success. One of her major partners, Target, carries three CD variants, titled as “It’s Frightening,” “It’s Rapturous” and “It’s Beautiful” editions. There is also an exclusive vinyl release, “The Crowd Is Your King” edition in “summertime spritz pink shimmer vinyl.”

There are a number of other vinyl variants as well: “The Tiny Bubble in Champagne Collection,” “The Baby That’s Show Business Collection,” “The Shiny Bug Collection,” and the standard LP and cassette, in “sweat and vanilla perfume Portofino orange vinyl.”

Artwork varies throughout, likely inspiring diehard fans to pick up multiple copies.

And most recently, on Saturday, Swift announced four new CD variants featuring acoustic renditions of the album’s tracks. Each edition features two different stripped-down recordings.

She also dominated the box office over the weekend with her three-day event, “The Official Release Party of a Show Girl,” which debuted at No. 1 with $33 million in North America, according to Sunday estimates from Comscore.

Semifinalists named in search for new Iowa State University president

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By Dar Danielson (Radio Iowa)

The Iowa State University presidential search committee met today and narrowed the list of candidates.

The search committee met in closed session for several hours and cut to list of candidates to eight semifinalists. They will conduct closed-session interviews with those candidates October 20th to the 22nd and then identify the finalists. Those finalists will visit the campus the first week in November and their names will be released they day before they visit.

The Board of Regents is expected to name the new president on November 11th. The new president will replace Wendy Wintersteen who is retiring.

Oskaloosa City Council Discusses 8th Ave West Reconstruction Project, Comprehensive Park System Vision Plan

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By Sam Parsons

The Oskaloosa City Council held a regular meeting last night and had a discussion about the 8th Avenue West Reconstruction Project. The project’s plans and specifications were first rejected in the city council’s meeting on July 7, and then again on August 18. Last night, the council was asked by city staff to set guidelines for a new design for the project, including whether the road width should be reduced, and on which side of the road, if any, a sidewalk should be constructed.

After a lengthy discussion, the council directed staff to reduce the width of the road from 31 feet to 27 feet and to construct a sidewalk on the south side of the road only, as per the recommendation of the staff. The motion was passed on a 5-2 vote, with council members Lisa Ossian and Ronda Almond voting “no”.

The council also discussed the city’s Comprehensive Park System Vision Plan. The city’s current Parks Vision Plan was accepted on July 1, 2024, and included an item with the “most desired updates” by the community. City staff said that, based on prior community engagement, residents were most likely to support various improvements to Edmundson Park, including a splash pad, expanded natural habitats, and improvements to existing structures and restrooms; as well as improvements to the City Square Park, including restrooms and additional landscaping. The council ultimately directed staff to conduct a survey of residents to further pinpoint their most desired improvements to city parks.

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