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Oskaloosa School Board Discusses Land Partnership with Osky City Council

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By Sam Parsons

The Oskaloosa Community School Board held a joint work session with the Oskaloosa City Council, followed by a regular meeting last night.

During the joint work session, board members and city officials discussed a potential land partnership between the two entities for the district’s building trades program. No official action was taken, but an official proposal is expected to be presented in a city council meeting in September.

In the regular meeting, the board seated OHS junior Barrett Rinehart-Lynch as their new student board member. They also approved an amendment to their contract with Boyd Jones Construction for the 2027 Middle School Improvement Project to move portions of Phase 2 of the project into Phase 1, as well as a contract with TenFold Architecture for designs for the project. An additional contract with TenFold Architecture was approved for a renovation of Oskaloosa Community Stadium.

The board also approved the purchase of a new school bus for $139,667, and they extended the contract of superintendent Mike Fisher through June 30, 2029.

The next regular meeting of the Oskaloosa Community School Board is scheduled for September 8.

All Suspects in Custody After Armed Robbery at Oskaloosa Kwik Star

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA – Several suspects are in custody after an armed robbery at the Kwik Star in Oskaloosa yesterday.

According to the Oskaloosa Police Department, the robbery was reported at approximately 10:58 AM, and officers were dispatched to the gas station, which is located at 1510 A Avenue West in Oskaloosa. An investigation determined that three individuals entered the business with their faces concealed. At least one of the individuals displayed what appeared to be a firearm. The suspects reportedly took an undisclosed amount of money and fled the scene in a vehicle.

No injuries were reported during the incident.

After fleeing the scene, the vehicle used by the suspects crashed near the intersection of Highway 92 and Ford Avenue, resulting in the temporary closure of a portion of Highway 92. The suspects fled into a nearby cornfield after the crash. 

The incident prompted a response from several different law enforcement and emergency management agencies, and a coordinated investigation involving the Oskaloosa Police Department, Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, and others resulted in several individuals being taken into custody early in the afternoon. One additional suspect remained at large for a short while after that, but as of 5:34 PM yesterday, all suspects involved in the incident are in custody.

The Oskaloosa Police Department says that the names of those involved and additional investigative details are not being released at this time. This is still a developing story, and additional information will be provided when released.

Other assisting agencies included the Poweshiek County Sheriff’s Office, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa DOT, Oskaloosa Fire Department, Mahaska County Emergency Management, and Poweshiek County Emergency Management.

Suspects Arrested After Armed Robbery at Oskaloosa Kwik Star

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA – Several people were taken into custody after multiple law enforcement agencies responded to a suspected armed robbery at the Oskaloosa Kwik Star this morning.

According to the Oskaloosa Police Department, the incident was first reported at approximately 10:58 AM. Three suspects reportedly entered the business with their faces concealed and at least one of them displayed what appeared to be a firearm.

The suspects took an undisclosed amount of money from the business and fled the scene in a vehicle, but crashed near the intersection of Highway 92 and Ford Avenue. Law enforcement blocked a portion of Highway 92, including that intersection, to pursue the suspects, who fled on foot into a nearby cornfield.

No injuries were reported during the incident.

A coordinated investigation involving the Oskaloosa Police Department, Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), and other assisting law enforcement personnel resulted in several individuals being taken into custody; however, one suspect believed to be connected to the incident remains at large.

Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Oskaloosa Police Department at 641-672-2559. Members of the public should not approach anyone they believe may be involved and should instead contact law enforcement.

This is a developing story, and additional information will be provided as it is released.

**UPDATE 6:20 PM**

The Oskaloosa Police Department shared that all suspects involved in the reported robbery have been taken into custody.

Todd Blanche is sworn in as attorney general after bruising confirmation fight

Posted on by Sam Parsons

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer, Todd Blanche, was sworn in Monday as attorney general after a bruising confirmation fight that exposed bipartisan concerns about the Justice Department’s direction under the Republican president.

Another former Trump attorney — Emil Bove, now a federal appeals court judge — administered the oath of office to Blanche at the White House following early Saturday’s Senate confirmation vote by the narrowest of margins. Shortly after, the newly sworn-in attorney general arrived at Justice Department headquarters to cheers from employees lined up along the entrance.

Blanche, a former federal prosecutor in New York, is officially taking command of a Justice Department he has been leading in an acting capacity since Pam Bondi’s firing in April.

With the confirmation battle behind him, Blanche now faces the challenge of having to navigate the demands of a president who has made no secret his desire to use the law enforcement agency to target his political foes. Blanche will do so with an agency that has been hollowed out by resignations, firings and voluntary departures while also confronting mounting pushback from the courts.

Blanche was confirmed in a 50-49 vote, opposed by two Republicans who cited concerns about what they described as increased politicization of the department under Trump.

Under deputy attorney general and later as acting attorney general, Blanche has overseen the investigations of numerous Trump foes, including former FBI Director James Comey, whom the Justice Department indicted in April for a second time since Trump returned to the White House last year.

Blanche has strongly defended the Trump administration against accusations that it has weaponized the Justice Department. Blanche has said he feels no pressure to placate Trump and insists he sees no problem with the president’s interest in Justice Department matters, calling it the president’s “right” and “his duty.”

Blanche entered the president’s orbit when he left his law firm in 2023 to represent Trump against multiple criminal cases, including two brought by the Justice Department under Democratic President Joe Biden. Blanche has said that experience afforded him a firsthand look at what he contends was the weaponization of the criminal justice system against Trump.

Blanche’s defenders say the close relationship he developed with Trump as his defense lawyer can make him more successful than Bondi was at pushing back on the president’s demands.

Blanche’s nomination was almost scuttled over bipartisan concerns about Trump’s controversial settlement of his lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service. His nomination only moved forward after he confirmed in writing, under pressure from Republicans, that the administration was rescinding plans to create a $1.8 billion fund to compensate Trump allies who believe they were wronged by the department.

2026 Iowa State Fair visitors may again bring their own food, drinks

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa)

The Iowa State Fair starts Thursday and, while fair food is a big draw for many, the fair will again allow visitors to bring in drinks and snacks in soft-sided coolers.

That policy was in effect for last year’s fair, too, and Iowa State Fair CEO Jeremy Parsons says it was the right thing to do. “We want all Iowans to feel welcome at the Iowa State Fair so affordability is key. We’ve really held the line and we’ve not increased admission since 2023,” Parsons saud. “…When you come to the Iowa State Fair, outside of that gate admission you could spend all day and not spend another dime if you didn’t want to.”

Parsons says the state fair vendors who sell food and beverages did not report a decline in sales last year either. “We did not hear any of that from vendors,” Parsons says. “Obviously the vendors are there to serve our fairgoers and also generate their own revenue and income, but at the same time I think they understand allowing more people to come to the fair, you know, the saying is ‘something is better than nothing.’ Maybe there’s that family that the fair is a stretch for them from an affordability standpoint, but they can maybe pack their own lunch, but then enjoy an ice cream cone or something like that down the road and so we’re excited to be able to offer that opportunity.”

Parsons made his comments during a recent appearance on “Iowa Press” on Iowa PBS. The Common Sense Institute has estimated the more than 1.1 million people who attended the 2025 Iowa State Fair spent $85 million on the fairgrounds. That was a 1.1% increase from the previous year.

Nearly 5000 people work at the fair during its 11-day run.

Sigourney Man Arrested for Making Death Threats in Altercation

Posted on by Sam Parsons

SIGOURNEY – A Sigourney man was arrested after being accused of leveling death threats toward a store manager during a confrontation earlier this year.

According to court records, on March 26, 2026, 52-year-old Sean Slechta arrived at a local business in Sigourney near closing time to pick up a store employee after their shift ended. When the store manager told Slechta that the individual was not there, a verbal altercation began. The manager told Slechta to leave, at which time Slechta reportedly used his vehicle to block the manager from leaving. As he did so, he allegedly threatened to kill the store manager by beating him to death.

Though the incident occurred in March, a warrant for Slechta’s arrest was not served until August 5. He now faces a charge of 2nd Degree Harassment (serious misdemeanor) and his preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 21.

Ottumwa Man Accused of Indecent Contact with a Child

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OTTUMWA – An Ottumwa man is behind bars after allegedly making indecent contact with a 10-year-old child.

Court documents state that on the evening of Sunday, August 9, 21-year-old Jacobe Deiters pushed his hand on the victim’s thigh in an aggressive manner, without consent. Dieters reportedly proceeded to ask the victim questions that were sexual in nature. The incident allegedly took place at a residence on Joe Lord Memorial Drive in Ottumwa.

Dieters was arrested and charged with Indecent Contact with a Child – Over Clothing (aggravated misdemeanor). He remains in custody in the Wapello County Jail on a $5,000 bond.

Boat capsizes in New York Harbor, woman and 5-month-old baby die

Posted on by Sam Parsons

NEW YORK (AP) — The operator of a boat that capsized in New York Harbor, killing a mother and her infant daughter, is facing criminal charges and authorities are investigating whether the vessel was an illegal charter, the U.S. Coast Guard said Sunday.

The 22-foot Bayliner speedboat overturned around 10:25 p.m. Saturday near Liberty Island, home to the Statue of Liberty, the U.S. Coast Guard said.

Twelve people were rescued from the water before police arrived, and police divers later located the 27-year-old woman and 5-month-old girl in the water. Both were taken to a hospital where they were pronounced dead. According to the Coast Guard, the others were in stable condition.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life last night, and our thoughts are with the victims’ family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” said Capt. Doreen McCarthy, the Coast Guard Sector New York commander. “We are extremely grateful for the heroic, swift actions of our partner agencies and Good Samaritan vessel who assisted in rescuing survivors from the water.”

Manuel Hernandez, 46, of New York, has been charged with 13 counts of reckless endangerment, police said. No phone number for him could be found Sunday, and the case has not yet been entered into online court records.

The victims’ identities have not been released pending notification of family, police said Sunday.

Adam Schwartz said his sightseeing company’s hot tub boat, Sea the City II, was out on a cruise when the accident occurred and took the 12 survivors onboard.

“Our captain and both crew members immediately assisted, called in to the Coast Guard and … then coordinated with the Coast Guard and NYPD Harbor units to bring them to land in Brooklyn,” Schwartz told The Associated Press on Sunday.

McCarthy said Coast Guard investigators are working with police to investigate and are committed to holding lawbreakers accountable. According to the Coast Guard, an illegal charter is any passenger-for-hire vessel operation that lacks Coast Guard credentials, safety equipment and inspection certificates.

Iowan confirmed as USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa)

The U.S. Senate has confirmed an Iowan to serve as the U.S. Under Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development.

Glen Smith of Atlantic is now in charge of the distribution of USDA loans and grants for housing, health care services and utilities. Smith suggests the agency can play a key role in expanding access to the internet in rural America. “In 1936 under the New Deal of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Rural Development was charged with the challenge of bringing electricity to our country’s rural regions, a mission that was admirably achieved,” Smith said during his confirmation hearing. “Given the right resources, Rural Development should strive to achieve that same level of success in rural connectivity.”

Smith told senators rural prosperity is linked to adding value to raw commodities. “Rural Development could and should play a key role in that value added investment and entrepreneurship encouragement,” Smith said.

One of Smith’s farms borders the “Elite Octane” ethanol plant in Atlantic and he says the operation shows how investing in value-added enterprises pays big dividends. “It’s not just the 80 jobs at that plant. It’s all the support services and businesses it engages and the wealth it pumps into the trade area from the premium price paid for corn for the ethanol that’s distributed all over our country and all over this world,” Smith said. “Capitalize those premiums by long term investment rates — you’re talking hundreds of millions, maybe billions of dollars over time that’s pumped into that rural economy.”

Smith has served on the Farm Credit Administration’s board of directors since 2017 and was its CEO from mid-2019 through the fall of 2022. Smith said government officials need to understand the sophisticated financial organizations that are loaning money. “As I get to USDA, certainly that’ll be one of the first questions I ask,” Smith said. “Where are we in financial technology?”

Smith indicated technology can help solve some personnel issues as the division he now leads deals with 50 different financial assistance program. A recent federal report shows the USDA shed about 20,000 employees last year.

Smith grew up on a farm and graduated from Iowa State in 1982 with an agricultural business degree. The farming operation he started in 1982 now includes two-thousand acres and a beef cow herd. He also founded a farm management company that does business in about 30 Iowa counties.

What Cheer Gas Leak Contained

Posted on by Sam Parsons

WHAT CHEER – Residents of the city of What Cheer were advised to stay indoors and not light any fires Friday night into Saturday morning after a natural gas leak in the city’s downtown area.

The gas leak was first reported on Friday night at around 7:00 PM. What Cheer Volunteer Fire and Rescue advised residents of the leak and emergency crews were quickly on scene to resolve the situation. Crews worked overnight into Saturday morning to set up a bypass system to allow them to safely enter the hole and work on repairing the leak.

On Saturday morning, at 8:42 AM, What Cheer Fire and Rescue reported that the leak had been contained and repaired, and that the cleanup process had started.

Residents were further advised that they may continue to notice a lingering gas odor “for a little while” as the smell dissipates, but that does not mean that the leak is still active. Those who have a strong gas odor in their homes, have any concerns, or begin experiencing symptoms are reminded to call 911 immediately.

What Cheer Fire and Rescue publicly thanked members of their department as well as Alliant Energy and City of What Cheer employees who worked throughout the entire night to address the situation.

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