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Beacon, IA · LATEST NEWS
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Economic development officials in Ottumwa are dealing with the recent announcement that John Deere will close its factory there and consolidate its operations in Des Moines and Louisiana
Economic development officials in Ottumwa are dealing with the recent announcement that John Deere will close its factory there and consolidate its operations in Des Moines and Louisiana. Greater Ottumwa Partners in Progress executive director Marc Roe says within hours of last Tuesday’s announcement, he began collaborating with Iowa Workforce Development and Indian Hills Community College to brainstorm how to retrain and retain those workers. “Ottumwa, any community isn’t about one business. It’s going to change our landscape for sure, but, you know, it doesn’t have to determine the future of the community. That’s up to us to do,” Roe says. John Deere will leave about 400 people out of jobs, in addition to an abandoned industrial complex in the middle of Ottumwa. Roe hopes to attract new manufacturing, retrain local employees through workforce development or the local community college, and find new ways to retain families who are building businesses or going to school in Ottumwa.
kchanews.com
John Deere to Close Two Iowa Manufacturing Plants
After just announcing they were going to bring back their workforce, John Deere has announced plans to shut down two of its Iowa manufacturing plants over the next several years as part of a broader production shift. Operations for round balers and windrowers will move from Ottumwa to Des Moines,...
ktvo.com
Ottumwa mayor optimistic the Jefferson Street Bridge will re-open in the coming days
OTTUMWA, Iowa - Ottumwa Mayor Benjamin Foote says the city’s Jefferson Street Bridge is expected to re-open — hopefully within the coming days. The city said contractors installed a new special-order expansion joint on Monday and poured concrete Wednesday, which has to cure before the bridge can be re-opened.
ktvo.com
Ottumwa mayor discusses future of the city’s invocation policy
OTTUMWA, Iowa - City officials in a Southeast Iowa town are taking a closer look at the city’s public invocation policy after a volunteer’s Satanic prayer caused national controversy. Ottumwa resident and former city council member Matthew Dalbey gave that invocation before the city council meeting on Oct....
ottumwaradio.com
Ottumwa Announces Veterans Day Closings and Garbage Collection Changes
The City of Ottumwa is reminding residents of changes to garbage and recycling collection, along with scheduled city office and facility closings, in observance of Veterans Day on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Residents who normally receive garbage and recycling collection on Wednesdays will have their service moved to Thursday, November...
ottumwaradio.com
Southeast Iowa Communities Prepare to Honor Veterans on November 11
Communities throughout southeast Iowa are preparing to recognize the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces during Veterans Day observances on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Several schools, veterans organizations and community groups have announced ceremonies, assemblies, meals and special activities to honor local veterans and...
ktvo.com
LULAC Ottumwa hosts fourth annual Day of the Dead celebration
OTTUMWA, Iowa - On the evening of Nov. 7, Ottumwa residents gathered to celebrate the Day of the Dead. It was held at the local YMCA for the League of United Latin American Citizens, Ottumwa’s (LULAC Ottumwa) fourth annual event. The celebration brought together locals who wanted to observe...
pscbobcats.com
Football Suffers 21-7 Setback To William Penn
(Oskaloosa, Iowa)- The Peru State College football team suffered a 21-7 loss on the road to Heart of America Athletic Conference member William Penn on Saturday afternoon. The Bobcats would fall to 3-6 overall on the season and 3-3 in Conference play while the Statesmen would rise to 7-3 overall and 4-2 in the Conference mark.