Elmer
Take steps to prevent the spread of illness this winter, as influenza and COVID cases are on the rise in the local area. According to Washington County Hospital and Clinics, this week COVID levels are substantial while influenza and strep case activity is rated moderate. People are reminded to wash...
Incumbent Republican Jeff Shipley has won re-election to Iowa’s 87th House District on Tuesday, November 3rd, defeating Democratic challenger Tom O’Donnell by a margin of 326 votes out of 12,266 cast — a rematch of their 2024 contest. Shipley received 6,284 votes (51%) to O’Donnell’s 5,958 (49%)....
FORT MADISON – Lee County residents got their first glimpse Wednesday night into negotiations between the county and the Minnesota company that plans to build a $15 billion steel facility in Green Bay Bottoms near Wever. Officials with Mesabi Metallics, which is a subsidiary of Essar Group of Mumbai,...
SIGOURNEY — The first Lake Belva Deer Fall Fest brought families and community members together on Saturday, Oct. 3, for an evening of fall festivities, family-friendly activities, and Halloween fun. Hosted by Keokuk County Extension and Outreach and Keokuk County Conservation, the event welcomed hundreds of attendees to Lake Belva Deer for an evening filled with trick-or-treating, pumpkin painting, a Storybook Walk, and an outdoor showing of Hocus Pocus 2 with hot chocolate, apple cider, and popcorn. The inaugural event saw approximately over 400 trick-or-treaters, welcomed 100 participants to the Storybook Walk, and provided opportunities for attendees to paint more than 300 pumpkins. More than 100 people gathered to watch Hocus Pocus 2, making for a memorable fall evening at the lake. Organizers are grateful for the tremendous community support that helped make the first-year event a success. Local businesses, sponsors, volunteers, participating campers, and community members all played an important role in bringing the event to life. “Seeing so many families come out and enjoy an evening together at Lake Belva Deer was wonderful. We are incredibly thankful for the support from our sponsors, volunteers, and community. Their generosity and willingness to help made it possible to offer a
LEE COUNTY, Iowa. - A proposed $15 billion steel manufacturing complex in Lee County is drawing attention across southeast Iowa, as residents seek answers about its potential impact on the community. Mesabi Metallics says the facility would process iron ore from Minnesota into finished steel products. Company officials say the...
The Washington County Board of Supervisors recognized 20 years of service for a county employee at their Tuesday meeting. Peggy Wood has been the Public Health Director of Finance and Operations for Washington County Public Health for 20 years. The Public Health Director of Finance and Operations is a senior...
The Jefferson County Board of Supervisors finalized the membership of their data center study committee on Thursday, November 5th, appointing three new members to join Taylor Ross and Michael Campbell, who had previously been designated to serve. The board appointed Dan Sears, a member of the USDA; Dee Sandquist, a...
Washington County is one recipient of over $76.2 million in federal funding to improve roadway safety across the state. The funds will be administered through the Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All program, which was established in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Washington County will...
FORT MADISON — Kelly Jameson has lived in the Green Bay Bottoms all her life. As a third generation resident, raising the fourth, she’s passionate about her community. And, she’s passionately against a proposed steel mill that is planned for the area. If Mesabi Metallics builds the largest steel mill in the United States just three miles from her house, she said, it defeats the whole reason she has stayed in her hometown. “This is currently a nice, rural community … when the reason we choose to live here is gone, why would we stay?” she asked at a public information meeting held in Fort Madison Wednesday evening. Lee County supervisors and officials from Mesabi Metallics held an informational meeting at the Quality Inn & Suites in Fort Madison, allowing area residents and business leaders to express their views on the potential for a steel mill. Roughly 200 people packed the hotel conference room, leaving standing room only. Jameson was one of about two dozen speakers Wednesday night, although her dissenting comments were in the minority. City administrators, economic development workers, supervisors and mayors of neighboring communities spoke in favor of the project and the opportunities it would bring. Local
A new bookstore is opening in downtown Washington this weekend. The Bookworm’s Burrow Bookstore will be holding a grand opening celebration on Saturday. The Bookworm’s Burrow is a book and game store that celebrates stories in all forms and they’re officially opening their doors this weekend, inviting the community to stop in, explore, shop, and meet the owner at their grand opening.
OSKALOOSA, Iowa – Oskaloosa High School students are getting ready to honor local military veterans at their annual Veterans Day assembly on Wednesday, November 11. The event starts at 1 p.m. in the Oskaloosa High School gym. All veterans are welcome, and no registration or special invitation is needed.
Ahead of Veteran’s Day next week, the City of Brighton will hold an event to honor veterans this Saturday. The ceremony will take place at Freedom Rock Park, featuring Mid-Prairie High School senior Caedyn Huston as a guest speaker. Huston recently gave a presentation at the Kalona Historical Village...
LEE COUNTY – The Republican voter block in Lee County is a motivated group. Lee County Republicans stormed through the general election Tuesday with only one Democrat getting a win. Former Fort Madison City Councilman Chris Greenwald (D-Fort Madison) defeated Tom Schulz (R-Fort Madison) for the District 2 Lee...
LEE COUNTY, Iowa (KCRG) - Lee County could soon be home to the largest steel plant in the United States, however, the plans are also drawing concerns from those who live near the site. “It is absolutely disgusting to see the greed of local politicians and businesses and their support...
Unofficial results put Chuck Webb at 4,707 votes and Steve Wanders at 4,671 in the Mahaska County Board of Supervisors race. Voters were picking two candidates. So far, the live results sheet has returns from 23 out of 25 precincts. The Mahaska County results sheet gives unofficial numbers for county...
John Deere announced on Wednesday it will be shutting down its plants in Clarion and Ottumwa, leaving hundreds without work. Ottumwa Mayor Benjamin Foote's own daughter and her husband work at the latter. "I don't want to see them go," Foote told Local 5. "At the same time, I want...
A nearly 15-year effort to build a regional airport in south-central Iowa could come to an end this week as officials move to dissolve the project. The Oskaloosa City Council is scheduled to consider ending its participation in the South Central Regional Airport Agency on Monday, followed by a similar vote in Pella on Tuesday. According to local KCCI, the agency’s board is expected to meet Wednesday to consider discontinuing the project.
Ottumwa Community Schools’ Bulldog Battalion JROTC cadets recently put their training to the test during the Raider Competition at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. In addition to competing, the cadets had the opportunity to experience life on an active military installation. During their visit, they spent time alongside military personnel, shared meals with service members and stayed overnight in military barracks bunkers.
OSKALOOSA, Iowa – Starting November 4th, visitors to several Mahaska County parks may find some areas temporarily closed and see maintenance crews as Mahaska County Conservation begins a major woodland improvement project. The department has received approximately $150,000 through a Forestry Resiliency Grant administered by the Iowa Department of...
OSKALOOSA, Iowa – Downtown Oskaloosa is kicking off the holiday season on Saturday, November 21st, with the annual “Turn on the Lights!” celebration. The event will feature more than 300,000 colorful Christmas lights, family-friendly activities, and a visit from Santa Claus. The event is free and starts...
