Elmer
The South Central Regional Airport Agency Board joined both the Pella and Oskaloosa City Councils this week in ending pursuit of a regional airport in Mahaska County. The SCRAA voted on Wednesday after Oskaloosa did so on Monday and Pella on Tuesday to work toward the end of the project first approved in 2012 and supported both the Iowa Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration. The Mahaska County Board of Supervisors voted to withdraw from the agreement following an Iowa Supreme Court decision in their favor, which effectively placed the proposal on hold in 2024. The SCRAA has until 2039 to pay back $4.8 million in FAA grants used to purchase 378 acres of land, which it intends to do over the next two years along with the Oskaloosa and Pella City Councils. The funds generated by those sales may be used at both the Pella and Oskaloosa airport facilities, depending on the scope and the intended use.
Unofficial election results from Tuesday’s 2026 general election on November 3rd showed contrasting political landscapes across southeast Iowa, with Jefferson County trending Democratic in several key races while Keokuk and Van Buren counties favored Republican candidates. Jefferson County. Democrats carried most of the top-of-ticket races in Jefferson County. Josh...
LEE COUNTY – A meeting planned for Wednesday night to give Lee County residents their first look inside negotiations between county officials and Mesabi Metallics around a $15 billion proposed steel mill is shaping up to be a big event. Lee County Supervisors released information on the event Monday...
The Lee County Board of Supervisors will hold a special meeting tonight to discuss a potential economic development project that could bring that major new steel plant to the region. The board will present the latest details surrounding ongoing negotiations with Mesabi Metallics. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the Quality Inn & Suites in Fort Madison. An online stream and phone dial-in option will also be available for residents who wish to attend virtually. WGEM reports the meeting will include officials providing an overview of negotiations with the company, followed by a question-and-answer period for the supervisors. Community members will then have an opportunity to voice questions and give feedback during a dedicated public comment session.
Green lights will soon be seen across the area in support of veterans and their families. The Washington County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution to support Washington County veterans and their families at their Tuesday meeting. The board approved the county’s participation in Operation Green Light for Veterans, a nationwide effort led by the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers.
The Lee County Leadership Committee is inviting area non-profit organizations to submit proposals for projects that will affect positive change in Lee County. The HawkEye reports that two project proposals will be selected for implementation by the Lee County Leadership Class of 2027. Proposals should be specific, concise, and attainable within a 12 to 16-week timeframe. Lee County Leadership is a collaborative effort program between the Fort Madison Area Chamber of Commerce, Keokuk Area Chamber of Commerce, Lee County Economic Development Group and Southeastern Community College. This program is designed to train emerging leaders in community-based leadership skills, promote community engagement and increase capacity among community members for addressing common issues and problems. The current class is made up of 10 participants. Classes and events are held in various locations throughout the area through May of next year. Organizations wishing to submit a project for consideration may contact the Fort Madison Area Chamber of Commerce; the deadline is Monday.
November 4, 2026 — Independent candidate Abbie Liechty has won the race for Henry County Attorney, defeating Republican Becky Wilson in one of the county’s most closely followed elections. Unofficial results show Liechty receiving 3,977 votes, or approximately 53.6 percent, compared to Wilson’s 3,437 votes, or 46.4 percent....
WAPELLO COUNTY, Iowa - A sheriff is urging voters in one southeast Iowa county to think carefully about a proposed jail expansion before they head to the polls. If the proposed expansion to the Wapello County Jail passes, it would cost between $37.5 million to $45 million and would add around 140 to 170 beds to the jail. Right now, the county is paying nearly $700,000 a year to house inmates in other counties.
South Iowa Economic Development Association (SIEDA) is announcing changes to the application process for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in Wapello County. Beginning November 1, 2026, Wapello County residents applying for energy assistance will have three options for submitting their applications. The changes are intended to streamline the...
The Ottumwa City Council will hold its regular meeting Tuesday, November 3, 2026, beginning at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall, located at 105 East Third Street. The meeting is open to the public, and residents are welcome to attend in person. However, due to anticipated public interest, seating inside Council Chambers may be limited.
There is a simple way to assess how much Iowa governments think ordinary citizens deserve to know, and engage in the debate, when officials have an initiative they are eager to undertake. Call it the parking lot test. The recent whirlwind of economic events in Iowa suggests that this time,...
November 4, 2026 — Republican Heidi Zenk has won the race for Henry County Supervisor, defeating Democrat Sam Riepe in one of the county’s most closely watched contests in Tuesday’s general election making her the first female to serve as Henry County Supervisor. According to unofficial election...
The 1600 block of Richmond Avenue will be closed to through traffic beginning Monday, November 2, 2026, as crews conduct sewer repairs. The closure is expected to remain in place for approximately one week, weather permitting. Residents will continue to have access to the street from both ends during the...
Motorists and residents are being advised of a temporary alley closure beginning Wednesday, November 4, 2026, in Ottumwa. The alley between the 100 block of Vogel Avenue and the 100 block of Vanness Avenue will be closed to through traffic to allow for concrete repairs. The closure is expected to...
At the Iowa State Fair, we met a young contestant who was showing his chickens for a judging competition. Just a few months later, he's turning his attention to his own county fairgrounds.
OSKALOOSA, Iowa (KYOU) - Oskaloosa City Council members voted unanimously Monday night to dissolve a 14-year regional airport project. The land northwest of Oskaloosa was supposed to hold a regional airport that would merge Oskaloosa’s and Pella’s airports into one. Landowners would not sell. The airport agency bought...
Iowa voters are heading to the polls today, November 3, to decide several important federal, state and regional races on the ballot. Voters in Marion and Warren counties will have the opportunity to cast ballots for candidates seeking offices ranging from governor and U.S. Senate to state legislative seats. The...
Mahaska County Conservation is inviting the public to attend an informational presentation about Iowa’s Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund, also known as IWILL. The presentation, titled “Securing the Promise: Iowa’s Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund,” will take place Thursday, November 19, at 6 p.m. at...
Democrat Christina Bohannan unseated Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks to serve as Iowa's First Congressional District representative.
