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Proposed $15 billion steel project draws questions from Lee County residents

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...

Lee County, IA · 1d
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oskynews.org

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Oskaloosa High School Students Invite Area Veterans to November 11th Assembly

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.

Oskaloosa, IA · 1d
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oskynews.org

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Mahaska County Election Returns Posted for Local Races

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...

Mahaska County, IA · 3d
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Cedar Rapids Gazette

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Lee County officials hear from residents on proposed steel mill project

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

Lee County, IA · 2d

kciiradio.com

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The Bookworm’s Burrow Bookstore Opening this Weekend in Washington

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.

Washington, IA · 16h

KWQC

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Proposed $15B steel plant in Lee County draws jobs optimism, environmental concerns

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...

Lee County, IA · 1d

Pen City Current

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Lee County GOP voter block motivated

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, IA · 2d

Yahoo!

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John Deere plant closure leaves 400 people in Ottumwa without a job

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...

Ottumwa, IA · 1d

AVweb

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Iowa Airport Project Nears End After 14 Years

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.

Oskaloosa, IA · 4d

ottumwaradio.com

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Bulldog Battalion Cadets Compete at Fort Leonard Wood

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.

Ottumwa, IA · 3d

oskynews.org

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Timber Improvement Project Could Temporarily Close Four Mahaska County Parks Beginning November 4th

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...

Mahaska County, IA · 3d

oskynews.org

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Oskaloosa to Light Up Downtown With More Than 300,000 Christmas Lights November 21st

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...

Oskaloosa, IA · 3d

kniakrls.com

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SCRAA Board Joins Pella, Oskaloosa in Ending Regional Airport Efforts

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.

Oskaloosa, IA · 1d

ottumwaradio.com

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Democrats Control Jefferson County in 2026 General Election; Republicans Dominate Keokuk and Van Buren Counties

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...

Keokuk County, IA · 2d

Pen City Current

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County creating input options on steel project

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...

Lee County, IA · 3d

KBUR

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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 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.

Lee County, IA · 2d

kciiradio.com

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Operation Green Light Approved to Support Washington County Veterans

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.

Washington County, IA · 2d

KBUR

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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 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.

Lee County, IA · 1d

kilj.com

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Abbie Liechty Defeats Becky Wilson in Henry County Attorney Race

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....

Henry County, IA · 2d

ktvo.com

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‘Maybe what we need to do is vote this down’: Wapello County sheriff reconsidering previous recommendation to expand the county’s jail

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.

Wapello County, IA · 5d