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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.

Ottumwa, IA · 3d
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ottumwaradio.com

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Fairfield City Council & Jefferson County Supervisors Explore Shared Dog Facility

The Fairfield City Council and Jefferson County Board of Supervisors met jointly Monday evening on November 9th to discuss the dog issues happening in both the city and county, and they brought up building a shared animal impound facility — a move both bodies said could solve a long-running problem neither has been able to address on its own.

Fairfield, IA · 2d
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KBUR

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Incoming Henry County Attorney Abbie Liechty has objected to a plan by the Board of Supervisors to move the county attorney’s office from the first floor of the courthouse across the street to the former location of the county sheriff’s department and jail

Incoming Henry County Attorney Abbie Liechty has objected to a plan by the Board of Supervisors to move the county attorney’s office from the first floor of the courthouse across the street to the former location of the county sheriff’s department and jail. Liechty was the winner in last Tuesday’s election and takes office in January. She told the Board at a meeting last week the office of the county attorney provides service for the county’s citizens and the other departments and employees located in the courthouse. The HawkEye reports that Liechty believes the plan to co-locate across the street with Juvenile Court Services is also problematic. One supervisor said further study needs to be done to make sure all space in the Courthouse is used, before moving offices out of the building. The board started looking at space reconfiguration when the public asked for more room in the board meeting room on the first floor of the courthouse. The board has considered options and has met for work sessions a few times throughout the year. Henry County Auditor Robin Detrick asked the board why none of them have consulted her directly about any of the plans under consideration and why work sessions are scheduled on days she is not able to attend—most recently on Election Day. Another work session to consider courthouse space is set for this Thursday.

Henry County, IA · 3d

ottumwaradio.com

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Fairfield Police Department Honors Veterans, Recognizes Three Officers on Veterans Day

The Fairfield Police Department on Wednesday, November 11th, honored veterans and recognized three of its own officers who have served in the United States military. “Veterans Day is a time to reflect on the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment of those who have defended our freedoms,” the department said. “To every veteran, past and present, we extend our deepest gratitude. Your service and sacrifices will never be forgotten.”

Fairfield, IA · 1d
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ktvo.com

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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.

Ottumwa, IA · 4d

gopip.org

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GOPIP Statement on John Deere's Ottumwa Closure

Today's announcement is certainly disappointing news for Ottumwa and the surrounding region. John Deere has been part of the fabric of this community for more than a century, providing good-paying jobs, supporting local families, and contributing to our economy in ways that extend far beyond the walls of its facility.

Ottumwa, IA · 9d

ottumwaradio.com

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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...

Ottumwa, IA · 3d

ottumwaradio.com

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Main Street Ottumwa Receives $100,000 Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant

The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) today awarded $1.1 million in Main Street Iowa Challenge Grants to 11 communities across the state. The grants support the rehabilitation of underutilized downtown buildings, spurring economic growth and encouraging further investment in Iowa’s historic main streets. Ottumwa received $100,000 to the Briggs...

Ottumwa, IA · 2d

ottumwaradio.com

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Tune into the Past with Ottumwa Radio: Two Minutes of Silence

As Americans pause to observe Veterans Day, there is a special moment that carries deep meaning across our nation. At 11 a.m. on November 11, Americans are encouraged to observe two minutes of silence in honor of the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

Ottumwa, IA · 1d

ottumwaradio.com

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Wapello County Welcomes New Youth Conservation Board Members

The Wapello County Youth Conservation Board is welcoming two new members, Lexi Ferguson and Madalynn Sertterh. Ferguson and Sertterh are joining the board as it continues its efforts to encourage youth involvement in conservation and promote appreciation for the outdoors and natural resources throughout Wapello County. Board representatives say the...

Wapello County, IA · 2d

Local 4 WHBF

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Lee County approves tax benefits for Mesabi steel plant

The $15 billion Iowa steel project planned by Mesabi Metallics got a boost this week after the Lee County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a term sheet setting the framework for local tax and community benefit payments. The Board also passed a resolution in support of the plant, a key requirement for Mesabi’s incentive package […]

Lee County, IA · 1d

kilj.com

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Henry County Supervisors Complete Election Canvass; Auditor Reports on Provisional Ballots and Election Inquiry

The Henry County Board of Supervisors completed the official canvass of votes from the November 3 General Election Tuesday morning at the Henry County Courthouse. During the review, election results were checked for accuracy, with only a few minor typographical errors identified. Otherwise, vote totals matched, and all three supervisors signed off on the canvass.

Henry County, IA · 1d

ottumwaradio.com

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Wapello-Keokuk Road Closed for Bridge Replacement Work

Motorists traveling on Wapello-Keokuk Road should plan for a temporary road closure beginning Tuesday, November 10, as crews begin construction work to replace a small bridge with a culvert. According to the Wapello County Road Department, the closure will begin at 7 a.m. Tuesday and is expected to remain in...

Wapello County, IA · 2d

ottumwaradio.com

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Tune into the Past with Ottumwa Radio: Wapello County’s Forgotten Civil War Heroes

The history of Wapello County is filled with stories of courage, sacrifice and service. Among the most significant chapters is the Civil War, when men from Ottumwa and surrounding communities left their homes and families to fight for the Union. When the Civil War began in 1861, Iowa answered the...

Wapello County, IA · 2d

ottumwaradio.com

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Lane Closures Expected on Highway 149 in Keokuk County Starting Tuesday

The Iowa Department of Transportation will begin road construction on Highway 149 in Keokuk County Tuesday morning, with intermittent lane closures expected through early December. Work will take place between Iowa Highway 22, near South English, and County Road G13, approximately two miles south of North English. The stretch includes...

Keokuk County, IA · 3d

kciiradio.com

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Washington Community Theater Announces 2027 Season, Passes Available Soon

The Washington Community Theater is inviting the community to see a variety of shows presented by local talent during their 2027 season. Season tickets will be available beginning on December 1st for the upcoming performances of Moriarty A New Sherlock Holmes Adventure on March 19-21. The summer musical Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat will be on stage June 18-20 and 25-27. The next performance will be Spiders Web, Murder Lies at the Center, will take place on October 8-10 and 15-17 The last show of the season has yet to be announced but will be performed December 2-5. All performances will take place at the Washington Community Center.

Washington, IA · 2d

ottumwaradio.com

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Jefferson County Ambulance Director Proposes Body Cameras for EMS Staff

The Jefferson County Board of Supervisors heard a proposal Monday from Jefferson County Ambulance Director Josh Hemminger to equip EMS personnel with body-worn cameras, sparking a lengthy discussion about patient privacy, consent, and staff safety before the board voted 3-0 to table the matter until the next meeting. Before turning...

Jefferson County, IA · 2d

Pen City Current

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County finds ballot error in Denmark Township

LEE COUNTY – An error on the ballot for Denmark Township required notification from the Lee County Auditor's office. The Lee County Auditor’s office published a press release Friday outlining the situation and the steps being taken to address the ballot error. "The County Auditor's Office wishes to...

Lee County, IA · 4d

ktvo.com

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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....

Ottumwa, IA · 4d

ottumwaradio.com

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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...

Ottumwa, IA · 3d