1240 KBIZ
News & Information
Local News | State News | National News | Global News
Local
2010 Season for the Beach Ottumwa Outdoor Park Ends Monday
The Labor Day weekend is the final weekend for the outdoor water park at the Beach Ottumwa. The Beach will be open from
The Beach will also be open Labor Day from
Dogs are only allowed in the wave pool. All 4 legged guests must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older, be current on all vaccinations and on a leash at all times in the water park. Admission to the Dog Paddle is one bag of pet food per dog. The pet food will be donated to the Heartland Humane Society. Owners are reminded to please bring towels to dry your dog after the swim.
A Summer of Discontent
For a lot of residents in
While Saylorville and Red Rock reservoirs continue to fall, both are expected to be at normal levels by about two weeks. Even so, the flooding continues in Eddyville and low lying areas of
The Des Moines Register reports today that some residents blame the Corps of Engineers for allowing the
But Corps officials say they balance the interests of landowners above and below their dam on the river and have managed to avert major property damage so far.
Corps spokesman Ron Fournier says farmers upstream are also angry because they’ve had high water all summer long.
The latest river forecast issued today by the National Weather calls for the
Area Lawn Care Company protests awarding of Contract
An area lawn care company is protesting the awarding of a contract at the Veteran’s Hospital in
Dave Lovell and his sons have a lawn care service in
Lovell submitted a bid of $268,000. At the same time another company Creative Landscaping submitted a bid of $342,000. When all was said and done, the Veterans Affairs Central Iowa Health Care System awarded a contact to Crossroads Halls after they submitted a bid of $871,000.
The companies that submitted the lower bids said they were shocked to see the project awarded for more than twice the amount submitted by the other companies.
Lovell says he filed a formal protest over the bid’s outcome. Creative Landscaping has released a statement saying they’re not upset with the awarding of the contract but with how the federal government chose to spend taxpayer money.
Lisa Christie a spokeswoman for the VA says the bids received were evaluated equally and fairly but the company awarded the bid best that represented the scope of the work that the project requires.
Award Winning Election Program promoted in Ottumwa
Iowa Secretary of State Michael A. Mauro joined State Auditor Ken Kline in Ottumwa Monday to highlight the award-winning Precinct Atlas electronic poll book program.
During an event at the Wapello County Courthouse, Mauro says "all Iowans whether you've a Democrat, Republican or No Party, believe that elections in our state should have the highest level of integrity. They believe the voting process should be accessible to everyone who is eligible to particpate, regardless of age, race or disability. But they also expect elections to be safe, secure and above all fair.
Mauro says "that's why Kline, his team in the auditor's ofice and the information technology staff developed Precinct Atlas and why my office helped them deploy the program to nearly half the counties in Iowa".
The Precinct Atlas electronic poll book program provides Precinct Election Officials with step by step instructions on how to properly administer elections. The system offers an additional layer of security to the voting process by ensuring that everyone who enters a polling place is processed in the correct manner and only eligible voters are allowed to participate.
Cemetery Cleanup begins in October
The City of Ottumwa has announced crews at the Ottumwa, Calvery and Ottumwa Jewish cemeteries will begin the annual fall clean up on Friday October 1st. Families that wish to keep any tributes or memorial decorations need to remove those items from the cemetery prior to that date. If a shepherd's crook is used to hang an arrangement, families may leaver the shepherd's crook, but please remove the arrangement. Cemetery personnel will remove all floral tributes, decorations and wreaths remaining after that date. Fall and winter decorations can be placed after November 1st.
The Ottumwa, Calvary and Ottumwa Jewish Cemeteries are cleaned twice annually..........spring and fall. Residents with questions about the cemetery clean up or the requirements for memorial decorations can call 683-0687.
Church Burglaries under Investigation
An investigation into a rash of church burglaries has resulted in the arrest of five individuals. The investigation began in May of this year and involved numerous law enforcement agencies in southeast
Davis County Sheriff Dave Davis says through the investigation 20 year old Christopher James Scott of rural
In addition,
Other charges are pending and the investigation continues.
City of Ottumwa to Apply Larvicide Again
The City of
Controlling the mosquito population is an important step in fighting insect infestation and the spread of mosquito borne diseases such as
All residents are encouraged to help reduce the exposure to mosquitoes by draining standing water on their property. Empty unused buckets, cover stored tires and weekly cleaning of bird baths are good ways to reduce mosquito breeding grounds.
In addition to clearing out standing water, wearing long sleeved shirts and long pants especially at dusk and dawn can help reduce exposure. Insect repellents containing permethrin or 35% DEET applied to clothing can also help reduce the risk.
Deployed Military personnel exempt from Utility Disconnects
Families of military personnel in the Ottumwa area take note. The Iowa Utilities board has adopted rules that protect deployed military personnel from gas and electric utility service disconnects. The new rules implement legislation passed by the Legislature and signed by Governor Chet Culver addressing issues related to unemployment, housing, family services, and other legal protections for military families. The laws are in response to Department of Defense recommendation that states adopt measures supporting military families in 2010. Iowa is the first state in the country to adopt all ten DOD recommendation.
The IUB rules implementing the new Iowa law provide disconnection protection to any household where the head of household is militarily deployed. Natural gas or electric service cannot be disconnected for non-payment during the period of the military deployment and for up to 90 days afterwards. If facing disconnection, the military personnel must advise the utility of deployment status to obtain the protection.
For more information military personnel or their representatives should contact the local energy utility providing their service or call the Iowa Utility Board toll free at 1-877-565-4450.
Fairfield to share 181-million dollars in Housing Funds
Fairfield will share in 181-million dollars in housing funds. Governor Chet Culver has announced awards to build or rehabilitate more than 1500 units of affordable housing. The awards were granted from the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program and Community Development Block Grant program.
Culver says "affordable housing is a vital component of the local and state economy. The awards announced showcase the strong network of resources that is continuing to build better and stronger Iowa communities. Culver says "I'm proud that these new construction and rehabilitation projects will offer work in 22 respective communities and ultimately provide nearly 1600 Iowans with a safe and affordable housing unit that they can be proud to call home".
Fairfield will receive more than 160-thousand dollars for the rehabilitation of two apartment buildings.
Fox-Sauk Road Project to begin this week
Motorists are being advised the Fox-Sauk Road Reconstruction Project is set to begin yet this week. The project consists of a full depth concrete replacement of 700 feet of the Fox-Sauk Road starting at the North Court frontage road to the section that was improved in 2005.
Drivers should seek alternate routes around the work zone and be prepared for construction related delays. This project should take 30 days to complete. Turner Concrete Construction of Ottumwa is the contractor.
Holiday brings Office Closings
With the Labor Day Holiday weekend upon us, the city of
Non-commercial trash and recycling will be postponed one day due to the holiday. Collections normally done on Monday, September 6th will be picked up Tuesday the 7th. Bulky items and yard waste normally collected on Tuesdays will be picked up on Thursday September 9th. Whaley waste Rural Collection normally done Tuesdays will be postponed until Thursday September 9th, the week of Labor Day only.
Ottumwa Transit Authority buses will not be operating on Labor Day, Monday September 6th. Transit buses will resume regular routes and schedules on Tuesday September 7th.
On the county level, the
Iowa National Guard Members Get Special treat
Iowa National Guard troops including a number from southeast
Some 3000 Iowa National Guard members are training for deployment at
U.S. Representative Bruce Braley said the corn was made possible by
Braley who’s visiting
New Federal Dollars headed to Area Schools
New federal dollars are headed to a number of school district in the
State Senators Becky Schmitz and Keith Kreiman today released details on how much area schools can expect to receive in new federal funds to save jobs.
The
Schmitz says to fight the recession we have to keep investing in our children’s education and rebuilding our economy means we must continue to prepare our young people for the jobs of the future.
Kreiman says this money will be released to local schools as soon as possible. He says “reducing class sizes and providing learning opportunities for all of
Ottumwa Mayor Signs Proclamation
Ottumwa Mayor Dale Uehling signed a proclamation today (Wednesday) that declares September as National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month in Ottumwa. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Center for Substance Abuse Treatment sponsors the observance each September.
The celebration focuses on improving the lives of those suffering from substance abuse through treatment and recovery. While many people acheive recovery, there is still a need to continue to educate people about addiction and to motivate those who may have a problem in seeking help. In 2008, an estimated 23.1 million people needed treatment for a sustance abuse disorder in the United States.
During this year's observance, SIEDA's Substance Abuse Services, Ottumwa Sustance Abuse Task Force and First Resources Corporation are planning the 1st Annual Recovery Rally. The event will take place on September 25th from 2:00 until 6:00 p.m. at the Jimmy Jones Shelter House. A barbeque is planned with any other activities planned for adults and children.
Ottumwa Park Receives Cargill Funds
The City of Ottumwa has announced that Cargill Eddyville and Cargill Meat Solutions in Ottumwa are donating $30,000 for improvements to Memorial Park. The funds are designated for rebuilding the bridge connecting two ridges, cleaning up the pond area, shelter house floor improvements and planting trees and flowers.
A formal check presentation was held this morning (Tuesday) in front of the Merrill Cabin in Memorial Park. The donation comes as part of Cargill's "Earth Day, Every Day" program that promotes community relationships leading to environmental stewardship.
Ottumwa Mayor Dale Uehling says "we are greatful for Cargill's contribution to Memorial Park. Through their generosity, all Ottumwans will be able to enjoy these improvements. Cargill has been a tremendous community partner and we appreciate their continued dedication to our community".
Cargill employees from the Ottumwa and Eddyville plants put a plan together and were awarded a partnership grant from the Cargill corporate office.
School Menues Under Go Change
Stricter state and national guidelines have resulted in some noticeable changes to the school lunch menu and a la carte offerings in Ottumwa schools. New guidelines enacted to combat childhood obesity, primarily impacts the district's secondary programs.
The biggest change..........restaurant pizza is no longer available in the cafeteria. This is the result of nutritional content standards enacted at the federal level that dictates portion sizes and nutritional content. Other changes says Food Service Director Yvonne Johnson includes more fresh fruits and vegetables added to the menu, all breads purchased are whole grain, whole wheat breading is on items such as chicken patties and nuggets, all milk served must be 1% or skim, and lettuce salad now contains romaine, spinach and other fresh vegetables. The average fat content for the week can't exceed 30%.
Other changes include: no snack bar at Evans MIddle School, students can no longer use their meal account to purchase a la carte items, students are not allowed a double entry, but can purchase multiple meals.
Johnson says the good news is she continues to work with vendors in search of products that meet the guidelines, including finding a pizza that she can offer other than school pizza.
Wapello County Eligible for SBA Disaster Loans
Small non-farm businesses in 52
These loans offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by excessive rain, flooding, flash flooding, hail, high winds and tornadoes that occurred in those counties between April 25th through July 18th of this year.
Counties in southeast
Alfred E. Judd Director of SBA’s
State
Chiropractor to go on Trial
An Oskaloosa man is set to go on trail in October on charges of sexually assaulting females. Jason Ebelsheiser an Oskaloosa Chiropractor faces seven counts of sexual abuse and one count of tampering with records.
Authorities say Ebelsheiser reportedly molsted female patients between the ages of 17and 46. He was arrested on the charges last year.
A pre-trial conference is scheduled in
