Oskaloosa News

Youth football is about more than touchdowns, tackles, and winning games. It's also an opportunity for children to build friendships, learn teamwork, and develop skills they can carry throughout their lives.

Erica Silvers of the Oskaloosa Youth Sports Foundation joins Oskaloosa News alongside young football players Jackson and AJ.

Osky YSF provides youth football and cheerleading programs, has recently expanded into seventh- and eighth-grade football, and is discussing adding an all-girls flag football team.

During our conversation, Erica explains why the organization places so much importance on coaching, player safety, sportsmanship, and making sure children enjoy their experience.

Jackson and AJ share their stories about joining the program, making friends, learning from their coaches, and favorite moments on the field.

We also look back at the season, including Osky Two's 5-1 record and Osky One's 3-3 finish.

The discussion goes beyond football to explore the organization's community service activities, volunteer partnerships, and the role local families and businesses play in supporting youth athletics.

Erica also discusses the growing cheerleading program and how the organization hopes to continue offering new opportunities for children in Oskaloosa.

It's a conversation about youth sports, community involvement, and the lessons that matter long after the final whistle.

Learn more about Osky YSF:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/564501403230009

For more local conversations and community coverage, visit Oskaloosa News at https://www.oskynews.org.

What started as a small fundraiser inside the Ottumwa Police Department has grown into an annual community effort helping families whose children are battling cancer.

Ottumwa Police Officer Levi Ritz joins Oskaloosa News to discuss the history of No Shave November, the families it has helped, and the young girl at the center of this year's campaign.

Two-year-old Ashtyn, from the Keosauqua area, is battling leukemia and faces medical treatments expected to continue through 2029.

Her family is also dealing with the financial challenges that come with her illness, including medical expenses, travel to Iowa City, and the loss of one parent's income.

Levi explains how the fundraiser began in 2014, why it eventually shifted toward helping children with cancer, and how support from local businesses and residents has allowed it to grow.

Last year, the program raised more than $20,000 for five-year-old Leo Rodriguez, who was battling a brain tumor.

We also discuss the first Run for the Kids 5K, scheduled for November 22nd in Ottumwa. Organized with the help of a family previously supported by No Shave November, the event brings the community together to help this year's recipient.

Registration has been extended through November 9th.

Levi also shares why the annual donation presentation is especially meaningful and how the department works to make Christmas special for the entire family.

Learn more and find ways to help:

Ottumwa Police Association No Shave November:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61595443493330

Run for the Kids 5K:
https://facebook.com/events/s/run-for-the-kids-5k/2215631939388498/

For more local news and conversations, visit Oskaloosa News at https://www.oskynews.org.

The Oskaloosa Rotary Club is once again preparing to help Mahaska County families enjoy a Christmas meal, but organizers say they need additional donations to make it happen.

Rotary Vice President Chris Knowles and club member Michella Friesen recently visited Oskaloosa News to discuss the annual Christmas food basket program.

Last year, approximately 724 households received assistance.

The program provides free food boxes to eligible Mahaska County residents who meet income requirements. The boxes are sized according to household size and may include ham, potatoes, vegetables, fruit, milk, and other items for a holiday meal.

Organizers say donations are coming in slowly, and the amount of money raised will determine how much food can be included.

The application deadline is Thursday, November 19th. This year, residents can apply using a QR code, and those who need assistance with the application can contact United Way.

Food basket distribution is scheduled for Thursday, December 3rd, beginning at 3:30 in the afternoon.

The program also depends on volunteers, including local students, businesses, realtors, and other community members who help pack and distribute the food.

Anyone interested in donating or volunteering is encouraged to contact the Oskaloosa Rotary Club.

For more information about the program, visit Oskaloosa News at oskynews.org.

Oskaloosa High School students are preparing to honor local military veterans during their annual Veterans Day assembly on Wednesday, November 11th.

Members of the Oskaloosa High School Student Council recently visited the Oskaloosa News studio to discuss their preparations and why the event is important to them.

This year's guest speaker will be Hunter Els, a 2018 Oskaloosa graduate who served in the U.S. Army and now helps coach the high school football team.

The program will include student speeches, a special performance by the high school band, and recognition of veterans from each military branch.

The assembly begins at 1 p.m. in the high school gymnasium. Veterans may arrive at 12:30 through the north activities entrance.

No registration or special invitation is required.

Following the program, veterans are invited to stay for refreshments and conversations with students.

The Student Council hopes the event will not only honor those who served but also help younger generations learn from their experiences.

Five Mahaska County parks are part of a four-year woodland improvement project funded by an approximately $150,000 state-administered grant.

Tommy Van Renterghem of Mahaska County Conservation joins Oskaloosa News to explain what visitors can expect as contractors begin removing invasive plants and improving wooded areas.

The conversation covers planned aerial spraying at Eveland Access, Evertrue, White Oak, and Quercus, along with brush removal at Cedar Bluffs and other locations.

With spraying scheduled between November 4th and November 18th, some parks may temporarily close when conditions allow contractors to work.

Tommy explains why the project is needed, how the work will benefit local woodlands, and how hunters, hikers, and other visitors can check park access before making plans.

For current park information, contact Mahaska County Conservation at 641-673-9327.

More local news and community interviews are available at https://www.oskynews.org.

The Christmas season is approaching, and Oskaloosa Main Street has a full schedule of holiday activities planned for the community.

Angie Foster joins Oskaloosa News to discuss this year's celebrations, beginning with Turn on the Lights on Saturday, November 21st.

The downtown festivities start at 5 p.m. with Santa Claus, free wagon rides, and holiday refreshments. Oskaloosa Citizen of the Year Linda Fox will help switch on the downtown Christmas lights shortly after 6 p.m.

We also discuss the Painting with Lights raffle, which helps raise money to maintain the community's holiday lighting displays.

Other upcoming events include the Young Ambassador Ceremony on November 30th, Oskaloosa's 39th Annual Lighted Christmas Parade on December 5th at 7 p.m., and the Holiday Women's Luncheon on December 11th.

Angie also shares details about decorating contests, downtown activities, and the work involved in keeping these community traditions going.

For more information, contact the Mahaska Chamber at 641-672-2591.

More local news and community interviews are available at https://www.oskynews.org.

Running is only part of the experience for a group of Oskaloosa elementary school girls participating in Girls on the Run.

Coaches Keri Pietan and Sam Doll join Oskaloosa News alongside students Rose Miller and Chloe Dahl to explain how the program combines exercise with lessons about confidence, friendship, kindness, teamwork, and important life skills.

The program serves girls in third through fifth grades and meets after school during an eight-week fall season.

In our conversation, we learn how the girls encourage one another, take part in themed practices, and work together on community service projects.

We also discuss the support the program receives from families, school staff, and William Penn University's cross-country team.

The girls are preparing for their season-ending 5K at Principal Park in Des Moines on Sunday, November 8th.

The coaches also explain how families can learn about future participation and how sliding-scale fees help make the program accessible.

It's a conversation about helping young people build confidence, make friendships, and discover what they can accomplish together.

For more local school coverage and community interviews, visit Oskaloosa News at https://www.oskynews.org.

Oskaloosa needs approximately 1,500 additional housing units, according to city estimates. So what is being done to address that shortage?

Shawn Christ, Development Services Director for the City of Oskaloosa, joins Oskaloosa News to discuss the city's latest construction activity, housing needs, and programs available to help property owners make improvements.

During fiscal year 2026, the city issued permits for 143 new residential units, a major increase over its typical annual pace of about 20.

Shawn explains the developments contributing to those numbers, including Westgate Townhomes, Jefferson School Lofts, Northgate Townhomes, and Burrell Elite.

We also discuss other significant building projects, the city's upcoming annual report, and financial incentives designed to encourage investment in Oskaloosa.

Property owners will be particularly interested in two grant programs: one offering assistance of up to $50,000 for eligible downtown building improvements and another providing up to $5,000 for qualifying improvements in the North Market neighborhood.

The conversation also covers historic preservation, property tax abatement, and opportunities for residents to become involved in city government.

It's a look at how Oskaloosa is growing, the challenges the city faces, and the resources available to support future development.

For more local news and community interviews, visit Oskaloosa News at https://www.oskynews.org.

Winter brings colder temperatures, holiday decorations, and increased use of home heating equipment. It also brings fire and carbon monoxide hazards that residents need to understand.

Mahaska County Emergency Management Director Josh Stevens joins Oskaloosa News to discuss practical ways to keep homes and families safe during the winter months.

Our conversation covers the dangers of portable space heaters, overloaded electrical outlets, and Christmas decorations that can increase the risk of house fires.

Josh also explains why residents should regularly check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, keep outdoor furnace exhausts clear of snow and ice, and make sure nearby fire hydrants remain accessible.

We discuss fire extinguishers, when to evacuate instead of attempting to fight a fire, and how local fire departments can help residents with safety questions and training.

The conversation also touches on winter home improvement projects, ventilation, and other hazards that are easy to overlook.

Whether you own your home or rent, these reminders can help you prepare for a safer winter.

For more local news, public safety information, and community interviews, visit Oskaloosa News at https://www.oskynews.org.

In 2014, Ralphi Munson of New Sharon made a simple Facebook post asking friends to contribute one dollar toward paying a single mother's water bill for Christmas.

That small act of kindness became the Love Train, a holiday tradition that has since raised nearly $98,000 to help people facing financial difficulties.

Ralphi joins Oskaloosa News to share how the program began, why it continues to grow, and how donations are used to make a difference.

Unlike many holiday assistance programs, the Love Train doesn't provide cash directly to recipients. Instead, Ralphi pays essential expenses such as utility bills, daycare costs, school meals, medical bills, and vehicle repairs.

The assistance is provided anonymously, and every donated dollar goes toward helping someone in need.

We also discuss how Ralphi's own experiences influenced the program, how she identifies people who could use assistance, and why even a small contribution can help.

It's a local story about community generosity and the difference people can make by looking out for their neighbors.

Contributions to the Love Train can be mailed to P.O. Box 411, New Sharon, Iowa.

For more local news and community interviews, visit Oskaloosa News at https://www.oskynews.org.