An Oskaloosa native is returning back to the city for festivities this weekend. Steve Bell grew up in Oskaloosa and was an Oskaloosa graduate in 1954. From there he went on to Central College for his undergraduate studies. Bell went on to Northwestern University where he earned his master’s degree in Journalism.

Bell began his early career in Omaha, Nebraska working for WOW-TV when he was assigned the story when President John F. Kennedy was shot. Four years later, Bell was sent to New Jersey to start his career with ABC News covering the long hot summer; which was filled with riots and protests from racial tensions and high unemployment. He was a correspondent for ABC News for nearly two decades and covered events during the Vietnam War in Southeast Asia. He went on to work for ‘Good Morning America’ for 11 years and eventually evolved into a news anchor. Moving to Philadelphia in 1986 to co-anchor evening newscasts for KYW-TV.

After Bell’s career in news, he went on to teach telecommunications in 1992 at Ball State University in Indiana
Making his appearance Thursday night, Bell will be in attendance of the Oskaloosa City Band performance. Reminiscing of the time when he once played for the same band, nearly 60 years ago.

Along with the events on Thursday night, Steve Bell will also be participating in Christmas in July on Saturday, July 15 for the Reception in the Alley from 3 PM to 5 PM.