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Iowa Department of Education releases new state school performance ratings and federal designations

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By Sam Parsons

The Iowa Department of Education announced new state school performance ratings and federal designations yesterday for the 2023-24 school year. It marked the first time new state school performance ratings and federal designations have been determined using an updated state plan for school accountability and support.

This is the first year of designations and ratings using Iowa’s new accountability system, which includes a streamlined set of core indicators including proficiency results in English language arts, mathematics, and science, student academic growth, chronic absenteeism, graduation rates and postsecondary readiness.

The Oskaloosa Community School District scored above average in the percentage of students to graduate in 4 or 5 years as well as the percentage of students participating in a work-based learning experience while in high school; however, the district also scored slightly below the state average in English language arts and science proficiency, as well as attendance growth. In terms of overall scores, Oskaloosa Elementary and Oskaloosa High School fell under the “Needs Improvement” category, while Oskaloosa Middle School and Oskaloosa Virtual Academy fell under the “Acceptable” category.

The Sigourney Community School District scored above average in most measures, including 4- and 5-year graduation rates; proficiency in math, English language arts, and science; percentage of students earning college credit while in high school; and percentage of students participating in a work-based learning experience while in high school. By overall score, Sigourney Jr-Sr High was rated as “High Performing,” while Sigourney Elementary was rated as “Needs Improvement.”

The North Mahaska Community School District also received above average scores in most areas, including 4- and 5-year graduation rates, proficiency in math, English language arts, and science, percentage of students earning college credit while in high school, and percentage of students participating in a work-based learning experience while in high school. North Mahaska Jr-Sr High School received a “Commendable” overall rating, while North Mahaska Elementary School received an “Acceptable” overall rating.

The Montezuma Community School District received above average scores for proficiency in math, English language arts, and science, but below average marks in 4- and 5-year graduation rates and in the percentage of students either earning college credit or participating in a work-based learning program in high school. However, Montezuma High School, Montezuma Junior High, and Montezuma Elementary all received “Commendable” overall ratings.

Complete school performance profiles for all districts across the state are available online at iaschoolperformance.gov.

Higgins Named Lott IMPACT Trophy Semifinalist

Posted on by Sam Parsons

IOWA CITY — University of Iowa senior linebacker Jay Higgins has been recognized as one of nine semifinalists for the 2024 Lott IMPACT Trophy, it was announced Monday.

The Lott IMPACT Trophy is awarded annually to the nation’s top defensive player, who best exemplifies the characteristics of Ronnie Lott by making an IMPACT on and off the field. IMPACT is an acronym for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.

Higgins is also a semifinalist for the Butkus and Lombardi awards. He was named a midseason All-American last month by the Associated Press, Sporting News, CBS and The Athletic.

Higgins (6-foot-2, 232 pounds) is second in the Big Ten in tackles (10th nationally), making 98 tackles (9.8 per game). He led the team in tackles in Iowa’s first nine games of 2024, including a season-high 14 tackles against Ohio State, Washington and Michigan State. The native of Indianapolis has five double-digit tackle games this season and 16 in his career. His 315 career tackles are tied for 17th in program history. Higgins also has three interceptions and two forced fumbles.

Higgins is the only player in the nation with 90+ tackles and three interceptions. His three picks are tied for the second most among linebackers from a Power 4 conference.

Off the field, Higgins has volunteered his time at Safe Haven Animal Shelter, Community Crisis Services and Food Bank, Special Olympics, Dream City and Student Athlete Academic Services.

He was voted upon by the local media as the 2023 Duke Slater Golden Gavel honoree, which goes to the Iowa football player who not only is most cooperative with local media but exhibits himself with professional integrity in all interactions. He is a two-time Hayden Fry Extra Heartbeat Award honoree, which is presented to a team member who shows exemplary leadership and dedication throughout the year as well as the offseason. Higgins has been on the team’s Player Council each of the last three years, a select group a players voted upon by teammates who assist in formulating policies and being involved in team decision-making throughout the year.

Former Hawkeye linebacker Josey Jewell won the Lott IMPACT Trophy in 2017, while teammate Cooper DeJean was a semifinalist for the award in 2023.

Finalists for the award will be announced in December. The finalists will be invited to attend the annual Lott IMPACT Trophy award show on Dec. 9, 2024, in Las Vegas.

Iowa (6-4, 4-3) returns to action Saturday, Nov. 23 at Maryland. Kickoff is slated for 11 a.m. (CT) in College Park, Maryland. The game will be televised on BTN and broadcast on the Hawkeye Radio Network.

Jay Higgins | 2024 Honors
Lombardi Award Semifinalist
Dick Butkus Award Semifinalist
Lott IMPACT Trophy Semifinalist
AP, CBS Sports, Sporting News, The Athletic Midseason All-America
Chuck Bednarik Award midseason Watch List
Preseason National Defensive Player of the Year by Phil Steele
Preseason first-team Walter Camp All-American
Preseason first-team All-America by AP, ESPN, CBS Sports
Preseason first-team All-America by Phil Steele, Athlon Sports
Preseason first-team All-Big Ten by Phil Steele, Athlon Sports
Preseason Big Ten Honors List
Bronko Nagurski Trophy preseason Watch List
Lombardi Award midseason Watch List
Wuerffel Trophy preseason Watch List
Senior Bowl preseason Watch List
UI October Male Athlete of the Month

US regulators investigating whether engines on 1.4 million Hondas might fail

Posted on by Sam Parsons

DETROIT (AP) — The U.S. government’s highway safety agency is investigating complaints that engines can fail on as many as 1.4 million Honda and Acura vehicles.

The probe by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration covers the 2016 through 2020 Honda Pilot and Acura MDX, as well as the 2018 through 2020 Honda Odyssey and Acura TLX. Also included is the 2017 through 2019 Honda Ridgeline.

The agency says in documents posted on its website Monday that connecting rod bearings on vehicles with 3.5-liter V6 engines can fail, leading to complete engine failure. Connecting rods link the pistons to the crankshaft and convert vertical motion to move the wheels.

Honda recalled about 250,000 vehicles in November of 2023 to fix the same problem. But the agency says it has 173 complaints from owners who reported connecting rod bearing failures, yet their vehicles weren’t included in the recall. One owner reported a crash with no injuries.

The agency said it’s opening a recall query to determine the severity of the problem in vehicles not included in the 2023 recall.

Honda said it will cooperate with NHTSA on the investigation.

In documents explaining the 2023 recall, the automaker said had 1,450 warranty claims due to the bearing problem but no reports of injuries. Dealers were to inspect and repair or replace the engines if needed.

State universities facing issues as they seek to maintain enrollment

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By Dar Danielson (Radio Iowa)

Enrollment at the three state universities has been holding steady recently, but there are some challenges ahead.

Regents associate academic officer Jason Pontius says enrollment remains down from the record peak in the fall of 2016. “Forty percent of that drop over that time are from Chinese national students who are choosing not to attend our universities,” he says. “And another factor that is influencing that is nationally, there’s been about a seven to ten percentage point drop in the percent of high school graduates that are choosing to go to college.”

He says there has been some recovery of the international students. “That recovery is not coming from Chinese students. It is actually coming, in part, from students from India that are increasingly attending our universities,” Pontius says. The enrollment at Iowa State, the University of Iowa and Northern Iowa is about 81 percent undergraduate students,
and around 59 percent of those students are Iowa residents.

Pontius says one of the issues ahead is a drop in the size of high school classes. “Looking at a 15% decline between 2025 and 2029,” he says. “That data is coming from American Community Survey data. It is a sample, and generally speaking, the samples are pretty good.” Pontius says the decline is going to likely hit nationally, but it is not evenly distributed, “So there are major differences by region and state. The two regions that are expected to be hit the hardest are the Northeast and the Midwest, and with the least amount of impact in generally the South,” Pontius says.

Pontius says some are calling it an enrollment cliff, but he doesn’t believe it will be that severe. “While the nation looks like the class of fall of 2025 is going to be the high water mark, we are going to go it looks like a little bit higher in 2026 before the decline begins,” he says. “So yes, there is a decline. I hesitate to call it a cliff. And yes, we are looking to have the second one starting again around 2034.” He says another issue the state schools face are more high school graduates going directly into the workforce and bypassing college. “That climbed in particular during COVID. Obviously, the hourly wage has gone up significantly during that time, and that may be driving some of it, and it also probably is driving some of the decline in college going rates,” he says.

Pontius made his comments during a report the Board of Regents at their meeting last week.

Oskaloosa’s Merry Little Downtown Christmas is November 30

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA — Bundle up and make your way downtown on Saturday, November 30 to enjoy holiday fun and festivities.

Get photos taken with Santa, Mrs. Claus, reindeer, and other Christmas characters from Mahaska Drug, and enjoy fun Christmas treats and drinks while you wait.
Take a free horse-drawn wagon ride downtown and see all the beautiful Christmas decorations under the glow of Painting with Lights. Don’t miss out on the ‘Dancing Lights’ show, created by Jeremiah Maudlin. There are a few additions this year, with many photo opportunities! The light show has been donated by the Golden Goose Club to the City of Oskaloosa.
Pick up a copy of the Mahaska Wish Book and visit downtown retailers to find unique gifts for those special people on your list. Don’t forget to support local restaurants and grab a bite to eat while you’re at it!
Free will donations will be collected throughout the event with all proceeds supporting Painting with Lights, Oskaloosa’s holiday lighting display.
Looking for more holiday event information? Check out the Holiday Events page at https://www.mahaskachamber.org/mainstreet/ or call 641.672.2591.

Haul out the holly! Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree arrives in New York City

Posted on by Sam Parsons

NEW YORK (AP) — The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree arrived in New York City on Saturday, signaling the start of the holiday season in the Big Apple.

The 74-foot Norway spruce was driven into Manhattan’s Center Plaza, where it was hoisted in place by a crane. It will take 5 miles (about 8 kilometers) of light strands with more than 50,000 multicolored LED bulbs to wrap the tree, whose diameter measures 43 feet (13 meters). A Swarovski star crown sparkling with 3 million crystals will top it.

The towering conifer, donated by the Albert family in West Stockbridge, Massachusetts, was cut down Thursday morning and loaded onto a flatbed truck for the 140-mile (225-kilometer) trip. It is the first Rockefeller Center Christmas tree to come from Massachusetts since 1959.

It was met in New York City by smiling crowds who held cellphones aloft from behind barriers as crews attached cables to the giant tree, pounded a stake into its base and guided it into place.

“The crowds were big today. They were one of the biggest crowds I’ve ever seen that come to a tree raising,” said Erik Pauze, the head gardener at Rockefeller Center, who wore a candy cane-striped hard hat.

He first spotted the tree in 2020 while in search of another tree. Once in its new home, the adjustments began to get it ready for the elaborate tree-trimming to come.

“We stood it up, and now we’re going to lower some of the branches down by hand, because they’re so heavy and so big that we have to lower them down by hand,” Pauze said.

The lighting ceremony is Dec. 4.

When the tree is taken down in January, it will be milled into lumber for Habitat for Humanity.

Governor says 2025 focus will be on cuts in local property taxes

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa)

Governor Kim Reynolds has not announced whether she intends to seek reelection in 2026, but she is giving a few hints about her 2025 policy agenda.

Reynolds held a campaign fundraiser last month and talked about her record so far. “I’ve signed five tax cuts into law over the last six years, lowering taxes for every single Iowan who pays them,” Reynolds said, to cheers. “January 1, we’re going to a flat, 3.8% flat and fair tax.”

Two years ago, at a Republican Governors Association forum, Reynolds said her goal was to eliminate the state income tax by the end of her current term, which ends in early 2027. However, Reynolds has indicated her focus in 2025 will be on a reducing tax that’s collected by local governments, like cities, counties and school districts.

“We’re working on property tax,” she told the Westside Conservative Club on October 30. “We know we still have work to do there, so hang in there. We’ve shaved off $250 million, but we know we still have work to do.”

The latest report on state tax revenue indicates the state will take in a billion dollars less in income taxes over a 24 month period due to the tax cuts Reynolds has signed. “But you know what the other component of that is you have to keep spending in check,” Reynolds said. “You can still invest in priorities that are important to Iowans…you just have to do it responsibly.”

Reynolds signed a law this year that eliminated 67 state boards and commissions and merged others. In 2023, she consolidated state agencies and she suggests there’s more to come. “We’re not done. First of all, the culture that it’s creating, just that kind of environment and the collaboration between my agencies — it’s exciting,” Reynolds said. “It’s generating new energy and a passion to really look at how else we can change government and make it more innovative and just really responsive to the people that we serve, so that fires me up and believe me, there’s so much opportunity there.”

Democrats in the legislature say the tax cuts Reynolds has already signed will lead to cuts in state services and warn a reduction in state support of public schools is ahead when the next round of income tax cuts take effect. During her remarks at the Westside Conservative Club in late October, Reynolds addressed the criticism of her tax cuts. “We can sustain them and we’re doing it in a responsible manner,” Reynolds said. “Believe me, I am very conservative…I am not going to be the governor who cuts taxes to raise them again.”

Reynolds indicated the state has enough money as a cushion in case there is a downturn in the economy and a more dramatic decline in state tax collections than has been predicted. There’s a billion dollars in the state’s cash reserve plus a $2.5 billion budget surplus. There’s also $3.75 billion in the state’s Taxpayer Trust Fund.

WPU Falls in Weather-Affected Senior Day Contest vs. C-SC

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA — The Statesmen football team could not overcome several miscues as it fell 42-31 to Culver-Stockton in a Heart of America Athletic Conference North Division game Saturday.

William Penn (3-6, 2-4 Heart North) lost the Senior Day matchup despite outgaining the Wildcats 486-316, including a career-high 262 rushing yards by Destynd Loring (Jr., Charleston, S.C., Sports Management).

Unfortunately, the navy and gold lost two fumbles (one returned for a touchdown) and had a field goal blocked and returned for another score.

C-SC (2-8, 2-3 Heart) took the opening drive down the field for a 7-0 edge.  After being turned away on downs in visiting territory in its first possession, WPU took advantage of a short field caused by a poor Wildcat punt.  Six plays and just 34 yards later, Loring scored from one yard out to make it 7-7 after one quarter.

Culver-Stockton then took over with back-to-back scores and the Statesmen were the chasers the remainder of the afternoon.  Inside of the final minute of the first half, Loring again plunged across the goal line from a yard away.

Loring’s rushing tally is the fourth highest in school history and the best since James Jackson had 268 against Olivet Nazarene in 2005.

Unfortunately, on a day when the wind and rain pounded the players throughout, the hold on the extra point attempt was not successful and William Penn trailed 21-13 at intermission.

Loring took the opening handoff of the third quarter and dashed 60 yards to paydirt, but looking to make up for the earlier failed PAT try, the Statesmen attempted a two-point conversion, but it failed, leaving the home team behind 21-19.  It would be the closest the squad would come in the latter minutes on Saturday.

C-SC recorded the next two touchdowns, but William Penn did not quit fighting as it scored twice in the fourth stanza.  Keegan Simmons (Sr., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Elementary Education) first darted in from four yards away and Sterling Ramsey II (Jr., Broken Arrow, Okla., Business Management) later found Amir Everett (Jr., Minneapolis, Minn., Sports Management) on a 23-yard passing score to make it 35-31.

Ramsey II was 10-for-29 for 136 yards, while Everett caught three balls for 69 yards.  Keithon Davis (Fr., McKinney, Texas) was a popular target of Ramsey II’s as well with four catches for 37 yards.

Unfortunately, the Wildcats capped the day’s scoring with one more touchdown just outside of the two-minute timeout.

Daequan Johnson (Sr., Marion, Iowa, Kinesiology) headlined the defense with 10 tackles, while Malcolm Bryant (Sr., Cincinnati, Ohio, Sports Management) had nine stops and Tyler Green (Fr., Tampa, Fla., Business Management) added seven (six solos).

“Our team showed a lot of promise in the way we moved the ball offensively and held strong on defense,” Head Coach Marc Benavidez said.  “Unfortunately, the tough weather conditions, along with a few costly mistakes, got the better of us today.  We will work hard to correct those mistakes and build on the positives to put these seniors out on a high note a week from now.”

Next Up: William Penn travels to Marshall, Mo. next Saturday to face Missouri Valley in a Heart North-South crossover game at 1 p.m.

EBF Community School District to Host Community Meeting on New Construction Project

Posted on by Sam Parsons

EDDYVILLE — The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont (EBF) Community School District announces a community meeting on Friday, November 15, at 6:00 p.m. at the EBF Jr-Sr High School Library. This meeting will provide an opportunity for district residents, parents, and stakeholders to learn about the upcoming construction project aimed at enhancing the educational environment for EBF Jr-Sr High School students.

The project includes replacing three temporary classroom buildings located on the south side of the Jr-Sr High campus.  Six new classrooms will be added to the north wing of the EBF Jr.-Sr. High, allowing the district to move students from temporary facilities into a permanent structure attached to the current building.

Additionally, a new nutrition storage facility will be constructed to address the current dilapidated conditions and inadequacies of the current nutrition storage structure. 

Superintendent Scott Williamson emphasized the significance of the project: “This project represents a critical step in advancing the academic environment for our students and ensuring classrooms are functional. It is part of our ongoing commitment to improve EBF facilities and provide the best possible education for the EBF community.”

Funding Details: The project will be funded through the Secure and Advanced Vision for Education (SAVE) program. The SAVE funding, generated by a one-cent sales tax throughout Iowa, provides EBF approximately $800,000 annually based on resident enrollment. Importantly, this financing structure ensures that the EBF community will not incur additional property taxes to support the project.

Attendees at the November 15 meeting will receive detailed information on the project timeline, scope, and benefits. There will also be an opportunity for questions and community feedback. The district encourages all community members to attend and participate in this important discussion.  More information located on the EBF website by clicking the “Capital Campaign Project” button.

All District Football Teams for Class 4A District 3 Announced: 7 Oskaloosa Indians Honored

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By Sam Parsons

The All-District Teams for Class 4A District 3 football were announced yesterday. 7 members of the Oskaloosa Indians were named either first or second team All-District.

Juniors Parker Jordan and Trey Parks, as well as seniors Lukas Toubekis and Caden Johnson, were all recognized as first team All-District. Second team honorees from the Indians included junior Heavon Knox and seniors Maddux Ashman and Domanic Piersel.

Parker Jordan led the Indians defense with 7.0 sacks this season. He tallied a total of 43 tackles, including 20 solo tackles and 10 TFLs, with two fumble recoveries and one defensive TD. He was a two-way starter, also starting every game on the offensive line.

Trey Parks was another two-way starter for the Indians, being recognized for his achievements at linebacker for the Indians. Parks finished 2024 with 42 total tackles, 21 solo tackles, 7 TFLs, 2 fumble recoveries, and 1 sack. Parks also played RB/slot for the Indians, finishing the season with 12 receptions for 115 yards.

Lukas Toubekis was yet another two-way starter for Osky. He was honored for his contributions as a DE/LB after leading Oskaloosa with 44 tackles, including 20 solo tackles. Toubekis piled up 8 TFLs and 2.0 sacks, 1 fumble recovery, and one interception. Toubekis was also a starter on the offensive line.

Caden Johnson started on both the offensive and defensive lines of Oskaloosa in his senior campaign. At DT, he finished the season with 23 tackles, 5 TFLs, and 2.0 sacks with 1 fumble recovery.

Heavon Knox was the lone Indian honored for his achievements on the offensive side of the ball. Knox had a breakout season as a junior WR for the Indians, hauling in 34 catches fore 550 yards and 4 touchdowns. He also scored a touchdown via a punt return on the season.

Maddux Ashman started at cornerback for the Indians as a senior and excelled at limiting the contributions of opposing WRs. Statistically, he finished 2024 with 32 tackles (23 solo), with 7 TFLs. Ashman was also a kick returner for the Indians, returning 16 kicks for 357 yards – an average of 22.3 yards per return – including a 93-yard touchdown.

Lastly, Domanic Piersel started at linebacker alongside Trey Parks. Despite missing two games, Piersel contributed 42 tackles (24 solo) with 10 TFLs, which tied for the team lead with Parker Jordan. Piersel also added a fumble recovery.

Class 4A District 3 also honored the All-Academic Team within the district. Oskaloosa’s Jaden DeRonde, Caden Johnson, Grady Kool, Merek Padgett, Lukas Toubekis, Brock Beerbower, and Parker Jordan were all celebrated for their achievements in the classroom.

Additionally, 5 members of the Oskaloosa cheerleading team were recognized as part of the All-Academic team for cheer: Sadie Blommers, Anastasia Boosalis, Rees Campbell, Emily Rice, and Gabriella Stropes.

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