Latest articles - Osceola Sentinel-Tribune

Why Talent Shows Still Captivate Audiences Around the World

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 15:39:00 +0200

The Rise of a Television Powerhouse

Talent shows have evolved from modest variety programming into a global entertainment phenomenon. From singing contests to dance battles, comedy showcases, and all-ages performance competitions, the format has proven remarkably adaptable. At its core, the concept is simple: contestants step into the spotlight, judges react, and audiences become part of the journey. That formula has allowed talent shows to cross borders, cultures, and generations with unusual ease.

Part of their success comes from the democratic fantasy they offer. Viewers are invited to believe that raw ability can still be discovered anywhere, whether in a small town, a school auditorium, or a day job far removed from show business. This sense of possibility gives the genre emotional power. Even when the production is polished and highly commercial, the central story often remains deeply personal: an unknown performer chasing recognition.

Why Audiences Keep Watching

The enduring popularity of talent shows is not just about performance quality. These programs are built around suspense, emotional storytelling, and public participation. Contestants are introduced not only through their acts but also through their struggles, ambitions, and family backgrounds. As a result, viewers are encouraged to invest in them as people, not just as entertainers. A strong audition can become a breakthrough moment, while a surprising elimination can spark national debate.

Judges also play a major role in shaping the appeal of the format. Their praise, criticism, disagreements, and personalities add drama beyond the performances themselves. In many cases, the panel becomes as important as the contestants, creating memorable television moments that circulate far beyond the original broadcast. Combined with audience voting, social media discussion, and recap culture, talent shows extend their reach well beyond the stage.

There is also a comforting familiarity to the genre. Most talent shows follow a recognizable rhythm: auditions, callbacks, live rounds, and a finale. That structure allows audiences to return week after week while still experiencing unpredictability within each episode. The balance between routine and surprise is one of the format's greatest strengths.

The Promise and Pressure of Instant Fame

For contestants, talent shows can provide life-changing visibility. A few minutes on a major stage may lead to record deals, touring opportunities, acting roles, sponsorships, or a large online following. Some performers use the platform as a launching pad for lasting careers, while others gain a brief moment of fame that fades once the season ends. The path after the final episode is rarely as straightforward as the show may suggest.

That reality has fueled ongoing debate about the industry around talent competitions. Supporters argue that these programs open doors that would otherwise remain closed, especially for people without connections or financial resources. Critics counter that they can turn personal ambition into spectacle, packaging vulnerability and disappointment as entertainment. The pressure on contestants is intense, particularly when public judgment is immediate and relentless.

Young participants may face an especially difficult transition from private life to sudden visibility. Success can bring opportunity, but also scrutiny, expectations, and emotional strain. Behind the bright lights and dramatic music lies a demanding environment where performance, personality, and resilience are constantly tested.

A Mirror of Modern Culture

Talent shows reflect broader changes in how fame works today. In an era shaped by viral clips and personal branding, these programs function as both entertainment and career accelerators. A standout performance can spread rapidly, reaching millions of people in a matter of hours. This has strengthened the role of talent shows as cultural conversation starters, producing moments that dominate headlines and online feeds alike.

At the same time, the genre reveals what audiences value in public figures. Technical skill still matters, but so do authenticity, relatability, and a compelling backstory. Viewers often respond to contestants who seem sincere, determined, and emotionally open. In that sense, talent shows are not just searching for the best performer. They are often searching for the most complete narrative of modern stardom.

Despite changing media habits and growing competition from streaming platforms, talent shows remain resilient. Their blend of aspiration, drama, and shared viewing experience continues to attract large audiences. As long as people are drawn to stories of discovery and transformation, the phenomenon of talent shows is likely to remain firmly in the spotlight.

Osceola Council approves new three-home development through O-HI Program

Thu, 28 May 2026 06:00:23 +0200

At the Tuesday, May 19, Osceola City Council meeting, council members and city staff discussed and approved the latest applicant for the Osceola Housing Incentive (O-HI) Program. The three-home subdivision by Parson Creek Company, LLC, will bring the total number of homes approved through the program to seven since its launch in August 2025.

Groundbreaking for the Parson Creek development is scheduled for early summer 2026. The project will consist of three single-family homes, each featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an attached two-car garage. Full unfinished basements will allow future homeowners the opportunity to expand living space while building additional equity over time.

Brian Crawford, owner of Parson Creek Company, presented the housing concept to the council, outlining the building designs and projected construction timeline.

“Each home will feature a similar floor plan with a fully finished main level,” Crawford said. “The basements will be stubbed for an additional bathroom and designed with space for a future bedroom and family room.”

Crawford added, “If the homes are pre-sold, or if buyers would like the basements finished, options will be available.”

The O-HI Program, launched by the city of Osceola and the Clarke County Development Corporation in August 2025, offers qualified applicants up to 10% of a new home’s assessed value back as a reimbursement incentive. The program was created to help offset rising construction costs, encourage new residential development and expand housing opportunities throughout the community.

“Developments like the Parson Creek homes are exactly what the O-HI Program was designed to support,” CCDC Executive Director Andrew Clark said. “Builders can utilize the program to help new homeowners, enter the housing market with lower upfront costs and a quicker path to building home equity.”

According to Clark, the O-HI Program represents more than a financial incentive for prospective homeowners. It is part of a broader investment in Osceola’s future, combining proactive housing strategies with the quality of life offered in rural Iowa. Community leaders hope the initiative will continue positioning Osceola as an attractive, family-oriented destination for residents seeking affordable new construction, strong community connections and access to opportunities across southern Iowa.

The new Parson Creek homes will be located at 115, 125 and 129 North Temple St. in Osceola. Situated within an established neighborhood, near parks and trails, the homes are expected to appeal to families and those seeking new homeownership opportunities.

For questions regarding the homes, please contact Parson Creek Company, LLC at 515-499-2460.

For additional information or to apply for the O-HI Program, visit www.osceolaia.net/o-hi or contact the Osceola City Administrator’s office at 641-342-2377.

Primaries are June 2

j.chen@austinchronicle.com (Jennifer Chen) — Thu, 28 May 2026 06:00:21 +0200

With the June 2 primaries just days away, time is winding down to cast your votes. Polls will open at 7 a.m. Tuesday and close at 8 p.m. The window for absentee voting at the Clarke County Auditor’s office closes at 4:30 p.m. Monday, June 1, with all mailed-in absentee ballots needing to be received by 8 p.m. Tuesday to be counted towards election totals. The auditor’s office will be open for extended in-person voting from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. As of May 22, 132 people have voted absentee.

Polling places for Clarke County residents are: Middle Precinct (Ward, Knox and Green Bay townships): Clarke County 4-H building

North Precinct (Washington, Fremont and Osceola townships): Osceola Eagles building Murray Precinct (city of Murray; Madison, Troy and Doyle townships): Murray Community Center Osceola 1st Ward: LifePoint Assembly of God Church Osceola 2nd Ward: United Methodist Church Osceola 3rd Ward: Osceola Country Club Woodburn Precinct (city of Woodburn; Liberty, Jackson and Franklin townships): Woodburn Legion Hall Voters physically unable to enter a polling place have a right to vote from their vehicle. For more information, call the auctions office at 641-342-3315 or email jgraves@clarkecountyiowa.org.

County seats

On the ballot are four county seats up for reelection with two contested, all with Republican candidates.

Incumbent Randy Dunbar is seeking a second term as Clarke County Supervisor for District 2. Dunbar was elected in 2022. Laurence L. Keller is also running; Keller previously served as supervisor from 2012-2022.

The second contested race is that of county treasurer. Incumbent Jessica Smith looks to retain her seat that she has held since 2021 while Samantha Horton looks to take the helm.

Incumbents Selena Dawn Humphrey and Johanna Olson are running for reelection as county recorder and attorney respectively. It will be Humphrey’s second term and Olson’s third.

State offices

Incumbent Sam Wengryn-R is seeking a second term as Dist. 24 State Representative. There are two Democrats running for Dist. 24 - Paul J. Davis and Sonya Hicks. District 24 excludes the Murray Precinct.

For State Representative Dist. 23 that is for the Murray Precinct only, incumbent Ray Bubba Sorensen is running unopposed on the Republican ticket while Karen Varley runs unopposed on the Democrat ticket.

Rob Sand, current state auditor, is the lone Democrat on the ticket for Iowa Governor while there are five Republicans seeking the win: Eddie Andrews, Randy Feenstra, Zach Lahn, Brad Sherman and Adam Steen. Andrews presently represents Iowa House Dist. 43 and Feenstra U.S. House in the 4th Congressional District. Sherman previously served in the Iowa House representing Dist. 91.

Iowa Secretary of State Paul D. Pate is running unopposed on the Republican ballot while Ryan Peterman runs unopposed on the Democratic ballot.

For state auditor, Taylor Wettach is the only name on the Democratic ballot with Chris Cournoyer - current Lt. Gov. of Iowa - and Abigail Maas on the Republican ballot.

Incumbent Roby Smith is alone on the Republican ballot for treasurer of state, with John Norwood running against him on the Democratic ballot.

Mike Naig is the only Republican running for secretary of agriculture, a position he has held since 2018, with Chris Jones running for the Democrats.

Incumbent Brenna Bird is running on the Republican ballot for another term as attorney general, while Nate Willems is on the Democratic ballot.

Federal offices

For United States Senator, both the Republicans and Democrats have two contenders, as Sen. Joni Ernst-R is not seeking reelection. On the Republican side there is Jim Carlin and Ashley Hinson, while the Democrats running are Josh Turek and Zach Wahls. Hinson currently represents Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District in the U.S. House, Turek District 20 in the Iowa House, Wahls District 43 of the Iowa Senate and Carlin previously represented District 20 in the Iowa House.

Republican Zach Nunn is running for his Dist. 3 United States Representative seat while Sarah Trone Garriott is the only name on the Democratic ballot. Trone Garriott currently represents Iowa Senate Dist. 14.

CALENDAR

Thu, 28 May 2026 06:00:20 +0200

• Mondays & Thursdays: Yoga at the Osceola United Methodist Church (5:30 p.m.)

• Mondays (first Monday of month): Clarke Co. Genealogical Society, Osceola Public Library (6:30 p.m.)

• Wednesdays: Movement Training, Clarke County Hospital (11 a.m.) *registration required, call 515-207-6296

• Wednesdays: SECOND Wednesdays, Parkinson’s Support Group, Clarke County Hospital (1-2:30 p.m.)

• Thursdays: Coffee and Devotions at the Osceola United Methodist Church, all welcome (10 a.m.)

• Thursdays: SECOND Thursday, unless otherwise noted, Clarke County Democrats meeting, 115 E. Washington St. (7 p.m.)

• Fridays: Social Friday for adults, Osceola Public Library (9:30-11:30 a.m.)

• Saturdays: FIRST Saturday of the month, bird watching w/Debi Talbot, East Lake Park, Bobcat Shelter (8 a.m.)

• Sundays: Clarke County Museum, 1030 South Main, free will admission (1-4 p.m.). Private tours available upon request.

• May 29: Decorate sidewalks, Murray Public Library (all day)

• May 29: LEGO Hour, Murray Public Library (2 p.m.)

• May 29: Summer reading program registration, Osceola Public Library (6-7 p.m.) • May 31, June 7 & 28: Bingo at the Eagles (1:30 p.m.)

• June 2: Home School Activity, Murray Public Library (2 p.m.)

• June 2: Murray Summer Reading Program kick-off

• June 3: Summer craft, Murray Public Library (2 p.m.)

• June 6: Fly-in event, Osceola Municipal Airport (8 a.m.-3 p.m.)

• June 8 & 22: Story hour, Murray Public Library (11 a.m.)

• June 8 & 22: Coffee ladies, Murray Public Library (1 p.m.)

• June 8: Slime making, Murray Public Library (3 p.m.)

• June 9: Golden Hour Gathering, Osceola Public Library (1:30-3 p.m., ages 50+)

Brian McConnell

Thu, 28 May 2026 06:00:19 +0200

McConnell

Savannah, Missouri

Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidefanden Chapel is in charge of the cremation of 57-year-old Brian McConnell of Savannah, Missouri, formerly of Murray.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 30 at Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidefanden Chapel, 3609 Frederick in St. Joseph, Missouri. A memorial luncheon will follow.

Family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 29 at the chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial donations to the Herzog Foundation.

Rosemary Cooley

Thu, 28 May 2026 06:00:18 +0200

Cooley

Osceola

Rosemary Hunt Cooley, age 82 of Osceola, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. Born on March 23,1945, to Lola (Cochran) Hunt and Robert (Leland) Hunt, Rosemary lived a life rooted in faith, family and service.

Rosemary was a proud graduate of Clarke Community High School in 1962. She worked in Omaha, Nebraska, prior to marriage and starting a family. Rosemary worked in the Clarke Community School District for several years as a teacher’s aide, administrative assistant and as support personnel for students with disabilities.

On Dec. 3, 1966, Rosemary married the love of her life, Jack Cooley. Their journey together was marked by resilience and joy. In a beautiful twist of fate, the same week they were approved for adoption, Rosemary discovered she was pregnant. They welcomed their daughter, Jenifer Julie, on Nov. 16, 1972, followed by twin sons, Joseph Leland and James Calvin, on Jan. 21, 1974.

She will be remembered for: her commitment to her children, never missing a ball game or track meet; her love of celebrating life events such as birthdays and holidays; her love of taking in stray cats, kids and anyone else who needed help; her enthusiastic support of her grandchildren, cheering from the front row at every event; her love of cooking making meals large and small for family and friends and her love of gardening.

Her sweet and generous spirit touched everyone who knew her. Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort in knowing she is now safe in the arms of Jesus, walking streets of gold and free from pain.

Rosemary is survived by daughter Jenifer Opie of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; sons, Joe (Jeannette) Cooley of Ellston and Jim (Marcy) Cooley of Osceola; grandchildren: Carter (Austin) Tulle of Lucas, Bailey (Raechel) Ogbourne of Norwalk, Miranda Ogbourne of Des Moines, Sam (Megan) Cooley of Norwalk, Jack Cooley of Ames, Jillian Opie of Lawrence, Kansas, and Marin Opie of Lee’s Summit; great-grandson Trilyn Tulle of Lucas; nieces: Christy (Fred) Calvin of Creston, Nicki (Joyce) Saylor of Washington, D.C., and Sarah (Todd) Middleton of Shawnee, Kansas, and nephew Chris (Karen) Redman of Orlando, Florida.

Rosemary was preceded in death by her husband Jack, her parents Leland and Lola Hunt; sister-in-law Connie (Lloyd) Saylor Johnson; in-laws Robert and Helen Cooley, brother-in-law Dave Redman and sister-in-law Jane Redman.

Services will be held at Kale Funeral Home - Osceola, Friday, June 5 at 10 a.m. with Pastor Chuck DeVos officiating with interment in the Maple Hill Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 4 at Kale Funeral Home.

Darwin Small

Thu, 28 May 2026 06:00:17 +0200

Small

Osceola

Darwin “Dusty” Paul Small, son of Norman Eugene Small and Georgetta Faye (Marsh) Gilpatrick, was born Sept. 3, 1971, in Muscatine and passed from this life at his home in Osceola on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 54 years of age.

Dusty grew up in Muscatine, attended school there and completed training at ABC School as an electrician. Dusty moved to Osceola in the early ’90s and worked for Osceola Foods in the maintenance department until earlier this year he retired due to health reasons. Dusty was united in marriage to Dawn Renee Powers on Oct. 27, 2007, in Thayer.

Dusty was a hard-working person who enjoyed tinkering in his shop and he could fix anything. He liked cars, trucks and motorcy cles. He enjoyed spend ing time outdoors, deer hunting, collecting guns and hornets’ nests. He will be greatly missed by his many friends and family.

Those relatives who preceded Darwin in death were his father Norman Small, brother Eugene Small and grandparents: Cecil and Wilamay Parkhurst and Ralph and Maudie Small.

Darwin leaves to cherish his memory wife Dawn Renee Small of Osceola; stepsons Trent Muselman and Luke Muselman; mother and stepfather Georgetta (Roger) Gilpatrick; brothers: Steve Monford, Jermanie (Trista) Gilpatrick, Tracy Gilpatrick, Stacy (Vicki) Small and Sidney Gilpartrick; nephews: Trey Gilpatrick, Trevor Gilpatrick, Peyton Gilpatrick, Damon Small, Chris Small, Brady Small and Levi Merchant; sister Angie (Chuck) Merchant; nieces Shantell Merchant and Ashley Small; grandsons: Dante Muselman, Benson Muselman and Preston Leeps; granddaughters Isabella Muselman and Ember Lynn Muselman, as well as other relatives and many friends.

Celebration of Life will be held at the Conservation Education Building at East Lake Park, Saturday May 30 from 1 to 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions for EveryStep Hospice.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.kalefuneralhome. com.

Mike Van Ahn Memorial Fishing Derby

Thu, 28 May 2026 06:00:16 +0200

Every year, the summer staff at the Clarke County Extension Office continues a tradition started by a local fisherman who passed away by the name Mike Van Ahn.

The event he created was free to children of all ages and provided a meal for each of the families as well as a fun and safe fishing environment. It was an honor to take over the event, and we strive to continue his legacy.

The Annual Mike Van Ahn Memorial Fishing Derby is a free event for families. Children ages 3-18 can participate for prizes. During registration, a light breakfast will be provided to families along with prizes awarded to every participant. This year, the fishing derby will be held on Saturday, May 30 at the East Lake Park, Goldner Shelter, east on Hwy 34 in Osceola.

Registration is free and runs from 8 to 8:30 a.m. and fishing will begin shortly after. Fishing will be from 8:30 to 10 a.m. and awards and prizes will be from 10:30 to 11 a.m.

Please bring your fishing gear if you have it, as a limited supply of fishing poles will be available, thanks to the Clarke County Conservation Board.

This event would not be possible without the support from our sponsors and donations we received. We use every donation to make the derby as successful as possible and every youth participant goes home with a prize or two.

Make plans to join us! For this FUN, FREE, family event.

If you have any questions, please call the Clarke County Extension Office at 641-342-3316.

Anna Welker

Thu, 28 May 2026 06:00:15 +0200

Welker

Winterset

Anna May Franks was born Nov. 17, 1936, in Osceola to Roy Earl Franks, Sr. and Mary Kathryn (Martin) Franks, and passed from this life May 20, 2026, at Winterset.

Anna started school at the age of 4 attending country schools in Clarke County. Upon entering high school, Anna moved to Osceola to live with her grandparents, Harley Benjamin and Elizabeth Marie Martin, as there were no buses to bring the country kids to town.

After graduating high school at the age of 17, Anna moved to Iowa City and worked for Children Services. She returned to Osceola and was married to James Dwaine Webb on June 28, 1955, in Kansas City, Missouri. They started their marriage at the Marine Corps Base Camp Le-Jeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina, returning back to Clarke County in early 1956. Their marriage was blessed with two children: Kenneth Martin and Rebecca Anne.

Anna went to work in the early 60s as an office assistant in the Farm Bureau office. While working there she built up quite a reputation writing a weekly column called “A Line From Anne” which was about the ups and downs of being a farm wife and raising two kids. In 1978, the farming community was doing well and she was able to retire to help out on the farm since both kids were grown and gone from home and no longer there to help. When farming crashed in 1980, she went back to work in Des Moines for a temp agency finally ending up working in the Des Moines School District as a secretary. After being there for a few years, she went to work at Principal Financial Group where she completed her working career and retired in the early 2000s. She then worked part-time for Fons & Porter in their quilt shop, not because she needed too, but because she loved being there.

On Oct. 24, 1993, Anna found love again and married Dwaine Dean Welker in Fort Dodge. Over the years, she was very active in the community being a Boy Scout Den Mother, doing a term on the Clarke Community School Board, volunteered with the Iowa Soybean Association, was on the Clarke County Reservoir Commission and was a board member of SIRWA for a total of 20 years.

There wasn’t anything Anne couldn’t do. She did leather work making many billfolds, checkbook covers, purses and other things all given as gifts. She crocheted and knitted many afghans along with doilies over the years, also given as gifts. Her knitted Christmas stockings became quite famous and expected in her extended family, always giving them as gifts. She made well over 100 in her lifetime. She made all of her clothes, Jim’s shirts and her children’s clothes until they started junior high. But her greatest love - later in life - was making and awarding Quilts of Valor to the veterans.

Preceding her in death are her parents, first husband Jim, son Kenny, second husband Dwaine, brother and sister-in-law Roy Earl Franks, Jr. and Dwan, sister-in-law Wilma and husband Larry Helms, brother-in-law John Webb and wife Betty and sister- in-law Lola and husband Everette Carson.

Surviving are daughter Becky (Kevin) Rodgers of Williamstown, Missouri; grandchildren: Jennifer Nicole (David) Snead of Kahoka, Missouri, Jessica Reed, K. Eric Rodgers (Kristina) of Williamstown and Joshua James Webb of Indianola; great-grandchildren: K. Blake, Jenna Kaye and Kamden Marcus Rodgers of Williamstown and Makenna Diane Snead of Kahoka; family- by-choice granddaughter Jessica (Drew) Sparks Goffinet and great-grandchildren Brady and Sophia Goffinet of Raymore, Missouri.

Services were held at Kale Funeral Home - Osceola, Tuesday, May 26 at 11 a.m. with Pastor Marty Burgus officiating with the family greeting friends at a visitation one hour prior to services.

A livestream of the service ia available at www.kalefuneralhome. com on Anna’s tribute wall. Interment was in the Maple Hill Cemetery in Osceola.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Clarke County Historical Society or Ottawa Cemetery.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www. kalefuneralhome.com.

Norma JoAnn Marvin

Thu, 28 May 2026 06:00:14 +0200

Marvin

Osceola

Norma JoAnn Marvin, born on March 14, 1935, in the warmth of her Aunt Lillis Luce’s home in rural Clarke County, passed away peacefully at the age of 91 on May 16, 2026, at Clarke County Hospital in Osceola. Her life was a testament to dedication, love and the joy found in simple pleasures.

JoAnn received her education in Clarke County where she attended Leslie country school through the eighth grade. She attended Osceola High School and graduated in 1953 before attending Drake University.

On Sept. 8, 1957, JoAnn was united in marriage to LaVerne Marvin in Osceola at the First Christian Church. Together, they built a life filled with love and laughter, blessed by the birth of their two children, Michael and Beth.

JoAnn, as she was known to family and friends, spent much of her professional life working at Northwestern Bell, where she devoted 35 years. Upon retiring, her commitment to serving others led her to the State of Iowa Job Service. What began as volunteer work turned into a full-time position that she held for a decade before retiring once more.

Her life was rich with interests and hobbies that brought her joy and fulfillment. JoAnn was an avid reader and a member of several bridge clubs over the years and was a lifelong member of the First Christian Church in Osceola. She cherished time spent boating and relaxing at the family’s house in the Ozarks. An enthusiastic supporter of all Iowa Hawkeye’s teams, her spirit was equally buoyed by the music of Elvis Presley and the beauty of her flower gardens. Her beloved dog, Hawkeye, was a constant companion. Above all, she treasured moments shared with her family and found delight in enjoying a good bowl of ice cream. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband LaVerne Marvin; her son Michael Marvin; her parents Merlyn Wheeler Eddy and Lorena Blanche Eddy; her siblings: Olin Everette (Twyla) Eddy, Alice Aletha (Merlin) Newman, Oral Leroy (Lois) Eddy, Roberta (Bill) Touet and James Donald (Betty) Eddy; her parents-in-law Charles Marvin Sr. and Eva Eula Marvin and several cherished brothers and sisters-inlaw: Beverly McNaughton, Shirley Akers, Gene LeRoy Marvin, Rich Marvin, Delbert Marvin, Charles Chick Marvin, Jr., Thelma Hill and Douglas Akers.

Left to honor and cherish her memory are her daughter and sonin- law Beth and Rodney Redman of Osceola; grandchildren: Stuart Redman of Ames, David Redman of Des Moines, Jacob Redman of Des Moines and Sydnee (Alex Kirkpatrick) Redman of Huxley; great-grandchildren: Connor Redman, Jonah Redman and Quinley JoBeth Kirkpatrick; sisters-in-law Sharon Marvin of Osceola and Patricia Marvin of Lewisville, Texas; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of dear friends.

The family received friends Thursday, May 21 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Kale Funeral Home. Graveside services followed at 11:30 a.m. at Maple Hill Cemetery where JoAnn will be laid to rest beside her loved ones.

JoAnn’s legacy is one of love, strength and community. She will be deeply missed by all who had the honor of knowing her. The family kindly asks that donations be made to the family for something to be decided at a later date.

Joy Carns

Thu, 28 May 2026 06:00:13 +0200

Carns

Osceola

Joy Lee Glenn Carns was born on Aug. 4, 1940, in Osceola to Leland James Glenn and Evelyn Maxine Emary. She passed on May 18, 2026.

Joy grew up on the family farm in rural Clarke County helping her dad and grandpa raise black Angus cattle. She married the love of her life Merrill Carns on May 23, 1964. To this union they were blessed with one daughter, Deborah May.

After graduating from high school Joy lived and worked in Des Moines for a few years before returning to Osceola and marrying Merrill. She worked at Furnas Electric when they opened until 2003. She also enjoyed working for Mosaic for a few years.

She enjoyed spending time on the family farm with her grandchildren Casey and Denver, often taking them explore the outdoors all through the summer. She was a longtime faithful member of Immanuel Lutheran Church.

She enjoyed shopping trips with many of her close friends and attending country music shows across Iowa. She loved reading books and bird watching, cardinals being a favorite. She especially enjoyed visits from her daughter, grandkids and great-grandchildren.

She is proceeded in death by her parents and husband, sister-inlaw Gayle (Wayne) Burchett, brothersi n-law Richard “Dick” Carns, Max Carns, and niece Cathy McCabe.

Joy’s memory will live on in the hearts of her family: daughter Deborah; grandchildren, Casey (Josh) Spoelstra and Denver (Dalli) Overton; great- grandchildren: Ethan Royce, Blake Francis and Khloe June Spoelstra, and Newt James and Newly Jay Overton; cousins Edith Podhajsky and Erma Helmberger, half-sister-in-law, Linda (George) Matusich; sisters- in-law Joanna Carns and Emily Carns; nieces and nephews: Anne Barton, Mike (Maura) Ellyson, Kelly (Eric) Morris, Rod (Janice) Carns, Shani (John) Weirs, Cassie McAllister and Amanda (Tyler) Marshall; great-nephews Ken (Julie) Barton and Jacob (Andrea) Barton, along with many other friends and relatives.

Graveside services were held at Maple Hill Cemetery, Thursday May 21 at 2:30 p.m. with Pastor Aaron Wendorff officiating.

Memorial contributions may be directed to her family for a fitting tribute to be decided.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.kalefuneralhome. com.

A lifetime of memories at the Clarke County Fair

Thu, 28 May 2026 06:00:12 +0200

George and Phyllis Paul reflect on the impact of 4-H, FFA and family tradition

For George and Phyllis Paul, the county fair has never been just a week-long event — it has been a way of life, a family tradition and a place where lifelong lessons were learned and memories were made.

George became involved in 4-H as soon as he was old enough in 1953. Like many youth growing up in rural Iowa during that era, he dedicated countless hours to caring for livestock and preparing projects for the fair. He showed both hogs and cattle of his own and, in addition to his livestock projects, was required to enter at least one item in the static exhibits building each year.

George recalls that during the late 1960s, girls were required to belong to a girls’ club in order to participate in a boys’ 4-H club — a reminder of how much programs and opportunities have evolved over the years.

Despite the changes through time, one thing has always remained the same: the fair was a family event.

“Everyone went,” George shared. “The whole family was involved.”

Among his favorite memories as a 4-H member was his final year showing cattle, when he earned Champion Shorthorn Heifer — an accomplishment that still stands out decades later.

As meaningful as his own experiences were, some of George’s proudest moments came later as a parent. One memory in particular remains especially close to his heart: watching his daughter, Dory, win Champion Market Hog during her very first year showing pigs with a hog their family had raised themselves.

Having participated in both 4-H and National FFA Organization, George understood firsthand the value those programs bring to young people. That understanding inspired him to become a club leader, helping guide the next generation through the same experiences that had shaped his own life.

As a leader, George found tremendous joy in watching young exhibitors succeed.

“It was very rewarding seeing the pride in a kid’s face when they received their ribbon for their project,” he said.

Through both showing livestock and mentoring youth, George says he learned many important life lessons — including compassion, sportsmanship, resilience and how to “roll with the punches.” Those lessons, he believes, are among the greatest benefits the fair and youth organizations can offer.

Phyllis also shares a deep connection to the fair and the 4-H program. She was involved in 4-H for one year as a youth, but after marrying George, she became actively involved again as a club leader alongside him. Over the years, she developed a special appreciation for the creativity and dedication displayed by local youth.

“My favorite part of the fair is going to the exhibit building and seeing what the kids have created,” Phyllis shared.

In addition to serving as a leader, Phyllis dedicated many years to serving on the fair board, helping shape the fairgrounds into what visitors know today. Her contributions extended beyond the fair week itself, as she also helped create the annual soup supper fundraiser — an event that continues to serve as the only fundraiser directly supporting the fair.

Together, George and Phyllis have witnessed generations of families dedicate themselves to projects, livestock, exhibits and community involvement. While they are proud of how the fair continues to impact youth, they also acknowledge the challenges facing county fairs today, particularly the decline in community support.

“The fair is a family affair,” George explained. “The entire family works hard to support the projects.”

He also points out that the Clarke County Fair remains one of the few fairs that does not charge admission, ensuring that everyone in the community has the opportunity to attend and support local youth.

Today, both George and Phyllis remain incredibly proud of the fair, the fairgrounds and the opportunities the programs provide for young people.

“We still continue to support the fair an exhibitors through sponsoring awards and encourage everyone to attend the fair,” they said.

“The fair has helped shape who I am,” George reflected.

When asked what advice they would offer today’s youth exhibitors, their message is simple and heartfelt: “Have fun and make memories.”

Fair countdown is on

Thu, 28 May 2026 06:00:11 +0200

The countdown is on for the Clarke County Fair — and with less than 50 days until the gates open July 13 - 19, excitement is building all across the county!

From the sounds of livestock shows, laughter, tractor engines and entertainment, fair week is more than just an event — it’s a summer tradition generations look forward to year after year.

Preparations are already underway as exhibitors polish projects, 4-H and FFA members work with livestock, volunteers organize events and fairground crews get everything ready for one of the biggest weeks of the summer. Whether you come for the exhibits, the tractor pull, the livestock shows, the famous FFA Chuckwagon Races or simply to catch up with neighbors and friends, there is something for everyone at the fair.

The exhibit building will once again showcase the incredible talents of Clarke County residents — from photography and woodworking to quilting, baking, gardening, crafts and more. Meanwhile, livestock barns will be filled with hardworking youth proudly showing the results of months of dedication and care.

The Clarke County Fair has always been about more than entertainment — it’s about community, tradition, agriculture and creating memories that last a lifetime. As the countdown continues, now is the perfect time to mark your calendars, gather your friends and family and get ready for an unforgettable week of summer fun.

See you at the fair July 13-19!

A look back...

Thu, 28 May 2026 06:00:10 +0200

10 years ago May 26, 2016

• Osceola City Council is looking to shoot a hole-in-one with the creation of a new golf cart ordinance on city streets. The ordinances in other cities have restrictions about where golf carts can be driven and the requirements of the driver having a valid license, a slow-moving sign, safety flag, adequate brakes and only operated during sunlight hours.

• Clarke senior Kooper Brimm exceeded his own expectations at the state 2016 CoEd State Track Meet. Entering the boys Class 2A shot put, Brimm made it to the finals and finished in eighth with a throw of 51-2.75.

25 years ago May 24, 2001

• A local golfer beat the odds to win a new car when he made a hole-in-one in a golf tournament that offered a new Buick for such an achievement. The prize was part of the annual D.A.R.E golf tournament sponsored by the Osceola Police Department. The $27,300.00 Buck was given by Querrey Motors of Osceola.

• Clarke sophomore Kelsea Canon wanted the gold medal this year at State, but she won’t complain about bringing home another silver. Cannon repeated as the second-place finisher in the Class 2A 100-meter dash with a time of 12.84, behind the winning time of 12.76.

• In other Clarke sports, tennis senior Jessica Wood claimed the Class 1A District tennis single title to advance to the state meet, while Blake Halvorsen is believed to be the first state qualifier for a Clarke golf team.

50 years ago Tues., May 25, 1976 Osceola Tribune

• Iowa Southern Utilities Co. announced the Iowa State Commerce Commission has reversed an earlier ruling and will allow the company to start billing in June an increase in electric and natural gas rates.

Electric increases will average $2.97/month for residential customers and $9.31/month for commercial customers.

• Paving of the eight-mile stretch of county road H-59 from Liberty south to Highway 34 has started. The paving is estimated to take 12 working days as crews will lay up to 4,000 feet each 10-hour working day.

50 years ago Thurs., May 27, 1976 Osceola Sentinel • Pouring of concrete for the 49 blocks of new paving in Osceola was completed over the weekend. With the mixer dismantled, the crews have moved on to Iowa Falls. It is estimated that two weeks will be required to complete backfilling before work can finish on driveways and sidewalks.

100 years ago The Osceola Sentinel Thurs., May 27, 1926

• The new coal office that is being built on the lot east of the Standard Oil Station on North Main Street is about completed. When done, the new place of business is to be equipped with scales and other appliances usually used to conduct a coal yard.

• “Big George” Gibson, the man on trial at Creston during the past week for the murder of Fred Collings, sheriff of Union County, will serve the remainder of his life at hard labor in the penitentiary according to a verdict rendered by the jury.

Robins to celebrate 90th birthday

Thu, 28 May 2026 06:00:09 +0200

The family of Delores Robins is hosting a card shower in honor of her 90th birthday June 9. Birthday wishes may be sent to Delores at: 2033 130th Ave. Murray, Iowa 50174

Osceola to celebrate start of summer

j.chen@austinchronicle.com (Jennifer Chen) — Thu, 28 May 2026 06:00:08 +0200

Get your summer started with the second-annual Downtown Summer Block Party hosted by Osceola Chamber Main Street. Tomorrow, from 5 to 8 p.m., come on down to the square for yard games, volleyball, pickleball, bounce houses, wine slushies, mosaic mural paint party and a shrimp boil fundraiser with entertainment provided by The Imperial Mudpuppies. The event also doubles as the Meet Your OCMS Members.

In lieu of a meal provided by OCMS this year, a shrimp boil fundraiser will be held at the Osceola American Legion building, 136 W. Jefferson St., during the event. Hosted by Clarke County Veterans Affairs and Mayhews Market, all proceeds will benefit the Clarke County VA appreciation account for future veteran events in the community. The cost is $5/plate for kids, $10/adults and free to veterans and their spouses.

The block party is sponsored by Osceola Foods, Altec and Homestead Assisted Living & Memory Care.

Two Democrats look to Iowa House District 24

s.thompson@vancouverherald.ca (Sarah Thompson) — Thu, 28 May 2026 06:00:07 +0200

With Iowa House District 24 on the ballot this November, two Democratic contenders are looking to take on incumbent Sam Wengryn (R-Pleasanton) - Sonya Hicks of Osceola and Paul Davis of Lamoni - as they seek to win the June 2 primaries. Both Hicks and Davis spoke at the Clarke County Democrats’ monthly meeting about themselves, their campaigns and answered top questions. About the candidates

Hicks grew up in Afton and attended college at Iowa State University where she received a degree in botany and later a nursing degree. She and her husband, a family practice doctor at Clarke County Clinic, have lived in Osceola since 2011 with their four daughters.

Hicks has served on the Osceola City Council since 2024, is on the Clarke County Board of Health and serves as president of the TeamMates mentoring program at Clarke Schools. She provides in-home healthcare for people with little or no insurance.

Davis was born and raised in Baltimore. He came to Lamoni in 1973 to play football at Graceland University, where he graduated with a degree in sociology and a minor in political science. Following college, he spent 19 years in television sportscasting before returning to Lamoni more than 20 years ago to serve as the senior director of development at Graceland.

Davis has served in the Lamoni Lions Club, emceed for Lamoni events and since 2022 has been a pastor at the Community of Christ church in Lamoni alongside his wife, Evelyn, and a fellow church member. He and his wife have four sons, one daughter and two grandsons.

Campaigns

Hicks is running for water quality and accessibility, public education and healthcare and the desire to leave Iowa a better place.

“It’s really important as many of us realize… that we are borrowing this state from our children and our grandchildren,” Hicks said. “We need to leave it strong and sustainable for them throughout their life.”

Davis is running in a bid to help calm political infighting, create respectable jobs with affordable healthcare, balance funding for public schools, address Iowa’s cancer rates and water issues and work on the state budget.

“How much disdain do you have for the fascism that’s been going on in the United States? How often do you wake up with a pit in your stomach because you can’t believe what is going on?” Davis said. “How badly do you want to effect change in November?” School voucher system Hicks is against Iowa’s school voucher system that gives money, or vouchers, to parents to use to pay for tuition at private schools. Because public schools receive tax money based on enrollment numbers, losing students to private schools reduces the amount of money public schools receive.

“There’s no accountability. There’s no oversight going on. The money can be spent on whatever that school wants to spend it on,” Hicks said. She noted how private schools can chose not to accept any students for whatever reason.

Davis said statistics show that of the money going to families for school vouchers, 85% of them can already afford to send their children to private schools.

“I think we have to stand up,” he said. “I think we have to continue to make the case that the funding is hurting - the eight grand that leaves the public school and goes to a family that can [afford] it.”

He pointed to how FAFSA is used for college-bound students to determine financial aid and questioned why something similar couldn’t be utilized in Iowa.

Water issues

When it came to the discussion of water and water quality, Davis said that Lake Rathbun has figured out the water game.

“What they’ve got going on in Centerville is special,” he said.

He said that over 33% of people in District 24 drink water that comes from Rathbun Lake. Outside the district, 82,000 people get their drinking water from there. To him, that signals that Rathbun knows how to use bioreactors and edge-of-property sifting processes. However, he said there are farmers who bypass the filtering systems that causes the fertilizer to rain straight into the water.

Hicks said the need was apparent for sustainable ag practices and spoke against Gov. Reynolds’ taking away access to where water quality issues come from.

“We don’t have environmental protection avenues anymore, and she wants to take care of the water quality issue after it’s already in the water,” Hicks said. “We need to have good stable agricultural processes.” Healthcare

Concern was raised about any potential effects on Clarke County healthcare, citing an Appanoose County - which is a small part of Dist. 24 - clinic that is set to permanently close this summer.

Hicks talked of further regionalization of the area that has already been regionalized for mental health access, and how it will affect services people can receive close to home.

“We already had a regional desert down here… access to what we’re going to need here is going to be very limited,” she said, saying the hospital is unlikely to take on any more services as the cost would fall back on the patients. “Unless somebody gets in there and changes it, there isn’t any access.”

Davis spoke about President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” and Reynolds’ Healthy Hometown initiative that will have Iowa receive $209 million each year for the next five years. He said there will be the need to make sure each town gets their cut of that money.

“I think the District 24 rep has to make darn sure, in cahoots with the mayors and the local leadership, where’s our cut of the $209 million earmarked for the state each year,” he said.

Hicks countered that Medicaid cuts offset the money coming from the federal government.

Paul Davis

Sonya Hicks

Tick surveillance

Thu, 28 May 2026 06:00:06 +0200

There was a lot of news, discussion and concern last year when the Asian longhorned tick was identified in southeastern Iowa and subsequently was found in several southeastern and south-central Iowa counties. In some cases, severe death loss occurred from anemia due to heavy tick infestations along with the transmission of Theileria orientalis Ikeda, a protozoan blood parasite carried by the tick.

There is no treatment available for Theileria, so control of tick populations is important for limiting disease occurrence. Tick control focuses on strategic acaricide treatments and pasture management to reduce cattle exposure to brushy areas.

Treatment and prevention strategies are most effective when performed in a targeted manner. Due to limited information regarding the extent of the distribution of this tick in the state, producers and veterinarians are limited in their ability to make informed prevention and treatment decisions. The Diagnostic Parasitology Lab at ISU College of Veterinary Medicine is working to determine the distribution of the ALT in Iowa. Understanding where this tick occurs in the state is critical for implementing effective, risk-based control strategies.

The goal of our project is to better define the current distribution of ALT in Iowa. We are asking cattle producers to submit ticks they find on livestock and/ or allow our team to perform tick surveillance in and around their pastures.

Our surveillance efforts are focused on southeast Iowa, where the ALT has already been confirmed, but we welcome submissions from all Iowa counties.

If you notice ticks on your cattle or around your premises, collect samples and submit them to the ISU Parasitology Lab. Tick identification will be performed at no charge.

We are particularly interested in ticks collected from animals with heavy burdens, as the ALT typically causes heavy infestations with thousands of ticks possible on a single animal. Collected ticks can be stored in a leak-proof container with 70% ethanol as a preservative (no formalin, please). We can provide sample collection and shipping materials at no cost.

When collecting ticks, be careful to remove the entire tick as the mouthparts are important for identification.

Additionally, you can contact the Parasitology Lab and arrange for them to perform tick dragging (collect ticks by walking pasture with large cloth drags) on your property to identify ticks in the environment in addition to those found on cattle. This project is funded by IVMA Bovine Preconditioning Program funding. If you have questions or want to request some sampling supplies contact the lab at parasite@iastate.edu. Samples can be sent to: ATTN: Katy Martin ISU Clin Path Lab 1798 Lloyd Medical 1809 S. Riverside Dr. Ames, IA 50011-3619

Slow down!

Thu, 28 May 2026 06:00:05 +0200

While driving one day, I came upon a sign that said, “Slow! Kids at Play.” This of course caught my attention. I immediately slowed down and began scanning the street-side to see if there might be any children nearby. I was being cautioned to slow down and be careful; be watchful; pay attention to my surroundings.

Perhaps today, God is telling you to slow down?

There are many Scripture passages that remind us to “slow down.” Here are a few (with a brief explanation/ meaning):

1. Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Meaning: In the Hebrew, “be still” can mean “cease striving” or “let go,” urging us to stop trying to control everything.

2. Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Meaning: A direct invitation from Jesus to take a break from the hustle and exchange heavy loads for His light burden.

3. Psalm 23:2-3: “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.” Meaning: Encourages trusting God to provide rest and restoration for a weary soul.

4. Exodus 33:14: “The Lord replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’” Meaning: Finding peace through the assurance that you do not walk alone.

5. Ecclesiastes 3:1: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Meaning: Reminds us to accept the current season rather than rushing to the next.

6. James 1:19: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” Meaning: Slowing down our reactions helps us maintain a gentle, quiet spirit.

7. Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God...” Meaning: Trading anxiety for prayer brings a peace that guards your heart.

8. Psalm 131:2: “But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content.” Meaning: Cultivating contentment and inner quiet.

9. 1 Peter 5:7: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” Meaning: Actively releasing worries so you don’t have to carry them.

10. Isaiah 40:31: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Meaning: Waiting on God brings sustainable strength rather than burnout.

A Christian farmer supposedly taught his horse to start and to stop, using words from the Bible. When he wanted the horse to go, he would shout, “Praise the Lord.” When he wanted the horse to stop, he would shout, ‘Hallelujah.’ All went well until one day a thunderbolt caused the horse to take off galloping at full speed. Realizing he had lost control, the farmer panicked and forgot the words he had trained the horse to respond to. Up ahead was a cliff, and they were headed towards it at full speed. Desperately he tried to recall every religious word he’d ever heard of. He shouted, “Amen! Jesus saves! Worthy is the Lamb! Holy!” Nothing worked. Just as the horse approached the precipice, he remembered and shouted, “Hallelujah!” The horse stopped right there on the edge. Relieved, he wiped the sweat off his brow and said, “Whew, praise the Lord!”

When God asks us to slow down, it’s rarely a punishment; it is usually an invitation to step out of the daily rush, reset our priorities and realign our hearts with His pace. He often uses this season to protect us from burnout and create space to hear His voice.

Consider the following quotes on “slowing down”: 1. “Have you ever thought that busyness might be a burden worth laying down? Jesus doesn’t just suggest rest — He invites us into it.”

2. “Never stay so busy that you never take that time to enjoy those people you love. Never forget this is a God-given gift and that you owe it all to the Lord.” — Randy Travis 3. “Sometimes we are so busy in life we forget to love, live, relax. It’s OK to slow down.”

4. “Modernism sells its lie that you must be first and faster. God’s teachings are different. Slow down and recharge with God.”

Jesus slowed down to rest. He slowed down to spend time with His Father. He slowed down to invite His disciples to rest with Him. When Jesus felt tired, He slowed down to take a break.

I enjoy how the Message translation the words of Jeremiah 2:25: “Slow down. Take a deep breath. What’s the hurry? Why wear yourself out? Just what are you after anyway?”

Dear friend, you can do that right now. Stop. Pay attention to your surroundings. Take a deep breath and follow Jesus’ example of rest. Make the choice to approach your life and your relationships from a place of rest. Just like Jesus.

Faith in Iowans

s.thompson@vancouverherald.ca (Sarah Thompson) — Thu, 28 May 2026 06:00:04 +0200

Sarah Trone Garriott to take on Zach Nunn

Democratic contender for District 3 of the United States Representatives Sarah Trone Garriott of West Des Moines has faith in Iowans.

“We’re calling this the faith in Iowa tour because I have faith in the people of Iowa to come together and meet the big challenges that we have today,” she said.

Trone Garriott spoke at an event in Osceola last week where she discussed her plans for healthcare, fixing corruption in Washington and restoring voters’ faith in government, as she looks to take the seat held by Zach Nunn-R.

Healthcare

Trone Garriott said Iowans have been struggling with healthcare, from recruiting and retaining physicians and nurses to decreasing access to mental health services to pharmacies closing and rising healthcare costs.

“Zach Nunn went and voted to cut Medicaid and that has devastated our state,” she said. “We were hanging by a thread and a billion dollars in Medicaid cuts every year is just going to push so many of our healthcare providers right over the edge.”

Stating that Nunn had said it was a “myth” that cuts would close rural hospitals, she said that is already being seen as clinics around the state have closed or will be closing, which causes not just loss of jobs but also loss of access to closer healthcare.

She spoke of how Nunn wants to do away with the Affordable Care Act and the implications that will have on millions of Iowans, especially those with preexisting conditions.

“Iowa is number two in the nation for new cancer diagnosis. We’re climbing to number one,” she said. “We need to make sure that our neighbors - when they come through their treatment, when they’re under treatment - that they can get healthcare coverage, that they can get access to care.”

She also spoke of the reduction in healthcare for Iowans as a result of Medicaid cuts.

“My biggest priority is we’ve got to make sure that we protect Iowa healthcare and stabilize it and build it out so that people are getting the care they need,” she said.

On the topic of Iowa’s water quality, Trone Garriott noted the $25 million going towards Central Iowa Water Works to upgrade infrastructure for nitrate removal, but said that doesn’t solve the underlying problem. She credited Gov. Reynolds for responding to public pressure on the issue, but said more needs to be done to keep all sorts of non-water runoff from going into waterways.

With Iowa’s rising cancer rates, Trone Garriott said those rates are related to environmental factors including water and radon, and was appreciative to see the state take paths to make passive radon removal systems part of new construction. Cost of living

With the rising inflation, Trone Garriott said wages have not kept pace. She spoke against Nunn who ran on a platform of lowering costs, but had acted differently.

“He voted to support those chaotic tariffs that are raising the costs on Iowa families about $1,300 a family per year and we get nothing for that,” she said.

She said the tariffs are hitting Iowa farmers hard, with many running through their cash reserves as they look for ways to cut corners, with some resorting to selling their land and farm foreclosures rising.

Also hurting costs of living is the war with Iran, which Trone Garriott said Nunn voted to continue without any congressional oversight. “Zach Nunn’s not willing to face you. He knows people are upset. He knows folks are struggling and he’s not willing to come out and see you and hear what’s on your mind,” she said.

In touch

Trone Garriott said for a great majority of the people serving in Washington, D.C., they are out of touch with what life is like for the majority of the country.

“They’re wealthy. They don’t understand what it’s like to have to scrimp and save, to not be able to provide everything you need, to have to pay for groceries with change, to really cut corners to get by.”

Part of being in touch, she said, is showing up for your neighbors and constituents and being there for them, attributes she said helped her win an Iowa Senate seat in Republican districts.

“I was able to win those districts and serve them well because I showed up for all my neighbors,” she said. “It’s really important to show up and be there.”

She said it’s equally important to be there for everyone regardless of their political affiliation, something she has experience with as a parish pastor and former hospital chaplain.

“I’ve really taken that to heart as my call is to serve all the neighbors and be there for everyone, whether I agree with them or not, whether we have the same political affiliation or not, whether or not we share the same beliefs,” she said. “They are my neighbors, and I’m called to love them and care for them and help them.”

Along the lines of being out of touch, Trone Garriott said many of her colleagues in the state legislature aren’t familiar with public schools don’t spending time with students or teachers in public schools - yet make decisions that affect those schools. Those decision must then be acted upon by local school boards, which is where constituents place the blame.

“State legislators are the ones who are deciding how much our school boards have to work with and we’ve got really great schools that are working very hard to make the best of resources they have,” she said.

She echoed statements similar to other Democratic candidates about the school voucher system, including the need for accountability with taxpayer’s dollars. She said a con of the voucher system is that private schools are paid “on time,” whereas public schools are paid a year later, which hinders the ability to grow programs when they are paid based on the prior year’s enrollment numbers.

Government rework Trone Garriott talked about how the United States doesn’t really have a true balance of powers, addressing what feels like a “rigged” political system and the need to rebuild faith in the government.

“Iowans have lost that trust that we need and I’m working really hard to build it back,” she said. “I know to build trust you’ve got to show up, you’ve got to work hard, you have to help your neighbors, you have to listen.”

That includes elected leaders standing up for the people who put them there, calling for a change in Washington to get Congress working for their constituents again.

“We need elected leaders who understand the importance of bringing people together to solve big problems and we need elected leaders who understand what’s going on in folks’ lives,” she said.

Overall, she said that people need to get out to the polls and vote.

“We need to show people the power of their votes and in the state of Iowa, so many of our elections have been decided by a handful of votes,” she said. “Your vote matters. It matters significantly.”

Trone Garriott also spoke on the need for the Supreme Court of the United States to have a code of ethics, term limits for state and federal offices, needing to fix the immigration system while also securing the border with trained, qualified people and the need to protect citizens’ voting rights.

About

Trone Garriott has served in the Iowa Senate since 2020, when she was elected over incumbent Charles Schneider-R in Dist. 22. In 2022, re-districting saw had her move residences to the west side of her old district to take on the incumbent Republican Jake Chapman, the Iowa Senate President in Dist. 14. She won with 15,093 votes to Chapman’s 14,218. She is the ranking member of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee.

Her name will be the only one on the Democratic side of the ballot June 2. Democrat Xavier Carrigan had launched his bid for the 3rd Congressional District, but did not meet the state’s signature requirements.

Carrigan announced in April that he is still running as a write-in candidate.

Clarke senior awards night

Thu, 28 May 2026 06:00:03 +0200

Clarke Community Schools hosted their senior awards night May 13. The Clarke Class of 2026 earned over $1.2 million in scholarships, a reflection of their hard work and dedication.

Valeria Aguilar Perez: Iowa Select Farms Future Ag Leaders Scholarship.

Julissa Avilez: Dollars for Scholars, SCICF Jack Jeffrey Scholarship, SCICF Blake Bequest Scholarship, SCICF Eugene & Vera Marquis Scholarship, SCICF Irene Henrichs Memorial Scholarship, SCICF Routh Scholarship, CCEA Maurice Thompkins Scholarship, LifeServe High School Scholarship, Science Bound Scholarship, SWCC Paraeducator Certification, LifeServe Donor of Distinction, TRIO Talent Search Program participant, 3.753.99 GPA.

Joshua Bañales-Flores: Science Bound Scholarship, 3.25-3.75 GPA.

Emilee Boyd: Dollars for Scholars, Rotary Club of Osceola Scholarship, Clarke County Republicans Scholarship, Clarke County Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship, Clarke County Old Iron Scholarship, 3.75-3.99 GPA.

Easton Brokaw: Dollars for Scholars, First National Bank Scholarship, Osceola Chamber Main Street Scholarship, SCICF Bowlsby Agricultural Scholarship, Clarke County Cattlemen Scholarship, Clarke County Extension 4-H Scholarship, Glenn Davenport Memorial Scholarship, FFA Alumni Scholarship, Marvin Paul Memorial Scholarship, Clarke County Soil and Water Conservation, SCICF Eugene & Vera Marquis Scholarship, FOE Osceola Eagles Auxiliary #3495 Scholarship, Jeff Sullivan Memorial Scholarship, Osceola Mat Club Scholarship, Top Theater Award, Band Recognition Award, Boy’s State Honor Cords, 4H Honor Cords.

Josue Carrera: Dollars for Scholars, Science Bound Scholarship, Marine Corps Scholastic Excellence Award, 4.0+ GPA.

Cooper Ciecalone: SWCC Computer Networking & Information Technology Certificate.

Dean Collins: SWCC Computer Networking & Information Technology Certificate, 3.25-3.75 GPA.

Bryce Cook: SWCC Carpentry & Building Trades Certificate.

Finley Cooper: Dollars for Scholars, SCICF Eugene & Vera Marquis Scholarship, Osceola Masonic Lodge #77 Scholarship, Clarke Electric Cooperative Scholarship, P.E.O. Chapter K. Scholarship, SWCC Associates of Arts Degree, Daughters of American Revolution Award, Top Math Award, Top English Award, 4.0+ GPA.

Tommy Courtney: Top Theater Award, LifeServe Donor of Distinction.

Austin Cowling Ambriz: SWCC Welding Technology Certificate.

Lea Cupul Argaez: 3.25-3.75 GPA.

Sophia Davis: Dollars for Scholars, SCICF Eugene & Vera Marquis Scholarship, Osceola Masonic Lodge #77 Scholarship, Clarke County Democratic Scholarship, Clarke County Old Iron Scholarship, P.E.O. Chapter K. Scholarship, Governor’s Scholar Recognition Program Award, 4.0+ GPA, Lincoln Memorial University award (Lincoln Memorial University Harvey & Lois Schell Endowment).

Ryan Diehl: Marine Corps Distinguished Male Athlete Award.

Leah Flowers: Dollars for Scholars, Top Choir Award, Speech Recognition Award, 3.253.75 GPA, Simpson College awards (Simpson Dean’s Scholarship, Simpson Music Scholarship, Federal Pell Grant).

Addison Franklin: Top Theater Award, 3.75-3.99 GPA.

Jonathan Galvez: Top Theater Award, 4H Honor Cords, 3.25-3.75 GPA, Indian Hills Community College (Hormel Inspired Pathways).

Paige Gilbert: Osceola Chamber Main Street Scholarship, SCICF Eugene & Vera Marquis Scholarship, Clarke Electric Cooperative Scholarship, Clarke County Farm Bureau Scholarship, Osceola First Christian Church Scholarship, SWCC Certification, SWCC Associates of Arts degree, SWCC Associates of Sciences degree, LifeServe Donor of Distinction, TRIO Talent Search Program participant, Top Spanish Award, 4.0+ GPA.

Emily Glenn: Dollars for Scholars, SCICF Ferne R. Moran & Minnie Hertz Scholarship, SCICF Andy Jeffrey Scholarship, SCICF Eugene & Vera Marquis Scholarship, Osceola Masonic Lodge #77 Scholarship, Clarke County Republicans Scholarship, Clarke Electric Cooperative Scholarship, Clarke County Old Iron Scholarship, Iowa State Bar Association/American Citizen Award, E. Wayne Cooley Award, LifeServe Donor of Distinction, TRIO Talent Search Program participant, 4.0+ GPA.

Angel Gomez-Perez: Dollars for Scholars, Science Bound Scholarship, TRIO Talent Search Program participant, 3.253.75 GPA.

Isaiah Graham: 3.25-3.75 GPA. Xavier Hawk: Science Bound Scholarship, 3.25-3.75 GPA.

Erick Hernandez: LifeServe Donor of Distinction, Aryanna Hewlett: Dollars for Scholars, SCICF Eugene & Vera Marquis Scholarship, Osceola Masonic Lodge #77 Scholarship, Top Theater Award, Speech Recognition Award, 3.75-3.99 GPA.

Jordan Hill: American State Bank Financial Literacy Program Award, 3.253.75 GPA.

Alexis Lopez: Dollars for Scholars, SCICF Routh Scholarship, Clarke County Democratic Scholarship, AmeriCorps Segal Education Award, Top Science Award, Top Social Studies Award, TRIO Talent Search Program participant, 4.0+ GPA, University of Iowa (Iowa Scholars Award, Frederick & Mary Sperry Family).

Madelyn Loza: Dollars for Scholars.

Zoey Lund: Dollars for Scholars, SWCC Dwight & Marilyn Conover Endowment, SWCC/TRIO Talent Search Scholarship, TeamMates of Clarke, LifeServe Donor of Distinction, TRIO Talent Search Program participant.

Lola Matul: Dollars for Scholars, SWCC/ TRIO Talent Search Scholarship, TRIO Talent Search Program participant, 3.253.75 GPA.

Angela Mendez-Rivera: Dollars for Scholars, Mueller Graves Scholarship, SWCC Nurse Assisting Certificate, Life-Serve Donor of Distinction, TRIO Talent Search Program participant, 3.25-3.75 GPA.

Additional seniors and their awards will appear in next week’s paper.

Lady Indians roll Panthers

Thu, 28 May 2026 06:00:02 +0200

With three games last week, the Clarke Lady Indians enjoyed two wins to start their season with a 2-1 record, including an explosive 27-8 win over Creston.

At Creston Wednesday, Miah Graves scored the opening point on a double-hit by Reese Shaw. A home run hit by Creston’s Avery Staver to open the bottom of the first tied the game 1-1.

Clarke scored six runs in the top of the second - Ahnyka Hewlett with a score on error by Creston’s catcher, with a grand slam hit by Graves sending Vivian Hawxby, Maisy McCoy and Abbi Nash across the plate in front of her. Shaw scored the final run of the inning for the Lady Indians.

Creston scored one home run in the third inning to bring the score 7-2 Clarke, and the fourth inning saw the home team take a one-point advantage 8-7, including two runs made on the same pitch.

With neither team scoring any runs in the fifth inning, Clarke went on a spree in the final two innings that put 20 more runs on the scoreboard for them.

At the top of the sixth with Hewlett on second and Parker Truitt on third, a bunt by Hawxby brought Hewlett and Truitt across home plate as Hawxby advanced to second on an error by Creston’s first baseman. Hawxby scored on the next hit by McCoy, who scored on a passed ball with Shaw up to bat.

Four runs came in quick succession for Clarke in the top of the seventh, with Hawxby stealing home, McCoy stealing home, Libby Winter scoring on a triple hit by Graves and Graves scoring on a passed ball. With bases loaded, Chloe Jacobsen stepped in for batter Hewlett and a wild pitch brought Shaw from third to home, advancing Avery Watson to third and Truitt to second.

Another wild pitch had Watson running home and Truitt advancing, and Jacobsen eventually walking. Truitt, Jacobsen and Winter all scored on subsequent plays, with the final three runs coming from Josie Tuprin on a passed ball and McCoy and Abbi Nash on a shortstop error.

The team had 19 total walks and just one strikeout, along with seven stolen bases. In the field, catcher Shaw had five putouts and first-baseman Maddie Youngs had five putouts.

Nash pitched the majority of the game allowing five hits, two runs, struck out five opponents and had two errors. Watson and Truitt also shared pitching duties, with the win going to Truitt.

Last Tuesday, the Lady Indians hosted Interstate 35 at home to end with a 9-5 loss. Graves had the team’s single home run in the game. Thursday they hosted East Union and enjoyed a 10-1 win in five innings.

‘ Never forgotten’

s.thompson@vancouverherald.ca (Sarah Thompson) — Thu, 28 May 2026 06:00:00 +0200

Osceola American Legion Davis Pence Post 69 held their annual Memorial Day service Monday at Maple Hill Cemetery, honoring fallen service members. The guest speaker was Miles Murphy, a 15-year Air Force veteran, who spoke of the need to remember those who gave their lives in the name of freedom.

“Since the founding of the United States, it is estimated that 558 million Americans and immigrants have lived in this country. More than 1.1 million of them have died defending the United States… since the American revolution. They each have stories… We are here for them. We did not forget,” Murphy said. “From Bunker Hill to Baghdad, American communities throughout the United States, including right here in Osceola and Clarke County, have answered their names [being] called and made the ultimate sacrifice. We take this day to reflect on ordinary Americans… to honor the legacy of the fallen.”

During the invocation, Murphy thanked the veterans who have given their lives.

“We thank you for the blessings and the liberties that we enjoy in this great nation. We remember with proud, profound respect for those who served in our armed forces, and gave their lives so that we might live in freedom.”

In closing, Murphy said never to forget. “We must never forget their names or their sacrifice.”

OST photos Candra Brooks

A large tree

Thu, 21 May 2026 06:00:27 +0200

Left: A large tree lays across headstones at Maple Hill Cemetery after Saturday night’s wind storm. Right: Several properties in Osceola sustained downed limbs and branches, and in some cases whole trees fell onto houses and buildings.

OST photos Candra Brooks

Graduation Hugs

Thu, 21 May 2026 06:00:26 +0200

GRADUATION HUGS. Left: Murray graduate Oscar Bolantin Romero hands a flower to his mother during Murray’s graduation Saturday while Mallory Page embraces mother Tara. Right: Lindsay Wade embraces graduating son Casey as fellow senior Easton Brokaw distributes flowers to loved ones.

left: OST photo Candra Brooks; right: photo Clarke Community Schools

Osceola American Legion Post 69

Thu, 21 May 2026 06:00:25 +0200

OST file photo

The journey to graduation

s.thompson@vancouverherald.ca (Sarah Thompson) — Thu, 21 May 2026 06:00:24 +0200

Sunday’s Clarke Community Schools graduating class marked the 149th class to fulfill their requirements set forth by the school board for graduation. Their journey to get to the celebration - commencement - was one marked by challenges, revelry and the legacy they leave behind.

“As you leave today, you aren’t just walking away from Clarke, you are becoming its ambassadors,” Clarke Superintendent Dr. Kurt DeVore said during his remarks. “You are the living proof that a community rooted in tradition can grow into a future of limitless innovation. You are Class 149, and your mark on this district is permanent.”

Clarke High School Principal Ruby Clyde said the occasion marked more than just the end of the school year - it represented the class’ years of hard work, determination and growth.

“Behind every cap and gown is a story of challenges faced, lessons learned, friendships built and moments that have defined these school years,” she said. “This moment is one you have earned through hard work, resilience and determination. You have reached a milestone that no one can take from you.… celebrate your accomplishments, honor your journey and take pride in all that you have achieved.”

Senior speaker Abigail Schlichte took a moment to thank all of the guests for the part they played in each graduate’s journey.

“I want every single one of you to give yourself a pat on the back. Without the people sitting in the bleachers today, there wouldn’t be nearly as many graduates sitting in the chairs in front of me,” she said.

Addressing her class, Schlichte said it had been 4,650 days since their first day of kindergarten on Aug. 23, 2013, and to be proud of all the hard work it took to get to May 17, 2026. With the memories made along the way, Schlichte said Clarke would always be the place where it all began.

“We all helped raise each other individually. You are the way you are because of people sitting around you today,” she said. “Clarke Community Schools will always be your origin story… no matter if [you were] here for a year or if you’ve been here for 13 plus years, this is your home… Clarke Community Schools will always be here for you.”

In this year’s graduating class, DeVore noted the class’ many accomplishments: Seals of Biliteracy, high academic marks, those entering the military, a published author, Science Bound scholarship recipients, full-tuition scholarships, financial literacy winners, musicians, artists, actors, orators, athletes, ag-enthusiasts and more.

Like Schlichte, DeVore told the graduates to look at the crowd of those assembled in support, the people who had helped mold and shape them into the people they are today. Part of that journey was to get them to graduation, a stepping stone in the legacy they leave at Clarke as they step into their future.

“Today you are the authors of a legacy that isn’t just written in trophies or transcripts, but in the footprints you leave for others to follow,” DeVore said. “How you carry yourselves here has already begun to shape the dreams of those coming up behind you.”

In closing, Clyde told the graduates success isn’t about having everything figured out, but rather what you do along the way.

“It’s about showing up, doing the work, asking questions and growing from the answers, even the ones you don’t like. It’s about failing yes, but more importantly, it’s about getting back up with style and grace,” she said. “I challenge you to keep being curious. Be kind, be bold and above all, be yourself unapologetically.”

Honors noted at graduation Julissa Avilez: GPA top of class, Seal of Biliteracy.

Joshua Banales-Flores: GPA with distinction, Seal of Biliteracy.

Emilee Boyd: GPA with high distinction, Silver Cord Volunteer Program.

Josue Carrera: GPA top of class, National Honor Society, Seal of Biliteracy.

Finley Cooper: GPA top of class, National Honor Society.

Lea Cupul: GPA with distinction. Sophia Davis: GPA top of class, National

Honor Society.

Jonathan Galvez: GPA with distinction.

Paige Gilbert: GPA top of class.

Emily Glenn: GPA top of class, National Honor Society.

Angel Gomez-Perez: Seal of Biliteracy. Isaiah Graham: GPA with distinction. Joselyn Gutierrez-Alvarez: Seal of Biliteracy.

Zavier Hawk: GPA with high distinction.

Aryanna Hewlett: GPA with high distinction, Silver Cord Volunteer Program.

Alexis Lopez: GPA top of class, Seal of Biliteracy.

Danika McCloney: GPA top of class, National Honor Society.

Maisy McCoy: GPA top of class. Remington McCoy: GPA with high distinction.

Angela Mendez-Rivera: GPA with distinction.

Mylee Miller: GPA top of class, National Honor Society.

Josie Moore: GPA top of class, Silver Cord Volunteer Program.

Derrick Newton: GPA with high distinction, National Honor Society.

Cielo Rios Ortiz: GPA with distinction, National Honor Society.

Daniela Rivera Andrade: Seal of Biliteracy.

Leonardo Rosales Landeros: Seal of Biliteracy.

Melanie Sandoval: GPA top of class, Seal of Biliteracy.

Alondra Santillan-Ortiz: Seal of Biliteracy.

Abigail Schlichte: GPA top of class, National Honor Society, Silver Cord Volunteer Program.

Tate Shriver: GPA with high distinction.

Casey Wade: GPA top of class, National Honor Society.

* GPA top of class is 4.0+, with high distinction is 3.75-3.99 GPA and with distinction is 3.50-3.74 GPA. Additional honors, including scholarships and awards, earned by the Clarke Class of 2026 will appear in next week’s newspaper.

Aryanna Hewlett stands patiently as Azahel Herrera and Erick Hernandez laugh with their classmates while waiting to receive their diplomas Sunday. photo Clarke Community Schools

Pieces of a mosaic

s.thompson@vancouverherald.ca (Sarah Thompson) — Thu, 21 May 2026 06:00:23 +0200

If there were two things repeated at Murray Community Schools’ graduation ceremony Saturday, it was that the class of 2026 fits together not like pieces of a puzzle, but like pieces of a mosaic, and the importance of relationships.

“You did not all come in and blend together into one - you’re a mosaic. You each came in and you remained a very distinct individual. You could say you kept your own edges, you kept your own colors, you kept your own patterns, you stayed yourself,” Murray Principal Dr. Deborah Chapman said. “You didn’t blend into the background. Instead, you have fit yourself together just right to create an awesome picture, kind of like a stained glass window. The thing that strikes me the most is how well this picture grew.”

That individuality came from the experiences of each graduate, a sentiment reiterated by guest speaker Keith Shields, who spoke of how the class was shaped by many of the same experiences.

“This class just didn’t grow up together, but you were shaped by the same roads, the same Friday night lights, the same familiar faces at the Casey’s store and the same sense that people have here that showed up for you today,” he said. “And that matters more than you might realize right now.”

When looking to the future, Shields told the graduates to think not just about their plans, but what kind of life will make them happy, something that makes them proud of who they are.

“What matters is that you stay honest with yourself along the way and if something doesn’t feel right, you’re allowed to change direction,” he said.

Shields also spoke about the importance of being there for others, treating everyone with kindness and being the one willing to step up and help out.

“Progress isn’t defined by ease, it’s defined by persistence… even when the journey feels uncertain,” Shields said.

Class valedictorian Mallory Page talked of the class’ journey that had led them to graduation.

“As a class we experienced so many moments together from early school days in elementary where we learned more about ourselves, to growing more independent as the years move by,” she said. “We have faced challenges together such as typical classes, tests, busy schedules and times when our lives are overwhelming. Through it all, we learned how to act” She spoke of how the resilience they’ve learned will continue to push them forward even when times get hard or things don’t go as planned, and how everyone in the class has their own strengths, passions and potential to show the world. Support shown to the class by loved ones was also touched upon.

As the class readies to leave the halls they’ve walked for so many years, Page said to take time to appreciate the memories built together.

“Being part of a small school made those moments even more meaningful because it truly felt like a family. Everyone… supported each other and grew up together in a way that made this place feel more than a school, it felt like home,” she said. “Class of 2026, we are not just closing a chapter. We are opening a new one filled with endless possibilities and opportunities. The future may be uncertain… but uncertainty is what makes life exciting. No matter where life takes us, we will always carry the memories, lessons and people from this moment with us.”

Class salutatorian Keirsten Klein spoke to the individuality of the class that makes them special.

“Each of us is unique and essential,” Klein said. “As we prepare into the next chapter of our lives, I encourage each of you to take a moment to reflect. Think about the obstacles you overcome, the friendships you’ve built and the growth you’ve experienced.”

Both Page and Shields quoted social studies teacher Darin Wookey that it isn’t what you know, but who you know, harkening back to the importance of relationships formed.

“Knowledge and hard work will always be important, but the relationships we build along the way often shape our opportunities, growth and sometimes the path that we decide to take,” Page said.

Murray Class of 2026 honors and offices: Lawson Cleghorn: Academic Merit, Trio program, class vice-president.

Teagan Danley: Trio program, Red Cord.

Maisy Davis: Academic Excellence, Trio program, student council.

Addison Eckels: Academic Excellence, National Honor Society.

Daniel Gard: Trio program, Red Cord. Keaton Grismore: Trio program. Christopher Halterman-West: Trio program, student council.

Amanda Henrichs: Class secretary. Blake Jackson: Bernie Saggau Award. Keirsten Klein: Academic Excellence, Red Cord, National Honor Society, Trio program, Bluegrass Conference Academic Award, salutatorian.

Amaria Oswald: Academic Excellence, Trio program, National Honor Society.

Mallory Page: Academic Excellence, National Honor Society, Bluegrass Conference Academic Award, Governor’s Scholar Award, class treasurer, valedictorian.

Brior Robb: Academic Excellence, National Honor Society, Trio program, student council.

Karina Romero: Academic Excellence, Trio program, Silver Cord, National Honor Society, Red Cord, Des Moines Register Academic All-State Senior Award, Iowa Bar Association Citizenship Award, class president.

*Academic Excellence is for a GPA of 3.7 and above, Academic Merit is for a 3.5 to 3.7 GPA, Red Cord is a LifeServe Donor of Distinction and Silver Cord is Community Service Volunteer Award.

During graduation, Dennis Jeter with the Murray School Foundation reported that since the foundation was organized in 1996 and began awarded in 1999, they have awarded over $380,000 in scholarships and awards to Murray seniors and graduates with this year’s number being $46,834.

Jeter stated that through three endowments and under the foundation’s umbrella, the amount has reached the $1 million mark.

POLICE REPORTS

Thu, 21 May 2026 06:00:22 +0200

Oliver Dzib Canul, of Osceola, was taken into custody May 1 at 214 W. Jefferson St. for operating while under the influence - first offense.

According to an Osceola Police report, the Clarke County Sheriff’s Office received several calls about a white Chevy traveling north on Highway 69 towards city limits. Callers stated the vehicle had almost hit two other cars and was failing to maintain the proper lane. Witnesses stated they observed Dzib Canul with an open container in his lap.

When officers located Dzib Canul, he was outside of the vehicle. Officers noted the odor of an intoxicating beverage coming from Dzib Canul, and he had bloodshot, watery eyes. Dzib Canul admitted to drinking, and was unable to complete standard field sobriety testing.

Dzib Canul was transported to Clarke County Jail where he was released May 3 after posting $1,000 cash bond. ––––– Vehicle vandalism was reported at 108 N. Adams St. April 30. ––––– A minor was referred to juvenile authorities May 5 for possession of a controlled substance - first offense. ––––– Theft from building was reported May 2 at 777 Casino Drive. ––––– Douglas M. Ringgenberg, of Osceola, was taken into custody May 8 in the 100 block of East Washington Street for public intoxication.

According to an Osceola Police report, officers received a call of a male acting disorderly. Officers located Ringgenberg who was found to be unsteady on his feet and smelled of an alcoholic beverage; Ringgenberg refused a breath test.

Ringgenberg was transported to Clarke County Jail and released on his own recognizance May 9. ––––– A death was reported May 9 in the 2000 block of North Main Street. ––––– Child endangerment was reported May 9 at South Adams and East Jefferson streets. ––––– Donnie T. Taylor, of Florissant, Missouri, was taken into custody May 9 at 777 Casino Drive for trespassing - first offense.

Taylor was transported to Clarke County Jail and released on his own recognizance May 9.

––––– Theft was reported May 6 at 117 Mateer Drive.

––––– Lost property was reported at 800 S. Park St. on May 11.

CALENDAR

Thu, 21 May 2026 06:00:21 +0200

To add events to the calendar, please email ccpeditor@osceolaiowa.com or call the office at 641-342-2131. *Please note that some events may require pre-registration and/or registration fees. Please contact the place the event is scheduled to take place for up-to-date information.

• Sundays: BINGO at The Eagles, 1st and 4th Sundays (1 p.m.)

• Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays: This Week Osceola, GoClarkeTV Facebook page (7 a.m.)

• Mondays: Toddler Activity Hour, Osceola Public Library ages 18 mths-5 years (10-11 a.m.) *May 18 is the last Toddler Hour before summer break.

• Mondays & Thursdays: Yoga at the Osceola United Methodist Church (5:30 p.m.)

• Mondays (first Monday of month): Clarke Co. Genealogical Society, Osceola Public Library (6:30 p.m.)

• Tuesdays: Kids eat free at the Iron Horse (with purchase of adult meal)

• Wednesdays: Movement Training, Clarke County Hospital (11 a.m.) *registration required, call 515-207-6296

• Wednesdays: SECOND Wednesdays, Parkinson’s Support Group, Clarke County Hospital (1-2:30 p.m.)

• Wednesdays: Whiskey Wednesdays at Revelton Distillery

• Thursdays: Coffee and Devotions at the Osceola United Methodist Church, all welcome (10 a.m.)

• Thursdays: Ladies Night at Revelton Distillery; 50% off cocktails for ladies (4-6 p.m.)

• Thursdays: SECOND Thursday, unless otherwise noted, Clarke County Democrats meeting, 115 E. Washington St. (7 p.m.)

• Fridays: Social Friday for adults, Osceola Public Library (9:30-11:30 a.m.)

• Saturdays: FIRST Saturday of the month, bird watching w/Debi Talbot, East Lake Park, Bobcat Shelter (8 a.m.)

• Sundays: Clarke County Museum, 1030 South Main, free will admission (1-4 p.m.). Private tours available upon request.

• May 23: Hooks & Needles, Osceola Public Library (9 a.m.-noon)

• May 25: Grab-N-Go craft, Murray Public Library (all day)

• May 25: Story Hour, Murray Public Library (11 a.m.)

• May 25: STEM Hour, Murray Public Library (2 p.m.)

• May 26: Ukulele class, Osceola Public Library (5:30 p.m.) *pre-registration encouraged • May 29: Decorate sidewalks, Murray Public Library (all day)

• May 29: LEGO Hour, Murray Public Library (2 p.m.)

• May 29: Summer reading program registration, Osceola Public Library (6-7 p.m.)

• May 29: Downtown Summer Block Party ft. Meet Your OCMS Members, Osceola square (5-8 p.m.)

• May 29: Shrimp Boil fundraiser by Clarke County Veterans Affairs & Mayhew’s Markte, Osceola square (5-8 p.m.)

• June 6: Fly-in event, Osceola Municipal Airport (8 a.m.-3 p.m.)

*events subject to change without notice*