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OPD: Texting, Drinking While Driving is a Dangerous Mix

Posted on by KBOE Administrator

(OSKALOOSA, Iowa) – With warm weather approaching, grabbing your purse or wallet (as well as your cell phone) and jumping the car to take a cruise around town can seem more and more appealing. Today the Oskaloosa Police Department sent out a news release to area media warning drivers of the dangers involved in texting and driving along with drinking and driving.

The impairments associated with drunk driving and texting while driving are very similar, according to the National Highway and Transportation Administration (NHTSA). Both cause distraction and impaired driving that can result in following too closely, not being able to brake on time or weaving into oncoming traffic. Drivers who are texting behind the wheel have a 23{99cd714f394079a7f0ed2eb1518dd31342ff3ceb5b6c267c3ad8acd5b5a7d66b} higher chance of causing a crash. According to the news release sent by the OPD, that is equivalent to drinking four beers.

Arrest Made For Sexual Abuse Against Young Teen

Posted on by KBOE Administrator

The Oskaloosa Police Department received a complaint on November 26 that a thirteen year old child had been sexually abused by an eighteen year old man. The report indicated that sexual acts had been done to the child on November 25 in Oskaloosa.

On December 7, 2017 the Oskaloosa Police charged and arrested Storm H. Babcock, age eighteen, of Oskaloosa with Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree. Babcock was subsequently taken to the Mahaska County Jail.

Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree is a class C felony punishable by up to ten years in a state penitentiary.

 

 

It should be noted a criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Four Oskaloosa Employees Recognized At City Council

Posted on by KBOE Administrator

A special acknowledgement presentation occurred during the Monday, December 4th, City Council meeting. Spearheaded by Mayor David Krutzfeldt, four Oskaloosa employees were recognized for their dedication to the city and community.

“We talk about longevity and the importance of it,” said Mayor Krutzfeldt.  “The institutional memory of the people that have been our employees for five years 10, 15, 20 plus years, how that affects the culture and how the city works.” Krutzfeldt continued to say that it goes just beyond the years, it also deals with the way to train younger employees and changing with technology. Stating that there are continuous changes and thus continuous improvements.

First to be recognized was Susan Hasso, the Administrative Assistant of the Oskaloosa Public Library for 20 years.

Amy Miller, the City Clerk and part of the Finance Department, was awarded for 25 years of service.

Police Chief John ‘Jake’ McGee was recognized for 30 years of service to the city of Oskaloosa and the Oskaloosa Police Department.

Finally, David Christensen Fire Captain with the Oskaloosa Fire Department, was recognized for 35 years of service.

Mayor Krutzfeldt continued to make comments regarding the instrumental individuals in this community. “These are the people that become the backbone of the culture of Oskaloosa.” Krutzfeldt continued, “So, over the years, they’ve had to take the values, what we are trying to do as a city – especially in administration – but also in the services that people see. ‘This is what we want to do, we want to give the very best service we can.’ So the people of Oskaloosa can be proud and appreciative of the efforts thats coming from the city.”

City Preparations for Winter Weather

Posted on by KBOE Administrator

Winter weather will happen – ready or not – and it’s never too early to remind everyone “Ice and Snow…..Take it Slow.”

The Oskaloosa Police Department reminds citizens when winter weather conditions become severe with freezing rain, sleet, ice or snow fall which cause difficult travel conditions, the City Manager has the authority to declare a snow emergency within the city. The announcement will be made through the City’s website at www.oskaloosaiowa.org and local media outlets, such as KBOE/KMZN, and will give the date and time the snow emergency begins. Citizens can also sign up to receive e-mail or text alerts when a snow emergency has been declared. Go to the city’s web page and located on the lower left-hand side of the front page is a “Notify Me” button. Fill out the necessary information and an e-mail/text alert will be sent when a snow emergency has been declared. One can also log onto www.kboeradio.com and click on the “Closings” button on the top for all the latest weather delays, closures and emergencies.

When a snow emergency is declared, no on-street parking is allowed. If you leave your vehicle parked on city streets during a snow emergency, you may receive a $25 parking ticket and/or your vehicle could be towed at your expense. Citizens who do not have off-street parking available to them may park their vehicle(s) in the city parking lots within the central business district. Once the street is plowed you should remove your vehicle from the city parking lot so the street department can plow the lots. On-street parking is allowed again
only after the full width of the street has been plowed, or the snow emergency has been cancelled.

The City of Oskaloosa has prepared a brochure for residents which is available on the city website and through City Hall – 220 South Market Street, Public Works – 804 South D Street, or at the Mahaska County Law Center – 214 High Avenue East. The brochure contains frequently asked questions along with important information for citizens. Remember when a snow emergency is declared, no on-street parking is allowed until the full width of the street has been plowed or the snow emergency is cancelled.

Eventually, winter weather will arrive, prepare now and remember “Ice and Snow….Take it Slow”.

Active Shooter Drill Scheduled for Wednesday

Posted on by KBOE Administrator

On November 22, 2017, members with the Oskaloosa Police, Oskaloosa Schools, and Mahaska County Emergency Management, will come together at the Oskaloosa High School to review and exercise the active shooter response plans of each entity. This exercise will take current standards that are in place and see how well they work in a controlled environment. The goal is to test current plans, evaluate the plans, and update them as needed. There will be no school this day for a teacher in-service, so no students will be participating. Due to the nature of this
exercise, members from the public and media will not be allowed onsite without prior authorization.

If anyone has specific questions please contact the following:
Oskaloosa Police
Jake McGee-Chief
641-672-2557

Oskaloosa Schools
Russ Reiter – Superintendent
641-673-8345

Mahaska County EMA
Jamey Robinson – EMA/911 Administrator
641-672-1209

Juveniles Start Fire in William Penn Gymnasium

Posted on by KBOE Administrator

On Saturday November 11, 2017 at approximately 12:37 p.m. the Oskaloosa Police Department and Oskaloosa Fire Department were dispatched to 201 Trueblood Avenue at William Penn University in reference to a smoke report.

William Penn Security contacted the Mahaska County 911 Center and advised that the old upper basketball gymnasium was full of smoke. William Penn Security activated the smoke alarms and the building was evacuated.

Upon emergency services arrival at the scene it was discovered that a fire had been deliberately set in a return air vent located at the north east corner of the gymnasium. The fire was extinguished by emergency personnel and shortly thereafter persons were allowed to return into the building.

On Tuesday November 14, 2017 the Oskaloosa Police Department charged two twelve year old male juveniles from Oskaloosa with Arson in the Second Degree. Both juveniles have been referred to Juvenile Court Services as required by law.

Arson in the Second Degree is a class C felony punishable by up to ten years in a state penitentiary. At the time of this release the Oskaloosa Police Department has not received an estimate for damages from the Arson reported on November 11, 2017.

It should be noted a criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Oskaloosa PD, FTC Urge Customers To Be Cautious This Holiday Season

Posted on by KBOE Administrator

‘Tis the season to be jolly, but it’s also the season to be cautious about spending your hard-earned money and avoiding the heartache of having your gifts stolen from your car or home! Following these tips can help keep the “happy” in your holidays.

  • While shopping, keep your wallet or purse with you at all times. In a matter of seconds, an unattended purse or wallet can be taken. While carrying your purse or wallet, keep it close to your body and keep all zippers and flaps closed.
  • Place your purchased items in a sack so people cannot see what you have while you are shopping or walking to your car. Place your items in the trunk or in the vehicle where they are not visible. Always make sure your car is locked.
  • Whenever you leave your residence, make sure all the doors are locked. This would include times when you are in the backyard or away from doors that are not visible to you.
  • Locking the doors to residences and vehicles will greatly reduce the amount of thefts and burglaries.

With some effort, you’ll find great shopping deals. But it also takes effort to make sure you know exactly what you’re buying, whether the deal you found is truly a good one, and the rules for returns.

Before you buy, make sure it’s a good product at a good price from a good seller. Is it a quality product or something that’s simply cheap? Cheaper isn’t always a better bargain! What do you know about the retailer – is this a store or website you trust? They’re there to make the sale, but are they also willing to provide service? Before you buy, check around and make sure it’s really a good product and a good deal.

  • Take your ads with you. If you’re headed to a store, take the store’s ad with you. Make sure the product and price match the ad.
  • Always keep receipts and paperwork! Most stores will not make refunds without a receipt, and many won’t exchange without a proof of purchase. If you really think you need a service contract and end up paying for one, be sure to save the paperwork. (Find out more about service contracts at www.FTC.gov).
  • Returns and layaways: Make sure you know a store’s policy on returns or layaways before you make a purchase. Remember, there is no state law that requires stores to give a refund, exchange, or credit for merchandise that is returned or taken off layaway (unless the store advertises that it accepts such returns, or unless an article is defective or was misrepresented.) Also keep in mind that Iowa’s three-day- right-to- cancel law only applies to door-to- door sales, or sales made away from a seller’s usual place of business. In short, most refund policies are up to individual retailers.
  • Buying online: Be sure to shop with reputable companies. Make sure the seller lists an address or toll-free number, just in case you have a problem. Be sure purchases are refundable in case you are not satisfied. Get all details on shipping and handling fees, refund and return policies, and complaint procedures. Print out and keep records of your purchase. Use only “secure” websites (secure websites utilize an https:// prefix for their website address, with the “s” signifying that it’s secure). Pay by credit card – avoid using a debit card or check, so you can dispute the bill and withhold payment if necessary. Be wary of online classified ads and auctions, and avoid providing financial information directly to classified ad sellers.
  • Mail orders: If you order gifts by mail, by telephone, or through a website, you have certain protections. Federal law requires the seller to ship your purchase within 30 days, unless the offer or ad specifies a later date. If there is a delay, the seller must notify you, allow you a chance to cancel your order, and send a full refund if you choose to cancel. Don’t send cash or use your debit card – a credit card gives you the most safeguards
  • Gift certificates and gift cards: If you’re thinking of buying a gift certificate or gift card, check the retailer’s policy. Find out if the retailer will give a credit or cash return if the purchase price is less than the value of the gift certificate, and any other terms the store places on the certificates. Money on a gift card cannot expire for at least five years from
    the date of purchase, or from the last date you loaded any additional funds onto the card. Retailers can charge inactivity fees only after a card has been inactive for at least one year, and they can charge you only once per month. The card’s expiration date must be clearly disclosed on the card, and fees must be clearly disclosed on the card or its packaging.

For more information, you may contact the Oskaloosa Police Department at 673-3201. You may also file a complaint or get more information by contacting the Iowa Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division, Hoover Building, Des Moines, Iowa 50319. Call 515-281- 5926,  or outside Des Moines call, toll-free, 1-888- 777-4590. Their website is www.IowaAttorneyGeneral.gov.

Oskaloosa Police Arrest Man On Numerous Theft and Burglary Charges

Posted on by KBOE Administrator

In the early morning hours of Sunday, November 5th, the Oskaloosa Police Department received a complaint of a male breaking into vehicles in the 500 block of High Ave West. Officers conducted an investigation into this incident and made an arrest of a male identified as 22-year-old Jacob Tyrone Blackstone Jr.

At this time Blackstone Jr. has been charged with: Theft in the Second Degree, Theft in the Fifth Degree, 3 counts of Burglary in the Third Degree, Unlawful possession of prescription drug, Carrying weapons, Attempted burglary in the Third Degree, 2 counts of possession of a controlled substance and Possession of drug paraphernalia.

The police department is still taking reports from citizens that may have had items stolen from their vehicles. If you believe you may have had items stolen, please contact the Oskaloosa Police Department non-emergency 641-672-2557.

This is an ongoing investigation.

This is a good reminder to ALWAYS lock your vehicles and remove the keys.

 

** A criminal charge is merely an accusation and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless
proven guilty.

Reports of “Grandparent” Phone Scam in Oskaloosa

Posted on by KBOE Administrator

Following a series of recent complaints and reports of criminals targeting older Iowans by telephone and stealing thousands of dollars, the Oskaloosa Police Department would like to warn residents about an apparent resurgence of the so-called “grandparent scam.”

The Police Department has received several reports of callers targeting older residents by claiming to be a grandchild (a niece, nephew or other relative) with an emergency need for cash. The callers try to convince their victims to immediately wire a large amount of money to help pay a sudden personal crisis, such as a car accident, medical emergency or even bail money. These scams surprise their victims and convey a sense of a relative facing an immediate need, so victims don’t have time to check out the story. They prey on older victims who would do anything to help their loved one.

Common scenarios include:

  • A grandparent receives a phone call (or sometimes an email) from a grandchild. If it is a phone call, it’s often late at night or early in the morning when most people aren’t thinking that clearly. Usually the person claims to be traveling, in another state or in a foreign country, and has gotten into a bad situation, like being arrested for drugs, being mugged, in an accident or arrested, and needs money wired ASAP. And sometimes the caller doesn’t want his or her parents told.
  • Sometimes, instead of the “grandchild” making the phone call, the criminal pretends to be an arresting police officer, a lawyer, a doctor at a hospital, or some other person. And we’ve also received complaints about the phony grandchild talking first and then handing the phone over to an accomplice…to further spin the fake tale.
  • We’ve seen military families victimized; after perusing a soldier’s social networking site, someone will contact the soldier’s grandparents, sometimes claiming that a problem came up during military leave that requires money is sent to an address.
  • They want you to pay to collect your winnings. Legitimate sweepstakes don’t require you to pay insurance, taxes or shipping to claim what you’ve won. Scammers pretend to be with banks, and well-known companies like Publishers Clearing House to make you think it’s the real deal. No matter how convincing the reasons NEVER SEND MONEY TO CLAIM A PRIZE.
  • They claim to be with a government agency. They may try to get you to send money saying they’re with the IRS, US Customs, or US Marshals Service. They might even use a real employee’s name and call from a Washington DC phone number. But it’s a number they’ve faked. Contrary to scammers’ lines, NO FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY supervises or runs sweepstakes.

To avoid being victimized:

  • Resist the pressure to act quickly.
  • Try to contact your grandchild or another family member to determine whether or not the call is legitimate.
  • NEVER wire money based on a request made over the phone or in an e-mail…especially overseas. Wiring money is like giving cash-once you send it, you can’t get it back. Don’t send a check or money order by overnight delivery or courier, either. And don’t deposit a check and wire money back – the check will turn out to be a fake.

Have conversations with your older relatives about the “grandparents scam” and other telephone scams that are targeting older residents. Encourage older relatives to screen their calls, not answer the phone to unknown numbers or unknown persons. Scammers want that personal contact to play upon the immediate need. No matter how legitimate it may sound or how important it may seem to act immediately, take the time to check it out.

Register your phones and your older relatives phone numbers with the NATIONAL DO NOT CALL REGISTRY at www.donotcall.gov or their phone number is 888-382- 1222.

Oskaloosa citizens are encouraged to contact the Oskaloosa Police Department at 641-672- 2557 or the Consumer Protection Division at 888-777- 4590 if they feel they’ve been a victim of such a scam.

Drug Take Back in Mahaska County Weighs In

Posted on by KBOE Administrator

The Oskaloosa Police Department in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration and Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office hosted the county installment of the state, and nationwide, Drug Take Back Day.

Held at the Mahaska Drug location in Oskaloosa, the Oskaloosa Police Department received a substantial amount of prescription drugs that were unwanted, expired, dangerous or deemed unsafe.

“We collected 150 pounds of prescription drugs at this event,” said Oskaloosa Police Chief Jake McGee. “This would be in addition to the 302 pounds that we collected in April of this year.”

On April 29, 2017, the state of Iowa collected 11,774 pounds on National Take Back Day and over 450 tons country wide.

The next National Drug Take Back Day will be in April of 2018.

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