The American Gothic Performing Arts Festival will host its 6th Annual Spring Trivia Night on Friday, March 23 at the Hotel Ottumwa to benefit the organization’s upcoming summer festival. Competitors may register as a team of 10 or as individuals. Individual competitors will join other individual competitors to create their team of 10. The cost for the event is $25 for single tickets or $250 for a table or team of 10 registering people. The event ticket includes complimentary beer, wine, soda, pizza and snacks (while they last) beginning at 7:00 PM. The trivia competition begins promptly at 7:30 PM. Trivia fans can find registration information online at www.americangothicfest.org or by calling 641-777-9636.
Ottumwa High School Student Arrested for Carrying Weapons
(OTTUMWA, Iowa) – On Thursday, March 8, at approximately 10:00 AM, Ottumwa Police Department School Resource Officers recovered a 9mm handgun from a student’s backpack at the Ottumwa High School.
The student was identified as Tyler Jordan Tucker, age 16, of 1420 E. Plum, Ottumwa. Tucker has been arrested and charged with Carrying Weapons on School Grounds, a Class “D” Felony.
Due to Tucker’s age and that this particular offense is a weapons violation, Tucker’s charge falls under the jurisdiction of adult court. Tucker was arraigned in Wapello County Magistrate Court and subsequently posted a $5,000 bond and was released from custody.
Please note the following pursuant to recent Supreme Court rulings: “A criminal charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.”
– This information was sent in a news release by Lt. Jason Bell from the Ottumwa Police Department.
Maple the Kitty Cat
Meet Maple, KBOE 104.9 FM‘s Pet of the Week from Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter.
She’s about 5 1/2 months old – and the only kitten remaining from strays that came in last season. But we don’t understand why she hasn’t found a home yet… because Maple is a sweet and curious kitten. Would you get a look at those eyes? She’s perfect!
Visit www.stephenmemorial.org to learn more, call the shelter at 641-673-3991, or check out the Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter Facebook page.
Ottumwa Man Arrested for Burglary, Resisting Police
On Tuesday, March 06, 2018, at approximately 3:23 AM, officers responded to 317 S. Milner, Ottumwa, on a possible burglary in progress call. Officers located a male suspect inside the basement area of the residence. The male refused to identify himself to police but was later identified as Christopher Garrett Allen, age 27, of Ottumwa.
Allen was arrested and charged with Burglary in the 2nd Degree, a Class “C” Felony and Interference with Official Acts (3 Counts), all simple misdemeanors.
Please note the following pursuant to recent Supreme Court rulings: “A criminal charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.”
– This information was provided in a news release from the Ottumwa Police Department on March 6, 2018.
CANCELLED – City of Ottumwa Fishing Derby
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has cancelled the trout stocking that was originally scheduled for Saturday, March 24. The weather forecast in the upper part of the state predicts heavy rain/snow with high winds. For safety reasons, the trucks carrying the trout will not be on the road. A news release will be sent out at a later date if it is rescheduled.
Wabash Street in Ottumwa Closed
Motorists in Ottumwa are advised that Wabash Street at the intersection of Sheridan Avenue will be temporarily closing as early as March 8, 2018. The temporary closure will allow for the installation of a new Water Main. The closure is anticipated to last 1 week. This work is being completed as part of the Sheridan Avenue Reconstruction Project.
Family Fest at the Bridge View in Ottumwa
Family fest is a FREE single-day event held at the Ottumwa Bridge View Center to give back to the Ottumwa community, showcase and highlight STEM initiatives and activities, as well as other education and health/wellness components, and allows children to also have a bit of fun and be entertained. Learn more by clicking here.
EBF Jazz Band Qualifies for Championships
(IOWA CITY, Iowa) – The Eddyville Blakesburg Fremont (EBF) High School Jazz band was hard at work on Saturday competing in class 2A at the South East Iowa Bandmasters Association District Jazz Contest. The fruits of their labor paid off when they came home with a second-place finish just behind Mid-Prairie High School, qualifying them for the Iowa Jazz Championships at Iowa State University on April 5.
Only the first and second place finishers from the South East Iowa Bandmasters Districts were eligible to go on to the Iowa Jazz Championships. Outstandingly, this is the 32nd year in a row that the band has qualified for championships.
Under the direction of Joe Overton, the band was able to take home awards overall as well as for individual performances. Several students received an Outstanding Soloist Award for their solo performances: Kendal Durst for bass; Grace Manternach for flute; Eric Schutt for trombone; Harrison Mock for trumpet; Julia Fairchild for vibes; Cyrus Rogers for tenor sax; Elijah Hartman for drums; Maggie Voyles for piano; Tara Diephius for tenor sax; Cameron Kolthoff for trumpet; Delanee Van Zante for alto sax; and Emma Mock for clarinet. The EBF Sax Section also received an Outstanding Section Award for their superior performance.
What’s next? The EBF High School Jazz Band is off to perform in concert with the Junior High Jazz Band on Thursday, March 22 at the EBF High School at 7:00 PM. After that, it’s on to the Iowa Jazz Championships in Ames on April 5 at ISU. The band will take the stage at 9:00 AM for the 2A contest.
“Friends and supporters of the band are encouraged to attend and lend your support,” said Joe Overton, Band Director, via a media release sent on Monday, March 5.
Sewer Repair Work in Ottumwa
Motorists are advised that an Emergency Sewer Repair will be taking place in the 1200 block of Elm Street between Pennsylvania Avenue and Maple Street in Ottumwa. During this repair, motorists will be limited to 1 lane of traffic. Motorists are advised to take caution around the work zone. This repair work will begin March 6, 2018 and (with favorable conditions) should be completed by the end of the week.
Shaul Cemetery Spring Clean Up
The staff at Shaul Cemetery in Ottumwa will begin the annual Spring Clean Up on Monday, March 12. Decorations on the graves on your loved ones must be removed before this date in order for you to keep them. All items on the ground, in vases, on top of monuments, and floral items hanging from a shepherd’s hook must be removed. The shepherd’s hook itself will not be removed. Solar lights will not be removed if in good condition. New decorations may be placed after March 23. Questions? Call 641-684-5553. Office hours are Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM to noon.