OTTUMWA — For 49 years the Cornbelt Cow-Calf Conference (CCCC) has herded its way to Ottumwa. The two-day conference gives vendors an opportunity to sell their services and for producers and researchers to talk about farming techniques and agricultural-based topics and issues.

BLAKESBURG — Cheryl Talbert has a vision to renovate a former auto repair shop into the new Blakesburg library. Fulfilling this goal, she said, takes hard work and monetary assistance.

OTTUMWA — Don Lewis became the newest Wapello County Veterans Affairs Commissioner of five at the beginning of January. In his new role, he wants to do his part to help provide services to veterans and encourage Elks members to help veterans, too.

OTTUMWA — The Ottumwa Small Business Alliance (OSBA) has been growing since it started in October 2019. Now there are 114 businesses associated with the alliance. Founder Connie Hammersley-Wilson couldn’t be happier.

OTTUMWA — Starting Feb 1, 2020 the Wapello County Treasurer’s office will require residents to complete a bill of sale when transferring vehicle titles between private parties and between family members.

OTTUMWA — County Engineer Jeff Skalberg said the secondary road department has been working hard to removing snow and ice from roads. They’ll be busy for a while.

ELDON — The Cardinal school district has been proactive in letting students know about the mental health resources available, especially since Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a bill that creates and funds the state’s children’s mental health system.

OTTUMWA — Local business owners will have the opportunity to win $28,000 in Main Street Iowa’s Open 4 Business Contest.

OTTUMWA — The Ottumwa Police Department and the Humane Society collaborated Wednesday to host a training on recognizing animal cruelty.

OTTUMWA — Long-running discussions on pay for county officials came back to the county supervisors Tuesday.

OTTUMWA — Driving in snowy and icy conditions can be intimidating, but emergency responders said it doesn’t have to be.

OTTUMWA — The Ottumwa Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) wants to promote Ottumwa as “the place to be for conferences.” They got a helping hand Friday from residents who volunteered for a promotional video.

OTTUMWA — Tax season is just around the corner. Many may dread the time, but Wapello County Naturalist Annette Wittrock said it can be a time to make a difference for birds, butterflies, frogs, turtles and many other animals.

OTTUMWA — Tony Floden, John Deere operations project manager, and Lincoln Addis, Junior Achievement volunteer classroom coordinator are gearing up for the 26th annual Junior Achievement Snow Bowl.

OTTUMWA — The Bridge City Slam II Wrestling Show and Legends Fan Fest at Bridge View Center Saturday night was packed to the brim.

OTTUMWA — Every bleacher in the Evans Middle School gym was packed with families gathered to watch the Elks’ Annual Hoop Shoot Free Throw Contest.

OTTUMWA — Not all heroes wear capes. Some join the military and give people the opportunity to enjoy freedom.

OTTUMWA — The Ottumwa Police and Wapello County Sheriff’s Department started off the new year by asking county supervisors for funds to build more workstations in their shared law center.

OTTUMWA — Kids and parents experienced Harry Potter’s world Tuesday afternoon at the Ottumwa Public Library.

OTTUMWA — The Salvation Army is halfway toward their $35,000 Red Kettle Campaign goal.

OTTUMWA — Indian Hills requested $50,000 to go toward their health simulation lab. Different organizations and county supervisors were able to fulfill that request with organizations contributing $22,500 and County Supervisors planning to give $27,500 by mid-January.

EDDYVILLE — Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig visited the Indian Hills bioprocessing technology center Monday to speak about the future of the agricultural economy.

OTTUMWA — Prom is months away. The one that will benefit from this year’s Winter Festival is even further. But students are thinking ahead.

OTTUMWA — Santa didn’t just want people to have a holly jolly interaction with him; he wanted pets to have their share.

OTTUMWA — In the freezing Food Bank of Iowa warehouse, a small crowd gathered. Then all of a sudden, by the dozens, a forklift dropped more 8,400 pounds of pork loin, all packaged up.