Chad Drury

Mount Pleasant

Staff writer @OttumwaCourier, focus on local govt and features. Moderna-vaxxed. Dubbed a swiss-army knife of reporters. Alum of @ISU_GSJC. Rail fan.

Articles

EMS advisory council approval on hold

1 week ago | yahoo.com | Chad Drury

OTTUMWA — It appeared the approval of the emergency management services advisory council was an afterthought, until it wasn't. The Wapello County Board of Supervisors tabled the resolution establishing the council until May 20 during Tuesday's crowded meeting at the courthouse.
Iowa county residents question officials about EMS as an essential service

1 week ago | ems1.com | Chad Drury

By Chad DruryOttumwa CourierWAPELLO COUNTY, Iowa — The history of emergency medical services in Wapello County is fascinating, but also complicated. Yet, several residents wanted to know about what EMS will look like moving forward. Many of those questions couldn’t be answered during Tuesday’s crowded public meeting at Bridge View Center, but starting next week at the Wapello County Board of Supervisors meeting and in the coming months, the answers to those questions will become clearer.
Public inquires about EMS as essential service

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Chad Drury

OTTUMWA — The history was fascinating. Yet, several residents wanted to know about what emergency medical services will look like moving forward. Many of those questions couldn't be answered during Tuesday's crowded public meeting at Bridge View Center, but starting next week at the Wapello County Board of Supervisors meeting and in the coming months, EMS as an essential service will begin to unveil itself.
Supervisors approve engineer 28E agreement

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Chad Drury

OTTUMWA — The Wapello County Board of Supervisors approved a new 28E agreement with Appanoose County to share Brad Skinner as an engineer, but it wasn't unanimous, and came after a long discussion about some of the numbers. The supervisors voted 2-1 Tuesday, with Carrie Teninty dissenting, to essentially keep the same parameters as the agreement that will expire this fiscal year. However, Skinner received a raise in Appanoose County, and Wapello County is paying 60% of a $172,000 salary.
County adopts five-year roads plan

3 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Chad Drury

OTTUMWA — The next five years in the secondary roads department will look much like previous years, but one major project affecting two roads is expected to begin once the fiscal year turns over. The Wapello County Board of Supervisors approved the five-year secondary roads program during Tuesday's meeting at the courthouse, allowing that document to be sent to the Iowa Department of Transportation.
Foote announces mayoral candidacy

3 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Chad Drury

OTTUMWA — Ben Foote stood under the marquee outside the Ottumwa Theater, using the hallowed landmark as a symbol of his candidacy for mayor. It was also a symbol for what he believes Ottumwa once was, and could be again. In front of about 20 people, Foote became the first known candidate to launch a run for Ottumwa mayor Thursday, looking to succeed Rick Johnson, who is not seeking re-election. Foote, 53, said the city, like the theater, lost its core identity and needs restoration.
Waterworks board approves hydro engineering agreement

4 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Chad Drury

OTTUMWA — The next phase of the rehabilitation of the Ottumwa Water and Hydro Dam will begin soon. The waterworks board approved an engineering agreement with Barr Engineering for just over $162,000 during Tuesday's meeting at the Ottumwa Water and Hydro facility. Coupled with the ongoing interior improvements to generating units two and three, the agreement covers much of the improvements that will take place in the water, though most of that work won't be visible.
Supervisors pass budget that features tax increases

4 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Chad Drury

OTTUMWA — The Wapello County Board of Supervisors adopted its fiscal year 2026 budget during a public hearing Tuesday evening at the courthouse. The budget will feature increases to both the general levy, which oversees the county's operations, as well as the rural services levy, which covers the increasing costs of insurance and certain wages.
OCCP features two plays for spring performance

1 month ago | yahoo.com | Chad Drury

OTTUMWA — Becky Ingle said the Ottumwa Community Children's Playhouse was trying "something new" for its spring performances this year. Sure, putting on two different plays has been challenging at times, but the smiles of letting every actor have a line have been worth it. OCCP will be putting on "Epic Quest of the Damsels In Distress" and "Storybook Court Full of Beans" Friday through Sunday at Bridge View Center.
Council approves sewer rate delay for multi-family units

1 month ago | yahoo.com | Chad Drury

OTTUMWA — A delay to sewer-rate increases will move forward for multi-family dwellings, but the Ottumwa City Council also bought itself time to take a look at the fee structure in its entirety. The council voted unanimously that rates for apartments, mobile homes and other similar units will begin Jan. 1 instead of July 1 during Tuesday's meeting at Bridge View Center.