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

Ottumwa Job Corps to shut down

2 days ago | yahoo.com | Chad Drury

OTTUMWA — The word "devastation" was thrown around quite a bit. When it comes to Ottumwa Job Corps, there were few other ways to describe the federal government's decision to shutter the job training program nationwide, and the effect it will have on the Ottumwa community.
The ups and the downs: SE Iowa providers navigate child care, pre-K challenges

6 days ago | yahoo.com | Chad Drury

OTTUMWA — One facility is cutting its student enrollment by more than half. Another facility can't seem to fill up. A third was a little nervous if the funding would ever come and had plans if it didn't. Welcome to the world of child care and preschool in southeast Iowa.
Laying the ground(work)

1 week ago | ottumwacourier.com | Chad Drury

By Chad Drury/The Courier We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form A searchable database of public salaries including the City of Ottumwa, Wapello County, Ottumwa Community School District, Indian Hills Community College, Ottumwa Water Works, City of Eldon, City of Blakesburg, City of Eddyville, South Iowa Area Detention Service Agency, South Iowa Area Crime Commission, Eddyville Water Department. View salaries
Hendersons keep moving Honey Creek forward

1 week ago | yahoo.com | Chad Drury

MORAVIA — When Terry and Beth Henderson, as part of Achieva Inc., took over as concessionaires of the state-owned Honey Creek Resort two years ago, they knew the task at hand. Reflecting on the time since, Beth Henderson didn't mince words. "When we got it, it was the Titanic," she said in her office just off the lobby of the resort, which has seen vast improvements since the couple took over. "It was a sinking ship, and we were expected to keep sailing this ship with all the holes in it.
Students, staff protest to keep Job Corps alive

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Chad Drury

OTTUMWA — As of now, nothing has happened. However, students and staff at Ottumwa Job Corps aren't leaving anything to chance. Students and staff Friday protested President Donald Trump's proposed fiscal year 2026 budget item that would essentially end Job Corps, which prepares students for the real world by educating them in skills, trades and other facets of life to make them productive members of society.
Job Corps protest

2 weeks ago | ottumwacourier.com | Chad Drury

By Chad Drury/The Courier OTTUMWA - As of now, nothing has happened. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community.
County, city stress improved communication on EMS matter

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Chad Drury

OTTUMWA — If Wapello County is to pass an emergency services levy in the future, the first thing that's needed is a united front between itself, the City of Ottumwa and other entities that would make that happen. A work session Tuesday appeared to be an instance in which some daylight narrowed.
Council to discuss letter regarding Amtrak funding

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Chad Drury

OTTUMWA — The Ottumwa City Council during Tuesday's meeting at Bridge View Center is anticipated to authorize a letter from mayor Rick Johnson to several of Iowa's congressional delegation regarding funding from Amtrak service next year. The letter, addressed to Sens. Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst, as well as Reps. Marianette Miller-Meeks and Zach Nunn, discusses concerns about the potential lack of funding as part of the next federal budget.
A slow and steady process

3 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Chad Drury

OTTUMWA — If nothing else, Marc Roe wants all the planning and execution of development on the 312 E. Alta Vista Ave. site to be done right. Whether that's tomorrow or over a year from now, that's the standard. Roe said environmental and geotechnical studies have been completed on the 10-acre site, which was the former home of St. Joseph Hospital. Blackbird Investments owned the property for almost a decade before a deal was worked in 2023 to bring the land back to local hands.
EMS advisory council approval on hold

1 month 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.