Kyle Ocker

1 week ago | yahoo.com | Kyle Ocker

OTTUMWA — When it comes to streets, the money doesn't go very far, councilmember Cara Galloway noted Tuesday as the Ottumwa City Council approved two street reconstruction projects. Between the two projects, costs are expected to exceed $3.5 million total. That cost will cover new pavement, a new turn lane, and work to underground utilities on Mary and Washington streets. Ultimately, the work will cover less than five city blocks in all.

1 week ago | yahoo.com | Kyle Ocker

OTTUMWA — The Ottumwa City Council on Tuesday voted to adopt rate increases for Beach Ottumwa, the Railroad Clubhouse, and residential trash pickup. The single-day pass rates for Beach Ottumwa will increase by $1, as part of a city parks department proposal to raise additional revenue to make up for decreasing general fund revenues. It's the first increase of day rates for Beach Ottumwa since 2016.

1 week ago | yahoo.com | Kyle Ocker

OTTUMWA — The Ottumwa City Council gave its approval to the budget for its upcoming fiscal year, raising its tax rate for the first time in six years. The budget also forecasts a potential shortfall of $468,483, which the city would cover with its general fund reserves. The projected shortfall is a worst-case scenario in a way. The city also projected a shortfall for the current fiscal year, but is currently trending toward a surplus.

3 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Kyle Ocker

CENTERVILLE — Attorneys for Roger Gillespie this week asked the court for a new trial, after he was found guilty by a jury of murdering a 2-year-old child in his care. On Monday, Kenneth Duker, Gillespie's attorney, filed the motion stating the verdict was contrary to the evidence and cited issues related to a juror's wife and jury instructions. The state on Tuesday resisted the motion.

3 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Kyle Ocker

CHARITON — An Ottumwa man facing charges of second-degree murder for the death of his half-brother in Lucas County pleaded guilty last week on the eve of a jury trial. Trenton Blake Orwig, 31, of Ottumwa, pleaded guilty to willful injury and a reduced charge of voluntary manslaughter, canceling the trial that was to begin last Tuesday. Back in court Thursday, Orwig requested immediate sentencing following the court's acceptance of his change in plea.