Page 12 • The Source 2023
Mahaska County
Situated an hour southeast of Des Moines , covered in corn and bean fields is Mahaska County , a picture of rural , smalltown America at its finest . Mahaska County has a rich history as a pioneer community and mining hub during Iowa ’ s early history as a state during the 19th century .
Today , a drive through rural Mahaska County is a display of Iowa ’ s powerful agricultural industry , while a visit to Oskaloosa , the county seat and largest town , showcases the community ’ s colorful heritage as a center for local arts and culture . Both sides of the county are on the rise .
The summer of 2022 saw representatives from Mahaska County , the City of Oskaloosa and the Mahaska Chamber and Development Group join together to utilize the State of Iowa ’ s Revitalize Iowa ’ s Sound Economy ( RISE ) Grant to fund up to 65 % of the cost to construct a connecting roadway between highways 23 and 63 to better support industrial traffic in the area . The project is still in progress , and its total cost is estimated at $ 15 million .
The three-way alliance is also moving forward with the ongoing process of creating a certified site at the already-existing Oskaloosa Industrial Park , as well as rail , transloading and storage facilities .
In addition to Oskaloosa ’ s industrial projects , the city also saw new developments take place that will benefit the area ’ s children .
In July of 2022 , the Oskaloosa Community School District welcomed new superintendent Mike Fisher on board .
In September 2022 , the Oskaloosa Kiwanis Club announced that plans to construct a new wheelchair accessible playground at the city ’ s Edmundson Park were back on track after being derailed in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic . The $ 795,745 project is set to begin its building phase this year .