Mahaska
12 • The Source 2024
Mahaska
Located an easy hour ’ s drive southeast of Des Moines , Mahaska County represents a confluence of Iowa ’ s best qualities . A drive down one of the county ’ s roads showcases Iowa ’ s farming and pioneer heritage , with miles of corn and soybean fields in every direction . Contrasting with the area ’ s deeply rural and agrarian roots , Oskaloosa , the county seat , is a hub for fine arts and small town charm .
Oskaloosa experienced a boom of new facilities , industrial projects and opportunities during the summer of 2023 .
In July , the community celebrated a major milestone with the ribbon cutting for a new , certified site , located along Highway 23 and spanning 490 acres . The site has been a decade-long collaborative effort between Oskaloosa , Mahaska County and the Mahaska Chamber and Development Group to attract more industry to Oskaloosa . Some of the site ’ s features include competitive land pricing , rail service by Union Pacific , interstate access , multi- gig fiber to the premise through the Mahaska Communications Group , low interest loans and an electric rate that is 33 % below the national average .
In August , Clow Valve , one of the city ’ s largest employers , broke ground on a $ 75 million , 36,000-square-foot expansion to its existing iron foundry after announcing plans for the project back in February . Late summer also brought Musco Sports Lighting ’ s announcement of a 74,000-square-foot office expansion and renovation , cementing the business as a mainstay in the Oskaloosa community . The lighting company , another of Oskaloosa ’ s primary businesses , broke ground on its expansion in September of last year . The community took yet another victory lap last August when Oskaloosa
Mayor David Krutzfeldt officially cut the ribbon for the new Mahaska County YMCA , a longstanding project years in the making . In addition to the new YMCA , Oskaloosa is looking ahead to the incoming Trio Entertainment Venue , which is currently under construction after breaking ground late last summer . The facility , which will include four pickleball courts , two indoor tennis courts , three golf simulators , three movie theaters with concessions and a bar and grill style restaurant , is expected to open in late 2024 .
Even with all the new expansions , the community still remembers and is passionate about preserving the pioneering history at its heart . This February , the Mahaska County Historical Society and Nelson Pioneer Farm and Museum announced the hire of McKenzie Hardeman Korte as its new director . Nelson Pioneer Farm and Museum will open for the season in
May .