Good morning Ottumwa! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Roosevelt Varsity Football @ Ottumwa and 8 more events.
Today's riddle: What do you call a belt that is made of watches? 🤔 (Answer below!)
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1. City of Ottumwa Announces 2026 Oktoberfest Parades Street Closures – KBOE 104.9FM Hot Country (kboeradio.com) — Ottumwa drivers and parade-goers should prepare for Oktoberfest street closures this Friday and Saturday around Church Street, Kitterman Avenue, Main Street, and the Wapello County/City of Ottumwa Law Enforcement Center. The city details exact closure times and routes for the Kiddie Parade and Main Parade so residents can adjust travel and enjoy the festivities safely.
2. Trick-or-Treat Night set for Oct. 31 (ottumwacourier.com) — Ottumwa families can plan now for citywide trick-or-treating on Oct. 31 from 6 to 8:30 p.m., as set by the Ottumwa Police Department. Officials share detailed safety tips for parents, kids, homeowners, and drivers, stressing visibility, supervised routes, hazard-free porches, and extra caution on neighborhood streets.
3. EMS Council finalizes EMS recommendations (kyoutv.com) — Ottumwa and Wapello County officials are moving ahead with major EMS changes, including a new volunteer responder program, training academy, and revised funding model, without seeking a new tax levy for now. Instead, the city and county will cover interim costs while they test the hub-and-spoke system through 2027, before deciding whether to ask voters for a levy.
4. Girls swimming: Gevock picks up wins at Grayhound Invite (ottumwacourier.com) — Ottumwa swim fans can celebrate sophomore Piper Gevock's dominant double-win at the Burlington Grayhound Invitational, where she captured the 100 breaststroke and 200 freestyle. Her strong times helped the Ottumwa Bulldogs finish fourth overall and highlighted a promising relay as the team heads to the Ames Invitational this Saturday morning.
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Ok Ottumwa! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A waist of time. (Thank you Martin L. for sending it in!)
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