Community Corner
🌱 Which Ottumwa streets will close for this weekend’s Oktoberfest parades?
Also, don't miss Bridge City Slam VIII on the Ottumwa Patch calendar
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:
- Which Ottumwa streets will close for this weekend's Oktoberfest parades?
- When should Ottumwa kids hit the streets for Halloween candy?
- How could Ottumwa's new EMS plan affect 911 response times?
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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- Thursday: Rain, then a shower, with a high of 68 and low of 48 degrees.
- Friday: Partly sunny and less humid, temps: high: 67, low: 45.
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 67 and low of 50 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
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.
📸 Around Ottumwa
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Ottumwa
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Bridge City Slam VIII →
Bridge View Center, 102 Church St, Ottumwa
4:00 pm
Saturday October 3
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Steve Johnson Invitational →
Ottumwa IA - PAC XC Meet →
Ottumwa IA - The History of Ottumwa Told Through Art →
Indian Hills Community College, 525 Grandview Ave, Ottumwa - GOPIP Annual Banquet →
Bridge View Center, Ottumwa
5:30 pm - Roosevelt Varsity Football @ Ottumwa →
Ottumwa High School, 501 2nd St E, Ottumwa
7:00 pm - Roosevelt at Ottumwa →
501 E 2Nd St, Ottumwa
7:00 pm - Roosevelt at Ottumwa →
Ottumwa High School, 501 E 2Nd St, Ottumwa - A Not-So-Spooky Night at the Museum →
Iowa Heartland History Museum, 1 Museum Drive, Ottumwa
6:00 pm - Iowa City at Ottumwa →
501 E 2Nd St, Ottumwa
7:00 pm - Masterworks #1: Salute to America →
Bridge View Center, 102 Church Street, Ottumwa
7:30 pm
Saturday October 3
Wednesday October 7
Thursday October 15
Friday October 16
Saturday October 17
Friday October 23
Saturday October 24
📣 Ottumwa Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- FOR RENT: 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment in Ottumwa, IA for $810 monthly.
The unit features hardwood floors, baseboard heating, in-unit laundry, and appliances such as a dishwasher, oven, refrigerator, freezer, washer, and… (Nextdoor Ottumwa)
- Tractor Supply posted a job opening for Team Member in Ottumwa. Apply here.
- LifePoint Health posted a job opening for Unit Secretary (HUC) in Ottumwa. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Ottumwa here.
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!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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