In my television days, I interviewed—or sat in on interviews with—people many would recognize instantly. Names like Ginger Zee. Terry Bradshaw. Jon Taffer. Those conversations were exciting, memorable, and part of the job.

But for all the interviews I’ve done, there was one arena I had never truly stepped into: politics.

January is supposed to be predictable in Osage and across northern Iowa.

Cold mornings. Snow that squeaks under your boots. Rivers locked up. Ground frozen solid. It’s the quietest month of the year, weather-wise — or at least it’s supposed to be.

Last week reminded us that January doesn’t always follow tradition.

Mitchell County CROP Hunger Walk Co-Chairs; Dean Pohren and Robertta Carroll Huffman report $11,789 was raised. 

Saint Ansgar, Iowa — Alexander Schmidt, a Saint Ansgar native who works in grocery retail and does freelance writing,

A to Z Drying, Inc., a family-owned business based in Osage, Iowa, is pleased to announce the purchase of the former Fox River Mills building located on the north side of town. While this acquisition marks an exciting opportunity for continued growth, we recognize that it comes with mixed emotions for our community.

RICEVILLE — Riverside Feeds LLC experienced its most successful year to date in 2025, marking record production levels and continued expansion after several years of steady growth.

CEO and owner James Frantzen said the company’s success is the result of multiple factors working together.

The Osage Chamber of Commerce received a $10,000 contribution from CUSB Bank to support a mold remediation project completed at the Chamber office in October 2025.

The project was undertaken to address maintenance needs and help preserve the Chamber’s historic office space. Chamber officials also expressed appreciation to former Chamber president John S. Thomson for his assistance and support during the process.

The Saint Ansgar Rescue served 785 meals during its an

OSAGE, Iowa — Gubernatorial candidate Zach Lahn flew into the Mitchell County Airport with a campaign strategy he describes in plain terms: be present.

“I’m kind of just doing this … first flying tour as much as I can — land at small airports, go to events,” Lahn said during a nearly 45-minute sit-down interview with The Osage Oracle publisher and owner Chris Nelson, conducted at the Cedar Valley Seminary in Osage. 

OSAGE — Lincoln Elementary students are striking a new note in music class with the arrival of new Flipform risers, made possible through a generous community donation.

Osage Community School District officials said the school recently received three green Flipform risers for student music rehearsals, thanks to a donation from Shop On State. The risers provide a safe, stable platform that enhances visibility and organization during rehearsals.

OSAGE — Bradford Bisbee, a Mitchell County Farm Bureau board member, has been selected to participate in the 2026 Farm Bureau Ag Leaders Institute.

The Riceville Community School District is now planning for its 4-year-old preschool program for the 2026–27 school year and is encouraging families to register early to secure a spot.

Children who are 4 years old on or before Sept. 15, 2026, are eligible to attend the program. The preschool is offered four full days per week—Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday—from 8 a.m. to 3:10 p.m.