Latest news with #Indianola
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
They Meet for the First Time, Have Intimate Photo Shoot During Blind Date — and the Pictures Go Viral (Exclusive)
A photographer from Iowa is testing out photographing strangers in her area The 25-year-old hopes to push willing participants outside their comfort zones and show that connections can be found in the most unlikely of places So far, she has had two successful sessions with two pairs of spontaneous individualsIn a world where genuine human connection often feels out of reach, one photographer is challenging strangers to step outside their comfort zones – one photo at a time. Using Facebook as her platform, Anndee Jaelynn Clark invites individuals living in Indianola, Iowa, who are looking to meet someone new, to apply for her sessions. With just a few details, the 25-year-old carefully pairs people together, capturing the raw, unfiltered reactions of strangers meeting for the first time. While the idea of taking pictures of strangers isn't new, Clark wanted to branch out from typical photoshoots and offer something more unique and meaningful in her area. 'I decided it would be so fun to not only get out of my comfort zone but to help others get out of theirs,' she tells PEOPLE exclusively. After sharing her first post in late March, looking for willing participants, she was shocked at how many people expressed interest – and yes, Clark makes sure that they are all truly strangers. 'I make sure the matches don't know each other or have mutual friends,' she explains. 'I also used social media to find singles, whether through mutual or suggested friends, and I reached out to them to see if they would like to be in a shoot.' While the experience can be uncomfortable and sometimes awkward, most of Clark's participants come in excited to leap outside their comfort zone. Those interested in the unconventional dating experience can sign up for her $45 sessions by messaging her photography page, Anndee Jae Photography, where she asks for basic info, such as age, interests, hobbies, and what they look for in a partner. 'It was a new way for them to meet someone outside of dating apps,' she shares. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. So far, Clark has had two successful photoshoots, with the parties involved exchanging phone numbers in the end. 'A big thing is participants knowing that these sessions require no commitment afterwards. It's just for fun, or it can be all of that and more,' she emphasizes. Both of the stranger sessions she's done so far have been effortlessly fun and easy. The matches connected well, making the experience more comfortable and the shoots full of laughter. 'This project has made me realize that in the dating world, people are so quick to cut someone off when their first interaction is over their phones,' Clark explains. 'This has changed my own perspective on human connection, whether that be romantic or platonic, by seeing two complete strangers being able to let their guard down and connect with each other so quickly.' At a time when forming friendships or finding partners can feel more isolating than ever, Clark's project reminds participants of the magic that can happen when they dare to connect. 'The role photography plays in this is to capture their real emotional reactions to seeing each other for the very first time,' she says. 'In these shoots I wanted to reveal that even though getting out of your comfort zone can be scary and uncomfortable, it can also be rewarding and memorable.' Clark hopes to inspire others to take chances on new experiences, showing that unexpected connections with strangers can lead to meaningful relationships. 'You never know what you and another stranger may have in common, which is why I encourage doing something like this; whether it's a blind date or a stranger photo shoot,' she tells PEOPLE. 'You may even end up with a romantic partner or a great friendship.' Read the original article on People
Associated Press
6 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Metro Schools, Ohio State and Battelle Celebrate Restored Metro@Indianola Campus, Enrollment Up 40 Percent
COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 28, 2025-- At an official grand opening ceremony today, leaders from Metro Schools, The Ohio State University, Battelle and other key partners will open the doors of the historic Indianola Middle School—now the Metro@Indianola campus. The event will celebrate the completion of a top-to-bottom restoration that brought the 1929 landmark up to LEED Silver sustainability standards. The building at 420 E. 19th Avenue now houses 40 flexible classrooms and a community health clinic. Combined with Metro's plan to convert its original Kenny Road location into a dedicated elementary school, Metro will serve 40 percent more students this fall. 'Today, we move from blueprints to bright futures,' said Meka Pace, superintendent of Metro Schools. 'All Central Ohio kids deserve world-class STEM opportunities right in their own neighborhood and, after today, many more will have that opportunity.' Under a 30-year, no-cost lease, Ohio State owns the 9.38-acre property while Metro operates the school. The project was funded by the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission at $15 million, Battelle at $13.5 million, and other community donors. 'Metro@Indianola is a shining example of what's possible when partners across the community come together around a shared vision to invest in students and the future of our state,' said Walter 'Ted' Carter Jr., president of The Ohio State University. 'After today, Metro@Indianola will be able to do even more to prepare a strong pipeline of STEM talent for Ohio's workforce. Ohio State is proud to be a partner in Metro Schools' success story and we look forward to this new chapter of growth.' Metro's expansion is part of Battelle's philanthropic mission grow STEM educational opportunities. Metro opened in 2006 as one of Ohio's first STEM schools through a partnership with Ohio State, Battelle and local schools. Students from across the region apply to join the diverse, tuition-free school. Fully 80 percent of Metro students in the Class of 2025 earned college credit before graduation. 'Battelle is proud to be a co-founder of the Metro School with Ohio State and steadfast in our support of a model that delivers life-changing opportunities for the school's students,' said Lou Von Thaer, President and CEO of Battelle. 'This renovation allows more students to benefit from a STEM education and shape the future of our region.' The building was designed by famed architect Howard Dwight Smith and its alumni include celebrated author Wil Haygood and the late Curt Moody, founder of America's largest Black-led architectural firm. In 1980, the U.S. Department of the Interior listed the building on the National Register of Historic Places. About Battelle Every day, the people of Battelle apply science and technology to solving what matters most. At major technology centers and national laboratories around the world, Battelle conducts research and development, designs and manufactures products, and delivers critical services for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio since its founding in 1929, Battelle serves the national security, health and life sciences, and energy and environmental industries. For more information, visit or contact Katy Delaney at (614) 424-7208 or [email protected]. View source version on CONTACT: Katy Delaney (614) 424-7208 [email protected] KEYWORD: OHIO UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: EDUCATION OTHER EDUCATION UNIVERSITY PRIMARY/SECONDARY SOURCE: Battelle Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 05/28/2025 10:10 AM/DISC: 05/28/2025 10:09 AM
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Yahoo
Campers begin Memorial Day weekend celebrations
INDIANOLA, Iowa — Campsites are full as people begin their Memorial Day weekend festivities, and those looking to get a spot for the weekend had to plan ahead. Those hoping to snatch a camping spot for this weekend hopefully didn't wait till Friday. Aquahbi State Park and Campground is fully booked over the weekend and has been for a while. 'I was gonna say probably 2 1/2 months has been full because people know that you can reserve out 3 months in advance and they normally know the holidays they want to camp Memorial and Labor Day, and Fourth of July and they make sure that they are reserved for those times so yeah most of the holidays, they're probably all reserve now,' said John Thompson, Lake Ahquabi Campground Host. Ahquabi was recently renovated to make room for bigger campers, including more space to pull in and not as many low-hanging trees to get in the way. Families on the site say they were prepared and booked their space ahead of time. Now they plan to enjoy the long weekend. 'Yes, doing nothing. It's an absolutely enjoy. We sit around the fire until way too late at night. Way past my bedtime and just talk about things and what's going on, and our kids growing up and what they're doing and how that affects us,' said Al Hastings from Norwalk. 'Well, we are planning on getting water kayaking, but don't know if that's gonna happen but we will probably take the trail around the lake and do that maybe, I don't know, if we'll fish at all but hopefully get on the water kayaking and at least do the trail,' said Amy Havick from Norwalk. While spots might be difficult to come by on big weekends, campground host Thompson said it's not too difficult to get a spot during the week. Learn more about Lake Ahquabi State Park here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
New high school program helps Indianola students with disabilities join the workforce
INDIANOLA, Iowa — A new program at Indianola High School is helping students with disabilities join the workforce. The Transition Alliance Program, or TAP, is a partnership between the school district and Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Other school districts across Iowa already have the program, but this is Indianola's first year with the initiative. Indianola's TAP coordinator, Alivia Nelson, helps special education students determine what fields they find interesting to pursue after graduating from high school. She meets with students during a non-core class, like study hall, to gauge their interest. Transparency concerns on the mind at Madison County Board of Supervisors meeting 'I really focus on what kids are telling me that they like. I try to ask them what they're interested in. If they don't know, that's okay, and I can say here's what we've done before,' she said. Nelson then organizes field trips to different colleges and workplaces so students can see firsthand what different professionals do day-to-day. Students also get to job-shadow and intern, while some even get offered jobs as a result of the program. 'I encourage kids if they're not really sure to go on field trips if they can because it gives them that exposure to something new that they didn't know existed,' said Nelson. Nelson has even connected with the community by taking students to local businesses across Indianola. One of her students now works at Savor the Rise, a local cafe, and another works at Pipsy's Wee Care and Pre School, a local daycare. The program is important for students, according to Nelson, because not only is she helping them explore their interests and see if a specific career is suited for them, but she also helps them understand and navigate employment while they're still in high school. 'Indianola is a growing school district and it's amazing for all of the students to have opportunities, but I think special education students tend to be missed for one reason or another, and it's a great opportunity for those students to get involved with some activities and different ideas that they may not be exposed to before,' she said. 'Before They Were Soldiers' profiles Iowans who did not return from Vietnam Students receive help applying for jobs, creating resumes, and perfecting interview skills. Once they secure an internship or job, she helps them understand expectations and navigate conflicts. 'Most of these kids are extremely capable of working, it's just they need to have the exposure and right support to get put in that position,' Nelson said. Despite this being the first year of TAP, around 60 Indianola high schoolers are already enrolled. Nelson said her goal is to continue to grow the program. Indianola daycare provider charged with murder in 4-month-old's death New high school program helps Indianola students with disabilities join the workforce Transparency concerns on the mind at Madison County Board of Supervisors meeting 'Before They Were Soldiers' profiles Iowans who did not return from Vietnam A family affair at the Grand Blue Mile Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Yahoo
Indianola EMT's license suspended after arrest on grooming charges
DES MOINES, Iowa — An Indianola man had his EMT(Emergency Medical Technician) license suspended after being arrested for allegedly grooming two teens. Jeremy McCormick, 37, is charged with two counts of grooming. According to court documents filed in the case, investigators from the Warren County Sheriff's Office said last fall McCormick took two teen girls, a 15-year-old and a 16-year-old, on a shopping trip in eastern Iowa. The criminal complaint claimed he bought them underwear at Victoria's Secret and then asked the girls for pictures wearing the items. Suspect shot dead after firing on law enforcement on I-80 in Dallas County, officials say McCormick has pleaded not guilty. A pretrial conference is scheduled for May 5th in the case. Following the charges, the Iowa Bureau of Emergency Medical and Trauma Services issued an emergency order suspending his EMT license. In its February 7th order, the bureau said McCormick's 'continued practice of EMS would pose an immediate danger to the public health, safety, or welfare.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
