| Position | Officer |
|---|---|
| Chair | Jean Stanford |
| Co-Chair | Jacob Taylor |
| Secretary | Holly Ridenouer |
| Treasurer | Donna Scanlon |
Highlighted Member for December
Pat Scanlon
I was born and raised on a farm in Mahaska County with my parents, brother and sister. I’ve been a truck driver most of my adult life until that was cut short due to an accident in 2021 that changed the trajectory of everything in my life. By the grace of God, I am still here and able to use my voice to hopefully make a difference in this world.
I became involved in politics about 25 years ago. Bill Salier was the first politician that motivated me to become involved. I helped on his campaign as well as many others along the way. Steve King was another important person that inspired me. I remember my grandpa telling my mother about the evil of communism. The famous words of Sir Edmund Burke also made an impression on me. “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” I did not want to be in that category. I was a Central Committee member for 15 years the first time and was the treasurer for several years. I have been serving again as a committee member for the last 2 years.
I believe every American should be truly informed and be involved because that is what makes America great!
| Precinct | Members |
|---|---|
| 1 (Adams, Lincoln, Monroe, Spring Creek, University Park) | Pat Scanlon Curt Block |
| 2 (Black Oak, Richland, Scott) | Jon Stanford Kitty Vander Hart |
| 3 (Cedar, Harrison, White Oak) | Andy Alexander Rachael Van Mersbergen |
| 4 (East – West Des Moines, Garfield, Jefferson) | Roger Gay Tina Marshall |
| 5 (Madison, Prairie, Union, Pleasant Grove) | Lorn Heyne Helena Hayes |
| 6 (Oskaloosa Ward 1) | Rusty Ward Neal Miller |
| 7 (Oskaloosa Ward 2) | Joyce White Stephen Stam |
| 8 (Oskaloosa Ward 3) | Teri Rogers Karen Converse |
| 9 (Oskaloosa Ward 4) | Monte Moore Jerri Minter |
Member Highlights from past months:
Monte Moore I’ve Lived and worked in Oskaloosa my whole life, except five years I worked in California. When I moved back, I met my wife, Becky. | She was on the Central Committee and that is when I really got involved in politics. I saw how local city and state level politics affects everyone and anyone can make a difference, if they get involved. For the past 18 years I have worked for Musco, as their aircraft mechanic. I have always been mechanical and loved working on anything mechanical. Church and faith in Jesus Christ are very important for Becky and me. We are very involved with Omega Church in Oskaloosa. |
Donna Scanlon I’ve lived in Mahaska County my whole life. I’ve been married to my husband Mike for 52 years. We live on a family farm where we raised 2 sons and 1 daughter, who have given us 6 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Both sons live on the farm also but do concrete construction work. Our daughter is a painter/pre-finisher. I have worked on the farm doing whatever is needed. | I raised hogs -farrow to finish – for around 12 years, had chickens for eggs and meat, had a big garden, did lots of canning, baking, lots of cooking, bookkeeping and taking care of my mother in law and mother until they passed. We live in the best neighborhood in the county and have a neighborhood party, potluck and hayride every year in October. We have had 60 people in attendance, which is pretty good, I think. A neighbor and myself are in charge of getting that ready for everyone. I love to read but don’t have much time for it. I also love to travel but haven’t done a lot of it. My brother in law Pat was instrumental in getting me involved in politics. I have been on the committee around 12 years now. I’m glad I got involved and would like to see more young people take up the torch. |
Andy Alexander I grew up in Ottumwa, Iowa, where I developed a strong appreciation for small-town values and community. | After spending several years living in Texas, I made the decision to return home and reconnect with my roots by moving back to our family farm. Since returning, I’ve become an active member of the community, proudly serving on the local volunteer fire department and participating in the Fremont Community Development Group. Whether it’s through emergency response or community initiatives, I’m passionate about supporting and giving back to the place I’ve always considered home. |
Jerri Minter Hello, my name is Jerri Minter. I grew up in Ottumwa, Iowa and attended William Penn University after graduation. While attending college I attended First Assembly of God where I met my future husband, Kendall Minter. We have two wonderful boys, Josh and Tim. We also have two beautiful grandchildren. Currently I work at Vermeer Corporation as a Buyer. | In my off time I enjoy spending time with friends and family. Also, I enjoy sewing, genealogy and photography. My mother was big in politics, and I watched her work hard to get people elected. We did not always agree with the who, what and where of politics, but I believe we should always have a say. Our voice is important now and for the future of the United States of America. We can learn from what others have to say, we do not have to agree. More recently I have become more involved with politics and enjoy learning history of our country and getting involved with the changes to congress. Summer is upon us, so stay safe, keep your eyes and ears open. |
Curt Block I’ve been involved in Iowa politics since I was transferred from Minnesota in 1989. My wife Janice and I are always willing to help where needed and do our best to follow Exodus 18:19; “… and then you need to keep a sharp eye out for competent men – men who fear God, men of integrity, men who are incorruptible and appoint them as leaders …” | We appreciate and respect all who give of their time and talents. I love exploring other cultures and traveling around the world (to 33 different countries, so far). I love to hunt, and I am a lifetime member of the NRA. I read … a lot! We have six wonderful children along with six wonderful children-in-laws that have blessed us with sixteen grandkids (counting our newest granddaughter due in August). Last, but not least, I know where I am going when I die; having put my faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Do you know where you’ll go? |
Rachael Van Mersbergen … with her Coffee | Bio from Rachael: A native Floridian, Rachael enjoys spending time with family & friends, eating chocolate & drinking coffee, and keeping up on all things politics. But, most important to her is her faith. Other hobbies include cooking & baking, running, biking, reading, and listening to podcasts. |
Neal Miller | We moved to Oskaloosa in 2003 from Williamsburg. I started getting interested in politics in the 90’s listening to Rush Limbaugh, but I always considered myself a Republican. I’ve done a lot of different jobs; driving trucks, working in factories, and working at the livestock auction site sale barn, for example. I even went on a wheat harvest in Kansas one year. I always like being around farmers and people from smaller towns. I wouldn’t live in a big city if you paid me. I joined the Republican Central Committee because I was interested in getting getting involved in something and hoping maybe I could do some good with the party to get more people interested. |
Holly Ridenouer “I grew up in Keokuk County in a politically aware family. I remember going to caucuses as a kid, Pat Robertson rallies in ’88 and being a Junior Delegate at County Conventions. | I moved to Mahaska County when I married my husband, Jeff, 18 years ago. I have been on Central Committee for around 8 years and began serving as Secretary last year. I’m a homeschool mom with 4 kids – 14, 11, 7 (in June) and 3 (in July). My days are busy with the kids’ activities (taekwondo and 4H) and being Children’s Church Director at Jubilee Family Church. In my free time I like to read and watch cheesy Hallmark type movies. Our yearly vacations are currently fulfilling my Bucket List item to visit all Little House in the Prairie sites in order.” I don’t remember exactly when I joined Central Committee but I do remember meeting in the 3rd floor of the courthouse when I was pregnant with Sarah, who will be 7 next week so I just guessed on my time served. |
Mahaska GOP 