The following is a press release from the Oskaloosa Police Department:

On May 31st 2011, The Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Oskaloosa Police Department initiated an investigation involving a five year old child who had a positive urine drug screen indicating the presence of marijuana. During the course of the investigation, the child told investigators that during visitation with her mother, she would smoke "small cigarettes" consistent with hand rolled marijuana cigarettes commonly referred to as "joints" and blow the smoke into the child's face to get the child to go to sleep. The mother was identified as Stephanie Rashall Cope.

At the completion of the investigation, arrest warrants were issued for Cope. On June 15th 2011 at about 6:23 pm Cope was spotted by Oskaloosa Police officers in the 400 block of High Avenue West and placed into custody without incident. Cope is currently held in the Mahaska County Jail on $25,000 bond. Cope is charged with distribution of a schedule I controlled substance to a person under the age of eighteen, a class B felony punishable by up to twenty five years in prison, and wanton neglect of a dependant person, a class C felony punishable by up to ten years in prison. The child is currently in the custody of the biological father and step-mother.

A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

For more details on the arrest click "Read More."

Featured in this week's news:

• Governor Branstad Talks Budget in Oskaloosa
• Heatwave Brings Safety Concerns
• Summer Reading Starts up at Public Library
• PLAY BALL! OHS Baseball and Softball Season Underway
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The Oskaloosa Free Clinic has been providing free health care to people without insurance since 1994.  Demand is high, so the clinic recently switched to a lottery system to make sure everyone has a fair chance to see a doctor.

This week 18 of the 21 people who showed up for the lottery were seen by doctors.

CRI's Jacob Rosdail paid a visit to the clinic to see why people are willing to play the odds for some free face time with a doctor.

The 2011 Skunk River Art Festival began Wednesday, June 8 with the "Up and Coming Artist" Art Show." Organized by the Fine Arts and Cultural Events Board of Mahaska County, or FACE, the showcase featured exemplary works by young artists from the Oskaloosa area. Awards were given out to artists who displayed a particular talent.

The winners were:

• First Place: Aaron Vos
• Second Place: Alexander Nagorny
• Third Place: Natalie Wayne
• Honorable Mention: Rachel Frost

This week marks the 43rd annual Skunk River Arts Festival. The festival will be celebrated with a string of events culminating Saturday, June 11 with Oskaloosa's "Art on the Square." The Skunk River Arts Festival officially started Wednesday, June 8 with an "Up & Coming Artist Show" at the Iowa Building on the northwest corner of the downtown square.

To see what festivities peak your interest read through the Oskaloosa Area Chamber and Development Groups press release highlighting all the events in this years festival.

Skunk River Arts Festival 8th - 11th Wednesday, 4 - 6 pm: Up & coming Artist Show at the Iowa Bldg. (NW corner of Osk. Square)

Thurs., 6:30 - 7:30 pm: WWII Series "Color of War" film series continues at the American Legion
Thurs., 8 pm Oskaloosa City Band Concert downtown.

Fri., 5 - 8 pm Friday After Five: Live entertainment, food, children's activities. Music by Standing Hampton, food by Mr. Taco.

Sat., 8 - 11 am Farmer's Market near Hy-Vee on South D Street
Sat., June 11 Art on the Square 10 am to 4 pm in Downtown Square: View & purchase art, enjoy kids art activities. Purchase Raffle tickets for $5,000 in purchase vouchers. Drawing at noon for $ to spend at Art show. Proceeds go to FACE Historic Walking Tours at 1, 2 and 3 o'clock. Book Vault is offering The "Art" of Wine & Food Pairing form 2 - 4 pm

Public is invited to watch the American Ropemaking Guild demonstrate from 9 to 5 at the Nelson Pioneer Farm.

If you missed Wednesday's "Up & Coming Artist Show" be sure to tune in Friday, June 10th at 6:30 p.m. on MCG Channel 12 to the CRI Weekly News for video from the event.