The latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Heartland

OTTUMWA, IOWA -- The search for Ottumwa’s new transit director is in full force.

Human Resources Manager and City Attorney Joni Keith said she feels confident with the candidates for the job.

There were 30 applicants for the job as of last week, which has now been narrowed down.

“I had a committee that met with me and Joe Helfenberger  -- the city administrator -- we met last Wednesday evening, went through all of the applications and narrowed it down to five that we wanted to set up interviews for. We have about another seven that we have as backup in case those five don't meet what we're looking for,” said Keith.

Keith said interviews will take place this Friday and predicts a new transit director will be named in the next few weeks.