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

OTTUMWA, IA -- The Ottumwa Blue Zones site visit was last week. So what’s next for the Ottumwa Blue Zones Committee?

The committee is still meeting weekly to discuss the next steps in the process.

“They (visiting Blue Zones Project members) told us to be ready to hit the ground running if we are chosen as a Blue Zones city,” says Laura See, Ottumwa Blue Zones committee member.

Community involvement plays a big part in being chosen as a Blue Zones City.

“We need about 20 percent of our population to be on board. I think we have a good start. I think right now are at about seven, a little more than seven and a half percent,” said See.

Everyone living in Ottumwa and Wapello County are encouraged to pledge their support online. This will greatly help Ottumwa’s chance of becoming a Blue Zones city. Ottumwa will find out May 1 if it has been chosen.