[Masthead] Fog/Mist ~ 26°F  
High: 42°F ~ Low: 24°F
Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012

News

Local and Area News
Chocolate Extravaganza at Witter (02/02/12)
The annual Chocolate Extravaganza will be held Friday, Feb. 17 at the Witter Gallery in Storm Lake, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by the duo Ball and Chain, with Mick and Mary Beth Polick, who also recently performed at King's Pointe...
SLHS speech students move on to state (02/02/12)
There were 14 Storm Lake High School large group speech ensembles participating at district contests in Algona on Saturday; 11 of those ensembles will progress on to the state contest in Spencer on Feb. 4. Speech coach is Shelby Gunn. Results are as follows - ensembles with I ratings will go on to state:...
MEDIA HONORED (02/02/12)
Faith Bible Chrisitian Outreach Center welcomes Steve Sampson, Christian author (02/02/12)
Faith Bible Christian Outreach Center, 1601 W. Milwaukee Ave., Storm Lake, invites you to join them in welcoming Steve Sampson from Birmingham, Ala., on Sunday, Feb. 5 at 10:30 a.m. and at 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5, Monday, Feb. 6 and Tuesday, Feb. 7. He is used by God in a prophetic and teaching ministry that began 30 years ago...
Two locals named to judicial nominating commission (02/02/12)
Ann Trimble-Ray of Early, Grace Ivey of Storm Lake and Jan Bowles of Spirit Lake have been appointed to the Iowa Judicial Nominating Commission by Gov. Terry Branstad. The appointments take effect immediately and are not subject to Senate confimation. ...
Non-cancerous toxic pollutants found in air around SL schools (01/31/12)
Storm Lake High School is among those included in "The Smokestack Effect: Toxic Air and America's Schools" study by USA Today. According to the study, SLHS is in the national 35th percentile, toward the "Better" end of the scale as opposed to the "Worst" for cancer-causing toxic air. Still, 44,353 of 127,809 schools have worse air, and the school ranked toward the worse end in general non-cancerous toxic content of the air around it...
Weekend for divorced, widowed, or separated persons March 9-11 (01/31/12)
There's a special loneliness for those who find themselves single again. But now there's help. Beginning Experience Of Northwestern Iowa will be holding their next weekend for divorced, widowed, or separated persons on March 9-11, at Camp Okoboji in Okoboji. ...
Veterans Sweet Heart Supper (01/31/12)
The annual Veterans Sweet Heart Supper will be held Feb. 15 at the Alta Community Building beginning at 6 p.m. The night begins with a supper followed by entertainment provided by Touch of Broadway. Cost is $10 per person. Advanced reservations and prepayment are necessary by Feb. 10. Call Don Fisher, 200-1761...
Newell resident named to state board (01/27/12)
Only one area resident was among the 58 Iowans announced for appointments to state boards and commissions by Gov. Terry Branstad on Monday. Rachel Neshiem of Newell was appointed to the Higher Education Loan Authority commission. State law requires most boards and commissions to be balanced by gender and political affiliation. Geographic location and diversity are considered, Branstad said...
Legislative priorities for Iowa Great Lakes Corridor in 2012 (01/27/12)
The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation has been in existence for 20 years, and is working as a four-county region to remain competitive and allow for future growth, while protecting the natural resources unique to the region. Policies and funding priorities for the region are based on the Corridor's four key areas of emphasis: workforce, housing, entrepreneurship and business development. The federal and state governments can assist in meeting these goals as outlined below...
St. Mary's Speech set for State (01/27/12)
St. Mary's Large Group Speech teams had a very successful time at district contests held Saturday. Every group received a "I" rating which means they will all go on to compete at state, Feb. 4. St. Mary's speech coach is Leah Marshall. "How to Succeed in High School Without Really Trying"...
Ridge View advances five to state speech (01/27/12)
Ridge View Large Group Speech participated in contests Jan. 21. Seven entries were taken to the contest and five will advance to state contests Feb. 4. Speech coach is Mary Oakley-McAreavy. "Cell Block Tango" Amelia Leuschen, Olga Goncear, Grace Feilmeier, Sarah Rice, Amber Adams, Anna Smith...
AARP tax assistance at Storm Lake Library (01/27/12)
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program is once again offering free tax preparation through volunteer services for low to medium income individuals with special attention to those age 60 and over. Assistances will be available starting Thursday, Feb. 2 on Mondays and Thursdays from 9 to 4 on most days at the Storm Lake Municipal Library. ...
Catholic Schools donations outpace available tax credits (01/03/12)
St. Mary's raises over $100k in MLTF program
KIWANIS DONATION (12/19/11)
The Storm Lake Kiwanis Beavers recently donated $300 to Upper Des Moines Opportunity to assist with the 2011 Adopt A Family program. The Kiwanis Beavers generous donation will help provide a very merry Christmas to families who otherwise have nothing to make the Season bright. ...
Entertainment News
Alumni Concerts Begin in Area (02/02/12)
Arts on Grand will present a concert by two recent Spencer High School alumni on Sunday, February 19, at 2 p.m. at the Old High School Auditorium. The concert will feature Isaac Brockshus playing solo piano and also accompanying singer Kim Steffen. This is the first of a planned series of annual winter concerts featuring area high school graduates who have gone on to make music their chosen profession...
Casino Night benefits ICCC (02/02/12)
Willow Ridge golf course and restuarant in Fort Dodge will transform itself into a Las Vegas casino for its first Vegas Night to benefit Iowa Central athletics on Saturday, Feb. 18, from 7-11 p.m. Tickets for the event are $50 in advance and $60 at the door...
Here comes 'Fancy Nancy' (01/31/12)
Fancy Nancy & Other Stories. presented by Theatreworks USA, will be Sunday, March 4, 2 p.m. at the Lakes Art Center in Okoboji. Tickets are on sale now for $6. Fancy Nancy and other Storiebooks, Theatreworks USA's all-new musical revue, is made up of several mini-musicals based on popular children's books including Duck for President, Fancy Nancy, Pirates Don't Change Diapers, I Have To Go, and other great stories. This will be a thrilling experience for youngsters and the young at heart...
Country's 'gentle giant' in American Classic concert (01/31/12)
Just announced late this week is An American Classic concert with country legend Don Williams, coming to the Clay County Regional Events Center in Spencer Saturday, March 10. Doors open at 6:30, with the show beginning at 7:30. Advance tickets are $47.50, $39.50 and $29.50. A $5 discount is available for groups of 15 or more. Tickets go on sale Monday, January 30 at 10 a.m...
Free mini golf tourney at Extreme Winter Festival Feb. 11 (01/31/12)
You can start practicing your putting early this season by taking part in Retail Mini Golf during Extreme Winter Festival in Storm Lake. Retail Mini Golf sponsored by Knology will consist of 14 holes throughout Storm Lake United member businesses on Saturday, Feb 11 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The participant that putts the lowest total score will win $100 in $torm Lake Bucks...
Lose the Winter Blues with Faith, Hope & Charity concert (01/27/12)
It's time to Lose the Winter Blues and dust off your dancing shoes at Faith, Hope & Charity's Lose the Winter Blues music event. The event will take place at King's Pointe Resort in Storm Lake on Saturday, February 11, beginning at 7 p.m. The featured band for the event is the Kris Lager Band with Ross William Perry kicking off the evening. ...
Buena Vista Community Theatre announces cast for 'Almost, Maine' (01/24/12)
Dinner theatre tickets on sale Jan. 23.
Only in America with Larry the Cable Guy (01/24/12)
Spirit Lake's 'carp rodeo' gets cable spotlight.
Winter Fest gets the Blues (01/24/12)
One of the exciting new events during the Extreme Winter Festival in Storm Lake next month is the Lose the Winter Blues Concert Event. The show is Saturday, Feb. 11, from 7 p.m.-midnight at King's Pointe Resort. The Ross William Perry Band will play from 7-9 p.m. ...
Education News
N-F students to state speech (01/31/12)
Newell-Fonda Large Group Speech teams participated in district contests Saturday. The students are directed by head coach Amanda Mefferd and assisstant Colleen Rossiter. Teams receiving I ratins will advancing to state competition Feb. 4. Results are as follows:...
Seven L-M groups advance to state speech contests (01/31/12)
Laurens-Marathon High School took eight groups to the large group speech district contests on Saturday, seven of the groups earned I ratings which means they advance to state competition. The speech students are coached by Nancy and Ken Kunickis and Connie Dallenbach...
Feature Stories
Local runner's BV interim class celebrates its tenth year (01/31/12)
There's very little space left on the walls inside Andriette Wickstrom's "Running, Reading and Reflecting" classroom during interim at Buena Vista University. Posters of inspirational figures, legends and current contenders of the sport cover the walls and door, with articles on nutrition, injuries, motivation, races and goals filling in the remaining spaces. Over 300 books and 60 films are available as a resource to students...
Students travel from rain forests to volcanoes (01/24/12)
The Buena Vista University Interim travel class to Costa Rica and Nicaragua winds its way on through the jungles this week. On Thursday, the students got their first chance to leave the wild areas behind briefly for an urban exploration in Granada - taking part in an open market under a roof of patched-together scrap tin and garbage bags. ...
Videos
Business News
Schultz named manager at Marketlink (02/02/12)
Larry Schultz has been named Call Center Manager for Marketlink, Inc. at their Storm Lake location. Schultz has been with the company for two years and was previously a Supervisor in Carroll and most recently in Storm Lake. "Larry brings 40 years of sales experience with him and his leadership skills will be a valued asset to the center," said Bob Beaman, SR VP of Operations. ...
Real Estate Specialists welcomes two new Realtors (02/02/12)
Real Estate Specialists of Storm Lake, Inc., is proud to announce the addition of Realtors Holly Diischer and Bob Bauer to their office. Diischer has been the listing coordinator for Real Estate Specialists since 2008. In that job, she takes the pictures of the office's listing and enters the listing information on three websites, as well as handling marketing...
81 compete in Biggest Loser fitness program (02/02/12)
The Biggest Loser Challenge competition is off to a good start at the Fitness & Health Center in Storm Lake. So far 81 participants have signed up in the effort to lose body fat percentage. The entry fees all go toward the prizes, with over $1,000 to be won by the biggest loser. Additional participants can still sign up to participate in the events, but after the entry deadline, would not qualify or incentive prizes. For more information, contact Stacy or Angela at the Fitness & Health Center...
Retail Mini Golf at Extreme Winter Festival (02/02/12)
You can start practicing your putting early this season by taking part in Retail Mini Golf during Extreme Winter Festival in Storm Lake! Retail Mini Golf will consist of 13 holes throughout Storm Lake United businesses on Saturday, February 12th from 10:00am-3:00pm. The participant that putts the lowest total score will win $100 in $torm Lake Bucks...
Apply Early for Maximum Financial Aid Eligibility (02/02/12)
Last week Governor Terry Branstad designated February as Financial Aid Awareness Month. This designation helps highlight the importance of higher education attainment as a means to increasing the number of educated workers in Iowa and creating a profitable and sustainable economy...
SL Honda planning local, national snowmobile events (01/27/12)
Despite little snow in Storm Lake this year, snowmobile sales at Storm Lake Honda have been stellar. "We stay pretty steady," said Zeke Meyer, service manager/sales. "We do snowmobile trips and promote snowmobiles, no matter where the snow is. There's always snow someplace during a bad year."...
St. Mary's School receives $2,500 for tech upgrades through Monsanto Fund (01/27/12)
STORM LAKE -- St. Mary's students will soon be among the most connected in the country thanks to a number of iPad's and other classroom technology items that will be purchased with a $2,500 donation from the Monsanto Fund's America's Farmers Grow CommunitiesSM...
DFS expanding reach, capacity (01/24/12)
NEWELL - DFS Animal Nutrition is stepping farther into Iowa this week with the acquisition of the feed and grain businesses of Tetra AgriGroup Inc. in Oskaloosa, Iowa - expanding the company from its long-time base in northwestern Iowa to new properties in Oskaloosa in southeastern Iowa...
Associated Press Headlines
  • Obama could alter stance of federal appeals courts
    WASHINGTON (AP) -- A second term for President Barack Obama would allow him to expand his replacement of Republican-appointed majorities with Democratic ones on the nation's appeals courts, the final stop for almost all challenged federal court rulings....
  • Egypt sends 43 NGO workers to trial over funds
    CAIRO (AP) -- Egyptian investigating judges on Sunday referred 43 NGO workers, including 19 Americans, to trial before a criminal court for allegedly being involved in banned activities and illegally receiving foreign funds....
  • Clinton calls for friends of Syria to unite
    SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton called Sunday for "friends of democratic Syria" to unite and rally against President Bashar Assad's regime, previewing the possible formation of a formal group of likeminded nations to coordinate assistance to the Syrian opposition....
  • GOP race turns to Colorado, Minnesota
    LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Now it's on to Colorado, Minnesota and Maine....
  • Chief army defector promises fight to free Syria
    BEIRUT (AP) -- The commander of rebel Syrian soldiers said Sunday there is no choice but to use military force to drive President Bashar Assad's regime from power as fears mounted that government troops will escalate their deadly crackdown on dissent after Russia and China vetoed a U.N. resolution aimed at resolving the crisis....
  • Super matchups everywhere with Pats-Giants
    INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- MVP quarterbacks on marquee franchises. A rematch of a nail-biter from four years ago, featuring many of the same key characters. Madonna and plenty of Manning - Eli, and Peyton, too....
  • 'Tebowing' Alec Baldwin hosts NFL Honors
    INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Trying to do his best "Tebowing," Alec Baldwin got a bit of help on stage....
  • Navy: 8 Calif.-based sailors discharged for hazing
    SAN DIEGO (AP) -- Eight sailors have been discharged from the Navy after a hazing incident aboard a San Diego-based amphibious assault ship that was captured on video and included the choking of a fellow sailor, a Navy spokesman said Saturday....
  • Authorities: Stun gun used on woman at drive-thru
    HOPE MILLS, N.C. (AP) -- North Carolina authorities say they used a stun gun on a woman motorist who blocked a McDonald's drive-thru for 20 minutes after employees refused to serve her because she cut in line....
  • Analysis: Romney win leaves rivals few options
    LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Mitt Romney's decisive victory in Nevada was never much in doubt. He won the state's caucuses four years ago, kept his organization active and he could count on support from Mormons who made up a quarter of caucus goers this year....
Entertainment Feed from Variety