Local and Area News

Once a BVU ball boy, he now chases an NBA championship

In its second week hosting a new TestIowa COVID-19 testing station, Buena Vista Regional Medical Center is “slowly working out the kinks” of the new role. The medical center stepped forward to host testing when the site that had operated at the golf course parking lot was scheduled to close down in early October...

Congratulations to Storm Lake’s newest patrol officer Thomas Lane. Thomas was sworn in October 21 by Mayor Porsch. /SLPD Photo

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and Secretary of State Paul Pate are encouraging Iowa FFA members and young alumni to take an active role in the 2020 election by helping to staff polling locations. Polling places around the state rely on precinct election officials to help ensure the election runs smoothly. ...

Extreme weather isn’t confined to any one season. That’s especially true in the Central Plains, where both tornadoes and major blizzards have been known to occur in the fall. Whether it’s extreme cold or maximum heat, taking time to prepare for those atypical occurrences can help lessen the toll it takes on animals and property...

Paxtons Jewelry held their annual Pink Rocktober Balloon Bash and Cake Dig on Saturday, October 10 during Sassy Saturday. Proceeds benefit BVRMC P.i.n.k., a program designed to help women with financial barriers have access to mammography services. Gary and Rhonda Ringgenberg presented a check for $1000 to Katie Schwint, BVRMC Executive Director of Community Development. /Photo submitted...

Members of the public are invited to listen as faith, business, law enforcement and community leaders from around Iowa discuss the need for immigration reform during a free virtual conference Friday, Oct. 30. A number of the panelists are from Storm Lake and surrounding communities. The Zoom webinar will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude by 1 p.m. Registrations may be made at www.nwciowa.edu/immigration-forum...

Storm Lake Mayor Mike Porsch is calling on citizens to continue their preventative measures against COVID-19. “I know it’s been a really, really long time. It’s easy to get nonchalant,” Porsch said during a council meeting this week. The city is asking residents to wear a mask when in public, social distance when possible, and avoid gathering in large groups...

Storm Lake city officials hope to get credit for water projects they have already done. The current permit for the city’s wastewater operations requires ongoing reductions in nitrates and phosphorus that are likely to require costly retrofitting. Instead, the city is hoping to be one of the first to work with the Iowa DNR in a reduction training program, which is no new it has not yet been announced. ...

Simple caring enough to ask, “How are you doing?” can sometimes be enough to save a life. The newly-formed Buena Vista County Suicide Prevention Coalition offered an open “SAVE” training session Thursday to help people respond to those who may feel suicidal...

A pivotal meeting of the North Raccoon Rover Watershed Management Coalition Friday saw little traction, but hope for the future. Only 10 people took part in the Zoom meeting, so no conclusions could be made or votes taken. Chairperson Keri Navratil of Storm Lake felt the low turnout could have been due to some members still working in the farm fields, or reluctance of some to take part in an online-only gathering. Decisions will be delayed to the coalition’s annual meeting to be held in January...

Health care is emerging as the pivotal issue in the upcoming election, and with ljust days remaining in the campaign, Democrats are hitting the issue hard. State Auditor Rob Sand, congressional hopeful J.D. Scholten, and Iowa House candidate Sara Huddleston shared a podium set up on the blustery lakefront at Circle Park in Storm Lake Friday for a “Health Care is on the Ballot” press conference, one of three being held in the western part of the state...

In the early morning hours of Feb. 14, before the sun had risen at 4:11 a.m., the Casey’s General Store at 800 S. Grand Ave. in Spencer was being robbed. The story originally told to police involved a ski mask-wearing man, clad in black, and armed with a gun, forced the store’s lone employee to drive him with his ill-gotten money and drop him off. It turned out to be much less strange than what the police investigation revealed...

The number of deaths in the United States through September 2020 is at least 10% and likely 13% higher than it would have been if the coronavirus pandemic had never happened, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. Conservatively, that’s at least 224,173 deaths and probably as many as 279,700 deaths above what was expected, just for the first nine months of the year. That’s 24,000 to 79,000 extra fatalities above the number of deaths attributed to COVID-19...

A 2004 Spencer High School graduate has made the transition from a career in crime scene investigation to becoming a publisher and author. Jodi Monahan Adams launched her first crowdfunding campaign for her first children’s book, “The Train Rolls On,” last week and has already reached her funding goal with more than 20 days remaining. Before becoming an author and publisher, Adams grew up in Spencer, the same as her husband Eric Adams, who is a 2003 graduate of Spencer High School...

Tlobedo Quester 4-H Chapter, of Odebolt, with members from Arthur, Odebolt, Schaller, and Wall Lake made their selection, at the 2020 Sac County Fair, of the outstanding historical entry. Exhibitor Deim Reis, shown here, with her woodworking, finished display case showing her Great Grandmother’s manicure items of clutch purse, curling iron, ivory nail care tools, necklace, and photo to mention a few of the items at least 50 years of age, encased which Deim has preserved. ...

Make your meals just a bit more special with homegrown garnishes. You invest time and money growing, purchasing, and preparing quality ingredients. But do not stop there. Add a nutritional and decorative flair as you plate your meal by adding a garnish of homegrown herbs...

More than 130 students were named to Buena Vista University’s Summer 2020 Dean’s List. The following local students made the list: • Gavin Freking of Storm Lake • Jeanette Moss of Fort Dodge • Ana Neri-Gonzalez of Storm Lake The Dean’s List recognizes full-time students achieving a 3.5 grade point average or higher for the semester...

On Oct. 4, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at a residence located in the 4200 mile of 270th Avenue near Gillett Grove. The search warrant stemmed from a report that 30-year-old Jaykie Harrington was chasing his ex-girlfriend around the property with a chain saw threatening her. Harrington also allegedly choked a 5-year-old child during the assault...

Colors fading, leaves falling. Sure signs that winter and the holiday season are close behind! The Fonda Arts Center wants to add to the holiday color and festive air by hosting the sale of holiday greens again this year, however, on a pre-order basis only. ...

Storm Lake schools have begun offering weekend meals to students, starting this past weekend. Each school has sent out a form for parents/guardians to complete if they would like to request weekend meals. Each Friday afternoon, students will receive meals for Saturday and Sunday as they leave the building...

Eighty Northwest Iowa high school students reported to Buena Vista University’s new Agricultural Experiment Station on Oct. 7 for the FFA District Soils Judging Contest. The day played out beneath blue skies, sunshine, and 80-degree temperatures. “I’d like to take credit for the weather, but I can’t,” said Rich Crow, Director of BVU’s new Institute for Agriculture. “But we’re very happy you’re here and can enjoy it with us.”...

The Alta Elementary Playground has been shut down due to safety concerns for students. The 20-year-old wooden structure has begun to splinter, causing risk of injury, school officials said. A fundraising campaign is underway to build a replacement playground...

DNR Director Kayla Lyon named Pete Hildreth of the DNR’s Wildlife Bureau the next Conservation and Recreation Division Administrator. The Conservation and Recreation Division is one of two divisions within the DNR, serving a large portion of the department including the Wildlife, Fisheries, Law Enforcement, Engineering, Land and Waters and Parks, Preserves and Forests bureaus...

SL enrollment down slightly as college occupies new training center, uses virtual classes

Alta-Aurelia High School students have designed and painted a sensory course on the playground at the elementary school, to provide more activities for young students during recess time. Two of art teacher Aimee Luksan’s classes volunteered for the project, made possible by a grant for $500 from the local Kiwanis group. ...

As Dean Banks arrived at the Tyson Foods headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas for his first week as CEO, he was met by over two dozen protestors telling him “Keep Your Promise.” In 2018, Tyson pledged to implement sustainable farming practices on two million acres by this year. However, just months away from the deadline, the environmental group Mighty Earth that organized the protest claimed Tyson has provided no details on how the company will meet that goal. The activists showed up to the headquarters with a 15-foot contract renewal printed on a banner, calling on Banks to sign. . ...

COVID-19 case confirmations continue to increase steadily in the local area. As of Thursday, there had been 2,175 cases to date in Buena Vista County, an increase of 72 in the past week. More than 109 cases per thousand population in the county have been confirmed through testing - by far the highest rate in the state. The county has seen 1,923 recoveries, up 48 from a week ago...

C.J. Petersen, Democratic nominee for Iowa Senate District 6, which includes Buena Vista, Carroll, Audubon, eastern Crawford, and Sac counties, has released a plan for rural revitalization that he calling a “Homecomers Initiative.” Petersen, 30, launched his campaign for the state senate seat once occupied by controversial Steve King in unusual style last June. ...

One of two inmates who escaped from Sac County Jail in Sac City Friday- was captured Saturday morning. At presstime, the other escapee remained at large, considered dangerous. Around 4:30 Friday, the two inmates overpowered a female correctional officer. ...

Michael Chowdhury, the new general manager of King’s Pointe city-owned resort, was introduced during a city council meeting last week. A native of Ayr, Scotland and educated in Uganda, Chowdhury has a long history in the hospitality industry, working with Marriott, Hilton, and other branded and non-branded hotels...

Nancy Beveridge’s new book “A Great Family Pet” is a heartwarming story about a pet parakeet named Chippie and his adventures with his new family. The writing experience brought back pleasant memories for the former elementary school teacher. An 87-year-old grandmother and resident of Wel-Life long-term care facility in Alta, Nancy wrote the book two years ago, before moving to Alta to be near her daughter, a school nurse for Alta-Aurelia. ...

Scientists from around the country and at The Nature Conservancy, a global conservation organization, have recently completed a multi-year assessment of terrestrial ecosystems throughout the United States to determine landscapes that will prove resilient in a changing climate. ...

Buena Vista University held its Homecoming Coronation ceremony virtually Friday night, complete with formal-wear COVID-19 masks. Congratulations to Queen Tania Toj Lopez and King Tanner Frost.

Carmen Morrison serves as a resident advisor on campus at Buena Vista University. She plays third base, first base, and catcher for the Beavers in softball. The junior from Arlington, Wash., coordinates the popular BV Buddies mentor program in the local schools. She also serves as secretary for both BVU’s Ag Club and Beaver Animal Rescue & Care (BARC)...

Voters will have the opportunity to elect four members of the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Cherokee County Council at the Nov. 3, 2020, general election. “The council members elected this year will be involved in bringing educational opportunities to Cherokee County for the next four years,” said Terry Janssen, Regional Extension Director. ...

Iowa singer-songwriter Chad Elliot will be performing at Century Farms Distillery, Spencer, on Sat. Oct. 17th for a night of great drinks, great food by Papa’s Smoking Meat and Catering, and great entertainment. Come early to get the best seats. The concert will be 5-8 p.m...

Age: 69 Hometown: Rochester, MN/Fort Dodge, IA Instrument:  Guitar-Fiddle-Mandolin How did you first become interested in making music? I played cornet in the school band at St. Mary’s grade school in Owatonna, MN.   In high school I started playing the guitar and writing songs...

Iowa has a good chance of normal to above-normal temperatures through the end of next year after getting nearly 4 inches less precipitation over the past year, climatologists report.  That could mean continued trouble with drought and low stream levels, even with forecasts for extra snow this winter...

The DNR’s weekly fishing report. Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake) Storm Lake has a daily limit of 3 walleye, and all 17- to 22-inch walleye must be released; no more than one walleye longer than 22 inches may be taken per day. Walleye - Fair: With cooler water temperatures, look for fish to start feeding closer to shore. ...

The Healthiest State Annual Walk was held on Wednesday, October 7. Leading up to the walk, the Healthiest State Initiative held a School Mascot Challenge. St. Mary’s Catholic School was the winner of the challenge and will receive $1,000 towards health and wellness...

Library officials and library board members joined in a retirement party for Ruth Freese, who has worked with the library since 2007. City Manager Keri Navratil presented Freese with a copy of a City of Storm Lake resolution of appreciation for her service...

With the help of Friends with Food, a few more can be fed. The Food Bank of Iowa, St. Mark Lutheran Church, and SALUD Multicultural Health Coalition of Storm Lake have partnered together to offer a monthly food delivery to those who are permanently or temporarily homebound and with no easy access to transportation. ...

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps qualifying low-income Iowa homeowners and renters pay for a portion of their primary heating costs for the winter heating season. The assistance is based on household income, household size, type of fuel, and type of housing...

Iowa’s statewide precipitation was 3.76 inches below normal for the 2020 Water Year, according to the latest Water Summary Update. The 2020 Water Year, running from Oct. 1, 2019 to Sept. 30, 2020, ended with a total of 31.51 inches of precipitation in Iowa. ...

Election season is off to a solid start in Buena Vista County. Early voting began Monday with about 50 people casting their ballots on day one at the courthouse. “It’s going good. We had people in right away at 8:05 a.m. Monday waiting to vote,” auditor and election commissioner Sue Lloyd said...

Somewhere, as Iowa State was beating mighty Oklahoma Saturday in Ames for the first time in forever, you might imagine The Rabbit was smiling. Everett Kischer, a 150-pound dynamo out of tiny Albert City, was the original big man on campus. And he won everything but that Oklahoma game in his storied career as State’s first All-America signal-caller...

Cases of COVID-19 are on the rise in the area. Thursday, 40 new cases were reported in Buena Vista County, the highest one-day increase in months. Over the past week, 98 new cases have been confirmed. A total of 2,103 cases have been confirmed to date in the county - about 106 cases per 1,000 population or 10 percent of the population...

Starting Monday, October 12 Buena Vista Regional Medical Center will take over Test Iowa testing for Storm Lake. People wanting a COVID-19 test will continue to go to www.testiowa.com and register. Everyone must register via the website. No walk-ins will receive a test...

A Storm Lake man has surrendered himself to police after allegedly pointing a loaded handgun toward a fellow motorist. Storm Lake Police were called out around 1 a.m. Monday on a report of a driver who had displayed a loaded gun outside a vehicle in the 900 block of West 5th Street. Police located the suspect vehicle on Vestel Street shortly after receiving a description of the vehicle...