Local and Area News

Crystal Sawvell, from Fonda, captured this image Thursday. “When I saw that sun setting, I knew there was no other way to capture it without having the lake in the picture as well,” said Crystal, originally from the Storm Lake area

When Angieleen Olpet arrived in Storm Lake in 2007, there were four Micronesian households in the area. Today, she says, there are more than 200. “We are so blessed that you are trying to reach out and embrace us,” she said of the acceptance the immigrants have found in Storm Lake...

Every two seconds, someone’s identity is stolen. By the time you finish reading this lede, about five identities will have been stolen. What’s worse is that identity theft is only one of many fraudulent practices and scams out there that can target anyone, particularly senior citizens and retirees...

Storm Lake Police have arrested a local teenager after he reportedly disseminated intimate video footage of himself and his ex-girlfriend, that he had shot earlier without her knowledge or consent. Police were alerted to a harassment situation Wednesday. ...

Lake Animal Hospital is working overtime to address the backlog of care needed for 33 dogs and 21 cats that came to their care in May following rescue from a hoarder’s home. So far, only five have been adopted. “All they want is love,” said Lori Nehring, manager of the hospital. “Some of them act like they’ve never been held.”...

Tonia Henning spends the summer before her senior year at Buena Vista University diving into the world of sea cucumbers. “I’m seeing if they can grow in water from an aquaculture system,” says Henning, a biology major from New Ulm, Minn.  Henning serves as an intern at the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, which is part of Florida Atlantic University. ...

As much as we love fireworks displays, drifting smoke can cause breathing problems for some. “If your family or friends suffer from asthma or respiratory difficulties, it’s important for them to stay upwind, a safe distance from fireworks smoke,” says Brian Hutchins, DNR air quality supervisor. “The elderly and children are also vulnerable to higher levels of smoke.”...

This weekly fishing report is compiled from information gathered from local bait shops, angler creel surveys and county and state parks staff. For current information, contact the district fisheries office at the phone number listed at the end of each district report...

Visitors at the Storm Lake Public Library had a chance to cool down with the Super Cold program Wednesday, put on by the Grout Museum. Kids even had a chance to experiment with liquid nitrogen.

Western Iowa Congressman Steve King continues his assault on the New York Times, asking supporters this week to take an online poll: “Do you believe me, or the liberal fake news media?” he asks. King cites an interview in the Times that resulted in him being removed from all committee posts in the House, saying the “phony hit piece ... deliberately took my words out of context to smear me, and you, and our district and our state, and most of all, to destroy the patriotic values you and I share.”...

The Buena Vista Rifle & Pistol Club’s request for a stop sign at the intersection of 580th Street and 110th Avenue in Washington was approved Tuesday after club members made their case before Supervisors. Club members, who meet at the property adjacent to the intersection, reported a lot of close calls for car accidents as traffic speeds over the crest of the hill before their driveway near the intersection. ...

Pinocchio’s cast invites you to enjoy their humorous performance of the classic story that is flavored with fun sayings and costumes from the 1980’s. This unique cast is filled with local talented students: Cassie Hinshaw, Laura Clark, Carter Lambert, Gwen Gehrke, and Liam Knudtson (not pictured). ...

Buoys Bar and Grill at Storm Lake Marina is serving up a Fourth of July Bash, July 3, with the Adam Keith Band. One of Iowa’s up and coming country artists, Adam Keith was raised in the small town of Onslow. At the age of 19, he began performing, from bars in the city, to college parties and everywhere in between. ...

At the Iowa Questers International State Day in Mason City the local Okoboji Queen Chapter #1489 received a grant to finance the framing of Roof Garden posters and signed celebrity contracts that had been purchased last year with a Questers International Grant. Karmon Amsler, Okoboji Queen treasurer, was in Mason City to accept the $2820 grant which combined with $800 from the local chapter was given to Historic Arnolds Park Incorporated CEO Jeff Vierkant...

Join in a fun evening of sipping wine and slushes at The Meeting Place in Galva on Wednesday, July 17, at 6 pm Brenda Cronin, owner of Spirits, Stogies & Stuff will be on hand to talk about “all things Rose’ wine”! During the one-hour program, Brenda will talk about different varieties of Rose’ wines, share Rose’ wines from foreign countries, we will do some blind taste testing, and participants will also taste test some fun summer slushes that are easy to make...

After a full two weeks of collecting donations, the 2019 Star Spangled Spectacular, with a theme of “Coming Home,” has crossed the halfway point in raising $30,000. Josh Newhouse, fundraising chair for Star Spangled Spectacular, said many donors have increased their donations over last year, and several first-time donors sent in their contributions this week...

1948 “Johnabilt” raises PTSD awareness slowly but surely

Local residents from Buena Vista and Clay County can join together with the American Cancer Society to raise funds and awareness in an effort to free the world from the pain and suffering of cancer by participating at the Relay For Life of Clay County. The Relay will begin at 4 p.m. at the Clay County Fairgrounds on Saturday, June 29...

Following heavy spring flooding along the Little Sioux River, the river has carved a completely new channel south of the dam, running through and heavily damaging the park land. For the first time in his four years as County Engineer, no water is running over the dam, says Brett Wilkinson...

A Storm Lake native has been named interim director of the Iowa Department of Human Servies. DHS Director Jerry Foxhoven says he resigned Monday at the request of Gov. Kim Reynolds, as Reynolds indicated she wishes to take the department in a new direction. Reynolds issued a news release stating that she’d appointed Gerd Clabaugh as interim director. Reynolds complimenting the job Clabaugh has done as director of the state Public Health Department since 2014...

With a new plan in hand for an Early Childhood Center, the Storm Lake Board of Education is split about when to take that proposal to the voters for a second attempt to attain funding. After narrowly failing with a $29 million plan for a preschool-first grade plan in a bond election last December, the district has opted for a three-phase project starting with kindergarten only - 10 classroom plus the gym, media center and music spaces that would serve the whole complex. ...

The Building and Trades class at Storm Lake High School will join with Habitat for Humanity for the coming school year. Students and their instructor will build a duplex for the Habitat program and two families who are waiting for homes they can call their own...

The Storm Lake City Council approved over $64,000 in funding for a new public courtesy dock at Buoys Bar & Grill/Storm Lake Marina, quickly and with no dissent, during the council meeting Monday. The city is required to maintain the site under an agreement with the state DNR...

The Storm Lake community has started the summer season without either of its signature fountains on the lakefront. The in-water fountain off Awaysis Beach has been plagued with issues since it was installed, and again failed last year. The fountain at the Kolb Memorial Gardens next to the Great Lawn had yet to be filled this season, also with mechanical issues...

The Buena Vista County Fair is preparing to welcome attendees once again with a new and exciting line-up of events, activities, contests and carnival rides. New this year, attendees can look forward to the comeback of Bulls & Barrels, a Barnyard to Blue Ribbon Bike Ride, and a contest that combines craft beer brewing and a good old barbecue...

After receiving her first Antisense Oligonecleotide, also called ASO, infusion on Monday, June 10, the family of 25-year-old Jaci Hermstad reported no adverse side effects. “Jaci did great after the first ‘jacifusen,’” her mother Lori Hermstad said. ...

After two meetings for downtown property owners, Storm Lake City officials are planning changes to downtown parking. Proposed is a 3-6 a.m. year-around no parking zone on Lake Avenue, which the city council members favored unanimously at their meeting Monday night, as well as changing parking on Railroad Street from parallel to diagonal to provide a few more spaces...

Storm Lake High School will add a May term next school year for the first time, Storm Lake Superintendent of Schools Stacey Cole recently announced to the teaching staff. May Term is used to provide some unique educational opportunities for students, and a chance for educators to propose short-term “passion courses.” The terms will also include a senior seminar designed to ensure that students about to graduate are prepared for college...

Friday, June 21st marks the 60th wedding anniversary of Vee and Bill Tutt of rural Storm Lake. Your wishes may be sent to 5602 105th Avenue, Storm Lake 50588. They are the parents of Randy (Storm Lake), Roxi Dreeszen (Spirit Lake), Greg (Keller, TX) and Steve (Tulsa, OK). /Photo submitted...

Mike and Arnie Stark and Wayne and Ruth Stark of Storm Lake are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter and granddaughter, Sally. Stark of Storm Lake to Bruce Robbins, the son of Joyce Rohbins and the late Donald Robbins of Alta. Sally is a 2008 graduate of Storm Lake High School and a 2012 graduate of Coe College with degrees in English Literature and Creative Writing. ...

A wide variety of non-profit agencies will be hosting food booths throughout the Storm Lake park system July 3 and 4 for those attending the Star Spangled Spectacular events. Only non-profits may operate concessions in the park system as part of the venue. All proceeds from the sale of food and drink benefit the associated local charities. The concession offerings and their approximate locations will be:...

The 100th birthday party for Newell American Legion will be on June 15 at Newell Park from 2 p.m.to 6 a.m. A climbing wall from the National Guard will be there along with inflatables as well as a corn hole game. Music will be preformed by Col. R.K. Welander...

Members of the District 3 Amateur Radio Group will be participating in the national Amateur Radio Field Day exercise, June 22 – 23, at 210 Sale Barn Road, Storm Lake. Since 1933, ham radio operators across North America have established temporary ham radio stations in public locations during Field Day to showcase the science and skill of Amateur Radio. This event is open to the public and all are encouraged to attend...

Misty Gray, SW Iowa State Library Consultant, conducted a training for the library directors and trustees of Buena Vista County, on Thursday, June 13 at the Alta Community Library. Misty was formerly the Storm Lake Library Director. In attendance were directors and trustees from Albert City, Alta, Newell, Storm Lake, Sioux Rapids, Linn Grove, and Rembrandt...

Everyone said it was too risky—a surgical journey almost nobody chooses. It had a 50 percent chance of working. There was a substantial risk she might not ever be able to speak again. But to her, the choice was obvious. “I’m going to do it anyway,” said epileptic Shelby O’Bannon. “I would rather go down swinging than not try at all. Life was meant to be lived.”...

Police Chief Mark Prosser says Storm Lake Police Department will not encourage or cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s new Warrant Service Officer program, an extension of an existing program that would authorize local law enforcement to act as an arm of ICE...

Plans for the new Ready, Set, GROW! day care center in the former Methodist Manor complex are moving forward despite some unforeseen delays, and about two-thirds of the funding needed has been raised. The original plan was to open this month. With the community facing a sharp shortage of day care providers, the nonprofit local organization still hopes to have the center ready by the time school begins in the fall, but the timeline is admittedly tight...

This is the ninth article in a 10-part series, a collaborative effort of the newspapers of Rust Publishing NWIA, examining the myriad issues surrounding the mental health care crisis in Iowa. Reporters and editors from the Spencer Daily Reporter, Storm Lake Pilot-Tribune and Dickinson County News have contributed to the report...

The O’Brien County Conservation Board is hosting a guest speaker presenting information on the “Big Cats of Iowa.” Mountain lions and bobcats are in the news. This will be an opportunity for you to learn about these large cats that can sometimes be spotted in our region...

Many a sports star’s persona is forever tied to their athletic feats, but Olympic gymnast Shannon Miller hopes the lessons she learned during her battle with cancer will equally inspiring. She shared her story at this year’s annual Lakes Health Conference hosted by Iowa Lakes Community College at Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center in Okoboji. The now women’s health advocate encouraged the Okoboji audience to prioritize personal health...

Summer months bring longer days, shorter nights, and busier schedules. Fortunately, Storm Lake United has a way to give Mom and Dad a night off from cooking and the chance to support local non-profits. That’s right! A Taste of Storm Lake is back starting this month!...

With scientists warning that we must cut heat-trapping emissions by half in the next 12 years to avert climate catastrophe, a member of the Iowa Great Lakes chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) has traveled to Washington, D.C., to join more than 1,000 volunteers pressing Congress to enact legislation that would place a fee on carbon and give revenue to households...

Youngsters and a few parents took part in the first Summer Art Camp events at Witter Gallery in Storm Lake last week, experiencing art forms from around the world. The program resumes July 16 with Science and Art, and in August with Create Your Own Museum events. Contact the gallery to register...

On Monday, June 10th, 16 youth from Sac County participated in the NASA Space Camp at the Sac County Extension and Outreach Office. Youth were able to do a scavenger hunt through the book called A is for Astronaut written by Clayton Anderson, Iowa State University Visiting Professor, put together bottle rockets, made pudding using dry milk, water, and pudding mix, looked at a tray of food that astronauts would eat in space, tested their hands at using a bicycle pump to make a rocket, and ended the day making a spaceship with only 10 balloons, a Dixie cup, popsicle sticks, and an egg. ...

A group of young people and adults who gathered at the Pioneer heritage site recently trimmed trees, pulled weeds, worked in Bessie’s Garden and cleaned up the entire corner around the school house and log house. Twenty young people and adults from the surrounding area (Aurelia, Alta, Rembrandt, and Storm Lake) were gathered by Brian Banwell and did a great service for the BV Co. Historical Society Museum Pioneer Exhibit...

Community Resource Officer Pom Cook introduces kids on Seneca Street to the mobile response unit at Storm Lake Police Department’s first neighborhood outreach event of the summer.

This is the eighth article in a 10-part series, a collaborative effort of the newspapers of Rust Publishing NWIA, examining the myriad issues surrounding the mental health care crisis in Iowa. Reporters and editors from the Spencer Daily Reporter, Storm Lake Pilot-Tribune and Dickinson County News have contributed to the report.

Habitat for Humanity’s first duplex in Buena Vista County is being passed on to a new leader, with expectations to break ground this fall. The duplex, co-owned by two families, had its groundbreaking ceremony about a year ago. HFH has been in discussions with Storm Lake High School’s Building and Trades Program for a partnership that could help get the project off the ground. ...

The 2019 concert season of the Storm Lake Municipal Band is well underway and it has been an exciting season already. With members ranging in age from high school to retirees, the band is in its 84th season of entertaining the citizens of Storm Lake. ...

Governor Steve Bullock (D - MT), is hoping his face-to-face strategy in a rural tour of Iowa will make up for a couple key disadvantages as he lines up against 22 others eager to challenge President Trump next year. The first disadvantage is his late entry to the race—May 14—second only to Bill de Blasio, the former mayor of New York City who made his own announcement two days later...