Local and Area News

"Is it safe to talk about who I am?" It's a question that LGBTQ people ask themselves all the time. Coming Out Day, celebrated on October 11 and 12, gives those in the community who have yet to disclose their identity a chance to do so - celebrating them for what is often an act of bravery...

The Vietnam War has been over for 43 years. But for some surviving veterans, the conflict still has not been resolved. "I don't care what you say or what I do, Vietnam is always there," says Vietnam veteran Ron 'Gully' Gullickson. "Every minute of every day, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Vietnam is always right there."...

The Storm Lake Community School District will hold three public forums in advance of its December 11 bond issue vote. At these forums, district leaders will present information on SLCSD’s capacity and facilities needs, which have been caused by rapidly increasing enrollment in recent years. ...

Inside the Fort Dodge Correctional Facility, an unusual group is catering to the spiritual needs of those who have no religion at all. Ben O’Donnell, an inmate, grew up in the church, if not necessarily believing in God. “I grew up in a very, very religious family,” he told the local newspaper. ...

After some concert has been expressed about a Water Service Excise Tax appearing on water bills, the City of Storm Lake issued a statement to clarify. It reads: Sales tax on water didn’t change at all. It just has a new name.  Now people aren’t charged local option sales tax on water.  The charge is a Water Service Excise Tax...

Ten Storm Lake Middle School students were recently selected for participation in the thirty-second annual Opus Honor Choir Festival.  Over 3,000 students were nominated by their directors for 720 positions in the four Opus Honor Choirs. Selections were made by means of a recorded audition. ...

On Thursday, Oct. 4, Buena Vista University crowned its Homecoming king and queen: Alan Maldonado, a business and Spanish double major from Lenexa, Kansas; and Holly Schneider, a senior elementary education major from LeMars.  The coronation came after four days of Homecoming festivities on campus which included Triviathon, midnight movies, a game show, and more. Members the Homecoming court participated in a lively lip sync competition as part of the ceremony...

“As Christians, our mission is supposed to be to care for all people. The beauty here is that we don’t have to send people on mission trips around the world, the world is literally coming to us. To me, that’s a great opportunity.”

A critter peers down from his home in the branches above the Buena Vista University campus, taking a break from storing food for the winter to pose for a portrait. / Pilot photo by Dana Larsen

Those with leftover bottle rockets from the 4th of July in Lakeside will have to find something else to do on New Year’s. The City of Lakeside has banned the use of fireworks within city limits for 363 days of the year, joining other towns in northwest Iowa putting on heavy restrictions after the statewide legalization of sales in 2017...

Gray days and misty haze have been the norm for many area farmers recently. Many field crops continue to stand in soil still soggy from light-yet-persistent showers. “The ag economy’s pretty tough right now, to be honest about it,” Lake Park area farmer Vince Elser said. “With the weather we had this summer and prices, I think that profits are going to be pretty slim.”...

Individuals and couples were honored for their service to Buena Vista University and to their communities at a special luncheon and at halftime of the Homecoming game on Oct. 6. Those honored were: Landon and Alicia (Heiland) Roth, Class of 2000, are the recipients of the 2018 Keith Briscoe Alumni Award. The award is named in honor of BVU’s 16th President, who led the campus from 1974 to 1995 and recognizes recent graduates for their past student achievements and present career success...

The Hermstad family, formerly of Storm Lake, was among about 1,000 people taking part in another ALS walk last weekend in Des Moines. Alex Hermstad fell ill at age 11, and died at age 17 in 2011 with what was later determined to be a form of ALS. The family, now residing in Spencer, continues to be active in ALS causes to raise awareness in hopes of helping others. The Des Moines event raised an estimated $200,000. / Photo Submitted...

Storm Lake St. Mary’s 2003 alumna Ashley (Hammen) Hoff made time to visit her alma mater Monday morning and speak to students in grades 6-12. The Senior Vice President of Creative Services at Critical Content in Los Angeles was caught in the 2017 crossfire of the Las Vegas shooting during a country music concert, but spent more time talking to the students about the positive aspects of that day. ...

The Witter Art Gallery in Storm Lake is preparing a series of special events during the Halloween season. This year will be the first year the Witter Gallery will be holding its own Day of the Dead celebration. Visit the Gallery between October 30-November 3 for an exhibit of “Ofrendas” made by community members. ...

It’s official! Storm Lake St. Mary’s 2019 Big Raffle is kicking off with new co-chairs, more prizes, more salespeople and an on-line portal right off the bat. This year, veteran salesperson Mary Drey will be partnering with Ralna McVinua to head up the sales! The two dedicated volunteers will be co-chairing the large scale raffle, leading the team to sell 400 bright green $100 raffle tickets from presstime until all are sold or March 23 – whichever comes first. ...

By DANA LARSEN Pilot-Tribune Editor After domestic strife escalated into multiple gunfire incidents over the weekend, Storm Lake Police solved the case just in time to catch the fleeing suspect while he was changing planes in Salt Lake City. Shortly after 3:30 a.m. Saturday, police responded to the East 1st and Superior area and the 300 block of Geneseo on multiple reports of shots being fired...

“It’s okay Mommy. Jesus is in my heart,” 3-year-old Aila Nesbitt told her mother upon receiving the news in July. For Alta native Nick Nesbitt and wife Amy, who now live in Grimes, their worst fears had been realized. After weeks of high fevers and lethargic behavior, a doctor informed the young parents that Aila had leukemia...

A Storm Lake man has won a $30,000 lottery prize. Matt Phillips claimed the first of 18 top prizes available in the Iowa Lottery’s new “Holiday Bonus Crossword” scratch game. He purchased his winning ticket at Casey’s, 207 E. Milwaukee Ave. in Storm Lake. He claimed his prize Wednesday at the lottery’s regional office in Storm Lake...

A multicultural gathering held Saturday night attracted 140 people and cleared about $700 as a fundraiser for Santa’s Castle in Storm Lake. Organizer Ron Hott said there was a large turnout of Micronesian residents, but very low turnout among some other groups in the community. Those who attended enjoyed foods from the city’s different ethnic populations, DJ music and spirited dancing. / Pilot photos by Dana Larsen...

A theft in late September knocked the library off the ‘web for nearly two weeks, according to Director Elizabeth Huff. A young patron made off with the facility’s wi-fi router, in what library board members were told this week appeared to be a plan that was formed ahead of time. The juvenile offender’s act was caught on the library’s security cameras, and he was required to pay for a new device with his own money...

The Storm Lake Public Library Trustees planned for capital improvements during their monthly meeting Monday. Library Director Elizabeth Huff told the trustees that she will ask for city government funding for three projects as the city begins its budgeting process for the next fiscal year...

A domestic disturbance that the victim initially denied has resulted in the arrest of both the assailant and the victim. Police were called to an apartment on Seneca Steet Saturday afternoon on a report of a domestic disturbance in progress. The occupant, Shantara McDonald, age 20 of Storm Lake, denied that any violence had occurred, although police observed signs of an altercation in the unit. ...

A Storm Lake father and son competed together in the Crazy Horse Half Marathon Sunday in South Dakota. Nineteen years after then-Storm Lake Head Cross Country Coach John Brostad coached one of his sons, Matt, who ran and competed in cross country for Dad all four years in high school, the two were back in the running shoes...

Research conducted following more than 25 years of mass shootings shows response times from law enforcement averages between five and six minutes, according to Dee Hiney, executive director of facilities management at Iowa Lakes Community College. Hiney used that fact to underscore the importance of developing an active shooter plan to an audience of more than a 100 women Friday afternoon at the 2018 Women of Vision Luncheon...

St. Mary’s supporter Maggie Reyes looks over the pumpkin selection carefully during the St. Mary’s Bazaar on Saturday. The event raises funds for the school and parish. / Photo By Dana Larsen

Storm Lake United and local retailers coordinated Sassy Saturday on September 29. Shoppers who purchased a pink bracelet for $3 had access to deals and discounts with local retailers. Proceeds benefit BVRMC P.i.n.k. which helps women with financial barriers get free mammograms. BVRMC employees Katie Schwint, Joan Kurtz, and Shalee Stuart accept a check for $302.00 from Storm Lake United’s Lee Dutfield. Proceeds came in after photo and the final donation was $329.00...

The Aurelia Police Department is sponsoring a mobile presentation open free to all parents, “Do You Know What You Don’t See?” Friday, October 19, 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. at Aurelia Community Center on Main Street. This is a come and go event. The trailer holds five-10 people at a time. The tour of the trailer will last approximately 15 minutes per group...

Buena Vista University Theatre, in partnership with KBVU and BVTV channel 3, will present “Radio Daze!” Oct. 11-13 at 7:30 p.m. in Anderson Auditorium on the BVU campus. In lieu of purchasing a ticket, BVU Theatre is asking for freewill donations to support the Storm Lake Police Department’s effort in adding a new K-9 unit.”Radio Daze!” is a series of performances of radio plays from the Golden Age of radio. ...

Gasoline prices in Iowa are unchanged in the past week, averaging $2.89/gallon to start the week. This compares with the national average that has increased 2.2 cents per gallon versus last week to $2.91. Many Storm Lake stations were at $2.71 for super unleaded, mostly unchanged over the past week...

Sac County Sheriff’s Office is urging drivers to use caution when approaching four-lane Highway 20, particularly on the stretch that just opened between Early and Holstein. Drivers are used to two-way traffic on the west bound lane and crossing the eastbound lanes to get over to the other lanes, Sheriff Ken McClure said...

After domestic strife escalated into multiple gunfire incidents over the weekend, Storm Lake Police solved the case just in time to catch the fleeing suspect while he was changing planes in Salt Lake City. Shortly after 3:30 a.m. Saturday, police responded to the East 1st and Superior area and the 300 block of Geneseo on multiple reports of shots being fired...

Storm Lake St. Mary’s School held their annual blessing of the animals in recognition of the Feast of St. Francis this week as St. Francis is the patron saint of animals. Students could bring their living pets or stuffed animals to be blessed for this highly popular event. ...

By DANA LARSEN Pilot-Tribune Editor The cups and bottles parents are using are leading to alarming teeth decay in small children in the area. In response, the Buena Vista County Public Health Department is seeking grant money from the Community Chest program to try to provide some education to stem the problem...

A stellar Storm Lake High School Homecoming parade Friday featured a flock of superheroes, cheerleaders aboard staff members’ motorcycles, the marching band, and even Dory the therapy dog dressed for the occasion. / Pilot photos by Dana Larsen

A proposed 200 MW wind farm in Cherokee County - a well kept secret - will be constructed beginning in spring 2019 and online by December 2019, according to developer EDF Renewable EDF Renewables has signed an agreement to supply Google, a subsidiary of Alphabet Energy, with 200 megawatts of wind energy generated from the new, fast-tracking Glaciers Edge Wind Project north and west of Marcus in Cherokee County...

VT Industries Inc. has acquired Eggers Industries, a national door and millwork manufacturer based in Wisconsin. The acquisition combines the two industry leaders in architectural wood door businesses to offer greater appeal and value to the customers of both companies, according to VT management...

The Artisans Road Trip has been going on for years as a way of encouraging local art lovers to visit studios of various artists and learn about the process of producing art. This year, Synergy Gallery in Storm Lake will serve as a host location for several local artists, making it easier for people to experience the Artisans Road Show...

An Illinois man has been arrested in Storm Lake for domestic assault against his daughter. The man allegedly wielded a glass bottle in a threatening manner during the assault until an 11-year-old child disarmed him by grabbing the bottle out of his hand...

When you were born to create, you start at an early age because the need to make something beautiful, especially baked goods, is just in you. Delicias Bakery owner Diego Diaz started baking early in life, at 5 years old, when he lived in his native Mexico. ...

The Iowa Department of Natural resources has issued a consent order against William and Kristin Wollesen, of a Lake View area farm operation in Sac County. They will be ordered to cease open burning, remove all solid waste from their property and dispose of it, and pay a $5,000 penalty for past open burning of solid waste. A consent order indicates that the DNR has voluntarily entered into a legally enforceable agreement with the other party...

On October 3, the Healthiest State Walk was held around the State of Iowa with all 99 counties participating.  In Ida County, a Galva community walk was organized by Sole 2 Soul’s fitness center that started at the Galva Upper Elementary School.  Over 127 people walked together for 30 minutes to promote physical fitness, and all ages, fitness levels and genders participate in the walk.  Before the walk started, Principal Mike Richard led the Pledge of Allegiance and then spoke to the students about the importance of getting daily exercise, drinking more water, putting down electronics and phones, school bus reminders, and bicycle safety.  October 3rd was a windy and humid day, but at least no rain for our 2018 walk!. ...

The Storm Lake Council Chambers seemed more like a courtroom Monday than a part of city hall, as city officials were forced to hold a hearing and rule on a tobacco violation. The situation was a first for City Attorney Phil Havens, who said that normally in such a case, a business owner simply pays their fine, in the process essentially admitting guilt...

Appointment likely to fill vacated Storm Lake seat

Local agriculture experts on the ground say wet weather is holding area farmers back from harvesting crops, running the risk of degrading corn and soybeans. “The harvest is off to a sputtering start,” said Don Loving of DFS in Newell. He said there’s a little bit of activity on corn, but less with soybeans, as farmers try to nose in with their combines during intermittent rain...

Older students “buddied up” with younger ones for the Live Healthy Iowa walk event Wednesday. Hundreds of students from the elementary and middle school spread across a mile as they hoofed it to Frank Starr Park and back. St. Mary’s students also took part in a walk. Such events have been taking place for eight years as part of a statewide health initiative. / Pilot photos by Dana Larsen...

The Storm Lake Council Chambers seemed more like a courtroom Monday than a part of city hall, as city officials were forced to hold a hearing and rule on a tobacco violation. The situation was a first for City Attorney Phil Havens, who said that normally in such a case, a business owner simply pays their fine, in the process essentially admitting guilt...

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley wants no more delays in the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to serve as an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court of the United States. In a statement sent to the Pilot-Tribune Thursday, the veteran senator from Iowa said, “It’s time to vote. I’ll be voting to confirm Judge Kavanaugh.”...

The Iowa Department of Public Health is reporting 73 Iowans have fallen ill due to West Nile virus which is the highest levels the state has experienced in 15 years. Two of the three West Nile related fatalities so far this year have come in northwest Iowa...

Heavy rain is expected across most of Iowa and parts of Nebraska over the next week, so forecasters are warning that flooding will again be a concern. The National Weather Service says 4-to-5 inches of rain was expected to fall across most of Iowa between Thursday evening and next week. In eastern Nebraska, 1.5 inches of rain is likely, but the southeast corner of the state could receive 3-to-6 inches...