Stories from Thursday, February 6, 2014

A teenager was fatally injured late Wednesday afternoon while operating a snowmobile on a creek southwest of Fonda in Pocahontas County. Raymond Gatzemeyer, 13, of Fonda, was operating a snowmobile when he struck a rope that was suspended between two pillars of a bridge shortly before 5 p.m. He was in a group that included two other snowmobiles and an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) when the incident occurred. No one else was injured...

TORNADO BOYS COMPLETE SWEEP OF CHEROKEE STORM LAKE - Storm Lake completed the sweep of winless Lakes Conference rival Cherokee Tuesday night in style, dominating both ends of the floor in a 61-32 victory that kept the student section on its feet much of the night...

An Albert City man was arrested Monday afternoon after allegedly making a gun threat against staff members at Unity Point (Buena Vista) Medical Clinic. Police say Mark Nielson, 52, reportedly became agitated at the clinic's front desk. Threatening staff, he said he had a gun and spoke of using it on the clinic premises...

Support from Iowa lawmakers for stricter farm safety regulation does not exist in the new legislative session. This is despite agriculture being Iowa's deadliest occupation and limited Occupational Safety and Health Administration enforcement and coverage...

The Storm Lake area Vietnamese American community celebrated the start of the Asian new year with a big bash at the Knights of Columbus Hall Sunday. About 200 people attended with an array of traditional foods, dances, singing and even an appearance by an oversize dragon. / Photo by Dana Larsen...

Alta-Aurelia High School's team made it into the top 16 teams at the KCAU Quiz Bowl this past month which means they will participate in yet another challenge. Student and Quiz Bowler Meri Kestel likes the competitions because it is a way to showcase one's knowledge...

When it's nice out the Alta track by the elementary and high school is a nice place to get exercise. During the winter that option of activity is gone leaving the public with no place to get physical activity in town. People are having to travel to Storm Lake's fitness centers or other surrounding small communities such as Aurelia and Cherokee...

The residents at Sunset Knoll Care & Rehab Center in Aurelia recently enjoyed making Valentine bags to hang on their door. During the month of February, visitors, residents, and staff are encouraged to leave Valentines, candy, or letters in the bags. The bags are checked daily and the residents look forward receiving special little gifts throughout the month...