Stories from Tuesday, June 28, 2016

A federal judge ruling paves the way for a former Storm Lake Planned Parenthood manager turned right-to-life activist to proceed to trial with a $28 million fraud lawsuit. Sue Thayer, of Lakeside, filed the lawsuit against her former employer in 2011, claiming evidence that Planned Parenthood defrauded Medicaid to the tune of millions of dollars by overcharging for services and illegally billing for abortion patients...

Buena Vista Regional Medical Center now offers babies born by cesarean section (C-section) precious bonding time immediately after birth, called skin-to-skin contact. Skin-to-skin contact is a practice that BVRMC has used for vaginal births for several years. With the right safe conditions for mother and baby, the baby is given to the mother minutes after birth and placed on the mother's chest to begin bonding. The baby stays skin-to-skin with mom until its first feeding...

The Buena Vista County Fair saw a resurgence of popularity in 2015 with some 5,500 guests, and is looking to build on that momentum this year. All of the attractions and improvements do not come without a cost, however. Members of the Fair Board are turning to the communities for help with funding. One idea, they say, is a $130 donation in honor of the fair's milestone this year, but any donation is appreciated. Donations may be sent to BV Agricultural Society, PO Box 125, Alta, IA 51002...

Public Health Administrator Pam Bogue told county supervisors that the county has received a new grant for breast and cervical cancer screening from the state department of public health. Local officials are just beginning to learn how the program will work and what the requirements will be. Details will be released to the public once plans are completed...

The Albatross rugby club celebrated its 33rd anniversary Saturday, wrapping up its spring season with a rare home outing in Storm Lake's Frank Starr Park. Past players came from as far as Las Vegas, Kansas City and Minneapolis to take part in the event, which included an "Old Boys" walking game that became quite competitive, a "friendly" exhibition match dividing The Albatross players into two teams, and a banquet at Legacy Steakhouse. ...

Last Wednesday, Joan Spooner of Upper Des Moines in Storm Lake dropped by the Buena Vista County Raceway to pick up donated food items that have been collected so far this season. Spooner said, "Last month we gave food to 2800 individuals, in Buena Vista County. ...

A young black bear was struck and killed by a truck Friday evening on Highway 76 near the Yellow River Forest in southeast Allamakee County. The bear is believed to be the same one that had been pictured on social media last week in a corn field near the Yellow River Forest. It was a young bear weighing about 200 pounds. The last bear reported to be killed in a traffic collision in Iowa was just over a year ago on U.S. Highway 20 near Jesup...

Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds announced recently at the Administration's weekly press conference that she will lead a trade mission to Argentina and Uruguay on October 1-8, 2016. The trip is aimed at expanding trade and investment opportunities for Iowa businesses and is being coordinated by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA)...

The former Wilson School building at 100 East Willow St. in Cherokee will need to be demolished, according to a report provided to the city of Cherokee by Tometich Engineering. According to the report, commissioned by the city council and presented at the June 14 council meeting, the building has been marginally occupied or unoccupied for many years. The roof leaks throughout. The finish plaster on the ceilings is caved in throughout the building. Mold is present in many areas...

SAC CITY -- Hundreds of people convened on the western Iowa town of Sac City this weekend to construct the world's largest popcorn ball. A ball of popcorn estimated to weigh 10,000 pounds was constructed Saturday at the Noble Popcorn plant, the Sioux City Journal reported...

The Iowa Court of Appeals on Wednesday upheld Juan Carlos Astello's Kossuth County sentences for first-degree kidnapping and second-degree murder. The Estherville man was given a life sentence for kidnapping and 50 years in prison for his role in the murder of Gregory Sky Erickson on June 6, 1997. Erickson was from Estherville and was spending time in Spencer when he became involved with the Los Krazy Boyz gang two decades ago...

Alchemists of Buena Vista Local 220 will be the featured group at the Wine and Stein Event at the Buena Vista County Fair on Saturday, July 23, from 5-7 p.m. ABV Local 220 is a fermenters club based in Buena Vista County that was established in 2015. ...

Average retail gasoline prices in Iowa have fallen 2.2 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.30/gallon as of Monday. This compares with the national average that has fallen 2.4 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.31. Storm Lake motorists are faring much better. Pump prices remained stable, starting at around $2.11 as of Monday in the city. That's a bargain compared to Des Moines, where prices are starting around $2.45...

Leaks in the waterpark pool cost the City-owned King's Pointe resort two weeks of its season as compared to past years. Despite the slower month, Kings Pointe still finished the past month with a $60,792 profit from operations resulting in a $756,965 profit for the year...

A fisherman in Sac County snagged more than he had counted on this week. Thursday evening, an angler trying his luck in a gravel pit north of Auburn discovered a vehicle submerged in the water. Sac County Sheriff's officials responded, and the Carroll Area Dive Team was called in to assist in recovering the 2010 Chevy Silverado pickup. Officials soon learned that the truck had been reported stolen on June 12 in Calhoun County...

Buena Vista Soil and Water Conservation District Chair, Brian Waldstein, has announced today that funding will be available after July 1 for local farmers and landowners to assist in the installation of conservation practices through the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) cost-share program...

* "Finding Dory," a Walt Disney Pictures release, is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association of America for "mild thematic elements." Running time: 97 minutes. Three stars out of four.

Always known as a country festival, Creek Fest is attracting a wider range of fans this season with headliner Kid Rock. There is still plenty of traditional country in Creek Fest, however, with a lineup including veteran Joe Diffie. Robert James Ritchie - "Kid Rock" - five-time Grammy winner, got his start in the Detroit underground music scene as a deejay, and used that to launch a recording career as a hardcore rapper...

Ridge View tripped up by Woodbury Central On Friday night, the Raptors battled with WC but came up with the loss 7-4. WC got started in the first scoring three to take the early lead and never gave up it. RV scored twice in the first to close the early gap. ...

Softball Regional action begins next week. Here are the matches for area teams: STORM LAKE - The Tornadoes (currently 4-13) open 4A tournament action against Denison-Schleswig (14-11), Thursday, July 7, 7 p.m. in Denison. The winner advances to a semifinal against #3-ranked ADM Adel (26-3), a team that received a first-round bye. The other half of the bracket includes LeMars, Spencer and Bishop Heelan. The Regional Final is Tuesday, July 12, at the home field of the highest remaining seed...

Alta-Aurelia overpowers Graettinger-Terril/Ruthven-Aryshire On Friday night in Alta, the Warriors blew past GT/RA in five innings, taking a 13-3 win. GT/RA jumped out to an early 2-0 lead after the top of the first but that would be their only lead of the night. ...

Midland University Midland University conferred 315 degrees at its annual Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 14, in the Wikert Event Center. Joe Ricketts, who over 35 years helped build and run the world's largest online brokerage - TD Ameritrade - delivered the commencement address. Ricketts received an honorary doctoral diploma from Midland President Jody Horner...

BVU Men's Soccer Camp One day soccer camp for rising Juniors and Seniors looking to play college soccer. Two training sessions led by the BVU Coaching Staff and current players One Classroom recruiting session led by Head Coach Ben McArthur Tour of Buena Vista University Lunch will be provided. Cost is $65 per camper. This camp takes place July 1...

Iowa Central Community College's Industrial Technology Department held its annual Diva Tech Camp recently. Over 90 high school and middle school girls enjoyed the opportunity to experiment in trades that are traditionally thought of as careers for males. / Photo courtesy of ICCC...

The Sac County Cattlemen sold their scholarship trophies during the annual steak fry at Spring Lake Golf Course on June 20. Scholarship sponsors this year include: (left to right) United Bank of Iowa, represented by Matt Huegerich; Quad County Corn Processors, represented by Dave Juelsgaard; Farm Credit Services, represented by Roy Beukelman; Engel Agri-Sales, represented by Steve Engel; and BN Brokerage, represented by Dave Hamilton. / Photo by Dale Wegner...

On June 15 and 16, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach -- Sac County hosted an Animal and Veterinary Science Camp. Twenty-two kids, ages 9-12, came out to learn about why we study animals, careers in animal science, animal health and behavior, anatomy and physiology, veterinary science, and more. ...

The O'Brien County Conservation Board is offering a multitude of opportunities for youth to get outdoors and EXPLORE this summer. These activities are targeted for young people between the ages of 4-8. The next opportunity to get outdoors and explore is coming up on Thursday, July 7...

Bring your lunch to South Cove Park at 12 p.m. on Friday, July 8th for the new Naturalist Lunchbox Program. The naturalist will be there with a live animal and hands-on activities for all ages. The topic for the first Lunchbox program is snakes. South Cove Park is located along the south shore of Storm Lake at 125 Stoney Point Road, Storm Lake. ...

Jason Gustafson from Smokin' Barrels hunting preserve will be at the South Shelter House at the Buena Vista County Conservation Park on Saturday, July 16th at 2 p.m. He will be sharing his knowledge of raising pheasants and what life is like on a game farm. He will be bringing a few of pheasants for you to meet as well. They will have cookies and lemonade too. Reservations are required by Thursday, July 14th at 4 p.m. To reserve your spot call the conservation office at 712-295-7985...

Fundraisers for the Storm Lake Star Spangled Spectacular are pleased with the $6,500 raised in the third week of fundraising for the upcoming two day family-friendly Independence Day celebration. "We received some very generous increases and several first time gifts this week," said Josh Newhouse, Fundraising Chair. "Our bills still come in after July 4th, so there is still time for people to send in their donation, as we still have over $8,000 to go to our goal."...

Senator Chuck Grassley's regional director based in Sioux City, Jacob Bossman, will be holding open office hours in Woodbury, Ida, Sac, O'Brien, Clay, Buena Vista, Calhoun, Pocahontas, Humboldt and Webster counties from July 6 to July 18. The office hours provide an opportunity for Iowans to obtain casework assistance or to express views. Area locations include:...

May 24, 1931 - June 23, 2016

January 30, 1928 - June 25, 2016

Domestic assault On June 25, at 7:55 p.m., SLPD officers were dispatched to a domestic assault at 216 Ontario Street Apt 1. Officers found a female victim in the apartment suffering from facial wounds. Officers were told by witnesses that the victim's husband, identified as Christopher Pineda, age 26, of Storm Lake, assaulted the victim during an argument by striking her in the face causing facial bruising and bleeding. ...

Let me begin with a simple declarative. Nothing, I repeat, nothing, is like being raped. Rape is a horrific invasion of the most sacred thing we have, our bodies. So, it infuriates me to hear celebrities and politicians minimize rape by equating their life experiences to being violently victimized, or by using their powerful public platform to blame victims...

There is a theory out there, mainly among men, that there isn't any food that can't be improved by being cooked outdoors over an open flame. What could possibly be better than steak on the grill? Or fish? Or shrimp? If only it stopped there. Cauliflower? Grill it. Mashed potatoes? Grill them. Eggs? Grill them. Salad? Grill it. Soft drinks? Grill them...

I remember the day we bought her first car. It was promoted as being the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. that year and came complete with a flashy red body and a yellow roof. We brought it home and it sat on the driveway prinstinely clean, with that new car smell and all. It was a cute little coupe, with room for just two -- passenger and driver. In a word, cozy...

A deadlock of the Supreme Court Thursday on immigration policy will leave some Storm Lake residents stuck in the shadows between legal residency and potential deportation. "I'm disappointed but not surprised at all," says Charles Valenti-Hein, a Storm Lake minister who is outspoken on issues impacting the diverse local population...

Unemployment in Buena Vista County continues on a modest downward trend. The latest statistics from Iowa Workforce Development show the local jobless rate at 3.4 percent at the end of May, down from 3.7 percent in April and 4.3 percent in March. Despite ups and downs from month to month, the local jobless rate has declined fairly steadily since the recession of 2009, when the area saw unemployment spike to 6.4 percent, nearly triple the rate of the modern low of barely over 2 percent in the early 2000s.. ...

Saturday June 18th I (and two others) represented Buena Vista County in Des Moines. Here's an overview of the nearly 18- hour marathon. 1,404 delegates were eligible to attend, 704 for Hillary Clinton and 700 for Bernie Sanders. Interest groups like veterans, blacks, retired, disabled, women, etc. elected chairpersons at 8:30 a.m. The main convention convened at 9 and heard speeches from several prominent Democrats like candidates Patty Judge and Kim Weaver...

The Storm Lake Preservation Association held their annual picnic Thursday evening at the Senior Center. Gary Lalone presented Phil and Margaret Redenbaugh with an award for their efforts at improving the Storm Lake watershed by planting cover crops on their property adjacent to the lake, which will act as a buffer zone, reducing runoff reaching the lake and filtering runoff that does get to the lake...

Work on the Erie Street rebuild had been delayed, after being ahead of schedule earlier in the project. City officials found a petroleum shine in the soil next to the storm water intakes on Milwaukee. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources believes that the petroleum is from plumes remaining from leaking underground storage tanks that were removed in the 1990s...

The sign has apparently convinced this bunny, who rockets past it while visiting the Storm Lake High School soccer field. / Pilot photo by Dana Larsen

Gracious Storm Lake drivers have become practiced at stopping traffic to let parades of Canada geese stroll across the roads. This brood was making their way to the lake in the campground area. / Pilot photo by Dana Larsen

MUSCATINE - Authorities in southeast Iowa are trying to find the mysterious men in black trench coats who have been spotted in the dark alongside roadways. Several people on social media have been sharing news of sightings along Iowa Highway 22 west of Muscatine and elsewhere. They've been dubbed the "men in black." In some cases they just stand along the highway. In other instances they've stepped onto the pavement as motorists pass...

ANKENY - As part of a strategy aimed at strengthening its presence in Central Iowa, Kathy Sorbe, owner and lead designer of The Elements in Storm Lake, Iowa, announced the opening of a second location at 1380 SW Vintage Parkway, in the heart of The District at Prairie Trail. The Ankeny store will be called The Elements at Prairie Trail and is scheduled to open November 1...

Buena Vista University has announced three new members have been named to the Board of Trustees. They are Dr. Susan Donovan, Maureen Heffernan and Daniel Phillips. The Board of Trustees works together to develop and adopt fundamental policies and programs to help Buena Vista University achieve its purposes and provide a high-quality higher education experience to its students. ...

The Storm Lake Star Spangled Spectacular Commodores Andy and Tara Kosky with co-commodores George and Melissa Green have released the final schedule of events for the July 3 and 4 Independence Day celebration. Sunday, July 3 - Sunset Park/Bandshell...

Zone Home Entertainment has moved locations to 700 Lake Avenue, formerly the Varenhorst Fabrics building, where they have nearly doubled their retail space. The Grand Opening will run June 29 through July 2. Attendees will enjoy tours, demos, light food and drink, special savings, giveaways and more. The Zone Team will showcase their new location plus additional products now being offered...

Ridge View takes care of Maple Valley-Anthon Oto In Holstein on Thursday night, the Raptors took down MV-AO 11-1 in six innings. Senior Alex Pickhinke went the full six to earn the win. Pickhinke didn't give up too much, only two hits and a run while walking two and striking out three. Pickhinke moves up to 4-2 on the season...

The boys' all-stars had their turn last Saturday; the girls will get their shot this Saturday. Alicia Krier, a recent graduate of Storm Lake High School and standout forward for the Tornado soccer team, has been selected to play in today's 2016 Iowa High School All-Star Game, known as the East-West All Star Cup...

Storm Lake hosted a big youth baseball tournament last weekend at the East School fields, with teams from all over the region and camp tents for their supporters. Players from LeMars have fun in the stands between games, Storm Lake athlete chill in the grass after a tough contest, and future Tornadoes in action. / Pilot photos by Dana Larsen...

Crown LeBron James once more... for now

Storm Lake falters against Western Christian On Wednesday night at Western Christian, the Tornadoes dropped a 12-0 decision in 2 2/3 innings. Nothing could go right for Storm Lake on the evening giving up a total of nine unearned runs. The bats were quiet as well...

Albert City resident Joel Clausen surveyed the world of off-road vehicles and found all of them wholly inadequate. No problem. With the help of Scott Risius, his partner in crime, he built his own hyper-capable machine. The genre is called 'Ultimate Adventure Rigs' because they're designed to get you into and out of the wildest parts of America, while carrying everything you need for a week's worth of fun and adventure. ...

Sam Olson, of Storm Lake, was recognized as a 2016 Youth Leadership Award winner at Trees Forever's Annual Celebration and Awards Dinner at The Hotel at Kirkwood in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Thursday, June 16. Olson will be a high school senior this spring, and yet he is already being recognized as an excellent volunteer organizer...

June has certainly been a busy month for everyone, but isn't it great that summer is finally here. Our Children's Fun Week was held the week of June 13th. We met from 10 -- 11:30 a.m. and had good attendance from participants and helpers throughout the program. ...

Katie Lee Belvin and Tyler Paul Wells announce their engagement and approaching marriage. Parents of the couple are Dan and Kathy Belvin of Sloan and Brian and Cindy Wells of Fonda. Katie is a 2008 graduate of Westwood Community School and a 2012 graduate of Iowa State University. She currently works as a Senior Sales Coordinator for JB Hunt in West Des Moines...

The Iowa Court of Appeals ruled against a Buena Vista County father, who was challenging the ruling of the Buena Vista Juvenile Court regarding the disposition of his children. The father claimed there was lack of evidence to support the Juvenile Court's ruling that he not be allowed custody of the children, and that if he was denied custody he should be the parent chosen for reunification efforts...

Quad County Corn Processors, a 14.5 million bushel corn processing biorefinery in Galva and CoBank, a $107 billion cooperative bank, recently donated matching funds to three area organizations. As part of CoBank's Renewal of "Sharing Success" for 2016 program, a total of $10,000 was donated to the organizations in June for projects...

The Storm Lake Police Department incorrectly identified a suspect in a report published June 23. The person arrested on charges of Burglary 1st Degree, Sexual Abuse 3rd Degree and trespassing in connection with a June 19 home invasion incident should have been identified as Dehler John, age 23 of Storm Lake...

The Fourth of July is best known for celebrations with family and friends, enjoying the summer weather with food and drinks. Those celebrations often include drinking alcohol which can lead to impaired driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 164 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving at least one driver with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher over the three-day Fourth of July holiday in 2015. ...

Violation of a No Contact Order On the afternoon of Monday, June 20, at approximately 2:39 p.m., the Storm Lake Police Department took a report of a possible violation of a no contact order. Police met with Adam Polson, age 37 of Rembrandt, who alleged his wife Amber Polson, age 39 of Rembrandt, had violated a no contact order at the Dollar General Store in Storm Lake when she engaged in a conversation with him. ...

The Rosemary Clausen Center for Performing Arts has opened the season ticket sale for its 2016-17 Entertainment Series. Six shows by professional entertainers will be presented this season, with season ticket prices holding at $155 for the fourth consecutive year. The Clausen Center opened in 2010 and is located at 519 East Maple Street in Holstein...

The most prominent act of the 2016 Stone Pier Summer Concert Series, Cody Canada & The Departed, will visit the historic Stone Pier stage on Saturday, July 2. Cody Canada was the lead singer/songwriter of the Oklahoma-based alt-country/southern rock band Cross Canadian Ragweed (CCR) from their inception in 1998 to their dissolution in 2010. In that time, they sold over a million albums and consistently played to sell-out crowds becoming one of the premiere red dirt country bands of their era...

Don't let those summer rays sneak up on you!

The 20 year anniversary and celebration of the annual Siouxland Race For Hope is scheduled for Saturday September 17, at Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve in McCook Lake, SD. It is expected to draw hundreds of people and is one of the largest events of its type in Siouxland with competitive races as well as "family friendly" walking and a kid's fun run. This event calls on cancer survivors, families, caregivers and the community, as cancer has touched the lives of most everyone...

St. Luke's Cardiology and Cardiovascular Associates, PC (CVA) has received the Mission: LifelineŽ Silver Receiving Quality Achievement Award for implementing specific quality improvement measures outlined by the American Heart Association for the treatment of patients who suffer severe heart attacks...

With the blood supply at a critically low level, LifeServe Blood Center is urging eligible blood donors to schedule an appointment as soon as they're able in order to ensure lifesaving blood is on the shelf. Local hospital patients need blood every day, not just following tragedies. ...