Stories from Thursday, September 8, 2016

The Fonda Arts Center presents: Hee Haw on Sunday, September 25 at 2 p.m., located at 4th and Main in Fonda. Come enjoy laughs, music, corn and nostalgia. This event is free and there will be free refreshments.

LE CLAIRE -- If you can't visit the State Historical Museum in Des Moines, why not let it come to you? That's the idea behind "Iowa History 101," a new multi-media and artifact-based traveling exhibit housed in a Winnebago RV that will visit all 99 Iowa counties beginning next spring. ...

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) are pressing the Obama Administration on why it appears that billions of dollars in unobligated funds aren't being directed to a Zika response. "We urge you to act and use funding available to ensure our nation is prepared," Grassley and Lankford wrote to Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell...

Young Reign Joshua Langner timed things just right -- not just for himself but for his mother and father as well. Reign entered the world at 2:45 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3, to claim a spot in Spencer Hospital history as the first birth in the care facility's new Birth Center...

Juveniles use credit card without permission On Thursday, August 18, the Storm Lake Police Department took a report that a credit card had been used without the permission or knowledge of its holder. The SLPD conducted an investigation and alleged that, between August 13, and August 16, the victim's credit card had been used without the owner's permission at several businesses in Storm Lake and multiple times for online purchases via the internet...

In cooperation with the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Homes, Sliefert Funeral Homes, Mahaney Funeral Home and UnityPoint Hospice, they will be sponsoring a seven week grief support group program beginning Monday, September 12, at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home, 1615 W. Milwaukee, in Storm Lake. Brad Smith, a funeral director and certified bereavement facilitator with 29 years of grief counseling experience, will be conducting the group...

December 13, 1935 - August 28, 2016

November 20, 1954 - August 29, 2016

Fall is an excellent time to reap the benefits of home gardens. Produce harvested from personal plots can make for a bountiful feast. But storing and keeping produce including potatoes, onions and carrots fresh can become an issue. ISU Extension and Outreach horticulturists can help answer questions about storing produce. To have additional questions answered, contact the ISU Hortline at 515-294-3108 or hortline@iastate.edu...

"Camino de Exito" is an adult literacy class that will be on Thursdays from 7 to 8 p.m., starting September 8 and running through November. This class is for Spanish speakers who would like help with their reading and writing skills, regardless of skill level...

The Storm Lake Public Library will be hosting another U.S. Citizenship Class. This eight-week class will be held 5:30-6:30 p.m. every Tuesday from September 13 to November 1. This class is free of charge but is limited to the first 15 people who apply. Childcare will be available. Interested adults may sign up at the library. This class is sponsored by the Friends of the Storm Lake Public Library and St. Mark Lutheran Church...

Living Proof simulcast with Beth Moore and Worship with Travis Cottrell will be held at Bethel Baptist Church, located on Highway 7 in Newell, will be held Saturday, September 17 from 9 a.m.-4:15 p.m. Tickets are only $20 which includes lunch. You can purchase your tickets by calling the church office at 712-272-3735 by September 12...

Karen Scully spreads bracelets, scarves, necklaces and other fashion items on the table. At first glance they are pretty, but they become beautiful when you look more closely. A bracelet is made of blue ceramic and multi-colored, diamond-shaped beads. ...

Area orchard prepares for Apple Fest fall fun

Seventy-two years a major economic asset

Gov. Terry E. Branstad, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, Iowa Sec. of Agriculture Bill Northey and Iowa Department of Natural Resources Director Chuck Gipp presented 94 Iowa farm families with the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award during a ceremony at the Iowa State Fair on Wednesday, Aug. 17...

Storm Lake St. Mary's Parish announced that they have received the largest estate gift in many years thanks to a bequest from longtime parishioners. St. Mary's received over $533,000 from the Leatrice McKenna estate in late August. McKenna died in March 2015 while husband Joseph Orton "Ort" McKenna, St. Mary's High School Class of 1934 died in October 2009. They were well-known in Storm Lake as owners of the downtown Luggage and Gift Shop...

Storm Lake High School officials were recently commended by the Iowa High School Athletic Association as one of the 191 schools in the state that had no student or coach ejections during sports events throughout the 2015-16 school year. "So many times we dwell on the negative but this is an opportunity for me to convey to you... ...

Interest in Storm Lake's retail community continues. Storm Lake United CEO Gary Lalone says the chamber of commerce organization is working with a couple of different retail companies that are interested in opening Storm Lake locations. It's too early in the process to identify them, he says...

Senator Chuck Grassley opened his meeting by saying, "The town hall meeting is the best way to communicate with my constituency- I can see you and you can see me." He also invited people to contact him via email, the U.S. Mail, or his website. About 30 people came to the Sioux Rapids Library Tuesday morning for the town hall meeting. ...

Habitat for Humanity's 14th local home dedicated in touching ceremony

I am responding to Dana Larsen's recent article because, well, I can and because the overall tone of this article is a bit condescending and seems to look past the real issue behind Mr. Kaepernick's protest. I will preface this email by stating that I have been a loyal reader of the Tribune and your articles since high school. ...

The city of Storm Lake has to do something about the storm drainage system here. I have a job which means I have to be able to leave my house without damaging the vehicle that I drive. This morning I had to drive my car through two feet (no joke) of moving water just to get out of my driveway so that I can get to work. It's not safe and can cause serious damage to vehicles...

September 13th marks the beginning of our fifth year of offering citizenship classes to the community. You've probably seen the announcement at one time or another--our class is an eight-week session that helps those seeking U.S. citizenship prepare for the civics and English tests that they'll face during their Naturalization Interview...

This past July as I drove along Lakeshore Drive on my way out of town, I couldn't help but marvel at the wonderful job our Storm Lake Parks Department had done in maintaining our beautiful lakeside parks in anticipation of the next day's Star Spangled Spectacular celebration. ...

State leaders Branstad, Reynolds, Northey and Gipp recognized 94 families with the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award. The award is a joint effort between the Governor, Lt. Governor, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and Iowa Department of Natural Resources to recognize the efforts of Iowa's farmers as environmental leaders committed to healthy soils and improved water quality. ...

SPIRIT LAKE -- The family of a Spirit Lake man who died in the 2014 Spirit Lake Apartments fire has filed a lawsuit. Attorneys for Gerald Kirby Dowd and Sylvia Madelle Dowd have asked for a jury trial in their Aug. 11 wrongful death lawsuit at the Dickinson County Courthouse. Their son, Edwin Gerald Dowd did not escape the fully-engulfed, 25-unit building at 1514 Hill Ave. on Dec. 7, 2014...

July 18, 1932 - September 2, 2016

August 22, 1922 - September 2, 2016

Lyle and Lorene (Hogrefe) Letsche of Cherokee will celebrate their 50th anniversary with a come and go open house at the Cherokee Community Center on Sunday, September 11, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The couple requests no gifts. Greetings may be sent to: Lyle and Lorene Letsche, 300 Sequoia Dr., Cherokee, IA 51012...

"Coffee and Newspapers" will be held Saturday mornings from 9-9:45 a.m., October 1 to November 12. Current issues of local newspapers and school newsletters will be used to read articles aloud--over coffee--for those wanting to improve their reading comprehension skills in English. Whether English is your first language or if you are learning English as an adult, you are welcome to join this group...

September 16 - September 22

Morningside College presented degrees to 165 undergraduate and graduate students in August. The area graduate includes: Peterson Natalie Gunnerson, Master of Arts in Teaching

The American Association of University women AAUW is sponsoring a come and go meeting on Saturday, September 10 from 1 to 3 p.m. at 1309 Shoreway Rd. in storm Lake. This is a meeting for established members, a chance to recruit new members and an opportunity to meet our local candidates for public office. ...

Storm Lake St. Mary's Elementary School was the recipient of school supplies from Citizens' Community Credit Union recently from the credit union's Citizens Cares Program school supply drive earlier this summer. Amy Hanks and Amber Santamaria from the credit union delivered the supplies and presented them to PreK-5 Principal Diane Jones and St. ...

Nichole Krager's high school AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) class is designed to impart 21st Century skills in its students, including community involvement. According to principal Beau Ruleaux, the idea for AVID's food drive exploded into a full time food pantry at the school...

Students at Storm Lake Middle School, St. Mary's, Sioux Central, Ridge View, Newell-Fonda and OA-BCIG will be observing Constitution Week from September 16 through September 22. Constitution Day, September 17, falls on a Saturday this year so the beginning of this federal celebration has been moved to the Friday before...

Create blue ribbon memories at the Art Barn

The Witter Gallery and the Storm Lake art Community are opening their arms to a newest member. Cherokee resident Cristen Decious will be presenting his oil based painting collection for the town to enjoy. Originally from Mesa, Arizona, Decious (working under the name Cristen Scott) has felt the healing powers of painting since the age of six. ...

For Tyson Foods, meatpacking giant and Storm Lake's largest employer, times are good. The company has just reported record third-quarter earnings, thanks to strong consumer demand. Tyson will raise its profit forecast for the year, and expects record revenue to continue into 2017. ...

The Storm Lake City Council meeting tonight will be held on Tuesday due to the Monday holiday, starting at 5 p.m. at City Hall. The agenda includes a public hearing on the South School Urban Renewal Plan, part of the process necessary for a developer to convert the vacant school into apartments. The City is prepared to approve that plan later in the meeting if appropriate...

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation welcomed seven new members to its Board of Directors in August. New to the board for the Iowa Lakes Corridor's Fiscal Year 2017 are: Jon Kruse, Mayor of Storm Lake; Dr. Carl Turner, Superintendent of Storm Lake Community Schools; Burlin Matthews, Clay County Board of Supervisors; Susan Zulk, Spencer Hospital; John Chappas, Spirit Lake City Council; Sean Sherrod, Polaris Industries; and Beverly Juhl, Emmet County Board of Supervisors...

WASHINGTON -- Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley made the following statement regarding FBI's partial release of its unclassified summary of its investigation into Hillary Clinton's email arrangements while Secretary of State. "FBI Director Comey said 'the American people deserve the details in a case of intense public interest,' and 'unusual transparency is in order.' Well, a Friday afternoon release of incomplete records ahead of a three-day weekend is hardly my idea of transparency--especially considering the FBI has limited congressional investigators' access to unclassified information. ...

Long-time head of 'World's Greatest County Fair' passes

Average retail gasoline prices in Iowa have risen 5.2 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.22/gallon. This compares with the national average that has increased 3.7 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.16. Storm Lake prices again ran counter to all patterns, declining about 10 cents in recent days to $2.04 at some stations on Monday...

Tyson Foods in Storm Lake is considering an expansion, according to an announcement by the local Habitat for Humanity chapter during a home dedication last week. The volunteer organization's efforts to create additional family housing in the community would be even more important, spokesperson Chuck Valenti-Hein said, if the expansion is realized. It could bring 160 additional workers to Storm Lake, he said...

All three suspects people charged in an alleged lottery ticket theft in Sioux Rapids have now pleaded not guilty. Johnny Long Jr. entered a written plea in Buena Vista County District Court to theft or a lottery ticket or share. His trial is set for Sept. 13...

July and August were easily the two wettest months of 2016, and have continued to improve the overall hydrologic condition of the state. The National Drought Monitor has removed areas of moderate drought from Iowa, and less than 6 percent of the state is shown as "abnormally dry" -- continuing the improvement that been occurring over the last several weeks...

Recently, members of the Spencer Fire Department gathered with their families to conduct a pushing-in ceremony for the new fire engine, engine 993. Spencer Fire Chief John Conyn explained that engine 993 will be taking the place of engine 994. "The idea of the push-in ceremony is to take true pride and celebration in what we do and what we do on a daily basis in keeping tradition alive. ...

A local man who has been faithfully measuring the water clarity on Storm Lake for 13 years feels that the benefits from dredging have plateaued, but suggests that an impending end to the dredging era could see the reversal of the hard-won water quality gains...

An effort is underway to open a Kadens Kloset program in the area. Kaden's Kloset is a non-profit organization - shops for free necessities and resources for foster and adoptive families, children, teens and new/expecting mothers. Kadens Kloset was birthed out of a specific need common to many new adoptive, foster and expecting families. ...

From dorm room jamming to a professional recording studio and a possible offer to open for rock icons ZZ Top, a trio of Buena Vista University students seem to be on the verge of realizing many of their indie pop-rock dreams. Liberty Hall Collective was born three years ago, when its members were green freshmen starting their college experience. ...

The Rotary Barbeque is an annual fundraising tradition in Storm Lake that comes around each September and will take place on Wednesday, September 21st from 5-7 p.m. at the Storm Lake Knights of Columbus Hall. The Storm Lake Rotary Club has teamed up with Tyson Poultry (formerly Hillshire Brands) and Storm Lake Hy-Vee to bring the community an a hearty meal for only $9. ...

The Bridge's annual fall festival is September 23 - 25

Assaults On the evening of Saturday, September 3, at approximately 10:50 p.m., the Storm Lake Police Department was dispatched to MO's Bar in the 700 block of Lake Avenue, in reference to a disturbance in front of the establishment. Upon arrival police made contact with Daniel Pittman, age 30, and Alma Montes, age 21, both of Storm Lake. ...

WASHINGTON -- Senator Chuck Grassley is praising the work of four Iowans who collaborated to bring down a Sioux City gang member with a lengthy criminal record ranging from drug dealing to the attempted murder of a Sioux City police officer. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent Todd Monney, Sioux City Police Detective Troy Hansen, Sioux City Police Officer Kevin McCormick and Assistant U.S. ...

The Storm Lake Public Library will host a presentation with Iowa author, Margaret Grgu'c Smolik on Thursday, September 15th at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Smolik's program is about her family's experiences as Eastern European refugees during WWII, detailed in her book, "Like a Haystack."...

Join the naturalist to get up close and personal with monarch butterflies. Everyone will get an opportunity to tag a monarch. Tagging monarchs is part of an ongoing research project with the University of Kansas to track migrating monarchs. The program will be held Saturday, September 10th at 2 p.m. ...

Peter Ciampa and Tim Sears are seeing a different America than is being portrayed daily on TV news. Rather than a country filled with anger and mistrust, the recent college graduates have experienced warmth and generosity on their cross country bicycle trip, which started from Freeport, Maine, just north of Portland, with the goal of reaching Portland, Oregon...

Mike and Cathy Brungardt of Storm Lake are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Dr. Michaela Marie Brungardt to Justin Allen Bartels of Clinton. Justin is the son of Terry and Connie Doescher of Clinton. Michaela is a 2008 graduate of Storm Lake High School, 2012 graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, and in May 2016 received her Doctorate from the University of Houston College of Optometry. ...

Chandler Johannsen of Des Moines and Thaddeus Subra of Polk City would like to announce their engagement and upcoming marriage. Chandler is a 2012 graduate of Sioux Central High School and 2016 graduate of Iowa State University with a degree in Graphic Design. ...

Hy-Vee will donate up to $100,000 to Meals from the Heartland when families post a photo of themselves eating together on social media

The truck with a parrot, a penguin and palm trees might find a place near high school football fields on Friday nights. Fans just need to listen for the tropical tune playing from Kevin Vugteveen's Kona Ice of Okoboji truck. Vugteveen, along with driver Lori Hott, bring their flavored, shaved-ice truck to sporting events and nonprofit celebrations throughout the Iowa Great Lakes. Vugteveen donates 20 percent of the profits from each event to the organization...

Noy's Kitchen is now open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and supper, serving Asian cuisine. Noy had been open part-time since January 15. Speaking of the new hours, she said, "I decided it was time to get going with my business. A lot of people came by during lunch, but I work full time at Tyson, so I hired some help."...

Organizers expect as many as 50 willing to risk arrest

Myong Kuon, a representative of the South Sudanese Sudan People's Liberation Movement I/O (SPLM I/O) will be in Storm Lake on Sunday, September 11 to share his experiences and understanding of the on-going conflict in South Sudan. Kuon serves as the Ambassador to the United Nations for the SPLM I/O and has served as an assistant to the elected Vice President of South Sudan, Riek Machar. He will be speaking at an event that is open to the public at Our Place, 114 E. 3rd Street, at 2 p.m...

GALVA - Senator Joni Ernst and Governor Terry Branstad recently met with staff and board members from Quad County Corn Processors (QCCP) and representatives from Syngenta, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association and the Iowa Corn Growers Association to discuss opportunities to grow demand for Earth-friendly American ethanol. QCCP is the site of the world's first commercial cellulosic ethanol facility (using corn kernel fiber as feedstock)...

The Storm Lake facility recently held its annual school supply drive. The school supply lists were translated into all languages, and Team Members that wanted to donate were given the option to bring in items, or provide a free-will donation. On Friday, September 2nd, three large boxes full of crayons, markers, rulers, folders, glue, pencils, pens, paper, pencil boxes, etc. ...

Iowa Right to Life and the national Pro-Life group, Susan B. Anthony List (SBA List), are calling out Iowa senatorial candidate Patty Judge who told KCCI Channel 8 on Sunday she supports repealing the Hyde Amendment, the longstanding bipartisan policy preventing federal taxpayer funding of abortion on-demand under Medicaid...

The Iowa deer hunting tradition will be passed on to about 10,000 youths who are participating in the youth deer hunting season, which opens on Sept. 17. This season provides an opportunity to teach deer hunting, wildlife behavior, and safe hunting practices to resident youths while they are under the watchful eye of a licensed adult...

On the evening of September 3, at approximately 9:42 p.m., the Storm Lake Police Department was dispatched to 811 Highview Drive, in reference to a report that a person was reportedly using methamphetamine and acting in an erratic manner. Upon arrival of police they spoke with witnesses who advised that a Fabian Sanchez-Alcantar, age 32, of Storm Lake, was inside of the home and was allegedly acting strange. ...

WASHINGTON - An American Indian tribe succeeded Tuesday in getting a federal judge to temporarily stop construction on some, but not all, of a $3.8 billion four-state oil pipeline, but its broader request still hangs in the balance. U.S. District Judge James Boasberg said Tuesday that work will temporarily stop between North Dakota's State Highway 1806 and 20 miles east of Lake Oahe, but will continue west of the highway because he believes the U.S. ...

The Storm Lake School District has recently been working to pass an updated set of policy codes. Among the items addressed: To avoid conflicts of interest, school board members will not be allowed at act as an agent selling textbooks, supplies or apparel to the district, however, it will not be a conflict for board members to be compensated by the district for part-time employment, goods or services not to exceed $2,500 in a fiscal year, with normal competitive bidding practices...

In a 4-1 vote, the Storm Lake City Council on Tuesday took the first step toward establishing an urban renewal area to pave the way for a three-story, 60-unit low-to-medium-income apartment complex. The proposed project, known as LMI No. 5, would be constructed next to the recent 10th Street Townhome development by Kansas City-based MBL Development Co. The firm has been involved with several such projects around Iowa and the midwest...

On a sultry late summer afternoon, a young man looks to be in trouble well out on the lake from Sunset Park. His sailboat has capsized, and he slowly pulls himself up the bottom side of the hull, using his own body as a counterweight to try to pull the sail up out of the water...

Storm Lake travels to Algona, look to remain undefeated The Tornadoes of Storm Lake are on the road again this Friday night as they head to Algona to face the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs are 0-2 on the year after losing to Forest City (16-13) and Garner-Hayfield/Ventura (33-14.)...

Storm Lake boys XC does well at Gary Hoyer Invitational, Ridge View also competed LEMARS - Storm Lake senior Dylan Cavanaugh found himself out of first place on Tuesday in LeMars, but managed to finish second helping to lead the Storm Lake boys to a second place finish at the Gary Hoyer Invitational...

Renovation of vacant South School into a 40-unit apartment complex may have to wait a year to wrap up necessary state grants, but once construction begins, it should be done in just under a year - or around fall of 2018. So says Shawn Foutch, of Kansas City-based Foutch Brothers development firm, who made his first appearance before the Storm Lake City Council Tuesday to update local officials on the project...

St. Mary's wins home opener in three sets against Clay Central-Everly STORM LAKE - The Panthers of St. Mary's were able to defeat the Mavericks of CCE on Tuesday night three sets to none. The set scores were 25-23, 25-18 and 25-22. Senior Katie Lenhart had eight kills, eight assists, four digs, two blocks and a serve rate of 15-18 with two aces to pace the Panthers. Junior Hailey Nepple also had eight kills with 13 digs and two aces. Senior Jessica Sandhoff had nine digs and four aces...