Stories from Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Thefts • On the afternoon of Thursday, March 16, at approximately 4:20 p.m., the Storm Lake Police Department was dispatched to the Storm Lake Walmart Store in reference to a theft. Upon arrival of police they met with store staff who alleged that three patrons attempted to remove approximately $250 in merchandise from the store without paying for the items. All three persons were detained by store staff...

Storm Lake St. Mary’s School held their DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program culmination program in conjunction with the Storm Lake Police Department Wednesday morning. Eighteen sixth grade students in Mrs. Gaylene Kestel’s classroom completed the curriculum with School Resource Officer John Bauer and received their certificates of completion at the program. ...

The region’s Catholic diocese has announced changes in assignment that involve several area parishes and several current and former Storm Lake priests: • Father J. David Esquiliano-Diaz is assigned to post graduate studies of canon law for two years at the University of St. ...

December 29, 1932 - March 4, 2017

Pollinator Plantings Do you want to attract pollinators to your yard, garden, cropland or conservation reserve planting? The “Pollinator Plantings” program presented by the O’Brien County Conservation Board will provide information you need to begin this process. ...

The Clay Count y Fair and Arts on Grand are collaborating on a commemorative art project contest, “100 Years of The Clay County Fair” to help commemorate the centennial celebration of the “World’s Greatest County Fair.” The winning two-dimensional work of art, which will be picked through a contest jury, will be featured as the official Clay County Fair Centennial art piece...

What is a Maker? Someone who learns by making, tinkering, or engineering through direct experience with an assortment of high and low-tech materials. ISU Extension and Outreach – Buena Vista County received a Governor’s STEM Scale-Up Award called Making STEM Connections. ...

Gardeners know digging, planting, harvesting and even viewing a garden is good for the mind, body and spirit. It improves strength and flexibility, lowers blood pressure and elevates our mood. And this is true for all members of the family from the very young to the more seasoned...

50 workout dancers take part in unique event at Fitness & Health

Buena Vista Regional Medical Center’s Emergency Services Supervisor/Educator, Matt Imming, is shown here discussing and demonstrating new tools in use by BVRMC providers during a recent ACLS class. According to the American Heart Association, in 2016 there were more than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. ...

Laurens next stop for the Tuel Shed Training team as part of their Shaping Towns program

Have a conversation not by words, but by the paint you place. This month’s exhibiting artists will be performing Art Improv. Painting Conversation, for adults and young adults, will take place March 25 from 11 a.m. - noon. Cost is $10. Please register by March 22. In this class they will experiment with the method Armstrong and Molly use to create their art piece...

In North America, the word “switchback” describes a winding road that twists back on itself as it ascends to the top of a mountain. In Ireland and the UK, it is slang for a roller-coaster, with its energetic, thrilling ride. But for music lovers around the world, Switchback is the name of the award-winning Midwestern-based duo of Brian FitzGerald and Martin McCormack, whose brand of original music has made them an international touring sensation and a presence on PBS in the United States. ...

Brian Wilson is one of popular music’s most deeply revered figures, the main creative force behind some of the most cherished recordings in rock history.  Indeed, it is no exaggeration to call Brian Wilson one of the most influential composers of the last century...

A fundraiser for the STARS mentoring program in Storm Lake will be held at Pizza Ranch March 27, 5-8 p.m. Ten percent of the evening’s proceeds plus tips will go to the program, which matches adult mentors with middle school and high school students...

The Northwest Iowa Landowners Association, Iowa Farmland Owners Association and a few Iowa farmers who have fought to keep the Dakota Access pipeline off their private property will appeal their case to the Iowa Supreme Court. The group announced its intentions to the Pilot-Tribune Thursday through its legal representation...

On March 25, 1967, Stub Johnson, Leo Gray, and Wayne Nielsen created The Pony Express Riders of Iowa. They each rode a 100 mile loop starting and ending in Spencer, collecting money to be donated to the Iowa Easter Seals. Over the years, the Pony Express has expanded to include the whole state of Iowa, raising over $10 million for Camp Sunnyside...

With the first funnel of the session in the rearview mirror, floor action picked up dramatically in both chambers this week. With three weeks until the next funnel we are working to get bills that were approved in committee last week approved on the floor and transferred across the rotunda to the Senate where they will need to be passed in committee in order to survive the next funnel. ...

Renee Ried balances atop a chair during an individual speech performance at Newell-Fonda. / Photo by Scott Kilbride

The City of Storm Lake will be closing the south side of Hyland Drive from the eastern edge of the bus circle drive for the elementary school to the western edge of the service driveway for the elementary school. The closure will be each academic day from 6:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. until the end of the 2016-2017 school year...

The Storm Lake Board of Education had to make a decision Wednesday regarding a matter of refinancing of two sets of bonds. First is the Elementary School Infrastructure Sales, Services and Use Tax Revenue Refunding Bonds for $2,820,000 the other being a General Obligation School Refunding Bond for $2,820,000. Every 10 years the school has the option of leaving the bonds alone at the current interest rate or to inquire with a brokerage firm to see if a better rate can be obtained...

A letter was sent out to area real estate agents to submit bids for the selling of this year’s Storm Lake Building Trades house. One bid was received from Real Estate Specialist. They have submitted a bid for 6% commission, and a $2,500 donation to the Building Trades program upon selling the home. ...

With a hundred years to celebrate, Truesdale is looking for ideas. The area community turns 100 years old on March 30. During its meeting Tuesday, the Truesdale City Council held a brainstorming session on how to best honor the anniversary. Discussion focused on finding a weekend this summer to possibly host a celebration...

Taking their lead from a regional call to action, Spencer residents Denise Loring and Linda Hoberg DeLaughter used social media to spread the word about an organized protest event targeting all of Iowa’s 4th District U.S. Rep. Steve King’s offices in Spencer, Ames, Fort Dodge, Mason City and Sioux City recently...

With 33 years of experience on the police force, it takes a lot to stun Todd Erskine. A crowd of current and former co-workers and community members that literally overflowed the Storm Lake Fire Station Friday afternoon with their retirement well-wishes left the Assistant Chief so moved that at times, he had to pause in his speech to gather his emotions...

Medical care continues to dominate our attention in this nation. I hope we don’t have millions of people without health care in the next year or so. In reality we already do. A 50-year-old woman told my wife and I that she seriously needs a knee replacement but she can’t pay her deductible and 20%. ...

• On the morning of Saturday. March 18, at approximately 8 a.m. a Storm Lake police officer stopped a vehicle near the intersection of East 10th Street and Seneca Street for a traffic violation. Upon contacting the driver, identified as Mark Heenan, age 48 of Storm Lake it was determined that his driving privileges were allegedly barred by the State of Iowa...

April 7, 1931 - March 13, 2017

December 8, 1950 - March 16, 2017

May 1, 1949 - March 11, 2017

ISU Extension and Outreach – Sac County is offering a beginners cake decorating class on April 17 at 6 p.m. led by LuAnn Cook. Decorating is fun and easy once you learn a few basics. With just a little guidance you can creatively decorate any size cake or cupcakes. ...

The Albert City Public Library proudly presents Ron Demers, Chief Meteorologist and Weather Anchor from KTIV, on Thursday, April 6 at 7 p.m. Ron, a Storm Lake native, is the son of Bob and Marilyn Demers. He has one brother and five sisters that made for a lively, entertaining household growing up. He graduated from St. Mary’s in 1988. He worked part time for KAYL Radio the summer of 1989 and 1990 anchoring sports and weather which eventually led to doing the news...

Among the members of the semester honor roll at Sioux Central schools are Riley Houston, 8th grade; and Bailey Houston, 10 grade (3.50 GPA and above.

Ridge View State Individual Speech was held March 11 at the Sioux City East High School. The following students performed these events and earned these ratings: • Destiny Van Beek – Acting “Cold Blooded Murderer” I, Musical Theatre “Diva’s Lament” II...

The Storm Lake Early Childhood programs, located at both East Early Childhood Center and Gingerbread are taking applications for the 2017-2018 school year. They currently provide programming for expectant mothers and children birth to age 5. Full-day programming is available for toddlers and children ages 3 to 5. ...

The Storm Lake High School Vocal Concert will now perform on Thursday, March 30 at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium. No admission fee will be charged. Many of the selections will be featuring the new Steinway Grand. Both of the Jazz Choirs will also be performing...

Clayton Ehlers, a student at Northwestern College in Orange City, is a member of the college’s A cappella Choir and will perform in the Minnesota communities of Marshall, Rochester, Harmony and Preston March 30 through April 2. This year’s tour includes a concert in the Mayo Clinic’s Domitilla Building for patients of the world-renowned health center and their families. For performance times and details, visit www.nwciowa.edu/choir-tour...

P.E.O. Chapter GJ of Sioux Rapids is proud to announce they have awarded two Dr. Carol M. Stieler Halverson Memorial Scholarships of $500 to Erin Rachuy and Michelle Stoner. Another $500 local scholarship has been awarded to Halie Larsen of Storm Lake...

The Early Childhood Center held their Positive Intervention Support Preschool Friday morning. The program is held once a month and teaches the students the 4 “Be’s” - Be safe; Be kind; Be responsible; Be respectful. The children dressed in their finest St. Patricks Day attire did group dances and displayed art projects. / Photo by Mari Bauer...

Six students have been selected for Buena Vista University’s 2018 Global Fellows Program. The students include: • Aidan Cronin, a sophomore biology major from Highlands Ranch, Colo. • Kevin Edgar, a sophomore business major from Aurora, Colo. • Rebecca Peters, a sophomore biology major from Audubon...

A book talk and book signing for “Cong Catcher” by Lee Halvorson will take place April 1 from 10 a.m. until noon at Arts on Grand in Spencer. About the author Lee Halverson grew up on a farm a few miles southeast of Sioux Rapids. He graduated from Sioux Rapids Consolidated School and was confirmed at First Lutheran Church. ...

The danger in remaking a classic is huge. In fact, most truly adoring fans shudder at the prospect of the reimaging of their childhood favorites. I, myself, had serious reservations about seeing the new live action Beauty and the Beast, but my faith in Emma Watson’s capabilities drove me to opening night despite my fears...

A portion of Highway 7 near the Newell curve collapsed Sunday afternoon, creating a dangerous traffic situation. Westbound traffic had to be re-routed through Newell, and eastbound traffic slowed to 25 m.p.h. The problem was caused by a broken tile line under the road collapsing. DOT officials met with contractors on the site Monday, and told the Pilot-Tribune that they hoped repairs can be made within two weeks. / Photo by Jason Hastings...

On Thursday, March 23 at Iowa State University Extension, 824 Flint Drive, the Healthy Options Summit will focus on tackling the issue of food insecurity in Buena Vista and Northwest Iowa. The summit is intended to foster collaboration and improve strategies to fight hunger in Northwest Iowa...

Dense breast tissue can mask a mammogram, causing a false negative

Hunters will be going through their equipment, patterning their guns and securing vacation days to pursue the elusive Eastern wild turkey as Iowa’s premier spring hunting season is almost here. Elusive maybe an understatement; of the estimated 50,000 turkey licenses that will be purchased, only about 20 percent of hunters will find success...

DUBUQUE — An executive says Alliant Energy’s Iowa subsidiary Interstate Power & Light Co. will file next month for a rate increase that would raise the average customer’s bill by more than 10 percent. Joel Schmidt is a vice president for Alliant, and he told the Dubuque Telegraph Herald that the proposed base rate increase would be the first sought since 2010 and wouldn’t take full effect until early next year. Higher rates will be sought for residential and commercial customers...

Gov. Terry E. Branstad, soon-to-be governor Kim Reynolds, and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey provided statements to the Pilot-Tribune after the decision Friday dismissing the Des Moines Water Works lawsuit. The suit had targeted three rural northwest Iowa counties including Buena Vista...

The Storm Lake library has picked up on a new trend - bundling books of a similar theme for check out. It is testing the process out in the children’s library, where bundles of four books with themes like penguins or spring are available, and may expand it later to adults. / Pilot photo by Dana Larsen...

Sunday afternoon, members of the Daughters of the American Revolution, American Legion and Boy Scout Troop 104 conducted a flag retirement ceremony in Storm Lake’s Scout Park. Worn out American flags have been collected by individuals and from the flag drop box located at the courthouse for the past year. ...

The Latino Political Network will be presenting a free training session in Storm Lake, Sunday, March 26, 4-7 p.m. at Our Place multicultural center. The LPN will offer political training as well as locally-cooked foods at the event. It will be the first ever training by the group to be offered free...

At what point do women’s issues become human issues? The short answer is they already are. Every time a young boy is told he can’t play with a doll or pink toy, because it’s a “girls toy” it is a marker that women’s issues have become everyone’s problem. ...

Proposed journey has personal meaning for a BVU professor