Stories from Friday, March 30, 2018

Relief is the emotion of choice for the Storm Lake School District, after the Iowa Department of Education Board granted renewal of the local charter school for four additional years. After a delegation of Storm Lakers made an emotional presentation, the board made its decision on the spot Thursday morning...

This week the Legislature is making the turn from policy to budget. The last few policy bills are coming to the floor. Some are small bills that needed minor modifications. Some are code clean up bills and department omnibus bills that are several pages in length with many actions, none of which are substantial, but still require a lot of time and effort to make sure they are correct. ...

Buena Vista University has officially approved the launch of a new marching band and pep band program. The program will mark the first of its kind at BVU in 20 years. “The new program will serve as yet another platform that will provide young people the opportunity to come to BVU and become involved in something that’s really of interest to them and that they’re passionate about,” said BVU President Joshua D. ...

Crossroads of Western Iowa’s Workshop in Cherokee has allowed program clients to gain real work experience while providing a structured environment and staff support in reaching their goals. Unfortunately, this service no longer meets the Federal Guidelines for integration. After thorough evaluation, Crossroads has made the decision to close this Workshop in Cherokee effective June 30...

ACCIDENTS On March 25, at approximately 8 p.m., at 802 W. 6th St. in Storm Lake, a vehicle owned by Wendellen Urban of Storm Lake, was struck by an unknown vehicle. Total damages were estimated at $750.

The children met on March 5 for Toddle Time to celebrate all things green. They enjoyed stories about St. Patrick’s Day, leprechauns, spring and a big green monster. They created a creative letter G, enjoyed a snack and sang some fun songs. As always it was fun...

Happy 50th Anniversary to Brad and Sondi Raveling. They were married on April 6. The family is planning a family celebration at a later date. Paulette, Cody, Trish and Craig would like to request a card shower for their parents Brand and Sondi. Greetings may be sent to 1605 Lochedem, Storm Lake...

Welcome the coming of spring with a search for the first wildflower on the prairie. This event has come to be a favorite of many people.  Whether this is a new event for you or whether you have enjoyed it in the past, the search for the pasque flower is an annual rite of the passage of spring...

American Association of University Women of Storm Lake along with Marie-Ann Sennet, Immigration Attorney, and Sara Huddleston, Legal Assistant will be hosting an event at the Better Day Cafe on Saturday, March 31 at 5-7 p.m. Information on DACA, Temporary Projected Status and immigrants rights will be available...

On the evening of Tuesday, March 27, at approximately 11:32 p.m. the Storm Lake Police Department was dispatched to Mo’s Bar located at 707 Lake Avenue in reference to a disturbance. Upon arrival police were advised by bar staff that a person previously banned from the bar was refused service at which time he went outside and allegedly sat in his vehicle and began accelerating the vehicle’s engine and honking the vehicle’s horn...

The Storm Lake School District continues to wrestle with a proposal to build a donor recognition wall. According to Superintendent Carl Turner, a committee of school and foundation representatives is meeting, but is not yet ready to make a recommendation. The group is expected to make a presentation at the May school board meeting...

The Buena Vista County Historical Society is welcoming new members, with a need for more and younger people to take part in the museum and other activities. Memberships help to keep the museum open and operating, help to gather historical information, and provide helping hands for special events and occasions...

From dishwasher to Le Cordon Bleu Jesus Ivan Rojo, the executive chef at Regatta Grille at King's Pointe Resort, has been busy. From overseeing food and beverages at the golf course and water park, to preparing an Easter buffet for nearly 300 people this week, he's lucky to have a day off every week. But luckily, he found a few minutes in his day to share with the food lovers of Storm Lake a couple of his favorite recipes that anyone—chef of not—can easily make at home...

The Albert City Public Library presents Steve Anderson's Camera Collection on Tuesday, April 10, at 7 p.m. Steve has 130 cameras and counting. He has been collecting for 20 years. He says that he has “run of the mill” styles to “very unique” ones...

The lineup has been announced for Lake Creek Fest 2018, with some good old grunge rock on tap. The event will be Saturday, August 18 at Lake Creek Country Club, rural Storm Lake. Performing will be Alice Unchained, Release and Tantrum 2 Blind. Tickets will be available starting July 15, $25 per person or $50 for VIP...

Just in time for spring, it’s the Siouxland Garden Show on April 6 and 7 at the Hilton Garden Inn Sioux City Riverfront. The Siouxland Garden Show will feature educational sessions, a Winter Farmers Market, garden vendors, wineries, and so much more...

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City announced that rock band blink-182 will be performing at Battery Park on Wednesday, May 30. This adds to the list of eight other shows previously announced. Tickets go on sale Friday, March 30 at 10 a.m. at www.hardrockcasinosiouxcity.com or at the Rock Shop. VIP ticket packages are available now for purchase. Battery Park is open to all ages...

Genesis Development began in 1973. This past year has seen Genesis serve over 4,200 individuals with disabilities in a variety of services. In honor of the anniversary, Genesis Development has made “45 years of creating dreams and opportunities” the theme for the year. Genesis also wants to be able to give back to the communities that have supported them for the past 45 years...

Iowa’s annual winter energy assistance moratorium that prevents low-income eligible customers from being disconnected for non-payment ends April 1. MidAmerican Energy Company urges customers who are behind on their utility bills to contact the company as soon as possible to discuss their options...

Jordan Kane is the new Associate Director of Development for Faith, Hope and Charity.

United Bank of Iowa, headquartered in Ida Grove, has reached an agreement to purchase, pending regulatory approval, First Trust & Savings Bank of Marcus, Cleghorn, and Aurelia. The expected closing date is August, 2018. Owen C. Bolte, President and CEO of United Bank of Iowa stated, “With offices in Kingsley, Pierson, Holstein, Galva, and Storm Lake, adding offices in Marcus, Cleghorn and Aurelia is a nice fit for our market. ...

The Alta-Aurelia Community School District held a special meeting Monday evening to conduct a self evaluation and set goals in a workshop facilitated by the Iowa Association of School Boards. The board determined that they need to focus more on student achievement with a more thorough approach to data, set clear board goals and participate in more board training and professional development to help strive for higher student learning...

Dance and fitness have always been a passion of one local’s dream. Christina Allen has been dancing her entire life since she was 2. She’s turning that dream into a reality by preparing to open her own dance and fitness studio in Alta at the old high school building on the third floor. Her goal is to get the community involved and connect with those in the community...

Visiting the Alta Kiwanis on Tuesday were two guest speakers: Aiden Freise and Mrs. Mike (Patty) Bartholomew. Aiden is an Eagle Scout with Troop 104 Storm Lake. He is involved with a project: building shelves and installing cabinets in the A-A high school band room. The extra shelves and cabinets would allow instruments to be neatly stored away instead of being left on the floor. The Wenger Compant would be providing shelving materials...

Storm Lake St. Mary’s High School Silversteppers dance team hosted their annual dance night recently with guest teams Newell-Fonda, Alta-Aurelia and East Sac County High Schools. Alta-Aurelia performed their pom routine.

The Pedestrian Trail and Safe Routes to School Committee met last Thursday to discuss the financial and logistical considerations of the Safe Routes to School project, in addition to homeowner concerns. The meeting included discussion on a bid for work from Kim Piercy. Lynn Evans, Superintendent of Schools for Alta-Aurelia, relayed that while he did not have a firm bid from Piercy, he expected the estimate to be $8,000-10,000...

National Library Week: National Library Week will be April 8th thru April 14. Free coffee for adults all week. Snacks and coloring for all. Toddle time: Toddle Time will meet at 10 a.m. on Monday, April 9. The theme will be on spring. Come enjoy a story and other fun activities that will go along with the program’s theme...

The Trinity Lutheran Church is hosting a spuds and splits fundraiser consisting of baked potato with toppings, banana split and drink. This event will be held Sunday, April 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Carry out is available. The cost is $8 per person, preschoolers eat free...

The Teamsters Community Action Network (TeamCAN) has been facilitating a discussion between parties involved in Alta’s Westview Trailer Park and community members intend to present a Westview Revitalization Plan to the Alta city council this coming Monday...

Iowa law guarantees that every child in the state receives an “equal” amount of money to fund his/her education. A district’s budget is basically derived from the number of children enrolled in the district multiplied by the district’s cost per child. ...

A new law signed Thursday by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds expands mental health services across the state. The law creates six access centers to provide short-term care for people in crisis and doubles the number of teams across the state that provide 24/7 flexible treatment and support to patients...

Authorities were called out for a brief search Wednesday night for a missing person. A 40-year-old man, suffering from epilepsy and possibly without his medications, had gone missing in the River Road area at the north edge of the county. He was found around 9 p.m. in a field, where he had been on the ground for an estimated two to three hours. Sheriff Kory Elston said he could not confirm reports from the scene that both of the man’s wrists had reportedly been slit...

Storm Lake’s newest restaurant closed abruptly this week after one month in business. Enjoy Beach Cafe and Bakery is closed permanently, according to a post on the business’ Facebook page. Owning a cafe turned out to be a burden for the owner and family, who thanked all the customers who had visited the establishment. “We have a number of wonderful shops in Storm Lake, so please spread the love around to all of them with your business,” they encouraged...

There will be competition for one seat at the Buena Vista County level in the 2016 primary election. For District 2 county supervisor, incumbent Dale Arends of Newell and Kelly Snyder from Marathon, both Republicans, filed prior to the deadline Wednesday...

A flood warning remained in effect Thursday on the Little Sioux River. Water level at Bluebird Access near Linn Grove reached 18 feet Thursday, barely into flood stage, according to the National Weather Service. Predictions are for flood conditions to remain stable at around 18.2 feet into next week...

The year dawned with Buena Vista County Engineer Bret Wilkinson smiling. It didn’t last. “In January, we had a ton of storm removal budget left and roads were in pretty good shape. Then February and March really beat us up.” Barring any more late season weather theatrics, his department will still come in just under budget, but the gravel roads are showing the wear of a long winter, rutted, soft and muddy...

For Buena Vista County Republicans, the job isn’t getting elected, but making sure not to grow complacent on their past victories. The 2018 county convention was a laid-back affair compared to the Democrat version, over within about 45 minutes. Most of the delegates to district and state conventions had already been lined up by phone before the event, county party chairperson Randy Ericksen notes. “When we walked in, we basically had our slate.”...

More than a year after her arrest, a Storm Lake woman received a suspended sentence and probation this week for a series of burglaries and cash thefts from the Taco Johns restaurant in Storm Lake. On three dates in late January of 2017, substantial amounts of money was stolen by someone apparently using a key to enter the business after hours...

Local 9-1-1 dispatcher Sheila Cougill has been named the Iowa Telecommunicator of the Year by the Iowa Association of Public-Safety Communication Officials, in part due to her quick and efficient response to a medical emergency with a fellow member of the 9-1-1 family...

STORM LAKE - The Buena Vista men’s tennis team played its first home match of the spring on Wednesday afternoon against visiting Martin Luther College, and the Beavers came up short with a 5-4 loss to the Knights. BVU’s No. 1 team of John Foss and Aaron Pluym and its No. 2 tandem of Jake Thompson and Aaron Mumm were gave BVU a 2-1 lead going into singles play with 8-4 and 8-6 triumphs, respectively. Foss and Pluym improve to 6-1 on the year with their victory while Thompson and Mumm are 4-3...

The Storm Lake Whitecaps baseball team, who captured a Pioneer League title in their first year back after a long slumber, will have a new manager for their second season back in existence. Former Alta-Aurelia head coach Dan Wendel was hired to take the role on following his resignation from the Warriors program...

February 28, 1962 - March 27, 2018

October 28, 1931 - March 28, 201

America’s SBDC Iowa (Small Business Development Center) is pleased to announce that Mud on Main Coffee Shop, Café & Roastery of Aurelia, is the winner of the SBDC’s statewide Business of the Month Award. Mud on Main opened for business in October 2011. The company offers gourmet coffees, full breakfast and lunch menu, as well as delicious baked goods. In addition to the original location in Aurelia, Mud on Main has a second location in Cherokee. Both locations are known for their great coffee, wonderful atmosphere, and excellent service...

Sen. Joni Ernst visited the Newell-Fonda Community School District Wednesday to tour the school and take questions from students in elementary and middle school. Ernst fielded a variety of simple and hot button questions from prepared students. Simple questions ranged from her background in the military and as a volunteer for domestic abuse prevention organizations to the sports she played growing up...