Stories from Friday, August 17, 2018

Practical Farmers of Iowa is now accepting applications for the Savings Incentive Program, which has served 138 beginning farmers on their path to establishing a healthy farm business since it launched in 2010. The two-year program aims to help beginning farmers succeed at their farm start-ups through mentorship from experienced farmers; business plan support; the chance to save money and receive matching funds; the opportunity to attend a range of learning events; and access to a network of supportive peers.. ...

Vacation! Book flights, make sure the schedules to go all the things that you want to do click, and book hotel rooms, for starters. As most travelers know, a nice, clean, relaxing, and accommodating hotel stay can make a world of difference. To Shelley Shuck, manager at Storm Lake’s Super 8 motel, a friendly smile and a clean room are just a given, in seeing that guests are taken care of. ...

Exciting things are happening at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium as it continues to move forward with the next phases of its master plan. Owen Coastal Shores, a new habitat for the Zoo’s sea lions is scheduled to open in spring 2020. The sea lions will be in a Pacific Northwest coast inspired area with brown pelicans...

“My experience in Storm Lake taught me one of the most valuable things,” said Pooja Marwah, an Indian exchange student who spent a year in Storm Lake High School in 1995. “The ability to believe in dreams.” At 15, she experienced what she called a “magical,” year in rural Iowa...

The Storm Lake Public Library trustees viewed an educational online video this week focusing on library funding levels. The local library leaders could relate to the concerns, but said they are being experienced by libraries everywhere. The presenter, from the State Library of Iowa, say that many people think libraries get their funding from federal and state governments. They get no federal budgeting, and state money only represents a small portion...

Buena Vista University has announced that Ben Dvergsten and Jennifer Hustedt will be the co-chairs for its 2018-2019 Community Campaign. Upon graduating from BVU in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, Hustedt, originally from Newell, attended Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny where she earned a degree in mortuary science. She is now a full-time funeral director at Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Homes and co-owner of both Buoys Bar and Grill and Smokin’ Hereford in Storm Lake...

From lagers and IPAs to stouts and saizons, trendy craft beer today has gotten very technical—perhaps overwhelmingly so for someone just trying to relax. So the Pilot-Tribune sat down for a beer flight around the country and around the world with Regatta Grille’s Jason Bjerk and Dillon Harms to learn about the difference between our ABVs and our IBUs, saving you some beer miles next time you’re tasked with finding a beverage you like...

January 1, 1953 - August 8, 2018

June 14, 1933 - August 8, 2018

Dec. 11, 1951 - August 15, 2018

The 65th annual Stille reunion was held August 5th, 2018 in Oneota Park in Spencer. A delicious lunch was served by the family of Audrey Kaiser. There was much reminiscing among the family members. Those attending were Audrey Thiessen, Karla Saboe, Scott Rinehart, Kim and Harold Robinson, Leslie Thiessen, and George Thiessen from Spencer; Shelly Kaiser from Spirit lake; Gerald and Carolyn Stille, Mary E.Stille, and Janice Ploeger from Schaller, Mitch and Dena Stille and Karen Johannesen from Alta, Kay Schmitt, Stacy Blee, Joyce Stille, Connie Stille, Brenda Stille and Marvin Stille from Storm Lake; Barb Ault from Omaha, Nebraska; Bertha Stille and Carla Foster from Roland; Mary Lee Williams from Odebolt; Sue and Myron Radke from Peterson; Tom and Julie Kaiser from Milford; and Joanne Noll from Kremmling, Colorado.. ...

On the morning of Wednesday, August 15, at approximately 1:17 a.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 met with bar staff who alleged that a patron, later identified as Dudley Allison, age 33 of Storm Lake became upset when staff asked to view his identification and began yelling and refused to leave the bar when asked...

During the August 5th storm, this intense lightning strike was captured on a cell phone camera by Lloyd Arms. Arms was thrilled to capture this image. He was visiting from Alaska, where lightning is a rare weather event. / Photo Submitted

For Spencer High School senior Ashley Cagle, participating as a youth leader with the 4-H Ag Innovators Experience: Monarchs on the Move program allowed her an opportunity to explore her interest in monarch butterflies while honing her communications skills. Cagle worked with children ages 9 to 15 to illuminate the important role the monarch butterfly plays as a pollinator in the food chain...

Boaters heading out for the Labor Day holiday will likely find busy waterways and lower water levels. Susan Stocker, boating law administrator and education coordinator for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, said boat operators need to operate with caution and to watch for hazards in the water. Stocker said boat ramps will likely be busy, placing boating etiquette at a premium...

“Well the names have all changed since you hung around, but those dreams have remained and they’ve turned around… welcome back, welcome back, welcome back…” To the strains of the theme song from “Welcome Back Kotter,” and the optimistic motto #SLChangeMakers, the Storm Lake School District brought its teachers back Wednesday morning in inspiring style...

The summer school program in the Storm Lake schools was considered a success, despite the fact that there were not enough potential participants to hold the program at the elementary level this year. The middle school held a three-week program, with 71 students registered and average attendance of 57 for grades 5-8. An English Language Learner class served 18-20 students...

The Storm Lake School Board may have to start playing hardball with staff members who turn in late resignations. During the board’s monthly meeting Monday, it found itself still approving resignations and the hiring of replacements, days before the school year begins...

A Storm Lake immigrant is creating sea monsters in his back yard. Mountha Boulommavong has already finished one colorful 24-foot creature and was working on its twin this week. Prior to coming to the United States, Mountha was an art student and art teacher in Laos. ...

“Welcome back, Matt!” While the newly-minted director of Buena Vista University’s newly-minted Institute of Agriculture, Food and Resource Management is explaining the task ahead of him, he pauses to wave to a passing well-wisher, as might be expected...

The Storm Lake Board of Education approved Michael Demers as a volunteer assistant football coach for Storm Lake High School during a meeting Wednesday night, pending completion of his coaching authorization. At age 20, and only two years removed from playing in the program, the Buena Vista University student might be the youngest official coach in the history of the program. ...