Stories from Friday, August 21, 2020

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig took an aerial tour of central and east-central Iowa this week to evaluate parts of the state that were hit hard by last week’s derecho. After getting a bird’s eye view of the damage and spending the past several days walking fields and speaking with farmers and agribusinesses who were affected by the storm, Secretary Naig sent a letter to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) emphasizing the need for a no-harvest crop insurance option for farmers who suffered severe crop damage.. ...

Cleaner Iowa, a nonprofit that advocates for protecting and improving the state’s bottle deposit recycling law (bottle bill), has submitted a “Petition to Intervene” in opposition to a separate “Petition for Declaratory Judgment” filed by the Iowa Grocery Industry Association (IGIA). ...

Hy-Vee, Inc. announces today that Hy-Vee KidsFit is launching a free, downloadable Wellness Week guide. The guide includes in-person, virtual and hybrid methods to help students prioritize healthy choices in school and at home. This school year, Hy-Vee KidsFit is offering the free Wellness Week guide consisting of a downloadable toolkit that contains fun education-based activities, at-home assignments and challenges that encourage healthy lifestyles and physical exercise. ...

In a year like 2020, the last thing we need is more horror shows. We sure don’t need a disaster flick. We turn to movies for comfort and reassurance in a time when reality can seem topsy-turvy. So our latest Dana’s Dozen will focus on a collection of endearing romantic comedies. We’ll skip over the obvious - looking at you, “Harry Met Sally,” “Sleepless in Seattle,” “Pretty Woman” and “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” We’ll pull out a few you may not have seen...

Storm Lake city government is moving ahead with an ordinance change designed to address trash issues downtown and in other business districts. A proposal has been written that would require that dumpsters have a proper lid to prevent blowing, and that business garbage containers be labeled with the name of the owner and whether contents are trash or recyclables, among other provisions...

Iowa has many achievements to celebrate at the local, state, and national levels as Governor Kim Reynolds proclaimed last week American Wind Week. Ranked first in the nation for percentage of electricity generated by wind, Iowa once again surfaces in the national spotlight for its clean energy leadership. ...

St. Mary’s students have been away from their friends, teachers, family and school for months. The administration of St. Mary’s recognizes the school environment will be different for the students when they return. The faculty is taking extra steps to ensure the well-being of each student as they deal with the adjustments and changes coming back to school...

December 21, 1945 - August 14, 2020

April 2, 1934 - August 14, 2020

May 29, 1958 - August 9, 2020

Sue and Marion Gibbins of Storm Lake will be celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary on August 22nd. During those years, they raised four boys, gained four daughter in laws, and have six grandchildren they have no problem bragging about! Sue currently works in the kitchen at East Childhood Center and Marion is a shag truck driver for Tyson. ...

The children of Edward and Joan Rude happily announce their parents’ 50th wedding anniversary! Edward and Joan were married on August 25th,1970 in Humboldt, Iowa. They have been blessed with four children: Tracy Sears, Susie Weinrich, Kristen Rude, and Stephanie Rude. ...

Based on overwhelming support received during public comment in March, Iowa DNR is expanding the definition of fishing tournaments to include virtual fishing tournaments. Anglers photograph and release fish upon catching during a virtual fishing tournament, also known as a catch-photo-release tournament, instead of keeping them in a live well like a traditional fishing tournament...

Front – Mari Bauer (G-H Cook), Mandee Luy (Middle School Aide), Jackie Diersen (S-C 5th Grade Teacher), Dawn Faist (High School Aide), Ashley Sackett (S-C Elementary Aide), and Adam Brand (S-C Elementary Principal) 2nd – Josh Sussman (High School Principal), Nekooshia Plueger (G-H 5th Grade Teacher), Jensen Flanigan (G-H 3rd Grade Teacher), Brett Beebe (G-H Elementary Aide), Sara Larson (G-H Special Education Teacher)...

July 20, 1966 - August 16, 2020

January 26, 1939 - August 14, 2020

December 30, 1926 - August 15, 2020

January 26, 1939 - August 14, 2020

June 7, 1951 - August 16, 2020

Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller said Tuesday that Gov. Kim Reynolds has blocked his request to join a lawsuit that seeks to prevent changes to the U.S. Postal Service that Democrats claim could threaten mail-in voting. Miller said in a news release that he wanted to join the lawsuit planned by more than 20 states that seeks to stop budget cuts and operational changes that are disrupting mail deliveries. ...

Latinos in the United States, including those in Iowa, have been disproportionately hurt by COVID-19 due to their predominance in close-quarters jobs like meatpacking, agriculture, retail and healthcare, said Julián Castro, former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, during the virtual Democratic National Convention on Monday...

The 2020 Clay County Relay for Life was conducted on the Clay County Fairgrounds Saturday night and looked a little different in order to accommodate health precautions due to the ongoing pandemic. Just as in previous years, cancer survivors, caregivers, friends, family and supporters of all kinds arrived at the relay to raise money and remember those affected by cancer but instead of walking a route, they drove it. ...

Buena Vista County plans to look ahead with its share of CARES Act funding. The county is eligible for up to $248,742 in federal disaster money in response to the COVID-19 pandemic expenses. Iowa counties and cities will split a pot of $100 million, Buena Vista County Emergency Management Director Amy Barrett told county supervisors this week...

With the contract for operation of the Storm Lake Marina about to expire, the city will be seeking applications for a company to carry the operation forward. The city council discussed the situation in a work session this week. Members said the marina is an key amenity for the community and its tourism appeal, and felt that it is important to keep it operating...

Representatives of the Storm Lake Soccer Association approached the Storm Lake City Council this week, hoping to find a new place to play. The program has been active in the community for several years, with local adult teams hosting those from other communities...

Some classes move to churches, virtual academy option added, Homecoming postponed to winter

The Storm Lake Farmers’ Market is in full swing with a new location and safety requirements made necessary by a pandemic season. A recent market saw nine vendors - coming from as far as the Lake View area - overflowing with a wide variety of produce. Buyers were arriving as soon as they could get their tents set up...

Gym, chapel, auditorium pressed into service as classrooms under pandemic