Stories from Monday, January 16, 2017

The 87th General Assembly of the State of Iowa convened on Monday with the normal ritual of pomp and circumstance. House majority leaders made their speeches setting out goals for the session and the challenges that lay before us. The minority leader drew his line in the sand as to where his folks will stand and fight. ...

WESTFIELD— A site in northwest Iowa inhabited by Native Americans roughly 800 years ago is now designated a National Historic Landmark. The designation for the 1.9-acre Kimball Village Site near Westfield was announced Wednesday by the U.S. Department of the Interior highlights the location’s significance and offers some protection against development, the Sioux City Journal (http://bit.ly/2ioyeOb ) reported...

Congressman Steve King released the following statement after introducing “The Heartbeat Bill,” that would require physicians to detect the heartbeat and prohibit the abortion of a baby with a beating heart: “Since Roe v. Wade was unconstitutionally decided in 1973, nearly 60 million innocent babies’ lives have been ended by the abortion industry, all with a rubber stamp by the federal government,” said King. ...

The Martin Luther King Day of Service project at Buena Vista University will be a food packaging event to help supply local charity Upper Des Moines Opportunity. “Our project will help carry out Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s mission of creating a community and society in which poverty, hunger, and homelessness no longer exist while bringing the community together,” organizers said...

Two initiatives in the area are providing an alternative to jail or an institution for troubled residents. Turning Point is a crisis residential facility based in a classic neighborhood house in Sac City, and Stepping Stones is a transitional living facility created out a former church rectory...

Sole 2 Soul’s fitness center in Galva has teamed up with Tuel Shed Training (TST) of West Des Moines to start the New Year off right with a seven-week fitness and wellness challenge for individuals of all ages and genders. The program is called Shaping Souls, and as of this release, over 71 brave people had signed up to participate and commit to a lifestyle change...

Take a tour of the night sky … from inside the Prairie Heritage Center. Don’t miss this opportunity to see our galaxy from a completely different angle. The O’Brien County Conservation Board is offering a ‘Spectacular Skies’ program is sure to please people of all ages. ...

There is a start date change for the “Spanish for Beginners” class taught by Di Daniels and being hosted at the Storm Lake Public Library. It was originally set to start Monday, January 23rd but will now not begin until Monday, February 6th and run through Monday, March 13. Time is the same from 4:30-6 p.m. Interested adults can sign up by contacting the library...

Sen. Chuck Grassley is pressing the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for answers on whether it sought to recoup tax dollars overpaid for EpiPens from drug maker Mylan and added a new request, for two additional drugs reportedly misclassified under the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program, Dilaudid and Prilosec...

A free lunch and learn program on “Cardiac Care: A Coordinated Approach” will be Monday, February 20 from 12-1 p.m. in the Kallmer Education Center at BVRMC. The program will feature Dr. Deborah Majerus, Cardiologist. You will hear about Mission Lifeline and cooperative process with BVRMC on heart attack care...

Kim Scorza, President/CEO for Seasons Center for Behavioral Health, has been appointed to Iowa’s Child Abuse Prevention Program Advisory Committee (CAPPAC) by the Iowa Council on Human Services. The term of office will began on January 1, and run through December 31, 2019...

Sarah Dvergsten became a certified fitness trainer about 10 years ago. She currently teaches group exercise classes for the Buena Vista Regional Medical Fitness & Health Center. Dvergsten teaches a variety of 8 week sessions that rotate throughout the year. Classes include Step, Spin, Yoga, Interval, Boot Camp and much more...

Hy-Vee, Inc., based in West Des Moines, Iowa, is voluntarily recalling several candy trays because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The potential for contamination was brought to Hy-Vee’s attention when Palmer Candy Company announced a limited recall of certain chocolate products after it was informed by its supplier, Valley Milk Products LLC, that a milk powder ingredient used in a compound chocolate coating has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. ...

Updates from the Storm Lake Police Department, Buena Vista County Sheriff's Office and the Storm Lake Fire Department.

November 17, 1970 - January 8, 2017

August 7, 1931 - January 9, 2017

January 7, 2017

Although it seemed doubtful last summer, the TOB has continued on into their sixteenth season. They are pleased to have Terry Parson back with them, as well as Ruth Hoefferman as a new accompanist. They opened their season at the Witter Gallery in December. ...

Buena Vista University is well known for pushing a community involvement message to its students. This interim Dr. Gwen Hart is taking that one step further. Hart is spearheading a class that asks Buena Vista students to give back to the literary community by taking submissions from high schoolers all across the Midwest and putting them into Hot Dish, Buena Vista University’s first online magazine...

The Iowa Space Grant Consortium has announced its partner schools for the 2017 ISGC Academy. The Consortium will work with 10 Iowa educators for two days during a NASA workshop at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, AL. During the workshop, the teachers, who include teachers from elementary to high school teachers throughout the state of Iowa, will tour the space center, interact with NASA scientists and education specialists, and participate in educational workshops. ...

North Lake Manor will officially close its doors as of February 28th. According to Buena Vista County Ombudsman Kim Weaver it was a corporate decision by owners JP Senior Health Care LLC to close the 72 bed facility. North Lake Manor is part of a chain owned JB Senior Health Care...

Buena Vista University is launching a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership degree. The degree will be available fully online with classes beginning March 6, and new opportunities to start the program approximately every 8 weeks. The new degree can be completed in as few as 1½ years and will provide the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively lead people in an ever-changing work environment. ...

Three companies have approached the City of Storm Lake hoping to take over management of King’s Pointe resort. Two of the firms were expected to meet with the city council Monday, but due to travel hazard concerns with a weather advisory for that time period, the visits will be delayed. Leaders of two companies are coming in from Minneapolis and Wichita...

“Shorty” would be pleased. Iowa DNR officials announced recently that bids will be taken this month to re-create Shorty’s Island, just off the Lakeside Marina on Storm Lake. With only a few straggly trees left showing above the water, it is hoped that work can begin this spring before the island disappears completely...

The first session of the 87th Iowa General Assembly began at 10 a.m. on Monday, January 9th. The first day of a session is very ceremonial, filled with leadership elections and speeches. Elected members are administered the oath of office, and are required to sign the Iowa Constitution. The afternoon session begins with the selection of seats, and ends with meetings and caucuses...

Iowa’s governor has proposed cutting funding for needy kids as part of his plan to defund Planned Parenthood, a rare step even as Republican-dominated states grapple with whether to sacrifice federal dollars in order to lessen the organization’s influence...

Four St. Mary’s Junior High students will participate in the 21st Annual Diocesan Band Festival Wednesday, Jan. 18 at Buena Vista University. Students have learned four pieces of music and will join other students from around the Sioux City Diocese to create two 90 piece bands. ...

Our Place multicultural center in Storm Lake will host “Art With a Heart,” Thursday at 7 p.m., in what organizers hope will be the first of a monthly performance series. Art With a Heart includes music, poetry, story telling and more, and is open to anyone who would like to participate, with a simple goal of bringing people together...

The Storm Lake City Council recently approved expenses to design a potential project to improve storm water handling in Sunrise Campground. Storm drainage in the north part of the campground has been a problem in the past due to the elevation and contour of the grounds. The City hopes to correct drainage problems and prevent ponding water which can run into the sanitary sewer intakes instead of the storm water system...

Anchor Jones, young son of District 2 State Rep. Megan Jones and Will Jones, Clay County Republican Party chairperson, was named the honorary 60-second secretary of state during a recent visit to the Iowa state Capitol. He took his rightful spot at Paul Pate’s desk. ...

A four-month investigation by the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office into a Sept. 26, 2016, accident in Emmetsburg has led to multiple charges against the driver of the vehicle. Joseph Michael Ackerman Jr., 36, of Peterson, was arrested Wednesday, on Palo Alto County warrants on charges including OWI third offense, serious injury by motor vehicle, carrying weapons, and operating a motor vehicle without registration, insurance, or valid license...

The Lauren’s-Marathon Sparks Dance Team performed at State Dance on December 1 in Des Moines. They received a Divistion I rating which is the top rating and missed a trophy by one place for Novelty with a tie for a 4th place finish. They also received the academic “Excellence” award, which is given to teams with a combined GPA between 3.00-3.49. / Photo courtesy of Laurens-Marathon Schools...

The 2017 Buena Vista County Farm Bureau and Iowa Farm Bureau (IFBF) scholarship applications are now available to interested students of Iowa Farm Bureau members. The application is available on the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation website in a working PDF format. ...

Morningside College Provost Dr. William C. Deeds recently announced the students who were named to the Dean’s List for the fall semester of the 2016-2017 academic year. The Dean’s List recognizes students who achieve a 3.67 grade point average or better and complete at least 12 credits of coursework with no grade below a “C-.”...

The following student(s) are named to Mount Mercy University’s Fall 2016 Dean’s List. Students with a semester grade point average of 3.60 or better, and who are graded (letter grade, not pass/fail) for six or more semester hours, are eligible for inclusion on the Dean’s List...

Recognition for outstanding academic achievement has been given to the following Grand View University students for the 2016 fall semester. The students are named to the President’s List for earning a grade point average of 4.0 while carrying at least 12 hours of classes...

Trent Moeller serves as chapter Vice President. “Duties require me to assist the President and work with other officers in making the Ridge View FFA chapter the best it can be,” he says. His favorite FFA memory is going to the National Convention in Louisville his freshman year. “We had a blast there and I really learned that being in the FFA is more than an extracurricular, but a family that you have for the rest of your life.”...

At Iowa State University’s fall commencement ceremonies held Dec. 17, 2016, 2,148 students received degrees. Iowa State awarded 1,769 undergraduate degrees, 258 master’s degrees, one veterinary medicine degree and 120 doctor of philosophy degrees. Of the students receiving bachelor’s degrees, 455 graduated with “With Distinction” (cum laude, magna cum laude or summa cum laude). Twenty students graduated both with distinction and as members of the Honors Program...

St. Ambrose University held its 2016 Winter Commencement ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 17, at the River Center, 136 East Third St., Davenport. A total of 313 degrees were conferred, including 179 bachelor’s degrees, 95 master’s degrees and 39 doctoral degrees...

Older, Wiser, Livelier Souls, also known as O.W.L.S, is a program between the Buena Vista County and Cherokee Conservation offices. More specifically it is the brain child of Naturalists Katie Struss and Laura Jones. The two have teamed up to bring conservation programs to adults in the area. The events go back and forth between the two counties and feature a different topic at every event...

The Sanford Museum Association has announced its programs for 2017. Besides the scheduled special programs, there will be a grand open of the new planetarium on April 22, if construction continues on schedule. The museum is continuing its fund raising efforts for the new planetarium projector and museum renovation, a major undertaking that will provide better access, more storage and a dramatically improved planetarium experience...

Members of the Galva Economic Development Corporation (GEDC) are excited to host their 9th annual All-You-Can-Eat Spaghetti Supper to raise funds for 2017 projects. The event will take place at the Galva Upper Elementary School Building on Sunday evening, January 29th from 5 to 7 p.m...

Robert Johnson, one of the frequent entertainers, returns to the Senior Center on Monday, January 23, to present another great program of familiar songs, playing several instruments. The entertainment begins at 11:15 a.m. The seniors meet at the Sunrise Pointe Club House at the municipal golf course. ...

Couples will learn social dancing at an upcoming evening short course to be held in Storm Lake. Instructors Dan and Brenda Anderson will guide participating couples through the two most utilized social dance steps: the swing and the fox trot. The class will start Thursday, February 2nd and will be held for five consecutive Thursday evenings from 6:30-9 p.m. The lessons will be held at the Storm Lake East Elementary School Gym...

The Aurelia American Legion Post #390 will have their annual pancake supper on Saturday, January 28 and will be serving from 5-7 p.m. in the Aurelia Community Center. Admission to the event is $5 per person and preschool and under free.

The newest and trendiest entertainment to hit Sioux City, Sioux Falls and Okoboji is taking their show back on the road to The Meeting Place in Galva on Tuesday, February 21st at 6 p.m. Creative Spirits Sioux City is excited to partner with Gifted Custom Art to bring individuals this one-of-a-kind and custom paint-by-number experience! Painters will transform a favorite memory into a masterpiece they can’t wait to hang on the wall or give away as a gift. ...

Updates from the Storm Lake Police Department, Buena Vista County Sheriff's Office and the Storm Lake Fire Department.

January 18, 1968 - January 7, 2017

Rep. Gary Worthan (R-Storm Lake) is seen here taking the oath of office in the Iowa House chamber as the 87th General Assembly kicked off Monday at the Capitol. During the session, Worthan can be reached at [email protected] or through the House switchboard at (515) 281-3221. ...

The 6th grade boys basketball team from Newell-Fonda will play in the Iowa Youth Basketball Region Playoff in Cedar Falls on Sunday, February 26th. All Iowa teams in grades 4-9 have been invited to play off in the North and South Region Championships to advance to the over-all Iowa state championship. ...

SIOUX CENTER - Competing in their first meet of the 2017 indoor season, the Buena Vista University men’s track & field team put together strong performances at the Dordt College Indoor Open on Saturday. The Beavers competed against a solid field full of NAIA and NCAA Division II programs...

SIOUX CENTER - Competing in their first meet of the 2017 indoor season, the Buena Vista University track & field teams put together strong performances at the Dordt College Indoor Open on Saturday. The Beavers competed against a solid field full of NAIA and NCAA Division II programs...

MOUNT VERNON - It’s been nearly a month since the Buena Vista wrestling team was in action, but the Beavers returned to the mat on Saturday when they took part in the Matmen Invite hosted by Cornell College. Senior Ernesto Garcia (125lbs) was the lone individual to place as he finished in sixth after medical forfeits in his last two bouts. ...

DECORAH - The Buena Vista women’s basketball team couldn’t overcome a rough first half shooting performance on Saturday afternoon as it had its comeback bid fall just short in a 71-63, loss at Luther College. The Beavers, despite making just three field goals in the first half, only trailed 30-18 at the half. They were able to stay in the game by sinking 11-of-16 at the free-throw line...

DECORAH - It was a defensive struggle for both teams on Saturday afternoon, but in the end it was the Beavers scoring the games final four points and hang on for a hard fought 50-47 road victory at Luther College (2-11, 0-6 IIAC). The Beavers were held to a season-low 36 percent shooting from the field and finished with as many made field goals as free-throws (16). Those 16 made free-throws were ultimately the difference in the contest...

DECORAH - It was a defensive struggle for both teams on Saturday afternoon, but in the end it was the Beavers scoring the games final four points and hang on for a hard fought 50-47 road victory at Luther College (2-11, 0-6 IIAC). The Beavers were held to a season-low 36 percent shooting from the field and finished with as many made field goals as free-throws (16). Those 16 made free-throws were ultimately the difference in the contest...

IDA GROVE - After a tight first half, Ridge View was able to pull away from OA-BCIG on Friday night taking a 63-45 victory. The two teams battled back and fourth in the first period with each team taking the lead away from the other, yet the Raptors fell behind 9-8 at the end of the frame. ...

ALTA - The Warriors and South Central Calhoun faced off on Friday night in a Twin Lakes contest that saw the Titans come out with a 50-30 decision. The two teams played evenly in the first quarter with the Warriors and Titans going into the second frame all tied up at 15. ...

LAKE VIEW - The Warriors finished in sixth place of the nine teams at the Twin Lakes Conference tournament meet on Saturday, finishing the day with two champions. Senior Skylar Solko earned first place at 152. He first defeated Laine Wolff of Sioux Central in 24 seconds before pinning Austin Burger of Manson-NW Webster. ...

Mustangs overcome slow start to rout West Bend-Mallard Friday NEWELL - Newell-Fonda came out of the gate slow as the Wolverines held a point advantage after the first quarter, but the Mustangs seized control of the contest and never looked back in a 61-37 victory...

The Pearson Lakes Art Center in Okoboji will be the site for many musical and cinematic offerings from now through the end of May. Area residents should mark their calendar for the the third Thursday of each month – that’s when PLAC’s performing arts series showcases a live recording of a stage production. The wide screen projection gives attendees the feeling of being at the actual live performance...

Hector Anchondo doesn’t just play the blues— he lives and breathes the blues. At 16 years of age, the budding musician picked up his first guitar - and he never looked back, beginning an instant love affair with the instrument, especially Fenders. Born in Omaha, but raised seven miles outside of Salem, Missouri, Anchondo was able to take advantage of the tranquil farm life and learn guitar at a steady pace. ...

The Bakken Pipeline Resistance is continuing its efforts, turning from on-site protests to a mail blitz through the end of the month. The volunteer organization is asking each of its supporters to send a postcard to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to demand that they proceed with an environmental impact statement that was promised at the time of a controversial permit denial on December 4. The Resistance thinks such a statement could stop oil from flowing in the line...

Beginning in middle school, an area high school teen found herself the target of bullying from classmates. When confronted with physical bullying in eighth grade, she retaliated in kind and was punished for it. Far more often, she faced verbal abuse, ridicule, rumor mongering and social media attacks - and became a shell of herself. ...

After a successful joint meeting between the school boards, Laurens-Marathon will host a public hearing on Monday, January 23rd on a new proposed full-day academic sharing agreement with Pocahontas Area. The schools currently have a year left in a partial-day sharing agreement, but had been unable to reach an agreement to move forward into full whole-grade sharing as LM wished. The recent joint meeting was seen as a last-ditch effort for preserve an arrangement between the neighboring districts...

A flight expert is appealing to the National Transportation Safety Board for a new investigation into the Iowa crash that killed rock and roll pioneer Buddy Holly - an investigation that could clear the name of the 21-year-old pilot from Alta who flew the Beechcraft Bonanza on February 3, 1959, dubbed "The Day the Music Died."...