Stories from Wednesday, March 18, 2020

In order to protect communities amid the COVID-19 outbreak, the annual Buena Vista University Athletic Fundraiser, scheduled for Saturday, April 4, will be postponed. BVU will determine a future date and share information for the event as soon as possible...

The coaches of the Storm Lake trap shooting team have agreed that the team needs to follow the lead of the schools’ decision to postpone activity, although events do not take place at the schools. According to an announcement Monday, the team is postponing all practices and meets until the schools can resume normal classes. ...

The decision on Monday was made jointly by the Iowa High School Athletic Association, Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union, Iowa High School Music Association and the Iowa High School Speech Association to join up with Governor Kim Reynolds after she announced on Sunday that all schools should close for the next four weeks...

Fittingly, few films in recent memory arrive with a bigger target on its back than “The Hunt.” Our quick advice? Lower your weapons. The horror-thriller with a healthy side of political commentary was pulled from release last summer following backlash to its trailer depicting a group of wealthy, liberal Americans kidnapping and hunting down red-state stereotypes for fun...

The Crooners have decided to cancel this year’s Easter concert that was to have been held April 5 in light of concerns surrounding coronavirus/COVID-19.

After the unfortunate cancellation of a concert by the Hall Sisters Saturday due to coronavirus concerns, the Storm Lake Community Education Performance Series looks to get back on the trail with a show by the Sons of the Prioneers, Friday, April 3. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. at the Storm Lake High School auditorium...

A new offering of Free Movies by the Lake is planned at Arnolds Park Amusement Park. The movies are rated G, PG or PG-13. They will be shown on the Preservation Plaza, bring your own lawn chair or blanket. Showtime will be at sunset each Wednesday. The lineup includes:...

Buoys Bar & Grill at Storm Lake Marina has announced its first musical performance for the coming season. Kick off the Memorial Day weekend with Switch Road Band playing Saturday, May 23 8 p.m.-midnight. The event will be held rain or shine. The Switch Road Band is a six-piece band forged from the back roads of southern Minnesota, specializing in new and classic county covers mixed with a few ‘80s rock anthems...

A middle school student approached the Storm Lake City Council Monday, suggesting that the council pass an ordinance allowing chickens to be raised within the city limits. Griffin Merchant, an eighth grader and member of the 4-H club Providence Go-Getters, felt that raising the birds is a valuable experience for 4-H youth who do not live on farms where livestock can be raised...

The Buena Vista County Historical Society board has decided to close the historical museum in Storm Lake for two weeks, starting immediately, due to COVID-19 concerns.

Iowa gas prices have fallen 14.6 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.03 at the start of the week. Gas prices in Iowa are 23.3 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 51.1 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. Storm Lake pump prices saw less movement, with most stations remaining at $2.07 as of Monday...

Due to the growing concerns and recommendations regarding large gatherings with the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Storm Lake St. Mary’s Ball and Charity Auction will not be held as a public event. The charity auction will continue but will be conducted via online bidding only. ...

The U.S. House early Saturday approved an emergency stimulus package to combat the coronavirus pandemic after President Donald Trump signaled his support for the bill. The multibillion-dollar package aims to slow the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by a new coronavirus, and mitigate its economic effects as fears of recession loom...

Author, activist and clean technology entrepreneur Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will deliver the keynote address Saturday, Aug. 8, as part of the 2020 Okoboji Blue Water Festival. Organizers made the announcement Saturday. The Blue Water Festival will be held in and around the Promenade at Preservation Plaza near Arnolds Park Amusement Park...

Edward Quirin, age 81, of Storm Lake, died on Friday, March 13, at the Methodist Manor Retirement Community in Storm Lake. Funeral services were held on Monday, March 16, at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Storm Lake. Burial will be in the Storm Lake Cemetery. ...

Jonathan Pickhinke, age 21, of Ames, formerly of Nemaha, died on Wednesday, March 4, in Story County, Iowa as a result of a motorcycle accident. Funeral Mass will be a private service only. Due to cdc recommendations, there will be no public viewing. ...

Storm Lake City Council officials are considering a local child care provider’s request to purchase a circus tent for the Day of the Child celebration, but turned down her request for funds toward an AmeriCorps worker. Trevina Jefferson of Trepson Preschool spoke during Monday’s city council meeting about the multicultural event that debuted last fall, saying that it has momentum for this year, as well as plans to add a series of children’s villages representing different nations and cultures represented in Storm Lake.. ...

Everybody appreciates a little constructive criticism - don’t they? The Storm Lake Police Department makes a point of inviting it. Since 1994, the department has been asking the public to help with its evaluation. A form is provided to suspects, defendants, victims, witnesses and others the department comes into contact with...

The Varina fire department responded to report of a garage fire at the Ken Brabec home east of Varina on C-49 Sunday evening. Mutual aid was called in from Fonda, Newell and Pocahontas fire departments. The fire was spotted by a passerby who notified the Brabec family, who were in the house but unaware of the fire. All escaped unharmed, but the house and vehicles appeared to be a total loss...