Stories from Friday, October 15, 2021

The Alta Community Chamber held a ribbon cutting for Patio 220 last Friday. This is the new pizzeria in town. The owner’s name is Eric Holmgren and his phone number is (763) 568-9703.

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation (Corridor) is partnering with Iowa Workforce Development and Iowa Economic Development Authority to complete a Laborshed employment study for the Estherville, Spencer, Spirit Lake and Storm Lake areas. This study will geographically define which communities contribute to each city’s workforce, regardless of political boundaries. This defined area is called a Laborshed area and is based upon commuting patterns...

Four Buena Vista University students participated in the annual Okoboji Entrepreneurial Institute (OEI) late this summer at the Iowa Lakeside Laboratory on West Lake Okoboji. Students participating included: KayLynne Bechen, a senior from Moville; Peyton Schultz, a junior from Kiron; Logan Mueller, a senior from Columbus, Neb.; and Mitchell Countryman, a sophomore from Moville...

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation (Corridor) has announced the hiring of Tom Nelson as its new Vice President of Business Development for the regional economic development organization serving Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson and Emmet counties. ...

A few weeks ago I started writing about a series of seven words that I thought would help each of us on our paths forward, whatever direction that might be. Seven words that when embraced could help us all in times of joy as well as times of trouble. Seven words to set us up for the future...

Well, certainly didn’t see this one coming - Las Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden resigns from the organization, since the exposure of inflammatory e-mails sent seven to ten years ago, to another NFL executive. Sure, call it the revenge of ‘cancel culture’, an overreaction, or just shrug, and say, “Well, who else says the same thing, in the NFL?” It’s not just one e-mail, by the way, folks, it’s several. ...

It’s a bit unfortunate that prospects of a new soybean crushing plant near Storm Lake have turned into such a tug of war. Counties and small town all over the state would probably turn cartwheels to get a sniff of such development, jobs and tax base, especially one that would add value to a commodity produced in their backyard...

Charlie Leissler IV returns to InnSpiration Winery in Linn Grove tonight for the Friday Night Music series. The show starts at 6 p.m. Leissler is a popular area guitarist from Cherokee, with a repertoire including folk, classic rock and pop rock covers. He taught himself to play at age 12, with influences such as Crosby, Stills & Nash, The Beatles, The Beach Boys and others...

Spencer Community Theatre, joined by Spencer Public Library and Candice Getting Modern Woodmen, will host a family-friendly costume contest for all ages. All are invited to participate in the Third Annual Costume Contest on Saturday, Oct. 30, from 4-6 p.m...

The Witter Gallery exhibit this month is by artist Abby Jones from Newell, called, “Abstract Grunge.” This exhibit is an experience from the moment you walk in the door, with large-scale abstract impressionist paintings tied together with crime scene tape, and three dimensional dioramas made from old television sets and found items...

The Artisans Road Trip returned last weekend. Several area artists showing at the Synergy Gallery in Storm Lake Sunday were (front) Denice Peters, Denison and Jean Wenell from Laurens; and (back, left to right) Cherie Courter, Tonya Archer, Joleen Dentlinger and Ron Netten, all from Storm Lake. Visitors to various show sites and studios around northwest Iowa were able to meet artists, explore many genres and purchase original art pieces in the annual event. / Pilot photo by Dana Larsen...

On October 11, 2021, employees representing Central Bank assisted with clean up of rain gardens in Storm Lake. Mayor Mike Porsch and the City Council extend sincere appreciation for the volunteers in giving of their time to enhance the appearance of the community. Their efforts symbolize the idea of being Storm Lake Proud...

Buena Vista University (BVU) will host the Beaver Market as part of its Homecoming festivities from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct.16 in Campus Parking Lot L (east of Edson Hall) at BVU. The free, family-friendly event is open to the public and features a vendor fair and car show. ...

September 3, 1955 - October 10, 2021

April 24, 1940 - October 5, 2021

September 14, 1952 - October 7, 2021

January 20, 1986 - October 4, 2021

March 18, 1954 - October 9, 2021

September 21, 1970 - October 9, 2021

The statewide COVID-19 infection rate continues to decline since its recent peak in mid-September, but certain counties in rural Iowa — where vaccination rates lag behind the state average — have new daily cases comparable to their pandemic peak last year...

Christina Ramirez drove five hours to Des Moines looking for one thing: hope. “Our country is just slipping away little by little,” she said. “I want to know if there’s any hope for us, for anybody, for this country.” Ramirez was one of thousands to attend a rally for former President Donald Trump at the Iowa State Fairgrounds on Saturday. The outdoor event drew Trump fans from across the Midwest and beyond...

The court process for two suspects accused in the murder of a Lake Park woman might split into two trials if a judge approves a motion filed late last month. Attorney Ed Bjornstad currently represents both suspects — 26-year-old Allison Decker and 24-year-old Justice Berntson. ...

Two anticipated federal rulings could create challenges for a Buena Vista County government in which not all employees are willing to be vaccinated against COVID-19. County Attorney Paul Allen gave county supervisors a head’s-up on the expected rules this week, noting that the wording and the rulings themselves could change...

Plans are being made for discussions between representatives of the Storm Lake Public Library and the Witter Art Gallery, entities that share the same building on Cayuga Street. The gallery board president has suggested that the longstanding agreement between the two organizations be reviewed and possibly amended...

With more than 3,000 concerts under their belts, Iowa’s longest-running rock band is about to tune up for another honor. The Senders will be inducted into the Midwest All Music Association Hall of Fame, and will play in an induction show and dance October 23 at the Avalon Ballroom in Remsen...

Prospects for a $350 million soybean crushing plant are inching forward, but not without pushback. The Buena Vista County Zoning Board, which earlier voted against a rezoning request to make way for the plant along Highway 7 between Storm Lake and Alta, voted 3-1 this week to approve an update county comprehensive plan including the proposed site for industrial use...

Storm Lake City and School Board candidates faced off Wednesday evening in a “Meet the Candidates” Forum sponsored by SALUD multicultural health coalition, as a modest crowd looked on from the elementary school bleachers. Taking part were school board candidates (two seats available) Erika Dierking, Steven Mills and Ashley WolfTornabane; city council candidates Matt Ricklefs, Maggie Martinez, Shane Schreck and Dylan WolfTornabane; and unopposed incumbent for mayor Mike Porsch. ...

WAVERLY - An early goal by Wartburg would prove to be the only one needed as the Knights offense rolled to a 8-0 win over Buena Vista University on Tuesday. Ninety seconds was all that it took for Edvin Rizvic to put Wartburg up 1-0 and they were off and running from there...

WAVERLY - A tale of two halves doomed Buena Vista University women's soccer Tuesday night on the road against Wartburg. Currently sitting tied for first place in the ARC standings, the Knights offense was relentless in the first half as they built up the early lead...

GRINNELL - It was a non-conference showdown at Darby Gymnasium on the Grinnell College campus on Wednesday night, but after winning the opening set 25-23, the Buena Vista University volleyball team came up short in the next three against the Pioneers, including a heartbreaking 27-25 loss, in the second...

This week is the final regular season games for all of the area teams except Storm Lake, and postseason dreams hang in the balance. Storm Lake sits at 0-7 overall, 0-3 in Class 4A District 1 and will face Class 4A #10-ranked 5-2, 3-0 in district, Webster City at home tonight. The Lynx beat district opponent Spencer last week 21-7...

MOVILLE - Three sets was all the Class 2A #13-ranked Ridge View volleyball team needed to take out Woodbury Central in a 3-0 win on the road on Tuesday. The Raptors quickly ended the first two sets at 25-12 in each before the Wildcats fought back, but still fell 25-18 in the third as Ridge View completed the sweep...

STORM LAKE - The Storm Lake volleyball team hosted Spirit Lake for a Lakes Conference match and fell in three sets. The Indians pulled out to an early lead in the first set en route to a 25-12. The Tornadoes picked up the offense in the second and were ahead in the beginning, but the Indians rallied to take over and won the second set 25-18...

IDA GROVE - The Alta-Aurelia, Sioux Central and Ridge View cross country teams all ran in the Bob Saunders Cross Country Classic in Ida Grove on Monday. Alta-Aurelia freshman Nora Peterson won the girls race with a time of 19:16.32 while the team placed fifth out of 17 teams. Sioux Central placed 10th, Ridge View came in 13th and Pocahontas Area won the meet...

CHEROKEE - The Storm Lake cross country team ran in Cherokee for the Lakes Conference meet on Monday afternoon. The boys placed fourth out of six teams while Western Christian took the conference title. Storm Lake sophomore Luiz Martinez took the Lakes Conference bronze with a time of 17:09.22 while senior Tyler Moon put in a 10th place finish at 18:16.27. ...

Storm Lake 6, Webster City 41 Alta-Aurelia 3, Gehlen Catholic 22 Newell-Fonda 48, Ar-We-Va 6 Sioux Central 14, West Sioux 26 Ridge View 24, Sibley-Ocheyedan 6

NEWELL - The Newell-Fonda football team hosted Ar-We-Va for the final regular season match-up and dominated for a 48-6 win over the Rockets. The Mustangs received the opening kickoff and drove downfield to score off a pass from junior quarterback Mason Dicks to senior Trey Jungers. ...

SIBLEY - The Ridge View football team finished the regular season off with a 24-6 win at Sibley-Ocheyedan on Friday. The Generals received the opening kickoff but were stalled out and forced to punt. The Raptors returned the kick to the General 45. The Raptors drove downfield, and with a short run by senior quarterback Cade Harriman scored the first points of the game to take a 7-0 lead. ...

LEMARS - Friday night did not go as planned for the Alta-Aurelia football team as they traveled to face Gehlen Catholic and suffered a 22-3 loss. The first quarter was a defensive battle with teams punting back and forth. The Jays scored two touchdowns, one with a two-point conversion, while junior Luiz Mendoza booted a 24-yard field goal to put the score at 15-3 going into the half. ...

STORM LAKE - With a modest crowd wrapped in blankets against the first frosty night of the season, a severely shorthanded Storm Lake football team scored a moral victory by taking the field Friday night, but district leading Webster City handed out a 41-6 beating on Tornado turf...

SIOUX RAPIDS - The Sioux Central football team had a rough Friday night as they hosted Class 1A #9-ranked West Sioux for the final regular season match and fell 26-14. The Falcons scored all their points in the first three quarters, with 14 scored in the first quarter and six in each the second and third, and shut out the Rebels until the fourth. Sioux Central senior Gibson Olson rushed in for two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to put the Rebels on the board and tally the final score...