News

Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corp. Holds Annual Business Recognition Luncheon

January 29, 2026

(Spencer)– The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation held its annual Business Recognition Luncheon Wednesday in Spencer. Andrew Geelan of Geelan Funeral Home of Spencer was named Young Professional of the Year; Laura Bjornstad and Samantha Ring of Boat House Apparel of Arnolds Park received the Entrepreneur of the Year Award; VeSo Coffee of Storm Lake […]

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Career Offender Sentenced To More Than 16 Years In Federal Prison In Dickinson County Drug Case

January 29, 2026

(Sioux City)– A man who possessed with the intent to distribute methamphetamine in Dickinson county has been sentenced to more than 16 years in federal prison. 53-year-old Mark Mendenhall of Fort Dodge was sentenced on Tuesday. He will also be required to serve a four-year term of supervised release following the prison term. Mendenhall pled […]

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Additional Bird Flu Detected In Kossuth County

January 28, 2026

(Des Moines)– The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have detected a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1 HPAI) in a multi-species game bird hatchery in Kossuth County. The flock includes pheasants, quail and chukars. This is Iowa’s […]

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Terry Bruinsma Comments On His Time With SL Schools & His New Upcoming Job As Superintendent At West Lyon

January 28, 2026

(Spirit Lake)– As we reported Tuesday, a longtime administrator with the Spirit Lake Community School District is moving on. Terry Bruinsma has been hired as Superintendent at the West Lyon Community School District. We have since had an opportunity to speak with Bruinsma. His tenure with the Spirit Lake Community Schools extends back to 2003. […]

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Restoration Of Building Heavily Damaged By Fire Several Years Ago In Downtown Spencer Continues

January 28, 2026

(Spencer)– Work to rehab and renovate a building on Grand Avenue in Spencer that was heavily damaged in a fire back in January of 2023 continues following some setbacks. Eric Meeter of Spencer and his father purchased the building in October of that same year and founded M & M Grand Ventures. Demolition work then […]

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Iowa Great Lakes Fishing Club Spring Seminar Is February 5th

January 28, 2026

(Milford)– The Iowa Great Lakes Fishing Club holds its annual Spring Seminar Thursday, February 5th at Oakhill Outdoor in Milford. Club spokesman Paul Daniels says they’re excited about this year’s keynote speaker… “Tom Lynn, very well known successful walleye fisherman. He actually won the National Walleye Tour Championship in 2024-2025 and was also the Walleye […]

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Four People Express Interest In Spencer City Council Vacancy

January 28, 2026

(Spencer)– Four people have expressed interest in filling a vacancy on the Spencer City Council. They include Duane Bates, Anthony Butler, Jacqueline Johnson and James Vermeer. As part of an appointment process, the Spencer City Council will interview all four candidates during a special council meeting at 6:30 this (Wed.) evening at City Hall. The […]

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A Longtime Administrator With Spirit Lake Community Schools Hired As Superintendent At West Lyon

January 28, 2026

(Spirit Lake)– A longtime administrator with the Spirit Lake Community School District is moving on. Terry Bruinsma has been hired as Superintendent at the West Lyon Community School District. Bruinsma has been with the Spirit Lake Community Schools since 2003, including the past 14 years as Middle School Principal. Pending formal approval by the West […]

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Hwy 18 Collision Sends One Person To The Hospital

January 28, 2026

(Sheldon) (KIWA)– A Rock Rapids woman was taken to the hospital after a 3-vehicle crash west of Sheldon on Monday. The Sioux County Sheriff’s Office says 20-year-old Ashtyn Kroeze of Sioux Center was driving a 2013 Chevrolet Impala eastbound on Highway 18, three miles west of Sheldon. Deputies say Kroeze approached stopped traffic and moved […]

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Dickinson County Republicans To Caucus Monday Evening, Feb. 2nd

January 28, 2026

(Spirit Lake)– Dickinson County Republicans will hold their caucus this coming Monday evening, February 2ndwith all precincts meeting at Spirit Lake High school. Those attending should park behind the school and enter at the East gym. Doors will open at 6:00 pm for sign-in and registration with the caucus beginning promptly at 7:00 pm. You […]

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