(Des Moines)-- The Iowa Department of Public Health is reporting an additional 38 cases of COVID-19 in the state as of today (Sunday) along with one additional death related to the outbreak.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has announced some amenities at state parks are being reduced due to concerns with COVID-19.

The Minnesota Department of Health has confirmed a man from Martin county has died of COVID-19. 

The Iowa Department of Public Health reported this (Saturday) morning an additional 64 positive cases of COVID-19 in the state since Friday.

A Sioux Falls man was arrested in Jackson county on Thursday following a report of a suspicious vehicle.

The Sioux County Sheriff's Office says 27-year-old Cody Steinkamp of Milford was driving a 2017 Dodge Ram eastbound on Log Avenue and had stopped for a stop sign when he pulled into the path of a northbound 2008 Chevrolet Malibu driven by 34-year-old April Kress of Alton.

Residents of Clay county are being highly urged to stay home if at all possible due to concern over the potential of any local spread of COVID-19.

Principal Kasey Huebner tells KUOO news they'll be doing a parade through the community.

Meeting in special session this (Fri.) afternoon, the Spirit Lake City Council voted unanimously to adopt a resolution pertaining to some extensive improvements planned for the little league fields. 

Lakes Regional Healthcare is about to tighten its restrictions on visitors even more now that the first case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Dickinson County.

The number of positive cases of COVID-19 in Iowa continues to go up.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach has announed the private pesticide applicator recertification trainings for northwest Iowa have been canceled until further notice.

This week has marked the observance of Severe Weather Awareness Week in the state of Iowa.

Officials with Avera Medical Group Spencer say they've developed a respiratory clinic with a separate entrance and is physically separated by a temporary wall from the rest of the clinic space, to isolate patients with potentially infectious illnesses from other patients seeking care. 

The Okoboji Foundation has announced Holly Skopec has been selected as its interim President.

City Attorney/Administrator Greg Owens says the city council discussed the matter at their meeting earlier this week, but as of now a decision hasn't been made. He says whether or not the city's green waste disposal site will be opened is also up in the air.

Mike Hawkins, a fisheries biologist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources tells KUOO news they'll be forced to scale things back.

Meeting in special session via electronic means earlier today (Thursday), the Spirit Lake School Board approved the issuance of $7.38 million in school infrastructure bonds for the construction of an early childhood center along with upgrades to entrances at the high school and district offices, and renovations at the elementary and middle schools.

An incident this (Thurs.) morning at an Estherville bank resulted in the arrest of a Worthington, Minnesota man.

Not much information into the case was being released by officials. They only say the person is in isolation and is being treated.

The Estherville Fire Department was called to 939 North 5th Street and discovered the camper was fully engulfed in flames in a driveway, where it was parked.

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds is extending the emergency closure of retail establishments such as restaurants and bars for one more week. 

Several area clinics are tightening restrictions on visitors

An Estherville man wanted on Emmet county warrants for drug charges was taken into custody Tuesday. 

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced this (Wed.) afternoon he is implementing a shelter in place order that will be in effect from March 27th until April 10th.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources warns items such as flushable wipes, disinfecting wipes, surface cleaning wipes, and baby wipes, even though advertised as being flushable, are not recommended for disposal down a toilet.

Some new online learning experiences are being made available with more and more people spending more time at home these days.

A Dickinson County Supervisor says he has growing concern over the financial impact COVID-19 is having on some local service providers, one in particular.

Dickinson county leaders say they're confident the necessary contingencies are in place for operations to continue through the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Iowa Department of Public Health late this (Wed.) morning reported an additional 21 positive cases of COVID-19 in Iowa, for a total of 145 positive cases. 

The agency says the burning will be done in wildlife complexes in Buena Vista, Cherokee, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Kossuth, O'Brien and Palo Alto counties.

The Iowa Department of Public Health late this (Tues.) morning reported 19 more positive cases of COVID-19 in the state, bringing the total number so far to 124.

A new website has been launched locally to help coordinate those who would like to volunteer with services related to the coronavirus outbreak and those in need of those volunteers.

Concern over dramatic increases in internet traffic with more and more people working from their homes was brought up during today's (Tues.) Dickinson County Board of Supervisors meeting.

The Milford City Council Monday evening heard from an Okoboji School Board member expressing a desire for the two entities to sit down and iron out their differences.

Iowa Secretary Of State Extends Absentee Voting Period To 40 Days For Those Voting By Mail In June Primary

Hy-Vee has announced that effective tomorrow (Tuesday, March 24th), it will be temporarily suspending its return, refund and rain check policy until further notice. 

Polaris Industries announced today (Monday) it will be suspending production schedules and operations at several plants, including one in Spirit Lake, for a week effective tomorrow (Tuesday, March 24^th).

The Iowa Department of Health announced this (Monday) morning it's been notified of 15 additional positive cases of Iowans with COVID-19, bringing the state's total to 105 positive cases. 

U.S. Attorney Peter Deegan of the Northern District of Iowa is urging the public to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19

WestoBeer of West Okoboji and Century Farms Distillery of Spencer are combining their resources to produce hand sanitizer.

COVID-19 and restrictions limiting crowds to 10 people or less with social distancing has governmental entities looking at ways of conducting meetings electronically.

Seasons Center has announced that effective immediately they will no longer be offering services in person for the time being.

A shortage on childcare that was already prevalent has been made worse with the COVID-19 outbreak and the closure of schools.

It includes additional mandatory closures, relaxes certain restrictions to promote additional social distancing and provides regulatory relief to Iowa healthcare industries, among other actions.

The Iowa Department of Public Health announced late this (Sunday) morning it has been notified of 22 additional positive cases of COVID-19 in the state. 

Governor Kim Reynolds today (Saturday) announced the U.S. Small Business Administration has issued a disaster declaration for the state of Iowa as of January 31st, 2020, and ongoing. 

The Iowa Department of Public Health announced this (Saturday) afternoon it's been notified of an additional 23 cases of COVID-19 in the state, for a total of 68 positive cases. 

Des Moines Valley Health and Human Services says there is now a presumptive positive case of novel coronovirus (COVID-19) in Jackson county. The person is in their 40's who has a travel history.

Spencer Hospital is seeking donations for personal protective equipment as part of a COVID-19 contingency plan should available resources become exhausted.

(Spirit Lake)-Need continues for items that kids can fix themselves.

Dickinson County Treasurer Kris Rowley says one of the provisions in the new proclamation that most people will be interested pertains to the deadline for paying property taxes

A new pharmacy will be opening in Estherville in late spring or early this summer.

A Milford woman was injured in an accident Thursday afternoon in Spirit Lake.

Governor Kim Reynolds this (Fri.) morning issued an additional State Public Health Emergency Declaration effective immediately. The measure provides additional regulatory relief to Iowans impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

The utility is temporarily suspending nonpayment disconnections for customers facing financial hardships.

A single vehicle crash Thursday evening on Highway 86 just south of Highway 60 in Jackson county sent one adult one child to the hospital.

Governor Kim Reynolds announced Thursday afternoon the number of positive cases of COVID-19 in Iowa has increased to 44.

Effective tomorrow (Fri.), patients will only be permitted to have someone accompany them to an appointment or visit them while hospitalized under extenuating circumstances.

The grocery chain says that effective Friday, March 20th, customers will NOT be allowed to bring in reusable bags until further notice. Temporary window panels are also being installed at checkouts 

The Dickinson County Board of Supervisors Tuesday voted to proceed with an audio/visual wiring project in courtroom B.

Most court proceedings in Iowa are on hold to prevent the spread of the coronavirus -- but county clerk of court offices remain open to deal with legal emergencies.

While YMCA's and all similar facilities are shut down due to COVID-19 concerns, Megan (mee-gun) Whitaker of the Spencer YMCA says childcare operations there are continuing

Most Sheriff's Offices and Police Departments in the region are now off-limits to foot traffic until further notice to protect staff, officers and deputies from the spread of COVID-19.

Healthcare providers and emergency departments at local hospitals say they've been contacted by citizens who state they're being required by their employer to be screened for COVID-19 prior to being permitted to return to work following an illness.

The Iowa Department of Public Health late this (Wed.) afternoon announced nine additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the state's total to 38.

The Iowa Department of Public Health is urgently asking businesses and organizations to donate any extra personal protective equipment they may have to assist healthcare providers and healthcare facilities responding to COVID-19. 

Officials with Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative announced today (Wed.) their annual meeting that was scheduled for April 4th has been canceled.

The Department says they include a person in their 50's and one in their 60's. Both are hospitalized.

A number of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach offices in northwest Iowa are now closed until further notice, with staff working remotely. 

The CEO's of the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation and the Spirit Lake and Iowa Great Lakes Area Chambers of Commerce say they're working closely with businesses being directly affected as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Avera Medical Group Spencer (AMGS) has implemented drive-up testing for patients who have been referred by an AMGS provider to specifically come to the clinic to be tested for influenza, RSV or strep throat.

Clay County Public Health nurse Colette Rossiter says the center will help people determine if they meet the criteria for testing.

A Fairmont woman wanted on multiple warrants was taken into custody last week in Lyon county.

(Spirit Lake)-Red Cross facing blood shortage due to cancellations of blood drives

The Iowa Great Lakes Sanitary District is warning residents not to flush wipes, paper towels and other items down the drain. Doing so, they say, could result in blockages in the sewer system and/or private grinder pumps. 

Dickinson county today (Tues.) issued a Declaration of State of Emergency. It comes on the heels of Governor Kim Reynolds declaring a State of Public Health Disaster Emergency in the state of Iowa earlier in the day.

The Estherville Police Department today (Tues.) announced it's implementing some changes to calls for service as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Concern over the coronavirus is not having an impact on the deadline to file nomination papers.

The Dickinson County Courthouse is now closed to the public. The closure took effect at Noon today (Tues.) and will remain in effect until further notice.

The Dickinson County Board of Supervisors this (Tues.) morning vote to apply for $1.05 million in federal funding to re-build County Road M-27 from just north of the intersection at Highway 9 north into the city of Lake Park.

Governor Kim Reynolds late this (Tues.) morning issued a State Of Public Health Disaster Emergency, effective at noon today (Tues.). It implements temporary measures including moving restaurants to drive-through, carry-out and delivery only along with closures of entities such as bars and recreational facilities. 

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds says her staff is looking at ways to address what is now a severe need for additional childcare with schools throughout the state shuttered.

The Okoboji School Board voted Monday evening to approve the sale of the Middle School in Arnolds Park to a Lakes Area businessman for $1.1 million. 

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced late today (Mon.) the closure of the state's restaurants and bars to dine-in customers effective Tuesday, March 17th at 5:00 pm.

(Spirit Lake)-Donations needed for easy meals that kids can make while parents are at work

The guidance includes information for employees filing for unemployment insurance claims, as well as information on programs available for employers.

Citizens are being asked to use online payment methods for things such as motor vehicle registrations and property taxes, and to obtain forms.

The Okoboji Community School District is urging those planning to attend a public hearing this (Mon. March 16th) to exercise some extra precaution due to COVID-19 concerns. 

Citizens are requested to drop off payments for utility bills online or by using the drop box on the south side of City Hall.

Community spread of COVID-19 has the city of Okoboji urging residents to adopt some new measures to avoid unnecessary trips to City Hall. 

Officers say the incident occurred around 1:22 pm Sunday in the 900 block of 10th Street in Milford, in front of Exile Gaming. 

Residents who normally pay their city utility bills in person at City Hall are now being asked to use the drop box located inside the front entrance on Hill Avenue. For other matters such as tags for disposal of household items and matters related to building permits, residents are asked to call ahead to City Hall so arrangements can be made.

The Governor said she's basing the recommendation on new information from the Iowa Department of Public Health, which earlier Sunday reported four new positive cases of the virus in the state

The Iowa Department of Public Health announced this (Saturday) evening it has been notified of one additional positive case of COVID-19 in the state, for a total of 18 positive cases. 

The Okoboji Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect vehicle that was involved in a Hit and Run incident during the evening hours of March 13th, 2020 in the parking lot at McDonalds.

The Iowa Utilities Board Friday issued an emergency order directing all electric and natural gas utilities in the state to cease disconnection of residential service due to nonpayment.

Officials with the Iowa Great Lakes Sanitary District say the installation of a new force main is impacting traffic on Nature Center Road.

KUOO's Becky Thoreson spoke with Leo Kofoot of the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club shortly after crews retrieved the vehicle Friday.

Lakes Regional Healthcare is restricting visitors beginning immediately.

The Okoboji Foundation's Youth In Philanthropy program has awarded a $16,000 grant to Lakes Regional Healthcare to assist in the purchase of a power loading system for one of the hospital's ambulances. 

The Clay County Community Foundation will announce its 2020 grant recipients at an event Monday evening (March 16th) at 5:30 pm at the Spencer Community Theatre.

An Iowa man sustained minor injuries in a semi accident yesterday on Interstate 90 near Alpha.

In a statement, Clay Norris, Executive Director of the Association, said the decision by the Executive Leadership team was made out of an abundance of caution for members and patrons.

It was announced this evening the Spencer Public Library will be closed tomorrow (Friday, March 13th) through March 22nd as a "preemptive measure to eliminate areas of possible transmission of COVID-19". 

(Okoboji)-Pro Series Sanctioned Tournament to draw players from across the country.

(Spencer)-Applications due by April 13

Spencer Hospital is putting restrictions on visitors in light of the COVID19, or Novel Coronavirus pandemic. Effective immediately, only primary caregivers are allowed to visit or accompany a patient.

Jason Harrington, CEO of Lakes Regional Healthcare tells KUOO news they have established a COVID19 task force that is meeting on a daily basis. He says some special protocol has also been put in place at the hospital

The Iowa Great Lakes Rotary car has gone through the ice on Smith's Bay.

With COVID19, and more importantly the weather we can have this time of year, officials say it's a good idea to make sure you have the proper supplies on hand. Likewise, Bob Reganski of Palo Alto County Health System in Emmetsburg is also urging people NOT to be hoarding.

A Brewster man was injured in a motorcycle accident last (Wednesday) night in Jackson County.

Hospital officials say two hyperbaric oxygen therapy chambers arrived Wednesday and are being installed on the facility's third floor, which is being remodeled to accommodate the new center.

A possible expansion of City Hall has the city of Arnolds Park looking at the possibility of juggling around some urban renewal districts to help out with the project.

What started out as an investigation into a report of a suspicious person in Everly has resulted in the arrests of three people.

Local public health officials are stepping up efforts as the number of COVID19, or coronavirus cases, continues to increase in both Iowa and Minnesota.

Organizers of this year's Windsurfing Regatta and Music Festival in Worthington have announced the rest of the line-up of entertainment for this year's event, June 12th and 13th. 

It will be held at 10:00 am Tuesday, March 24th at the Oneota Park Lodge, 420 10th Avenue Southeast in Spencer. 

City Administrator Michael Meyers told the council Imagine Iowa Great Lakes has agreed to donate $63,000 to cover the cost of the preliminary design.

The low bid of just over a million dollars for the reconstruction of a portion of Erie Avenue was submitted by DeLoss Construction of Spencer. 

(Arnolds Park)-Park offering options for those who purchased pavers in the past

Two people were injured in a semi rollover on Interstate 90 west of Jackson early this morning (Tuesday).

Erin Reed of the Dickinson County Trails says one of them pertains to the first phase of a project that would connect with a trail from Clay county.

43-year-old Teangelo Grice was transported to Dickinson county Monday and was booked into jail on charges of attempted murder, domestic abuse 3^rd offense, violation of a no-contact order, false imprisonment, burglary in the 1^st degree, assault while displaying a dangerous weapon and assault with intent to do injury.

A traffic stop back on February 21^st in Estherville resulted in the arrests of two Armstrong men.

It was announced Monday Brooks Golf has retained its designation as a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, an Audubon International program.

The Milford City Council Monday evening voted 5 to nothing to contribute $20,000 to the YMCA, allowing it to open and operate swimming pools this coming summer on the former site of the Boji Bay property.

Governor Kim Reynolds has signed a disaster declaration shortly after the Iowa Department of Public Health confirmed eight cases of COVID-19 in the state.

Details haven't been made available yet, but authorities were called this (Monday) afternoon to the scene of yet another collision at the north Y, or the north intersection of U.S. Highways 18 and 71 on the north edge of Spencer.

(Arnolds Park)-Lineup includes Marshall Tucker Band, Nappy Roots, The Nelson Twins, Slaughter and The Glenn Miller Orchestra

What started off Friday as a pursuit in Spencer has resulted in numerous charges being filed against multiple people.

45-year-old Thomas Ginger, Jr. was sentenced last week to more than a year in federal prison after pleading guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon and one count of possession of a stolen firearm. 

A Spencer woman has died of injuries she sustained when a pickup collided with a moped she was operating Saturday on Highway 71 in Dickinson county, near the intersection with 260^th Street, or County Road A-43.

A piece of history was brought up Saturday from the depths of West Lake Okoboji. 

There's a growing question as to whether or not a bill known as the Invest in Iowa Act will pass in this session of the Iowa Legislature.

State Representative John Wills gave an update on preparations being made on the state level.

A crew with Bob's Tow and Repair and Okoboji Underwater Recovery today (Saturday) successfully recovered a wooden boat from Hayward's Bay of West Lake Okoboji. 

A Dunnell, Minnesota man has been arrested on multiple charges in Minnesota and Iowa stemming from a counterfeiting operation.

(Okoboji)-Boat discovered by fisherman to be retrieved from 48 feet of water

(Milford)-Ms. Emily Tinsman plans to teach music in the Des Moines area next year.

Kiley Roth, Community Relations Coordinator says they received an award at the Iowa Tourism Conference Tuesday of this week.

Authorities have released additional details into a fatal collision Thursday at the junction of Highways 71 and 18, or the North Y in Spencer.

35-year-old Dustin Julich pled guilty September 20^th of last year to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and illegal possession of a firearm.

27-year-old Blake Gibbins of Lafayette, Colorado was sentenced Thursday after pleading guilty to one count of assaulting a member of congress.

The Sheriff's Office says the stop was made in the 1900 block of 350^th Street in Clay county.

A two-vehicle collision Thursday at the junction of Highways 71 and 18, or the North Y in Spencer claimed two lives.

The forum in Spencer will run from 9:00 to 10:30 am in the council chambers at the new city hall at 101 West 5^th Street. The forum in Spirit Lake will be held at Iowa Lakes Community College and will run from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm.

The Minnesota State Patrol says 48-year-old Timothy Vanslyke of Eagan, Minnesota was driving the rig eastbound on Highway 60 near Butterfield when the semi left the road due to the high wind.

(Okoboji)-Le Mars based band to bring high energy performance to the stage.

City officials say it's resulted in some residents not being able to have their containers emptied.

 Linda Stuckebroker of the Jackson County Farm Service Agency says Jackson, Cottonwood and Nobles counties are listed a primary counties that were affected in the proclamation that was approved February 19^th.

An Arnolds Park man was arrested on multiple charges Monday after authorities in O'Brien county investigated a report of a vehicle that was being driven erratically on a level B road about three miles west of Sanborn.

Steve Reighard, an enforcement officer with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources says things are starting to get pretty sloppy.

A collision of two semis Wednesday evening on Highway 60 in Worthington sent one of the drivers to the hospital.

Flood stage there is 12.0 feet. Forecasters say the river Wednesday evening in that area was measured at 12.04 feet.

Local public health agencies say they are working closely with the Iowa Department of Public Health to prepare for any potential threats of COVID-19, or Coronavirus. As of Wednesday, no one in Iowa has tested positive for it.

One of two Okoboji High School Mock Trial teams is advancing to state following regional competition held Wednesday in Mason City.

(Arnolds Park)-SFO, 7 Bridges and Rocky Raccoon to perform the music of Journey, The Eagles and The Beatles starting Memorial Weekend.

Among them are Kris Rowley of Spirit Lake, who was appointed to the Investment Board of IPERS, and Gayle Mayer, also of Spirit Lake, who was appointed to the Board of Pharmacy.

An investigation Tuesday evening by the Clay County Sheriff's Office into a report of a suspicious vehicle resulted in the arrest of a Spencer man.

Organizers Amy Simpson and Andrea Wiesenmeyer say this will mark the 10^th year for Family Fest.

Nancy Naeve of Spencer Main Street says the 3rd annual Chili Quest and Beer Fest will be going on from 5:00 until 7:00 pm.

The Iowa Great Lakes Sanitary District says directional boring under Brooks Golf Course is now complete and that the new line should be installed west of the Nature Center by the end of this week, which remains open.

(Estherville)-Legislative Town Hall to be held in conjunction with Show on Saturday.

The city of Arnolds Park Tuesday released a document pertaining to a parking agreement on the current Okoboji Middle School site that was referenced recently in a statement from a group regarding the bidding process for the property. 

The Northwest Iowa Care Connections mental health region will likely be taking on some new counties effective this coming July 1^st, just as Dickinson county will be leaving to join the Sioux Rivers region.

Filing periods for the upcoming primary and general elections opened simultaneously Monday.

The Dickinson County Board of Supervisors will have a new face on it after the first year.

The city of Arnolds Park Tuesday released a document pertaining to a parking agreement on the current Okoboji Middle School site that was referenced recently in a statement from a group regarding the bidding process for the property. 

(Milford)-Variety of nature-based camps offered for pre-K through middle school youth.

While the odds for one baby being born on leap day are low, you would think the odds of two would be even lower. But those odds were smashed at Spencer Hospital, as two baby boys were born on leap day this past Saturday.

Warrant Check By Clay County Authorities Ends With Two People Going To Jail

Backers of a petition that called for a vote on the sale of the Okoboji Middle School property to the highest bidder are speaking out on the matter.

232nd Street near Woodley's Mobile Home Court will be closed to traffic from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm.

An Estherville man has been convicted on a drug charge as part of a plea agreement stemming from the investigation into the death of a man back in 2018.

 A two-vehicle collision around 7:00 pm Sunday on Highway 86 at County Road A-22 in Wahpeton sent one person to the hospital.

Jackson County Deputies executed the warrant around 11:40am last Thursday at a residence in Heron Lake.

The O'Brien County Sheriff's Office says deputies discovered 27-year-old Natosha Engelkes was wanted on a warrant and that she appeared to be under the influence.

Lakes Regional Healthcare has been rated as a five-star hospital by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' Hospital Compare website, which reports on quality measures for more than 4,500 hospitals nationwide.

The agency says applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance, or LIHEAP program, are due by April 30^th.