Public health officials in O'Brien county are putting out an urgent plea as that county currently has the highest positivity rate in the state of Iowa. As of today (Friday) it stood at 23.4 percent. 

(Spirit Lake)-Program helps defray costs of heating bills during Winter months

Ashton Fire Chief Andy Gacke says the fire was located in the upper portion of the dryer upon their arrival

Minor injuries were reported Thursday in a single vehicle crash near George.

Our series of profiles of the candidates running for the District 5 seat on the Dickinson County Board of Supervisors continues. Today (Fri.) we hear from Jeff Thee

A Kossuth County man faces up to 50 year prison for the March 2018 stabbing death of his girlfriend. 

(Arnolds Park)-Program supports both Okoboji and Spirit Lake School Districts

The number of COVID-19 cases continues to soar, with 2,469 new cases confirmed in Iowa for the previous 24 hour period ending at 10:00 am this (Thurs.) morning. 11 more deaths were reported

A Milford woman has been arrested in connection with several car burglaries that took place between September 26^th 2020 and September 29^th in Emmetsburg and Graettinger.

Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller is reminding voters about various laws to help protect the integrity of November 3rd election.  

Jordan Moyer of the Dickinson County Auditor's Office says they've been hearing quite a bit from people who voted by mail who forgot to put their ballot in a secrecy sleeve when they were getting ready to mail them back.

Across the U.S. absentee ballots are being mailed in at historic levels. That's created questions about more rejected ballots because of mistakes, and whether that will affect the election outcome in battleground states like Iowa.

The Iowa State Patrol says 59-year-old Sheila Janssen of Orange City was westbound and 52-year-old Lynn Knobloch of Larchwood was northbound

With the election now just days away, KUOO news will be highlighting candidates for the seat representing the 5^th district on the Dickinson County Board of Supervisors.

In exchange, charges of criminal mischief, drug charges and various traffic offenses will be dismissed.

(Spencer)-Similar program taking place in Dickinson County on October 31

The recognition is based on the results on an employee feedback survey regarding workplace environment, improvement, culture, and organizational health.

(Spirit Lake)-Online orders being accepted through November 15, no contact delivery slated for first week in December

The state's website was showing that number stood at 596 as of 10:00 am this (Wed.), up from 564 on Tuesday.

Jim Nesseth of Extended Ag Services in Lakefield says producers should be able to resume the harvest in another couple of days, if not even sooner.

The Arnolds Park Public Library is temporarily closed due to a staff member testing positive for COVID-19.

City Attorney/Administrator Gregg Owens told the city council Tuesday the city already has the funds available to cover the cost of the refinancing

An investigation into a report of a domestic disturbance this past Friday in Sibley resulted in an arrest.

The county's Planning and Zoning, Environmental Health and Engineer's Offices, which share a common space, are the latest to be affected by someone testing positive for the virus

The Mayor of Milford has issued a proclamation pertaining to trick-or-treating in the city this year.

Spirit Lake had a successful day at All State Auditions this fall.

The Minnesota State Patrol says 25-year-old Logan Like of Slayton was driving a 2018 Mack semi eastbound on Highway 62 and 30-year-old Hussein Noor of Waite Park, Minnesota was driving a 2014 Ford Focus southbound on a county road when the two collided in the intersection.

Milford police say it involved a semi driven by Nathaniel Miller of Beloit, Illinois and a vehicle driven by Steven Johnson of Spencer. 

The council Monday evening met with the Society's New Executive Director, Travis Hayenga.

The state is allocating up to $6 million of federal CARES Act funds to provide short-term relief to eligible county and district fairs through what is known as the Iowa County Fairs Relief Program.

The Palo Alto County Sheriff's Office says 52-year-old Timothy Ludwig of Terril was driving a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado westbound in the 3800 block of 280^th Street when he lost control of the vehicle.

The Clay County Sheriff's Office says 38-year-old Ronald Johnson was wanted on two counts of sexual abuse in the 3^rd degree, two counts of lascivious acts with a child and two counts of indecent contact with a child.

Rob Patterson, a fisheries biologist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, says they'll be drawing down the water levels on Elk Lake, which is located near Ruthven

It was announced today (Mon.) Dr. Brian Lenzmeier has been selected to serve as President effective immediately. He's already been serving in that position on an interim basis.

The Sheriff's Office says 23-year-old Cody Huckfelt of Spencer was driving a 2008 Dodge Ram eastbound in the 3100 mile of 430^th Street.

The Dickinson County Engineer, Zoning, and Environmental Health offices at the courthouse are closed until Wednesday, October 28^th. Also, the Dickinson County Board of Adjustment meeting scheduled for tonight (Oct. 26^th) has been postponed to 7:00 pm November 5^th at the Dickinson County Courthouse.

Authorities say 18-year-old Melissa Hall of Superior lost control of a 2003 GMC while she was traveling eastbound on an ice-covered county road near Larchwood.

A northwest Iowa man will stand trial in January for a drunken driving crash that killed the driver of a utility terrain vehicle in O'Brien County. 

Effective Monday, the clinic will become a walk-in facility which will be located just inside Door D at Lakes Regional Healthcare.

Meeting in special session this (Fri.) afternoon, the Okoboji City Council authorized City Administrator Michael Meyers to begin the process with the city's bonding consultant of seeking a three million dollar general obligation bond.

(Spirit Lake)-October 31 event open to all Dickinson County Residents, similar event in Clay County November 1

The Clay County Convention and Visitor's Bureau has awarded grants to six organizations in their fall grant cycle for this year. 

The state's Public Health Department reported 536 Iowans were hospitalized with the virus as of this (Fri.) morning with 134 in intensive care units and 49 on ventilators.

Lexie Ruter, Director of the Estherville Chamber of Commerce, says the event will now be held Saturday, October 31^st from 7:00 until 9:30 pm at Fort Defiance State Park

The contractor says a stretch of 220^th Avenue from 165^th Street south to Lakeshore Drive will be closed to traffic beginning Wednesday, October 28^th.

Daria Mather has joined the staff as the new Community Relations Coordinator.

Jolene Rogers, Executive Director of Community and Business Relations at Iowa Lakes tells KUOO news they'll use the funds to create a new apprenticeship program at the Algona campus.

Lucy Androski is involved with the No Boundaries program at the Okoboji Middle School. She tells KUOO news they'll be holding a watch party in a rather unique setting due to COVID

The Jackson County Central School District is increasing in-person learning based on recent COVID numbers for Jackson county. 

Multiple injuries were reported in a two-vehicle collision Thursday on Interstate 90 at Worthington.

A Jackson man was injured in a single vehicle rollover Thursday near Madelia.

The Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the chair and co-chair of the upcoming University of Okoboji Winter Games.

Public health officials say the testing is being made available to those students showing signs and symptoms consistent with the virus and are seven days or less from the start of those symptoms.

The Palo Alto County Sheriff's Office says 43-year-old Gabriel Sanculi was arrested shortly after 4:00 pm Wednesday

A Lake Park man wanted on multiple warrants from Palo Alto county was taken into custody around 10:45 last (Wed.) night.

The state of Iowa continues to see a surge in COVID-19 cases, with 1,401 being reported over the past 24 hour period ending at 10:00 am this (Thurs.). There were 15 additional deaths

Farmers in Jackson, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, and Rock counties are now eligible to apply for emergency loans through the USDA Farm Service Agency.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is seeking bids on a couple of projects in the Iowa Great Lakes.

Seasons Center has been awarded a three-year certificate of license to continue providing substance use disorder services through the Iowa Department of Public Health.

A ban on open burning in Emmet county that had been previously in effect has been lifted effective immediately.

(Spirit Lake)-Auction runs through Sunday, October 25 at 9 pm

The agency says as of this (Wed.) morning, 534 Iowans were hospitalized with the virus, up from the previous record high of 501 set just yesterday (Tues.)

Petersen says the keynote speaker is no stranger to the Corridor.

The board voted Tuesday evening to appoint Evan Bensley to fill a vacancy.

The Minnesota State Patrol says 49-year-old Jonathan Salzer of Luverne was driving a 2009 Chevrolet Express Van northbound when he lost control of the vehicle on the snow and ice covered road.

The money will go toward the purchase of new turnout gear for the city's Fire Department.

The plant received millions of dollars in tax incentives based on its promise to produce millions of gallons of ethanol from crop waste. 

(Okoboji)-Registration required for free, non-spooky event

As we reported previously this year's annual meeting of the Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce is going to be held virtually due to COVID-19.

A two vehicle collision Monday afternoon on Highway 169 near St. Peter claimed the life of a Lakefield man.

Minor injuries were reported Saturday when a vehicle collided with a tree in Sheldon.

The Iowa Department of Public Health reported that as of this (Tues.) morning, 501 Iowans were in the hospital with the virus.

The Dickinson County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously this (Tues.) morning to purchase two electronic filtration systems, one for each air handler in the courthouse, for a total cost of $71,198 as part of a COVID-19 mitigation effort for the facility.

The organization's annual Dessert Auction will be held November 6^th online, with proceeds going toward the scholarship fund for Camp Autumn.

(Milford)-Initial application period open through November 9

29-year-old Darrel Pounds was charged with attempted murder, willful injury and 2^nd degree theft.

Fire Chief Brandon Ehret says the Lake Park Fire Department was called to 604 Market Street around 3:18 am.

Organizer Nichole Kruse says the proceeds from the November 8^th event will go to help offset medical expenses for Syd Malchow, who along with his wife Nadine, own the Hi-Lo Club in Lakefield.

If there was ever a year to get your flu shot, Katy Burke, Dickinson County Public Health Director of Population and Public Health says this would be it.

Governor Kim Reynolds Friday issued a new Proclamation of Disaster Emergency, continuing the noncommercial driver's license expiration date suspensions through Sunday, November 15^th.

An investigation is underway into the death of an inmate at the Kossuth county jail in Algona.

In a post on their Facebook page, Spencer Hospital President Bill Bumgarner pleads with area residents to their part in trying to get a handle on the situation. 

It comes after at least one worker in the office tested positive for COVID-19. 

Collision Involving A Pickup And Cement Truck Sends Two People To The Hospital

(Spirit Lake)-Program helps brighten the holidays for Dickinson County families in need

Officials say the closure is scheduled to take place Monday (Oct. 19th) and will continue through Wednesday (Oct. 21st). 

Foundation Director Mindy Gress tells KUOO news 25 students from Okoboji and Spirit Lake High Schools are involved this year.

Officials with Iowa Lakes Community College say they want to enroll 100 people in 100 days in courses providing industry-recognized certifications. 

Treasurer Kris Rowley says a staff member in the office has tested positive for COVID-19 and that out of an abundance of caution, the rest of the staff in the office is being tested.

29-year-old Allan Schwidder is charged with first-degree murder in the death of 27-year-old Rollin Bontrager.

(Spencer)-Event is one of several fundraisers for student trip slated for january

The organization plans to use the funds for supplies and sanitation supplies for youth programs.

COVID-19 numbers locally and statewide in Iowa continue to spike.

70-year-old David Grethen of Mallard was arrested and charged with domestic abuse assault displaying or use of a weapon...1^st offense.

Julie Williams, Executive Dean of Students at ILCC, says it will allow them to provide students access to mental health services through two different providers.

Cindy Rosa, Director of Development and Engagement for the local YMCA says the “Five Days of Action” will be held October 26th-30^th.

Erin Stevens says it's one of several events Grape Tree Medical Staffing is doing as part of their way of giving back to the community

The Arnolds Park City Council Wednesday approved an agreement that will result in the removal of some large power poles in several parts of town.

One person was injured in a two-vehicle collision Wednesday at an intersection on Highway 60 near Hospers.

Spencer police say 31-year-old Coty Wolthuis and 40-year-old Jason Archer, both of Spencer, turned themselves in around 1:00 pm today (Wed.).

(Okoboji)-Audience asked to wear masks while not seated in socially distanced setting

Motorists traveling on Highway 86 through Lakefield will see some shoulder closures starting on Monday.

A surveillance operation set up October 10^th after an O'Brien county sheriff's deputy located a vehicle that he knew was associated with two subjects that had active warrants resulted in their arrests on multiple charges.

The Iowa Department of Public Health today (Wed.) reported 1,180 new, confirmed cases of the virus as of 10:00 am, along with 11 additional deaths. 

Executive Director Blaine Andera says the event will be held in a virtual setting.

Mayor Bruce Keenan says the City of Spirit Lake does not have specific ordinances regarding Halloween and can't officially allow or "cancel" Trick or Treating on October 31st this year.

City Administrator Michael Meyers says one of them prohibits parking along one side of a busy street in the community.

Executive Director Sheriffa Jones says it's symbolic of several things the organization stands for.

Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Ehret tells KUOO news the alert accidentally got pushed to a twitter feed by a company demonstrating a new emergency alert system for county officials.

The Spirit Lake School Board heard an update on COVID-19 matters at their monthly meeting Monday evening.

The Dickinson County Board of Supervisors today (Tues.) approved a resolution supporting future grant applications for a project that would connect the county's trail system to one being built north out of Clay county.

The Clay County Sheriff's Office says deputies executed the warrant on October 4^th after getting a report that a man was chasing his ex-girlfriend with a chainsaw, threatening her.

The Iowa Department of Transportation says a shoulder widening project through that area will result in traffic being limited to one lane with a pilot car.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District Of Iowa says the sentence against 44-year-old Christopher Frerichs was handed down last week in U.S. District Court in Sioux City.

Motorists will notice some additional road closures over the next couple of months as a project by the Iowa Great Lakes Sanitary District to improve its collection system continues.

The Iowa Department of Transportation is seeking public input on a project to replace a bridge on Highway 169 4.2 miles north of U.S. Highway 18 in Kossuth county.

The Spirit Lake Chamber of Commerce has announced its Halloween Trick or Treating event that was scheduled for October 31st from 2:00 until 4:00 pm has been cancelled for this year.

Robert Bringle passed away this past Thursday, October 8th, at the age of 70. 

Pete Hildreth began his career with the DNR in 1999. He was hired in 2004 as a Natural Resource Technician at the Prairie Lakes Wildlife Unit in Ruthven.

Jordan Moyer oversees elections for the Dickinson County Auditor's Office. She says there's been a steady volume of people voting early in person at the former Paul's Body Shop building south across the street from the courthouse in Spirit Lake.

A Spencer woman wanted on warrants was taken into custody Saturday by authorities in O'Brien county.

The Clay County Sheriff's Office says 18-year-old Taylor Ginger of Spencer was driving a 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix northbound when a tire reportedly blew out.

The Sheriff's Office says 43-year-old Gabriel Sanculi was wanted on a valid Pocahontas county warrant for a probation violation on three counts of domestic abuse assault causing bodily injury.

A traffic stop Sunday in Lyon county resulted in several arrests and citations being issued against two others in the vehicle.

Organizers of this past Saturday's “Scouting For Food” says the drive brought in more than 1,000 items that were donated to the Upper Des Moines Opportunity food pantry in Spirit Lake.

The district says gaiters and face shields are not as effective as wearing a mask properly and will not keep someone from being exposed and required to quarantine for 14 days.

A man wanted on warrants from O'Brien county in connection with a high speed pursuit has been taken into custody.

A collision late Thursday afternoon involving a Sanborn fire truck and a semi sent both drivers to the hospital.

20-year-old Zachary Kruse was charged with failure to provide aid at the scene of the crash. He recently pled not guilty to the charge.

The road will be closed in the area of Kabeles Trading Post, or 500 Hill Avenue. 

The hard work and diligence of some Graettinger-Terril students and their teacher was culminated today (Fri.) during a special ceremony on the grounds of the Abbie Gardner Sharp cabin in Arnolds Park.

Jason Harrington, CEO of Lakes Regional Healthcare, says while most of the increases are due to COVID-19, there are other factors driving it as well

Amy Crouch of The Nature Conservancy of Iowa tells KUOO news the multi-year assessment was conducted by scientists from around the country.

The Osceola County Sheriff's Office has released details into a single vehicle crash this past Sunday near Harris that sent two people to the hospital.

A White House task force report focusing on the coronavirus pandemic has told Iowa leaders that many of the deaths caused by the high level of virus spread in Iowa were preventable.

The $4,000 will be used by the association to purchase cleaning and sanitation supplies.

(Spirit Lake)-Trip is planned for the January 2021 J-Term

(Estherville)-Virtual appointments aimed at High School Seniors

Brittney Swanson, the camp's Executive Director, says she approached school officials with the idea already back in March.

Forecasters say a combination of gusty wind, low relative humidity and dry vegetation will result in elevated fire danger today (Thursday).

The Spencer Community School District will be implementing a mask mandate effective Monday, October 12th.

Superintendent Todd Abrahamson says the $20 million project took just 18 months to complete, adding that it came in on time and on budget

70-year-old Peter De Yager, owner of the Foreign Candy Company in Hull, was charged in mid-September with 5^th degree theft after being identified from security video stealing newspapers from atleast one of the stores.

Estherville police say they were notified in the early morning of September 27th that three vehicles had been entered and that wallets, identification cards, money and other items had been taken.

The Andrea Waitt Carlton Family Foundation has announced it's contributing $750,000 to Ducks Unlimited to help protect some 160 acres of land.

Governor Kim Reynolds today (Wed.) addressed increasing hospitalization rates in Iowa as COVID-19 infections continue to increase, especially in northwest Iowa. 

Milford Boy Scouts will be doing their part to help stock the local food shelf at the Spirit Lake Upper Des Moines Opportunity location

Add O'Brien county to the list of counties in northwest Iowa that have banned open burning until further notice.

They include Emmet, Lyon, O'Brien, Osceola, Plymouth and Sioux counties.

Two semis were totaled in a collision Monday on Highway 9 at Jay Avenue in Lyon county.

A single vehicle crash this past Friday in Palo Alto county sent one person to the hospital.

(Arnolds Park)-Limited ticketing, mask requirements will be part of safety precautions implemented at Roof Garden Ballroom

The Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce announced today (Tues.) the cancellation of this year's Fall Festival, which had been scheduled for Saturday, October 17th. 

As we reported previously, NextEra Energy recently acquired the Three Waters Wind Farm from Scout Clean Energy, which has turbines in Dickinson, Jackson and Osceola counties.

John Wills of the Cleanwater Alliance told the board this will be the second attempt at applying for some federal funding for the second phase of that project.

Paul Daniels of the Clay County Pheasants Forever says it's forced them to cancel their annual banquet for this year. He says they'll be holding a membership drive and raffled in its place.

The Okoboji School Board last (Mon.) night unanimously approved a measure requiring faculty and students in 1^st through 12^th grades, as well as visitors, when within six feet of another during the school day, wear an approved face mask.

An investigation Sunday by Estherville police into a report of an assault has resulted in the arrest of an Estherville man on multiple charges.

Today (Monday) is the day Iowa election officials begin mailing out absentee ballots for the November presidential election.  It is also the first day you can go to your county auditors’ offices  – or, satellite locations – to vote early in person.

Sheriff Dan Altena identifies the victim as 78-year-old Rudolph Martinez of Hawarden.

Governor Tim Walz announced the appointment of Jackson County Attorney Sherry Haley as a District Court Judge in Minnesota’s Fifth Judicial District yesterday.

The board will consider a proposal that would require all students and staff to wear a face covering when six feet or more of social distancing can't be maintained, such as on a bus and during the school day.

Jason Simpson of the Milford Fire Department says the theme this year is "Serve Up Fire Safety in The Kitchen".

Meeting in special session Friday, the Sibley-Ocheyedan School Board voted to revise the district's return to learn policy. It now includes a requirement that all students in grades 7-12 wear face masks whenever social distancing isn't possible.

(Arnolds Park)-Lighting of the Arches one of more than 115 lightings across the country that day

Authorities say 36-year-old Andrew Beenken of Emmetsburg was driving a 1998 Jeep Wrangler westbound on 380^th Street when he became distracted and failed to see a semi ahead of him which had slowed to turn onto 470^th Avenue.

The Palo Alto County Sheriff's Office says deputies were called shortly before 1:30 am Tuesday to the 300 block of South Jackson Avenue in Graettinger.

The funds were raised through the sales of a limited edition t-shirt and drink that was sold at Snappers Turtle Bay Cafe in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness.

Dr. Craig Cunningham, a physician at Lakes Regional Healthcare, says one in eight women will be diagnosed with the disease over their lifetime, and that it's the second leading cause of cancer death among women

Seasons Center for Behavioral Health say they've been awarded a grant from the Emmet County Community Foundation that will allow them to hold two special events for children and their families in Emmet county.

In person early voting for the November election gets underway Monday, October 5^th and continues through November 2^nd

A single vehicle crash late Thursday afternoon on Interstate 90 in Nobles county sent one person to the hospital.

The Minnesota State Patrol says 69-year-old Carolyn Paulson of Windom was driving a 2014 Buick southbound on 470^th Avenue and 69-year-old Sandra Torke of Lakefield was driving a 2017 Ford eastbound on Highway 60 when the two collided.

The utility announced Thursday construction of its 130 megawatt Richland Wind Farm in Sac county is now complete and in operation. 

The Governor spoke with staff members and clients at Lakes LifeSkills, which provides behavioral health therapy services and counseling. 

(Arnolds Park)-New event to feature Haunted Mirror Maze, Tormented Tipsy House, Demon Falls, Haunted Chamber, and Terror on the Tracks

Authorities say someone intentionally hung some boards, steel and rocks from the BNSF Railroad bridge over Highway 18 about two and-a-half miles west of Hull.

Several area fire departments responded to a field fire Wednesday evening near the Iowa-Minnesota border north of Lake Park.