The Osceola County Sheriff's Office says deputies responded shortly before 7:00 pm Tuesday to a report of an unoccupied vehicle in the ditch near the intersection of 180th Street and Pierce Avenue.

The latest order from the Chief Justice of the Iowa Supreme Court says the high number of COVID cases will keep normal operations from resuming in the court system until at least June 30th.

1,226 hospitalizations were reported for the 24 hour period ending at 10:00 am this (Fri.) morning. That was down from 1,269 on Thursday.

Susan Zulk, Vice President of Marketing and Fund Development at Spencer Hospital, says the annual event is a special time to celebrate the lives of loved ones we have lost over the past year and honor their memories

The Lyon County Sheriff's Office says 31-year-old Kamphone Thammalong was wanted out of that county for violation of probation.

Authorities say it began in Clay county where Spencer police and the Clay County Sheriff's Office were in pursuit of a 2019 Toyota Highlander driven by Tony Steece of Spencer.

In a press release, the hospital says it's number of inpatients ill with COVID-19 surged to 22 Tuesday, which is triple the number of COVID-19 patients from just a week ago.

The Martin County West School District announced Tuesday that due to the impact of COVID-19 on the Junior/Senior High School community and their ability to maintain appropriate levels of staff, they will be moving all students in grades 7-12 to full Distance Learning beginning Monday, November 30th through December 11th.

Colette Rossiter, Clay County Public Health Coordinator, says one of the most important is to stay hydrated

The Department of Public Health reported 47 Iowans died of virus-related causes in the past 24 hours ending at 10:00 am this (Wednesday) morning.

The Board of Health took the action following a public hearing that drew comments from both sides of the issue.

State chief economist Robin Anderson says it’ll be a boom to the budgets in quite a few towns and counties. 

West Des Moines-based Hy-Vee announced Tuesday it is voluntarily recalling two of its Short Cuts vegetable mix products across its eight state region due to a possible bacterial contamination.

An Okoboji woman was arrested earlier this week in Lyon county on drug charges.

The Spirit Lake City Council Tuesday evening approved the first readings of two proposed ordinance revisions.

(Arnolds Park)-Iowa Rock 'n Roll Museum to remain open through holiday season

The Emmet County Sheriff's Office says a deputy pulled over a vehicle around 8:30 am November 2^nd near Dolliver after noticing it had no front license plate.

The number of hospitalizations over the past 24 hours increased from 1,333 Monday to 1,351 today (Tues.).

Dr. Zac Borus of Dickinson County Public Health told the supervisors additional mitigation measures are becoming more and more crucial as the pandemic starts to make more of toll on healthcare workers and facilities

18-year-old Calvin Grosvenor was recently honored by the National Association of Underwater Instructors, or NAUI, with their 2020 Albert Pierce Medal of Heroism.

The Okoboji City Council Monday evening voted to set December 8^th as the date for a public hearing on the proposed issuance of some general obligation bonds. 

(Spirit Lake)-Proceeds to be used to purchase food for local food pantries

There's no word yet as to when COVID-19 vaccine will arrive locally, but officials with Dickinson County Public Health and Lakes Regional Healthcare are starting to do some planning.

The state's death toll now stands at 2,205.

A Paullina man has died after a vehicle he was driving crashed while being pursued by authorities Friday night in Cherokee county.

Dickinson County Trails have been awarded a $75,000 grant from the Okoboji Foundation to assist in the development of a phase of the rail trail between Spirit Lake and Highway 86.

The Iowa State Patrol says it involved a 2014 GMC Acadia driven by 41-year-old Michelle Schwarz of Paullina and a 2015 Peterbilt semi driven by 48-year-old Ricky Obbink of Ireton.

City officials in Arnolds Park say repair of a water main will result in a disruption of service for some residents of that city this coming Monday, November 23rd.

Officials with Spencer Hospital and Avera Clinic have announced plans for a covered drive-through, appointment only COVID testing site.

(Spirit Lake)-Weekly and Grand Prizes to be awarded

Citing constitutional freedoms, the Mayor of one area town says his Police Chief and officers will not actively enforce public health mandates.

It would require appropriate face coverings be worn when a distance of six feet or greater between people cannot be maintained.

Mike Bryan, President and CEO of Farmers Trust and Savings Bank, says the 2nd phase of the project included the construction of a new drive up facility along with a secure walk-in area next to the drive up.

A letter released last (Thursday) night states that there will be school as normal today (Friday) and there will be no school next week, November 23-27.

(Spencer)-Evening Gala and Tour of Homes will now be Virtual Events

Governor Kim Reynolds announced today (Thurs.) she is making $14 million in funding available to nursing homes through the state's allocation of the federal CARES Act

Governor Kim Reynolds has modified a Public Health Disaster Proclamation issued earlier this week as it pertains to recreational activities and fitness centers.

Spirit Lake Police say officers were called to 1502 Memphis Avenue Lot 23 a little before 10:30 pm

He has been identified as 63-year-old Dennis Flanagan. 

A recent City of Jackson project has already had a major payback in less than one year.

Some new restrictions to try to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 will go into affect at 11:59 pm Friday in Minnesota.

The report shows that as of 8:00 am this (Wed.) morning, there was only one active case among the district's 1,248 students with no active cases among 202 staff members.

The private pesticide applicator trainings originally scheduled for Dec. 8 in Paullina and Dec. 9 in Rock Rapids have been postponed in response to the governor’s latest COVID-19 guidance.

Nancy Naeve of Spencer MainStreet says they've canceled the Grand Meander for this year.

Amanda Gloyd of Spencer Municipal Utilities says they're taking the opportunity to alert the public to the various types of utility-related scams making the rounds right now.

Scott Wine has served as the company's Chief Executive Officer since 2008.

Buena Vista University has received nearly $75,000 in grant funds to purchase software, devices and internet connectivity to facilitate online learning.

The 87-year-old Grassley says he is quarantining in accordance with orders from his doctor. 

(Arnolds Park)-Iowa Rock 'n Roll Museum to remain open, Online Auction slated for December

The Department of Public Health this (Tues.) morning reported an additional 33 deaths related to the virus, bringing the death toll in Iowa to 2,024.

Dickinson County Supervisors this (Tues.) morning approved a second pay application for the Francis Sites wetland & drainage project in the amount of $187,790.

In a statement, Grassley says he is following his doctor's orders and quarantining while waiting for test results. 

Mayor Kevin Robinson informed the city council Monday evening the action was taken after conferring with department heads

City Manager Amanda Mack said a similar amount of funding will be put forth by two other participating entities, including Spencer Municipal Utilities and the SEDC.

The Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn School Board this (Mon.) evening adopted an update to the district's return to learn plan, which will now include a mandate that masks be worn when social distancing isn't possible.

New restrictions announced Monday evening by Governor Kim Reynolds in response to the worsening pandemic is resulting in the suspension of a number of programs offered by the Bedell Family YMCA and the Healthy Living Program Center it operates in Milford. 

The Graettinger-Terril and Ruthven-Ayrshire School Districts are transitioning to a hybrid learning model due to increasing COVID numbers.

The Governor's new order prohibits indoor gatherings of 15 or more people. It includes social, community, business and leisure gatherings. Outdoor gatherings of more than 30 people are also prohibited.

No injuries were reported in a crash Saturday afternoon at the Mallard Post Office.

The Department of Public Health reported that for the previous 24 hours ending at 10:00 am this (Mon.) morning, 1,392 Iowans were hospitalized due to the virus, up from 1,279 in Sunday's report.

An emergency involving a fire hydrant means water will be turned off intermittently today (Monday 11/16) in a portion of Orleans.

The head of one area healthcare provider says some residents in the area still aren't taking COVID-19 seriously enough, equating it with the flu.

Mindy Gress of the Okoboji Foundation says the 25 high school students will be raising the money now through early March

Multiple fire departments, including Spirit Lake, battled the blaze.

(Spirit Lake)-Families are encouraged to apply to help brighten their Holiday Season

The Iowa State Patrol says a Storm Lake man who was seriously injured after a pickup collided with a motorcycle he was driving has died.

They pleaded with the public to take the necessary public health measures, including wearing masks and social distancing, to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Iowa has set yet another daily record for coronavirus infections.

Multiple citations were issued against a Paullina man after a vehicle he was driving narrowly missed colliding with a school bus Thursday afternoon.

The Lyon County Sheriff's Office says deputies were called to an apartment in Inwood to investigate a domestic incident.

As of Wednesday, the Emmetsburg Community School District had over 100 students and staff in quarantine or isolation

(Estherville)-Discussion to focus on Education and Business Partnerships

Online court records show 42-year-old Patrick Miles of Milford entered the plea November 1^st in Dickinson County District Court.

A proclamation of Disaster Emergency signed by Governor Kim Reynolds on Tuesday of this week also extends noncommercial driver's license expiration dates

Spencer Mayor Kevin Robinson, Clay County Supervisor Chairman Dan Skelton, Spencer School Superintendent Terry Hemann and Hospital CEO Bill Bumgarner will address the public and media.

The state of Iowa today (Thurs.) is reporting 4,337 new cases of COVID-19 along with 30 additional deaths related to the virus with the state's death toll at 1,988.

The closure will be between the intersections with Oak Street and Sandy Lane, in the vicinity of Oar's Campground.

The Honor Band Festival which would normally be held early January in Sioux City has been cancelled for this year but that in no way diminishes the accomplishments of these amazing student musicians.

Several area nonprofits have been awarded funding through the Alliant Energy Foundation.

A single vehicle rollover Tuesday near George sent one person to the hospital.

(Spencer)-Festival of Trees also includes a Christmas Tea, Evening Gala, Morning with Santa and Tour of Homes

Officials with Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative say power was restored to all of their customers as of earlier this (Wed.) afternoon. 

Arnolds Park police say they've had reports from people over the last couple of days that have received calls trying to get them to purchase gift cards to pay for goods over the phone

26 additional deaths related to the virus were reported.

Danielle West, Director of Public Relations and Marketing for LifeServe Blood Center tells KUOO news supplies of convalescent plasma are getting critically low in the region.

Cynthia Davis of the Spirit Lake Public Library tells KUOO news they played an integral role in assisting the author of the book on Private Sydney Weaver who was from Spirit Lake

District officials say the cases were reported Monday and Tuesday at Johnson, Fairview, the Spencer Middle School and Spencer High School.

The high court is also postponing grand jury proceedings until February.

The area that will be affected includes Oak Street, Sandy Lane and Fehrway Drive.

Officials with Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative are warning some of their customers of the potential for power outages due to heavy amounts of ice on power lines and transmission equipment.

With two members absent, the Spirit Lake City Council Tuesday evening tabled action on proposed changes that could link fireworks violations with the city's disorderly house ordinance.

Speaking during this (Tues.) evening's Spirit Lake City Council meeting, councilman Jerry Harbst said he wanted to make sure residents are aware of the impacts the virus is currently having on the city's Street Department

(Okoboji)-Need traditionally increases during Holiday Season

The new restrictions come as the state of Iowa today (Tues.) reported 4,441 new, confirmed cases of COVID-19 for the 24 hour period ending at 10:00 am.

The addition of Emmet county is dependent upon the approval of a majority of the other member counties also approving the request

Citations have been filed in a single vehicle crash in O'Brien county this past Saturday.

Senator Zach Whiting of Spirit Lake is among four Senators selected as Assistant Majority Leaders.

Among the topics discussed was the possibility of city crews mowing and spraying MMU properties

(Spirit Lake)-Deadline to submit photos extended to Tuesday afternoon at 3 o'clock

The Department of Public Health today (Mon.) is reporting 4,212 new cases of the virus with three additional deaths for the previous 24 hours ending at 10:00 am this (Mon.) morning.

Tim Ireland, Career/Veteran/Military Services Coordinator says the program will be made available starting at 11:00 am Wednesday through a link on the college's website.

An Estherville teen has died of injuries he sustained after being struck by an automobile while riding a bicycle Friday evening.

A single vehicle crash Friday morning on Highway 18 two miles west of Boyden injured a Sheldon woman.

A single vehicle crash Friday night near Alton injured an Orange City man.

Multiple injuries were reported Saturday in a collision of a truck and a motorcycle at the intersection of O'Brien County Road B-40 and Highway 59 in Primghar.

(Arnolds Park)- American Idol Season 16 Winner to perform at The Roof Garden Ballroom

Authorities say 44-year-old Mark Brunsvold of Wesley, Iowa was found unresponsive in his jail cell around 7:12 am October 17th, 2020

Plans for another major beautification project in the Iowa Great Lakes are temporarily being put on hold

Dorothy DeGroot begins in that capacity this coming Wednesday, November 11^th and will be working out the office located on the Spencer campus of Iowa Lakes Community College.

The project was a joint effort of Imagine Iowa Great Lakes, the city of Okoboji, Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the 17 Oaks Condominium Association.

The Iowa Department of Public Health today (Fri.) is reporting 3,533 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 for the previous 24 hour period ending at 10:00 am, along with 14 additional deaths related to the virus. The state's death toll now stands at 1,815.

(Spirit Lake)-Program connects Senior Volunteers with Elementary Students

The Iowa Department of Public Health today (Thurs.) is reporting the largest single day increases in covid cases since the pandemic began.

It's being held in conjunction with the No Boundaries program at the Okoboji Middle School

The city of Arnolds Park is looking at establishing a special zoning district that would allow so-called “tiny houses” to be located in certain areas of the city.

The fire was brought under control around 8:43 am and a deceased male was located in the residence.

The first of the session is set for Saturday, January 23^rd, 2021, and officials say there will be a major change in that there will NOT be an audience.

More than 1,697,000 Iowans voted, smashing the previous record of 1,589,951 set in 2012. 

Assistant Milford Fire Chief Doug Hanna tells KUOO news firefighters were called to 1213 Okoboji Boulevard, just east of Boys Town in the Terrace Park area, a little after 8:30 this (Wed.) morning.

(Jackson, Mn.)-- Voters in southwest Minnesota Tuesday decided races for city council and school boards.

Two people were injured in a single vehicle crash Tuesday in Nobles county.

Thee received 1,558 votes while Angela Kofoot received 750

(Spencer)-Performances can be viewed in person or on live stream

The Emmet County Sheriff's Office says a deputy observed a vehicle a little before 3:00 pm Thursday being operated by a person believed to have a suspended driver's license.

Dickinson county supervisors say they want the county's engineer back working full time in Dickinson county, and they passed a motion to that affect at today's (Tues.) meeting.

Jordan Moyer of the Dickinson County Auditor's Office says those voting today (Tues.) will need to do so at their respective precinct polling site

Polls are open until 9:00 tonight (Tues.) statewide in Iowa.

The council received some good news on the bonds in that the interest rate will be much lower than originally thought.

(Spencer)-Precautions being taken to help keep event safe this year

A record number of Iowans are registered to vote in this election, according to information released today (Mon.) by Secretary of State Paul Pate. 

The Northwest Iowa Corridor Habitat for Humanity is looking to complete work soon on its latest build in the area

A driving complaint on Interstate 90 in Jackson County led to the arrest of a Sioux Falls Man.

Imagine Iowa Great Lakes is wrapping up another project.

The Spirit Lake Public Library is closed to the public effective immediately due to rising COVID numbers.