RIDES announced today (Fri.) they will be resuming normal operations in the Iowa Great Lakes beginning Monday (Aug. 3^rd)

The Spirit Lake Police Department said today (Fri.) they've been getting reports of someone calling local residents claiming to be a member of the department. They say the callers are attempting to obtain financial information by threatening arrest or other legal troubles.

It shows as of today (Fri.), a total of 369 confirmed cases of the virus in the county since the pandemic started, with 338 of those having recovered.

Serious injuries were reported in a car/pedestrian accident late Thursday afternoon in Rock Rapids.

This one is scheduled for this Sunday, August 2^nd at 1:00 pm in Spencer.

The Abben Golf Classic is still on for this year at Emerald Hills Golf Course in Arnolds Park, but Susan Zulk, an Abben Cancer Center representative, says there will be some changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic

All of the grandstand concerts cancelled from this year's Clay County Fair have now officially been re-booked for the 2021 Fair. That word today (Fri.) from Clay County Fair General Manager Jeremy Parsons.

Governor Kim Reynolds says Iowa school districts given permission to conduct classes online due to high COVID case counts may do so for only 14 days.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced the State’s Safe Learning Plan for the 2020-21 School Year at a press conference this (Thursday) afternoon.

A Schaller man has been charged in U.S. District Court with mail fraud in connection with a scheme related to COVID-19.

(Okoboji)-Legendary Singer may make a special appearance at Celebrate the Arts August 9

(Okoboji)-Program is free, however registration is requested

The announcement from the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division includes a warning from its director that businesses need to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 -- and bars and restaurants that choose not to will face consequences.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will be holding their annual series of informational meetings on land leasing and values over the next couple of weeks at 11 different locations throughout northwest Iowa.

A single vehicle crash Wednesday on Highway 60 near Mountain Lake sent one person to the hospital.

The Okoboji School Board Wednesday evening approved the district's “Return to Learn” plan at 100 percent capacity and highly recommends students wear face masks.

A federal judge has ruled Darrell Sorey will remain held, saying the charges are serious enough to warrant the action.

About 330 soldiers from the 1^st Battalion, 194^th Field Artillery 2^nd Brigade Combat team will be departing for duty overseas. The brigade consists of several units, including those from Spencer and Estherville locally.

Todd Brockshus of Del's Garden Center in Spencer says they've been seeing evidence of damage caused by Japanese beetles.

Jordan Moyer of the Dickinson County Auditor's Office says most of the inquiries pertain to requests for absentee ballots.

Officials warn against planting or destroying the seeds. They say once they germinate, they could pose the threat of introducing an invasive plant species or seed-borne diseases that currently do not exist in the United States.

No injuries were reported in a fire Monday evening that caused an estimated $2 million to $3 million in damage to the Iowa Drying Plant in Sibley.

City Attorney/Administrator Gregg Owens told the council the work would be done in the southeast part of the city

Officials with Seasons Center For Behavioral Health say they've been awarded a grant for suicide prevention through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

(Estherville)-Speakers, tours and music by Glenn Henriksen to highlight event.

54-year-old Timothy Loock received a suspended 10 year prison sentence.

The Board of Supervisors took the action this (Tues.) morning which also includes the installation of some additional plexi-glass shields in some offices. It also mandates visitors use face masks in offices and hallways.

Police in Spencer say a missing teen they were looking for earlier has been located. 

The Dickinson County Sheriff's Office says 37-year-old Kristina Diaz of Fairmont was driving a 2010 Chevrolet Impala westbound in the 2600 block of Highway 9 and 41-year-old Andrea Wonder of Denison was driving a 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo eastbound.

The Milford City Council Monday evening adopted an amendment to the city's zoning ordinance that makes short term vacation rentals allowable through a special exception use permit in areas zoned three residential multi-family.

A portion of a heavily traveled street in Milford is closed to traffic due to road construction. 

Authorities in Sioux county are looking for a man wanted in connection with an assault that took place this (Monday) morning in the parking lot at Perdue Premium Pork one mile south of Sioux Center. 

(Arnolds Park)-Registration for the Bike Ride opens August 1

In a statement released Friday, the Jackson County Fair has cancelled all entertainment events.

Jennifer Gustafson of Lakes Regional Healthcare says that was the case as of Friday.

Minor injuries were reported Friday in a collision involving a pickup and a side-by-side in Lyon county.

A new Disaster Emergency proclamation signed Friday by Governor Kim Reynolds further extends the deadline in which to pay property taxes without penalty. The new deadline is Friday, July 31^st.

(Okoboji)-Concert to be held outdoors Tuesday evening

However, Jennifer Gustafson of Lakes Regional Healthcare tells KUOO news the hours will be changing somewhat starting next week

Irving Jensen of Sioux City, who was also a lakes area resident, passed away earlier this week.

Andrea Wiesenmeyer, Marketing and Partnership Director tells KUOO news one of the events, “Takeout Tuesdays”, will be held August 4^th, 11^th and 18^th at the Clay County Fairgrounds

The Clay County Sheriff's Office says a 16-year-old Female from Everly was driving a 2009 Chevrolet Impala westbound on 360^th Street at 200^th Avenue and a 16-year-old male from Spencer was driving a 2005 Toyota Camry and had stopped at a stop sign when he pulled into the path of the other vehicle, resulting in a collision.

Police in Estherville say they've had reports in recent days from residents who have received calls stating they have reportedly won prize money from Publisher's Clearinghouse.

(Arnolds Park)-Show will be open to public from 8-2 on Saturday at Preservation Plaza

Schriner says the area has a lot riding on the census, which among other things helps determine the level of federal funding the area receives

It was announced today (Thurs.) the Spencer Regional Healthcare Foundation has donated $1 million toward the $4 million project. 

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced Wednesday a mandate that requires Minnesotans to wear a face covering in indoor businesses and indoor public settings.

A new 25-unit affordable housing development in Spirit Lake is among several housing projects in the region that have been awarded funding through the Iowa Economic Development Authority's Workforce housing Tax Incentive program.

City officials say electricity will be shut off west from Cedar Avenue to Highway 4, then south to Robins Street to Patterson Street from 1:00 until 4:00 pm that afternoon. 

(Spirit Lake)-Virtual Field Trip of area slated for July 31 with Practical Farmers of Iowa

There will soon be some less hungry people in the area thanks to the work of a local organization and a partnership with USDA Agricultural Marketing Service and its Farmers To Families program.

The Okoboji Police Department says it started around 1:00 am when an officer pulled over a vehicle in the area of Highway 71 and Gordon Drive for speeding.

The Iowa Department of Public Health has announced continued funding of grants to two northwest Iowa cities through a program it began in 2017, with new funding through the same program to one area community.

The Judicial Nominating Commission for the 3A Judicial District has nominated John M. Sandy of Spirit Lake and Lyon County Attorney Shayne L. Mayer of Rock Rapids for the judgeship created by the retirement of District Court Judge Don E. Courtney.

A boat parade will be held on West Lake Okoboji to honor his memory.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation announced the detour will be removed by this afternoon.

Pressed, a boutique in downtown Spencer, was among five businesses from Main Street Iowa communities that competed in the Open 4 Business contest

Communities selected for the survey in our region include Bancroft, Buffalo Center, Cherokee, Estherville, George, Graettinger, Hartley, Humboldt, Lake Park, Pocahontas and Sibley.

An Iowa Department of Transportation maintenance worker has died after being struck by a vehicle in a construction zone in Sioux county.

COVID-19 will NOT prevent one longstanding event from taking place this year in the Iowa Great Lakes.

The Palo Alto County Sheriff's Office says 58-year-old Peter Montag was taken into custody around 8:00 pm and was booked into jail on a $25,000 bond. 

A Ruthven man was arrested this past Friday evening on warrants stemming from a traffic accident back in April of this year in the 3400 mile of 460th Street in Palo Alto county.

The Dickinson County Recycling Center re-opened to the public effective Monday.

The Dickinson County Board of Supervisors today (Tues.) approved amendments to articles for the Board of Adjustment, changing the words "abstractor certificate" to "zoning certificate" as it pertains to conditional use and zoning applications.

The event was scheduled to be held December 6th. Instead, it will take place on December 5th, 2021 due to COVID-19 concerns.

The Lakes Regional Healthcare Foundation has received a $10,000 donation from Avangrid Renewables in Lake Park. 

 A subsequent investigation resulted in the arrest of 29-year-old Nicolette Anderson of Worthington after it was discovered she was wanted on a warrant for failure to appear on an original charge of possession of a controlled substance...methamphetamine.

DNR representatives say they met Sunday with the owner of a hog operation near Albert City regarding a manure release from an above ground storage tank.

(Storm Lake)-Daniel Joy faces multiple charges after allegedly threatening officer

(Spencer)-Interviews to be expanded with questions related to COVID-19 impact

(Storm Lake)-On campus visits for prospective students to resume July 27

(Des Moines)-State Health Officials say a "significant number" of tests not reported over the weekend due to backlog

Sibley-Sturm was ejected from UTV

(Jackson, MN)-Some events being moved to Huset's Speedway in South Dakota

The Emmet County Sheriff's Office has released details into a traffic stop back on July 3rd of this year that resulted in drug charges being filed against a juvenile.

Authorities say 26-year-old Taylor Sheeks was driving a 2003 Chevrolet pickup eastbound on 390^th Street when a vehicle in front of him stopped. Sheeks was unable to stop in time and the vehicle went into the south ditch where it hit a creek embankment.

Jennifer Gustafson of Lakes Regional Healthcare tells KUOO news as of late this (Fri.) morning, 438 people have been tested this week at the site

Madelein Bretey, County Youth and Ag Coordinator with ISU Extension, Dickinson County says this year's fair will look a lot different due to COVID-19.

A portion of U.S. Highway 59 north of Iowa Highway 9 in Osceola county will be closed to traffic beginning Monday, July 27th until October of this year, weather permitting, to replace a box culvert. 

Authorities in Sioux county are asking for the public's help as they investigate a crash Wednesday that injured a Worthington man.

42-year-old Christopher Collins was taken into custody July 8^th.

Jeff Messerole was recently presented with the Experienced Provider award by Wings Air Rescue, a private medical helicopter service out of Sioux City, Tennessee, Kentucky and Virginia.

(Sheldon)-Organizers offering several options for ticket holders

County officials say the office will remain closed until other employees in that office are tested and the results are known. 

Residents are being asked to respond by selecting one of three options in the survey.

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation has announced results from its board of directors election.

Connie Goeken of the Clay County Community Foundation says the latest businesses to contribute are the Royal Telephone Company and Home State Bank...both of Royal.

The city's Recreation Director, Jared Elbert, says additional trash cans have been placed in the area, adding they will be emptied more frequently

(Estherville)-Program encourages in enrollment in high-demand career and technical programs

The foundation's Board of Directors announced today (Wed.) Mindy Gress has been hired to the position and will start in her new role August 12^th.

Jim Nesseth of Extended Ag Services of Lakefield tells KUOO news some of the largest hail fell in portions of Murray and Jackson counties, with hail stones the size of tennis balls in some cases, especially southwest of Lakefield.

The second phase of re-opening the Dickinson County Courthouse to the public kicked in on Monday of this week.

The Clay County Sheriff's Office says deputies were called around 10:25 pm to 216 Walnut Street in Peterson after getting a 911 call.

Firefighters from Graettinger and Emmetsburg were called to the scene around 5:30 pm after getting a report that one of the cells was on fire.

Firefighters were called around 4:30 pm after a law enforcement officer on the scene reported seeing smoke coming from the structure.

Council member Julie Andres serves on the city's Personnel Committee. She expressed her frustration after learning the four percent figure had been reached outside of that committee prior to performance evaluations being held

(East Lake Okoboji)-Officials awaiting Multi-Spectrum imaging results, program may be expanded next year to include Minnewashta

A boat parade will be held Saturday, July 25th to honor the late Berkley Bedell.

Students in the Spirit Lake Community School District will return to face-to-face learning next month, but Superintendent Dr. David Smith tells KUOO news just exactly how that might work and look is still somewhat uncertain.

Brandon Rohrig of Dickinson County Public health reported it's kind of a good news, bad news scenario

Brittney Swanson, the camp's Executive Director, says the funding will allow them to improve 3.5 miles of trails and more than 40 acres of wilderness.

The judgement against 25-year-old Nathan Tun was recently handed down in Buena Vista County District Court.

The Spirit Lake Fire Department was called to 1303 Jackson Avenue shortly before 1:00 am after getting a report of a fully engulfed garage with the fire beginning to spread to the house.

The Milford City Council this (Monday) evening approved the first reading of a proposal to hike sewer rates in the city by six percent per year for the next four years.

A dumpster fire near The Inn Hotel in Arnolds Park caused some excitement this (Monday) afternoon.

The commission will hold interviews with the eight applicants July 21st beginning at 8:00 am in the court room at the Clay County Courthouse in Spencer. 

In a letter to residents posted on the city's Facebook Page, Jared Elbert, the city's Recreation Director, says an abundance of littering and vandalism over the last several weeks has resulted in the skate park being closed effective today (Mon.) and continuing until further notice.

The Lyon County Sheriff's Office says 35-year-old Sarah Graves was wanted on charges of a controlled substance violation, failure to affix a drug tax stamp, possession of drug paraphernalia, forgery or theft of a lottery ticket and theft in the 4^th degree.

Authorities say 27-year-old Earnest Charles Jones, Jr. of Magnolia, Mississippi was arrested on two warrants charging him with two counts of sexual abuse in the 3^rd degree.

Reports from the scene indicated there were five people in the water and that they were all wearing life jackets. 

School officials say exposure risk in the case began July 6^th

Hail the size of tennis balls was reported about eight miles southwest of Lakefield

The Sheriff's Office says 64-year-old Angela Hetrick of Cylinder was driving a 2006 Dakota westbound in the 6500 mile of 330^th Street when she lost control on some gravel.

The Clay County Sheriff's Office says 27-year-old Rosa Guadiana Escamilla of Storm Lake lost control of a 2005 Dodge Dakota while traveling southbound in the 4600 mile of Highway 71.

The Spencer Area Jobs Trust is conducting surveys related to housing needs in that community.

The grandstand show is set for Sunday, September 12^th, 2021 at 7:30 pm.

Terry Kunkel was among those that served on a committee that raised more than $250,000 for the project in just a matter of months. He says they're thrilled to see the final product.

Parking at the Elementary and High Schools was a major point of discussion at a joint meeting Thursday evening of the Okoboji School Board and Milford City Council.

A two-vehicle collision earlier today (Thurs.) in Palo Alto claimed two lives and injured several others.

The facility will be open from 1:00 until 6:00 pm with special precautions in place due to COVID-19.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources said this (Thursday) afternoon there was no detection of mercury in water samples that were taken from five different sites.

Even though the Dickinson County Courthouse will be moving into the second phase of its re-opening effective this coming Monday, July 13^th, entry to the facility will still be greatly limited.

(Okoboji)-Regional artists sought to create large-scale murals, applications accepted through August 12.

The statewide increase is one of the highest in recent weeks.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Clay County and the Clay County Fair have announced there will be no district livestock shows or communication events this year due to the pandemic.

The Jackson County Sheriff's Office says some of them are as young as 10 years-old.

The Dickinson County Sheriff's Office and Iowa Department of Natural Resources checked a number of people, resulting in 28 citations being issued for minor in possession of alcohol.

The Arnolds Park City Council heard requests from two residents Wednesday evening requesting a leash law be put on the books

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says the order was issued after the city's water supply operator noticed what appeared to a small amount of mercury in a wastewater drain at the city's treatment plant this (Wed.) morning. 

The Spencer Community School District issued a statement this (Wed.) afternoon saying it, like most others in the region, is holding off on a final decision so that “we can utilize the most current guidance”.

Recent storms packing high wind have caused some damage to corn fields in areas off to our west.

City officials say beginning Thursday, July 9th, flushing of hydrants will take place in the southern portion of the city, south of Highway 9. 

The Dickinson County Board of Supervisors Tuesday approved a proposal to reduce the speed limit on portions of 165^th Street from 30 mph currently to 25 mph.

The clinic will be located at the former Ernie Williams Harley Shop on Highway 18 in Algona.

(Okoboji)-Concert to be held in Outdoor Amphitheatre Tuesday night

One person was injured Monday in a collision involving two pickups at the intersection of 11^th Avenue Southwest, or Highway 71, and 25^th Street Southwest in Spencer.

Erin Reed, Director of the Dickinson County Trails Board, told the supervisors this will extend the new trail further west out of Spirit Lake.

John Hight of Beck Engineering outlined details of the first phase of what will now be a two phase project.

The vacancies were created after the Iowa Legislature passed a bill requiring all members of the boards come from unincorporated areas of the county.

(Arnolds Park)-Iowa Rock 'n Roll Music Association to hold virtual competition for musicians 21 and under

(Okoboji)-Organizers requesting sign-up on facebook to have an idea of number of participants

Statistics provided by Dickinson County Emergency Management shows the volume of calls over the 4^th of July weekend in the Iowa Great Lakes was up in most categories.

The organization says the $1,500 gift from Jensen Realty will assist them with programs such as "Passport to Nature". Lisa Roti, Executive Director of Friends of Lakeside, says the funding will allow them to continue to distribute free packets for the "Passport to Nature" program through July. 

Officer Kyle Van Oterloo of the Spencer Police Department says the virtual fun run will be held August 1^st.

A pursuit Friday that started on Highway 9 west of Lake Park ended near Worthington with an arrest.

Clay County Fair CEO and General Manager Jeremy Parsons says they recognize the impact it will have on those groups.

The Minnesota State Patrol says 77-year-old Lloyd Belt of Poplar Bluff, Missouri lost control of a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado while traveling eastbound at mile post 58.

A two-vehicle collision Sunday on Highway 86 at the eastbound on ramp of Interstate 90 injured a Lakefield woman.

Clay County Fair General Manager and CEO Jeremy Parsons says trying to come up with options to still hold the Clay County Fair during a pandemic were constantly being discussed all the way up until Thursday's formal announcement this year's event won't be held

Jennifer Gustafson of Lakes Regional Healthcare tells KUOO news since June 22^nd, 1,576 people have been tested at the site

The city announced earlier in the week it was launching an internal investigation after a photo of the incident at the Spencer Wal-Mart store surfaced on social media.

Parsons says the decision was extremely hard to make. He says it based in part on a survey they recently conducted

(Arnolds Park)-Association is hosting several outdoor concerts including Live on Lake Street featuring Jason Walsmith of The Nadas on July 3

Steve Anderson, Superintendent of the Iowa Great Lakes Sanitary District, says while we've had less rain so far this season, that can always change on a moment's notice. And he says it's better to address the issues with sump pumps now rather than waiting until after the fact

The Clay County Fair Association announced today (Thursday) the 2020 edition of "The World's Greatest County Fair" will NOT be held and has been postponed to September 11th-19th, 2021. 

Corn won't be knee high this year by the 4^th of July. Instead, it's more like waist to chest high in many cases.

While the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 continues to go up in Dickinson county, public health officials say they're encouraged the increase hasn't been as great over the past week or so compared to what it was earlier.

(Okoboji)-Experts suggest calming agents and products to assist with pet care.

The department is reminding residents that even though the state of Iowa passed a law allowing fireworks a few years ago, the city of Estherville has an ordinance that requires anyone shooting fireworks in the city to have a permit.

July is now upon us and it's time once again for the Okoboji Foundation to launch one of it's annual events that helps nonprofit organizations in the lakes area build their endowments.

Andrew Fisher, CEO of the YMCA of the Okoboji's says they're very grateful for the foundation's support saying it comes at a very critical time.

Lake Park Fire Chief Brandon Ehret says a rooftop ventilation fan was the likely cause of a fire this (Wednesday) morning at Northern Iowa Diecast in Lake Park.

A two vehicle accident yesterday (Thursday) afternoon on Highway 60 near Mountain Lake has sent three people to the hospital.

Jeff Skalbeck, President of Northern Iowa Diecast, tells KUOO news the plant was evacuated and no one was hurt.