Her itinerary Thursday includes stops in Algona, Emmetsburg, Estherville and Spirit Lake.

The Emmetsburg Community School District is now requiring masks be worn by K-12 students.

(Estherville)-Tickets available online or at Chamber Office

Historic Arnolds Park, Incorporated was recently present a check for $25,000 from the Okoboji Foundation.

They say a contractor doing work on the Francis Sites drainage project discovered a water main in that area is deeper than what was first thought and as a result will NOT have to be relocated. 

Officials are warning of an extremely high fire danger in portions of northwest Iowa today (Wednesday), and they say it will likely continue into Thursday.

Jeannette Hasley, Women's Health Director at Spencer Hospital, says the walk will begin at Spencer Hospital's Grand Avenue Park, and that there will be some changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

26-year-old Jacob Hernandez admitted that from January 2020 through March 2020 he was involved in a conspiracy that distributed more than four pounds of methamphetamine in the Storm Lake and Fonda areas.

(Spirit Lake)-Scarecrow Contest already underway

Charges have been filed against a Primghar man in connection with a pursuit last week in Clay county.

Dr. David Smith, Superintendent of the Spirit Lake Community Schools, says today's (Tues.) announcement from the Iowa Department of Public Health pertaining to new quarantine guidelines for schools won't have much of an impact on the district's COVID-19 protocols already in place

They agency's director, Dr. Caitlyn Pedati outlined the change during a news conference this (Tues.) morning, saying it's based on several recent studies including one they conducted among some school districts in Sioux county where a sizable outbreak of COVID-19 is currently underway

J.D. Scholten told KUOO news in an interview today (Tues.) he wants the process de-politicized.

The park was built on city-owned land a couple of years ago on the southeast corner of 13^th Street and Highway 71.

School officials say the mandate is being implemented based on increasing positivity rates in Palo Alto county. 

City officials say they were notified by Tyler Technologies that an unknown intruder broke into the company's phone and information technology systems.

Earlier plans called for that to be done in the Supervisors meeting room at the courthouse

The district says it is hoping the postponement will allow more students to be able to attend the activities next week.

Firefighters from Sherburn and Dunnell were called around 8:30 pm to a house fire in Dunnell. A little more than an hour later, firefighters were alerted to a house fire in Sherburn.

Jim Nesseth of Extended Ag Services in Lakefield says quite a few of the soybeans have already come out

The Iowa Department of Public Health is reporting 992 new positive cases of COVID-19 for the previous 24 hours ending at 10:00 am this (Sat.) morning, along with eight additional deaths.

About 600-thousand Iowans have already requested an absentee ballot to vote early in this year's general election and the Legislative Council voted today (Friday) to let county election officials start opening the outer envelopes carrying those ballots on October 31st.

In a statement released Friday afternoon, the Martin County West School system announced it will be converting to the different learning scenarios for PreK-12 starting on Wednesday, September 30^th.

Administrators from the four Sioux County health systems met with leaders from each of the county schools and colleges via a Zoom call Friday, to discuss the current status of the coronavirus outbreak in the region. 

The Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division announced Friday it has filed an additional five hearing complaints on businesses, including one in the Iowa Great Lakes, accused of violating terms of Governor Kim Reynolds' emergency public health disaster proclamation.

A Le Mars man pled guilty today (Friday) in federal court to theft of government funds in connection with a COVID-19 unemployment scheme. 

A ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Okoboji Middle School will be held Wednesday, October 7th with a program at 5:00 pm with a ribbon cutting and tours of the 83,000 square foot building at 5:30 pm.

Lauren Livingston, Communications Director for Iowa chapter of the Alzheimer's Association tells KUOO news the event is being held in a different format this year due to the pandemic

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will hold an informational event next month on plans to further protect a stand of bulrush and other aquatic and terrestrial plants on the northeast side of Big Spirit Lake.

City officials are requesting residents "defer all non-essential water use" for now.

A woman was injured Wednesday after falling off a motorcycle on which she had been a passenger.

The Sibley-Ocheyedan School Board adopted social distancing guidelines for classrooms and other facilities during an emergency meeting Thursday evening.

Arnolds Park Amusement Park has been honored by Amusement Today, a leading trade publication of the amusement industry, with the announcement of its annual Golden Ticket Awards September 23.

The Sibley-Ocheyedan School Board will meet in emergency session at 7:00 this (Thurs.) evening to discuss new strategies in light of a Covid outbreak in the district's schools. 

(Arnolds Park)-Association to offer discounts on Memberships and Merchandise at Vendor Show Saturday

Neal Conover announced during today's (Thurs.) meeting he's retiring after 25 years of service as a trustee.

The Iowa Department of Public Health says there were 1,341 new, confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state reported from 10 a.m. Wednesday to 10 a.m. Thursday.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our thoughts on a lot of things. Your retirement is probably among them. 

Spirit Lake police say they've been hearing from residents getting phone calls from numbers that appear to be coming from Spirit Lake or the surrounding area.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held this (Thurs.) morning marking completion of the new Lakes Regional Family Medicine and renovation of the west side of Lakes Regional Healthcare.

(Spirit Lake)-Tickets are limited, hours expanded and safety precautions to be in place at annual event

A two vehicle collision Tuesday morning in Sioux county claimed the life of a Rock Valley man.

For one thing, City Attorney-Administrator Gregg Owens says a different company will be picking up recycling

Spirit Lake City Council members are thinking about possibly banning fireworks usage after getting numerous complaints of ordinance violations this past 4th of July

A research project into the Spirit Lake Conflict of 1857 by a group of 7^th grade students from the Graettinger-Terril and Ruthven-Ayrshire Community Schools will culminate in a special event in October on the grounds of the Abbie Gardner Sharp cabin in Arnolds Park.

The ban in Sioux county went into effect at 6:00 am this (Wed.) morning and continues until further notice.

In a news release, Superintendent James Craig says the school's football team is short many players due to quarantine and that coaches were concerned they wouldn't have enough players to safely participate in the game.

(Lakefield, MN)-Benefit for Lakefield & Heron Lake Food Shelf is normally held in December

A stretch of U.S. Highway 59 north of Iowa Highway 9 in Osceola county is expected to re-open to traffic at 9:00 am this Thursday (Sept. 24th), weather permitting. 

A Spirit Lake man was injured in a one vehicle rollover yesterday (Monday) afternoon on Jackson County Road 4 near Anderson Park.

Angela Kofoot has been involved in efforts over the past month or so to try to change that. She says they have been able to move the needle atleast a little

The Clay County Sheriff's Office has released information into a traffic stop this past Thursday that resulted in the arrest of a Spencer woman on multiple charges.

The U.S. Attorney's Office says 37-year-old Gabriel Mata-Becerra entered the plea last week to conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of pure meth.

The Dickinson County Board of Supervisors today (Tues.) took official action to bump up a bridge project in on 110^th Avenue in the southwest part of the county in the 5-year construction program.

The International City/County Management Association has selected Amanda Mack as the recipient of it's Early Career Leadership Award.

The city council Monday evening authorized the application for grant funds through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources' Water Recreation Access program.

(Spirit Lake)-This year's theme is "Every Farmer Counts"

An Estherville man escaped injury in a single vehicle crash early this (Monday) morning on Interstate 90 in southeast Minnesota.

Gracie Hamm, a Junior at Spirit Lake High School and student council member, says one of the highlights will be the parade, which will still be held Friday but with some modifications.

Milford Fire Chief Jim Carpenter says extreme caution is needed, especially with the harvest underway.

Officials with Seasons Center for Behavioral Health say they've been awarded a $1,500 in funding through the Clay County Community Foundation to assist with infant mental health services.

A George man was arrested on multiple charges after leading authorities on a pursuit at speeds exceeding 100 mph at times.

Buena Vista, Ida, and Pocahontas are among them. Producers in contiguous counties, including Cherokee, Clay, O'Brien and Palo Alto counties, are also eligible to apply for assistance.

The Osceola County Sheriff's Office says 40-year-old Donna Rae Reisdorfer and 36-year-old Derek Michael White were taken into custody following an investigation.

(Spencer)-Approximately 150 Civil War era markers in need of restoration

The Estherville City Hall will once be closed to the public effective Monday, September 21st, due to a surge in COVID-19 cases in the community. 

The Sheriff's Office says a juvenile lost control of a 2012 Toyota 4Runner after swerving to avoid an animal while rounding a curve.

The Minnesota Department of Public Health is conducting a voluntary, in-person survey to understand the effect COVID-19 is having on the state's communities.

Authorities in Palo Alto county say charges are pending in connection with a collision Thursday involving a car and a semi in the 300-block of Amin Street in Cylinder.

Authorities say 40-year-old Johnette Dodds was arrested around 6:40 pm Thursday on a valid Palo Alto county warrant for failure to appear on an original charge of assault causing bodily injury

The C-D-C's chief of mortality statistics says deaths attributed to Alzheimer's and dementia were 20-percent above normal this summer.

The Clay County Sheriff's Office says 82-year-old Maude Baker of Dickens was driving a 2003 Dodge Dakota eastbound on 280^th Street and 55-year-old Brian Dalziel of Spirit Lake was driving a 2013 Ford F-150 northbound on Highway 71.

The Iowa Department of Public Health is reporting 918 new positive tests for COVID-19, increasing the state's total to 76-thousand-968 cases. 

(Spirit Lake)-Masks will be required for entry, curbside hours to remain in effect.

An Algona, Iowa, man has been charged with attempted murder after authorities say he fired a shotgun at another person.

Authorities say David Young of Milford was driving a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox when a horse ran out onto the road. The horse struck the right front of the vehicle, smashing out the passenger side windshield. The horse was then flipped up into the air, and landed on the highway.

The organization has announced Shantel Pausley has been selected to fill the vacant position.

(Spirit Lake)-Program to be accessible from anywhere with Library Card

Tara Paul, Superintendent of the Estherville-Lincoln Central School District, put out a notification to staff, parents and the community this (Wed.) afternoon. 

A Spirit Lake man arrested August 11^th on a weapons charge following an investigation by police into a report of a suspicious person in the Center Lake area has pled not guilty.

29-year-old Darrel Pounds entered the plea last week in Dickinson County District Court. A jury trial is set for November 17^th.

Spokesman Brian Dalziel says the “micro grants” would be available through the Iowa Economic Development Authority's Shop Iowa program and that they don't have to be paid back. He says they could be used for various purposes, including for those businesses wanting to put product up for sale online

The Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for this year's Oktoberfest celebration Saturday, September 26^th

They include Sioux, Lyon, Plymouth and O'Brien

The Sibley-Ocheyedan Community School District this (Tuesday) evening is confirming two more students have been diagnosed with COVID-19. That's in addition to one other case confirmed earlier today (Tuesday), also in a student.

(Estherville)-Free festival offered to Students in Grades 5-8

Police Chief Tony Urwin says he's been made aware that individuals are hanging, sitting and having photos taken of them on top of the hoops, damaging them in the process. 

Estherville Police Chief Brent Shatto announced this (Tuesday) afternoon two juvenile males have been charged in the thefts of some campaign signs.

21-year-old Isaiah Mixon was sentenced last week after pleading guilty previously to possession of a firearm by a drug user.

Foundation President Mindy Gress says they remain committed to growing the fund which was established in early April.

A statement released by the district doesn't say whether it is in a student or a staff member.

Supervisor Kim Wermersen helped draft the ordinance. He says it was based on complaints and a petition with more than 60 signatures on it calling for something to be done.

A letter to district patrons doesn't say what grade level the affected student is in

The Milford City Council Monday evening finalized details for the clean up.

Police say 16 Biden for President signs have been stolen from yards in recent days.

The company that owns an elevator in Royal that was damaged in an explosion in August says the facility will be available for use during the upcoming harvest. 

(Spencer)-Prizes to be awarded in both Residential and Business Categories

The piece was designed by Andrea McMahon who serves as the chamber's Communications Director in collaboration with Jacob Polaschek, a local designer.

The Clay County Sheriff's Office says 20-year-old Walker Nelson was driving a 2011 Dodge Ram northbound in the 3700 mile of 280^th Avenue, or County Road M54. Authorities say the vehicle crossed the center line and went into the west ditch, colliding with a fence and a utility pole before coming to rest on top of an electrical box.

Jury trials resume this week in Iowa after a couple of pilot trials to try out social distancing and COVID-19 prevention measures. 

Seasons Center for Behavioral Health will hold their fourth annual “We Are Family Summit” in two different sessions beginning this (Monday) evening.

Officials with the Spencer Community School District Sunday confirmed another positive case of COVID-19, this time at the Middle School. 

The new owner of the former Okoboji Middle School is taking the city of Arnolds Park to court over terms of an agreement pertaining to a parking lot on the site.

Two positive cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed at Spencer High School. 

The Emmet County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's assistance in identifying the pickup truck and an adult male (see photos) in connection with an ongoing investigation. Both are pictured at a convenience store in Spirit Lake at 10:17 am Thursday, September 10th. 

A statement issued by the district didn't go into detail as to which staff members have been affected.

Emmet County Sheriff Mike Martens says 45-year-old Joseph Haak of Johnston, Iowa, was arrested shortly after 8:30 this (Friday) morning. 

Superintendent Dr. David Smith tells KUOO news two assistant coaches have tested positive for COVID-19

Clay County Fair General Manager Jeremy Parsons says they'll be holding another Fair Food To Go event the entire coming week

Governor Kim Reynolds has ordered flags be flown at half-staff until sunrise tomorrow (Sat.) in honor of Patriot Day and in memory of those who lost their lives in the September 11^th terrorist attacks.

The Emmet County Sheriff's Office says it started when a deputy in the 2400 block of Highway 4 observed a southbound U-Haul with a car dolly attached matching the description of a vehicle possibly involved in a hit-and-run in Estherville minutes earlier.

Spirit Lake residents may want to do some fall house cleaning this weekend. Citywide clean up days will be held Monday through Thursday, September 14^th through the 17^th.

Stephen Pelzer, Director of Financial Aid at Iowa Lakes, says the Last Dollar Scholarship Program is a part of Governor Kim Reynolds' “Future Ready Iowa” initiative.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will be relaxing fishing regulations on Spring Lake near Cherokee beginning this Saturday, September 12^th, and will continue through October 4^th.

A traffic stop shortly before 7:00 pm Wednesday evening in the 1700 block of Dickinson County Road M56 resulted in the arrests of two people on drug charges.

As we reported previously, some patching is scheduled to begin on Highway 71 between 202nd Street and 41st in Spirit Lake.

Assistant Spirit Lake Fire Chief Chris Hoerichs says it's important to make sure your furnace is functioning properly to avoid any dangers associated with carbon monoxide...which can be deadly.

33-year-old Shana Mull was sentenced last week to more than six years in federal prison.

Rebecca Peters of Okoboji Tourism says they were forced to start making changes already at the onset of the pandemic back in March

A fire at the Jackson Hi-Rise Apartment Complex has displaced all of the residents of the building.

City Administrator Michael Meyers told the City Council last (Tues.) evening Central Water, the agency from which the cities of Okoboji and Arnolds Park purchases treated water, will be increasing the rates they charge to the cities.

Among them is one that would prohibit parking on the odd numbered side of Lakeshore Drive and Fairfield Street

Erin Reed of Dickinson County Trails tells KUOO news they were awarded $176,522 for the next phase of a project along former railroad right-of-way between Spirit Lake and Lake Park.

A collision involving a vehicle and a bicycle Monday at the intersection of South Grand Avenue and 5^th Street in Spencer injured a Spencer man.

Up until now under the re-opening with COVID-19 guidelines, only the west door of the Dickinson County Courthouse has been open to the public.

There were no injuries but a considerable amount of property damage was reported in a fire early Sunday in Sanborn.

The Osceola County Sheriff's Office says it started shortly after 9:00 pm Sunday after a report was received about a vehicle being driven recklessly on Highway 9 near Little Rock.

The Minnesota State Patrol says 89-year-old William Dudding of Bancroft was driving a 2015 Ford Focus westbound on Highway 30.

A traffic stop Sunday in Rock Rapids resulted in the arrest of a man on drug charges. 

An Emmetsburg man has pled not guilty in the death of a Washington, Iowa man who's body was recovered earlier this summer from a Palo Alto county lake. 

The Buena Vista County Sheriff's Office has received complaints about a scam that is starting to circulate in the area.

The clinic will reopen Tuesday (Sept. 8th) and will be open from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm.

The Minnesota State Patrol says 75-year-old Terry Meyer of Reading, Minnesota was driving a 1995 Ford pickup westbound on Nobles County Road 14 and 22-year-old Kasey Hix of Ellsworth, Minnesota was driving a 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe northbound on Highway 59 when the two collided in the intersection.

They aren't saying if it's a teacher, administrator or student, citing privacy laws.

The iconic attraction was also officially dedicated in the honor of the late Berkley Bedell, who played an integral role in the Save The Park campaign.

The Emmet County Sheriff's Office says authorities were called around 2:46 pm August 20th after getting a report of a vehicle parked in front of a rural Estherville farmstead. 

Two people from Luverne, Minnesota were arrested on drug charges after authorities investigated a report of a suspicious vehicle in a park in Rock Rapids.

Multiple injuries were reported in a collision Friday in Pocahontas county.

(Emmetsburg)-Nursing Program credits Faculty for dedication to Students

Kim Scorza, CEO/President of Seasons Center, says they'll use the funds to support individuals and families in Dickinson county impacted by COVID-19.

The Iowa Department of Public Health is reporting an additional 1,183 confirmed, positive cases of COVID-19 in the state from 10:00 am Thursday until 10:00 am today (Fri.)

Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate announced today (Fri.) active, registered voters in the state should start receiving absentee ballot request forms in the mail this weekend.

The attraction will also be dedicated in honor of the late Berkley Bedell as part of the ceremony, which begins at 11:30 am.

Dr. Andrew Mueting of Lakes Regional Family Practice tells KUOO news not following through with those screenings and appointments could actually put you more at risk should you actually contract COVID-19.

The Osceola County Sheriff's Office says 22-year-old Slone La Cour of Hartley was driving a 2017 Freightliner owned by Cooperative Farmers Elevator of Rock Valley.

The need for social distancing with the pandemic and the fact that initial jury pools can consist of 100 or more people is what's driving the issue.

The O'Brien County Sheriff's Office says 56-year-old Jenn Baier of Royal was driving a 2012 Ford Fusion eastbound on 455^th Street when she missed the curve at Yew Avenue.

(Okoboji)-Proceeds from event to help pay for new outdoor sound system

(Arnolds Park)-All performances to be held outdoors

Grundman Hicks, the general contractor on the project for the Iowa Great Lakes Sanitary Sewer District, says the intersection of 220^th Avenue and 165^th Street will be closed to the north and to the east beginning shortly after sunrise Tuesday, September 8^th.

The Clay County Sheriff's Office says 21-year-old Emily Stoneking of Spencer was driving a 2006 Chevrolet Impala eastbound on Highway 18 when she collided with the rear of a 2017 Freightliner semi tractor-trailer driven by 59-year-old Troy Krengel of Ankeny who was waiting to turn northbound onto Highway 71.

Dakin Schultz of the Iowa Department of Transportation tells KUOO news one of those will involve Highway 71 through the lakes corridor.

Expect to see an increased presence of law enforcement officers on Highways 9 & 71 through Spirit Lake this coming Friday evening.

Minor injuries were reported Monday evening in a single vehicle crash southwest of Sheldon.

Minor injuries were reported late Tuesday afternoon in a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of 220th street and 270th Avenue between Milford and Terril.

The Clay County Sheriff's Office says 33-year-old Rachel Martinez of Spencer was driving a 2017 Infiniti eastbound on County Road B-24 near Moneta when she lost control of the vehicle after apparently falling asleep.

RE/MAX Preferred, based in Sioux City, has announced a new ownership group including Aaron Jones, Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Lakes Realty in the Iowa Great Lakes along with Amy Kokacek of RE/MAX Preferred and Jeff and Rachel Carlson of Sioux City.

Michele Goodenow of Imagine Iowa Great Lakes, which was involved in the renovation of the project, says it will be a very fitting tribute to a man who did a lot for the Iowa Great Lakes.

Spokeswoman Kristin Larson told the supervisors they continue to offer a number of programs to income eligible homeowners to assist with various improvements.

Okoboji Wholesale in Okoboji has purchased Melander's Appliance and TV in Milford.

Spirit Lake police say they've had reports of many local residents receiving texts from an unknown number stating they have a package waiting to be delivered.

A Milford man wanted on federal charges was taken into custody Monday evening after leading authorities on a manhunt at Fort Defiance State Park in Estherville.