Walmart is announcing new changes to its stores' policies with the hope to encourage social distancing amongst its customers.

Thursday's announcement by Governor Kim Reynolds to extend an emergency medical disaster proclamation originally issued March 19th will push back further the late penalty on property tax payments. 

The Iowa Great Lakes Corona Relief program is reminding residents food banks throughout Dickinson county remain in operation during the COVID-19 outbreak, but with some modifications.

Hy-Vee today (Fri.) announced additional protective measures being taken in its stores as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Iowa Department of Public Health is reporting today (Fri.) an additional 85 positive cases of COVID-19 in the state, for a total of 699 positive cases since the outbreak started.

A disaster recovery fund has been established by the Okoboji Foundation to support those populations in the Iowa Great Lakes Community that are most negatively impacted by COVID-19.

The Dickinson County Recycling Center announced earlier this week it was reverting back to its winter hours due to concerns with COVID-19. Today (Fri.), Center Manager Charles Vigdal announced some additional changes that have gone into effect and will remain in place until further notice.

Valero Industries says it's plant in Harley started producing the substance Thursday.

Motorists on Highway 71 in Jackson and Cottonwood counties can expect some longer commutes beginning later this spring and continuing through the summer.

Governor Kim Reynolds this (Thurs.) afternoon announced she's extending the closure of non essential businesses and schools in the state through the end of April in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

It was announced today (Thursday) Lakes Regional Healthcare, Lakes Family Practice and Spirit Lake Medical Center are temporarily transitioning to virtual visits instead of in-person visits.

The laborious task of counting the population and figuring out where everyone lives is underway.

The Iowa Department of Public Health today (Thurs.) is reporting an additional 66 positive cases of COVID-19 in the state, bringing the total number of cases to 614 since the outbreak began.

While the confirmed numbers of positive COVID-19 cases in the area remain relatively small, public health officials say that's very likely to change over the next several weeks.

The city of Spirit Lake will begin curbside pick up of green waste this coming Monday, April 6th. 

The city of Spencer has temporarily closed a number of outdoor recreational facilities due to COVID-19 concerns.

An incident Tuesday night in Palo Alto county resulted in the arrest of a Ruthven man.

A Rock Rapids was injured this past Sunday in an accidental shooting.

We told you earlier in the week about a series of scams associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Authorities say there's another one you need to be aware of as well.

A Peterson man has been sentenced in Palo Alto county on a charge of a probation revocation on an original count of conspiracy to commit intimidation with a dangerous weapon.

(Milford)-Residents encouraged to call ahead with questions.

Officials with Seasons Center for Behavioral Health say they're seeing an increased demand for their services as the COVID-19 crisis continues.

The Iowa Department of Public Health reported late this (Wed.) morning an additional 52 positive cases of COVID-19 in the state

Governmental entities in Dickinson county, along with several chambers of commerce, have issued a joint letter highly urging those coming back to the Iowa Great Lakes for the season to self-isolate for 14 days. 

Police in Hartley are asking for the public's help as they investigate a burglary that took place last week at a restaurant there.

The Iowa Department of Public Health is reporting this (Tuesday) evening the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in O'Brien county. 

Polaris Industries announced Tuesday some workers will be placed on temporary furloughs and that some others will experience cuts in pay and the company outlined it's new strategy in dealing with the downturn stemming from the ongoing pandemic. 

A Denison man has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison in a meth distribution operation in northwest Iowa, southwest Minnesota and southeast South Dakota.

(Okoboji)-Individuals or groups can adopt at least a mile of county roadway to help remove litter.

A traffic stop Friday on Highway 4 one mile north of Estherville resulted in the arrests of two people from Spencer.

The department is reporting 73 additional positive cases in the state, bringing the total to 497 since the outbreak began.

The Minnesota Department of Health announced today (Tuesday) the total number of positive cases of COVID-19 in the state is now at 629, with 12 deaths since the outbreak began.

The Federal Communications Commission says it's experiencing a big increase in the reports of scams stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Iowa Department of Public Health confirmed this (Tues.) morning a Clay county resident has tested positive for COVID-19. 

Iowa Workforce Development has implemented a new policy under which workers will no longer have to use all their paid leave before they collect unemployment benefits.