News

Cherokee County Taking Steps To Reduce Suicide Rates

January 23, 2026

(Cherokee)– The Cherokee County Suicide Prevention Coalition is expanding its medication dropbox program. The county averages 26 suicides per 100-thousand people, which is about ten more than state and nationwide averages. The coalition says anyone can drop off medications that are no longer needed at the drop boxes at any time. They are meant to […]

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Authorities Urging Caution This Winter Games Weekend With Variable Ice Conditions & Extreme Cold

January 23, 2026

(Arnolds Park)– Authorities are again urging those venturing out on to the ice this Winter Games Weekend to do so with extreme caution. While it may be extremely cold, Chris Yungbluth of Arnolds Park-Okoboji Fire/Rescue tells KUOO news ice conditions remain highly variable, especially on West Lake Okoboji. While the thickness on Smith’s Bay ranges […]

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Battle Of The Bartenders Another Huge Success

January 23, 2026

(Okoboji)– The annual Battle of the Bartenders has grown to be one of the highest attended University of Okoboji Winter Games events in recent years, and this year’s event was no exception. Trevor Johnson is a Marketing Specialist with Parks Marina, which hosts the event each year. He says last (Thurs.) evening’s event again raised […]

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Polaris Industries Plans To Permanently Close Osceola, Wi. Plant

January 23, 2026

(Minneapolis, Mn.)– Polaris Industries plans to close a plant in Osceola, Wisconsin that manufactures engines and components for motorcycles, snowmobiles and off-road vehicles. Closure of the Wisconsin plant will be done in phases beginning this summer. It’s scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026. 200 employees who work at the Wisconsin plant will […]

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Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected In Kossuth County

January 22, 2026

(Des Moines)– The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship announced Thursday a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been detected in a mixed species flock in Kossuth county. Officials say the mixed flock includes game bird pheasants and backyard chickens. It’s Iowa’s first detection of HPAI within domestic birds in 2026. HPAI, […]

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Crosswinds Church In Spirit Lake Gearing Up For Special Event

January 22, 2026

(Spirit Lake)– The Tim Tebow Foundation started an event called Night to Shine back in 2015. According to the Night to Shine website, this is a complimentary event for people with special needs hosted by local churches around the world. Ashley Heebner, a member of the Planning Committee at Crosswinds Church explains the event… “It’s […]

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Forecasts For Brutal Cold Temps. Have Authorities Issuing Precautions

January 22, 2026

(Spirit Lake)– Officials are urging everyone to take extra precautions with the extremely cold temperatures that are in the forecast. Dickinson County Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Ehret says anyone venturing outdoors tonight through the upcoming weekend need to be properly prepared for the elements… “Try to limit your time outdoors as much as possible and […]

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A 2026 IRRMA Hall Of Fame Inductee Who Grew Up In The Iowa Great Lakes Expresses His Gratitude

January 22, 2026

(Arnolds Park)– As we reported previously, a musician who grew up in the Iowa Great Lakes is among the 2026 inductees into the Iowa Rock ‘n Roll Music Association Hall of Fame. Damon Dotson tells KUOO news he’s honored and humbled by the recognition… “I know or have known some of the other musicians who […]

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Collision Sends One Person To The Hospital

January 22, 2026

(Mountain Lake, Mn.)– One person went to the hospital following a two-vehicle collision Wednesday on Highway 60 near Mountain Lake. The Minnesota State Patrol says it involved a 2020 Ford Fusion driven by 49-year-old Shawn Mendel of Worthing, South Dakota, and a 2023 Peterbilt semi driven by 41-year-old Zakaria El Barhmi of St. Paul, Minnesota. […]

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Authorities Issue Reminders About ATV’s, UTV’s, Side-By-Side Operations

January 22, 2026

(Spirit Lake)– With the influx of ATV’s, UTV’s and side-by-sides expected this weekend in the Iowa Great Lakes comes a reminder of the laws and regulations that affect them. Kevin Krull of the Iowa State Patrol says you need to make sure the registrations are up to date on them and a slow moving vehicle […]

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