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News Headlines for October 7, 2026
Judith “Judy” Merfeld, 85, leaves a legacy of faith, family and 45 years of service to St. Michael’s
NASHUA — Judith “Judy” Ann Merfeld, 85, of Nashua, died Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Mayo Hospital – St. Mary’s Campus in Rochester, Minnesota, surrounded by her family.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Wednesday, October 7, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Nashua, with Rev. Ray Atwood celebrating the Mass. Interment followed at Calvary Cemetery in Charles City.
Friends greeted the family Tuesday evening at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory – Olson Chapel in Nashua, where a rosary and scripture service were also held. Visitation continued Wednesday morning before the Mass.
Winnebago County weighs tougher solar, data center rules as supervisors appoint new EMS coordinator
FOREST CITY — Winnebago County supervisors are continuing work on possible new zoning rules covering solar projects, data centers and other large developments while also appointing a new county EMS coordinator and approving nearly $30,000 in claims.
Cerro Gordo supervisors pull solar drainage review items, approve $377,447 in county claims
MASON CITY — Cerro Gordo County supervisors removed two items tied to a massive proposed solar project from Monday’s agenda before approving more than $377,000 in county claims and several payroll changes.
Five Iowa Main Street businesses win $75,000 in state grants to fuel growth
OSCEOLA — Five Iowa small businesses are getting a fresh boost after winning a combined $75,000 in state grants through the 2026 Open 4 Business competition, a Main Street Iowa program aimed at helping downtown businesses expand.
The finalists came from Clarence, Elkader, Marion, Fort Dodge and Newton and pitched their growth plans Monday evening in downtown Osceola.
Iowa man admits helping move nearly $22 million in stolen loan money through bank and brokerage accounts
An Iowa man has admitted helping move nearly $22 million in fraudulently obtained loan money through bank and brokerage accounts in a sprawling federal money laundering case.
Jay Jurrens, 61, leaves behind a lesson in family, learning and ‘doing the right thing’
NEW HAMPTON — Jay Jan Jurrens, 61, of New Hampton, died Saturday, October 3, 2026, after a two-year battle with blood cancer, surrounded by the family and friends who meant the most to him.
Friends may greet the family from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, October 12, at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton.
Maxine D. Kumsher, 82, leaves a legacy of faith, family, farming and famous apple pies
BRITT — Maxine D. Kumsher, 82, passed away October 4, 2026, at Westview Care Center in Britt.
A funeral service will be held Wednesday, October 7, at 10:30 a.m. at Britt Evangelical Free Church with Pastor Michael Foose officiating. Visitation was held Tuesday at Cataldo Funeral Home in Britt and will continue for one hour before Wednesday’s service at the church. Inurnment will take place at Evergreen Cemetery at a later date.
Berit Parten delivers as Iowa Hawkeye soccer blanks Rutgers for first Big Ten win
IOWA CITY — Iowa Hawkeye soccer finally broke through in Big Ten play Sunday, defeating Rutgers 1-0 behind a first-half goal from Berit Parten and another shutout from goalkeeper Braelynn Galt.
The victory improved Iowa to 6-3-4 overall and 1-2-3 in conference play while Rutgers fell to 3-5-3 overall and 2-4 in the Big Ten.
UNI Panther soccer overwhelmed by Illinois State in 6-0 road loss
NORMAL, ILLINOIS — UNI women’s soccer endured a rough afternoon Sunday as Illinois State poured in four first-half goals and rolled to a 6-0 Missouri Valley Conference victory over the Panthers.
Northern Iowa was outshot 26-3 overall and 17-2 in shots on goal as the Redbirds controlled the match from the opening minute.
No. 6 Iowa field hockey rallies late to beat Michigan State, 4-3, for 11th win
EAST LANSING, MICH. — No. 6 Iowa field hockey staged another comeback Sunday afternoon, scoring twice in the fourth quarter to erase a late deficit and beat Michigan State, 4-3.
The Hawkeyes improved to 11-1 overall and 3-1 in Big Ten play with the victory, while Michigan State fell to 4-7 overall and 0-4 in conference action.
Mason City apologizes as Pennsylvania Avenue construction drags on and key downtown intersection stays closed
MASON CITY — A major Mason City street project continues to frustrate motorists and disrupt traffic around downtown, and now the city is openly apologizing as work along Pennsylvania Avenue stretches beyond another anticipated reopening date.
The City of Mason City announced October 2 that the intersection of 1st Street NE and Pennsylvania Avenue would finally reopen Saturday, October 3.
Aiden Flora erupts for five touchdowns as Iowa State football survives West Virginia thriller, 45-42
AMES — Aiden Flora did just about everything but sell popcorn Saturday as Iowa State football survived a wild Big 12 shootout with West Virginia, 45-42, before 52,724 fans at Jack Trice Stadium.
Flora ran for a career-high 212 yards and three touchdowns while also completing both of his passes for two more scores, accounting for five touchdowns as the Cyclones secured their first Big 12 victory of the season.
Iowa State improved to 3-2 overall and 1-1 in conference play. West Virginia fell to 3-2 and 0-2.
Iowa Hawkeye volleyball strikes first, but No. 16 Penn State roars back to take four-set battle
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Iowa Hawkeye volleyball landed the first punch against No. 16 Penn State Saturday night, but the nationally ranked Nittany Lions responded by taking the next three sets and handing Iowa a four-set Big Ten road loss.
Iowa grabbed the opener 25-22 before Penn State answered with victories of 25-17, 25-22 and 25-19 inside Rec Hall.
The Hawkeyes slipped to 12-6 overall and 1-3 in Big Ten play.
Hazel J. Wood, 95, built a life of service, family and deep Hancock County roots
GARNER — Hazel J. Wood, 95, passed away October 2, 2026, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Inurnment will take place at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel. There will be no visitation.
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