- Protected: Mason City man involved in burglary where guns were stolen sentenced to federal prison
- Protected: Three juveniles charged with felonies after vandalism spree in Charles City, including arson to a train car
- Clear Lake woman to stand trial for drunk driving, eluding and 17 traffic violations
News Headlines for February 11, 2026

Fire near Estherville requires multi-agency response after explosions reported
ESTHERVILLE — A massive structure fire north of Estherville drew firefighters from across the region Tuesday afternoon, as crews battled thick smoke, internal explosions, and a collapsing roof to bring a commercial-sized shop fire under control.

Mason City to host workshop on solar and battery energy systems
MASON CITY — As the landscape of the American Midwest shifts toward a more diversified energy grid, local leaders in North Iowa are preparing to navigate the complexities of large-scale renewable energy, and a workshop is being offered for interested persons.

Northern Iowa suspect nabbed in child sting operation
This Northern Iowa romeo sent nudies of himself to what he that was a child, but it tuned out to be a cop, and now he might spend a lot of time inside a jail cell thinking about his choices.

UNI men’s basketball rolls to 29-point rout at Murray State
MURRAY, Ky. – It was a dominant performance for the UNI men’s basketball team on Monday night as the Panthers rolled to an impressive 89-60 win over the Murray State Racers at the CFSB Center in Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) action.
UNI visits league-leading Belmont on Thursday in Nashville.

Waldorf University announces Residential Dean’s List for fall 2025 semester
FOREST CITY – Waldorf University is pleased to recognize students who have
achieved the Dean’s List for the TERM semester. To achieve the Dean’s List, students must be full-time, attain a grade point average of 3.50 or better, and complete a minimum of 12 semester credits. Students are listed by state, followed by the city they are from.

NIACC women’s basketball team remains ranked #9
MASON CITY – For the third straight week, the NIACC women’s basketball team is ranked No. 9 in the NJCAA Divsion II poll released Monday.

OBIT: Kelsi Soenen
Kelsi Soenen, age 32 of Emmetsburg, passed away on Sunday, February 8, 2026 at Palo Alto County Health System in Emmetsburg. Funeral Services for Kelsi will be 10:30 AM on Friday, February 13, at Grace Church in Emmetsburg.

College Wrestling: UNI Panthers top South Dakota State, 19-13
BROOKINGS, S.D. – The 19th-ranked UNI wrestling team on Sunday scored its second dual victory of the season over the South Dakota State Jackrabbits, escaping First Bank & Trust Arena with a narrow 19-13 win.

Caution is advised on Iowa lakes as ice conditions rapidly deteriorate
CLEAR LAKE – With temperatures warming up this week, ice conditions at many Iowa lakes are changing quickly. DNR conservation officers urge caution as conditions for ice- related activities, such as fishing and OHV riding, deteriorate.

Nora Springs man hospitalized after snowmobile accident
PLYMOUTH – A Nora Springs man was hurt Sunday afternoon when the snowmobile he was operating struck a large rock and he was thrown from the vehicle.

Northern Iowa illegal guilty of possessing illicit child photos
An illegal alien roaming the Northern Iowa area who told cops he really enjoys underage, young girls and had a phone chock full of despicable images faces the wrath of the American justice system.

College Wrestling: No. 8 Iowa Hawkeyes pin Michigan State Spartans, 40-6
EAST LANSING, Mich. – The eighth-ranked University of Iowa wrestling team rolled past Michigan State, 40-6, on Sunday afternoon at Jenison Field House.

Iowa State Cyclones make “painful decision” to cancel gymnastics season
AMES – The Iowa State University Athletics Department has canceled the remainder of the gymnastics season, school officials announced today.

Iowa’s McDonald’s restaurants among nation’s worst, study finds
DES MOINES – According to a study, McDonald’s restaurants in Iowa have some of the lowest average ratings nationwide, at 3.33 out of five based on analysis of 84,144 customer reviews.

What’s A Lithograph? exhibit now open at Mason City’s MacNider Art Museum
MASON CITY – The newest temporary exhibition on display at the Charles H. MacNider Art Museum in Mason City, answers the question often asked by Museum visitors, What’s A Lithograph?

Iowa Senator Doug Campbell offers update on Legislative progress
“As funnel week approaches, the senate is considering proposals centered around the many issues in which Iowans have shown concern. It is very important legislation begins moving forward,” the Senator said this week.

Women’s College Basketball: Surging Iowa State wins fifth game in a row, topping Utah 79-72
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – Iowa State (19-5, 7-5 Big 12) won its fifth straight as it took down Utah (15-8, 6-5 Big 12) on the road by a final of 79-72. Iowa State took the lead for good at the end of the first quarter and had four in double figures led by Audi Crooks with 26.

Iowa’s per capita debt soars by 28% over last decade
DES MOINES – According to a new study analyzing Iowans’ debt, the burden per resident surged by 28.60% between 2013 and 2023, skyrocketing by $10,260 per person.

OBIT: Donald Allan Prestholt
Donald Allan Prestholt, 91, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at the Oakwood Care Center, Clear Lake, Iowa.

OBIT: Mark Jahnel
Mark Jahnel, 71, of Orchard, Iowa, passed away at his home Wednesday, February 4, 2026, due to carbon monoxide poisoning.

College Basketball: Iowa State Cyclones edge Baylor, 72-69
AMES – No. 7 Iowa State (21-2, 8-2 Big 12) remained undefeated at home in a 72-69 victory over Baylor (13-10, 3-8 Big 12) Saturday afternoon in Hilton Coliseum.

Women’s College Basketball: UNI Panthers drop home game to Belmont Bruins, 70-58
CEDAR FALLS – The UNI women’s basketball team found itself in a competitive back-and-forth Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) contest on Saturday afternoon, but struggled to slow down the Belmont Bruins in the final frame in a 70-58 loss inside the McLeod Center.
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