- Protected: Iowa felon sent to prison after crashing stolen vehicle into mobile home
- Protected: California man accused of sexual exploitation of Mason City child
- Protected: Charles City man arrested after alleged violent attack
News Headlines for July 19, 2026
Mason City council considers adding top employees to manage downtown mall, arena
MASON CITY — Mason City officials are preparing to add two more full-time employees to help operate the city-managed facilities inside downtown’s Southbridge Mall, including its costly multipurpose arena.
The Mason City City Council will consider hiring a new Southbridge operations manager and creating an arena and ice-maintenance position during its regular meeting Tuesday, July 21, 2026.
Together, the two employees would receive approximately $128,710 in annual base wages. The total cost to taxpayers would be higher after insurance, IPERS retirement contributions, payroll taxes and other employment costs are included.
Mason City school district continues filling staff positions ahead of July 20 meeting
MASON CITY — The Mason City Community School District continues to reshape and fill its workforce for the approaching school year, with another round of hires, transfers and new assignments scheduled for consideration on Monday, July 20, 2026.
The personnel changes follow a lengthy report approved by the Board of Education during its June 15 meeting, when the board hired 10 certified employees and approved numerous support-staff transfers, resignations and extracurricular assignments.
The board’s July 20 personnel report includes one new certified teacher, two special-education paraprofessionals and several employee transfers or reassignments for the 2026-27 school year.
Andrea Rodemeyer is listed for hire as a fourth-grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary at a salary of $52,005. Rodemeyer, a Buena Vista University graduate, would replace Kelly Lien following Lien’s voluntary transfer.
The proposed non-certified hires are:
Three-time deported illegal alien who twice ran from Northern Iowa officers sent to prison
A Guatemalan illegal alien who repeatedly returned to the United States and twice tried to escape Northern Iowa law enforcement officers has been sentenced to federal prison.
Iowa farm income plunges 53% as rising costs, weak grain prices squeeze farmers across North Iowa
MASON CITY — Iowa’s farm economy is under mounting pressure after net farm income plunged 53% in just two years, and the squeeze could continue as high production costs, weak crop prices and trade uncertainty hammer producers across the state — including the heavily agricultural economy surrounding Mason City.
A sweeping new agricultural outlook released in July 2026 by Iowa State University’s Center for Agricultural and Rural Development, the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation and the Iowa Bankers Association paints a troubling picture for Iowa farmers after the highly profitable years that followed the COVID-19 pandemic.
Perhaps the most concerning conclusion of the report is that Iowa’s agricultural downturn may take time to work through.
Iowa economic board doles out $4.66 million; awards tied to 312 new manufacturing jobs
DES MOINES — Iowa economic development officials announced more than $4.66 million in tax credits, loans and grant funding Friday, including $623,500 for two Northern Iowa manufacturers planning to create a combined 102 jobs.
Northern Iowa man accused of shooting victim in face accused of attempted murder
A Northern Iowa suspect accused of shooting another man in the face with a .22-caliber firearm after a dispute inside a home is accused of attempted murder and several other serious felonies.
Man stabbed to death in Waterloo Saturday morning
WATERLOO — A man was stabbed to death early Saturday inside a Waterloo apartment building, launching another homicide investigation in a city that has seen several serious violent incidents this year.
Northern Iowa sheriff warns of ‘ankle monitor scam’ targeting families of jail inmates
GARNER — A Northern Iowa sheriff’s office is warning residents about a new scam in which crooks allegedly pose as people who can help get a loved one out of jail, then demand money through Bitcoin.
The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office says the scheme has been dubbed the “ankle monitor scam.”
Two American warriors killed defending U.S. forces from Iranian attack in Jordan; another missing
WASHINGTON — Two American service members have been killed in action and another remains missing after U.S. forces came under Iranian ballistic missile and drone attack in Jordan, adding another painful chapter to America’s ongoing military confrontation with Iran.
U.S. Central Command announced that the two service members were killed July 17, 2026, as American and partner forces defended against Iranian ballistic missiles and drones.
Northern Iowa pickup slams into farm trailer, driver injured near Sheffield
SHEFFIELD — A Northern Iowa man was injured Friday after his pickup truck slammed into the back of a trailer being pulled by a farm tractor near Sheffield.
Mason City firefighters knock down electrical blaze at Mohawk Square
MASON CITY — Firefighters were called Thursday afternoon to historic Mohawk Square, the long-vacant former Mason City High School and Mason City Junior College building that city officials are preparing to demolish after years of deterioration.
Target recalls 211,000 children’s sandals over potentially deadly choking hazard
WASHINGTON — Parents are being warned to immediately take certain Cat & Jack sandals away from children after Target recalled approximately 211,000 pairs because decorative pearls can fall off and become a dangerous choking hazard.
Police charge Northern Iowa teens in armed robbery attempt and shooting at McDonald’s
What was supposedly a routine property sale in a Northern Iowa McDonald’s parking lot allegedly turned into an armed robbery attempt and gunfire, leaving two teenagers facing major felony charges and police hunting for additional suspects.
Investigators are also examining the actions of additional people believed to have been involved. More arrest warrants and charges could follow as police continue untangling the planned meeting and violent confrontation.
Mason City repeat drunk driver lands in jail after second OWI conviction, racks up more than $5,400 owed
MASON CITY — A Mason City woman caught driving drunk in two separate cases has landed back in jail, while her repeated trips through the criminal justice system have generated more than $5,400 in fines, surcharges, restitution and court costs.
Kamala Harris leads Vance and Rubio in early 2028 presidential poll
WASHINGTON — Former Vice President Kamala Harris, soundly rejected by voters in the 2024 presidential election, nevertheless holds an early advantage over two leading Republicans in hypothetical matchups for the White House in 2028, according to a new national poll.
The Zogby Analytics survey released in July 2026 found Harris leading Vice President JD Vance by five percentage points, 48 percent to 43 percent.
Surf Ballroom to unveil life-size statues of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and Big Bopper at historic celebration
CLEAR LAKE — Three rock-and-roll pioneers whose final performance together unfolded at the Surf Ballroom will be permanently honored outside the legendary Clear Lake venue during a history-making celebration on Friday, August 7, 2026.
The Surf Ballroom will unveil three life-size bronze statues honoring Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson as part of an all-day event featuring legendary entertainer Pat Boone, musicians connected to the three stars, a commemorative album release, a classic-car cruise and an old-fashioned sock hop.
Rudd educator Wanda Gruis dies at 98, leaves lifelong legacy of service to children
Wanda Lee Gruis, 98, of Rudd, died Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the Nora Springs Care Center.
Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Monday, July 20, 2026, at Rock Creek Lutheran Church in rural Osage.
Mason City man charged with vehicular homicide in deadly Fareway parking lot crash
MASON CITY — Nearly six months after a Mason City woman was run down and killed in a downtown grocery store parking lot, police have arrested the driver and charged him with felony vehicular homicide.
The fatal collision happened at approximately 2:38 p.m. in the parking lot of the Fareway grocery store at 400 North Delaware Avenue.
Northern Iowa man faces felony OWI after third drunken-driving arrest
A Northern Iowa man with two prior drunken-driving convictions is now headed toward a possible jury trial after deputies allegedly caught him behind the wheel intoxicated for a third time.
Mason City suspect once accused of dropping rocks on cars jumps from window in vain attempt to flee cops
MASON CITY — An alleged Mason City troublemaker whose run-ins with police stretch back to at least 2014 tried to bolt from officers again Sunday, jumping out a window before police tackled him and hauled him to jail.
In September 2014, NIT reported that a 14-year-old Movick was one of three juveniles charged after large rocks were thrown from an old railroad bridge onto passing vehicles.
Armed Northern Iowa dealer who moved 30 pounds of meth sent to federal prison
FORT DODGE — A Northern Iowa meth dealer who admitted distributing approximately 30 pounds of methamphetamine and keeping a handgun at her home has been sentenced to more than 12 years in federal prison.
Thomas Oliver, 95, of Charles City, honored as Army veteran, longtime White Farm inspector and beekeeper
CHARLES CITY — Thomas William Oliver, 95, of Charles City, passed away Friday, July 10, 2026, at the 11th Street Chautauqua Guest Home in Charles City.
Visitation was held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Thursday, July 16, 2026, at Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home, 1205 South Main Street in Charles City.
SEARCH NIT NEWS…
Discover TopEssayWriting – best essay writing service with expert writers for all academic needs.
Contact TarotAtlas for accurate online tarot readings from trusted, top-rated experts.
Visit StateOfWriting for top-notch online custom writing services in the UK.
JMetro Cleaning, LLC: Licensed & insured cleaning company in Allison, Iowa. Serving a 50-mile radius.
Call: 712-832-0275 or Send Email