News Headlines for May 15, 2026
Charles City pharmaceutical company expansion to add 104 good-paying jobs
CHARLES CITY — A Charles City pharmaceutical manufacturer is planning a major expansion that is expected to create more than 100 jobs and bring $150 million in new capital investment to the community.
Cambrex Charles City, Inc., a subsidiary of New Jersey-based Cambrex Corporation, plans to construct a new 7,700-square-foot facility in Charles City. The project is intended to increase the company’s production capacity by 40%.
The Iowa Economic Development Authority Board approved $10,132,500 in tax credits for the project through the state’s Business Incentives for Growth program.
Two injured in Mitchell County crash at Highway 218 and 480th Street
MITCHELL COUNTY — Two people were taken to the hospital after a crash Wednesday afternoon at Highway 218 and 480th Street in Mitchell County.
Northwood woman remembered for career helping children as speech pathologist
NORTHWOOD — Lori Jane Pepper, a Northwood woman remembered for her work with children and her love of family, music, animals and women’s basketball, died Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Pillar of Cedar Valley in Waterloo. She was 67.
Gov. Reynolds signs flag bill, dozens of other measures into law
DES MOINES — Gov. Kim Reynolds has signed a bill into law dealing with the display of flags at half-staff on public buildings, along with a long list of other bills covering issues such as human trafficking, public records, child placements, window tint, nonresident deer licenses and social districts for alcoholic beverages.
NIACC announces spring term President’s List and Dean’s List
MASON CITY — North Iowa Area Community College has announced that 1,146 students have been named to the 2026 spring term President’s List and Dean’s List.
The honored students represent 104 Iowa communities, 15 states outside Iowa and 18 countries outside the United States. Students are listed by hometown.
Police say Minnesota drunk driver was cruising around Charles City without headlights on
CHARLES CITY — A Minnesota man was stopped by police in Charles City after they say he was driving without headlights on a recent morning, and he apparently didn’t go quietly when told he was under arrest.
Kansas woman convicted of felony theft in Northern Iowa criminal case
A Kansas woman arrested in March on a criminal warrant has been convicted of felony theft in northern Iowa.
Rockwell farmer and Army veteran Paul Pruin dies at 91
ROCKWELL — Paul E. Pruin, a rural Rockwell farmer, U.S. Army veteran and longtime community member, died Monday, May 11, 2026, at Rockwell Community Nursing Home. He was 91.
Mason City’s Southbridge Theater to reopen May 16 with grand opening celebration and showing of ‘Footloose’
MASON CITY — The newly renovated Southbridge Theater will reopen to the public with a grand opening celebration on Saturday, May 16, 2026, in downtown Mason City.
The theater, located at Southbridge Mall, will host a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11:30 a.m. The celebration will continue with special showings of the 1985 classic “Footloose” at noon, 3 p.m., 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Child on e-bike injured after crash with car in Charles City
CHARLES CITY — A juvenile riding an electric bicycle on a sidewalk suffered minor injuries after crashing into a Honda Civic in Charles City.
Garner man remembered for life on the road and Midwest travels
GARNER — Mark A. Hefter, a Garner man who spent years working as a truck driver and traveling throughout the Midwest, died unexpectedly on Monday, May 11, 2026, at his home at Prairie View Apartments. He was 67.
Charles City woman arrested on felony theft warrant after traffic stop
CHARLES CITY — A Charles City woman was arrested on a felony theft warrant after police conducted a traffic stop earlier this month.
USDA changes SNAP retailer rules to require more staples or “real” foods
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced on May 7, 2026, that retailers authorized to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits will be required to carry a broader variety of staple foods under a new final rule, what the agency calls “real foods”.
Cerro Gordo supervisors set May 26 budget amendment hearing at May 11 meeting
MASON CITY — The Cerro Gordo County Board of Supervisors set a public hearing for a fiscal year 2026 budget amendment during its regular meeting on May 11, 2026.
Rubio says China is top U.S. geopolitical challenge as officials head to Beijing
ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said China remains the United States’ top geopolitical challenge as President Donald Trump and senior U.S. officials headed to Beijing for high-level talks.
In a May 14, 2026, interview with Sean Hannity of Fox News Channel aboard Air Force One, Rubio described China as both America’s biggest geopolitical challenge and one of the most important relationships for Washington to manage. He said the two countries will continue to have conflicting interests, but also said diplomacy is needed to avoid war and maintain global stability.
Wisconsin man nabbed for drunk driving a second time after vehicle found in Northern Iowa ditch
A Wisconsin man arrested earlier this year after deputies received multiple reports of a vehicle in a Fayette County ditch has entered a guilty plea in the case, court records show, and this is not his first brush with drunk driving here.
College Basketball: Iowa’s Ben McCollum signs contract extension
IOWA CITY – After leading the University of Iowa men’s basketball program to its first Elite Eight appearance in 39 years, head coach Ben McCollum has signed a contract extension through 2032, the announcement was made this week by Henry B. and Patricia B. Tippie Director of Athletics Chair Beth Goetz.
Body found in Clear Lake near McIntosh State Park
VENTURA — Authorities are investigating after a body was found Wednesday afternoon in Clear Lake near McIntosh State Park.
Iowa City-area shoppers will pay 1% more sales tax starting July 1
IOWA CITY — Shoppers in Iowa City, Coralville and North Liberty will begin paying a 1% Local Option Sales Tax on taxable purchases starting July 1, 2026. The new tax, commonly called LOST, was approved by voters in November 2025. It will be added to Iowa’s 6% state sales tax, bringing the total sales tax rate in the three communities to 7% on taxable goods and services.
Mason City has used LOST for years to fund projects in the community and was most recently renewed in 2022.
Iowa DNR says a rare white fawn spotted on community college campus napping under a tree
The fawn appears to be either leucistic or albino. Both are genetic pigment conditions that can cause white coloration in deer. White deer are extremely rare in Iowa, representing far less than 1% of the state’s deer population. According to the DNR, they appear roughly once in every 30,000 deer.
The DNR said it is monitoring the situation and wants the public to enjoy the unusual sight from a distance. Officials said people should not approach the fawn or attempt to touch, move or feed it.
Trisha Barnish, Charles City business owner, dies at 62
CHARLES CITY — Trisha Barnish, a Charles City woman remembered for her family devotion and local business ownership, died Sunday, May 10, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City. She was 62.
Early voting opens in Iowa for June 2 primary election
DES MOINES — Early voting opened Wednesday, May 13, for Iowa’s June 2 primary election, giving voters the option to cast ballots before Election Day either in person at their county auditor’s office or by absentee ballot through the mail.
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