NORTHWOOD — Worth County supervisors took another major step toward financing a new county administration building Monday, October 12, 2026, unanimously approving a resolution that advances plans to issue up to $6 million in general obligation bonds while also approving more than $1.3 million in county and drainage claims.
Author: Matt Marquardt
How Mason City’s stormwater fee bills businesses for roofs and pavement, and what earns a credit
By Joel R. A big-box store and a corner coffee shop used to pay Mason City the same flat amount to handle the rain running off their roofs and parking lots: about…
More Room, Less Rush: How to Plan a Family Cabin Stay That Actually Feels Relaxing
Family vacations are supposed to create time together, but they can become surprisingly stressful when too many people are sharing too little space. That matters in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, which welcomes more…
Shingle Repair or Shingle Replacement? How Canton Homeowners Can Tell, Starting With Curling Shingles
If curling is limited to a few flexible shingles, repairs may make sense. Widespread curling, cracking, or an aging roof can indicate that replacement is the better option.
What’s the Most Comfortable Tummy Control Shapewear That Doesn’t Roll Down?
Shapewear can look great when you first put it on. Then you sit down. Suddenly, the waistband starts moving. A few hours later, you’re pulling it back into place. That is not…
World of Warcraft: Forever’s New Skyborne Race: Is the $30 Price Tag Worth It?
World of Warcraft: Forever introduces a new, playable race in Azeroth. Blizzard refers to them as the Skyborne, a flying race whose home is a floating land on top of the clouds….
Buying a Used Car From a Private Seller in Iowa: What Every Buyer Should Know
Buying a used car from a private seller can be a practical way to find a vehicle that fits your needs and budget. In Iowa, private sales give buyers the opportunity to…
Why Industrial Pipe Desks Became the Workhorse of the Modern Office
I sold my first mass-market particleboard desk on Facebook for forty bucks, and I do not miss it. It wobbled every time I bumped the keyboard, the veneer peeled by year two,…
Why Paper Files Still Slow Down a Small Business Audit
Eleven days. That is how long a friend of mine spent hunting down one signed vendor contract last spring, because her accountant needed it and nobody knew which closet it lived in….
The Hidden Cost of Cheap Garage Doors in Small Towns
The cheapest quote in town is rarely the cheapest door. I watched a neighbor in a town of about 3,000 people save $600 on a bargain install, then pay $1,100 over the…
Northern Iowa rollover sends two to hospital after driver swerves for deer
MASON CITY — A deer in the roadway sent a car into a ditch and rolling Sunday night, leaving two Mason City residents needing hospital treatment.
Simple Backyard Ideas for a More Relaxing Outdoor Space
Create a calmer backyard with simple ideas for seating, lighting, plants, fire features, and easy outdoor comfort.
Northern Iowa man convicted of possessing child pornography
A Northern Iowa man is now convicted of possessing child pornography after investigators found more than 10,000 images and 1,000 videos of child sexual abuse material on electronic devices seized from his home, federal prosecutors said.
Local suspect with bad driving history nabbed by Mason City police on second-offense OWI charge
MASON CITY — Mason City police took a potentially dangerous driver with a dubious record off local roads Saturday night, nabbing a suspect with fresh accusations of drunk driving, reckless driving and speeding at least 21 mph over the limit.
The latest traffic stop involving Cesar Ivan Trasvina, 27, was at 9:31 p.m. October 10, 2026, near 18 Seventh Street SE in Mason City. By 10:15 p.m., Trasvina was booked into the Cerro Gordo County Jail, according to the sheriff’s jail report. Police listed a swath of charges, including second-offense operating while intoxicated, reckless driving, excessive speed, interference with official acts, failure to provide proof of financial liability, driving with a denied, suspended, canceled or revoked license, and improper use of auxiliary driving lights.
Four injured in three-vehicle collision involving semi at Iowa highway intersection, one airlifted
CLAYTON COUNTY — A 77-year-old driver, a 72-year-old woman and two Waverly residents were injured Saturday morning, October 10, 2026, when a Subaru, a pickup truck and a semitrailer collided at a northeast Iowa highway intersection, leaving wrecked vehicles blocking the roadway and sending one victim to a hospital by helicopter.
Fred Henry Elling, 85, leaves a lasting legacy on the Latimer family farm and in the community he loved
LATIMER — Fred Henry Elling, 85, of Latimer, Iowa, died Saturday, October 10, 2026, at his home, leaving behind a legacy of farming, family, faith and service to the Franklin County community where he spent nearly his entire life.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 14, at Immanuel United Church of Christ, 204 East Street in Latimer. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church and continue until the service. Burial will follow at Hampton Cemetery in Hampton.
Convicted sex offender with violent past nabbed again in Mason City
MASON CITY — A convicted sex offender with a history of felony domestic abuse convictions, prison sentences and trouble obeying Iowa’s sex offender registration laws has landed back behind bars in Mason City, adding another chapter to a criminal record stretching back more than a decade.
Gregory Lloyd Lobato, 37, has already received prison sentences for felony domestic abuse convictions and a previous sex offender registration violation. Court records document criminal proceedings in multiple Iowa counties.
Now, just weeks after registering a Mason City address, Lobato is accused of breaking the law again.
Iowa women’s soccer falls to No. 13 Washington in heartbreaking 2-1 Big Ten road battle
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON — Iowa women’s soccer battled No. 13 Washington on Thursday night, October 8, 2026, but a second-half goal gave the Huskies a 2-1 Big Ten victory at Husky Soccer Stadium.
The Hawkeyes rallied from an early deficit when Sara Batchadji converted a free kick in the first half. Washington’s Avery Nguyen scored the decisive goal in the 68th minute. Iowa fell to 6-4-4 overall and 1-3-3 in conference play, while Washington improved to 10-1-2 and 5-1-1 in the Big Ten.
Iowa baseball slugs past Kansas 15-10 in 16-inning Field of Dreams showdown
DYERSVILLE — The Iowa Hawkeyes brought plenty of offensive fireworks to the Field of Dreams on Saturday, October 10, 2026, overcoming an early deficit to beat Kansas 15-10 in a scheduled 16-inning fall baseball exhibition.
Myles Davis led Iowa with a grand slam, a triple and six RBIs as the Hawkeyes closed their fall exhibition schedule with 10 hits, 14 walks and three home runs.
UNI volleyball survives Southern Illinois scare, extends conference winning streak to 66
CARBONDALE, ILLINOIS — Northern Iowa volleyball dropped its first set in Missouri Valley Conference play this season but recovered to defeat Southern Illinois 3-1 on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Davies Gym.
The Panthers won 25-17, 23-25, 25-13 and 25-15 to improve to 6-0 in MVC play. UNI finished with a .305 hitting percentage, 61 kills, nine blocks and five service aces, according to the university’s preliminary statistics.
UNI football shocks No. 4 North Dakota 24-17 in Homecoming thriller
CEDAR FALLS — The Northern Iowa Panthers pulled off another stunning college football upset Saturday, October 10, 2026, using a blocked-punt touchdown, a relentless defense and a barrage of North Dakota turnovers to topple the fourth-ranked Fighting Hawks, 24-17, before a Homecoming crowd inside the UNI-Dome.
No. 6 Iowa field hockey suffers heartbreaking 2-1 loss to unbeaten No. 1 Northwestern
EVANSTON, ILLINOIS — Sixth-ranked Iowa field hockey went toe-to-toe with the nation’s No. 1 team Friday afternoon, October 9, 2026, but unbeaten Northwestern delivered the decisive blow in the third quarter and held on for a 2-1 Big Ten victory at Lakeside Field.
The defeat dropped Iowa to 11-2 overall and 3-2 in Big Ten play. Northwestern improved to 13-0 overall and 4-0 in conference competition.
Two elderly Forest City residents seriously injured in motorcycle crash, one airlifted to hospital
Two elderly Forest City residents were seriously injured Saturday morning, October 10, 2026, when their motorcycle went out of control on a northeast Iowa highway, crossed the centerline and entered a ditch, prompting a response that included an air ambulance.
According to the Iowa State Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 9:59 a.m. on Highway 51 near Lange Drive in Allamakee County.
Northern Iowa man collared after wild 125-mph chase through three counties, accused of ramming patrol car and assaulting officer
A 59-year-old Northern Iowa man faces felony and misdemeanor charges after authorities say he led officers on a three-county chase at speeds reaching 125 mph, rammed a patrol vehicle and allegedly assaulted a peace officer with a deadly weapon.
Northern Iowa hog operation’s manure plan raises concerns near Meservey as county flags erosion, waterways and sharp drop in waste
MASON CITY — A Northern Iowa hog operation’s plans for spreading manure on farmland near Meservey are drawing scrutiny from Cerro Gordo County environmental health officials, who have identified concerns involving nearby waterways, soil erosion classifications and a substantial change in the amount of manure reported by the operation.
The concerns involve Madison Industries LLC, a hog confinement operation located at 2145 Finch Avenue near Hampton in Franklin County, approximately three miles south of the Cerro Gordo County line.
A report prepared by Cerro Gordo County Public Health is scheduled to go before the Cerro Gordo County Board of Supervisors on Monday, October 12, 2026, as part of the county’s review of an updated manure management plan.
Semi crashes into car stopped behind northern Iowa school bus carrying 19 children
A 71-year-old northern Iowa woman was injured Friday afternoon when a semi-truck slammed into her vehicle as she waited behind a school bus carrying 19 children on Highway 52.
Joe Jennings Sr., 82, spent a lifetime answering the call, building a Spirit Lake business and protecting Iowa motorists
SPIRIT LAKE — Joe Dean Jennings Sr., 82, of Spirit Lake, Iowa, died Friday, October 9, 2026, after suffering a heart attack while answering a towing call alongside his sons. It was a fitting, though heartbreaking, final chapter for a man who had spent more than five decades building a family business, helping stranded motorists and serving the Iowa Great Lakes community he loved.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 17, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1005 Hill Avenue in Spirit Lake. Visitation will take place Friday, October 16, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Turner Jenness Funeral Home, 1302 Hill Avenue in Spirit Lake.
Millions in federal funding flow to Iowa businesses as Northern Iowa manufacturers, hospitals cash in on USDA program
DES MOINES — The federal government is pumping nearly $13 million into Iowa businesses, manufacturers, hospitals and community projects, including several major investments in Northern Iowa, as part of a new round of economic development assistance announced Friday, October 9, 2026.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the funding through its Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program, with projects ranging from factory expansions and medical equipment purchases to new healthcare facilities and agricultural infrastructure.
Iowa Hawkeyes hammer Washington 41-24 as Moulton runs wild and Hecklinski throws three touchdowns
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON — The Iowa Hawkeyes unleashed a punishing rushing attack, an explosive passing game and a relentless defense Friday night, October 9, 2026, overwhelming Washington 41-24 at Husky Stadium. Kamari Moulton rushed for a career-high 208 yards and two touchdowns, while quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski threw three touchdown passes in his first career start as Iowa improved to 5-1 overall and 2-1 in Big Ten play. Iowa stormed to a 27-0 lead, piled up 465 yards of offense and held Washington to minus-3 rushing yards while recording six sacks.
Iowa State football battered by No. 8 BYU as Cyclones fall 24-10 in Provo
PROVO, UTAH — Iowa State’s offense sputtered, its defense spent much of the night under siege, and No. 8 BYU delivered the big plays Friday night, October 9, 2026, handing the Cyclones a 24-10 defeat before 64,632 fans at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
The Cougars remained unbeaten at 5-0 overall and 3-0 in Big 12 Conference play, while Iowa State fell to 3-3 overall and 1-2 in the league. BYU rolled up 506 yards of total offense compared to just 200 for Iowa State. The Cyclones managed only 49 yards in the first half, their lowest first-half total since at least 2012.
Northern Iowa man jailed for animal abuse, faces bill north of $3,000
KOSSUTH COUNTY — A 28-year-old northern Iowa man convicted of animal abuse is serving a sentence at the Cerro Gordo County Jail in Mason City, with more than $3,100 in court costs, fines and surcharges assessed in the case.
Trump tells Minnesota to ‘fight back’ against Somali immigrants after Mall of America plot foiled
MINNEAPOLIS — President Donald Trump issued a blistering statement Thursday, October 8, 2026, accusing Somali immigrants of fueling disorder in Minnesota and demanding action from state and city leaders, one day after federal authorities announced they had foiled an alleged ISIS-inspired mass shooting at the Mall of America.
Roger Darrell Schmudlach, 90, leaves a legacy of hard work, three holes-in-one and a lifetime of service to Fredericksburg
FREDERICKSBURG — Roger Darrell Schmudlach, 90, of Fredericksburg, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, October 6, 2026, following a short illness, leaving behind a remarkable life marked by hard work, devotion to his three sons, community service and a love of golf that produced an extraordinary three holes-in-one.
Visitation was held Thursday, October 8, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in Fredericksburg. A celebration of life was held Friday, October 9, at 1:00 p.m. at Peace United Church of Christ in Fredericksburg, with burial scheduled for 3:00 p.m. at Rose Hill Cemetery.
Panthers sweep Drake, remain unbeaten in MVC play
CEDAR FALLS — Northern Iowa overcame late pressure from Drake to earn a 3-0 Missouri Valley Conference volleyball victory Thursday night at the McLeod Center.
FBI foils alleged ISIS mass shooting plot at Mall of America targeting up to 60 people
An 18-year-old Minnesota man is accused of plotting an ISIS-inspired mass shooting at Mall of America on October 24. FBI agents arrested him before any attack.
Northern Iowa drought retreats as Iowa ends third straight water year with rainfall surplus
Northern Iowa drought conditions improve sharply after Iowa’s fourth-wettest September, as the state ends its third straight water year with a precipitation surplus. A remarkably wet September has wiped out nearly all of Iowa’s remaining drought conditions, delivering a dramatic turnaround for Northern Iowa and helping the state close its third consecutive water year with more precipitation than normal.
Mason City child predator gets 22 years in federal prison after gun shop burglary exposes exploitation crimes
CEDAR RAPIDS — A Mason City man whose involvement in a local gun shop burglary led federal investigators to uncover the sexual exploitation of children has been sentenced to 22 years in federal prison.
Parker Jon Thompson, 20, of Mason City, received the sentence on October 2, 2026, after pleading guilty April 2 to sexual exploitation of children, possession of child pornography, and possession of a stolen firearm.
Why More New Parents Are Wearing Their Babies Instead of Pushing Them
Babywearing means carrying your baby against your body in a fabric carrier instead of pushing a stroller. The appeal is simple: your hands stay free while your baby stays close. For parents…
Donald “Don” Havlik, 62, of Elma remembered for family devotion, a career as an electrician and love of golf
ELMA — Donald James “Don” Havlik, 62, of Elma, died Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids. He is remembered for his devotion to family, years of work as an electrician and love of golf and the Iowa Hawkeyes.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 203 Seventh Street in Elma, with the Rev. Donald Hertges celebrating the Mass. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Cemetery, 17775 Lourdes Road in Elma, where the funeral home lists the cemetery service at 11:45 a.m.
Friends may greet the family from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, October 16, 2026, at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory, 508 Maple Street in Elma. A parish scripture service will follow at 6 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour before Saturday’s Mass at the church.
Val Ensley, 67, of Forest City leaves memories of creativity, friendship and a generous heart
FOREST CITY — Valorie Jean “Val” Ensley, 67, of Forest City, formerly of Storm Lake and Sioux Rapids, died Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at Good Samaritan Society in Forest City, surrounded by family and friends. She leaves behind memories of colorful handmade gifts, close friendships and a caring nature that earned her the nickname “Mother Hen.”
A celebration of Val’s life will be announced at a later date.