Most upgrade guides are lists of things somebody can sell you. Phone mounts, dash cams, LED bulbs, seat covers, a light bar. Each entry gets a sentence explaining that it is popular,…
Author: Matt Marquardt
Worth supervisors hire $60,000 maintenance coordinator, approve $732,895 in claims at August 10 meeting
NORTHWOOD — The Worth County Board of Supervisors approved a new facility maintenance coordinator, appointed a deputy treasurer, entered a five-year auditing agreement and authorized $732,894.88 in county claims during its meeting on Monday, August 10, 2026.
Alert passerby helps occupant escape early-morning Mason City house fire
MASON CITY — A watchful passerby discovered an early-morning house fire in Mason City, alerted the person inside and called 911 before firefighters arrived Monday, August 10, 2026.
Jon Daryl Hanna, 62, passed away; remembered for Special Olympics, service and a joyful spirit
FOREST CITY — Jon Daryl Hanna, 62, passed away August 6, 2026, with his family by his side in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
A memorial service in Forest City will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 10, at Schott Funeral Home, 505 N. Clark St. Inurnment will follow at Madison Township Cemetery in Forest City. An earlier memorial service was held September 19 at Second Presbyterian Church in Albuquerque.
Dr. Richard Neil Lepird, 96, Estherville, remembered as pioneering surgeon and community leader
ESTHERVILLE — Dr. Richard Neil Lepird, 96, of Estherville, died Friday, August 14, 2026, at Avera Holy Family Hospital in Estherville.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, August 20, at Henry-Olson Funeral Chapel, 401 North Seventh Street in Estherville. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. Friday, August 21, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 317 South Main Street in Sherburn, Minnesota. Burial information was not announced.
Swen Joseph “Joe” Rogeness, 62, remembered as decorated Air Force combat veteran and outdoorsman
KLEMME — Swen Joseph “Joe” Rogeness, 62, formerly of Forest City, died Sunday, August 9, 2026, at his home in Klemme.
A celebration of life will begin at 3 p.m. Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Garner VFW Post 5515, 315 Center Avenue in Garner. Swen was cremated in accordance with his wishes. His cremated remains will be laid to rest at a later date at Oakland Cemetery in Forest City, with military honors provided by Forest City American Legion Post 121.
Andrea Lynn Ammerman, 47, of Mason City, remembered for caring heart, faith and love of animals
MASON CITY — Andrea Lynn Ammerman, 47, of Mason City, a compassionate woman remembered for her faith, concern for others and special love of animals, passed away Sunday, August 9, 2026, at Oakwood Care Center while receiving assistance from St. Croix Hospice.
A celebration of Andrea’s life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Rhythm Church, 21 Eighth Street SE in Mason City, with Pastor Loyd Harp officiating.
Four injured, including 5-year-old, after SUV turns into path of truck hauling horse trailer
Four people, including a 5-year-old child, were injured early Friday when an SUV allegedly crossed into the path of a heavy-duty pickup pulling a horse trailer on a remote Iowa highway.
DeLoss Bruce Baker, 96, of Mason City, remembered for faithful service, craftsmanship and devotion to family
MASON CITY — DeLoss Bruce Baker, 96, of Mason City, a United States Navy veteran, skilled craftsman and devoted church servant, passed away peacefully Sunday, August 9, 2026, in Mason City.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Christ’s Church, 710 N. Kentucky Avenue in Mason City, with Pastor Curt Gallmeyer officiating.
Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday at the church.
Jim Beaver, 95 of Spirit Lake, remembered as hardworking family man and legendary local fisherman
SPIRIT LAKE — James Richard “Jim” Beaver, 95, of Spirit Lake, a hardworking Iowa native, devoted family man and avid fisherman who became a familiar sight along the waters of Spirit Lake, died Saturday, August 8, 2026, at his home.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, August 14, at Henry-Olson Funeral Chapel, 401 N. Seventh St. in Estherville.
Iowa man dies in violent crash while allegedly fleeing deputies
A 34-year-old Iowa man was killed Saturday night after authorities say he sped away from deputies, blew through a stop sign and crashed off the roadway.
Why Behind Every Mission Is Careful Planning
Discover why meticulous planning is the foundation of high-stakes missions, seamless execution, and project success.
How to Modernize an Older Car Without Spending a Fortune
Owning an older vehicle has a distinct charm. Whether it is the classic body lines, the lack of a monthly car payment, or the nostalgia associated with a long history on the…
Protecting What Matters Most: How to Make Everyday Life Safer for Your Loved Ones
Watching our loved ones age or adapt to physical changes is a natural part of life. As children grow into adults or parents step into their golden years, keeping them safe becomes…
Shawn Lee Rockwell, 51, of Mason City, remembered for devotion to family and love of sports
MASON CITY – Shawn Lee Rockwell, 51, of Mason City, passed away Saturday, August 8, 2026.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 20, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 North Pennsylvania Avenue in Mason City. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m., one hour before the service. The family invites those attending to dress casually.
Shawn will be laid to rest at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery in Mason City.
How to Choose a Drug Rehab Program: The Questions That Matter
Choosing a rehab program is one of the highest-stakes consumer purchases there is, typically made in haste, by families who want to do it right and hope never to do it again….
Jason Robert Bendixen, 54, of Estherville, remembered as community booster, businessman and motor enthusiast
ESTHERVILLE — Jason Robert Bendixen, 54, of Estherville, a local businessman and dependable community supporter who loved motorcycles, powerful machines and time with his grandchildren, passed away Saturday, August 8, 2026, at his home following a brief battle with lung cancer.
Funeral services were held Thursday, August 13, at Henry-Olson Funeral Chapel in Estherville. Visitation was held Wednesday evening at the funeral home.
Missing Estherville man with dementia found safe after hours-long search
ESTHERVILLE — An elderly Estherville man with dementia who disappeared from his home Saturday morning was found safe several hours later after a large search involving police, firefighters, emergency crews and members of the public.
Gregory Paul Rayhons, 65, of Garner, remembered as devoted farmer, family man and servant of faith
GARNER — Gregory Paul Rayhons, 65, of Garner, a devoted husband, father and grandfather whose faith and love of farming guided his life, passed away Saturday, August 8, 2026, surrounded by his family.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 14, 2026, at St. Boniface Catholic Church, 660 Bush Avenue in Garner.
Burial will follow at St. Boniface Cemetery, with military rites conducted by the Garner Veterans Ceremonial Unit.
Tammy Hanson, 55, of Algona remembered as devoted family woman and longtime caregiver
ALGONA — Tammy Lynn Hanson, 55, of Algona, died Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Kossuth Regional Health Center, leaving behind a family she cherished and a community where she spent more than three decades caring for others.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 14, at Grace Church, 1923 E. McGregor Street in Algona. Visitation was held Thursday evening at Lentz Funeral Home. Tammy will be laid to rest at Riverview Cemetery in Algona. The funeral service will also be livestreamed through Lentz Funeral Home.
Shirley Jean Mack, 90, of Frederika remembered for faith, creativity and adventurous spirit
FREDERIKA — Shirley Jean Mack, 90, of Frederika, died Saturday, August 8, 2026, at New Hampton Nursing & Rehab Center.
Funeral services were scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday, August 13, at St. John Lutheran Church in Frederika, with Rev. Evan Meester officiating. Visitation was set for 10 to 11 a.m. at the church. Shirley will be laid to rest at St. John Lutheran Church Cemetery in rural Fredericksburg.
Northern Iowa stabbing suspect collared after bloody late-night fight
FORT DODGE — A late-night fight outside a Fort Dodge convenience store ended with an 18-year-old man suffering a serious arm wound and a Bayard man behind bars on a felony assault charge.
Hail Damage Roof: What Denver Homeowners Should Know After a Hailstorm
Hail Damage Roof: What Denver Homeowners Should Know After a Hailstorm Colorado weather can change quickly. A sunny afternoon can turn into a severe hailstorm, and within a short time the storm…
Massive Iowa wildlife area offers year-round escape just off Interstate 35
An easily accessible 2,300-acre wildlife area about an hour south of Des Moines offers year-round opportunities for hunting, hiking, birdwatching, fishing, mushroom hunting and exploring restored prairie.
Carol Grace Felkey, 81, of Graettinger, remembered for devotion to family and community
GRAETTINGER, IOWA – Carol Grace Felkey, 81, of Graettinger, died peacefully on Friday, August 7, 2026.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Bethel Lutheran Church, 401 West Patterson Street in Graettinger. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday. Carol will be laid to rest at St. Paul’s of South Walnut Cemetery near Graettinger.
Rose Marie “Rosie” Kruger, 90 of Northwood, remembered for her giving heart, beautiful gardens and devotion to family
NORTHWOOD — Rose Marie “Rosie” Kruger, 90, of Northwood, a devoted mother, longtime church choir member and gifted gardener whose kindness touched generations of family and friends, died Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at the Good Samaritan Society in St. Ansgar.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 8, at First Lutheran Church, 309 N. Ninth St. in Northwood, with Pastor Becky Sogge officiating. Visitation was held for one hour before the service at the church. Rosie was laid to rest at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery in Mason City.
Mark Leonard Tieskotter, 77 of Lime Springs, remembered for hard work, community service and love of family
LIME SPRINGS — Mark Leonard Tieskotter, 77, of Lime Springs, a hardworking family man who spent years farming, working in manufacturing and serving his community, died Friday, August 7, 2026, at WinnMed Hospital in Decorah.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 12, at Notre Dame Parish, 223 Second Ave. E. in Cresco, with the Rev. Jon Seda celebrating the Mass.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, August 11, at Notre Dame Parish, with a Rosary beginning at 4 p.m. Visitation will continue for one hour before the Mass on Wednesday.
Northern Iowa lake and marsh offer fishing, hunting, paddling and glimpse of original prairie
ARMSTRONG — Two neighboring public areas along the Iowa-Minnesota border offer visitors a chance to fish, hunt, camp, paddle and explore a landscape resembling the prairie encountered by Iowa’s earliest settlers.
Lake Iowa and Lake Iowa Marsh are located north of Armstrong along Iowa Highway 15. Although the two public areas are nearly identical in shape and size, they are separate water systems with distinctly different habitats.
Motor home erupts in flames at Kossuth County Fair; dog rescued but cat dies
ALGONA — A motor home erupted in flames along the midway at the Kossuth County Fair on Friday, forcing authorities to evacuate the area as firefighters battled thick smoke and flames.
What Players Should Know Before Choosing An Online Slot Game
What should you check before choosing an online game to play? Start with the rules, theme, features, betting range, and payout details. These points help you choose a game that feels comfortable…
Connie Lee Steinlicht, 73, of Mason City, remembered as devoted mother who treasured time with her son
MASON CITY — Connie Lee Steinlicht, 73, of Mason City, a devoted mother who shared a particularly close bond with her son, passed away Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at Good Shepherd Health Center with her niece Vickey beside her.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, August 17, 2026, at Park Cemetery in Nora Springs, where Connie will be laid to rest.
Northern Iowa truck driver escapes injury after dump truck collides with train in Charles City
CHARLES CITY — A Northern Iowa truck driver escaped injury Thursday afternoon after the construction truck he was driving collided with a moving Canadian Pacific train at a railroad crossing in Charles City.
Gov. Reynolds names Martin Noven to lead Iowa’s $47 billion IPERS retirement system
DES MOINES — Gov. Kim Reynolds has appointed veteran public pension executive Martin Noven as the next chief executive officer of the Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System, placing him in charge of the retirement system relied upon by hundreds of thousands of Iowa public employees and retirees.
Noven’s appointment will take effect August 24, 2026.
Joan Therese Marie Ryan, 94, of Mason City, remembered for fierce devotion to family and faith
MASON CITY — Joan Therese Marie Ryan, 94, of Mason City, a resilient and deeply loving woman remembered for her strong Catholic faith and fierce devotion to those closest to her, passed away peacefully Thursday, August 6, 2026, at Good Shepherd Health Center.
Joan’s funeral will be held Saturday, August 29, 2026, in Chicago. Additional service details were not announced.
She will be laid to rest beside her husband, John, at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois.
Elaine Le Nore Honeck, 102, formerly of Mason City, remembered for remarkable work ethic, faith and devotion to family
MASON CITY — Elaine Le Nore Honeck, 102, a former Mason City resident whose long life was marked by hard work, faith, family and an enduring desire to stay active, died peacefully Thursday, August 6, 2026, at StoneBridge Senior Living in Chillicothe, Missouri.
Funeral services were held Saturday, August 8, at Lindley Funeral Home in Chillicothe.
Elaine’s final resting place will be Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery, 1224 South Washington Avenue in Mason City.
David Hamlin Leonard, 86 of Grundy Center, remembered for a life rooted in family and Iowa
GRUNDY CENTER — David Hamlin Leonard, 86, of Grundy Center, died Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at his home.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, August 10, at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 First Ave. N. in Clear Lake. Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m., immediately before the service at the funeral home.
Coral Frederick Schwarzenstein, 96, of Sumner, remembered as Korean War veteran, businessman and devoted family man
SUMNER — Coral Frederick Schwarzenstein, 96, of Sumner, a Korean War veteran, longtime farm-equipment businessman and talented woodworker, passed away Thursday, August 6, 2026, at Community Memorial Hospital in Sumner.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 13, 2026, at St. John Lutheran Church in Sumner, with the Rev. Tracy Hinkel officiating.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, August 12, at Becker & Son Funeral Home in Sumner and for one hour before Thursday’s service at the church.
Gary Dean Hyland, 82 of Orchard, remembered as Army veteran, classic car craftsman and devoted family man
ORCHARD — Gary Dean Hyland, 82, of rural Orchard, an Army veteran, longtime auto body professional and classic car enthusiast who shared his skills with younger generations, died Thursday, August 6, 2026, at his home surrounded by loved ones.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 15, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 702 State Street in Osage. Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m., immediately before the service at the church.
Gary’s final resting place will be Orchard Cemetery, where inurnment will follow the memorial service.
Donna Jean Spratt, 91 of Greene, remembered for caring heart, remarkable garden and devotion to family
GREENE — Donna Jean Spratt, 91, of Greene, a longtime caregiver, devoted mother and grandmother, avid gardener and active member of her community, died Thursday, August 6, 2026, at Good Shepherd Health Center in Mason City.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 11, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 324 E. Traer St. in Greene. A public visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, August 10, at Woodley Funeral Home, 519 N. First St. in Greene.
Garner manufacturer Plas-Tech Tooling named national finalist, will compete for share of $1 million
GARNER — A North Iowa manufacturing company that began more than three decades ago in a two-car garage is headed to Washington, D.C., with a chance to win hundreds of thousands of dollars in a national small-business competition.
Plas-Tech Tooling, Inc. of Garner has been selected as one of just five finalists in the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Freedom 250 Patriot Pitch Competition.