A West Coast violence spreader with a history of domestic abuse has been packed off to an Iowa prison after admitting to another attack—his third or subsequent domestic-abuse assault offense.
Author: Matt Marquardt
Iowa women’s basketball newcomer Dani Carnegie wins gold with Team USA in 2026 FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup
IOWA CITY — Dani Carnegie has yet to take the court for the Iowa Hawkeyes, but the talented guard is already bringing some international gold to Iowa City.
Carnegie helped the United States capture the women’s championship Saturday at the 2026 FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup in Wuhan, China. Team USA defeated Canada, 15-10, in the gold-medal game to complete an unbeaten run through the tournament.
Northern Iowa predator gets 25 years in prison for sexually exploiting minor
A Northern Iowa predator who admitted sexually exploiting a minor has been handed a 25-year prison sentence, with at least half of that time locked behind bars before he can become eligible for release.
Adam Lawrence Joseph (pictured at top), 39, of Fort Dodge, pleaded guilty in Boone County District Court to sexual exploitation of a minor, a Class B felony.
Mason City firefighters invite families inside for hands-on Fire Prevention Open House
MASON CITY — Local children and families will have an opportunity to meet the people behind the helmets, explore fire safety and enjoy an afternoon inside the Mason City Fire Department during its 2026 Fire Prevention Open House.
The family-friendly event will be held from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, October 11, at the Mason City Fire Department, 350 Fifth Street SW.
UNI Panther volleyball overwhelms Wichita State with aces, blocks in four-set victory
CEDAR FALLS — UNI Panther volleyball unleashed a relentless service attack and a season-best blocking performance Saturday, September 19, knocking off Wichita State in four sets to complete a perfect home-opening weekend.
Northern Iowa defeated the Shockers 25-16, 26-28, 25-22 and 25-14, improving to 6-5 as the Panthers closed the non-conference portion of their schedule.
Lois Zobel, 89, found happiness on the acreage, along trout streams and on the open road
IONIA — Lois Irene Zobel, 89, of Ionia, died Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Hillcrest Homes in Sumner, closing a life filled with family, hard work, country living and countless adventures with her husband of nearly 70 years.
In keeping with Lois’ wishes, she will be cremated and no formal services will be held at this time. Her family plans to gather privately at a later date.
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Text-to-video technology has progressed from producing short experimental clips to supporting advertising, social media, product demonstrations, training content and cinematic previsualization. The best platforms now combine increasingly capable generation models with practical…
Northern Iowa teen hurt in violent rural highway head-on crash
A 17-year-old Northern Iowa driver and an area man were injured late Saturday when a vehicle crossed the center line and smashed head-on into the teenager’s Jeep on a rural stretch of highway.
Iowa Hawkeye football steamrolls UNI Panthers 55-0 in historic rushing eruption
IOWA CITY — Three running backs eclipsed 100 yards as No. 18 Iowa overwhelmed Northern Iowa from the opening kickoff Saturday, rolling to a 55-0 victory at Kinnick Stadium.
The Hawkeyes scored touchdowns on their first five possessions, built a 42-point halftime lead and finished with 640 yards of offense. Iowa rushed for 422 yards — its most during the Kirk Ferentz era — while holding the Panthers to 155 total yards.
Iowa improved to 3-0, while UNI fell to 1-2.
Local woman nabbed on another substance-related arrest as assault accusations pile up
MASON CITY — A feisty local woman’s encounters with the law are piling up this year with numerous accusations involving substances and assaults, culminating in her latest drunk driving arrest in a post-midnight traffic stop.
Joanna Lynn Bailie, 47, was arrested after Mason City police were called at approximately 12:45 a.m. September 14 to 2301 Fourth Street SW for a report of an intoxicated driver.
What followed was Bailie’s third alcohol-related criminal case of 2026…
Iowa State Cyclone football runs wild, crushes Bowling Green 55-7 behind Flora’s historic day
AMES — Iowa State Cyclone football unleashed a torrent of long touchdowns and special-teams fireworks Saturday afternoon, hammering Bowling Green 55-7 at Jack Trice Stadium behind a historic all-around performance from Aiden Flora.
Flora rushed for 194 yards and two touchdowns, returned a punt 66 yards for another score and finished with 296 all-purpose yards as Iowa State improved to 2-1. Bowling Green fell to 0-3.
$1.9 billion federal loan pushes Iowa’s only nuclear plant toward 2029 restart
A federal loan of up to $1.9 billion has pushed Iowa’s only nuclear power plant substantially closer to a planned 2029 restart, with much of its electricity expected to support Google’s rapidly growing cloud and artificial-intelligence operations in the state.
The U.S. Department of Energy and NextEra Energy announced September 8 that they had reached financial close on the loan supporting the restart of the Duane Arnold Energy Center in Linn County.
The 615-megawatt plant could produce enough electricity to match the consumption of nearly 500,000 homes, according to the Energy Department. Duane Arnold stopped producing power in 2020 after operating for more than four decades.
Wrecked Rolls-Royce Medicaid scheme lands Northern Iowa attorney a federal prison sentence
SIOUX CITY — A Northern Iowa attorney who placed a wrecked and inoperable Rolls-Royce at the center of a scheme to help an elderly couple qualify for Medicaid has been handed six months in federal prison and ordered to repay more than $184,000.
Timothy Mark Anderson of Garner was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand after pleading guilty to making a false statement relating to a health care matter.
Iowa Hawkeye volleyball knocks down Texas Tech in four sets, rolls to 9-3
CORALVILLE — Iowa Hawkeye volleyball shook off a second-set setback and took control down the stretch Saturday afternoon, knocking off Texas Tech in four sets at Xtream Arena.
The Hawkeyes earned the September 19 victory by scores of 25-22, 22-25, 25-20 and 25-19, improving to 9-3 overall and 2-0 at the Kwik Star Klassic.
Keith Strohman, 61, remembered as family “Grill Master,” outdoorsman and a man who could fix just about anything
PETERSON — Keith Dwayne Strohman, 61, of Peterson, died unexpectedly Friday, September 18, 2026, leaving behind a family that remembers a hardworking man, devoted grandfather, outdoorsman and natural storyteller who rarely remained a stranger for long.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, September 25, at Geelan Funeral Home, 403 11th St. SE in Spencer. A Celebration of Life will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, September 26, at the funeral home with Andy Geelan serving as celebrant. Interment will follow at Silver Lake Cemetery near Ayrshire.
A father who saw every possibility: Cresco’s John Mikkelson leaves a legacy of love
CRESCO — John Mikkelson believed in giving the people he loved room to become everything they could be. The Cresco father, grandfather and conservationist passed away September 19, 2026, at the Rehabilitation Center of Allison, surrounded by his family. He was 79.
Family and friends will celebrate John’s life Saturday, October 3, at Heritage Event Center, 231 Third Avenue West in Cresco. Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m., followed by a memorial service from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Brunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with time to gather and visit until 1 p.m. A private family burial will follow at 1:30 p.m. at New Oregon Cemetery, where John will be laid to rest beside his wife, Sandy.
Karen Stoppelmoor, 87, remembered for a generous heart and a welcoming home in Ackley
ACKLEY — Karen Stoppelmoor, 87, of Ackley, passed away Friday, September 18, 2026, at UnityPoint Health–St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, leaving a legacy of kindness, community service and a home where others could find comfort.
A private family viewing will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, September 24, at Woodley Funeral Home, 516 S. Oak Street in Iowa Falls. A family graveside service and burial will take place at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, north of Ackley. Woodley Funeral Home of Iowa Falls is caring for Karen and her family.
Jerry Allen Ptacek, 78, remembered as devoted family man, farmer and trucker
FREDERICKSBURG — Jerry Allen Ptacek, 78, of Fredericksburg, died Friday, September 18, 2026, at MercyOne New Hampton Medical Center.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, September 22, at Holy Family Parish in New Hampton, with the Rev. Ivan Nienhaus celebrating the Mass. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in New Hampton.
Zola Borchardt, 90, remembered for her famous pies, family and love of a good bargain
MASON CITY — Zola Valene Borchardt, 90, of Mason City and formerly of Plymouth, died Friday, September 18, 2026, at Good Shepherd in Mason City, leaving behind a life filled with family, farm memories, road trips, card games and pies that could draw a crowd.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 30, at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Rock Township, 1202 390th Street near Osage. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 29, at Champion Chapel, 702 State Street in Osage. Burial will follow the funeral service at St. John’s Lutheran Church Cemetery in Carpenter.
Iowa man, 22, killed when Jeep collides with semi at rural intersection
A 22-year-old Iowa man died Friday afternoon when his Jeep collided with a semi at a rural intersection, according to the Iowa State Patrol.
Northern Iowa community lands $675,000 state grant for new swimming pool
DES MOINES — A new swimming pool planned for the small town of Jewell will receive $675,000 in state assistance, giving the Hamilton County community a substantial boost toward a $2.59 million recreation project.
The Iowa Economic Development Authority Board approved the Community Attraction and Tourism grant September 18 as part of a statewide package supporting manufacturing expansions, startup businesses and public recreation facilities.
No. 2 Iowa Hawkeye field hockey stunned by Indiana, unbeaten start ends
IOWA CITY — No. 2 Iowa Hawkeye field hockey saw its unbeaten start come to an abrupt halt Friday night as Indiana built a three-goal lead and handed the Hawkeyes a 3-1 loss in their Big Ten opener at Grant Field.
Iowa Hawkeye soccer keeps Illinois quiet but can’t break through in scoreless draw
IOWA CITY — Iowa Hawkeye soccer kept another opponent off the scoreboard Friday night, but eight shots on goal weren’t enough to deliver its first Big Ten victory as Illinois held the Hawkeyes to a scoreless draw.
Iowa controlled 55 percent of possession and outshot the Fighting Illini 13-8 in the September 18 matchup at the Iowa Soccer Complex. Illinois goalkeeper Izzy Lee answered every Hawkeye shot on target, finishing with eight saves.
UNI Panther volleyball jolts Shockers with home-opening sweep, stretches home streak to 13
CEDAR FALLS — UNI Panther volleyball gave its home crowd plenty to cheer about Friday night, powering past Wichita State in straight sets and extending its winning streak at the McLeod Center to 13 matches.
Lily Dykstra hammered a match-high 17 kills and Cassidy Hartman added 15 as Northern Iowa won its September 18 home opener 25-23, 25-18 and 25-15.
Trump announces Greenland agreement aimed at strengthening America’s Arctic defenses
WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump announced September 18 that the United States has reached an agreement with Denmark and Greenland aimed at securing long-term military access to the Arctic island and preventing American adversaries from establishing a strategic foothold there.
Denmark and Greenland have confirmed an agreement, while emphasizing that it preserves their sovereignty. Signing and parliamentary approval procedures remain ahead.
For Americans, the potential benefit is a stronger northern defense position: lasting access for U.S. forces, opportunities to expand military operations and restrictions intended to keep rival powers from gaining strategically sensitive positions near North America.
Iowa awards $405,000 to protect six public lakes from runoff
DES MOINES — Iowa will spend more than $405,000 to help farmers and landowners keep soil and nutrients from washing into six public lakes, with conservation work planned on private land upstream of the popular recreational waters.
Wayne “Mac” McFarland, 81, of Mason City, remembered as a devoted grandfather and Air Force veteran
MASON CITY — Wayne F. “Mac” McFarland, 81, of Mason City, died September 18, 2026, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center.
Cremation followed his wishes. His family will gather privately for a service at a later date.
Jane Ann Moore, 74, remembered for a life that included caring for others
ESTHERVILLE — Jane Ann Moore, 74, a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Estherville whose working life included caring for others as a nurse’s aide, died September 18, 2026.
Jerry Sandry, 72, remembered for Borderline Pizza, big ideas, classic cars and a life of entrepreneurship
FOREST CITY — Jerry Richard Sandry, 72, died September 17, 2026, at his home in Forest City.
A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held during the summer of 2027, with additional arrangements to be announced by his family.
Iowa mother charged with murder after newborn found dead in daycare trash bag
An Iowa mother faces a first-degree murder charge after police found her newborn dead inside a trash bag at a child care center.
Stephanie Ubaldo, 20, was arrested by authorities without incident Thursday, September 17, and taken to jail…
Robert “Rob” McMurchy, 86, remembered as devoted family man and lifelong Floyd farmer
FLOYD — Robert “Rob” McMurchy, 86, died September 16, 2026, leaving a legacy rooted in family, farming and the satisfaction of a hard day’s work.
Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. Monday, September 21, at Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home in Charles City, followed by an 11 a.m. funeral service. Private family burial will take place at Howardville Cemetery north of Floyd.
Iowa Hawkeye volleyball wins five-set battle as Steponaitis delivers career-high 14 kills
CORALVILLE — Iowa Hawkeye volleyball dug deep Friday afternoon, shaking off a fourth-set stumble and taking command of the deciding frame to beat West Florida behind a career-high 14 kills from Hallie Steponaitis.
The Hawkeyes won their first five-set match of the season, 20-25, 25-16, 25-19, 18-25, 15-10, on September 18 at the Kwik Star Klassic, improving to 8-3.
David “Dave” Allen Keith, 68, of St. Ansgar, remembered as devoted husband, retired lawman and outdoorsman
ST. ANSGAR — David “Dave” Allen Keith, 68, of St. Ansgar, died September 17, 2026. He is remembered for his years in law enforcement, his love of the outdoors and the life he shared with his wife, Gina, and their large blended family.
A celebration of life will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Friday, September 25, at Hoff Celebrations – Schroeder Chapel, 207 South School Street in St. Ansgar.
Mason City meth trafficker with loaded pistol handed nearly 27 years in federal prison
A Mason City felon whose record already included terrorism, robbery and meth dealing is headed to federal prison for nearly 27 years after getting caught hauling methamphetamine with a fully loaded pistol during an interstate drug-running operation.
Willie York, 47, was sentenced September 18, 2026, in federal court in Sioux City to 322 months behind bars — 26 years and 10 months — for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
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Iowa is a wonderful place to operate a small business. With so many small towns that still value the classic mom and pop store, or larger areas that value the creativity of…
Sharon Mulford-Henson, 80, of Iowa Falls remembered for faith, courage and service
IOWA FALLS — Sharon Mulford-Henson, 80, of Iowa Falls, died Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at the Village of Ackley after living courageously with ALS.
Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 10, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 313 Lee Lane in Iowa Falls.
A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. at the church. Sharon will be laid to rest at Union Cemetery in Iowa Falls following the service.
Iowa State Cyclone soccer pushes No. 15 Colorado to the brink, falls 1-0 in Big 12 opener
AMES — Iowa State Cyclone soccer nearly pulled off a ranked upset Thursday night, battling No. 15 Colorado tooth-and-nail before a late first-half penalty kick proved to be the difference in a 1-0 Big 12 Conference opener.
Iowa State dropped to 4-3-2 overall and 0-1 in Big 12 play, while Colorado improved to 7-1-1 and 1-0 in the conference.
Convicted drunk driver and child endangerer ducks the law for months, then busted in Northern Iowa traffic stop
MASON CITY — A convicted local drunk driver and child endangerer who spent the summer wanted on a statewide warrant ran out of luck this week as she tooled around behind the wheel with no license, illegal tint, fake registration, and an apparent huge sense of entitlement, and is now in a cold, cold Mason City jail cell after a neighboring deputy put a stop to the games.
Precious Nicole Wimberly (pictured at top), 34, was booked into the Cerro Gordo County Jail at 5:36 a.m. on September 15. Court records say she was arrested in Bremer County and served with a Cerro Gordo County bench warrant that had been hanging over her since May 12.
Former child actor and MTV star’s 104-mph run through Cerro Gordo County ends in federal prison
A former child actor and MTV personality who tore through Cerro Gordo County at 104 mph with marijuana and a loaded stolen handgun in his vehicle has been sentenced to more than two years in federal prison.
Bobb’e J. Thompson, 30, of Kansas City, Missouri, was sentenced Wednesday, September 16, to 30 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a felon.
Thompson (pictured at top) built a television and movie career that began when he was a child. His credits include MTV’s “Wild ’N Out,” “30 Rock,” “That’s So Raven” and “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne.”
Mildred “Millie” Schroeder, 89, of Sheffield, remembered for helping veterans, seniors and her community
SHEFFIELD — Mildred Jean “Millie” Schroeder, 89, of Sheffield, passed away Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center.
A celebration of Millie’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 19, at Sheffield United Methodist Church, 510 Thompson Street. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery in Sheffield.