MASON CITY — The Cerro Gordo County Board of Supervisors approved a $1.73 million bid for a new secondary roads building in Rockwell during its Monday, July 20, 2026, meeting.
Author: Matt Marquardt
Four injured, child airlifted after vehicle rolls in Northern Iowa interstate work zone
WORTH COUNTY – Four people were injured Thursday afternoon when their vehicle collided with a pickup truck and rolled several times in a construction zone on Interstate 35 in Northern Iowa.
New Hampton Army veteran and longtime truck driver Tom Tierney dies at 84; family man treasured porch conversations
NEW HAMPTON — Thomas Gerald “Tom” Tierney, 84, of New Hampton, died Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Hospital, Methodist Campus in Rochester, Minnesota.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, July 27, 2026, at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory, 101 West Main Street in New Hampton. A rosary will be held at the funeral home at 4:00 p.m.
PH Bingo Online: The Classic Filipino Favorite Finding New Life on GZone
Long before smartphones and digital platforms became part of everyday life, bingo already held a special place in Filipino communities. It was there during town fiestas, fundraising events, barangay celebrations, and family…
Terril farmer, craftsman and community servant David Dingel dies at 84
TERRIL — David Dean Dingel, a longtime farmer, skilled woodworker, military veteran and active member of the Terril community, died Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at age 84.
Visitation was held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 24, 2026, at Turner Jenness Funeral Home, 1101 10th Street in Milford.
A memorial service was held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the United Methodist Church, 302 South State Street in Terril.
Nora Springs mourns Bruce Shipman, 64, devoted family man and caretaker of family farm
NORA SPRINGS — Bruce Alan Shipman, a hardworking family man who treasured his rural roots, longtime friendships, music and loyal canine companions, passed away Wednesday, July 22, 2026, following a lengthy battle with Wegener’s vasculitis. He was 64.
A memorial service will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Rudd United Methodist Church, 611 Sixth Street in Rudd. Pastor Lumiere Kapend will officiate.
Probation abruptly ceases for Northern Iowa woman jailed for dependent-adult abuse and drunk driving
MASON CITY — A Northern Iowa woman who received deferred judgments for dependent-adult abuse and drunk driving is now serving time in the Cerro Gordo County Jail after violating probation and losing both of those favorable court dispositions.
Treasury puts brakes millions in federal payments tied to dead people
WASHINGTON — For taxpayers watching prices, property taxes and household bills climb while the federal government continues borrowing heavily, the latest news from Washington may provoke two reactions: relief that somebody is finally checking—and disbelief that the safeguard was not already firmly in place.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced Tuesday, July 21, 2026, that a new government-wide verification system has flagged more than 4,900 proposed federal payments worth millions because the listed recipients were deceased.
Looking for a Reliable Hemp Flower Wholesale Supplier? Here’s a Step-by-Step Guide
Finding a reliable hemp flower wholesale supplier is one of the most important steps if you are seeking to venture into the CBD industry. Whether you want to set up a retail…
Charles City’s Mary Downing dies at 77; devoted homemaker cherished faith, family and tradition
CHARLES CITY, IOWA — Mary Downing, 77, of Charles City, died peacefully Thursday, July 16, 2026, at Floyd County Medical Center while surrounded by her loving family.
A visitation was held Thursday, July 23, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Charles City. A Mass of Christian Burial followed at the church, with the Rev. Ray Atwood officiating. Inurnment took place at Sunnyside Memory Gardens in rural Charles City.
Fame Attracts Two Very Different Kinds of Lawsuits, and Most People Only Track One
A viral car collector loses $3.4 million to a scam that never delivers a single vehicle. A country music icon spends two years fighting over whether the woman suing him can keep…
Mistakes to Avoid When Getting into Betting
Getting into betting can be an enjoyable way to add excitement to sporting events, but it is important to approach it with realistic expectations and a sensible strategy. Many beginners focus on…
Strategic Workforce Planning Software vs. Spreadsheets: Which Is Better?
Most organisations start their workforce planning process in a spreadsheet, and there is nothing wrong with that as a first step. A spreadsheet is free, familiar, and flexible enough to hold whatever…
Mason City woman Diane Bartusek, longtime Community Motors employee known for her strength, love of animals and cars, dies at 54
MASON CITY — Diane Mae Bartusek, a lifelong Mason City woman whose life was marked by a long career in the local automotive industry, a deep love for her family and animals, and remarkable strength during a years-long battle with cancer, died Monday, July 20, 2026. She was 54.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 24, 2026, at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. NE in Mason City.
How Online Slot Gaming Is Becoming More Break-Friendly
How has online slot gaming started to fit more easily into a busy day? The answer is not just shorter play sessions, but better timing, clearer controls, and features that let people…
Intensive Outpatient Programs for Addiction in Huntington Beach: Recovery by the Coast
Stepping out of the front door of a treatment center in Huntington Beach, you feel the salt breeze off the Pacific Ocean right away. For people fighting substance use disorders, early sobriety…
Sumner mourns Lois Borcherding, 92, devoted volunteer, church musician and Hawkeye fan
SUMNER — Lois J. Borcherding, 92, a lifelong Sumner resident whose life was marked by faith, community service, music and devotion to her family, died Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Cobblestone Court Assisted Living in Sumner.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 28, at Cobblestone Court Assisted Living, 3187 140th Street in Sumner, with Hugh McIntosh officiating. Visitation will be held at Cobblestone from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday.
Former Charles City mayor Jeffrey Sisson dies at 70; civic leader devoted his life to community
CHARLES CITY, IOWA — Jeffrey Paul Sisson, 70, of Charles City, died peacefully Tuesday, July 21, 2026, leaving behind decades of leadership, mentorship and service to the community he loved.
Visitation was held Thursday evening, July 23, at the Riverside Cemetery Chapel in Charles City. An outdoor memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, July 24, at Victory Park near the suspension bridge. Riverside Cemetery in Charles City is listed as the cemetery.
Cresco’s Charlie Miller dies at 94; Army veteran and lifelong farmer leaves legacy of laughter and hard work
CRESCO, IOWA — Charles Harrison “Charlie” Miller, 94, of Cresco, died peacefully Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at the Evans Home in Cresco.
Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, July 25, at Peace Lutheran Church, 745 County Street in Ridgeway. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. at the church. Burial will take place at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Cresco. Family and friends may also gather Saturday afternoon at the Ridgeway Community Center for a celebration of Charlie’s life.
Clear Lake mourns the loss of Matt Platell, 58, whose kindness and adventurous spirit touched countless lives
CLEAR LAKE — Matthew Charles “Matt” Platell, 58, of Clear Lake, passed away July 21, 2026, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of kindness, compassion, humor and unwavering belief in the value of every person he encountered.
A celebration of Matt’s life will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, August 10, 2026, at One Vision, 600 Glen Oaks Drive in Clear Lake.
Iowa DNR pieces together 17-mile wildlife corridor from Chariton to Lake Rathbun
LUCAS COUNTY — A rugged new addition to Iowa’s public wildlife lands has completed a remarkable 17-mile stretch of protected ground extending from Chariton to Lake Rathbun.
The newly acquired 356-acre Rathbun Wildlife Area sits in southeastern Lucas County and offers the kind of remote setting sought by hunters, hikers, birders and others hoping to get well off the beaten path.
Winnebago County supervisors approve nearly $400,000 motor grader purchase at July 14 meeting
FOREST CITY — The Winnebago County Board of Supervisors approved the purchase of a new motor grader, adopted fiscal year 2026 drainage levies and discussed concerns over reduced state funding for emergency medical services during its Tuesday, July 14, 2026, meeting.
Garner manufacturer named one of 10 national semifinalists in SBA’s $1 million Patriot Pitch competition
GARNER — A North Iowa manufacturing company that began more than three decades ago in a two-car garage is now among just 10 businesses nationwide advancing in a major U.S. Small Business Administration competition celebrating American entrepreneurship and manufacturing.
Northern Iowa drug dealer admits meth, cocaine conspiracy after fleeing state to dodge prosecution
A Fort Dodge man has admitted his role in a methamphetamine and cocaine trafficking conspiracy after federal prosecutors say he repeatedly sold drugs to people working with law enforcement, then fled Iowa in an attempt to avoid prosecution. Federal authorities say he fled Iowa in an effort to avoid prosecution after being indicted. His run ended about three months later when authorities arrested him in Jackson, Mississippi.
Pam Dirks leaves a legacy of hard work, encouragement and joyful family memories
SPENCER — Pamela “Pam” Sue Dirks, 63, of Spencer, died Monday, July 20, 2026, at her home, surrounded by the family she treasured most. A hardworking woman with a generous spirit, Pam is known for encouraging others, caring deeply for animals and bringing both wisdom and laughter into the lives of her children and grandchildren.
A celebration of Pam’s life will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, August 7, 2026, at Geelan Funeral Home, 403 11th Street SE in Spencer. In lieu of flowers, the family invites friends to come share memories of Pam and spend time with those who mattered most to her — her family.
Gov. Reynolds taps veteran lawman Stephen Waymire to lead Iowa Lottery
DES MOINES — A veteran Iowa law enforcement officer who has spent the past several years overseeing investigations and security for the Iowa Lottery has been chosen to lead the organization.
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If you are an onlyfans models account owner or any type of content creator, you already know the real challenge is not just posting. It is staying present in every message, every…
Floyd County supervisors halt conservation ordinance, set new speed limit and advance bridge projects at July 14 meeting
CHARLES CITY — The Floyd County Board of Supervisors put the brakes on a proposed conservation ordinance, established a new speed limit on Rotary Park Road and moved forward with several bridge and road projects during its Tuesday, July 14, 2026 meeting.
Supervisors Gloria Carr, Boyd Campbell and Frank Rottinghaus were all present for the 9 a.m. meeting at the Floyd County Courthouse.
Gov. Reynolds appoints Fort Dodge attorney Ryan Kehm as judge serving 13 Northern Iowa counties
DES MOINES — Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has appointed Fort Dodge attorney Ryan Kehm as a District Court judge in Judicial District 2B, placing a longtime private-practice lawyer on the bench serving Wright County and a broad section of north-central Iowa.
Young Iowa inmate perishes behind bars after lengthy criminal past
FORT DODGE — A 30-year-old Iowa inmate serving a lengthy prison sentence stemming from serious robbery and burglary crimes has died at the Fort Dodge Correctional Facility. The convict had already been behind bars for nearly a decade.
Iowa woman killed, man airlifted after teen driver allegedly blows stop sign, slams into open-top Jeep
An Iowa woman was killed and another person was seriously injured after authorities say a 19-year-old driver failed to stop at a stop sign and slammed into an open-top Jeep at a rural intersection.
Armstrong Army veteran and longtime welder Joseph Eisenbacher Sr., 89, passes away
ARMSTRONG — Joseph Michael “Joe” Eisenbacher Sr., 89, an Army veteran and longtime Armstrong-area resident, passed away peacefully Monday, July 20, 2026, at Valley Vue Care Center in Armstrong, just weeks before his 90th birthday.
Visitation will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, 2026, at Henry-Olson Funeral Chapel, 506 Second Ave. in Armstrong.
Joe’s funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. Friday at the funeral chapel.
Clear Lake mourns Gary Rehder, 75, Marine veteran and former VFW commander
CLEAR LAKE — Gary Leo Rehder, a proud United States Marine Corps veteran, classic-car enthusiast and former VFW commander who remained devoted to his extended family, passed away Monday, July 20, 2026, at his home in Clear Lake. He was 75.
A celebration of Gary’s life will be announced and held at a later date.
Mason City’s David Clark dies at 83, remembered for his warm friendships, family traditions and decades of service
MASON CITY — David Allen Clark, 83, of Mason City, passed away peacefully Sunday, July 19, 2026, at Concord Care Center in Garner.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Monday, July 27, 2026, at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. NE in Mason City, with Pastor Derek Crawford of Zion Lutheran Church in Clear Lake officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Mason City.
Visitation will be held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday at the funeral chapel before the service.
Former Garner woman Kathy Miller dies at 74, leaves legacy of resilience, adventure and devotion to family
MASON CITY — Kathryn Sue “Kathy” Miller, 74, of Cedar Falls and formerly a longtime Garner resident, died Sunday, July 19, 2026, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City following a courageous journey with cancer.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 24, 2026, at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 3rd St. NE in Mason City, with Mark Doebel officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, 740 1st St. NE in Britt.
Iowa Supreme Court shields horse owner from lawsuit after woman is dragged, left permanently paralyzed
DES MOINES — A horrific accident involving a team of horses, a horse-drawn sickle mower and a falling steel bar left an Iowa woman permanently paralyzed from the waist down. But the Iowa Supreme Court has ruled the man operating the horses cannot be held liable under the circumstances, finding that Iowa law specifically protects people involved in certain domesticated-animal activities from lawsuits stemming from the unpredictable behavior of animals.
Two killed after motorcycle rider tries to pass in marked no-passing zone on Iowa road
Two Iowans were killed in a tragic motorcycle crash after the rider attempted to pass another vehicle in a clearly marked no-passing zone, according to the Iowa State Patrol.
Why Motorcycle Accident Claims Require Careful Evidence Review
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New Hampton truck driver Richard Stolfus dies at 58, leaves legacy of friendship, family and love of the outdoors
NEW HAMPTON — Richard Allen Stolfus Jr., 58, of New Hampton, died Sunday, July 19, 2026, at UnityPoint St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Riverfront Park in Charles City, with the Rev. Mike Reicherts presiding.
Elma farmer and longtime Howard-Winn bus driver Daniel Gardner dies at 68
ELMA — Daniel Joseph Gardner, a lifelong Northeast Iowa farmer, longtime Howard-Winneshiek school bus driver, devoted family man and skilled craftsman, died Sunday, July 19, 2026, at his home in Elma, surrounded by family. He was 68.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 24, 2026, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 203 Seventh St. in Elma, with the Rev. Donald Hertges celebrating the Mass.