Joan M. Vance, 92, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 12, 2026. She was born on April 27, 1933, in Mason City, to Lloyd Johnson and Leona Lemker, the eldest of two daughters.
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OBIT: Doris June Jeffrey
Doris June (Coyle) Jeffrey, 99, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Graveside services will be held Saturday, June 27. (which would have been her 100th birthday) at 10:30 a.m. at the Riverside Cemetery in Rockford with a celebration of life/luncheon following at the United Methodist Church, Rockford.
Masked teens on motorized bikes nabbed after harassing folks on Iowa college campus
A weeks-long campaign of harassment and property damage at this small Iowa college campus has come to a halt after police successfully identified a group of teens using motorbikes to terrorize the campus.
According to police, these masked punks showed a blatant disregard for public safety. They were frequently observed driving at high speeds on pedestrian sidewalks and tearing through carefully landscaped areas, causing significant property damage. More concerning were reports that the riders deliberately drove in close proximity to pedestrians, creating what police described as a “significant safety hazard.”
OBIT: Michael Dean Anderson
Michael D. Anderson, 77, of Mason City, passed away Thursday, April 9, 2026, at the Good Shepherd Health Center in Mason City. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., at Major Erickson Funeral Home.
Illegal alien faces grim future after luring lovestruck teen to fatal ambush
This Honduran illegal alien invaded a small Midwestern town and lured an unsuspecting American teen boy to an ambush that tragically took his life, then bragged about it, but now the suspect is about to find out what American justice tastes like.
Northern Iowa man hurt when his Toyota lands in Shell Rock River
A Clarksville man was injured Sunday morning after his vehicle veered off the road and plunged into the Shell Rock River.
Beer-fueled Saturday night Luke Combs concert in Iowa spawns 17 arrests and scores of first aid requests
Jack Trice Stadium was transformed into a sea of country music fans on Saturday for the Luke Combs concert, an event that saw local law enforcement and medical teams working overtime to manage a massive, and at times rowdy, crowd.
Northern Iowa man nabbed with truckload of stolen paddle boats
A report of a suspicious vehicle behind a local business led to the recovery of multiple stolen vehicles and several felony charges for a Northern Iowa man on Sunday.
OBIT: Chylie Marie Burns and Aerilynn Rose Young
Chylie Marie (Schutz) Burns, 25, of Park City, Kansas, joined her daughter, Aerilynn Rose Young who passed March 15, 2026; in heaven March 28, 2026, both gone too soon from this world. A memorial service will be held 1:00pm, Sunday April 26, 2026, with Deacon Regan Banks officiating at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapels.
OBIT: Dawn Elizabeth Jurgensen
Dawn E. Jurgensen, 58, of Evansdale and formerly of Sumner, died Sunday, April 12, 2026, at her home surrounded by loving family following a courageous battle with cancer.
OBIT: Maxine Bettin
Maxine Bettin, age 88, of Wall Lake, IA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Twilight Acres Nursing Home in Wall Lake, surrounded by those who loved her.
OBIT: Lois J. (Holm) Thul
Lois passed away on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Crestview Nursing Home surrounded by family, at the age of 90 years. A Rosary and Vigil service will be held at 3:00p.m., Tuesday April 14th, 2026 at Foust Funeral Home.
OBIT: Ronald L Kaltved
Ronald (Ron) went to be with Jesus on Sunday, April 12, 2026, while at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Rep. Christian Hermanson of Mason City says Iowa lawmakers investing in prisons and local budget transparency
“As we work to crack down on violent career criminals, we must ensure our prison system has the capacity to handle those who break our laws. A lack of space should never be an excuse to let a dangerous criminal back onto our streets,” Rep. Christian Hermanson of Mason City said.
Iowa woman nabbed after fatal drunk driving collision that claimed one life
An Iowa woman has been arrested and charged in connection with a fatal March crash that claimed the life of a pedestrian, and cops say the suspect was allegedly drunk and using a device.
Rear-end collision on Iowa highway takes life of Kansas driver
BENTON COUNTY — A Kansas man was killed this week following a two-vehicle rollover accident on Highway 30 in Benton County.
OBIT: Dennis M. Grauerholz
Dennis M. Grauerholz, 73, of Nora Springs passed away Saturday, April 11, 2026. Funeral services will be held 10am Friday, April 17, 2026 at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel.
Iran fails to give up nuke aspirations, forcing USA to meet world demand for precious oil
WASHINGTON D.C. — In a dramatic escalation of global tensions, President Donald J. Trump announced late Saturday that the United States Navy has begun a total blockade of the Strait of Hormuz following the collapse of high-stakes negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program.
The announcement, delivered via social media and amplified by top administration officials, signals a “Locked and Loaded” posture as the U.S. moves to cut off Iranian oil revenue and neutralize its maritime influence.
The Oil & Gas Workers Association signaled their readiness to meet the sudden surge in global demand, responding to the President’s call with a brief, definitive statement: “We’re ready, Mr. President.”
Understanding Local Arabic Dialects: Why They Matter More Than Modern Standard Arabic in Daily Life
While Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) is the language of books and news, mastering local Arabic dialects is the true key to connecting with people in daily life. From the busy streets of…
OBIGT: Fred “Gene” Rasmussen
Fred “Gene” Rasmussen, 91, of Charles City, Iowa, passed away on April 10th, 2026, at his home after a courageous battle with leukemia. A funeral service will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church.
OBIT: Gary Colsen
Gary Colsen, 70, of Rudd, passed away Saturday, April 11, 2026, at his home. A visitation for Gary Colsen will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home in Charles City.
OBIT: Maxine F. Johnson
Maxine Frahm Johnson, 86, of Schenectady, NY, passed away on April 10, 2026. Services will be held in her hometown of Mason City, Iowa, at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026 at First United Methodist Church, with visitation open to the public one hour prior.
OBIT: Robert B. Dahlquist
Robert B. Dahlquist, 88, of Mason City, passed away on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the Good Shepherd Health Center. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 31, 2026, at Major Erickson Funeral Home.
OBIT: Lee Anton Gooder
Lee Anton Gooder, 63, of Cresco, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 10, 2026, at his home surrounded by the love of his family.
OBIT: Robert “Bob” J. Valley
Robert “Bob” John Valley, 75, of Clear Lake, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at MercyOne Medical Center Des Moines. A visitation will be held on Friday, April 17, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Major Erickson Funeral Home in Mason City.
OBIT: David Allan Bruns
David Allan Bruns, 88 of Fertile passed away on April 10, 2026 at the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City. Funeral services for David will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at First Baptist Church.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio tears up green cards tied to sinister Iranian Masoumeh Ebtekar
The Trump administration has taken decisive action to secure the nation’s borders and uphold American values by removing individuals tied to one of the most notorious anti-American figures in modern history: “Screaming Mary”.
Kim Reynolds awarded highest honor for years of work on behalf of Iowa agriculture
DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig recognized one individual – Governor Kim Reynolds – and two organizations that have made exceptional contributions to the continued success, resilience, and growth of Iowa agriculture during the 14th Annual Iowa Ag Leaders Dinner
OBIT: Wayne Oordt
Wayne Oordt, was 90 years old when he entered eternal rest from a broken heart after his wife Lois passed away in December 2025. His three daughters were by his side when he passed on Friday April 10, 2026, at 9th Street Chautauqua Guest Home in Charles City.
Nashua man nabbed for stealing in Charles City
CHARLES CITY — A report of a shoplifter led to multiple criminal charges against a Nashua man on Wednesday afternoon.
OBIT: Walter Wendel
Walter Wendel, 78, of Charles City, passed away Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Manly Specialty Care in Manly, Iowa. A private family graveside service was held at Riverside Cemetery with Father Matthew Solyntjes officiating.
OBIT: Wilbur Schumaker
Wilbur Schumaker, 97 of Webster City died Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Southfield Wellness Community. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 16, 2026 at Asbury United Methodist Church with visitation one hour prior to the service.
Mason City house left with widespread smoke damage after fire
MASON CITY — A quick-thinking resident is credited with stopping a late-night house fire on Tuesday, though the blaze left a North President Avenue home with significant smoke damage.
ICE nabs illegal alien who disguised himself as a student and assaulted high school girls
This illegal alien from El Salvador, allowed to roam America freely by Joe Biden, allegedly disguised himself as a high school student and instantly began assaulting teen girls, and now Democrat Abigail Spanberger’s failure to cooperate with federal authorities means he could be set free once again.
OBIT: William Roger Thome
W. Roger Thome, 90, passed away from cancer at his son’s home in MT, where he had been living the past 8 months, on Saturday, April 11th. A funeral service for Roger will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at Cornerstone Christian Church, at 4248 Primrose Ave, Little Cedar, IA.
OBIT: Maxine Bettin
Maxine Bettin, age 88, of Wall Lake, IA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Twilight Acres Nursing Home in Wall Lake, surrounded by those who loved her.
OBIT: John D. Farquhar
John D. Farquhar, 84 of Arizona, passed away Friday, April 10, 2026 in Arizona. A graveside service will be held at a later date in Evergreen Cemetery in Britt.
OBIT: Tom Murray
Gary Thomas “Tom” Murray, son of Clyde Brady “CB” and Letha Grace (Davidson) Murray, was born on February 1, 1942 in Pratt, Kansas. He passed away in Estherville, Iowa on April 11, 2026.
Powder Metallurgy: A Cost-Effective Solution for Shock Absorbers
Advanced powder metallurgy (PM) procedures, such as sintering and others, have revolutionized the way industries operate today. Faster supply and efficient and cost-effective solutions enable companies to meet evolving market demands. At…
OBIT: Ann Bagby
Ann (Chizek) Bagby, 74, of Clear Lake, Iowa, passed away Thursday, April 2, 2026, at Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake. According to her wishes her body has been cremated. A celebration of life visitation with family and friends will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00p.m. on Monday, May 18, 2026 at the Clear Lake Public Library.