Donavon B. “Don” Cataldo, 83, of Eugene, Oregon, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 21, 2026 in Eugene. A memorial service will be held this summer at Cataldo Funeral Chapel in Garner and will be announced at a later date.
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Welcome to NIT, North Iowa's only true watchdog media. NIT was founded on October 1, 2010.
OBIT: Dona Jean Van Hemert
Dona Jean Van Dusseldorp Van Hemert was born on October 5, 1932. She passed away peacefully at Westhaven Community Nursing Home in Boone, Iowa, on February 22, 2026. She was 93 years old.
Choosing the Right Home Decor Product Lifecycle Management: Quick Insights
If the market is flooded with beautiful, high-performing home decor items today, the credit goes to product lifecycle management (PLM) solutions that serve as a common platform for creative minds, teamwork, and…
Women’s College Basketball: UNI Panthers tops by Purple Aces in overtime, 64-63
EVANSVILLE, Indiana – UNI women’s basketball wrapped up a road trip with a matchup at Evansville. The Panther offense was hot in the first quarter and shot 51.6% from the floor in the first 20 minutes of action, but the Purple Aces came storming back and forced overtime with a 30-21 second half and, eventually, claimed the contest with a one-point, overtime victory, 64-63.
OBIT: Steven Cecil Hengesteg
Steven Cecil Hengesteg, 79, died peacefully on February 21, 2026, at Mercy North Iowa Medical Center. The Mass of Christian Burial for Steven will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Manly.
Iowa man nabbed for peeping at kid in Target store avoids 25-year prison term
This Iowa man was nabbed for peeping at a kid and possibly others in a Target store dressing room, and now he finds himself in a room full of consequences for his depravity.
OBIT: Beatrice “Bea” L. Brockett
Beatrice L. Brockett, 104, of Mason City, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2026 at the Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center. A memorial service will be held at Major Erickson Funeral Home at 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2026, with Reverend James Bringman officiating. Visitation will be open at the funeral home from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. prior to the service.
Mason City’s MacNider Museum celebrates Youth Art Month
MASON CITY – The vibrant world of elementary imagination has officially moved into the Charles H. MacNider Art Museum. The museum is proud to announce the opening of “First Artistic Steps,” the 42nd annual School Art Exhibition held in celebration of National Youth Art Month.
Why Social Media Feels Like a Marketplace of Ideas
Back in the day, people on social media used to share whatever crossed their minds, post vacation photos, laugh at memes, and reply to friends without worrying about how the conversation looked…
Waterloo woman who bought gun for her child-felon boyfriend sent to federal prison
This Waterloo woman, who was dating an underage teen while they both partook in the green lifestyle, tried over and over again to buy the little felon a gun and after they finally made the buy, American justice blew smoke straight into their faces.
Authorities say the convict “was working as a delivery driver. Employees at one of the businesses she delivered to made comments to her that she relayed to her boyfriend. Her boyfriend confronted employees with the gun she had purchased for him. The boyfriend was later arrested and charged with multiple counts, including felon in possession of a firearm…”
Northern Iowa men arrested after traffic accident
SIOUX CENTER – Two Northern Iowa men were nabbed after one of them put the other’s Hyundai Sonata in a ditch and abandoned the car due to persistent cops unraveling the mystery.
Mason City 5th graders deliver heartwarming notes to neighbors in continuing Valentine’s tradition
MASON CITY — Valentine’s Day is all about spreading love, and for the past 16 years, 5th graders at Lincoln Intermediate have been taking that message straight to their neighbors’ doorsteps.
Rep. Shannon Latham discusses bills aimed at farmers and education
One bill aims to make it easier for local farmers to host farm-to-table events by creating a special-use permit, another mandates that original farm equipment manufacturers must make the diagnostic and repair information, including technical updates and software updates, more available to farmers.
In education, “the Iowa House of Representatives debated and passed one bill this week,” Latham said. “After much negotiating, the final agreed-upon bill set Supplemental State Aid (SSA) for K-12 schools at 2%.”
OBIT: Lael M. Koster
Lael M. Koster, age 79, of Osage, passed away on Monday, February 20, 2026, at Faith Lutheran Home in Osage, Iowa. A private service will be held at a later date.
Women’s College Basketball: UNI Panthers down Southern Illinois Salukis in a 29-point rout
CARBONDALE, ILLINOIS – UNI women’s basketball put on a clinic inside the Banterra Center, shooting 47.5% (28-for-59) from the floor and 43.5% (10-for-23) from deep to claim a 29-point victory over SIU. The duo of Jenna Twedt and Ryley Goebel paced the Panthers with 27 and 20 points, respectively, to lift the Panthers over the Salukis, 77-48.
What Is Upwork Bidding? How It Works, Costs, and Winning Secrets
What Is Upwork Bidding? Opportunities are a lot, but there is fierce competition in the freelance economy. Upwork bidding is a procedure that freelancers use for clients’ posted projects on Upwork. Experts…
Protected: Nashua man nabbed on drunk driving and drug charges in Charles City
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OBIT: Dr. Clifton E. Peterson
Dr. Clifton E. Peterson, 99, long-time orthopedic surgeon in Kenosha, WI, passed away on Friday, February 20, 2026 in Kenosha. A private family service will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Cataldo Funeral Chapel in Garner.
OBIT: Dianne Dee Lee
Dianne Dee Lee, 81, of Mason City, IA passed away peacefully under hospice care on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the I.O.O.F. Home in Mason City. Arrangements are with Fullerton Funeral Home. A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. followed by a 7:00 p.m. prayer service at Fullerton Funeral Home.
OBIT: Margaret J. Whalen
Margaret J. Whalen age 97 of New Hampton died Friday, February 20, 2026 at her home surrounded by her family. Funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 26, 2026 at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Hampton.
OBIT: JoAnn E. Lease
JoAnn Evelyn Lease, age 90, passed away February 19, 2026. She was born June 9, 1935, in Chickasaw county, Iowa to Edmund & Evelyn (Zieske) Ommen.
Multiple children hurt when Charles City woman slides through stop sign, slams into Chicago man’s Nissan
CHARLES CITY — A recent mid-afternoon collision at a Charles City intersection left multiple children needing medical evaluation and resulted in citations for both drivers involved, as well as thousands of dollars in property damage.
Senator Doug Campbell discusses bills under consideration in week 6 of Iowa Legislature
“The sixth week of the legislative session, the initial ‘funnel’ deadline was this week, making advancements crucial. Subcommittees and committees were busy working through large numbers of proposals being considered in each chamber,” Campbell said.
Supreme Court deals blow to President’s tariff powers; Trump slaps levy across globe
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Supreme Court in a 6-3 ruling today claims that Presidents do not have the power to levy global tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, and after the bizarre ruling was announced, President Donald Trump declared all current tariffs shall remain in effect, and slapped a new 10% global tariff upon the planet.
Women’s College Basketball: No. 13 Iowa 83, Purdue 74
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Without veteran star Hannah Stuelke on the floor due to an upper-body injury, head coach Jan Jensen had to rely on a remarkably young starting five inside Mackey Arena on Thursday night.
How Legal Guidance Can Increase Compensation After a Florida Car Accident
A car accident can disrupt daily life and create stress that feels hard to manage. Medical care, repair costs, and time away from work can quickly place pressure on a family. In…
Slip and Fall Injuries Aren’t “Embarrassing,” They’re Often Serious, and the Details Decide Everything
People laugh off falls. That’s the culture. Someone slips in a store and the first reaction is “Are you okay?” followed by that awkward half-smile like everyone wants it to be a…
OBIT: Margaret Suzanne Olson
Margaret Olson, 80, passed away Thursday, February 19, 2026. A Celebration of Margaret’s Life will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Reiman Gardens in Ames.
OBIT: Helen M. Wooge
Helen Wooge, 95 of Clarion passed away on Thursday February 19, 2026 at Iowa Specialty Hospital in Clarion. Memorial services for Helen will take place at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at the Forest City (IA) United Methodist Church.
OBIT: William “Will” Tonn
William “Will” Michael Tonn, 51, of Charles City, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at the Floyd County Medical Center in Charles City. Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2026, from 2:00-4:00 PM at Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home in Charles City.
OBIT: Jean Elizabeth (Brass) Rood
Jean Elizabeth (Brass) Rood, 83, of Mason City, Iowa, was welcomed home on Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Good Shepherd Health Center, surrounded by the love of her family. A Mass of Christian Burial honoring Jean’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Holy Family Catholic Church.
OBIT: Dionysius “Deo” Koenigs
Dionysius (Deo) Koenigs, 91, of St. Ansgar, Iowa, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2026, at Mitchell County Regional Health Center. Family and friends are invited to the visitation for Deo Koenigs Sunday, February 22, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 PM at Sacred Heart Oratory in Meyer.
OBIT: Judith Marlene Hermanson
Judy Hermanson, age 88 of Lake Mills, died on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at MercyOne Medical Center North Iowa in Mason City. A memorial visitation will be held from 2:00 – 4:00 PM on Sunday, February 22, 2026 at Schott Funeral Homes.
Suspect hunted for hoarding kid photos nabbed in Iowa
This east coast kiddie photo hoarder was tooling around on his bike in Iowa when cops rudely and abruptly introduced him to justice.
Charles City auto collision causes thousands in damages and citation for driver
CHARLES CITY — Slick winter conditions resulted in a two-vehicle collision near downtown Charles City on a recent Sunday morning, leaving one car totaled but both drivers miraculously unharmed.
OBIT: Robert L. Bales
Robert L. Bales, 95, of Sun City, Arizona, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2026. The family will host a Celebration of Life with coffee and donuts in his honor at the V.F.W. Post 4868 in Clear Lake, Iowa on June 5, 2026 from 8:00-10:00a.m.
The Daydreaming Defense: When Mental Wandering Meets Traffic Law
During a regular commute in San Diego, you suddenly ‘wake up’ at your exit with zero recollection of how you got there. You just don’t remember the last two miles. If this…
How to Negotiate the Price of Used Trucks Like a Pro?
Are you searching for a used truck? If so, then Calgary has a vast market with several options for buyers looking to bag a quality deal. Right from the very small pickups…
Football’s most unusual post-retirement stories
For most footballers, the game is all they will ever know. From the moment a player breaks into the first team, life becomes training, travelling, matchdays and constant pressure to perform. A…
How Brands Can Leverage Trends Without Losing Their Identity
Trends move fast. One week, it’s a viral video. Next, it’s a new meme format, aesthetic, sound, or content style taking over everyone’s feed. For creators, jumping on trends often feels natural and low-risk. But for brands, it’s more…