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News Headlines for November 14, 2026
Young Iowa motorcyclist killed after bike clips semi on Interstate 35
A 22-year-old Iowa motorcyclist was tragically killed Wednesday evening after his motorcycle collided with the trailer of a semi on Interstate 35, according to the Iowa State Patrol.
Darlene Kephart, 92, formerly of Riceville, remembered as devoted educator and loving family matriarch
RICEVILLE — Darlene Grace (Kruger) Kephart, 92, formerly of Riceville, a longtime educator whose life centered on family, faith and helping generations of young students, died Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at St. Francis Manor in Grinnell following complications from a stroke.
A private family service will be held in Riceville, with burial at Riverside Cemetery in Riceville.
Shane Eugene Ward, 48 of Mason City, remembered for simple pleasures and love of family
MASON CITY — Shane Eugene Ward, 48, a lifelong Mason City resident who enjoyed fishing, motorcycles, snowmobiles and time with those closest to him, died Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center.
Services for Shane will be private.
Senate panel votes to hold Fauci in contempt after he repeatedly takes Fifth
WASHINGTON — A U.S. Senate committee voted Thursday, August 6, 2026, to hold former federal health official Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress after he repeatedly refused to answer questions about the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Stop-sign violation sends two SUVs rolling into ditch in Northern Iowa crash
Two drivers were injured and both of their SUVs were destroyed after a stop-sign violation led to a violent collision at a rural Northern Iowa intersection.
Iowa man accused of attempted murder after brutal domestic attack leaves victim critical
An Iowa man accused of leaving another person critically injured during a domestic-related attack now faces attempted murder, multiple willful-injury charges and three counts of child endangerment.
Dry conditions spread across Iowa as drought watches remain in northwest, expand to southwest
NES — Persistent dry weather is worsening drought conditions across parts of Iowa, with state officials keeping a drought watch in place for northwest Iowa and adding a new watch for the southwest region.
The latest Iowa Department of Natural Resources Water Summary Update shows moderate drought expanding across northern and western Iowa following a dry finish to July.
Floyd County liquor license rejected over missing insurance; supervisors back veteran opportunity signs
CHARLES CITY — Floyd County supervisors rejected a liquor license after the applicant failed to obtain required insurance, advanced a county highway project and discussed new signs promoting employment and housing opportunities for veterans during their Tuesday, August 4, 2026, meeting.
Winnebago County supervisors confront $100,000 drainage problem, set public hearing
FOREST CITY — A troubled drainage system shared by Winnebago and Kossuth counties could require approximately $100,000 in work just to remove accumulated silt and restore the waterway to its original grade.
The Winnebago County Board of Supervisors met at 9 a.m. Tuesday, August 4, 2026, with Supervisors Bill Jensvold, Terry Durby and Susan Smith present.
Man from Mexico jailed after harassment complaint in Charles City
CHARLES CITY — A man from Mexico was arrested Friday night after Charles City police responded to a reported harassment incident.
Northern Iowa cops snare Minneapolis man in juvenile grooming sting, but charges don’t stick
A Minnesota man publicly accused by Northern Iowa police of traveling across state lines to meet a juvenile for sexual activity is no longer facing Iowa criminal charges after prosecutors asked a judge to dismiss the case.
Iowa State Fair prepares to fire up grills for patriotic pork chop giveaway
DES MOINES — The Iowa State Fair is preparing to welcome enormous crowds, showcase the state’s agricultural heritage and serve up one of its most recognizable foods when the gates open next week.
This year, 1,776 lucky fairgoers will receive a free Pork Chop on a Stick as part of a patriotic celebration marking America’s 250th anniversary.
The Iowa Pork Producers Association will hold its “1776 Pork Chop Salute — A Taste of America 250” beginning at 11 a.m. Sunday, August 16, inside the Iowa Pork Tent.
Sarah Novacek, 45, of Mason City, remembered as devoted wife, mother and cherished friend
MASON CITY — Sarah Elizabeth (Gaffney) Novacek, 45, of Mason City, died peacefully Sunday, August 2, 2026, at her home, surrounded by the love of her family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 7, 2026, in Mason City.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, August 6, at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third Street NE in Mason City.
Northern Iowa motorcyclist killed after striking truck on Highway 218
A Northern Iowa motorcyclist was killed Sunday night after his motorcycle struck the rear of a pickup truck traveling along Highway 218.
Iowa State opens fall camp as coach Jimmy Rogers demands competition, maturity and toughness
AMES — Iowa State football officially turned its attention toward the 2026 season Wednesday morning as the Cyclones opened their first fall camp under head coach Jimmy Rogers.
The first practice featured helmets and shells rather than full pads, but Rogers wasted no time introducing younger players to the pace and expectations of the program.
Nearby Minnesota speedway offers Northern Iowa families racing, giveaways and community fun Friday
LANSING, Minnesota — Northern Iowa families looking for an affordable nearby outing can enjoy dirt-track racing, children’s giveaways and community fundraising Friday night at Chateau Speedway.
Midwest Repairables Night will be held Friday, August 7, 2026, at the speedway in Lansing, Minnesota, located just north of the Iowa border.
General admission gates will open at 5 p.m., with racing scheduled to begin at 7:15 p.m.
The evening will feature five racing divisions…
Meth-dealing Northern Iowa felon who led cops on 100-mph chases gets more than 18 years in federal prison
A convicted Northern Iowa felon caught with large quantities of methamphetamine, firearms and ammunition during repeated high-speed police pursuits has been sentenced to more than 18 years in federal prison.
Collision with backing semi claims one life on Iowa highway
A collision involving a passenger car and a semi-trailer claimed one life Sunday morning on an Iowa highway.
Winnebago County supervisors move nuisance ordinance toward final approval, table DNR agreement
FOREST CITY — The Winnebago County Board of Supervisors moved closer to adopting changes to the county’s nuisance ordinance Tuesday, July 28, after holding a public hearing and unanimously waiving the first and second readings of the proposed amendment.
Dave Langel, 63 of Milford, remembered as devoted family man and proud military veteran
MILFORD — David A. “Dave” Langel, 63, of Milford, a longtime military veteran, hardworking provider and devoted family man, died Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at the VA Hospice Cottage in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, following a battle with pancreatic cancer.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 15, at Turner Jenness Funeral Home in Milford. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, August 14, at the funeral home. A private burial will take place at Merle Hay Memorial Cemetery in Glidden.
John Robert Janssen, 35, of Nora Springs, remembered for his service, generous spirit and love of animals
NORA SPRINGS — John Robert Janssen, 35, of Nora Springs, a United States military veteran remembered for his kind heart and readiness to help others, passed away Tuesday, August 4, 2026.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 13, 2026, at First United Methodist Church, 202 N. Hawkeye Avenue in Nora Springs, with Pastor Brent Hamilton officiating.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at Sheckler Colonial Chapel, 114 N. Hawkeye Avenue in Nora Springs.
Ruth Elizabeth Sponheim, 96, of Osage, remembered as gifted educator, musician and woman of faith
OSAGE — Ruth Elizabeth Sponheim, 96, of Osage, a respected educator, librarian, musician and devoted church member, passed away Tuesday, August 4, 2026.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, August 7, 2026, at Rock Creek Lutheran Church, 3269 Foothill Avenue near Osage. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the service begins.
Ruth will be laid to rest at Rock Creek Cemetery.
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