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Fort Dodge drug dealer faces at least a decade in prison
A suspect involved in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine in Fort Dodge pled guilty on Tuesday in federal court in Sioux City, and now faces at least a decade in prison.
College Basketball: Iowa State Cyclones beat Baylor, 70-60
WACO, TEXAS – For the first time in program history, Iowa State (15-0, 2-0 Big 12) has won 15 straight games, as it powered past Baylor (10-4, 0-2 Big 12) to secure the best start in program history, winning 70-60.
College Basketball: UNI Panthers fall at home to Bradley Braves, 78-65
Belmont three-point shooting stifles Panthers in first MVC loss of the season. UNI visits Bradley on Saturday.
OBIT: Ronald J. Sorensen
Ronald Jon Sorensen passed away on Sunday, December 21, 2025 in Mason City, Iowa at the age of 85. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
OBIT: Donna J. Stoltenberg
Donna Stoltenberg, 93, of Northwood formerly of Mason City, passed away on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church.
OBIT: Dr. Mark W. Mulkey
Dr. Mark W. Mulkey, 66, of Mason City, passed away on Monday, January 5, 2026, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Grace Church.
OBIT: Donna P. Hutchens
Donna Pearl Hutchens, 91, of Okemos, Michigan, passed away on Wednesday, Dec 31, 2025, at Safe Haven Assisted Living in Okemos. Most of her career was spent at Roosevelt Elementary in Mason City where she taught second grade for multiple decades.
Women’s College Basktball: No. 11 Iowa State Cyclones beaten at Cincinnati, 71-63
CINCINNATI, OHIO – No. 10 Iowa State (14-2, 2-2 Big 12) suffered the road loss to Cincinnati (6-10, 1-3 Big 12) by a final score of 71-63 Wednesday night.
OBIT: Tom Hovland
Tom Hovland, 73, of Mason City passed away peacefully on Monday, January 5, 2026 at his home. A Funeral service will be held 10:30 am Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Trinity Lutheran Church.
Chicago transplant who dealt drugs in Mason City sent to federal prison
This violent Chicago transplant who came to live in Mason City and deal poison into the community will soon wake up in a federal prison to pay for his crimes.
Iowa Ag Secretary Naig to introduce first-ever Iowa Farm Act in 2026 Legislative session
Comprehensive package outlines priorities for Iowa agriculture during the 2026 legislative session.
College Wrestling: No. 3 Iowa State trounces Arizona State, 29-14
TEMPE, Arizona – No. 3 Iowa State won its Big 12 dual opener at Arizona State, 29-14, Tuesday night inside Desert Financial Arena. The Cyclones won seven of ten bouts, including five by bonus-point margin, as they improved to 8-1 in league openers under head coach Kevin Dresser.
OBIT: Vicki Ann Schulz
Vickie H. Schulz (aka Mimi), age 60, of St. Ansgar, IA, passed away on Saturday, January 3, 2026. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026, at V.F.W 3693 US-218 Osage.
Iowa paddlers are warned: Water is dangerously cold despite spring-like air temps
With a couple of above average temperatures forecast this week, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds all paddlers that water temperatures remain dangerously cool even though air temperatures feel more like spring.
Iowa bar fight leads to shooting death of two persons
An Iowa bar fight led to a suspect shooting one fighter in plain view of police, leading to officers unloading on the suspect, and both bullet recipients later perished.
Iowa man accused of stabbing woman to death
ANKENY – An Iowa woman was found stabbed to death, and police quickly zeroed in on her alleged murderer.
Women’s College Basketball: No. 14 Iowa 67, Northwestern 58
EVANSTON, Ill. – No. 14 Iowa (13-2, 4-0) defeated Northwestern (6-9, 0-4) on Monday night in Evanston, Illinois, 67-58.
College Wrestling: Shorthanded Iowa State Cyclones rally to win at No. 24 Stanford
PALO ALTO, Calif. – No. 3 Iowa State rallied from an 11-point deficit at the intermission to defeat No. 24 Stanford, 20-18, Sunday afternoon inside a rowdy Maples Pavilion. The shorthanded Cyclones were absent five regular starters from their lineup but won four of the final five bouts to win a dual that came down to the final match.
Women’s College Basketball: UNI Panthers defeat Southern Illinois, 91-64
UNI Panther women’s basketball took down SIU 91-64 to open 2026.
College Basketball: UNI panthers beat Evansville, 62-48
UNI shuts down the Purple Aces’ three-point shooting to move to 4-0 in league play. Panthers host Belmont on Wednesday night.
Women’s College Basktball: #22 Baylor downs #10 Iowa State, 72-70
AMES – No. 10 Iowa State (14-1, 2-1 Big 12) fell for the first time this season on Sunday at the hands of No. 22 Baylor (13-3, 2-1 Big 12), 72-70.
OBIT: Richard D Block
Richard D. Block, 90, of Mason City, formerly of Thompson, Iowa, passed away on January 4, 2026 at IOOF Home in Mason City surrounded by his family.