Osceola County Daily News: Recent Episodes
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Raymond “Barry” Day, Jr. age 85 of Sibley, Iowa died Thursday, September 7, 2023 at Country View Manor in Sibley.
A public visitation will be Monday, September 11th from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, with the family present at Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley.
Jill Senn-Vanderplaats, age 67 of Ashton, IA passed away on Sunday afternoon, September 3, 2023 at the Osceola Regional Health Care Center in Sibley.
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 9, 2023 at the Ashton Bible Church in Ashton, IA.
Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM Friday, September 8, 2023 at the Jurrens Funeral Home in Ashton IA.
Jurrens Funeral Home of Ashton is in charge of arrangements.
Robert “Rob” Wynja, age 71 of Sheldon, IA, passed away at Vista Prairie at Fieldcrest in Sheldon on Monday, September 4, 2023.
Graveside Services will take place at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, September 11th at Baker Township Cemetery near Melvin, IA. Following the committal service, a gathering of family and friends to celebrate Rob’s life will be held at the Sanborn Funeral Home in Sanborn, IA beginning at 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.; family will be present at that time.
Online condolences may be sent to the family via www.sanborn-hartleyfuneralhomes.com.
The Sanborn Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for 71-year-old Rob Wynja of Sheldon, IA.
Matlock, Iowa — A Yankton, South Dakota man has been arrested on felony theft and firearms charges after a pursuit near Matlock. According to a criminal complaint filed with the Osceola County Clerk of Court’s Office by the county sheriff’s office, 47-year-old Jeremy Ray Bickett of Yankton is accused of the theft of a vehicle […]
Matlock, Iowa — Sheldon’s police K9 has provided an assist in Lyon County.
Sheldon Police officers tell us that on Tuesday, August 29th, they received a mutual aid request for K9 Balin just north of Matlock near the “Hershey Bridge”. The bridge is just into Lyon County, only a half mile north of the Sioux County line, and four miles west of the Osceola County line.
Multiple area law enforcement agencies were already on the scene where an Iowa State Patrol Trooper had located a stolen vehicle. They tell us the vehicle had just been involved in a pursuit with the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office. The suspect was believed to be in possession of stolen firearms as well.
The O’Brien County Sheriff’s Office used their drone to find the suspect in the field. The suspect refused all commands and continued to flee. Officers and Deputies from the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, Sioux County Sheriff’s Office, Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, and the Sheldon Police Department then entered the field to arrest the suspect. The suspect was still non-compliant and after several warnings, so K9 Balin was deployed to apprehend the suspect.
The suspect was taken into custody with no injuries to deputies or officers. The suspect was treated by George first responders and transported to the Sibley Hospital by the Lyon County Ambulance. The suspect was released from the hospital and transported to the Osceola County Jail.
They tell us investigation is still ongoing.
The Sheldon Police Department says they would like to express their pride for K9 Balin and all of the agencies involved in bringing this intense situation to a safe outcome.
Sioux Center, Iowa — A Sibley man was arrested on a felony drug possession charge after a traffic accident east of Sioux Center early on Friday, August 25th. The Sioux County Sheriff’s Office reports that they arrested 50-year-old Marvin Lopau of Sibley early on Friday. The arrest stemmed from a motor vehicle accident that occurred […]
Sibley, Iowa — A Sibley couple have been arrested on felony child endangerment charges. According to a criminal complaint filed with the Osceola County Clerk of Court’s Office by the county sheriff’s office, 32-year-old Hector Ramos Diaz and 35-year-old Fatima Mendoza Arias of Sibley are accused of striking two children with a belt. They were […]
Brent Tiedemann, age 53 of Estherville, IA, passed away at Aspire of Estherville in Estherville on Wednesday, August 23, 2023. A funeral service will be held on Monday, August 28th at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in May City. Visitation will also be held at the church on Monday, one hour prior to the […]
Lake Park, Iowa — The Harris-Lake Park School Board Monday evening adopted an official resolution, formally setting Tuesday, November 7th as the date for an election on an 18.6 million dollar bond referendum. A September date had originally been set for the vote but action taken by the Iowa Legislature this past session changed that. […]
Lyle Gerken, age 79, of Little Rock, Iowa, died on Monday, August 21, 2023, at Sibley Nursing and Rehab in Sibley. Visitation will be Monday, August 28, 2023, from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM with the family present from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Salem Reformed Church in Little Rock, Iowa. Funeral services […]
Melvin, Iowa — Two people were killed and five people were injured in an accident near Melvin on Sunday, August 20, 2023. The Iowa State Patrol reports that at about 9:15 a.m., 27-year-old Dore Hernandes Canales of Sioux City was driving a 2005 GMC Envoy eastbound on A34, two miles west and three north of […]
Lila “Kay” Wilson, age 84, of Sibley, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at Country View Manor, in Sibley, Iowa. Visitation will be Tuesday, August 22nd from 4:00 to 8:00 PM with family present from 5:30 to 8:00 PM at Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley. There will be a Rosary service at 5:30 […]
Northwest Iowa — The Iowa Barn Foundation will hold its annual All-State Barn Tour September 16th and 17th. 72 historic barns throughout the state will be featured on the self-guided tour, including some in northwest Iowa. They include the Johnson Barn north of Sutherland; the Lorch Mennonite Barn at the intersection of Osceola County Roads A-34 […]
Spencer, Iowa — The transit service that helps people in northwest Iowa get around, now has a new tool to assist those who utilize the service. Cindy Voss, Associate Executive Director of RIDES Regional Transit Authority, says it’s an app that’s now available for download. Voss says the app has a number of convenient features. […]
Lake Park, Iowa — Committees to inform residents of the Harris-Lake Park Community School District of an $18.6 million dollar bond referendum met for the first time Tuesday evening. Travis Squires, Managing Director for Piper Sandler, presented the financial information and what it would mean for farmers and homeowners if the measure passes. Squires added […]
Sanborn, Iowa — A Melvin man has been arrested on felony OWI charges after an incident near Sanborn. According to a criminal complaint filed with the O’Brien County Clerk of Court’s Office by the O’Brien County Sheriff’s Office, 31-year-old David Charles Nachtigal of Melvin is accused of operating while intoxicated. In his statement, the deputy […]
Sheldon, Iowa — Northwest Iowa Community College has received yet another high ranking. This time the personal finance website WalletHub is the one doing the ranking. They tell us that with Americans struggling financially due to high inflation and a year of community college nearly three times less expensive than a year at a public […]
Northwest Iowa — With just a couple of exceptions, elementary, middle, and high school students in northwest Iowa will be going back to school next Wednesday, August 23rd. We checked with online resources and school administrators. All O’Brien County public schools will start that day, including Sheldon, Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn, and South O’Brien. The one school district […]
Robert “Bob” Roede age 80 of Sibley, Iowa died Friday, August 11, 2023, at Country View Manor in Sibley. Memorial services will be 11:00 AM, Thursday, August 17, 2023, at First Presbyterian Church in Sibley with Reverend Peter W. Wagner, officiating. There will be military honors after the service outside the church by George E. […]
Des Moines, Iowa — An August 2021 ruling that a man who was injured in a work accident in Sibley could not sue the City, has been overturned by the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals. The lawsuit stemmed from a construction accident in downtown Sibley that happened in 2018. Victor Maldonado, of Worthington, was part […]
David Heitritter age 61, of Melvin, Iowa passed away, Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family. A memorial service will be 10:30 AM, Monday, August 14, 2023, at the American Lutheran Church in Melvin with Reverend Judith Johnson and Reverend Tim Nappe, officiating. Burial will follow in the Baker Township Cemetery. […]
Sibley, Iowa — A Sibley man has been arrested on a warrant for burglary charges. According to a criminal complaint filed with the Osceola County Clerk of Court’s Office by the county sheriff’s office, 46-year-old David Case of Sibley is accused of entering buildings in Osceola County on three occasions, (two with a co-defendant), taking […]
Sibley, Iowa — The citizens of Osceola County have decided to keep the way county supervisors are elected the same as it has been. A petition was circulated in the county and was filed June 1st. That meant that the county had to hold an election to see if people wanted to change the current […]
Windom, Minnesota — A high-speed chase that started in our area has ended in the arrest of a South Sioux City, Nebraska man in Windom, Minnesota. The pursuit started in Iowa with the Iowa State Patrol attempting to stop a car, which was later found to have been driven by 22-year-old Yonis Ahmed Abdi of […]
Sheldon, Iowa — An Ashton man has been arrested on drug charges after a traffic stop in Sheldon. According to a criminal complaint filed with the O’Brien County Clerk of Court’s Office by the Sheldon Police Department, 52-year-old David Buss of Ashton is accused of the possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia. He was arrested […]
Marlys Pietz age 78 of Sibley, Iowa died Monday, July 31, 2023 at Osceola Regional Health Center in Sibley. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM, Thursday, August 3, 2023 at First Reformed Church in Sibley with Reverend Troy Van Beek, officiating. Burial will follow in the Holman Township Cemetery at Sibley. Visitation will be Wednesday, […]
Sibley, Iowa — The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office is alerting the public to a scam they have discovered concerning packages delivered to peoples’ addresses, and they want to make sure you don’t become a victim. Officials with the sheriff’s office tell us the scam works like this: Fed Ex (or presumably another company) will deliver […]
Susan Ackerman, age 56, of Ocheyedan, passed away on Monday, July 24, 2023, at Osceola Regional Health Center in Sibley. Visitation will be Wednesday, July 26, 2023, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM with the family present from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Sibley. Funeral services will be 10:30 […]
Sibley, Iowa — A new museum will open on the Osceola County Fairgrounds next year. Beth Thole, who’s been working on the project, says the McCallum Museum in Sibley, which holds artifacts from the pioneer and Civil War era, was built in 1957 and has run out of space. Thole, who is a member of […]
Lucille Fransen, age 100, of Sibley, Iowa, died on Sunday, July 16, 2023, at Country View Manor in Sibley, IA. Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, July 20th at First Presbyterian Church in Sibley, IA, with Pastor Tim Nappe officiating. Burial will follow at Holman Township Cemetery in Sibley. Visitation will be one […]
Lincoln, Nebraska — All of Iowa is now at least considered “abnormally dry,” according to the US Drought Monitor at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Nearly the entire state was at least abnormally dry last week. Three months ago that percentage stood at 62, while over 90 percent of Iowa was abnormally dry at the […]
Northwest Iowa — As part of his annual 99-county tour, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig will be making several stops in northwest Iowa this week. On Tuesday, July 18, at 3:00 p.m., Secretary Naig will be at the Friedrichsen Meat Company at 410 E. Southern Street in Sutherland. Naig’s staff says the secretary will […]
Roger “Buck” Buchholtz, age 68 of Sibley, passed away on Friday, July 7, 2023 at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls. Private Graveside Services will be held at a later date. The Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley is in charge of the arrangements.
William “Bill” Strouth, age 96, of Ashton, died on Sunday, July 2, 2023, at the VA Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. Visitation will be Friday, July 7th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ashton. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 8, 2023, at the […]
Tea, SD — Lewis & Clark Regional Water System recently awarded a $2,291,000 contract to West Branch Construction of Boyden, for the Sibley meter building. This meter building is part of the “base system” and federal funding will be used. Also awarded was a $5,082,700 contract to Rice Lake Construction of Deerwood, MN for the […]
Rock Rapids, Iowa — A Melvin man has been arrested on drug charges after a traffic stop in Lyon County. According to a criminal complaint filed with the Lyon County Clerk of Court’s Office by the county sheriff’s office, 32-year-old Devan Schneidermann of Melvin is accused of the possession of marijuana. He was arrested on […]
Phyllis Vander Linden, age 81 of Ashton, Iowa passed away Thursday, June 15, 2023, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. A prayer service will take place at 9:00 AM Thursday, June 22nd at the First Reformed Church in Sibley with burial to follow at Gilman Township Cemetery in Ashton. A memorial service will […]
Washington, DC — An area Congressman is touting a bill that could help our area and perhaps Sheldon specifically. Congrssman Randy Feenstra of Hull has helped to introduce, alongside Congressman Trent Kelly of Mississippi — the Community College Agriculture Advancement Act, which would equip community and technical colleges with the resources they need to expand […]
Paul Joseph “Joe” Dallman, Jr., passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota. Joe was born at 5:55 p.m. on March 31, 1943, at Lake City General Hospital in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. His parents were Paul H. and Hazel B. (Harwick) Dallman, and Paul worked in […]
Sheila Soderquist, age 100 of Sibley, Iowa passed away Saturday morning, June 10, 2023 at the Country View Manor Nursing Home in Sibley. Memorial Services will be held at 10 AM, Saturday, June 17, 2023 at the First Presbyterian Church in Sibley. Interment will take place prior to the service at the Holman township Cemetery […]
Karen “Kay” Jansen age 75, of Sibley, passed away on Friday, June 9, 2023, surrounded by her family at the Country View Manor in Sibley. Visitation with the family present will be Friday, June 16th from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley. Memorial service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June […]
Larry Lemke, age 52, of Sibley, died on Sunday, June 11, 2023, at George. Visitation with the family present will be Wednesday, June 14, 2023, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM Thursday, June 15, 2023, at the Jurrens Funeral Home […]
Lake Park, Iowa — A man who served previously in the position has been hired as the new Superintendent of the Harris-Lake Park Community School District. Meeting in special session late Friday, the school board approved the hiring of Gary Richardson to the position. Richardson served previously as Harris-Lake Park Superintendent from 1997 to 2002. Prior […]
Tena Strenge, age 95 of Melvin, passed away at her home near Melvin on Wednesday, June 7, 2023. A funeral service will be held on Monday, June 12th at 10:00 a.m. at the American Lutheran Church in Melvin. Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 11th at the Sanborn Funeral Home in Sanborn, from 4:00 p.m. […]
Ashton, Iowa — Multiple charges have been filed against an Ashton woman in connection with a pursuit last week in Osceola County. According to court documents, an Osceola county deputy was trying to pull over a vehicle driven by the suspect, Melanie Lucas, around 8:30 pm June 2nd after she was allegedly seen driving at […]
Tony Glade age 58 of Ocheyedan, Iowa died Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at the VA Medical Center in Iowa City, Iowa. Funeral service will be 10:30 AM, Friday, June 9th at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Ocheyedan, IA, with Rev. Richard Milbrandt officiating. Burial will follow at Ocheyedan Township Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, June […]
Pierre, South Dakota — Some of the money that the states of South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa loaned to the Lewis & Clark Regional Water system is starting to be repaid. The Lewis & Clark system had been promised funding through the federal government, but up until recent years, the feds were slow to pay, […]
Lake Park, Iowa — The Harris-Lake Park school district still hopes to put a bond issue for a construction project before the voters this fall. But there have been a couple of big changes. HLP Superintendent Les Douma explains. But, Douma says there IS one more change — a change in superintendent. Douma tells us […]
Sioux County, Iowa — A pair from Sibley has been arrested on theft charges after Sioux County authorities accused them of stealing from a railroad.
According to the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office, 46-year-old David Case and 33-year-old Margaret Jakobson, both of Sibley, are accused of entering property owned by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad and stealing metal. They were arrested on Tuesday, May 30th.
The Sheriff’s office says that upon further investigation, deputies believe that Case and Jakobson stole railroad tie plates and steel stakes and were attempting to sell it as scrap iron at a salvage business.
Case and Jakobson were transported to the Sioux County Jail where they were each charged with second degree theft, a class D felony. They tell us it was a joint investigation between the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office and Osceola Sheriff’s Office.
If convicted, Case and Jakobson could face up to five years in prison on the felony charge.
They face a preliminary hearing on June 6th.
At last report, the pair remained in the Sioux County Jail in Orange City in lieu of twin $5000 bonds.
Doug Rahfaldt, age 76, of Sibley, died Friday, May 26, 2023, at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.
There will be no services.
The Jurrens Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Doug Rahfaldt.
Douglas Dean Rahfaldt was born on January 31, 1947, to Lloyd and Marie (Lins) Rahfaldt in Sibley, IA. He attended Sibley schools and graduated in 1965. He worked for AMPI and Osterman Construction before entering the U.S. Army in May of 1966. He served one year in Vietnam and was honorably discharged in May of 1968.
Doug returned to Osterman Construction. He married Helen Breuer on November 20, 1970. To this union, four children were born. Doug and Helen farmed and drove the school bus together for Sibley-Ocheyedan Community Schools. Doug enjoyed fishing, farming, and especially his family.
He is survived by his wife of fifty-two years, Helen Rahfaldt of Sibley, IA; four children, Andy Rahfaldt of Sibley, IA, Marne (Mike) Schiphoff of Sanborn, IA, Mike Rahfaldt of Cape Town, South Africa, and Jed Rahfaldt of Sioux Falls, SD; five grandchildren, Jordan Schiphoff (fiance Gabbie Sorrentino), Cade Schiphoff (fiance Madi Rouse), Kylee Schiphoff, Julienha Levine, and Remi Eeckhout; two brothers, Don Rahfaldt of Le Mars, IA, and Jim Rahfaldt of Sioux Falls, SD; brother-in-law John (Myra) Breuer of Rock Rapids, IA.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister-in-law, Julie Rahfaldt.
Northwest Iowa — Two northwest Iowa fire departments responded to calls recently that involved burning pit fires burning out of control.
According to Ashton Fire Chief Andy Gacke, in the 1 p.m. hour, the Ashton Fire Department was called to the report of a brush fire at 4933 220th Street, five miles west and a mile north of Ashton.
The chief says the fire department saw heavy smoke from the tree line as they approached the scene. He says they used water to fight the fire, which began as a burn pit fire went out of control.
Gacke says no injuries were reported. He says there was no damage to speak of, and that the firefighters who responded were on the scene for about an hour.
The Rock Rapids Fire Department was called out on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 for another burn pit out of control.
According to Rock Rapids Fire Chief Ed Reck, at about 2:45 p.m., the Rock Rapids Fire Department was called to the report of a field fire at 2907 180th Street, three miles south of the 9 and 75 junction in Rock Rapids and a mile and a half west.
The chief says a burn pile had gotten away from the person tending the fire. He says firefighters used water and foam to fight the fire.
Reck says no injuries were reported.
Chief Reck reports that there was no damage to anything of significance.
He says the firefighters who responded were on the scene for only a short time.
Sheldon, Iowa — Northwest Iowa Community College in Sheldon has announced that they are going to be offering a paramedic program.
College officials say that it’s designed to meet the increasing demand for skilled paramedics in the healthcare industry. They say the comprehensive program will equip students with the knowledge, practical skills, and real-world experience necessary to excel in the rapidly evolving field of emergency medical services.
Kevin Miller, NCC Emergency Services Education Coordinator says that as emergencies and medical incidents become more complex, the need for highly trained paramedics has never been greater. He says that recognizing this, NCC has developed an innovative curriculum that blends theoretical foundations with hands-on training, enabling students to acquire the critical skills and competencies required to provide exceptional pre-hospital care.
Officials tell us the Paramedic Program at NCC will cover a wide range of topics essential for paramedic practice, including anatomy and physiology, medical emergencies, trauma management, pharmacology, and advanced life support techniques. Students will have access to state-of-the-art simulation labs, where they will hone their skills in a realistic environment, preparing them for the challenges they may encounter in the field. One of the distinguishing features of the Paramedic Program is the emphasis on experiential learning.
Miller says NCC is excited to launch the Paramedic Program and contribute to the development of highly-skilled paramedics who will make a significant impact in their communities. He says , “This program aligns with our commitment to provide a quality education that prepares students for rewarding careers and addresses the evolving needs of the healthcare industry.”
Prospective students interested in the Paramedic Program at NCC can find more information, including admission requirements and application details, on the college’s website at nwicc.edu or by contacting the admissions office at admissions@nwicc.edu or calling 712-324-5061.
Sibley, Iowa– A Sibley woman was taken to the hospital after an accident in Sibley on Sunday, May 14, 2023.
The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office reports that at about 3:25 p.m., 16-year-old Brianna Taylor of Ocheyedan was driving a 2012 Ford westbound on Fifth Street at Fourth Avenue. They tell us that 81-year-old Rae Johnson of Sibley was eastbound on Fifth in a 2008 Ford.
The report says that Taylor was following a slow-moving pickup so she decided to turn south on Fourth Avenue to get out from behind the pickup. She told the officer that she did not see Johnson’s vehicle approaching from the west and turned in front of it. Johnson’s Ford struck the Taylor Ford in the intersection.
The Sibley Ambulance took Johnson to Osceola Regional Health Center Hospital. Taylor did not report any injuries.
Taylor’s Ford sustained $8000 in damages, and Johnson’s Ford sustained $2000 in damages.
Taylor was charged with failure to yield upon left turn.
Sibley, Iowa — Three old dilapidated buildings were destroyed in a fire on Monday, May 15, 2023, near Sibley.
According to Sibley Fire Chief Ken Huls, at about 9:15 p.m., the Sibley Fire Department was called to the report of a controlled burn that got out of hand at 1402 Northwest Boulevard, three miles northeast of Sibley.
The chief says the fire department saw the fire all the way from Sibley so they knew it was not a small fire. They called for the help of the Little Rock Fire Department right away, says Huls. He tells us it looked like an inferno, with the whole farm on fire. He tells us it started with two small trash fires that were burning while someone was cleaning up the property but they got out of hand and embers blew into the buildings and soon everything except the unoccupied house on the property was on fire.
Huls tells us the buildings included a barn and a machine shed, but he says, there was nothing of value in the buildings. In fact, he says they were scheduled for demolition anyway
Huls says no injuries were reported to people, pets, or livestock.
He says the firefighters who responded were on the scene until nearly midnight.
Ashton, Iowa — If you ever thought getting older would be boring this play may change your mind.
Off, Off Broadway presents “Four Old Broads” and cast member Scott DeKok tells us about the play.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/DeKok-ThePlay.mp3DeKok tells us “Four Old Broads” is directed by BJ Schuller and he lists who else is in the play.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/DeKok-Cast.mp3He says that dinner will be catered by Langers and will be served from 6:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Dinner will be a choice of Prime Rib, Apple BBQ Pork Loin, or Smothered Chicken with cheese, green peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Dinner will also include a dinner salad, baked potato, vegetables, and a dinner roll. Dessert will be cheesecake, which will be your choice of Oreo, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, Raspberry White Chocolate, and Salted Caramel.
DeKok tells us about the three sponsors of the play.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/DeKok-Sponsored.mp3He says anyone who comes should be prepared to have a good time.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/DeKok-Laugh.mp3This performance will take place in the Ashton Community Center each night at 7:30 p.m. starting Thursday, May 18th, and ending Sunday, May 21st. To RSVP you can call 712-461-0767.
LaVonne Van Houten age 94, of Sibley, Iowa formerly of Melvin, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at Sibley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Sibley, IA.
Visitation with the family present will be Thursday, May 11th from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley. A private family graveside will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers; please donate to a charity of your choice.
Jurrens Funeral Home is in charge of arrangments.
William “Bill” Knock, age 90 of Sanborn, formerly of Melvin, passed away at Prairie View Nursing Home in Sanborn on Wednesday, November 30, 2022.
A memorial service, which was postponed last December, will now be held on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the American Lutheran Church in Melvin. There are no formal visitation hours scheduled. Burial with Military Rites will take place at 10:00 a.m., prior to the memorial service on Saturday, May 13th, at Baker Township Cemetery near Melvin, IA.
The Sanborn Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for 90-year-old Bill Knock of Sanborn, IA, formerly of Melvin, IA.
Online condolences may be sent to the family via www.sanborn-hartleyfuneralhomes.com
Sibley, Iowa — The Sibley Fire Department was called out to a fire on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, near Sibley.
According to Sibley Fire Chief Ken Huls, at about 4:00 p.m., the Sibley Fire Department was called to the report of a field fire about a quarter mile west of 190th Street and Northwest Boulevard, about two miles southwest of Sibley.
The chief says the fire started as a garbage pile fire on an acreage where no one lives. He says the owner does have some buildings out there and some cattle. He says a worker had burned some trash and the fire got away from him and got into the grass and field. It got under an old road grader and a junk 1964 Chevy Impala. He says from there it got into a grove and hopped the road to the north side of 190th Street, where it was burning toward some occupied houses.
Huls says no injuries were reported to people, pets, or livestock.
The fire department was assisted by the Ashton firefighters.
He tells us not much of value burned except the old road grader and the old car.
He says the 18 firefighters who responded were on the scene for about an hour and 45 minutes.
Roger Huisenga age 93 of Sibley, Iowa died passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at Country View Manor in Sibley.
Funeral services will be 10:30 AM, Monday, May 8th at United Methodist Church in Sibley, IA, with Pastor Steve Swenson, officiating.
Visitation will be Sunday, May 7th from 3:00 to 6:00 PM, with the family present at Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley.
Jurrens Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Roger E. Huisenga was born January 26, 1930, in Sibley, Iowa, the son of Ollie and Millie (Knott) Huisenga. Roger graduated from Sibley High School in 1949. He was active in sports and many other activities. He was offered a football scholarship to the University of South Dakota. However, he did not attend, but rather stayed in Sibley to work and help with some of his parents’ needs.
He joined the state guard in 1946 and later the Air National Guard in Sioux Falls, logging 16 years of service and attained the rank of Master Sergeant.
Roger was united in marriage to Marilyn Attig on November 2, 1950. Roger worked at the Sibley Coca Cola bottling plant and Sibley Glass Company before starting as a hired hand to Harold Attig (Marilyn’s dad) on the farm in 1952. Harold had a new home built for Marilyn and Roger in 1955, where they lived until 1961. At that time, they traded farm homes with Marilyn’s mom and dad, which was just across the road. Harold passed away later in 1961. Therefore, Roger took over farm operations with the help of Marilyn, their four boys, and an occasional hired hand. At that time, he made it his mission to take care of the farm and his family.
Some of the things Roger enjoyed the most were dancing with his wife to big band music, watching most any sporting event, especially if a family member was involved, he was a fan of the Packers, Twins, Cardinals and Hawkeyes. He also enjoyed attending any family events including birthdays and reunions, getting together with other couples to play cards, and reading or watching movies about historical events.
He was a member of the Masons and Shriners, also the Congregational Church and Sibley Methodist Church.
Roger and Marilyn built a house in Sibley in 1993, when they moved into town. Scott then moved into the home place with his family. Roger retired in 2010, at the age of 80, when Scott and Dave took over the farming.
Roger and Marilyn enjoyed some travel in their retirement years but would most likely be found enjoying each other’s company and trying to keep current with their many friends and family.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 72 years Marilyn Huisenga; sons, Scott (Jerolyn), Dan (Patty), David (Dawn); daughter-in-law, Diane; grandchildren, Michael (Mary) Huisenga, Betsy (Jensen) Cummings, and Shelby (Jake) Keopke; great grandchildren, Henry Huisenga, Davis, Wesley and Saige Cummings, and Ava Keopke; and brother, Jack; step grandchildren Rachel Sheffield, Shanon Mc Alpine, Tyler Hausen, Caitlin Buracker, Miranda Jurrens, Tracy Buer, and Katie Smith.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ollie and Millie; son, Brad; infant daughter, Beth Ann; brothers, Howard and Robert; and sister, Norma Hoffman.
Ashton, Iowa– A St. James, Minnesota man and his passenger were taken to the hospital after an accident at Ashton on Saturday, April 22, 2023.
The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office reports that at about 8:10 a.m., 58-year-old Frank Zucek of St. James, Minnesota was driving a 2007 Ford pickup southbound on Highway 60, at Ashton, near L36.
The report says that the pickup was pulling a trailer and was crossing a bridge. The bridge was icy. The deputy says Zucek lost control of the vehicle, which entered the west ditch and rolled over at least twice, coming to rest near the creek.
The Ashton and Sibley ambulances took Zucek and a passenger in the vehicle, 55-year-old Timothy Ocel of Lewisville, Minnesota to Osceola Regional Health Center Hospital.
Zucek’s Ford pickup sustained $15,000 in damages, which totaled the vehicle.
The deputy says the Ashton Fire Department also assisted on the scene.
Sibley, Iowa — The Sibley Fire Department was called out on Monday, April 24, 2023 for a call near Sibley.
According to Sibley Fire Chief Ken Huls, at about 6:30 p.m., the Sibley Fire Department was called to the report of a shed fire at 1953 Pierce Avenue, about two miles southeast of Sibley.
The chief says when they arrived, it looked worse than it was. He says a passerby saw what they thought was a shed on fire, but as it turned out it was a burn pile and some surrounding items that were burning. He says in addition to the hay that was in the pit, some grass, tires, and old equipment burned. He tells us the fire had been smoldering for several days and in a gust of wind, rekindled and started the surrounding grass on fire.
Huls says no injuries were reported.
He tells us there was minimal damage to anything of significance.
He says the firefighters who responded were on the scene for about 20 minutes.
Joyce Lyman, age 96 of Sibley, IA, passed away at Sibley Specialty Care in Sibley, IA on Thursday, December 1, 2022.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Sanborn Funeral Home Chapel in Sanborn, IA.
There are no formal visitation hours scheduled.
Burial will take place at 9:30 a.m., prior to the service on Saturday, at Harrison Township Cemetery near May City, IA.
The Sanborn Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for 96 year-old Joyce Lyman of Sibley, IA.
Online condolences may be sent to the family via www.sanborn-hartleyfuneralhomes.com
Sibley, Iowa — Because of population realignment, it looks like the Sibley-Ocheyeden Community School District is going to have to go through a re-districting process.
Superintendent James Craig tells us the Sibley-Ocheyedan Board of Directors will meet Tuesday, April 11, 2023, for a public hearing regarding redistricting. Following the census, which takes place every ten years, school districts must ensure their director districts have consistent populations. This process involves consulting with firms that follow districting laws and provide the school district with viable options according to those laws.
Sibley-Ocheyedan has five director districts. Each of those districts must have the same number of residents within 10% of the total district population divided by 5. After the 2020 census, Sibley-Ocheyedan Community School District has a total of 4,528 residents. Divided by 5, the ideal director district population is 906. All director districts must be within 10% above or below 906.
District 1 is the southern and western parts of Sibley. District 2 is the northeastern part of Sibley. District 3 is the southeast portion of Sibley. District 4 includes Ocheyedan and approximately the eastern one-third of the district. District 5 includes the western two-thirds of the district, not including Districts 1, 2, and 3.
Craig says that because the current district map would not meet population requirements, Sibley-Ocheyedan is required to go through the redistricting process.
On April 11, the Board of Directors will consider the three plans. All three plans change enough that a director will be removed from their seat. Two of the three plans submitted for consideration change District 3, which would cause Jamie Arend to be removed because he would not live in the Director District. One option changes District 2, which would cause Kyle Grimes to be removed because he would not live in the Director District.
At the public hearing on April 11, community members can ask questions regarding the process and provide comments to the board regarding redistricting. The Board of Directors will consider approval of one of the redistricting options during the regular board meeting following the public hearing. The approved director District plan will be sent to the Iowa Secretary of State office by May 15 and goes into effect immediately. Questions prior to the hearing should be directed to Superintendent James Craig.
Glenn Klingenberg, age 95, of Sibley, IA passed away on Sunday, April 2, 2023 at the Osceola Regional Health Center in Sibley, IA.
Funeral service will be 10:30 AM, Friday, April 7th at the Zoar Presbyterian Church rural George, IA, with Reverend Dale Lint officiating.
Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be Thursday, April 6th from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, with the family present at the Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley.
Sibley, Iowa — The Osceola County secondary roads shop and its contents sustained extensive damage in a fire on Saturday, April 1, 2023, in Sibley.
According to Sibley Fire Chief Ken Huls, at about 12:00 p.m., the Sibley Fire Department was called to the report of a structure fire at the county shop near the elevator in Sibley.
The chief says the fire department saw smoke coming from the garage doors as they approached the scene. He says they determined the fire started in the engine compartment of one of the trucks and spread to the ceiling, where there was blown-in insulation. He says they didn’t initially see any flame, but there was a large amount of smoke.
Huls tells us trucks had just returned from a run on the county’s roads that morning.
He says they ventilated the smoke so they could see what was happening, and pulled out the trucks that they could. He says two other trucks also sustained damage, each to the side nearest the truck on fire.
Huls says no injuries were reported.
The fire department was assisted by the Little Rock and Ashton fire departments.
He says the origin of the fire was under the hood of the truck and the cause of the fire appeared to be electrical or mechanical in nature.
Chief Huls estimates that the fire caused over a million dollars in damage. He says the truck on fire was totaled and the shop sustained extensive damage, but it is still structurally sound.
He says the firefighters who responded were on the scene for about four hours.
Sibley, Iowa — A Sibley-Ocheyedan graduate has been named the district’s new 7-12 principal, according to school officials.
They tell us that pending approval at the April board meeting, the Sibley-Ocheyedan Community School District has hired Casey Hertz to be their new 7-12 Principal. They say Hertz has accepted the offer.
School officials say Hertz was one of four candidates who interviewed for the position. They say each candidate met with several different interview groups, and that Hertz “…was the clear choice in each group.”
They tell us Hertz is a Sibley-Ocheyedan graduate and is currently serving as the assistant principal at the middle school in Worthington, MN.
Officials say, “He comes highly recommended and he has started a variety of initiatives to support both students and staff at Worthington Middle School.”
We are told Hertz currently lives in Sibley with his wife, Michaela, and will begin his official duties with the Sibley-Ocheyedan CSD on August 1, 2023. Hertz will be taking over for the current principal, Stan De Zeeuw, who will be moving into the role of Superintendent of Sibley-Ocheyedan CSD starting on July 1, 2023.
Des Moines, Iowa — Numbers out this past week showed Iowa’s unemployment rate dropped below three percent in February.
Iowa Workforce Development director, Beth Townsend, says that’s one of the positives for the state.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/dd0323workforce1.mp3She says the participation rate is important as they have been working to get more people back into the workforce.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/dd0323workforce2.mp3Townsend says manufacturing added 700 jobs in February.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/dd0323workforce3.mp3Townsend says leisure and hospitality jobs are up almost 45 hundred jobs over the course of the year, and the service industries had the biggest increase in jobs this past month.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/dd0323workforce4.mp3The construction industry did lose 16 hundred jobs in February — which Townsend says is probably related to bad weather. She says they expect to see the industry gain back jobs as the weather improves and more projects get underway outside.
Closer to home, the latest numbers for county-by-county unemployment are the January figures. And for the first time in recent memory, Osceola County has the lowest unemployment in the state, beating out even Lyon and Sioux counties. January unemployment in Osceola County was a mere 1.8 percent. Unemployment was still pretty low in the other three counties in our coverage area, but many other counties elsewhere in the state had similar or lower figures. O’Brien County’s unemployment was at 2.9 percent, Sioux’s was at 2.7 percent, and Lyon’s was at 2.6 percent.
Joyce Ferguson, age 76 of Sibley, Iowa passed away Sunday, March 19, 2023, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.
Funeral service will be 10:00 AM, Saturday, March 25, 2023, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sibley, Iowa with Reverend Tim Nappe officiating. Burial will follow in the Holman Township Cemetery in Sibley.
Visitation will be Friday, March 24th with the family present from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Trinity Lutheran in Sibley.
Arrangements are in the care of the Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley.
Sibley, Iowa — The Community Blood Bank bloodmobile is coming to the Osceola Regional Health Center in Sibley on Wednesday, March 22nd.
The Community Blood Bank’s Executive Director Ken Versteeg says this is an important blood drive because the blood bank is getting hit hard and they are the only supplier of blood for Osceola Regional Health.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Versteeg1-BadWeather.mp3He explains how much blood they lost out on because of having to cancel so many blood drives this winter.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Versteeg2-1000Units.mp3Versteeg says one unit of blood can save roughly three lives, so 1,000 units could have saved roughly 3,000 lives. He says that when there is a blood drive at Osceola Regional Health they usually have 40 to 45 people sign up to give blood.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Versteeg3-40Units.mp3The goal, Versteeg says, is to have the average amount, if not more, people sign up to give blood. If you want to make an appointment, which is preferred, call the Osceola Regional Health Center at (712) 754-5358. Walk-ins are welcomed, though they may have to wait as appointments will be taken first. Versteeg says with warmer weather coming up he is hoping for more blood drives and more donors to come out.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Versteeg4-Spring.mp3Osceola Regional Health Blood Drive is on Wednesday, March 22nd from 9:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.
Darcy Ney age 58 of Melvin, died Friday, March 16, 2023 at Osceola Regional Health Center in Sibley.
Funeral arrangements are pending with the Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley.
Sheldon, Iowa — With the coming of spring we also prepare for severe weather season. If you’d like to know more about severe weather, there is a Storm Watch class scheduled for next week at Northwest Iowa Community College in Sheldon.
Warning Coordination Meteorologist Peter Rogers with the National Weather Service’s Sioux Falls Office tells us about it.
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Rogers says while many who attend are law enforcement, EMS personnel, firefighters, and plant safety managers, the class is open to the public.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Rogers20230317b.mp3
He tells us what to expect if you go.
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The class is free, thanks to the emergency management agencies of O’Brien, Sioux, Lyon, and Osceola counties, but the folks at NCC would like you to register. You can do that online by clicking here. For more information from NCC, you can call 800-352-4907 or 324-5061.
There are other classes scheduled around the wider area. For more information about those, click here.
Sanborn, Iowa — Congressman Randy Feenstra (Republican, from Hull) hosted a town hall with local farmers, producers, and constituents in Sanborn this Wednesday, March 15th, to discuss the upcoming Farm Bill and other issues.
Feenstra says he enjoyed meeting with Iowans — including “our hardworking farmers and producers — to hear their suggestions and priorities for the upcoming Farm Bill.”
The topics included everything from Feenstra’s work to reauthorize the successful 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and stop China from buying American farmland to what Feenstra calls “the unfair inheritance tax,” to biofuels production, and international trade.
He says, “Meeting with Iowans will always be a top priority for me as I travel all 36 counties in my district at least twice a year.”
Twenty-four people attended the event.
Feenstra also announced his Agriculture Advisory Board at the town hall. The board is comprised of 60 members of the greater agriculture community from all 36 counties in Iowa’s 4th Congressional District and represents a wide range of industries, including corn, soybeans, pork, beef, turkey, dairy, eggs, cattle, goat, seed, fertilizer, veterinary medicine, equipment manufacturing, FFA, conservation, agricultural lending, and research and development.
In our part of northwest Iowa, from Lyon County, Dean Meyer, Dwight Mogler, Doug Stensland, and Scott Schneidermann are on the board. From O’Brien County, the board members include Kelly Nieuwenhuis, Jeremy Van Ess, and Corey Rozenboom. There’s one board member from Osceola County, and that’s Rob Jacobs. Five members on the board are from Sioux County. They are Brad Kooima, Steve Rehder, Craig Moss, JT Dean, and Jeff Altena.
Additionally, Feenstra spoke to O’Brien County Sheriff’s deputies about the scourge of fentanyl in rural Iowa and the need to secure our border.
The other members of the Agriculture Advisory Board:
Dr. Calie Burgart, Audubon County
Former State Senator Jerry Behn, Boone County
Mitchell Sievers, Buena Vista County
Andy Kosky, Buena Vista County
Darcy Maulsby, Calhoun County
State Representative Mike Sexton, Calhoun County
Will Reever, Carroll County
Ramona Nitz, Cherokee County
Chad Tentinger, Cherokee County
Will Jones, Clay County
Ty Rosburg, Crawford County
Al Giese, Dickinson County
Jim Boyer, Emmet County
John Latham, Franklin County
State Representative Shannon Latham, Franklin County
Brian Borcherding, Franklin County
Don Latham, Franklin County
Leo Ettleman, Fremont County
Sam Martin, Fremont County
Jeff Jorgenson, Fremont County
Ben Slinger, Hamilton County
Jake Van Diest, Hamilton County
Darrin Kruger, Hancock County
Tony Smith, Harrison County
Nick Nielsen, Humboldt County
Jolene Riessen, Ida County
Sara Winkleman, Kossuth County
State Senator Jeff Edler, Marshall County
Wyatt Edler, Marshall County
State Representative David Sieck, Mills County
Dan Witten, Monona County
Eric Bruhn, Palo Alto County
Andy Schroeder, Plymouth County
Don Kass, Plymouth County
Darin Dykstra, Plymouth County
Grant Wells, Pocahontas County
Chris Perdue, Pottawattamie County
Chad Hansen, Sac County
Gabe Ferry, Shelby County
Bill Couser, Story County
Marty Chitty, Story County
John Fredrickson, Webster County
Gregg Hora, Webster County
Jacob West, Winnebago County
Barbara Sloniker, Woodbury County
Mark Nelson, Woodbury County
Ethan Lambert, Wright County
Sheldon, Iowa — We just don’t seem to be able to shake Old Man Winter for very long this year. Another storm system is set to strike northwest Iowa this Thursday, and forecasters may even use the “B” word — “blizzard” with this one.
We talked to meteorologist Andrew Kalin with the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls, and he tells us about it.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Kalin20230315a.mp3The “blizzard” word is not one that the Weather Service just kicks around. Kalin says it would take some specific conditions for them to call a storm a “blizzard.”
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Kalin20230315b.mp3We asked him how much snow they’re expecting before it’s done.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Kalin20230315c.mp3And he says the snow will leave colder temps in its wake.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Kalin20230315d.mp3The forecast says it’s looking like it will take until at least Tuesday to get back into the 40’s.
Des Moines, Iowa — One project in our area and two nearby have received some money from the state.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Economic Development Authority have announced $26.88 million in grant funding through the final round of Destination Iowa, a $100 million investment in quality-of-life and tourism attractions. In recognition of the high interest in the program, Gov. Reynolds also announced an additional investment of $15 million to fund Destination Iowa applications from rural communities that did not receive grants in previous rounds.
In all, Destination Iowa awards were granted to 46 projects totaling $115 million, which activated over $480 million in total investment.
Reynolds says that Destination Iowa has inspired communities in all corners of the state to dream big about projects that will bolster the quality of life and attract newcomers. She says the demand is high, especially in rural areas. So, “I’ve extended the program to help more rural communities realize those dreams.”
In our area, the Osceola County Conservation Board was awarded $200,000 to expand the Willow Creek Campground. The award represents 40% of the total project investment of $500,000.
The Dickinson County Conservation Board was awarded $3,500,000 to develop the new Sherwood Forest Park on the former site of The Inn at Okoboji resort. The award represents 35% of the total project investment of $10,013,197.
Pearson Lakes Art Center in Okoboji was awarded $185,000 for the Art Smart Children’s Interactive Gallery project. The award represents 25% of the total project investment of $749,303.
Funded projects must be completed by June 30, 2026. For more information on the Destination Iowa program, you can visit iowaeda.com/destination-iowa/. Funding for this program has been made available through the federal American Rescue Plan Act.
Other awards elsewhere in the state:
The Dubuque Art Museum was awarded $8,000,000 toward the construction of a new museum and a 10,000-square-foot outdoor sculpture garden. The award represents 20% of the total project investment of $39,931,512.
The Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines was awarded $3,280,000 for major upgrades including a new Big Cat Conservation exhibit and an expanded seal and sea lion facility. The award represents 18% of the total project investment of $18,000,000.
The City of Cedar Rapids was awarded $3,000,000 toward the LightLine Loop project in the Czech Village and NewBo District. The award represents 16% of the total project investment of $19,255,775.
The City of Dubuque was awarded $3,000,000 for the addition of an open-air amphitheater on Schmitt Island. The award represents 19% of the total project investment of $15,442,961.
The City of Marshalltown was awarded $2,000,000 for the Linn Creek District development and creative placemaking efforts. The award represents 32% of the total project investment of $6,251,115.
Story County Conservation was awarded $1,500,000 to pave a portion of the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail east of Ames, connecting to Nevada and Maxwell. This award represents 31% of the total project investment of $4,819,000.
The India Heritage & Cultural Center was awarded $900,000 toward expanding the Hindu Temple and Cultural Center near Madrid. The award represents 23%of the total project investment of $3,976,023.
The Putnam Museum and Science Center in Davenport was awarded $900,000 toward an expansion project. The award represents 23% of the total project investment of $3,965,449.
The African American Museum of Iowa in Cedar Rapids was awarded $800,000 toward major renovations at the museum and the reinstallation of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.-inspired “Trumpet” sculpture and garden. The award represents 17% of the total project investment of $4,827,339.
The Southeast Iowa Sports Commission was awarded $2,500,000 to develop the Ottumwa SportsPlex Development Project. The award represents 23% of the total project investment of $10,737,449.
The Midwest Old Settlers and Threshers Association was awarded $500,000 to improve and enhance existing campground facilities at the Midwest Old Settlers and Threshers Association grounds. The award represents 38% of the total project investment of $1,312,525.
Jasper County Conservation was awarded $550,000 for the Jasper County Conservation Environmental Education Center. The award represents 25% of the total project investment of $2,204,509.
The City of Denison was awarded $4,500,000 for the Crawford County Wellness and Recreation Center. The award represents 24% of the total project investment of $18,643,000.
America’s First Great Dam Foundation was awarded $115,000 for the 1913 Hydro-Electric Turbine Visitor Center project in Keokuk. The award represents 38% of the total project investment of $303,325.
Wapello County was awarded $500,000 for improvements and enhancements to the Pioneer Ridge Park Campground. The award represents 40% of the total project investment of $1,260,975.
The Clayton County Conservation Board was awarded $345,000 to modernize and enhance the Osborne Welcome Center and Campground. The award represents 40% of the total project investment of $862,500.
The City of Treynor was awarded $800,000 for a multi-phase park and recreation project. The award represents 31% of the total project investment of $2,577,455.
Jefferson County was awarded $450,000 for improvements and enhancements to the Jefferson County Prairie Ridge Campground. The award represents 39% of the total project investment of $1,166,430.
The City of Dayton and the Dayton Community Club were awarded $800,000 for improvements to the Dayton Oak Park Trails Rodeo and Events Center. The award represents 34% of the total project investment of $2,372,703.
The City of Keosauqua was awarded $300,000 for the Lower Des Moines Water Trail. The award represents 32% of the total project investment of $950,249.
The Stanton Community Foundation and Montgomery County were awarded $850,000 for the Stanton Area Trail Project. The award represents 35% of the total project investment of $2,456,110.
The YMCA of Washington County was awarded $750,000 for an Indoor Aquatic Center. The award represents 10% of the total project investment of $7,689,975.
Marshall County Conservation was awarded $400,000 to improve and further develop the Green Castle Recreation Area Campground. The award represents 34% of the total project investment of $1,160,000.
The City of Muscatine was awarded $1,000,000 for the Muscatine Indoor Sports Complex. The award represents 25% of the total project investment of $4,000,000.
The City of Fort Madison was awarded $250,000 for the Fort Madison River Landing project. The award represents 11% of the total project investment of $2,256,317.
Sibley, Iowa– A Hartley woman was taken to the hospital after an accident in Sibley on Friday, March 10, 2023.
The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office reports that at about 11:25 a.m., 45-year-old Heather Ten Kley of Hartley was driving a 2005 Chevy westbound on A22 going over the Highway 60 overpass at Sibley. They tell us that 32-year-old Tanner Doeden of George was eastbound on A22, turning north onto the half-circle onramp for southbound Highway 60 in a 2004 Freightliner semi.
The report says that Doeden failed to see Ten Kley approaching and allegedly turned left in front of her. Ten Kley was unable to stop in time and then collided with the passenger side of the Doeden’s tractor unit. Ten Kley was using her car as a postal carrier vehicle at the time of the accident.
The Sibley Ambulance took Ten Kley to Osceola Regional Health Center Hospital. The deputy says Ten Kley suffered serious injuries and had to be extracted from her vehicle.
Ten Kley’s Chevy was totaled with $5000 in damages, and Doeden’s Freightliner semi sustained $1500 in damages.
Doeden was charged with failure to yield upon left turn.
click to enlarge
Northwest Iowa — Has the snowfall affected the drought? According to the latest report from the US Drought monitor, it has.
According to the latest information from the US Drought Monitor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the area of extreme drought has been shrinking. As late as Valentine’s Day, about half of O’Brien County was in extreme drought, along with about half of Cherokee County and nearly all of Buena Vista, Pocahontas, Humboldt, Woodbury, and Monona counties. But the latest Drought Monitor report, released at the end of last week shows much less extreme drought. It’s now limited to a small part of Woodbury, Monona, and Harrison counties.
The area of exceptional drought along the Missouri River south of Sioux City, however, hasn’t changed much.
For the most part, the rest of our area of northwest Iowa hasn’t changed much either. There’s still an area that’s only labeled “abnormally dry” in western Lyon and northwestern Sioux counties. The rest of Lyon County and most of Sioux and Osceola counties are in moderate drought, with severe (but not extreme or exceptional) drought in all of O’Brien County, extending a little into Sioux and Osceola counties and continuing three counties south and four east.
Most of the state is at least abnormally dry, except for the eastern few tiers of counties and a bubble of about 12 counties in south-central Iowa.
Northwest Iowa — Saint Patrick’s Day is this coming Friday and this week is traditionally one of the deadliest weeks of the year for motorists and pedestrians in Iowa and nationwide.
Trooper Kevin Krull with the Iowa State Patrol says they’re joining other law enforcement agencies to spread the message about the dangers of drinking and driving — and to take impaired drivers off the road.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Krull20230311a.mp3The program started on Saturday and runs through this coming Sunday, March 19th. Krull says if you’re at a St. Pat’s party on foot, you’ll need to be especially cautious.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Krull20230311b.mp3During the week of St. Patrick’s Day last year, 48 people were either seriously injured or killed in car crashes on Iowa’s roads.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Krull20230311c.mp3He says drivers should also stay alert, slow down, stay off their electronics. Krull says everyone needs to play a part to stay safe.
Northwest Iowa — As if we haven’t had enough snow and wintery weather, another storm system is headed our way, according to weather forecasters.
Meteorologist Jeff Chapman at the National Weather Service Office in Sioux Falls tells us about it.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Chapman20230307a.mp3He gives us an idea of how much snow to expect in our area.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Chapman20230307b.mp3Chapman says a little ice isn’t out of the question either. As overnight snow tapers off this Wednesday morning it could change to freezing rain, but any accumulations would be light, says Chapman.
He tells us that while they aren’t forecasting blizzard conditions, there will be some wind too.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Chapman20230307c.mp3The one good thing is that it won’t be bitterly cold like a January storm. However, even the moderate temps will be a mixed blessing.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Chapman20230307d.mp3But he says the warmer temps might mean faster melting as well. It looks like we might get a break from the snow on Friday, but there’s a pretty good chance again on Saturday and Saturday night.
Sheldon, Iowa — This Tuesday, March 7th, there will be a special opportunity in Sheldon for high school students who are interested in the healthcare field.
Kevin Miller, Northwest Iowa Community College’s Emergency Services Education Coordinator tells us about the camp, which is called “Scrubs Camp.”
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Miller20220614a.mp3Miller says the main idea of the Scrubs Camp is to raise awareness about what opportunities are available.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Miller20220614e.mp3He tells us over a hundred area high school students are registered for the camp. Miller tells us the idea is for students to “scrub up” with pros who actually DO healthcare for a living.
The day will include eight 30-minute sessions all featuring hands-on activities for the students to participate in. Live-action simulation scenarios will run back-to-back.
The topics will run the gamut. Some topics include nursing, radiologic technology, pharmacy, health information technology & medical coding, surgery, medical laboratory, EMS, and more.
Marlene Slykhuis age 89 of Sibley, Iowa formerly of Ashton, Iowa died Friday, March 3, 2023, at Country View Manor in Sibley.
Funeral services will be 10:30 AM, Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at Ashton Bible Church with Pastor Dan Kunnari, officiating. Burial will follow in the Gilman Township Cemetery at Ashton.
Visitation will be Monday, March 6th from 5:00 to 7:00 PM with the family present at Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Ashton Bible Church.
Lois Jean Loerts age 95 of Sibley, died Friday, February 24, 2023, at Country View Manor in Sibley.
Funeral service will be 2:00 PM, Saturday, March 4th at the Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley, Iowa, with Rev. Bart DeBoer officiating. Burial will follow at Holman Township Cemetery in Sibley.
Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley.
For a complete obituary and online registry please visit: www.jurrensfuneralhome.com
James Hesebeck age 77 of Ocheyedan, Iowa died Thursday, February 23, 2023 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
A funeral service will take place 10:30 AM Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Ocheyedan, Iowa with Reverend Richard Milbrandt, officiating.
Visitation will take place Monday, February 27th from 3:00 to 7:00 PM with family present from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Jurrens Funeral Home Andringa Chapel in Ocheyedan.
Ashton, Iowa — A house was basically destroyed in a fire on Friday, February 24, 2023, in Ashton, and authorities believe it was intentionally set.
According to Ashton Fire Chief Andy Gacke, at about 10:25 a.m., the Ashton Fire Department was called to the report of a house fire at 533 5th Street in Ashton.
The chief says the fire department saw heavy smoke as they approached the scene. He says they used water from handlines to fight the fire.
Gacke says the occupant and their pet were able to escape the flames and were found outside when firefighters arrived. He tells us the American Red Cross was contacted in regard to living arrangements for the occupant.
The fire department was assisted by the Sibley Fire Department and EMS personnel from both Ashton and Sibley. The Osceola County Emergency Management Agency also assisted at the scene.
He says the cause of the fire is under investigation by the Iowa State Fire Marshal’s office
Chief Gacke reports that there was extensive damage, and that the house was probably totaled in the blaze.
He says the firefighters who responded were on the scene for about three hours.
Late on Friday, KIWA Radio received word from the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office that upon investigation at the scene, an Osceola County Deputy arrested 32-year-old David Alvarez Jr of Ashton in connection with the fire. Alvarez is charged with alleged Arson 1st Degree, a Class B Felony; and Criminal Mischief 1st Degree, a Class C Felony. Alvarez was transported and booked into the Osceola County Jail and held on a $35,000 bond.
Sibley, Iowa — If the Sibley-Ocheyedan School Board approves, the next Sibley-Ocheyedan Superintendent will be Sibley-Ocheyedan’s current 7th-12 grade principal, Stan De Zeeuw.
According to Sibley-Ocheyedan officials, if he is approved this Friday, February 24th, De Zeeuw will transition with current superintendent James Craig and officially start his duties on July 1, 2023.
They tell us De Zeeuw was excited to accept the position saying, “I am humbled and honored to get the opportunity to lead the Sibley-Ocheyedan School District.” School board president Kyle Grimes also issued a statement, saying, “Stan was a clear choice by the interview teams and has the full support of the school board. We are excited about what the future holds under his leadership.”
Sibley-Ocheyedan officials say that during his tenure as principal, De Zeeuw took the lead on evaluating teachers, refining the at-risk program and lead staff to program delivery changes. He also collaborated with other administrators on staffing and budget issues. De Zeeuw holds an education specialist degree from Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska, and has served as a member of the School Administrators of Iowa since 2018. They tell us that prior to his current role, De Zeeuw was a teacher at the Rock Valley CSD. Board members have been working with Grundmeyer Leader Services to conduct the search. The new superintendent will officially begin leading the Sibley-Ocheyedan Community School District on July 1, 2023.
James Hesebeck age 77 of Ocheyedan, Iowa died Thursday, February 23, 2023, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
A funeral service will take place at 10:30 AM Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Ocheyedan, Iowa with Reverend Richard Milbrandt, officiating.
Visitation will take place Monday, February 27th from 3:00 to 7:00 PM with family present from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Jurrens Funeral Home Andringa Chapel in Ocheyedan.
Sheldon, Iowa — Officials with Northwest Iowa Community College in Sheldon are again reporting that never before have this many students attended the college at one time.
In the first two semesters of the 2022-23 academic year, the College is on pace for a record enrollment year. The Fall of 2022 was the largest fall class in the school’s history dating back to 1966. They tell us the 1,811 enrolled students represent about a 5.54% increase from Fall 2021 when the headcount was 1,716. The previous record was in the fall of 2019 when enrollments were 1,777 students.
NCC officials say the enrollments for Spring 2023 follow in a similar trajectory topping all previous enrollment numbers with a record-setting 1,850 students. This represents a 3.64% increase over last year’s enrollments of 1,785.
NCC has multiple terms and start dates throughout the year, so the fall and spring enrollment numbers are just two data points that NCC records throughout the year. They say that another strong indicator is the summer semester enrollments.
Beth Sibenaller-Woodall, NCC Registrar, says that summer enrollments are looking strong, but there won’t be an accurate count until the official count day which is 10 days after the start of the semester. She says NCC is on track for a record-breaking year. Sibenaller-Woodall tells us that by the end of NCC’s previous academic year, on August 6, 2022, the college had taught 2,701 different students in its credit programs.
John Hartog, College President says, “We are excited to see what our year-end numbers will be this coming August. We care for each of our students, and we show our care with our affordable tuition rates and the services we offer to all of our students. Higher numbers mean more students are entering the workforce and transferring to four-year institutions with advanced standing credits.”
Lake Park, Iowa — The estimates are in for the proposed construction work at the Harris-Lake Park schools in Lake Park. But the results were somewhat unexpected.
Interim Superintendent Les Douma tells us that the cost of renovation somehow was more than the cost of building new.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Douma20230222a.mp3And, while you might think that would be good news — that for less money, they could have a brand new facility — that was not the reaction that staff and the school board had, says Douma.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Douma20230222b.mp3The problem is, according to Douma, that there are now fewer options, because the renovation option is off the table, due to bonding capacity.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Douma20230222c.mp3The district is also considering some other construction work, depending on funding.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Douma20230222d.mp3Douma says the next steps are a board study session on March 6th to discuss where to go from here, and the next meeting, at which a decision may be made, will be on March 20th. He says he really appreciates the board’s work on this. He says it’s an exciting time at Harris-Lake Park.
Sheldon, Iowa — It sounds like we’re going to get some more wintery weather. And some are saying it could be a repeat of a storm we had earlier this season, with large amounts of snow.
We talked to meteorologist Jim Murray with the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls. He tells us how they believe things will start this Tuesday.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Murray20230220a.mp3Murray says there’s a chance we could see blizzard conditions in northwest Iowa. He tells us the event will probably wrap up by midday Thursday, and at this time they are thinking we could see 10 inches, up to maybe a foot of snow.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Murray20230220b.mp3He gives us an idea of what to expect after the storm passes by.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Murray20230220c.mp3Murray says the way things look right now, do not travel Wednesday evening or Wednesday night.
Charles “Charlie” Verplank, age 73 of Hartley, IA, passed away at his home in Hartley on Saturday, February 18, 2023.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at the Hartley Funeral Home Chapel in Hartley. There are no formal visitation hours scheduled.
Burial with military honors will take place at 9:15 a.m., prior to the service on Saturday at Harrison Township Cemetery near May City, IA.
Online condolences may be sent to the family via www.sanborn-hartleyfuneralhomes.com.
The Hartley Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for 73-year-old Charlie Verplank of Hartley, IA.
Steven Niswander, age 67 of Ocheyedan, Iowa, died Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at his home in Ocheyedan.
Memorial service will be 10:30 AM, Saturday, February 18, 2023, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Ocheyedan with Reverend Richard Milbrandt, officiating. Burial will follow in the Ocheyedan Township Cemetery at Ocheyedan.
Visitation will be Friday, February 17th from 5:00 to 7:00 with the family present at the Ocheyedan Town Hall.
Jurrens Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Sibley, Iowa — The number of finalists for the Sibley-Ocheyedan School District Superintendent position is down to three.
The finalists are Dr. Robert Bolen, an HR director at an Alaska school district; Stan De Zeeuw, the current 7th-12th Grade Principal at Sibley-Ocheyedan; and Daniel Hoey, the PK-12 superintendent of a school district in Hartford, South Dakota.
Board members tell us they have been working with Grundmeyer Leader Services to conduct the search. As a next step, the board and stakeholder interview teams will conduct final interviews with each of the finalists on Tuesday, February 21st, 2023. The board will then discuss the candidates and reach a final decision soon after the formal interviews.
They say the new superintendent will officially begin leading the Sibley-Ocheyedan Community School District on July 1st, 2023, after current superintendent James Craig leaves the position on June 30th.
David Kuehl, age 75 of Sibley, Iowa passed away Wednesday, February 15, 2023, at Country View Manor in Sibley.
The memorial service will be 10:30 AM, Saturday, February 18, 2023, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sibley, Iowa with Reverend Tim Nappe and Reverend Steve Swenson, officiating. Burial will follow in the Baker Township Cemetery in rural Melvin.
Visitation will be Friday, February 17th from 3:00 to 7:00 PM with the family present from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Trinity Lutheran in Sibley.
Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley is in charge of arrangements
Sibley, Iowa — The Sibley-Ocheyedan Community School District Board of Education has laid out plans for how instructional time lost to snow days will be made up.
The school board has voted to eliminate Wednesday early dismissals. That begins this Wednesday, February 15. They also have added five days to the end of the school year. They report that their new last day for students will be May 25th. The new last day for teachers will be May 26th. If there are more snow days this school year at Sibley-Ocheyedan, the next four days that are missed will be forgiven. But, starting with the fifth day, the days will be added to the end of the school year.
School officials tell us the board did not rule out adding time to the school day. They will have another hearing and consideration at a future meeting to consider that possibility if needed.
Sibley-Ocheyedan officials ask parents to contact the district office if they have any questions.
Tea, South Dakota — It looks like most of the funding to get the Lewis & Clark water pipeline to Sibley has been accounted for.
Troy Larson, who is the executive director of the Lewis & Clark Regional Water System tells us that the Bureau of Reclamation has announced that the system is receiving $60 million in FY23 from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Larson says that combined with the $18.6 million included in the FY23 Appropriations Bill that was signed into law on December 29, 2022, it brings total FY23 funding to $78.6 million for the ongoing construction of the tristate drinking water project.
Larson tells us the $60 million will be used for the Sibley service line, Sibley meter building and Phase 3 of the water treatment plant. Among other things, Phase 3 includes two more solids contact basins, a second gravity thickener and another lime slaker.
Larson says Sibley will get its water from the Minnesota pipeline, which will come down from the Adrian area as a branch of the Worthington line.
He says this funding does not get the project across the finish line in terms of completing the 44.19-million-gallons-per-day base system, but it gets it really close.
Larson says, “Depending on the FY24 funding levels from the Appropriations Bill and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we hope next year will be the last year federal funding is needed for the base system.”
The pipeline that will serve Sheldon will come from Hull. The pipeline from Sioux Center to Hull has been in use for several years to sell Sioux Center water to Hull. And the line to Sioux Center from Beresford has been completed too. Work on the line from Hull to Sheldon is underway, with the $16.4 million contract awarded last August.
Sheldon, Iowa — An Ocheyedan man has been arrested on a warrant for drug charges.
According to a criminal complaint filed with the O’Brien County Clerk of Court’s Office by the Sheldon Police Department, 59-year-old Glen Dowdy of Ocheyedan is accused of the possession of a controlled substance after at least two prior convictions. He was arrested on a warrant on Thursday, February 9th, 2023.
The complaint states that during a search on January 29th, a small baggie with a white crystalline substance was found on the passenger floor of the vehicle. Dowdy had been sitting in the passenger seat of the car when he was contacted by the officer. The officer says the baggie was field tested and was positive for methamphetamine.
Dowdy was charged with possession of a controlled substance, third or subsequent offense, a class D felony. If convicted, Dowdy could face up to five years in prison.
Dowdy faces a preliminary hearing on March 1st, 2023.
He was released from custody the same day he was arrested.
Sheldon, Iowa — A Harris man has been arrested on drug charges after an arrest in Sheldon.
According to a criminal complaint filed with the O’Brien County Clerk of Court’s Office by the Sheldon Police Department, 49-year-old Michael Eaton of Harris is accused of the possession of a controlled substance after two prior convictions. He was arrested on Friday, February 10th, 2023.
The complaint states that Eaton was a passenger in a vehicle called in for possible drug activity. The officer says the vehicle was located in the area a short time later and the driver was pulled over for a traffic violation. A Sheldon K9 indicated on the vehicle. A glass pipe and black container were allegedly located in Eaton’s coat.
Eaton was charged with possession of a controlled substance, third or subsequent offense, a class D felony, plus a misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia. If convicted, Eaton could face up to five years in prison.
He faces a preliminary hearing on March 3rd, 2023.
At last report, Eaton remained in the O’Brien County Jail in Primghar.
Raychel Ruth Hughes age, 30, of Ashton, passed away on Monday, February 6, 2023, at the Sanford Sheldon Medical Center in Sheldon, Iowa.
Her Memorial Service will be at 1:00 P.M. on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at the Ashton Bible Church in Ashton, Iowa with Rev. Dan Kunnari officiating.
Burial will be at a later date.
Visitation with the family present will be from 12 noon until the time of service at the Ashton Bible Church in Ashton, and will continue after the service in the fellowship hall of the church.
The Vander Ploeg Funeral Home in Sheldon is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Online condolences may be made to the Family at www.vanderploegfunerals.com
Raychel Ruth Hughes, the daughter of Debbra (Byl) Hughes was born April 30, 1992 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Raychel grew up in Sioux Center where she attended school and graduated Sioux Center Community High School 2011. Raychel had worked for Casey’s General Store in Sheldon for 5 years, she was currently employed with Sekisui Aerospace of Orange City, Iowa as Quality Control. Raychel passed away at Sanford Sheldon Medical Center in Sheldon, Iowa on Monday, February 6, 2023 reaching the age of 30 years, 9 months and 7 days.
Raychel was a member of the Ashton Bible Church in Ashton. She enjoyed camping, spending time with her daughter riding 4-wheelers. She also enjoyed switch games especially Stardew Valley, watching Anime, playing games with family, doing diamond art and puzzles, her biggest dream was to buy a horse. Every Friday Night her brother JD and her would go grocery shopping together.
She is survived by her daughter, Eilla Hughes of Ashton; her mother, Debbra Hughes of Sheldon, Iowa; 2 sisters, Danélle (Dustin) Perry of Ashton; Nellie Hughes of Sheldon; a brother, JD Hughes of Sheldon; grandparents, Henry and Joan Byl of Sioux Center, Iowa; and other relatives and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her great grandparents, John and Minnie Byl and William and Jeannie Terpstra.
Gilbert “Gib” Blochowitz, age 95 of Sibley, died Saturday, February 11, 2023 at Country View Manor in Sibley.
Funeral service will take place at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sibley, with Pastor Steve Swenson, officiating. Burial will follow in Holman Township Cemetery of Sibley.
Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service.
Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley is in charge of arrangements for Gib Blochowitz.
Raychel Ruth Hughes age, 30, of Ashton, Iowa passed away on Monday, February 6, 2023, at the Sanford Sheldon Medical Center in Sheldon, Iowa.
Her Memorial Service will be at 1:00 P.M. on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at the Ashton Bible Church in Ashton, Iowa with Rev. Dan Kunnari officiating.
Burial will be at a later date.
Visitation with the family present will be from 12 noon until the time of service at the Ashton Bible Church in Ashton, Iowa and will continue after the service in the fellowship hall of the church.
The Vander Ploeg Funeral Home in Sheldon is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Online condolences may be made to the Family at www.vanderploegfunerals.com
David Roth age 84, of Tempe, AZ, passed away on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, at the Banner Desert Medical Center in Mesa, AZ
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 AM, Friday, February 17th at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Sibley, IA, with Father Siby Punnoose as celebrant. Burial will be in the Gilman Township Cemetery in Ashton, IA.
Visitation will be Thursday, February 16th, with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley, with a rosary at 5:00 p.m.
The Jurrens Funeral Home in Sibley is in charge of the arrangements for David Roth, of Tempe AZ.
Northwest Iowa — After this week’s signing of Governor Kim Reynolds’ “School Choice” bill into law, northwest Iowa public school superintendents are unsure to hopeful about the future.
The new law is expected to give $345 million to parents to send their students to private schools. It will provide state-funded accounts for the parents of private school students. In the first year, low-income parents who enroll a child in a private school could apply for nearly $7600 in state funding to cover tuition, computers, textbooks, and tutoring. In 2026, all private school parents could apply for the state money. According to school officials, the $7600 represents the entire amount that the district gets from the state per pupil, per year. However, the districts will get $1200 per year per pupil for pupils whose parents have elected to send them to private schools instead. Interestingly enough, depending on the district and the number of pupils CURRENTLY enrolled in private schools, it might mean an INCREASE in funding in some districts.
Sheldon Community School District Superintendent Cory Myer says, “I believe most families appreciate the high quality of education we provide in Sheldon and our families feel good about the choice they made when they enrolled in our school district.”
Sibley/Ocheyedan Community School District Superintendent James Craig says, “I really don’t have an indication about families moving to private school. Our conversations with parents are usually for open enrollment or homeschooling, so I have no idea where that will go for us.”
West Lyon Superintendent Shawn Kremen says, “It’s so hard to predict at this point, I don’t know that it will impact us a whole lot at this point, but again not sure.”
Central Lyon Superintendent Brent Jorth says, “It’s hard for me to estimate how many families will opt to attend a private school, because the choice is truly the private school’s to make. From my perspective, Central Lyon will continue to fulfill its mission to provide an exceptional education, opportunities, and resources for all students to become productive, life-long learners. Our families are very fortunate to have a teaching staff that is dedicated to empowering students to achieve at high levels as demonstrated in a track record of academic success and career readiness. Our school board and staff will continue to partner with families and our community to provide students with learning opportunities in and out of the classroom that will prepare them to be life-long learners, productive members of the community, and responsible citizens.”
Boyden-Hull Superintendent Steve Grond says, “I don’t know how it will impact Boyden-Hull and surrounding schools. We offer an excellent education at Boyden-Hull for all students, which we will continue to deliver. Overall, I believe that students and parents are pleased with the education they receive while at Boyden-Hull.”
MOC/Floyd Valley Superintendent Russ Adams says, “I am hopeful that our families recognize the outstanding quality of education they are receiving for their children at MOC-Floyd Valley, but time will tell.”
Betty Dagel age 88, of Sibley, passed away on Thursday, January 26, 2023, at her home in Sibley.
Funeral service will be 10:30 AM, Wednesday, February 1st at the United Church of Christ in Sibley, with Pastor Maggie Gisch officiating.
Burial will follow at Holman Township Cemetery in Sibley.
Visitation will be Tuesday, January 31st from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley.
Lenexa, Kansas — A Sibley auto repair shop will have to pay tens of thousands of dollars after they were caught selling what are called “defeat devices.”
According to the Environmental Protection Agency or EPA, Turbocharged Performance LLC will pay a $30,000 civil penalty for allegedly tampering with car engines to render emissions controls inoperative, in violation of the federal Clean Air Act. According to the EPA, the company sold or installed so-called “defeat devices” on at least 581 occasions.
David Cozad, director of EPA Region 7’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division says, “The installation of defeat devices or any illegal tampering of auto emissions controls is both a violation of federal law and a significant contributor of harmful air pollution. The federal government is serious about holding accountable individuals and companies who profit from these unlawful actions.”
In addition to paying the civil penalty, Turbocharged Performance will be prohibited from selling defeat devices and is required to destroy any remaining defeat devices under the company’s control.
EPA officials tell us tampering with car engines, including installation of aftermarket defeat devices intended to bypass manufacturer emissions controls, results in significantly higher releases of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, both of which contribute to serious public health problems in the United States. They tell us these problems include premature mortality, aggravation of respiratory and cardiovascular disease, aggravation of existing asthma, acute respiratory symptoms, chronic bronchitis, and decreased lung function. Numerous studies also link diesel exhaust to increased incidence of lung cancer. Further, emission control tampering impedes federal, state, and local efforts to implement air quality standards that protect public health.
Des Moines, Iowa — Governor Kim Reynolds has signed her “School Choice Plan” bill into law. It is expected to give $345 million to parents to send their students to private schools.
One of only three Republican senators to vote “no” on the bill was a state senator that represents a portion of our area. District 3 Republican State Senator Lynn Evans voted against the bill. Iowa Senate District 3 consists of all of O’Brien, Osceola, and Buena Vista counties, along with most of Clay and Cherokee counties. Evans is the former superintendent of the Alta-Aurelia Community School District.
Most Republicans in the Iowa legislature have voted for Governor Kim Reynolds’ top 2023 priority — a bill that will provide state-funded accounts for the parents of private school students.
Republican Representative John Wills of Spirit Lake opened Monday’s House debate by saying the bill is about freedom.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/RIkay2023ESA3.mp3Democrats like Representative Sue Cahill of Marshalltown say the choice is up to private school administrators since nothing requires private schools to accept all students.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/RIkay2023ESA4.mp3After five and a half hours of debate, the bill cleared the House on a 55 to 45 vote. Senators debated in earnest for about three hours, passing the bill just before 12:30 this (Tuesday) morning on a 31-to-18 vote. Representative Steven Holt, a Republican from Denison, says state funds will now follow a child to the school that best fits their needs.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/RIkay2023ESA6.mp3Representative Thomas Moore of Griswold opposes the governor’s two, less expansive “school choice” proposals and he is one of nine House Republicans who voted against this year’s proposal.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/RIkay2023ESA12.mp3Three Republican Senators opposed the plan. Representative Skyler Wheeler, a Republican from Hull who backed the bill, says public school parents got frustrated during the pandemic and asked for this alternative.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/RIkay2023ESA10.mp3Representative Sharon Steckman, a Democrat from Mason City, disagreed.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/RIkay2023ESA9.mp3In the first year, low-income parents who enroll a child in a private school could apply for nearly $7600 in state funding to cover tuition, computers, textbooks, and tutoring. In 2026, all private school parents could apply for the state money. Representative Austin Baeth, a Democrat from Des Moines, says an estimated 79 percent of the money will be spent on kids already enrolled in private schools.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/RIkay2023ESA5.mp3Wills says if Iowans didn’t want school choice, they wouldn’t have expanded the Republican majorities in the legislature — and would not have reelected Governor Reynolds by a 19-point margin.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/RIkay2023ESA13.mp3All Democrats in the legislature voted against the bill. Senate Democratic Leader Zach Wahls says the governor’s plan is Robin Hood in reverse.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/RIkay2023ESA11.mp3Reynolds held a private ceremony in her formal office Monday to mark the start of “School Choice Week.”
click to enlarge
Northwest Iowa — The latest unemployment numbers show Lyon and Sioux counties continue to have the lowest unemployment in the state. Meanwhile, the latest numbers available show the state unemployment rate held steady at three-point-one percent in December.
Iowa Workforce Development director, Beth Townsend, says there were some positive signs as the year wrapped up.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/dd0120jobs1.mp3The labor force participation rate dropped slightly as Townsend says about 17-hundred people dropped out of the workforce.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/dd0120jobs2.mp3Townsend says the state entered 2023 on good footing in the face of some ongoing national issues.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/dd0120jobs3.mp3Employers continue to cite the need for more skilled workers, and she says that’s one thing Iowa Workforce Development will continue working on.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/dd0120jobs4.mp3She says there are a lot of good programs trying to create employee pipelines that are crucial to fixing the workforce crisis employers face.
The latest numbers available for local unemployment are those from November. Workforce officials remind us that these numbers are not seasonally adjusted.
Sioux County remains the county with the lowest unemployment in the state, at 1.7 percent, unchanged from the previous month. Lyon County has the second-lowest unemployment, at 1.9 percent, up a tenth of a percent from the previous month, when it was 1.8 percent. Unemployment in Osceola and O’Brien counties remains low as well. Osceola County’s unemployment was at 2.0 percent in November, up from 1.8 percent in October. And in O’Brien County, unemployment is at 2.4 percent, up from 2.1 percent the month before.
Robert Zonnefeld age 89, of Sibley died Monday, January 23, 2023, at the Sanford Sheldon Senior Care in Sheldon.
Visitation will be held Thursday, January 26th, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Christian Reformed Church in Sibley with the family present.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 27th, at the Christian Reformed Church in Sibley,with Pastor Ben Wiersma, officiating. Burial will be in the Roseland Cemetery at Sanborn.
The Jurrens Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Robert Zonnefeld.
Des Moines, Iowa — Emerald Ash Borer is an Asian insect that kills ash trees and has now been confirmed in all but three of the 99 counties in Iowa.
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Communication Director, Don McDowell tells KIWA that Osceola County was one of six counties that had no confirmation for this insect. Today, January 19th, the department has confirmed that 96 counties now have an infestation. He says the insect sample that was sent to them was collected from Melvin. They also confirmed infestations in Monona County and Woodbury County at the same time.
According to McDowell, these insects are a significant threat to ash trees that are native to Iowa and once a tree is infected, usually it will take two to four years for that tree to die. He says it takes this long because the larvae feed on the inner side of the bark.
McDowell tells us that indications of an infestation may include canopy thinning, leafy sprouts shooting from the trunk or main branches, bark splitting, and woodpecker damage. Other things that may be noticed are “s”-shaped galleries under the bark and 1/8-inch D-shaped exit holes.
He says adult beetles can bring larvae from tree to tree when they fly away, but another way to spread the infestations is through people. An example is when people move materials, such as firewood. He says it is better to use locally-sourced firewood.
McDowell says there are options to make sure you don’t get an infestation. One way is to use preventive insecticide on healthy ash trees. The best time to use the insecticides, according to McDowell, is in the spring between mid-April and mid-May.
The three counties that have not yet reported an infestation are Plymouth, Emmet, and Palo Alto counties.
For more information on Emerald Ash Borer treatments visit the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach website at https://store.extension.iastate.edu/product/13114.
Statewide Iowa — We did get some snow yesterday afternoon and overnight, but the amounts were generally less than expected.
Meteorologist Craig Cogil at the National Weather Service, says wide sections of the state did get heavy snow, but not the foot of snow that was expected in some areas.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/wx20230119a.mp3Sheldon recorded five and a half inches of snow. Rock Rapids had six inches. Eight inches of snow was reported in George. Cogil says dozens of school districts are either on delays or have cancelled classes for the day and anyone who’s on the road will need to use great caution.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/wx20230119b.mp3Cogil says the precipitation should be ending very soon.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/wx20230119c.mp3Tow bans are in effect through the morning in several Iowa counties. For the latest road report go to 511ia.org. Patchy blowing snow is forecast for today for the Sheldon area, but for the next week, the only mention of precip at this point is just some flurries Sunday night and Monday.
Ashton, Iowa — Some hay bales in a shed were destroyed in a fire on Saturday, January 14, 2023, near Ashton.
According to Ashton Fire Assistant Chief Dave Otis, at about 12:55 p.m., the Ashton Fire Department was called to the report of a shed fire at 5379 220th Street, three miles east and a mile north of Ashton.
The chief says the fire department saw smoke coming out of the door as they approached the scene. He says they found that the building was not on fire, but hay bales inside the building were on fire. He tells us they pulled the bales outside with a rake and a skid loader and pulled them apart to extinguish the fire. Otis says it was a good thing the fire was caught and firefighters were called when they were, as the hay was against the wooden wall of the building.
Assistant Chief Otis says no injuries were reported.
The fire department was assisted by the Sibley Fire Department.
Otis says the owner told him they found the wiring from a heat lamp malfunctioned, causing the fire.
Assistant Chief Otis reports that the damage was limited to the bales.
He says the firefighters who responded were on the scene for about 45 minutes.
Northwest Iowa — A Spirit Lake man who is accused of sexual abuse in three cases in three separate counties has changed his pleas to guilty, just days before his first trial was to have begun.
According to court records filed with the Osceola, Dickinson, and Clay counties’ clerk of court’s offices, 54-year-old Stacy Lind of Spirit Lake faces charges of third-degree sexual abuse and lascivious acts with a child in all three counties and child endangerment in both Osceola and Dickinson counties, plus other charges. The sex abuse counts are all class C felonies.
If convicted, Lind could face up to 10 years in prison on each class C felony count, plus time for any other count still valid.
He had originally pleaded not guilty, so the change in plea would seem to indicate a plea agreement.
According to court records, the Clay County incident is alleged to have occurred in June 2020, while the Osceola and Dickinson county incidents are alleged to have occurred in late October 2021.
Sibley, Iowa — The blood shortage continues in northwest Iowa.
With all the winter weather that has made its way through northwest Iowa, there have been a lot of blood drives canceled, which means there is still a severe shortage of blood. The Community Blood Mobile will be at Osceola Regional Health Center on Thursday, January 19th to hopefully make up some of the blood they lost out on.
The Community Blood Bank Executive Directory Ken Versteeg says to remember it is flu season.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Versteeg-healthy-1.mp3He says that if you have had Covid recently, you must be five days symptom-free to give blood. If you are sick, or not feeling well, do not give blood. This is not healthy for the donor, according to Versteeg.
Donors must be at least 16 years old and weigh 110 pounds. A person can give blood every 56 days. Because of Covid, appointments are required.
The blood drive takes place on Thursday, January 19th from 9:00-4:30 p.m. Make your appointment to give blood at Osceola Regional Health Center by calling (712) 754-5358.
The hospitals in northwest Iowa solely get their blood from The Sioux Falls Community Blood Bank.
Des Moines, Iowa — The first full week of the 2023 session of the Iowa Legislature is in the books. We had a chance to connect with new District 5 Republican State Representative Zach Dieken.
And that’s new in both senses — the district is new, and the representative is new. Dieken represents the new District 5, which includes all of Osceola and O’Brien counties as well as about half of Cherokee County and a few townships in Buena Vista County.
We asked Representative Dieken what his priorities are for the 2023 legislative session.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Dieken20230113a.mp3We asked him his opinion on the tax reform that legislators have been discussing.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Dieken20230113b.mp3Those of you know knew Representative Dieken before he became a representative probably know that he normally goes by Iowa State Patrol Trooper Zach Dieken. Dieken tells us that while he is now a state representative, yes, he is still a state trooper.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Dieken20230113c.mp3Dieken encourages people to give him a call. He says one of the emphases of his campaign was that we live in a republic and that means everyone can be involved in representative government. If you have an issue, he says he’d like to talk to you.
Washington, DC — This area’s Congressman, Randy Feenstra from Hull was selected for the US House Ways and Means Committee this week.
Feenstra says he was selected by his Republican colleagues to serve on what he calls the “influential” committee.
Feenstra says, “I am humbled to be selected to serve on the House Ways and Means Committee for the 118th Congress to continue my work serving and delivering for Iowa. From agriculture and trade matters to healthcare and tax policy, Ways and Means covers a wide array of legislative priorities important to our agricultural community and rural way of life. As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, I will continue to be a strong voice for Iowa families, farmers, producers, taxpayers, and small business owners who deserve a seat at the table.”
House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO) praised Feenstra’s appointment saying, “Congressman Feenstra is a leader in fighting for the interests of rural America, and he will continue that leadership on the Ways and Means Committee. He will be an invaluable partner in solving the major challenges that face rural America – opening up new markets for farmers, creating jobs, and expanding access to health care, to name a few. The Ways and Means Committee is ready to advance a bold Republican agenda that supports the millions of working-class families struggling after two years of Democrat one-party rule.”
Des Moines, Iowa — If you or your children were on Medicaid before the pandemic, and during the time since, your income rose above the limit, you will probably lose your Medicaid benefits this year.
From March 2020, through April 1, 2023, Iowa Medicaid was required to maintain continuous health care coverage for members. This meant that if a member’s situation changed (e.g., financially) in a way that would normally disqualify them from the program, Iowa Medicaid was required to maintain coverage for the person during the public health emergency.
On December 29, 2022, President Biden signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, which ends what’s called the Medicaid program’s “continuous coverage requirement” as of April 1, 2023.
According to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, that means that most Medicaid members will go through a redetermination process during the 12-month unwinding period to determine if they are still eligible for any Medicaid program(s). This includes members who have not had a redetermination in the last 12 months and those who have been deemed ineligible but whose coverage is being maintained.
With the initiation of the unwind plan, Iowa Medicaid says they will share important information with members. They say it is critical that Iowa Medicaid members have up-to-date contact information in Medicaid’s database, watch for mail from Iowa Medicaid, and respond to requests for information.
If members do not respond to renewal letters or requests for information, they may lose coverage.
Medicaid officials tell us that if you are set to lose your benefits, they’re not just going to leave you in the lurch. The process will take several months, and they say they will assist by providing information, resources, and processes on obtaining alternative health coverage after disenrollment.
For more information, click here.
Frances Wills, age 88, of Sibley passed away on Thursday, January 12, 2023, at Sibley Specialty Care in Sibley, IA.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 15th, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., with family present at the Jurrens Funeral Home in Sibley.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 16, 2023, at the First Presbyterian Church in Sibley, IA, with Pastor Brian Schafer officiating.
Burial will follow in the Holman Township Cemetery at Sibley, IA. The Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley is in charge of the arrangements for Frances Wills.
Ashton, Iowa– A Ocheyedan man and his passenger were taken to the hospital after an accident near Ashton on Tuesday, January 10, 2023.
The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office reports that at about 8:45 a.m., 74-year-old Bernard Engelkes of Ocheyedan was driving a 2001 Toyota minivan southbound on Highway 60, two miles north of Ashton. They tell us that 21-year-old Dax DeGroot of George was eastbound on 210th Street in a 2015 Ford pickup.
The report says that DeGroot pulled out in front of Engelkes while turning right causing the collision. It does mention fog in the area contributing to obscured vision.
The Sibley Ambulance took Engelkes and a passenger in his vehicle, 67-year-old Timothy Knudson to Osceola Regional Health Center Hospital.
Engelkes’s Toyota minivan sustained $2500 in damages, and DeGroot’s Ford pickup sustained $1500 in damages.
DeGroot was charged with failure to yield upon entering a through highway.
Sibley, Iowa– A man and a woman, both from Sibley were taken to the hospital after an accident in Sibley on Tuesday, January 10, 2023.
The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office reports that at about 3:45 p.m., 32-year-old Dustin Pursell of Sibley was driving a 2010 Volkswagen northbound on 8th Avenue, in Sibley. They tell us that 54-year-old Tina Haluska of Worthington, MN was westbound on 7th Street in a 2016 Jeep Cherokee.
The report says that Pursell failed to yield to the Haluska Jeep on the right. The vehicles collided in the intersection.
The Sibley Ambulance took Pursell and a passenger in the Haluska vehicle, 52-year-old Beth Lindberg of Sibley to Osceola Regional Health Center Hospital.
Pursell’s Volkswagen sustained $10,000 in damages, and Haluska’s Jeep Cherokee sustained $5,000 in damages.
Pursell was charged with failure to yield the right of way.
The report says the Sibley Fire Department also assisted at the scene.
Washington, DC — Iowa 4th District Congressman and Hull resident Randy Feenstra is taking the Biden administration to task over how they have investigated cases of classified documents differently in the possession of former president Donald Trump and Biden’s son Hunter.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/dd0110feenstra1.mp3The Republican from northwest Iowa says with his party now in control of the House, they will press for answers about how former president Trump was investigated and raided by federal agencies while Republican concerns about hunter Biden were ignored:
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/dd0110feenstra2.mp3Feenstra joined fellow house GOP members in voting for the Family and Small Business Taxpayer Protection Act, which would repeal the IRS enforcement funding in the Democratic Inflation Reduction Act and prevent the Biden administration from hiring more IRS agents.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/dd0110feenstra3.mp3Experts say the bill will likely not make it to the floor in the Democratic-controlled US Senate.
Northwest Iowa — We up here in northwest Iowa seem to have lucked out again. A computer system that is used by some county recorders’ offices in Iowa was apparently hacked over the holidays and is still not completely back to normal.
The software, however, called “Cott Systems,” does not appear to be used by any of the four northwest Iowa county recorders’ offices, which use other software, such as “Eagle.”
Experts say the biggest remaining problem in counties that do use Cott Systems appears to be online access to real estate records. In some cases, we are told even the personnel in the recorders’ offices are not able to access those records. Not all of the counties that use Cott Systems were affected either. The hack seems to have only affected counties that have records hosted by Cott Systems.
Iowa county recorders’ offices issue birth certificates; licenses for boats, ATVs & snowmobiles; death certificates; hunting & fishing licenses, marriage certificates; and marriage licenses. They also deal with military records, real estate, and trade names.
Sheldon, Iowa — A local institution of higher learning is looking to honor one of their graduates.
Northwest Iowa Community College in Sheldon is seeking nominations for the 2023 Outstanding Alumnus of the Year. They are asking that if you know of an NCC Alum who has done outstanding work in his or her industry, has done exceptional volunteer work, received a prestigious award, or obtained some other notable achievement, to nominate this individual.
NCC officials tell us that the person’s accomplishments can be of a personal or professional nature. They invite you to nominate a friend, a co-worker, a family member, or even yourself by visiting www.nwicc.edu/alumnus-of-the-year/ and filling out the Alumnus of the Year nomination form.
NCC officials tell us NCC employees are not eligible for consideration. All nominations must be received by March 3, 2023. They say the outstanding alumnus will be recognized during one of NCC’s 2023 Commencement Ceremonies.
Ames, Iowa — The Iowa State University Extension gardening webinar series is back underway this month. Program Coordinator, Alicia Herzog, says the series is based on input from participants.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/dd0103homegarden1.mp3She says they will focus on three different topics in the next three months.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/dd0103homegarden2.mp3(as said)Our first month is going to be all about edibles. So microgreens herbs, edible landscaping, growing in the cold, because a lot of people don’t know you can put up cold frames and do other special techniques to be able to continue growing food outside, even in the winter months here in Iowa,” Herzog says. The topic will switch to pruning in February.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/dd0103homegarden3.mp3 Herzog says you need to register for the webinars so you can get a Zoom link.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/dd0103homegarden4.mp3 She says you can look up the Iowa Master Gardeners on Facebook, and all of the webinars are listed there as events and they have the link to the Zoom and you can register there as well. The January webinars are held on Tuesdays. Click here for the website.
Orange City, Iowa – A collaboration of land-grant university extension specialists from Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, and South Dakota and representatives from the dairy industry with complementary expertise and knowledge of dairy production and management in the region are inviting dairy producers to a dairy workshop.
The collaboration is known as “I-29 Moo University.” They are encouraging dairy producers to register for this week’s I-29 Moo University Winter Workshop. This year’s theme is “Milking the Carbon Cow.” The workshops will take place at Wilbert Square Event Center in Brookings, SD.
Fred Hall, who is a dairy field specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach, based in Orange City, says that the workshop will highlight a number of experts who will focus on topics that will help dairy producers understand carbon credits and market access.
The workshop begins at 10 a.m., with registration and refreshments, and will conclude at 3 pm.
Registration fees are $10 per person. Click here to register.
Hall tells us workshop topics include Measuring, Managing, and Modeling for the future with Dr. Kaitlyn Briggs, who is the Director of Environmental Research for Dairy Management Inc.; What’s all the Fuss about Carbon: A Soil Perspective, by Anthony Bly, who is an SDSU Extension Soils Field Specialist; and Opportunities and considerations in carbon markets by Leif Fixen, an Agriculture Strategy manager, for The Nature Conservancy.
There will also be a panel discussion.
For the full agenda, you can visit the I-29 Moo University events webpage.
Washington, DC — In the early hours of Saturday morning, January 7th, the U.S. House of Representatives, after several failed votes, finally selected Republican Kevin McCarthy from California as Speaker of the House.
McCarthy had to make concessions to Republican Party hardliners who had refused to support him for not being sufficiently conservative. It took 15 votes for a majority to vote for any candidate, in this case, McCarthy.
Congressman Randy Feenstra from Hull subsequently issued a statement after McCarthy was elected.
Feenstra says, “The American people entrusted Republicans with our new House majority to deliver real results for our country and our communities. With the election of Kevin McCarthy as our Speaker, we can now honor our Commitment to America by defunding President Biden’s army of 87,000 new IRS agents, securing our border, ending wasteful spending, and protecting our family farmers and producers. I am also encouraged that, under Speaker McCarthy, we have secured important reforms to prevent massive bills – like the recent $1.7 trillion government spending package that I opposed – from being written behind closed doors and passed in haste. I look forward to serving Iowans, rebuilding our economy, and delivering on our promises in the 118th Congress.”
Garold “Garry” Leathers age 67, of Sibley passed away suddenly on Thursday, January 5, 2023, at the Osceola Regional Hospital in Sibley, IA.
Visitation will be held Monday, January 9th, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., with family present at the First Presbyterian Church in Sibley.
Memorial services will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at the First Presbyterian Church in Sibley, IA. Burial will follow in the Holman Township Cemetery at Sibley, IA.
The Jurrens Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Garry Leathers.
Clifford Wynia age 76, of Sibley died Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at the Osceola Regional Hospital in Sibley, IA.
Visitation will be held Sunday, January 8, 2023, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Sibley Christian Reformed Church in Sibley with the family present.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 9th, at the Sibley Christian Reformed Church in Sibley, IA with Pastor Ben Wiersma, officiating. Burial will follow in the Holman Township Cemetery at Sibley, IA.
Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley is in charge of arrangements.
Shirley Klosterman, age 94, passed away on January 2, 2023 at Country View Manor in Sibley, Iowa.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, January 11, 2022 at St. Andrews Catholic Church in Sibley, Iowa with Fr. Kevin Richter, officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Andrews Catholic Cemetery.
Visitation will take place, Tuesday, January 10th from 5:00 to 7:00 PM with a 5:00 PM rosary at the Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Andrews Catholic Church or the Village Northwest in Sheldon or the Donors choice.
Tea, South Dakota — The water system bringing Missouri River aquifer water to Sheldon, Sibley, Hull, Sioux Center, and a number of other communities is announcing some funding.
Lewis & Clark Regional Water System Executive Director Troy Larson tells us the FY23 Appropriations Bill that was signed into law on December 29, 2022 by President Biden includes $18.6 million for the ongoing construction of the water system. This total includes the funding proposed by the Administration, as well as a congressionally-directed spending request made by Senators Amy Klobuchar, Mike Rounds, and Tina Smith.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Larson20230104a.mp3Larson says the funding is keeping pace with the amount received last year.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Larson20230104b.mp3Larson tells us in a way, the funding is already earmarked for bills.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Larson20230104c.mp3He tells us this really doesn’t change the expected timeline.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Larson20230104d.mp3Larson tells us they now see the light at the end of the tunnel. It’s been a long time coming. The ideas started flowing over 30 years ago in the 1980s. Lewis & Clark was incorporated in 1990 and authorized by Congress in 2000.
Northwest Iowa — With the extra cold temperatures and snow blowing furiously the past couple of days, some reminders are in order according to some experts.
Northwest Iowa fire chiefs say if you only have an older gas furnace, your furnace exhaust probably leaves your house from a chimney on your roof. But if your furnace is new in the last 20 years or so, you probably have a high-efficiency gas furnace. Those usually vent out of the side of your house, usually low to the ground. They say the exhaust that comes out of them is a lot cooler, but tell us the exhaust also has water vapor in it, which can cause a problem when temperatures outside are very low. The vapor can condense and freeze, sometimes blocking the pipe. And that’s obviously very bad because carbon monoxide will build up in your home.
The chiefs are reminding us that not only can the pipes freeze up, but snow can drift around the pipe, also blocking it, and causing the same carbon monoxide issues.
Similar things can happen that also cause issues. For instance, according to Sanborn Fire Chief Randy Lyman, their firefighters were called out Friday morning for a carbon monoxide call. After investigation, firefighters found that the chimney was plugged with a bird’s nest. They took care of that and aired out the house.
Sewer gases can also cause issues. Sioux Center Fire Chief Dave Van Holland tells us about a couple of recent calls in which sewer vent pipes on rooves iced up and were blocking the sewer gas from leaving the home. Not only does sewer gas smell awful, it can also be hazardous to your health too as it can contain hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and carbon monoxide.
Then there is the problem of chimney fires. The National Fire Protection Association says that a leading factor contributing to home heating fires is creosote buildup from solid-fueled heating equipment, primarily chimneys. Creosote is a natural byproduct of woodburning. They recommend that if you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove that you have a qualified professional clean and inspect your chimney and vents every year.
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Sibley, Iowa– A 200 by 100-foot metal building, the office inside, and 12 semi-tractors were all destroyed in a fire early on Thursday, December 22, 2022, in Sibley.
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According to Sibley Fire Chief Ken Huls, at about 2:50 a.m., the Sibley Fire Department was called to the report of a truck on fire in the shop at Bosma Poultry trucking company, just south of Jackrabbit Junction.
The chief says the fire department saw major smoke coming from the building as they approached the scene. He says they encountered wind and snow. He says an employee called 911 when they discovered the fire, and a sheriff’s deputy was the first to arrive and tried to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher, but it quickly got away from them. Huls tells us the major cold was the biggest problem. Three of Sibley’s pumpers froze up. The nearest fire hydrant was over a block away and in the temperatures ranged from -12 to -20 degrees, so the water was freezing up before it could get to the firefighters. He says they also had manpower issues. Huls tells us they estimate that they used between 200,000 and 225,000 gallons of water.
Huls says no injuries were reported, but some firefighters did suffer from frostbite and extreme cold, with one experiencing heart palpitations.
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The fire department was assisted by the Ashton, Little Rock, Sheldon, and Ocheyedan fire departments. Sheldon brought their aerial ladder truck. All Osceola County Ambulances were at the scene as well.
He says the cause of the fire appeared to be electrical in nature on one of the semi-tractors.
Chief Huls reports that the building and all its contents were a total loss. Damage was estimated at three to four million dollars.
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He says the firefighters who responded were on the scene for six and a half hours. Huls tells us that after they were done, they had to load their hoses, which were now hard-as-a-rock, ice-filled, as he calls them, “popsicles” onto a flatbed truck and take them to a heated shop at Cenex Coop to thaw out.
Huls says he wants to thank Cenex Coop and everyone who helped out, including the firefighters and EMTs, the Sibley Firefighters Ladies Auxillary, Jackrabbit Junction and AmericInn who provided places for firefighters to warm up, Kwik Star who provided coffee, and the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office and Sibley Utilities who also provided support.
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John Huls Jr. age 81, of Sibley, Iowa died Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at the Osceola Regional Hospital in Sibley.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 27th at the St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Sibley, with Father Siby Punnoose as celebrant.
Burial will be in the St. Andrew’s Catholic Cemetery of Sibley.
Visitation will be Monday, December 26th from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m., with family present from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley. There will be a rosary at 5:30 p.m.
Northwest Iowa — Oh the weather outside is frightful, and it’s not forecast to get much more delightful anytime soon.
After a bout with frigid windchills of 20 below, it’s going to get snowy, windy, and even colder, according to the National Weather Service. Meteorologist Matthew Meyers at the Sioux Falls office tells us what to expect.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Meyers20221219a.mp3He says the first part of the storm will see typical winds for northwest Iowa, but they’re going to get stronger.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Meyers20221219b.mp3And, of course, with strong winds, come bone-chilling windchills.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Meyers20221219c.mp3Meyers says the windchills will be nothing to scoff at or take lightly. He says they will be life-threatening.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Meyers20221219d.mp3He tells us it’s still early, so this system could change or move, so the exact amounts and timing could change. Stay tuned to KIWA Radio and kiwaradio.com for the latest weather information, including the inevitable postponements and cancellations.
Northwest Iowa — Several northwest Iowa law enforcement departments are participating in a national effort to help stop impaired driving during the holiday season.
The Iowa Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau tells us that now through January 2nd, 2023, motorists will see an increased presence of law enforcement as part of this campaign, which started this Friday (December 16th).
Iowa law enforcement officers across the state and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (or NHTSA) will be removing impaired drivers from the roads and helping to save lives.
Iowa State Patrol Trooper Kevin Krull says this season is known for being the deadliest season when it comes to impaired driving.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Krull20201214a1.mp3Krull says that as you head out to holiday festivities, remember: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.
He gives us advice on both how to stay safe on the roads and how to keep from meeting a trooper by accident.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Krull20201214b1.mp3For the designated driver, law enforcement officers are asking them to take the role seriously and not partake in alcohol or any other drugs.
Officers remind us that not only can an OWI cost you your license and $10,000 in attorney’s fees, fines, repairs, and lost time at work, it could also cost you or someone else their life.
Krull says this year hasn’t been a good one for keeping the fatality numbers down.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Krull20221216a.mp3
In addition, Krull reminds holiday travelers that if they see any kind of vehicle pulled over to the side of the road with flashers or emergency lights going — to, at the very least, slow way down — and if it’s possible — to move into the next lane over to give them some room. That’s the law in Iowa. He says when you come upon a situation on the side of the road, you never know what to expect, so it’s best to slow way down to improve your reaction time and move over in case something unexpected happens.
Northwest Iowa — If you have a snowmobile or an off-highway vehicle the DNR reminds you that unlike vehicle licenses, which come due in your birth month, all snowmobile and off-highway vehicle license registrations need to be renewed before January 1, 2023.
The DNR and county recorders’ offices remind us that registrations for snowmobiles and OHVs purchased during the 2022 registration cycle expire on December 31. Any decal displayed on a machine with a “22” printed on it will no longer be valid for machines used on snowmobile trails, public ice, or the OHV parks. Any registration that is not renewed prior to January 1, 2023, will have a late penalty of $5 applied to the cost of the registration.
All user permits, which include resident snowmobiles and nonresident snowmobiles, and OHVs, also expire on December 31. There is no late penalty for a permit purchased after January 1, as they are issued for a calendar year. User permits are required for nonresident and resident snowmobiles used on public land or ice. Nonresident off-road vehicles registered in their home state must display a user permit. Residents operating an off-highway vehicle do not need a user permit.
Northwest Iowa — Monday night’s ice storm did produce some damage in northwest Iowa. In addition to several accidents due to icy roads, there were some other reports sent to the National Weather Service.<!–more–>
They report that there was a social media post with picture of a 6-inch branch down at Melvin. They also reported about a quarter of an inch of ice there.
Near Larchwood, someone reported quarter-inch ice accumulation and large tree branches down up to 12 inches in diameter. There was another report of large trees down in the city of Larchwood.
A weather reporter also told the weather service that there was about an eighth of an inch of accumulation of ice at Hull on Tuesday morning. Someone reported a quarter of an inch of ice at Sanborn too. It was measured on a tree branch, and they noted tree branches cracking and breaking, as well as arcing power lines.
There was less ice in Rock Rapids. Someone there reported just a light glaze of ice on most surfaces in town.
Much of the ice melted during the day on Tuesday, with temperatures in the area hovering a few degrees above freezing.
Sheldon, Iowa — The weather for the next few days isn’t going to be the nicest. But it could be worse. To our northeast, in the middle of South Dakota, they could get two feet of snow.
Around here, we could see rain, ice, and snow. Plus, the wind could also be a factor. Depending on how much ice and wind we get, there could be powerline and tree issues, according to the National Weather Service. Matthew Meyers, a meteorologist for the Sioux Falls office tells us about it.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Meyers20221212a.mp3He gives us an idea of what to expect on Tuesday and beyond.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Meyers20221212b.mp3Meyers says with the temperatures hovering right around freezing, it’s difficult to predict where the precip will fall as rain or as snow, or as rain on cold surfaces, causing ice to form. He says the winds will become a problem as well.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Meyers20221212c.mp3According to Meyers, the slow-moving system will finally push off to the east by Friday. But he says that’s when the cold air will arrive. Friday and Saturday highs in Sheldon are forecast in the teens with some subzero windchills.
William “Bill” Knock, age 90 of Sanborn, formerly of Melvin, passed away at Prairie View Nursing Home in Sanborn on Wednesday, November 30, 2022.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 16th at 11:00 a.m. at the American Lutheran Church in Melvin. There are no formal visitation hours scheduled. Burial will take place at 10:00 a.m., prior to the memorial service on Friday, December 16th, at Baker Township Cemetery near Melvin.
The Sanborn Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for 90-year-old Bill Knock of Sanborn, formerly of Melvin.
Online condolences may be sent to the family via www.sanborn-hartleyfuneralhomes.com
Sheldon, Iowa — The weather is causing some challenges for the KIWA stations this week.
The weather is causing some ice buildup on our tower, which requires us to lower the output power of our transmitters in order to keep them on the air and avoid damage to the transmitters themselves.
All three of the KIWA stations, AM-1550, FM-100.7 and FM105.3 are affected.
If you’re in an area where you no longer have a strong enough signal to listen to KIWA-FM 105.3, you can still hear it online by clicking on this link.
We apologize for any inconvenience. All the KIWA stations will return to full power as soon as icing conditions permit.
Statewide Iowa — The Republican who’ll lead the tax policy committee in the Iowa House next year says property tax relief will be his primary focus. Representative Bobby Kaufmann of Wilton says property taxes have exploded over the last decade.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/RIkayBKpriority1-1.mp3Kaufmann says he’s interested in making substantial changes that lead to property tax relief.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/RIkayBKpriority2-1.mp3Senator Dan Dawson, the Republican from Council Bluffs who’s chairman of the SENATE Ways and Means Committee, has also said property tax changes will be the top priority for Senate Republicans in 2023. Last month at the Republican Governors Association meeting, Governor Kim Reynolds said her priority in the next four years is eliminating the Iowa income tax. She did not mention property taxes.
Statewide Iowa — A federal report finds a vast majority of colleges and universities mislead prospective students about the true cost of an education, a report Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley calls “alarming.”
Grassley says the report from the Government Accountability Office studied financial aid offer letters from dozens of institutions, letters students use to compare prices and to determine where they might go to college.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/mkcg1-39.mp3Grassley says the GAO report highlights the “deceptive practices” being used by so many colleges, demonstrating Congress needs to act. The Iowa Republican is co-sponsoring a bill called Understanding the True Cost of College Act.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/mkcg2-38.mp3He says the need for an apples-to-apples comparison is critical. Grassley did not know which, if any, Iowa institutions were studied. The GAO report compared the financial aid offers from 176 colleges and assessed them against ten best practices from the Department of Education and a commission comprised of 22 federal agencies. None of the colleges followed all ten recommendations.
To view the complete GAO report, CLICK HERE.
Northwest Iowa — December is National Impaired Driving Awareness Month.
Iowa State Patrol spokesperson Trooper Kevin Krull tells us it was started as Drunk Driving Awareness Month back in 1981 by President Ronald Reagan. Since then, he says it has become Impaired Driving Awareness Month because alcohol is only one of the substances that can negatively affect your driving.
Krull says the best advice is to plan ahead by planning to stay overnight at the party or by selecting a designated driver. But Krull says if you are going to drink, there are ways to slow down your alcohol consumption so that you’re not as likely to be impaired behind the wheel.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Krull20221208a.mp3Trooper Krull says another thing you have to keep in mind is any prescription drugs that you may be taking.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Krull20221208b.mp3Krull says taking prescription drugs that are not prescribed for you or using other illegal substances is not only against the law, but can have unintended results behind the wheel.
He says being intentional and planning ahead are the best ideas, especially with two holidays coming up later this month. He reminds us, if you drink, don’t drive.
Marcella “Sally” Klein age 88 of Sheldon, Iowa formerly of Ashton, died Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at Cobble Creek Assisted Living in Sheldon.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Monday, December 12, 2022 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ashton with Fr. Siby Punnoose, celebrating. Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery at Ashton.
Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.
The Jurrens Funeral Home of Ashton is in charge of arrangements for Marcella “Sally” Klein.
Marcella (Sally) Rose Klein was born on April 8, 1934, in Ashton, Iowa, the daughter of Henry and Margaret (Seitz) Hatting. She grew up on a farm near Ashton and attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School.
On October 30, 1965, she was united in marriage to Edwin (Chuck) Klein at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ashton. Following their marriage, they lived on a farm until they moved to Ashton in Sally enjoyed the outdoors, baking and cooking, and liked visiting with the neighbor children. She worked at Pete’s Café, Ashton Motel, and 25 years at the Cedar Cabin in Ashton. She was a member of the St. Mary’s Guild, Catholic Daughters of America, and American Legion Auxiliary.
She is survived by nieces and nephews; special nephew, Robert (Bob) Hatting; and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband Chuck; her parents, Henry and Margaret; six brothers, Martin, Charles, Lawrence, Harold, Donald and infant brother, Henry; sisters, Bernadine Arning, Evelyn Schierbolt, Margaret Eben; two step-sisters, Regina Muilenberg and Caroline Keninger.
Northwest Iowa — It sounds like we can expect some wintery weather again this Thursday and Thursday night in northwest Iowa.
We talked to Meteorologist Jeff Chapman with the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls, which covers northwest Iowa, and he told us what to expect.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Chapman20221207a.mp3He says that due to the temperatures hovering at or below freezing, there will probably be more than one type of precipitation. And we could have some ice issues.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Chapman20221207b.mp3He says while there might be ice to deal with, two things won’t be much of a problem — cold temperatures and high winds.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Chapman20221207c.mp3Chapman gives us their prediction for when the storm will push out of the area.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Chapman20221207d.mp3We asked him if the snow is going to stick around for a while or if it could melt.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Chapman20221207e.mp3For the latest weather information, 24/7, listen to KIWA and check kiwaradio.com.
Sheldon, Iowa — Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Department of Education have awarded four $1 million competitive grants through the Career Academy Incentive Fund to prepare more high school students for success in college, postsecondary training, and the workforce. And one of the grants is in our part of northwest Iowa.
Northwest Iowa Community College in Sheldon (NCC), Iowa Central Community College, North Scott Community School District, and Southwestern Community College (SWCC) each received a $1 million grant to increase access to career academy programs in high-demand fields through new regional centers. Students in partnering school districts will benefit from industry partnerships, earn high school and college credit, and gain technical and traditional academic skills offered through career and technical education (CTE) programs. This is the fifth round of awards.
A spokesperson for NCC tells KIWA that the college is still working to finalize plans for the project. They tell us that the faculty and staff are thankful for the grant and say that more information will be released in the future.
Statewide Iowa — The song says this is “most wonderful time of the year,” but for many, the holidays only mean longer hours of work, heaps of bills and higher blood pressure. Steve Courtright, a professor of management and entrepreneurship at the University of Iowa, studies stress at work. He says research finds the typical […]
Statewide Iowa — Many people are reviewing their retirement plan contributions as we approach the end of the year. IRS spokesman, Christopher Miller, says a recent update allows you to put away more toward retirement. He says there’s also a change for individual retirement accounts or IRA’s. Miller says it’s important to review your plan […]
Harold J. Schram age 76, of Sibley, Iowa died Friday, December 2, 2022 at the Country View Manor in Sibley. Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 10th at the First Reformed Church Church in Sibley, with Reverend Troy Van Beek officiating. Burial will be in the Holman Township Cemetery of Sibley, IA. […]
Ashton, Iowa — A Spirit Lake man has been arrested on drug and other charges after a traffic stop near Ashton. According to a criminal complaint filed with the Osceola County Clerk of Court’s Office by the county sheriff’s office, 24-year-old Josh Titus of Spirit Lake is accused of possession of a controlled substance, third […]
Le Mars, Iowa — The new extension agronomist for our area says northwest Iowa farmers may end up with low yields next year if our moisture situation isn’t rectified pretty soon. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Agronomist Leah Ten Napel took over from the retiring Joel De Jong a while back. She tells us […]
Angeline Thom age 96, of Ashton, IA died Monday, November 28, 2022, at Country View Manor in Sibley, IA. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, December 1, 2022, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ashton, IA with Msgr. Michael Serneet, Fr. Siby Punnoose and Deacon Joseph Graves celebrating. Burial will follow in […]
Ronald Peters age 84, of Sibley, Iowa died Wednesday, November 23, 2022 at the Country View Manor in Sibley, IA. Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, December 1, 2022 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Sibley, with Reverend Tim Nappe officiating. Burial will be in the Union Cemetery in Harris, IA. Visitation will […]
Sibley, Iowa — A northwest Iowa fire chief who also trains emergency responders is advising people to — in one way — use their phone, but in another — NOT use their phone while driving. Sibley Fire Chief Ken Huls says driving with the GPS on your phone or the Iowa 511 app can actually […]
Northwest Iowa — Many years, about this time, due to travel that puts us together with our family members, we are concerned about the weather on the upcoming Thanksgiving weekend. But such does not appear to be the case this year. Meteorologist Kyle Weisser with the Sioux Falls office of the National Weather Service says […]
Spirit Lake, Iowa — A woman who was convicted of the first-degree murder of a Lake Park woman in a bench trial will not be getting a new trial in her case. Allison Decker was convicted in June when District Court Judge Shayne Mayer rendered her verdict of guilty in regard to the death of […]
Statewide Iowa — The latest data indicates about 25 percent of Iowans have gotten a flu shot. That’s Dr. Robert Kruse, the state medical director. During the flu season three years ago, 40 percent of Iowans got a flu shot. Kruse says cases of influenza and the respiratory illness known as R-S-V are increasing in […]
Statewide Iowa — The Iowa trapping season is underway, and a DNR expert says the prospects are good. Furbearer biologist, Vince Evelsizer, says there shouldn’t be any trouble finding furs. Evelsizer says the only two species that they’re concerned about are foxes and muskrats — which have seen declining populations. He says making a profit […]
Sioux Center, Iowa — Many northwest Iowans woke up to no internet and no landline telephone service this (Tuesday) morning. Premier Communications spokesperson Scott TeStroete says it was time for scheduled maintenance, but things didn’t go as planned. He says some of their people were up all night to fix the issue. TeStroete tells us […]
Statewide Iowa — The deadline to get your driver’s license upgraded to a Real ID has changed a couple of times, but it now is set for May 3rd of 2023. The DOT’s Kayla Burkett says it’s a change designed to make travel easier. Burkett says you can upgrade your driver’s license by making an […]
IARN — A ruling on an obstructed license plate will stand after a split vote in the Iowa Supreme Court on the issue. Prince Payne was stopped by an Altoona police officer who said the ball in the trailer hitch of his pickup was blocking the view of the third letter on the license plate. […]
Northwest Iowa — If you’re part of an Iowa family whose children receive free or reduced-price lunches from school, you’ve probably received or will soon receive a P-EBT card with some unexpected benefits from the government. According to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, the federal Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions […]
Northwest Iowa — Thanksgiving is coming up and the December holidays aren’t too far away. With people meeting up more, there are bound to be more people on the roads. And the more people that are on the roads, the more accidents there are. That’s always bad news, but Iowa State Patrol Trooper Kevin Krull […]
Des Moines, Iowa — We’re still in the early stages of adding it to the Iowa Constitution, but a gun rights amendment appears to have passed at this week’s election. It’s the first time that’s happened since 2010, when the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund was created. The text of the amendment reads: […]
Northwest Iowa — This Thursday was Winter Weather Awareness Day in Iowa. We had a chance to talk with meteorologist Matthew Dux with the National Weather Service office in Sioux Falls, and he tells us what the National Weather Service wants us to keep in mind. Dux says if you’ve weathered a northwest Iowa winter, […]
Sibley, Iowa — Citizens of Osceola County will soon be paying a tax to go toward Emergency Medical Services. A new law recently went into effect, making this possible, and Osceola County voters approved levying the tax at the polls on Tuesday by 65 percent. As a new tax, it needed at least 60 percent […]
Northwest Iowa — The burning bans issued in September for O’Brien, Osceola, and Sioux counties have been lifted. Even after the recent rains, to be sure, conditions are still dry. The latest USDA crop report says 85 percent of topsoil in the northwest region is rated “short” or “very short” of moisture, with only 15 […]
Sibley, Iowa– A Hartley man and a Sioux Center man were both taken to the hospital after an accident near Sibley on Friday, November 4, 2022. The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office has just released information that states that at about 4:20 p.m. that day, 24-year-old Ethan Adams of Hartley was driving a 2014 Chevy pickup […]
Nancy Ann (Lyman) Beckmann of Brainerd, MN, formerly of Sibley, passed away, surrounded by her children on Sunday, October 2, 2022, at 74 years of age. A time for visiting, with some sweet treats will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2022, at 10AM at Halvorson Taylor Life Events Center. The celebration of life will […]
Sheldon, Iowa — Sheldon motorists are experiencing some degree of sticker shock at the gas pumps today. According to listener reports, the price of gas in Sheldon jumped from $3.489 to $3.799 sometime on Monday afternoon. That’s a jump of 31 cents per gallon. A quick review of prices on gasbuddy.com reveals that the $3.799 […]
Duane Meinen age 86, of Sibley, IA died Sunday, October 2, 2022, at the Sibley Specialty Care in Sibley. Family graveside service will be on Saturday, October 8, 2022, at the Holman Township Cemetery in Sibley, with Reverend Dan Kunnari officiating. Duane Bernard Meinen was born on July 16, 1936, in Ashton, Iowa, he was […]
Northwest Iowa — There has been a rash of field fires in northwest Iowa over the past several days. And considering the dry conditions, warm temps, and harvest activity out in the fields, it’s not really a surprise. Since last Thursday, in the four-county O’Brien, Sioux, Osceola, and Lyon county area, we’ve counted no fewer […]
LaVonne “Bonnie” Pomrenke age, 83 of Sibley, Iowa died Saturday, October 1, 2022, at her home surrounded by her family. Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 7, 2022, at the First Presbyterian Church in Sibley, IA, with Pastor Maggie Gisch officiating. Burial will follow in the Holman Township Cemetery in Sibley. Visitation will […]
Robert “Jack” Foley age 80, of Colorado Springs, CO, formerly of Sibley, IA died Thursday, July 28, 2022, at the Memorial North Hospital in Colorado Springs, CO. Memorial Mass will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 8, 2022, at the St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Sibley, IA with Fr. Siby Punnoose as celebrant. Burial will follow […]
Statewide Iowa — A new report finds more than one in every three adult Iowans is obese, ranking Iowa in the bottom tier of states. Rhea Farberman, director of policy research at Trust for America’s Health, says the organization’s annual report tracks obesity rates by age, race or ethnicity, and state of residence. Iowa’s childhood […]
Statewide Iowa — An experimental drug being tested on people with Alzheimer’s disease is showing promise and is very encouraging, according to Tim Harrington, a spokesman for the Iowa chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. The drug is called Lecanemab and medical reports out this week say it can slow the rate of cognitive decline by […]
Statewide Iowa — Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig says a significant percentage of land owners should agree to let carbon pipelines run through their property before any developer is granted eminent domain authority to acquire land from unwilling property owners. John Norwood, a small business owner and Polk County Soil and Water Commissioner, is […]
Sibley, Iowa — Normally, about this time of year, the Community Foundation of Osceola County board tells us that they will begin accepting applications for their annual grant cycle on October first. But that will not happen this year. According to Osceola County Economic Development Director and board spokesperson Stephanie Neppl, the board has decided […]
Milford, Iowa — A Hartley man was involved in an accident that injured a Wisconsin couple in western Dickinson County on Sunday, September 25th. According to the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office, at about 10:10 a.m., 59-year-old Kevin Reverts of Hartley was northbound on M27 driving a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado at a point eight miles west […]
Ames, Iowa — Now’s the time to plan for winter weather, and the Iowa Department of Transportation is doing just that — and if you own farm ground along state highways, you may be able to help them. They are asking farmers who have ground along state highways to leave some corn standing as a […]
Terry DeNeui, age 66, of Rushmore, Minnesota passed away on Thursday, August 25, 2022, near Humboldt, SD. Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 1, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at the Benson Funeral Home in Worthington, MN. Memorial services will be held on Friday, September 2, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., at St. […]
Susan “Sue” Stirler age, 77 of Sibley, Iowa died Sunday, August 28, 2022, at Sibley Specialty Care in Sibley. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, September 1, 2022, at the St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Sibley, with Father Siby Punnoose as celebrant. Burial will follow in the St. Andrew’s Catholic Cemetery of […]
Northwest Iowa – Four area individuals were inducted into the 2022 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the 4-H Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fair last weekend. Cheryl Heronemus has served, guided, and provided leadership to Sioux County for 45 years. She started her career as the Sioux County Youth Coordinator […]
Rock Rapids & Sibley, Iowa — Senator Chuck Grassley held town meetings in two of our four counties on Wednesday. He was at the Forster Community Center in Rock Rapids to speak with the public and at the Sibley Pizza Ranch to speak with Rotary, Kiwanis, and Chamber members. Grassley says there are unique topics […]
Lois Sixta age, 80 of Ocheyedan, Iowa died Thursday, August 25, 2022, at the Osceola Community Hospital in Sibley. Her funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 29, 2022, at the Zion Lutheran Church, rural Ocheyedan, IA, with Rev. Richard Milbrandt officiating. Burial will follow in the Ocheyedan Township Cemetery of Ocheyedan, IA. Visitation […]
Washington, DC — A court date has been chosen for a federal case that accuses former northwest Iowa Congressman Steve King and his campaign of the unauthorized use of an internet meme. Lacey Griner, owner of the copyright of the internet meme commonly called “Success Kid,” in which a toddler appears to be pumping or […]
Northwest Iowa — A couple of the smaller towns in northwest Iowa are celebrating this weekend. It’s Lester Days and the Melvin Summer Send-Off.< In Lester, it starts this Friday night (August 19th) with a Rescue Squad Fundraiser Meal, inflatables, fire truck rides, a glow run, and fireworks. On Saturday, there’s a smoking competition, a […]
Sheldon, Iowa — Northwest Iowa Community College has been named the second-best community college in the whole country in a new ranking. WalletHub is a personal finance website that is based in Washington, D.C. and owned by Evolution Finance, Inc. Writers there say cost is often a major consideration when choosing a college. And with […]
96-year-old Jeanette (Jean) Post of Spirit Lake, formerly of Ocheyedan, passed away Sunday, August 14th, at Accura Healthcare in Spirit Lake. Funeral services will be at 11:00 Saturday (August 20th) at Ocheyedan Christian Reformed Church in Ocheyedan. Visitation will be held Friday from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the church. The Turner Jenness Funeral Home […]
Ruth Helmers age 92 of Sibley, Iowa died Thursday, August 11, 2022, at at Sibley Specialty Care in Sibley, IA. Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 17, 2022, at First Presbyterian Church in Sibley, IA. A prayer service will take place prior to the service at 10:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church. Burial […]
Beresford, South Dakota — We’re one step closer to having Lewis & Clark water in Sheldon, Hull, and Sioux Center. The ribbon was cut on Wednesday for the tower supplying this area, located in Beresford, South Dakota. The Lewis & Clark Regional Water System is to bring Missouri River aquifer water to a number of […]
Ocheyedan, Iowa — All roads lead to Ocheyedan this weekend for their annual Days of Olde celebration. Those who organize the fun tell us there will be several activities and something for everyone. The festivities start out this Friday evening with carnival games, a co-ed volleyball tournament, steak night at the Corner Club, a bake […]
Ada Wieman age 89 of Little Rock, Iowa died Tuesday, August 9, 2022, at Sibley Specialty Care in Sibley, IA. Her funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 12, 2022, at the Salem Reformed Church in Little Rock, with Reverend Barry Wynveen officiating. Burial will follow in the Pleasant View Cemetery of Little Rock. […]
Sioux City, Iowa — A Worthington man who led authorities from southwest Minnesota and northwest Iowa on a high-speed chase more than two years ago, was sentenced Thursday to 10-years in federal prison. Federal authorities say 36-year-old Michael Anthony Hangman, of Worthington, received the prison term after a guilty plea to possession of a firearm […]
UPDATE: The Iowa State Patrol has released the name of the victim of the accident. He was identified by the patrol as 15-year-old Noah Carter Meyers of Ashton. According to the Mohr & Becker-Hunt Funeral Home, he was called Noah Carter Monroe. ********* Original story posted August 3rd, 2022: Sheldon, Iowa– A teenage moped driver […]
Ashton, Iowa — The community of Ashton has a lot to celebrate. And they’re going to do just that this weekend. The kickoff will be on Friday night with a double elimination slowpitch softball tournament. The Town & Country Snack Shack will be open at 6 p.m. Then on Saturday, the tournament continues. The snack […]
Herman Voss age 102 formerly of Little Rock, Iowa died Monday, August 1, 2022, at Sibley Specialty Care in Sibley, IA. There will be just a visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. on Friday, August 5th at the Jurrens Funeral Home in Sibley. Burial will follow in the Pleasant View Cemetery in Little Rock, […]
Washington, D.C. — Republican U.S. Senator Joni Ernst has joined fellow Iowa Republican Senator Chuck Grassley in introducing the bipartisan and bicameral Next Generation Fuels Act, a proposal that aims to leverage higher-octane fuels to improve engine efficiency and performance. Allowing the sale of fuels with greater octane levels would increase the amount of ethanol […]
Rick Loeschen age 69 formerly of Harris, Iowa died Thursday, July 28, 2022, at Sibley Specialty Care in Sibley, IA. A memorial visitation will take place Sunday, July 31st with the family present from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Jurrens Funeral Home in Sibley
Richard Kruger age 82 of Sibley, Iowa died Sunday, July 24, 2022, at Country View Manor Care Center in Sibley. Funeral service will take place at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 28, 2022, at First Reformed Church in Sibley, with Pastor Tim Nappe, officiating. Burial will follow in the Holman Township Cemetery in Sibley. Visitation will […]
Robert “Bob” Knock, age 91 of Melvin, IA, passed away at the home of his daughter in Watertown, SD on Saturday, July 23, 2022. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 27th at 10:30 a.m. at the American Lutheran Church in Melvin. Visitation will be held at the Sanborn Funeral Home in Sanborn, […]
Northwest Iowa — Many people are under the impression that since they have homeowner’s insurance, if something catastrophic happens to their home, it will be paid by insurance. And sometimes that’s the case, with no qualifications. But not always, according to insurance experts. Experts tell us that sometimes, the policy is written with certain stipulations, […]
Northwest Iowa — We’ve had scattered rain showers, but as a whole, it’s still pretty dry in northwest Iowa. And it’s drier the further south you go, up to a point. According to the latest information from the US Drought Monitor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the area of extreme drought in Plymouth, Cherokee, and […]
Sibley, Iowa — The State Historical Society’s mobile museum is touring several cities in Iowa this summer and just wrapped up an appearance in Sibley. Michael Morain of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs says it brings artifacts to Iowans who can’t make the trip to the State Historical Museum in Des Moines. The first […]
Sibley, Iowa — The smell of barbeque will be in the air Saturday at the Osceola County Fair. If you make great barbeque you’re encouraged to enter. The competition begins at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday morning, with judging at 3 p.m. Dave Huisenga, one of the organizers tells us how it all got started. He […]
Sibley, Iowa — Sibley is 150 years old. Normally the Good Old Summertime celebration is in June. But this year, since both Sibley and Osceola County are 150 years old, those in charge decided to combine the festival with the Osceola County Fair which is on now. Sibley Chamber Director Ashley Ackerman tells us what’s […]
Sibley, Iowa — It’s a special edition of the Osceola County Fair in Sibley. Both the county and the City of Sibley are celebrating 150 years this year. We talked with Osceola County Fair Board President Steve Voss, and he highlights some activities going on right now and this week for us. The Osceola County […]
Terry Nachtigal age 62, of Little Rock, died Saturday, July 16, at the Osceola Regional Health Center in Sibley. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 20, 2022, at the St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Sibley, with Msgr. Ken Seifried, as celebrant. Burial will follow the lunch in the Pleasant View […]
Ames, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Transportation is now accepting grant applications for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Fiscal Year 2022 Diesel Emission Reduction Program (DERA) for diesel fleets in the state of Iowa. As part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, DERA is designed to achieve significant reductions in diesel emissions among on-road […]
Ames, Iowa — The beauty and diversity of pollinators can be enjoyed within the home garden or landscape, if some basic steps are taken to assure their habitat. In a recent publication called “Gardening for Butterflies and Pollinators,” horticulture specialists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach explain the life and role of common pollinators, and actions […]
Ashton, Iowa– The Ashton Fire Department was called out for a fire call on Thursday, July 14, 2022, near Ashton. According to Ashton Fire Chief Andy Gacke, at about 4:15 p.m., the Ashton Fire Department was called to the report of a fire in the median of Highway 60 in the Ashton area. The chief […]
Statewide Iowa — If you’re going to be out on the water this Fourth of July weekend, you should know that officers will be out on the water with you — in force — to help stop people from boating while intoxicated. Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Boating Law Administrator Susan Stocker tells us […]
Sibley, Iowa — A Ruthven man has pleaded guilty and has been sentenced on a felony charge. According to the criminal complaints filed with the Osceola County Clerk of Court, 39-year-old Lenard Keith Schiller Jr of Ruthven was accused of knowingly and unlawfully driving in a reckless manner, weaving through traffic, traveling at speeds of […]
Fern Popkes age 97 of Sibley, Iowa died Tuesday, June 28, 2022, at Sibley Specialty Care. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM, Friday, July 1, 2022, at First Baptist Church in Sibley with Pastor Dallas Johnson, officiating. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Lawn Cemetery at George, Iowa. Visitation will be prior to the service […]
Sibley, Iowa — A Sibley resident has spearheaded an effort to win a contest and have a mural painted in the town. Darcee Schneidermann tells us about it. The contest is known as the COMMUnity Contest. She tells us how the contest works. You can go to the Sibley Chamber Facebook page for a link […]
Democratic Congresswoman Cindy Axne of West Des Moines and Republican Senator Joni Ernst voted for the bipartisan gun bill President Biden signed into law over the weekend. On the other hand, the rest of Iowa’s congressional delegation opposed it. Republican Congresswomen Ashley Hinson of Marion and Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Ottumwa, Congressman Randy Feenstra of Hull, […]
Sioux Falls, SD — One of the tools that the National Weather Service meteorologists use to predict the weather, create forecasts, and issue severe weather warnings for northwest Iowa is down, and has been for a few days. Meteorologist Amanda Penning with the National Weather Service Sioux Falls office tells us their Doppler radar isn’t […]
Ashton, Iowa — An early Saturday morning traffic stop led to the arrest of an Ashton woman. Osceola County authorities say that during the midnight hour Saturday, a Deputy Sheriff stopped a pickup for driving left of center on 230th Street near Ashton. Deputies say the stop led to the arrest of 35-year-old Kori Hoting […]
Statewide, Iowa — Teachers who go through an Iowa college program no longer have to pass a professional exam to be licensed, thanks to a new state law that eliminates the so-called Praxis requirement for new teachers. The test was a particular obstacle for dual-language immersion programs because it’s only offered in English. Noelia Espinal, […]
Statewide, Iowa — Survey numbers from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources show hunters bagged around 375-thousand pheasants this past season. Wildlife biologist, Todd Bogenschutz, says that’s around a 25 percent increase over the previous year. He says the information from hunters confirmed their August roadside survey — which show bird numbers up in the […]
Des Moines, Iowa — A bill signed into law allows Iowa parents to enroll their children in any public K-through-12 school at any time. Governor Kim Reynolds just approved this change to Iowa’s current open enrollment policy, which now allows parents to transfer their children out of their residing district. Previously, parents usually had to […]
Statewide Iowa — Three Iowa Democrats made a pitch to national party leaders Thursday, arguing the Iowa Democratic Party’s Caucuses should be first in 2024. National Democrats are hearing applications from 16 states and Puerto Rico seeking to be among the five early voting states in the presidential campaign. Members of the party’s Rules and […]
Ashton, Iowa — Two people were taken to the hospital in the aftermath of a crash near Ashton Monday afternoon. According to information released by the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred Monday afternoon, June 20th, at about 2:20 pm at the intersection of Highway 60 and 260th Street, south of Ashton. Deputies say […]
Statewide Iowa — In July 2020, the Federal Communications Commission directed phone companies to implement 988 as the new toll-free nationwide suicide prevention hotline by July 16, 2022. The nationwide 988 crisis line will go active next month, providing help for people experiencing a mental health crisis. Foundation 2 Crisis Services in Cedar Rapids is […]
Des Moines, Iowa — The University of Iowa unveiled a new mobile medical training truck Tuesday at the Iowa State Capitol. UI program advisor, Cormac O’Sullivan says it allows medical professionals to get trained at home. He cites one example where they would stage a car accident with mannequins for the local fire department. […]
Statewide Iowa — Summer is here and Keep Iowa Beautiful is announcing the 13th Annual Keep Iowa Beautiful Photography Contest. Keep Iowa Beautiful officials tell us Iowans have the next six months to grab their cameras, or phones, and enter one or all of the five categories. Kevin Techau, Keep Iowa Beautiful Executive Director says […]
Statewide Iowa — All three student body presidents spoke Monday during the Board of Regents meeting as they held the first reading of a proposed four-point-two-five percent tuition increase. The Board says the increase is needed after they requested an additional 15 million dollars from the Iowa Legislature and lawmakers gave them a five-and-half million. […]
Kay Holbrook age 77, of Sibley, Iowa died Saturday, June 18, 2022, at her home in Sibley, IA. Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 23, 2022, at Jurrens Funeral Home in Ashton, IA with Pastor Mike Cooper, officiating. Burial will follow in the Gilman Township Cemetery at Ashton, IA. The Jurrens Funeral Home […]
Des Moines, Iowa — Deidre DeJear, the Democratic Party’s nominee for governor, is asking party activists to remember Iowa has a history of progressive politics. DeJear spoke at the Iowa Democratic Party’s state convention this weekend and formally accepted the party’s nomination to challenge Republican Governor Kim Reynolds in the General Election. DeJear also […]
Des Moines, Iowa — Big changes are coming to Iowa’s Bottle Bill. Governor Kim Reynolds has approved a bill that will soon let most grocery stores and other retailers opt out of accepting empty bottles and cans and paying back the nickel deposits. The 44-year-old Bottle Bill was created for the reduction of litter and […]
Statewide, Iowa — The search for workers to fill open jobs continues to be one of the top priorities in surveys of Iowa businesses. Iowa Workforce Development Director, Beth Townsend, says the numbers for March don’t show a lot of workers leaving one job for another. She says that may change when the numbers […]
Sibley, Iowa — A one-hour customer service workshop for managers and front-line employees of businesses will be presented Thursday, June 30 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Sibley Golf Course. A complimentary lunch will be provided to all registered attendees. The workshop will focus on best practices in attracting and retaining customers and is […]
Statewide Iowa — Representatives from the ACLU of Iowa and Planned Parenthood talked with reporters Friday in reaction to the Supreme Court decision on abortion. ACLU of Iowa legal director Rita Bettis Austen says the ruling that abortion is not a fundamental right under Iowa’s constitution is a devastating reversal of prior precedent. The ruling […]
Northwest Iowa — With the mercury expected to reach the centruy mark on Sunday and Monday, and heat index values forecasted in the 100s, according to the National Weather Service, now might be a good time to brush up on those heat illness tips. According to Sanford Sheldon Nurse Practitioner Michael Grevengoed, overheating or heat […]
Grand Rapids, Michigan — There are many Christian Reformed congregations in northwest Iowa. The governing body for the denomination, Synod (2022) met at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Mich., from June 10-16. This year’s CRC Synod voted to no longer require two services on Sundays. In 1995, Synod, facing the fact that many churches no […]
Pella, Iowa — A governing body that makes decisions for many churches in northwest Iowa has wrapped up their annual meeting. The Reformed Church in America’s (RCA’s) General Synod met this week in Pella. Among their decisions, they decided to – Make changes to Western Theological Seminary’s bylaws making it an “officially related” institution of […]
Statewide, Iowa — The Iowa Supreme Court has overturned its previous ruling on the Constitutional Right to Abortion. The Supreme Court reversed its 2018 ruling that the Iowa Constitution creates a fundamental right to an abortion. This ruling came after the Supreme Court reviewed the 24-hour waiting period for abortion that was passed in 2020. […]
Audrey Wolterstorff, age 88, passed away on Thursday, June 9, 2022, at her residence in Ocheyedan, IA. Visitation will be held on Monday, June 13, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at the First Baptist Church in Sibley, IA. Family graveside services were previously held in the Ocheyedan Township Cemetery. Benson Funeral Home in […]
Statewide Iowa — Republican Senator Joni Ernst is leading a bipartisan group of lawmakers calling for a new Middle East agreement, to counter Iran. Ernst says Wednesday’s drone attack on a U.S. consulate in Iraq shows Iran and its proxies are a growing threat in the region. Ernst envisions a security cooperation agreement among the […]
The CEO of the Ankeny-based Casey’s convenience store chain talked Wednesday about gas prices during the quarterly conference call for investors. Darren Rebelez says it is constantly changing. The company reported that the number of gallons of gas sold in the fourth quarter was up one-point-five percent and the margin was 36-point-two cents a gallon […]
With Iowa’s Primary Election over, both major political parties shift to General Election mode, with a lot of attention on the race between Republican Kim Reynolds and Democrat Deidre DeJear for governor. Neither had opposition in the primary. Reynolds, who’s been governor for five years, has been describing her platform as push back against President […]
Sibley, Iowa — Protecting savings and assets becomes increasingly important as people age, and unfortunately, older adults can be attractive targets for fraudsters. To help protect local citizens from fraud, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will host “Stay Independent: Spot, Stop and Avoid Fraud,” on Wednesday, June 15 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at […]
Statewide Iowa – Memorial Day weekend marked the unofficial start of summer and a dangerous time of year for young drivers. Nationwide, more than 30 percent of deaths involving teen drivers occur during what’s called the “100 Deadliest Days” – a period that runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day. For every mile driven, new […]
Statewide, Iowa — Tens of thousands of Iowans have cast absentee ballots for today’s Primary Election. Secretary of State Paul Pate has the latest numbers. Iowa set an all-time primary election participation record of nearly half a million voters in 2020 — during the pandemic when many voters opted to cast absentee ballots […]
Northwest Iowa — Voters will go to the polls Tuesday to in the Iowa Primary Election to select each party’s candidates for various federal and state offices. Both Republicans and Democrats will choose their party’s candidates for the United States Senate, and 4th District Representative at the federal level. The only contested race in Iowa […]
Rose Marie Van Loh, age 95, passed away June 5, 2022, at Fieldcrest Memory Care in Sheldon. A celebration of life will be held from 5-7:30 p.m. at Vander Ploeg Funeral Home, Sheldon, Iowa, on Wednesday June 8, 2022. Private family graveside service will be held at East Lawn Cemetery in Sheldon. The Vander Ploeg […]
Statewide News — There are two statewide races in Tuesday’s Primary election for Iowa’s U.S. Senate seat. Republican Chuck Grassley is seeking an 8th term in the U.S. Senate. Grassley campaigned in Iowa on Saturday, including an event with Governor Kim Reynolds in West Des Moines. “She’s in a powerful position as governor,” Grassley says. […]
Statewide Iowa — State Climatologist, Justin Glisan says the latest Climate Prediction Center outlook for June shows an elevated signal for below-average temperatures. Glisan says we’d see impacts on both sides for temperatures. He says the indication now is things wouldn’t be cooler throughout the summer. He says we normally see a drop in […]
Statewide Iowa — Iowa Democrats are proposing changes to dramatically simplify their Caucuses in 2024, as state party leaders try to keep their caucuses first-in-the-nation. The Iowa Democratic Party suggests getting rid of all the complicated math, coin flips and other Caucus night rules that have been used for decades to figure out which presidential candidate […]
Northwest Iowa — The State Historical Society of Iowa’s mobile museum hit the road this month, packed with 56 artifacts and a video that explores 13,000 years of Iowa history. And the mobile museum will be in our area later this summer. Housed in a custom-built Winnebago, the 300-square-foot museum on wheels launched in 2017 […]
Statewide Iowa — More than 2,000 updated fish structure locations and 215 lake contour maps have been added to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website. Anglers can download the fish structure locations to their fish finders and GPS units to easily find brush piles, rock reefs and gravel spawning beds. DNR Fisheries staff and partners, […]
Northwest Iowa — State Auditor Rob Sand will be in our area Monday, June 6th. Sand will be visiting Osceola and Lyon counties Monday to hold townhalls, to discuss what his office has been up to and to answer questions from constituents. Sand will be in Sibley at Central Park, located at 719 5th Avenue […]
Statewide Iowa — This week’s temperatures in Iowa are fairly on target for the season, but soon enough, we’ll be getting into the hot, humid days of summer. This is Heat Awareness Day in Iowa and meteorologist Donna Dubberke at the National Weather Service explains the goals. She notes that spending too much time outside […]
Statewide Iowa — Health experts are encouraging Iowans to make sure their children are up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations before summer vacation starts. In May, the Centers for Disease Control expanded its recommendations for booster doses to include children who are five to eleven years old. Mike Brownlee, chief pharmacy officer at the […]
Statewide Iowa — The calls have been coming in to field offices and conservation officers for the past few weeks and will only increase as the first few weeks of June marks the peak of the deer fawning season. Callers report finding an “abandoned” fawn in an unusual place, like a flowerbed or small patch […]
Northwest Iowa — It was a wild weekend weather wise in the KIWA listening area. The National Weather Service in Sioux Falls reported multiple rounds of severe weather impacted the region through the Memorial Day weekend bringing widespread wind damage, large hail, and even a few tornado warnings. The active weekend began late Saturday evening with […]
Statewide Iowa — The guidelines are changing for the age at which people should begin getting screened for colon cancer, which is the third most common cancer in Iowa and the second leading cause of cancer death. Dr. Samir Shah, president of the American College of Gastroenterology, says screenings should now start at age 45, […]
Statewide Iowa — Stroke is one of the leading causes of death in Iowa, claiming about 14-hundred lives a year, and a campaign is underway to teach Iowans about the symptoms and the importance of acting quickly. Dr. Clinton Wright, with the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, says in addition to being potentially deadly, […]
Statewide Iowa — Memorial Day weekend and throughout the summer, thousands of Iowans will be camping and building campfires. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources encourages campers to buy firewood from where they will burn it instead of bringing it from home. DNR Forest Health Forester Tivon Feeley says moving unseasoned firewood around the state can […]
Des Moines, Iowa — Governor Kim Reynolds says she believes the State of Iowa could use federal pandemic relief money on additional school security measures. Reynolds says banning semi-automatic weapons like the one used to kill two teachers and 19 students in a Texas school isn’t the cure to mass shootings. Earlier this spring, Reynolds […]
Statewide Iowa — The first days of the summer travel season arrive this weekend and the Iowa Department of Transportation reminds that despite it being a holiday, drivers need to obey the rules in construction zones. Pete Hjelmstad , with the DOT’s Mason City office, says even though work crews will likely not be in […]
Northwest Iowa — Power outages, along with trees blown over and damage to at least one hog confinement were all part of the thunderstorm that blew through northwest Iowa Wednesday afternoon. Winds that gusted to nearly 50-miles per hour blew the roof off a hog confinement near Rock Valley, according to Sioux County EMA Director […]
Washington, D.C. — Both of Iowa’s U.S. Senators, as expected, joined with their Republican colleagues in defeating the bill Democrats sponsored to guarantee access to abortion nationwide. Senator Chuck Grassley spoke during debate of the bill. Senator Joni Ernst did not speak during debate. The Washington Post has reported Ernst will introduce a bill in […]
Worthington, Minnesota– One person was killed and four people were taken to a hospital after an accident near Worthington on Wednesday, May 11, 2022. The Minnesota State Patrol reports that at about 5:55 p.m., 23-year-old Tyler Gilbery of Tea, SD was driving a 2009 Pontiac eastbound on Interstate 90, two-thirds of a mile east of […]
Northwest Iowa — Warmer temperatures and drier conditions are in the forecast and farmers will soon be in the fields in full-force. That means more equipment will be on the roadways in the coming days. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach says moving farm equipment on public roads can be a dangerous activity. Farm operators […]
Sheldon, Iowa — Over 200 college students will graduate in Sheldon on Friday. According to Northwest Iowa Community College officials, 218 students will graduate from the Sheldon college on Friday, May 13th. They tell us that the Nursing Pinning and Commencement Ceremony will be held in the Northwest Iowa Lifelong Learning and Recreation Center at […]
Statewide Iowa — It’s more expensive to fill our gas tanks in Iowa than ever before. Prices reached a record high in the state this Tuesday morning, topping a previous record that had stood since the recession 14 years ago. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley, a Republican, places the blame on the Democrat in the White […]
Statewide Iowa — There wasn’t a lot of action in Iowa farm fields last week. The U.S.D.A. crop report says weather limited farmers to just about two good days in the field. With no tractors pulling planters — only 5 more percent of the corn crop got in the ground for a total now of 14%. […]
Statewide Iowa — Gasoline prices hit a new record high in Iowa as of Tuesday morning. According to Triple-A Iowa, the average pump price for regular unleaded gas in Iowa hit $4.08 Tuesday morning. That’s up 8-cents since Monday, up 18-cents since one week ago, up 27-cents since this time last month and $1.26 higher […]
Northwest Iowa — Sample ballots are now available for the June 7th primary election. Find a link to yours below. In our area, for the new House District 3, Thomas Jeneary of Le Mars was the only Republican to file. District 3 covers southern portions of Sioux County and northern portions of Plymouth County. No […]
Statewide Iowa — May is Stroke Awareness Month in Iowa, as people are urged to learn about the dangers of what’s now the state’s seventh-leading cause of death. Mark Mintun, a physician’s assistant at Van Diest Medical Center in Webster City, says a stroke is essentially a brain attack. Mintun says there are basically two […]
Statewide Iowa — If you’re going to be out of the area or if you just want to make sure your vote is counted in case of unforeseen circumstances, you can request an absentee ballot now for the upcoming primary election.
According to Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate, the absentee ballot request period for the June 7 primary election is now open. Voters wishing to cast their ballot through the mail can submit their request for an absentee ballot. Iowa law allows a 70-day request period for absentee ballots.
County auditors can begin mailing absentee ballots 20 days ahead of Election Day, which will be Wednesday, May 18.
Secretary Pate says he encourages Iowans to have a voting plan, and if you choose to vote absentee through the mail, you can submit your request for a ballot now. He says that if you prefer to vote in-person, county auditors’ offices will be open starting May 18th, or you can go to the polls on Election Day.
He also assures people that their vote will count. Pate says, “Whichever method you choose, we are taking the necessary steps to protect the integrity of your vote.”
Iowans can also download the request form directly from the Iowa Secretary of State website, VoterReady.Iowa.gov. Requests to receive a ballot by mail must be received by the county auditor’s office by Monday, May 23. In-person absentee voting at the county auditor’s office is available through the day before the election, June 6.
Washington, D.C. — Several US senators have already declared how they’ll vote on Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s nomination to the US Supreme Court, but Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says he’s not yet ready to commit one way or the other.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/mkcg1-27.mp3 Grassley says he and members of his party asked “tough, thorough” questions of Jackson and conducted a “fair” hearing, though he remains unhappy the Judiciary Committee didn’t have access to all of her non-public documents.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/mkcg2-26.mp3 The Judiciary Committee has a vote on Jackson scheduled for Monday. As yet, there are no Democrats who have indicated they’ll oppose Jackson’s nomination, while no Republicans have yet said they would support her.
Ashton, Iowa — Thanks to COVID-19, the Off, Off Broadway stage lights have been out for more than two years.
But Scott DeKok of Off, Off Broadway says they’re coming back next week.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/DeKok-OOB-1.mp3 DeKok tells us about the play, Leaving Iowa.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/DeKok-OOB-2.mp3 He says the cast of Leaving Iowa will be a blend of new and familiar faces to theatre goers.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/DeKok-OOB-3.mp3 DeKok talks about how to get tickets for the dinner theatre production.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/DeKok-OOB-4.mp3 DeKok said he’d be remiss if he failed to mention the Off, Off Broadway corporate sponsors.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/DeKok-OOB-5.mp3 Leaving Iowa will be presented by Off, Off Broadway, Inc. Thursday through Sunday, April 7th through 10th at the Ashton Legion Community Center. The dinner theatre production will be catered by 1015 Steak Company, and tickets may be obtained by calling 1015 Steak Company at 712-754-3540 between 5:00 and 9:00 pm Tuesday through Saturday.
Statewide Iowa — The state unemployment rate dropped once again in February.
The February rate fell to three-point-five percent from the three-point-seven percent reported for January.
Iowa Workforce Development says the total number of unemployed Iowans fell by 33-hundred to 59-thousand-400 in February.
The report says the number of working Iowans increased by 91-hundred in February and is up more than 33-thousand compared to last February. The unemployment rate for February one year ago was four-point-four percent.
Northwest Iowa — Dry ground, unseasonable temperatures and high winds have combined to cause an increased fire danger, resulting in Red Flag Warnings several times in the past weeks.
One of the tools that emergency managers and others use to keep an eye on conditions–and possible fires–comes from NASA satellites.
They provide updated information about every three hours through their remote sensing equipment.
NASA warns, however, that there can be anomalies in the satellite photos caused by industry, agriculture, a localized burn, or weather.
NASA FIRMS uses satellite observations from the MODIS and VIIRS instruments to detect active fires and thermal anomalies and deliver this information in near real-time to decision makers through email alerts, analysis ready data, online maps and web services.
According to NASA, the FIRMS system was originally developed by the University of Maryland, with funds from NASA’s Applied Sciences Program and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UN FAO). It was transitioned to NASA LANCE in 2012.
For more information, visit firms.modaps.eosdis.nasa.gov.
Photo courtesy of NASA. Each red dot on the map is an indication of a fire hazard area over the past two weeks.
Northwest Iowa — As the ice finally melts in the Iowa Great Lakes and spring quickly approaches, so does one of the most important and cost-effective management tools for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
The Iowa DNR plans to conduct prescribed burns within selected wildlife complexes in O’Brien, Lyon, Sioux, Dickinson, and Cherokee counties between April 1st and May 20th to improve wildlife habitat, control invasive plant species and maintain native plant communities.
According to the DNR, ground nesting birds such as pheasants, mallards, teal, bobolinks, dickcissels and many others benefit from the habitat improved with periodic prescribed fire for nesting and brood rearing. Burning sets back invading brush, removes the accumulated thatch and reinvigorates native plants by simulating what occurred naturally for centuries.
Areas are typically burned every one to five years, if possible, and vary in size from a few acres to several hundred acres. Burns are conducted on days that meet the objectives and weather guidelines defined in the burn plan. Any prescribed burns that are not able to be completed this spring may be considered for the burn schedule next fall, according to the Iowa DNR.
Scheduled areas in O’Brien and Cherokee counties are within the Waterman Prairie Wildlife Complex, north and south of Hwy. 10, five miles west of Peterson and four miles east and south of Sutherland. In Lyon and Sioux counties, areas along the Big Sioux River Complex may also see some prescribed fire.
For questions or concerns about prescribed burns, contact Chris La Rue, wildlife biologist for the Great Lakes Wildlife Unit, at 712-330-4543 or 712-336-1485.
Des Moines, Iowa — Governor Kim Reynolds will soon get to decide whether to approve a state law that would nullify a recent Iowa Supreme Court ruling on “garbage grabs.”
Last summer the court ruled that under the state’s constitution, Iowa residents have an expectation of privacy when they place their garbage in a publicly accessible area — meaning law enforcement has to get a warrant for these kind of trash searches. A bill that passed the House would restore the status quo in Iowa, according to Republican Representative Steven Holt of Denison.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/RIkaygarbagegrabs1.mp3 A Clear Lake man who served two days in jail on a drug conviction argued the search warrant for his home was improperly obtained because it was based on evidence police found in trash bags outside his home. Representative Mary Wolfe, a Democrat from Clinton, says the ruling was a big deal because the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled law enforcement doesn’t have to get a warrant to search trash bags and garbage cans in a driveway or at the curb.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/RIkaygarbagegrabs2.mp3 Wolfe says the legislature can’t pass a law and should propose a constitutional amendment to take away this constitutional right.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/RIkaygarbagegrabs3.mp3 Holt says the legislature routinely passes bills to legislatively overturn court rulings.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/RIkaygarbagegrabs4.mp3 The bill passed the Senate unanimously last month and was approved in the House this week on a 58 to 36 vote.
Sibley, Iowa — Your next chance to help bolster the blood supply is coming up next week in Sibley.
Osceola Regional Health Center and Community Blood Bank will host a community blood drive on Wednesday, March 30 at Osceola Regional Health Center between 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The public will have an opportunity to donate blood to help local patients in the community. Donors can schedule an appointment by calling 712-754-5358.
Community Blood Bank Executive Director Ken Ver Steeg says, “As we see the number of people diagnosed with COVID decline, Community Blood Bank is hopeful the more people will be eligible to give blood and assist in strengthening the local blood supply. There is a very large demand for blood to treat patients. We are seeing more people seeking medical care as the pandemic threat lifts. There is a higher concentration of people needing surgeries and treat serious medical conditions that require blood transfusions.”
Stephanie Krogman with the lab at Osceola Regional Health Center tells us the bloodmobile makes regular stops in Sibley.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Krogman20220324a.mp3 She says you need to make an appointment to donate blood.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Krogman20220324b.mp3 But Krogman says if, on the day of the blood drive, you find that you have some extra time, just call ahead, and they’ll see if there’s a spot for you.
She tells us giving blood is completely safe.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Krogman20220324c.mp3 Blood bank officials say donors must be at least 17 years old (16 years old with a signed parent consent form found at www.cbblifeblood.org ), weigh 110 lbs or more and be in good general health the day of the donation.
They also ask you to bring an I.D., your list of medications, and a list of places you’ve recently traveled when you come to donate and recommend that you eat and drink plenty of fluid prior to donating. For more information visit www.cbblifeblood.org or call Community Blood Bank at (605) 331-3222. But the number to make an appointment at the Sibley blood drive is different — it is the number of the hospital’s lab — 712-754-5358.
Des Moines, Iowa — The Iowa Department of Agriculture has issued an order canceling all live bird exhibitions in response to the bird flu outbreak.
The order prevents bird exhibitions at fairs and other gatherings and also prohibits live birds from being sold or transferred at livestock auction markets, swap meets or sales of exotic birds. The Department’s order begins immediately and lasts until 30 days have passed without confirmation of a new infection in domestic poultry in the state.
The Ag Department says Iowa currently has more than six million birds impacted by the bird flu across five commercial and backyard poultry flocks.
Cherokee, Iowa — An area legislator will host two town hall meetings in O’Brien County this week.
Third district Iowa State Representative Dennis Bush of Cherokee will host town hall meetings in O’Brien County on Friday, March 25th.
All town halls are open to the public.
He’ll be at the Sutherland Public Library on Friday at 10:00 a.m., and at the O’Brien County Courthouse in Primghar at 1:00 p.m. that day.
If you have any questions, you can email Representative Dennis Bush at dennis.bush@legis.iowa.gov.
Bush currently represents Cherokee and O’Brien counties, and some townships in eastern Sioux County and eastern Plymouth County. Bush is also one of three candidates for the new House District 5, which will include all of O’Brien and Osceola counties, most of Cherokee County, and some western townships of Buena Vista county.
NW Iowa and SW Minnesota — A pursuit that started in Lyon County, Iowa on Tuesday, continued at a high rate of speed through three other counties, and four people from the Eastern US were eventually arrested in connection with the pursuit. It appears to have left Lyon County, entered Osceola County, then Nobles County, and finally Murray County, Minnesota.
According to Slayton, Minnesota Police Chief Jeremy Steinle, about 4:25 that afternoon, the Nobles County Sheriff’s Office advised Murray County dispatch in Slayton that they had been involved in a pursuit with a car, believed to be a white Porsche, and that they had discontinued the pursuit as it was northbound on their County Road 13, entering Murray County. That’s in north-central Nobles County, basically due south of Slayton.
He says the vehicle was reported to have been involved in pursuits in both Lyon and Osceola counties in Iowa prior to entering Nobles County. At 4:37 p.m., they say a Slayton Police Department officer observed a vehicle matching the description of the Porsche involved in the Nobles County pursuit northbound on Highway 267, a Highway just west of Slayton. He observed the vehicle allegedly disregard the stop sign at the intersection of Highway 30, make a sharp turn eastbound and continue on Highway 30 toward Slayton.
Steinle says the officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop and the vehicle fled. The vehicle turned northbound onto Highway 59 and continued to flee from the officer. As the vehicle increased speed to over 120mph, the officer discontinued the pursuit about eight miles north of Slayton.
That evening, about 8:20 p.m., a towing company contacted the Murray County Sheriffs Office regarding a suspicious request for a tow of a vehicle in Currie, MN (that’s about five miles north of Slayton and three east). After gathering vehicle and suspect information, officers from the Slayton Police Department, Murray County Sheriffs Office, and Buffalo Ridge Drug and Violent Crime Task Force were able to locate four suspects and a white 2014 Porsche Panamera that was positively identified as the one involved in the pursuit earlier in the day. All four suspects were arrested as a result of this continuing investigation and are being held in the Lyon County, MN jail in Marshall, awaiting their initial court appearance. Numerous charges are pending.
The four are identified as 19-year-old Brendon Aaron Brown and 22-year-old Kevan Collin Henry, both of Bronx, NY; 27-year-old Jonathan A. Chacon of Rathway, NJ; and 42-year-old Rafael Pete Rodriguez of Jersey City, NJ.
Lyon County Iowa Sheriff Stewart Vander Stoep says it all started when one of their deputies met the vehicle, which was eastbound on Highway 9 at a high rate of speed. The deputy turned around to pursue, and the vehicle was quite a way down the road already, so Vander Stoep says his deputy called Osceola County. Unfortunately, Vander Stoep says there was no radar speed captured, so Lyon County may not have any charges to file.
There’s been no word yet from authorities in other counties as to charges pending there.
Des Moines, Iowa — The Iowa House has passed a bill that would prohibit state and local officials from imposing restrictions on religious institutions, like churches, that aren’t imposed on businesses and other secular institutions.
Republican Representative Skyler Wheeler of Orange City says it’s a response to things that happened during the pandemic.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/RIkayreligiousfreedombill1.mp3 The only Democrat to speak during House debate called it a good bill and he encouraged other Democrats to vote yes. The bill passed the House on a 93 to one vote. Similar legislation is pending in the Iowa Senate. The bills are different from a Religious Freedom Restoration Act that was introduced in the House and Senate the past couple of years and designed to give people a new avenue to sue over regulations they say conflict with their religious beliefs. Opponents argued that bill would have opened the door to discrimination and allowed customers at Iowa businesses to be denied service for religious reasons.
Des Moines, Iowa — Iowa House Republicans appear poised to vote for a year-long moratorium that would prevent the companies planning to build carbon pipelines from seeking eminent domain to seize property along the pipeline routes.
Republican Representative Bobby Kaufmann of Wilton presented the plan in the House State Government Committee and all but one Republican voted for it.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/RIkayCCmoratorium4.mp3 House Speaker Pat Grassley says pipeline companies would still able to negotiate easements with landowners, but this would let the legislature weigh in next year if the companies seek mass condemnation of land.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/RIkayCCmoratorium1.mp3 Democrats on the committee, like Representative Mary Mascher of Iowa City, didn’t object to the idea, but to the unusual parliamentary move used to advance the proposal.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/RIkayCCmoratorium2.mp3 Kaufmann says voters don’t care about legislative procedures.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/RIkayCCmoratorium3beep.mp3 The proposal is now eligible for debate in the full House.
Northwest Iowa — The next few days are supposed to feel very spring-like according to the forecast.
Peter Rogers from the National Weather Service says you’ll want to take advantage of the nice days coming up.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Rogers20220316a.mp3 In the meantime, he says warm weather, dry conditions, and moderate to strong winds add up to fire danger.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Rogers20220316b.mp3 Fire officials remind people to be very careful and to call 911 without delay if a fire starts, as it will probably be hard to control.
Sibley, Iowa — The City of Sibley has lost its City Administrator, as he is taking a position in Minnesota.
Sixty-year-old Rock Rapids native Glenn Anderson, the former administrator, tells us his last day was Thursday, March 10th. He says he’s leaving to become the new City Administrator in Mora, Minnesota. Mora is a slightly bigger town than Sibley, with Mora’s population at almost 3500 compared to Sibley’s roughly 2600 residents, but he tells us there is a more personal reason for his departure. His wife Shelly has a similar position in a much bigger city.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Anderson20220316a.mp3 He says it’s a position she’s held for nearly 20 years. Meanwhile, Glenn Anderson has been the Lyon County Economic Development Director and, for the last eight years, the Sibley City Administrator.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Anderson20220316b.mp3 Anderson says he thinks Sibley will benefit as well.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Anderson20220316c.mp3 He says he had a great time in Sibley.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Anderson20220316d.mp3 Anderson says his prediction is that the City of Sibley will hire internally for the City Administrator position and move people up in the order.
Northwest Iowa — Former Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn and Alta-Aurelia school superintendent Lynn Evans, of Aurelia, has filed papers to run for the Iowa Senate.
The Republican will run for election in Iowa Senate, District 3, which includes O’Brien, Osceola, Cherokee, Buena Vista, and parts of Clay counties.
Evans says that during his career, he’s had the opportunity to lead school districts and serve communities in O’Brien, Osceola, Buena Vista and Cherokee counties. He says he cares deeply for these communities and the future of our state. As a long time resident and native of Northwest Iowa, he says he shares the values and priorities of these communities. Evans says he’d be honored to serve as their voice in Des Moines.
Evans is a native of Aurelia, and a graduate of Aurelia High School. He and his wife Midge reside in Aurelia.
Evans says that some of his priorities will focus on growing the state’s rural economy, improving the state’s educational system, increasing access to mental health services, and protecting our civil liberties.
Photo above shows Lynn Evans (right) filing his paperwork to run for the Iowa Senate with Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate (left)
Statewide Iowa — Democrats are considering a plan that could bump the Iowa Caucuses out of the first-in-the-nation position — and the party will be hosting three forums to give Democrats across the country a chance to weigh in on how the party picks its presidential nominees.
Later this summer, the Democratic National Committee’s Rules and Bylaws Committee is to recommend the sequence of voting events in 2024. Former Iowa Democratic Party chairman Scott Brennan is a member of the committee, which met this past weekend.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/RIkayDNCIowa1.mp3 National party leaders have been encouraging states to hold primaries rather than caucuses. By 2020, Democratic Parties in just Iowa, Wyoming, and Nevada held Caucuses — and officials in Nevada already are planning to hold a presidential primary in 2024.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/RIkayDNCIowa2.mp3 The Des Moines Register was first to report national party leaders have developed a memo that outlines some new rules for which states have early voting contests in the 2024 presidential election, but the committee took no action on the matter this weekend.
The chairman of the Iowa REPUBLICAN Party says national party leaders are poised to confirm that the Iowa Republican Party’s Caucuses are to be first in 2024 and send the message that Middle America matters to the GOP.
Statewide Iowa — State and federal officials have confirmed another outbreak of bird flu, this time in a commercial flock of egg-laying chickens.
According to an announcement from the Iowa Department of Agriculture, the chickens that contracted the virus are at a facility in Taylor County in southwest Iowa. Officials have provided no other information about the number of birds involved or the exact location.
The governor has signed a disaster proclamation for Taylor County, so state agencies can assist in the containment and disposal of euthanized birds, as well as track and monitor other poultry operations in Taylor County and the surrounding area.
Iowa is the country’s leading egg producer. The bird flu outbreak of 2015 led to the deaths of an estimated 33 million chickens in the state.
This past week, officials announced bird flu had been confirmed in a flock of 50,000 turkeys in Buena Vista County here in northwest Iowa.
Des Moines, Iowa — As gas prices surge, the Republican governors of Maryland, Virginia and Florida are supporting gas tax holidays. The State of Iowa’s gas tax is around 30 cents a gallon. House Speaker Pat Grassley, a Republican, says it’s unlikely the Iowa legislature would vote to temporarily suspend the STATE gas tax.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/RIkaygasholiday1.mp3 Grassley says a temporary hiatus for the state gas tax would delay financing for projects to improve Iowa roads and bridges.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/RIkaygasholiday2.mp3 The federal gas tax is 18-point-three cents per gallon and six Democratic governors are calling on congress to suspend it until the end of the year. In January, Florida’s Republican governor proposed suspending HIS state’s 25-cents-a-gallon gas tax for a full five months — using federal pandemic relief money to plug the hole in the state budget. The Florida legislature has just proposed a one-month suspension — in October, when fewer tourists are visiting Florida.
Buena Vista County, Iowa — The confirmation of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a commercial turkey flock in Buena Vista County has increased the anxiety among poultry producers.
Morgan Minnehan is a spokesperson for the Iowa Turkey Federation.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/dd0309turkey1.mp3 They remember the devastating bird flu outbreak in 2015 that led to the death of thousands of birds at a cost of one billion dollars. Minnehan says prevention measures have stepped up since that outbreak.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/dd0309turkey2.mp3 Migrating waterfowl bring the bird flu into the state and she say
s producers keep an eye on a migration tracking program.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/dd0309turkey3.mp3 Minnehan says everyone can help prevent the spread of the bird flu by being aware of what to do.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/dd0309turkey4.mp3 Minnehan says Iowa ranks seventh in turkey production and fifth in processing nationwide — as a majority of the turkeys are used for lunch meat and other turkey products. She reminds everyone that the bird flu doesn’t impact humans.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/dd0309turkey5.mp3 Minnehan says turkey producers are limiting access to farms, washing truck tires, and doing intense cleaning and sanitization of equipment and work boots to try and prevent the spread of the disease.
Washington, D.C. — Iowa Senator Joni Ernst appeared with colleagues from both parties Wednesday to introduced the bipartisan bill reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act. Ernst says it is something she has been working on for more than three years.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/dd0210joniernst1.mp3 Ernst says the bill brings survivors the help they need, particularly in rural areas.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/dd0210joniernst2.mp3 Ernst says the bill not only helps survivors, but it also looks to prevent sexual assault.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/dd0210joniernst3.mp3 Democrat Senators Dianne Feinstein of California and Dick Durbin of Illinois, who are on the Senate Judiciary Committee, were among those joining Ernst.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/dd0210joniernst4.mp3 The Violence Against Women Act expired in 2018 and Ernst has been working with Feinstein and others since then to get it reauthorized.
Des Moines, Iowa — Governor Kim Reynolds says she and a group of other Republican governors are mulling more legal action in hopes of nullifying the federal requirement that health care workers get vaccinated against COVID-19.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/RIKay2ndtryCMS1.mp3 Reynolds spoke with reporters late Wednesday morning in the Capitol rotunda. The governor did not indicate what new path the governors might take.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/RIkay2ndtryCMS3.mp3 Reynolds also objects to the Department of Defense requirement that Iowa National Guard members be vaccinated by this summer. About one in five Iowa Guard soldiers haven’t gotten a COVID shot.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/RIkay2ndtryCMS2.mp3 Reynolds is among five governors who wrote the U.S. Defense Secretary in December, asking him to withdraw the COVID vaccine mandate for the National Guard. Last week, the Defense Secretary said the vaccinations are a part of ensuring military readiness among all units. Reynolds announced a week ago that her public health emergency proclamation will expire next Tuesday.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/RIkay2ndtryCMS4.mp3 Some information on the Iowa Department of Public Health’s online COVID dashboard will be removed. Reynolds says most of the data will be posted elsewhere on the agency’s website.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/RIkay2ndtryCMS5.mp3 Reynolds says 24 percent of those who logged onto the COVID dashboard were repeat users who she suspects were there to download data, which is also being compiled by the Centers for Disease Control.
Des Moines, Iowa — The governor’s plan to require that most Iowa fueling stations sell gas with a 15 percent ethanol blend has cleared the Senate Ag Commtitee — without any debate.
Republican Senator Dan Zumbach of Ryan was the only person to speak about the bill before a subcommittee AND the Senate Ag Committee voted to advance it.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/RIkaySenAgE15B.mp3 Last year, Governor Reynolds proposed an Iowa Renewable Fuels Standard, but the state’s fuel industry warned motorists would see higher pump prices as stations spent money upgrading equipment to handle higher blends of ethanol as well as biodiesel, which has a soybean-based additive. This year’s revised proposal includes waivers for smaller stations which can show they cannot afford to upgrade fuel handling systems to handle E-15, E-85 and B-20.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/RIkaySenAgE15A.mp3 The bill easily cleared the Iowa House last week and its next stop in the Senate is the Ways and Means Committee.
Des Moines, Iowa — The Iowa Department of Public Safety is relaunching a website that is designed to help find missing people.
DPS officials tell us that more than 300 Iowans are currently missing. The Iowa Department of Public Safety’s relaunch of the Missing Person Information Clearinghouse website – iowamissingpersons.com – provides an interactive design and advanced functions to make it easier to help identify and locate people.
Established in 1985 within the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), the Missing Person Information Clearinghouse compiles, coordinates, and disseminates information in relation to missing persons and unidentified bodies and persons, according to DPS officials. They say that since 2005, the Clearinghouse has been sharing missing person information through a public-facing website that combines an individual’s identification data supplied from law enforcement agencies across the state with a photo provided by families.
The officials tell us that the development of the new website enhances the display of persons currently missing, and provides more robust search capabilities to improve the user experience. Upgraded features include an advanced search function that allows users to select identifiable body details, date of birth, type of incident, and originating law enforcement agency, among others. Users can also create a downloadable poster featuring a missing person and access a child fingerprint ID kit.
According to DCI Missing Person Information Clearinghouse Coordinator, Medina Rahmanovic, the mission of the new website is two-fold. The primary purpose is sharing missing person information. However, the site also serves as an educational hub housing resources to support the prevention of children and adult runaways, and abductions as well as general information about missing person issues.
Rahmanovic says that they have been working for many years toward a goal of generating awareness, prevention, and cooperation, and updating the Missing Person Information Clearinghouse website to make it more user-friendly. She says a key priority for the DCI is reducing the number of profiles without photos. More than 75% of the approximately 300 missing persons do not have photos available to display. She says they need the public’s assistance, and they encourage loved ones to share a photo by emailing mpicinfo@dps.state.ia.us.
Iowa Department of Public Safety Commissioner Stephan Bayens says that locating missing persons is difficult work, and often takes collaboration from a wide network of people. He says, “We’re very pleased to give the public and our law enforcement partners more advanced tools to help locate and bring missing Iowans safely home.”
Des Moines, Iowa — Traffic on the state’s highways was down some at the end of the year. Stuart Anderson of the Iowa DOT gave a report to the Iowa Transportation Commission earlier this week.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/dd0208trains3.mp3 He says rail traffic saw a similar pattern.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/dd0208trains1.mp3 Anderson says the shipment of grain continues to be strong.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/dd0208trains2.mp3 Anderson says air travel continues to hold around 88 percent of pre-pandemic levels.
Des Moines, Iowa — One area legislator wants to remove the power of eminent domain from the Iowa Utilities Board for private ventures.
District 2 State Senator Jeff Taylor represents Sioux, O’Brien, and Cherokee counties and the easternmost townships of Plymouth County. He tells us about a bill he wrote.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Taylor20220208a.mp3 Taylor says many of his rural constituents are concerned about this issue.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Taylor20220208b.mp3 Taylor emphasizes the bill would not limit public utilities.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/Taylor20220208c.mp3 Two companies want to install CO2 pipelines in northwest Iowa. They are Summit Carbon Solutions and Navigator CO2 Ventures. The bill was introduced last week and has been assigned to the Senate Commerce Committee.
Geneva Petersen age 99, of Sibley, died Monday, February 7, 2022, at the Country View Manor in Sibley.
Funeral service will be 10:30 AM, Thursday, February 10th at Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley, with Peter Wagner officiating. Burial will follow at Holman Township Cemetery in Sibley.
Visitation will be Wednesday, February 9th from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, with the family present at Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley.
Geneva Betty (Efting) Petersen was born on September 9, 1922, to Gerrit and Mary Efting. She was raised in the Sibley area and graduated from Sibley High School in 1941. She later was married to Donald Petersen, with whom she had three children.
Geneva was a kind and gentle person who treasured her family. She doted on her grandchildren and many wonderful memories were created at gram’s house. Until her health prevented it, she could be found enjoying company at Dinner Date, having coffee at the local bakery, playing cards at Jack Rabbit, looking for treasures at the New Beginnings, and checking out garage sales. She joyously decorated for every holiday and made the best fudge ever! She especially looked forward to her yearly trip to Branson and her trips to the Twin Cities, where she enjoyed thrifting and the State Fair. Geneva appreciated the simple things in life: Wheel of Fortune, listening to country music, doing word finds, reading, tea time, fishing, camping, hunting wild asparagus, taking rides around town (especially at Christmas time), and tending her zinnias and other flowers.
She was a member of the United Church of Christ where she was active in the Women’s Club, serving as secretary. Later she was blessed with the counsel and friendship of Pastor Simm of the Sibley Presbyterian Church.
Geneva is survived by her three children: Mary Jo (Robert) McNeal, Woodbury, Minnesota; Susan (Gary) Stoner, Cottage Grove, Minnesota; Douglas (Connie) Petersen, Worthington, Minnesota. She was blessed with 8 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren.
Her husband, Don, proceeded her in death in 1983. All of her siblings and their spouses preceded her in death as well; John (Sally) Efting, Elmer (Mary) Efting, Bill, (Lu) Efting, LaSalle Gasahl and Shirley Efting. She was also preceded in death by her stepson Gilbert Petersen and his wife, Shirley.
The family wishes to thank Country View Manor staff for their compassionate care and comfort they provided Geneva during her last years.
May God hold her lovingly in the palm of His hand, until we meet again.
Florebel Hoppe age 91 of Sibley, Iowa died Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at Sibley Specialty Care.
Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Friday, February 11, 2022 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sibley with Pastor Tim Nappe, officiating. Burial will follow in the Waterman Cemetery at Sutherland, Iowa.
Visitation will be Thursday, February 10th from 3:00 to 7:00 PM with the family present from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley.
Washington, D.C. — Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley, a Republican, is hesitant to criticize actions taken by the Republican National Committee last week against two Republican members of the U.S. House. The two were condemned and censured for serving on the House panel investigating the January 6th insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.
Grassley was asked if he agrees with the RNC’s resolution.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/mkcg1-24.mp3 The RNC resolution focused on GOP Representatives Liz Cheney of Wyoming and Adam Kinzinger of Illinois. Grassley says he doesn’t concern himself much with the RNC’s actions.
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/mkcg2-23.mp3 Grassley says the issues he’s hearing Iowans care about include: prescription drug costs, cattle prices, inflation, and border security. The week after the storming of the Capitol, Grassley told Radio Iowa, “What happened on Wednesday…that sort of insurrection is untenable.” The RNC referred to the January 6th attack as “a Democrat-led persecution of ordinary citizens engaged in legitimate political discourse.” Grassley offered a brief comment when asked to respond to whether the incident was “legitimate political discourse.”
https://kiwaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/mkcg3-23.mp3 The insurrection caused one-and-a-half million dollars damage to the Capitol, leaving seven people dead, 140 law officers injured and more than 700 people being prosecuted, including at least seven Iowans.
Doon, Iowa — A Rock Valley man was arrested late Saturday night after allegedly leading a Lyon County Deputy on a brief chase.
According to court records, shortly before midnight Saturday night, a Lyon County Deputy allegedly observed a pickup truck fail to stop for the stop sign at the intersection of 260th Street and Garfield Avenue, at the southwest edge of Doon, then turn south onto Garfield Avenue. According to the deputy, he attempted to pull the truck over, but instead the vehicle fled with the deputy in hot pursuit. Authorities say the pursuit lasted less than two miles before the vehicle pulled into an acreage in the 2700 mile of Garfield Avenue and stopped.
According to court records, the deputy reportedly stated that the driver of the pickup had been having trouble maintaining his lane during the brief pursuit, and once stopped, the deputy said the driver, who authorities identify as 35-year-old Justin Mark VanTilburg, exhibited signs of alcohol impairment. Deputies say VanTilburg refused all field sobriety tests and also refused a chemical test.
VanTillburg was placed under arrest and transported to the Lyon County Jail in Rock Rapids. He faces a charge of Eluding, a Class D Felony; 1st Offense OWI; having an Open Container of Alcohol in his vehicle; Failure to Obey a Stop Sign; and Driving on the Wrong Side of a Two-Way Highway. It was also reportedly discovered that VanTilburg had a warrant for his arrest out of Osceola County.