(Estherville)—Eight people including a small child who was being sucked under a log jam were rescued Saturday afternoon on the West Fork of the Des Moines River north of Estherville. The Estherville Fire Department responded around 3:30 p.m., to a report of a kayak flipped over and a woman and child in the water, according to Fire Chief Travis Sheridan.

Sheridan says the Emmet County Dispatcher was continuing to communicate with the victims.

Sheridan says firefighters brought six people to safety with the use of the department’s rescue boat. The Iowa DNR assisted with their boat. Two individuals were able to self rescue. Sheridan says the child’s aunt was able to keep the child’s face above water until firefighters arrived to assist.

The child and the aunt were transported to Avera Holy Family Hospital to be checked over. The other individuals were checked at the scene by the Estherville Ambulance Service. Sheridan says without the partnerships of all the agencies involved, the rescue could have turned out very different.

The names of those rescued were not immediately available. Rescue crews were on scene for about two and a half hours.

(Estherville)--The four Republican candidates for the three seats up for election on the Emmet County Board of Supervisors participated in a forum Thursday evening on KILR FM 95.9. All four candidates expressed opposition to the proposed carbon capture pipelines including incumbent Tim Schumacher of Estherville.

The candidates also generally expressed support for the proposed wind farm that would be built in the western part of the county. Michael Pytleski of Gruver says he’s a strong supporter of wind energy.  

Another questions dealt with the amount of property taxes levied by the county. Incumbent Lisa Hansen of Armstrong says she thinks property taxes are as fair as they can be.

Brandon Carlin, who lives just outside of Estherville, says the county is hurt by low valuation.

The three candidates with the most votes in the primary election will advance to the general election. Incumbent Democrat Todd Glasnapp is the only other candidate in the race.

The Republicans running for Sheriff also participated in Thursday night’s forum. KILR News will have more details on that portion of the forum on over the weekend.

(Fairmont, MN)--A dedication ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 25th for the newly completed Martin County Veterans Memorial. The ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the memorial site at 507 Winnebago Avenue in Fairmont.

The finished memorial, which was begun in 2016, now features a Cobra AH-1 Helicopter, six bronze statues, ship’s bow and bell, and the memorial wall featuring names of Martin County veterans.

According to the Martin County Veterans Memorial Committee, the Guest speaker will be Vietnam veteran and author William Albracht.

The agenda also include an Honor Guard presentation, a flag ceremony, and a brief history of the memorial provided by Terry Anderson, Chairman of the Veterans Memorial Committee. Music will be provided by the Fairmont High School band.

 The ceremony is free, and open to all who wish to attend.

After the dedication, there will be a Pork Chop meal available for $10 per person as a fundraiser for the upkeep of the Memorial.

(Estherville)--Iowa Lakes Community College has announces that Autumn Larsen has been selected as the new TRIO Director, pending board and grant approval.

As the TRIO Director, Larsen will oversee the TRIO Talent Search and Student Support Services (SSS) programs funded under the federal TRIO initiative. These programs are designed to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds in their pursuit of higher education and increase college access, retention, and graduation rates among underrepresented populations.

Prior to her appointment as TRIO Director, Larsen served as the College & Career Transition Coach at Iowa Lakes Community College, assisting students in developing academic, college, and career goals. She also was Intermediary Connections Coordinator/RPP Coordinator, facilitating work-based learning activities for K-12 schools and maintaining positive relationships with stakeholders.

Larsen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Northwestern College and a Master of Education in Adult & Higher Education Administration from the University of Sioux Falls.

Larsen replaces Trudy Ahrens, who was recently promoted to the Executive Director of Human Resources.

(Okoboji)--The Okoboji Summer Theater will be hosting the first ever Boji Bantam Broadway Bootcamp July 8-13^th. Okoboji Summer Theater Director Ruth Ann Burke says the camp will be taught by Okoboji Summer Theatre Guest Artists and Staff.

Burke says the camp is for grades 6 through seniors.

Burke says the camp will culminate with a showcase of what students have learned on Saturday, July 13^th.

Prior to the camp, Burke says the Boji Bantam Theater will be presenting “The Emperor’s New Groove.”

For more information, visit: stephens.edu and search for Boji Bantam Broadway Bootcamp.

(Wesley)--A Wesley man was arrested Tuesday evening after a report of illegal drug usage.

At around 8:10 p.m., Kossuth County Deputies were at 208 Main Street East in Wesley investigating a report of possible illegal drug use. While contacting the resident, illegal drugs and/or paraphernalia were visible in plain sight of the officers. The residence was secured, and a search warrant was applied for and approved by a Judge.

50-year-old Cristian Garrett of Wesley, formerly from Rockwell City, was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana, 3rd or subsequent offense and possession of drug paraphernalia

Garrett was booked into the Kossuth County Jail to await his initial appearance.

(Sherburn, MN)--Students, parents and teachers can look forward to a new K-12 school building in the Martin County West School District. On Tuesday, voters approved a $64.7 million bond referendum to build a new school building in Sherburn.  The bond issue was passed by a margin of 52-to 48 percent. There were 966 yes votes and 901 no votes. Martin County West Superintendent Cori Reynolds expressed gratitude to district patrons after the vote.

A previous attempt to pass a similar bond issue in November of 2023 fell 50 votes short. Reynolds was asked why she thought the bond issue passed this time.

Reynolds says there were people with strong feelings on both sides of the issue.

Now that the bond issue has passed, Reynolds explains the next steps in the process.  

Reynolds says the goal is have the new building ready to open in the fall of 2027. A second referendum on Tuesday for just over $2 million to fund an auxiliary gym did not pass. The vote failed with 881 yes votes and 969 no votes

(Spirit Lake)--The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach office in Dickinson County is launching a new “Venture Club” for adults interested in exploring and supporting businesses right in their own backyard. Adult Program Coordinator Sue Boettcher explains how the idea for the club got started.

Boettcher says the boutique hop will be held on Friday, May 31. She says participants will meet at the Extension office located at the fairgrounds in Spirit Lake at 8:30 a.m.

Boettcher says the tour will then head to Spirit Lake.

Boettcher says she’s not sure yet when the next event will be held.

You can preregister for the boutique hop by calling the Dickinson County Extension Office at 712-336-3488.

(Okoboji)--A 31-year-old woman is facing charges after a domestic incident Tuesday evening at a resort in Okoboji.

Shortly after 8pm Tuesday, police were called to the Lake Okoboji Resort, formerly known as Arrowwood.

Following an investigation, 31-year-old Cornelia Williamson was arrested and charged with domestic abuse assault impeding air or blood flow, a class “D” felony, and domestic abuse assault causing injury or mental illness 1st offense. Williamson was booked into the Dickinson county jail.

The female victim was taken by ambulance to Lakes Regional Healthcare.

(Ruthven)--A Ruthven man was arrested last week on several valid Palo Alto County Warrants.

The Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office says 39-year-old Jonathon Sutherland was taken into custody on warrants for Violation of Probation, a class D felony, Criminal Mischief in the 1st Degree, a class C felony and five misdemeanor traffic violations.

Sutherland was placed in the Palo Alto County Jail to await an initial appearance before a magistrate.

(Algona)--Attorneys for the man charged with killing an Algona Police Officer have filed two new motions in Kossuth County District Court.

43-year-old Kyle Ricke is charged with 1st Degree Murder in connection with the shooting death of Officer Kevin Cram on September 13th, 2023.

In court documents filed Tuesday morning, Attorney Matthew Pittenger says after discussing the issue with Ricke, they have agreed to withdraw a request for a mental competency hearing that was filed just last week. Judge Nancy Whittenburg had scheduled a probable cause hearing for Friday.

In a separate motion, Ricke’s defense team is asking for Judge Whittenburg to recuse herself from the case. The defense is contending that since Whittenburg has presided over court cases involving Ricke, his ex-wife, and his children, she should recuse herself from this matter.

The state has already filed written resistance to the request, saying it has no merit. Assistant Attorney General Ryan Baldridge says the defendant has failed to show any actual prejudice he has suffered as a result of Judge Whittenburg presiding over this case.

The court is still considering a change of venue request that the defense filed at the end of April.

(Spencer)--A Sioux Rapids is facing multiple charges after a recent traffic stop in Clay County.

Shortly before 5:25 pm on May 9^th, a Clay County Deputy initiated a traffic stop for a speeding violation in the 4900 block of Highway 71. Upon investigation, it was found that the driver, 41-year-old Jesus Ferro of Sioux Rapids, had a suspended driver’s license. Ferro was taken into custody and upon further investigation, it was found that Ferro was in possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Ferro was transported to the Clay County Jail without incident. He was charged with possession of a controlled substance-marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving under suspension, no driver’s license, speeding, no insurance, and operation without registration.

Ferro was released on bond.

(Sherburn, MN)--Voters in the Martin County West School District on Tuesday approved a $64.7 million bond referendum to build a new K-12 school building in Sherburn. The bond issue passed with 966 yes votes and  901 no votes. A previous attempt in November of 2023 to pass a bond had fallen 50 votes short.

A second referendum for just over $2 million to fund in auxiliary gym did not pass. The vote failed with 881 yes votes and 969 no votes

Voter turnout for the special election was 66% of registered voters in the district.

(Spencer)--A former Spencer residence was sentenced to 50 years in prison Monday in Clay County District Court after pleading guilty to sexually abusing a child.

36-year-old Candido Trejo-Gonzalez of Bridgewater, South Dakota was arrested last November by the Spencer Police Department on four counts of sexual abuse in the 2^nd degree, a class B felony.

Trejo Gonzalez was accused of sexually abusing two girls over several years while he lived in Spencer. As part of a plea agreement, he pleaded guilty to one of the sexual abuse charges and the other three were dismissed.

Trejo-Gonzalez must serve 70-percent or 35 years of his 50 year sentence before he's eligible for parole.

District Judge Charles Borth also sentenced Trejo-Gonzalez to a special lifetime sentence in which he will remain under court supervision as if on parole after he's released from prison. If he were to violate terms of the special sentence, he could be returned to prison. He'll also have to register with the Iowa Sex Offender Registry after completing his prison sentence.

(Estherville)--After more than three decades serving Emmet County, Eric Anderson is in his final days on the job as Emmet County Conservation Director. Anderson explains why he decided to retire.

Anderson says there have been a number of accomplishments during his 33 years as director.

Anderson was asked what he’ll miss most about the position.

New Conservation Director Matt Reineke will begin his duties on May 22^nd. Anderson says he will assist Reineke during the transition.

Reineke is a long time member of the Estherville Police Department. Reineke will be able to retain his service equipment from the Estherville Police Department in exchange for being available for limited standby calls.

(Estherville)--Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is hosting a kick-off for their summer soccer program this evening at the ELC Practice Football Field. Emmet County Extension Youth Coordinator Katelyn Herzberg says the free come and go event will be held from 5 to 7 pm.

Herzberg says families are encouraged to attend.

She says this is the first year for the program.

In case of rain the program will be held at the RWC. On another topic, Herzberg says there are still a few spots left in the Junior Gardener Summer program.

For more information contact the Emmet County Extension Office at 712-362-3434.

(Spencer)--The Spencer Fire Department early this(Tuesday) morning responded to an equipment fire in the parking lot at 914 13^th Street Southwest.

The fire was reported just before 6:05 am. Spencer Fire Chief Jesse Coulson says upon arrival firefighters found a tar kettle on fire. Coulson says firefighters quickly extinguished the fire and cooled the container. Oil booms were placed to block the flow of product into the storm sewer. Public works will assist with the clean-up of oil absorbing products on scene.

Firefighters were on scene for about 2 hours and 45 minutes.

(Spirit Lake)--A fire early this(Tuesday) morning destroyed a building at a boat dealership in Spirit Lake.

Spirit Lake Fire Chief Pat Daly says at around 3:15 am, firefighters responded to Great Lakes Marine, located at 1907 18^th St.  Daly says someone driving by the building saw smoke coming out of the building and contacted the fire department.

Daly says upon arrival, flames were coming out of the rear and through the roof of the building. The Arnolds Park-Okoboji and Superior Fire Departments were called for assistance and an excavator was brought in to tear down parts of the roof. The fire was in a building used for boat detailing. Several boats inside the building were also destroyed. Nobody was inside the building at the time of the fire.

Daly says firefighters prevented the fire from spreading to other buildings.

Firefighters were on scene for about 8 hours.

The cause of the fire listed as undetermined. Daly says two members of the State Fire Marshall’s Office were on scene to help investigate the cause of the fire. Daly says the fire started in the back corner of the building but due to the extensive damage a cause could not be determined

Dickinson County Emergency Management, Lakes Regional Healthcare Ambulance and local law enforcement assisted at the scene.

(Estherville)—A Milford woman has been appointed to the Iowa Lakes Community College Board of Trustees. Kari Batman will represent District 5.

 Batman graduated from Iowa Lakes Community College with a degree in Nursing and later received a BSN from Mercy College. Batman started her professional career at Hilltop Nursing Home in Spirit Lake and is currently serving as the Administrator at Emmet County Public Health,

Batman resides in Milford with her husband, Jay Batman, and their three sons.

(Estherville)----A former Mayor of Orleans has been named the winner of the 2024 Jim Hall Outstanding Alumni Award by the Iowa Lakes Community College Alumni and Friends Association. Carlton Mitchell was recognized during the 2024 Commencement ceremony this past Friday in Estherville.

Mitchell graduated with an Associate of Arts Degree from then-Estherville Junior College in 1963. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Sciences in 1965 and a Master of Education Degree in 1971 from Mankato State College, with a focus on secondary school administrator.

He was a public-school teacher 1965 to 1971 and served as a Secondary and Elementary School Administrator and Superintendent from 1971 to 1993.

As a long-time resident of Orleans, Mitchell served on the City Council from 1996 to 1999  and served as Mayor from 1999 to 2011. He also served various other boards and commissions.

Mitchell was the driver behind the complete water main replacement in the City of Orleans and introduced a recycling program to the community. He was instrumental in planning area biking trails and spearheaded numerous beautification projects.

The Jim Hall outstanding alumnus award was established in 1992.

(Estherville)--This is National Prevention Week, a public education effort showcasing the work of communities and organizations that are preventing substance use and promoting positive mental health. Haley Dziedzic, a prevention specialist with Rosecrance Jackson Centers, says the goal of National Prevention Week  is to equip people with the necessary tools to avoid addiction.

Dziedzic says Rosecrance prevention specialists collaborate with 16 Iowa counties to develop tailored prevention plans.

She says Rosecrance is hosting a virtual seminar today from 9 am to 3 pm.

For more information call 1-800-472-9018. Rosecrance recently opened an office in Estherville at 208 North 8^th St.  National Prevention Week runs through Saturday.

(Estherville)--Area farmers can sign up for the 2024 organic certification cost share program. Lisa Forburger, County Executive Director for Emmet and Palo Alto County FSA Offices.

Forburger says the application period is now open.

On another topic, Forburger says May 15^th is the beginning of the primary nesting season on CRP land.

For more information, contact your local FSA Office.

(Des Moines)--The Iowa DNR has issued an Air Quality Alert for the northernmost four tiers of counties west of I-35 as well as the northernmost tier of counties east of I-35 through 11 pm Tuesday. 

Smoke from Canadian wildfires has entered the region from the north and fine particulate levels at or above the national standard can be expected. The DNR recommends that people avoid long or intense outdoor activities, and take more breaks during outdoor activities until air quality conditions improve. 

Members of sensitive groups may wish to take additional precautions. Sensitive groups include people with respiratory or heart disease, children, teenagers, the elderly, and outdoor workers. 

This alert will expire at 11 pm Tuesday.

(Okoboji)--An ongoing drug investigation by the Okoboji Police Department resulted in the arrest of a Spirit Lake man on multiple charges.

Okoboji police arrested 36-year-old Tyrell Polk on Friday.

Polk is accused in criminal complaints of selling cocaine to undercover officers in September, and December of 2023 and January of this year. The transactions allegedly involved a total of nearly 12 grams of the drug.

Polk was charged with three class C felony counts of a controlled substance violation, one count of ongoing criminal conduct, a class B felony; and three counts of possession of a controlled substance-1st offense.

Polk was booked into the Dickinson County Jail and is being held on a $58,000 cash only bond.

(Linn Grove)--An investigation is underway into the crash of a small plane Saturday afternoon In Buena Vista County.

The National Transportation Safety Board says it is investigating the crash of a Van’s RV-9 airplane near Linn Grove.

The Board says preliminary information indicates the small plane was returning from a local personal flight and made contact with a nearby grass area while attempting to land at a private airport. The aircraft came to a rest inverted in a nearby field.

The condition of the pilot remains unknown.

(Arnolds Park)—Final preparations are being made for the opening of Arnolds Park Amusement Park for the 2024 season this Saturday, May 18th. Arnolds Park CEO Jon Pausley says a number of improvements have been made at the park.

Pausley says park goers will also see a piece of history that has been returned to the park.

He provides more details on the new rides at the park.

Pausley says there are also some new arcade games in the Legends store. He says other changes have also been made.

A free preview night will be held this Friday from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.

(Algona)--Prosecutors are not fighting a change of venue motion request filed by the man charged with first degree murder in the death of Algona Police Officer Kevin Cram.

In a recent motion, Assistant Attorney General Scott Brown concedes that finding an impartial jury in Kossuth County to try Kyle Ricke, would not be possible, and the trial would be better situated elsewhere.

Brown is asking the court to consider several factors before ruling on the change of venue request. The state is requesting that if the trial is moved, it be held in a county that has similar demographics to Kossuth County, and a courthouse that is easily accessible and not congested during the time frame scheduled for trial. The state is also asking the court to consider the convenience of travel for both the State and Defense witnesses, and the family of Officer Kevin Cram when selecting a venue.

As previously reported, Ricke’s attorneys are seeking a mental competency hearing and a continuation. The trial is currently scheduled to begin on June 25th.

(Washington, D.C.)--Staff from U.S. Senator Joni Ernst’s office will be holding traveling office hours around the area this week.

Representatives from Senator Ernst’s office will be available to assist residents with problems or questions about issues involving Social Security, veterans’ benefits, military affairs, passports, immigration issues, and other federal programs.

On Tuesday, Ernst’s staff will be in Spencer from 10 to 11 am in the council chambers at city hall and in Arnolds Park from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm at the Vacation Okoboji Tourism Office.

On Thursday, Ernst’s staff will also be in Bancroft from 10 to 11 am at Bancroft City Hall; in Estherville on Thursday from noon to 1 pm in the small meeting room of the Estherville Public Library; and in Graettinger from 2 to 3 pm at Graettinger City Hall.

Constituents seeking assistance with federal agencies who are unable to attend the traveling office hours can contact one of the senator’s offices directly or submit a casework request online at www.Ernst.senate.gov.

(Des Moines)--The names of two Iowa policemen, one from Algona and one from Des Moines, have been added to the Iowa Peace Officer Memorial on the state capitol grounds. Iowa Public Safety Commissioner Stephen Bayens hosted a ceremony at the site in Des Moines Friday morning.

The families of Algona Police Officer Kevin Cram and Des Moines Police Officer Phoukham (FOOK-ham) Tran were seated near the granite markers that now bear the names of their loved ones. Cram was shot to death last September as he was serving an arrest warrant on a suspect who's been charged with Cram's murder.

Baynes says Officer Cram was not just a police officer.

Governor Kim Reynolds also spoke at the ceremony. Reynolds says service came first for Officer Cram.

Reynolds says the ceremony is also a time to recognize the sacrifices made by all police officers past and present.

Officer Tran of the Des Moines Police Department was struck by a drunk driver in a 3 ton pick-up while directing traffic at the Iowa State Fair on Aug. 19, 2011.  He died November 2nd, 2023.

(Arnolds Park)--The Queen Two Excursion Boat at Arnolds Park Amusement Park will be returning to the water soon. Arnolds Park CEO Jon Pausley says an extensive renovation of the Queen that started last fall is nearly complete. 

Pausley outlines the improvements that have been made to the Queen Two.

He says some of the improvements the public will be able to see and enjoy.

As Pausley previously mentioned, the first cruise is set for Saturday, May 25^th.

For more information, visit arnoldspark.com.