(Des Moines)--The Iowa Department of Public Safety’s Office of Drug Control Policy is encouraging Iowans to participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day this Saturday, October 24th.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day provides a safe, convenient, and anonymous way to dispose of unused or expired prescription medications, while raising awareness about the risks of opioid misuse and the dangers associated with other prescription drugs.

Twice a year, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration partners with local law enforcement agencies and pharmacies to collect leftover prescription and over-the-counter medication. During the collection in April, Iowans turned in over 6,871 pounds of unneeded medicine.

Saturday’s events are from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at designated sites across Iowa. Area locations include the Spencer Police Department and Clay County Sheriff’s Office in Spencer and the Kossuth County Sheriff’s Office in Algona.

(Spencer)--The Regional Transit Authority known as RIDES has announced it will be providing free trips to the voting polls now through November 3rd. 

RIDES will be providing rides in each city in its current service area. The trips will be provided during regular business hours within the city limits of each of the cities serviced by RIDES vehicles. The cities include Storm Lake, Spencer, Spirit Lake, Arnolds Park, Milford, Okoboji, Estherville, Rock Rapids, Sheldon, Emmetsburg, Orange City, and Sioux Center.

To find out more and to schedule your free trip to vote in your community, call 1-800-
358-5037, ext. 1.

This service is open to the general public, including those with disabilities, and will be door-to-door service.

(Estherville)--The Estherville City Council this week approved an agreement for the GAP project on Highway 9 in the amount of $55,556. City Administrator Penny Clayton says it’s part of the Highway 9 reconstruction project.

Clayton details the city’s portion of the project.

In other business, the council approved a proposal from DGR Engineering in the amount of $14,000 for a softener evaluation at the water treatment plant.

The council also approved the first reading of a Wellhead Protection Ordinance. Clayton says the new ordinance is required by the DNR.

The council will consider the 2^nd reading of the ordinance at their next meeting on November 2^nd.

(Estherville)--Warm, dry weather has allowed area farmers to make significant progress on the corn harvest over the past several days. ISU Extension Agronomist for Northwest Iowa Gentry Sorenson.

Sorenson says so far yield reports for corn have varied around the area.

He says farmers are generally pleased with the soybean harvest.

Sorenson says harvest should be completed in the next two or three weeks.

(Jackson, MN)--One person was injured in a collision involving a semi and an SUV Tuesday afternoon on US Highway 71 south of Windom in Jackson County.

The Minnesota State Patrol says shortly before 2:40 pm, a 2017 Kenworth semi-truck and trailer was southbound on Highway 71 and a 2021 Nissan Rogue was northbound when they collided near milepost 19.

The driver of the Rogue, 29-year-old Dillon Phibbs of Jackson, was taken to the Windom Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The driver of the semi, 49-year-old Shaun Huisman of Ocheyedan, was not injured.

The Minnesota State Patrol was assisted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Jackson Fire and Ambulance.

(Estherville)--The Emmet County Board of Supervisors Tuesday heard the annual funding request from the Family Crises Centers. Tracy Feather is Development Director for the Family Crises Centers. Feather says they help individuals facing violence and harm.

Family Crises Centers serves 28 counties in Western Iowa. Feather says there is a great need for services provided by the Family Crises Centers in Emmet County.

The Family Crises Centers is requesting $6,000 for the next fiscal year.  Last year they requested $6,000 and received $5,000 from the county.

(Ames)--The Lakes Area Museum Alliance or LAMA was awarded a $100,000 development grant Tuesday from Spirit of Okoboji and the Kinnetz Family Office

The grant was awarded in recognition of LAMA’s work in connecting Dickinson County’s 13 museums, preserving local history and helping residents and visitors discover the stories of the Iowa Great Lakes region along with an expanded website at LakesMuseum.org. It also recognizes the dedication of museum leaders, volunteers and supporters.

The award was presented to LAMA Program Director Mary Dreier during the Iowa Museum Association State Conference in Ames.

(Dickens)--Two people are facing charges after a traffic stop this past weekend east of Dickens.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office says at around 8:40 pm Saturday, a vehicle was stopped for a speeding violation in the 3200 block of Highway 18. Upon making contact, the Deputy observed an open can of an alcoholic beverage in the vehicle. The passenger, 29-year-old Alex Clark of Emmetsburg, was found to be in possession of a marijuana vape pen and was eventually taken into custody. A vehicle search was performed and marijuana and drug paraphernalia were located. The driver, 27-year-old Timothy Elliott of Havelock, was taken into custody and transported to the Clay County Jail along with Clark.

Clark was charged with possession of a controlled substance-3^rd offense-marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and open container. Elliott was charged with possession of a controlled substance-marijuana-2^nd offense, driving while barred, speeding, possession of drug paraphernalia, and violation of a restricted driver’s license.

Clark and Elliot were both released on bond.

(Washington, D.C.)--Congress is in recess until after the midterm elections. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says his top priority when the Senate reconvenes is passage of a farm bill.

The farm bill would permanently authorize the sale of E-15 year round.  Grassley says another priority is a permitting reform bill which aims to accelerate approval of energy, transmission, mining, and infrastructure projects while modifying environmental regulations

(Mallard)--One person was sent to the hospital after an accident involving a pick-up and a semi Monday evening near Mallard in Palo Alto County.

The Iowa State Patrol says the accident happened shortly after 7:40 pm at the intersection of 500^th St. and 525^th Ave. The patrol says a 2013 Peterbilt semi-tractor and trailer driven by 32-year-old Jacob Banwart of Rolfe was northbound and a 2008 Ford F-150 pickup driven by 57-year-old Denton Knobloch of West Bend was eastbound approaching 525^th Ave. Banwart did not see the pickup and proceeded through the intersection. The pickup collided with the trailer of the semi and was drug under the trailer for a short distance and came to rest in the ditch. The trailer became unhooked from the semi and struck a utility pole.

Knobloch was transported by Palo Alto County Ambulance to Palo Alto County Hospital with unknown injuries.

The Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office also assisted at the scene.  

(Estherville)--The Estherville City Council Monday evening heard a presentation from a company interested in locating a data center in Estherville. Gyles Uhlenhopp of Path One Companies explains why the company became interested in Estherville.

Uhlenhopp says Path One wants to build small data centers that fit in rural Iowa.

The data center would employ about 15 to 25 people. Proposed data centers in other communities have drawn opposition from the public concerned about the large amounts of water and electricity required as well as noise concerns. He says there are bad actors in every industry.

Uhlenhopp says Path One’s data centers use a closed loop cooling system.

He explains the next step in the process.

He says construction on a data center would take 12 to 18 months to complete. Path One currently has proposed data centers in Sioux County and Ida County. Members of the council asked questions about the project but took no formal action. City Administrator Penny Clayton says the Planning and Zoning Commission plans to meet on Thursday at 4:30 to discuss development of an ordinance regulating data centers.

(Sherburn, MN)--A Sherburn woman is facing multiple charges after allegedly breaking into the management office at a senior living facility on three separate occasions.

According to a criminal complaint, 47-year-old Angela Lake allegedly broke into the office at Temperance Lake Ridge Senior Living on August 7^th, August 12^th and October 3^rd. She allegedly entered using the same office window each time. About 400 dollars was taken during the 

second break-in.

After the earlier incidents, a security camera was installed, and video allegedly captured the third break-in, showing someone going through files and attempting to remove the camera. Lake is charged with one count of first-degree burglary and three counts of second-degree burglary, along with theft and property damage.

(Spencer)--The Spencer Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) is inviting proposals from qualified developers and builders for its Build Spencer: Single-Family Housing Incentive Program, designed to encourage new home construction and expand housing opportunities in Spencer.

The program makes seven residential lots in the Fairgrounds Development along West 5th Street available to a single qualified purchaser for a total purchase price of $1. The initiative offers incentives to both developers and future homeowners to bring new single-family housing to the community.

Under the program, three lots must have substantially completed homes by December 31st, 2027, with the remaining four completed by December 31^st, 2028. Eligible developers will receive a $5,000 incentive per lot upon completion, while eligible homebuyers will also be eligible to receive a separate $5,000 incentive per lot upon purchasing and occupying a completed home, subject to program requirements.

Qualified local and out-of-town developers, builders, contractors, and other interested parties are encouraged to participate. The seven lots must be purchased together by a single purchaser. Developer proposals are due by 4:30 p.m., on December 31^st, 2026

(Estherville)--The Medicare enrollment period is now open and Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird is warning residents to watch out for scams. The annual period allows people with Medicare to change their health or drug coverage. Bird says her office is already seeing an uptick in reports of scam phone calls.

Bird says no one from Medicare will call seeking your personal information,

She says they are also cracking down on Medicaid fraud and other types of Medicare fraud.

The Medicare enrollment period runs through December 7^th. Bird made her comments during a stop in Estherville last Thursday.

(Spencer)--A Spencer man is facing multiple charges after a report of a car in a ditch last week.

Shortly after 2 am last Wednesday, October 14^th, the Clay County Sheriff's Office received a complaint of a vehicle in the ditch with its headlights on in the 4200 block of 310^th Ave. Upon arrival, a Clay County Deputy found a male, identified as 27-year-old Zachary Schnurr, passed out in the driver's seat.

Schnurr was run through of a series of field sobriety tests and upon completion, was placed under arrest. Schnurr was transported to the Clay County Jail without incident. Schnurr was charged with O.W.I.-2^nd offense, failure to maintain control, no driver’s license, driving under suspension, and failure to file S.R. Insurance.

Schnurr was being held in jail pending an appearance before the magistrate.

(Estherville)--The Estherville Public Library and the Emmet County Historical Museum will welcome author Tyler Sullivan for an author talk at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 29th, at the Estherville Public Library, with funding support from the Emmet County Historical Museum.

Tyler Sullivan has made it his mission to explore the state, visiting 98 of the 99 counties and 1,313 communities across Iowa. Along the way, he has run at least one mile in each community and created a poem for every county he visits.

In 2024 and 2025, he visited more than 500 museums and attractions throughout Iowa. In 2026 he has already explored more than 175 museums.

Sullivan will share the stories, adventures, and discoveries he has experienced while traveling across Iowa.

Registration is requested but not required. You can register by calling the library at 712-362-7731.

(Milford)--The Iowa Great Lakes Fishing Club will be holding its annual DNR Night on Thursday, November 12^th at the Roof Garden Ballroom in Arnolds Park. IGL Fishing Club member and KILR Outdoors Expert Steve Weisman says the doors will open at 5:30 pm.

Weisman says a pizza meal will be served at 6 pm.

Cost of a membership is $25. Weisman says a raffle will also be held that evening.

Weisman says one of the club’s main goals is getting kids involved in fishing. He says they held fishing events for nearly 1,200 youth in 2026.

For more information visit, iagreatlakesfishingclub.com.

(Spirit Lake)--The Spirit Lake City Council has given final approval to an ordinance regulating scooters, e-bikes and other mobility devices. City Attorney/Administrator Gregg Owens explains what’s included in the ordinance.

Owens says there’s also a provision in the ordinance requiring helmets for those under 15. He says they will be distributing some educational materials about the new ordinance.

Owens says he hopes the new ordinance will serve as an educational and safety tool

Owens says the ordinance will take effect upon publication later this week.

(Estherville)--Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird is seeking a 2^nd term as the state’s top law enforcement officer. Bird, a Republican, made a campaign stop in Estherville on Thursday.

Bird was asked about the biggest accomplishment during her first term as Attorney General.

She says one of her top priorities for the next four years will be holding big tech accountable.

Bird was asked about the policy differences between her and her Democrat opponent Nate Willems.

The general election is on November 3^rd.

(Estherville)--A Minnesota woman is facing multiple charges after a high speed pursuit earlier this week in Emmet County.

According to a criminal complaint, at about 1 pm on Tuesday, an Emmet County Sherriff’s Deputy while on patrol in the 5300 block of Highway 9, observed a 2008 Ford Edge SUV traveling westbound at a high rate of speed. While the vehicle was in front of the patrol car, radar confirmed that it was traveling at a speed of 93 MPH in a posted 60 MPH zone. Once the vehicle was behind the patrol car, rear radar was activated and it confirmed that the vehicle was traveling at a speed of 104 MPH.

By the time the deputy turned around, the SUV was roughly a half mile ahead.  While trying to catch up to the vehicle, the deputy observed the SUV swerving around multiple cars in a reckless manner and still traveling at a high rate of speed. The complaint says when it was approaching 445th Avenue, the SUV entered the north ditch and went airborne after hitting a field drive. The SUV then slowed down and turned south on 445th Avenue before coming to a stop.

The driver of the SUV, later identified as 46-year-old Rebecca Whitman of Granada, MN was placed under arrest and transported to the Emmet County Jail. Whitman failed a field sobriety test and a breathalyzer test showed she had a blood alcohol level of .097, above the legal limit of point-0-8.

During a probable cause search of the vehicle, deputies located two baggies of a white crystalline substance and several items of drug paraphernalia. Also located was a bottle that had the odor of an alcoholic beverage. Both baggies tested positive for methamphetamine. The substance will be submitted to the DCI lab for analysis. The baggies containing the white crystalline substance weighed 2.51 grams and 9.68 grams.

Whitman was charged with a controlled substance violation, a class B felony, eluding-25 MPH over the speed limit, a class D felony, failure to afffix a drug tax stamp, also a class D felony and operating while under the influence-1^st offense. She was also charged with reckless driving, excessive speed-21 MPH over the speed limit, failure to maintain control and possession of drug paraphernalia.

A preliminary hearing for Whitman is scheduled for October 26^th at 4 pm in Emmet County District Court.

(Estherville)--Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird has announced plans to sue OpenAI, alleging ChatGPT harms children and violates the state’s consumer fraud act. In an interview with KILR News, Bird says the lawsuit filed in district court alleges Open AI is hurting kids and lying to Iowans.

Bird says OpenAI was rushed to market without adequate safeguards.

Bird was asked about the changes Open AI needs to make.

The attorney generals of Kansas, Nebraska, West Virginia and Arkansas have also announced plans to sue Open AI. Bird made a stop in Estherville while campaigning for reelection. She is opposed by Democrat Nate Willems.

(Armstrong)—A series of three public meetings have been announced to inform voters in the North Union School District about the $12 million bond referendum that will on the ballot on November 3^rd. The referendum would finance a new gymnasium and multipurpose area. North Union Superintendent Travis Schueller.

Schueller details the topics that will be covered during the meeting.

He says the project will provide long term benefits for the North Union district.

Schueller made his comments on the North Union Spotlight Program which can be heard every Thursday at 5:45 pm on KILR FM 95.9.

(Estherville)--The Emmet County Water Trails Association will host their annual meeting on Monday, October 26th at 5:15pm in the Estherville City Council room.

ECWTA Treasurer Penny Clayton says current year events will be reviewed and planning for 2027 water trails activities will be discussed.

All are invited to attend.

(Estherville)--The Estherville Police/AFSCME Council 61, Estherville Public Works Local 3651, and the City of Estherville will exchange first proposals for the 2027-28 Police and Public Works labor agreements later this month. The meeting will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 28th in the Council Room of the City Offices, 2 North 7th Street in Estherville.

Under Iowa law, this meeting shall be open to the public. After the exchange of proposals, the two negotiating teams will start private negotiations in an attempt to come to a voluntary settlement.

(Okoboji)--The Andrea Waitt Carlton Family Foundation has awarded a $112,000 grant to the Conservation Foundation of Dickinson County for the new Nature Playscape project at the Dickinson County Nature Center. Amy Heibult, Community Relations Coordinator for the Dickinson County Conservation Board, says this generous gift is essential in achieving the fundraising goal for the project.

Heibult says the Nature Playscape will be a natural space where families of all generations can explore nature together at no cost.

She says the grant arrived at a meaningful time, enabling the conservation foundation to initiate the construction phase of the project.

Heibult says they hope to have the project completed by next summer.