(Swea City) – Minor injuries were reported in a two-vehicle collision in northern Kossuth County Sunday afternoon.

The Kossuth County Sheriff’s Office says at around 4 p.m., 86-year-old Mervin Johnson of Armstrong was traveling westbound on 480^th Street in a 2014 Ford F-150 Supercrew Truck. Johnson had stopped at the intersection with County Road P20, about 5 miles northwest of Swea City. As Johnson entered the intersection, his vehicle was struck by a southbound 2019 Kia Sorento, driven by Lisa Hardman of Algona.

Johnson told deputies that he had looked both ways and simply did not see Hardman’s vehicle approaching as he entered the intersection.

Hardman and a passenger in her vehicle reported minor injuries at the scene, but both declined further medical treatment.

Damage to Johnson’s truck was estimated at $6,000, while damage to Hardman’s vehicle was estimated at $40,000. Johnson was cited for failure to obey a stop sign, and will have to have his vision retested by DOT personnel.

(Estherville)--The Estherville City Council this week heard a presentation on the 2021 Best of Iowa Annual Report. Joanne Follon of the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation discussed the yearly Business Expansion and Strategic Trends Survey. Follon says last year they had a target list of 55 businesses in the Corridor region and completed 29 surveys.

Follon says almost half of the businesses are moving forward with expansion plans.

Follon also says three-fourths of the respondents said they are experiencing workforce recruitment issues. She says supply chain issues are also a major problem.

She says there was good news in the area of product life cycles.

Follon also presented information regarding the Iowa Lakes Corridor Regional Laborshed.

(Spencer)--The first ever Farm to Fork Fundraiser will be held on June 4^th at the Clay County Regional Events Center in Spencer. Clay County Fair and Events Center Manager Jeremy Parsons says the event will raise funds for the Clay County Fair Charitable Trust.

Parsons says the evening will begin with a social hour at 5 p.m. followed by a meal at 6.

He explains how to get tickets for the event.

Tickets can also be purchased in person at the Events Center Box Office.

(Spencer) - An apartment building in Spencer was heavily damaged by fire early Tuesday afternoon.

Spencer Fire and Rescue was called to 120 West 6th Street around noon where they found smoke coming from the building and fire quickly being located in the basement.

Deputy Fire Chief Mark Stover says two hose lines were brought into service to help knock down the flames. The fire severely damaged multiple floor joists and some exposed wiring.

The occupants were in their apartments at the time of the fire. All were able to escape uninjured and are being assisted by the American Red Cross.

Firefighters were on scene for an hour and a half. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

(Spirit Lake) - Opening arguments were held and testimony got underway Tuesday in the bench trial of Allison Decker, who is charged in the December 2020 death of Angel Bastman at a residence in Lake Park. Decker is being tried on charges of 1st degree murder, theft in the 2nd degree and conspiracy to commit theft in the 2nd degree.

In opening remarks, County Attorney Amy Zenor recounted the incidents leading up to Bastman's death, including how her father found Angel dead in the basement with a belt around her neck. Zenor also noted Bastman's three-year-old daughter was in the house at the time.

Zenor's opening remarks also made reference to Bastman, Decker and Justice Berntson, who was also charged in Bastman's death. All were present in the basement using methamphetamine when an argument broke out.

During opening remarks, Zenor also made reference to another person, Joshua Montano, being called to the scene after Bastman's death, to remove property from the residence.

Several witnesses also provided testimony Tuesday. However, a court order is currently in place prohibiting media outlets from reporting on that. Testimony will resume today with court reconvening at 9 a.m.

(Estherville)--A meeting will be held Wednesday afternoon to discuss ways to save the Grand Theatre in Estherville. Estherville and Emmet County Economic Development Director Lyle Hevern says the theatre is currently scheduled to close by the end of summer.

The Grand Theater is owned by Fridley Theaters. Hevern says Fridley apparently plans to sell the contents of the building.

Hevern details the most likely option to save the theatre.

Anyone interested in saving the theatre is invited to attend. The meeting will be held at 3 p.m. in Studio 12 on the 2^nd floor of the Excel building.

(Trimont, MN)--One person was sent to the hospital after a two vehicle accident Monday afternoon in Martin County.

The Minnesota State Patrol says the accident happened around 3 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 4 and 180^th St. near Trimont.

The patrol says a 2018 Chevy Equinox driven by 54-year-old Debra Phillip of Welcome and a 2017 Chevy Silverado driven by 46-year-lod Christopher Beaver of Jackson were northbound on Highway 4 and collided at the intersection with 180th Street.

Phillip was taken to Mayo Clinic Hospital in Fairmont with non-life threatening injuries. Beaver was not injured.

The Trimont Police Department, Trimont Fire and Ambulance and the Martin County Sheriff’s Office assisted at the scene.

(Estherville)--The Estherville City Council Monday evening approved an agreement with Simmering-Cody not to exceed $6,000 to conduct an Urban Revitalization Housing Condition Assessment. Estherville City Administrator Penny Clayton says the assessment is the first step to see if the city qualifies to offer an enhanced tax abatement program for construction of new housing and improvement of existing housing.

Clayton says she hopes offering the enhanced tax abatement will spur housing growth in the city.

In other business, the council approved the first reading of an ordinance to eliminate the traffic signals at the intersection of North 6^th Street and 2^nd Avenue North.

The first reading was approved by a vote of 6 to 1. A motion to waive the 2^nd and 3^rd readings failed after not getting the required six vote super majority. The 2^nd reading will be considered at the council’s next meeting on June 6^th. The council also approved submitting grant applications to the state for two projects at the Estherville Airport. Clayton says the grants are for a total of $350,000.

The council also approved the lone bid of $84,746 from ABC Services for the Storm Sewer Relief Project at 1^st Avenue South and Highway 4 and approved the sale of Lot 4 and the south 45 feet of Lot 5 in the Meadows Subdivision to Michael and Susan Jensen for $24,000.

(Ruthven)--A Peterson woman is facing charges after a traffic stop Friday evening in Ruthven.

Shortly after 9:45 p.m., the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop in the 3400 block of 360th Street. As a result of the traffic stop and subsequent investigation, 20-year-old Taylor Campbell of Peterson was placed under arrest and charged with operating while intoxicated-1st offense, possession of a controlled substance marijuana-1st offense, possession of drug paraphernalia and insufficient number of headlights. 

Campbell was transported without incident to the Palo Alto County Jail, and booked in to await her initial appearance before a judge.  

(Estherville)--May 15th was the beginning of the primary nesting season for Conservation Reserve Acres which runs through August 1. Palo Alto County Farm Service Agency Director Lisa Forburger says during this time, farmers are urged to stay out of their CRP land.

Forburger reminds farmers to follow their seeding plan.

On another topic, Forburger says her office has been working with producers who completed the Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program or SMHPP application.

For more information contact your local FSA Office.

(Cylinder)--Minor injuries were reported in a one vehicle accident early Friday south of Cylinder.

The Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office says at around 12:20 p.m., deputies were called to the intersection of 530th Avenue and 400th Street. Upon investigation, it was determined that at around 1:00 a.m. Friday, a 2006 Chevy Impala driven by Adam Leuer of Emmetsburg was southbound on 530th Avenue. Leuer failed to realize he was coming to a T-intersection when he reached the cross street at 400th Street. Leuer drove off the T-intersection and entered the south ditch.  

Leuer received minor injuries but did not seek medical attention. Damage to the Chevy is estimated at $8,000.

Leuer was cited for failure to prove security against liability-accident related, operation without registration, failure to maintain control and failure to wear a safety belt.

(Spirit Lake)–The trial for a suspect charged in the 2020 killing of a Lake Park woman is scheduled to start today (Tuesday) in Dickinson County District Court. 27-year-old Allison Decker was charged with first degree murder in the death of Angel Bastman of Lake Park, who was found dead in her Lake Park home.

Another person charged in the case, Justice Berntson, pled guilty late last year to a reduced charge of attempted murder as part of a plea deal. He reportedly will testify against Decker.

Decker has waived her right to a jury trial.

(Sheldon)--Several people are facing charges following an investigation Friday into an assault at a residence in Sheldon. Police say a 50-year-old male victim had been assaulted with a crowbar and had visible injuries. The victim identified his attacker as Sheila Sundall.

Authorities found Melea Speelmon hiding in the residence. Police say Speelmon was wanted on warrants. While there, officers saw drug paraphernalia, resulting in them obtaining and executing a search warrant on the residence. 41-year-old Nathan Schuknecht was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance. Speelmon was arrested on the warrant and was also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.

As police were conducting surveillance, they noticed the 40-year-old Sundall returning to the residence. She was arrested and charged with assault while displaying a dangerous weapon, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of contraband in a correctional facility.

Sheldon Police were assisted in the investigation by the O’Brien County Sheriff’s Office.

(Estherville)--The 2022 Jim Hall Outstanding Alumni Award was presented to Drew Howing at the Iowa Lakes Community College Spring 2022 Commencement ceremony on Friday. The Iowa Lakes Community College Alumni and Friends Association considers Iowa Lakes graduates for this distinguished award who exemplify outstanding support of the community, business, and service clubs while serving as positive role models.

Howing is a 2012 graduate of Iowa Lakes Environmental Studies program. He then completed a Bachelor of Science Degree in Fish and Wildlife Sciences at South Dakota State University. Howing subsequently traveled the Northwestern United States, studying mountain lions, elk, deer, wolves, rattlesnakes, river otters, and sharp-tailed grouse. His assistance in live-trapping beavers in the mountains of Washington state helped naturalists understand how they may use them to reduce the impact of droughts by capturing snowmelt in alpine environments.

Howing became program coordinator for the Environmental Studies program at Iowa Lakes in 2016. After taking the helm, he revised programming to include a curriculum for the Water Quality Technician program that has since been emulated across Iowa. Additionally, Howing earned his Master of Science Degree in Land Resources and Environmental Science through Montana State University. He completed his Master’s research studying Blanding’s turtles, a threatened species in Iowa.

(Granada, MN)--The Granada-Huntley-East Chain School Board is considering a possible addition to the school building in Granada. Superintendent Doug Storbeck shared preliminary plans with the board at their May meeting. Storbeck says the addition is needed due to an increase in enrollment in recent years.

Storbeck says the addition would include a couple of new classrooms.

He says the proposed addition also includes a new ag shop which would open up another classroom in the current building.

Storbeck says the next step is to get an estimate for the project.

Storbeck says if things go well, he hopes construction could begin in the summer of 2023.

(Spencer)--The Spencer’s Park Board and Park, Recreation & Culture Committee met recently to discuss plans to improve the Fairview Tennis Court. The initial plan was to repair the courts with post-tension concrete, and after not receiving any bids on the project, the board and committee discussed whether to rebid as is or offer an alternative.

The project was initially budgeted at $350,000, with the Fairview covering $175,000. City Engineer Jim Thiesse revealed the project cost would be in the range of $400,000. He gave the option of rebidding the project with an asphalt overlay as an alternative to the post-tension concrete.

The board and committee both leaned in favor of the project being done with post-tension concrete to allow the tennis court improvements to last longer.

Additionally, the parks department has received two quotes for site work on the Rocket Slide restoration project. In their combined meeting, the park board and committee recommended awarding the contract to Midstates Builders for $32,094.

(Sheldon)--A Northwest Iowa speaker and a musical artist that organizers have wanted for a while have been added to the 2022 RiseFest lineup.

Micah Parker, the vice president for athletics at Northwestern College in Orange City, will be a featured speaker and Micah Tyler, a Christian pop musician, will be on Harvest Stage for the first time. The addition of Parker and Tyler gives RiseFest eight musical acts and two keynote speakers for the annual two-day Christian music festival scheduled for Friday and Saturday, June 10-11, at the RiseFest grounds in Sheldon.

Rob Roozeboom, the founder and president of Rise Ministries, the organization behind RiseFest, said there still could be additions to the lineup.

For ticket information, visit riseministries.com.

(Pomeroy)--A trial date has been set for a Pomeroy man accused of killing his brother last month.

Online court records show 66-year-old Michael Hinners will go in front of a jury in Calhoun County on a first degree murder charge in October with the trial expected to last up to a week.

Hinners was arrested in April 9th after police were called to a home on South Ontario Street in Pomeroy and found his brother, 59-year-old Anthony Hinners, dead from an apparent gunshot wound to the chest.

Hinners remains behind bars on one million dollars bond.

(Arnolds Park)--Emerald ash borer has been found in Dickinson County for the first time.  EAB larvae were collected by Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship staff just outside the eastern city limits of Arnolds Park. Federal identification confirmed the samples positive for EAB. Mike Kintner is EAB Coordinator for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.

Kintner outlines the signs that a tree has been infested by EAB.

Other Indicators include leafy sprouts shooting from the trunk and 1/8-inch D-shaped exit holes. Kintner says now is the time for area residents with ash trees to decide on a course of action.

See Iowa State University Extension and Outreach publication ENT57, "Emerald Ash Borer Management Options," for more details about EAB treatment. The invasive, ash tree-killing insect from Asia has also been confirmed in Humboldt County. EAB has now been confirmed in all but eight of Iowa’s 99 counties since its original detection in 2010.

(Des Moines)--Emerald ash borer has been found in Dickinson and Humboldt counties for the first time. The invasive, ash tree-killing insect from Asia has now been confirmed in all but eight of Iowa’s 99 counties since its original detection in 2010.

EAB larvae were collected by Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship staff just outside the eastern city limits of Arnolds Park in Dickinson County and rural Dakota City in Humboldt County. Federal identification confirmed the samples positive for EAB.    

The adult beetles of this insect feed on ash leaves, causing very little damage. It is the cumulative damage by larval feeding on the inner bark that eventually kills ash trees. The feeding cuts off the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients, typically killing a tree within two to four years. EAB is a significant threat to all native ash species.

KILR News will have more on the discovery of Emeral Ash Borer Dickinson County tomorrow at 7:05 am.

(Minneota, MN)--A Superior, Iowa man was injured when his semi was blown over by high winds Thursday evening in Southwest Minnesota.

The Minnesota State Patrol says the accident happened around 7:45 pm on Highway 68 in Lyon County.

The patrol says 59-year-old Daniel Clinton of Superior was driving a 2006 Peterbuilt semi westbound on Highway 68 when the semi was blown over. The semi went into the north ditch and rolled.

Clinton was taken to the Marshal Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

(Titonka)--A Titonka man was arrested earlier this week on multiple charges.

The Kossuth County Sheriff’s Office received a call shortly after 8:30 am Tuesday requesting  a Deputy in Titonka. After conducting a brief investigation, Deputies arrested 67-year-old David Brom of Titonka on charges of aggravated theft, trespass and criminal mischief.

Brom was booked into the Kossuth County Jail to await an initial court appearance. Online court records indicate that Brom is due back in Kossuth County Court on May 31st for a preliminary hearing.

A No Contact Order has been issued to prevent Brom from having any contact with the alleged victim in the case.

(Sheldon)--The name of the person killed in a Sheldon apartment fire late last month has been released.

Officials say the body of 60-year-old Marlyn Anderson was identified by the Iowa State Medical Examiner’s office on Thursday.

Anderson’s body was found inside a bedroom of his apartment in the early morning hours of April 25th after fire crews found heavy smoke and flames coming the structure that ultimately led to mutual aid being requested from Sanborn.

Structural damage was also reported to neighboring apartments that displaced nearly a dozen people. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

(Arnolds Park)--The Iowa Rock ‘n Roll Music Association will launch the Rock the Campus Concert Series this evening with The Union County Trio on Friday evening.

Executive Director Clay Norris says the series will be held at various locations. This evening's show will run from 6 to 9 pm at the Majestic Pavilion.

Norris says that The Union County Trio features Iowa Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame Inductees. He adds the acoustic trio will play everything from Pink Floyd to Johnny Cash to The Eagles.