(Wallingford)—The Wallingford Fire Department Monday afternoon responded to a riding lawn mower fire.

Wallingford Fire Chief Jarrod Fisher says the fire was reported shortly after 2:05 pm at 385 St. James Avenue in Wallingford. Fisher says upon arrival the mower was fully engulfed in fire.  He says the fire was extinguished and no injuries were reported.

Fischer says the operator of the mower was able to get off quickly before the fire spread into the fuel and other operating equipment.

The Wallingford Fire Department was on scene for about 45 minutes.

(Estherville)---Repairs to the Estherville Aquatic Center will be made this week and the pool could be open by July 1^st. The aquatic center was unable to open as scheduled this year due to the discovery of nearly dozen leaks. City Administrator Penny Clayton says a contractor has identified the source of the problem.

Clayton details the repairs that need to be made.

The estimated cost of the repairs is $17,567 and will be fully covered by the Aquatic Center's capital reserve fund. Clayton says a decision will be made soon on any discounts or partial refunds that will be offered on the season long pool passes that were sold.

Again, the target date for opening the Estherville Aquatic Center is Wednesday, July 1^st.

(Ocheyedan)--An Ocheyedan man is facing charges of animal abuse after an incident last Wednesday.

The Osceola County Sheriff’s office says 40-year-old Jose Arias Aguillon was arrested after witnesses reporting he had beat a dog to death.

Text messages contained a photo of the deceased animal, and Arias Aguillon admitted to striking the dog, according to the complaint and affidavit filed by the sheriff’s office.

(Bancroft)--A Florida man received minor injuries after a single vehicle accident early last Thursday on Highway 169 near Bancroft

The Kossuth County Sheriff’s Office says at around 5:30 am,  28-year-old Yordan Alvarez of Lehigh Acres, Florida was driving a 2025 Honda CRV northbound on Highway 169 when he swerved to avoid a deer in the road and struck a guard rail two miles south of Bancroft.

Alvarez was taken by EMS personnel to Kossuth Regional Health Center in Algona for treatment of minor injuries.

Damage to his vehicle was estimated at $10,000.

(Des Moines)--Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig Monday announced the launch of the Greater Des Moines Watershed Program, a targeted initiative to accelerate and scale up the use of conservation practices across 22 counties upstream from the Des Moines metro.

Area counties in the program include Emmet, Clay, Dickinson, Kossuth and Palo Alto.

The program will support a series of conservation incentives, cost-share and targeted investments to improve water quality upstream and downstream.

The first phase of the program enhances cover crop incentives for farmers and landowners in the Greater Des Moines watershed, increasing cost-share payments for both new and existing cover crop users to $25 per acre and increasing the maximum eligible acreage to 500 acres per farmer or landowner. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is investing an additional $2.5 million in this program with the goal of doubling cover crop adoption across the watershed.

The program was created as part of the Farm to Faucet water quality package signed into law by Gov. Kim Reynolds on June 1.

(Spirit Lake)--Iowa’s gas tax isn't raising enough revenue to keep up with what's needed to build and maintain the state’s roads and bridges.  Governor Kim Reynolds says it may be time to have regular increases in the gas tax that are tied to inflation. Area State Representative John Wills says increasing the gas tax was discussed during the 2026 Legislative Session.

Will says he would consider supporting a standalone gas tax increase.

He expects the issue to come up during the 2027 session.

Area State Representative John Wills.

(Swea City)--The annual Fun Days celebration is set for this Friday through Sunday in Swea City. Nina Harbaugh with the Fun Days Committee says the celebration gets underway on Friday evening.

Harbaugh says Saturday begins with the Swea City Library Book Sale from 10:30 am to 2 pm at at the city park with the annual Fun Days parade beginning at 11am. She says activities will continue after the parade in the city park.

Harbaugh says they will also be opening a time capsule.

Harbaugh says there will be a variety of food choices. She highlights the other afternoon events.

The day will conclude with a street dance from 8 to midnight at Pub 307. On Sunday, an Ecumenical Church Service will be held at 10 am at Reynolds Park. There will also be free swimming at the city pool on Saturday and Sunday. To enter the parade, contact Nina Harbaugh at 515-538-0620.

(Everly)--A large, contiguous piece of high-quality farmland in northwest Iowa sold recently sold at auction for an average $13,677 per acre, drawing bidders from inside and outside the state.

Patrick Lentz of High Point Land Company told Successful Farming the nearly 310-acre farm, divided into three connected tracts, is located in Clay County near Everly. The farm’s highly rated soils and long, straight field layout made it attractive to a wide range of buyers.

Successful Farming says 23 registered bidders participated in the auction, including local farmers and out-of-state investors. In the end, however, a regional farmer purchased all three tracts. Lentz said bidding remained competitive through the close of the auction.

The three tracts of the 309.81-acre farm sold for $14,300, $14,900, and $11,100 per acre, respectively, generating a total sale price of $4,237,000.

(Okoboji)--Adults interested in pollinators, honey production, and the fascinating world of beekeeping are invited to attend the next Kenue Coffee Hour on Thursday, July 2, at 10:30 a.m. at the Maser Monarch Lodge.

The free adult program will feature Marlene Boernsen, owner of Boernsen Bees, who will share her experiences as a beekeeper and business owner. Attendees will learn about the daily work involved in managing honey bee colonies, the important role they play in our environment, and how beekeeping has grown into a successful local business.

Kenue Coffee Hour is a free monthly program hosted by the Dickinson County Conservation Board that offers adults the opportunity to gather for coffee and conversation while learning about topics related to nature, conservation, and the history of the Iowa Great Lakes region.

For more programs hosted by  the Dickinson County Nature Center visit www.dickinsoncountynaturecenter.com.

(Estherville)—Applications are still being accepted for the 2026-27  Lead the Ville program in Estherville. Lead the Ville is a structured educational program intended for Estherville area citizens who have an interest in the Estherville community and its leaders. Estherville Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lexie Ruter.

Ruter says the class meets on the first Wednesday of every month from August through May except for the month of December.

The deadline to apply is July 8^th . Applications are available on the chamber website: estherville.org. If you have any questions call 362-3541.

(Fairmont, MN)-- An officer with the Fairmont Police Department has been arrested and is awaiting charges following an investigation by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

On the evening of May 30th, Fairmont Police responded to a civil-custody issue involving Fairmont Police Officer Dustin Schwebke. Due to the conflict of interest, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office was requested to conduct the investigation.

On Monday, June 15^th, an adult female reported additional crimes to the Fairmont Police Department with the accusations involving Officer Schwebke. On Wednesday, the Fairmont Police Department requested the BCA take over the investigation and BCA agents arrested Schwebke Thursday in Parkers Prairie without incident.

Scwebke is being held in the Otter Tail County Jail in Fergus Falls awaiting his first court appearance on the following probable cause felony charges: Criminal Sexual Conduct in the 3rd Degree, Threats of Violence - Reckless Disregard Risk and Tampering with a Witness in the 1st Degree. Schwebke is also facing a misdemeanor charge of Domestic Assault.

Schwebke has been employed with the Fairmont Police Department since 2007 and is currently assigned as a patrol officer. He has been placed on administrative leave.

The Fairmont Police Department remains committed to cooperating with the BCA investigation. Any further information related to the ongoing investigation will be provided by the BCA or  a subsequent criminal complaint.

(Spirit Lake)--The Spirit Lake Protective Association has adopted a new slogan “look to the north”. SLPA President John Smeltzer explains how the slogan came about.

Smeltzer says the slogan reinforces the SLPA’s commitment to improving water quality.

He says while the association relies mostly on funding from Iowa sources, they also apply for grants from the state of Minnesota.

Smeltzer says the grant application is for $5.2 million.

For more information, visit theslpa.com.

(Emmetsburg)--An Emmetsburg woman is facing multiple charges after a traffic stop early Friday in Palo Alto County.

According to the Palo Alto County Sheriff's Office the traffic stop occurred around 4:40 am  in the 4500 block of 460th Avenue.  As a result of the traffic stop, 45-year-old  Nichole Li of Emmetsburg was arrested on charges of:  Operating while Intoxicated/Impaired-1st offense , Possession of a Controlled Substance-Marijuana-1st offense, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Open Container.

 Li was transported to the Palo Alto County Jail and held until her initial appearance before a magistrate judge.

(Des Moines)--Ten public Iowa beaches, including Crandall’s Beach in Dickinson County, bear "swimming not recommended" warning signs this weekend, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Most showed high levels of E.Coli, which is an indicator of other potentially harmful bacteria in the water.

Last week there were eight beaches including both Crandall’s and Emerson Bay in Dickinson County. Emerson Bay is not on this week’s list.

The DNR tests 40-some beaches each week between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend. Sampling and testing happen during the week, with the results going online on the AQuIA website Friday mornings.

(Okoboji)--The Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office investigated an apparent drowning Thursday on East Lake Okoboji near the Edgewater Plaza Condominiums in Okoboji.

According to a news release, Okoboji Police were called to Edgewater Plaza for a missing person. Shortly after 5:35 pm, a person walking the docks at Edgewater Plaza reported finding a person in the water. The Sheriff’s Office took over the investigation and the Dickinson County Medical Examiner also assisted on scene.

The victim is identified as 76-year-old Marsha Bax of Johnston, Iowa.

Foul play is not suspected and the incident remains under investigation.

Assistance was also provided by the Iowa DNR, Arnolds Park-Okoboji Rescue and the Lakes Regional Healthcare Ambulance.

(Graettinger)--An Estherville man is facing a felony charge after a disturbance Thursday evening in Graettinger.

At around 5:20 PM, the Palo Alto County Sheriff's Office was called to 306 North Van Gordon Ave. in Graettinger for a report of a disturbance. After an investigation, deputies arrested 35-year-old James Clark of Estherville for 2^nd Degree Burglary, a Class C Felony. Clark was also placed under arrest on a valid Palo Alto County arrest warrant for Assault. Clark was placed in the Palo Alto County Jail to await his initial appearance in front of a magistrate.

The Palo Alto County Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Estherville Police Department and the Emmet County Sheriff's Office.

(Spencer)--The Iowa Lakes Community College Board of Trustees held their monthly meeting Tuesday in Spencer and received an update on the growth of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program or RSVP from Director Mari Duncan.

Since September 2025, RSVP has doubled its active volunteer base in Spencer from 39 volunteers to 78 volunteers, with additional volunteers expected to join the program in the coming weeks.

Volunteer service hours continue to rise as well. During calendar year 2025, Clay County volunteers contributed 1,354 hours of service. Through May 2026, volunteers have already logged more than 1,426 hours, surpassing the previous year's total.

Duncan reported that RSVP volunteers contributed more than 34,000 hours of service during the 2025-26 grant year. Using the national value of volunteer service, those hours represent more than $1 million in economic impact returned to local communities.

Duncan also shared updates on RSVP's involvement in emergency preparedness and disaster recovery efforts and highlighted efforts to address loneliness and isolation among older adults.

(Estherville)--The city of Estherville is considering options for resurfacing the Ninja Park located in Mickelson Park. Estherville City Administrator Penny Clayton says the surface was damaged due to flooding.

The cost to the city would have been about $31,000. The city council this week tabled action on the bid to explore cheaper options for the project.

(Estherville)--Iowa Lakes Community College has received a $1,000 Tourism Grant from the Estherville Area Chamber of Commerce to support the 2026-27 Performing Arts Series at the Janice K. Lund Performing Arts Center.

The grant, funded through Estherville lodging tax dollars, will help offset lodging expenses for visiting artists and production personnel participating in the six-event series.

The 2026-27 Performing Arts Series will feature regional and nationally touring performers in genres including brass, country, jazz, classical piano, Celtic music and guitar. The series builds on a successful inaugural season that welcomed nearly 1,000 attendees and is projected to attract approximately 1,500 attendees during the upcoming season.

In addition to public performances, the series will offer educational outreach opportunities, including workshops, clinics and school engagements led by guest artists.

For more information about the Performing Arts Series, including performance announcements and ticket information, visit Iowa Lakes Community College at iowalakes.edu/performingarts.

(Spencer)--The city of Spencer has applied for Economic Resiliency Funds to help deal with future natural disasters. Spencer City Manager Kevin Robinson says the funding is provided by the federal Economic Development Authority or EDA.

Robinson says the city has received conditional approval and final approval should come in the next few weeks for a coordinator position.

Robinson thanked Northwest Iowa Planning and Development for their assistance with the application process. On another topic, Robinson says Spencer and other cities along the Littlie Sioux River met with the Army Corps of Engineers recently to discuss a new study of the Little Sioux being conducted by the Corps.

The Corps’ last study of the Little Sioux River was done in 1971. Robinson made his comments at this week’s Spencer City Council meeting.

(Estherville)--The Estherville Lincoln Central School Board will meet in special session today(Friday) to accept the resignation of board member Flor Hernandez effective June 30^th. 

The board will then consider filing a notice of intent to fill the vacancy by appointment and determine the process for filling the vacancy.

The board will meet at noon in the ELC Administration building located at 1814 7^th Avenue South.

(Sherburn, MN)—The annual Sherburn Holiday Festival will be held this Friday and Saturday. The festival got started in the 1960s and for more than 25 years has been sponsored by the Sherburn Lions Club. Lions Club member Ean(Ian) Sinn says the festival begins Friday with a dinner at the Sherburn Fire Hall beginning at 5 pm.

Sinn says a full day of activities is on tap for Saturday beginning at 8 am.

He says afternoon events will begin with the parade.

Tickets for the raffle are $5 and will be available at the festival or from any Lions Club member. For a complete schedule of events visit the city of Sherburn Facebook page.

(Estherville)--The Estherville City Council this week approved accepting a donation of land from the Estherville Area Growth Partnership. City Administrator Penny Clayton says the land is located on the south edge of town,

Clayton says the land is no longer usable for development.

The council took the action at their meeting on Monday.

(Royal)– One person was sent to the hospital Tuesday after an accident involving an S-U-V and a road grader in Clay County.

The Iowa State Patrol says the collision happened around 3 pm on 180^th St about three miles east of Royal. The patrol says 74-year-old Mark Wilms of Royal was driving a 2023 Ford Bronco and 53-year-old Darrel Santage of Royal was driving a 2022 Caterpillar motor grader southbound on 180^th St.

The patrol says Wilms approached the grader from behind and was attempting to pass it when his vision became obscured, causing him to misjudge the width of the grader and blade, resulting in a collision. The impact caused the vehicle driven by Wilms to overturn, coming to rest on the roadway.

Wilms sustained minor injuries and was taken by private vehicle to Spencer Hospital.

Wilms was cited for passing with insufficient visibility and distance. Damage to the SUV  was estimated at $20,000.  No damage was reported to the road grader.

(Algona)--An Algona, Iowa native was among eight men killed in this week’s fiery crash of a B-52 during a test flight at California’s Edwards Air Force Base.

The airfield where the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff on Monday remained closed, but other base operations have resumed, according to a base spokesperson. No cause has been determined. Officials said it could take six months to complete the investigation.

Maj. Brad Hovey, age 35, was born in Algona and was a pilot in the 419th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards AFB in California. Hovey was a 2009 graduate of ADM High School in Adel.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds released the following statement Wednesday:

“Along with every Iowan, Kevin and I mourn the loss of Maj. Brad Hovey and we offer our sincere condolences and prayers for his family. Again, we are reminded of the incredible sacrifice demanded of every American who chooses to serve our country. As we honor Maj. Hovey’s life and service, let us never forget the cost of our freedom.”