(St. Paul, MN)--Area residents are encouraged to become rainfall monitors for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network.

The network includes more than 20,000 volunteers nationwide who measure precipitation in their backyards using a standard 4-inch diameter rain gauge. Participants submit their precipitation reports online.

Minnesota State Climatologist Luigi Romolo said the data from backyard rain gauges are a critical source of information and added it’s beneficial to add more volunteer weather observers each year, even in areas where there are already volunteers.

In Minnesota, volunteers are particularly needed outside the Twin Cities metro area.

For the past six years, Minnesota has won the award for recruiting the most new volunteers of any state during the annual recruiting drive.

Those interested in signing up may visit CoCoRaHS.org or contact Romolo at luigi.romolo@state.mn.us.

(Okoboji)--The Dickinson County Conservation Board has been awarded an $80,000 Resource Enhancement and Protection or REAP grant, marking a major step forward in fundraising efforts for the Nature Playscape project.

For Fiscal Year 2026, REAP will fund a total of 12 projects totaling more than $574,000 with the Dickinson County Conservation project scoring third. The grant will be used towards educational components within the Nature Playscape that promote environmental education, cognitive and sensory development, mental health, social growth, and nature based connection.

If you want to be a part of making the Nature Playscape a reality, you can donate online at www.dickinsoncountyconservationboard.com/donate, stop at the Nature Center, or mail your gift to 22785 Nature Center Road, Okoboji, IA 51355. All donations are tax exempt.

(Emmetsburg)--Seasons Center for Behavioral Health will host a free Youth Mental Health First Aid Training next month in Emmetsburg. Seasons Vice President of Marketing and Fund Development Stephanie Pohar says the event will be held on Wednesday, May 13^th from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm at the Emmetsburg Public Library.

Pohar says the full-day training will cover a number of topics.

She says anyone who interacts with youth ages 12 to 18 is encouraged to attend.

Registration links can be found on Seasons Center’s Facebook Events page and on Seasons Center’s website under Resources & Events.

(Spirit Lake)--The Dickinson County Museum and the Spirit Lake Chamber of Commerce are presenting a Stroll Back in Time on Thursday, April 30^th from 5 to 7:30 pm in downtown Spirit Lake.  Museum Director Jeanann Myhre.

Myhre says the tour will start at the Dickinson County Museum

She says it’s a self-guided tour.

On another topic, the Dickinson County Museum will host a summer speaker series on the Iowa Great Lakes area resorts. Myhre says the series will kick-off next Wednesday, April 29^th  at Exhibit Hall.

For more information, visit the Dickinson County Museum Facebook page.

(Estherville)--The Iowa Department of Transportation is planning a pavement replacement project on Highway 9 or Central Avenue in Estherville east of the Des Moines River Bridge. The work would take place over several construction seasons beginning in 2028. As part of the project the city of Estherville will be replacing city owned sanitary sewers and water mains. Estherville City Administrator Penny Clayton.

At their meeting Monday evening, the Estherville City Council approved a contract with the DOT for engineering on the utility replacement.

The cost of the engineering work is about $523,000.  DOT District 3 Transportation Planner Sarah Tracy provides more details about the Highway 9 project.

Tracy says the work will take place over four construction seasons beginning in the Spring of 2028.

The public is invited to learn more about the project during a come and go open house on Tuesday, April 28^th from 5 to 7 pm at the Iowa Lakes Community College SERT Building located at 2421 7^th Ave, South in Estherville.

(Estherville)--The Emmet County Board of Supervisors Tuesday approved the 2026-2027 Fiscal Year Budget. The budget includes total expenditures of 14-million-20-thousand dollars and total revenue of 13-million-327 thousand dollars. The general levy is $3.66 per $1,000 of taxable valuation and the rural services levy is $3.29. The general supplemental fund is $2.50 and the rural supplemental fund is 20-cents. No one spoke during a public hearing on the budget.

In other business, the board discussed the vacant Weed Commissioner’s position. The board reviewed two applications for the position. County Employees Allison Fisher and Dan Burton proposed the Secondary Roads Department take over the weed commissioner’s duties. Fisher and Burton say they already do most of the work associated with the position except for writing the annual report. The duties of the weed commissioner would be performed outside of regular work hours and the weed commissioner’s salary of $500 a month would be divided between Fisher and Burton. The proposal will be placed on next week’s agenda as an action item.

Also, Emmet County Engineer Walter Davis Oeth discussed the Emmet County 5 Year Road Construction Program for Fiscal Year 2027 and the 2027 Secondary Roads Budget. The board tabled action on both items pending approval from the Iowa DOT.

(Algona)--The City of Algona is conducting a community survey to gather input on what is important to residents. Individuals who live or work in the Algona area are encouraged to share their opinions, concerns, and desires for the community. Survey results will be incorporated into the City of Algona’s Comprehensive Development Plan.

A comprehensive plan is a long-range policy document that guides how a city will grow and develop over the next 10 to 20 years. This plan reflects the community’s shared vision for the future and provides goals and strategies for land use, housing, transportation, parks, economic development, infrastructure, and public services.

The estimated time to complete the survey is 10-15 minutes. It will be available online through May 15^th  at algonaiowa.gov. Paper copies of the survey are available at Algona City Hall, the Algona Public Library and the Algona Area Chamber of Commerce. Completed paper surveys may be submitted to City Hall.

(Jackson, MN)--Federated Rural Electric Association of Jackson will be holding their annual cleanup day at Kilen Woods State Park near Lakefield on Saturday, May 2nd. Federated REA marketing and communications manager Andrea Christoffer says the clean-up will be held from 9:00 am until noon.

Christoffer says anyone from around the region is invited to help out.

A light lunch will be served after the clean-up. She says volunteers are asked to sign-up in advance.

For more information, visit the Federated Rural Electric Facebook page.

(Arnolds Park)--Three homes were destroyed or heavily damaged by fire Tuesday afternoon in Arnolds Park.

The Arnolds Park-Okoboji Fire Department says just before 4:30 p.m. firefighters were called to a garage explosion at 39 Allen Avenue in Arnolds Park. When firefighters arrived, they found three house on fire.

Firefighters were able to get the fire under control in about one hour and 15 minutes. Officials say the homes were on a narrow one way street which made fighting the fire especially challenging.

No one was in the houses at the time of the fire, but a bystander was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation and refused to go to the hospital.

Officials say two of the houses will be total losses, while the third was heavily damaged.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The Arnolds Park-Okoboji Fire Department was assisted at the scene by the Milford Fire Department, Dickinson County Emergency Management, Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office, the Arnolds Park and Okoboji Police Departments, Alliant Energy and Black Hills Energy.

(Ledyard)--A Ledyard man has been arrested on multiple theft related charges in connection with an incident that occurred earlier this month at a cooperative.

The Kossuth County Sheriff’s Office says 28-year-old Jacob Govern was arrested on a warrant this past Friday. According to the criminal complaint, State Line Cooperative reported a theft had occurred on April 6th. The complaint alleges that a vehicle could be seen on surveillance footage, in which the driver stopped and used tools to cut a lock before allegedly taking fuel from the coop. Deputies identified the vehicle as Govern’s, and an arrest warrant was issued.

Govern was booked into the Kossuth County Jail on charges of Possession of Burglar Tools, 5th Degree Theft, 5th Degree Criminal Mischief, and Trespassing. He is scheduled to have a preliminary hearing on April 28th.

(Spencer)--Bulls and Broncs, produced by Raise 'Em Rank Rodeo, is returning for its second year to the Clay County Fair Grandstand on Wednesday, September 16th at 7:30 p.m.

This action-packed event will feature three classic rodeo competitions, bull riding, bareback riding, and saddle bronc riding, showcasing top cowboys as they take on some of the toughest animal athletes in the sport.

Bulls and Broncs is sanctioned by the International Professional Rodeo Association and the Minnesota Rodeo Association.

Tickets will go on sale Friday, April 24th, at 10:00 a.m. Tickets will be available online at www.midwestix.com, by phone at 515-244-2771, or in person at the Events Center Box Office.

(Washington, D.C.)--Iowa Senator Joni Ernst, Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee has announced her Small Business of the Week is Sievert’s Furniture & Floors of Estherville. Throughout the 119^th Congress, Ernst plans to recognize a small business in each of Iowa’s 99 counties. 

In a news release, Ernst says for over 50 years, Sievert’s Furniture & Floors has been furnishing excellence by providing the Emmet County community with mattresses, recliners, flooring, and so much more.

In 1970, John Raymond “Doc” Sievert and his wife, Judy, opened Sievert’s Refrigeration, an appliance store that they ran out of their garage. After years of hard work, the Sieverts grew and expanded the business into a furniture and flooring store, offering a wide selection of mattresses, furniture, recliners, sofas, flooring, and decorative home furnishings. In 2015, their son Jeff took over the family business and has carried on his parent’s legacy and the business’ family-centered approach.

(Estherville)--The Estherville City Council Monday evening tabled action on approving the plans and specifications and awarding a contract for the Phillips Pavilion project. Estherville City Administrator Penny Clayton says all the bids for the project came in above the engineer’s estimate.

Clayton was asked how much needs to be cut from the project.

The issue will be brought back to the council at their next meeting on May 4^th. In other business, the council approved the 2026-2027 Fiscal Year Budget. Clayton says the budget is smaller than the current fiscal year.

She says the property tax levy is also going down.

No one spoke at a public hearing on the budget. The council also approved a master contract with Tantulus, Inc. in the amount of $1.8 million for the electric grid management, monitoring and control project.

The city received a $1.4 million federal grant for the project. The city will cover the remaining cost. Clayton says work on the project would begin in 2027

(Spirit Lake)--The Iowa Great Lakes Fishing Club is inviting area youth ages 15 and under to attend kids fishing clinics in Spirit Lake and Spencer. Fishing Club member Steve Weisman says the first clinic is Wednesday at Memorial Park in Spirit Lake across from the Highway 9 Bridge. Weisman says registration begins at 4:30 pm and the clinic begins at 5. He says each kid will receive a rod and reel combo from the Iowa Great Lakes Fishing Club.

After the seminars, Weisman says the kids will get a chance to fish.

He says prizes will be awarded.

A hot dog meal will be served after the fishing. Weisman says a second kids fishing clinic will be held next Wednesday, April 29^th at the Stolley Pit in Spencer. The events are free to all area youth and pre-registration is not required.

(Spirit Lake)--The Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office has issued a new scam warning.

According to a Facebook post, the sheriff’s office has been made aware of scammers calling residents and claiming to be a “Sergeant” or a Bondsman, stating that a friend or family member is in custody and needs immediate payment for bond. They request money to be sent electronically to them through PayPal, Venmo, CashApp, Apple Cash, etc.

The Dickinson County Sheriff's Office does not collect bond money electronically. The sheriff’s office says they will never call you to request money for bond over the phone and never ask for personal or financial information in this manner.

Legitimate bonding processes do not happen through unsolicited phone calls.

If you receive one of these calls: hang up immediately and contact local law enforcement directly using a trusted number.

(Estherville)--This is National Library Week and the Estherville Public Library is celebrating with several activities. Estherville Library Director Nicole Weber says this year’s theme is Find Your Joy.

Weber says the week will kick-off with a Maker Monday event this evening at 5:30 pm.

Maker Monday is for ages 16 and up. She says they are also offering an anytime activity called Joyful Tails: Guess Whose Pet.

The celebration will wrap-up on with a frog themed story time on Friday at 10:30 am. Weber says if you haven’t been to the library lately this would be a great time to visit.

For more information, visit cityofestherville.org/library or call 712-362-7731. National Library Week runs through Saturday.

(Spencer)--Robinson Funeral Home of Spirit Lake today(Monday) announced plans to expand to the Spencer community.

A groundbreaking for the new facility will be on Thursday, April 23^rd at 11am at 4200 2^nd Avenue East, located east of the new Kwik Star on the north edge of Spencer.

The facility will include a modern sanctuary with seating for 150 guests, an exclusive lunch facility and private cremation services. The facility can expand seating for a single large service or accommodate two separate families simultaneously with complete privacy.

Beyond funeral services, the space will be available to the Spencer community for private events and gatherings.

(Des Moines)--Republicans in the Iowa House are offering an expanded property tax plan that will still cap property tax revenue growth for cities and counties at two percent a year. That’s something Gov. Kim Reynolds says she supports. Area State Representative Henry Stone, a Republican from Forest City says he has mixed feelings about the bill.

Stone says he would like to see the bill give more control to voters.

He says there’s still a long way to go before an agreement is reached.

The bill also proposes converting Iowa’s existing homestead tax credit to an exemption and tripling the exemption to $15,000, but keeping in place current exemptions for seniors, veterans and people with disabilities.

(Okoboji)--The Dickinson County Nature Center and Brooks Golf will be kicking off Birding on the Green for 2026 early next month. Amy Heibult with Dickinson County Conservation says the first event will be held on Monday, May 4^th.

Last year, the program totaled 88 bird species for the season with an average of 40 species recorded at each event. Heibult says each event begins by meeting in the Brooks Golf parking lot at 7 am.

On another topic, Heibult says volunteers are needed at the Nature Center and at the Westport Schoolhouse.

For more information on becoming a volunteer, contact Amy Heibult at 712-336-6352.

(Pocahontas)—The Prairie Lakes Area Education Agency has been awarded a $12,499 grant from the Palo Alto County Gaming Development Corporation. This funding will revitalize and expand the agency's Occupational and Physical Therapy Equipment Loan Closet, ensuring students have access to the latest assistive technology.

The Equipment Loan Closet operates like a library, allowing therapists to check out specialized equipment such as adaptive chairs, standers, and gait trainers for students to trial in their natural environments.

The grant funds will replace worn items and introduce innovative tools, including the Zing Portable Stander for infants and toddlers and the Rifton Adaptive Desk. These tools promote independence and ensure students, regardless of mobility, have a workspace that meets their needs.

The loan closet serves families and school districts across 14 counties. Families or schools wondering if a piece of equipment could help a student reach their goals should contact their Prairie Lakes AEA Physical or Occupational Therapist to begin the consultation process.               

(Spencer)--Northwest Financial Corp. has been awarded a 2026 Top Workplace USA award. The award honors organizations with 150 or more employees that have created exceptional, people-first cultures. The winners are recognized for their commitment to fostering a workplace environment that values employee listening and engagement.

The winners are determined by employee feedback captured through a confidential survey conducted by Energage. The results are calculated based on employee responses to statements about Workplace Experience Themes, which are proven indicators of high performance.

Northwest Financial Corp. organization employs 425 team members and focuses on the importance of supporting a good balance between work and personal life. Northwest Bank has locations across Iowa including Algona, Estherville, Milford, Spencer, and Spirit Lake.

(Des Moines)--A bill that could pave the way for eighth graders to participate in all high school sports is on its way to the governor. The bill was approved by the Senate earlier this week after passing the House last week.  The bill was written by Area State Representative Henry Stone, a Republican from Forest City.

Stone says the bill directs the Iowa Department of Education to consult with the Iowa High School Athletic Association and the Iowa High School Girls Athletic Union to come up with rules for eighth graders to play in fall, winter and spring sports.

In other business, Stone says he strongly supported a bill approved by the House requiring parental consent for minors to receive the HPV Vaccine.

He says the house this week also approved a bill that would give nuclear energy facilities an exemption on sales and use taxes.

The measure includes a 25-year sunset provision. It now goes to the Senate for further consideration.

(Spencer)--A Spencer man was seriously injured in an accident Thursday afternoon involving a semi and a motorcycle at the North Y on the north edge of Spencer.

The Iowa State Patrol says shortly after 12 pm,  a 2016 Freightliner semi driven by 52-year-old Kenneth George, of Cedar Rapids, was stopped in the median of U-S Highway 71 and U-S Highway 18, waiting to proceed east onto 320th Street. As the truck entered the intersection, its trailer was struck by a 1956 Harley Davidson motorcycle operated by 65-year-old Gerald Fulkner, of Spencer, that was traveling north on Highway 71.

The motorcycle and Fulkner were dragged under the trailer until the semi stopped. Fulkner was transported to the hospital in Spencer and then flown to a hospital in Sioux Falls in serious condition.

The patrol says the crash remains under investigation.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office and Spencer Police Department assisted at the scene.

(Estherville)--The Northwest Iowa Concert Band and the Northwest Iowa Jazz Band will present their spring concert Monday evening at 7:30pm at the Estherville VFW. Concert Band Director Rich Nicklay of Okoboji says the theme for the concert is Celebrating USA-250. 

Nicklay says after the Concert Band, the Northwest Iowa Jazz Band will perform under the direction of Scott Benjamin of Superior.

Nicklay says volunteer members come from all around the area.

Admission is free. The VFW will be serving a burger Basket meal, starting at 6pm and going throughout the concert.

(Estherville)--The Iowa Lakes Community College Music Department invites the public to its annual Spring Concert on Tuesday, May 5^th at 6:30 p.m. in the Janice K. Lund Performing Arts Center on the Estherville Campus.

This special evening of music will highlight the talent and dedication of Iowa Lakes ensembles, including the men’s choir, women’s choir, concert choir, handbell ensemble, and jazz band. The program will feature a wide variety of selections, showcasing both the skill of the musicians and the vibrancy of live performance.

The concert is free of charge and open to the public.

For more information about the Spring Concert or the Iowa Lakes Community College Music Department, visit iowalakes.edu/music.

(Jackson, MN)--A special series of events is coming to Jackson and Windom next week featuring world renowned author and photographer James Noltner and his project titled “Peace of My Mind.” Jackson Center for the Arts Secretary Janette Simon says “Peace of My Mind” will present stories and photographs of community members and use them as a catalyst to create dialogue. Simon says the first event will be a reception on Monday evening from 7 to 8:30 pm at the Jackson Center for the Arts.

Simon says there will be a storytelling workshop on Wednesday from 10 am to noon at the Jackson Center for the Arts.

She says the featured event will be held on Thursday evening from 7 to 8:30 at the Jackson Historic Theatre.

Simon says the event is part of the Belonging Begins with Us Initiative.

Admission to all events is free. For more information, visit jacksoncenterforthearts.com.

(Spencer)--The Clay County Fair is offering an early look at several featured live and online auction items for the upcoming Farm to Fork FUNdraiser, taking place Friday, May 1st. The annual fundraising event brings together community members in support of the Fair while showcasing unique experiences, exclusive packages, and one-of-a-kind items.

Organizers are reminding the public that tickets must be purchased by Wednesday, April 22. Tickets are $100 per person or $1,000 for a reserved table of eight.

The online auction opens Friday, April 17, at noon and closes Friday, May 1, at 7 p.m. Items in the online auction are open to the public, and participants do not need to be present at the event to bid or win.

Online auction highlights include an unforgettable lineup of Fair experiences, such as unlimited golf cart use during the Fair, Grandstand concert packages, and an on-site camping spot at Gate A. Travel and getaway options will also be available,

A full listing of auction items is available through the Clay County Fair’s website.

(Spencer)--A Spencer man was arrested Wednesday by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office on sexual misconduct charges.

According to a news release, 21-year-old Alex Morley was arrested on a Clay County Warrant for sexual exploitation of a minor, a class B felony, grooming, a class D felony, two sex offender registry violations, both class C felonies and two counts of dissemination of obscene materials to a minor. Bond was set at $50,000.

Morley was being held in the Clay County Jail.

A preliminary hearing for Morley is set for April 27^th in Clay County District Court.

(Algona--A Fenton man is facing a felony drunk driving charge after a traffic stop late last week near Algona.

The Kossuth County Sheriff’s Office says the stop happened around 1:30 pm on Friday, April 10^th on U.S. Highway 169 in rural Algona. The driver was identified as 34-year-old Andrew Kronmiller.  According to the criminal complaint, Deputies could smell alcohol coming from Kronmiller, and conducted a field-sobriety test. Kronmiller consented to a breathalyzer exam, which registered above the legal limit of .08, at which time he was taken into custody.

Kronmiller was charged with Operating While Intoxicated 3rd or Subsequent Offense, a Class D Felony, as well as Driving While Barred and booked into the Kossuth County Jail.

(Des Moines)--Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has issued a disaster proclamation for Clay and Palo Alto counties in response to severe weather that occurred on April 13^th .

Governor Reynolds’ proclamation allows state resources to be utilized to respond to and recover from the effects of this severe weather and activates?the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program and the Disaster Case Advocacy Program for those counties.??The proclamation is effective immediately and will remain in effect for 30 days unless terminated or extended.

The Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program provides grants up to $7,000 for households with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Grants are available for home or car repairs, replacement of personal property or food, and temporary housing expenses. Original receipts are required for those seeking reimbursement for actual expenses related to storm recovery. 

The Disaster Case Advocacy Program addresses serious needs related to disaster-related hardship, injury, or adverse conditions. Disaster case advocates work with clients to create a disaster recovery plan and provide guidance, advice, and referrals to obtain a service or resource. There are no income eligibility requirements for this program; it closes 180 days from the date of Governor Reynolds’ proclamation. 

(Des Moines)--The National Weather Service has confirmed tornado touchdowns in Clay and Palo Alto County as part of Monday evening storms.

An  EF-0 tornado, which caused damage to several trees and buildings on one property near the start of its track, was recorded just northeast of Webb in Clay County. It mainly traveled through open fields and stayed on the ground for 2.12 miles. It spent an estimated three minutes on the ground and had a max wind speed of around 80 mph.

An EF-1 tornado touched down east of Graettinger.

A photo from Palo Alto County Emergency Management shows multiple buildings blown apart and a house missing good chunks out of its roof. Debris is scattered on the property and many trees have been broken in pieces.