(Spirit Lake)--A 32-year-old man is facing felony charges for enticing a minor in Dickinson County.

The Spirit Lake Police Department arrested Drew Kingswan on Wednesday evening on two counts of enticing a minor under the age of 16 for the purpose of sexual abuse and two counts of grooming, all class D felonies.

A preliminary hearing for Kingswan is scheduled for September 14th at 4 pm in Dickinson County Court.

As of Friday afternoon, Kingswan was not listed on the Dickinson County inmate roster.

(Estherville)--A Spencer woman is facing charges after allegedly attacking two jailers Thursday afternoon in the Emmet County Jail.

According to Emmet County Court records, 18-year-old Kya Erickson is charged with assault on persons in certain occupations-causing bodily injury, a class D felony, and assault on persons in certain occupations, an aggravated misdemeanor.

According to the criminal complaint, two jailers entered the jail cell occupied by Erickson as she was attempting to harm herself. In the cell, Erickson began hitting one of the jailers in the upper body area causing injury. She also pushed and ran into the other jailer and threw trash from her trash can toward the jailers.

A preliminary hearing for Erickson is set for September 14^th at 4 pm in Emmet County District Court.

Erickson was being held on a $7,000 cash or surety bond.

(Des Moines)--Swimming is not recommended at two beaches in the Iowa Great Lakes area during the Labor Day holiday weekend, according to the latest weekly beach monitoring report from the Iowa DNR.

Both of the beaches are located on Big Spirit Lake.

The DNR says Crandall’s Beach is listed as vulnerable due to exceeding the single-sample limit for E. coli. Marble Beach is classified as less vulnerable due to exceeding the safety thresholds for algal toxins.

All other monitored beaches in the Iowa Great Lakes were listed as OK for swimming, including Ainsworth Beach, Triboji Beach, Pikes Point, Gull Point and Emmerson Bay.

(Spirit Lake)--As previously reported the 20^th annual Iowa Water Conference will be held September 16^th and 17^th in the Iowa Great Lakes. New for this year is a standalone community track that is open to the public. Research Administrator Laura Frescoln says the event will be held on Thursday, September 17^th from 2 to 4:30 pm at the Maser Monarch Lodge in Spirit Lake,

Frescoln outlines the topics that will be covered as part of the community track.

She says there is no cost to attend.

For more information, go to iowawatercenter.org.

(Estherville)--Mediacom is reporting a fiber line cut this morning south of Estherville on Highway 4.

Emmet County Emergency Management Director Travis Sheridan Repair crews have been dispatched and are working to restore service. This outage may impact cable television, internet service, and potentially cellular service in the area.

Residents are encouraged to have more than one way to communicate and receive emergency information during the outage. Do not rely solely on internet-based or cellular communications for emergency alerts.

Update at 4 pm: repairs are expected to be complete in the next hour

(Grand Rapids, MI)--Two Spencer based economic development entities were recognized at the Mid-America Economic Development Council’s annual Economic Development awards program August 31^st -September 2nd in Grand Rapids. Michigan.

In the Entrepreneurial category, the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation was recognized in the Large Division for the Okoboji Entrepreneurial Institute which celebrated its 20^th anniversary last month.

In the overcoming adversity category, the Spencer Economic Development Corporation was recognized in the medium division for its small business assistance grant program.

Award entries were accepted in up to three markets per category: large division, community population over 25,000;  medium division. community population between 10,001-25,000;  and small division, community population less than 10,000.

(Lake Park)--A Lake Park family is remembering their brother by holding a car show later this month while also raising money for charity.

Rodney Stoltenberg, a lifelong resident of Lake Park, was a car enthusiast. Rodney passed away a year ago from a rare kidney disease.

The car show is taking place on September 19th, which would have been Rodney’s 59th birthday. The car show will be held from noon to 3 pm in downtown Lake Park.

All the money raised from the event will go to the National Kidney Foundation, the Iowa Donor Network, and the Lake Park Heritage Museum.

Along with the car show, there will be an auction and prizes for different categories of cars.

(Arnolds Park) -The Iowa Rock ‘n Roll Music Association’s Hall of Fame Induction ceremonies are set for this weekend in the Iowa Great Lakes. Ted Poulson, President of the association’s Board of Directors says this will be the 29^th year for the event. Poulson says the celebration kicks-off this evening with a member’s only meeting at 5 pm in the Hedberg Theatre followed by a concert in the Roof Garden Ballroom.

Poulson says the Opening Ceremony will be held on Saturday morning

The finals of the Iowa Rocks Talent Contest will be held from 1 to 5:30 pm at the Pearson Lakes Arts Center. The day will end with a meet and greet with the inductees from 5:30 to 7:30 pm on the Hall of Fame Patio. Poulson says the induction ceremony will be held on Sunday at the SAMI Bedell Center beginning at 1 pm.

The final event is the induction concert and auction at 5:30 pm Sunday in the Roof Garden Ballroom.

To purchase tickets or for more information, visit iowarocknroll.com.

(Sleepy Eye, MN)--A Truman woman was injured in a single vehicle accident late Wednesday morning in south central Minnesota.

According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the accident occurred around 11:55 am on Highway 14 in Brown County near Sleepy Eye. The patrol says a 2022 Chevrolet Traverse driven by 33-year-old Tanya Matthews of Truman was traveling eastbound on Highway 14 when the vehicle left the roadway and crashed.

Matthews was taken to the Sleepy Eye Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries.

(Jackson, MN)--Voters in the Jackson County Central Community School District will again head to the polls this November to decide the fate of an operating referendum. JCC Superintendent Mike Neubeck says this year’s proposal does not include a funding request for capital projects.

Neubeck details the increase in the operating levy they are seeking.

He says the current levy hasn’t kept up with inflation.

Neubeck says the new referendum will not have as much of an impact on agricultural land.

Neubeck says if the operating levy fails, the JCC School District will be forced to cut an additional $800,000 to $1 million from next year’s budget.

(Algona)--An Algona woman accused of assaulting a man with a box cutter last month has pleaded not guilty to multiple felony charges.

As previously reported, on August 16^th, Algona Police officers along with deputies from the Kossuth County Sheriff’s Office were called to an apartment in the 600 block of South Blackford Street on reports of a domestic dispute.

Law enforcement arrived on the scene and located 36-year-old Dustin Williams in the parking lot, where they report finding cuts on his hands and abdomen, along with a bite mark. Williams, who was reported as in and out of consciousness, allegedly told police someone had stabbed him and left.

Algona Police were investigating the area when 30-year-old Lacey Durant, identified as a possible suspect, arrived at the scene. Court records say an officer spoke with Durant, who admitted she went to Williams home at his request that afternoon and that an altercation later occurred.

Court documents say that during a search of Durant’s vehicle, a box cutter with traces of blood believed to be the weapon used against Williams was located. As officials attempted to place Durant under arrest, she allegedly fought officers, injuring one enough to draw blood. Durant was taken to the Kossuth County Jail and was charged with three felony offenses including willful injury causing serious injury, assault on a police officer causing injury and operating while intoxicated-third offense. She’s also charged with driving while barred, interference with official acts causing bodily injury and interference with official acts.

New filings in the case state that as officers attempted to complete a field sobriety test at the Kossuth County Jail, Durant became agitated and attempted to strike officers and flee. As officers brought Durant under control and placed her in a cell, she reportedly broke an officer’s body camera equipment. She has been charged with criminal mischief related to this incident and another minor misdemeanor related to her vehicle.

On Monday, Durant pleaded not guilty to the charges and requested a speedy trial. According to court records, a jury trial is set for October 20.

Court records show Durant remains in the Kossuth County Jail on a $20,000 cash only bond.

(Jackson, MN)--Federated Rural Electric will host its 91st annual meeting next Thursday, September 10^th in Jackson.

The meeting will take place at the Jackson National Guard Armory beginning at 6:30 pm. Members who attend will learn about the local electrical cooperative’s headquarters remodeling project, plans to build out a fiber-optic system and the ongoing work of building a reliable electricity system.

Members attending are asked to park in the county fairgrounds’ parking lot adjacent to the armory. During meeting registration from 4:30 to 6:15 p.m., members can enjoy the supper from a choice of two food trucks, as well as a cookie and bottled water, and visit several informational booths.

Bingo will be played from 5 to 6:15 p.m., kids may register for prizes and registered members can also pick up a door prize.

During the meeting itself, members will elect two directors for the board and two members to serve on the nominating committee.

Members received mailed ballots for these candidates around August 1st and could vote and mail back their ballots by September 9th to be eligible for three $100 electric bill credits. Otherwise, members can also vote in person before the annual meeting starts on September 10th.

(Des Moines)--The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has released the results of its annual August statewide pheasant survey. In an interview with KILR News, Upland Wildlife Biologist Todd Bogenschutz says this year’s survey averaged 23 birds per route, which is the second highest count in more than a decade. Bogenshutz says this year’s count was more of a challenge due to the weather.

Bogenschutz says the biggest decreases occurred in the eastern part of the state.

He says the highest counts were in northwest Iowa.

Iowa’s pheasant season opens Oct. 31.

(Jackson, MN)--The Jackson County Courthouse will be illuminated in purple each evening throughout the month of September in recognition of National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. The lighting is intended to raise public awareness of suicide prevention resources and to show support for individuals and families affected by suicide loss.

Purple is widely recognized as the color associated with suicide prevention and awareness. By lighting the courthouse, the City of Jackson joins communities across the country in a visible show of support during September, which is observed nationally as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

Jackson County’s suicide rate is higher than the state-wide average and is double the rate of the Twin Cities. Suicide remains a leading cause of death in Minnesota and across the nation, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. Organizers hope the lighting will serve as a reminder that help is available and that no one has to face these struggles alone.

Residents are invited to attend the second annual Out of The Darkness walk at Ashley park on September 26th, from 10am to 12pm

Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of suicide can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7, free and confidential.

The courthouse lighting will remain in place through September 30

(Estherville)--The growing season is coming to an end for area corn and soybean crops. ISU Extension Agronomist Gentry Sorenson says some of the corn crop is showing signs of stress due to several factors.

Sorenson says soybeans are also starting to push toward maturity.

He says at this point area farmers are expecting an average harvest.

Sorenson says any additional rainfall will likely come too late to help the corn crop but could benefit soybeans.

According to this week’s USDA Weekly Crop report, corn and soybeans in Iowa both rated 77-percent good to excellent condition.

(Estherville)--The Emmet County Board of Supervisors Tuesday approved an additional $175,000 in LOSST funds to pay for the courthouse addition.

The board had approved $250,000 in LOSST Funds for the project in June. Auditor Heidi Goebel says the county had spent about $225,800 of that amount and still owed Christensen Construction about $143,800 for the project. The county’s LOSST Fund balance was $663,747.

In other business, the board entered into a joint drainage district meeting with Clay and Dickinson County to award a bid for the Drainage District 61 and Branch District 61 project to repair flood damage. The three boards accepted the bid from McCarty Customs Inc. of Linn Grove in the amount of $234,142 which was significantly lower than the other four bids on the project. The engineers estimate was about $1.1 million.

(Estherville)--Labor Day weekend is fast approaching and that means the camping season will soon be winding down. Emmet County Conservation Director Matt Reineke says the campgrounds in Emmet County are tentatively scheduled to close in mid-October.

Reineke says the number of campers is down so far this year.

He says camping usually drops-off after Labor Day weekend.

For more information, visit emmetcountyparks.com.

(Washington, D.C.)--President Donald Trump late last week announced a U.S. deal with Venezuela to tap that country’s oil reserves. The agreement with the U.S. involves the development of 17 strategic oil fields in Venezuela that hold proven reserves of 65 billion barrels of oil. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says the deal will be a boon for U.S. oil producers.

Grassley says the deal won’t lower gas prices for American consumers in the near term.

(Britt)--A Lone Rock man was killed in a fiery one vehicle accident Monday afternoon in Hancock County.

The Iowa State Patrol says the accident happened around 1:55 pm on James Avenue north of 290^th St. The patrol says a 2024 Western Star truck driven by 59-year-old Dennis Doocy of Lone Rock was northbound on James Ave. when it left the roadway to the right, went over a field drive, through a fence and struck a tree. The truck became fully engulfed in fire and Doocy was fatally injured.

Doocy’s body was taken to the State Medical Examiner’s Officer in Ankeny.

The truck was owned by State Line Cooperative in Burt.

The Iowa State Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, Britt Fire Department and West Hancock Ambulance Service.

(Algona)--The 2nd annual Kevin Cram Memorial Scholarship fundraiser is set for Saturday, September 12^th at the Eagle Hills Golf Course in Algona. The scholarship is in memory of Algona Police Officer Kevin Cram who was killed in the line of duty on September 13^th, 2023.  Marissa Miller is one of the organizers of the event.

Miller says the day’s events include a 5k, one mile fun run/walk and a golf tournament.

She says there will also be other activities.

To register or for more information, visit the Kevin Cram Memorial Scholarship Facebook page or contact Marissa Miller at 515-326-1806.

(Estherville)--The Emmet County Nature Center has announced the schedule for its fall youth programs. Emmet County Conservation Director Matt Reineke says the first program will be a no school day camp on Monday, September 21^st from 9 am to noon. He says kids will have the opportunity to tag a monarch butterfly.

Reineke says a Creatures of the Night hike will be held on Friday, October 30^th.

He says later in the fall, Emmet County Conservation’s youth archery program will get underway.

Reineke says they’ve made some changes to the program.

All the programs are free. For more information, contact the Emmet County Nature Center at 712-867-4422. Reineke spoke with Dave Van Roekel Monday morning on KILR FM 95.9.

(Spirit Lake)--Lakes Regional Healthcare’s Home Care has been named a “Superior Performer” by Strategic Healthcare Programs, earning an overall patient experience score in the top 20% of all eligible SHP clients for the 2025 calendar year.

The annual SHPBest™ award program recognizes home health agencies that consistently deliver high-quality care. The 2025 recipients were chosen by reviewing and ranking overall patient experience scores for more than 3,200 home health providers nationwide.

 Those scores come from the Home Health Care Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey. It is a standardized national survey developed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and given to home health patients after their care.

(Spencer)--A Grand Junction, Iowa woman is facing charges after a traffic stop this past Friday evening in Clay County.

According to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, a vehicle driven by 37-year-old Teresa Steinkamp was stopped around 8:55 pm in the 3600 block of 310^th Ave. During the stop, Steinkamp was found to be in possession of marijuana and had an open container of alcohol in her vehicle. She was charged with possession of a controlled substance-marijuana-1^st offense and open container.

Steinkamp was held in the Clay County Jail to appear before the magistrate.

(Fairmont, MN)--Monday was the last day on the job for outgoing Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce President Kandi Menne.

Menne first joined the organization in 2015 as office manager before taking over as president in the fall of 2022. During her tenure, Menne revamped the Fairmont Area Life visitor guide, and oversaw a rebranding that included a new logo and website. She also helped launch several community events, including the annual Sip and Shop fundraiser and the Fourth of July boat parade.

Menne, who is retiring, plans to remain in the Fairmont area. Current chamber board member Miranda Tulowetzke will take over as president.

(Royal)--A Royal man was arrested following a reported domestic assault Saturday evening at a residence in Royal.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office says shortly before 10:30 p.m., law enforcement responded to a report of a domestic assault at a residence on Meadow Street. The victim reported that she had been assaulted during an altercation with her husband. Deputies observed injuries consistent with the reported assault.

The suspect, 25-year-old Kyler Hendricks, was located approximately 20 minutes later in O’Brien County and taken into custody. Hendricks was transported to the Clay County Jail.

Following an investigation, Hendricks was charged with Domestic Abuse Assault-Impeding Air/Blood Flow Causing Bodily Injury, a class D felony, Interference with Official Acts, and Obstruction of Emergency Communications.

Hendricks was being held in the Clay County Jail pending an appearance before the magistrate.

(Ayrshire)--An Ayrshire man was arrested earlier this month on multiple charges for crimes involving a minor.

The Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office arrested 33-year-old Nathan Baxter of Ayrshire on August 20^th on charges of enticement of a minor, dissemination of obscene material to a minor and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Baxter was transported, without incident, to the Palo Alto County Jail and booked in to await his initial appearance before a magistrate. The Palo Alto County Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Emmetsburg Police Department.

(Washington, D.C.)--The Federal Emergency Management Agency has announced that dozens of projects in communities across Iowa will receive nearly $17.5 million in combined funding in response to severe storms in 2020, 2024 and 2025.

Three of the grants awarded are for projects in Clay County:

The City of Spencer will receive just over $1 million to help remove properties substantially damaged by severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes that posed a threat to public health and safety.

The Spencer Community School District will receive nearly $614,000 to fund costs related to the management of Public Assistance grants.

Clay County Secondary Roads was awarded $101,000 to fund the repair or replacement of bridge approaches, decks and guard rails as a result of severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes.

Grants are also awarded to projects in Cherokee, Lyon, Sioux, Story and Woodbury counties in northwest Iowa.

(Spirit Lake)--The Iowa Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in a case on Tuesday, September 15^th in Spirit Lake. The proceedings will take place in the Sami Bedell Center for the Performing Arts at Spirit Lake High School. The oral arguments are open to the public and will begin at 7 p.m.

The court will hear the case of Andrew Perry v. Dordt University, from Sioux County District Court. Andrew Perry applied for an exemption from getting a Covid-19 vaccination as part of Dordt University’s nursing degree clinical rotation requirements. Based in part on Perry’s lack of a denominational statement or proof of prior exemptions, Dordt denied the exemption. In 2022, Perry sued Dordt for discrimination based on religion under the Iowa Civil Rights Act. The district court found Perry did not have a sincere religious belief opposing the Covid-19 vaccine and dismissed the suit.

A public reception with the Supreme Court justices sponsored by members of the local bar will follow the oral arguments.

Clarification: Dordt University does not have and has never had a Covid-19 vaccination requirement. Nursing students completing training in area hospitals and clinics are asked to follow the healthcare partners’ vaccination policies while in their facilities.

(Arnolds Park)--The Iowa Great Lakes will play host to the 2026 Iowa Water Conference on September 16^th and 17^th. Iowa Water Center Director Rick Cruse says this is the 20^th year for the conference which will be held at Historic Arnolds Park.

Cruse outlines the topics that will be covered during the conference.

He says there will also be a couple of pre-conference tours.

Cruse says this is the first time the conference is being held in the Iowa Great Lakes.

The deadline to register is September 4^th and there is a discount for students. For more information call 515-294-6222.

(Algona)--The Algona Area Chamber of Commerce is inviting residents to enjoy an evening of fun by participating in the first ever Kossuth County Museum Crawl. Chamber Executive Director Avery Pederson says the event will be held on Thursday, September 10^th.

Pederson says the crawl will feature five museums in the Algona area.

She says a limited number of tickets are available for the event.

For more information, contact the Algona Area Chamber of Commerce at 515-295-7201.