(Algona)--The runway at the Algona Municipal Airport has been closed since this past Monday, September 21^st  for a construction project that is expected to be complete by mid-October.

The grass runway will be available until this Monday, September 28th, when both runways will be closed for about a week. The project will involve rehabilitating approximately 4,000 feet of runway. The Federal Aviation Administration will pay about 95-percent of the project cost. The City of Algona’s share will be about $24,000.

This project will wrap up a series of improvements at the Algona Municipal Airport. In the fall of 2025, the airport completed a project that involved paving a 240-foot runway extension to the south of the existing Runway 30, a 200-foot displacement of Runway 12, and constructing turnarounds beyond the hold position markings at both ends of the runway. A new electrical vault building was built to support new navigational lighting. New edge lighting was also installed for the runway, turnarounds, and taxiway.

(Spirit Lake)– The Dickinson County Endowment Fund recently awarded more than $107,000 in grants to help fund 17 projects throughout the county.

Grant awards include $15,000 to the Graettinger-Terril PTO for a sensory playground area, $10,000 to Lakeside Lutheran Camp for their Campcare and beyond project, $10,000 to Pearson Lakes Art Center for Treehouse Masters, $8,000 to the Okoboji Community School District for their Angel Fund, $7,500 to the Lake Park Historical Society for Heritage Square Reimagined, $7,000 to the Dickinson County Museum for a modular exhibit and the New Inn project and $5,000 to Save Turtle Lake for a waterway restoration project.

In its 21 years of existence, the fund has provided nearly $2.1 million in grants to 450 projects countywide, while collaborating with 110 nonprofit groups and each school district.

Donation information, as well as how to apply for future grants through the fund, can be found at dcefund.org.

(Estherville)—Tickets are on sale for the annual Sip the ‘Ville event taking place this coming Thursday, October 1st in Estherville. Lexie Ruter with the Estherville Chamber of Commerce says Sip the ‘Ville will be held from 4 to 8 pm.

Ruter explains how to purchase tickets for Sip the ‘Ville.

On another topic, Ruter says preparations are underway for this year’s Fright Hike at Ft. Defiance State Park..

She says Fright Hike is one of the chamber’s most popular events

Fright Hike will be held on Saturday, October 17, with a Lights-On Hike from 6:00–7:00 p.m. for those who prefer fewer scares, followed by the Full-Scare Hike from 7:00–9:30 p.m. For more information, call 712-362-3541 or visit estherville.org.

(Fenton)--A Minnesota man was arrested on drug charges following a traffic stop Wednesday evening in Kossuth County.

The Kossuth County Sheriff’s Office says shortly before 7 pm, Deputies stopped a 2003 Toyota Carolla driven by 32-year-old Luis Rodriguez Burgos of Fairmont on Highway 15 near Fenton.

According to the criminal complaint, Deputies conducted a consent search of the vehicle and found a vape which tested positive for THC, and a small pill bottle with a green, leafy substance in it that smelled like Marijuana.

Rodriguez Burgos was arrested on charges of Possession of Marijuana-1st offense and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was also cited for Speeding, Driving Under Suspension, and Failure to Provide Proof of Insurance.

Rodriguez Burgos was booked into the Kossuth County Jail to await an initial court appearance.

(Hutchinson, MN)--A Fairmont woman was one of three people seriously injured in a two vehicle accident Thursday afternoon in Hutchinson, Minnesota.

The Minnesota State Patrol says the accident occurred around 4:50 pm on Highway 22 near California St. The patrol says a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by 40-year-old Jacqueline Sommers of Hutchinson was traveling westbound Highway 22 near California Street and collided with a 1989 Pontiac 6000 Wagon, driven by 56-year-old Amy Derrera of Fairmont that was stopped in westbound lane.

Derrera and two passengers, 44-year-old Kacee Griffith of Slayton and 41-year-old Jadie Saliaris of Little Falls, were taken to the Hutchinson Hospital with life threatening injuries. No injuries were reported to Sommers and a passenger in her vehicle.

The patrol says road conditions were wet at the time of the accident.

(Estherville)--The author of a book on a bank robbery that occurred in Sherburn, Minnesota in 1896 will be speaking in Estherville next month. The Estherville Public Library and the Emmet County Historical Museum will welcome author Jeffrey M. Sauve on Thursday, October 8^th at 6:30 pm at the library. Sauve will present his new true?crime history book: Wheels of Murder: The 1896 Bank Robbery That Shocked a Small Prairie Town.

The brothers were Hans and Lew Kellihan. Two people were killed in the Sherburn bank robbery. Sauve says Estherville played a key role in the manhunt.

Sauve says the book details the emotional fallout from the bank robbery and manhunt.

Again the presentation will be on Thursday, October 8^th at 6:30 pm at the Estherville Public Library.

(Spencer)--The Clay County Fair, powered by SMU, has released attendance figures for the 2026 Fair. Cool temperatures, wet conditions, and several rainy days challenged fairgoers, exhibitors, vendors, and fair staff throughout the nine-day event.

The 2026 Clay County Fair welcomed 284,405 fairgoers over nine days. That compares to last year’s figure of about 316,000 and just under 298,000 in 2024. Tuesday, September 15th, did set a new all-time Tuesday attendance record, with 35,345 fairgoers passing through the gates.

Grandstand events drew 15,188 attendees during the 2026 Fair. The Grandstand attendance total does not include the originally scheduled Blue Ribbon Showdown Races on Friday, September 18, which were canceled due to unfit track conditions. The top three Grandstand shows by attendance were Martina McBride, Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias and All-Star Monster Trucks.

794 4-H and FFA exhibitors from 48 counties in Iowa and Minnesota showcased their livestock and human sciences events at the 2026 Fair. 460 vendors and concessionaires participated in the 2026 Clay County Fair, representing businesses and organizations from 35 states. Also, 1,368 open-class exhibitors entered competitions throughout the Fair, up from 2025.

(Spencer)--The city of Spencer, in partnership with Spencer Main Street, has been awarded a Community Catalyst Building Remediation Grant by the Iowa Economic Development Authority.

The grant will directly support the Main Street Second Floor Apartment Disaster Housing Grant Program, a strategic initiative designed to convert underutilized upper-story spaces into quality accessible residential units.

Spencer officials say the funding marks a significant milestone in the community’s ongoing efforts to rebuild and revitalize the downtown district following the historic flooding in June of 2024.

By integrating residential living into the historic district, the city anticipates increased foot traffic and consistent support for local businesses.

The city of Spencer is currently finalizing the project contracts with the Iowa Economic Development Authority and anticipates moving into the implementation phase shortly. Further updates regarding the application window for property owners and project timelines will be provided as they become available.

(Sherburn, MN)--As previously reported, a free showing of the first episode of an agricultural-themed miniseries “Perfect Sundays” will be offered at the Sherburn Theatre this weekend. The event is being sponsored by the Martin County West FFA and a local family. Martin County West FFA Advisor Stephanie Wohlhuter.

She says Perfect Sundays will be shown at 7 p.m. on Saturday and 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Wohlhuter says the series focuses on a farm family dealing with the death of its patriarch by suicide. She says they hope the TV series will encourage conversations about mental health in the community.

For more information on the mini-series, visit perfectsundaystv.com.

(Estherville)--The Emmet County Sheriff’s Office has released details about the death of a man whose body was found earlier this month in Ft. Defiance State Park.

Shortly before 8:55 am on September 11^th, the Emmet County Communication Center received a 911 call about an unresponsive male lying on the ground in Fort Defiance State Park.

Upon arriving on scene, Emmet County Deputies found the male to be deceased. The male was later identified as 26-year-old Cole Lacko. According to a news release, Lacko was transported to the Iowa Medical Examiner's Office in Ankeny for an autopsy. No cause or manner of death has been determined at this time. Further tests, including toxicology, have yet to be performed and reported.

Authorities say there is no danger to the public and activities in Fort Defiance should continue as normal. There will be no further information released until the final Medical Examiner's report is complete.

(Spirit Lake)--The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is considering a new method to determine which species of fish are swimming in Iowa lakes and streams. The agency currently uses electrofishing in the spring and fishnets in the summer and fall to catch fish, assess their health, and then release them back in the water. Andrew Carlson, Fisheries Biologist with the DNR Office in Spirit Lake, says the new method is called environmental or e-DNA.

Carlson says e-DNA is currently being used in northwest Iowa.

He says e-DNA is being used in several other states including Michigan.

Carlson says there’s also a sub study being done in northwest Iowa on electrofishing.

Pennsylvania and Wisconsin have partnered with the U-S Fish and Wildlife Service to track invasive species with e-DNA.

(Mankato, MN)—A traffic stop earlier this month in Blue Earth County resulted in multiple charges against a Martin County resident.

38-year-old Bradley Oudekerk is charged with fifth-degree drug possession, possession of metal knuckles, possessing improperly packaged cannabis in a vehicle, driving after revocation, and failure to carry proof of insurance.

Authorities say on September 11^th,  Oudekerk was stopped after a deputy clocked him driving 84 miles per hour in a 55-mile-per-hour zone. Oudekerk allegedly told the deputy he did not have a valid driver’s license or insurance. During a search of the vehicle, officers reportedly located methamphetamine, marijuana and a pipe, along with a pair of metal knuckles.

Oudekerk was convicted of third-degree drug possession in January of this year.

(Emmetsburg)--An Emmetsburg woman is facing multiple charges after being served arrest warrants twice in the past several days.

On September 14^th at 5 pm, the Palo Alto County Sheriff's Office arrested 37-year-old Nicole Juchem of Emmetsburg on two valid Palo Alto County arrest warrants for 2nd Offense Possession of a Controlled Substance-Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Juchem was unable to post the $2,300 cash only bond and remained in jail to await her initial appearance in front of a magistrate.

Then on Tuesday of this week at approximately 5:35 pm, while she was still in the Palo Alto County Jail, Juchem was served with three additional warrants.  The warrants were for 3rd Degree Burglary, a class D Felony, 5th Degree Theft, and 3rd Degree Burglary of an Unoccupied Motor Vehicle.   

Juchem was unable to post the $7,300 cash only bond and remained in custody at the Palo Alto County Jail. 

(Emmetsburg)--A South Dakota man is facing sexual abuse charges in Palo Alto County.

Shortly before 6:20 pm on September 15^th, the Palo Alto County Sheriff's Office arrested 52-year-old Austin Noble of Tea, South Dakota on a valid Palo Alto County arrest warrant. The warrant was for 6 counts of 3rd Degree Sexual Abuse, all Class C Felonies.

Noble was unable to post the $30,000 cash only bond and was booked into the Palo Alto County Jail to await his initial appearance in front of a magistrate.

Noble has since been released on bond and waived his right to a preliminary hearing.

A no contact order has been issued to prevent Noble from having any contact with the protected party.

(Update: This event has been cancelled due to weather)

(Arnolds Park)--An “Abbie Walkabout” will be held this(Thursday) evening at the Abbie Gardner Cabin in Arnolds Park. Mary Drier with the Friends of the Abbie Gardner Cabin says the event will begin at 6 pm.

Drier says most of the stories presented will be about Abbie Gardner’s life after the Spirit Lake Massacre of March 1857.

The event is free and pre-registration is not required. Drier says in case of inclement weather, those interested should check the Friends of Abbie Gardner Facebook page for updates.

(Estherville)--An Emmetsburg man was arrested after a stabbing Tuesday in Estherville.

Estherville Police Chief Brent Shatto says officers were dispatched to 503 South 15th Street in reference to an assault with a knife. Upon officer’s arrival, a man was located on the property bleeding from his left arm. The suspect later was located coming out of the residence. The suspect eventually complied with the directions given by officers and was detained throughout the investigation.

Shatto says officers determined that a verbal argument within the residence escalated when apparently both subjects armed themselves with knives. The disagreement escalated resulting in 37-year-old Joshua Mitchell being stabbed in the left arm.

The suspect was identified as 29-year-old Darrius Taylor of Emmetsburg. Taylor was placed under arrest and transported to the Emmet County Jail. He was charged with Willful Injury Resulting in Bodily Injury, a Class D Felony. Taylor remains in the Emmet County Jail with a bond of $5,000 cash or surety.

The victim was transported to Avera Holy Family Hospital and later released.

The Estherville Police Department was assisted at the scene by the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office and Estherville Ambulance.

(The Estherville Police Department has issued a correction on the address where the incident occurred.)

(Spencer)--The Annual Black Knights Car Club Airport Drag Races will be held this Sunday at the Spencer Municipal Airport. Black Knights Vice-President Eric Anderson says registration begins at 9 am.

Cars must be licensed and insured and drivers must have a valid driver’s license. Anderson explains how the cars are paired-off.

Anderson says last year 108 cars raced in the event.  The gates will open at 9 am and Anderson says spectators are encouraged to attend,

The racing will end about 3 pm. Anderson says the proceeds will be used to benefit those in need.

The Black Knights also award scholarships to students in the automotive programs at Iowa Lakes Community College. For more information contact Eric Anderson at712-380-4969 or go to: blackknightscarclub.net.

(Emmetsburg)--Iowa Lakes Community College and Palo Alto County Health System have reached agreements totaling $500,000 that will support the future of healthcare services and healthcare education throughout Northwest and Central Iowa.

Through the partnership, Palo Alto County Health System will purchase about 5.1 acres of land from Iowa Lakes Community College for $109,000. The property is located just north of the hospital and south of the Ballaster dorm on the Iowa Lakes Emmetsburg Campus. The acquisition will provide the hospital with additional space to support future expansion and long-term healthcare needs in the region.

As part of the organization’s continued partnership, Palo Alto County Health System will also make a $391,000 donation to Iowa Lakes Community College to support the development of an Emergency Room Simulation Lab on the Emmetsburg Campus.

The simulation lab will provide Iowa Lakes students with an immersive learning environment designed to replicate situations they may encounter in an emergency department.

It will also provide opportunities for emergency preparedness training and simulations in partnership with local and county emergency management services, further extending the impact of the facility throughout the region.

(Armstrong)--The city of Armstrong was recently awarded a $50,000 Urban Forestry Grant from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

The purpose of the grant is to improve and maintain the city’s tree population.

City officials say the grant will be used to remove trees from public land and rights of way. The city will then replant trees with another grant that was awarded last year for tree planting.

The city is required to plant two new trees for every tree that is removed.  

The Urban Forestry Development Grant provides reimbursable grants to complete projects such as creating community forestry plans, building urban food forests, hosting educational programming, and workforce development through forestry internships.

Grants will also support projects in Iowa communities through investments in community-identified urban forestry needs, advancing environmental or health benefits.

(Estherville)--The Estherville Area Chamber of Commerce has issued a scam email alert. Chamber Director Lexie Ruter says an email is being sent that falsely claims to be from or affiliated with the Estherville Area Chamber of Commerce. She says you should not respond, click any links, or open attachments in these messages.

Ruter says the chamber will never sell its membership list or authorize outside parties to contact you on the chamber’s behalf using chamber information.

You should always check the sender’s complete email address before responding to a message or opening any links or attachments. A sender’s display name can easily be made to look legitimate, so verifying the actual email address is especially important.

If you receive a suspicious message claiming to be from the Chamber, you should delete it. If you are uncertain whether an email is legitimate, contact the Chamber directly.

(Spencer)--The Clay County Fair in Spencer wrapped-up its nine day run this past Sunday. Clay County Fair Manager Jason Brockshus says despite several rainy days, it was another successful fair.

Brockshus says despite the weather he heard positive comments from vendors.

The front of the grandstand was renovated before the fair and Brockshus says all but one of the grandstand events went off as scheduled.

Brockshus says planning is already underway for the 2027 Clay County Fair. He says you can help ensure the future of the fair by donating to the Clay County Fair Charitable Trust.

He says the fair has also started an endowment fund.

For more information, visit claycountyfair.com. The 2027 Clay County Fair will be held September 11^th-19^th.

(Estherville) – The Estherville City Council Monday evening approved the third and final reading of an ordinance regulating bicycles, electric scooters, e-bikes and other micro-mobility devices on city streets, sidewalks and multi-use trails. Estherville Police Chief Brent Shatto.

Shatto says with the new ordinance, it will give officers a chance to educate youth about what they can and cannot do with these devices.

An ordinance to implement a 10 mph speed limit on city sidewalks for all bicycles, electric scooters, e-bikes and micro-mobility devices was rejected by a 4-3 vote due to concerns that it would not be enforceable. A third reading of an ordinance amending the city code regarding ATVs and UTVs was also approved.

In other business, the city council approved the 2026 Neighborhood Façade Grant program for the upcoming application cycle. Estherville City Administrator Penny Clayton details who’s eligible to apply for the program.

Applications are available at City Hall and can be submitted starting October 1^st and will be received until November 15^th.

Clayton says the dollars allocated for the Neighborhood Façade grant program come from the Local Option Sales Tax Fund. The council also approved an agreement with RIDES for the 2027 Fiscal Year in the amount of $7,500.

(Arnolds Park) – Arnolds Park Amusement Park recently concluded its summer season. Arnolds Park CEO Jon Pausley says overall, attendance numbers were very similar to the 2025 season.

Pausley says the Live at the Lake Summer Concert Series at Preservation Plaza continues to be a strong draw for folks.

He says preparations are already underway for next summer.

That’s Arnolds Park Amusement Park CEO Jon Pausley.

(Estherville) – The Iowa Department of Public Health as well as local county health departments are coordinating a statewide initiative over the next couple of months to offer free flu vaccinations for agriculture workers, their employees and their families to help reduce the risk of infection from animal influenza viruses, like avian influenza. Emmet County Public Health Nurse Sharon Hooge.

Hooge explains why this initiative is solely focused on the farming community.

Large agricultural corporations would also be eligible to receive free flu vaccinations through this initiative. Hooge says ag workers, farmers and family members who work with the day-to-day operations on the farm have a greater risk of being exposed to animal viruses.

Farmers who want more information on the Ag Influenza Initiative or to schedule an appointment to receive the free flu vaccine can contact Emmet County Public Health at 712-362-2490.

(Estherville) – This is National Farm Safety and Health Week and Ag officials say it’s an important opportunity for farmers to re-focus on farm safety heading into the busy harvest months. This year’s theme is “Safety Today, Success Tomorrow.” Eric Weuve, ISU Extension Farm Management Specialist, says farmers need to make sure their equipment is working properly.

Weuve says farmers need to be alert when operating farm vehicles on the highway.

Weuve says safety around grain bins is another major concern.

Harvest can be a stressful time for farmers. Weuve has some advice for farmers to maintain their mental health during harvest.

The Iowa Concern Hotline number is 1-800-447-1985. National Farm Safety and Health Week runs through Saturday.

(Sherburn) – The Sherburn Civic and Commerce Club is seeking sponsorships for new benches to be installed at Sherburn’s city parks. Ean Sinn with the Sherburn Civic and Commerce Club explains how this project came about.

Sinn details what the wooden benches will be replaced with.

The benches are being manufactured by Hansen Manufacturing in Ormsby, MN, which is operated by Martin County West graduate Justin Hansen. Sinn says the cost for a bench sponsorship is $600.

He says eight benches are still in need of sponsors.

That email is info@sinnfuneralhome.com. Memorial Benches will receive first priority, and benches will be placed in Sherburn parks as sponsorships are received.

(Armstrong) – The city of Armstrong experienced a power outage for a period of time at around 5:30 this morning due to a downed power line. Emmet County Emergency Management Director Travis Sheridan.

The downed power line was located near Bank Midwest. A hole was melted into the asphalt cement near the power line. Power was restored to the city by 8:30 this morning.

(Spencer)--It’s day seven of the 2026 Clay County Fair in Spencer. One of the most popular attractions at the fair is Grandpa’s Barn which gives kids the chance to see baby farm animals while learning about Iowa’s number one industry – agriculture. Ben Pullen with the Clay County Fair Board says Grandpa’s Barn is in its 16^th year at the fair.

Pullen says visitors will see a variety of farm animals.

He says visitors to the barn can also try their hand at milking a cow and the combine simulator.

Grandpa’s Barn is located on the northwest corner of the fairgrounds.

(Estherville) – The Iowa Lakes Community College Music Department invites the community to an elegant evening of music, fine food, and philanthropy during UNCORKED, a new semi-formal fundraising gala on Saturday, October 17^th at 5 p.m. at the Janice K. Lund Performing Arts Center on the Estherville Campus. Jessi Strom with the Iowa Lakes Music Department says the event is a revival of Corks and Kegs.

All the proceeds raised will benefit the Estherville Performing Arts Series. Strom says tickets are now available.

To purchase tickets, contact the Iowa Lakes Music Department at 712-362-7918 or email music@iowalakes.edu.

(Spencer)—One of the strolling acts visitors can see at this year’s Clay County Fair is The Cup Guy. His shows features trick shots, hilarious stunts and red cups. Brian Koenig performs as “The Cup Guy” and has been doing solo live shows for the past 6 years.

Koenig says he’s performed in many fairs across the United States.

Koenig says he has loved what he’s seen from the Clay County Fair.

The Cup Guy performs four shows every day at the Fair. Performance times are at 11am, 12:30pm, 2pm, and 3:30pm. For more information, visit claycountyfair.com.