Local News

Iowa’s latest round of biofuels infrastructure grants will bring new investment to Storm Lake and Spencer, as the state continues expanding access to lower‑cost E15 and biodiesel blends.  Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced Friday that more than $2 million in cost‑share grants were awarded through the Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program — supporting 38 projects statewide. Two of those

Albert City‑Truesdale Elementary says last year’s reading gains weren’t just strong — they were the kind of results that make educators stop in their tracks. The rural K‑6 school saw unusually rapid growth after introducing a new intervention program called WordFlight, aimed at helping struggling readers build foundational skills and confidence. Principal Ashley Dirks says the moment she realized something

A new report says Iowa’s summer swim season is being overshadowed by something far less refreshing: manure‑driven pollution that’s triggering beach advisories across the state. Food & Water Watch released the analysis this month, mapping Iowa’s beach advisories against livestock density. The group found 56 percent of tested beaches have already had at least one advisory, and 85 percent of

Storm Lake residents will have a chance to learn more about the next phase of the Oneida Street reconstruction project during a public information event next week. The City of Storm Lake, along with Bolton & Menk Engineering, will host the session from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 13, at the Chautauqua Park shelter house. Project staff will outline what

Storm Lake is drilling deeper — literally — as the city moves ahead with two new production wells designed to secure the community’s long‑term water supply. The city council on Monday approved contracts and bonds for Well No. 23, a shallow Pleistocene‑level well that will sit on the same parcel as Well No. 22. Public Works Director Ron Covert reminded

A Peterson man is facing multiple felony charges after police investigated a report of sexual abuse involving a minor earlier this summer. Storm Lake police say they received the report on July 21, involving a belated allegation of sexual abuse that occurred at a Storm Lake residence in June 2026. The department launched an investigation immediately, working alongside the Iowa

A Storm Lake man is facing a felony charge after an early morning rock toss left the police department with a broken window. Storm Lake police say the incident happened around 1:40 a.m. Wednesday, when officers inside the station saw a man walk up to the front entrance at 401 E. Milwaukee Ave. The man — identified as 29-year-old Permanson

A long‑awaited rebuild on two of Buena Vista County’s busiest roads is about to hit the calendar — and the first crews could roll out in just a few weeks. The county board of supervisors got its clearest picture yet Tuesday of how the Iowa Highway 71 and County Road N14 reconstruction will unfold, after county engineer Bret Wilkinson shared