Assistant Chief Blake Severson is serving as interim fire chief, as the city is mulling a full-time replacement, according to Dana Larsen, a spokesman for the City of Storm Lake.  Sinner …

With gratitude and heartfelt emotion, Hope Haven announces that CEO Matt Buley will step down on July 15, 2026, as he follows God’s leading into a new chapter in Minneapolis. While we celebrate …

FEMA offers to replace system’s parts, pumps brakes on relocation The Federal Emergency Management Agency determined the City of Cherokee can’t replace and relocate its beleaguered …

A report from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources shows Iowa had 36 nitrate-related drinking water violations in 2025, which is more than double the number reported in 2024.  Each year, DNR submits a compliance report to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency detailing violations of federal drinking water standards, from excessive contamination levels to operator […]

Money to be used for new library elevator Sand isn’t worth much on its own. But when artistry and talent combine, something as simple as grains of colored sand in a bottle can be worth …

Rain canceled the races Wednesday night at the Buena Vista County Fair, but the annual crowning of royalty went on, with spectators crowding into the 4-H building and candidates flashing their best …

Why is the Nazi belt buckle stopping so many people as they visit the “Buena Vista College in WWII America 250 Commemoration Exhibit?” The worn silver belt buckle is imprinted with a …

Alta City Council members were split over next year’s wages and an appointment to the Board of Adjustment on Monday. Council members were extremely hesitant to call a vote on a resolution …

Buena Vista County ranked 99th among Iowa’s 99 counties for new cancer rates, according to a presentation given by the Iowa Cancer Registry and the University of Iowa College of Public Health. …

This huge USDA poster was discovered in near-perfect condition in the upstairs of the BV County Historical Museum last year after the roof blew off. It pushed the idea that farmers who stayed home to …

Longtime Storm Lake math teacher, coach, bus driver and athlete John Brostad couldn’t do the Star Spangled Spectacular ride/ run this year, but dozens of friends and family made him feel part of …

Once again, U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, 92, said a farm bill is in the near future — this time as a Christmas present. This marks the third consecutive year the senator has promised and pushed …

Special prosecutor mum on case’s merits A judge suppressed evidence the Cherokee County Sheriff seized in connection with the arrest of a Meriden man who was accused of incest last February, …

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is in the planning phases of a study that’d assess flood mitigation along the Little Sioux River, which inundated Cherokee and Sioux Rapids in the late summer of …

Buena Vista County acquired the former Cherry Corner Insurance Agency and the board of supervisors is planning to tear the building down at some point this year.  Supervisor Kelly Snyder …

Plans to renovate the upstairs, possibly for apartments Mar y Sol is Storm Lake’s latest restaurant, at the corner of Lake Avenue and West Railroad Street, formerly Ying’s Kitchen. After a …

STORM LAKE, Iowa – Marcus Lumber Company is inviting the community to celebrate five years of serving Storm Lake during a special 5th Anniversary Open House on Thursday, July 9. The …

The Storm Lake Fire Department responded to two firework-related incidents on July 4, 2026, reminding everyone of the importance of properly using and disposing of consumer fireworks. At 10:28 …

Many of the laws advanced during the 2026 legislative session take effect Wednesday, including measures restricting access to abortion-inducing medication, increasing the speed limit on two-lane highways and limiting future governors’ powers during public health and disaster emergencies. July 1, the beginning of the state’s fiscal year, is the default date for new laws to […]

The 2026 Star Spangled Spectacular, with a theme of “Built on Freedom, Bound by Community” is still accepting donations as bills from various vendors continue to come in after the celebration …