(Estherville)--Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird has announced plans to sue OpenAI, alleging ChatGPT harms children and violates the state’s consumer fraud act. In an interview with KILR News, Bird says the lawsuit filed in district court alleges Open AI is hurting kids and lying to Iowans.

Bird says OpenAI was rushed to market without adequate safeguards.

Bird was asked about the changes Open AI needs to make.

The attorney generals of Kansas, Nebraska, West Virginia and Arkansas have also announced plans to sue Open AI. Bird made a stop in Estherville while campaigning for reelection. She is opposed by Democrat Nate Willems.

(Armstrong)—A series of three public meetings have been announced to inform voters in the North Union School District about the $12 million bond referendum that will on the ballot on November 3^rd. The referendum would finance a new gymnasium and multipurpose area. North Union Superintendent Travis Schueller.

Schueller details the topics that will be covered during the meeting.

He says the project will provide long term benefits for the North Union district.

Schueller made his comments on the North Union Spotlight Program which can be heard every Thursday at 5:45 pm on KILR FM 95.9.

(Estherville)--The Emmet County Water Trails Association will host their annual meeting on Monday, October 26th at 5:15pm in the Estherville City Council room.

ECWTA Treasurer Penny Clayton says current year events will be reviewed and planning for 2027 water trails activities will be discussed.

All are invited to attend.

(Estherville)--The Estherville Police/AFSCME Council 61, Estherville Public Works Local 3651, and the City of Estherville will exchange first proposals for the 2027-28 Police and Public Works labor agreements later this month. The meeting will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 28th in the Council Room of the City Offices, 2 North 7th Street in Estherville.

Under Iowa law, this meeting shall be open to the public. After the exchange of proposals, the two negotiating teams will start private negotiations in an attempt to come to a voluntary settlement.

(Okoboji)--The Andrea Waitt Carlton Family Foundation has awarded a $112,000 grant to the Conservation Foundation of Dickinson County for the new Nature Playscape project at the Dickinson County Nature Center. Amy Heibult, Community Relations Coordinator for the Dickinson County Conservation Board, says this generous gift is essential in achieving the fundraising goal for the project.

Heibult says the Nature Playscape will be a natural space where families of all generations can explore nature together at no cost.

She says the grant arrived at a meaningful time, enabling the conservation foundation to initiate the construction phase of the project.

Heibult says they hope to have the project completed by next summer.

(Estherville)--The Estherville Lincoln Central School Board Wednesday evening approved the purchase of a new Daktronics video display and scoreboard equipment for the Stadium Complex and High School Gym. ELC Superintendent Andy Armstead says the purchase will be financed through a three-year, zero-percent lease-purchase agreement with the Huntington National Bank.

The total equipment cost is nearly $390,900, consisting of $265,500 for the Stadium Complex and $130,000 for the High School Gym.  The project will paid for using PPEL funds. Armstead says the new video boards will generate revenue for the district.

He says the video boards will also provide educational opportunities for students.

Armstead says Daktronics will also provide additional equipment at no extra cost.

The purchase agreement requires three annual payments of $131,967. A separate $300 documentation fee is due with the first payment. 

In other business, the board approved naming the new press box at the stadium complex the "Employees Credit Union Press Box." Employees Credit Union has donated $50,000 toward the project.

The board also approved offering an early retirement plan for teachers, nurses, administrators, and 260-day support staff. This plan offers 85% of the staff member's current salary, $50 per accumulated sick day, and per diem for each unused vacation day.  Application materials must be turned in by 4:00 p.m. on December 2nd.

(Spencer)--The Clay County Fair Association is inviting the community to attend the first ever Blue Ribbon Social: A Night Out to Join the Fair Family. Clay County Fair Manager Jason Brockshus says the event will be held on Friday, November 13^th from 6:30 to 10 p.m., at the Clay County Regional Events Center.

Brockshsus says the evening will feel like a mini fair.

He says there’s something special about being part of the Clay County Fair family.

Tickets for the Blue Ribbon Social are $29 per couple and can be purchased in person at the Clay County Fair Office, located inside the Clay County Regional Events Center, by calling the Fair Office at 712-580-3000, or by contacting any current Clay County Fair Board member. A limited number of tickets are available.

(Spirit Lake)--The Iowa Great Lakes Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its annual Fall Festival this Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm at Camp Foster. Director of Membership and Communications at the Chamber, Michaela Arneson, says there will be a variety of activities.

Arneson says the Arnolds Park-Okoboji Fire and Rescue Department will also be on hand.

She says there is no cost to attend.

For more information, call the Iowa Great Lakes Chamber at 712-332-2107.

(Fostoria)--A Spencer man is facing multiple charges after allegedly discharging fireworks and throwing eggs from a vehicle.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office says at around 9:25 pm Sunday, law enforcement responded to reports of a Dodge Durango traveling in the Fostoria area while occupants allegedly discharged fireworks from the vehicle and threw eggs onto the roadway. The reporting party also reported unsafe driving, including speeding and failure to stop at stop signs.

The vehicle was subsequently stopped in the Milford area. During the investigation, officers located fireworks, alcoholic beverages, and eggs inside the vehicle. The driver, 19-year-old Nicholas Strong of Spencer, participated in standardized field sobriety testing.  Strong was arrested and transported to the Clay County Jail on charges of operating while intoxicated, excessive speed, possession of alcohol by a person under the legal age, limitations on consumer fireworks, and possession of a fictitious license.

Strong was being held in jail pending an appearance before the magistrate.

(Fenton)--Minor injuries were reported after an accident involving an SUV and a grain wagon last week near Fenton.

The Kossuth County Sheriff’s Office says the accident occurred on Wednesday, October 7^th at around 7:15 pm on Highway 15. Deputies say 48-year-old Stephany Plathe of Lone Rock was traveling northbound on Highway 15 in a 1990 Case tractor hauling a grain wagon. According to the accident report, Plathe did not hook up the rear lights on the grain wagon, and she was struck from behind by a 2022 Subaru driven by 18-year-old Caelum Blocker of Fenton.

Blocker reported minor injuries and was transported to Palo Alto County Health System in Emmetsburg by a family member.

Damage to the grain wagon was estimated at $5,000, while damage to Blocker’s vehicle was estimated at $10,000.

Plathe was cited for not having lighted rear lamps on the grain wagon. Blocker was also cited for driving without a valid license.

(Dickens)--Minor injuries were reported after a three vehicle accident last Friday afternoon near Dickens.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office says the accident happened shortly before 5 pm in the 3500 block of County Road N-14.

According to the accident report, 50-year-old Michael Kallansrud of Fort Dodge was operating a 2025 GMC Sierra travelling northbound on N-14 when he failed to see two vehicles slowing for a railroad crossing. Kallansrud struck the rear vehicle, a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado, operated by 35-year-old Anthony Oxborough of Jackson, MN. The Oxenborough vehicle was then propelled forward into the slowing 2024 Peterbilt semi-trailer driven by 43-year-old Joshua Soenen of Emmetsburg. All drivers were evaluated on scene by medical personnel and released with one reporting minor injuries.

The Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra were totaled in the accident. Damage to the Peterbuilt semi and trailer was estimated at $3,000.

Kallansrud was cited and released for Failure to Stop within an Assured Clear Distance.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office was assisted on scene by the Dicken’s Fire Department, Iowa State Troopers and Spencer Ambulance Service.

(Estherville)—Final preparations are being made for the 14^th annual Fright Hike at Fort Defiance State Park that will be held this Saturday from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Lexie Ruter, Executive Director of the Estherville Area Chamber of Commerce, says there are two different versions of the fright hike.

Ruter says there will be different scare stations along the hike.

She says Ft. Defiance is a great place for a haunted hike.

Ruter says Fright Hike brings in  visitors from all around the area.

Cost of the Fright Hike is $10 per person per time.  Cash, Credit Card or Venmo will be accepted.

(Estherville)--Area high school students interested in attending Iowa Lakes Community College are invited to attend a Discovery Day next Friday on the Estherville campus. Iowa Lakes Work Based Learning Coordinator Rachel Halma.

Halma says more events are planned for the Spring.

She was asked about the biggest questions students have when visiting Iowa Lakes.

Halma says high school students interested in attending Discovery Day should visit with their career counselors. Rachel Halma spoke with Dave Van Roekel Tuesday morning on KILR FM 95.9.

(Estherville)--The Emmet County Board of Supervisors Tuesday discussed a request from Gro Mark for a property tax abatement and refund of property taxes. The taxes were for the 2023 Fiscal Year. Gro Mark did not appeal or protest the assessments at the time. The company is asking for the refund due to a 2026 ruling by the Supreme Court in a similar case from Chickasaw County. The amount of taxes paid by Gro Mark in 2023 was $1,350. The board unanimously voted to deny the request from Gro Mark since the company had not appealed the assessment in 2023.

In other business, the board held a joint meeting with the Dickinson County Board of Supervisors on plans by the DNR to draw down Twelve Mile Lake and its possible impact on a joint drainage district. The consensus of the boards was to have Godwin Law draft an operating agreement with the DNR for 12 Mile Lake.

The board also approved a request from the County Engineer’s Office to seek bids for three road resurfacing projects in 2027. The projects are on A-34 from Wallingford to County Road N-22, County Road N-32 from Highway 9 to County Road N-13 and County Road A-32 from N-13 to Highway 4.

(Des Moines)--Governor Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Economic Development Authority (have announced $385,000 in Empower Rural Iowa grants supporting 15 rural communities across the state, including two in this area.

A grant of $20,000 was awarded to the Algona Growth Alliance. Working with the national nonprofit First Children’s Finance, the alliance will analyze local data and identify solutions to meet specific child care needs.

Also, a grant of $20,000 was awarded to the city of Alta for a rural housing readiness assement. The city of Alta will partner with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach to assess housing needs and guide local development strategies.

(Marquette)--Iowa Transportation Commission has awarded a $475,000 grant to the Dickinson County Trails Board for phase 5-a of the Tatanka Ska Trace trail.

The funding will go toward a section of trail along the former railroad right-of-way between Orleans and Highway 71 west of Superior.

The commission awarded more than $2.5 million dollars for six projects across the state.

The State Recreational Trails Program was created in 1988 with the purpose of developing and maintaining recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both motorized and non-motorized trail users.

(Terril)--The Drinking Water Health Advisory that was in effect for the City of Terril has been lifted. The water is now safe for drinking, cooking and other uses.

The advisory was issued Saturday for high levels of manganese in the water.

A news release from the city says all lab samples came back far below Environmental Protection Agency's short-term health advisory of 0.3 milligrams of manganese per liter and the level for 6 months of .01 milligrams per liter. The lab results from the distribution system show non detectable levels.

Too much manganese can increase the risk of health problems for children, particularly for infants under 6 months old, and adults.

If you are concerned about your health from manganese exposure, discuss your concerns with

your healthcare provider.

(Estherville)--Early, in-person voting at county auditors' offices starts this Wednesday in Iowa. Emmet County Auditor Heidi Goebel says early voting in Emmet County will take place at the West Administration building across the street from the courthouse in Estherville.

Goebel says curbside voting is also available.

She says you need to bring your ID with you to cast a ballot.

Goebel says auditor’s offices on Wednesday will also start mailing absentee ballots to voters who requested the mail-in option.

As of Monday, the Emmet County Auditor’s Office had received 203 absentee ballot requests. Goebel says during the last non-Presidential Election Year in 2022 her office received a total of 257 absentee ballot requests. She expects similar totals in 2026. If you have any questions, contact the Emmet County Auditor’s Office at 712-362-4261.

(Estherville)--The Iowa State Patrol says vehicles traveling at extremely high rates of speed remain a major concern on Iowa roads. State Trooper Kevin Krull says troopers have been pulling over drivers going between 125 and 150 mph. Krull says while the numbers have improved slightly there is still far too many people driving way too fast.

Krull says enforcing the speed limit is always a high priority for the state patrol.

On another topic, Krull reminds drivers to be on the lookout for deer which are more active in the  fall.

He says swerving to avoid a deer can lead to even worse outcomes.

Krull spoke with Dave Van Roekel Monday morning on KILR FM 95.9.

(Estherville)--Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international honor society for students at two-year colleges, is putting its commitment to service into action at Iowa Lakes Community College through a Hygiene and Food Product Drive.

From now through November 1st, the Iowa Lakes PTK chapter is collecting hygiene supplies and pantry food items to help keep campus resources stocked and provide students with access to everyday essentials. The organization is inviting students, employees, community members, churches, clubs, and other organizations throughout the region to contribute. 

Donations collected during the month-long effort will help stock resources available to students across the College. Donations can be dropped off at the Emmetsburg Campus in Room 292, the Estherville Campus in Room 60, or the Spencer Success Center. 

(Sanborn)--A Spencer woman was taken to the hospital after a three vehicle chain reaction accident last week near Sanborn.

The O’Brien County Sheriff’s Office says the accident occurred about 4:20 pm on Wednesday, October 7^th at the intersection of Highway 18 and Olive Avenue, two miles west of Sanborn.

Deputies say Forty-five-year-old Henry Nyorkor of Sioux Falls, SD, was eastbound on Highway 18 when his 2012 Freightliner straight truck struck the rear of a 2018 Volvo pushing the SUV into the rear of the trailer of a 2009 Peterbilt semi.

The Volvo, driven by 40-year-old Michaela Simmons of Spencer, had slowed for the Peterbilt, driven by 35-year-old Benjamin Kekerix of rural Sheldon, who had slowed to make a left-hand turn onto Olive Avenue.

Simmons was taken by Sanborn ambulance to the Sheldon Hospital. The other drivers were not injured.

All three vehicles were considered totaled in the crash.

Nyorkor was charged with failure to reduce to a reasonable and proper speed.

(Algona)--An Algona woman is facing multiple charges following a pair of incidents last Thursday.

According to the Algona Police Department, Officers received the report of a domestic disturbance around 6:40 pm. After conducting a brief investigation, Deputies arrested 38-year-old Patricia Rightman on a charge of domestic abuse assault-1^st offense.

According to a criminal complaint, Rightman went to the house where the alleged victim was located and following an argument, struck the victim in the face. Rightman also attempted to prevent the victim from leaving following the altercation, leaving marks on their face.

Rightman is also facing a charge of 3^rd degree burglary, a class D felony, in connection with a separate incident that same day. In that case, Rightman is accused of entering a residence without consent and threatening the homeowner.

Rightman was booked into the Kossuth County Jail to await an initial court appearance. Online records show she is scheduled to have a preliminary hearing on October 19^th.

(Washington, D.C.)--The war with Iran has become a major issue in the general election campaign thanks in part due to record high diesel prices. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley has been a strong supporter of the war.

Grassley says several terrorist acts inspired by Iran have occurred on American soil in the past year.

On another topic, the U.S. House recently passed a bill requiring all new vehicles have AM radios. Grassley is a sponsor of the bill and hopes the Senate takes action soon.

(Peterson)--A Clay County convenience store was cited recently for food safety violations.

During a September 23rd visit to the Ampride store in Peterson, a Siouxland District Health Department inspector observed a container of sliced turkey deli meat inside the walk-in cooler that showed “the presence of mold.” The meat was discarded. Also, sour cream, French onion dip, raw eggs, raw chicken, and lunch meat inside the cooler were all holding at 45 degrees or warmer and had to be discarded.

In addition, containers of lunch meat were not properly date-marked to ensure freshness and safety and had to be discarded, and the kitchen staff was not completing the sanitizing step when cleaning dishes and utensils. Because the walk-in cooler was unable to keep food at 41 degrees or colder, all of the temperature-controlled food inside was removed and discarded.

The inspection was in response to a non-illness complaint alleging improper holding temperatures. The complaint was deemed verified.

The inspections department reminds the public that its reports are a “snapshot” in time, and violations are often corrected on the spot before the inspector leaves the establishment.

(Spirit Lake)--Dickinson County Public Health is offering free radon test kits to homeowners, giving local families a simple way to find out whether their home has high levels of this invisible gas.

Iowa has the highest average indoor radon levels in the nation. Approximately 70% of Iowa homes test above the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) action level, and northwest Iowa is among the areas with the highest levels in the state.

Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil. It can seep into homes through cracks and openings in the foundation and build up inside, especially when windows and doors are closed. Long-term exposure to high levels of radon can increase the risk of lung cancer. 

Homeowners whose first test shows high radon levels will be asked to test their home a second time to confirm the results. If the second test confirms high levels, the homeowner may have the opportunity to receive help with radon mitigation funding if they qualify.

The program is open to homeowners only.  To request a free radon test kit or ask questions, call Dickinson County Public Health at 712-339-6050.

(Sioux City)--A Lake Park Man has pleaded guilty to possessing over 10,000 images of child pornography.

44-year-old Chris Kurt pled guilty earlier this week in federal court in Sioux City, to possessing child pornography.

At the plea hearing, Kurt admitted that from January 1st, 2017, through June 23rd, 2025, he received and possessed over 103 videos and 132 images of child pornography that was backed up to his cloud storage.  Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Kurt’s residence and seized several electronic devices.  Forensic review of the devices located an additional cache of over 10,000 images and over 1,000 videos of child sexual abuse

 Sentencing will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Kurt remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.  Kurt faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release following any imprisonment.

The case was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Lake Park Police Department, and the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office.

(Des Moines)--The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is reminding lake property owners to check their boat and trailers, and docks and lifts, for aquatic invasive species or AIS before storing them for the winter. Jason Euchner, Fisheries Bureau’s Aquatic Vegetation Management Biologist, says it’s important to closely inspect docks after pulling them from the water.

Aquatic invasive species move from one waterbody to another by hitchhiking on boats, in bait buckets and on other equipment used in the water. Euchner says keeping your boat and equipment clean and dry is the best way to avoid spreading AIS.

Euchner also offers advice for storing your docks during the winter.

He says there are usually few reports of AIS this time of year

It is illegal to possess or transport prohibited aquatic invasive species or to transport any aquatic plants on water-related equipment in Iowa.

(Terril)—A drinking water health advisory remains in effect for the city of Terril until further notice. According to a press release, the city is experiencing high levels of manganese in their water supply, causing it to have a light pink color. This level is above the Environmental Protection Agency’s short-term health advisory of 1 mg/L (milligram per Liter). Terril Mayor Mark Lair updated residents on the issue in a video posted on Facebook.

Lair says the issue will be on the agenda for Monday night’s city council meeting.

City officials state that manganese is a naturally occurring element found in soil, water and air and is commonly found in certain foods we eat. However, too much manganese can increase the risk of health problems, particularly for infants under 6 months old. Infants are more at risk than older children and adults because their brains and bodies are quickly developing. Infants exposed to manganese over 0.3 mg/L may experience learning or behavioral problems.

Adults drinking water with high levels of manganese may experience impacts to their nervous system, resulting in behavioral changes and other nervous system effects, including slow and clumsy movements.

Again, Terril city officials are asking residents not to drink the water at this time. Bottled water is available for pick up at the Terril Fire Station.

(Mallard)--A Bode man is facing multiple charges after a traffic stop last weekend in Palo Alto County.

Shortly after 11:05 am on October 3rd, the Palo Alto County Sheriff's Office conducted a traffic stop in the 4900 block of 460th Avenue near Mallard. After an investigation, deputies arrested 36-year-old Matthew Gagen of Bode on the following charges: 3rd offense possession of a controlled substance-methamphetamine, a Class D Felony, 3rd offense possession of a controlled substance-marijuana, driving while barred, possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to provide proof of financial liability.

Gagen was booked into the Palo Alto County Jail to await his initial appearance in front of a magistrate.

(Fairmont, MN)—Nearly two dozen new names were added to the walls of the Martin County Veterans Memorial on Wednesday.

The memorial already contains over 1,800 names of Martin County veterans.

Douglas Landsteiner, Martin County Veterans service officer, said the county likes to update the memorial with its latest list of requested names twice a year.

Any veteran deceased or honorably discharged who has lived in Martin County at some point in their lives is eligible to be added to the memorial. All friends or family need to do is call the county Veterans Service Office and provide a full name, proof of service and 200 dollar donation to cover the cost of inscription.

Landsteiner said it’s a great way to memorialize a loved ones service in the community.