(Heron Lake, MN)--Two people were sent to the hospital after a car-semi accident Tuesday in Jackson County.

The Minnesota State Patrol says the accident happened just before 2 pm at the intersection of Highway 60 and 390^th Avenue near Heron Lake. The patrol says a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu driven by 62-year-old Dawn Eigenberg of Windom was making a turn off of westbound Highway 60 onto 390th avenue and a 2025 International Semi driven by 37-year-old Marvin Deneffe of Le Center, Minn was traveling eastbound. The two vehicles collided in the eastbound lane.

Both drivers sustained non-life threatening injuries and were taken to the Windom Hospital.

The Jackson County Sheriff's Office and Heron Lake Fire and EMS assisted at the scene.

(Wallingford)--The Wallingford Fire Department and EMS will be hosting their annual fundraiser this Saturday evening at the Wallingford Fire Station. Jarrod Fischer is in his 25^th year as Wallingford Fire Chief. Fischer says the fundraiser started more than 20 years ago.

 Fischer says a meal will be served from 4:45 to 7:30 pm.

Take-out meals will be available at the Wallingford Community Center. Fischer says they will also be having a raffle for several prizes. He says the proceeds will go towards the purchase of fire suppression and rescue equipment

Fischer says it’s a great opportunity for the community to come together.

Wallingford Fire and EMS currently has 22 volunteer members.

(Spencer)--The Spencer Art Alliance is pleased to announce the dates for the five arts, farmer’s market and entertainment events this summer.

Main Street Market will run five consecutive Thursday evenings, in July and August from 5 to 8 pm.

Main Street Market events are open to the public and take place on the Clay County Courthouse Square. The events open to the public at 5:00 PM for shopping with live entertainment beginning at 6:00 PM and lasting until 8:00 P.M.

The musical entertainment for the first event on July 16^th will be Adam Layman. Non Profit food will be provided by ‘Occasions-Senior Center.

For a complete schedule visit the Main Street Market Facebook page.

(Spencer)--The Clay County Sheriff’s Office has released details regarding a minor injury accident earlier this month that led to the arrest of a Spencer man.

On the morning of June 5th, the Clay County Communications Center received a 911 call about a vehicle in the ditch at 4318 Highway Blvd. The Spencer Police Department and Clay County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of the accident and identified 18-year-old Marqice Ramirez of Spencer as the driver. Ramirez was treated by Spencer Municipal Hospital Ambulance for minor injuries and released.

It was determined that Ramirez lost control of his 2003 Volkswagen Jetta while driving westbound in the 2200 block of 320th Street at around 5:00am, when he entered the south ditch and became stuck due to low clearance and moisture.

Ramirez was subsequently arrested following further investigation for OWI-1st Offense and transported to the Clay County Jail.

(Estherville)--A grand opening for 2026 was held recently at the Emmet County Historical Society Museum located at 1704 3^rd Avenue South in Estherville. Museum Board member Roy Gage says a lot of new stuff has been added for visitors to look at.

Gage says the Mary Ann Waldron building has a new display called Gasoline Alley.

He says there’s also a replica of the Riverside Sinclair station.

He says they’ve also added a replica of an old general store in Estherville

Gage says the Beemus Brothers building is still used as a house today.

Over 300 people attended this year’s grand opening. The museum is open from June through August, seven days a week from 1 to 4 pm. For more information, visit the Emmet County Museum Facebook page. Gage spoke with Dave Van Roekel Tuesday morning on KILR FM 95.9.

(Fairmont, MN)--CREST, a Fairmont nonprofit that provides help for community members aging in place, has seen the demand for its non-emergency medical transport services double since the beginning of 2026.

In 2025, its transportation services to Mayo Clinic campuses in Fairmont, Mankato and Rochester and Sanford Health in Sioux Falls averaged around 30 to 40 calls a month.

In 2026, that average has increased to a range of around 70 to 80 calls.

CREST Executive Director Rob Stauter credits that increase to the closure MN Para Transit in Truman last summer.

To help meet that demand with only 60 volunteers with varying degrees of availability, Stauter has been putting out a call to the community for help. To volunteer, someone only needs free time, a car and a driver’s license.

Stauter says all gas is covered by the non-profit’s gas card.

Those interested in volunteering to help can do so by calling 507-235-3833 or emailing crest@crestvolunteers.org.

(Ruthven)--A Ruthven man was arrested last week on a pair of warrants.

Shortly before 8:55 pm Wednesday, the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office arrested 25-year-old Anthony Nicholson of Ruthven on the two arrest warrants, both for violation of probation on original charges of possession of controlled substances 2nd offense. 

Both warrants carry a $2,500 cash only bond.  Nicholson was unable to post the cash only bonds and was held in the Palo Alto County Jail.

(Estherville)--The Estherville City Council Monday evening received an update on plans to make repairs to the Estherville Aquatic Center. The pool, which  opened in 2022, did not open this year due to the discovery of nearly a dozen leaks. City Administrator Penny Clayton says the city is in the process of getting bids to repair the leaks.

She says the cause of the leaks remains unknown.

Clayton is optimistic the pool will open this summer.

In other business, the council approved the first reading of an ordinance to permanently make traffic one way on South 17 St. from 1^st Avenue South to 3^rd Avenue South. The council had temporarily made that section of South 17^th St. one-way earlier this Spring due to construction on the Football Stadium Entrance Project. Clayton says the city received a lot of positive feedback to the change.

The council will consider the 2^nd and 3^rd readings of the ordinance during their July meetings. The council also approved an increase in firefighter’s compensation. Effective July 1^st, the hourly wage for firefighters will increase by 50-cents an hour to $16.50. The annual compensation for the fire chief will increase by about 3 percent to $3,924.  Three percent increases were also approved for the Assistant Fire Chief, Captain and Lieutenant.

(Spencer)--The Clay County Fair, powered by SMU,  announced today chart-topping country music star Cole Swindell with special guest Ashley Cooke and support act Shawn Mayer as the final Grandstand announcement for the 2026 Fair on Saturday, September 12^th at 6 pm.

Cole Swindell, who Rolling Stone has called "a proven hitmaker," has solidified himself as a hit songwriter, recording artist, and headlining performer over the past twelve years

The debut single, "Forever To Me," from his fifth studio album, Spanish Moss, became his 13th No. 1 single as an artist – 14th as a songwriter. Twelve of Swindell's 13 No. 1 singles have been certified Platinum, with three being triple Platinum: "Chillin’ It,” “You Should Be Here,” and “She Had Me At Heads Carolina” and two being double Platinum: “Ain’t Worth The Whiskey” and “Break Up In The End”.

Tickets will go on sale this Friday, June 19th, at 10:00 am. Tickets will be available online at www.midwestix.com, by phone at 515-244-2771, or in person at the Events Center Box Office. All tickets, regardless of purchase location, are also subject to a $6.00 ticketing fee, which is not included in the advertised price.

(Okoboji)—There is still time to register for this summer’s Boji Bantam Musical Theatre Workshop on the grounds of the Okoboji Summer Theatre. Executive Director Ruth Ann Burke says the week long musical theatre intensive is for ages 8 and older and will be held July 6^th-11^th.

Burke explains what the students will learn during the camp.

Burke says they hope the camp will inspire students to be involved in musical theatre.

To register or for more information, visit okobojisummertheatre.org.

(Estherville)--The Estherville Aquatic Center remains closed for repairs. The pool, which  opened in 2022, did not open this year due to the discovery of nearly a dozen leaks. In an interview this(Monday) morning  on KILR FM 95.9, Estherville City Administrator Penny Clayton says officials first noticed there was a problem when they went to fill it this spring.

A total of 11 leaks were identified. Clayton says the city has a couple of options for repairing the pool.

She says they hope to have all the bids for the project by Wednesday.

Clayton was asked if there was any recourse against the contractor who built the pool.

Clayton says the Parks and Rec Commission hasn’t made a decision yet on any discounts or partial refunds on the season long pool passes that were sold.

Clayton says anyone wanting a full refund can receive one by contacting the city office. The pool is on the agenda for this evening’s council meeting beginning at 5 pm in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

(Fairmont, MN)--The City of Fairmont first began treating the Chain of Lakes for the invasive curly-leaf pondweed in mid-May, with help from Premier Lake Harvesting. As the first phase is preparing to wrap up in July, the city council says its hoping to get an earlier start next year.

City Councilmember-at-large Britney Kawecki told KEYC-TV the invasive weed had been dormant in local lakes up until three to four years ago.

After it became active, Kawecki says it has become a problem for local fishing, boating and tourism.

The weed can grow in depths of up to 15 feet and crowds out other native plants in the lake. Kawecki says Amber Lake and George Lake have had it the worst. Due to their shallow depth,  the weed has a heavy presence.

Premier Lake Harvesting has been helping the city by pulling the weeds out of the water, putting them through a combine and burying the remains on the shoreline to prevent it from replanting.

(Estherville)--Pheasants Forever is offering Habitat University, a free online skills-based habitat and conservation training resource. KILR Outdoors Expert Steve Weisman says it’s a self-paced online learning platform.

Weisman highlights some of the courses being offered this summer.

He says new courses will be added throughout the year.

The website is habitat-university.teachable.com.

(Estherville)--Teachers and administrators in the Estherville Lincoln Central School District will be spending the summer learning about ways to improve literacy. Last fall, the ELC School District was awarded a five year Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant. ELC Superintendent Andy Armstead says two teams are working on separate aspects of improving literacy.

Armstead says another group is working on best practices for literacy intervention.

On another topic, Armstead provided a construction update on the stadium entrance project.

Armstead made his comments on the ELC Superintendent Spotlight Program which can be heard every Saturday at 8:45 am on KILR FM 95.9.

(Galbraith)--Cleanup and recovery efforts continue following the derailment of a Union Pacific train late Friday afternoon near Galbraith in southern Kossuth County.

The Kossuth County Sheriff’s Office says ther derailment occurred shortly before 5 pm. The train was hauling grain, and there were no hazardous materials involved. No injuries were reported. The derailment caused road closures from 150th Ave to 160th Ave. on 150^th St.

As of Saturday, crews had successfully removed the damaged rail cars and were working to repair the railroad track and restore rail operations.

For the safety of the public and workers on scene, road closures in the area remain in effect.

Officials appreciate the patience and cooperation of residents as Union Pacific and responding agencies work to complete repairs safely and efficiently.

Additional updates will be provided as information becomes available.

(Des Moines)--Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig has announced that 11 Iowa dairy farms and businesses, including two in northwest Iowa, have been awarded Choose Iowa Dairy Innovation Grants. 

Vellema Dairy of Harris was awarded $75,500 for a double-seven parabone-style milking parlor. The anticipated total project cost is $182,848.
 

Also, Dutchland Dairy in Rolfe will receive $94,869 for monitoring collars with pulsation monitoring systems.  The anticipated total project cost: $189,738

The grant program is administered by Choose Iowa within the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. The announcement was made in conjunction with Dairy Month

The 11 projects will receive a total of $614,620  in cost-share funding and leverage more than $1.27 million in total investment, helping dairy farmers improve efficiency, expand processing capacity, and bring more Iowa-made dairy products to market.

(Arnolds Park)--The Iowa Great Lakes Chamber of Commerce has announced the recipients of the 2026 Iowa Great Lakes Walleye Weekend Grants. The chamber say a total of $20,300 is being reinvested into projects that support fishing, conservation, water quality, and outdoor recreation throughout the Iowa Great Lakes region.

The East Lake Okoboji Improvement Corporation was awarded $4,300 to support aquatic vegetation management efforts in East Lake Okoboji, Lake Minnewashta, and Upper and Lower Gar Lakes.

The Okoboji Protective Association will receive $5,000 to support the Cooperative Lakes Area Monitoring Project, helping monitor water quality throughout the Iowa Great Lakes.

The Iowa Great Lakes Fishing Club was awarded $6,000 to help support more than 20 youth fishing events impacting over 1,000 local children each year.

And the Spirit Lake Protective Association will receive $5,000 to assist with the development of a new public fishing dock at Marble Beach Recreation Area.

(Milford)--One person was sent to the hospital after a two vehicle accident Thursday evening in Milford.

According to the Milford Police Department, the accident occurred shortly before 5:20 pm at the intersection of Highway 71 and 202nd Street in Milford. Police say a 2019 Hyundai Tucson driven by 64-year-old Timothy Jordan of West Des Moines and a 2026 GMC Sierra driven by 37-year-old Codey Christensen of Milford collided at the intersection.

Jordan was transported to Lakes Regional Heathcare in Spirit Lake. No injuries were reported to Christensen. The accident remains under investigation.

The Milford Police Department was assisted on scene by the Arnolds Park and Okoboji Police Departments, Milford and Arnolds Park-Okoboji Fire Departments and Lakes Regional Healthcare Ambulance

(Graettinger)--Upper Des Moines Opportunity, Inc. is launching a summer community fundraiser called, “One Dollar Difference: One Week. One Goal. One Community.” UDMO Director of Program Development, Compliance and Reporting Shakira Meyer says the fundraiser will be held June 15^th-19^th.

Meyer says residents are invited to give $1 for every person UDMO assisted last year in its 12 county service area.

Meyer highlights some of the many services offered by UDMO.

She says they offer many other specialized services.

You can drop off a donation at any UDMO office or go online to udmo.com/donate.

(Estherville)--The 45th annual Reggie Schive Jazz Camp at Iowa Lakes Community College will be highlighted by six concerts next week featuring the headlining musicians, camp participants, jazz camp staff, and camp alums. Jazz Camp Director Carol Ayres says one of the featured performers is drummer Joey Gulizia of Omaha, Nebraska, who’s been at the camp every year but one. Ayres details the other performers.

Ayres says the first headliners concert will be Monday evening in Estherville.

She says the concert on Tuesday evening will be in Spirit Lake.

She says there are three concerts on Thursday, June 18^th.

For more information on the camp and headliners, visit reggieschivejazzcamp.com.

(Lake Park)--The Iowa Great Lakes Chapter of Knights of Columbus recently presented a $500 check to Lake Park Mayor Matt Carstensen, owner of Carstensen’s Meat and Grocery, for his work with Lake Park Dinner date.

Lake Park Dinner Date distributes meals over a large area, including Spirit Lake, Estherville, Lake Park, Sibley, Ocheyedan, Sutherland and Peterson. Carstensen works with Scott Neppl and coordinates the meal delivery with Elderbridge Agency on Aging.

Iowa Great Lakes Council has contributed more than $30,000 over the past few years to help meet local community needs, including Hope Haven, Iowa Helping Hands Fund, Special Olympics, American Wheelchair Mission, the Grotto of the Redemption, Cherish House and to local family, community and parish needs.

(Swea City)--A Minnesota woman escaped injury in a single vehicle accident Wednesday afternoon near Swea City.

The Kossuth County Sheriff’s Office says 21-year Breanna Gonzalez-Nielsen of Trimont, Minnesota was traveling northbound on 20^th Avenue west of Swea City when she experienced a medical episode, causing her to lose control of the 2013 Chevy Impala she was driving.

Gonzalez-Nielsen crossed the centerline and entered the west ditch, where her vehicle struck a No Passing sign. She was wearing a seatbelt and did not report any injuries.

Damage was estimated at $3,000 to the car $300 to the road sign.

(Fairmont, MN)--The annual Interlaken Heritage Days Celebration will be held this weekend in Fairmont. Billy Gunther with the Interlaken Heritage Days Committee says the celebration kicks-off this evening with a concert by the Beatles tribute band, A Hard Days Night, beginning at 7 pm at Fairmont High School. Gunther says the fun will continue on Friday evening.

Gunther says a full day of events is on tap for Saturday.

The United Congregational UCC Church in Fairmont will host a breakfast on the lawn from 8 to 10 am and a Pie and Ice Social with barbecue sandwiches from 11 am to 2 pm.  

A complete schedule of events can be found at ihdfairmont.org.

(Arnolds Park)—Spirit of Okoboji has been awarded a grant from the Okoboji Foundation to support the restoration and reinstallation of the historic 1909 Okoboji Swing Bridge. The Swing Bridge is a rare and iconic piece of Iowa Great Lakes history that will serve as a pedestrian and golf cart crossing at Emerald Hills Golf Course in Arnolds Park. Drew Hage with Spirit of Okoboji says the bridge will be located at one of the new holes on the golf course.

Hage says Nick Christensen, who is in the process of purchasing the golf course, suggested a bridge that was located at a local marina.

Hage says Butch and Debbie Parks donated the bridge. He says they hope to have the project completed by late summer.

The bridge was originally built in 1909 by Clinton Bridge and Iron Works of Clinton, Iowa,

(Spencer)--The Clay County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in locating a vehicle involved in a sideswipe accident Tuesday afternoon on Highway 18.

The Sheriff’s Office says just before 2:40 pm, a 2025 Nissan Pathfinder driven by 64-year-old Jeanette Barslou of Algona was traveling westbound in the 2700 block of Highway 18 and a 2^nd vehicle was eastbound on Highway 18. The 2^nd vehicle crossed the center line and sideswiped the Nissan causing damage to the driver’s side mirror. Authorities say the 2^nd vehicle, believed to be an older white Chevy Suburban, would possibly have damage to the driver side door or driver’s side mirror.

If anybody has information or knowledge of the unknown second vehicle, contact the Clay County Sheriff’s Office at 712-262-3221.

(Sioux Falls, SD)--)--The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living has announced that 22 Good Samaritan locations, including two in the KILR listening area, have received the 2026 Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award.

Good Samaritan Society of Estherville was recognized in the skilled nursing category. The Pines in Jackson earned the award in the assisted living category.

This recognition signifies a location’s commitment to improving the lives of residents through quality care. This distinction is the first of three progressive award levels through the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living National Quality Award Program. The program honors long-term and post-acute care providers across the nation that have demonstrated their dedication to enhancing quality care for the residents they serve.

(Spencer)--The Federal Emergency Management Agency has awarded the city of Spencer and the Spencer Community School District about $5.5 million in the latest round of disaster relief funding due to the 2024 flood.

The Spencer Community School District is receiving nearly $3.2 million for building repairs, including those at Johnson Elementary School. The city of Spencer has been awarded a little more than $2.3 million for repairs at city parks and 17 wastewater lift stations.

Also in northwest Iowa, Rock Valley will receive about $2 million to repair damage at the city’s library; the Rock Valley First Reformed Church is getting $370,000 for building repairs and the Sioux County Conservation Board was awarded $164,000 to repair park buildings, roads, culverts and trails.

(Graettinger)--The Graettinger-Terril and Ruthven-Ayrshire School Boards met in a special session Tuesday evening in Graettinger to discuss discrepancies identified during an internal review of shared-service financial records. The discrepancies were identified in fiscal years 2023-2026. Prior to taking any action the board took comments from the public. Amanda Mart of Terril, a former employee at Terril Elementary school, says she open enrolled her kids out of GT schools due to concerns about the district’s leadership. 

Also speaking was Roweda(Ro-way-duh) Lair of Terril.

After the public comments, the board heard a presentation from Murray Stanley of Trust Point who said he would work with the two districts to reconcile what had been billed with what should have been billed. Stanley said the process would take a couple of days. The board then hired Trust Point to review the shared financial records. GTRA Superintendent Marshall Lewis.

Lewis was asked if the public should be concerned about the future of each school district.

The board adjourned after approving the agreement with Trust Point. Tuesday night’s meeting lasted about 15 minutes.

(Spencer)--Community members are invited to experience the healing benefits of massage therapy while supporting the next generation of massage professionals through Iowa Lakes Community College's Massage Therapy Summer Clinical program.

Summer clinical appointments are now available at both Iowa Lakes locations, with appointments offered on Wednesdays at the Algona Campus and on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Spencer Campus. Students provide professional massage services under the supervision of a licensed massage therapist as part of their state-approved training program.

All massages are performed by massage therapy students completing a state-approved training program and are supervised at all times by a licensed massage therapist in accordance with Iowa Board of Massage Therapy regulations.

Appointments may be scheduled online at: massagebook.com/therapists/iowa-lakes-massage.

(Estherville)--The Emmet County Board of Supervisors Tuesday approved the canvass of last week’s primary election results.  There were a total of 982 votes cast for a voter turnout of 15.8 percent. That’s above the turnout of 13.6 percent for the 2024 primary and 10.1 percent for the 2022 primary. A total of 181 absentee ballots were cast either by mail or in person.  No ballots were received after election day.

Election Deputy Roxanne Budach says they received positive comments from residents who voted at the new West Administration Building. Three incumbent Republicans advanced to the general election. Supervisor John Pluth, County Treasurer Lisa Rosburg and County Recorder Diann Quastad Minion were unopposed in the primary. 

There were not enough write-in votes to qualify any candidate to move on to the General Election.  Budach mentioned that Supervisor Jeff Quastad had submitted nomination papers to run for re-election as a No Party candidate.

In other business, the board approved fuel bids for the 2026-2027 Fiscal Year. Bids were received from New Century FS, New Cooperative, NuWay-K & H Cooperative and Pro Cooperative. The board approved low bids, both from New Century FS of Manson, in the amount $385, 271 for fuel  $8,992 for 7500 gallons of LP.