Local News

Lakes Area Businessman Butch Parks Dies

Okoboji, Iowa — An extremely well-known businessman in the lakes area has passed away. Butch Parks died Tuesday evening. He was 81. Parks founded Parks Marina and the iconic Barefoot

Longtime Extension Beef Expert Honored

Ames, Iowa — An extension expert who served northwest Iowa for several years recently received a big honor. Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, the leading grassroots organization supporting Iowa’s beef cattle industry,

Hawarden Regional Healthcare Joins Avera Health Network

Hawarden, Iowa — Hawarden Regional Healthcare is now an Avera Health Partner. The partnership, effective January 1, 2026, follows a letter of intent signed in October that allowed both organizations

Sioux County Deputy Is Now Chief Deputy

Orange City, Iowa — A Sioux County Deputy Sheriff has been promoted to second-in-command. New Sioux County Sheriff Nate Huizenga tells us he is pleased to announce the promotion of

Dordt University Student Killed in Skiing Accident

Sioux Center, Iowa — A Dordt University student has died following a skiing accident overseas. Nikolas “Niko” Begalke, a 22-year-old student at Dordt University, passed away on January 3rd after a fall

Sheldon, Other Fire Departments Receive Grants

Iowa — Some area fire departments have been awarded Volunteer Fire Assistance grants through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Nearly $350,000 in 50 percent cost-share grants were awarded to