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News Headlines for February 16, 2026

Obits

OBIT: Russell Dean “Russ” Steenblock

Russell Dean “Russ” Steenblock, 76, of Mason City, Iowa, passed away surrounded by his family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, veteran, and friend, Russ lived a life marked by hard work, loyalty, faith, and quiet strength.

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Obits

OBIT: Bernita Ann Stanton

Bernita Ann Stanton, 95, of Greene, passed away peacefully Friday, February 13, 2026, in Mason City, Iowa after a short illness. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 1:00 PM at St. Mary Catholic Church in Greene.

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Politics

Iowa Senator Doug Campbell says Senate advances school spending bill worth $8,133 per student

Iowa Senator Doug Campbell of Mason City says students are getting a good deal with a Senate bill that advanced last week.
“Under this bill, the state would be spending $8,133 per student in Iowa, not including local or federal sources of money. Including all sources of funding – state, federal and local – Iowans are investing over $19,200 per student. The state’s funding formula for how much public-school districts can spend on operations each year uses the district’s certified enrollment multiplied by a per-pupil amount, which is $7,988 this year and would be bumped up to $8,133 next year under the bill,” Campbell said. “This proposal was passed by the Senate (last) week. Public school enrollment has declined, and school employees have increased. This expenditure represents 50% of the state’s budget.”
But Democrats want to spend more.

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Politics

Rep. Shannon Latham says week 5 in Iowa Legislature focused on ag policy

“Week five of the legislative session focused on advancing policies that support Iowa’s agricultural community, strengthen economic growth and ensure responsible stewardship of public resources,” said Rep. Shannon Latham. “House Committees took action this week on legislation ranging from right-to-repair protections for farmers to statewide initiatives addressing cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. Lawmakers also reviewed insurance trends impacting Iowa drivers and introduced measures aimed at improving accountability within public assistance programs. Alongside committee work, it was a pleasure to welcome constituents and student advocates to the Capitol to discuss their group’s priorities.”

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Obits

OBIT: Kathy Kay Roberts

Kathy Kay Roberts, 70, of Rockwell, Iowa, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2026, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City, surrounded by the love of her family. In accordance with Kathy’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

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Sports

College Wrestling: UNI Panthers fall to West Virginia, 23-13

CEDAR FALLS – UNI wrestling grabbed victories in four matches, including a thrilling come-from-behind win at 125 pounds on Saturday night but would fall short as the 15th ranked Panthers fell to No. 19 West Virginia in Big 12 dual action inside the McLeod Center, 23-13.

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Obits

OBIT: Eldon Doane

Eldon Doane, 82, of Thornton, passed away Thursday, February 12, 2026 at Westview Care Center in Britt. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, February 17 at 10:30 AM at the Thornton United Methodist Church, with interment at Pleasant View Cemetery in Thornton.

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Sports

College Basketball: No. 5 Iowa State Cyclones crush No. 9 Kansas Jayhawks, 74-56

AMES – No. 5 Iowa State (22-3, 9-3 Big 12) used a little Hilton Magic and sharp shooting in the second half to knock off No. 9 Kansas (19-6, 9-3 Big 12) 74-56 Saturday afternoon in Hilton Coliseum.

The victory keeps the Cyclones unbeaten at home this season (14-0) and 47-2 at home in the last three seasons. It also ended KU’s eight-game winning streak.

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Obits

OBIT: Judy Nolte

Judy Nolte, 86, of Sheffield, passed away, Friday, February 6, 2026, at Franklin General Hospital, Hampton while under Hospice Care. Memorial services will be held 11 AM, Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Zion St. John Lutheran Church, Sheffield.

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