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News Headlines for September 2, 2026

Politics

Iowa Supreme Court blocks Auditor Rob Sand from secret city records; governor candidate blasts ‘corruption and secrecy’

DES MOINES — Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand has lost a major battle over his ability to dig into secret government discussions involving nearly $2 million in taxpayer-funded settlements, prompting the Democratic candidate for governor to accuse Iowa political leaders of enabling “corruption and secrecy.”

The Iowa Supreme Court ruled that Sand’s office cannot force the City of Davenport to surrender communications protected by attorney-client privilege as part of an investigation into $1.9 million in settlements involving harassment claims by three city employees.

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Obits

Michael T. Cummings, 76, of McIntire, remembered as Navy veteran who loved family, classic cars and good company

McINTIRE — Michael Thomas Cummings, 76, of McIntire, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, August 21, 2026, after a life marked by more than two decades of military service, devotion to family and a love for cars, motorcycles and time spent with friends.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Riverside Cemetery in Riceville. Hindt-Hudek Funeral Homes in Riceville is assisting the family.

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Obits

Erwin Loyd Moritz, 94, of Mason City, remembered as proud Marine, family man and tireless tinkerer

MASON CITY, IOWA – Erwin Loyd Moritz, 94, of Mason City, passed away peacefully Friday, August 28, 2026, at Heritage Care Center, leaving behind a life marked by military service, hard work, faith and devotion to family.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Friday, September 11, at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third Street NE in Mason City.

A funeral service will begin at 10:30 AM Saturday, September 12, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 419 North Delaware Avenue in Mason City. Reverend Karl Bollhagen will officiate. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

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Obits

Arvin R. Juhl, 94, of Estherville, remembered for service, farming and devotion to family

ESTHERVILLE — Arvin Ray Juhl, 94, of Estherville, passed away August 31, 2026, leaving behind a life shaped by military service, farming, faith and a deep commitment to his family.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Thursday, September 3, 2026, at Henry-Olson Funeral Chapel in Estherville.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 4, 2026, at Estherville Lutheran Church.

Arvin’s final resting place will be East Side Memorial Cemetery in Estherville.

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Top Stories

Lori Jo Mark, 70, of Osage remembered for music, community devotion and boundless pride in her family

OSAGE — Lori Jo Mark, a musician, local history enthusiast and devoted mother who recently welcomed her first grandchild, died Sunday, August 30, 2026, at her home in Osage. She was 70.

A rosary will begin at 3:30 p.m. Friday, September 4, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage. Visitation will follow from 4 to 6 p.m.

Funeral services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 5, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with visitation beginning one hour before the service. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery, with a luncheon afterward.

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Obits

Clear Lake remembers Gloria “June” Brasser, 102, a Navy veteran who never lost her adventurous spirit

CLEAR LAKE — Gloria J. “June” Brasser, a World War II Navy veteran, dedicated community volunteer and adventurous Clear Lake woman who celebrated milestone birthdays by skydiving and ziplining, died peacefully Sunday, August 30, 2026, at her home surrounded by family. She was 102.

A funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. Monday, September 14, at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 First Avenue North in Clear Lake, with Deacon Matt Berry officiating. Visitation will be held for one hour before the service.

Burial will follow at Clear Lake Cemetery, where members of Clear Lake VFW Post 4868 will provide full military honors.

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Politics

Gas-station kratom products associated with 45 Iowa deaths as poison calls soar

DES MOINES — A psychoactive substance sold openly at Iowa gas stations and convenience stores has been associated with 45 deaths since 2024 as poison-control calls involving the products continue to soar.

Gov. Kim Reynolds, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services and the Iowa Department of Public Safety issued a statewide warning Tuesday about kratom and newly emerging products containing highly concentrated or synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine, commonly called 7-OH.

“Kratom is not a supplement, it is not a medicine, and it is not safe,” Reynolds said.

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Obits

Ella Olson, 83, of Spirit Lake, remembered for a life of faith, hospitality and service

SPIRIT LAKE, IOWA – Ella Rauter Olson, 83, passed away August 29, 2026, following a courageous battle with lymphoma.

A celebration of Ella’s life will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, September 11, at First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake. The service will also be livestreamed at fpcspiritlake.org/stream. Ella and her late husband, Gary, will be laid to rest October 24 at South Beef River Lutheran Cemetery.

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Top Stories

Northern Iowa truck crashes through fence, slams into tree and erupts in flames, killing driver

BRITT — A truck driver was killed Monday afternoon after a tractor-trailer left a rural Hancock County road, crossed a field entrance, crashed through a fence and struck a tree before catching fire.

The fatal crash happened at approximately 1:55 p.m. August 31 on James Avenue north of 290th Street.

According to the Iowa State Patrol, a 2024 Western Star tractor-trailer was traveling northbound on James Avenue when it left the roadway to the right.

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Crime

Cerro Gordo slammer dweller battled cops, lost nearly $28K, now awaits sex-crime sentencing

MASON CITY — A Cerro Gordo County slammer dweller who battled law enforcement, drove drunk, tried to outrun police and escaped a Class B felony burglary conviction through a plea deal has paid nearly $28,000 for his mounting legal troubles—and he is not finished yet.

Keith James Ingersoll (pictured at top), 37, is back in the Cerro Gordo County Jail as he awaits sentencing for assault with intent to commit sexual abuse.

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Top Stories

Motorcyclist suffers significant injuries in Mason City crash

MASON CITY — A motorcyclist suffered significant injuries after losing control and crashing along Highway 65 in Mason City.

The crash occurred at approximately 2:32 PM on Monday, August 31, 2026, on northbound U.S. Highway 65 south of 43rd Street SW, within the Mason City limits….

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Obits

Clarence H. Ermer, 96, of Rockwell remembered as a devoted farmer, Navy veteran and family man

ROCKWELL — Clarence H. Ermer, a lifelong farmer, Korean War-era Navy veteran and active member of the Rockwell community, died Saturday, August 29, 2026, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City. He was 96.

A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, September 3, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 305 E. Elm St. in Rockwell, with the Rev. David O’Connor presiding.

Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the beginning of the Mass. Clarence will be laid to rest at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Rockwell.

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Crime

Mason City man jailed after disturbance call leads to alleged assault on officer

MASON CITY — A Mason City man was jailed Saturday afternoon after police responded to a disturbance on the city’s southeast side and accused him of interfering with officers and assaulting a person in a protected occupation.

Mason City police were called at 3:17 p.m. August 30 to 1319 South Virginia Avenue for a disorderly disturbance, fight or out-of-control person.

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Sports

Iowa State Cyclones blank Northern Iowa Panthers in 5-0 soccer rout

AMES — Iowa State erupted for five goals from five different players Sunday night, overwhelming Northern Iowa 5-0 at the Cyclone Sports Complex and handing the struggling Panthers another lopsided defeat.

The Cyclones entered the match having gone scoreless in their previous three outings, but that drought ended decisively against UNI.

Iowa State improved to 3-2-1 on the season while Northern Iowa fell to 0-5-1.

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