- Protected: Mason City man accused of sexual abuse of teen pleads not guilty
- Protected: Charles City, New Hampton residents hurt when high-speed vehicle rolls, tears off power pole
- Protected: Nora Springs man sentenced to 40 years in federal prison for child sexual exploitation offenses
News Headlines for September 18, 2026

Convicted drunk driver and child endangerer ducks the law for months, then busted in Northern Iowa traffic stop
MASON CITY — A convicted local drunk driver and child endangerer who spent the summer wanted on a statewide warrant ran out of luck this week as she tooled around behind the wheel with no license, illegal tint, fake registration, and an apparent huge sense of entitlement, and is now in a cold, cold Mason City jail cell after a neighboring deputy put a stop to the games.
Precious Nicole Wimberly (pictured at top), 34, was booked into the Cerro Gordo County Jail at 5:36 a.m. on September 15. Court records say she was arrested in Bremer County and served with a Cerro Gordo County bench warrant that had been hanging over her since May 12.

Former child actor and MTV star’s 104-mph run through Cerro Gordo County ends in federal prison
A former child actor and MTV personality who tore through Cerro Gordo County at 104 mph with marijuana and a loaded stolen handgun in his vehicle has been sentenced to more than two years in federal prison.
Bobb’e J. Thompson, 30, of Kansas City, Missouri, was sentenced Wednesday, September 16, to 30 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a felon.
Thompson (pictured at top) built a television and movie career that began when he was a child. His credits include MTV’s “Wild ’N Out,” “30 Rock,” “That’s So Raven” and “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne.”

Mildred “Millie” Schroeder, 89, of Sheffield, remembered for helping veterans, seniors and her community
SHEFFIELD — Mildred Jean “Millie” Schroeder, 89, of Sheffield, passed away Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center.
A celebration of Millie’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 19, at Sheffield United Methodist Church, 510 Thompson Street. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery in Sheffield.

Mason City woman’s probation revoked, headed to prison after new assault conviction
MASON CITY — A Mason City woman given probation after a destructive incident inside a local convenience store is now being held without bond while awaiting transportation to an Iowa prison.

New turf unveiled at Waldorf University’s Bolstorff Field as more athletic upgrades take shape
FOREST CITY — Waldorf University and the Forest City community have unveiled new artificial turf at Bolstorff Field, completing a major athletic facility improvement designed to serve college athletes, local students and the surrounding community.
The new playing surface was formally dedicated during Waldorf’s Community Night on Saturday, September 12.
The turf project received support from Dennis Busta and Mary Jo Hanson Boman, a 1957 Waldorf graduate, through the Hanson Family Foundation.

Iowa Hawkeye volleyball sweeps Drake behind season-best attack
CORALVILLE — The Iowa Hawkeye volleyball team overpowered in-state rival Drake in straight sets Wednesday night, rolling to a 25-21, 25-21, 25-17 victory at Xtream Arena.
Iowa improved to 7-3 while completing an unbeaten run against its two in-state opponents. The Hawkeyes did not surrender a set in either match.

Jean Elizabeth Biederman, 98, remembered as devoted farm wife, educator and community volunteer
NEWTON — Jean Elizabeth Mathre Biederman, 98, passed away peacefully Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at Newton Village in Newton.
A celebration of Jean’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 26, at First United Methodist Church in Osage. The family will greet guests at the church from 9 to 11 a.m.
Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Mitchell. A luncheon will be served at the church following the service.

Mark Wade Elliott, 69, of Lake Park, remembered for military service, motorcycles and devotion to family
LAKE PARK — Mark Wade Elliott, 69, of Lake Park, passed away Sunday, September 13, 2026, surrounded by his family.
Visitation will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, September 18, at CrossWinds Church, 2805 Erie Avenue in Spirit Lake. A prayer service will follow at 11:30 a.m. at the church.
Interment will follow at Westport Cemetery, 2301 130th Avenue in rural Lake Park.

Mason City cops nab alleged tipsy cemetery prowler in eerie 1:30 a.m. encounter
MASON CITY — A suspected late-night cemetery prowler was allegedly tipsy, behind the wheel and unwilling to cooperate when a Mason City police officer encountered him among the graves at 1:30 a.m.

Iowa harvest crawls out of gate as soaking rains drench state, crops remain strong
DES MOINES — Iowa’s corn harvest is underway, but another round of heavy rain has

Kenny Chesney, Eric Church and Sheryl Crow set for massive stadium concert in Iowa
AMES — Iowa country music fans are getting a stadium-sized summer party featuring three of the biggest names in American music.
Kenny Chesney will bring his Original Vibe Room Tour 2027 to MidAmerican Energy Field at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames on Saturday, June 5, 2027. Joining him will be country superstar Eric Church, nine-time Grammy winner Sheryl Crow and rising singer-songwriter Greylan James.
Tickets are scheduled to go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. Friday, September 25.

Injured woman call leads cops to convicted domestic abuser and felony drunk driver in Charles City
CHARLES CITY — An after-midnight report of an injured woman led Charles City police to arrest a convicted domestic abuser and felony drunk driver who is now accused of another serious domestic assault.
The Charles City Police Department was called to the 2100 block of Clark Street at 12:05 a.m. Saturday, September 12, after receiving a report of an injured woman.

Nearly 1,000-acre Iowa wildlife area offers hunting, fishing, paddling and rare species
EASTERN IOWA — Nearly 1,000 acres of timber, wetlands and prairie along the Clinton-Scott County line offer Iowa outdoor enthusiasts room to hunt, fish, paddle, hike and search for mushrooms.

Former Northern Iowa prep standout Maryn Bixby blocks her way to MVC honor for UNI Panther volleyball
CEDAR FALLS — A former Dike-New Hartford volleyball standout who helped bring home three state championships is making her presence felt at the college net, earning Missouri Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Week honors for UNI Panther volleyball.
Maryn Bixby, a junior middle blocker from Dike, received the award Monday, September 14, after collecting 12 blocks during the Rice Invitational in Houston. The recognition follows an early-season injury that sidelined her for the Panthers’ first four matches.
Bixby delivered a season-high seven blocks in UNI’s four-set battle against No. 15 Creighton to open the tournament.

Gary Paul Kirschbaum, 88, of Mason City, remembered for stock car racing, family adventures and a gift for conversation
MASON CITY — Gary Paul Kirschbaum, 88, of Mason City, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, September 14, 2026, in Rockwell, leaving loved ones with memories of Sunday races, camping adventures and a man who could find a conversation almost anywhere.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, September 25, 2026, at Faith United Church of Rockwell, with Pastor Jake Ditsworth officiating. Visitation will take place at the church from 10 to 11 a.m. Inurnment will be held at Rockwell Cemetery at a later date.

Cerro Gordo supervisors approve $370,285 in claims, accept annual DOT report
MASON CITY — Cerro Gordo County supervisors approved $370,285.53 in county claims, accepted an annual transportation report and forwarded a manure management plan update to state officials during a 14-minute meeting Monday, September 14.

James M. Callahan, 78, of Garner, remembered for 27 years of military service and devotion to family
GARNER — James M. “Jim” Callahan, 78, of Garner, passed away Sunday, September 13, 2026, at Prairie View Apartments in Garner.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, October 16, in the Sunset Room at Prairie View Apartments in Garner.

Douglas “Doug” Neal, 59, of Charles City, remembered for trucking career, Vikings fandom and love of his dogs
CHARLES CITY — Douglas “Doug” Richard Neal, 59, of Charles City, passed away Sunday, September 13, 2026, at UnityPoint Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines.
A celebration of Doug’s life will be scheduled for a future date.

Sheryl Ruth Harringa, 87, of Mason City, remembered for devotion to family, generosity and a green thumb
MASON CITY — Sheryl Ruth Harringa, 87, of Mason City, passed away Sunday, September 13, 2026, leaving her family with memories of a selfless mother, grandmother and “Grandma Great” who was always willing to help those she loved.
A celebration of Sheryl’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, October 16, at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third Street NE in Mason City. Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. at the chapel.
A private graveside service will be held at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery, 1224 South Washington Avenue in Mason City.

Mason City woman collared at courthouse, accused of trying to influence witness
MASON CITY — A Mason City woman was arrested at the courthouse after police accused her of a felony crime of trying to influence what a witness might say in an ongoing court case.

Iowa Hawkeye soccer survives 65 minutes shorthanded, battles Nebraska to scoreless draw
IOWA CITY — No. 25 Iowa Hawkeye soccer was forced to play most of Sunday’s Big Ten battle with only 10 players, but the Hawkeyes refused to crack, fighting Nebraska to a scoreless draw at the Iowa Soccer Complex.

Mason City man with prior drunk-driving conviction nabbed again after midnight traffic stop
MASON CITY — A Mason City man who already has a drunk-driving conviction on his record is facing another OWI prosecution after police allegedly found signs of alcohol use and an open container during a midnight traffic stop.
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