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News Headlines for October 18, 2026
Osage Co-Op fire: Dust explosions spread blaze; neighbors rally to help
Dust explosions spread fire through the Osage Co-Op Elevator facility Saturday, drawing five fire departments. No injuries were reported, and neighboring businesses offered to help keep fall fertilizer operations going.
Reynolds touts Iowa revenue growth as state forecasts $8.54 billion in receipts
Gov. Kim Reynolds credited Republican fiscal policies for Iowa’s improving revenue outlook Friday, pointing to projections of $8.54 billion in General Fund receipts this fiscal year and further growth next year.
Chicago drug dealer’s Iowa chaos nearly lands him a 21-year federal prison term
A Chicago drug dealer tore through an Iowa neighborhood at more than twice the speed limit, ran a stop sign and nearly struck a city bus before hitting a curb and trying to escape on foot. Officers caught him nearby — and uncovered more than 16 pounds of methamphetamine during searches of his car and apartment.
UNI volleyball sweeps UIC for 10th straight win, moves within reach of MVC record
CEDAR FALLS — UNI volleyball keeps winning, and another conference record is now just one victory away. The Panthers swept UIC 25-21, 25-18, 25-17 on Saturday, October 17, at the McLeod Center, earning their 10th consecutive victory behind Lily Dykstra’s match-high 15 kills.
UNI football digs early hole, falls to No. 6 Youngstown State 35-22
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — UNI spent Saturday trying to climb out of a hole that began with the opening kickoff. The Panthers made a game of it, but a 28-point deficit proved too much to overcome against No. 6 Youngstown State.
Rob Sand’s brother-in-law stepped into highway and was struck and killed, patrol says
CHARITON — Iowa Auditor Rob Sand’s brother-in-law stepped into a highway traffic lane Thursday night and was struck and killed by an SUV whose driver had moved over to pass his parked car, according to the Iowa State Patrol.
UNI volleyball rolls past Valparaiso for ninth straight win
CEDAR FALLS — Valparaiso had few answers for UNI’s attack Friday night as the Panthers swept the Beacons, stretched their winning streak to nine matches and added another milestone to their Missouri Valley Conference dominance.
Northern Iowa woman hospitalized after broadside crash near Rockwell
ROCKWELL — A Clear Lake woman was taken to the hospital Friday evening after her SUV went through a stop sign and was struck broadside by a pickup near Rockwell, according to the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office.
Minnesota illegal nabbed by ICE after hiding CSAM inside a crucifix
STILLWATER, MINNESOTA — A wooden crucifix hanging on a bedroom wall concealed a horrifying secret. Tucked behind a small bottle of holy water, investigators discovered a memory card containing child sexual abuse material involving a young girl whose family had trusted the man now convicted of exploiting her.
The disturbing discovery was only part of what authorities uncovered inside the Minnesota apartment of Alejandro Rojas Garcia, 65, a Mexican national federal officials say was living illegally in the United States.
On October 8, 2026, a federal jury convicted Garcia of attempted production of child pornography following a four-day trial involving allegations that two sisters younger than 13 had been sexually abused.
Federal officials also took direct aim at Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, sharply criticizing the state’s record on immigration-related crime.
Drunk man spits at cops, tries to bite officer during wild Northern Iowa street confrontation, gets 4-year prison sentence
A drunken street confrontation in Sac City ended with Christian Onei Vaca spitting at two officers, attempting to bite one and receiving consecutive prison terms totaling up to four years.
Cerro Gordo County to weigh agreement putting private wells and groundwater protection under local oversight
MASON CITY — Protecting Northern Iowa’s underground water supplies will be on the agenda Monday as Cerro Gordo County supervisors consider an agreement with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources spelling out responsibility for permitting, inspecting and enforcing standards for private water wells.
Supervisors are scheduled to consider the agreement Monday, October 19, 2026, at 10 a.m. in the Board of Supervisors Conference Room. The proposed arrangement covers private water well construction, reconstruction and abandonment.
Shelley Kay Bruce, 63, filled her family’s life with laughter, love and home cooking
MASON CITY — Shelley Kay Bruce, 63, of Mason City, died October 15, 2026, at UnityPoint Allen Hospital in Waterloo, leaving a family who cherished her generous heart, unmistakable laugh and straightforward way of speaking.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. NE, Mason City. Visitation will take place at the funeral home that day from 11:00 a.m. until the service. She will be laid to rest at Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Swaledale at a later date.
Ronald D. Dahle, 86, of Woden to be honored at St. John’s Lutheran Church
WODEN — Ronald D. Dahle, 86, of Woden, died Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Titonka Care Center.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 20, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Woden, with the Rev. John Heille officiating. Burial will follow at Bingham Township Cemetery.
Visitation will take place from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Monday, October 19, at Cataldo Funeral Chapel, 310 Main St., Woden. Visitation will continue at the church for one hour before Tuesday’s service.
Janet Kay Schroeder, 74, devoted her life to nursing and caring for those she loved
MASON CITY — Janet Kay Schroeder, 74, of Mason City, died Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Heritage Care Center, leaving a legacy of caring that extended from her nursing career to the family members who depended on her.
A private family graveside service will be held at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Dows. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Cremation has taken place in accordance with her wishes.
Leslie Krause, 82, of Milford to be honored in Spirit Lake and laid to rest in Lu Verne
MILFORD — Leslie Krause, 82, of Milford, died October 15, 2026, at St. Luke Lutheran Home in Spencer.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 20, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 2300 27th St., Spirit Lake. Burial will take place at 2:00 p.m. that day at Lu Verne Cemetery, 701 N. Maple St., Lu Verne.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, October 19, at Turner Jenness Funeral Home, 1101 10th St., Milford.
Joan Ruth Kohagen, 83, nurtured a growing family and brought beauty to her Sumner home
SUMNER — Joan Ruth Kohagen, 83, of Sumner, died unexpectedly Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Community Memorial Hospital in Sumner, leaving a large family who treasured her attention, kindness and love.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 20, at St. John Lutheran Church, 324 E. First St., Sumner, with the Rev. Tracy Hinkel officiating.
Visitation will take place from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, October 19, at Becker & Son Funeral Home, 111 W. Fifth St., Sumner. Visitation will continue at the church from 9:00 a.m. until Tuesday’s service. Memorial contributions may be made to the family for later designation.
Father Peter Fransco, 97, devoted four decades to guiding Iowa congregations
RUTHVEN — Father Peter J. Fransco, 97, died peacefully October 15, 2026, at Ruthven Community Care Center, closing a long life of faith that included 41 years of active priestly ministry across the Diocese of Sioux City.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 20, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1801 Rolling St., Ruthven. Visitation will take place at the church from 9:30 a.m. until Mass. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Ruthven.
The Most Rev. John Keehner, bishop of the Diocese of Sioux City, will celebrate the Mass. Father Tim Johnson will deliver the homily, with Fathers Michael Erpelding, John Thomas and Gary Snyder joining other diocesan priests as concelebrants. Deacons Darwin Messerly and John Rudd will participate alongside other deacons. A recording of the Mass will be made available later.
Dennis “Cookie” Ridder, 90, of Mason City, leaves a lifetime of ingenuity, adventure and family memories
MASON CITY — Dennis G. “Cookie” Ridder, 90, of Mason City, died Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Good Shepherd Health Center, leaving loved ones with memories of his sharp mind, knack for fixing things and enthusiasm for travel, cards and basketball.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Mason City. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, October 20, at the funeral home. Interment will take place at Ell Township Cemetery in Klemme.
Juanita Marie Clabaugh, 72, of Estherville, found joy in music, Cubs games and travel
ESTHERVILLE — Juanita Marie Clabaugh, 72, of Estherville, died October 15, 2026, at Estherville Community Care Center, leaving her family with memories of her love for dancing, music, baseball and exploring new places.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, October 23, 2026, at Henry-Olson Funeral Chapel, 401 N. Seventh St., Estherville. Visitation will take place at the chapel from 10 to 11 a.m. before the service. Her final resting place will be East Side Cemetery in Estherville.
UNI soccer falls at Evansville as late penalty kick sinks Panthers, 1-0
EVANSVILLE, Ind. — UNI kept Evansville off the scoreboard deep into Thursday night’s match, but one penalty kick proved enough to send the Panthers home empty-handed.
Texas man nabbed after alleged sex act in Mason City store
MASON CITY — A Texas man with an indecent exposure case already hanging over him was collared again Wednesday after police say he entered a Mason City business and began masturbating in front of a woman.
Jabrone Donte Whitner, 35, was arrested Oct. 14, 2026 — just 16 days after posting cash bond in his earlier case. Now, he faces a second serious misdemeanor indecent exposure charge in Cerro Gordo County.
MacNider’s Artoberfest brings Midwest brews, live music and auctions to Mason City Oct. 23
MASON CITY — Midwest brews, live music and more than 80 silent auction items will fill the Charles H. MacNider Art Museum when its annual Artoberfest fundraiser returns Friday, October 23.
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