News Headlines for February 3, 2026
Mason City’s Perkins restaurant demolished for incoming tire store (photos and video)
MASON CITY – The steadfast Perkins restaurant in Mason City, long closed but never forgotten, has been demolished so that a tire store can be built in its place.
Man caught with gun at Cedar Falls High School
CEDAR FALLS – A young man with a gun and illegal narcotics made the mistake of taking his goods onto school property in Cedar Falls, and now faces serious charges.
OBIT: Anthony D. Babcock
Anthony Duane Babcock, lifelong adventurer, professional ruck-packer, Irish-music enthusiast, Scotch appreciator, and proud U.S. Marine, reported for his final formation on January 29, 2026—exactly 45 years after he first arrived and immediately began doing things his own way. Services are pending. Burial will be held in Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery.
Elderly Northern Iowa man tragically found deceased in rural ditch
KOSSUTH COUNTY – Family of an elderly Northern Iowa man were concerned when he could not be reached, and after police were notified and a search conducted, he was sadly found deceased in a ditch.
OBIT: Marvin E Bollinger
Marvin E. Bollinger was born on the family farm near Fenton on March 15, 1934 to Allan and Clarinda (Hengel) Bollinger. He passed away in rural Fenton on January 29, 2026 at the age of 91.
OBIT: Kent Joel Shultz
Kent Joel Shultz, 61, of Osage, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, January 29, 2026. A visitation is planned for 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, February 3, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, Iowa.
OBIT: Steven “Steve” Head
Steven “Steve” Head, 58, of Charles City, passed away Thursday, January 29, 2026. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home.
OBIT: Gary Lowell Smith
Gary Lowell Smith, 92, of Manly, passed away on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City.
OBIT: Jeannette Kay Snyder
Jeannette Snyder, 66, of Bristow, passed away Friday, January 30, 2026, at her home. Woodley Funeral Home of Dumont is caring for Jeannette and her family.
OBIT: Dennis Dale Alden
Dennis Dale Alden, age 78, passed away this month of natural causes in his home in Lebanon, Illinois. Born to Dale and Maxine Alden in 1947, he was raised on the farm near Dougherty, Iowa, where he learned to farm, shoot, and fish. He attended Sheffield-Chapin schools, graduating in 1965.
OBIT: Shirley E. Smith
Shirley E. Smith, 90, of Mason City passed away on January 26, 2026. A celebration of life will be planned for a later date this spring.
Unlicensed, reckless Northern Iowa man leads cops on wild chase
KOSSUTH COUNTY – This Northern Iowa man illegally got behind the wheel on a recent icy morning and discovered cops weren’t tolerating lawlessness, and when a chase ensued, the suspect pulled out all the stops to maintain his freedom.
College Basketball: Iowa State Cyclones humiliate Kansas State Wildcats, 95-61
MANHATTAN, Kan. – History was made Sunday afternoon, as No. 8 Iowa State (20-2, 7-2 Big 12) earned its largest margin of victory in a road conference game in program history as it drubbed Kansas State (10-12, 1-8 Big 12) by 34, winning 95-61.
Women’s College Basketball: UNI Panthers defeat Drake Bulldogs, 66-56
DES MOINES – UNI women’s basketball got back in the win column in Des Moines with massive performances for its big three. A triple-double from Ryley Goebel, a double-double from Elise Jaeger, and a team-high 19 points from Jenna Twedt pushed the Panthers ahead of the Bulldogs in a matchup that was wire-to-wire for all 40 minutes.
College Wrestling: No. 3 Iowa State Cyclones fall at No. 5 Oklahoma State
STILLWATER, Okla. – No. 3 Iowa State fell at No. 5 Oklahoma State, 24-9, Sunday afternoon inside Gallagher-Iba Arena. The Cowboys took the first seven bouts before the Cyclones claimed the final three.
Big performance set for Winter Dance Party at the Surf Ballroom
CLEAR LAKE – The 2026 Winter Dance Party at the Surf Ballroom will wrap up with an electric performance by John Mueller’s Winter Dance Party, the official tribute to Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper. Also making a special appearance is Johnny Farina, of the duo Santo & Johnny.
Rep. Shannon Latham discusses “tough on crime” bill in Iowa Legislature
“Work during Week 3 of the 2026 Iowa legislative session focused on public safety, conservation, and community partnerships. House Republicans introduced a tough-on-crime legislative package aimed at holding repeat offenders accountable,” Rep. Latham said. “The first bill implements a ‘Three-and-Done’ Strike System.”
Gov. Reynolds introduces bill supporting public charter schools as demand increases
DES MOINES – Governor Kim Reynolds introduced legislation this week to the Iowa House and Senate to align per pupil funding and educational opportunities available for public charter school students with those who attend traditional public schools.
Republican caucuses to be held Monday, February 2
MASON CITY – The 2026 Cerro Gordo County Republican Precinct Caucuses will be held on Monday, February 2, 2026 at 7 P.M. All Cerro Gordo County precincts will report to Mason City High School, 1700 4th St SE, Mason City, Iowa.
OBIT: Steven Wayne Higbee
Steven Wayne Higbee, age 70, of Lake Mills, IA, passed away on Friday, January 30, 2026, at the Lake Mills Care Center.
UNI wrestling falls at Oklahoma, 23-18
Panthers come up short against Sooners in Norman. UNI visits South Dakota State next weekend.
Pedestrian struck and killed at Mason City Fareway parking lot
MASON CITY – A pedestrian was struck and killed by the driver of an SUV Saturday afternoon at the Fareway grocery store in downtown Mason City.
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