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News Headlines for October 21, 2026
Northern Iowa man who called 911, then opened fire on officers, convicted of four attempted murders
A Northern Iowa man who called 911 requesting a welfare check at his own home, then opened fire on responding officers, has been convicted of four counts of attempted murder of a peace officer.
Northern Iowa cold case: Minnesota man nabbed in 1995 killing of Waterloo woman
WATERLOO — More than 31 years after turtle hunters discovered a Waterloo woman’s body beside a rural creek, investigators have arrested a Minnesota man and charged him with first-degree murder.
Forest City chiropractor turns business dream into reality, earns NIACC entrepreneur honor
FOREST CITY — Dr. Joeli Koenig knew during chiropractic college that she wanted a business of her own. After gaining experience working in Mason City, she took the leap in Forest City — and now her newly opened practice has earned a Northern Iowa entrepreneurial honor.
Northern Iowa grooming case sends man to prison after detective saves disappearing messages
A 43-year-old man who used social media, code words and disappearing messages to groom a juvenile girl has been sentenced to up to five years in prison after a friend raised concerns and a detective preserved the evidence.
Northern Iowa’s Black Hawk Point offers river views, steep hikes and rare grouse habitat
NEW ALBIN — A narrow hillside path winds past limestone outcroppings at Black Hawk Point Wildlife Area, leading to a sweeping view of where the Upper Iowa River meets the Mississippi. Behind that scenery, habitat work is helping protect native prairie, establish new oak timber and sustain one of Iowa’s remaining pockets of ruffed grouse.
Iowa women’s basketball opens at No. 10 in AP preseason poll
IOWA CITY — Iowa women’s basketball will enter the 2026-27 season ranked No. 10 nationally, returning to the Associated Press preseason top 10 for the first time in three years as coach Jan Jensen begins her third season.
Iowa National Guard leader Stephen Osborn to retire after more than four decades of military service
DES MOINES — Maj. Gen. Stephen Osborn, who leads nearly 9,000 Iowa National Guard soldiers and airmen, will retire January 16, 2027, closing a military career that began with his enlistment in the U.S. Army in 1984.
Winnebago County supervisors approve $816,661 in transfers, continue zoning review
FOREST CITY — Winnebago County supervisors approved $816,660.64 in county fund transfers, including more than $720,000 for Secondary Roads, and continued reviewing zoning changes for new technology during their October 13, 2026, meeting.
Texas man accused of lewd act inside Mason City Hobby Lobby before second arrest
MASON CITY — A Texas man accused of masturbating in front of a woman at a Mason City store in October had already been arrested after an alleged encounter inside Hobby Lobby, where police say he approached a woman and began speaking while performing a sex act.
Iowa corn harvest just 26% complete as wet fields keep farmers behind
Iowa farmers remain roughly two weeks behind their normal harvest pace, with corn harvest 26 percent complete and soybeans at 57 percent. Eagle Grove recorded the state’s highest weekly rainfall as wet fields continued to slow work.
Northern Iowa pickup driver injured in crash with semi near Mallard
MALLARD — A man was injured Monday evening when his pickup and a semi were involved in a crash at a rural Northern Iowa intersection, where a trailer broke loose and struck a utility pole.
Iowa Social Security recipients to see 3.6% increase in 2027
Iowa residents receiving Social Security will see their benefits increase 3.6% in 2027, with retirement benefits rising an average of about $75 a month nationwide.
Trump announces $8 billion harvest relief plan to help Iowa farmers
Iowa farmers could receive help through President Trump’s new $8 billion Harvest Fuel Relief program, with commodity payment rates expected in November.
Iowa State men’s basketball rallies from 19 down but falls to Creighton, 83-80, in exhibition
Iowa State men’s basketball rallied from 19 points down but fell 83-80 to Creighton in an October 18 exhibition at Hilton Coliseum.
Cancer returns for Iowa First Gentleman Kevin Reynolds as state battles nation’s second-highest cancer rate
Iowa First Gentleman Kevin Reynolds faces a recurrence of cancer following brain tumor surgery, as Iowa records the nation’s second-highest cancer incidence rate.
Fashion for everyone: Affordables runway show returns to Mason City October 23
The Affordables Fashion Show returns to Mason City October 23 with inclusive runway models, Mason City High School student designs, fall fashions and a fundraiser for 43 North Iowa.
Northern Iowa elderly man missing, authorities issue urgent endangered person alert
Authorities are searching for Larry Williams, 84, missing from Lytton on October 19. Watch for a black Toyota Prius with Iowa plate SF691. Call 911.
Jeanne Moorehead, 88, built a life of family, farm work and firsts
MASON CITY — Jeanne Rae Moorehead, 88, died peacefully October 18, 2026, surrounded by loved ones at Good Shepherd Health Care Center, leaving a family spanning four generations and a legacy of determination, generosity and humor.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, October 21, at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. NE, Mason City. A Scriptural Wake will begin at 6:30 p.m.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 22, at Epiphany Parish–St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mason City. Burial will follow at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery.
Sharon McDonald, 74, of Mason City, leaves a family legacy spanning three generations
MASON CITY — Sharon McDonald, 74, of Mason City, died Sunday, October 18, 2026, at Good Shepherd Health Center with her family beside her. A wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Sharon treasured her family and held a special love for her grandchildren.
Cremation has taken place in accordance with her wishes. No services are planned at this time.
Northern Iowa woman dies after shooting inside home; homicide investigation underway
A woman died after police found her shot inside a Waterloo home Saturday night. Detectives are investigating the homicide and asking anyone with information to come forward.
UNI soccer holds Murray State scoreless, earns point in MVC tournament chase
Hailey Luedtke made four saves as UNI soccer tied Murray State 0-0 on October 18, earning a conference point with three matches remaining in its push for an MVC Tournament berth.
Iowa volleyball snaps 31-set drought against Wisconsin but falls to No. 6 Badgers
Iowa volleyball won its first set against Wisconsin since 2016, but the No. 6 Badgers prevailed in four sets October 18 at Xtream Arena. Ksenija Tomic led the Hawkeyes with 13 kills.
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