Unlock more of North Iowa’s biggest stories
25 current premium stories • $24 for 6 months • just $4 a month
News Headlines for November 2, 2026
Mason City school district seeks state approval to cover $6.1 million special education deficit, potentially raising property taxes
MASON CITY — Already-burdened property taxpayers in the Mason City Community School District could be facing another multimillion-dollar financial obligation as school officials prepare to seek state approval for nearly $5.46 million in additional funding authority after special education expenses exceeded dedicated revenue by more than $6.1 million during the 2025–2026 school year.
The proposal is on the agenda for a special school board meeting Monday, November 2, 2026. The decision will rest in part with Mason City’s seven-member, extremely-liberal, all-female school board…
Iowa State wrestling launches Brent Metcalf era with commanding 29-12 victory over Bucknell
AMES — A new chapter in Iowa State wrestling began with a victory Sunday night, November 1, 2026, as the ninth-ranked Cyclones defeated Bucknell 29-12 before 4,080 fans at Hilton Coliseum, giving Brent Metcalf his first dual-meet win as head coach.
Suspect nabbed after suspicious behavior in Charles City neighborhood, accused of sneaking contraband into jail
CHARLES CITY — What began as a late-night call about a suspicious person in a Charles City neighborhood ended with a local man arrested and facing a felony accusation involving contraband at a detention facility.
UNI women’s soccer falls 2-0 at Southern Illinois, prepares for regular-season finale against Drake
CARBONDALE, ILLINOIS — The Northern Iowa women’s soccer team battled Missouri Valley Conference-leading Southern Illinois for much of Sunday’s match but surrendered a goal just before halftime and another late in the second half, falling 2-0 to the Salukis on November 1, 2026, in Carbondale.
Iowa football blanks Wisconsin 30-0, wins Heartland Trophy behind Brown and relentless defense
IOWA CITY — Iowa football delivered a commanding performance Saturday, October 31, 2026, shutting out Wisconsin 30-0 at Kinnick Stadium behind an efficient outing from quarterback Hank Brown and a defense that repeatedly frustrated the Badgers.
More housing could be coming to Mason City as officials advance plans for south side apartment development
MASON CITY — Mason City’s continuing push to expand housing opportunities is taking another step forward, with city officials preparing land-use and financial incentives for a proposed apartment development in southwest Mason City while several other residential projects move through various stages of planning and construction across the community.
Mason City residents could face new $100 garbage cart and recycling fines just months after Cart Smart rollout
MASON CITY — Residents who began using Mason City’s new automated garbage and recycling collection system in July could soon face additional charges of up to $100 for damaged carts or recycling violations, along with $25 fees for certain collection return trips, under proposed changes headed to the City Council on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Mason City library director retracts funding accusation against county supervisors as financial records raise questions
MASON CITY — The Mason City Public Library has publicly retracted an accusation that Cerro Gordo County supervisors reduced its funding, apologizing for what director Mary Markwalter called a misunderstanding after a Facebook controversy erupted days before the November 3, 2026 election.
Iowa State football stuns No. 24 Oklahoma State 51-49 on Konrardy’s last-second field goal
Kyle Konrardy’s last-second field goal lifted Iowa State football past No. 24 Oklahoma State 51-49. Aiden Flora rushed for 221 yards as the Cyclones improved to 4-4.
Iowa volleyball pushes No. 12 Oregon early but falls in sweep, heads to Indiana next
Iowa volleyball pushed No. 12 Oregon in the opening two sets before falling 25-23, 25-22, 25-15. The Hawkeyes are 13-13 overall and visit Indiana on November 6.
Northern Iowa meth dealer gets nearly 22 years in federal prison after agents seize four guns
A Northern Iowa man who distributed methamphetamine in the Fort Dodge area and possessed four firearms despite a lengthy felony record has been sentenced to nearly 22 years in federal prison.
Panther football powers past Indiana State 45-23, keeps UNI-Dome record perfect
CEDAR FALLS — Panther football delivered a Halloween treat for the home crowd Saturday, October 31, as Christian Collins and Xavier Terrell each topped 100 rushing yards and scored twice to help UNI defeat Indiana State 45-23.
Iowa woman found dead; husband wanted for murder hospitalized after traffic stop
A 47-year-old Iowa woman was found dead during a welfare check, and her husband was hospitalized the following day after police obtained a first-degree murder warrant and stopped his vehicle, authorities said.
Iowa prepares for President Trump’s latest visit as state’s races tighten ahead of Nov. 3 election
President Donald Trump returns to Iowa for a Nov. 1 rally in Dubuque as the city prepares for street closures and voters weigh competitive races ahead of the Nov. 3 election.
David Howard Kessler, 63, leaves a lifetime of family memories and 42 years of dedication to Winnebago Industries
MANLY — David Howard “Dave” Kessler, 63, of Manly, Iowa, a devoted husband, father and grandfather who spent more than four decades working at Winnebago Industries and found his greatest happiness in time shared with family, passed away Friday, October 30, 2026, at his home.
Visitation will be held Thursday, November 5, 2026, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third Street NE, Mason City.
Funeral services will take place Friday, November 6, at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Manly, with Deacon Jim Wolf officiating. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Manly.
Eagle struggling near Mason City’s Winnebago River gets help from animal control and Iowa DNR
MASON CITY — An eagle struggling on the ground near the Winnebago River received a helping hand after a passerby spotted the bird and alerted authorities.
Cerro Gordo County proposes cutting speed limits from 60 to 45 mph on two roads
Drivers on portions of Thrush Avenue and 300th Court could see speed limits cut from 60 to 45 mph. Cerro Gordo County Engineer Brandon Billings is seeking a public hearing on the proposed reductions.
Hawkeye volleyball takes opening set before falling to No. 20 Washington; Oregon awaits Sunday
Iowa volleyball fell 3-1 at No. 20 Washington after winning the opening set. Rosa Vesty led with 15 kills as the Hawkeyes dropped to 13-12 overall and 2-9 in the Big Ten. Iowa visits No. 12 Oregon Sunday at 3 p.m. Central.
Iowa corn harvest reaches 47% but trails normal pace as northern Iowa stays unusually warm
DES MOINES — Iowa farmers had nearly a full week of suitable field conditions October 19-25, 2026, but the corn harvest remained well behind its usual pace, according to the crop report released October 26. Northern Iowa experienced some of the state’s most unusual warmth, with temperatures nearing 15 degrees above normal in parts of the region.
UNI volleyball wins 13th straight as Dykstra powers four-set victory at Indiana State
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — UNI volleyball weathered a determined challenge from Indiana State on Friday, October 30, winning in four sets behind Lily Dykstra’s 20 kills to extend its winning streak to 13 matches.
Iowa State soccer falls 2-0 to Oklahoma State in Matt Fannon’s final home match
AMES — Iowa State soccer surrendered two goals in the opening 15 minutes and could not recover Thursday, October 29, falling 2-0 to Oklahoma State in the Cyclones’ home finale and coach Matt Fannon’s final match in Ames.
No. 9 Iowa field hockey falls 5-1 at Maryland, turns attention to Big Ten Tournament
COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Ninth-ranked Iowa field hockey could not overcome a three-goal first quarter by No. 2 Maryland, falling 5-1 at the Maryland Field Hockey and Lacrosse Complex as the Hawkeyes head toward the Big Ten Tournament.
Discover TopEssayWriting – best essay writing service with expert writers for all academic needs.
Contact TarotAtlas for accurate online tarot readings from trusted, top-rated experts.
Visit StateOfWriting for top-notch online custom writing services in the UK.
JMetro Cleaning, LLC: Licensed & insured cleaning company in Allison, Iowa. Serving a 50-mile radius.
Call: 712-832-0275 or Send Email