North Iowa Betterment is looking for ways to incorporate America’s 250th birthday celebration with Bison Days this July. Mariel Wolsing, Executive Director at NIB, spoke to the Buffalo Center City Council at their June 8 meeting about an idea for a new patriotic mural that could adorn a public building.

What started as a yard sale has grown into a year-round source of support for local charities.

Pauline Eggers of Forest City was looking to help her dad clean out some things from his house back in 2021, so she decided on a whim to put on a yard sale. A friend of hers from A.B.A.T.E. of Iowa, District 7, was also planning a “Can You See Me Now” food drive, so they teamed up.

Surrounded by staff and members of the Forest City Chamber of Commerce, Shooterz Sports Bar & Grill owner Leah Determan celebrated two years of ownership with a ribbon cutting on June 1, along with her partner, Thomas Mason, who was unable to attend the event.

Pastor Janelle Jacobsen is headed back to her native Minnesota, after serving for the past three years as pastor at United Methodist Church in Buffalo Center.

If she hasn’t baked it before, she’s ready to give it a shot. Ashlyn Gwinn, owner of AG’s Bakes in Forest City, is always up for a challenge.

Story updated with the latest vote tallies on Wednesday

The Peace Makers of North Central Iowa will soon begin honoring local veterans with quilts made by local volunteers. 

They’re one of the newest chapters of Quilts of Valor, a national organization that makes quilts for veterans in hopes of bringing comfort and healing to those touched by war. The Peace Makers will serve both Winnebago and Hancock Counties.

Kindness is all around you. Hopefully in a literal sense, but for anyone living in north central Iowa or south central Minnesota, the word “kindness” is also appearing on the map.

The Forest City Education Association honored retiring Forest City school staff during a retirement tea, held Wednesday, May 27 in the high school cafeteria.

The Lake Mills Community School District is celebrating three long-time educators who finished their careers last week at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 school year.

North Iowa Community Schools bid farewell to three teachers with the conclusion of the 2025-2026 school year. Moving on to new opportunities are, from left: second grade teacher Miss Brittany Kirschbaum, high school special education teacher Miss Emily Ryerson, and elementary special education teacher Mrs. Nicole Phoenix. (Submitted photo)

Lieutenant Commander Jack Smidt, retired from the U.S. Navy, delivers the Memorial Day address during a program in Buffalo Center on Monday morning. “We know Memorial Day is most known for beers, brats and picnics and things like that, but actually, it is something way beyond the unofficial start of summer. It is the day to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

It’s mission accomplished for the Lake Mills High School Marching Band. The band defended their title for the 11th year in a row as winners of the Meredith Wilson Grand Champion Award at the 87th North Iowa Band Festival on Saturday, May 23.

Voters will help their parties choose candidates for November’s General Election during the June 2 Primary Election next Tuesday. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at sites throughout Winnebago County, 

Lake Mills senior Knute Rogne ran the best races of his life to bring home a pair of State Championships and set three school records at the 2026 State track meet.