A program created by the Iowa Legislature in 2004 requires one-half percent of the gambling tax revenue from the state goes to 84 counties which don't have a casino. Iowa Gaming Association president, Wes Ehrecke says the idea was the spread the wealth. "Making sure that all of the non-casino … [Read more...]
Dyersville preparing for this summer’s major league baseball game
Thousands of visitors will pour into Dyersville this summer as the northeast Iowa town hosts a Major League Baseball game at the Field of Dreams. Karla Thompson, director of the Dyersville Chamber, says they're looking for area homeowners who are willing to host temporary guests. Thompson says … [Read more...]
Merger will give Nevada company ownership of two more Iowa casinos
The purchase of two Iowa casinos by a larger national gaming company is getting closer to reality after being approved by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission. Racing and Gaming Administrator, Brian Ohorilko, says Reno, Nevada-based Eldorado Resorts merger with Caesars will give the company two … [Read more...]
French native living in Iowa releases first book
Five years after moving to central Iowa, a native of France is launching a publishing company and her first in a planned series of books. Corinne Zaragoza says it's a work of fantasy set in a world of dragons, magic, murder and mystery. "The series is 'The Adventures of Kaila' and there's going … [Read more...]
Sac City native part of Superbowl flyover Sunday
A Sac City-native and U.S. Marine Corps Major, Adam Wellington, will be at the controls of one of the jets in the military flyover at the Super Bowl in Miami on Sunday. The 37-year-old pilot graduated from Sac Community Schools in 2001 and joined the Marines after graduating from the University … [Read more...]
Clear Lake is rock-n-roll capital for the Winter Dance Party
Thousands of rock-n-roll lovers are converging on Clear Lake for the Winter Dance Party at the Surf Ballroom. The three-day event started last night. It's a celebration of the lives of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and “The Big Bopper” J. P. Richardson, who died along with pilot Roger Peterson in a … [Read more...]
Le Mars excited to get the wheels rolling for next RAGBRAI
Planning is getting underway in eight Iowa cities for a massive tourism influx after organizers of the annual bicycle ride across Iowa unveiled their list of host cities over the weekend. RAGBRAI will start in the northwest Iowa town of Le Mars in July, with overnight stops in Storm Lake, Fort … [Read more...]
Cold, what cold? Okoboji Winter Games open
Some Iowans detest the freezing weather, but hearty snow lovers in northwest Iowa are embracing the chill with today's opening of the 40th annual University of Okoboji Winter Games. While the university is fictional, devotion to the event is very real, according to Kylie Zankowski at the Iowa … [Read more...]
Iowa Bike Expo brings thoughts of spring and warm rides
The forecast calls for plenty of snow to fly over the next few days, but thousands of Iowans will be thinking of sunny, summer days ahead as they attend one of the biggest one-day bicycling shows in the Midwest. The Iowa Bike Expo is Saturday in Des Moines. Organizer Mark Wyatt, executive … [Read more...]
New inductees into the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced
The Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has released the list of 2020 inductees. Maddie Tesch, a spokeswoman for the Arnolds Park-based Iowa Rock and Roll Music Association and Museum, says the list includes individuals, bands and others who had an impact on the state's music scene. "From northwest … [Read more...]