Not far from the birthplace of actor John Wayne, the tiny southwest Iowa community of Macksburg is hosting its annual National Skillet Throwing Competition this weekend. Organizer Becky Faust says they have a pile of steel skillets of various sizes from which contestants may choose their weapons. … [Read more...]
Iowa Supreme Court throws out water quality lawsuit against state
The Iowa Supreme Court has thrown out a district court ruling that allowed Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement and Water Watch to sue the state over water quality. The Supreme Court ruling says it is speculative that a favorable court decision would lead to a more aesthetically pleasing … [Read more...]
West Fork of Des Moines River a designated a water trail
After navigating through the specifications for several years, the West Fork of the Des Moines River in the Estherville area is now a state-designated "water trail." Lexie Ruter, the executive director of the Estherville Area Chamber of Commerce, says they had to have a launching area for boats, … [Read more...]
Famous Walnut Antique Show opens Friday
What's considered one of the world's "Top 10 Antiques Travel Destinations" opens Friday in the southwest Iowa town of Walnut. The 38th Annual Walnut AMVETs Antique Show draws some 350 vendors from 21 states to display and sell their rare collectibles. Gene Larsen, with the Walnut AMVETs, says the … [Read more...]
U-I students sign film option on writing assignment turned novel
A writing assignment for a University of Iowa honors class turned into a novel that caught the attention of movie producers and resulted in all 19 students signing a film option with two Hollywood studios. U-I Professor Harry Stecopoulos says he's delighted by the development and while he … [Read more...]
Lack of lifeguards impacting pools and aquatic centers
With the forecast calling for high temperatures statewide in the 80s and 90s all week, many Iowans will be heading to their nearest municipal swimming pool for a cool dip. Some pools and water parks remain closed, however, due to a lack of lifeguards. Red Oak City Administrator Brad Wright says … [Read more...]
Renovations approved for Lakeside Casino in Osceola
The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission recently approved a remodeling project for the Lakeside Casino near Osceola. Racing and Gaming administrator, Brian Ohorillko says it's a two-million-dollar project. "Lakeside will be converting their gift shop to a coffee shop. They are going to be doing … [Read more...]
Survey planned on the impact of gambling in Iowa
The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission has received proposals from four companies to conduct a socio-economic study of the gambling industry. Racing and Gaming Administrator, Brian Ohorilko, says it will be a two-part study. "This is a study that will look at socio-economic behavior, specifically … [Read more...]
Pop up drive-in opening in West Des Moines
A pop-up drive-in will open this weekend in central Iowa. Sponsored by the grocery chain, the Hy-Vee Drive-In Theater is setting up at Valley West Mall in West Des Moines. There'll be room for just under a hundred cars in the parking lot south of the former Younker's. Throughout the summer, … [Read more...]
Iowa Lottery to stick with appointments for prize redemption
The Iowa Lottery went to a process requiring winners to make an appointment to pick up their prizes as a precaution during the pandemic. Lottery spokesperson, Mary Neubauer, says they've been evaluating things as restrictions are removed and will stay with that process. "We're going to keep that … [Read more...]