Library Corner - Lake Mills Public Library
As winter ends and spring arrives, we are happy to see the snowplows replaced by tractors, seed tenders, and planters on the roads and in the fields. There’s just something promising a…
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 21
The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 21 of Buffalo Center, Iowa met at 1:30 p.m. at the Heritage Town Center on April 20, 2026. Eleven members were present. President Illa Roth opened th…
Winnebago County’s “Hope Tree”
About 12-15 years ago, a severe thunderstorm with a tornado developed on a Saturday afternoon near Buffalo Center heading east towards Lake Mills. There was a young tree across from th…
Sixth graders perform in Central Iowa Wind Ensemble
Three sixth graders from Lake Mills Middle School took part in the Central Iowa Wind Ensemble Youth Band Festival held in Ankeny on Thursday, Apr. 23. From left are Cooper Schmidt (per…
Seniors are class champions at North Iowa
The Class of 2026 prevailed in the annual Battle of the Classes held Friday, Apr. 24 at North Iowa High School. The afternoon of challenges included activities like “Don’t Ring the Bel…
“Olympus: The Greek Rock Musical” at Lake Mills
The Lake Mills fourth graders brought the gods and goddesses of Mount Olympus to life on Thursday, Apr. 23, with the show “Olympus: The Greek Rock Musical.” The musical follows a group…
FFA members participate in State Convention in Ames
The Forest City FFA Chapter Activity team took home the award for State Runner-Up at the 98th Iowa FFA Leadership Conference. For their activity, the team recreated their Soil Judging …
Adult Education & Literacy open house in Forest City
North Iowa Area Community College invites community members to attend an Adult Education & Literacy (AEL) Open House this May at the John V. Hanson Career in Forest City. This free eve…
Winnebago County Road Department lays out improvement plans for 2026
Winnebago County is preparing for a full season of road improvements in 2026, with projects focused on strengthening pavement, improving safety, and extending the lifespan of the roadw…
North Iowa approves ’26-’27 budget and looks at future finances
The budget is set for the coming year at North Iowa Community Schools, as the school board unanimously approved the proposed 2026-2027 budget at its April 20 meeting. There were no pub…
Forest City among Iowa’s first Purple Star Schools
The Forest City Community School District is one of the first seven school districts in the state to be named a Purple Star School by the Iowa Department of Education. This special des…
Nature Center addition continues Mae Helgeson’s legacy
Researchers and everyday people alike can now keep a closer eye on the birds visiting Winnebago County, thanks to the addition of the Mae’s Way Motus tower at the Hanson Nature Center.…
Spring open house Saturday at Hanson Nature Center
The Winnebago County Conservation Board will celebrate spring with an open house at the Hanson Nature Center on Saturday, Apr. 25. A highlight for the day will be the dedication of the…
Iowa Giving Crew partners with Forest City school to meet students’ basic needs
The Forest City Community School District is proud to announce a new partnership with Iowa Giving Crew (IGC) as part of the organization’s newly established North Iowa Chapter. This co…
County campgrounds to open May 1
Spring is here, and the two Winnebago County campgrounds at Thorpe Park and Dahle Park will be opening on May 1. As of that date, all utilities will be turned on, and the tables and fi…
Auditor Weiss participates in election security-focused preparedness exercise
Winnebago County Auditor Karla Weiss and local election security partners recently joined the Iowa Secretary of State’s office to participate in annual election security exercises. The…