News

Changes to the state’s mental health system are coming in 2025. According to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS), they have chosen Iowa Primary Care Association to act as a statewide Administrative Serve Organization for the redesigned Behavioral Health System.

Healthcare services will be enhanced in January 2025 for the Hartley Family Care Clinic. Dr. Craig Simons, DO will be joining Hartley Family Care to see patients on several Thursdays each month. He is currently the Hospitalist at Spencer Hospital.

Two separate accidents have claimed the lives of the drivers, one in Kossuth County, and the other in Plymouth County. On Monday night, a car and semi collided head-on after the Iowa State Patrol says Andres Exposito of Webster City was in the 1700 Block of 210 Street in Algona, after Exposito crossed the center line and crashed head on into a semi driven by Daniel Murray Jr of Webster City. Exposito was dead at the scene, and Murray was treated at the Algona hospital for injuries. Iowa State Patrol says the accident remains under in investigation.

Last seen at Casey’s in Paullina, Dakota Martin, 20, has been missing since December 15th.

The latest update from FEMA shows they have provided more than $70 million in Individual Assistance to Iowa residents who suffered serious damage from this year’s flooding, severe storms and tornadoes. More than 7,000 households have been approved. In addition, FEMA National Flood Insurance Program has paid over $27 million in claims for Iowa policyholders. This money helps survivors with anything not covered by their insurance.

A Spirit Lake man has been charged with multiple counts of drug possession. Police arrested 41-year-old Lamar Cox of 2401 Denver Avenue Saturday. Authorities claim to have found 94.9 grams of cocaine, 836 grams of marijuana, 4.7 grams of mind-altering mushrooms, and various pills.

The city of Spencer is continuing to make progress on the development of an app for warning residents of incoming dangers such as floods or other disasters.

If you think the Christmas lights adorning Grand Avenue in Spencer are brighter than ever – you’re right.

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) has reported the first human case of avian influenza A(H5) in the state.

The Upper Midwest NASS office is out with the December 1st Cattle on Feed report for Iowa.