The Heartwarmers Quilt Guild in Buffalo Center will meet on Wednesday, May 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Heritage Town Center in Buffalo Center. Anyone interested in quilting is invited to attend.

Several Bison FFA members took part in the annual “Drive Your Tractor to School Day” on Friday, May 1 at North Iowa High School. Getting up early to make it to school on time with their tractors were, from left: Kayla Heyer, Ethan Matson, Beckett Jensen, Kole Heyer, Landon Eichenberger, Hayden Larson, Carter Wubben, Zander Hanson, and Rowan Welhousen. (Photo by North Iowa Yearbook)

Absentee ballots for the June 2 Primary Election are now available in the Winnebago County Auditor’s Office, according to Karla Weiss, Commissioner of Elections. Voters may register and vote in the County Auditor’s office during regular office hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., and on specified dates listed below. The voter pre-registration deadline is at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, May 18.

Hello from Timely Mission! We continued our daily games and exercises this week, as well as getting outside and enjoying the fresh air and amazing temperatures!

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 about the change in seasons. It gives us new hope for the great things that lie ahead. We have many such great things happening at the Lake Mills Public Library.

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 the meeting. All members recited the Pledge of Allegiance and the preamble. President Roth gave the standing rules, mission statement, opening prayer, and correspondence.

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 the Hanson Nature Center north of Leland that had it made in life, that is, until that afternoon. Standing tall and erect with its root base tapped into the stream next to it, the tree’s future looked great until the 4 p.m.

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 (percussion), McKenna Stellpflug (clarinet), and Anna Budach (percussion). The students performed under the direction of composer Carol Brittin Chambers. (Photo by Bethany Dieken)

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 Bell,” “Noodle Swords,” a food eating contest, and a tug of war. Senior champions include, front from left: Neely Jensen, Tarra Viergutz, and Audryana Carillo-Cervantes.

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 of cousins who set off on a hike to “Olympus Overlook,” where they are tested by ancient deities in a contest to prove who is the greatest Greek god of all time.

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 Practice they hosted last fall under the category of Growing Leaders. From left are: Teagan Langerud, Aubrey Olson, Max Aitchison, and Wyatt Bertram. (Submitted photo)

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 event provides information on English language learning, high school equivalency preparation, digital skills, college readiness, and short-term workforce training opportunities.

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 roadway network. This year’s program includes surfacing work, asphalt preservation treatments, microsurfacing, fog sealing, and several culvert and small bridge replacements across the county.

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 public comments on the budget during a hearing held at the start of the April meeting.

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 designation recognizes school districts that are committed to supporting military-connected families and their students.