Below are the stories used in this week’s summary:
Fatal Crash In Plymouth County
A Northwest Iowa woman was killed in a crash Saturday night in Plymouth County. The Iowa State Patrol says it happened just before 7:45 near the 34-thousand block of County Road C-12. Nineteen-year-old Sarah Van Ostrand of Struble was driving west when her pickup crossed the center line and hit an eastbound semi turning into Dykstra Dairy. Van Ostrand died at the scene. The semi driver was not hurt.
Fatal Semi Crash In South Dakota
The South Dakota Highway Patrol has released the name of the man killed in a crash last Thursday near Fairview. Authorities say 62-year-old Warren Dale Van Otterloo of Rock Valley was driving a semi on 288th Street when it left the road, tipped over, and rolled down a steep embankment. Van Otterloo, who was not wearing a seat belt, died in the crash. No other injuries were reported, and the investigation continues.
Rock Valley Community Schools Flood Recovery
Recovery continues for Rock Valley Community Schools after last summer’s flood. Congressman Randy Feenstra says he’s secured $1.8 million in FEMA funding to help rebuild. Floodwaters from the Rock River damaged classrooms, the gym, and the auditorium last June, forcing a delayed start to the school year. Superintendent Matt Van Voorst calls the funding a vital step toward restoring facilities and keeping students safe. Feenstra praised the community’s resilience and says he’ll keep working until Rock Valley receives full relief.
Dordt University Top Christian College Ranking
Dordt University has been named the top Christian college in Iowa and 22nd in the nation, according to Niche’s 2026 rankings. The list combines student and alumni reviews with national education data, looking at academics, campus life, diversity, and more. Derek Buteyn, Dordt’s Director of Students and Residence Life, says the recognition highlights how students shape campus culture, growing spiritually, building relationships, and preparing to serve in their communities. The ranking underscores Dordt’s commitment to providing a faith-focused education that equips students to think critically, act with integrity, and serve in all areas of life.
Felony Charges Filed Against Worthington Man at Grand Falls Casino
A Worthington, Minnesota, man faces multiple felony charges after an incident at Grand Falls Casino near Larchwood. Investigators say 49-year-old Cerritos Mejia claimed a $1,500 jackpot that wasn’t his, using a fraudulent name to avoid taxes. Mejia is charged with forgery, identity theft over $10,000, conspiracy, and other felonies. He was arrested on Tuesday and is being held in the Lyon County Jail on a $50,000 bond. No court dates have been set.
Northwest Iowa Diaper Drive
Two local groups are working to help families in need. Northwest Iowa Baby Shower and Guiding Star Siouxland are hosting a Diaper Drive on Saturday at Rock Valley Faith Reformed Church. Families can pick up diapers from 9 to 11 a.m. Organizers say at a spring event, they distributed more than 20,000 diapers in Sioux Center. You can also hear more about how to donate on the Daily Grind right here.
Northwestern College Colenbrander Plaza
Northwestern College will soon break ground on a new outdoor space leading up to De Valois Stadium. The public’s invited to the ceremony on October 2nd at 5:00 pm. Colenbrander Plaza will sit where Colenbrander Hall once stood, with brick pillars, seat walls, and a large athletic logo. A plaque will honor longtime trustee chair Rev. Henry Colenbrander. The project is funded by Northwestern alum Ray Heemstra, son of the college’s first president. View the artist rendering here.
Sioux Center City Council Tree Planting Proposal
The Sioux Center City Council is holding off on a proposal that would ban tree planting between sidewalks and streets. The change was being considered because when trees in that right-of-way die, the city—not property owners—must pay for removal, which has become costly after Emerald Ash Borer and this summer’s storms. At the September 15th meeting, residents presented a petition and urged the council to reconsider, highlighting the benefits of shade and neighborhood appearance. After hearing public input, the council chose to delay a vote and continue studying the issue. People can see their property lines at the Sioux County GIS mapping application, Beacon, right here.
View all of our local news stories here. View last week’s summary here.
