Four State

By EARL HORLYK – Sioux City Journal, Iowa (TNS) Running onto the ice at the Tyson Events Center, Sioux City Musketeers defenseman Liam Hupka and forward Gavin Garry look like they’re ready for action. Muskies jerseys? Check. Top-of-the-line hockey skates? Check. Short pants? Eh, you work do work a sweat following a strenuous practice, even

By BRUCE R. MILLER – Sioux City Journal, Iowa (TNS) “Wicked” proved there’s still life in big-budget studio films. But the bulk of 2024’s best still came from independent studios, streaming services and foreign filmmakers. Does that say the business is expanding? Or has the capital of moviemaking shifted? Take a look at the list

By Nick Hytrek – Sioux City Journal, Iowa (TNS) As 2024 began, Siouxland needed moisture. After experiencing months of drought and dry conditions, the area was in desperate need of above-normal spring rainfall to make up for long-term moisture deficits. Mother Nature granted that wish. From March through May, much of the region saw plentiful

By Nick Hytrek – Sioux City Journal, Iowa (TNS) SIOUX CITY — A man who was seriously injured in a Sioux City traffic accident this spring has sued a Plymouth County official for allegedly causing the crash. Rosendo Mejia Lopez, of South Sioux City, says Plymouth County Emergency Management coordinator Rebecca Socknat ran a red

By EARL HORLYK – Sioux City Journal, Iowa (TNS) SIOUX CITY — Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and legendary member of The Moody Blues, John Lodge will be performing at the Orpheum Theatre, 528 Pierce St., on March 3. A critically-acclaimed songwriter, vocalist and bass player, Lodge is continuing in his celebration of the

By DOLLY A. BUTZ – Sioux City Journal, Iowa (TNS) SIOUX CITY — Break-ins at the former Jewish Community Center near Sioux City’s downtown have resulted in a recent rash of fire calls. A Monday night fire, which caused smoke damage, marked the fourth time in three days that Sioux City Fire Rescue had responded

By EARL HORLYK – Sioux City Journal, Iowa (TNS) SIOUX CITY — Many people will start off the new year with a desire to change their diet. The Sioux City Public Library’s Michael Maxwell wants everyone to eat the world. That’s because the first book for the 2025 Open Book Club is a book of

By DOLLY A. BUTZ – Sioux City Journal, Iowa (TNS) SIOUX CITY — Downtown Partners has installed new interior skywalk lights in Sioux City’s downtown. The colorful RGB LED lighting addition was installed inside the skywalk bridge above Nebraska Street between Third and Fourth streets. The test area began glowing pink on Friday. The comprehensive

By Nick Hytrek – Sioux City Journal, Iowa (TNS) As 2024 began, Siouxland needed moisture. After experiencing months of drought and dry conditions, the area was in desperate need of above-normal spring rainfall to make up for long-term moisture deficits. Mother Nature granted that wish. From March through May, much of the region saw plentiful

By Matt Smith – Clinton Herald, Iowa (TNS) The small Johnson County town of Coyote Flats having lost its city hall turned to the Johnson County Commissioners Court on Dec. 20 to receive help. “A few years back they bought a portable building for their city hall but that property recently sold and so they

By Matt Smith – Clinton Herald, Iowa (TNS) Members of the Johnson County Commissioners Court on Dec. 20 faced the challenge of spending $549,429.30 by day’s end. That amount represented the remainder of American Rescue Plan Act funding had to pledge to various purchases and projects by the end of that day or send back

By Monica Faram – Clinton Herald, Iowa (TNS) The end of the year is quickly approaching. As we look forward to the new year, plan to start 2025 off on the right (and left) foot with a hike, stroll, dog walk, bike ride or winter water plunge in your favorite state park. Whether exercising your

By CATHERINE CROW – Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, Iowa (TNS) Each December, Courier reporters look back at their favorite stories of the past year. We ask them to pick their favorites: not necessarily the biggest stories of the year, just the ones they found most interesting. Some are heart-warming. Some are amusing. Some are wistful. We

By MARIA KUIPER – Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, Iowa (TNS) CEDAR FALLS — Candles shined their way through the fog during a celebration of Hanukkah in Cedar Falls Thursday. A 10-foot menorah sat at the River Place Plaza in a lighting ceremony marking the second night of the Jewish holiday. The celebration was led by Rabbi