The Buffalo Center Swimming Pool hosted its annual end-of-the-summer Doggie Dip on Sunday, Aug. 30. Bringing her dog, Teddy, to the pool was Greta Christensen. (Photo by Sarah Paulson)

The grain elevator that has towered over Buffalo Center for 70 years finally came crashing down last week, as a two-year demolition project wraps up. StateLine Cooperative enlisted Terminal Solutions out of Radcliffe to bring down the main elevator structure that was constructed in 1956 by Farmers Cooperative Elevator Company.

The Forest City volleyball team will face new challenges this fall, during their first season as part of the North Central Conference.

The North Iowa cross country teams return experienced runners to the course this fall, as they hope to move some first-time qualifiers through to State.

The Lake Mills Bulldogs will refresh their boys’ cross country lineup this fall, while a large returning group for the girls’ team hopes to make their mark.

Beth Van Roekel returns as head coach for the Bulldogs, along with assistant coach Grant Dieken.

The North Iowa Lady Bison hope to do well in a reshaped Top of Iowa Conference this fall, with most of their starting lineup back for another season.

The Lady Bison finished in the middle of the pack last year, as they went 4-4 in the conference for fifth place and finished 15-14 overall.

Six starters return to the volleyball court for the Lake Mills Bulldogs this fall, with the team looking to repeat as Top of Iowa Conference Champions. The Bulldogs led the Top of Iowa Conference-West last year with a perfect 8-0 record, while the team went 26-11 overall.

The Forest City Indians aim to return both of their cross country teams to the State meet this fall, with lots of talent back for both the boys’ and girls’ squads.

Head Coach DJ Wolfram and Assistant Coach Michael Pettengill welcome 23 boys and 18 girls for the 2026 season.

Kelly Lillie, ARNP, and Hannah Anderson, RT(R)(CT), welcomed a new owner for Buffalo Center’s healthcare clinic last week, as they continue to provide care for patients at the newly renamed Buffalo Center Medical and Specialty Clinic.

The Forest City Indians look to bounce back from a 1-7 season and have been working hard this summer to get ready for the football season.

The new school year is underway at all area schools, with the first day of classes taking place Monday, Aug. 24, for the 2026-2027 school year. The new year marks the beginning of a new chapter for the North Iowa High School Class of 2030, who experienced their first day of high school on Monday.

The Lake Mills Bulldogs have a good mix of experience and new talent as the boys get ready for the 2026 football season.

Rande Giesking was honored at Gruis Recreation Area’s 50th anniversary celebration for working at the course for 47 of its 50 years. He started after graduation in 1978 by helping Jay Rush, mostly with mowing. Rande and Dale Meinders worked the course together from 1982-1983. Rande took over by himself in 1984, and he retired just last year in 2025.

The North Iowa Bison will put their experience to use this fall on the football field, with 10 seniors returning to lead the team.

Two men who have made a lasting impact on the lives of Forest City students are the latest inductees to the Education Hall of Fame at Forest City Community Schools. Steve Rollefson and Mike Van Oort were recognized during an awards ceremony on Friday, Aug. 14 at the Boman Fine Arts Center.