Letters to the Editor

My Congressional representative Steve King just attacked the foundation of the human family by casting incest in a positive light. The incest taboo is universal — all cultures and people of all faiths observe it. Our very humanity is based in the stability of our family ties. ...

Last week the serial anti-Trump letter writer tried to read President Trump's mind. It isn't necessary to read his mind because he tells you exactly what he is thinking. How refreshing to have a politician that tells you exactly what is on his mind...

Kudos to Steve Weisman and the DCN for outstanding coverage of the Prairie Lakes Conference field day tour of the Wallace & Bowers Nature Area. Owing to the generosity of a couple families, many Lakes area contributors, ownership and management by the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, Wallace & Bowers provides a textbook example and material contribution to our Lakes area water and soil quality. A perfect balance of sound agriculture and conservation...

The Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club would like to thank everyone who helped make our third annual Boji Brew Fest event Aug. 3 at Arnolds Park Central Park a great success. A special thank you to the members of PEO, Chapter PA Spirit Lake, and spouses who volunteered along with our club members to make set up, ticket sales and tear down run smoothly...

In a recent oval office interview with Breitbart News, Trump said in a warning to Democratic Party members: "My base is full of tough people who will only use their toughness when provoked to a certain point." He further stated "I can tell you I have the support of the police, the support of the military and the support of the Bikers for Trump. I have tough people, but they don't play it tough until they get to a certain point, and then it would be very bad, very bad."...

The end of the summer season is near, but we can still remember the sound of feet hitting the pavement during the Pioneer Days run and the laughter of children enjoying inflatable attractions at Florence Park. We saw the grand opening of a new park. Floats and firetrucks from throughout the region gave us unforgettable sights and sounds. Milford honored a group of its finest residents as part of the annual parade...

  Arts On Grand and myself are overwhelmed with gratitude for those who helped make Backyard Bach and Blues a success this year. Backyard Bach and Blues was hosted at the Conover Residence in Spencer Saturday July 27, and it was a beautiful evening for the 220-plus attendees...

I would like to thank Russ Mitchell and others who worked on the mental health series in the recent editions of the Dickinson County News. He covered our son Jeff's story in a matter of fact way but also in a compassionate way. Not a day goes by that we don't grieve him in some way, and hopefully by sharing his story it can help someone else...

Are you often frustrated with how slowly government operates? A recent situation demonstrates when government wants to move fast they can, but that doesn't always lead to good decision making. Consider what happened when Dickinson County wanted to reduce the speed limit on the straight-away portion of Stakeout Road. ...

As the chairman of the Northwest Iowa Cares Connection Mental Health Regional Board, I feel I need to respond to Representative John Wills "The True Story" column in the July 17 edition of The Dickinson County News, as it gives the impression that all is financially well in the mental health world...

The LifeServe Blood Center blood drive sponsored by the Spirit Lake Community on Tuesday, July 9, had a great turn-out! Thirty-nine donors registered and 42 life-saving units of blood were donated. Thank you to everyone that came out to help boost the local blood supply. The units donated at the blood drive can help save up to 126 lives. There were a few milestone donors, who are listed below and a special thanks to John Guthrie for sponsoring and hosting the blood drive...

I am writing in regard to the life and preservation of Lower Gar Lake. This lake is the drain for all of the Iowa Great Lakes. The tubes placed at the south end have been helpful. I know some proposing another tube of some type to be placed to govern further drainage and adjust all-of the lakes' levels. This is in order to preserve the shorelines...

Are you a fan of Iowa Lakeside Lab? If so, please consider helping with the following fundraising challenge. The Okoboji Foundation has announced their incentive to once again help the Nonprofit Partners in their Family of Funds (like the Friends) grow their individual endowments. The Okoboji Foundation is offering an additional $5,000 award to the Partner fund that gets the most on-line contributions during the month of July. Check it out at Challenge at GiveOkoboji.com...

I became a board member of the Conservation Foundation of Dickinson County in 2018 because it's a way I can contribute to the Iowa Great Lakes community. The CFDC is a non-profit organization that is responsible for fundraising and donations that support improvements at the more than 10 county parks and areas owned and managed by the Dickinson County Conservation Board in Dickinson County. ...

During the past year thousands of Americans have died needlessly. In the age group 0-19 years, 47 children were shot every day in America, in murders, assaults, suicides unintentional shootings or police interventions. Each day eight of them died. This past year 17,207 children were shot in murders, assaults, suicides, unintentional shootings or police interventions and 2,737 of them died of gun violence...

Call me "old fashioned'." I thought when people chose to run for elected offices, they did so in order to help their constituents — help them to improve their lives, strengthen their communities, to strengthen rather than divide. Imagine my surprise and dismay, when Joni Ernst opened her re-election campaign with "The forces of the radical, socialist left are on the march across our state and our nation". "We must,...do our part to defeat them."...

The first known accusation of rape against President Trump was made in 1989 by his then wife Ivana. Under intense pressure of a financial settlement during divorce negotiations, she was forced to concede that it was not a criminal rape because they were still married at the time. As Trump publicly stated in a taped interview, he felt that because of his wealth and fame he could sexually assault women without fear of retaliation and this incident seemed to validate it...

I am a 1969 graduate of Iowa Lakes Community College (ILCC). That year, John Denver and the Mitchell Trio performed in concert on the ILCC campus. The commencement speaker was the then Iowa Governor Harold Hughes. Since my graduation from ILCC, I have watched the college grow and increase the number of campuses to five; one each in the principal counties served. During that 50-year period, the school has added a number of career and technical programs...

During Michael Cohen's testimony to Congress, he produced letters Trump directed him to send to Trump's high school and colleges, threatening them with legal action and jail time if they ever released his academic records. A seemingly strange thing to do when he repeatedly claimed that he graduated "first in his class" from the Warton School of Business at Penn. ...

School minutes from May 13, 2019: "Hanson/Johnson moved to approve resolution approving project and authorizing consideration of acquisition of real estate and potential use of power of eminent domain at 1602 Sixth St., Milford and 803 H Ave., Milford. A vote was taken as follows: Yes votes — Droegmiller, Johnson, Hansen. Absent — Weaver, Dodge. Motion carried."...

  Last week the serial anti-Trump letter writer thought President Trump received a poor reception in London. The American press did report it negatively, however the United Kingdom press had a very positive report. This is further proof the American national media knows only one way to report the news about President Trump – negative...

The Stephens College students are back in Okoboji and settled into the OST campus. Thanks to the generosity of local businesses and Okoboji Summer Theatre Association members, we were able to give them welcome bags. These contained information about the area, coupons, food items, and clothing. The following local businesses provided gift items:...

President Trump's first visit to the U.K. in 2018 brought out 250,000 protestors lining the streets voicing their disapproval. His June 2019 visit, luckily, coincided with heavy rain on Monday that decreased the number of protestors to only 75,000. The Tuesday protest crowd in Trafalgar Square was again supersized...

Last week, the serial anti-Trump letter writer asked if President Trump is the most transparent ever. I would answer – yes, he is. When President Trump says something, you know that is what he is thinking. It is not what some focus group thinks will be popular that will never be implemented...

Rep. Wills was loud and proud of Iowa's ranking as number one state in the nation. He attributed the success to the unified Republican government. But now that we’ve fallen in the rankings to number 14, he hasn't said a word. Most troublingly, Iowa ranks as number 41 in the entire United States when it comes to air and water quality — the lifeblood of our community and economy...

Transparency in social contexts is defined as: “operating in such a way that it is easy for others to see what actions are performed. It implies openness, communication and accountability.” Under no stretch of the imagination can this president claim transparency. ...

The Good Neighbor Fund has provided an opportunity for our whole community to give generously to a wide variety of causes. The Lakes Area Hockey Association is so grateful for this year’s Good Neighbor support of some of the equipment needs of our Phase 3 Capital campaign...

Spirit Lake, I commend you and congratulate you. Our blood drive on May 20 was a huge success and we went over our goal — the first time in several years. Our goal was 35 and we had 43 total units! Pat yourselves on the back. We had six double reds (which accounts for 12 unites) 31 whole blood, one incomplete and three deferred. We had many appointments and most of them came. We also had numerous people that didn't have appointments and for that we are grateful...

Community Advocates Ready to Empower Survivors (CARES) would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the following businesses and individuals for their generous sponsorships and donations for our 3rd Annual Carnival on April 27. Our wonderful donors and volunteers made it a successful event...

  For over 15 years, Spirit Lake and surrounding communities have been supporting the local blood bank, LifeServe Blood Center, at the community blood drives coordinated by John Guthrie. The blood drive was held this past Tuesday, May 14 to help the blood center keep units on hand for hospital patients across the tristate area. Several donors showed their support for saving local lives by donating blood...

Our agency was pleasantly surprised by a donation we received from the Good Neighbor Fund of the Okoboji and Spirit Lake Territories. We want to openly express our thanks to everyone who may have donated to such a cause. Centers Against Abuse & Sexual Assault (CAASA) provides services to sexual assault/abuse survivors by offering 24 hour crisis intervention services, crisis counseling services, transportation services, information and referral services, legal and personal advocacy, mentoring, and other additional services for victims of abuse. ...

Does $1,320 an inch sound about right? That is what the letter from Stephanie Sohn, the assessor informed me a month ago. Up 20% from last year. Since I was 10 years old, I dreamed of having a home on West Okoboji Lake. I am one of the lucky ones whose dream came true. But that dream is becoming more impossible each year as many owners are being displaced from the market by wealthy buyers who line up at realtors' offices with suitcases full of cash...

The YMCA of the Okobojis would like to recognize and thank the Good Neighbor Fund for the donation given to the Y, which impacts both the Bedell Family YMCA and Camp Foster YMCA. The Bedell Family YMCA received funding to assist in the purchase of new AED machines for our three facilities and, additionally, some of the funds will help offset the costs to the Y for hosting North Area Special Olympics events for the state of Iowa. ...

Dickinson County is blessed with the best natural resources in the State of Iowa. Our 10 natural lakes are a magnet that draws people from a 200 mile radius and beyond. We are fortunate so many people want to visit the Iowa Great Lakes – with the result – many want to buy property here. Recently lakeshore property has been selling at higher prices...

We, at Discovery House, would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the residents of Dickinson County who contributed so generously to the Good Neighbor Fund, and to our non-profit organization this year. Recently, we had a new roof put on Discovery House, so part of this year’s donation, in addition to some private donations, will help to complete that project...

The American Red Cross Serving Greater Iowa would like to thank everyone in the Iowa Great Lakes Region who donated to the Good Neighbor Fund this year. The American Red Cross has had a presence in Iowa since 1916, focusing on disaster relief, health and safety preparedness, blood service, international service and supporting the armed forces. ...

Thank you to the Good Neighbor Fund of the Okoboji and Spirit Lake territory and all of the community members who donated to the Good Neighbor Fund this past year and made it possible for Hope Haven, Inc. to receive such a great donation. The funds we received this year will go toward assisting our clients with purchasing RIDES passes and transportation tickets...

Cherish Center would like to recognize and send sincere thanks to The Good Neighbor Fund for the recent donation. This gift has a significant impact on the individuals we serve. The gift assists with the operational and program needs of Cherish House as well as has an impact on our ability to carry out the additional ministries of mentoring and parent/family educational opportunities...

Residents of Spirit Lake have many community assets to be thankful for. For a city of our size, we share benefits usually found only in larger ones. Fortunately, tourism contributes for the cost of some of these assets. However, some assets remain for our citizenry to fund...

In a "Letter to the Editor" last week, the writer worried about who President Trump has selected for his cabinet. Rather than worrying about personal changes in the administration, I believe we should focus on the president's results. Our economy is doing better than it has for decades. High employment numbers and the stock market have reached record highs. The United States is now the world's number one fossil fuel producer...

A pardon by the president was promised if the newly appointed acting Secretary of Homeland Security Keven McAleenan was charged with breaking the law by following President Trump's orders on border security. This followed the dismissal of Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen because Trump felt she was not tough enough and disagreed with the family separation policy. ...

Why is anyone obsessed with whether President Trump changed the FBI plans to build a new FBI headquarters in downtown Washington? If President Trump did anything illegal I am sure the 93% of Democratic federal workers in Washington and the national news media would immediately let us know. The national news media (ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, PBS, AP, WP, and NYT) have made 93% of their news stories negative about President Trump...

I was 16-year-old senior in high school in 1941. Franklin Roosevelt was president. I took a government class that year — I took it seriously. I learned that Roosevelt has started the Social Security program, which is still a good thing. He was also responsible fore the WPA, the CCCs and other programs that made bums out of people. And, I believed he helped manipulate us into World War II...

A recent letter to the editor brought up excellent questions about climate change and global warming. The author asserted that "global warming" was renamed to "global climate change" because "when the climate did not heat fast enough ... any change in climate will provide proof we are in imminent danger."...

  For over 15 years, Spirit Lake and surrounding communities have been supporting the local blood bank, LifeServe Blood Center, at the community blood drives coordinated by John Guthrie. The blood drive was held this past Tuesday, March 12, to help the blood center in a very high need time during the colder season. Several donors stepped up by saving lives...

On Sunday, March 3, the 8th annual "Get Up and Bowl for Special Olympics" was held. Mother Nature did not cooperate on Sunday, Feb. 24, but everyone came together and made our fundraiser another HUGE success. We continue to be very blessed with the overwhelming cooperation and support we receive from our area businesses, friends, and families. ...

During the past year thousands of Americans have died needlessly. In the age group 0-19 years, 47 children were shot every day in America, in murders, assaults, suicides unintentional shootings or police interventions. Each day, eight of them died. This past year 17,207 children were shot in murders, assaults, suicides, unintentional shootings or police interventions and 2,737 of them died of gun violence...

We are living in historic, profoundly future shaping times. 2020 promises to be a year overloaded with pre-election conflicts, lawsuits, and overwhelming digital mis-information. I am concerned at the direction we are going. I am convinced that the outcome of this 2020 election will affect the future for my children and grandchildren...

In late January, the Trump Administration’s Department of Veterans Affairs announced an historic collaboration that could help curb the epidemic of veterans’ suicide. By partnering with the National Shooting Sports Foundation and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the Administration is taking important steps to promote responsible gun ownership best practices and safe firearm storage...

Iowa politics are pointing toward concentrating power in Des Moines. The proposal to reorganize judiciary selection, giving the legislature a larger role, is bigger than a "partisan power grab," and the argument that having legislators instead of lawyers select commission members would protect the rights of voters is only a small piece of the puzzle...