Letters to the Editor

Obviously, your vote is only one in many millions. However, when actions are taken to suppress the vote, it effects not only your vote but millions of other voters. We are now in a raging pandemic and expert medical advice tells us to avoid interacting with large numbers of people, such as on site voting...

On Sunday, Oct. 11, I had the good fortune to drive down from the Twin Cities in Minnesota to provide some feedback to the Spirit Lake High School Marching Band and their staff. Currently in my 36th year of public school teaching as a high school band director, I have had the opportunity to both compete with and adjudicate a large number of marching bands in the Midwest. ...

Senator Joni Ernst deserves credit: She kept her word to support conservative, constitutionalists for the bench by announcing her support for President Trump's Supreme Court nominee, Amy Coney Barrett. The left is outraged, but if they had the White House and Senate, they would support an election-year nominee. ...

Team WAVE and the City of Arnolds Park would like to thank everyone who participated in our Adopt-A-Flowerbed program this year. Helping to keep our landscaped areas of the city clean and beautiful for everyone to enjoy is no easy task, especially with the drought the last couple months. This year's Adopt-A-Flower-Bed program participants were, Okoboji PT, Liberty National Bank of Okoboji, Oak Hill Marina, The Sugar Shack, Jensen Real Estate, Linda Hinshaw and Barb & Wayne Woodley...

Parenting is not an easy task, and parenting teenagers comes with its own unique set of challenges. During National Teen Driver Safety Week, Oct. 18-24, the Governor's Traffic Safety Bureau is teaming up with law enforcement across the state to help empower parents to discuss the importance of safe driving habits with their young drivers. ...

The 2020 pandemic has resulted for many as an opportunity to slow down life, to evaluate priorities, and to realize that we all have basic human needs. We have found out how important mental health and wellness is for healthy living, no matter what age we are, as isolation, loneliness, and anxiety affect our lives as we navigate our world...

Was there a debate Tuesday night? I did not see one. What I saw were two "politicians" shouting at each other. Some newspaper writers are saying there was a debate winner. How do you win anything when both candidates are not listening to his opponent and developing a coherent response to what the other party said, but is only preparing to shout some more? During the debate, I found myself looking at the off-stage curtain hoping for the mystery third party candidate to come out that I could at least consider to vote for.. ...

Last week the serial anti-Trump writer of "Letters to the Editor" used faulty reasoning in his letter. His concern was that President Trump was wrong to nominate a Justice to the United States Supreme Court, and that the Senate would be wrong to vote on the nomination...

Anyone growing up in Spirit Lake knew Berkley & Co. was established by Berkley Bedell and was the city's largest employer. My mother worked at Berkley & Co. for over 20 years as did many others. My sisters and I grew up with Berkley's kids and participated in activities with them; many of those activities under Berkley's leadership...

With Veterans Day approaching, we all stand with respect for those men and women who were willing to sacrifice all in order to preserve the freedoms that we enjoy. These are truly our nation's heroes and worthy of our honor and support. I am writing this letter to inform you about one group of Veterans who can use your support especially now: those men and women of American Legion Post 23 in Spirit Lake...

In 2018, Senator Lindsey Graham defended the Republican decision to block President Obama's nominee to the Supreme Court saying: "If an opening comes in the last year of President Trump's term, and the primary process is started, we'll wait till the next election."...

Citizen misunderstandings exist by the average person as it relates to serving as a local county supervisor. The purpose of this letter is to clarify these misconceptions. Misconception #1: When a person runs for election as county supervisor, they typically submit the needed signatures and file in the June primary listing a party affiliation...

There needs to be a state law with a noise limit on those exhaust systems that were purposely altered to make more noise than no muffler. Smart alecs take a good and proper muffler off their trucks or motorcycles and put on a counterfeit thing that looks like a muffler, but really isn't. Look up muffler in your dictionary. They do this so they can harass the whole community with obnoxious and unnecessary noise...

Here is a sample of advice for college students and second-home owners during the pandemic which was occurring census day, April 1, 2020. You should count anyone who is living in your home most of the time as of April 1, 2020. This includes family members, roommates, foster children, and friends. This also includes people in the hospital or even in jail temporarily who normally live with you...

The recent news that J.D. Scholten accepted an invitation from KTIV for a debate and Randy Feenstra declined the invitation, reminded me of a guest commentary letter written three weeks ago by Senate District 1 Senator Zach Whiting and House District 2 Representative Megan Jones. ...

Our yard signs have been gone on two occasions. My dear wife is an immigrant. She was born in Poland. They mayor of her home town did not want his people overrun by Stalin's army on their way to unseat Hitler, so he organized an evacuation into Germany. My wife and family lived in the woods 12 days during the bombing of Berlin...

Some Democrats spend much of their waking hours trying to dig up dirt on President Trump. I believe a more productive use of our time would be to recognize the President's accomplishments. If you balance Trumps accomplishments against his character flaws, it is clear Trump's accomplishments more than outweigh his flaws. To test that theory think back about the many presidents we have had over our 200-year history. Presidential accomplishments stand out over their character flaws...

The founding fathers put their lives and property on the line to fight and establish our democracy and provide a constitution, though not perfect, as a barrier to monarchy and autocracy. They understood the constitution's fragility but believed through separation of powers, peaceful presidential transfer and belief in government institutions it would prevail...

• Put patients and doctors in charge of our health care system  • Cut prescription drug prices  • Cover all pre-existing conditions  • End surprise billing  • Protect Social Security and Medicare  • Lower health care premiums  • Protect our veterans and provide world-class health care and services ...

Numerous experts have studied the mail in voting process and declared it virtually fraud free. President Trump has openly stated that a national mail in vote would result in a large turnout in the 2020 election and would be a disaster for him. In a strange message to his base supporters, he encouraged them to vote by mail and then go to a polling station and vote again. ...

Please help shape the future of Dickinson County by responding to the 2020 census. Accurate and complete census data affects how much money we get from the federal and state governments for roads, bridges, firefighters, wildlife restoration, school lunch programs, senior housing assistance and over 100 other programs for the next 10 years...

When you go to the polls in November to cast your vote – ask yourself, "would I vote for this party’s platform?" 1. Provide amnesty and free health care for people in our country illegally.  2. Open our borders to millions of more undocumented immigrants. ...

I am deeply concerned about what is happening in our country at this time. I do not understand why the president is not doing everything possible to help the post office, one of our oldest institutions. He has the power to provide money for extra workers and allowing overtime hours. ...

For many of us, summer in Iowa is synonymous with sitting outside on the patio of our favorite bar or restaurant and enjoying a cold beverage. Luckily, for now, we have been able to do that albeit with some restrictions. In order for this to continue, we all need to take personal responsibility to slow the spread of COVID-19...

Where is everyone in this coronavirus time? They are on the bike trails — you can keep yourself 6 feet away from other people. There are some new trails. One is along Highway 86 on the west side of West Okoboji. There is a new one by our home at the Landings. ...

I went to the Spirit Lake Post Office on Saturday and the clerks did not have masks on, but they were behind plastic. Then a man at the door without a mask came very close to me and I asked him to get back and told him to wear a mask. He said, "What did you say?" And I again said, "Would you please wear a mask; you are too close to me." He called me an "old b——." I have never been cussed at or called such a name in my life. I was so upset...

We had another fairly successful Red Cross Blood Drive in Spirit Lake where we had registered 33 donors, received 40 units of blood, had eight donors of power red blood with only one deferral. We also had a first time donor which is always exciting...

In 1994, the Clay County Fair employed me as general manager. I was there until 1999 when I left for an opportunity in the Twin Cities. It was fall of that year and the Save the (Arnolds) Park campaign had achieved its astonishing success. Of course I was aware of the campaign and knew some of its principals but only a few well. Paul Hedberg was one I knew well from both the Spencer fair and my time at the Minnesota State Fair; Berkley Bedell was not...

Last week in a Letter to the Editor, the author was quite agitated over what was called President Trump's multiple "rants." Funny, I don't remember any Trump "rant." Calling comments from the President of the United States a "rant" demonstrates that the author is unable to evaluate the President's actions in a fair and impartial manner...

I contemplated writing about key positive issues or programs that could be introduced after our next election. However, following President Trump's Rose Garden rant, his recent TV interviews, his rebooting of misinformation/politicizing the COVID-19 crisis and now his dispatching federal militia into sovereign cities managed by political opponents, it becomes more important we seriously study history of constitutional democratic demise! Trump's actions flaunt the concerns of Hamilton and other founders in creating the American presidency they perceived to be based upon trust of mutual toleration and institutional forbearance.. ...

By Judy Palmer The red-wing blackbird nibbles at the feeder As the wind whips flags on the white docks. Boats traverse across the lake as the Wind excites wakes so skiers can jump them. --- Sightseeing boats carry chairs filled with Awestruck dreamers of what might be...

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the businesses and parents who made our Spirit Lake Junior Senior "Evening in The Park" such a huge success! The event was held on June 21, and included amusement park rides, a dance in the Roof Garden, lots of food, a hypnotist and life-long memories made.   We couldn’t have had such an amazing "final" event for our class of 2020 seniors and class of 2021 juniors without the support and gracious donations from Arnolds Park Amusement Park, Pizza Ranch in Spirit Lake, Godfather’s Pizza in Milford, Spudnutz in Okoboji,  Spirit Lake After Prom and all the generous parents who volunteered to ensure the event ran smooth and safe.. ...

LifeServe would like to thank those who came out on July 7 to give the gift of life during this time. Being in a middle of a global pandemic, Spirit Lake individuals knew how important it was to donate when you are well and healthy. Spirit Lake Community registered 32 donors, collected 38 lifesaving products, had no first time donors, and saved over 114 lives! Once again, thank you. ...

Last week in a Letter to the Editor the author suggested that since President Trump has committed so many crimes he will surely would be indicted and sent to prison. In a town that has 93 percent democratic voters one would think it would be difficult to find a jury that would not convict a Republican president. With all of those resources digging for any dirt on President Trump they surely would have found some crimes after four years of searching. Let’s see how they have done so far...

As the July 4 holiday approaches, let's take a moment to think about what makes our community special, and what it will take to keep it that way. The Iowa Great Lakes are known for family-friendly fun, spectacular natural beauty, high-quality dining and other amenities, and — most importantly — a population that truly cares for one another. ...

Just about every cabinet department has been corrupted during Trump's Administration but none as overtly and grossly as the Department of Justice under the direction of William Barr. His total disregard for his oath of office to support our Constitution, disdain for the DOJ institution and use of the DOJ to cover President Trump's personal prejudices and biases is a dangerous national disgrace. Actions such as:...

I take total exception to State Senator Zach Whiting's summation of HF2486 — that it assures safe, secure and reliable rules to follow for Iowans to vote. He states voter ID legislation must be enforced, that it sets checks and balances for the Secretary of State under emergency powers, that no more than 35% of polling places can be closed in an emergency and finally acceptable absentee applications must complete all information...

Not far from the Dickinson County Fairgrounds and St. Mary's Catholic Church, is a little section of unpaved gravel road. It's an odd spot — part city, part county — with agricultural fields and two old farm houses that have lined either side of the road for over 100 years...

I hardly know where to begin. This past week of "slumber party antics" by the Iowa Legislature has left me with a mixture of disappointment, anger and confusion. Late Saturday night, our esteemed representatives voted not only to suppress the votes of those who elected them, but, in essence, vowed to put us all in harm's way. ...

Northwest Iowa Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) volunteers, all 55 or older, fit into the vulnerable population definition of COVID-19 and frequently serve vulnerable populations from young children to seniors. Since late March 2020, Northwest Iowa RSVP suspended the usual volunteer activities to help protect volunteers, staff, and clients. ...

Having been in the area for 20+ years we at Cherish Center know firsthand how phenomenal this community is! Still, when we received the incredibly generous donations totaling $5,088.96 that many of you from Spirit Lake and Okoboji gave through the Good Neighbor Fund we were blown away!...

On Monday, May 18, my wife, Connie and I went to the Walmart at Spirit Lake. Connie went into the store and I stayed in the van. It was 11:15 a.m. There was only one entrance open (west doors). The entrance is fenced off so one has to navigate that passage to enter the store. ...

LifeServe would like to thank those you came out on May 13 to give the gift of life during this time. Being in a middle of a global pandemic, Spirit Lake individuals knew how important it was to donate when you are well and healthy. Spirit Lake Community registered 47 donors, collected 53 lifesaving products, had three first time donors and saved over 159 lives! Once again, thank you. ...

We had another very successful Red Cross Blood Drive in Spirit Lake where we had registered 52 donors, received 45 units of blood (which was our goal), had eight donors of power red blood with only three deferrals. Due to this recent COVID-19 pandemic, the protocol for donating blood changed. ...

There is no question the COVID-19 pandemic has had a serious impact on Iowans. Most have been doing their part to slow the spread of the disease, whether that means staying home or stepping up. Iowa’s ethanol producers like Green Plains are no exception. When conventional supplies ran low, we donated ethanol for hand sanitizer production in Iowa and Nebraska...

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 as we further enhance our facility with much needed coin-operated locker facilities for those who utilize our facility...

Everyone should read and study carefully the Gettysburg Address by Abraham Lincoln (attached below). Then spend some time thinking about what Lincoln's words really mean. A lot of people in the past have sacrificed their lives for our country's ideals, and the most important is that all men and women are created equal, and have equal rights according to the Constitution...

  On behalf of The Humane Society of Northwest Iowa, we want to extend our sincerest gratitude to the Good Neighbor Fund for the generous contribution to the homeless animals residing with the Humane Society. Your very generous donation will surely have a significant impact as we will be using this to install emergency exit lighting as well as fulfill medical needs of our animals. ...

Hope Haven has recently received $8,193.12 from the Good Neighbor Fund of Spirit Lake and Okoboji. We are so thankful for their generous support of the renovation of our office building located in downtown Spirit Lake. The building was in great need of repair and restructure, and the renovation also honored the building’s history as a local firehouse, with some restoration to original architectural details. ...

My name is Marchetta Stillwell White. I live in Beeville, Texas. I am looking for any relatives of my parents Cecile Voigt and Benjamin Franklin (Frank) Stillwell. I am interested in finding more about my paternal family. I was born June 5, 1938, in Spirit Lake. ...