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All signs pointed to Fort Dodge Monday, as Spirit Lake squared off with Algona in the Class 3A regional softball final. The second-seeded Indians, coming off of back-to-back wins over intra-county rival Okoboji and familiar foe Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley — as well as a sixth straight Lakes Conference championship — were looking primed for a return trip to the state tournament...

Last month, an electronic eye in the sky took another look at the waters of the Iowa Great Lakes. It's the second year the East Okoboji Lakes Improvement Corporation has hired drone company Green Aero Tech to survey the local lakes and map the growth of curly leaf pondweed – an invasive species which seasonally tangles boat hoists, motor props and other marine equipment...

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...

The Milford City Council voted on Monday, July 8, not to reappoint Jim Carpenter as the city's fire chief, and reactions to that vote prompted a joint meeting between the council, Milford Fire Department and Fire Advisory Board this week Monday. The fire department continued its recommendation of Carpenter, and volunteer members turned out in dress uniform to support him...

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources does not plan to adopt more stringent beach water quality standards despite objections from at least one critic in the Iowa Great Lakes. Iowa Lakeside Laboratory Director Mary Skopec said the current testing threshold of 20 micrograms per liter of water for mycrocystin toxins may not be adequate to protect the most vulnerable beachgoers — children...

Dickinson County Supervisors, at the behest of several citizens, approved a letter to the Iowa Department of Transportation requesting an expanded study of the intersection of Highway 71 and Nature Center Road in Okoboji. The crossroad was the scene of a collision in May which claimed the life of a long-time area volunteer...

A house which was lifted off its foundation in late August is now on its way to becoming a home for a deserving family. Habitat for Humanity selected the Gustoff Family as the residents of the local chapter’s next house. The family was joined by Habitat for Humanity staff and volunteers Sunday, June 30, on the home's new lot for a groundbreaking ceremony. ...

Spirit Lake and Bishop Heelan traded blows Monday evening. In the end, the Crusaders scored the knockout with a home run in the top half of the final frame, but the Indians — and coach Ross Ackerman — left the game encouraged about their chances in the postseason...

It's a lot more fun than darts. At least, that's what Michael Schupbach said his customers keep telling him. He and co-owner Rich Emrich opened The Throwing Post June 1 in Arnolds Park. The co-owners said it's the area's first axe bar and was once the Arnolds Park Post Office — making for a clever reference in the business name. Schupbach estimated 50 throwers come through the doors daily once the weekend hits, and they're often joined by spectators just wanting to sit, watch and enjoy a drink...

The Dickinson County Conservation Board voted Wednesday, July 10, to keep clubs swinging and balls flying at Brooks Golf. The board released a statement saying it plans to send out a request for proposal regarding the management of the course. The vote comes after last month's open forum, where the board heard public opinion as to whether the course should remain open or be converted to prairie reserve. Many comments at the June meeting were in support of continued golf operations...