Stories from Wednesday, July 8, 2009

No injuries reported in vacant house fire (07/08/09)
The Milford Community Fire Department was called to a fully involved house on fire shortly after 3 p.m. last Wednesday. A passerby reported the fire two miles west of O'Shucks Bait Shop on 210th St. north of Milford. At the time of the report it was unknown if the house was occupied. While still en-route the Arnolds Park-Okoboji Fire department was called for more equipment and manpower. Upon arrival it was determined that the structure was vacant and no lives were in jeopardy.

Fourth of July marks official 'Tax Day TEA Party' in Spirit Lake (07/08/09)
As people in the Iowa Great Lakes area took to the lakes and their grills, many around the area gathered in front of the old Carnegie Library for a party of their own - a TEA Party. Organized by Dr. Steven Baskerville and his wife, Sandy, along with Julie Ebel, a grassroots organization was formed to make the citizens of the Lakes area aware of situations involving their elected officials.

Lakeside Lab celebrates 100th anniversary with 'Big Bugs' (07/08/09)
One of the Lakes area's foremost historic landmarks is celebrating an important anniversary in a truly unique style. Iowa Lakeside Laboratory, marking its 100th year this summer, is hosting artist David Rogers' "Big Bugs" exhibit as part of its Centennial Jubilee taking place Saturday, July 11 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Wolves get redemption in win over Knights (07/08/09)
The Harris-Lake Park baseball team was able to redeem itself after turning in a sloppy showing in a 12-2, six-inning loss to Graettinger/Terril less than a week ago, outscoring the Knights 15-1 in five innings Monday, July 6 in Cornbelt Conference action...

Perfect Pioneers: Okoboji finishes 14-0 in Siouxland (07/08/09)
It was far from an easy task but the Okoboji softball team gutted out a 7-3 road victory over MOC-Floyd Valley to cap off a perfect 14-0 season in Siouxland Conference play for the first time in school history. "It's something everyone plays for and it's always a goal for us," said senior shortstop Jenny Brons. ...

Relay for Life relocates for 2009 (07/08/09)
For the sixth annual Relay for Life in Dickinson County, organizers are hoping to pump up the excitement and draw bigger crowds to support the fight against cancer.

BRASL brings bike ride around Iowa's largest natural lake (07/08/09)
The 17th annual Spirit Lake Trails Festival will bring biking enthusiasts to the area this weekend to enjoy the scenery of Big Spirit Lake - Iowa's largest natural lake. BRASL (Bike Ride Around Spirit Lake) is scheduled for Saturday, July 11.

Esther F. Olson (07/08/09)
(Sept. 12, 1918 - Dec. 6, 2008) Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. July 11 at the Union Memorial Church in Milford for Esther F. Olson, 90, who passed away Dec. 6, 2008 at her son's home.

Melvin Raymond "Mel" Feldhacker (07/08/09)
(May 7, 1938 - June 29, 2009) A memorial service was held July 2 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Brentwood, Tenn. for Melvin Raymond "Mel" Feldhacker, 71, of Brentwood, Tenn. who passed away June 29 after a long illness. A second memorial service was held July 3 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Creston.

Tech-dependence (07/08/09)
I was completely an utterly lost and unfocused last Wednesday as I mourned the loss of my most faithful and handy companion - my cell phone. One day later, thanks to the miracles of the internet and Fed-Ex, I celebrated the arrival of my new phone and was reminded of how entirely dependent I've become on the technological advances of our time.