Stories from Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Classic boats showcasing the hard work, skill and dedication of their proud owners will line the shoreline of West Lake Okoboji later this month as the 28th Annual Antique and Classic Wooden Boat show launches Saturday, July 25 at Historic Arnolds Park...

Members of the Dickinson County Trails Board and Jackson County Trails got out the maroon and gold ribbon and the gold scissors on Friday, July 17 to officially open the newest trail segment that connects trails in Jackson County and Dickinson County. This segment of trails is the only known trail connection between Iowa and Minnesota...

The Lakes area is about to gain another tool in the fight for clean water. In a joint effort between several major county, state and national organizations, the Iowa Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) broke ground Monday morning on an area being converted into a three-acre wetland to treat 600 acres of farmland...

(Sept. 8, 1924 - July 14, 2009) Funeral services were held July 19 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Spirit Lake for Frank H. Seely, 84, who passed away July 14, 2009 in Altamonte Springs, Fla.

(July 2, 1923 - July 8, 2009) Funeral services were held July 13 at the Grace United Methodist Church in Spencer for Margene Twilla Schoning, 86, who passed away on July 8, 2009, at the Ruthven Senior Villa Apartments.

(March 27, 1922 - July 14, 2009) Funeral services were held July 17 at St. Ann's Church in Slayton, Minn. for Thelma McNab, 87, who passed away July 14 at the Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center in Marshall.

(July 22, 1927 - Feb. 25, 2009) A graveside memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. July 22 at the Hilltop Cemetery for Ronald Leo Coleman, 82, who passed away Feb. 25 at his home in Donna, Texas.

The Okoboji baseball team had what looked to be a commanding 3-1 lead after a thunderstorm suspended the game in the bottom of the third inning on Tuesday, but the Spirit Lake players showed some moxie and fired back with three runs of their own when the game was resumed to rally all the way back for a stunning 4-3 win in a semifinal round contest of the Class 2A district baseball tournament Wednesday, July 15 in Milford...

Revenge never tasted so sweet. 377 days of persistence and hard work paid off for the Okoboji softball team as the Pioneers gained some redemption over Sioux Central and punched their ticket to state with a 3-2 victory Wednesday, July 15 in a Class 2A regional final in Spencer. The Rebels handed the Pioneers a season-ending 2-0 setback last year in the opening round of the regional tournament...

The Spirit Lake baseball team kept the momentum it had established from winning a 4-3 Class 2A district semifinal round contest over Okoboji rolling for five innings -- building a 1-0 edge over fourth-ranked Cherokee before giving up two costly runs in the sixth inning of an eventual 2-1 setback in the final round of district play Saturday, July 18 in Cherokee...

The Class 2A, No. 1 Okoboji softball team picked a bad time to turn in their worst performance of the season -- as players struggled on defense, couldn't come up with timely hits in key situations and gave up 14 total hits, including at least one in every inning of a 11-2 setback to 12th-ranked Iowa City Regina Monday, July 20 in the quarterfinal round of the Class 2A state softball tournament at Harlan Rogers Park in Fort Dodge...

- Colin Emery Brown, 20, of Estherville was arrested for operating while intoxicated (OWI) and cited for failure to obey stop sign at 11:40 p.m. June 27. - Jill M. Fisbeck, 42, of Spirit Lake was arrested for OWI and cited for failure to obey a stop sign at 2:01 a.m. July 2...

If you can remember back to my previous two entries, you might have noticed that the titles of the articles were in the form of an inquiry. Although this title follows the same premise, "Where did it go?" and "Tolerance?" were diving into specific social issues that I have taken notice of. Yet, for this article, I have chosen a different route...

A big heartfelt thank you to everyone who sent cards, remembrances or comforting words when our dad, grandpa, brother and uncle passed away. It is so nice to know there are so many caring people around us. A very special thank you to Hospice for all their wonderful care and concern, and also to Denise Chaplin and Sharon McKittrick for caring for him during his illness. He got his wish to be at home. Mom, thanks also for being there for us kids. It meant so much to us and we love you...

Thank you so much for all the cards and notes you sent for our 65th anniversary. You made our day very special. Kathy and Laurel Johnson Arnolds Park

A very special thank you to my family and friends for my 85th birthday party. Thanks for the many cards, flowers and gifts.

Dickinson County resident Hank Miguel appeared before the Okoboji City Council meeting June 9 (minutes published in the DCN June 24) to ask the city to cease their funding of Discovery House in Spirit Lake. His rationale was that it was faith-based and not willing to accept all persons regardless of citizenship...

After a number of years, I am finally beginning to really enjoy myself while at the lakes. At first, that was not the case. Not being a "lakes person" so to speak, I had some difficulty adjusting to the new situation. I was expecting to meet a bunch of snobs, if you know what I mean. ...

After a number of years, I am finally beginning to really enjoy myself while at the lakes. At first, that was not the case. Not being a "lakes person" so to speak, I had some difficulty adjusting to the new situation. I was expecting to meet a bunch of snobs, if you know what I mean. ...

Celebration Iowa Singers and Jazz Band (formerly known as the State Fair Singers and Jazz Band) is pleased to announce their upcoming performance in on Aug. 3 at the Sami Center. Celebration Iowa annually showcases an elite ensemble of Iowa high school musicians, including local Spirit Lake High School talent this year -- Rick Wilson...

RISE Ministries, the organization that brought RiseFest to Orange City, is pleased to announce a Rise on the Road concert event coming to the Okoboji area July 25. Surrounding communities are invited to a free, mini-festival Saturday, July 25 to cap off the Rise on the Road project weekend. ...