Stories from Wednesday, January 6, 2010

The Harris-Lake Park boys' basketball team continued its torrid streak on the hardwood, breaking out for a season-high in points in a 73-64 victory over Southwest Star Concept in a non-conference contest Monday, Jan. 4 in Okabena. "It was good to see that kind of offensive performance," said Jeff Sohn, Harris-Lake Park head boys' basketball coach. ...

The Okoboji boys' basketball team was only able to keep pace with top-ranked (Class 1A) Rock Valley for a little over a quarter, but they still battled tough from start to finish in a 67-38 road loss Saturday, Jan. 2 in Siouxland Conference action. "The game was really intense and really physical. ...

The Okoboji girls' basketball team needed a little time to shake off some dust after a 12-day holiday layoff, but eventually took control of the game in the final four minutes of the first half and cruised past Rock Valley for a 55-38 road win Saturday, Jan. 2 in Siouxland Conference play...

The Spirit Lake boys' basketball team was never able to fully recover from a 10-0 run by Spencer to end the first half that totally shifted the momentum into the Tigers' favor. The Indians mount several comeback attempts, but were never able to get closer than four points in the second half of a 71-61 setback after leading 19-17 with three minutes to go in the second quarter of a Lakes Conference contest Saturday, Jan. 2 at the Spencer Fieldhouse...

Spencer native Russ Mitchell, a staff writer at the Daily Reporter, has been promoted to the position of managing editor with the Dickinson County News. Mitchell assumed his new duties beginning Jan. 4.

Spirit Lake native Zach Whiting announced Monday that he will seek the Republican nomination for the District 6 seat in the Iowa House of Representatives. The seat is currently held by Mike May, who has announced that he will not seek reelection in November.

It's a new beginning for Michael Webb and his wife, Dr. Michelle Schwartz-Webb, too. They'll be taking over Shaw's of Okoboji and expanding the line of products and services the business offers.

Ryan Petersen, 27, of Spirit Lake was arrested for domestic abuse, possession of an illegal substance, marijuana (second offense), possession of drug paraphernalia, and child endangerment at 10:57 a.m. Dec. 23. Lacey Lundberg, 22, of Spirit Lake, was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of an illegal substance, marijuana, and child endangerment at 10:57 a.m. Dec. 23...

The last story I did as a staff writer at The Daily Reporter in Spencer was about bull riding's return to the Clay County Regional Events Center in the fall of 2010.

The holidays are behind us and another annual ceremony looms. The 2010 session of the Iowa Legislature gavels itself into session Jan. 11. That probably doesn't fill you with awe. Me either, but it does mean it's time for your state representative to climb back on the horse and do what he can to make this year's session useful to you -- or at least to see that the majority party inflicts as little damage as possible.

Movie: "Avatar" Cast: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez, Giovanni Ribisi, Joel Moore, CCH Pounder, Wes Studi, Laz Alonso Written and Directed by James Cameron Release Date: 18 December 2009 Genre: Action / Adventure / Sci-Fi / Thriller...

With the 2010 Iowa General Assembly set to convene on Jan. 11, area legislators are gearing up for a busy year. Rep. Mike May (R-Spirit Lake) and Sen. David Johnson (R-Ocheyedan) talked with the Dickinson County News this week about the approaching session and some of the key decisions to be made. May and Johnson have again scheduled four Legislative Forums throughout the session to communicate with their Lakes area constituents.

Services were held Jan. 6, at the United Methodist Church in Everly for Betty Jane Crowl Chickering, 88, who passed away Dec. 19 at the Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Funeral services were held Dec. 28 at the Turner Funeral Home in Spirit Lake for Irene M. Eakin, 92, who passed away Dec. 24 at her home in Spirit Lake. Pastor Kurt Trucksess officiated.

A memorial service was held Jan. 5 at the Schuchert Funeral Home in Spirit Lake for Dorothy Ewen, 81, of Arnolds Park, who passed away Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2009, at her home in Arnolds Park.

A funeral mass and memorial services are planned for the summer of 2010 for Michael Eugene Tangney, 72, who passed away on Dec. 26, 2009 at his home in Okoboji.

Nina Jackes, 85, of Holstein, Iowa, beloved Christian mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, passed away on Dec. 26 surrounded by her family. A funeral service was held on Wednesday, Dec. 30 at 1:30 p.m. at the United Methodist Church of Holstein. Burial was at the Holstein Cemetery of Holstein. A visitation was be held on Tuesday, Dec. 29 from 5 p.m. -- 8 p.m. at the Nicklas D. Jensen Funeral Home of Holstein.

John Thomas McCarthy was born March 26, 1965, in Estherville, the son of John (Jack) and Joyce McCarthy. He graduated from Estherville High School in 1984. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, served in active duty during the Middle East Crisis and was honorably discharged in 1987.

Donna Powell was born to Guy and Illa Thu Powell on Oct. 24, 1934 at the family farm home southeast of Terril. She attended Terril Community School. She lived all her life at the family home near Terril, except for five years at Spirit Lake and the last four years at Ruthven Community Center.

Don and Betty Goodell of Lake Park will be celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary on Jan. 8, 2010. Also, Don will be celebrating his 85th birthday on Jan.13, 2010.

The Harris-Lake Park girls' basketball team created constant havoc with some aggressive, in-your-face pressure defense en route to gunning past Graettinger/Terril by a 54-29 margin to improve to a perfect 5-0 record in the West Division of the Cornbelt Conference Tuesday night in Lake Park...

The Peters triplets -- Deni, Jena and Shelby -- have played a huge role in helping rejuvenate three girls' athletic programs at Harris-Lake Park over the past three and a half seasons, turning around Wolves' girls basketball, softball and volleyball programs...