Stories from Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Jerry Twetten is handing over the keys to his studios after more than half a century at the helm of one of the region's most well-known design firms. The outgoing owner of Twetten's Interior Design has operated the business for the past 59 years. Now, someone else will guide customers through the selection of color schemes, counter tops and curtain patterns...

Even during a thriving economy, some family struggle just to meet day-to-day needs. A poverty simulation will be held Monday, April 3 in Okoboji in effort to shine a light on the hardships many face every day here in Dickinson County. The Dickinson County Iowa State University Extension office, in cooperation with Priority One Coalition and the Dickinson County Endowment Fund have brought together more than 100 community members to simulate the struggles many families face -- from paying bills to buying clothes and lunches for their children.. ...

The 20 or so bright-eyed kindergarten children in Mrs. Loenser's classroom gathered around the small, confident sixth grader. Their mouths dropped in awe, the wheels in their heads spinning. Nate Loenser had made the walk down to his mother's elementary classroom in Cedar Falls, Iowa for a demonstration. He showed the children how he crossed the laces on his shoes, wrapped it around and finally pulled for a completed tie...

Do all of the sirens work? Can all of the broadcasters transmit the signal? Is the area ready for a severe storm? Emergency coordinators use Severe Weather Awareness week to test protocols before storm season arrives -- but Todd Heitkamp of the National Weather Service said residents have to take the next step...

June 16, 1946 -- March 21, 2014 Dr. Richard Fehlman, age 67, of Spirit Lake, passed away March 21, 2014. Richard graduated from Illinois Benedictine College and received a M.A. and Ph.D. in English Education from the University of Iowa. He taught high school English for 22 years and was a Professor at the University of Northern Iowa for 17 years, where he was a recipient of the Outstanding Teacher Award in 1996. ...

Dec. 28, 1921 -- March 13, 2014 A funeral service for Opal Smith, age 92, of Spencer, was held Saturday, March 22, at Turner Jenness Funeral Home in Milford. Burial was at Fairview Cemetery in Terril. Opal Faye Smith, the daughter of Hazel Viola Blum (Will) and W.E. ...

Jan. 14, 1919 -- March 16, 2014 Nelva DeBoer was born on Jan. 14, 1919 in Prinsburg, Minn. She was the daughter of John and Gertrude (Hoogeveen) Strootman. She lived her youth in Prinsburg where she attended school and graduated from Western Christian High School in Hull...

Sept. 14, 1924 -- March 16, 2014 Services were held Friday, March 21 at Warner Funeral Chapel in Spencer for Marjorie Emma Krogh. Pastor Kay Hooper officiated. Organist was Gretchen Hagedorn and soloist was Gary Klett. The grandchildren were honorary pallbearers. Interment was at Riverside Cemetery in Spencer...

Jan. 4, 1935 -- March 19, 2014 A funeral service for Leona Simington, 79, of Milford, was held Monday, March 24 at 10:30 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in West Okoboji. Burial was at Lakeview Gardens. Leona Mildred Simington, daughter of Irene (Glasnipp) and Fred Kulow, was born Jan. 4, 1935, in Emmetsburg. She graduated from Ruthven High School in 1953. She was united in marriage to Charles Simington...

April 14, 1925 -- March 20, 2014 Julie Harvey Bowers, age 88, of Okoboji, passed away Thursday, March 20, 2014, at the Milford Nursing Center in Milford. She was born on April 14, 1925, in Kansas City, Mo., to Howard and Juliet (Proudfit) Harvey. Julie graduated from Monticello College and then attended the University of Iowa where she was a Phi Beta Kappa and member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. ...

Jan. 24, 1916 -- March 21, 2014 Jacob Heber Miller, the son of William Jacob Miller and Alta Mae (Baker) Miller, was born on Jan. 24, 1916, in rural Beaver County, Okla. and departed this life on Friday, March 21, 2014 at the Ruthven Community Care Center at the age of 98 years...

Aug. 24, 1932 -- March 20, 2014 Services were held Monday, March 24, 2014, at First English Lutheran Church in Spencer for Darwin "Scooter" Zahrt. Rev. Paul Kaldahl officiated. Burial was at Riverside Cemetery in Spencer with military services by American Legion Glen Pedersen Post #1...

Dec. 27, 1931 -- March 15, 2014 A funeral service for Alice Miller, 82 of Spirit Lake was held Wednesday, March 19, 2014 at Turner Jenness Funeral Home in Spirit Lake. Interment was at Lakeview Cemetery. Alice Marie Miller, daughter of Geneva and Harry Locey was born Dec. 27, 1931, in Spirit Lake. She graduated from Spirit Lake High School and resided in Spirit Lake throughout her life...

The world's longest running musical comes to Estherville on April 3-5. The cast of Les Misérables will feature 60 actors from all over the region, including adults, college students and children. The musical will be conducted by the Iowa Lakes theater department...