Stories from Monday, April 21, 2014

A December murder case that drew authorities to the outskirts of Spirit Lake came to a close with a hearing and series of court filings Monday. The Dickinson County Attorney's Office agreed to drop Tailer James Handsaker's first-degree murder charge as part of a plea agreement reached Monday. The Class A felony charge would have carried a sentence of life in prison...

Creative Spirits Okoboji started with a simple enough concept -- teach a class the basics of canvas painting and encourage socializing and relaxation. Founder Barb Clayton's customers can have a glass of wine or beer while creating their own art. "The paint/sip concept is becoming nationwide, it's a booming industry," she said. ...

Shortly after 2 a.m. Sunday, April 20, the Spirit Lake Police Department attempted to stop a gold 2005 Chrysler Town and Country minivan for a traffic infraction. The driver, later identified as Timoty Higgins, 33, of Spirit Lake, refused to stop and led officers on a pursuit through city streets -- eventually heading east out of town on Highway 9. ...