Stories from Wednesday, January 13, 2016

"Urban metro but with a small town feel" is the goal for entrepreneurs Misty Katzfey and Kristi Leigh. The business partners are converting the former East Oaks Mall on Highway 71 in Okoboji into the Okoboji Commons Hotel. The duo like the quaintness of the Napa Valley in California and think that atmosphere will play well in Okoboji...

The recent blast of arctic air is growing ice on lakes and ponds over much of Iowa and sending anglers scrambling to prepare their equipment so they can be out for the coveted early ice fishing of the season. "Ice fishing is one of our great winter sports and is really a fun, social activity best enjoyed with a group of friends," said Joe Larscheid, chief of fisheries for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources...

A Spirit Lake High School J-Term class is taking on a project that will add variety to area bookshelves while bringing neighborhoods together. The Repurposed Reading J-Term class is in the process of designing "Little Free Libraries." The easy-to-construct structures will be an outlet for a community-wide used book exchange...

Life can be hard sometimes. I know that sounds like a cliché. I know it sounds good to say when you are not the one down. But life CAN be hard sometimes. Even when you do everything right and you work hard and you try, life has a way of getting to you...

A new game, Caucus-opoly, is flying off the shelves in stores across Iowa. It's a typical 'opoly' game where players use favorite game pieces to advance around a board and compete to acquire property. All across the Hawkeye State, we hear discussions about this phenomenon. Ordinary Iowans have morphed into passionate players, each holding strong opinions about the next move...

This holiday season, you can give a precious gift that will help save lives, and a gift that will bring joy to a child's life. Give blood through Jan. 9 and redeem your reward points at the LifeServe Blood Center Online Store for teddy bears and other gifts for participating local hospitals.
Generosity isn't always expressed in dollars, but rather in small acts of love. ...

I am hoping someone in the area can help me. I've lost contact with two friends from childhood. I would love to contact Mary Lou Sneider and Lavonna Lloyd. I am Marchetta Stillwell White 5996 Yucca Trail Beeville TX 78102-8223 I would love to hear from them. I graduated in 1956 from Spirit Lake...

Single Spirits of Spirit Lake will gather for their regular meeting at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15, in the Spirit Lake Public Library community room (702 16th Street -- use door on northwest corner of building). That is a change of meeting date for this month only. The meeting is open to anyone single, widowed, or divorced. For more information call Chris (712) 320-3797, Shirley (712) 832-3266 or Ann (712) 441-6036...

There is still time to register for the Annual Winter Games Bridge Tournament to be held Friday, Jan. 29 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Milford. Doors will open at 11 a.m. A soup and sandwich luncheon will be catered by The Pizza Ranch and served promptly at 11:30 a.m. ...

Winther, Stave & Co., LLP, of Spencer has recently released an audit report on the Arnolds Park - Okoboji Fire and Rescue Department. The Department's Operating receipts totaled $164,118 for the year ended June 30, 2015. Operating expenses for the year totaled $147,981. ...

Winther, Stave & Co., LLP of Spencer recently released an audit report on Spirit Lake Community Fire Department for the year ended June 30, 2015. The Department's operating receipts totaled $274,332. Operating disbursements for business-type activities totaled $162,898. ...

The 2016 University of Okoboji Winter Games 500/Pinochle card tournament, sponsored by Single Spirits of Spirit Lake will be held Saturday, Jan. 30 at the Spirit Lake Senior Center, 2100 Zenith Avenue (under the water tower). Registration takes place from 8-9 a.m. ...

The regularly scheduled monthly meeting of the Dickinson SWCD will be held Thursday, Jan. 14 beginning at 9 a.m., in the District Office. A tentative agenda includes: approving the minutes of the last meeting, Treasurer's Report and bills, reviewing the mail, approving cost share applications, amendments and vouchers, approving CRP, HEL, EQIP, WHIP and WRP plans, receiving NRCS and District reports, old and new business and planning for the next meeting...

The Iowa Great Lakes Chamber of Commerce is looking for volunteers for a handful of University of Okoboji Winter Games events. The list includes the Chili Cook Off 4:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29, at the Dickinson County Expo Building Spirit Lake; the Chocolate Classic & Galleria from 10:30 a.m. ...

You know how good it feels when your house is clean? It feels just as good when your financial and business papers are well-organized. Join Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach Family Finance Specialist Jan Monahan as she offers guidelines and strategies for putting your financial house in order...

The Iowa Lakes Community College music students and area community members will perform the timeless story of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." Its family-friendly storyline, universal themes and catchy music provide the most entertaining couple of hours one can spend on stage or in the audience...

Narconon reminds families that abuse of addictive pharmaceutical drugs is on the rise. Learn to recognize the signs of drug abuse and get loved ones help if they are at risk. Call Narconon for a free brochure on the signs of addiction for all types of drugs. Narconon also offers free screenings and referrals. or Prescription-abuse.org. Narconon can help you take steps to overcome addiction in your family. Call 800-431-1754 today for free screenings or referrals...

Vicki Lynn Forcht, 42, of Spirit Lake was cited for driving with a suspended license at 8:14 a.m. Monday, Jan. 4, in the 2200 block on Erie Ave. Alyson Elaine Campbell, 22, of Spirit Lake was charged with shoplifting at 8:58 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, at Wal-Mart in Spirit Lake...