Stories from Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Expect Monday to be a good day. The weekend's emails will pop up in the morning at the newspaper office and hopefully none of our funeral directors will have to send a high school senior picture to go with an obituary. The Spirit Lake Police Department faxes over information on larger crimes and crashes, but let's hope nothing with the agency's letterhead will be waiting at the editor's desk...

Sirens cracked the tranquility of a bleak, rainy Wednesday morning right in front of Spirit Lake High School. Two carloads of students were pulled from crumpled metal near the intersection of near Hill Avenue and 28th Street. Students looked on through windows as one of the drivers received a field sobriety test and was placed into handcuffs. Other occupants in the crash were placed on stretchers and rushed away by ambulance...

The Central Emporium, an Iowa Great Lakes landmark, is now under new management. Leo "Butch" Parks, owner of Parks Marina and Okoboji Boat Works, purchased the Central Emporium from an LLC company in South Dakota on Tuesday, April 26. He said he made the acquisition to help preserve the tourism industry in the Lakes Area...

Residents of Lake Park have to travel to a surrounding town to fill their prescriptions, but a new law may change that. The Iowa House of Representatives and Senate recently passed a bill that allows the Iowa Board of Pharmacy to issue telepharmacy licenses. Lake Park has applied to bring a telepharmacy to the area in the near future...

Lee Anderson made a decision in October of 1991 that changed his life forever. The Estherville native got behind the wheel after drinking with his friends at a bar in Jackson, Minnesota. He lost control of his vehicle and found himself surrounded by flames and metal near the side of the road. Anderson lost both his legs and most of his left arm in that crash 20 years ago...

Our agency was pleasantly surprised by a donation we received from the Good Neighbor Fund of the Okoboji and Spirit Lake Territories. We want to openly express our thanks to everyone who may have donated to such a cause. Centers Against Abuse & Sexual Assault (CAASA) provides services to sexual assault/abuse survivors by offering 24 hour crisis intervention services, crisis counseling services, transportation services, information and referral services, legal and personal advocacy, mentoring, and other additional services for victims of abuse. ...

So now I know what it's like to watch a, no the, dream team go to work from up close at the Spirit Lake Community High School. A huge thank you is due Mickey Harrington, Angela Olsen, Chris Ingraham, and Chief Hanson for their hard work, all way above and beyond the call of duty, really, to put on the two day event, "Power of Choice," on April 27 and 28. Their diligence began last September and involved many meetings and the support of many sponsors throughout our community...

Q: Why is an "all-of-the-above" energy policy good for the economy and national security? A: The United States has entered a new era of domestic energy production that is setting the stage for energy independence. Thanks to remarkable innovation and investment, American businesses and entrepreneurs are driving job creation and economic growth by tapping into natural resources to produce more energy than ever before right here in the United States...

Q: What issues are handled by the Senate Judiciary Committee? A: The Senate Judiciary Committee is one of the original standing committees of the United States Senate. With sweeping legislative and oversight jurisdiction, the 20-member committee examines social, economic, legal and constitutional issues that matter to everyday Americans...

"Would you like me to swipe your credit card?" is a phrase whose days may be numbered. Major card issuers are adding a small metallic square to new cards, which are computer microchips designed to enhance the card's security. This technology is what the electronic payment industry calls EMV, which stands for Europay, MasterCard and Visa. ...

Anyone who has a credit history or plans to establish one should have an interest in what appears on their credit report. Your credit report includes information about your identity, detailed credit history and other information about you, including court judgments. Your credit report can affect your ability to get a credit card or loan, how much interest you pay, your insurance rates, and can even impact where you can live and work...

It's sine die! Adjournment sine die (from the Latin "without day") means "without assigning a day for a further meeting or hearing." To adjourn an assembly sine die is to adjourn it for an indefinite period. A legislative body adjourns sine die when it adjourns without appointing a day on which to appear or assemble again...

According to the Arthritis Foundation, 46 million Americans live with arthritis or chronic joint symptoms. Arthritis symptoms limit everyday activities such as dressing, bathing and cooking for more than 7 million Americans. Half of those Americans with arthritis aren't aware of options that are now available to help alleviate their symptoms. ...

The 2016 legislative session is coming to a close. We were supposed to adjourn April 19. That was the last day for many secretaries and pages. It was also the last day legislators received pay. If the job doesn't get done on time, pay runs out and folks seem to be more reasonable and more willing to compromise...

Like the sign you might see along Anytown's main drag, Medicaid is under new management. In previous newsletters from the Iowa Capitol, I have tried to draw attention to the change. We are now one month into the administration of the state-federal health insurance program for lower-income and disabled Iowans by three private managed-care organizations...

"Ask a Trooper" is an occasional feature offered by Trooper Vince Kurtz of the Iowa State Patrol. Kurtz graduated from Northwestern College in Orange City with a B.A. degree in Sociology / Criminal Justice. He began his career with the Iowa State Patrol in 1998, assigned to the Capitol Division in Des Moines. ...

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) on April 26 announced its 2016 award winners, honoring individuals who are paving the way for connected learning. The list includes Leka DeGroot, a first grade teacher at Spirit Lake Elementary who received the Kay L. Bitter Vision award...

Michael Anders Jensen, 36, of Spirit Lake, was charged with driving under the influence, driving while barred and driving while license under suspension at 3:21 p.m. Sunday, April 17, at 35th Street and Sunner Avenue in Spirit Lake. Ruben Reyes Avina, 28, of Spencer, was charged with driving without a license at 3:13 p.m. Monday, April 18, at 300 18th Street in Spirit Lake...

MaxYield Cooperative announced Tuesday, May 3, it has completed its purchase of The Andersons, Inc. northwest Iowa assets. The cooperative's purchase of the Everly, Greenville, Gruver, Langdon, Milford, Spencer, and Superior locations was finalized May 1...

The deadline for receiving a discount on registration for the annual Lakes Health Conference is approaching. Those signing up by June 3 may take advantage of the "early bird" rate of $189. After that date, registrations cost $229. This year, attendees will be "Takin' Care of Business" June 9-10 at Arrowwood Resort and Convention Center. ...

Students in the Iowa Lakes Community College nursing program met with lawmakers, including state Sen. David Johnson of Ocheyedan, earlier this legislative session. Johnson took a variety of questions from the group and noted the importance of programs like the one at Iowa Lakes...

The Iowa Navy Commodores welcomed GrapeTree Medical Staffing to its new location at 1003 23 Street in Milford. GrapeTree is a healthcare staffing firm that specializes in contract and day-to-day staffing for healthcare facilities. GrapeTree has been in business since 1999. It was initially located in downtown Spirit Lake. It moved to its new location in February. The company has offices in Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, Nebraska, Missouri and South Dakota...

Explorer, photographer, sailor -- David Thoreson has had adventures all around the world, but he always ends up back home. Growing up in a small town in Iowa, Thoreson learned to sail and loved the waters of the Iowa Great Lakes as a boy. Images on display May-June in the eARTh exhibit area at the Dickinson County Nature Center in Okoboji will show his passion for the environment around northwest Iowa and throughout the world...

Learn more about the Eta Aquarids and other celestial events during the Star Trekking program Friday, May 6, at 8:30 p.m. at the Dickinson County Nature Center. Halley's Comet won't return to the Earth's vicinity until 2061, but people will be able to see its remnants this week. The Eta Aquarid meteor shower occurs when Earth passes through the orbital path of the comet...

Iowa Lakes Community College Foundation's annual Dickinson County scholarship luau is set for Thursday, June 16, beginning at 5 p.m. at the Barefoot Bar on Lake Okoboji. A meal will be served at 6 p.m. The evening will also include live entertainment provided by music students at Iowa Lakes along with a special appearance by jazz percussionist Joey Gulizia...

The jurors for the fifth Artists' Showcase: Orange City Arts' Regional Exhibition chose " Breezy" mixed media fiber by Timothy J Arand-McIlrath (Okoboji) for the "Best in Show"award. The Artist's Showcase is an art exhibit sponsored by Orange City Arts in conjunction with the Northwestern College art and theatre department. ...

Attendees at the 29th Annual Fun and Wellness Day at Iowa Lakes Community College in Emmetsburg on Wednesday, May 18, will get "more" than expected. Kevin Tlam, MORE104.9 personality and Operations Manager for KICDAM/CD107.7 and MORE104.9, is the keynote speaker for this year's event. Kevin will share stories during his journey on the radio that will undoubtedly include some fun and humor...

All active and retired law enforcement personnel and their family members are invited to an appreciation service at Light of the Lakes Church, at the stoplight in Arnolds Park, on May 15. The service will start at 10:30 a.m. followed by a meal at noon. ...

Calvary United Methodist Church in Arnolds Park will serve its annual roast beef dinner at the American Legion Club in Milford from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, May 12. The menu consists of roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, corn, salads, dinner rolls and homemade pie. The cost of the meal is $12 for adults, $5 for anyone under 12. Carry-out meals are available. Call 712-332-2447 before 4 p.m. the day of the event for home deliveries. The event is open to the public...

Severe weather awareness training will be held Monday, May 9, at the Clay Regional Events Center in Spencer. The storm spotter training class will start at 7 p.m. and is open to the pubic at no charge. A representative from the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls will teach the class...

Milford Memorial Library will be hosting an after school game event on Thursday, May 5, for all preschool though fourth grade students. A variety of board games will be available. No registration is needed and there is no charge for snacks and activities. Children are invited to come to the library on Friday mornings at 10 a.m. for stories and play time at the library. No registration is needed. Call 338-4643 for more information...

Cinco de Mayo is the theme for the Iowa Lakes Community College Music Department Spring Coffee House on Thursday, May 5, beginning at 6 p.m. (note the early start time). Free tacos are the fare (including taco in bag, soft or hard shell tacos with all the fixings) from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. ...

Okoboji Christian Women's Prayer Connection will meet at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 4, at the Dream Center in Spencer. Everyone will pay for their own lunch. This is a time of fellowship, prayer for others and finalizing plans for the luncheon on May 18, with Marlene Nelson of Milford as our special feature. ...

Did you know one of every three breaths you take is because of algae? Do you wonder what that slimy green stuff is in the lakes and in your bird bath -- and if it is dangerous? Or just what algae is anyway? Learners of all ages are invited to learn about these topics and bring their own questions -- and algae samples -- to a special open house 1-3 p.m. Sunday, May 8, at Iowa Lakeside Lab...

Franki Andersen, owner of Andersen's Clean Sweep, LLC, presented a $200 check to the Voluntary Action Center in Spirit Lake in memory of her daughter, Brittany Andersen. Franki Andersen and Brittany Andersen delivered Meals on Wheels together and often stepped up for routes in both Okoboji, Arnolds Park and later Milford...

Vietnam veterans and their family members are invited to a brunch in their honor on June 1. The Ladies of the Lake Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is sponsoring the event at Wesley Place, 1812 Gary Ave., Spirit Lake ( just west of the United Methodist Church)...

Joe Conover, market president of Northwest Bank in the Lakes Area, has announced Todd Silliman as wealth advisor in Arnolds Park. Northwest Wealth Management, LLC, an affiliate of Northwest Bank, offers comprehensive wealth management services with a goal of eliminating commissions, hidden charges and conflicts of interest. The company uses a transparent flat fee approach to ensure clients receive unbiased advice...

U.S. Cellular will continue its Community Connections program for the second consecutive year to support local youth organizations. Last year, the company sponsored more than 700 school groups and youth sports teams through a partnership with Pear, an online platform that connects local brands with local community needs. Academic and athletic groups in grades K-12 can sign up at www.pearup.com/uscellular to receive sponsorship from the company to go toward group needs...

Benjamin Langel received his Eagle Scout award on April 3, 2016. The Eagle Scout award is the highest rank a Boy Scout can earn. It requires extensive service, leadership and lots of studies on various merit badges. Langel is a Boy Scout in Troop 888, in West Des Moines. Langel installed a permanent bench and re-mulched the trail and campsite at a remote camp in Jester Park for the Polk County Conservation Board...

Volunteering has been a part of Lakes Regional Healthcare's (LRH) history since before the first patient received care, and is still an integral part of the organization. For over 50 years, LRH Volunteers have assisted patients and staff in various ways, such as escorting and transporting patients throughout the facility, delivering patient meal trays to cancer patients as they receive chemotherapy, and assisting gift shop customers...

The Spirit Lake Library is hosting a coffee and learn to teach people about the dangers of identity theft. The program will take place 10:30-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 18, at the Spirit Lake Public Library located at 702 16th St. Spirit Lake. Jan Monahan, a family finance specialist with Extension and Outreach present the facts plus tips and tricks for keeping an identity safe. Cost is free for training, drink and materials...

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey on Friday, April 22, reminded eligible farm owners that the deadline to apply for the 2016 Century and Heritage Farm Program is June 1. The program recognizes families that have owned their farm for 100 years in the case of Century Farms and 150 years for Heritage Farms...

Oct. 17, 1959 -- April 26, 2016 A Celebration of Life gathering for Steven Bremer, age 56, of Arnolds Park will be held from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, May 14, at the VFW Post 4514 Memorial Hall in Spirit Lake. Steven Ray Bremer, the son of Norman and Shirley Bremer, was born Oct. ...

Aug. 22, 1931 -- April 25 , 2016 Funeral services for Robert Dean Anderson were held Friday, April 29, at Henry-Olson Funeral Chapel in Swea City. Interment was at Harrison Township Cemetery in Swea City. The Rev. Rusty Bailey officiated. Military rites were conducted by the Swea City American Legion Post...

Oct. 2, 1932 -- April 24, 2016 Funeral services for Galen A Rozeboom were held Thursday, April 28, at First Lutheran Church in West Okoboji. The Revs. Bob Vaage and Thomas Connors officiated. Interment was at Roseland Cemetery in Sanborn with military rites provided by Melvin American Legion Guthrie Post #470...

May 2016 The student of the month program allows faculty members to recognize students for outstanding performance in one or more of the following: academic excellence; special effort in the classroom activities; concern for learning, positive citizenship, hard work and/or other personal behavior which enhances the general school and classroom atmosphere...

Conservation Districts of Iowa (CDI) and the Dickinson County Soil and Water Conservation District announced that Blake Lineweaver of Milford was selected to receive $3,000 as the second-place winner of the Conservation Districts of Iowa Scholarship...

Milford Memorial Library is celebrating Star Wars day at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 4, at the Milford Memorial Library. The event we feature a showing of "The Force Awakens," Star Wars-themed snakes, life-sized lightsabers and crafts. The program is free and open to all ages. All food and supplies are provided by the library at no charge to the attendees...

Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation has announced that four Iowa Lakes Community College students have been selected to attend the 11th annual Okoboji Entrepreneurial Institute (OEI) this August. This is the 10th year students from Iowa Lakes have participated in the event...

The Board of Trustees of Iowa Lakes Community College learned about the veterinary technician program as part of its Tuesday afternoon meeting in Emmetsburg. Iowa Lakes launched the program after working with area veterinarians to develop a curriculum in the fall of 2011. The first graduating class received their degrees in the spring of 2013...

Buena Vista University ROTC Cadet Brandy Fowler, a senior public administration and political science major from Spirit Lake, received the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Governor's Cup ROTC Award for outstanding achievement from Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad in a ceremony on April 7...

Okoboji High School valedictorian Shaelyn Adams will play basketball for Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) while she attends college at the Boone campus. The aspiring doctor has a long list of accomplishments and accolades both academically and athletically...

Senior Nicholas Wetzeler of Spirit Lake has achieved academic ranking in the top 2 percent in the College of Business at Iowa State University and sophomore Olivia Albright of Milford ranked among the top 2 percent of students in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University...

Anglers from across the Midwest will cast their lines into the Iowa Great Lakes this weekend in the hope of catching some elusive walleye. The 34th annual Walleye Weekend will be held May 7-8. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will release 10 tagged walleye, which is up from six last year, into area lakes prior to the two-day tournament...