Stories from Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Starting Aug. 1, Iowa communities with populations of 5,000 or smaller can apply for special funding to inspect abandoned commercial buildings. The funds, from the Department of Natural Resources' Derelict Building Grant Program, allow eligible communities to investigate the amount of asbestos present in a building and determine the physical characteristics and stability of these structures by completing structural engineering assessments...

With beautiful sunsets and fun activities throughout the summer, it's a perfect time to think about entering memorable prints as photography exhibits at the 2016 Clay County Fair, Sept. 10-18. Hobby photographers may enter up to 12 photographs total with one picture per class. Classes include color photographs or black and white photographs of people, places or landscape, things, plants, or animals/ insect world...

Activities and seminars are planned Aug. 10-13 to remind people about the importance of water preservation as part of Clean Water Week. "This is going to be a great week where people can learn the about how to keep water clean and safe to use," state Rep. John Wills said. "It's going to be a lot of fun with learning mixed in."...

Starting at 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 14, Camp Okoboji will be auctioning off its Crafts building in order to make room for the new DISCOVER Activity Center. The goal is to recycle, reclaim and repurpose as much of the Crafts building as possible. It has many old windows and doors, benches, work tables, wood flooring, tongue and grove siding and paneling, exhaust fans, bathroom fixtures, etc...

Vance Hjelm of Lake Park was one of 23 Iowa Farm Bureau leaders to visit Capitol Hill and meet with their elected officials during the annual summer national policy trip on July 11-14. Members discussed several issues with U.S. Rep. Steve King and U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley and U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, which included uniform GMO label disclosure legislation and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement...

Plans for 2017 were discussed at the Executive Board meeting on July 26 at the home of Vice Regent Colleen Lemkuil, The Landings, Spirit Lake. The group also confirmed details for the remainder of its 2016 events. Guests, men as well as women, are welcome at all DAR programs. The 2017 schedule is as follows:...

Northwest Iowa women interested in exploring their "family trees," particularly those interested in joining the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), are invited to a workshop at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13. Jodi Freet, DAR State Registrar from Solon, will discuss genealogy research strategies. ...

Gabriel Olson, first vice president-commercial and industrial lending at West Bank, was recently chosen as 2016 "Up and Coming Banker of the Year" by the Community Bankers of Iowa's "Leaders of Tomorrow "program. The award was presented at CBI's Management Conference and Annual Convention July 13-15 in Okoboji...

The Iowa Department of Public Health's (IDPH) annual HIV Surveillance Report for 2015 found there were 124 new HIV diagnoses last year, an increase of 27 percent from the 98 cases reported in 2014. "This increase marks a return to the levels we saw in 2013 and is a reversal from the drop in cases from 2013 to 2014," Jerry Harms, Iowa Department of Public Health HIV and AIDS Surveillance coordinator, said...

Victoria Gomez-Mitchell, a 8-year-old Okoboji Elementary student recently had a chance to meet longtime Dickinson County Relay for Life volunteer Charly Godfredsen. Godfredsen grew her hair out to donate for a program that supports young patients who have lost their hair as a result of chemotherapy treatments...

Iowa's 15-day annual pheasant population survey begins on Aug. 1 and wildlife experts say all indicators are pointing to a stable to increasing population of the popular game bird. Todd Bogenschutz, upland wildlife research biologist for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, said snowfall totals, spring rain and nesting temperature all have a role in pheasant survival and nesting success. ...

Wild Wednesdays: "Staying Attached: Life on the Rocks!" will take place at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3, in Waitt Lab. Come and learn about all the life that rocks help support. Treasure Hike now open through October -- The self-guided treasure hunt is for explorers of all ages. Pick up a treasure map at Lakeside's main parking lot during daylight hours and explore for hidden creatures and secret messages...

On Friday, Aug. 5, grade 5-12 students are invited to come to the Milford Memorial Library for the end of summer reading program party. The party will include 'minute to win it' games, snacks and prizes. All supplies are provided by the library at no charge to the students...

The Dickinson County Museum staff is currently in the process of assembling the first phase of a new project entitled "Historic Images of Dickinson County." With funds received from the Dickinson County Endowment Fund, the museum was able to begin work on this addition to their display of county history...

The academic high honor and honor lists (dean's lists) for the past spring semester at Minnesota State University-Mankato have been announced by Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Marilyn Wells. The honor list includes senior Kevin Martinson of Orleans and junior Kaela Delperdang of Spirit Lake...

Nov. 26, 1938 -- July 27, 2016 Dr. Jerry David Lunsford of Milford passed away July 27, 2016, with his loving family present. Jerry, the son of Matilda (Mackey) and James Lunsford, was born Nov. 26, 1938 in Falls City, Nebraska. He was a past president of OEA and enjoyed a 32 year teaching career. ...

Nov. 20, 1939 -- July 27, 2016 Joyce Paulson was born on Nov. 20, 1939, in Lake Park to the late Clarence and Lillian (Thompson) Christenson. She was baptized in the Methodist Church in Lake Park and later confirmed in that same church. Joyce received her education in Lake Park and graduated from Lake Park High School in the Class of 1957...

June 7, 1932 -- July 21, 2016 June Pearl Liddle or Jennifer, 84, of Cedar Rapids passed away Thursday, July 21, 2016, at St. Luke's Hospital. Her wish was for cremation. A graveside memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, at Lakeview Gardens Cemetery in Spirit Lake...

July, 10, 1926 -- July 24, 2016 Ralph B. Perkins, age 90, of Clear Lake, South Dakota, passed away Sunday, July 24, 2016, in the Deuel County Good Samaritan Center. Funeral services were held Saturday, July 30, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Clear Lake, South Dakota. Burial was at the Lakeview Cemetery, Clear Lake. Houseman Funeral Home in Clear Lake was entrusted with the arrangements...

For half a century artists have been able to showcase their talent in some format in the Iowa Great Lakes Region. When the original art center was created, the first version Art in the Park took place in front of a little red barn. The 2016 Art in the Park is set for Saturday, Aug. 6 on Preservation Plaza in Arnolds Park under the auspices of the Pearson Lakes Art Center...

Look at the trees on the east side of the Westport Schoolhouse in Kenue Park. What kind of fruit do they produce? The public is invited to the Dickinson County Nature Center's Family Nature Night at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 8, to find out. During the Nature Center Challenge, compete with other families to answer all the questions and to finish the tasks that will take all participants on a tour through Kenue Park. At each location, they will also gather letters to solve a final word scramble...

The Iowa Rock 'n' Roll Music Association (IRRMA) has announced the addition of two classic bands to the Iowa Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame Concert on Sunday, Sept. 4. DJ & The Runaways along with The Velaires will now join the lineup with "A Look Back" to mark the 20th anniversary of the Iowa Rock 'n' Roll Music Association...

Just look up. Meteors will streak through the night sky at the beginning of August, and you can learn all about these upcoming celestial events during the next Star Trekking program 8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5, at the Dickinson County Nature Center in Okoboji...

After nearly two decades and more than 3,000 live shows, Gaelic Storm -- the chart-topping, multi-national Celtic band --mixes traditional Irish music with modern influences, creating a sound that's as wide-ranging as the band's own audience. They perform live at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10, on the Lauridsen Performing Arts Theatre stage at the Pearson Lakes Art Center...

A new government spending report by a non-profit organization states that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has spent $20 million on costly artwork between 2004 and 2014. Earlier this year, Sen. Ernst offered an amendment to the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act that would prohibit funding for the procurement of art work or art related consulting services, including new construction, until the Secretary of the VA alerts Congress that the appointment backlogs for veterans seeing primary care has been eliminated. ...

Driving a lemon? Depending on your car problems, it's possible that Iowa's "Lemon Law" can help. Iowa's Defective Motor Vehicles Law, also known as the Lemon Law, allows you as a car owner to pursue a complaint on your own. The Lemon Law covers cars, light trucks and vans -- purchased or leased -- with less than 24,000 miles, less than two years old after initial retail delivery, and still under manufacturer's warranty (whichever expires first). ...

I heard something the other day that distressed me so I feel the need to write a column about it. Myles Kass owns Bob's in Arnolds Park. He has a long history here with his famous hot dogs and an even longer history for the same delicious morsels in Le Mars...

Q: What is the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA)? A: For two decades I have worked closely with community anti-drug coalitions in Iowa to deploy resources to help drive methamphetamine out of our communities and out of our state. From shutting down international drug trafficking rings to making it harder to obtain over-the-counter ingredients that contribute to hazardous meth labs, rooting out this dangerous, addictive drug remains a high priority among policymakers, prevention and treatment specialists, law enforcement and court authorities in Iowa. ...

In 1776, the 13 Colonies of England in North America declared independence and formed the United States of America. Following the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, it was determined that a system of laws was needed to support these documents and provide guidance for life in this newly formed independent nation...

The 42nd Spirit Lake High School Alumni Reunion will be Sunday, Aug. 4, at the Expo Center in Spirit Lake. The doors open at 10:45 a.m. for socializing with the dinner at noon, then the program. This event takes place annually on the second Sunday in August...

Q: What are trade secrets?
A: Like a patent or trademark, trade secrets are a valuable form of intellectual property that allow innovators and businesses to legally protect their discoveries and other proprietary information. Some of the most "famous" trade secrets today include Coca-Cola's formula, the recipe for Kentucky Fried Chicken and Google's algorithm. To maintain legal protection for trade secrets, trade secret owners must employ reasonable measures to maintain their secrecy...

People dressed in blue were lined up along Highway 71 armed with signs and smiles as part of the "Celebrate, Don't Hate" event Friday afternoon. The event was designed to spread camaraderie throughout the Iowa Great Lakes Region. All proceeds generated from the event went to benefit local non-profit organizations...

Jared Herbert and his wife, Mary, began implementing conservation practices on their Lake Park farm in the 1990s. "It's the right thing to do as far as conservation ethics," Jared Herbert said. "It eliminates erosion from wind and water. It frees up your labor. I was really getting tired working all the time, and it cuts down on your labor."...

A portion of Highway 86 near Highway 9 had to be closed down following a rear-end collision near Cutty's Okoboji Resort Club on Monday night. Dickinson County deputies say 74-year-old Paul Dean Anema of Sanborn was southbound and stopped to make a left turn into the Cutty's entrance when his black 2009 Ford F350 was hit from behind by a white 1999 Chevy S-10...

Within the congregation at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Milford is a dedicated group of arts patrons. Arts at St. Joseph's was formed by these dedicated individuals about four years ago. "Our mission is to present music, drama and sacred arts for people to enjoy and experience at St. Joe's," said committee member Molly Foss...

Everyone is invited to attend a fun event that will take place on Thursday, Aug. 4, to help support the care of animals at this community's Humane Society. The event is ideal for anyone who wants to help, but simply cannot adopt an animal from the Humane Society of Northwest Iowa -- all while having a good time...

Patrick Davison of Ames has been named the winner of the Iowa Great Lakes Association T-shirt design contest. With 12 designs submitted, it was no easy task for the Iowa Great Lakes Association team to choose a winner, yet in the end it was Davison's design that incorporated so many facets of this extraordinary community that won over the committee...

The Okoboji Foundation Youth in Philanthropy Initiative is an annual program for area high school students intended to empower them to make a lasting positive impact in the Lakes Area. The 2016-17 Youth in Philanthropy Application is available on the Okoboji Foundation website through Sept. 12 at www.okobojifoundation.org Click on "YOUTH" Tab...

Shane Jamal Peterson, 25, of Spirit Lake was charged with driving with a suspended license, failure to provide proof of insurance and failure to provide proof of registration at 2:15 a.m. Wednesday, July 20, at 300 18th Street in Spirit Lake. Bradley Allen Shumway, 24, of Spirit Lake was charged with driving under the influence at 4:04 a.m. Saturday, July 30, at 20th Street and Gary Avenue in Spirit Lake...

The public is invited to join Iowa Lakes Community College for the Hy-Vee Savvy Kids' cooking Class in Spirit Lake. Kids will join Spirit Lake Hy-Vee Dietitian, Grace Phelon, for a fun-filled and educational cooking class. Kids will tour Hy-Vee, learn how to pick and shop for healthy snacks, as well as prepare super easy snacks that they can recreate at home...

The annual meeting of the East Okoboji Lakes Improvement Corporation will be held at the Dickinson County Nature Center located at Kenue Park at 9 a.m.on Saturday, Aug. 6 with coffee and rolls at 8:30 a.m. At this year's meeting there will be a presentation by Jay Michels, who is known for his work throughout the Upper Midwest and Canada as an educator on low impact development, storm water management and erosion and sediment control...

Heritage Landing Senior Apartments will be hosting a free event featuring: Dan Kaercher, retired founding editor-in-chief of Midwest Living Magazine and host of "Iowa's Simple Pleasures" and other travel-related programs aired on Iowa Public Television and other public television stations nationally. Kaercher will be sharing his knowledge of "Exploring the foods of Iowa and the Midwest."...

Childcare providers, foster parents or anyone else who works with children on a daily basis is welcome to join Iowa Lakes for the pediatric CPR/first aid online with skills class. Individuals should complete the online portion first, then bring certificate of completion to class and attend skills night to complete the certification. Certificate must be brought to skills night or rescheduling will be required...

Iowa Lakes Community College has organized a trip to the Iowa State Capital on Wednesday, Aug. 17. The trip will feature a private tour of the Iowa State Capitol and a visit to the State Historical Museum of Iowa. Cost for the trip is $149, which includes transportation and tours. Meals are an additional cost...

Northwest Iowa Care Connections, a Mental Health and Disability Services region serving residents of Clay, Dickinson, Lyon, O'Brien, Osceola, and Palo Alto Counties, is pleased to announce its contract with Seasons Center effective July 1 for the region's 24/7 crisis phone line. ...

Iowa Lakes Community College Foundation is collaborating with the "Shores of Five Island" Community Center to host a scholarship fundraiser event. "Crime and Punishment," a 1920s themed murder mystery experience, is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 10 and Saturday, Feb. 11. Get out the fedora or flapper dress and join Iowa Lakes at "The Shores" for this speakeasy...

Lake Park Heritage Square museum on West Railroad Street will be open for tours during Farmer Appreciation Days from 8-10 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6 Visitors will tour the Depot Museum, Prairie House and Early Lake Park Jail. New displays this year include heirloom dishes silver and crystal, vintage jewelry, quilts, children's toys and perennial gardens. ...

The 22nd Annual University of Okoboji Bedell Family Y Point to Point Open Water Swim will be held Saturday, Aug. 6. The Swim is 3.5 miles from Gull Point to Pikes Point. Online registration is available at www.threesons.com. Director Andrew Fisher reminds everybody of the 7 a.m. start at Gull Point State Park. The public is invited to cheer the swimmers on at the Gull Point start, or at the Pikes Point finish...

Each weekend hundreds of people flock to Arnolds Park Amusement Park to go on rides and see a bit of Iowa Great Lakes history. This weekend they will not only visit the park for recreation but to support it as well. Arnolds Park Amusement Park is holding it's annual Party in the Park fundraiser at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, in the Majestic Pavilion...

Two actors with strong ties to the Okoboji Summer Theatre are returning to its stage as Felix and Oscar in "The Odd Couple." Mark Taylor is a Hollywood actor and director who graduated from Stephens College. He last appeared on the OST stage 42 years ago and will play Felix...

Iowa Great Lake residents might notice the construction of some new wind turbines in Dickinson County in the near future. Tradewind Energy, an energy company based in Lenexa, Kansas, is in the preliminary stages of developing two new wind farm projects -- North Star and Red Rock -- in Dickinson County...