Stories from Tuesday, November 8, 2016

James Kessler helped mechanics work on jet engines during the Vietnam War. It was his duty to ensure the planes made it back after their missions. The Lake Park resident said he is proud to have served his country. Kessler was in the U.S. Air Force from 1959 to 1963, achieving the rank of staff sergeant. He now acts as the Lake Park American Legion 9th District chaplain and post commander...

Snow, slippery roads and cold winds will soon replace the crunch of leaves and mild temperatures. Winter is coming, but that doesn't mean Iowa Great Lakes residents won't be ready. The National Weather Service will hold Winter Weather Awareness Day across the state on Nov. 10. The event is designed to remind Iowans to be prepared for the upcoming colder months...

Polls were open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday at 15 precincts throughout Dickinson County. The results are unofficial until a canvass by the Dickinson County Board of Supervisors. PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT U.S. SENATOR U.S. REPRESENTATIVE - DISTRICT 4...

Polls were open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday at 15 precincts throughout Dickinson County. The results are unofficial until a canvass by the Dickinson County Board of Supervisors. Township trustees (Vote for 2) ----- Township trustees (Vote for 2) -----...

The Dickinson County Board of Supervisors will now have the power to appoint trustees and clerks in all but one of the county's townships. Dickinson County's townships, Center Grove, Diamond Lake, Lakeville, Milford, Okoboji, Silver Lake, Superior, Westport, Richland, Lloyd, Excelsior and Silver Lake, voted on a referendum placed on the Nov. 8 ballot to allow the board of supervisors to select trustees and clerks...

Milford-area voters have elected Democrat Tim Fairchild to occupy the District 3 seat on the Dickinson County Board of Supervisors. Fairchild beat Republican Shane Bush. He received 997 votes for 53.5 percent of the District 3 electorate. Bush garnered 865 votes for 46.5 percent of the vote...

The Wolves are dome-ward bound. After surviving a late rally by Ar-We-Va in Friday night's quarterfinal contest, the Harris-Lake Park football team earned a trip to the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls for the first time in school history, and improved to 11-0 on the year, with a 44-36 win over the Rockets at home...

Following a roughly 45-minute delay due to a faulty starting block which caused the whole meet to be reseeded, the swimming portion of the Iowa Girls State Swimming and Diving Meet began Saturday afternoon at the Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA. The delay seemed to have little to no effect on Spencer's swimmers as the first two Tiger events of the day topped the school's record books...

So what’s with this weather? Talk about mild! As we head toward mid-November, we’re still talking upper 40s to low 50s for highs. We’ve had enough moisture that our soil is well stocked, sloughs and lakes are full, and there is still water running into Big Spirit...

It appears that my 2016 open water fishing season is coming to a close: It may even be over, although I hope to get in another quick trip or two. This year, like all other years, I have learned and relearned a good number of things related to fishing. Following are some of those things...

One Northern Cardinal, Carolina Chickadee, or Tufted Titmouse at a time, Project FeederWatch participants are making new scientific discoveries possible. This long-running citizen-science project has amassed decades of information about winter feeder birds across the United States and Canada. The 30th season of FeederWatch kicks off on November 12...

Everyone loves a friendly rivalry, especially when it comes to our three major universities – Iowa, Iowa State and Northern Iowa. This November, the DNR State Forest Nursery is challenging Iowans to plant some school spirit and promote conservation...

Pheasants Forever’s newest partners in conservation, Pepsi, are donating to the organization’s wildlife habitat conservation mission for every bottle of Pepsi sold in Casey’s General Store locations in Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2016. ...

The Iowa Community College Athletic Conference released its end of the year honors for men's soccer. Sophomores Freddy Fragozo and Gustavo Nascimento were awarded First Team All-Conference honors, while sophomore Jack Stonehouse and freshman Rian Marques were put on the Second Team...

The Iowa Lakes men's and women's basketball teams opened their seasons this past week, as the Laker women picked up a road win over Grandview JV on Thursday and the men went 1-1 at the Moberly Classic in Moberly, Missouri, on Friday and Saturday. The Iowa Lakes women's basketball team opened up the season with a 76-75 win over Grandview JV on Thursday evening...

The Iowa Lakes volleyball team traveled to Norfolk, Nebraska on Wednesday, Nov. 2, for the first round of the regional tournament and took on Northeast Community College. Northeast took control of the match early and never let up, winning it in three sets (25-16, 25-12, 25-18). RaeAhna Harmon led the Lakers with 14 kills and nine digs...

It’s hard to believe Curt Schilling was once the toast of Boston. After pitching the Red Sox to two World Series championships – one while donning a bloody sock – Schilling’s retirement from baseball has been marred by bankruptcy and a pile of controversies that ultimately led to him being fired as a baseball analyst at ESPN...

A Spirit Lake adult living service employee faces a Class D felony sexual exploitation charge after police suspect she established a physical relationship with one of her clients. Danielle Shadle, 40, of Harris, was charged with sexual exploitation by a counselor or therapist on Friday, Oct. 25. Officers took her in to custody at 1808 Jackson Avenue, which is the location of Echo Plus Inc. in Spirit Lake...

This first of a three-part introspective series for communities takes a serious look at why Iowa's rural population continues a downward spiral and the personal responsibility we all have to grow. The article was originally published in the October, 2016 issue of "Iowa County," a monthly publication of the Iowa State Association of Counties...

Q: What does your office do to serve veterans? A: For all the honorable men and women who volunteer to join the U.S. Armed Forces and serve our country in uniform, I work to ensure the United States of America upholds its promises made to these patriots who put their lives on the line to protect and defend our sacred freedoms. ...

Complaints about satellite and cable television regularly make the Consumer Protection Division's top 10 consumer complaint list. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports the same on a national scale. Complaints include promotional offers, billing, contracts, cancellations, general service, and signal quality...

When you're grieving the death of a family member or friend, you may dread the holiday season. This may be your first holiday after the loss of your loved one, or many more. Do thoughts of social gatherings, family traditions and obligations leave you anxious and overwhelmed? Your sadness can seem unbearable. ...

Whether running a business or simply managing your household expenses, you've likely faced some challenging financial decisions. Managing money is a routine responsibility for most Americans, and often it comes down to a simple equation: Don't spend more than you can afford...

As the United States supports our allies and continues the fight for Mosul, we cannot ignore where ISIS will spread next. I am not alone in my fears that key leaders escaped the city before the major assault began -- especially considering the advance warning about our battle plans. More importantly, should we and our allies be successful in Mosul, and I have the utmost faith that we will be, I fear ISIS will continue retreating to its al-Qaida roots...

Answering a knock on my door, I met a polite, soft-spoken, middle-aged, homeless veteran. He had on a worn, leather jacket with military patches, carried a back pack and knew the drill. He immediately pulled out his identification, introduced himself and explained that he was traveling from point A to point B. I asked him if he needed shelter, and he replied, "No, but the VA sent me here for some clean clothes, a razor and a sack lunch."...

Bob and Arlis Bruett of Spirit Lake celebrated their 70th anniversary on Wednesday, Nov. 2. The couple has three daughters and one son -- Bobbe and Ron Daggett of Minneapolis, Jan and Tom Gannon of Spirit Lake, Lesia and Mike Varland of Superior, Wisconsin and Terry Bruett of Frasier, Colorado. They also have two grandchildren -- Stacey Gannon and Beth Benish. Anniversary wishes may be sent to Bob and Arlis at Welcov Assisted Living (1819 23rd Street) in Spirit Lake...

The Iowa Navy Commodores visited the Rolling Oaks Barn Wednesday, Nov. 2, to welcome the business to the Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. The bar/venue has been open since July 1. The Rolling Oaks Barn serves drink specials throughout the week and is available to rent for events. It is located at 2325 41st Street in Spirit Lake. For more information, call 712-330-1104...

Several local locations will serve as collection sites this year for the Samaritan's Purse project Operation Christmas Child --the world's largest Christmas project of its kind. During National Collection Week, Nov. 14-21, Spirit Lake residents will donate shoeboxes -- filled with school supplies, hygiene items, notes of encouragement and fun toys, such as a doll or soccer ball -- for Operation Christmas Child to deliver to children in need around the world. ...

Influenza activity in Iowa is currently very low. However, Iowa's influenza season typically starts in November and peaks in January or February, so it can begin any time. The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) urges Iowans to get their annual flu vaccination now if they have not already done so...

Hope Haven is now offering eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy as part of its counseling services in the Spirit Lake office. EMDR is an evidence based treatment therapy that is considered the recommended therapy treatment for people dealing with trauma. It has also been recommended for treating people dealing with anxiety, panic attacks, depression, sexual, emotional and physical abuse, chronic pain, complicated grief, performance anxiety and addictions...

The Iowa Navy Commodores welcomed Beck Engineering into its new building at 3301 Zenith Avenue in Spirit Lake with a ribbon cutting Monday, Oct. 24. The consulting civil engineer and land surveying firm employs 12 people in the Lakes Area. Brad Beck founded the company in 2001 in Spirit Lake. For more information on Beck Engineering, call 712-336-3596...

Below is a list of participants in the annual Upper Des Moines Opportunity Sharing Christmas program which provides holiday gifts to low-income children, seniors and disabled residents of Dickinson County. Participants can be adopted, with a call to the Upper Des Moines Opportunity office at 336-1112 between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday...

June 25, 1921 -- Oct. 30, 2016 A funeral service for Vernita Kaythryn Youde, 95, of Noblesville, Indiana and formerly of Spirit Lake, was held on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016 at Harbor of Joy Lutheran Church in Milford. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery in Spencer...

Jan. 29, 1964 -- Nov. 1, 2016 Robert "Bob" Merle Hurd, 52, of Spirit Lake, passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack on Tuesday, Nov. 1, at Lakes Regional Healthcare. Funeral services were held on Monday, Nov. 7, at the Schuchert-Lentz Funeral Home in Spirit Lake...

April 11, 1916 -- Oct. 27, 2016 Margaret Irene McCollough Genschmer passed away peacefully at the age of 100 on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016, in Webster City. Memorial services were held on Friday, Nov. 4, at Asbury United Methodist Church with Pastor Jeff Flagg officiating. A private burial will be held at a later date...

Feb. 8, 1950 -- Oct. 29, 2016 Funeral services for Mr. John. B. Van Dyke, 66, of Arnolds Park and Chattanooga, Tennessee, were held Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016, at First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake. Interment was at Lakeview Gardens Cemetery in Spirit Lake. Memorials may be directed to Vanderbilt University Hematology Helping Hands Fund, First Presbyterian Church of Spirit Lake, First Presbyterian Church of Knoxville or Camp Foster YMCA...

Nov. 22, 1917 -- Oct. 29, 2016 Dorothy C. Veitch, the daughter of Walter and Elsie (Coleman) Henry, was born in Linden, Iowa. As a child, the family lived in communities of Linden, Everly, Hartley and eventually settling in Spencer. Dorothy graduated from Spencer High School in 1935. Following graduation, she worked at the JCPenney Department Store in Spencer. While Donald was involved in World War II, Dorothy lived with family in Medford, Oregon, where she also worked for JCPenney...

July 7, 1937 -- Nov. 1, 2016 Bennie Edward Kardell was born July 7, 1937 in Kirkman to Ernest and Lucille Kardell. His grade school years were spent in Avoca, where he attended a one-room schoolhouse. During his sophomore year of high school, the family moved to Audubon where he later graduated from high school. ...

Students from area high schools participate from October through May in the Okoboji Foundation's annual Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) initiative to learn about nonprofits and the importance of community giving. Each student is asked to comment on why they are dedicated to giving back to their community through Youth in Philanthropy...

Halloween week at the library was monstrously fun. Family storytime children came in costume on Thursday morning. After reading and singing about Halloween, the children did the annual trick-or-treat parade through the library, delighting the adult patrons. After the parade, the children created tasty monster faces with donuts...

Congratulations to Spirit Lake High School Instrumentalists (from left to right) Noel Roberts (Clarinet), Halleigh Hawkins (Clarinet), Nate Walsh (Euphonium), Lauren Sandison (Horn), Paige Pearson (Trumpet), Noelle Yost (Flute), and Lauren Laven (Alto Sax) for being selected to participate in the Northwest Iowa Bandmasters Association Honor Band. ...

The Milford Memorial Library Adult Craft Series has returned. Join Library Director Beth Sorenson for "Handmade Christmas Cards" from 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, at the library. Registration for this event is required and the cost to participate is $2. Contact the library for more information...

Educators across the country are focusing on science, technology, research, engineering, art and mathematics to prepare students for the future. The Milford Memorial Library, in its mission to provide life-long learning opportunities for all ages, recently applied for a STEM Scale-Up grant, which was made possible by the Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council and the Science Center of Iowa...

Keep Iowa Beautiful will award five $1,000 to Iowa high school seniors in 2017 in memory of Robert Byers, teacher and environmentalist. Students who plan to enroll in an Iowa college or university to study environmental science, community development, landscape architecture or architecture (historical emphasis) or community planning and sustainability are eligible to apply...

Members of the Milford Pioneers Veteran's Committee met last week to decorate the Hawkeye Care Center & Stonebridge Suites in Milford for Veterans Day. The 4-H members had artistic assistance from the Okoboji kindergarten classes -- a big thanks to Mrs. Dible, Mrs. Gisch, Mrs. Leiss, and Mrs. Ostrum for including this patriotic activity in their students schedule this fall...

Buena Vista University (BVU) has been named to the 2016 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll by the Corporation for National and Community Service. The university earned honors with distinction in the general community service category, honor roll with distinction in interfaith community service, honor roll for education community service and honor roll for economic opportunity service...