Stories from Tuesday, May 16, 2017

Aug. 5, 1939 - May 9, 2017 Wilson “Bill” James Connor was born on Aug. 5, 1939, on a farm near Battle Creek. He was the first son of Walter and Virginia (Wilson) Connor. In 1943, the family moved to the farm owned by Virginia's parents north of Sioux Rapids. Bill graduated from Cornell High School in 1957...

Sept. 19, 1964 - May 4, 2017 A memorial visitation for Larry "Thugo" Johnson, 52, of Spirit Lake was held Tuesday, May 9 at Turner Jenness Funeral Home in Spirit Lake, followed by a Celebration of Life gathering at Sportsman's Pub. Larry "Thugo" Leo Johnson, the son of Quintin and Grace (Hanson) Johnson was born Sept. ...

June 16, 1922 – May 11, 2017 Harriett K. Summa, 94, passed away May 11. Services took place on Tuesday, May 16, at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Urbandale. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in George. Harriett was born on June 16, 1922, in Chicago to Marie (Hudgen) and John Kirby. She graduated from Morningside College with her bachelor’s degree in teaching and taught at the George Public School. She married Ivan Summa became a full time homemaker raising the couple’s five boys...

July 28, 1939 – May 8, 2017 A funeral service for Sharon Cusick, 77, of Spirit Lake, was held Saturday, May 13, at Turner Jenness Funeral Home in Spirit Lake. Interment was Monday, May 15, at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri.
Sharon Cusick was born July 28, 1939, in Clay County, the daughter of Dana and Charlotte (Campbell) Devitt. ...

Jan. 17, 1933 – Feb. 7, 2017 There will be a Memorial Service for Evonne Swanson, 84, of Fergus Falls, Minnesota and formerly of Spirit Lake at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 20, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Spirit Lake. Burial will be at Lakeview Gardens Cemetery in Spirit Lake.
Memorials may be directed to Spenser’s Underground, PO Box 361, Spirit Lake, IA, 51360. ...

Jan. 22, 1941 – May 8, 2017 Dennis Eugene Karl, age 76, of Marshalltown passed away on Monday, May 8, at the Iowa Veteran’s Home in Marshalltown. He was born on Jan. 22, 1941 in Sioux Rapids to Thomas and Vera (Kruger) Karl. Dennis graduated from Spirit Lake High School in 1960. ...

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) yearly HIV Disease Surveillance Report shows in 2016, Iowa experienced the largest number of people diagnosed with HIV since reporting by name began in 1989. Additionally, there was a notable increase in black/African American Iowans diagnosed with HIV in 2016. ...

Seasons Center for Behavioral Health has received a $20,000 grant from the Lakes Area Decat Board. This grant will be used to purchase resources and materials to support the implementation of specialized prevention and early intervention behavioral health, physical health, wellness, and nature-based programs and services at Autumn’s Center and Camp Autumn...

The pubic is invited to join Arnolds Park Public Library for an upcoming reading kick-off and food drive at 10 a.m. May 31. Join us at the Milford Pioneer Theatre for a free showing of “The Lego Movie.” We will have summer reading program sign-up sheets available, as well as a display of this summer’s new books and prizes! In our quest to build a better world this summer we will be hosting a food drive. ...

Mallory Rose Luers of Milford was among more than 1,900 University of Nebraska-Lincoln students honored during individual college celebrations and the All-University Honors Convocation April 23 at the Lied Center for Performing Arts. Luers, a junior in the College of Education and Human Sciences, was recognized as a high scholar...

Blake Gunderson and Zachary Heikens have been awarded the American Youth Foundation’s National Leadership award and the I Dare You scholarship, in recognition of personal integrity, balanced living and potential for leadership. The award was presented by Travis Popken, Harris-Lake Park Secondary Principal, at their award ceremonies held on Wednesday, May 10 in the Harris-Lake Park High School Auditorium...

Dickinson County Public Health (DCPH) reminds parents in Dickinson County that a new immunization requirement will be in effect next school year for all students enrolling in seventh and 12th grades. The change requires a one-time dose of meningococcal (A, C, W, Y) vaccine received on or after 10 years of age for students in grades seven and above, if born after Sept. ...

A new speaker has been added to the lineup for the 30th Annual Fun & Wellness Day on Wednesday, May 17, on the Emmetsburg campus of Iowa Lakes Community College. Teacher, coach, middle school principal and speaker Kent Stock is widely known for coaching the Norway baseball team during its now-famous last season. ...

If you are in 3rd or 4th grade and you like to create with your hands and use your brain, the Constructors Club is for you! We’ll have fun while constructing something different each month. Come to the library at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 20, and prepare to make a Jungle in a Jar. Don’t forget to bring your thinking cap! There is no cost and all materials are provided by the library...

Northwest Bank employees recently shared an important lesson on saving money to students at Spirit Lake, Okoboji and Graettinger-Terril/Ruthven-Ayrshire Community Elementary Schools as part of the American Bankers Association’s “Teach Children to Save Day.”...

Back in March, five Okoboji Middle School TAG students went above and beyond the general curriculum and did intensive and in-depth research on a historical topic. This year’s National History Day theme was “Taking a Stand” and the students chose topics they believed embodied this theme in a time period and historical context of their interest...

The Spirit Lake Public Library requested some muscle from the Spirit Lake High School football team to move furniture into our newly renovated library spaces. Seven members of the football team unpacked, moved, and set up our new furniture, which was purchased from Iowa Prison Industries. We appreciate their willingness to help and the care they took with our furniture...

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey on May 11 announced the 2017 sign-up period is open for statewide cost share funds to help farmers install nutrient reduction practices. This program has been popular with farmers interested in adding additional practices to their operation.  Practices eligible for this funding are cover crops, no-till or strip till, or using a nitrification inhibitor when applying fertilizer...

Iowa Public Television will premiere the seventh season of Iowa Outdoors at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 24. Hosts Scott Siepker and Kellie Kramer travel around Iowa learning about outdoor recreation, environmental issues, conservation initiatives and Iowa's natural resources. The upcoming season will feature landscapes and activities such as wind turbine climbing, whitewater paddling, mountain biking and survivor camp...

The Super 8 of Spirit Lake/Okoboji ownership group has announced a grand re-opening of the following close to $1 million in improvements. The revitalized Super 8 of Spirit Lake/Okoboji will now greet guests with new porcelain tile in the entryways and breakfast room, an updated lobby with new soft leather furniture. ...

The Freedom Rock, established in 1999, is a thank you to the nation's veterans to honor their service to the country. The artist, Ray “Bubba” Sorensen II, was inspired by the movie “Saving Private Ryan,” as well as wanting to give veterans a distinctive recognition...

Do you ever wonder if the water in the Iowa Great Lakes is safe to swim in? Are cougar, bear and wolf populations on the increase in Iowa? What triggers algae blooms? How can invasive species be controlled? These and other environmental science topics are the subject of the Friends Science Seminar Series kicked off Tuesday, May 16 and run through Aug. 8. ...

Spirit Lake Mayor Blain Andera joined mayors across the country in a nationwide bipartisan initiative to highlight the impact of service and volunteerism in tackling local problems. “Service is a vital resource for our city,” Andera said. “Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) volunteers make our counties better places to live. As Spirit Lake’s mayor, I am grateful for the dedication and sacrifice of these citizens, who are helping make our city stronger, safer, and healthier.”...

Candice L. Getting, a Modern Woodmen of America financial representative, recently attended the MWA Financial Services Round Table Conference in Moline, Illinois. The conference allowed attendees to share their best practices with each other and provided them with new information on several financial topics, including individual retirement planning, 401(k) plans, college saving plans, values-based investing, protecting families with insurance, and information on the tools and technology available to help individuals plan for their futures.. ...

Bank Midwest is proud to announce that Sara (Martinson) Lewis has been promoted to mortgage loan originator at the Spirit Lake location. Born and raised in the Iowa Great Lakes area, Sara began her career with Bank Midwest in 2014 as the marketing coordinator. ...

The vestry of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Spirit Lake, has called the Rev. Thomas Early to be Priest in Charge at St. Alban’s, beginning on July 1. Early has completed his studies at the School of Theology at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. He will be ordained on June 18 at St. James Episcopal Church in Independence. Until Early joins St. Alban’s, the church will continue with supply priests...

The Clay County Fair proudly announces that Justin Moore with special guests Parmalee and Jordan Rager will perform at 7:30 p.m. in the U.S. Cellular Grandstand on Saturday, Sept. 9. "A great night of country music will be the perfect way to kick-off our Centennial Celebration," said Fair Manager Jeremy Parsons...

Ask any kid. Nothing, absolutely nothing on the face of the earth can beat a white horse! And this coming July 8, the White Horse Mounted Patrol Unit of Abu Bekr Shrine Temple of Sioux City will be bringing their beautiful white horses and riders to perform in the Bully Bullhead Weekend Parade...

More than 300 adults and children participated in the second “END IT! for Autumn” Color Run benefiting Camp Autumn. The April 8 fundraiser brought in $15,001.08 for the therapeutic day camp opening June 5. “Thank you to all the runners and walkers who came out on a beautiful spring morning to support us,” said Kim Scorza, CEO/President of Seasons Center. “The day was definitely a huge success.”...

Blue flag iris, dickcissels, monarch butterflies – the Pioneer Park Nature Preserve will be a haven for flora, fauna and outdoorsmen in Dickinson County. The Dickinson County Conservation Board will tour its newest area, located just south of Milford along Highway 71, during its next “Hike the Wild” program Tuesday, May 23. Meet at the Dickinson County Nature Center at 9:30 a.m. and caravan to the site with other hikers...

With the close of the legislative session, many are tallying the statistics of this session.  In the 104 days of the legislative session, there were 174 bills enrolled. While this may seem like a lot and some are quick to assume it is because of the Republican trifecta, history tells us otherwise. ...

Thank you again, Spirit Lake, for coming out and giving the blood of life on May 15, for the American Red Cross. We had a fairly good turn out but missed our goal by 3 pints. We had only two deferrals, 6-for-12 double red cells making a total of 44 units and our goal was 47 so only missed it by a few. We had 40 presenting donors...

Dickinson County CARES would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the following businesses and individuals for their generous support and donations for our CARES Carnival on April 22: Anne Jackson, Andrea Loerts, Arnolds Park Amusement, Arrowwood/Minerva's, Blank Park Zoo, Boulders Inn of Okoboji, Bridges Bay/Boji Splash Water Park, Brooks Golf Club, Business Today, Casey's General Stores, Carolan Rental & N-Flatable Fun, Central Bank, Christiansen-Bieri Dental Office, Coca-Cola, Daily Addiction, Dickinson County News, Elegance, Fare You Well food truck, Fareway, Farmers Savings Bank, Fridley Theatres, Grand Occasions, Grapetree, Great Lakes Edging, Great Lakes Motors, Hey, Good Cookies!, Hy-Vee, Iowa Lakes Community College, Indian Hills Golf Course, Jensen Realty, Jimmy Johns, Kathy Sprague, Lakes News Shopper, Milford Kiwanis, Kozy Heat, L & C Tire, Lisa’s Bakery, Lolo’s Cupcakes, Mary's Gift Shoppe, McKeen’s Pub & Grill, MHR Insurance, Milford Well Service, Missy Webber, Motor Inn, Ms. ...

Thanks to our local papers for providing a venue for people concerned about their government who are willing to take time to make their thoughts known. A recent piece “Dark Money” dealt with benefits being afforded so the super-rich get their way and the dictatorial order by President Trump to fire rockets on Syria without congressional approval. Thanks Ray for your thoughtful note!...

I want to extend a big “THANK YOU” to the Good Neighbor Agency and all of our community members who donated generously to their fundraising effort last fall. The donation that Meals on Wheels receives from our portion of the proceeds helps provide meals to the disabled and senior homebound population of the Iowa Great Lakes Region...

Nicholas Michael Riley, age 37, of Fulda, Minnesota, was charged with simple assault, vandalism and disorderly conduct at 9:59 a.m. Saturday, May 13 at 1900 41st St. in Spirit Lake. Gary Allan Goette, age 39, of Dunnell, Minnesota, was charged with driving under the influence and speeding at 1:43 a.m. Sunday, May 14, near the intersection of 140th Street and 240th Avenue in Spirit Lake...

Q: What prompted your leadership on foster care issues in Congress? A:  It’s no secret that a loving home and happy household nurtures the next generation to thrive and become productive members of society. Close-knit, supportive families serve as the building blocks for safe schools and strong communities. ...

The Dickinson County Fair Board is seeking candidates for the 2017 Dickinson County Fair Queen position. The new Dickinson County Fair Queen will be crowned at 8 p.m. Monday, June 5, prior to the Dickinson County Fair Board monthly meeting at the Expo Building in Spirit Lake...

In honor of National Travel and Tourism Week, the Iowa Tourism Office recently recognized the Dickinson County Conservation Board, Okoboji Tourism and the Clay County Fair for their contributions to the state’s $8.06 billion tourism industry. National Travel and Tourism Week (May 7-13), now in its 34th year, unites communities across the country to celebrate what travel means to employment, economic growth and personal well-being...

An organization established to provide behavior health services for children is marking a significant milestone. Autumn's Center of Spencer recently served its 1,000th child. The count includes infants to 21-year-olds and their families. “One of the things that we do is teaching parenting skills," Season Center President and CEO Kim Scorza said. ...

A police search Wednesday, May 10, in Lake Park led to the discovery of drugs and a series of charges. The search was part of a joint investigation involving the Lake Park and Spirit Lake Police Departments at 108 East 1st St. in Lake Park. Officers discovered between 40 and 50 grams of marijuana, several grams of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia...

An Arnolds Park man was taken to Lakes Regional Healthcare Monday after a collision on Highway 71 south of Milford. The Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office began directing traffic in the northbound lane of the highway shortly after noon. A statement from the sheriff’s office said 32-year-old Matt Steffes of Arnolds Park was driving a John Deere 4520 tractor northward along the highway. ...

THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT DICKINSON COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JERROLD WELLE, Deceased. CASE NO. ESPR014339 NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, OF APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR, AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Jerrold Welle, deceased, who died on or about April 16, 2017:...

A rare weather phenomenon hit Dickinson County early Tuesday morning and left destruction in its wake. According to Warning Coordination Meteorologist Todd Heitkamp of the United State Weather Service in Sioux Falls, South Dakota a heat burst may have been responsible for broken tree limbs and damaged buildings in Dickinson County...

Students of the Lakeland Talented and Gifted program visited a world of test tubes, turbines and talons Wednesday at Lakeside Laboratory. Students from Emmetsburg, Graettinger-Terril/Ruthven-Ayrshire and Spencer took part in “Touched by Science,” a program that exposes teenagers to potential careers involving nature. Presentation topics included renewable energy, the effects of lead ammunition, the food chain, wildlife and limnology — the study of bodies of water...

The All-Academic Team is a feature in the Dickinson County News to showcase those students who have worked hard in the classroom over the past four years. To begin the selection process, the DCN works with each area high school, and the principal or guidance counselor nominates two students based on academic performance and grade point average. ...

The All-Academic Team is a feature in the Dickinson County News to showcase those students who have worked hard in the classroom over the past four years. To begin the selection process, the DCN works with each area high school, and the principal or guidance counselor nominates two students based on academic performance and grade point average. ...

The All-Academic Team is a feature in the Dickinson County News to showcase those students who have worked hard in the classroom over the past four years. To begin the selection process, the DCN works with each area high school, and the principal or guidance counselor nominates two students based on academic performance and grade point average. ...

The All-Academic Team is a feature in the Dickinson County News to showcase those students who have worked hard in the classroom over the past four years. To begin the selection process, the DCN works with each area high school, and the principal or guidance counselor nominates two students based on academic performance and grade point average. ...

The past weekend’s weather was ideal for biking, boating and any other quintessential summertime activity. But, on the green grass of Camp Okoboji in Milford, officials with the Iowa Department of Public Health were preparing for the worst — emphasis on preparing. The state staff and dozens of volunteers held a preparedness exercise Saturday afternoon at the request of local authorities...

Fire departments from Fostoria and Spencer were called at about 10 p.m. Monday night to a large fire that engulfed a building owned by Town & Country Disposal. The garbage collection company located on the north end of Fostoria has frontage road access near U.S. Highway 71. Fostoria Fire Department Chief Kim Kroger thinks the fire started in the north to northwest portion of the building. The building served as a shop, office and garage area for the company’s trucks...

DNR officials were surprised the night of Wednesday, May 10, when they found a small pile of material on the south side of the Marble Beach State Park campground. They became more alarmed Thursday when they saw a very large pile of personal items at campsite 215, which is at an overflow campground north of the state park’s main entrance...