Stories from Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Dickinson County squads prepare to kick off 2017 season

A total solar eclipse cut a path across the continent Monday from Lincoln City, Oregon, to Charleston, South Carolina. Some had been waiting with anticipation for the astronomical happening to nick the corner of Iowa. The last total eclipse to cross the continent occurred on June 8, 1918...

The Inn at Okoboji has changed hands several times over the course of it’s history and it may do so again. The Acre Company is organizing a private real estate auction of the property. The Spencer-based real estate company has scheduled a posted bid period beginning Tuesday, Sept. ...

Returning runner-up Wolves enter football season with heightened expectations

Pioneers, Indians cross country teams prepare to open season at Spencer

Over the past few years, there has been a lot of talk around the state about the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and its budget. Basically, there are two areas of revenue: (1) the Fish and Wildlife Trust Fund and (2) General Fund money from the Iowa legislature. ...

The weather in my part of the world has been cool the past few days. Some people are predicting an early autumn. I’m not hoping for summer to depart soon, but we take what they send when it comes to weather. If you like to fish, the fall months can provide some outstanding fishing opportunities. Just in case fall does come early this year, following are some things you can do to take advantage of the fishing action...

Licenses to pursue Iowa’s world class deer herd go on sale Aug. 15 at more than 700 license sales agents statewide and online at http://www.iowadnr.gov, Resident Iowa hunters may purchase one any deer license for a gun season, one any deer license for archery season and one county specific antlerless deer only license...

U.S. Deputy Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt announced on Aug. 15 more than $610,000 to Iowa state wildlife agencies through the State Wildlife Grants (SWG) program. The funds, which are provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, give support for a diverse array of species and habitats across the country...

U.S. Deputy Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt, with the National Park Service, today announced $387,939 in Historic Preservation Grants to Iowa. The announcement is part of $21 million in grants announced today across the nation, which represents a total of $58 million awarded to every U.S. state, the District of Columbia, the U.S. territories, and partnering nations...

Fishing the Midwest, one of the Midwest’s longest-running and highest-rated fishing television shows recently announced that they have formed a partnership with Strike King lures. Fishing the Midwest’s award-winning television series will be using Strike King lures in their 2018 television episodes and for their “everyday” fishing as well!...

Spirit Lake has been the home of Indian athletics for generations. Now, a local manufacturing plant aims to make Spirit Lake the home of Indian Motorcycles. Amid the noise of outside construction and factory production, the newly opened Experience Center on the eastern side of the Spirit Lake Polaris plant is a calm showcase for the Indian Motorcycle brand...

This month we are focusing on recreational trail and bicycle safety in addition to being kind to our fellow trail users. --- While ATVs are allowed on most streets throughout the Iowa Great Lakes they are not allowed on Dickinson County Trails. The trails board has a motorized vehicle policy that allows the use of small vehicles for those who need assistance. ...

I want to comment about the recent events in Charlottesville, Virginia. The recent tragedy there was a result of two opposing forces who went to the city both looking for a fight. The “alt right” and the “antifas” could have cared less about Robert E. Lee or the statue of him...

This is an open letter to one Robert Sneitzer [whose past letters have appeared in this publication]: The following excerpt is from the independent, non-partisan fact checking group "Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity" published on the "Consortium News" website dated Aug. 7, 2017. It shows quite clearly that the claims against Russia for hacking the DNC are nothing but a propaganda ploy that the anti-Trump fake news media has picked up and repeated ad nauseam:...

Thank you again, Spirit Lake, for coming out and giving the blood of life on Aug. 17 for the American Red Cross. We didn’t have a huge turnout but had no deferrals so everyone contributed who came. Five contributed double red units counting as 10 units, and 27 contributed whole blood. We had a total of 37 units which was about 15 units below our goal...

The weekly anti-Trump writer of letters to the editor seems to search out with great vigor everything President Trump has to say. Yet, whatever President Trump has to say, makes him very upset. It reminds you of the guy who was pounding his head against the wall. When asked “why do you do that?” he respond “because it feels so good when I stop.”...

This is an open letter to Steve King. Mr. King, your silence says it all. First of all, it took you two days to respond to the tragedies in Charlottesville. And when you did respond, your statement was simply to “agree.” On Tuesday, Aug. 15, the nation watched while the man in the White House openly sided with those whose main goal was to inflict fear and harm...

Tailgates. Pep rallies. Friday night lights. The new school year is here! And that’s exciting news for student-athletes and high school sports fans alike. Research shows that being a student-athlete is about a lot more than fun and games. Student-athletes learn important life lessons, too. ...

Wouldn't it be nice if the VA and Lakes Regional Healthcare could partner up to combine services to the thousands of local vets now being served through the VA and who reside in the hospital's service foot print? As a 50-percent-disabled vet and county resident myself, I can't even go to LRH for specialty services because of a loophole in regulations: Since we have an outpatient clinic located in town that DOESN'T provide the same service as LRH (such as colonoscopies) I instead have to travel nearly 100 miles each way, stay in a motel (because of the prep required) — all on the VA's dollar. ...

The National Weather Service is confirming four tornadoes struck Friday night in southern Minnesota and northwest Iowa. A line of thunderstorms formed across portions of western Minnesota and eastern South Dakota during the late afternoon hours of Friday, Aug. 18, according to the National Weather Service office in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The thunderstorms initially were capable of very large hail and damaging winds, with 67 mph winds measured in Minneota, Minnesota...

A group of area young people — comprised of elementary, middle school and high school children — are anxious to see how their hard work over the summer translates to help families with children facing health challenges. On Saturday, Aug. 27, the Shayla Bee Fund will host its second annual Black Tie Black Leather Affair at Okoboji Classic Cars north of Milford on U.S. Highway 86...

One thing about roller coaster groups: They go through ups and downs, but if you wait long enough, they’ll come back around. Saturday wasn’t the first time ACE — that’s American Coaster Enthusiasts — visited Arnolds Park Amusement Park to see an old friend. Back in 2006, the Park’s “Legend” roller coaster received a plaque and was honored as a landmark...

Powerball officials say there was no grand prize winner in the latest drawing, meaning one of the nation’s largest lottery jackpots will continue growing. Maura McCann of the New Hampshire Lottery says no ticket matched all six numbers following Saturday night’s drawing. The winning numbers were: 17, 19, 39, 43, 68 and Powerball 13...

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today commented on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistical Service.  The report is released weekly from April through October. “Most of the state has seen some needed rain in the past week, but unfortunately it may be too little and too late for parts of south central and southeast Iowa that have already seen significant crop damage due to drought. ...

Creating awareness and support for the Graettinger-Terril Community School District's upcoming bond vote is the focus of a recently formed community committee. Parents and local leaders on the “Vote Yes to Building Strong Futures” committee announced plans to raise awareness about the schools' Sept. ...

They usually call this time of year “the dog days of summer.” So it makes sense that a delegation from the area’s welcoming committee recently visited a park with the motto “unleash some fun.” The Lakes Area Dog Park was established about a year ago on south campus of Lake Okoboji United Methodist Camp. The location is on the northeast side of West Lake Okoboji, not far from Triboji Beach...

Thousands and thousands of people experience the Iowa Great Lakes Area throughout the summer months each year, but the Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber is always looking for ways to attract visitors in the months that follow. One opportunity could benefit the area in the “shoulder season” and further boost the local economy: Oktoberfest weekend. ...

Spencer, Iowa - New and returning acts will entertain audiences in the KICD Courtyard and around the fairgrounds at the Clay County Fair, Sept. 9-17. Hillbilly Bob will be returning with his 1929 Model A Ford, Old Ruthie, loaded with antique fishing and camping equipment fit for a master outdoorsman. They will be strolling around the grounds daily at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m...

The evening starts with cocktails and appetizers and continues with jazz and a concert at Preservation Plaza. The Historic Arnolds Park Incorporated (HAPI) Board of Directors wants to celebrate and offer thanks to donors who have helped the summer’s “Restore the Park” effort...

Marcia Joffe-Bouska of Council Bluffs and Allison Goehring of Milford were named winners of the sixth annual “Celebration of Iowa: Agriculture Art Exhibit” contest at the Iowa State Fair. Joffe-Bouska took first place and $1,500 in the Adult Division (ages 18 and older) with her mixed-media piece. ...

No matter who you are, there is something for everyone at the Clay County Fair, Sept. 9-17. "We are extremely proud of the fact that every person can attend the Fair at least once for free if they take advantage of the great promotions we have on our special days at the Fair," said Fair Manager Jeremy Parsons. "The special days give you an extra reason to attend the Fair."...

It’s hard to think of winter when the area is in the midst of such beautiful summer weather, but the Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber is already looking ahead to the 38th Annual University of Okoboji Winter Games. The Winter Games Committee is seeking designs for this year’s games scheduled for Jan. 25-28, 2018. The logo will be utilized on all Winter Games merchandise as well as print advertising, entry forms, social media, mailings, and website promotion...

It was a good night, actually a very good night at the Pearson Lakes Art Center on Aug. 18. Dave Rowley and Friends performed their annual show to a full house in the Lauridsen Performing Arts Theatre. As you take your seat you see cheesy palm trees made of foil hanging down and comical hula dancers adorning the Yamaha Clavinova (keyboard). That is the first clue that this evening of entertainment will be at times very humorous...

A joint investigation between the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office, Dickinson County Attorney’s Office and the Department of Human Services resulted in the arrest of 25-year-old Shyanne Delgado of Spirit Lake. Delgado was charged with two counts of child endangerment and two counts of neglect or abandonment of a dependent person — all class C felonies. Delgado was originally booked July 26 into the Dickinson County Jail and was held on a $20,000 bond...

A bench memorializing three special people was recently placed on the Lake Park portion of the Iowa Great Lakes trails system. This special sitting spot can be found at the southeast side of Silver Lake between south Beachcomber Drive and east Country Club Drive. As a bonus, the bench joins two donated trees that overlook Silver Lake. Anyone looking for a stroll, power training, or enjoying a sunset now knows the Dickinson County Trails Association has just the place for a rest in Lake Park...

The Spirit Lake Noon Kiwanis Club held the grand opening of the Spirit Lake Kiwanis Club Berkley Place Trail on Wednesday, Aug. 9. The trail is the result of the generosity and partnership of Lee Seemann Jr., the Dorothy B. Davis Foundation, Beck Engineering, Inc., Beck Excavating, Inc. and the City of Spirit Lake...

Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach will host its annual Precision Agriculture and Animal Science Field Days for area high school students on Tuesday through Thursday, Sept. 5-7 at the Northwest Iowa Research Farm near Sutherland. Over 100 agricultural education students and their instructors are welcomed each day to take part in hands-on agriculture, and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) related activities...

Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach will host an informational “Identity Theft: What You Need to Know to Protect Yourself and Your Family” session from 10-11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 7, at the Calvary United Methodist Church in Arnolds Park...

Buena Vista University professor Andrea Frantz is a recognized expert in First Amendment Law and journalism ethics. She will be speaking at Cutty’s Resort at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12. The public is invited to the event sponsored by the Ladies of the Lake Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution in recognition of Constitution Week celebrated annually by the DAR each September...

The members of the Board of Trustees of Iowa Lakes Community College were updated Aug. 15 on construction projects on each campus and then learned about priorities for the upcoming legislative session. M.J. Dolan, the Executive Director of the Iowa Association of Community College Trustees (IACCT) first introduced Rich Gaumer, the Board Chair of IACCT. ...

Retired English teacher Arla Kintigh considers herself a story conveyor rather than an author. For over 100 years, fair people have authored the Clay County Fair traditions worthy of preserving. In her nine months of research, the Minnesota native learned much and respects the collaborative integrity of all who have made the event “the world’s greatest county fair.”...

Top 10 reasons to visit the library 1. Public Story Time every Friday at 11 a.m. — Join children’s librarian Betty Naab as she shares stories with you! No pre-registration is necessary and each week is a new theme. 2. You can borrow other materials besides books — Check out Milford Memorial Library’s selection of audiobooks, DVDs, cake pans, magazines, puzzles and disc golf discs...

Everyone learns in different ways. Some people are visual, some understand concepts by reading or listening alone, and some learn best after having a hands-on experience. Beginning this school year, Spirit Lake High School’s Science Technology Engineering Math (STEM) Innovator Plus semester-long class will give students the opportunity to use creativity and problem-solving skills...

Family fun for everyone is always a focus at the Clay County Fair. "Our guest surveys tell us that the number one reason people attend the Fair each year is family time and tradition," Fair Manager Jeremy Parsons said.  "Much of that family time is spent in several traditional places on the fairgrounds that provide activities for all ages."...

What started out as a one-evening concert and awards presentation has grown into a three-day celebration in the Iowa Great Lakes. The 21st Iowa RockNRoll Music Association Hall of Fame class will be inducted on Labor Day weekend. Musicians, bands, promoters, venues and other aspects of the music industry have been honored for making a significant contribution to the music industry in Iowa...

They bumped into each other on a street in Southern California in July of 1942. She was 18 and he 19 years old. He said, "excuse me," and then, "hey, I know you!" She was from Spencer and he from Spirit Lake. They got acquainted over a soda at a nearby drug store. He went home and told his best friend he had found the girl he was going to marry...

Alicia Magg of Spirit Lake and Jeremy Poduska of Mechanicsville announce their engagement and upcoming wedding scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tipton. Alicia is the daughter of Randy and Denise Magg of Spirit Lake and Jeremy is the son of Tom and Diane Poduska of Mechanicsville...

Oct. 8, 1948 — Aug. 16, 2017 Thomas "Tom" Luchtel, 68, of Spirit Lake passed away Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2017, at his home in Spirit Lake. A celebration of life for Tom will be at a later date. Tom was born Oct. 8, 1948, to Harry and Erma (Onken) Luchtel in Laurens. ...

May 7, 1931 — Aug. 17, 2017 Funeral services for Gladys Mae Stoever, 86, of Spencer were held Monday, Aug. 21, 2017, at the Christ The King Lutheran Church in Spencer. The Rev. David Zimmer officiated. Burial was at Riverside Cemetery in Spencer. Gladys Mae Stoever, the daughter of Russell and Ruth (Moffitt) McConnell, was born May 7, 1931, in Marcus. ...