Stories from Tuesday, December 26, 2017

Rising reports of opioid addiction in the state prompted the Iowa State Association of Counties to request resolutions of support from each of Iowa's 99 about a potential lawsuit against major pharmaceutical companies. The suit is aimed at holding pharmaceutical companies responsible for their respective roles in creating the opioid epidemic, according to the resolution. ...

Dec. 14 guests at the Industrial Training Center dedication in Spirit Lake had a chance to learn about equipment that will make a career in electrical engineering or maintenance possible. But check back. Spirit Lake's newly-unveiled lab was designed for flexibility, according to Christopher Fuhrman, a District III Iowa Lakes Community College Trustee. The new lab is helping Spirit Lake electrical students for now, but the room is designed to address the area's changing industrial needs...

The administrator for one of the most influential non-profit organizations in northwest Iowa is stepping down. Okoboji Foundation President Mary Freiborg on Dec. 1 announced her retirement. She and her husband Arlie are relocating to the Phoenix area after one more Iowa winter. Her last day is April 20...

Funeral services were held Saturday for a Lake Park man who was struck by a truck along U.S. Highway 18. The Iowa State Patrol said 59-year-old Marlyn D. Van Tol passed away Dec. 20 at Avera-McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota — nine days after being hit along the side of U.S. Highway 18 near the intersection of 300th Avenue, east of Spencer on Dec. 11...

How many of you remember the old Peanuts Classic where Charlie Brown asks, "Isn’t there anyone, who knows what Christmas is all about?!" Linus walks onto the stage and says "Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about. Lights please?...

Q: Why is the opioid epidemic considered a public health crisis? A: Perhaps this staggering fact best sums up the crisis: Drug overdoses are now the leading cause of death for Americans under 50 years of age. That’s a startling strand of American society that is devastating families and overwhelming first responders, law enforcement, hospitals and government resources...

While “'tis the season to celebrate,” coworkers and bosses have a long memory when it comes to unprofessional behavior at company parties. Even if you don’t remember exactly what happened, your coworkers and bosses will and, if you are getting the "disgusted" stare, it isn’t going to be good for your career. ...

The Burning of the Greens is one of the many favorite traditions of Winter Games, and the Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce needs the help of area residents to make it happen. Once families have had the chance to fully enjoying their your holiday decorations, the Chamber would love to take Christmas trees off their hands. ...

Iowa’s seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 2.9 percent for November. The last time the rate was this low was 17 years ago, in December 2000. The state’s jobless rate was 3.5 percent one year ago. The U.S. unemployment rate remained at 4.1 percent in November...

Iowa continued its modest population growth this year at a rate slightly below the national average, according to new U.S. Census Bureau estimates released Dec. 20. Iowa had an estimated population of 3,145,711 as of July 1, for a net gain of nearly 15,000 compared to the same time last year, according to the data. The state grew at a rate of 0.47 percent...

Kelli Maria Derr, age 37, of Jackson, Minnesota, was charged with driving under the influence, speeding, open container, drug/narcotics violation and drug equipment violation at 1:12 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20 near the intersection of 140th Street and 240th Avenue in Spirit Lake. Derr was booked into the Dickinson County Jail at 1:51 a.m. the same day...

The recent blast of arctic air is growing ice on lakes and ponds over much of Iowa. Anglers are starting to get out for the popular early ice fishing of the season. "Many of us look forward to ice fishing each winter," Joe Larscheid, chief of fisheries for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said. "It is a fun, social activity best enjoyed with family and friends."...

Jolly ol' St. Nicholas was spotted Tuesday, Dec. 19, near the northern bridge to Arnolds Park, the Arnolds Park Public Library and at the Perkins Restaurant and Bakery in Milford. Santa Claus (John Eller) took some time to wave at motorists as they passed and visit with youngsters in the restaurant and the library...

The Fourth of July is filled with barbecues and fireworks but, for Leonard and Wendy Luft, it’s the day that their lives changed forever. Their 15-year-old son, Logan, was in an ATV accident that left him on life support. One day later, Logan passed away...

Dickinson and Clay County Democrats gathered Tuesday, Dec. 19, at Sunshine Foods in Milford and purchased 35 Upper Des Moines Opportunity food bags that will be given to needy families in the area. Local Democrats were happy to help Sunshine Foods with a program that has already provided more than 100 food bags to needy families during the holiday season...

Dance students from Britleigh's Dance and Tumbling Studio of Lake Park came and danced a holiday performance for the residents of Pearl Valley on Saturday, Dec. 16. Thank yous were extended to Britleigh Ingwerson and her students for sharing their talents...

From the children’s corner of the library: Santa’s visit to Nighty-Night Storytime was an evening of merriment.  The children were unanimous that they are on his "nice" list and were eager to share what they wanted for Christmas with Santa while parents and grandparents snapped photos and took videos. ...

Congratulations were extended to Ben Steffens, the SLHS Key Club December Student of Month. Ben Steffens is probably best known as a football kicker or an artist at Spirit Lake High School. He grew up chasing his dreams, working whenever he is able to achieve his goals. ...

Seasons Center for Behavioral Health received hundreds of books from the Buena Vista University Lakes Region book drive to benefit Camp Autumn. Buena Vista University Lakes Region approached Seasons this fall on a special idea for a book drive to benefit children and families. BVU Lakes Region staff worked to gather a variety of books to engage the wide range of campers who attend Camp Autumn...

Registering for spring college classes has become streamlined thanks to two express registration days planned for Jan. 8-9. The goal is to provide all the services students need to complete the entire admission and registration process in a single session — just in time to start spring classes on Jan. 10...

The Thomas Lee Bortvit Memorial Scholarship was created by his family and friends in honor of an honest, hardworking, responsible young man who always thought of others first. Thomas Bortvit’s life was tragically ended on June 6, 2015. Thomas was enrolled in the criminal justice program at Iowa Lakes at the time of his death. His passion for this industry and his dedication to others inspired many...

Milford Memorial Library will be closed on Monday, Jan. 1, for the New Year’s holiday. Join us for great stories and much more every Friday morning at 11. Betty, our Children's Librarian, looks forward to sharing stories with you! No pre-registration is necessary. The theme this week is “Reindeer."...

The Arnolds Park Library Foundation met on Monday, Dec. 4, for its annual meeting. This year the foundation graciously approved $3,850 worth of gifts to the library. They include a starter selection of Playaway Books, audio CD case replacements, wireless book scanner, new headphones for patron use, new chairs for the sitting area and sponsorship of our summer reading program...

Jan. 1, 1949 — Dec. 20, 2017 Wayne Hoffman, 68, of Cushing, Minnesota, passed away suddenly at his home, Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2017, surrounded with his family by his side. A celebration of life for Wayne will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 28, at Motley United Methodist Church with Rev. Greg Leslie officiating...

June 6, 1933 — Dec. 23, 2017 Ted Lowry Jr. 84, of Spirit Lake passed away on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2017, at Accura Health Care in Spirit Lake. A memorial service for Teddy will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, at the Schuchert-Lentz Funeral Home with visitation starting at 9 a.m. ...

July 31, 1925 — Dec. 14, 2017 Mary LaRayne Kunze, formerly Mary LaRayne Perasso, passed away quietly at home from natural causes on Dec. 14, 2017.  She was born on July 31, 1925 in Sioux City where she was raised by her parents, William and Alma Perasso. Mary attended Central High School in Sioux City and the University of South Dakota in Vermillion. She was a football and basketball cheerleader at both schools. She married William E. Kunze on June 21, 1947...

Sept. 13, 1958 — Dec. 20, 2017 A funeral service for Marlyn Van Tol, age 59, of Lake Park, was held Saturday, Dec. 23, 2017, at CrossWinds Church in Spirit Lake. Burial was at Silver Lake Cemetery. Marlyn Dale Van Tol, the son of Lee and Susie Van Tol, was born Sept. 13, 1958 in Sheldon. Marlyn attended Sanborn Christian School before graduating high school at Western Christian...

Jan. 23, 1917 — Dec. 16, 2017 A funeral service for Laila Schroeder, 100, of Milford was held Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2017, at Harbor of Joy Lutheran Church in Milford. Burial was at the St. Olaf Cemetery in Bode. Laila Signe Schroeder, long time resident of the Lakes Area, passed peacefully on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017, at the age of 100...

Aug. 30, 1926 — Dec. 21, 2017 Helen L. Gerth, 91, of Spirit Lake passed away on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2017, at Lakes Regional HealthCare in Spirit Lake. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 27, at the First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake with Rev. ...

March 29, 1925 — Dec. 21, 2017 Ernest William Wilcke, 92, survivor of World War II, of Spirit Lake passed away on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2017, from a brief illness at Lakes Regional Healthcare in Spirit Lake. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. ...

Aug. 16, 1942 — Dec. 16, 2017 A funeral service for Betty Wallace, 75, of East Lake Okoboji, was held Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2017, at First Lutheran Church in West Okoboji.  Memorials may be directed to the Milford or Spirit Lake Public Library. Betty Julia Wallace of the East Okoboji area, passed away in her home on Dec. 16, after a long battle of MSA, a form of Parkinson's disease. Although she suffered a lot, she never complained. She was a gentle soul, liked everyone and didn’t have one enemy...

Nov. 30, 1925 —Dec. 19, 2017 Funeral services will be held for Ernest Hansen of Dickens at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 28, at the First Congregational Church in Spencer. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 27, at Turner Jenness Funeral Home in Milford with family present. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in Spencer...

Temperatures are dipping into the single digits, so who can blame the Okoboji Yacht Club Sailing School for thinking ahead to another Okoboji summer? 2017 will close with an icebreaker: The organization will be known as "Okoboji Sailing Center" going forward. The school has been working with sailors of all ages since 1973...

Bill and Teri Lehner of Spirit Lake are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Brittany Lehner, to Brady Wynia, son of John and Jean Wynia of Doon. Brittany is a special education teacher at Rock Valley Elementary School. Brady is a livestock feed salesman at Cooperative Farmers Elevator in Rock Valley. A Jan. 20 wedding is planned in Spirit Lake...

Okoboji picked up its sixth straight win of the season Friday to head into the holiday break on a tear. The Pioneers, who got out to a rocky start this season with back-to-back losses to Central Lyon and West Lyon, were dominant in their final game of 2017, topping George-Little Rock 61-46 in Milford...

George-Little Rock jumped out to an early lead and never looked back Friday night in a 69-44 win over Okoboji in Milford. "I think a lot of credit needs to be given to George-Little Rock, who made it difficult for us to find our offensive rhythm for stretches in this game," Okoboji coach Ryan Stumbo said. "They are a very balanced and well-rounded team and showed that tonight by hitting their outside shots as well as working the ball inside."...

Spirit Lake put an exclamation point on 2017 with a non-conference road victory over Pocahontas Area on Thursday night. The visitors scored just four points in the opening stanza, but put forth an incredible defensive effort, holding the hosts to just nine first-half points, in a 45-34 win...

Following a loss to ninth-ranked (3A) Le Mars on Tuesday, the eighth-ranked (3A) Spirit Lake boys squad bounced back with a 59-44 non-conference road win over Pocahontas Area. Both teams struggled to score early on, as Spirit Lake held a 9-8 lead after one quarter of play, but the visitors exploded for 20 points in the second quarter to lead 29-16 at the break...

The Okoboji wrestling team went 1-2 at a quadrangular hosted by South Central Calhoun in Lake City on Tuesday, Dec. 19. The Pioneers defeated Alta-Aurelia, but fell to Woodbury Central and the host Titans. "We went 1-2 on the night but had a chance to go 2-1," Okoboji coach Nate Dau said. ...

In a matchup of Lakes Conference powers, Spirit Lake suffered a pair of defeats at Le Mars on Tuesday, Dec. 19. The ninth-ranked (3A) Le Mars boys defeated eighth-ranked (3A) Spirit Lake 54-45, and the sixth-ranked (4A) Le Mars girls defeated unranked Spirit Lake 59-25...

Harris-Lake Park suffered a pair of narrow defeats on Tuesday, Dec. 19, as the boys fell 65-60 and the girls fell 49-46 to Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn in Lake Park. In the boys' contest, Harris-Lake Park fell behind 16-12 after one quarter of play and trailed 35-23 at the break. The Wolves made their move in the second half, outscoring the Hawks 16-15 in the third and 21-15 in the fourth, but it was not enough, as the Hawks held on for a five-point victory...

I often think of the National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic as the greatest upland and conservation event in the country-all under one roof! This year the Fest is heading to South Dakota. And why not! After all, South Dakota has been known for years as the Pheasant Capital of the world. Growing up in South Dakota and having hunted it many times over the years, I would definitely agree that statement!...

Another ice fishing season is underway across many parts of the Midwest, and many of the anglers that hit the ice this winter will be after walleyes. Walleyes will eat a lot of different presentations. A plain hook and split-shot under a bobber works, as does a jig like we would use in open water. But perhaps the most popular presentation for walleyes involves a spoon: Walleyes really like spoons. Keep these spoon ideas in mind and you’ll increase your odds for walleyes under the ice...

I remember as a youngster my folks bemoaning the fact that the years just seemed to fly by. As for the days, they were a whirlwind. By the time I was in my 30s, I began to grasp what they were saying, and I realized that time was definitely picking up speed...

The 2017 Iowa deer harvest is running more than 5 percent ahead of the 2016 totals. So far this fall, 90,955 deer have been reported, compared to 86,506 for the same period last year. Iowa’s final deer hunting seasons-the late muzzleloader season and archery season-conclude on Jan. 10...

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is in support of the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act bill, recently introduced in Congress as a way to support Iowa’s State Wildlife Action Plan. The bill would reallocate a portion of the existing royalties from the development of energy and mineral resources on federal lands and waters to the Wildlife Restoration Program to conserve fish and wildlife...