Stories from Monday, July 2, 2018

The New York attorney general has filed a lawsuit against President Trump and the Trump Foundation for engaging in "repeated and willful self-dealing transactions to benefit Mr. Trump's personal and business interests." New York Attorney General Barbara Underwood cites a pattern of persistent illegal conduct over more than a decade by the foundation. The investigation revealed that the Trump Foundation was little more than a checkbook for Trump's own interests...

In the last six months, we have been inundated with views concerning the flag and patriotism. I would like to offer several additional comments. Many of us like to display the flag as a sign of our patriotism and pride in our country during this week of celebration of the independence of our country. I heartily encourage these displays, but let's do it right. I see many instances of poor flag etiquette every year. The most common is displaying the flag at night...

Summer has arrived and with that comes days of sleeping in, vacations and a different pace than the school year. But with these perks comes something called the "summer slide" or summer learning loss.  The National Summer Learning Association estimates these facts:...

" … We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this." — Abraham Lincoln On June 8, I attended the funeral of a man I did not know, but who had put his life on the line for me and our country...

It's been six months since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law. Since then, there have been continuous, positive economic developments in Iowa and throughout the country. Last month, the U.S. economy generated 223,000 new jobs. In fact, more than 1 million new jobs have been created in the months since the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. ...

June 14, 1937 — June 21, 2018 A graveside service for Robert "Bob" Gilmore, 81, of Milford was held Saturday, June 30, at Okoboji Cemetery in Arnold Park.  Robert Gilmore, the son of Ray and Amanda (Penningroth) Gilmore, was born June 14, 1937, in Okoboji. He graduated from Arnolds Park High School. In 1954, Bob enlisted in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1956...

June 26, 1951 — June 23, 2018 Hutch Pederson walked with God Saturday, June 23, 2018. A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held from 4-7 p.m. Friday, July 13, at InnSpiration Winery, 5079 180th Avenue, Linn Grove. Hutch Pederson was born June 26, 1951, in Mason City, the son of Robert and Emilia (Oakland) Pederson. He was raised and educated in Nora Springs where he graduated from high school in 1969...

Dec. 17, 1936 — June 26, 2018 Carol Joan Shelton, 81, passed away peacefully Tuesday, June 26, at Lakes Regional Hospital in Spirit Lake. Carol was born to Jacob Floyd and Hazel (Prunty) Walker on Dec. 17, 1936 in Cherokee. Carol grew up and attended school in Marcus. She was united in marriage to Ronald Shelton on Aug. 26, 1956. After Ron’s honorable discharge from the U.S. Army they made their home in Iowa...

Pioneer Days is the annual town celebration for the city of Milford. This year the Milford Commercial Club is observing the 50th anniversary of the Pioneer Days celebration. The July 27-29 weekend is sponsored by the Milford Commercial Club. The group encourages residents and guests to watch for additional announcements. Information is also available at milfordcommercialclub.com.        ...

The Friends of the Milford Memorial Library, Friends of the Spirit Lake Public Library and Friends of the Arnolds Park Public Library are excited to host the program entitled "Our Neighbors, The Amish" by Don and Dianne Kramer of Dyersville. The program will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 12, in the Milford Community Center. There is no registration, no cost and all ages are welcome to attend the program...

Approximately 9,196 Iowa State University students have been recognized for outstanding academic achievement by being named to the spring semester 2018 dean's list. Students named to the dean's list must have earned a grade point average of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale while carrying a minimum of 12 credit hours of graded course work...

The children’s summer reading program will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 3 in the Community Room. MML will be having Margo Sievers with her program entitled "Everybody Needs a Rock!" Students in preschool through grade 4 are welcome to attend this free program. Please keep reading and turning in your music notes prize sheets at the front desk. For registration and information, contact Miss Betty or visit MML's website...

The Spirit Lake Public Library invites the teens of the community to a 2 p.m. program Tuesday, July 24, to discuss the 2018 All Iowa Young Adults Read title: "Girl in the Blue Coat" by Monica Hesse. Teens are encouraged to request a copy of the book at the library circulation desk for checkout. Return on the July 24 when youth services librarian, Krista Elmquist will facilitate the book discussion that will include snacks and a beverage...

The Iowa Lakes Community College Board of Trustees travels to all campuses throughout the summer and the June meeting was held in Spencer where they received an update on the progress former Eaton employees are making to advance their careers through Iowa Lakes...

Northwest Bank employees at our Milford, Arnolds Park and Spirit Lake locations continually focus on creative ways to raise funds and awareness for our local Relay for Life in Dickinson County. "Our main fundraising efforts this year included our annual community shred day event which raised $1,024.50," Northwest Bank market leader Nicole Evans said. ...

From fishing to boating and sailing, there are many ways to enjoy the Iowa Great Lakes. Now a new tradition is coming up – the second annual Millers Bay Clean Up. Hosted by Iowa Lakeside Laboratory and Lake Affect, the event is the brainstorm between Damon Dotson, the Okoboji Protective Association, Iowa Lakeside Laboratory and the Millers Bay neighborhood...

Tuesday, June 26 was a special day for the Ladies of the Lake members of the Daughters of the American Revolution, but especially for one member Margaret McCombs. The chapter members traveled to Graettinger where they held their meeting, had a delicious lunch all at the Hillcrest Country Club, then drove to the Graettinger Cemetery to dedicate the DAR grave marker of Mrs. McCombs...

The Fourth of July is a day of celebration in the United States.  Families get together for picnics and fireworks which usually requires traveling either long or short distances.  With increased road use and the possibility of increased alcohol consumption, the risk of traffic crashes rise. ...

The Spirit Lake Protective Association's annual fireworks display will be the first in the Lakes Area this year. The organization will get things rolling the morning of July 3 with its traditional pancake breakfast at Mini-Wakan State Park. The flapjacks will be flopping onto plates from 8 a.m. to noon. SLPA President Kirk Huisenga said funds raised will go toward future displays and the organization is always looking for a consistent funding source for the annual pyrotechnics...

For 37 years, Harry Hillaker’s name was synonymous with the Iowa State Climatologist office. Following in the retiree's footsteps is newly hired State Climatologist Dr. Justin Glisan, who aims to have an equally notable career as the third state climatologist in the state's history...

The Iowa Great Lakes Region will hear from fresh perspectives from the pulpits this month. Congregations at Immanuel Lutheran — Missouri Synod in Spirit Lake and Calvary United Methodist in Arnolds Park will see new faces and hear new words of wisdom from Pastor Jeremiah Jording and Pastor Chris St.Clair...

Two of last year's crowd favorites are coming back to entertain at Rock the Roof on July 5. Andy Yaun will open the show with Jessie James & the Outlaws following for the third of 11 Thursday night concert and dance events in the Roof Garden at Arnolds Park. This is the 15th season for Rock the Roof presented by the Iowa RockNRoll Music Association (IRRMA)...

"There she is! Front row!" Spirit Lake Vocal Music Teacher and Drama Director Luke Miller exclaimed as he pointed to the projected screen Monday evening at the Sami Center's Black Box Theatre. Miller and a group of students, parents and teachers gathered for a viewing party — complete with a potluck meal — in support of Spirit Lake Junior Anna Ascheman as she performed on Broadway's Minskoff Stage in New York as part of the National High School Musical Theatre Awards — known as the Jimmy Awards. ...

A Milford man remains in the Plymouth County Jail, where he is being held on a federal conviction for receiving child pornography. The U.S. Marshal took 27-year-old Joe Elliott Sinnott into custody after Sinnott entered his guilty plea Tuesday, June 26, in Sioux City...

"Empty Dresses" by Paula Streeter opens July 5 in the Goodenow Gallery of the Pearson Lakes Art Center and will be on view through Aug. 11. Meet the artist at the opening reception from 5-7 p.m. Thursday with an artist talk at 6 p.m. This event is free, and wine and cheese will be served...

The 26th Annual Big Spirit Trails Festival will again provide bicycling enthusiasts with the Bike Ride Around Spirit Lake on Saturday, July 7. The 15-mile bicycle ride will, as always, circle Big Spirit Lake. The 25-mile route will also go around Big Spirit Lake and include a ride along Loon Lake in Minnesota. ...

Residents in the Iowa Great Lakes Area continue to watch weather forecasts and check for alternate routes as the area dries out from a pair of torrential rainfall systems in late June. Moderate to minor flooding is still occurring on Little Sioux River in Dickinson County and two roads remain closed. High lake water levels have caused parts of the lakeshore to collapse in some areas...

"The escalating trade war is increasing our costs and has required us to expend time, energy and resources to evaluate a range of mitigation plans," Jess Rogers, a spokesperson for Polaris Industries, said when asked about rumors of plans to move motorcycle production to European locations...

The presence of a by-gone area high school still permeates the Lakes Area in the form of scholarships for graduating seniors. The Arnolds Park High School Alumni Association offers several merit-based scholarships to graduating seniors of Okoboji High School. ...