Stories from Tuesday, December 4, 2018

Raymond "Rocky" Duhn of Spirit Lake will be 94 years old on Monday, Dec. 10. Five generations of relatives came together to help him celebrate. Pictured are (front from left) Logan, Rocky and Liam Duhn (back row) Cody, Rocky and Diana Duhn.

Earlier this week, I was named Chair of the Administrative Rules Review Committee. This is a permanent statutory committee that is a joint, Senate-House committee. I have served on this committee for four years, where we meet monthly (throughout the year, not just during the legislative session)...

This week, State Auditor Mary Mosiman released a report confirming $126 million in FY 2018 Medicaid savings from the transition to managed care. The review was completed by three CPAs in the State Auditor's office, two additional auditors in the office, and confirmed by the Deputy Auditor of State, Andy Nielsen. ...

Q: Why do you offer internship opportunities in your Senate offices?   A: Throughout my public service, I have worked to engage younger generations to actively participate in civic life. For the last 38 years, I have held at least one meeting in each of Iowa's 99 counties to seek feedback from Iowans. ...

It is with mixed emotion I write informing you that I have accepted a promotion to the rank of sergeant.  This promotion will be located in our Spencer office, within ISP enforcement operations. As I look back over 14 years in the educational/public relations side of law enforcement, I am reminded of several great programs we developed: "Ask a Trooper," "The Patrol Post," "Windshield Time," as well as many live radio programs. ...

In a recent Dickinson County News Letter to the Editor titled "He Holds the World Record" the writer continues his suffering with "Trump Derangement Syndrome." It is hard to tell if his suffering is because the writer doesn't agree with Trump's political philosophy or he doesn’t know the facts...

Well, zis, boom, bah. Two of the uncertainties hanging over the heads of Iowa ag producers are on a bit more solid footing this week. Not only did the United State Mexico Canada Agreement get signed by President Trump as a replacement for the former North American Free Trade Agreement, but the Environmental Protective Agency announced this coming year's renewable fuel volumes obligations. ...

July 17, 1957 — Nov. 25, 2018 A funeral service for Arnie Van Pelt, Jr., age 61, of Lake Park and formerly of Spirit Lake, was held Friday, Nov. 30, 2018, at United Methodist Church in Spirit Lake. Burial was at Lakeview Gardens. Arnold George Van Pelt, Jr., the son of Arnold Sr. and Violet (Stevens) Van Pelt, was born July 17, 1957 in Spirit Lake. Arnie graduated from Spirit Lake High School with the Class of 1976...

Feb. 23, 1925 — Dec. 2, 2018 John Allen Walston, 93, of Okoboji, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, at his home in Okoboji. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, at the Schuchert-Lentz Funeral Home in Spirit Lake. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. ...

Dec. 6, 1949 — Nov. 25, 2018 Dean Strub, 68, of Okoboji, died Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018. Dean was born on Dec. 6, 1949 in Le Mars to Robert and Maryellen Strub. He attended grade school in Merrill and middle and high school in Le Mars graduating from Le Mars Community High School in 1968...

Oct. 16, 1938 — Nov. 26, 2018 A funeral service for Keith Van Hove, 80, of Spirit Lake was held Friday, Nov. 30, 2018, at Harbor Of Joy Lutheran Church in Milford. Interment was at Lakeview Gardens Cemetery in Spirit Lake. Keith Edward Van Hove, the son of Henry and Dorothy (Intermil) Van Hove, was born Oct. 16, 1938, in rural Kossuth County. He attended country school through the eighth grade and graduated from Titonka High School with the Class of 1956...

Dec. 31, 1968 — Nov. 22, 2018 Kristen Noelle Newton, 49, passed away peacefully Nov. 22, after a battle with breast cancer. She was surrounded by her family at her home in Lake Park. Kris was a great wife, mom, daughter, sister, teacher and friend. She embodied and instilled the values of faith and family. She will be greatly missed by all those who knew her...

Jan. 24, 1921 — Nov. 28, 2018 Nellie J. Hammerstrom, 97 of Okoboji and formerly of Sioux City passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018 at Accura Health Care of Spirit Lake. Funeral services were Monday, Dec. 3, at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel, 3220 Stone Park Blvd, Sioux City. Rev. Kathy Martin will officiate. Burial will be at Logan Park Cemetery in Sioux City. Visitation with the family will be from noon until 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent to meyerbroschapels.com...

July 23, 1925 — Nov. 26, 2018 Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018, at Warner Chapel in Spencer for Stanley H. Tripp Sr. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery. Rev. Jennifer Hesebeck is officiating. Stanley Tripp, Sr. was born July 23, 1925, to Herman K. and Fae Tripp. He received his education in Excelsior, Iowa schools and attended Buena Vista College in Storm Lake...

Blink Marketing in Milford hosted a Pet Food Drive throughout the month of November to support the local Humane Society of Northwest Iowa. Needed items that were collected range from different kinds of pet food to general supplies like paper towels and cleaning wipes, plus some generous money donations. Blink Marketing would like to thank everyone who participated and joined us to help support our local Humane Society this holiday season...

Blood donation is an important gift that helps nearly everyone at some point in their lives. Up to 90 percent of us will need blood at some point and, thanks to people across the country who donate their blood — those with cancer, those in automobile accidents, those undergoing heart surgery, and more — are able to get the care needed...

EXIT Realty Midwest recently announced that real estate professional Angie Van Gelder has joined the company. "Angie's market knowledge, reputation and dedication to her clients complement our team and we’re delighted to welcome her," EXIT Realty Midwest Broker/Owner Brad Sanderson said...

Northwest Bank locations in Milford, Arnolds Park and Spirit Lake hosted an effort to raise money and pet supplies for the Northwest Iowa Humane Society. During this initiative, Northwest Bank matched monetary donations up to $250. Customers and community members generously donated many needed pet supplies for the society's furry friends. ...

Milford Memorial Library has five engaging and interactive opportunities for all of the youth in the month of December. Please check out the list below, as well as stay up to date through all of our social media (website, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook)...

Our library kids recently created winter scenes with "gingerbread" houses built with frosting, graham crackers and an assortment of edible goodies in the library's community room. There was a good deal of sampling the materials to ensure quality results during construction. Everyone had a great time and plans are to make this an annual event...

The 2018 Jim Hall Outstanding Alumni Award was presented to Dan Jorgensen of Ringsted during the Iowa Lakes Community College spring commencement. Jorgensen, a graduate of the diesel mechanics program at Iowa Lakes, returned to his community to become a business professional. His leadership and dedication have made tremendous impacts, according to the college...

Presented at the Closing Party and Awards Reception on Nov. 28, the Clay County Fair and Events Center received first place recognition in two categories, along with 10 other awards, at the annual International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) Convention held in San Antonio...

Iowa Lakeside Laboratory, Okoboji Sailing Center and the Pearson Lakes Art Center are collaborating on a new Winter Games event to take place on Little Millers Bay on West Okoboji. For three days during Winter Games, organizers will transform Little Miller’s Bay into a village of "Winter Water Sheds," or architecturally unique, artistically inspired ice houses. The event will also include outdoor performances, games and inventive cold weather activities...

  The Iowa Academy of Family Physicians (IAFP) awarded the 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award to Stephen Richards, D.O. of Sprit Lake on Nov. 16, in Altoona. The award ceremony took place at the Annual Conference Awards and Installation Banquet at Prairie Meadows Event Center...

The city of Milford was notified on Nov. 28 it was awarded a $600,000 Community Development Block Grant from the Iowa Department of Economic Development for the next phase of the H Avenue infrastructure and street improvements project. The Milford storm water, sanitary sewer and water improvements - H Avenue Project build on the past H Avenue project work to upgrade and sanitary sewer, storm sewer and provide improvement with the water main from 10th Street or the northwest intersection of Florence Park to 13th Street or A-34. ...

A wanted Dickens man and his passenger were both charged with drug-related charges after a short vehicle chase last week. Deputies with the Clay County Sheriff's Office attempted to stop a vehicle driven by Jon Scott Dallman at approximately 7:40 p.m. ...

Members of the Dickinson County Board of Supervisors are taking some preliminary steps to sell a county-owned office building to Hope Haven — the nonprofit which currently occupies the office. The organization provides family, disability and mental health services for approximately 1,700 people in Iowa and Minnesota. ...

The waters of the Iowa Great Lakes may be frozen now, but they were high enough to all but halt boat traffic five months ago. And while wave and erosion control are on the back burner this winter, the Iowa Great Lakes Association is taking the first steps to get a scientific handle on the local water system. ...

Several Christmas staples are set to return to the Lake Park Community Center Sunday, Dec. 9, along with a few new wrinkles. The public is invited to drop by and support some local causes from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday. Several events will share the space, including the Lake Park Fireman's Lunch, Federated Woman's Club Bake Sale, Lake Park Historical Society Silent Auction and a wreath/centerpiece display contest...

The Squirt Boji Blizzard won its Sticks & Slides Tournament over the weekend. The Blizzard swept four games, topping Sioux Center (13-2), Worthington (13-2), Brandon Valley (7-1) and Yankton (4-1). (Photo submitted)

Okoboji's boys basketball team led heading into the final stanza Tuesday evening, but the Pioneers couldn't put away Rock Valley, as they fell 65-62 in Milford. "The boys fought hard this game to battle and showed some good components out on the floor tonight," Okoboji coach Ryan Stumbo said. ...

Someone's 0 had to go when undefeated Okoboji and undefeated Rock Valley squared off in Siouxland Conference girls basketball action Tuesday in Milford. In the end, the host Pioneers kept their record unblemished as a three-pointer by Magan Christopherson with 4 seconds left in regulation sent Okoboji on to a 60-59 victory...

Spirit Lake's senior star Owen Coburn found himself in early foul trouble and the Indians eventually dropped a 50-36 home contest to conference powerhouse Western Christian on Tuesday. The Indians led 10-7 after one quarter but fell behind 26-18 at the half. From there, it was all Wolfpack, as they outscored the Indians 14-8 in the third and 20-10 in the fourth to salt away the 14-point victory...

The Spirit Lake girls basketball team picked up a signature win Tuesday, as the Indians topped Lakes Conference power Western Christian 43-24 in Spirit Lake. "I’m so proud of these girls," Spirit Lake coach Naet Hoaglund said. "We challenged them these last few practices and games. I couldn’t be more pleased with how these girls responded. I thought our mindset from the start was awesome. We played aggressive and confidently. We handled their pressure took care of the basketball."...

Get out your binoculars! These raptors can only be found in Iowa during the winter as they breed elsewhere -maybe you'll get lucky and catch a glimpse of these winter residents! 
Most common in the bluff country of Northeastern Iowa, golden eagles can be found from November through March. ...

Turkeys are odd-looking creatures. With their bumpy red heads, hanging flaps of skin around their faces and large tails, wild turkeys are quite a sight. The odd parts of their bodies also have interesting names and purposes. Let’s look at some of the body parts that make a turkey unique...

Have an extra deer at the end of the hunt? Maybe you bought an extra tag, to hunt longer? Consider donating to Iowa’s HUSH program. HUSH (Help Us Stop Hunger) works with 66 participating lockers to provide high quality meat to needy Iowans, through the Food Bank of Iowa...

Ice-anglers have a good number of different baits and bait styles available to them. One of the most popular and effective bait styles for ice-fishing is spoons. Look in the tacklebox of almost any angler who fishes through the ice and you’ll find at least a couple and probably quite a few spoons...

Solid early ice — that’s what ice anglers are looking for. For many, it might be their Thanksgiving wish: “Please give us some solid, safe early ice!” Oh, and one more thing: “with no heavy early snows!” Guess what. Maybe, just maybe it might happen...

Neither team showed a hint of offseason rust in the boys basketball season-opener Tuesday, Nov. 27 in Milford. Okoboji and Sioux Center combined for 52 points in the opening stanza of a 90-66 Warriors win. "The guys played hard all night long and we saw some good foundational pieces to build on tonight, particularly on the offensive end," Okoboji coach Ryan Stumbo said. ...

Harris-Lake Park basketball teams dropped a War Eagle Conference varsity doubleheader Friday in Hawarden. The H-LP girls fell 70-42 to West Sioux and the boys fell 66-39 to the Falcons. The girls fell behind 20-6 after one quarter, and West Sioux added to its lead in each quarter thereafter, pulling ahead for a 28-point victory...

Okoboji hoops teams came away with a pair of victories Friday night during a Siouxland Conference road trip to Sheldon. The ninth-ranked (3A) Pioneer girls earned a 71-52 win and the boys picked up their first victory of the season with a 65-58 win over the Orabs...

The eighth-ranked Spirit Lake Park wrestling team picked up a pair of dual meet victories Thursday to start the season 2-0. The Indians beat Sheldon/South O'Brien 46-33 and edged host Central Lyon/George-Little Rock 39-33 in Rock Rapids. "I thought the guys competed very well for our first night out," Spirit Lake Park coach Andrew Lundgren said. "To be able to walk away 2-0 against two of the better teams from the Siouxland conference speaks highly of how well our guys worked during the preseason. We still have a long way to go in regard to being sharp and confident with our technique and ability to wrestle in many different positions, but I am very happy with how hard they competed and fought for themselves and the team.". ...

Okoboji scored 21 points in a pair of duals Thursday in Graettinger, but it was not enough to top Spencer or host Graettinger-Terril/Ruthven-Ayrshire. The Pioneers fell 60-21 to the Tigers and 57-21 to the Titans. "We came up short in both duals as a team but saw a lot of encouraging things from our kids tonight," Okoboji coach Nate Dau said. ...

Some years ago, a farm boy from Harris quit his job at an auto body shop, took a position with an up-and-coming fish tackle manufacturer and got married. The year was 1960, and the couple still calls Spirit Lake home. That same man — John Senn — was recognized Wednesday as the Spirit Lake Kiwanis "Citizen of the Years" for his contributions to the Spirit Lake Community. ...

A 78-year-old Lake Park man said he likely would have died Thursday morning if a neighbor hadn't reacted so quickly. Dennis Gildemeister fell through the ice on Silver Lake and spent around 22 minutes in the frigid water, according to the Dickinson County Sheriff's Office. His body temperature plunged as first responders turned on their flashing blue lights and used the center turn lane to circumvent traffic up Highway 71...