Stories from Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Iowa anglers can buy the Missouri and Big Sioux River paddlefish license and tags starting Dec. 15 through Jan. 7 Buy your special paddlefish license and tags on the Iowa DNR online licenses sales website at https://gooutdoorsiowa.com. A resident license sells for $25.50. You must also have a valid Iowa fishing license...

Iowans can buy 2020 resident hunting, fishing and other licenses on Dec. 15. Licenses purchased for 2019 expire on Jan. 10. The menu of license options includes the popular Outdoor Combo annual resident hunting/fishing/habitat combo license for $55; the Angler’s Special three-year fishing license for $62; and the Hunter’s Special three-year hunting license with habitat included for $101...

Early settlers found an ocean of prairie when they arrived in the Midwest. Looking out over our countryside today, it is hard to imagine how this landscape would have looked. By some accounts, this tall grass wilderness and its unending expanse was so vast it was overwhelming for some. ...

Ice fishing and open water fishing are certainly two very different things, but in some ways they’re very similar. Following are some fishing ideas that will help an angler be more successful at catching fish from open water or through the ice. A very basic rule for fishing success is so basic, but so important. ...

It’s finally here for good! Ice fishing is underway — exciting times! By Thursday, Dec. 12, West Okoboji was finally locked and the entire Iowa Great Lakes system was iced over. Although there had been some action prior, it had been pretty sporadic, but this past Friday, my grandson, Hunter went with me for my first ice fishing trip of the year. I had talked to other anglers who had been out, and they were comfortable with the ice depth...

Okoboji held off Rock Valley to earn a three-point Siouxland Conference win on Tuesday, Dec. 10. "Tonight was truly a gutty performance by both teams," Okoboji coach Ryan Stumbo said. "Both teams deserve a lot of credit. Rock Valley is going to come out and play tough every night. ...

The Okoboji/HMS wrestling team went 1-1 at a home triangular held Thursday, Dec. 12 in Hartley. The Pioneers fell 46-35 to Hinton, but earned a 43-42 win over Sioux Center. "We saw a lot of good things and had some kids step up to fill some varsity spots for the team when they weren’t expecting it," Okoboji/HMS coach Nate Dau said...

Spirit Lake picked up a non-conference road win over Newell-Fonda on Thursday, Dec. 12. The Indians, coming off of a 51-45 loss to conference rival Spencer, defeated the Mustangs 63-54 in boys hoops action. "I was excited to see how the team would react to a tough loss at Spencer earlier in the week," Spirit Lake coach Paul Brown said. ...

The Spirit Lake girls basketball team ran into a buzzsaw Thursday, Dec. 12, as the Indians fell 64-32 to returning Class 1A state champion and No. 2-ranked Newell-Fonda. "Obviously not the result we wanted," Spirit Lake coach Naet Hoaglund said. "Newell-Fonda is a great team. ...

Harris-Lake Park jumped out to a large lead and never let off the gas in a road win over Gehlen Catholic on Friday, Dec. 13. The Wolves topped the Jays 72-33 in War Eagle Conference boys hoops action. "I thought we really dominated the first half," Harris-Lake Park coach Jeff Sohn said. ...

The Harris-Lake Park girls basketball program fell to 0-5 on the season with a 65-13 road loss to Gehlen Catholic on Friday, Dec. 13. Ava Rasche and Zella Ingham led the Wolves with four points each. Ingham tacked on four rebounds. Rasche had two rebounds and a steal...

Okoboji snapped a three-game win streak with an 80-57 road loss to Siouxland Conference foe MOC-Floyd Valley. "Give MOC-FV a lot of credit for taking us out of our offensive rhythm for the majority of the game," Okoboji coach Ryan Stumbo said. "They also did a really nice job offensively playing off of our double teams and different zone looks. They made a nice run going into half we had trouble recovering from. They are a good team, especially when they shoot well like they did tonight."...

The undefeated and eighth-ranked (3A) Okoboji girls basketball team kept its win streak alive Friday with a 50-38 Siouxland Conference road victory over MOC-Floyd Valley. Kallyn Stumbo and Camry Jones both recorded double-doubles. Stumbo had 15 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, three steals and a block. Jones had 13 points, 10 rebounds, a steal and a block...

Okoboji/HMS traveled to Emmetsburg over the weekend to compete at the Bob Roethler Invitational. The Pioneers placed seventh overall and had one wrestler in the finals. "We saw good progress from some of our younger wrestlers — specifically Dylan Jones and Ryan Pyle," Okoboji/HMS coach Nate Dau said. "They both had tough brackets and each had several come-from-behind wins to put them in the medal rounds. We feel our kids battle hard in every match."...

Spirit Lake Park took on some of the Midwest's best at the Council Bluffs Classic wrestling tournament held Friday and Saturday, Dec. 13-14. "I was very proud of how hard our guys battled all weekend long in one of the toughest regular-season tournaments in the state," Spirit Lake Park coach Andrew Lundgren said. "(The) Council Bluffs Classic has really built this event into a premier tournament and it's so much fun to bring our guys down here every year and see what we got. ...

Eighth-ranked and unbeaten Okoboji was simply too much for a young and struggling Harris-Lake Park girls basketball squad Thursday, Dec. 12. The Pioneers crushed the Wolves 74-16 in Lake Park. "We were very pleased with how unselfish the girls played tonight, oftentimes passing up a very good shot to get a teammate a great shot," Okoboji coach John Adams said. ...

Okoboji pulled away from Harris-Lake Park late to earn Dickinson County bragging rights on Thursday, Dec. 12. The Pioneers topped the Wolves 86-72 in Lake Park. The Wolves jumped out to an early lead in front of their home crowd, but the Pioneers bounced back to take a 45-42 advantage at the midway point...

Spirit Lake Park picked up a pair of Lakes Conference dual wins on Thursday, Dec. 12. The Indians earned a 54-18 win over Western Christian and a 52-28 win over Estherville Lincoln Central in front of the home crowd. "Really proud of our guys and the way they competed picking up two wins against  Lakes Conference teams," Spirit Lake Park coach Andrew Lundgren said. "I saw a lot of guys step on the mat more confident in themselves and wrestling their style of match compared to a week ago. ...

Recently, second-grade students at Okoboji Elementary had a chance to read "Santa's Stuck," a children's book by Rhonda Gowler Greene and Henry Cole. Their teachers, Mrs. Bouse, Mrs. Martin, Mrs. Cunningham and Mrs. McCabe, then asked the second grade students how they would dislodge jolly old Saint Nicholas from a chimney. Here are their answers:...

Ciera Phelps, age 30, of Windom, Minnesota, was charged with fourth-degree theft at 12:25 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, in the 1900 block of Chicago Avenue in Spirit Lake. The police report indicated the charges stemmed from an incident which took place Monday, Dec. 2...

From the Lakes Regional Healthcare volunteers and Meals on Wheels of Dickinson County, we would like to thank the community for supporting our 30th annual Tree of Love. While the inclement weather brought our attendance down from previous years, our tree lighting ceremony was still so enjoyable. ...

Two weeks ago, the serial anti-Trump letter writer commented correctly that "for hundreds of years and many wars, American soldiers have dealt lethally in combat against our enemies. Sadly, there have been instances when a few misguided warriors have committed crimes against non-belligerents, which in order to maintain discipline, military justice demanded punishment for the offending soldiers."...

Roger R. Patocka (Citizens Climate Lobby Iowa Great Lakes Co-chair) has decided my letter on climate change would benefit from some factual information to dispel its misinformation." True? In the immortal words of POTUS #42, I suppose it "depends on what the meaning of the word is is!" ...

Traditionally the Republican Party stood for national security, constitutional adherence, fiscal restraint, limited regulation, law and order and family values. It is distressing to see these principles totally abandoned in support of President Trump who shares nothing in common with party beliefs. ...

On Dec. 12, the Revenue Estimating Conference (REC) held its December meeting. The three-member panel gathered to review Iowa's economy, revise budget projections for FY 2020 and set the official estimate for FY 2021. For the current fiscal year (FY2020), the REC raised the general fund forecast to $8.0146 billion. ...

Every American has the right to due process under the United States Constitution and more specifically the Bill of Rights within the Constitution. The right to due process, in fact, is in the Constitution twice. Due process is in the Fifth Amendment of the Bill of Rights and it is in the 14th Amendment to the Constitution...

Sept. 28, 1974 — Dec. 12, 2019 With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Christopher Lee Richards, aged 45 — a loving husband, father and friend to all who shared in his life. Chris passed away the morning of Dec. 12, 2019, from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident...

May 16, 1951 — Dec. 12, 2019 Christy Ann Williams died unexpectedly at the age of 68 on Thursday evening at her home in Milford. Chris was born on May 16, 1951, to Robert and Jeanne Hagberg in Minneapolis. After graduating from Iowa State University, Chris married Wendell Noel Williams on Feb. 23, 1974. They moved to Milford, where they raised their family, and Chris worked as a library media specialist for the Okoboji Community School District for more than 20 years...

Sept. 16, 1954 — Dec. 11, 2019 Donald Bonstead, 65, of Milford passed away suddenly at his home in Milford on Dec. 11, 2019. His family and friends are deeply saddened by his loss but are also grateful to have had him in their lives.  There will be celebration of life for Don in the spring. Arrangements are under the direction of the Schuchert-Lentz Funeral Home in Spirit Lake. Online condolences may be sent to spiritlakefuneralhome.com...

June 27, 1982 — Oct. 13, 2019 Heath Hjelmer Huberg, 37, passed away at his home on Sunday evening Oct. 13, 2019, surrounded by his loving family. A Celebration of Life will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019 at First Lutheran Church in Milford. ...

Jan. 19, 1924 — Dec. 11, 2019 Jack Doren Tatman, 95, of Spirit Lake passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019, at Accura Healthcare of Spirit Lake. Funeral services for Jack will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Schuchert-Lentz Funeral Home in Spirit Lake. ...

March 12, 1971 — Dec. 7, 2019 A Celebration Gathering for Jason Farrell, age 48, of Okoboji, was held on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019, at The Barn at Okoboji. Jason John Farrell, the son of Carolin Carney and James Farrell, was born on March 12, 1971, in Springfield, Massachusetts. When Jason was three, the family moved to Iowa where he later graduated from Okoboji High School in 1989 and where he spent the rest of his life...

May 17, 1933 — Dec. 7, 2019 A funeral service for Lou Preston, age 86, of Lake Park, was held Tuesday, Dec. 10 at Indian Lake Baptist Church in Worthington, Minnesota. Burial was at Indian Lake Baptist Cemetery. Lucia "Lou" Joan Preston, the daughter of Ralph and Artemisa (Del Pardo) Durando, was born May 17, 1933, in Inglewood, California. She attended Inglewood High School...

April 15, 1955 — Nov. 27, 2019 John Roger "Sparky" McClellan, was born April 15, 1955, in Denison to Jobe and Mary McClellan. He graduated from Denison High School in 1973 and continued to work at McClellan Electric with his father and grandfather...

Aug. 2, 1926 — Dec. 8, 2019 A funeral service for Otto Hintz, age 93, of Milford, was held Friday, Dec. 13, 2019 at Faith Pentecostal Church in Spencer. Burial will be at a later date at Fairview Cemetery in Langdon.  Otto William Hintz, was born Aug. 2, 1926, in rural Spencer to Henry Hintz Sr. and Martha (Schmid) Hintz. He passed away on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, at Accura Healthcare in Milford...

July 17, 1952 — Dec. 12, 2019 A funeral service for Steven Jones, age 67, of Spencer, was held Monday, Dec. 16, 2019, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Milford. Burial was at Calvary Cemetery in Milford. Memorials may be given to the Abben Cancer Center in memory of Steve...

March 31, 1948 — Dec. 10, 2019 Visitation will be held from 1-2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019, at Henry-Olson Funeral Chapel of Estherville for Steven Lockey. A celebration of life will follow at 2 p.m. with Rev. Doug Burton officiating. Military rites will be provided by VFW Post 3388 and American Legion Post 91 of Estherville...

Aug. 20, 1960 — Dec. 11, 2019 A funeral service for Diane Kollasch, age 59, of Spirit Lake was held Monday, Dec. 16, at United Methodist Church in Spirit Lake. A memorial fund has been established for Diane's favorite charities. Diane Louise Kollasch, the daughter of Dale and Florence (Straight) Luehring, was born Aug. 20, 1960, in Estherville. After graduating from Terril High School, she received two associate degrees...

Come and be a part of the circle sharing and listening to stories of "Past Times" in the Lakes Area at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 13. We’ll begin with a short 90-year old film clip of brave youngsters enjoying a favorite Lakes Area winter fun spot and see where the conversation goes with your stories of winter fun!...

The Dickinson County Endowment Fund is providing funding support for Upper Des Moines Opportunity's Dickinson County Outreach Center. "Our non-profit organizations work hard to serve the diverse needs throughout the county," DCEF Council Advisor Ann Ditsworth said. "The Dickinson County Endowment Fund is pleased to provide this support to Upper Des Moines Opportunity in the good work they are doing for our Dickinson County citizens."...

As West Lake Okoboji is freezing over, great improvements are being made to the waterfront at Arnolds Park Amusement Park. The seawall in front of the Ferris wheel — which was in need of repair — has been completed thanks to the cooperation of the DNR and Graves Construction. ...

On Dec. 6-7, the community voted on The Festival of Trees, and the results are in. The winner of the Best Personal/Family Tree was the Antoine Family with “Duct the Halls.” Best Organization Tree went to American Legion Auxiliary Unit #384. Little Sprouts Daycare won Most Creative. Milford Casey's won Best Business and Librarians Choice...

Fundraising efforts continue to build a four-court outdoor pickleball complex at Speier Park in Okoboji. Joan McCulloch and Okoboji City Administrator Michael Meyers received a donation from Bruce Chrestiansen in the amount of $2,500 from Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative. ...

Funeral services were held Saturday for a Dickinson County man who played a significant role in bringing post-high school education to the Iowa Great Lakes region. Jack Tatman passed away Wednesday, Dec. 11. He was one of the pioneers who helped establish Iowa Lakes Community College. The Spirit Lake campus building was dedicated May 8, 2010, as the Jack Doren Tatman Center in the longtime trustee's honor...

A letter asking the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to review permitting and monitoring requirements for a local landfill will soon be on its way to state officials. The Dickinson County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday morning to send the letter drafted by Supervisor Pam Jordan. ...

The golden yellow arm of a large crane pierced through Spirit Lake's low skyline twice this week. The former Deja Blues Diner near the intersection of Peoria Avenue and Lake Street has been sold, and crews with Raveling Inc. of Melvin lifted several sections of the building onto trailers for transport. The operation took place both Dec. 10 and 16 — two of the trucks meant to haul sections of the diner Tuesday were delayed because of weather...

The Okoboji School Board voted Dec. 9 to appoint NAI United as the commercial broker for the sale of the Okoboji Middle School. The district is constructing a new middle school building near the high school campus in Milford, and NAI will be partnering with an online transaction company called Ten-X Commercial to sell the current middle school in Arnolds Park during an online auction. ...

Spirit Lake led from start to finish on Tuesday, Dec. 17, as the Indians cruised to a Lakes Conference home win over Storm Lake. The Indians topped the Tornadoes 63-26 in Lakes Conference girls hoops action. "I'm really pleased with the effort our girls played with tonight," Spirit Lake coach Naet Hoaglund said. "I thought we competed hard on both ends of the court. ...

Sibley-Ocheyedan jumped out to an early lead over eighth-ranked (3A) Okoboji on Tuesday, Dec. 13, but the Pioneers gained a 15-14 advantage in the second quarter and never trailed again in a 50-41 Siouxland Conference home win over the Generals. "Our defense helped us get the win tonight as we weren’t very sharp or focused on the offensive end of the court," Okoboji coach John Adams said. ...