Stories from Tuesday, June 30, 2020

Milford Memorial Library will be closed Monday, July 6, in observance of Independence Day. We will see everyone at our drive-up window from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 7. Have a fun and safe holiday weekend. Have you checked out Milford Memorial Library's Facebook page (@milfordlibrary)? Each week there are fun program reminders and pictures, as well as other interesting library happenings. ...

The Pearson Lakes Art Center is pleased to announce that it has received a $9,000 grant from the Iowa Arts & Culture Emergency Relief Fund administered by the Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs. Grant funds are intended to support ongoing cultural projects, preserve jobs and keep the doors open at thousands of cultural organizations that boost the economy and creative life of communities...

The Lakes Area Young Professionals on Tuesday, June 23, announced the area's first virtual 5K to benefit CAASA in the Lakes Area, a new and exciting run/walk/jog event participants do anywhere they want. "Lakes on the Run" is a virtual 5K run/walk/jog and offers a new way for our community to rally behind CAASA and support the Lakes Area Young Professionals. ...

As much as we love fireworks displays, drifting smoke can cause breathing problems for some and large crowds may pose a risk this year. COVID-19 has caused some towns to cancel fireworks displays, while others have modified their events. Whether attending a display or celebrating in your backyard, keep these four safety tips in mind...

Lakes Regional Healthcare generates 474 jobs that add $20.4 million to Dickinson County’s economy, according to the latest study by the Iowa Hospital Association. In addition, Lakes Regional Healthcare employees by themselves spend $6.6 million on retail sales and contribute $393,000 in-state sales tax revenue...

The Superior Picnic Committee regrets the cancellation of the 44th annual Superior Community Picnic due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The celebration and the annual picnic will be held next year on July 4, 2021, at the Superior Community Center. The donations...

Jeffrey Brickner and Kari Mammen of Superior lost all of their possessions in an early-morning fire Thursday. "It's ruined, everything's gone," Mammen said. Their home of a year-and-a-half has been gutted. Doors and windows were boarded up in the few hours after firetrucks pulled away from 103 Seventh St...

Whether it's the singer Meat Loaf or July 4 flea markets in the Iowa Great Lakes, the adage is the same — "two out of three ain't bad." Flea market enthusiasts will have both Treasure Village and Vick's Corner World flea markets to frequent July 3-5 along Highway 86. The Dickinson County Fairgrounds Blue Ribbon Flea Market, however, has been canceled...

Amusement park visitors are used to instructions near the thrill rides like "keep your hands and feet inside at all times" and "must be this tall to ride." Now, add "wear a mask" and "keep your distance" to the directives when Arnolds Park Amusement Park celebrates its first week of reopening. Park officials confirmed reopening plans on its website Thursday. Opening 2.o began on Friday.

Construction, not COVID, was responsible for the closure of Dickinson County's largest campground. But, that's about to change. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources on Friday announced plans to open Marble Beach State Recreation Area starting July 1...

Just about every cabinet department has been corrupted during Trump's Administration but none as overtly and grossly as the Department of Justice under the direction of William Barr. His total disregard for his oath of office to support our Constitution, disdain for the DOJ institution and use of the DOJ to cover President Trump's personal prejudices and biases is a dangerous national disgrace. Actions such as:...

As the July 4 holiday approaches, let's take a moment to think about what makes our community special, and what it will take to keep it that way. The Iowa Great Lakes are known for family-friendly fun, spectacular natural beauty, high-quality dining and other amenities, and — most importantly — a population that truly cares for one another. ...

July 1, 1931 — June 25, 2020 A Celebration of Life Graveside Service for Betty Lou Baish, age 88, of Milford and formerly of Lake Park was held Monday, June 29, 2020, at Harrison Township Cemetery in May City. Betty Lou Baish was born July 1, 1931, to William and Alice (Berends) Vetter on the Vetter family farm near Lake Park that was settled by her grandfather, George Vetter, in 1888...

Dec. 19, 1936 — June 22, 2020 A graveside services for Beverly Woodworth, 83, of Madrid and formerly of Milford and Albert City was held Saturday, June 27, 2020, at Union Cemetery in Harris. Beverly Rae Holst was born Dec. 19, 1936, in Harris to Emil and Lorraine (Russ) Holst. ...

Aug. 11, 1953 — June 21, 2020 Brenda Mello, age 66, of Terril passed away June 21, 2020, at Accura Healthcare in Spirit Lake. There will be no formal services at this time. Brenda Gail Mello, the daughter of Robert and Patsy (Pepper) Lively was born Aug. 11, 1953, in Wichita Falls, Texas. She was united in marriage to Timothy Mello on Dec. 19, 1988, in Las Vegas. They lived in various places while Tim served in the Air Force and eventually moved to the Milford and Terril area in 2008...

July 4, 1950 — June 24, 2020 A funeral service for Dale L. Jurgensen, 69, of Lake Park will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, July 1, 2020, at Turner Jenness Funeral Home in Lake Park. Interment will be at Silver Lake Cemetery in Lake Park. Dale Lester Jurgensen passed away on June 24, 2020, at the Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  Dale was born on July 4, 1950 in Worthington, Minnesota, the son of the late Mansel and Irene (Buethien) Jurgensen. ...

Oct. 5, 1937 — June 23, 2020 A funeral service for Ruth De Jong, 82, of Spirit Lake, was held Saturday, June 27, 2020, at the First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake. Burial was at the Worthington Cemetery in Worthington, Minnesota. Memorials in Ruth's honor may be given to the Wounded Warrior Project, Doctors without Borders or Smile Train...

Northwest Iowans may have to shuffle their plans if they want to catch a fireworks display this Independence Day weekend. Visitors have two options Friday, July 3 and two more on Saturday, July 4. JULY 3 SPIRIT LAKE (over Big Spirit Lake) .The Spirit Lake Protective Association, Kabele's Trading Post & Lodge and its partners will have fireworks at nightfall — about 10 p.m. — over Big Spirit Lake...

Treasurer Kris Rowley on Friday updated Dickinson County residents about new deadlines related to Gov. Kim Reynolds extension of Iowa's public health disaster emergency declaration to Saturday, July 25. "If the proclamation is not further extended, here are deadlines to be aware of," Rowley said:...

As the impacts of COVID-19 continue to evolve across the community, local nonprofits are responding to meet the needs of people who are most affected. The Okoboji Foundation disaster recovery fund is answering the call with financial support for these organizations...

If you've ever driven past the United States flags in north Milford and wondered why they aren't flying, you probably aren't the only one. Just know that the weather and the forecast plays a large part in determining if the flags fly near the Highway 86 intersection or not.  ...

The Iowa Rock 'n Roll Music Association on Tuesday, June 23, announced two outdoor music series to start in July. "Rock The Patio" begins at 7 p.m. Thursday July 2, with Boon & Lambert & Wendy. A new series, "Live on Lake Street," featuring Jason Walsmith of the Nadas will take place at 7 p.m. Friday, July 3...

The Okoboji Foundation invites the public to join the $5,000 July Nonprofit Challenge at GiveOkoboji.com. Now more than ever, the foundation's area nonprofits need support. Building an endowment fund is critically important to the current and future stability of a nonprofit's work, especially during difficult times like we are currently facing...

At its regular meeting June 23, the Iowa Great Lakes Sanitary District Board of Trustees entered into an agreement for the purchase and installation of a 507.6-kilowatt solar array system. It is expected to produce about 725,000-kilowatt hours annually...

Recently, there has been a lot of misinformation about two bills that the Iowa House passed this year on election law. The two bills are somehow, either purposefully or mistakenly, a part of a misinformation campaign where people are informed that Republicans passed bills that are voter suppression or eliminates absentee voting. ...

Iowa is one of the most heavily licensed states in the country. Nearly one out of every three workers in Iowa is required to maintain a license to work in their profession, while the national average is one out of every four workers. Licensing in many areas of the economy has a proper role. ...

The bill signed into law by Governor Kim Reynolds on June 4, brought to the forefront a problem for the majority of the residents of Dickinson County. The new law required all members of county-appointed commissions to reside in rural (unincorporated) areas of the county. This action meant four commissioners (three on Planning and Zoning and one on the Board of Adjustment) were dismissed by noon the following day...

As we prepare to enjoy Fourth of July week and upcoming celebrations in our beautiful Iowa Great Lakes region, we wish to remind you that Independence Day is founded on sacrifices, which includes a history of Americans giving up personal comforts to enhance wellbeing for all...