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Local News

Health care main issue as Bernie visits Boji (8/21/19)

By Seth Boyes - Staff Writer

Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont stood against the scenic open-air over East Lake Okoboji Tuesday afternoon during a campaign stop at the Waterfront Grill in Arnolds Park. Sanders renewed his campaign this election cycle after an ultimately unsuccessful run for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States in 2016. ...
75 Years Later: Raebel's Resort murder paves a trip to the gallows (8/21/19)

By Russ Mitchell - Managing Editor

Jim Ladegaard still remembers a murder from 75 years ago. And that amount of time could allow him to do a little embellishing. He could talk about how, when the wind is still, you can still hear the footsteps of two men on frozen ground or the thud of a billy club at the gateway to the Iowa Great Lakes. He could describe the moans of a husband, still trying to help his beloved to this very day...
Storm cuts trail of damage through Okoboji area (8/21/19)

By Seth Boyes - Staff Writer

No injuries were reported after a storm caused damage to several homes and businesses in the Lakes Area late Saturday night. Dickinson County Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Ehret said 54 mph wind gusts were measured at around 11:30 p.m. near Lake Park as the storm approached. He said some dime to nickel-sized hail was observed between Lake Park and Harris, but was short lived and caused no reported damage. He said a majority of the local storm damage was due to falling limbs and trees...
Cause of El Ranchito fire to remain undetermined (8/21/19)

By Seth Boyes - Staff Writer

The Spirit Lake Fire Department had to contend with not only flames but an impending thunderstorm late Saturday as fire fighters battled a fire at El Ranchito Mexican Restaurant along Highway 71. Spirit Lake Fire Chief Pat Daly confirmed the fire marshal's investigation determined the fire's point of origin, but did not yield an ignition source, leaving the cause undetermined.
New sewer hookups put on pause during illegal connection search (8/20/19)

By Seth Boyes - Staff Writer

A temporary moratorium on new sewer connections has been put in place for a number of Lakes Area neighborhoods by the Iowa Great Lakes Sanitary Sewer District. Steve Anderson, the sanitary district's superintendent, confirmed the moratorium was voted through by a unanimous vote of the trustees June 25 and will end no later than Nov. ...
Okoboji Harley-Davidson to close at month's end (8/20/19)

By Seth Boyes - Staff Writer

The owners of Okoboji Harley-Davidson announced the local motorcycle retail store will officially close Aug. 31. The announcement said the decision was in response to current market conditions and anticipated investment needs. Jim Wilcox and his father Ed co-own both the Okoboji location and Ernie's Harley-Davidson in Algona, which is expected to close Sept. 28. The Okoboji location employs six full-time staff members and a few part-time employees...
Tabernacle tuneup announced at 85th Okoboji Bible Conference (8/13/19)

By Seth Boyes - Staff Writer

The Okoboji Bible Conference has come a long way since a congregation of radio listeners planted their tent poles in 1935 on what is now the Okoboji Middle School property — Arnolds Park Public School at the time. The annual conference marked it's 85th gathering this summer, and chose to launch a $2.5 million fundraising campaign in tandem with this year's events...
Pistol locked and loaded as newest Spirit Lake K-9 officer (8/13/19)

By Seth Boyes - Staff Writer

The Spirit Lake Police Department has had a K-9 unit among its ranks for around 20 years, according to Chief Jeff Hanson. Now, young Pistol, a female pure-bred yellow lab, is ready to become the fifth K-9 member of the force in the department' s history. Pistol has been paired with Sergeant Josh Kilpatrick, and is expected to eventually replace her fellow K-9 unit Cairo — pronounced Ki-yo — a Belgian Malinois paired with officer Shane Brevik...
Possible injuries after rear end collision on highway (8/13/19)

A Des Moines woman sustained possible injuries after being rear ended Wednesday afternoon near Wahpeton. The Dickinson County Sheriff's Office was called to the intersection of Highway 86 and 175th Street around 1:43 p.m. that day. Authorities said 88-year-old Sheryl Ruth Prill was southbound on the highway and had stopped as she waited to make lefthand turn onto 175th Street. ...
County, Milford hope to continue Lower Gar outlet talks (8/13/19)

By Seth Boyes - Staff Writer

Members of the Iowa Great Lakes Protective Association spoke to the Milford City Council during its July 22 meeting regarding proposed culvert modifications near the Lower Gar outlet. The culverts run beneath 230th Avenue — a road over which the city and county share jurisdiction — and the potential changes are meant to address chronically high water levels in the local chain of lakes. ...
Deep bench of Democrats at Summer Sizzler (8/13/19)

By Seth Boyes - Staff Writer

Few seats were left empty as the public waited to hear from various Democratic candidates Wednesday night at the Dickinson County Expo Building. Several of the night's speakers told the crowd the coming 2020 election will be one for the soul of the nation, and organizers said the party hopes to turn Dickinson County and the state purple on the political maps, if not blue...
Kessler named 104th Iowa American Legion Commander (8/6/19)

By Russ Mitchell - Managing Editor

The man behind many Memorial Day and Veterans Day programs in Lake Park has a bigger territory to cover now. James Kessler of Lake Park was elected July 21 as State Commander for The American Legion of Iowa during the Legion's 101st Department Convention...
Renewed Roof Garden ready for future generations (8/6/19)

By Seth Boyes - Staff Writer

The line to the door of the newly updated Roof Garden ballroom was beginning to wind around the block Friday night as officials with Historic Arnolds Park gathered outside to cut the ceremonial ribbon. The touchstone venue had been torn down in September of last year. Construction had continued through the winter, and the venue's iconic lettering was hung Memorial Day weekend...
Scholten hopes to build on 2018 momentum in 2020 House run (8/6/19)

By Seth Boyes - Staff Writer

Iowa's 4th District Representative in the U.S. House will officially face a familiar name on the 2020 ballot. Candidate J.D. Scholten announced Monday he intends to run for U.S. Rep. Steve King's congressional seat. Scholten challenged the Kiron businessman during the 2018 election cycle and lost the district by 3 percent — or approximately 10,430 votes. The Democratic challenger lost Dickinson County by around 8 percent — 730 votes — and Clay County by 3 percent — 431 votes...
Report questions Doon oil spill sampling (8/6/19)

By Seth Boyes - Staff Writer

An independent report regarding oil-contaminated waste disposed of in the Dickinson County Landfill last year found no violations of state or federal law. However, Illinois-based firm Coggin & Fairchild did question some of the sampling methods used to test the waste material. The report suggested a number of possible actions the county might consider...
St. Luke seeking ‘compassionate, caring and loyal’ caregivers (8/6/19)

By Randy M. Cauthron - NWIA Publishing

For 53 years, St. Luke Homes & Services in Spencer has fostered "A Caring Community." It's a motto the staff builds services around. To do that, its takes a group of dedicated and loving individuals to staff and care for the many diverse needs of the residents in both the nursing home and assisted care facilities on campus...
Basic skills can boost job search success (8/6/19)

By Seth Boyes - NWIA Publishing

Those entering the job market for the first time may not necessarily know where to start. Fortunately, it's not a daunting as it may seem, according to Spencer IowaWorks Business Marketing Specialist Bob Becker. He said even seemingly mundane jobs like delivering newspapers, basic food service and babysitting can show potential employers an applicant is ready for the job...
Hemphill family chosen for Grand Marshal honors (8/1/19)

By Doris Welle - Staff Writer

The Lake Park Farmer Appreciation Days chose to honor the community's nurse practitioner so they named her family the Parade Grand Marshals for 2019. Born in the neighboring town of Wakefield, Minnesota, Denise Hemphill was only 60 years old when she passed away unexpectedly on March 19. Her husband and children will be the parade marshals...
Emersombiguns continues walk to end breast cancer (8/1/19)

By Seth Boyes - Staff Writer

Organizers with team Emersombiguns hoped the annual fundraiser for the Susan G. Komen Foundation would break the $100,000 mark last year. Team Captain Alice Anderson said the Lake Park chapter did just that, but don't expect the footfalls to slow down any. Anderson said the group is expecting around 125 walkers to raise funds and awareness as part of Lake Park Appreciation Days...
Plenty of fun planned for Farmer Appreciation Days (8/1/19)

By Seth Boyes - Staff Writer

Tractors, trucks and other agricultural accessories will converge on Lake Park Aug. 2-4 for the 26th annual Farmer Appreciation Days. The annual event honors the wide spectrum of individuals and businesses who work in the state's leading industry. The weekend will begin with a single event on Friday — the Golf Fun Night/Four-person Best Ball Tournament. Golfers will compete from 1-5 p.m. that afternoon at Silver Lake Country Club...
Ceremony opens Milford's newest park (7/30/19)

By Russ Mitchell - Managing Editor

A small park with a high profile was officially christened as part of the Pioneer Days festivities Saturday in Milford. City leaders, project coordinators and the urban designers behind MillStone Park gathered near the intersection of A34 and Highway 71 for the celebration. The park will serve as a historic landmark, central art piece and rotating time capsule in the community...
Art in the Park ready for display on upgraded green space (7/30/19)

By Seth Boyes - Staff Writer

The Pearson Lakes Art Center's annual Art in the Park has hosted various artists over the year on the grass of Preservation Plaza in Arnolds Park. This year, newly installed arches, a fresh walking path and dozens of yards worth of plantings will welcome exhibitors — as well as potential patrons — to the summer event...
Healthy Hometown group sets new community wellness goals (7/30/19)

By Seth Boyes - Staff Writer

It was round two for the Healthy Hometown initiative earlier this month. The local group first met as a group in October of 2019 and split into three committees to improve wellness in the Dickinson County. The group brainstormed a list of new goals for the coming months during their July meeting. The new ideas were plotted on a four-quadrant chart to compare potential impact with the difficulty in accomplishing an idea — the sweet spot being a major impact with small effort...
Spirit Lake Dollar Tree makes for third Lakes Area dollar store (7/30/19)

By Russ Mitchell - Managing Editor

Crews in Spirit Lake continue to work away on the exterior of what will become a Dollar Tree discount general store. The 9,750 square-foot store near the corner of Royal Avenue and Highway 9/71 is scheduled to open in late October, according to company officials...

Community

OCW TO MEET

"A Slice of Summer" will be the theme for Okoboji Christian Women's Luncheon at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21, at the Okoboji Bible Conference building in Arnolds Park. The speaker will be Jane Shroyer from Ottumwa. Shroyer will be the entire program in concert form and her talk will be "Making Lemonade from Lemons." Okoboji Christian Women is a non-denominational group so enjoy the day with us and come away sweeter. Reservations are appreciated by Monday so organizers can get the right amount of catered food ordered. For reservations call: Mona 362-4552, Jeanne 339-9060, Sharon 580-4060, or Dorothy 507-847-3566.

SPIRIT LAKE HOSTS FINANCIAL AID PROGRAM

Area high school seniors and their parents are invited to a free presentation called "How to Pay for College" at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22, at the Sami Bedell Center for the Performing Arts. Attendees will learn about the financial aid process, FAFSA application reviews, understanding FAFSA results, FSA IDs, understanding costs – college comparisons, financial aid options, scholarships process and where to go for help. Contact Natasha Nelson at nnelson@spirit-lake.k12.ia.us for more information.

GOEHRING TO SPEAK AT UUF

Teresa Goehring will present a program to the Iowa Lakes UU Fellowship on Sunday, Aug. 25, about her work in the community with at-risk youngsters. Coffee is served at 10:30 a.m. and the service begins at 11 a.m. at the Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center in Okoboji. An optional buffet lunch ($10) is offered after the program. Goehring will share her own personal philosophy that motivates her in her work and will outline how the schools, churches, community organizations and youth groups work to enrich the lives of others. The elementary success coach for the Okoboji School District earned her degree from The South Dakota State University, an endorsement in Native American Studies from Sinte Gleska University, a masters degree from Buena Vista University in counseling, and a masters degree in special education from Morningside College. Teresa has worked with children in the Lakes Area for the past 25 years, currently serving on the Backpack Ministry Program sponsored by all the churches in Milford to provides meals over the weekend for at-risk children. Goehring works with middle, high school and college students as the Director of Youth Ministry at St. Joseph's Church, focusing on connecting scripture to mission and service opportunities. Goehring and her husband, Scott, are parents to three grown children.

ANNUAL YARD SALE PLANNED

Calvary United Methodist Church will host its annual yard sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31, at the church in Arnolds Park. A luncheon will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Candles, pictures, jewelry, lamps, dishes, toys, Christmas items and will be on sale, with proceeds to be used for youth activities.

BRIDGE MARATHON DEADLINE APPROACHES

Calling all bridge players! St. Joseph Catholic Church in Milford will again host its annual bridge marathon beginning Sept. 1 through April 30. Persons interested in playing bridge on a round-robin schedule are asked to call the parish office at 338-2274 by noon Fri., Aug. 30. This deadline will be strictly enforced. Cost is $10 for the year. A fun night is held in May to announce the winners.

MILFORD LIBRARY HOSTS YOUTH EVENTS

Milford Memorial Library had a jam packed summer full of celebrations, programs, local presenters, playdates, storytimes, and partner reading. Of course, there were plenty of incentives to go around for those kiddos who put the time and effort in on their reading logs. Please don't forget Milford Memorial Library as students ease back into the school routine. Miss Becca has three programs planned, so please add these September dates and times to your calendar:

• 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12 — Afterschool Activity-Tower Building

• 5:30 pm. Wednesday, Sept. 18 — Public Playdate

• 10:3 a.m. Monday, Sept. 23 — Building Bookworms-Alphabet Fun

BLOOD DRIVE TO BE HELD ON SEPT. 3

Lakes Regional Healthcare is partnering with their blood supplier, LifeServe, to host a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3, in the Big Spirit Conference Room in the hospital’s lower level (enter the hospital’s east entrance). Donating blood is safe, easy, and takes about an hour. Donors must weigh at least 120 pounds, be at least 16 years old (16 and 17-year-old donors must have a signed parental/guardian permission form), and be in general good health. There is no upper age limit for blood donations. Donors must bring a photo ID and should eat a good meal and drink plenty of fluids before giving blood. Those interested in donating blood can call 1-800-287-4903 or schedule their appointment online at the LifeServe website.

DIABETIC SUPPORT GROUP TO MEET

The Spirit Lake Area Support Group will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 9, in the Big Spirit Room at Lakes Regional Hospital, lower level. "Reflections by The Diabetic Warrior" will be the program for discussion led by Marcia Young, Diabetic Support Group Facilitator. Diabetes is a chronic but controllable disease with education being an important tool in management of the disease. Knowledge is power for motivation in steps taken to a healthier attitude and care of the body. With the power of knowledge, diabetes care can be focused on inspiring, encouraging, and making life better while “taking over the management of the pancreas.”

The local diabetic support group meeting, led by local patient facilitator, Marcia Young, is open to anyone dealing with diabetes, spouse, family member, or friend.

The presentation will be held Monday, September 9 at 7 PM in the Big Spirit Room on the lower level at Lakes Regional Hospital. All are welcome and admission is free.

GRANT APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED

The Dickinson County Water Quality Commission is accepting grant applications until Oct. 1. The grant application materials are available at the Clean Water Alliance website. In addition, interested groups can contact the Dickinson SWCD at 3302 18th Street, Spirit Lake, IA or (712) 336-3782 ext. 3 and talk to John Wills, Dickinson County Clean Water Alliance Coordinator, for information about the grants. The Application timeline is as follows:  • Aug. 1 — Request for Applications (RFA) begins • Aug. 22 — Water Quality Commission Help Session from 2 p.m. to completion at the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service office in Spirit Lake. Grant writers do not need to wait for the help session to receive help – please call or stop in to talk to John. • Oct. 1 – Grant Applications due to Dickinson SWCD by 4:30 p.m. Applications will be accepted for any water quality project from a non-profit organization or governmental agency which improves the water quality of the Iowa Great Lakes, Silver Lake, and Little Swan Lake in Dickinson County and those lakes watershed.  To date over $2.8 million has been granted to groups and agencies in Dickinson County to protect our water bodies. That money has been matched by over $26 million. The Dickinson County Water Quality Commission includes members from all the cities and the county government from within Dickinson County. Each city and the county contribute to the commission and have commissioners to represent them on the commission.

OMELET BREAKFASTS HELD AT ST. MARY'S

A freewill offering omelet breakfast by the Knights of Columbus takes place every third Sunday at St. Mary's Catholic Parish Community Hall. Made-to-order omelets, toast and all the fixings are offered — with special treats periodically like cinnamon rolls, fruit and ham or sausage.

MUGS CONTINUES AT SLHS

The Morning Users Group (MUG) meets Fridays at 9:30 a.m. in the Black Box Theater of the Sami Center at the Spirit Lake High School. This group of beginner and experienced computer users discusses the latest trends in new computer and smartphone technology and how to solve problems brought by the users. Local residents and visitors are asked to bring their new technology questions and observations for a lively discussion. The meeting lasts about an hour.