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Senn honored for sharing the spotlight (12/5/18)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. ... -
Lake Park prepares for cozy Christmas celebration (12/4/18)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... -
IGLA taps Iowa City experts for flood control (12/4/18)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. ... -
Lake Park man safe after frigid fall in Silver Lake (12/4/18)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... -
County moves toward selling Hope Haven office (12/4/18)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. ... -
Wills, Jones scheduled for regional forum (11/28/18)The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation will partner with Professional Developers of Iowa to host a legislative forum from 9-10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 28, at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake. The event is open to the public and will provide an opportunity for citizens, businesses and economic development organizations to address economic development with state lawmakers before the beginning of the legislative session... -
Milford Holiday Fantasy weekend returns (11/28/18)The Milford Commercial Club marks the return of Holiday Fantasy Weekend with some new events and popular favorites in 2018. This year's events will take place Friday, Nov. 30 through Sunday, Dec. 2, in Milford. Voting is already underway for the inaugural Holiday Snowman Village decorating contest. ... -
Temporary community signs get closer look along Milford roadways (11/27/18)Ask Emil Richter how long he's been putting up his temporary signs in Milford and his answer is: "When did they invent paint?" "It's been over 25 years," is his straight answer — but he said that seven years ago, too. So, it's safer to guess the Milford volunteer and businessman has braved the heat, the cold, the rain and the dark for at least three decades... -
King pleased with VA's direction (11/27/18)Though the lobby of the new Spirit Lake Veterans Affairs Clinic was standing room only for its mid-October ribbon cutting, several northwest Iowa legislators were unable to attend. U.S. Rep. Steve King circled back to the VA facility last week to tour the building and speak with the clinic staff... -
Poultry perish, propane spared in brief Monday blaze (11/27/18)Spirit Lake Fire Chief Patrick Daly said Mother Nature lent a hand in keeping a small fire near the north shore of Big Spirit Lake from becoming an explosive disaster. The Spirit Lake Fire Department was paged at approximately 10:30 a.m. Monday morning, after reports were received of a shed on fire near a propane tank in the McClelland's Beach area — just inside the Iowa-Minnesota border... -
Report pending in highway collision (11/27/18)Emergency personnel from Spirit Lake to Milford were called Nov. 20 for a report of an accident involving several vehicles near the intersection of Highways 71 and 86. A second call for extrication equipment went out several minutes later. Traffic was regulated in several directions near the area known as Boji Junction that evening, as crews cleared the vehicles and debris. ... -
Vanderpool receives 20-year sentence (11/21/18)District Court Judge Carl Petersen on Friday sentenced a Milford woman to 20 years in prison for causing a fatal traffic crash in Osceola County. Ann Marie Vanderpool received her sentence following an Oct. 3 plea agreement with prosecutors. Evidence suggests she has a blood alcohol of 0.145 when her eastbound 2012 Chevrolet Captiva crossed the centerline and collided with a Toyota Camry driven by 48-year-old Spirit Lake businessman Travis Mier... -
Drunk driver weaves costly path through Spirit Lake (11/21/18)Weekend snow preserved a trail of tire tracks for authorities to follow after a Nebraska man caused $14,000 in property damage along Hill Avenue Sunday evening. The Spirit Lake Police Department was called to the corner of Hill Avenue and 12th Street at approximately 7:41 p.m. that night, after a report of a single vehicle accident. But that wasn't where 36-year-old Joseph Thomas Burmood of Kennard, Nebraska, had stopped. His White 2006 GMC Sierra was about two blocks to the north... -
The Miracle Kids: Part 2 of 2 (11/20/18)1A Sioux City surgeon's story of how God put his medical mission team in a position to save a trio of Tanzanian students severely injured in a deadly bus accident kept students at a local high school riveted. In this two part-series, Dr. Steve Meyer shares not only his experiences, but how he felt a greater power working to save the Miracle Kids of Tanzania. ... -
Wills aims to expand role as new majority whip (11/20/18)State Representative John Wills has taken on a new leadership role in the Iowa Republican party. The Spirit Lake resident officially became the party's majority whip after an in-house election Nov. 9. The new session will begin Jan. 14, but Wills said his new position took effect immediately. The role comes approximately four years after Wills was first elected to the Iowa House of Representatives... -
Community to weigh options for Silver Lake betterment (11/20/18)Experts of various kinds were working to get a pulse on Silver Lake's health in the early months of 2018. Now, the diagnostic testing is complete, and the surrounding community of Lake Park must weigh its options. Representatives of Wenck Engineering presented data and possible courses of action to the Lake Park community Wednesday evening in the Lake Park Community Center. ... -
Disciplinary Board benches Assistant County Attorney (11/20/18)A Spirit Lake attorney's handling of a $1.16 million estate drew the attention of the Iowa Supreme Court Attorney Disciplinary Board and has resulted in a 30-day suspension. Lonnie Saunders serves as an Assistant Dickinson County Attorney in addition to his private practice. The disciplinary board filed its decision to suspend Saunders on Friday, Nov. 9... -
The Miracle Kids: Part 1 of 2 (11/14/18)A busload of 35 Tanzanian seventh grade students became what Sioux City orthopedic surgeon Dr. Steve Meyer described as a mass of bodies one fateful day in May of 2017. The deadly accident occurred as the Tanzanian students were on their way to take mock graduation exams before a day of fun... -
Students, veterans connect at area ceremonies (11/13/18)School assemblies provided a Monday punctuation to Veterans Day ceremonies around Dickinsson County. Busloads of elementary students joined the high school ranks Monday afternoon for a Veterans Day program at the Harris-Lake Park High School gymnasium. Members of American Legion Post 371 presented the colors and emceed the event — with the Post's Vice Commander James Kessler delivering the keynote speech. Kessler said all veterans are part of an ongoing legacy of service... -
Dec. 11 hearing set for East Loch Estates arguements (11/13/18)A judge will hear from both sides in a case stemming from resistance to a proposed housing development near the shores of East Lake Okoboji. Iowa Third District Court Judge Patrick Tott ordered attorneys for local businessman Leo "Butch" Parks and a group called Concerned Citizens of Dickinson County to appear in person the morning of Dec. 11 at the Dickinson County Courthouse. -
Sycamore partners adds Pure Fishing to portfolio (11/13/18)A local business built from scratch has entered the final phases of a sale to New York-based private equity company Sycamore Partners. Newell Brands had announced plans to sell Pure Fishing in May. At the time, Pure Fishing and other tertiary brands like Rubbermaid, made up approximately 35 percent of Newell's net sales. ... -
King hopes Kavanaugh, Gorsuch will uphold heartbeat bill (11/13/18)With two new Supreme Court Justices taking the bench in the past year, U.S. Rep. Steve King hopes the balance of the high court has shifted enough to uphold his proposed federal heartbeat bill. The bill would outlaw abortions if a fetal heartbeat can be detected during an ultrasound examination. ...
Community
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Milford awarded block grant for sewer upgrades (12/4/18)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. ... -
Iowa family physician receives recognition from colleagues (12/4/18)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... -
New Winter Games event invites artists, public participation (12/4/18)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... -
Clay County Fair receives international recognition (12/4/18)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... -
Outstanding Alumnus award presented to Jorgensen (12/4/18)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... -
Spirit Lake Library News (12/4/18)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... -
Milford Library News (12/4/18)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)... -
Northwest Bank donates to Northwest Iowa Humane Society (12/4/18)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. ... -
Van Gelder Joins EXIT Realty Midwest (12/4/18)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... -
LRH announces Dec. 10 blood drive (12/4/18)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... -
'Tis the season to give back (12/4/18)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... -
Five generations gather for 94th birthday (12/4/18)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. -
Iowa Lake Community College receives national recognition (12/3/18)Iowa Lakes Community College has received the annual merit award from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) for achieving a 100 percent pass rate on the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) examination for the cycle of Aug. 1, 2017, through July 31, 2018...
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Lakeside Labs upcoming events (12/3/18)Owned by the state of Iowa and operated through the Board of Regents, Iowa Lakeside Laboratory seeks to provide science classes and research opportunities for university students, offer outreach programs and provide services through the state universities...
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MaxYield announces $1,000 ag scholarships (12/3/18)MaxYield Cooperative announced details of their scholarship program for area college students and graduating high school seniors. MaxYield will once again offer up to six $1,000 scholarships to students who are in pursuit of a degree in agriculture...
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Citizens climate education meeting to be held Friday (12/3/18)A rainy, freezing-cold fall day or a balmy spring day usually get our attention, whether we’re an anxious farmer or a young student looking out the window for recess. What is the forecast? For today? For the decade? For this century? Changes in short-term weather or long-term climate profoundly affect us more than we realize. Can we afford to talk about it and then quickly forget about it, or do we need to make some informed decisions to intelligently deal with it?...
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Iowa Lakes Community College announces Laker Kids Club (11/28/18)Iowa Lakes Community College is excited to announce the start of the new Laker Kids Club. The Laker Kids Club is an exclusive club that is being offered for area youth as way to get connected to Laker Athletics. Membership is open to area students that are 18 years of age and younger. The membership fee is $20... -
Stay safe as Iowa lakes freeze over (11/28/18)The recent blast of arctic air is growing ice on lakes and ponds over much of Iowa. Anglers are starting to get out for the popular early ice fishing season. "Many of us can’t wait to get out on the ice each winter," Joe Larscheid, chief of fisheries for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said. "Ice fishing is a fun, inexpensive activity for anglers of all ages to get outdoors and avoid cabin fever."... -
Discovery House receives Okoboji Foundation grant (11/28/18)Okoboji Foundation President Rob Waterhouse on Nov. 20 presented a $20,000 check to Discovery House Director Julie Scheib for the renovation project inside the Daniel House, which is located in Spirit Lake. The grant request was submitted earlier this year during the annual grant cycle and the gift was awarded by the grant committee with final approval from the Okoboji Foundation board of directors... -
Spine specialist presents bone health information (11/28/18)While decrease of bone density is a natural occurrence in aging, steps can be taken to enhance bone health and decrease a person's risk of osteoporosis-related injuries and illnesses. Dr. Dan McGuire, spine specialist with Iowa Spine Care of Spencer Hospital, will speak at a free lunch and learn event on Tuesday, Dec. 4, at Spencer Hospital... -
Youth in Philanthropy sets $45,000 goal (11/27/18)Youth in Philanthropy teaches the next generation about the importance of community giving. At its November meeting, this group of young leaders each set an individual fundraising goal. Through small group interaction, they reached consensus for a total team fundraising goal of $45,000 to make a lasting positive impact with 2018 YIP Grants... -
University of Iowa experts to discuss local flooding issues (11/27/18)The Iowa Great Lakes Association and Tom Clary has engaged hydrologist Dr. Larry Weber of the University of Iowa Hydroscience and Engineering Department and his associates Dr. Marcela Politano and Dr. Nate Young to review the water levels in the Iowa Great Lakes and surrounding watershed. The IGL Association has asked Dr. Miller to make recommendations on the outflow of water to prevent future flooding... -
LRH, County Public Health seek feedback (11/27/18)The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was passed in 2010 and places a significant focus on community-based prevention, requiring nonprofit hospitals such as Lakes Regional Healthcare (LRH) to show that they understand and engage with their communities to identify its most pressing needs... -
Planning to begin for Winter Games 39 (11/27/18)The 39th Annual University of Okoboji Winter Games presented by GrapeTree Medical Staffing is just around the corner! Mark your calendars for Jan. 24-27, 2019. The 39th Annual University of Okoboji Winter Games Committee will meet at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 4, in the Hedburg Theatre located in the Maritime Museum in Arnolds Park... -
Conover completes executive development program (11/27/18)The Graduate School of Banking at Colorado (GSBC) is pleased to announce that Joe Conover, bank strategies officer, executive vice president at Northwest Bank in Arnolds Park has graduated from the Executive Development Institute for Community Bankers, a rigorous 19-month leadership development program for up-and-coming executive officers of community banks... -
Spirit Lake Library News (11/27/18)Did you know that reading to a child is one of the most powerful ways to boost his or her brainpower? The simple and enjoyable act of sharing books helps a child learn pre-reading skills such as understanding the sounds letters make, developing a bigger vocabulary and building background knowledge — all important skills that help prepare a child for learning to read and entering kindergarten... -
Milford Library News (11/27/18)We have a big week at the library this week. Milford’s Holiday Fantasy is happening this coming weekend, and we have a lot of great events planned. Join us on from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, for the Festival of Trees featuring live music from Allison Antoine. ... -
K-Kids donate Thanksgiving dinner to UDMO (11/27/18)The fourth-grade K-Kids from Spirit Lake Elementary packaged the basics for 30 Thanksgiving dinners and delivered them to the Upper Des Moines Opportunity food pantry on Tuesday, Nov. 20. The project was made possible with the K-Kids working in conjunction with the Spirit Lake Noon Kiwanis club. ... -
Key Club assists March of Dimes (11/27/18)Spirit Lake High School Key Club leadership team members raised funds through the club's root beer float sales and recently presented a check to Jodi Lange for the March of Dimes. (Photo submitted) -
Key Club assists Spirit Lake backpack program (11/27/18)Spirit Lake High School Key Club members Cameron Quance, Emery Groen, Mikia Kriener, Elsie Parriott, Molly Van Dyke, Emily Werner and Tori Zemler filled 40 backpacks for the Spirit Lake backpack program. (Photo submitted) -
Donations, grants keep Iowa Lakes campuses up to date (11/27/18)A wind turbine specialist from Germany will soon make a visit to Iowa Lakes Community College, according to Delaine Hiney, executive director of facilities management. Hiney also told members of the Iowa Lakes Board of Trustees that the college's Chava turbine is working correctly and is currently in motion. ...