News
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DCN finishes fourth in 'Newspaper of the Year' standings (2/14/19)The Dickinson County News received 35 awards and secured the top spot among the state's weekly newspapers Friday at the Iowa Newspaper Association 2019 Convention and Trade Show. The event was held Feb. 7-8 at the Des Moines Marriott Hotel. The newspaper's first-place "General Excellence" designation takes writing, photography, advertising, page design, website elements and community involvement into account. ...
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County commits funds in support of MillStone Park grant (2/12/19)By Seth Boyes - Staff WriterThe Dickinson County Board of Supervisors voted to provide $10,000 to Milford's proposed MillStone Park project in hopes the community will see even greater funding. A large-scale memorial incorporating one of the city's namesake millstones has been designed for the lot immediately southwest of the intersection of Highway 71 and 13th Street in Milford. ...
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State auditor questions $4.15 M sexual harassment payments (2/12/19)By Seth Boyes - Staff WriterIowa's State Auditor said taxpayers could be on the hook if the Iowa Finance Authority pays $4.15 million to settle sexual harassment claims against former IFA Executive Director David Jamison as planned. Some of the complaints stemmed from Jamison's behavior at an unnamed Arnolds Park hotel bar. ...
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DNR seeks public input before hunting season returns (2/12/19)By Seth Boyes - Staff WriterCreatures both furry and feathery are enjoying relative safety during the year's early winter, but soon hunting season will be upon them again. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources would like to hear from the state's hunters this month in order to guide the department in updating or changing its rules and regulations. Representatives of the DNR will be hold a moderated town hall meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, at the Dickinson County Nature Center in Okoboji...
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Road trip continues area arts tradition (2/12/19)By Colin Van Westen - NWIA PublishingThe Artisans Road Trip has become an established tradition in northwest Iowa. As the Friday participant application deadline for the 2019 tour nears, longtime board members and participant artists, Joleen Dentlinger and Bill Lieb reflected on the show's evolution...
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Student talent brings bonus musicals to OST stage (2/6/19)By Seth Boyes - Staff WriterOkoboji Summer Theatre announced its 2019 production lineup among the hustle, bustle and chilling temperatures at the end of January. The continued talent among student-actors signing up for OST productions has prompted the staff to slate four musicals for the second year in a row...
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GrapeTree continues to go green (2/6/19)By Seth Boyes - Staff WriterThough largely moved into its new location, some major changes are yet to come for GrapeTree Medical Staffing in Milford. Solar panels will hopefully help power the new office by this fall, according to Tim Kinnetz. The former company CEO transitioned to shareholder as his business moved out of Boji Plaza and into the former Boji Bay Funhouse and Pavilion. ...
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County puts wetland maintenance in conservation's hands (2/5/19)By Seth Boyes - Staff WriterThe Dickinson County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to task the county conservation board with maintaining a proposed wetland project in Francis Sites as well as similar low-impact development projects — or LID projects — already in the county. Supervisor Pam Jordan said the conservation board has recently gained real estate and is considering options like rearranging duties or hiring additional help...
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SUV in fatal accident recovered from lake (2/5/19)By Elijah Decious - NWIA PublishingThe SUV involved in the Jan. 20 accident on Storm Lake which claimed the lives of Anthon man Zackary Newlon, 40, and his son Blaire, 8, was recovered by specialists Friday. Okoboji Underwater Recovery Specialists from Spirit Lake recovered the Nissan Xterra that fell through the ice, after rescheduling the recovery twice due to poor weather and ice conditions...
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Whiting sponsors term limits resolution (2/5/19)By Randy M. Cauthron - NWIA PublishingIowa District 1 Sen. Zach Whiting, R-Spirit Lake, introduced a resolution for a national term limits amendment proposal convention. The resolution, SJR11, was filed Wednesday and was referred to the committee on state government. Whiting also filed a term limits resolution to term limit the Iowa Legislature (SJR4)...
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Area schools, businesses give students workforce experiences (1/31/19)By Russ Mitchell - Managing EditorBerkley Bedell used $50 in paper route money to build a fishing equipment empire known as Berkley Industries, which later became Pure Fishing. Little did he know that about eight decades later, a group of 17 middle school students would come to his Spirit Lake factory to test lures made from a 3D printer...
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Local students still driven to serve in Haiti (1/31/19)By Seth Boyes - Staff WriterIt's been three years since an annual mission trip to Haiti crossed paths with the Spirit Lake School District's special January curriculum. The effort has traditionally been organized through CrossWinds Church, and has continued to grow in numbers each year. As part of the school's J-Term, area students traveled more than 2,000 miles to the Caribbean nation where they and their adult chaperones provided some basic needs and spiritual lessons to Haitian villagers...
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Community group sets goals for Healthy Hometown (1/29/19)By Seth Boyes - Staff WriterVarious Lakes Area officials, business people and community figures are setting some concrete goals for fostering better health among the local population. It's been approximately three months since Lakes Regional Healthcare gathered each of the three committees involved in the Health Hometown initiative for a joint meeting. ...
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Sub-zero temps help ice thickness, but caution still urged (1/29/19)By Russ Mitchell - Managing EditorLocal officials responded to a pair of emergency calls over the weekend after recreational vehicles fell through the ice, according to Mark Petersen, a dive captain with Arnolds Park/Okoboji Fire & Rescue. The Dickinson County Communications Center received its first call for assistance at 8:37 p.m. Friday.
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Whiting continues first month as state senator (1/29/19)By Joseph Hopper - NWIA PublishingSpirit Lake native Zach Whiting was sworn in Jan. 14 as state senator for Iowa’s District 1, which encompasses a wide stretch of communities including Emmetsburg, Spencer, Spirit Lake, Milford and Rock Rapids. The 31-year-old Republican said his interest in government began during his childhood and continued through college at Stetson University in DeLand, Florida...
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Lakes Regional Healthcare implements visitor restrictions (1/31/19)The Iowa Department of Public Health has reported high levels of influenza in northwest Iowa as identified through community school absenteeism and the reported number of cases of influenza. The level has necessitated Lakes Regional Healthcare (LRH) in Spirit Lake to implement restrictions on those visiting hospital patients...
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Police chief keeps mentor's lessons in the forefront (1/31/19)By Seth Boyes - Staff WriterA legacy of sorts continues today in the offices and patrol cars of the Spirit Lake Police Department. Former Police Chief Duane Yager hired a 21-year-old Jeff Hanson as a patrolman in 1987. Hanson, who called Yager something of a mentor in a 2012 interview, took on the mantle of chief of police in 2005. Today, Hanson says he strives to exemplify the lessons he learned as a young officer under Yager...
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Builder turned chef brings mobile Texas fare to Lakes Area (1/22/19)By Seth Boyes - Staff WriterMike Dunn went from building houses to building a menu just a few years ago. The former builder operates Farm to Fork food truck in the Lakes Area. The converted FedEx truck offers a variety of food inspired by flavors from Dunn's native state of Texas. He opened his mobile kitchen in 2015 at the age of 63 and the proverbial wheels keep turning...
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No citations issued following ambulance crash near Sioux Falls (1/22/19)By Russ Mitchell - Managing EditorThe South Dakota Highway Patrol has released additional details about a Lakes Regional Healthcare ambulance crash Jan. 10 near Sioux Falls. Traffic investigators did not cite ambulance driver Deanne Garland of Spirit Lake. The westbound LRH ambulance she was driving sustained an estimated $10,000 damage after it left the roadway, entered the backyard of a residence, collided with a play set, multiple trees and an electrical utility transformer box. ...
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Concered Citizens group withdraws protective order request (1/22/19)By Seth Boyes - Staff WriterA recent court filing is tying up one of the last loose ends in an ongoing case stemming from a proposed housing development along the shores of East Lake Okoboji. Attorney Jamie Hunter filed a motion Jan. 16 on behalf of her client, a group called Concerned Citizens of Dickinson County, which voluntarily dismisses the group's request for a protective order against Leo "Butch" Parks. ...
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Storm Lake accident victims identified (1/22/19)By Elijah Decious and Dana Larsen - NWIA PublishingThe Buena Vista County Sheriff’s Office has identified the victims of Sunday's accident on Storm Lake, in which a vehicle plunged through the ice killing two and hospitalizing two others. A Tuesday morning report identified the man who died as Zackary Newlon, age 40, of Anthon. Newlon and his 8-year-old son were pronounced dead shortly after they were transported by ambulance to Buena Vista Regional Medical Center...
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Spencer Hospital fire sends some patients to LRH (1/22/19)By Joseph Hopper - NWIA PublishingSpencer Hospital officials Monday night confirmed the transport of some patients to Spirit Lake following a fire in one of Spencer's surgical equipment sterilization units. The Spencer Fire Department and Spencer Police Department responded to a fire inside Spencer Hospital at 5:12 p.m. Monday. A total of 18 firefighters, three fire engines, a number of police officers and hospital staff were on scene during the emergency, which lasted approximately one hour...
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Public ready to take the Polar Plunge (1/22/19)By Seth Boyes - Staff WriterThe public has been signing up to take a chilly dip in the wintery waters of West Okoboji for years upon years. The Polar Plunge has become a well-known — not to mention well-attended — event during the University of Okoboji Winter Games. Sign up for the plunge begins at 1:30 p.m. ...
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New event takes to the ice near Lakeside Labs (1/22/19)By Seth Boyes - Staff WriterThe traditional University of Okoboji Winter Games is built upon well-known events and traditions, but that doesn't mean the schedule of events can't fit in a few new ideas. Iowa Lakeside Laboratory, the Okoboji Sailing Center and the Pearson Lakes Art Center are partnering this year on a new event called Winter Water Sheds...
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Chocolate, chili concoctions ready to please (1/22/19)By Seth Boyes - Staff WriterTwo culinary staples of the University of Okoboji Winter Games will return for another year of sweet and savory flavors. The annual Chili Cook-Off will fill the air with hearty aromas from 5-7 p.m. Friday at the Dickinson County Expo Building. The spice will give way to sugar during the Chocolate Classic and Galleria 1-3 p.m. Saturday in the Expo Building...
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Youth in Philanthropy sees impact of generousity (2/12/19)The Okoboji Foundation's Youth in Philanthropy group met Feb. 6 for a first-hand look at the impact they make. YIP gathered at the Dickinson County Courthouse where they toured the new Dickinson County Incident Command & Mobile Medical Unit. In 2018, YIP gave $4,000 to Dickinson County Emergency Management for medical equipment needed for major incidents in Dickinson County. ...
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Wills welcomes McKim (2/12/19)This week, Rep. John Wills (R-Spirit Lake) welcomed Kerri McKim, of Spirit Lake, to the Iowa House of Representatives. McKim was visiting the capitol with other members of the Iowa Association of School Boards to talk with legislators about extending the school infrastructure tax...
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YMCA of the Okobojis donates to food drive (2/12/19)The YMCA of the Okobojis held a canned food drive for the month of January. The Y wishes to thank all the members and staff who helped collect the canned goods for Upper Des Moines Opportunity. (Photo submitted)
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Realtors visit capitol (2/12/19)Several northwest Iowa realtors came to the Capitol this week to speak on issues important to their industry.
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Movie night arrives at Pollinator Paradise (2/12/19)A crazy cast of characters will visit the Dickinson County Nature Center for Family Nature Nights in February and March. Flik, Hopper, Atta, Dot and their friends will be on hand 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22, as "A Bug's Life" is shown inside Pollinator Paradise...
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Delegation welcomes cattlemen (2/12/19)Rep. John Wills (R-Spirit Lake) and state Sen. Zach Whiting recently welcomed Casey Jones of Milford and Philip Lorch of Harris, who are members of the Iowa Cattlemen's Association. They were visiting the capitol to talk with legislators about the agriculture and beef industries in Iowa...
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Spirit Lake Music Festival grows in year 2 (2/12/19)One year ago, the Spirit Lake High School music department decided to host its first-ever Show Choir Festival. Twenty-seven individual groups performed, and $9,000 was raised for music education. The second annual "Shake the Lakes Show and Jazz Choir Competition" is scheduled for Feb. 15-16, and 42 groups representing 30 different schools from Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska have committed to participate. The Spirit Lake Music Boosters hope to net $20,000...
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Whiting welcomes tourism group (2/12/19)State Sen. Zach Whiting said he was proud to speak to several hundred attendees at the Iowa Tourism Industry luncheon and meet with Kiley Miller of Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation and Rebecca Peters and Laurie Simington of Okoboji Tourism...
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Northwest Bank gives $2,000 to area Backpack Programs (2/12/19)Northwest Bank locations in Milford, Arnolds Park and Spirit Lake hosted an effort to raise money and food items for the Okoboji and Spirit Lake Schools Backpack Programs. The programs help supply food to youth and families in need. Northwest Bank offered to match funds up to $1,000 for both programs. ...
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Wiggins, Johnson receive scholarships from Iowa Rock 'n' Roll (2/12/19)Iowa Rock 'n' Roll Music Association has encouraged students to pursue music in college since in 2004. Gage Wiggins from Minden and Hunter Johnson from Manson were both awarded $1,000 scholarships from Iowa Rock 'n' Roll Music Association for the 2018-19 school year...
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Milford Library News (2/12/19)Hey, I just met you, and this is crazy. I have no cover, so read me maybe? There will be no awkward questions, no forced conversation, no judgmental looks, no need to call. Just have a blind date with a book! All of February you can have a blind date with a book. ...
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Ultimate Chamber Mixer planned (2/11/19)Round Lake Vineyards & Winery is excited to host the area’s first-ever Ultimate Chamber Mixer on Tuesday, Feb. 26, on their picturesque estate. Organizations joining Round Lake Vineyards & Winery are the Iowa Great Lakes Chamber of Commerce, the Jackson Chamber of Commerce, the Spencer Chamber of Commerce, the Spirit Lake Chamber of Commerce and the Worthington Area Chamber of Commerce. ...
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U of O Bridge winners announced (2/6/19)Winnters in the University of Okoboji Winter Games Bridge Tournament were (left) Janice Breidinger, of Webb — low, and (right) Dr. June LaValleur, of Little Spirit, Minnesota. — high. Thirty-two bridge players from the area as well Iowa cities as far away as Sioux City and Atlanta joined in the fun held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Milford...
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Parks Marina Winter Games events raise over $8,000 for area charities (2/6/19)Parks Marina, Inc. and The Barefoot Bar are pleased to announce that University of Okoboji Winter Games competitions held at Parks Marina properties raised over $8,000 for local charitable foundations including a total of $6,861 raised during the 7th Annual "Battle of the Bartenders" fundraising event Jan. 24...
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AMVC names Koch manager at Primrose Pork (2/5/19)AMVC Management Services, a diversified swine management company, recently hired Dawn Koch of Milford as sow farm manager at Primrose Pork, a 2,500-head sow farm near Primghar. Koch has a strong swine background as she began working with pigs in 1996. She brings with her a wealth of experience from her previous on-farm leadership positions including breeding and farrowing lead roles and assistant manager...
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Alzheimer's Association educational program comes to Spirit Lake (2/5/19)The Alzheimer's Association is offering a free educational class for the general public on Friday, Feb. 8, at Keelson Harbour in Spirit Lake. The class, titled "10 Ways to Love Your Brain," is from 3-4 p.m. Join organizers to learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement, and use hands-on tools to help incorporate recommendations into a plan for healthy aging...
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Courses for beginning, advanced beekeepers scheduled across Iowa (2/5/19)The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship encouraged Iowans interested in beekeeping to consider enrolling in one of the 38 beekeeping schools that will be held around the state in 2019. The courses are for both the beginner and advanced beekeeper...
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MillStone Park requesting time capsule items (2/5/19)MillStone Park, to be located at 1212 Okoboji Ave., will be burying four time capsules during Pioneer Days in the summer of 2019 — one to be opened every 25 years in the future for the next 100 years during Milford’s 150th, 175th, 200th, and 225th celebrations. The time capsules, donated from Turner Jenness Family Funeral Homes, are 12-by-16 inch rectangular capsules. They are on display at Blink Marketing in Milford...
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Legislative forum schedule announced (2/5/19)The Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Legislative Forum from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, at the Pearson Lakes Art Center in Okoboji. Invited guests include District 1 state Sen. Zach Whiting of Spirit Lake, District 1 state Rep. John Wills of Spirit Lake and District 2 state Rep. Megan Jones of Sioux Rapids...
VALENTINE'S DAY BAKE SALE ANNOUNCED
Join Respite Angels from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, Feb. 14, at Calvary Methodist Church in Arnolds Park for a fundraiser benefitting the group respite program. Volunteers will be having a bake sale, selling quarts of homemade soup, embroidered dish towels, dish rags, angel yard ornaments and other crafts that people in the group have made. We will have the coffee going and hope you will stop and take a look at the items for sale. All the funds raised at this event will go toward activities for the Thursday morning Respite Angels group that is held at Calvary Methodist each week. It would be the perfect time to buy some soup and a sweet treat for your Valentine. The sale will start at 9 am and end at noon we hope to see you at Calvary.
MILFORD LIBRARY EVENTS CONTINUE
An upcoming Afterschool Activity: Valentine BINGO at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 14. This is perfect for kids in Preschool-4th Grade, and we will play on special game cards for a chance at different prizes. Have you heard the catchy Baby Shark song? Do you want to make a cool shark hat and go on a library shark scavenger hunt? Please join Miss Becca at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, for Public Storytime: Baby Shark Fun. Families are welcome to stay and visit as long as they would like to after the program. There is no pre-registration and no cost to join this reading fun. All of the materials and services will be provided by the library.
10:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 14 — Public Storytime-Hearts
3:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14 —Afterschool Activity-Valentine BINGO
10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 23 — Public Storytime-Baby Shark Fun
5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27 — Public Playdate
3:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28 — ISU 4-H Clover Kids-A Chair for Bear
WALLEYE SEASON SET TO CLOSE
The walleye fishing season on Spirit, East and West Okoboji lakes is open through Feb. 14. It will close after that date and reopen on May 4, 2019. These are the only Iowa lakes that have a closed season for walleye. For more information on fishing regulations, go to iowadnr.gov/fishing.
DICKINSON SWCD TO MEET
The regularly scheduled monthly meeting of the Dickinson SWCD will be held at 9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 15, in the district office. A tentative agenda will include: approving the minutes of the last meeting, treasurer’s report and bills, reviewing the mail, approving cost share applications, amendments and vouchers, receiving NRCS and district reports, old and new business and planning for the next meeting. The SWCD Foundation monthly meeting will also be held on the 15th. If you need accommodation, please notify the Dickinson SWCD office by Feb.14 by calling 712-336-3782, Ext. 3.
PANCAKE-SAUSAGE BREAKFAST PLANNED AT ST. JOSEPH
St. Joseph Catholic Church in Milford will host its annual pancake and sausage breakfast from 8:30-11 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 17 in the Parish Center. Pancakes, home-made whole hog sausage and beverage will be available. Free will offering. All are welcome.
DEMOCRATS TO HOLD MONTHLY MEETING
The Democratic Party of Dickinson County will hold its regular monthly meeting Monday, Feb. 18, at the Nature Trails Club House, located at 465 202nd St in Milford. Social time will begin at 6:30 p.m. with light appetizers and refreshments. The business meeting will begin at 7 p.m. On the agenda will be summer fundraising plans, election of vice-chair and treasurer, and the upcoming odd year caucus on March 18. Learn more at TheDickinsonDems.com or Facebook.com/DickinsonDemsIA.
CHAMBER HOSTS STEREOTYPE PREVENTION WORKSHOP
Jokes around the water cooler. Discussions about the new neighbors. Comments about different professions. Each day, we are faced with stereotypes and biased statements according to Lori Hayungs, human sciences specialist in family life with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Join the Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19 at The Waterfront Okoboji for an interactive session to discover useful, easy-to-learn phrases and skills for speaking up effectively against bias and stereotypes.This workshop, based on the book by Leslie C. Aguilar, will help participants understand the impact of stereotypes and biased statements, identify the most common reasons people sit silently in the face of bias and stereotypes and enhance skills for speaking up against stereotypes. Cost of the class is $15 and includes lunch. For more information, contact Sue Boettcher at 712-336-3488. To register, visit okobojichamber.com.
FITNESS PROGRAM PLANNED
Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach and Ablaze Fitness and Nutrition are teaming up to help those individuals who don't know where to start, how to stay motivated or who just don’t feel comfortable going to the gym.
"This wellness series is for individuals who want a healthy change, but don’t know where to start; for those who have tried working out before, but it didn’t work; and for those who are uncomfortable going to the gym or just plain tired of being tired," Dickinson County Human Sciences Program Coordinator Sue Boettcher said.
The six-week series is designed to "Ignite the Fire From Within" and help individuals get motivated for spring. Organizers hope the series will lead to beginner-level walking and biking groups in the area.
The program will be hosted every Tuesday night from 5:30-7 p.m. beginning Feb. 19 through March 26 at the ISU Extension and Outreach – Dickinson County office located at 1600 15th Street in Spirit Lake. The cost for the six-week series is $50. For more information and/or to register, call Sue at 712-336-3488 or email boettche@iastate.edu.
SPEECH CONTEST HELP NEEDED FROM COMMUNITY
Okoboji High School will be hosting District Individual Speech Contest on Saturday, Feb. 23. Okoboji has students from 23 schools competing, and the hosts need community involvement to welcome them and create a great event. Okoboji will have close to 500 people visiting Milford that day, so organizers hope to love to display community support. We are in need of room chairs, room timers, office help, concession workers and food donations to feed 500 people. Descriptions of each volunteer shift and times (shifts range from 1 hour - 4 hours), and all details are on okobojifinearts.wixsite.com/mysite or see links on the Okoboji Music Parents Facebook page. Also, contact okobojifinearts@gmail.com for sign up assistance.
CHILD CARE PROVIDER TRAINING ANNOUNCED
Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach will host a child care provider training, "Preschoolers and Pennies: Read, Talk, Learn and Play" from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 25, at Iowa Lakes Community College in Spirit Lake. The training is being provided for a reduced registration fee of only $5 thanks to the sponsorship of Lakes PPC. Each attendee will also receive one set of three books to be used in their child care center. The training, providers will:
• Practice ways to read with children that give the youth an opportunity to become storytellers of books with a money theme;
• Learn how to introduce and reinforce money-related words and concepts throughout the day;
• Explore fun activities for preschoolers to practice money skills.
Participation is open to all child care providers, but providers are asked to register online prior to the training through the Iowa Child Care Provider Training Registry. Two CEUs are also available with this class. Questions can be directed to Jan Monahan at 712-336-3488 or jmonahan@iastate.edu.
IOWA ROCKS TALENT ANNOUNCED
The Iowa Rock 'n' Roll Music Association is teaming up with Catamount Recording again to offer youth across the state opportunities to show off their musical abilities in "Iowa Rocks Talent." The competition for musicians 21 and under provides opportunities for professional development while encouraging participation in music outside of school. Last year's expanded event welcomed 25 bands and individuals from throughout four regional competitions. A fifth region will be added in 2019. Winners of the"Iowa Rocks Talent Finals" receive recording time at Catamount Recording's state-of-the-art professional recording studio in Cedar Falls and open for the 2019 Iowa Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame Induction Concert on Sept. 1. For more information or to register for "Iowa Rocks Talent," go to iowarocknroll.com.
RETIREMENT PROGRAM ANNOUNCED
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach invites area residents to attend a two-session retirement preparation workshop from 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 26 and March 5, at Iowa Lakes Community College in Spirit Lake. The "Writing Your Retirement Paycheck" workshop is ideal for those looking to retire within the next 10 years. It is designed to provide those approaching retirement with the information they need to be prepared to write their own paycheck. The workshop outlines key factors to consider prior to retirement and describes strategies for structuring retirement income. Jan Monahan, human sciences specialist in family finance with ISU Extension and Outreach, will lead the workshop. She plans to cover topics such as health costs, Social Security, inflation, required minimum distributions, annuities and more. Registration fee is $15 per person or $25 per couple and includes the two sessions and resource materials. Register online or call 712-336-3488 by Feb. 22.
HALL AWARD NOMINEES SOUGHT
The Iowa Lakes Community College Alumni & Friends Association is seeking nominations for the 26th annual Jim Hall Outstanding Alumni Award. This award is presented annually at the Iowa Lakes Community College spring commencement ceremony to prior graduates of Iowa Lakes who exemplify outstanding support for the community, business, school, service clubs, etc.
The Iowa Lakes Alumni & Friends Association established the Jim Hall Outstanding Alumni Award in 1992. Hall was a 1968 alumnus of Iowa Lakes who died in 1991. He was a strong supporter of the college and enjoyed being an assistant football coach at Iowa Lakes.
Those wishing to nominate a deserving candidate may send their recommendation to the Iowa Lakes Alumni & Friends Association, 19 South 7th Street, Estherville, IA 51334; fax to 712-362-0480; email to Alison Mason at amason@iowalakes.edu or submit online by visiting iowalakes.edu (click on Alumni & Foundations, then Alumni & Friends, then Jim Hall Outstanding Alumni Award and look on the left side of the computer screen for the Jim Hall Nomination Form). All nominations must be received by Friday, March 15.
PESTICIDE, SEED COURSES ANNOUNCED
• Iowa State University Extension and Outreach - Dickinson County is offering an opportunity to attend the private pesticide applicator Continuing Instruction Course led by Field Agronomist Paul Kassel.
The first session is scheduled for 9-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, at the Spirit Lake Community Center located at 1602 15th Street in Spirit Lake. To register, return your registration form or call Katie at 712-336-3488. The registration fee is $20. The course will fulfill 2018 recertification requirements for private pesticide applicators. Topics to be covered include recognition of sensitive areas, including groundwater and other non-target sites and organisms (pollinators) as potentially impacted by pesticide applications, pesticide labels, pests, pest management, and pesticides.
• Dickinson County will also host a seed treatment Continuing Instruction Course (CIC) for commercial pesticide applicators on Wednesday, Feb. 27. The program will be shown at locations across Iowa through the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP). The local attendance site is the ISU Extension and Outreach – Dickinson County Office located at 1600 15th Street in Spirit Lake.
Registration begins at 1:30 p.m., and the course runs from 2-4 p.m. The registration fee is $35 on or before Feb. 20 and $45 after Feb. 20.
The course will provide continuing instruction credit for commercial pesticide applicators certified in categories 4 and 10. Topics to be covered include recognition of sensitive areas as potentially impacted by pesticides, pests, pest management, and pesticides, pesticide labels, and seed treatment equipment. Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be offered. Interested participants should bring their CCA number to the program.
DC FAIR BOARD SEEKS NEW MEMBERS
The Dickinson County Fair Board is seeking a Dickinson County resident, 18 years of age and older, to serve on the Dickinson County Fair Board. This appointment is to fill a two-year unexpired term on the board. Interested persons should call John Guthrie, Fair Manager, at 712-336-0479. Current members of the Fair Board are President Doug Loerts, Vice President Kent Byers, Secretary Kay Swenson, Treasurer Susan Reiser and Board Members: Bob Frank, Jen Johannsen, Jake Johnson, Josh Paskert, Ben Radcliffe, Amanda Smith, Spencer Taylor, Melvin Wernimont and Gib Zahren. The Fair Board meets the first Monday of each month except May and October.
MDA SHAMROCKS RETURN AT GODFATHER'S
Godfather's of Spirit Lake is rallying to help the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) free kids and adults from the harmful effects of muscular dystrophy, ALS and related life-threatening diseases that severely weaken muscle strength and mobility by participating in the MDA Shamrocks program from now through March 17. Godfather's owned by Roc Management invites customers to join them in the nation’s largest St. Patrick's Day fundraising program, by adding an iconic paper Shamrock (pinup) to their purchase at check-out for just a $1, $5 – all benefiting MDA. The MDA Shamrocks program unites tens of thousands of retail locations throughout the country to benefit the organization's shared mission to fund groundbreaking research across diseases and provide individuals with life-enhancing programs and support services, including state-of-the-art multidisciplinary care the MDA Care Center at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City. Funds raised also make MDA Summer Camp possible for more than 70 area kids where they can experience the best week of the year at no cost to their families at Camp Courageous in Monticello.
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.
COMPUTER DISCUSSION GROUP CONTINUES
The Morning Users Group (MUG) meets at 9:30 a.m. Fridays 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 computer technology and smartphones — and how to solve problems brought by the users. Local residents and visitors are asked to bring their questions and observations for a lively discussion. The meeting lasts about an hour. Bring your own coffee. The group does not meet if Spirit Lake Schools are delayed or cancelled that day due to weather.