•Palo Alto authorities take up charges after defendant says incidents took place there

A man accused of exposing himself to two teenage girls in 2021 has had his case dismissed by a Dickinson County court after similar charges were filed by authorities in Palo Alto County — where, according to court records, the man said the incidents actually occurred.

After collecting nominations during the month of December and holding a community-wide vote Jan. 3-4, the University of Okoboji Winter Games Committee has officially tallied up the votes. This year more than 1,100 ballots were counted both electronically and in person at the Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. The local chamber officials announced the 2024 University of Okoboji Winter Games Cheerleaders the morning of Jan. 5. This year's Winter Games are scheduled for Jan. 25-28.

Congratulations were extended to Paula Arellano and Jose Sanchez of Spirit Lake. They are the proud parents of Jonathan Tenoch, Dickinson County’s New Year’s baby. Jonathan was born at Lakes Regional Healthcare at 7:03 a.m. Jan. 2, weighing 6 pounds, 8 ounces and measuring 19 inches in length.

The parents were surprised to have the New Year’s Baby since their son was born so soon after the New Year.

Gary Ellis Jones, age 66, of Spirit Lake was charged with operating while under the influence — first offense — and open container at approximately 6:43 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5 in the 2100 block of Jackson Avenue in Spirit Lake. Jones was booked into the Dickinson County Jail at 7:04 p.m. the same day.

Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate has announced that post-election audits have been successfully completed in all 99 counties. Once again, the post-election audits matched 100 percent with the machine count in all counties.

The Okoboji Foundation, serving as the community foundation for the Iowa Great Lakes, recently announced the commencement of its 2024 grant application process.

The National Speech and Debate Association recently announced Troy Greiner of Okoboji Community School as a winner of the Diamond Coach Award. The award recognizes a professional career which combines excellence and longevity in speech and debate education. This is Greiner's first Diamond Award, and organizers said it is the highest honor the association can bestow upon a coach.

The Spirit Lake Public Library will host the presentation “Hospice 101 with Gentiva Hospice” at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16. The speaker for the evening will be Christine Hindt. This will be an opportunity to learn about the history, mission and purpose of hospice services. Hospice, as a service, has evolved greatly over the past few decades. This educational program will explore myths and facts surrounding hospice eligibility and practices.

Students in grades four through 12 are invited to build a wood block snowman and create a giant brown paper bag snowflake by registering for MML’s Young Adult Snow Challenge. This is a free activity and runs until Friday, Jan. 19. Registrations can be made by calling MML at 712-338-4643 or online at http://milfordlibrary.weebly.com/young-adult-registration.html.

Families with students in grades five through 8 may register for Winter No-School Camp, hosted by the Dickinson County Conservation Board. The camp will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 15 at Horseshoe Bend. Environmental Education Coordinator Danika Cox looks forward to attendees creating shelters, learning about survival skills and learning how animals survive harsh, snowy conditions.

Wartburg names local students to fall dean's list

Wartburg College recently recognized 484 students who were named to the 2023 fall term dean's list. Among them were Maxwell Miller and Megan Sandison, both of Spirit Lake.
Wartburg College, a four-year liberal arts college which enrolls about 1,500 students.

Butcher named to SNHU dean's list

Rieke to present at ILUUF

With the calendar now reading 2024, Tuesday's meeting of the Dickinson County Board of Supervisors largely focused on formally selecting appointees to various boards and commissions. However, the board did choose to table one appointment.

Ed Purdy's voice traveled far.

The former speech instructor and local museum docent was remembered for his love of local history, which he passed down to many over his lifetime.

It wasn't exactly a white Christmas in northwest Iowa this year, but Old Man Winter certainly made a year-end visit.