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CHAMBER WELCOMES STAY IN HOME CARE & MEDICAL STAFFING

The Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce was on hand for a ribbon cutting and holiday open house Wednesday, Dec. 11, at Stay In Home Care & Medical Staffing. Offices are located at 800 Okoboji Ave. in Milford. The company already had a presence in the Iowa Great Lakes Area, but the organization’s home base will now be located in Milford as well. (Photo submitted)

Dickinson County Endowment Fund awards grant to Lutheran Services in Iowa

The DCEF Advisory Council received and reviewed 30 applications in the 2024 granting cycle. The outcomes of this study led to 23 grant awards totaling $110,842.

Representing the Lutheran Services in Iowa, Vanessa Lopez is pictured accepting a ceremonial check from DCEF Council members Megan Helgeson, Evan Bensley and Marilyn Vos. They will use their $2,500 award to deliver behavioral health intervention services throughout the county.

‘Hams to Hunger’ benefits Upper Des Moines Opportunity

Dickinson County Upper Des Moines Opportunity Outreach received hams from NEW Cooperative this year as part of its annual “Hams for Hunger” event, benefiting food pantries across Iowa.

NEW Cooperative, Inc. is a farmer-owned grain, agronomy, energy, and feed cooperative headquartered in Fort Dodge. It delivered the Lakes-area hams during the second week of December.

Corridor announces new ‘Homegrown Talent’ grant cycle

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation (Corridor) has announced the application period for the new Homegrown Talent Initiative grant program starting Dec. 10, 2024 through Jan. 31, 2025.

Iowa Lakes showcases Dave Chase exhibition

An exhibition featuring the work of award-winning artist and educator Dave Chase is now open at the Estherville campus of Iowa Lakes Community College. The event is an opportunity to view and purchase pieces from a celebrated career spanning more than 50 years.

New Iowa Lakes endowment established

Long-time Iowa Lakes Community College champions and beloved community members Jim and Bettje Willmore have once again demonstrated their commitment to service and education.

On Tuesday, Sept. 17, the Iowa Lakes Community College Board of Trustees accepted the Willmore's generous $100,000 gift, establishing a new endowment to support students in nursing, men's basketball, instrumental music, and athletic training.

Keep Iowa Beautiful opens 2025 scholarship window

Keep Iowa Beautiful awards three $1,000 scholarships to Iowa high school seniors who plan to enroll in an Iowa college or university.

These annual scholarships honor important figures in Keep Iowa Beautiful history who have made significant contributions to Iowa communities.

Milford’s Kondrath among Goldman Sachs fall 2024 graduates

Ashley Kondrath of Kondrath Painting and Design Co. in Milford was among 31 small business owners honored as fall 2024 graduates of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses (10KSB) program.

The 10,000 Small Businesses program in Iowa is administered by Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) in collaboration with all 15 of Iowa’s community colleges.

The celebration recognized the achievements of entrepreneurs who live and work in communities across the state.

No School Day Camp planned

The Dickinson County Nature Center is offering “No School Day Camp: PJs vs. Predators” for children in grades K-3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3, at Maser Monarch Lodge.

Next ‘Women in Nature Day’ set

The Dickinson County Nature Center is taking part in Winter Women in Nature Day (W.I.N.D.) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11. The event will be held at Oneota Park, home to the cozy Oneota Cabin, just south of Spencer High School on 10th Avenue Southeast in Spencer.

Youth in Philanthropy provides Christmas experience

Students of the Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) program at the Okoboji Foundation had the opportunity during their December meeting to brighten the holiday season for children in their community. This event goes beyond their annual grant fundraising efforts, demonstrating the tangible impact of their philanthropic work.

Spirit Lake Public Library director announces retirement

Librarians don’t retire — they just start a new chapter.

That’s especially true in Spirit Lake, where the public library’s longtime director, Cynthia Davis, made her retirement plans known.

WOLVES DANCE TEAM TAKES HOME STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

The Harris-Lake Park Wolves dance team took home multiple awards last week during the Class 1 State of Iowa Dance Teams and Solo Championships. The team took home first place in pom, second place in jazz and third place in contemporary.

Madeline Greve brought home a third place trophy this year. It is the first time in Harris-Lake Park history that someone has placed in the top five for state dance. (Photos by Stewart Chisham)

 

Milford, Fostoria receive 2024 DNR Fire Assistance Grants

Local fire departments were included in nearly $416,000 cost-share grants from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

“Both the Milford and Fostoria fire departments were successful in receiving grant funding through our Volunteer Fire Assistance program,” DNR Fire Program Supervisor Jason Walker said. “This money originates from the federal government and is passed on to the states to distribute to volunteer fire departments in the form of a 50/50 grant.”

Milford man charged with firearms violations as a felon

A Dec. 23 bail hearing date has been set for a Milford man charged with the illegal possession of six firearms.

Officers from five law enforcement agencies were on hand as Milford police searched a black 2016 Chevrolet Silverado truck registered to 58-year-old Daniel Riley Gibson.

Authorities recovered Battle Arms AR-15 rifles and ammunition from the search, which took place at about 9 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4, in the 3300 block of Prairie Meadows Drive in Milford.

Milford annual Secret Santa program kicks off

Okoboji Flooring and Furniture, the Campus Women's Club and the Milford Memorial Library are inviting citizens to participate in the annual Milford Area Secret Santa program.

The program aims to give struggling families a chance to celebrate the holidays without the stress of a financial burden.

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