If the RAGBRAI LII route from Orange City to Milford is as smooth on July 20 as it was on June 1, riders should have a great time in the northern part of the state.

The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa begins in Orange City on Saturday, July 19. Participants will pedal 70.1 miles to overnight in Milford on Sunday, July 20.

The Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber is calling on the community to help fund its Fourth of July fireworks show over at West Lake Okoboji. 

"Big Booms cost Big Bucks!" reads one flyer. The chamber is appealing for donations to continue the 45+ year tradition that draws thousands to the Iowa Great Lakes every Independence Day.

The 20-minute spectacular will begin at dusk Friday, July 4 following a Pet Rock concert in Preservation Plaza. 

For some area students, the weekend after Memorial Day holds a special place in their hearts — it’s the first time some of them have ever been out of state. 

Around four-dozen Spirit Lake Middle School eighth-grade students peppered Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) with questions on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. 

The visit marks a three-decade tradition that has taken hundreds of Iowa students to the nation's capital. 

The Okoboji Foundation passed the $6 million lifetime mark in contributions with the announcement of its latest funding round on Thursday, June 5. The foundation distributed $474,462 to support seven local non-profit organizations in the 2025 award cycle.

Endowments and year-round fundraising efforts establish the annual amounts. Organizations filled out foundation applications for the awards from Jan. 7 to March 1.

"For us, this is not political," Jon Pausley said. "It's personal."

The Historic Arnolds Park CEO says they may have to make some very difficult operational decisions if Congress approves a 93% federal budget cut that would eliminate the park's international worker program. 

One of Dickinson County’s most well-known historians is celebrating Father’s Day in a very special way this year.

Longtime author, teacher and “Memory Lane” columnist Aubrey LaFoy reaches the century mark on June 15.

The June 18, 1925, edition of the Milford Mail was LaFoy’s first of many appearances in a local newspaper.

The city of West Okoboji will mark its centennial with an afternoon of events Saturday, June 14, at Terrace Park Family Beach and nearby Alex Danbom Memorial Park.

Hours are 12-3 p.m. with Rabab’s food truck (corn dogs and gyros) and Shaw’s ice cream truck on hand throughout the day at Danbom Park. Free face painting takes place at Terrace Park Beach from noon to 2 p.m.

CARPET ONE HOSTS CHAMBER EVENT

CarpetOne in Spirit Lake is the site of the next Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce Coffee and Convos event. The come-and-go free gathering takes place from 8-10 a.m. Thursday, June 12, and features Scooter's Coffee and Kwik Star bakery goods. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the CarpetOne building and ask questions.

BRIEFCASE OPEN GOLF TOURNAMENT TEES OFF SOON

Does your family like watching birds, or are you looking to learn more about them? Join the Dickinson County Nature Center from 5-6 p.m. Friday, June 27, for Family Nature Night’s “Backyard Birds” program. 

Families can look forward to an hour of hands-on activities. Participate as a group to identify bird species in Iowa and compare various eggs and nests.

Iowa Lakes Community College has named Lincoln Larsen as the new Director of Music and Performing Arts, effective July 1.

 A proud alumnus of Iowa Lakes, Larsen returns to the college with a passion for music education and a commitment to continuing the strong legacy of the program.

Owners, employees, construction representatives and Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commer members gathered Thursday, June 5, for ribbon cutting ceremonies at the Grand Opening for Premier Communications’ newest office located in Okoboji. The fiber optics company, based in Sioux Center, announced plans to provide fiber optic and internet services throughout the Lakes Region.

PHOTO STORY BY DAVE PETRICK

What began as a solution during the COVID-19 shutdown returned in 2025 as another highlight to the summer season Saturday, June 7. 

The inaugural Shayla Bee Fund “Cruise Around the Lake” took place in 2020, when the pandemic forced organizers to cancel the annual Black Tie-Black Leather fundraiser. The low-contact, outdoor convoy was a successful substitution five years ago.

Albernard Clinton Sr., age 54, of Storm Lake was arrested on the charge of operating while under the influence at approximately 4:55 p.m. Thursday, June 5, near 252nd Avenue in Orleans. 

The 48th Annual University of Okoboji Classic Invitational Soccer Tournament returns for another year of family-oriented competition. Play unfolds June 7-8 on six fields at the Bedell Family YMCA in Spirit Lake. 

The schedule includes 57 teams with 950 competitors in four age groups from the Catholic Youth Soccer League in Omaha, Neb.

Organizers put participation ahead of pageantry to keep the busy schedule on track.

It's February 4, 2023 — Joseph Salmon was up to his chest in the frigid waters of West Lake Okoboji. 

He waded through the waters toward a sinking Jeep, its 83-year-old driver trapped inside with his dog. Without hesitation, the at-the-time 17-year-old from Okoboji High School smashed the rear window with a pocket knife and crawled into the vehicle. 

That afternoon in 2023 made Salmon a national hero. Eight months later, a hunting accident nearly took his life.