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Viewers will get a fresh look at a 1992 murder case with a local connection on Friday. Elizabeth Araguas, the daughter of Spirit Lake's Curt and Sandie Smith, was interviewed for the newsmagazine "Dateline NBC." She represents a woman who was charged with murder in the Oct. 13, 1992, death of Corey Wieneke of West Liberty. The episode is scheduled to air at 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17...

There are still more questions than answers as investigators look into a fatal crash and the discovery of pipe bombs east of Knoxville. Special Agent in Charge Ron Humphrey and the State Fire Marshal's Office confirmed Del Sorey of Arnolds Park as the driver of a truck that left the roadway, rolled and burst into flames in the first few moments of Sunday, Jan. 12. Sorey was the only occupant in the single-truck crash at 12:04 a.m...

The Spirit Lake man who lost control of his vehicle and hit a local worker entered a "not guilty" plea Thursday to serious injury by vehicle. Authorities believe 77-year-old James Lee Stevens lost control of his vehicle along Peoria Avenue in Spirit Lake the morning of Dec. 17 when he damaged property outside Dave Kuker Trucking, striking an employee of the business with the vehicle in the process. Stevens was additionally charged with driving with a suspended license due to past seizures...

The recent euthanizing of a three-year-old border collie mix in the Lakes Area has brought the subject of animal rights to the forefront for some Iowa Great Lakes residents. A Dickinson County Sheriff's deputy found the dog running along county road N-14 around 11:45 a.m. ...

A combination of cabin fever and a commitment to promoting commerce inspired a Lakes Area event that's now 40 years strong. This week will mark the 40th Annual University of Okoboji Winter Games. The first games were held Jan. 24 and 25, 1981, as part of an effort to promote the area outside of its typical tourist season. Kiley Zankowski, director of membership and events with the Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, said that same mission continues today...

Lakeside Lab encourages Winter Games participants to attend its Soup and Slide event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25. Families with children of all ages are invited to bring their sleds and appetites to the Lakeside Lab dining hall for both indoor and outdoor fun...

  The board of directors for Cherish Center is excited to announce Jessica Fox as their new executive director. Fox is inspired to be a part of an organization with a mission to transform lives. She said she is grateful to be in Iowa near family and friends. Fox has worked in a wide variety of roles dealing with vulnerable populations. Her background includes missionary work in Africa and administrative work in both Abu Dhabi and Colorado...

  Historic Arnolds Park Amusement Park in coordination with Imagine Iowa Great Lakes is excited to share the full vision of the Arnolds Park State Pier project. The State Pier renovation project will create a dynamic plaza space connecting two phases of the boardwalk project currently underway, creating a focal point at the terminus of Arnolds Park Promenade, which was completed in July of 2019...

Former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigeig was welcomed by a warm crowd during a frigid Thursday afternoon campaign stop at the Waterfront in Arnolds Park. The Democratic contender for the presidency had participated in a nationally televised debate two days before his arrival, and he told the Arnolds Park audience he feels equipped to challenge President Trump on not only economic and military issues, but on issues of common decency...

Beginning March 1, 2020, the Dickinson County Treasurer’s Office will require a bill of sale from customers when transferring titles for motor vehicles between private parties, according to Dickinson County Treasurer Kris Rowley. "A bill of sale or purchase agreement is already required for vehicles purchased from a dealership," she said. "This now expands to people buying and selling motor vehicles in private party transactions."...