Cost estimates to come

The Harris-Lake Park School Board viewed some initial design plans for possible upgrades at one if not both of the district's two buildings.

A chilling performance by Mother Nature prompted Okoboji Summer Theatre officials to take their cue early on Saturday and announce the playhouse's 2023 lineup a few hours ahead of schedule. OST's traditional omelet breakfast fundraiser was recast as a freewill offering with several dozen doughnuts, and staff outlined the theatre's anticipated performances to avoid potential travel issues later in the day.

Some area students are seeking support for an outdoor initiative to promote literacy among young families.

A district court judge will allow additional depositions in the case against a former area school bus driver accused of inappropriate contact with a student.

Correction: The Sirens section of the Jan. 26, 2023, Dickinson County News contained an error. A subsection was mistakenly entitled "Kansas woman seriously injured after collision on Highway 9." The injured party was actually a resident of Lake Park, as the body of the text made clear. Online versions of the newspaper were corrected after the error was realized, but hard copies of the newspaper went to print before the change could be made.

Members of the Spirit Lake Chamber of Commerce pulled double duty Tuesday afternoon as they visited Natural Family Chiropractic and Essential Float. The two businesses share a suite space in the renovated Stevens Block near the corner of Hill Avenue and Lake Street in Spirit Lake – the building most recently housed the YMCA of the Okoboji's Healthy Living Program Center, and ongoing renovations aim to house multiple businesses within the building.

A total of 20 bridge players opted for a warm, indoor activity Friday, Jan. 27 as part of the 2023 Winter Games. Winners at the tournament, which was held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Milford, were Janice Breidinger (left) who was the night's low-place winner and Carolyn Rossie (right) who was the high-place winner. (Photo submitted)

In celebration of National Unclaimed Property Day, held annually on Feb. 1, State Treasurer Roby Smith is sharing the newest report of unclaimed funds in the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt for Dickinson County.

"In 2022, more than $150,300 was reported to the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt for Dickinson County residents, meaning you or someone you know could have money waiting to be claimed," Smith said.

Peggy Jo Binkley, age 51, of Okoboji was charged with shoplifting at approximately 9:28 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20 at the Spirit Lake Walmart.

Aaron James Cameron V, age 22, was booked into the Dickinson County Jail at 2:07 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26 on violation of his probation. Bond was set at $5,000.

1,000 books before kindergarten

The Spirit Lake Public Library invites you to read 1,000 books with your child before she or he starts kindergarten.

Mark your calendars for MML’s Blind Date with a Book. There will be no awkward or forced conversions and no need to call. There will be no title or description on the wrapping. You will only know the book’s genre. It could be a diamond in the rough or one you want to return right away. You won’t know until you check it out. Pick up your book date Feb 1-28.

People interested in making a lasting impact for children and families in their communities are needed to help the Court Appointed Special Advocate program of Rural Northwest Iowa to better serve Dickinson County. CASA volunteers come from all walks of life and various backgrounds. They are paired with youth and children in the child welfare system and get to know those children and their families.

Mobile Food Pantry returning to Estherville

The mobile food pantry from the Food Bank of Iowa is returning again. The free distribution will take place from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2, at the Good News Estherville Church. Recipients are asked to bring bags, laundry baskets or boxes to carry the food. At the January Food Bank, 282 individuals (111 families) received 5,125 lbs. of food. Questions may be directed to Good News Estherville Church at 712-362-4984.

Area landowners are asking the county to hire a Des Moines law firm to help establish setbacks and other specifics regarding a pair of carbon pipelines which may cross Dickinson County.

Organizers with the University of Okoboji Winter Games said the weekend's kite festival has been a constant topic of conversation each year since its debut in 2019. And this year, the large-scale kites are expected to be an even bigger spectacle, as dozens of visiting fliers launch models fitted with LEDs for display after dark.