Harris-Lake Park School District recently broke ground on its new elementary school project in late August. According to principal Greg Hiemstra, the project is coming along nicely so far, with grounds currently being tested for foundational integrity. The project is projected to be finished by March of 2026.

"It could be done before," Hiemstra said. "But it comes down to weather, construction and all of that."

A Spirit Lake restaurant owner has been transported to Louisiana after being arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated rape and four counts of molestation of a juvenile. The charges stem from a case dating back to 1995.

Brent Wyman, age 59, of Spirit Lake was charged with disorderly conduct, assault and fifth degree theft at approximately 5:01 p.m. Monday, Sept. 30 near 17th Street in Spirit Lake.

A store employee was speaking with a customer outside of the establishment when Wyman allegedly pulled into the business' parking lot at high speeds, nearly striking the employee.

The Dickinson County Conservation Board (DCCB) has recently acquired five parcels of land located on the west side of the Little Sioux river, adjacent to the Little Sioux Savanna Wildlife Area. Through partnering with Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF), the help of Iowa Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) grant funds, the Conservation Foundation of Dickinson County (CFDC), and public donations, the DCCB acquired the land in August of this year.

The Iowa Great Lakes Chamber (IGLC) donated $2,500 to Dickinson County Trails (DCT) following another successful annual Oktoberfest Bike Ride.

"Erin Reed (with DCT) is great working with the chamber," said Morgan Strauss with IGLC. "She helped us put out all the signs for Oktoberfest. We couldn't have had a successful bike ride without Dickinson County Trails."

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation (Corridor) was joined by County Supervisors and City Officials Sept. 30 to proclaim October as Manufacturing Month in their respective communities.

Route 86 Music is pleased to announce the Student of the Month for September at Route 86 Music: Wesley Evenson of Milford. Wesley takes guitar lessons, and was chosen for making good progress on his instrument with a great positive attitude.

Upper Des Moines Opportunity INC. would like to brighten the Christmas of Dickinson County families experiencing financial difficulties.

The Upper Des Moines Opportunity Outreach Office is accepting applications for its Adopt a Family program, now through Dec 2. Stop by the office at 1575 18th Street in Spirit Lake to pick up an application or call it at (712) 336-1112.

The Iowa Rock 'n Roll Music Association (IRRMA) has announced that the 2024 Veterans Concert will be held from 5-8 p.m. Nov. 7 at the Roof Garden in Arnolds Park. This event will have live music provided by Galaxy. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the concert is from 6-8 p.m. Tickets will be available at the door. Veterans are admitted for free with their military ID. General admission tickets are $15 and $12 for members.

Milford Memorial Library will be closed on Monday, Oct. 14, in observance of Columbus Day. We look forward to seeing everyone when we reopen at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15.

Noah Dylan Scott, age 21, of Milford was arrested on the charge of assault on a police officer at approximately 6:34 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1 near P Avenue in Milford. According to the law enforcement report, Scott was initially being arrested for public intoxication charges when his arrest escalated to him biting the arresting officer. Scott was transported to the hospital first before being cleared to go to the Dickinson County Jail.

National Cookie Month is a delightful time for cookie lovers everywhere. Each October, as the air cools and leaves change, people come together to celebrate these delicious treats.

The celebration of National Cookie Month revolves around the love and nostalgia cookies inspire. Many people have fond memories of baking with family or enjoying a homemade cookie fresh from the oven. This month gives everyone an excuse to relive those moments, and create new ones.

Spirit Lake High School is celebrating homecoming this week with a number of dress-up days and activities to celebrate their student athletes coming home.

The theme this year is "Victory never tasted so sweet," each day being named after a different types of candy; said theme comes just in time too, as trick-or-treating is just around the corner with Halloween at the end of the month.

"There's no place like homecoming" is the theme of this year's Okoboji High School homecoming celebration. This year, there are plenty of celebrations and activities lined up for students, faculty and alumni to enjoy.

David Keith at the Spencer Hospital was recently surprised with the fact that he would be receiving the prestigious Iowa Hospital Association (IHA) Hospital Hero Award at the upcoming IHA annual meeting Oct. 9. The honor recognizes Keith's dedication as a healthcare provider, a commitment highlighted by his nomination.

He shared that he initially thought he was going to be attending a meeting about a pet project, only to be met by a surprise celebration with 30 of his colleagues.