John Ford Coley said he didn't want to record the song that went on to define his career.

"Gosh no, neither Dan or I wanted to do that song," Coley laughed.

He’s referring to the song, "I'd Really Love to See You Tonight," a 1976 hit that made England Dan and John Ford Coley household names.

“They kept pushing us and pushing us,” Coley recalled. “We said ‘OK, fine,’ so we did it." 

When Mike Stein runs the half-marathon as part of University of Okoboji Homecoming weekend, he’ll be thinking about the 13.1 miles he has to cover. He hasn’t tackled the distance since undergoing neck surgery almost exactly a year ago.

He’ll also be thinking about the young girls who have to cover 3-4 miles each day on the other side of the world.

If the early-week forecast holds true, riders should have favorable conditions as they ride July 20-21 through the Iowa Great Lakes.

More than 20,000 cyclists will pass through town at the route goes west to east in the northern third of the state.

The Register’s Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI), will bring excitement to Milford and leave memories behind on Sunday, July 20.

After starting in Orange City, cyclists overnight at the Gateway to the Iowa Great Lakes before departing Monday, July 21 for Wahpeton, Superior and Estherville.

Join Dickinson County Nature Center staff as they take your family on a journey back in time to see what life was like through the eyes of Abbie Gardner.

“Family Nature Night: All About Abbie Gardner” will take place from 5-6 p.m. Friday, July 18, at the cabin in Arnolds Park. 

The Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office investigated a bicycle accident that claimed the life of an Okoboji man at 1:40 a.m. Thursday, July 3.

A sheriff’s statement said 40-year-old Neil Connolly of Okoboji was found unresponsive on the sidewalk after an apparent single bicycle accident.

Jensen Real Estate presents Free Movie by the Lake. Showtimes are at 8 p.m. on Preservation Plaza in Arnolds Park Amusement Park. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets.

July 23 — Inside Out 2 (2024) PG || A sequel that features Riley entering puberty and experiencing brand new, more complex emotions as a result. As Riley tries to adapt to her teenage years, her old emotions try to adapt to the possibility of being replaced.

Heritage Square Museum is one of the 13 museums in Dickinson County that is a member of the Lakes Area Museum Alliance (LAMA).

On Thursday, July 31, Heritage Square will be hosting an open house for its depot, prairie house and jail — all located at 22 Railroad Street — and the Knox Cabin in Lake Park’s beautiful city park. Hours are from 6:30-8 p.m.  All are welcome and encouraged to attend. Refreshments will be served.

• Comic strip musical runs July 22-27 

Okoboji Summer Theatre proudly presents the beloved musical “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.”

Based on the iconic Peanuts comic strip by Charles M. Schulz, this heartwarming production offers a joyful and honest look at childhood through a series of scenes filled with humor, imagination and sincerity. 

RAGBRAI and University of Okoboji Homecoming Weekend is June 19-21, but keep your calendar app open for one of the best and most-established town festivals in northwest Iowa.

The Milford Commercial Club organizes the Pioneer Days celebration each year. Attractions for all ages are possible because of the support of area businesses and local volunteers.

It’s the 57th year of having fun in Milford.

DICKINSON COUNTY CRASH LEADS TO INJURIES

The DCSO responded to a single motor vehicle accident near the intersection of 100th St and 240th Ave (M49) at around 10:31 p.m. Friday, July 4. 

Timothy Wikert, 70, of Pleasant Hill was driving a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado westbound on 100th St. Wikert failed to stop at the intersection of 240th Ave (M49) and entered the west ditch coming to rest in a field.

Thanks to the “Triple Play Project,” Spirit Lake kids have played ball on nicer fields and chased down foul balls at a nicer park.

Now, they’ll be able to use the restroom or get a snack in nicer surroundings too.

The city of Spirit Lake and council member Brett Johnson were on hand to commemorate a $400,000 donation for the construction of a new restroom and concession stand building at Aspen Seemann Memorial Park.

Do Lakes families and guests have what it takes to “survive” the obstacles of Survivor: Kenue Park Edition?

From 5:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, July 22, the Dickinson County Nature Center is offering a special program for youth 8 years and older, with at least one adult, to participate in this family-friendly competition. 

Families will advance through three challenges:

• Navigation, 

• Primitive fishing, and

• Axe throwing.

The area known for its free concerts and free movies by the lake should still have free parking for now.

Arnolds Park City Council member Mitch Watters expected the city’s street committee to set aside any pursuit of paid parking spaces in the tourism epicenter of the Iowa Great Lakes.

RAGBRAI isn't the only big cycling event hitting the Iowa Great Lakes this July. 

Come Saturday, July 12 at 7 a.m., a few hundred cyclists are going to be enjoying a ride around Big Spirit Lake. The Bike Ride Around Spirit Lake (BRASL) began when a group of bicycling enthusiasts from Spirit Lake formed a committee in early 1993 to help raise money for constructing a northern extension to the spine trail of the Dickinson County Recreational Trail system.