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Milford Council reaffirms established Pioneer Days parade route

Everybody loves a parade — but not everyone loves changes to a parade route.

The Milford City Council on Monday voted unanimously to maintain the customary Milford Pioneer Days parade route in 2025.

Milford Police Chief Shilo Brevik brought the parade route to the council’s attention amid local and national safety concerns.

One week later: RAGBRAI Director lays groundwork for Milford stop

Celebration shifts to preparation for Milford as the city welcomes tens of thousands of riders and support teams to southern Dickinson County.

Milford residents learned their city will be an overnight stay for RAGBRAI LII on Saturday, Jan. 25. The border-to-border, touring bike ride across the state will welcome riders for Day 1 on Sunday, July 20.

Arnolds Park Council approves new city hall funding plans

Efforts to construct a new Arnolds Park City Hall shifted from council chambers to architects and bond attorneys following a Jan. 28 meeting.

Arnolds Park City Council members approved the sale of $15 million in general obligation capital loan notes with a 4-0 vote. The council plans to pay down the loan at $1.1 million annually.

Businesses honored at 2025 annual Corridor luncheon

A little recognition can go a long way.

Local businesses —and a few outstanding individuals — earned some much-appreciated attention Thursday during the Iowa Lakes Corridor annual business recognition luncheon. The Clay County Regional Events Center event featured guest speakers such as Iowa Lakes Community College executive dean Kyle Norris and “Iowa Nice Guy” filmmaker Scott Siepker.

Flood resiliency update from West Okoboji

It's been around seven months since historic flooding hit Dickinson County last June.

West Okoboji homeowners met with the Dickinson County Board of Supervisors about last summer’s damage — and to map out a plan to mitigate similar disasters in the future.

West Okoboji resident Tony Thelen told the board 30 homes were damaged from the flooding on June 21, 2024, in the Jones Beach area of Okoboji Boulevard.

ILUUF hosts Saugstad on Feb. 9

Join Iowa Lakes Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (ILUUF) at 10 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 9, in the Lakes Area Activity Center located at 2101 Zenith Avenue in Spirit Lake.

Allan Saugstad will be the featured speaker to discuss Project 2025.

ILUUF is an open-minded, open-hearted spiritual community helping people lead lives of justice, love, learning and hope. Fellowship is on the second and fourth Sundays of each month.

Boat & Watercraft Program highlighted at Iowa Lakes

The Iowa Lakes Community College Board of Trustees heard a marine industry update as part of its Tuesday, Jan. 21, board meeting. Boat & Watercraft Technician Program Coordinator Rick Brichta is a certified Master Technician with over 31 years of watercraft experience and 23 years as an educator at Iowa Lakes.

Spirit Lake receives two ag literacy grants

The Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation (IALF) has awarded nearly 120 grants to schools across Iowa as part of an effort to boost agriculture programming into classrooms and after-school programs.

Elementary teachers Nancy Dau and Jamie Nebelsick each received Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) grants.

Scholarships 02-06-25

MEDIACOM SCHOLARSHIP HAS MARCH 14 DEADLINE

Interested students are encouraged to apply by March 14, for a scholarships through Mediacom Communications. Information for the online application is available at schools in eligible communities.

The company is offering $1,000 “World Class Scholarships” to 60 high school seniors to obtain further education. The scholarship program is in its 24th consecutive year.

ILGA Chamber’s ‘Boji Burger Battle’ underway

Help “settle a beef” among nine great restaurants in the area.

The Iowa Great Lake Area Chamber of Commerce’s “Boji Burger Battle” takes place through Feb. 28. The competition includes nine signature burger entries.

Diners are the judges: Participating restaurants have a QR code on table tents for guests to scan and cast their vote. Voting takes place during kitchen hours only and patrons may only cast one vote per participating burger.

Community Briefs 02-06-25

LRH FOUNDATION GRAPE ESCAPE NEARS

The Lakes Regional Healthcare Foundation will host its Grape Escape signature tasting event and auction on Friday, Feb. 7, at the Roof Garden in Arnolds Park. The evening begins at 5:30 pm. with bubbles, bourbon and hors d’oeuvres. The three-course dinner, wine tasting and silent auction begins at 6:30 p.m. Felix and Fingers Dueling Pianos will provide the entertainment.

Dickinson County Historical Society seeks new leader

After four years of leadership, Dickinson County Historical Society Executive Director Mary Dreier will transition to a new role as a volunteer. The historical society’s Jan. 31 announcement opens the application window for her successor.

DNR public meetings to address hunting, trapping rule changes

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is hosting a series of town hall-style meetings where local staff will provide updates on recently completed hunting and trapping seasons, discuss possible changes to hunting and trapping rules and regulations and address other topics as requested.

Area residents will have two chances to participate in the town halls:

Say ‘I love you’ with a singing valentine

On Friday, Feb. 14, the  Iowa Lakes Men’s Quartet will deliver Singing Valentines to area residents and businesses, creating a fun and heartfelt way to express love and appreciation to sweethearts, family members, friends, employees, or customers.

Dressed in tuxedos, the quartet will serenade recipients with two songs, deliver a personalized valentine’s card and a rose, and capture the moment with a commemorative photograph.

Iowa Lakes calls for Jim Hall award nominees

The Iowa Lakes Community College Alumni & Friends Association invites nominations for the 32nd annual Jim Hall Outstanding Alumni Award. Established in 1992.

The award recognizes Iowa Lakes alumni who have made exceptional contributions to the community, business, school, and service clubs.

Knights of Columbus announces local spelling bee winners

Area boys and girls in grades 4-7 competed in the 2025 Knights of Columbus Spelling Bee. St. Joseph Council in Milford coordinated the always-entertaining contest with free on-site registration on Tuesday, Jan. 21 at Okoboji Middle School.

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