Thomas gives a rundown on what to expect

West Lake Okoboji will be transformed into scuba heaven Jan. 30 to Feb. 2 when the 8th annual Ice Hole Festival returns with fun and events for instructors and certified divers.

Lower Gar Outlet discussion continued at the Tuesday, Jan. 21, Dickinson County Board of Supervisors meeting — and local officials are still frustrated by the FEMA’s lack of progress.

Supervisor Steve Dullard proposed a resolution setting a deadline for the county to receive information from FEMA by Feb. 10. The board voted unanimously against the resolution, but the supervisors did say they wanted weekly updates on the Lower Gar project from here on out.

Rowley: ‘Bousselot is serious’ | Wills: Idea ‘pretty much just hyperbole’

State Sen. Mike Bousselot’s plan to shift Iowa’s northern border — by adding nine southern Minnesota counties — drew attention in the first week of the 2025 legislative session.

The area’s representatives in the Iowa General Assembly differ slightly on how viable the Ankeny Republican’s “Make Minnesota Iowa Again” proposal is, however.

The Tipsy House at Arnolds Park Amusement Park has brought in guests since the early 1900s. — and many of those guests likely passed underneath the Legend-themed archway dozens of times to get there.

This year, both Arnolds Park icons are getting renovations.

BY STEVE WEISMAN

OUTDOORS EDITOR

The framework for the 10th annual Okoboji Blue Water Festival (OBWF) scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 9, at the Preservation Plaza green space in Arnolds Park is rapidly coming together. Even though it’s still nearly seven months away OBWF co-chairs Greg Drees and Julie Peterson say they have recently secured the headliner and musical opening act.

Snowblowers may be fairly idle so far in 2025, but the area will be busier than ever for the 45th University of Okoboji Winter Games. Chair Andy Lux, co-chair Mickey Harrington, the Iowa Great Lakes Chamber of Commerce staff, Winter Games Cheerleaders, service organizations, the hospitality industry and an army of volunteers are ready to showcase what the region has to offer.

The Iowa Lakes Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (ILUUF) presents Muhammad Talha at 10 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 26 at the Lakes Area Activity (Senior) Center located at 2101 Zenith Avenue in Spirit Lake.

For the second year in a row, Citizens Community Credit Union was named to Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Regional Banks and Credit Unions for 2025.

The list, which recognizes the top 500 regional banks and top 500 regional credit unions in the United States, included just three Iowa-based credit unions — with Citizens being the only of the three that received a five-star designation.

During the grand opening of Fareway's new Spirit Lake store, customers were asked to round up to the nearest dollar to benefit Spirit Lake Middle School Partners in Education (P.I.E.) work. The group strives to enhance the educational experience students in grades 5-8 by funding teacher requests, field trips, books, classroom supplies and more. Thanks to the generosity of Fareway customers, $681.25 was raised.

Grocery store will focus primarily on breakfast and burgers

Hy-Vee, Inc. announced on Jan. 20 that it will transition all its in-store restaurant locations across the Midwest to Hy-Vee Market Grille locations with a new menu that primarily focuses on breakfast and burgers. Beginning Feb. 4, all Hy-Vee restaurants will offer a new breakfast menu. A new lunch and dinner menu will roll out throughout the month of February.

The Spirit of Okoboji is pleased to announce the addition of five accomplished professionals to its Board of Directors, further strengthening the organization's leadership and commitment to community enrichment. These new members bring expertise, diverse perspectives and a shared dedication to advancing the Spirit of Okoboji mission of enhancing life in the Iowa Great Lakes region for both residents and visitors.

Joining the Board are:

Iowa Rock’n Roll Hall of Fame inductees announced

HUNGER COALITION PLANS DRIVE-THRU EVENT

The Dickinson County Hunger Coalition is doing a drive-thru event at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, from Iowa Lakeside Labs near Wahpeton. The coalition will be giving away 500 pork loins that are 3-5 pounds each. 

LAKE PARK AUDIT RELEASED

The Iowa Lakes Community College Music Department announces the 2025 Jazz Band Contest for Jan. 23-24 at the Janice K. Lund Performing Arts Center on the Estherville Campus at 300 South 18th Street.

The highly anticipated Live At The Lake 2025 Summer Free Concert Series is set to kick off this May with a lineup of tribute bands, award-winning artists and live performances. This summer, enjoy free concerts every Saturday, along with special performances on Friday, July 4, and Sunday, July 6, at the picturesque Preservation Plaza located within the campus of Arnolds Park Amusement Park.