After contesting a city-sanctioned demolition, the owner hopes to tear down the house on 2010 Jackson Avenue.

On Wednesday, Aug. 14, the Spirit Lake City Council discussed whether or not to move forward with the demolition of an old Spirit Lake residence — now, property owner Reuben Schooley has been given until Nov. 27 to demolish the home.

Since 1997 Labor Day Weekend has brought thousands of people from all over the country to the Iowa Great Lakes Region to honor musicians and music industry giants as they are inducted into the Iowa Rock ’n Roll Music Association Hall of Fame (IRRMA).

Two of the Class of 2024 are area residents who have taken their musical talents far beyond the Lakes Region.

The end of the Highway 71 project is nearing, and with construction beginning on Sept. 3, officials with Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) say they hope to be finished with the project by November.

Construction on Stakeout Road in Okoboji is beginning next Tuesday, Sept. 3. Construction will be from north of the Charleston Beach Road intersection, south around the curve to Okoboji City Hall. Local traffic will be able to move through the construction zone, though all through traffic is expected to detour around it via 175th Street to access Highway 71.

Construction on Stakeout Road is slated to be finished on Oct. 18.

The Okoboji Queen Questers Chapter 1489 presented a $5,000 check to the Dickinson County Historical Society recently. The donation will be matched by an anonymous donor. This donation was given to assist the historical society in raising funds for the historic Milwaukee Depot renovation project, "Bringing the Depot to LIFE!"

The Treasure Village Flea Market & Antique Show runs from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31 through Monday, Sept. 2.

The Labor Day flea market features antiques, furniture, flags, lawn decore, metal art, quilts, sports cards, crochet,  tools, hats, candles, soaps, coffee and more. Homemade businesses include Thirty-One, Tastefully Simple, Paparazzi Jewelry, Norwex, Pampered Chef, Lilla Rose and more.

The Disaster Recovery Center in Woodbury County will move to a new location Wednesday, Aug. 28. The Center in Dickinson County will close at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27 and reopen at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3.

Milford Memorial Library will be closed on Monday, Sept. 2, in observance of Labor Day. We look forward to seeing everyone when we reopen on 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3. Have a fun and safe holiday weekend.

Timothy John Sather, age 37, of Arnolds Park was arrested on the charge of violation of a protective order at approximately 2:23 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13. According to the criminal complaint, Sather unlawfully texted an individual with a protection order against him.

South Okoboji Development has finalized the sale of approximately 17 acres of land to Green Acres Homes for the purpose of creating a new residential community in Milford.

The Dickinson County Trail Board is excited to announce that the trail connection from Lake Park to Spirit Lake is now officially open. Rain early in the summer delayed completion of the last segment but there are still plenty of days left in the season to enjoy this beautiful and peaceful 11.5-mile ride between Tanka Ska Trailhead in Spirit Lake and downtown Lake Park.

U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley came to Spirit Lake on Monday, Aug. 19, to discuss key issues with media and workers, such as the upcoming Farm Bill and local flooding concerns. The visit is part of Grassley's annual 99 county tour throughout the state of Iowa.

FLOODING

After nearly 150 years, the property, deemed a nuisance by city administration, is set to be torn down this week

The Spirit Lake City Council decided to move forward with the demolition of an old Spirit Lake residence during last Wednesday's board meeting.

The property, located at 2010 Jackson Avenue in Spirit Lake, is said to be anywhere between 145 to 150 years old, according to owner Rueben Schooley.

A new playground to be constructed in Speier Park is progressing on schedule. At the Okoboji City Council meeting on Aug. 13, final approval was given to the bid from Jon Roy Construction for $83,581 to complete the project.

City Administrator Michael Meyers told the council that the bids for the old playground equipment closed on July 30.

A plaque dedicated to Knights of the Templar was discovered just a week before Templar Park's 100-year anniversary

Just over a century ago, the arch of Templar Park was constructed along with a large, bronze plaque which read the phrase, "Presented to the Grand Commandery. Knights of the Templar of Iowa. By Ace Webster. Grand Commander. 1923-1924."