Update: The Dickinson County Courthouse closed Wednesday, Feb. 22 due to weather, delaying that morning's continued jury selection.

Attorneys expect sex abuse trial to carry into next week

The Harris-Lake Park School Board received another update Monday on possible improvements to its school buildings — this week's update included rough cost estimates to help guide the board's decision.

County officials were glad to read a district court judge's recent decision regarding a dispute between an area homeowners association and Dickinson County Drainage District 45.

A Milford man who was accused in April 2021 of sexually abusing several individuals on separate occasions will serve 30 days in jail as part of a plea bargain.

Rylan Robert Harbst was initially charged in May of 2021 with three counts of third-degree sexual abuse — all Class C felonies — as well as indecent contact with a child and two misdemeanor counts of supplying alcohol to a person the legal age.

The Youth In Philanthropy program of the Okoboji Foundation continues to seek donations to reach their fundraising goal of $55,000. Donations will be used to provide grants to area organizations steered by student decision. Fundraising will continue through March 31.

Members of the Spirit Lake Fire Department were honored during the department's annual awards night Jan. 14, at The Venue in Spirit Lake. Pictured from left to right are Joe Hopkins and Greg Spaethe, who were both named Firefighter of the Year, Gabe Kuhnen, who was recognized for five years of service, Michael Garland Jr., who was recognized for 10 years of service, Mike Garland, who was recognized for 20 years of service, and Fire Chief Pat Daly who was recognized for 40 years of service.

Nick Goodenow of Okoboji has a long track record of serving others. University of Iowa officials said his commitment to service began when he was young, continued throughout college and will carry on through his new job as a public defender for the state of Colorado next year.

As a public defender, Goodenow will have the opportunity to guide indigent clients in criminal proceedings by defending and protecting their rights, liberties and dignity.

Okoboji School District showcased their contributions to STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education in Iowa on Feb. 8 during STEM Day at the Capitol. The event, held at the State Capitol Building, was hosted by the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council and sponsored by Collins Aerospace.

A long-standing tradition, the Lenten Ecumenical Services, which were temporarily suspended due to COVID for the past two years, will return for its 45th season. Several local churches have been sponsoring nondenominational ecumenical services since 1978. In case of inclement weather, a cancellation notice will be aired on local radio stations.

Spencer Hospital president Bill Bumgarner announced on Feb. 16 that he will be retiring on Dec. 29 of this year.

“I'll be celebrating my 65th birthday in October and will have served 41 years in hospital leadership and over 14 years as Spencer Hospital’s president,” Bumgarner said. “My wife Karen and I have agreed the time has come to enjoy the next phase of our life together.”

Spirit Lake woman charged after allegedly fleeing rollover

Friday evening, 42-year-old Jolynn Pullen, of Spirit Lake, was taken into custody after allegedly wrecking her 2012 Chevrolet Malibu in the 3100 mile of U.S. Highway 71, and reportedly fleeing the scene.

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services recently announced that 96 community water systems in Iowa have been awarded a Water Fluoridation Quality Award from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Fluoridation is the adjustment of fluoride in drinking water to a level that is effective for preventing tooth decay.

There is only one month to go until the first day of spring, and you know what that means? Spring cleaning! In the next month or two, many of you will probably be going through boxes, drawers and shelves of stuff … including books. The Spirit Lake Public Library does take donations of some library materials, however, we are very limited on storage space, so we have to be rather selective on what we accept. Also, we don’t have the staff to take care of large quantities of donated materials.

The Spark Joy Program with Shannon Huneycutt will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023. Attendees will learn the KonMari philosophy and guiding principles needed to tidy once and for all and leave feeling motivated to Spark Joy in your home, office and life. Be sure to have a standard t-shirt and a pair of pants ready for the folding activity, as you will be learning the famous KonMari Vertical folding technique.

Lakes Regional Healthcare has been named one of the Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals in the United States for the fifth year in a row by The Chartis Center for Rural Health.