On July 3, the Iowa Finance Authority announced the allocation of $660,000 in annual Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and $953,456 in state HOME funds to Community Housing Initiatives (CHI) for the Summerfield Park Apartments project in Spirit Lake.

Milford Memorial Library and the Friends of the Milford Library Foundation would like to thank everyone who came out and supported the book sale. The money raised will be used to help with special library programming and projects. Thank you again for your support!

Milford Memorial Library’s 2024 Summer Reading Program is almost over. All Reading Logs are due on Friday, Aug. 2. Winners of prize drawings will be notified the following week.

Lexie Jean Sherman, age 26, of Wells, Minnesota was arrested on the charge of operating while under the influence — first offense — at approximately 12:48 a.m. Friday, July 26 near Highway 71 in Spirit Lake.

Keyton Alan Kraus, age 19, of Lakefield, Minnesota was arrested on the charge of possession/purchase of alcohol by person 18/19/20 — first offense — at approximately 11:47 p.m. Friday, July 26 near Highway 71 in Arnolds Park.

Winners in the 2024 Iowa State Pedal Pull Association meet were recently announced by the Pioneer Days Committee.

The official pull was held Friday, July 26, during the Pioneer Days Celebration in Milford. First, second, and third-place finishers have an opportunity to advance to the state competition.

• Powder Puff –  First: Cassie Davids; Second: Hilary Henningsen; Third: Kelsey Wolthuis of Fostoria.

Nearly 1,200 participants from 27 different states and three countries competed in various races across the Great Lakes Region Saturday morning. (Photos by Stewart Chisham)

The Dickinson County Board of Supervisors approved a motion to use Beck Engineering for drone flight evaluation for four joint drainage districts between Dickinson County and Osceola County during their Tuesday, July 23 meeting. After record-breaking flooding and large-scale damages being done to the joint tile, Dickinson County Engineer Cole Budach recommended the drone evaluation after some discussion Tuesday.

Milford's annual Pioneer Days celebration is inching its way closer, festivities officially kicking off this coming Friday, July 26. Pioneer Days serves as a homecoming for the community, whether they be living here, former residents, friends, family and loved ones. With dozens of activities planned for 2024's celebration, this year's Pioneer Days appears to have plenty for everyone.

FUN FRIDAY

The Iowa Lakes Community College Music Department invites the community to a free concert at 6 p.m. on Sunday, August 11, at the Janice K. Lund Performing Arts Center on the Estherville Campus. This concert marks the grand finale of the third annual All-State Choir Camp, a no-cost camp designed for high school students, which takes place from August 10-11. Enjoy an evening of incredible music as talented students showcase the skills they've honed during the camp.

The Dancers Unlimited Competition Team based out of Spirit Lake recently traveled to Minneapolis to compete at Nationals. A total of 11 dancers and six routines competed over the weekend and the team took home a first place national champion title in the contemporary category, a first place national champion title in the jazz category, and a second place runner up trophy in the hip hop category.

The Iowa Great Lakes Knights of Columbus Council 5043 thanks the entire community for its generosity in supporting its pancake breakfast for flood victim relief in Spencer, Rock Rapids and Estherville. The breakfast was held Sunday, July 21 at St. Mary’s Parish Hall, Spirit Lake.

Kinleigh Warburton, left, age 9, was crowned Little Miss Dickinson County Fair Queen in ceremonies Saturday, July 20 during the 2024 Dickinson County Fair. Kinleigh, the daughter of Mike and Jessie Warburton, of rural Milford, competed with four others for the crown. The 2024 Dickinson County Fair Queen, Kelsey Ehret, right, was also crowned during the ceremonies. Kelsey, 17, is the daughter of Brandon Ehret and Lynette Ehret, of Lake Park. (Photo submitted)

The mobile food pantry from the Food Bank of Iowa is returning again. The free distribution will take place from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1, at the Good News Estherville Church. The food will be distributed inside the church. Recipients are asked to bring bags, laundry baskets or boxes to carry the food. At the June 27 Food Bank, 493 individuals (182 families) received 8,465 lbs.

William Joseph Palmer, age 54, of Spirit Lake was arrested on charges of operating while under the influence — first offense —  speeding and a scheduled violation of windshield and window requirements at approximately 3:09 p.m. Monday, July 15 near Highway 71 in Spirit Lake.

Ryan Jordan Nelson, age 44, of Spirit Lake was arrested on the charge of driving while license revoked at approximately 3:53 p.m. Tuesday, July 16 near the corner of Erie Avenue and Highway 71 in Spirit Lake.

As outlined in the Dickinson County High-Water Plan, when the last gauge falls below the pre-determined emergency level, a 72-hour waiting period will begin prior to the 5mph rule being lifted. At 6 a.m. Wednesday, July 17, West Okoboji fell below 6.20 feet on the USGS gauge. Therefore, the five mile per hour rule will be removed on all lakes in Dickinson County at 6 a.m. Saturday, July 20, barring any rainfall that would bring the level back up to 6.20 feet.

The Dickinson County 4-H/FFA Fair is right around the corner, and with it comes a myriad of exciting festivities for the whole family to enjoy. Enjoy some farm-fresh food and see displays of critters, creativity and a collection of other activities when the fair begins this Saturday, July 20. The fair is located, as always, at the fairgrounds located at 1600 15th Street in Spirit Lake.