A $10,000 contribution toward the development of an inclusive playground in Spirit Lake remained unchanged after the issue was taken up again by the Spirit Lake City Council during a special Friday session.

Milford firefighters discovered a woman's body while responding to a house fire Thursday morning.

A statement from Milford Fire Chief Jim Carpenter said crews were called at 7:23 a.m. to the 1000 block of L. Avenue in Milford. A neighbor had reported seeing smoke coming from the home, according to the statement, and firefighters called for mutual aid from Arnolds Park/Okoboji Fire Department before leaving the fire station.

This story has been updated after authorities confirmed the victim's name and his passing after the fire.

Firefighters with the Lake Park Fire Department were able to initially rescue a man before a house fire consumed a home in the 300 block of Fifth Street in Lake Park early Thursday, July 13, but officials confirmed the man did not survive.

This story was updated Tuesday, July 18, 2023, after museum staff contacted the car's owner.

Speeder car not an anonymous donation, will be moved

It was unlikely someone just forgot where they parked their little, red railcar.

Local trailer park residents see few options ahead of lease cancellations

Residents of a trailer court near the heart of Arnolds Park feel trapped between a rock and hard place.

More than 850 people have already signed up to run, bike or swim — or do all three — during the annual University of Okoboji Homecoming Races.

It won't be long until the Dickinson County Fairgrounds are bustling with the sights and sounds fowl, foals, calves and kids. And though county fairs often conjure images of traditional agriculture for many, fair organizers said local youth programming has expanded beyond just the traditional animal shows and home-crafts.

Many in the broader Lakes Area community were saddened to learn 62-year-old Randy Loerch of Spirit Lake passed away after a motor vehicle accident early this week.

Obituary information said Loerch sustained injuries in the accident and passed away Sunday, July 9 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Curious faces couldn't help but sneak a few early peaks through the sliding doors of the Pearson Lakes Art Center's new Art Smart space last week.

Iowa's State Auditor Rob Sand met with a few dozen locals during a July 6 stop in Spirit Lake's Memorial Park.

Members of the Spirit Lake Chamber of Commerce were on hand Tuesday, July 11 as they welcomed L-Miller Plumbing as a new business. Owner Lewie Miller said he relocated to the area about 24 years ago, and has been plumbing for more than 20 years. He eventually felt drawn toward starting his own business and launched L-Miller Plumbing less than two months ago.

Members of the Spirit Lake Chamber of Commerce took a trip across county lines Monday to visit Fast Eddie's Detail in Estherville. Jeff Kautz and his son Alec said they have eight years of experience detailing a wide variety of vehicles, including trucks, cars, motorcycles, boats and more.

Northwest Bank locations in Spencer, Milford, Arnolds Park, Spirit Lake and Estherville celebrated customer appreciation day on June 23. Each location provided ice cream treats and a drawing in which the winner received a prize package along with the opportunity to select a local charity for Northwest Bank to make a cash donation to.

Northwest Bank added to the celebration by sponsoring a community shred day at multiple bank locations.

The public is invited to join the Spirit of Harmony Chorus as they present pre-show entertainment at 7:30 p.m., Friday, July 21 before the Okoboji Summer Theatre production of "Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike."

Ethan Kroll, age 26, of Ricketts, was charged with intimidation. A Spirit Lake Police report indicated Kroll was reported Thursday, June 29 for an incident which took place on February 1, 2023. The report listed an address in the 1600 block of Ithaca Avenue in Spirit Lake.

Jerry Lee Hargreaves, age 45, of Mankato, Minnesota, was charged with trespassing at approximately 10:15 a.m. Sunday, July 2 in the 2400 block of Chicago Avenue in Spirit Lake.