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2024 U of O Winter Games grow ever closer

For the past 43 years, thousands of people have gathered during the University of Okoboji Winter Games to celebrate winter in northwest Iowa, and registration is now open for new events as well as classic Winter Games favorites. Registration is available online at uofowintergames.com. Organizers expect slots to fill up quickly, and early registration is encouraged.

Vos named Realtor of the Year

Marilyn Vos has been named the 2023 Realtor of the Year by the Iowa Great Lakes Board of Realtors. Officials described Vos is a realtor who is passionate about her profession, but more so about giving to others. She is involved with several community organizations, including Youth in Philanthropy and the Dickinson County Endowment Fund Advisory Committee.

Pioneer Pride Marching Band places first at Small Town Showdown

The Pioneer Pride Marching Band completed its second season by placing first overall at the Small Town Showdown in State Center, with caption awards for Best Percussion, Best Color Guard and Best Soloist (Cole Becker, alto saxophone) and a strong finish at the Dutchmen Field Championships in Orange City.

Many Voices Choir to present holiday concerts

The Many Voices Choir will present its holiday concert "Sing We Now of Christmas" at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, December 2 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Estherville and again at 7:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Spirit Lake. Admission is free, and a free will offering is appreciated. The choir is under the direction of Timothy Schumacher, and the holiday concert will feature various soloists and instrumentalists, including the artistry of their accompanist DJ Gommels.

Iowa Lakes announces 24th annual Elizabethan Madrigal Feaste

Iowa Lakes Community College's Music Department recently announced the 24th Annual Elizabethan Madrigal Feaste. This year, the merriment shall commence at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 1 and 2 at the Janice K. Lund Performing Arts Center in Estherville. Ticket sales shall commence on Nov. 6, 2023.

Sirens 11-16-23

Johnathan Lowery, age 36, of Spirit Lake was charged with violation of protective order on Thursday, Nov. 2. A criminal complaint indicated the offense occurred on Oct. 19, 2023, in the 1200 block of 29th Street in Spirit Lake.

Spirit Lake Library News 11-16-23

Are you looking for books that you can check out, but don’t have to worry about due dates or if you accidentally lose them? We can help you with that at the Spirit Lake Public Library. We have a whole wall shelf loaded with paperbacks that are not bar coded, and therefore, do not need to be officially checked out. This shelf is located at the front of the library just to the right of the newspaper rack.

Seasons Center readies to reopen Spencer location

Seasons Center for Behavioral Health’s Administrative office, located at 201 E. 11th St. in Spencer, will be re-opening on Monday, Nov. 20, 2023.  The office has been closed for renovation since January. Effective Nov. 20, all adult services will resume at the 11th Street location.

Milford Memorial Library News 11-16-23

Milford Memorial Library will be closed Thursday, Nov. 23, through Saturday, Nov. 25, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. We look forward to seeing everyone at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 27. We wish you and your family a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

Tiefenthaler awarded degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic

Shaela Tiefenthaler of Okoboji graduated with a doctor of chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic's Main Campus in Davenport on Oct. 20, 2023. Palmer College of Chiropractic, the first and largest college in the chiropractic profession, has campuses in Davenport as well as San Jose, California; and Port Orange, Florida.

Community Briefs 11-16-23

Elderbridge seeking donations for holiday meals

Summit permit decision in Iowa not expected until next year

A monthslong evidentiary hearing for Summit Carbon Solutions’ pipeline permit in Iowa concluded this week with the final remaining testimony of landowners in the path of the company’s project.

Public casts ballots in favor of West Okoboji incumbents

Voters in the city of West Okoboji chose to reelect the three incumbent city council members on Tuesday's ballot.

Thiesen remains Terril mayor

Terril Mayor Julie Thiesen was reelected by her constituents, according to unofficial election night results. The incumbent received 57 votes for 70 percent of the vote. Her opponent Mollie Petersen earned 25 votes for about 30 percent of the vote.

Four Spirit Lake School Board members reelected - Voters choose Stecker as new face on school board

Every current member of the Spirit Lake School Board who filed candidacy papers to continue serving was supported at the polls this week, and candidate Mieka Stecker was voted to be the newest face on the board.

All five seats on the school board appeared on the ballot this cycle. A trio of full, four-year terms were set to appear on the 2023 ballot, and a pair of two-year terms were added following board resignations earlier this year.

Bice wins bid for Spirit Lake Mayor - Brockmeyer retains council seat, as public supports Johnson, Mensing

Spirit Lake City Council member Kevin Bice chose not to file for reelection this cycle and instead took what turned out to be a successful run for mayor of Spirit Lake.

Spirit Lake's current Mayor Bruce Kennan decided not to seek another term, and unofficial results show Bice overcame opponent Nate Vortherms with a vote of 860-363 — garnering about 70 percent of the Spirit Lake vote.

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