Pieces of history are once again coming to the surface at the Abbie Gardner Cabin Museum in Arnolds Park.

Court feels defense narrative seems 'reverse-engineered'

The Iowa Court of Appeals has upheld the conviction of a Lake Park man who was found guilty last year of sexually abusing two young relatives — both under the age of 12.

Three local teachers are among 82 teachers participating in the 2023 Iowa STEM Teacher Externships Program, which provides teachers the opportunity to work at local STEM businesses, nonprofits, government services and other workplaces to gain work experiences that can be applied in the classroom. Since the program’s launch in 2009, the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council has organized more than 800 externship experiences throughout the state.

Andrew John Schwager, age 37, was booked into the Dickinson County Jail at 4:28 p.m. Thursday, June 29 on a previous court decision. He is scheduled for release Tuesday, July 27, 2023.

Clifton David Taylor, age 50, was booked into the Dickinson County Jail at 11:05 p.m. Thursday, June 29 on the charge of violation of probation. Bond was set at $2,000.

This is the last week for the Summer Reading Program at the Spirit Lake Public Library. All logs must be turned in by 4 p.m., Friday July 14. Next week we will begin the Extended Summer Reading Program. We want to keep those kids reading. It will be a scaled-back version of what we’ve been doing for the last seven weeks. The Extended SRP will go through Friday, Aug. 11.

Upcoming Activities at SLPL

The annual nonprofit challenge, hosted by the Okoboji Foundation, encourages giving to the local nonprofits who have partner funds with the Okoboji Foundation. The nonprofit fund that receives the highest amount of donations during the month of July will receive a matching grant of up to $5,000 from the Okoboji Foundation.

Students in grades four through 12 are invited to join MML and the Milford Scouts from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, July 11 at the library, as we complete activities based off of the popular I Survived book series by Lauren Tarshis. This a is free program and registration is not required, but is encouraged. Register by calling 712-338-4643 or emailing milfordlibrary51351@gmail.com.

The Summer Reading Challenge continues through July 28. The program is free and easy — read books and do fun tasks to win a prize and a brag tag. Please stop by the library to sign up.   

Did you know the Friends of the Lake Park Public Library will be having their annual book sale on July 8? The sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lake Park Community Center at 903 South Market St. Stop in and pickup some beach reads and pool books. Cash only, please.

Bower, Carstens named to Huskers' spring deans' list

West O continues Summer Fun Runs

It was too fast for anyone without a camera ready.

County officials voted Tuesday to award a multimillion dollar contract to Steffes Companies of Milford for the construction of a large-scale public park in Okoboji.

Annual ride raised $400,000 to combat human trafficking

Even passersby could sense the building excitement Friday afternoon as supporters of the Break the Cycle 200 Okoboji Ride watched for dozens of cyclists to take their final turn of the annual ride. The group pedaled about 200 miles from the Des Moines area that day, in an effort to raise funds to combat human trafficking.

Spirit Lake Walmart Store Manager Jordan Butler and staff recently presented a check for $2,000 to the YMCA of the Okobojis. This gift, made possible by a Walmart Giving grant, will help the Y provide healthy snacks to kids in the Y-Kids program during the school year. (Photo submitted)

Members of the University of Okoboji Corvette Club recently presented a check for $3,000 to the Okoboji Foundation to assist in annual grant funding opportunities. The donation was a result of proceeds from the annual annual Autocross and Vettes in the Park events.