Milford Memorial Library will be opening at 1 p.m., on Wednesday, Oct. 30, due to Dickinson County Library staff development.

Join Milford Memorial Library for our weekly Building Bookworms Storytime at 10:30 a.m. Mondays. Take a look below for our themes. All materials and services are provided by the library free to participants. All kids and their adults are welcome to stay after storytime and mingle. For more information contact the library or check out our Facebook page.

Zion Marea Poole, age 24, of Spirit Lake was arrested on the charge of assault at approximately 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17 near the 2200 block of Hill Avenue in Spirit Lake. According to the criminal complaint, Poole had allegedly choked the victim and later admitted to the act.

Okoboji Performing Arts is hosting its annual All Hallows' Gala at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25 at the Roof Garden in Arnolds Park. The event acts as a fundraiser for the nonprofit as it moves into the 2025 season.

BY NICK LOWREY

STAFF WRITER

Iowa farmers are facing growing concerns over the state's abnormally dry weather conditions in recent months, which have left soils parched and increased the risk of fires during the critical fall harvest season.

Citizens discuss tax rates, transparency, AirBnB and more

Iowa Senator Dave Rowley visited with the Dickinson County Taxpayers Association at the Arrowwood Resort in Okoboji late last week. Among the items discussed were the recently introduced House File 718,  AirBnB regulations, transparency with public officials, the Summit carbon pipeline and the Red Rock wind energy turbine project.

TAXES

A total of 27 Iowa college students recently received a full-tuition scholarship for two years at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC). Among those selected was former Okoboji High School student Amy Martin.

American paddlefish re-introduced to Okoboji chain of lakes after 100-year absence

After a century-long absence, a grand total of 1,900 American paddlefish are now swimming freely throughout the Okoboji chain of lakes. The final 400 paddlefish of this initial stocking were placed into Emerson Bay last Friday evening.

Halloween has many spooky and scary myths about local wildlife. Join the Dickinson County Nature Center staff for their annual event — Howlin’ Halloween: Unmasking the Monsters, from 5-6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25.

“This is a fun opportunity to learn about animals that may seem spooky and subside the fears associated with them,” said Amy Heibult, community relations coordinator for the Nature Center.

Advocates from a seven-state region will converge at Iowa Lakeside Laboratory Oct. 11-13 to hear discussions and insight about common-sense climate solutions and how to create tangible change with Americans from across the political spectrum coming together to solve the problem.

The conference is being organized by Citizens’ Climate, a nonpartisan, nonprofit, volunteer-powered organization that encourages individual breakthroughs in personal and political power.

Join us in welcoming author, Allen Eskens, at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19 in the Milford Community Center. Allen Eskens is a retired Minnesota defense attorney turned author. His writings of mystery, thriller, and suspense has earned him multiple awards.  During his visit, the audience will experience a presentation and book signing. This  free event sponsored by the Friends of the Milford Library, Arnolds Park Library, and the Spirit Lake Public Library.

Jason Lynn Woodard, age 51, of Milford was arrested on charges of second-degree theft, altering vehicle identification numbers, possession of controlled substance — third or subsequent offense — possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to provide proof of insurance at approximately 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29 near the 3300 block of Highway 71 in Milford.

Public notice is given that the City Council of the City of Terril, Iowa will hold a public hearing on Oct. 21 at Terril City Hall to consider amending its water rate ordinance Chapter 92. The council will consider increasing the water rate from $32 per first 1000 gallons to $39.04 per first 1000 gallons and from $8 to $9.76 for additional 1000 gallons. A $4 debt reduction fee will be charged per month.

Trees Forever works with Aliant Energy to rejuvenate Arnolds Park

Jeff Jensen, director of community programs with Trees Forever, hosted a tree-planting event at Central Park in Arnolds Park this Monday, Oct. 7. The volunteer program saw seven new trees planted around the park.

"We're going to be finding out how to plant these trees," Jensen said. "And we'll get a demonstration of our motto; don't plant too deep."

Harris-Lake Park School District recently broke ground on its new elementary school project in late August. According to principal Greg Hiemstra, the project is coming along nicely so far, with grounds currently being tested for foundational integrity. The project is projected to be finished by March of 2026.

"It could be done before," Hiemstra said. "But it comes down to weather, construction and all of that."

A Spirit Lake restaurant owner has been transported to Louisiana after being arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated rape and four counts of molestation of a juvenile. The charges stem from a case dating back to 1995.