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.

SAPS of OAKoboji is now open for business

The woodworking gift shop SAPS of OAKoboji opened its doors Memorial Day this year, bringing with it a wide variety of wholesale goods and hand-drawn wood burning artwork.

Lake levels are slowly falling back down to normal, but with most lakes still about an inch over emergency limit, Dickinson County Emergency Management considered what to do about the emergency five mile per hour rule currently being enforced on the lakes. After some discussion, the DCEM board ultimately decided to go by the numbers, and will be lifting the rule as soon as lakes are below the necessary levels for 72 hours straight.

Dickinson County Fair not hosting exhibit show

The Dickinson County Fair will not host an open class static exhibit show at the 2024 Dickinson County Fair. The fair hopes to reestablish the show for the 2025 fair and apologizes for any confusion this may cause.

Iowa Insurance Institute donates $10,000 to Red Cross

At 11 a.m. Thursday, June 25, willing workers are invited to join other volunteers and staff, as they set-up for the Friends of the Milford Library Book Sale. Set up will begin that morning with pizza and potluck to follow. Once everything is in place volunteers are able to shop early. Please let the library know if you plan to volunteer by calling 712-338-4643 or email info@milford.lib.ia.us.

Whitney Alecia Nuebel, age 37, of Spencer was arrested on the charge of driving while under the influence — first offense — at approximately 8:18 p.m. Saturday, July 6 near Clover Lane in Milford.

Marlys Kay Nichols, age 65, of Spirit Lake was arrested on the charge of driving while under the influence — first offense — at approximately 10:55 p.m. Saturday, July 6 near Highway 9 in Spirit Lake.

A service for Marilyn Claussen, age 88, of Spirit Lake, was held Tuesday, July 16 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Spirit Lake. Burial was in Rippey, Iowa. Marilyn passed away July 11 at Lakes Regional Healthcare in Spirit Lake.

Turner Jenness Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.