The Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council awarded Spirit Lake Elementary School with a $3,500 Code Iowa technology award for their participation in the "Hour of Code." The school is one of more than 500 schools and organizations in Iowa taking part in the international movement to introduce one hour of computer coding to their students.

The student of the month program allows faculty members to recognize students for outstanding performance in one or more of the following: academic excellence; special effort in the classroom activities; concern for learning, positive citizenship, hard work and/or other personal behavior which enhances the general school and classroom atmosphere.

The Festival of Trees results are in. The community voted on the tress on Dec. 2-3. The winners are:
Best Personal/Family Tree -- The Grinch
Best Organization Tree -- Milford Girl Scouts
Best Business Tree/Most Creative -- Little Sprouts Daycare
Librarian's Choice -- Milford Communications

**GOLKE PARTICIPATES IN CHRISTMAS CONCERTS

The Arnolds Park Public Library has a series of upcoming events:
* Tuesday, Dec. 6
Books -- "Llama Llama Holiday Drama" by Anna Dewdney and "Santa Claus --The world's number one toy expert" by Marla Frazee. For a craft visitors can create fingerprint Christmas lights and a gingerbread house sticker scene
* Tuesday, Dec. 13

Sunshine Foods in Milford was the winner of the 2016 Holiday Fantasy chili/soup contest on Saturday, Dec. 3, during Holiday Fantasy activities in Milford. Sunshine Foods cooked and served smoked brisket chili. The 12 competitors included: Boji Junction, Hicks Family Practice, Northwest Bank, Edward Jones, St. Joseph Catholic Church, MHR Insurance, Sunshine Foods, AnnLeo, Milford Communications, Mill Creek Lounge, Perkins and the Milford Fire Department.

The first of Iowa's popular shotgun deer seasons is Dec. 3-7. when an expected 75,000 orange clad hunters head to the timber. That group will be followed by 50,000 hunters who prefer the Dec. 10-18 second gun season.
Each contingent will also pack along thousands of antler-less tags to extend their time in the field. Fans of cold weather purchase about 40,000 tags for the Dec. 19 through Jan. 10 late muzzleloader season.

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey on Friday, Dec. 9, encouraged Iowa fuel retailers and gas stations to submit nominations for the Secretary's Renewable Fuels Marketing Awards, which recognize fuel retailers that have gone above and beyond in their efforts to sell renewable fuels. Awards are presented for both the marketing of ethanol and biodiesel.

On Nov. 19, the El Forastero Motorcycle Club in Milford held its annual Thanksgiving food drive for Dickinson County Upper Des Moines Opportunity Inc (UDMO). The club tries to go above and beyond, making sure that there is food for people of need in Dickinson County. It opened its doors to anyone who would like to come, enjoy great people, have a good time and support the food drive.

Over the years, gift cards have become one of the most popular gift items to give and receive. State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald wants Iowa consumers to make sure they take full advantage of their gift cards.

Boys and girls ages 9 to 14 are invited to participate in the local level competition for the 2017 Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship. The local contest will be held at 1 p.m. at Sunday, Jan. 8, at the Spirit Lake High School west gymnasium on Hill Avenue in Spirit Lake. Registration and practice begins at 12:30 p.m.

Two Members of the Dickinson County Snowhawks were recognized at the Iowa State Snowmobile Convention on Nov. 19. Kevin Winters, current club president was honored with the groomer of the year award, and Greg Place was honored as snowmobiler of the year. Both Winters and Place put in countless volunteer hours for the club, whether it be grooming the trails or marking them during the fall, as well as helping out during the events throughout the season.

The Dickinson County Snowhawks awarded two $500 scholarships this year to a pair of young snowmobile enthusiasts. The Dickinson County Snowhawks award two scholarships every spring to high school seniors whose families are members of the club. To learn more about the Dickinson County Snowhawks go to www.dickinsoncountysnowhawks.com

The 2017 Crop Advantage Series offers a unique opportunity for farmers and crop advisors to hear current research and crop production information from Iowa State University in their own backyard. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach specialists will travel to 14 locations around Iowa from Jan. 4-Jan. 27, providing updated management options and recommendations on current and future crop production issues.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship today announced the passage of the referendum to reinstate the 50 cents per head Iowa beef checkoff that was held Nov. 30.
The preliminary results show a positive vote of 56 percent to 44 percent in favor of reinstating the assessment. A simple majority was needed for passage. The Department has until Dec. 30 to certify the referendum results. Collection of the checkoff will begin March 1, 2017.