Join MML for our weekly Building Bookworms Storytime at 10:30 a.m. on 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.

• March 24 —  Magic

• March 31 —  Silly Stories

• April 7 — Pirates

• April 14 — Starstruck

• April 21 —  Trees

BY JILL JENNINGS

When we think of great American authors, often Flannery O’Connor is on that list. In her short life, she made an impact in the literary world that has survived over the decades. This month we celebrate the 100th anniversary of her birth.

BY SHAZZY BRITZ

SPENCER FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

As we enter the season of Lent, in preparation for Easter, I reflected on the fact that God uses anything and anyone to grab our attention. My mind kept on wondering back to a skit we did at my previous church, based on the song by Christian band NewSong, called “The Christmas Shoes.”

Milford Memorial Library would like to congratulate “Blind Date with a Book” winners, Judd and Ashley. We would like to thank everyone who took part in this event. Thank you to the Friends of the Milford Library for providing the Blind Date with a Book prizes.

BY JILL JENNINGS

SPIRIT LAKE LIBRARY

Mom, Dad, Grandpa, Grandma: How are you doing with those kids this winter? Looking for something new to keep them engaged and off screens? I’d like to suggest a Learning Resource Kit from the Spirit Lake Public Library!

Iowa State Rep. John Wills just published a column talking about how all men and women are, by nature, free and equal and have certain inalienable rights. That doesn’t seem to line up with what we’re seeing from Republicans in Des Moines.

BY SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR CAROL DeSCHEPPER

MILFORD FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH

“Remember you are dust and to dust you will return.” These are words that many of us heard this week at Ash Wednesday services.

Join MML 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.

• March 10 —  Rainbows

• March 24 — Magic

• March 31 — Silly Stories

• April 7 — Pirates

BY JILL JENNINGS

This year is still relatively new, so we don’t know yet what the most popular books will be. In the meantime, let’s look back and find out what the top books were from 50, 75, and 100 years ago. Source: goodreads.com.

Join MML 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.

• March 3 — Stinky Stories

• March 10 — Rainbows

• March 24 — Magic

• March 31 — To Be Announced

• April 7 — Pirates

BY JILL JENNINGS

Last week I encouraged you to come to the Spirit Lake Public Library to read/listen to a book or read a magazine or newspaper while you are waiting to go to an appointment or to pick up your kids from practice. This week, I will spotlight some ideas for non-readers. You are welcome at the library, too!

BY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ERIN REED

DICKINSON COUNTY TRAILS BOARD

At the beginning of each year, the DCTB takes time to visit our partner cities and provide updates on what the previous year’s trail activities involved. We are fortunate to be a part of a very supportive community of donors and local foundations along with the cities and county that make our success possible.   

In January, the Iowa House fast tracked a bill requiring the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) to place a five-year moratorium on new casino permits. The bill, HF144, was introduced on Jan. 29 and passed in the full House on Jan. 30 before stalling in a Senate committee. This stands in stark contrast to the way most eminent domain and CO2 pipeline bills have been slow walked in the legislature for the past three years.

The question came up as I visited the area’s three high school offices over the past two weeks.

And it came up again Feb. 6 when I helped represent the Dickinson County News at the 2025 Iowa Newspaper Association Convention.

“What are you guys going to do without Matt?”

“Matt” of course is DCN Sports Editor Matt Heinrichs, who has covered your high school kids since January 2014.

The bearded guy with the camera. Yeah, that’s him.

BY JILL JENNINGS

Have you ever had down time, or maybe time between appointments when you didn’t want to go home, but couldn’t think of what to do with yourself? Come to the Spirit Lake Public Library! We have many ways to pass the time while waiting to pick up the kiddos from school or the dog from his grooming appointment.