Association President Larry Wajda says board members felt it was in the best interest of the community, players, staffs and volunteers.

(Estherville)-Deadline for registration is May 27

The Dickinson County Treasurer's Office is issuing another notice in the likelihood of Governor Kim Reynolds' Proclamation of Public Health Disaster Emergency expiring this coming Wednesday, May 27^th.

The number of positive cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota has surpassed 19,000 with 813 new cases being reported today (Fri.). 

New cases were being reported in several northwest Iowa counties

There will be some restrictions in place and patrons are strongly encouraged to wear masks.

In-state tuition was set at $188 per credit hour while non-residents and international students will be pay $199 per credit hour.

The citywide clean-up in Orleans won't be held this year due to concerns with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Clay Norris, the association's Executive Director, says a number of precautions will be in place for visitors

Multiple charges have been filed in an incident that resulted in serious injuries in the East Okoboji Beach area.

Marketing Director Paul Plumb tells KUOO news it was a very difficult decision but he says they feel it was the right one to make

If you've been on West Broadway Avenue in Arnolds Park near the green space recently chances are you've noticed something no longer there.

An investigation into the theft of an A-T-V and other items has resulted in the arrest of an Estherville man.

The number of COVID-19 cases in Minnesota has now topped 18,000 with 539 new positive cases being reported.

The Iowa Department of Public Health reported 19 additional COVID-19 deaths as of this (Thursday) morning bringing the state's death toll so far to 400.

The eastbound Clear Lake and westbound Des Moines River rest areas will be under construction starting next month.

Rebecca Peters, Director of Okoboji Tourism, says it's in everyone's best interest to follow the guidelines that have been put in place.

Authorities say 38-year-old Mario De La Torre Pacheco of Anthon was driving a 2008 Ford Escape southbound on Redwing Avenue when he fell asleep at the wheel.

The Okoboji Foundation announced today (Wed.) the recipients of its next round of Disaster Recovery Fund grants. 

That word today (Wed.) from Kayla Lyon, Director of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Colette Rossiter, Clay County Public Health Manager, is concerned some people may now be under the assumption that the risk of COVID-19 has lessened

Those with expired driver's licenses that have been allowed to extend their renewal deadline due to the COVID-19 pandemic will need to pay close attention over what happens in the next week or so. Governor Kim Reynolds' proclamation of Public Health Disaster Emergency is due to expire May 27^th.

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds announced today (Wed.) movie theatres, zoos, aquariums, and wedding reception venues will be able to re-open this Friday, and that bars will be allowed to re-open at 50 percent capacity Thursday, May 28^th.

The Iowa Department of Public Health today (Wed.) is reporting 14 more deaths from COVID-19, raising the state's death toll to 381.

Jordan Moyer of the Dickinson County Auditor's Office says the requests are up considerably from previous elections.

(Spencer)-There will be no planting ceremony this year due to COVID-19 concerns

The Emmet County Sheriff's Office says it happened around 4:00 am May 9^th when a deputy pulled over a vehicle after noticing it was being driven erratically.

The Dickinson County Sheriff's Office says 23-year-old Tavan Shahidi of Ames lost control of a 2014 Ford F-150.

State health officials confirmed 341 new cases of COVID-19 in Iowa Tuesday morning.

Supervisor Pam Jordan explained a portion of the money is being contributed by the city of Spirit Lake.

The U.S. Census Bureau says it will start dropping off questionnaire packets at the front doors of households in Iowa this week. 

The Spencer City Council Monday evening gave final approval to ordinance revisions allowing the use of all terrain vehicles and golf carts on city streets. The council voted unanimously to approve both revisions, to be effective May 27, 2020.

(Terril)-Final decision to be made at Terril Fun Days Committee Meeting on June 10

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach offices in Lyon, Osceola, Dickinson, Sioux, O'Brien and Clay counties have now re-opened for APPOINTMENTS ONLY.

It was announced this (Mon.) morning this summer's University of Okoboji events are being postponed to the summer of 2021 due to COVID-19 concerns.

Dr. Caitlin Pedatti says Iowa is now reporting its first cases of what's known as Multi System Inflammatory Syndrome in children.

382 Iowans were hospitalized with COVID-19 as of today (Mon.) with 121 in intensive care units.

School officials say this Friday, May 22^nd, will be the last day meals will be provided for the current school year and that no meals will be served during the week of May 25th-29^th. The summer meal program for the Spencer School District will start Monday, June 1^st

The American Red Cross will be holding some blood drives in the region this week. 

As we reported last week, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced Camp Foster to cancel its overnight camping programs for this upcoming summer. While they're still planning to offer day camps as of now, Josh Carr, Camp Foster Executive Director, says even those sessions are going to be quite a bit different now than in the past

Firefighters had to contend with some challenging conditions in battling a house fire early Sunday west of Milford.

Officials with the Iowa Department of Public Health confirmed Sunday there are 323 new cases of COVID-19 in the state. 

KKOJ radio, our sister station in Jackson, MN, teamed up with the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce last week to present WeAreOneJackson

Community State Bank and Farmers Trust and Savings Bank, both of Spencer, have stepped forward to contribute $7,000 each to match a $7,000 contribution made to the fund by the Clay County Community Foundation's Advisory Board shortly after the recovery fund was created.

The Minnesota Supreme Court will receive a Southwest Minnesota touch, following the appointment of Judge Gordon Moore as the next associate justice.

Tim Ritchie is State Parks Manager for the Gull Point Complex for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. He tells KUOO news it's due to some grass that was planted last fall.

The number of positive COVID-19 cases in Minnesota topped 14,000 mark with a new single day high of 808 new positive cases reported this morning.

Several northwest Iowa counties are reporting additional cases.

Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Leupold outlined some additional details during their meeting Tuesday.

The Arnolds Park Amusement Park is now planning to open a week later than originally planned. 

One person had to be airlifted following a collision Tuesday in Palo Alto county involving a box truck and a car.

(Estherville)-Camp to post photos and videos of last 39 years online

Josh Carr, Camp Foster Executive Director, says the decision was based on the safety of campers and summer staff and a lack of definitive guidance.

Area crops, for the most part, escaped any serious damage from the unseasonably cool weather recently.

The number of positive COVID-19 cases in Minnesota topped 13,000 mark with 523 new positive cases reported this (Thurs.) morning.

Officials with the Iowa Department of Public Health confirmed Thursday there are 386 new cases of COVID-19 in the state

The Governor's Office, the Iowa High School Athletic Association and the Iowa Farm Bureau have offered the program since 2003. 

Pending regulatory approval, Security State Bank will be opening up a branch in Jackson.

Gov. Tim Walz says he will let his stay-at-home order expire as scheduled Monday, though he’ll leave key restrictions in place to keep up Minnesota’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic

Some Dickinson county residents continue to be impacted today (Thurs.) by a telephone and internet outage that was first reported around mid afternoon Wednesday.

The Clay County Sheriff's Office says 21-year-old Kyle Hatch of Sioux Rapids was driving a 2014 Ford F-150 southbound when the incident took place. 

We reported previously this year's fireworks displays over the 4th of July holiday are still on for Big Spirit Lake and West Lake Okoboji. 

Now, we're learning the display at Silver Lake, scheduled for July 3rd, is also still on.

(Spencer)-Orders should be placed by Friday in fundraiser for the Club

24-year-old Ariya Mangsanhanh was sentenced Tuesday in U.S. District Court after pleading guilty to one count of possession of child pornography. 

Carol Ayres Stueven, Iowa Lakes Music Professor, says they look forward to working with campers, clinicians and staff once again at the camp in 2021. 

In a statement, the event's organizers say the safety of their volunteers and riders is their top priority and that with the current conditions they cannot ask everyone to congregate together in a large group. 

The number of positive COVID-19 cases in Minnesota neared the 13,000 mark with 431 new positive cases reported this morning.

The Governor added she feels the numbers do allow for that

Officials with the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) confirmed Wednesday there are 377 new cases of COVID-19 bringing Iowa's total to 13,289.

The Okoboji City Council Tuesday evening approved a revised plan to restore some shoreline as part of the East Lake Park project being done in conjunction with Imagine Iowa Great Lakes.

Bill Leupold represents the county on the Spirit Lake Protective Association. He told the Board of Supervisors Tuesday the association voted recently to go ahead with this year's display.

Those areas of the park that will be reopened, effective Wednesday (May 13th) include the shelter house and the basketball and tennis courts.

The project is being done in conjunction with Imagine Iowa Great Lakes. 

City Attorney/Administrator Gregg Owens says it stems from Dickinson county's plans to construct a new road maintenance facility on the east edge of Spirit Lake

(Estherville)-Most classes will remain online.

In a statement, the foundation's board of directors say they feel responsible for the safety of all their guests and wouldn't want someone to become ill as the result of attending the event. 

In addition, the Department of Public Health is reporting 539 new positive cases of the virus

Supervisor Chairman Bill Leopold questioned at what point the facility would be made completely off limits again if someone was to test positive for COVID-19 in the courthouse.

Rick Oleson, the cooperative's President and CEO, says farmers already were teetering on the edge previously due to a variety of factors and there's concern the pandemic may be enough to force some completely over it

The present unit will be removed Wednesday, and officials say it will result in the temporary closure of the parking area in the hospital's emergency services area from 7:00 am until 7:00 pm.

The Milford City Council discussed some matters related to the COVID 19 pandemic at their meeting Monday evening.

Superintendent Dr. David Smith made the announcement at Monday evening's School Board meeting, citing financial concerns from the COVID-19 pandemic.

(Sheldon)-Matthew West is the only artist from the original lineup to be unable to perform

The victim is identified as 58-year-old Grant Wilson of Cleghorn. 

The number of positive COVID-19 cases in Minnesota neared the 12,000 mark with 528 new positive cases reported this morning.

During her press conference this (Monday) morning, Governor Kim Reynolds announced she is going into a “modified quarantine” after having indirect contact last week during her trip to the White House with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.

The Iowa Department of Public Health today (Monday) is reporting an additional 414 new positive cases of COVID-19, for a total number of positive cases to date of 12,373.

The association says it's attempting to reschedule the events for late August and September.

A homeless woman was arrested Saturday after refusing to leave a residence in Spencer.

A Lakes Area nurse who's been assisting a couple of hospitals in New York City during the COVID-19 pandemic says things are starting to get somewhat better there. 

The Minnesota Department of Health reported today (Sunday) the number of positive cases of COVID-19 in that state has now surpassed 11,000, reaching 11,271. The department also reported 20 additional deaths due to the virus

Following an investigation authorities arrested 70-year-old Gregg Winterfeld of Spirit Lake on a charge of second degree murder. 

Iowa health officials Sunday reported 288 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 11,959.

Two area fire departments spent a part of their day today (Saturday) battling a grove fire in Emmet county.

The Iowa Department of Public Health reported today (Saturday) an additional 214 positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of positive cases in the state to 11,671.

Brad Freking of New Fashion Pork says a number of employees associated with his company's operations in Missouri have tested positive for the virus. But he says what was shocking was the number of those that were A-symptomatic, or never showed any symptoms of the disease

Officials with Seasons Center for Behavioral Health say they've been awarded a grant that will allow them to continue to offer some specialized services.

An incident late Friday night in Spirit Lake landed a Carroll, Iowa man in jail on multiple charges.

A two-vehicle collision Friday on the Highway 86-Interstate 90 exit ramp just south of Lakefield sent three people to the hospital.

Spencer Hospital announced today (Friday) it will resume same day surgical procedures on a limited basis beginning this coming Monday, May 11th. 

The Spencer Chamber of Commerce and Spencer Together have announced they'll be holding a patriotic decorating contest in June. 

The number of positive COVID-19 cases in Minnesota topped the 10,000 mark with 723 new positive cases reported this morning.

Iowa health officials reported 398 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday, bringing the statewide total to 11,457.

It was announced Thursday this year's Memorial Day program in Spirit Lake has been cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns. 

(Spirit Lake)-Donations made in 10 different markets where the Bank has operations.

Friends of Lakeside Lab are offering a unique way to learn more about nature this spring and summer.

Iowa health officials reported 655 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, bringing the statewide total to 11,059.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s office responded to a report of a house hit by gunfire in the 600 block of 6^th street in Heron Lake late Tuesday night.

For the third day in a row, the Minnesota Department of Health reported a new single day high, with 786 new positive cases 

The National Weather Service has issued a freeze watch for most of the region for the next few nights for the potential for frost.

The Osceola County Sheriff's Office says it received a report shortly after midnight Tuesday of a vehicle that had been stolen from a residence on Elm Drive in Sibley.

The Iowa National Guard reports several troops will be deployed in the coming months.

Information released today (Wed.) by the Iowa Department of Public Health on its coronavirus.iowa.gov website shows all six of the positive cases that have been reported so far in Dickinson county have recovered.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says state campgrounds will open at 8:00 am Friday (May 8th) to campers with self-contained restrooms only.

(Estherville)-First review date May 12

Hospital officials say the types of surgeries will be limited and will be offered to patients meeting a set criteria established by physicians.

The Minnesota Department of Health reported a new single day high of 728 new positive cases yesterday, bringing the state’s total to 8,579.

The Iowa Department of Public Health today (Wed.) reported an additional 293 positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of positive cases to date to 10,404.

The council took the action after hearing from a representative of the city's business community.

Concern continues to grow over the closure of meatpacking facilities due to COVID-19 and the impact it's having on livestock producers in the region.

There were no immediate reports of injuries, but authorities say there was a heavy amount of property damage in a two-vehicle collision that happened Monday at the intersection of 240^th Avenue and 350^th Street in Clay county.

In a statement, the Board of Directors for the event say the decision was very difficult, but safety and consideration for all involved has to come first, adding they hope everyone will understand.

Officers were called on the morning of April 28th to Green Acres Homes. Employees reported the thefts of two vehicles from inside a shop, along with several thousand dollars worth of hand and power tools. 

Estherville police say they were called shortly before 10:30 pm Monday after getting a report of a fight at a residence at 15 1st Avenue South.

Estherville police are asking for the public's assistance as they investigate an incident from this past weekend in which a vehicle was shot at.

Major Renovation Underway Of Shelter House At A Heavily Used Park In Milford

Farmers Trust and Savings Bank of Spencer has announced Debbie Sundall has been elected to their Board of Directors. 

(Spirit Lake)-Caleb Frostestad of Boy Scout Troup 152 in Okoboji is leading volunteer opportunity for his Eagle Scout Project.

The grocery chain says effective Wednesday, May 6th, each customer will be limited to four packages of a combination of fresh beef, ground beef, pork and chicken when they checkout at all Hy-Vee locations. 

The Minnesota Department of Health reported a new single day high of 617 new positive cases yesterday, bringing the state’s total to 7,851.

Officials say most of those were once again from long-term care facilities in the state.

The Clay County Community Foundation has established a Disaster Relief Recovery Fund to support those being negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

911/Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Ehret told the supervisors the volume of calls over the weekend coming into the Dickinson County Communications Center were on par with previous years of opening weekend of the Walleye season.

The Dickinson County Sheriff's Office today (Tues.) released details into a pursuit that went through several counties and ended in Dickinson county with an arrest.

After tabling a resolution opposing Governor Tim Walz’s executive orders 3-2 at their April 20^th meeting, the Lakefield City Council passed the same resolution 3-2 last night.

The project involves a house that was donated to the organization last year and was relocated.

An Estherville man has died of injuries sustained in a two-vehicle collision Saturday night in Dickinson county.

City officials in Spencer gave an update Monday evening on the closure of city facilities due to COVID-19.

Customers of Iowa Lakes Regional Water around Big Spirit Lake and north of Highway 9 will experience a disruption in service this Wednesday, May 6th. 

Erin Reed of the Dickinson County Trails Board tells KUOO news the work, weather-permitting, is scheduled to start tomorrow (Tues.).

The application period for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, has now been extended through May 31^st, 2020. 

The Minnesota Department of Health reported 571 new positive cases yesterday, bringing the state’s total to 7,234. 

At her press conference this morning (Monday), Governor Kim Reynolds announced some additional surveillance testing that will be going this week at some long term care facilities and essential workplaces where some outbreaks are being reported.

Officials say the 82 turbines are churning out enough energy to power an average of 37,000 homes per year.

Spokesman Randy Gould says they're in the process now of preparing the grounds and facilities for the upcoming season and that adjustments are being made for the sailing school.

Steve Reighard, an enforcement officer with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, says if you happen to see a baby animal by itself, you should resist any temptation to try to help them or pick them up.

The Jackson Fire Department was called to Erickson Truck Sales on Petersburg Road on the southeast edge of Jackson around 1:00 am and found flames coming from one of the main structures on the site.

The Iowa Department of Public Health today (Sunday) reported an additional 528 positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the state's total so far to 9,169 positive cases. 

The number of new COVID-19 cases being reported in Minnesota has declined a bit. The state's Department of Health Saturday reported 498 new positive cases with 24 additional deaths.

The Iowa Department of Public Health today (Saturday) is reporting an additional 757 positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the state's total to 8,641 positive cases.

Minor injuries were reported Friday in a single vehicle crash in Nobles county.

The family of Jaci Hermstad says she passed away early this (Friday) morning.

The Minnesota Department of Health reported a new single day high of 594 positive cases

The Iowa Department of Public Health today (Fri.) is reporting an additional 740 positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of cases in the state to 7,885. Eight additional deaths were also reported.

A man was arrested earlier this week on a Clay county warrant in connection with a domestic incident.

This weekend will see an influx of anglers coming into the area for the official start of walleye season on the Iowa Great Lakes. Steve Reighard, an enforcement officer with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources says even though the crowds will likely be down due to the cancellation of Walleye Weekend, you'll still have to allow extra time at the boat ramps, and probably even more so this year.

The Milford Commercial Club's Executive Board voted 5-0 earlier this week to cancel this year's Pioneer Days scheduled for July 24th-26^th.

A pursuit Thursday in Lyon county ended with the arrest of a George man.

The Mayor of Spencer is urging residents to abide by guidelines and use common sense if they plan to venture out now that restaurants and retail establishments are re-opening today (Fri.).