GACO will be holding a meeting and community get together on December 3rd celebrating their successes and future. 

The Spencer Jaycees once again this year are holding their annual Tree of Joy project to help make the holidays a little brighter for some less fortunate children.

Elderbridge Agency on Aging is expanding a program designed to help people age in their own homes.

It was announced Wednesday Emmetsburg and Sheldon will be overnight stops on the inaugural "Iowa's Ride". 

Alison Schmitz has been hired as the organization's new executive assistant.

(Spirit Lake)-Santa to make an appearance at 5 pm lighting.

Governor Kim Reynolds today (Wed.) announced the appointment of Paul Ahlers as a judge of the Iowa Court of Appeals.

A broken natural gas line made for a few tense moments this (Wed.) morning on the west side of West Lake Okoboji.

A delegation representing South Shore Estates presented the Milford City Council earlier this week a letter with recommendations on what they feel should be done at the Lower Gar Outlet, not only to address high water levels on the Iowa Great Lakes, but to also prevent those levels from dropping too far in times of drought.

While most of the accumulating snowfall has ended conditions throughout the region remain extremely challenging this (Wed.) morning.

Serious injuries were reported in a two-vehicle crash Sunday evening in Lyon county.

(Estherville)-Two young women traveling to New York City for Sunday's Concert.

The supervisors voted to approve the application for a loan through the state revolving fund that would be used for interim financing if needed.

Code Enforcement Officer Clyde Ihrke reminds property owners it is their responsibility to make sure sidewalks are clear of snow and ice.

Officials are saying that if you have any traveling to do you should get it done by late this afternoon or wait until late in the day Wednesday or Wednesday. 

A new amenity could be in the works for the city of Milford.

Officers say the burglary at the facility in the 300 block of North 2nd Street was reported to them this past Saturday and is believed to have occurred sometime from between shortly after 7:00 pm November 22nd and 3:00 pm November 23rd.

A winter storm watch previously issued for most of northwest Iowa and southwest Minnesota was upgraded this (Mon.) afternoon to a winter storm WARNING.

A Spencer man escaped injury last week in a mishap involving a semi.

The Clay County Sheriff's Office says the search was conducted at 719 East 11^th Street where deputies found what's alleged to be marijuana, marijuana wax and drug paraphernalia.

Drug charges have been filed against a suspect following the execution of a search warrant Sunday evening on a residence near Spencer.

The Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for eight cheerleaders for the upcoming University of Okoboji Winter Games.

 Lakes Regional Healthcare has received the audit of its finances for the fiscal year that ended June 30^th, 2019. 

(Spirit Lake)-Businesses and clubs encouraged to decorate trees to help fill pantry at Upper Des Moines Opportunity

Parks Marina today (Mon.) announced its line up of entertainment for the upcoming 40^th annual University of Okoboji Winter Games.

The first will start to impact the region tomorrow (Tues.) into Wednesday.

Camp Autumn is located near Sutherland. It's operated by Spencer-based Seasons Center for Behavioral Health.

Northwest Financial Corporation announced Friday it's charter bank, First National Bank in Creston, has entered into an agreement to purchase Century Bank in Shenandoah, Iowa.

(Spirit Lake)-Carlie Jo Ahrenstorff is a Spirit Lake High School Student

Regional Communications Director Caslon Hatch says it honors those who have performed an extraordinary act of courage or someone who had dedicated countless hours to a special cause.

Topics will include managing finances, human resources, legal issues, marketing and production, including USDA programs, purchasing crop or livestock insurance and farmland leases.

Polaris Industries recently celebrated its 25th anniversary at its Spirit Lake facility. 

Authorities say a white 2007 Chevrolet Silverado LTZ extended cab pickup was reported stolen around 8:00 am Tuesday from Wickman Auto Salvage.

The city of Spencer has been awarded a $25,000 matching grant from the Wellmark Foundation for the installation of pedestrian crossings. 

(Spirit Lake)-Fundraiser to include Pancake Feed, Live Music, Coffee Bar and Pie Sale.

As we reported previously the group of lakes area high school students set $50,000 as their team fundraising goal for 2020.

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation has received a $1,000 grant from Dakota BUSINESS Finance thanks to the work of a local banker.

Meeting in special session Wednesday evening, the Arnolds Park city council decided to put together an exploratory committee to look at the current Okoboji Middle School facility to see if moving city offices to that location could be feasible.

A search warrant executed Tuesday on a residence in George resulted in the arrests of two people on drug charges.

Meta Financial Group, Incorporated announced late Wednesday it's selling its MetaBank community bank division to Storm Lake-based Central Bank.

(Okoboji)-Dickinson County Nature Center program is free, however registration is requested.

The Spirit Lake Police Department says officers responded around 1:45 am to a report of a robbery in the 1100 block of 15th Street. 

An investigation by Palo Alto county authorities late Monday night into a report of a suspicious person resulted in citations being issued against a Graettinger man.

Milford Family Care and Sioux Rapids Family Care, both operated by Spencer Hospital, have been named 2019 Guardian of Excellence Award winners by Press Ganey, a national company that monitors patient satisfaction.

Online court records show 43-year-old Teangelo Grice had been arrested as recently as November 1^st of this year by the Milford Police Department for domestic abuse assault, 3^rd or subsequent offense.

Officials with Poet DSM announced Tuesday they'll be ending production of cellulosic ethanol at their Project Liberty plant in Emmetsburg and that 30 employees will be laid off in early 2020. 

No injuries were reported this (Tues.) afternoon in a fire about half way between Spirit Lake and Lake Park.

(Arnolds Park)-Veterans to receive free admission to concert at Majestic Pavilion Thursday night

Spirit Lake police issued a statement early this (Tues.) afternoon saying they have no reason to believe the general public is in any danger as the search continues for a suspect wanted in a stabbing incident late Monday night in Spirit Lake.

Shari Kastein, the organization's Director, said progress continues to be made on their rapid housing housing program in Dickinson county that assists victims of domestic and other forms of violence.

A Jackson man was taken to the hospital following a one vehicle rollover in Jackson.

The Dickinson County Board of Supervisors made it official this (Tues.) morning and voted four-to-one to adopt a resolution for the county's intent to withdraw from the Northwest Iowa Cares Connection and to join the Sioux Rivers mental health services region.

A change in procedure that went into effect with this year's school board elections has resulted in a delay in some districts administering the oath of office to newly elected members.

Police say they were called to the Kum 'n Go shortly before 11:00 pm Monday where a female customer had been stabbed in the store.

As construction on the new middle school continues, planning is kicking into high gear for some projects at the Okoboji Elementary and high school along with the district's administrative facility.

(Estherville)-Blizzard-themed Parade to travel from East to West along Central Avenue this year.  

Sue Thesenga of the Red Cross says blood donations are especially needed as we head into the busy holiday season.

It was announced Friday Premier Communications of Sioux Center was awarded $7 million through the U.S. Department of Agriculture to expand broadband internet service 

Some turkeys won't be reaching the Thanksgiving table after a truck carrying the birds crashed early Friday in Fostoria.

Kiley Roth, Community Relations Coordinator for the nature center says construction on the addition was completed back in March of this year.

(Okoboji)-Light snacks, cash bar offered starting at 4:30 at the Pearson Lakes Art Center

As part of that project, the Dickinson County Board of Supervisors Tuesday signed off on an agreement with the Iowa Department of Transportation.

(Fostoria)-- Officials say the testing is being done to find any illegal connections into the system, as that too much wastewater is getting into the city's treatment lagoons.

The Clay County Fair and Events Center has announced the lineup for their 2020 Winter Event Series at the Clay County Regional Events Center.

(Estherville)-Band Members from 14 area cities to perform.

A collision Wednesday south of Superior sent one person to the hospital.

Creighton University economics professor Ernie Goss predicts retail sales will grow by 3 to 4 percent this holiday shopping season, with roughly a 14 percent increase in the e-commerce sector. But, he says the outlook is not as good this year as in previous ones

The much colder than normal temperatures for this time of year have resulted in ice forming on some of the Iowa Great Lakes.

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation held its 10th annual business recognition program Wednesday in Spencer.

With one member absent, the city council there voted four-to-nothing Wednesday to drop out of the study, joining the cities of Milford and Okoboji who voted at their respective meetings Tuesday evening to also opt out of the study.

A 36-year-old Spencer business owner has pleaded not guilty to tax fraud charges.

(Spirit Lake)-Program helps students at Spirit Lake and Okoboji Schools during long holiday break.

A reception for Julie Sievers and Bryon Whiting will be held December 18th from 1:00 until 3:00 pm. 

52 people will be left without a job once the plant in Renville, Minnesota ceases operations.

The Okoboji City Council Tuesday tabled a proposal for a land swap with 17 Oak Condominiums that would help necessitate a project by the city and Imagine Iowa Great Lakes to spruce up an adjoining park, known as “East Lake Park”, on the east side of Highway 71 across from Kum 'n Go.

(Okoboji)-- The Okoboji City Council learned Tuesday night no bids were received on the project.

Compeer Financial announced today (Wed.) Rodney Bosma of Rushmore, Minnesota has been elected to a four-year term on its board.

The Dickinson County Board of Supervisors Tuesday voted to appoint Amy Zenor as County Attorney when John Martin steps down from the position at the end of the year. 

Three city council seats were on the ballot. A write-in candidate wound up winning one of those seats.

An earlier proposal would have had the funding for the study being provided by Imagine Iowa Great Lakes and the Iowa Department of Transportation. But City Administrator Michael Meyers told the Okoboji City Council Tuesday evening that's now changed.

(Bancroft)-Keeran to appear for Q & A at Summit Center on Saturday.

A fundraising event will be held later this month for victims of a house fire this past Friday evening in Spirit Lake. 

Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Ehret says some of the equipment in the center is nearing its life expectancy.

A portion of Peoria Avenue near Hy-Vee and Clean Slate Auto Spa in Spirit Lake will be closed to traffic starting this Thursday (Nov. 14th) for a joint project between the Dickinson County Trails Board and city of Spirit Lake.

The Dickinson County Board of Supervisors today (Tues.) heard a proposal from Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Ehret to add a siren near the Fed Ex facility on 255th Avenue on the northeast side of Spirit Lake. 

The Dickinson County Board of Supervisors today (Tues.) voted 4-1 to move to a different mental health services region.

Upon making contact with the driver the deputy noticed the smell of marijuana and found some of the substance in the vehicle.

The Clay County Sheriff's Office says deputies were called shortly after 1:00 pm November 5th to a report of a vehicle on its top at the intersection of 290th Avenue and 440th Street in Clay county.

They say there are several things you can do around the house to help out as well, like using ceiling fans to push down warm air from near the ceiling; caulking, sealing and weather stripping doors and windows; and turn off ventilation fans once you're done using them.

Officials say it will provide transparent status updates to survivors of rape as well as law enforcement and medical professionals.

(Okoboji)-Music After Hours concerts to be held 2nd Thursday of the Month.

(Spirit Lake)-- 12 Spirit Lake High School Band Members have been selected to participate in the NWIBA Honor Band.

The Estherville and Gruver Fire Departments were called a little after 10:00 am after getting a report of a grain dryer on fire at New Fashion Pork on Highway 4 in Estherville.

Paul Kassel, an agronomist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Clay county, says while most of the early planted corn has been coming in with favorable moisture in the teens, most of the late planted crop has levels much higher

Minor injuries were reported Saturday evening when a vehicle collided with a deer in Osceola county.

Arnolds Park-Okoboji Fire Chief Chris Yungbluth was awarded the 2019 Roger Mooty Memorial Award this past weekend.

Eight Spirit Lake Middle School band students were selected to participate in the 52nd annual Northwest Iowa Middle School Honor Bands Festival.

It allows fish feed and fish waste time to settle in the ponds, prior to the water going into the lake. 

Firefighters were called to 710 22nd Street after getting a report of smoke in a residence there, possibly from a chimney fire. 

Steve Anderson, Superintendent of the Iowa Great Lakes Sanitary District tells KUOO news they're embarking on a solar project as a way to reduce costs at the facility just northeast of Milford.

Representatives of the U.S. Small Business Administration presented Tom Wright, owner of Okoboji Tree Specialists, with an Iowa Impact Award.

A single vehicle crash Wednesday near George sent one person to the hospital.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will be holding a series of REAP assembly meetings around the state in the coming weeks.

City officials say the exercise is scheduled to start at 6:00 am, and that it's contingent upon favorable weather.

(Spirit Lake)-- The Board of Supervisors took no action in a special meeting late Thursday on the possibility of the county leaving Northwest Iowa Care Connections and joining Sioux Rivers.

Forums put on by the Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce are scheduled for February 15th, March 7th, and March 28th, 2020. They'll be held from 11:30 am until 12:30 pm at the Pearson Lakes Art Center in Okoboji.

A two-vehicle collision Wednesday in the 2800 mile of County Road N-14 just south of the Clay-Dickinson county line sent two people to the hospital.

The Okoboji Foundation's Youth in Philanthropy program set $50,000 as their fundraising goal for this year at a meeting Wednesday at Lakeside Lab. 

A West Bend man was injured Wednesday when a vehicle he was driving collided with a utility pole.

Minor injuries were reported in a collision Monday night on Highway 60 in Osceola county involving a vehicle and a tractor.

Dennis Perry, Commander of the Spirit Lake American Legion, says one of those will be held Monday morning at the Sami Center at Spirit Lake High School

Figures released today (Thurs.) show Iowa's jobless rate in September was unchanged from August at 2.5 percent. 

Iowa Lakes Regional Water of Spencer receive a platinum level award through the U.S. Department of Labor's HIRE Vets program.

Minor injuries were reported early Wednesday in a single vehicle crash on 310^th Avenue in Clay county.

(Arnolds Park)-Tickets are $7 in advance, $10 at the door, with proceeds going to Okoboji High School After Prom event.

Dickinson County Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Ehret says now is definitely a good time to make sure that vehicle is ready for the winter conditions and that you have the proper items with you.

Snow and ice were said to be contributing factors in some crashes Tuesday evening on Interstate 90.

A Peterson man escaped injury in a single vehicle crash Tuesday in Clay county.

Dana Evaro, Vice President of Marketing for Landmark Products tells KUOO news they continue to diversify their line of products

Even colder temperatures are in the forecast and that has officials with Upper Des Moines Opportunity reminding low income residents of a program that gives assistance with heating bills.

2019 City & School Election Results

An investigation into a break in of the former Quick Stop Convenience Store in Ayrshire has resulted in the arrest of an Ayrshire man.

(Arnolds Park)-Events are free, however RSVP required.

Royal firefighters were called around 7:30 pm Monday to a report of a tractor and some corn on fire in a field near Royal. 

The county currently belongs to Northwest Iowa Care Connections. However, Beth Will, Community Services Director, told the Board of Supervisors today (Tues.) O'Brien county will be leaving Northwest Iowa Care Connections and will be joining the Sioux Rivers region.

A small plane made an emergency landing Monday at the Sibley airport after experiencing engine trouble.

Organizer Samantha Emrich says Thursday's event will be held from 10:00 am until 12 Noon in the Community Room at the Dickinson County Courthouse.

An investigation this past Saturday into a report of a suspicious person in Sibley resulted in an arrest.

The Spencer Fire Department was called to the scene at 1408 13th Avenue West.

 Buttigieg told a large crowd at the Spencer YMCA climate change and restoring America's credibility abroad would be among his priorities if elected.

(Emmetsburg)-All Campuses have Honor Trees in place, special program on tap for Veterans Day

City officials say that for those who qualify, the reduction would be rebated in December, 2019 on their utility bill. 

Police say 19-year-old Jennifer Vidales Mares of Estherville was driving a 2004 Buick northbound and 56-year-old Coletta Jaeger of Estherville was driving a 2015 Jeep Wrangler eastbound when the two collided at an intersection.

Jordan Moyer of the Dickinson County Auditor's Office says the most important is a change in polling locations.

The Clay County Sheriff's Office says it happened shortly before 5:00 pm Tuesday when a deputy pulled over a vehicle in the 3700 mile of Highway 71.

Gary Wright, Farm Business Management Specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach tells KUOO news the meetings are designed to help producers, landlords and other agri-business professions with a discussion of farm operation strategies including the 2018 Farm Bill election and enrollment process.

Locally, they include Algona, Bancroft, Emmetsburg, Estherville, Hartley, Milford, Paullina, Sibley, Spencer, Spirit Lake, and Terril.

 A collision Friday involving a pickup and a semi at the Iowa/Minnesota border south of Bigelow sent one person to the hospital.

Arnolds Park Marketing Director Paul Plumb says the concerts will be held Friday and Saturday evenings of that weekend at the Roof Garden.

A committee of Conservation Board members, staff and Dickinson County supervisors reviewed the submitted proposals from management companies and recommended Brooks Management LLC be awarded the 10-year contract.

Stephanie Horsley of Clay County Heritage tells KUOO news the free program will be held Wednesday, November 6^th at the Spencer VFW and will feature Sara Maniscalo Robinson, founder of the Iowa Veterans Perspective organization

Gary Wright, Farm Business Management Specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach tells KUOO news experts will be on hand to talk about research-based information key to best-outcome 2020 agricultural decisions