News

Minnewashta Campground, Boat Ramp Subject Of Another Public Hearing

July 9, 2026

(Arnolds Park)– Another public hearing regarding the boat ramp and campground at the Lake Minnewashta public area was held as part of Wednesday evening’s Arnolds Park City Council meeting. City officials assured a standing room only crowd that it will remain a public area, consisting either as it currently is with some parking, a campground […]

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Arnolds Park City Council Hears Concerns Over Vacation Rentals

July 9, 2026

(Arnolds Park)– The lack of control cities in Iowa have over short term vacation rental properties was a topic of discussion at Wednesday evening’s Arnolds Park City Council meeting. A resident who lives next to a vacation rental aired her concerns with city leaders. In addition to noise, pollution and other concerns, she says vacation […]

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City Of Estherville Approves Agreement For Assistance In Applying For Community Development Block Grant

July 8, 2026

(Estherville)– The Estherville City Council Monday approved a request for assistance from the Northwest Iowa Planning and Development Commission for applying for a state grant. City Administrator Penny Clayton says if awarded, it would provide a local match for a FEMA buyout program of two properties in Estherville severely damaged in the 2024 flood… “We […]

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Spencer, Clay County Could Have Renewed Discussion On Joint Public Works Facility

July 8, 2026

(Spencer)– There could be some renewed discussion on a possible joint public works facility between Clay county and the city of Spencer. Spencer City Manager Kevin Robinson told the city council the initial talks got underway some time ago but stalled… “Our Public Works Department, Mark, has led a conversation to establish five to seven […]

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At Long Last, Sherwood Forest Park Is Now Open; Ribbon Cutting Set For July 20th

July 8, 2026

(Okoboji)– After repeated delays, construction at Sherwood Forest Park in Okoboji is now complete. The new park was originally scheduled to open to the public a little more than a year ago, but construction and drainage issues pushed that back. Amy Heibult, Public Relations Coordinator for the Dickinson County Conservation Board, which oversaw the project, […]

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Another Reminder Of The REAP Regional Assembly Later This Month In Okoboji

July 8, 2026

***NOTE: This story has been revised from a previous version which had an incorrect date*** (Okoboji)– Another reminder of the Region 3 REAP, or Resource Enhancement and Protection Assembly meeting coming up later this month in the Iowa Great Lakes. The July 23rd session will be hosted by the Dickinson County Conservation Board and will […]

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Streamside Buffer Pilot Program Being Expanded

July 8, 2026

(Des Moines)– A pilot project to improve water quality in the greater Des Moines Watershed is being expanded. The Streamside Buffer pilot project was started in August of last year to assist farmers and landowners in establishing perennial buffers along streams, creeks, rivers and drainage ditches to reduce nutrient runoff. The pilot project is now […]

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Arnolds Park City Council To Hold ANOTHER Public Hearing On Minnewashta Campground/Boat Ramp

July 8, 2026

(Arnolds Park)– A public hearing regarding the future of a boat ramp and campground is on the agenda for this (Wed.) evening’s Arnolds Park City Council meeting. The city for some time now has been weighing options for the Minnewashta Campground and boat ramp. The city council held a public hearing on the same topic […]

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Frustrations Grow Even More Over Financial Discrepancies In One Area School District

July 8, 2026

(Graettinger)– Questions and concerns over financial discrepancies in two northwest Iowa school districts continues to grow, along with frustration from residents. The Graettinger-Terril and Ruthven-Ayrshire School Districts revealed the issues back in June, saying they hired a firm to conduct an audit. The school board was scheduled to address the findings of that report Tuesday […]

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Spencer City Council Awards Bid For Tree Removals/Pruning

July 7, 2026

(Spencer)– Some more dead and dying trees in Spencer will be coming down soon. The city council Monday evening awarded the low bid of $17,000 to a Rock Valley company to do the work. Parks and Recreation Director Bob Fullhart says it will involve the removal of 25 trees… “It’s just trees scattered around town […]

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