Holiday 2025

Providing New Beds for Area Children “Thank you! I’ve never had my own bed before!” These simple words bring a plethora of emotions to Dave and Lisa Tentinger, organizers of Spirit Lake’s chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace. “There are lot of children who have nothing and whose families are doing their best to provide…

Del’s Garden Center Holds a Winter Market Every Saturday Savoring a ripe, juicy garden tomato in the middle of winter seems far-fetched, especially when the ground in northern Iowa is generally frozen solid and covered with a white blanket of snow. Local stores ship in vegetables from warmer climates but they usually never taste quite…

Come for the Books, Stay for the Community  At the heart of a newly-opened bookstore in downtown Spirit Lake is a little girl’s dream. Lucy Goosey imagined a world of travel and adventure, pouring out from the pages on her lap. It was a love-hate relationship because reading was hard but her vivid imagination always…

With a sip of Christmas tea and the joy of the season, guests at The Oakwood Inn’s Christmas Tea experience a taste of an old-fashioned Christmas. The festive event creates special memories for those attending the annual afternoon tea, partaking in four courses of delicious homemade dishes and a special Christmas tea blend. It’s a…

Mindy Sylvester | Certified Integrative Women’s Health Coach The holiday season is fast approaching, often bringing with it a whirlwind of stress and overcommitment. In the midst of life’s already busy days, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by added activities. Mindy Sylvester, a Certified Integrative Women’s Health Coach, offers a vital reminder: pause, take a…

Once upon a Christmas, there were bells, sleighs and large Christmas trees in the street! All kinds of tales will be told at Christmas at the Depot at 10 a.m. on December 17 at the Dickinson County Museum. Many will gather to hear special memories of past celebrations, sing Christmas Carols and enjoy Christmas treats.…

Chef Brandon Chef Kevin A Taste of New Orleans at PLAC What a night! I joined about 60 other guests for the “A Taste of New Orleans” cooking class with Chef Brandon Muetzel at the Pearson Lakes Art Center (PLAC). Honestly, I had no clue what to expect—was this going to be a hands-on, apron-and-knife…