July/August 2022

I really love to cook and bake, but decided I want to spend as much time as possible outside this summer. I feel like I lost two years of my life because of the pandemic isolation. I have been perusing the calendar of events that the area is offering this summer, and I am extremely…

The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn I love a good historical fiction novel, especially set in World War II but as much as I have read on this time period, I have never experienced it quite like this. The Diamond Eye is based on a true story & focuses on the Soviet Army. This is…

SLYAA Triple Play Project will Transform Spirit Lake Little League Fields Stepping up to the plate, the butterflies are going as the batter plants his feet. The pitcher stares stoically back, daring the hitter to take a swing. Every year, countless boys and girls gain valuable life lessons during a game of baseball and softball.…

Templar Park Once Home to a Grand Resort for the Templar Knights of Iowa For those driving along the west side of Big Spirit Lake today, it can be hard to imagine the splendor of days past. Many areas once visited by thousands hide their treasures beneath prairie grass and old Burr Oak trees. Quiet…

No Boundaries Teaches Students Lifelong Skills Lilly and Beans scramble up the catwalk along the wall, while Charles and Khloe lounge near the couch in the sun, licking their paws. Faith and Dylan play with toys in the corner. The new meet and greet room at the Humane Society of Northwest Iowa is the perfect…

Damon Dotson’s Music Continues to Make Waves Dreams once never imagined have come true for Okoboji’s musician Damon Dotson. Growing up on Miller’s Bay, Damon loved music but saw himself more as a sports guy. He played the drums all the way through school and found success with Okoboji’s award-winning jazz band. “I loved the…

What’s SUP!?!?!?! That is right! On our adventures out and about we went paddleboarding. Well, not only paddleboarding but we did Paddleboard Yoga. I don’t know who thought this was a brilliant idea. ONE….I have never paddleboarded, TWO I have never done yoga. What was I thinking? I believe what I was thinking was the…