March/April 2021

We all know that we are eating more at home. There has been less dining out, take-away and delivery. Did you know cooking together teaches kids to be independent and responsible individuals? Hands-on cooking helps children develop confidence, social-emotional skills plus physical and cognitive development. I have been encouraging my grandchildren to cook and/or assist…

Craft. Integrity. Community. Elijah Cornell learned about building from one of the best craftsmen in the construction industry – his father. Founded in 1975 in Spirit Lake, Bob Cornell Construction was built on the vital principles of craft, integrity, and community, and the goal of always creating a high-quality product. Growing up, Elijah loved spending…

Scott and Elaine Greer Understand True Sacrifice “For better, for worse, … in sickness and in health, …” Many times, these words are simple abstractions, something said between lovers on their special day. In this moment, the thought of future turmoil often seems impossible and happiness is largely hovering over the horizon. But in 2018,…

While the first “man caves” were quite literally actual caves, for today’s man fortunate enough to have an entire space dedicated to his favorite things, these rooms or even houses have evolved into specialized spaces designed to show off a particular design style. A man cave can be created within a large garage space, the…

Do you have that one wall in your house that just needs some love? Don’t we all! Inspiration struck when I found a stash of unused picture frames from the move, as well as some other wall decor that never got put up. Being “moved in” to a new home takes more than 8 months…

My name is Kylie Sebert. I’m a native of Spirit Lake and currently living in the literary hub of Portland, Maine! I have Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, with an emphasis in fiction, and now hope to begin a novel writing career. You can find me on Instagram and Facebook as @notsotwentysomething. As…

Many of us enjoyed the beauty and fragrance of the gorgeous flower beds along the Arnolds Park Promenade this past summer. From gorgeous purple alliums to white hydrangeas, the thousands of plants were cared for by crews of Plantin’ Posies, a local landscaping business. Owner Erin Radcliffe keeps her crews busy beautifying the Iowa Great…

Since 1931, United Community Bank has been dedicated to helping countless businesses, farmers, and citizens throughout the Iowa Great Lakes region. From day one, this locally owned community bank has been devoted to serving the needs of their communities and providing their customers with a full range of financial services and unsurpassed customer service. “Community,…