It doesn’t matter what team you prefer Vikings vs Packers, Iowa or Iowa State or if you’re just a diehard collectible fan – Ryan Schmidt has Okoboji Sports and Collectibles

At Kemna Okoboji Motorcars/AutoSmart and is ready to TRADE! Sports Cards, Autographs and anything tradable will be on the table for the 1st Trade Night on Sat. March 26th. Ryan also is ready to go with a monthly event with new inventory on a large selection of teams arriving daily. He also reveals the Card he would never part with?

YouTube video at https://youtu.be/EY87h88t0T0

Spirit Lake High School Band Director, Tyler Pedersen is getting students prepped for the Iowa High School Music Association’s Solo and Ensemble Contest on March 26th. But the former Spirit Lake student turned instructor tells how the discipline of practice is an essential lesson for any facet in life. And how you volunteering your valuable time can assist students on a very important day for them.

YouTube video at https://youtu.be/LpLhejLo8fo

WHO WILL MAKE THE SPARKLING 16?

You have until noon TOMORROW to get your bracket ready. Not that other bracket but the Boji’s Booming Bracket Battle. A lot of familiar faces all deserving the eventual pie in their very own face. Blain Andera, CEO/President of the Iowa Great Lakes Chamber breaks it down.

On YouTube at https://youtu.be/uoiclGekvKU

Snows melting and time to start thinking Gardening! And gardening for our kids. Sue Boettcher of the Dickinson County ISU Extension office has sign ups ready for Day Care workers wishing to make gardening part of the world they provide. Plus Master Gardener sign up for elementary age students as well as adults who make gardening a major part of their lives. Sue has the sign up details for you to cultivate your lifestyle.

YouTube video at https://youtu.be/qo8ZbyXuA3E

A twist on our Women of Action series, Dr. Kiana Hiemstra is neither a locally born or long time resident of the Iowa Great Lakes. Dr. Hiemstra is a Dentist at Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry along with Dr. Brandy Lancaster and as an Iowa Lake raised girl that is busy making waves while giving you a robust smile you can be proud of.

YouTube video at https://youtu.be/JzZfpCf03sA

Less than 3 months away…Lake Street is on the fast track to completion and the new stage at Arnolds Park Amusement Park is making big league progress. Marketing Director, Paul Plumb talks about new acts and returning favorites to the Preservation Plaza. And additional National Acts are still to be revealed. Don’t forget to get your Season Passes to the Park in March and receive an additional bonus!

YouTube video at https://youtu.be/_WJ31X0xVNM

We all have something to give! Our Women of Action series puts the spotlight on Jill Harms, owner of Blink Marketing. Though not originally from Okoboji, Jill left the corporate world to start her business in an effort to get to know the people of our area and compliment the many gifts and talents that they offer and makes the Iowa Great Lakes a very special place to call home indeed. This is her story and what makes her a true Woman of Action.

YouTube link available https://youtu.be/MwpCJBYs1yI

Being a pioneer as a woman in business in the Lakes Region Kris Walker, the focus of this week’s “Women of Action” purchased what is now Walker Insurance Agency, Inc. at a time when most business was owned and operated by men. Kris’s story is one of hard work, professionalism and a drive to give back to a community in many shapes and forms. Being a pioneer as a Lakes area business woman has paid dividends to those she helped pave the way for.

YouTube video at https://youtu.be/Wyuh_FQ4aiE

It’s History Wednesday from the Dickinson County Museum. What’s one of the best kept secrets about our museum? RESEARCH. The Dickinson County Museum is full to the rafters with information about your family, where they lived, what their farm was accessed at. And maybe someone you knew checked into a local hotel 100 years ago and signed the registry. Mary Dreier has endless avenues for your local research.

YouTube video at https://youtu.be/v2coE7kzAOw

It’s all about supporting community, supporting small business and of course…MEAT! Ruthven Meat Processing is expanding their footprint into Spencer with “Butchery on Grand”. Suzie Kraft gives background on the how and why, as well as the major introduction of Boar’s Head Brand into their carnivore favorites of vendors. Don’t miss the major Open House approaching on Feb. 26th.