Christmas is about tradition, warm memories and building new ones with your own children. Nashville recording artist Shannon Brown Silva has deep roots in  the Iowa Great Lake and  has taken her cherished memories of Northwest Iowa Christmas's and made them into her Christmas album "A Classic Christmas" .  Catching up with friends at Christmas is a fun tradition too!

Video on YouTube at https://youtu.be/k9SPNHXu4Gg

COVID-19 Vaccines soon will be on the way to Lakes Regional Healthcare. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jeremy Bolluyt discusses time tables, priorities and availability following the first delivery. Also recent antibody treatments for at risk patients and the hospital's current standing on COVID patients.

Video on YouTube at https://youtu.be/wc_eiqPEw6w

Good organizations giving the help needed...The food pantry at Upper Des Moines Opportunity, Inc. for Dickinson County is busier than ever and UDMO is so thankful for the businesses, volunteers and EVERYONE helping those in need.  Operations Director T. J. Thayer has information for those who need a hand with putting food on the table, heating their home or other services supplied by UDMO.  And if you can spare your time, talents or treasure...you can help as well. We're in this together!

The Hunger Coalition is set to have boxes of food for those in need at the Dickinson County Fairgrounds again this Saturday. Sue Boettcher of Iowa State Extension makes note of some changes in the packaging itself and based on the high need last time a more efficient way of distribution to vehicles.  Plus a message of thanks to the many volunteers who give of themselves this holiday season to make this opportunity of giving a reality. Thank you to all who make it possible.

On YouTube at https://youtu.be/JAZGfrBGFQ4

This is why I do what I do. Once in a while I am awed by the tapestry sewn by one person's body of work to others. John Hinn has been named the 2020 "Citizen of the Years" by the Spirit Lake Noon Kiwanis. John and Kathi Hinn were kind enough to invite me into their beautiful home and share stories of their early days before Dowden Hinn Realtors and since. It's a lovely story I was happy to enjoy with them. Now you can too. Presenting...John Hinn, Citizen of the Years!

Video on YouTube at https://youtu.be/W8j37bZa0e4

Great local businesses employing generations of families in the Iowa Great Lakes. If you know anything about Pure Fishing in Spirit Lake you know of it's beginnings with Berkley Bedell and it's dedication to maintaining that feeling of a family atmosphere in their working environment. Site Director for Pure Fishing Todd Backhaus has much to tell on the history and perhaps your future with one of the largest employers in our area. Through Covid, Pure Fishing has maintained a safe environment for employees and business is booming. Opportunities abound right now at Pure Fishing and it could be the key to a rewarding career for you.

On YouTube at https://youtu.be/q7iKMH9rv0I

Good people doing neighborly actions. The Dickinson County Good Neighborhood Fund over the years has raised and donated over a million dollars to our LOCAL non profits. Board President Luke Donnenwerth says peoples generosity is needed even more in a year where fund raisers have been cancelled for these organizations. The Good Neighbor Fund is in the midst of their fundraising and ask you to remember to be generous if you possibly can this Holiday Season!

Video on YouTube at https://youtu.be/sjrRyqCKXcM

Great Foundations supporting our Community. The Okoboji Foundation has traditionally supported so many over the years and Foundation President Mindy Gress anticipates even more need as we limp out of 2020 and hopefully rebound into 2021. So many ways that your generosity can make a difference for many in need in the Iowa Great Lakes. Make the end of this year a chance for others with your giving.

Video on YouTube at https://youtu.be/GWl25wuNs78

Good people make great Fishing Guides! How did John Grosvenor go from TV News Anchor to managing Arnolds Park Amusement Park to the premiere Fishing Guide in the Iowa Great Lakes? He's got a great story to tell and a fantastic guide service that will keep your group or family nabbing the best fishing in Okoboj

Video on YouTube at https://youtu.be/LaosjLZD5HA

Good locals having fun with hobbies and rewarding others. Remember what Indiana Jones said ," X never marks the spot!" Mike Peschon has spent decades searching for treasure and has traveled far and wide not just for his own rewards but also reuniting people with their long lost and treasured momentous. Good deeds have their own rewards and Karma can be kind.

On YouTube at https://youtu.be/gTDxUMcg00Y