The Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the 8 Dickinson County residents who have been elected to cheer loud and proud at the 37th Annual University of Okoboji Winter Games presented by Parks Marina.
On January 4 & 5, the general public was encouraged to visit the Chamber office and vote for 8 of the 15 very-worthy candidates nominated. 158 ballots were cast over the course of the two days of voting and the results are as follows:
Kevin Bice of Spirit Lake
Kevin is a long time member of the Spirit Lake City Council. He is a lifelong resident of the Iowa Great Lakes and truly has a passionate love of the area.
Jona Forbes of Spirit Lake
Jona has spent a lifetime working for the betterment of the people of the lakes area and those who come to enjoy themselves here. She is a Past President of Sunrise Kiwanis and current member of Milford Morning Kiwanis. She volunteers at the Pearson Lakes Art Center, is active in Lakes Regional Healthcare Auxiliary, and assists with judging at the Dickinson County Fair.
Bethany Huseman of Milford
Bethany is a fantastic leader and inspiration in our area. She is a lifetime resident that is President of the Iowa Navy Commodores and volunteers her time tirelessly to welcome new businesses and assist with Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber events.
Gayla Place and Greg Place of Spirit Lake
Greg and Gayla are described as simply “fantastic” with the enthusiasm they exhibit in our community. They are huge supporters through Immanuel Lutheran Church, Community Table, Spenser’s Underground, Christmas at the Ritz, and grooming trails for the Dickinson County Snowhawks. They are tireless in their efforts and willingness to donate, prepare and distribute healthy meals. They exemplifying what the Lakes Area is all about.
Doug Stueven of Spirit Lake
Doug has been a volunteer fire fighter for Spirit Lake for over 30 years. Doug has been a volunteer for Winter Games events as well as the Community Theater and Iowa Lakes Community School System. He is very active in his church—serving in a variety of capacities. Doug teaches in the Spirit Lake Community School District and makes children his #1 priority.
Amy Pas
Amy is a true Okoboji enthusiast. She loves the Lakes area and greets everyone with a smile. This past year Amy achieved her goal of the opening of the Lakes Area Dog Park, the first of it’s kind in the Lakes region, improving the area for our Canine friends.
Abby Wilson of Spirit Lake
Abby is a 2009 graduate of Spirit Lake High School. Abby was the 2015 Miss Amazing Queen and runner-up at the National Pageant held in Los Angeles that same year. She works at Echo Plus, Aspasia, and Little Hands Daycare. She exhibits her school and community spirit by supporting all the local teams and fine arts programs. Abby always has a big smile and an encouraging word for those around her.
We are so excited for January 26-29 to arrive, and we couldn’t be happier to have such a great group of individuals elected as the 2017 Winter Games Cheerleaders. They will be cheering on all the participants throughout the weekend, so go get registered for those events at www.uofowintergames.com.