Major Windstorm Damage

75 mile per hour winds were reported in our area last night. Pictured here are just a few of the tree damages as a result. The huge root seen along with the rest of this great shade tree will not only be missed for its shade but did damage to the house it landed on as barely seen in the background! Thought the branch in the middle of the trampoline was rather unique. Another picture here is taken in the yard of our local museum.

The New Glacier Bay Restaurant

Lake View's newest restaurant/bar finally opened for business recently. Pictured here is a view from the outside seating area where one can easily see Blackhawk Lake. The inside is decorated with many vintage pictures and relics of the area from bygone days. The food is a good as when we once were able to eat at a former lakeside restaurant, Ryan's East End. Maybe because the same chef is doing the cook'in!! Anyway, I heartily recommend a visit. They even have their dock available for those wishing to travel by water to eat. At the present it is only open in the evening but well worth the wait!!

Come winter I am sure the large fireplace will be an added attraction, although with the unseasonably cool summer we have already experienced we may not have to wait until winter to make use of a fireplace.

Relay for Life luncheon

The local Methodist Church recently held a specially decorated benefit luncheon to help the Relay for Life. Pastor Dave and able assistant Elaine are seen here amidst some of the uniquely decorated tables. The meal included a variety of salads along with those ever tempting homemade desserts.

Bike Rodeo

Iowa's weather cooperated nicely for another of Lake View's new events - A BIKE RODEO. One of the town's new businesses, Up Around the Bend was the site of the announcer for such events as:

weaving in around road cones to pick off tennis balls and replace them without them falling to the ground;throwing a water balloon over a high bar; as well as taking a bite out of a hot dog while driving under the bar. The event was followed by a Poker Run which I'm sure the good weather was a positive asset for this event along with the ribbon cutting later in the afternoon of the newly completed Sauk Bike Trail from Lake View to Carroll, Iowa.

A new summer "hot dog vendor" was also available along Main Street for those needing a quick lunch following the "rodeo" events. This particular vendor can usually be found near one of our stone piers. I need to try one of their jalapeno sausages soon!

Unique Library- Sac Co. Conservation Center

Not many libraries have animal/bone displays in them. Pictured here are a few shots from the newly dedicated Sac County Conservation Center. The entire room is lined with exhibits of various native animals. You can see that there are even exhibits on some of the book shelves. Again, I encourage anyone to make time to visit this wonderful new facility in Sac County.

Sac Co. Conservation Dedication

The dedication of the new Sac County Conservation Center was held on Sunday, June 5 as seen in some of these pictures. It is a wonderful addition to the county and well worth a visit. There are several "hands on" exhibits for young and old to enjoy and a very unique library that I will "showcase" in a future blog. Before I took this picture of this huge "nest" two children were sitting amidst the "eggs"playing with the "baby birds". Barb Bloom was the main speaker along with others including County Supervisor, Dean Stock. Just before the actual ribbon cutting ceremony a rescued hawk was released and then we all were glad to return to the coolness of the interior where refreshments were also available in the townstair kitchen/classroom area. Be sure and plan a visit to see this new facility between Lake View and Sac City, Iowa.

New Infomation Sign

Check out this new information sign recently installed at the entrance to our Sauk Bike Trail! It not only lists upcoming events but can show pictures, do animation and even display short video clips!! Those volunteers who used to have to manually put up notices are to commended for their service and can now "retire" their job to modern technology! The map kiosk is still available for viewing and one can also enjoy the work of our local Park Board members who landscape all the beautiful flowers and shrubbery at this biking entrance. This is just one of many great reasons to come visit this small Iowa town.