The Denison Free Press

08/11/2025

Back To School Bash

August 19th - 4:00-7:00PM

08/11/2025

We will be holding our Annual Volunteer Training on Monday, October 7 from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at the ISU Extension and Outreach Office. A meal will be provided starting at 5:30 p.m.

All leaders and volunteers participating in 4-H activities with youth are required to complete this training.

If you are unable to attend in person, you will be required to complete the training online.

👉 Please RSVP using the link below:
https://form.jotform.com/252126265594056

08/11/2025

Denison girl advances in state fair talent search
Brigid Bonner, of Denison, advanced to the semi-final round in Bill Riley’s 65th annual Iowa State Fair Talent Search.
Bonner, age 17, performed her musical theatre tap dance solo on Saturday, August 9, at the Iowa State Fair.
Three semi-final rounds will be performed on Thursday, August 14, Friday, August 15, and Saturday, August 16.
The Bill Riley Talent Search has put Iowa's young talent on stages across the state each summer since 1960. Nearly 100 local qualifying competitions are held across the state and winners advance to the State Fair competition, where there are seven days of preliminary competition for Sprouts (ages 2-12) and Seniors (ages 13-21), followed by the semi-finals and, ultimately, the selection of one Senior champion.
The Sprouts do not compete beyond the semi-finals, but perform in the Championship Show as Sprout champions set for Sunday, August 17, at 1:30 p.m. on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage sponsored by Pepsi and media sponsor iHeart Radio.
More than $22,000 will be awarded to the Senior and Sprout divisions combined.

08/08/2025

‼️TIME CHANGE ‼️
🎉 Anything But a Putter is BACK! 🏌️‍♂️
Join us Friday, August 22nd for the return of the wackiest mini golf event around — Anything But a Putter!
Ever tried putting with a boat oar? How about a pool noodle? Now’s your chance! Each hole will feature a different, creative “putter” to test your skills and make you laugh.
📍 Location: Denison Aquatic Center
🕐 Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
💲 Cost: $3 per person

08/08/2025

Local girls advance in state talent search
The tap quintet team of Hannah Harris, 18, Dunlap; Lauren Herrig, 18, Denison; Tayla Brodersen, 18, Denison; Brylee Schechinger,18, Harlan; and Addison Houston, 17, Denison, will perform in the semi-final round of Bill Riley’s 65th annual Iowa State Fair Talent Search.
The quintet performed in the Senior division on the stage at the Iowa State Fair on Friday, August 8.
An area Sprout act also advanced in the contest. Brinley Koster, 11, Breda, Charlee Stitz, 11, Carroll, performed their jazz dance duet, also on August 8.
Each act will perform again on Thursday, August 14, Friday, August 15 or Saturday, August 16.
The Bill Riley Talent Search has put Iowa's young talent on stages across the state each summer since 1960. Nearly 100 local qualifying competitions are held across the state and winners advance to the State Fair competition, where there are seven days of preliminary competition for Sprouts (ages 2-12) and Seniors (ages 13-21), followed by the semi-finals and, ultimately, the selection of one Senior champion.
The Sprouts do not compete beyond the semi-finals, but perform in the championship show as Sprout champions set for Sunday, August 17 at 1:30 p.m. on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage sponsored by Pepsi and media sponsor iHeart Radio.
More than $22,000 will be awarded to the Senior and Sprout divisions combined.

08/07/2025

Denison girl advances in state fair talent search
Ava Skarin, 15, of Denison, advanced to the semi-final round in Bill Riley’s 65th annual Iowa State Fair Talent Search.
Skarin performed an acro dance solo at the state fair on Thursday, August 7.
The semi-final rounds will be performed on Thursday through Saturday, August 14-16.
The Bill Riley Talent Search has put Iowa's young talent on stages across the state each summer since 1960. Nearly 100 local qualifying competitions are conducted across the state and winners advance to the state fair competition, where there are seven days of preliminary competition for Sprouts (ages 2-12) and Seniors (ages 13-21), followed by the semi-finals and, ultimately, the selection of one Senior champion.
The Sprouts do not compete beyond the semi-finals but perform in the championship show as Sprout champions set for Sunday, August 17, at 1:30 p.m. on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage sponsored by Pepsi and media sponsor iHeart Radio.
More than $22,000 will be awarded to the Senior and Sprout divisions combined.

08/07/2025

DNR investigating fuel release into Boyer River in Crawford County

DUNLAP, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is investigating a release to the Boyer River from a stormwater ditch in Crawford County.

On Wednesday morning, Aug. 6, 2025, the DNR Atlantic Field Office was contacted about a release to the Boyer River from a structure fire at Rockin K Solutions near the intersection of Highway 30 and County Road 37 in Dunlap.

The fire destroyed a service station and resulted in the release of up to 1,200 gallons of fuels, oils, aerosols and other products. Much of the release was consumed in the fire. An unknown amount of product entered a storm drain, where it then flowed into a stormwater ditch to the Boyer River. No immediate impact to aquatic life was observed.

DNR field office staff are on-site investigating the release.

08/07/2025

Denison fourth stop on Kading’s 2025 Hometown Tour

Denison is the fourth official stop on Kading’s 2025 Hometown Tour, a statewide initiative aimed at connecting with Iowa communities to explore how workforce housing can strengthen local economies and support long-term growth.
On Thursday, August 7, Kading’s leadership and development team will visit Denison to meet with civic leaders, employers, educators, and advocates. They’ll explore how housing can support the city's broader efforts in economic development and workforce quality of life.
“Denison is a dynamic community that exemplifies how strong leadership and collaboration can shape a better future,” said Karie Kading Ramsey, CEO of Kading. “Our tour is about listening and learning, and Denison offers a compelling story of progress, diversity, and shared investment in long-term success.”

Details
Hometown Tour: "Diverse Roots, Shared Future"
Date: Thursday, August 7
Location: Denison, Iowa
Time: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

During the day, Kading will connect with education leaders from Denison Community Schools, St. Rose of Lima, Unity Ridge, Denison Job Corps, and Western Iowa Tech. The team will also tour Denison’s downtown, the Crawford County Wellness Center, and Crawford County Memorial Hospital, before concluding with a panel discussion at city hall.
Now in its second year, the Hometown Tour includes five Iowa communities: Webster City, Mason City, Fort Dodge, Fairfield, and Denison. Each stop allows Kading to listen, learn, and invest in Iowa’s future by strengthening ties between housing and community success.
A full recap video from the latest 2025 Hometown Tour in Fairfield can be viewed at www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4vD3xdWSag.
For more information about Hometown Tours and upcoming stops, visit Kading Hometown Tours: www.kadingproperties.com/hometown-tours.
About Kading: Kading is a family-owned development, construction, and property management company based in Urbandale. With 26 workforce housing communities across the state, Kading has been dedicated to using workforce housing to foster economic growth in Iowa towns for nearly 50 years.

08/01/2025

👉 SOLD OUT!👈

🍽️ Step into History with a One-of-a-Kind Progressive Dinner! 🍷

An Evening of Food, Fun & Historic Charm Across Crawford County, Iowa

Join us for the FIRST-EVER Crawford County Progressive Dinner, where your tastebuds will travel through time! This unforgettable evening features three delicious courses, each served in one of our county’s stunning historic museum locations.

Appetizers & Drinks at the Charming Dow House – Dow City, Iowa
Your evening begins at the Dow House, where history greets you at the door. Step into a world of timeless charm as you share stories over appetizers and drinks, in the warm glow of a home that has seen generations come and go. Here, the conversation flows as easily as the refreshments, setting the stage for a truly special night.

Main Course at the Legendary Klondike Hotel – Manilla, Iowa
Next, your journey continues to the Klondike Hotel, where the heart of the evening awaits. Once a bustling inn for travelers, tonight it becomes your dining room. Gather around the table for a hearty roast beef dinner, complete with:
🥔 Loaded mashed potatoes
🌿 Italian green beans
🥗 Crisp garden salad
🥖 Warm, buttery roll
As you dine, imagine the stories these walls could tell - of guests, travelers, and laughter echoing through the decades.

Dessert at the Beautiful McHenry House – Denison, Iowa
Your evening ends on a sweet note at the elegant McHenry House in Denison. Surrounded by the gentle grace of another era, indulge in decadent desserts and the soft hum of shared memories in the making.

🌟 A Night to Remember

Join us for this one-of-a-kind Progressive Dinner, where food, history, and community come together in a night you won’t soon forget. Step inside beloved landmarks, share stories over every course, and experience the past in the most delicious way possible.

🎟️ Reservations: $35 per person
✨ This is a rare chance to dine your way through history - seats are limited and filling fast!
💫 Let the journey begin - your table is waiting.

08/01/2025

08/01/2025

ATTENTION: Carroll Refuse will be replacing broken garbage cans once per month, on the first Friday of each month. If your garbage can needs replaced, please contact City Hall at 712-263-3143 and we will place you on the list to have your garbage can replaced. When calling please have the following information: size of can, color of can, what is wrong with the can, address where can is located, and a phone number.

ATENCIÓN: Carroll Refuse reemplazará los botes de basura rotos una vez al mes, el primer viernes de cada mes. Si es necesario reemplazar su bote de basura, comuníquese con City Hall al 712-263-3143 y lo(a) colocaremos en la lista para reemplazar su bote de basura. Cuando llame, tenga la siguiente información: tamaño del bote, color del bote, qué le paso al bote, dirección donde se encuentra el bote y un número de teléfono.