November 2025 Trails Talk

HONORING A LEGACY OF SERVICE

Tim Miller shares the story behind a bench the family recently donated in honor of his dad Stan and his legacy of service to community.

When Stan Miller retired in 1998, he changed his lake home address from a three-season cabin to his permanent four-season home on Pioneer Beach Road. Within a few years the Dickinson County Recreational Trails built a trail right across the street from his home. That lead Stan to discover the S.A.L.T. (Seniors and Lawmen Together) organization. He joined the volunteers on S.A.L.T. to patrol the trails and maintain the safety of riders, walkers, and rollerbladers, report emergencies, provide information, water, and tire pumps. He enjoyed serving the public on his once-a-week shift. Eventually Stan upped his commitment to becoming the President of S.A.L.T. He really enjoyed working with Sheriff Greg Baloun and getting to know the other volunteers. So much so, he served 9 years as President.

It was not only an honor for Stan to serve the community of the Iowa Great Lake Trails as in his younger years he served our country in the Iowa National Guard. In the early sixties he served as a volunteer fireman in Storm Lake. In the mid to late sixties, he served the Clive Iowa community as a councilman and mayor. He later served the insurance profession on state boards.

In 2024 Stan made is his final resting place in Dickinson County. His wife, Jan Miller chose to honor Stan’s life of service by donating a trail bench. It resides in a perfect spot on 252^nd Avenue (aka Pioneer Beach Road) in Orleans. Thanks to Erin Reed and Tom Kuhlman for allowing this bench to be placed where neighbors, friends and family can have a beautiful view of East Lake Okoboji.

The Trail Bench Program continues to grow and be a meaningful way to honor loved ones and friends. Each bench not only serves as a heartfelt tribute but also supports trail maintenance and provides inviting rest areas for all who enjoy our local trails. If you are interested in dedicating a new bench in honor of someone special, please visit www.dickinsoncountytrails.com/donate for details and the Bench Program form.

Every bench has a unique story behind it, and the DCTB will continue highlighting these stories in Trails Talk. We look forward to celebrating the families, friends, and memories honored through these thoughtful donations.

FALL FRIENDS CAMPAIGN

The Iowa Great Lakes Trails continue to grow and connect our communities in exciting new ways. Over the past few years, we’ve seen remarkable progress – more than 17 miles of new trails, a beautiful new trailhead in Spirit Lake, and several impactful maintenance projects. None of this would be possible without the generosity of our donors. Thank you for helping us move forward mile by mile.

The DCTB remains committed to expanding and enhancing the trail network throughout the Iowa Great Lakes region. With your continued support, we can further connect communities in Clay County, advance development of the rail trail Tatanka Ska Trace and maintain a safe, high-quality trail system.

As we begin our Fall Friends Campaign, we invite you to consider becoming a Friend of the Trails. Your contribution will help enhance the quality of life in the Iowa Great Lakes and make a meaningful impact on the area’s health and economy. To learn more or to donate, please visit www.dickinsoncountytrails.com.

We deeply appreciate the community’s ongoing support. Together, we continue to improve and expand the trail system, creating lasting benefits for generations to come.

DICKINSON COUNTY SNOWHAWKS
TRAIL CLEANUP DAY

Volunteers with the Dickinson County Snowhawks spent Sunday, November 23 working on the trails in preparation for winter. They signed trail routes and trimmed trees along shared use trails that include the rail trail Tatanka Ska Trace, Spine Trail and highway right of ways. We appreciate their hard work and efforts that protect snowmobilers and trail assets. For more information about the SnowHawks and to view their trail map visit www.snowhawksdc.com.

As always, Happy Trails to You and Yours.
Erin Reed, DCTB Executive Director