Lake Darling opened to the public once again in July, 2014. Photo by Sally Hart.


A bust of Ding Darling was created by Max-Cast in Kalona, artists Doris Park (left) and Stephen Maxon reveal the sculpture at the re-dedication ceremony. Photo by Sally Hart.

A documentary focused on Lake Darling, the man it’s named after and its renovation is nearing completion. According to chair of the Friends of Lake Darling fundraising and development committee, Fay Vittetoe, she spoke to the film’s executive producer Sam Koltinsky on Friday and learned it’s 80% done.

Koltinsky’s  documentary Darling is Back is a co-production of his company, Marvo Entertainment, and Iowa Public Television. Koltinsky is responsible for the documentary, America’s Darling, that explored the cartoonist’s accomplishments in conservation and lasting influence. Vittetoe says in addition to it airing on IPTV, there will likely be a screening held locally.

To learn more about the documentary, listen to today’s In Touch with Southeast Iowa.