Rock Rapids coffee shop to open April 5 Amy Lyon | Staff Writer Coffee enthusiasts rejoice, as a new coffee shop will open in Rock Rapids April 5. Hilltop Coffee Company, named to honor the history of what used to be Hilltop Café, is owned by Brooke Hunt, her daughter Addy and her silent partner […]
Blasting off for a Design Competition
PRESENTING HER INFORMATION Ashley Schmidt, left, of George-Little Rock presents a timeline for her team during the Space Settlement Design Competition at South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota, March 8-9. The challenge was to plan a functioning port settlement on Mars in under 24 hours. Schmidt was in charge of marketing and sales […]
Taking home robotic hardware
COMPETING AT THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP On Saturday, March 8, Central Lyon’s LEGO Lions competed at the South Dakota State FIRST LEGO League State Championship. Pictured is the LEGO Lions team going over objectives with the referee. Left to right, Maddox Wissink, Micah Borman, the referee and Brody De Groot. (Photo/Tristan Taylor) PUTTING THE ROBOT THROUGH […]
Celebrating one woman’s multifaceted life experiences
Women’s History Month Amy Lyon | Staff Writer As a mother, grandmother, home-school teacher, nurse, doula, hand-quilter and more, Laurel Schriever of Rock Rapids has had her share of life experiences. In honor of Women’s History Month, which is designated to recognize and celebrate women’s contributions to society during March, Schriever shared about God’s blessings […]
Lady Lions Punch Ticket to State!
Central Lyon celebrates its state tournament qualification at center court in Estherville following a regional final win over West Fork. Find that story on page 10 of this issue. The Lions advanced to their fourth consecutive 2A bracket with the victory. (Photo/Andrew Buckman)
Investing in Rock Rapids teens
NEW DIRECTOR AT YOUTH FOR CHRIST Jessica Van Roekel of Alvord started as the new Rock Rapids Youth for Christ director in December 2024. Youth for Christ is a nonprofit organization designed to introduce students to Jesus Christ and connect them with a local church. They currently offer programming on Tuesdays from 3:30-6 p.m. (Photo/Dominique […]
Snowy Transformation
WINTER AT THE COURTHOUSE The Lyon County Courthouse lawn in Rock Rapids looked pristine after the latest snowfall Wednesday, Feb. 12. (Photo/Dominique Kooiker) FUN IN THE SNOW A girl jumps off a snow pile in Rock Rapids while two boys look on. The children climbed the snow pile after Central Lyon dismissed Wednesday, Feb. 12. […]
A Lifetime of Love
George couple celebrates 70 years of marriage Dominique Kooiker | Editor Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love. Whether it’s showing friends and classmates appreciation with colorful messages and candy or taking that special someone out for a nice meal, this chilly day in February is a time to warm hearts.For Marlyn and Ethel […]
Overcoming disaster
Rapid Auto Repair opens doors to new location Amy Lyon | Staff Writer The unprecedented flooding of June 2024 destroyed countless homes and buildings throughout northwest Iowa. One victim of the record-setting devastation was Rapid Auto Repair in Rock Rapids. Nevertheless, with community support and a sense of resilience, owner Mike Klarenbeek pushed through the […]
For the of dogs
Canine Creations offers dog grooming in Doon Dominique Kooiker | Editor There are many dog-lovers in the world, but Jenna Mantel of Doon has taken her love of dogs to a new level and has made working with canines her job. In April 2024, Mantel opened Canine Creations, a dog-grooming business.“I’ve really loved dogs my […]