Jessica Jensen | Managing EditorThis holiday season may look a bit different due to the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing. But, as we close in on the end of the year and enter the holiday season, it’s important to remember to pause, give thanks and even pay it forward. Your health may depend on it. […]
Kindness legacy
Jessica Jensen | Managing Editor Some people in life leave a lasting impression on others while some leave a lasting impression on nearly everyone they meet. Briana Erickson has been described as the latter. Last Friday, Nov. 13, designated as the international observance World Kindness Day, also became an opportunity for Erickson’s friends and community […]
Supporting veterans VFW Auxiliary member combines patriotism and talent
Jessica Jensen | Managing EditorAn appreciation for veterans and the organizations that support them was the motivation behind the one-of-a-kind patriotic quilt Robin Fastert had envisioned in her head for some time. As a member of VFW Auxiliary Post 6960 in Rock Rapids, the quilt went from an idea to the center of a fundraiser […]
Reaching for Gold
Former Central Lyon FFA members earn American DegreeHIGHEST AWARDDevin Miller, left, and Reese Borman, right, both 2019 graduates of Central Lyon High School and former Central Lyon FFA chapter members, received the American FFA Degree, the highest degree that can be earned by FFA members. Those earning the American Degree receive a gold key, pictured […]
A fall blast of winter
Measurable snow, then cold before fall briefly returnsAUTUMN BLESSING? Katelynn Kelly carefully rolls snow into a ball in Rock Rapids Sunday, Oct. 25. She said she was excited to see the snow on the ground so she “could go outside to play in it.” (Photo/Jessica Jensen)Jessica Jensen | Managing EditorAs trees continued to drop leaves […]
Crafting a legacy
Local business finds unique niche with high-end, custom-crafted piecesSarah Mullinix | Staff WriterLuke Grooters has always enjoyed woodworking but is taking his craftsmanship to a new level and he’s doing so in no ordinary wood shop. The Rock Rapids native and 2013 graduate of Central Lyon High School began working at Bespoke in Larchwood in August […]
Local opportunities to get a scare on Haunted house entertainment in the works
SPOOKY FIGURES THROUGHOUTA masked figure waits atop the staircase to the third floor of a series of buildings being renovated on Main Street in Rock Rapids. The upper levels of the buildings will be the venue for two haunted houses on Oct. 24 and Oct. 31. (Photo/Jessica Jensen)Jessica Jensen | Managing EditorWith Halloween around the corner, […]
Surprise donation leaves impact on teacher and his students
SURPRISE AWARDLandon Ahlers, center, a science instructor at George-Little Rock, received a grant from the Live Like Cat Foundation, named for an aspiring teacher who died in a car accident during her sophomore year of undergraduate studies. Ahlers was not aware he had been nominated for the grant until the day of the presentation. (Photo/Submitted) Jennifer […]
RVP dinner theater to present ‘Now & Then’
WHAT TIME IS IT?Earl Sides and Kathy Sides rehearse a scene from the upcoming River Valley Players’ dinner theater production of “Now and Then”. (Photo/Jessica Jensen) Jessica Jensen |Managing EditorRiver Valley Players will present “Now & Then” by Sean Grennan in dinner theater Oct. 29-31. With some uncertainties swirling regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, director Valerie Lenderink […]
Preparing for the unexpected
Sarah Mullinix | Staff WriterAs Election Day draws near, county auditors are working behind the scenes to ensure that the election process is safe and secure. To prepare counties further, Secretary of State Paul Pate partnered with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cyber Security and Infrastructure Security Agency to conduct election preparedness exercises for […]