Jessica Jensen | Managing Editor An opportunity to impact kids in the far corners of the world is available locally. First Reformed Church in Rock Rapids is a drop-off location for Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief and evangelism organization headed by Franklin Graham. The mission of Operation […]
Jessica Jensen | Managing Editor A former Air Force fighter pilot will be the featured speaker during the annual Veterans’ Day program at Central Lyon High School Monday, Nov. 11, at 10:30 a.m. Steven. E. Ankerstar will detail his first-hand experience in dropping the first bomb of the “Shock and Awe” campaign in Iraq during […]
Jessica Jensen | Managing Editor There is a poignant and formal ritual performed nearly each time a military veteran is laid to rest. For members of the American Legion and VFW Honor Guard, it’s one final way to acknowledge the service of a fellow comrade. For the family members saying their final goodbyes, it’s one […]
Jessica Jensen | Managing Editor Jennifer Kor | Staff Writer The Central Lyon School Foundation recently got its 18th annual fundraising campaign underway. Central Lyon alumni and supporters and previous donors received mailers explaining what the organization does to support the school district. “The purpose of the Central Lyon School Foundation is to provide funds […]
Carmen Vande Stroet | Staff Writer High school students at George-Little Rock High School will present “The Holiday Christmas Movie Wonderthon” fall play production Friday, Nov. 8, and Saturday, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m. in the George-Little Rock High School theatre. “If you want to get into the Christmas spirit, this is it,” said director […]
Jason Hommes | Staff Writer To say that 2019 has been a difficult year for farmers would be an understatement. Exceptionally wet conditions in the spring significantly delayed planting progress, and farmers were still planting their crops well into the month of June. Some fields didn’t even get planted at all. But now the time […]
Jason Hommes | Staff Writer When Julie Vogel secured a job at a local insurance agency 38 years ago, she was understandably excited. At the time she was working outside of town, but she had a young child at home and wanted to find a job closer to home. For Vogel, that job was as […]
Jessica Jensen | Managing Editor Hundreds of would-be ball players, fans and coaches frequent the diamond at Kiwanis Park in Rock Rapids. Even in the off-season, local youth can be seen playing kick ball during physical education class at Central Lyon or during a friendly pick-up game. The facility recently received a face-lift and some […]
Jessica Jensen | Managing Editor As a sixth-grade student at Central Lyon, Kyle West remembers the events of Sept. 11, 2001. With a long family lineage of military service, it was likely West would consider joining a branch. Combine the two factors and the 2007 graduate of Central Lyon knew before he even got to […]
Jessica Jensen | Managing Editor Scott and Mary Slade purchased the local drive-in restaurant as newlyweds 40 years ago while looking for a steak house to operate. “This place came up for sale and Scott’s dad asked if we would consider it. We said, ‘Ok, we’ll do it’ with a seven-year plan to run it […]