Jessica Jensen | Managing Editor For three nurses, joining the Lyon County Ambulance squad is a way to be involved in the community and give back. Angi Dibbern, Samantha Sammons and Toni Schipper, all of Rock Rapids, recently joined the squad and are ready to respond as emergency medical technicians (EMTS). All three women are […]
Jessica Jensen | Managing Editor Jill Funke | Contributing Writer, Sanford Rock Rapids Over the past 24 years, Chet De Jong, MD, has seen hundreds of patients in Rock Rapids. In a few short months, the well-respected physician will begin taking appointments in a new space. Sanford Health is presently constructing a new clinic on […]
Jason Hommes | Staff Writer Jerry Birkey grew up on a farm in central Iowa and for most of his young life, he thought he’d become a farmer one day as well. But his parents wanted him to give college a shot, and so he decided to go to college for criminal justice. Fast forward […]
Jessica Jensen | Managing Editor A growth in ministry programs at ATLAS of Lyon County has led to the expansion of the organization. The ATLAS Ministry Center now occupies two-thirds of the former Modern Gas Building at 113 First Avenue in Rock Rapids. An open house Thursday, Jan. 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. […]
On Monday, Jan. 14, George-Little Rock will host its week-long 2019 homecoming activities, with coronation kick-starting the celebration Monday at 7 p.m. Pictured is George-Little Rock High School’s 2019 homecoming court. Front row, left to right: Solomon Johnson, Caleb Terhark, Landon Jumbeck, Jaden Klingenberg. Back row, left to right: Kayla Gerken, Rebecca Krull, Karissa Harms, […]
Jason Hommes | Staff Writer After a successful release of the book, “Gitchie Girl,” authors Phil and Sandy Hamman have released a sequel, “Gitchie Girl Uncovered.” The first book, which was named a national best seller, detailed the story of Sandra Cheskey, the lone survivor of the 1973 Gitchie Manitou mass murders that occurred in […]
Jessica Jensen | Managing Editor Oaklyn Remme was born Jan. 4, 2018, weighing 8 pounds, 10 ounces. “She was perfect. From the outside, she was absolutely perfect,” said mom, Jessica (Johnson) Remme of Rock Rapids. But on the inside, there was something seriously wrong and instead of leaving the hospital with their “perfect” baby girl, […]
Kalani Steinmetz | Staff Writer Winter has arrived and with it came the increased need to practice safe, focused driving, especially for new, virtually-inexperienced drivers. Fortunately, there are safety laws and options set in place which parents of new drivers can take advantage of. “The most important thing that a new driver and all drivers […]
The population of Iowa has grown by 109,273 people, or 3.6 percent, since 2010, according to new estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. The 2018 estimated overall population of Iowa is now 3,156,145 people, ranking Iowa at 31st in the nation for size. “Iowa’s increase in population since 2010 can be attributed by both positive natural […]
Jessica Jensen | Managing Editor In the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, “The Sound of Music,” actress Julie Andrews sings about “brown paper packages, tied up with strings” in the show tune “My Favorite Things.” Similar packages — brown and white paper lunch bags — are making an impact in the community with a different […]