Robin Opsahl | Iowa Capital Dispatch Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress results for spring 2024 show that the state has reached or surpassed pre-pandemic proficiency levels in English language arts and mathematics, according to the Iowa Department of Education.The department released results Friday from the spring 2024 assessment that determined whether students in 3rd […]
Overdose Awareness Day
q & a with u.s. senator chuck grassleyOverdose Awareness DayQ: How are you working to help prevent overdose deaths?A: From my 99-county meetings to constituent phone calls and emails to my Senate office, I hear from Iowans from all walks of life whose families and communities have been devastated by overdose deaths. A recent national […]
We can’t let the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act expire
Randy Feenstra | District Representative In 2017, Congress passed, and President Trump signed into law, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) — the single largest and most comprehensive reform of the tax code in decades. As promised, this legislation boosted our economy, strengthened our global competitiveness, and let American families, farmers and small businesses […]
Uncovering the rest of the story
Dominique Kooiker | Editor Many people wonder about their family’s stories, wondering what happened in the lives of those who came before. Richard Reitsma of Rock Rapids is one of those people, and his quest to discover his family’s stories led him to write a book titled “Forgetfulness: The Holocaust Orphan Jay’s Lost Dutch-Jewish Family […]
Showcasing her passion for racing
2024 KNOXVILLE NATIONALS QUEENS COURT Emma Baker of Rock Rapids, left, was named second runner-up in the 2024 Knoxville Nationals Queen Contest Aug. 6. Being on the Knoxville Nationals Queens Court allows the young women named Queen, Miss Congeniality and the two runners-up a chance to be VIPs for the week of the Knoxville Nationals […]
Running through Iowa
Local Wonders Tyler Sullivan poses at the Lyon County Nature Center before a run around Lake Pahoja. As a part of his project, he is visiting each of Iowa’s 99 counties and is running through them. (Photo/Submitted) Tristan Taylor | Writer Lyon County recently had a visitor running through its cities on his journey throughout […]
Davis Awarded DGR Engineering Scholarship
Kaylee Davis of Rock Rapids has been awarded a DGR Engineering Scholarship. She received a $2,000 cash award toward the 2024-2025 collegiate year in recognition of her current academic accomplishments and anticipation of future achievement in the engineering profession. Pictured left to right, Miriam Martens, Kaylee Davis, Jarrod Luze and Sam Johnson. (Photo/Submitted) Rock Rapids […]
Rock Rapids City Council makes final movement on annexation, hears public comment
Isaac Yeager | Staff Writer The Rock Rapids City Council met Monday, Aug. 26, at 5:45 p.m. to take public comments, sign contracts regarding sewer cleaning services and mobile phone alerts, move to annex the area surrounding the new Central Lyon bus barn, pass a yearly donation to the Rock Rapids Chamber of Commerce Rec […]
Robyn Metzger inducted into Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame
ROCK RAPIDS – Robyn Metzger of Lyon County was posthumously inducted into the 2024 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the 4-H Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fair Aug. 18. Ninety-three Iowa counties participated this year and selected 125 inductees for their service and dedication to 4-H. Inductees or their surviving […]
Central Lyon receives grant for 3-D printers
INCREASING ACCESS TO 3-D PRINTERS On Aug 21, Central Lyon received a $12,800 grant from the Toshiba Corporation to help increase access to 3-D printers throughout the district. Bill Costner from the Toshiba Corporation flew in to present the grant personally. Pictured left to right are Costner and Central Lyon science and technology teachers Bill […]