Features

Preparing for the international stage

Top-10 in the World Aria Murray (middle) stands with her parents, Weston and Alex. They all wear shirts saying “Blast off With Braille,” the theme for this year’s Braille Challenge Aria herself came up with. Winning the competition and placing top-10 in her entire...

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Cleaning up the county

PREPARING TO PAINT Harper Bergestadt, left, and Aubrey Ahrenholtz scrape off old paint in preparation to paint a building at Granite on May 22 as part of West Lyon Junior High community service days. (Photo/Amy Lyon) STRENGTH IN NUMBERS Caleb Groeneweg brings a bucket...

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Honoring a fallen deputy during National Police Week

HONORING A FALLEN DEPUTY On Wednesday, May 10, Lyon County Sheriff’s Deputies Alex Waagmeester (crouching) and Kyle Munneke take rubbings of the late Deputy Stephanie Schreurs’ name on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial during National Police Week in...

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Into the World They Go

Members of the graduating class of 2025 toss their caps into the air to celebrate their accomplishments. Eighty-two students graduated from West Lyon this year. (Photo/Tristan Taylor) You Did It! Ava Boote (right) receives her diploma to graduate as she shares a hug...

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Recognized for their work

Elementary Educator of the Year Leah Twedt speaks in front of the class of 2025 after receiving the award for Elementary Educator of the Year. She encouraged the graduates to plant seeds in others to make the world a better place. (Photo/Tristan Taylor) Secondary...

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Scouting in Lyon County

Helping Their Community Inwood’s Cub Scouts pack led a food drive this school year to help collect canned food for Manna Market in Inwood. Pictured is the troop delivering the donations. (Photo/Submitted) Cub Scouts leader speaks to Kiwanis club Tristan Taylor |...

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‘Where values matter’

LESTER STATE BANK Pictured is an illustration of Lester State Bank, which opened in 1945. In 1999, it was renamed Peoples Bank and is now celebrating its 80th anniversary. (Photo/Submitted) SERVING THE LESTER COMMUNITY AND BEYOND Pictured are Peoples Bank employees in...

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West Lyon to host commencement ceremony

Gage Blauwet Olivia Feucht Kyndra Gramstad Angie Knapp Luca Knoblock Claire Metzger Annie Metzger Talula Serck Kendra Van Regenmorter Tristan Taylor | Editor West Lyon Community School will soon be saying goodbye to this year’s senior class. The commencement ceremony...

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One last performance

Choral Director Award Sophia Niemeyer (right) receives the Choral Director’s Award from Joshua Nobles during the Senior Showcase Concert at West Lyon. (Photo/Tristan Taylor) Louis Armstrong Award Jackson Doorneweerd (right) was the recipient of the Louis Armstrong...

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Reflecting on another year

At this year’s West Lyon FFA Banquet, Colt Metzger performed “Love Without End, Amen,” by George Strait, which he had performed in the talent show at the state FFA competition earlier this month. (Photo/Tristan Taylor) Luca Knoblock (right) embraces her parents,...

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Building for the future

FUNDRAISER FOR NEW LARCHWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER Volunteers serve a free-donation meal during the New Larchwood Community Center Committee’s fundraiser April 26. The goal of the event was to garner support and inform the public on building plans. (Photo/Amy Lyon) PASSION...

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Sworn to serve, protect and be pet

BRINGING COMFORT AND RAISING MORALE K9 unit Honey is the newest member of the Lyon County Sheriff’s Department. Honey is a crisis canine who will have a special role in assisting victims of traumatic crimes and first responders. She has been partnered with Deputy Amy...

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A glamorous night under the lights

SAVANNAH SMITH ESCORTED BY ROSS SAEGER ALYSSA HOOGESTRAAT ESCORTED BY CARTER METZGER OLIVIA FEUCHT ESCORTED BY RYKER METZGER EVALYN GANA ACCOMPANIED BY CHLOE VAN ESSEN JULI TAYLOR ESCORTED BY BEN BAHNSON KAITLYNN BELDIN ACCOMPANIED BY EMMA ROBINSON ANNIE METZGER...

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One night full of jazz

In the Spotlight Koen Metzger delivers a solo on the trombone during West Lyon’ spring jazz concert at Calico Skies. (Photo/Tristan Taylor) Playing in Style At their concert at Calico Skies, members of the West Lyon Jazz Band came dressed up in Hawaiian shirts, as is...

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Spring on Main

New Event Aimed to Shine a Light on Inwood Businesses Tristan Taylor | Editor The businesses on Main Street Inwood are coming together for a new event in town. Spring on Main is a joining together of businesses and organizations in Inwood happening Saturday, May 10,...

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Hanging up his helmet

HONORING 42 YEARS OF SERVICE Alvord Fire Chief Tanner Van Middendorp, right, presents a plaque to Gib Van Hill for his 42 years of service as a firefighter and EMT at Alvord Fire and Rescue. (Photo/Amy Lyon) A HERO’S CLOTHES Pictured is Gib Van Hill in his firefighter...

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Keeping a strong jazz culture at West Lyon

West Lyon Wildcat Jazz The West Lyon Wildcat Jazz Choir members: Front Row: Easton Robinson, Colt Metzger, Maggie Kooi, Hazel Niemeyer, Kiann Blomgren, Justina Bruggeman, Sophia Niemeyer, Daniel Middlen, Erica Meendering, Ellah Acosta and Ava Van Dyke. Back Row: Ben...

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Nature’s music maker

Up Close With Nature Naturalist Dayton Buntjer displays a wing from a Canada goose during the bird-themed Coffee with Conservation program Tuesday, April 15. (Photo/Tristan Taylor) The Smallest Things A close-up of a hummingbird skull and egg shown off during this...

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Four years of helping life’s hurts

The Team Behind It All Board members of Inwood’s Healing Room, which has just celebrated its fourth anniversary this month. From left to right: Larry Wanamaker, vice-president; Sarah Ver Steeg, president; Kandace Brands, secretary/treasurer; Brent Hohman, board...

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Combining forces

A Look at Years Past A view from last year’s SkillsUSA Banquet. This year, West Lyon student organizations SkillsUSA and FCCLA are combining for one evening in the Career and Technical Education Showcase Night, showing off all CTE has to offer students....

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