Features

The largest town in Lyon County (for one weekend)

Going for a spin Skyler Matheson takes a turn driving a tractor around the Granite grounds during the annual Threshing Bee. (Photo/Tristan Taylor) Straw Bosses The Granite Threshing Bee’s 2024 Straw Bosses, John and Nancy Suhreptz, escorted by Taya Brown. John had...

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As seen on TV

Filming Day Chuds Pub and Grub was visited by “America’s Best Restaurants,” a show focused on locally-owned restaurants throughout the country. Their episode is planned to be ready to air in three months. (Photo/Tristan Taylor) Local restaurant filmed for TV show...

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A day in the life of a fair board member

ALL ABOUT THE COUNTY FAIR Lori Rens, pictured front left, is the Lyon County Fair Association Board secretary. She and her husband, Jerry, serve together on the board. Board members prepare for the fair throughout the year, getting things set up around the grounds,...

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Larchwood Family Days

Tristan Taylor | Editor The community of Larchwood celebrated its 2024 Family Days this past week, welcoming people to town with four days of fun events.  The festivities began Thursday, July 11, with the Security Savings Bank Customer Appreciation Picnic in the...

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Rising to the top

West Lyon graduate wins national SkillsUSA title National WinnerCole Balster stands atop the podium at the SkillsUSA National Competition. Balster received first in diesel equipment technology. (Photo/Submitted Shane Peterson) Tristan Taylor | Editor The West Lyon...

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Celebrating the Fourth of July

Miss Inwood, Opal Niemeyer, riding with her Little Miss Inwoods, Elle Baumeister, Tayvia Williams and Jurnee Faber. (Photo/Tristan Taylor) Inwood hosts its annual July 4 celebration Tristan Taylor | Editor On Thursday, July 4, families and individuals from all around...

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There since the beginning

Leading the way John and Nancy Suhreptz are this year’s Straw Bosses for the Granite Threshing Bee. The two have been with the Threshing Bee since it began 40 years ago. (Photo/Submitted) Couple honored as Straw Bosses for Granite Threshing Bee Tristan Taylor | Editor...

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Helping his community

Mason Langenhorst Tristan Taylor | Editor Starting off as a part-time dispatcher, Mason Langenhorst is no stranger to the Lyon County Sheriff’s Department. And now he has traded the dispatch seat for the patrol car seat as he has started his job as a...

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Finding his place in the sheriff’s department

DEVIN MILLER Tristan Taylor | Editor For many of us, finding that one thing we are truly passionate about can take some time. This was the case for Deputy Devin Miller, who has now found his place in the Lyon County Sheriff’s Department.Miller was raised for a...

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Helping our community after tragedy

All hands on deck In the wake of the floodings faced by Lyon County and surrounding areas, Inwood Christian School opened up its gym for use by Manna Market Food & More Pantry. Pictured are some of the volunteers sorting through and packing donated clothes....

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‘Different … but OK’

MEETING WITH THE FAIR BOARD Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig shakes hands with Jerry Rens, Lyon County Fair board member from Larchwood, at the Lyon County Fairgrounds in Rock Rapids Tuesday, June 25. Naig visited Lyon County and the fairgrounds to assess the...

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The storm of the decade

Derailment near Alvord Early in the morning Friday, June 21, a BNSF train derailed south of Alvord. No injuries were reported and, while no official cause has been given, it is suspected by be caused by the flood waters. (Photo/Submitted) Under Water The fishing pier...

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A calling across the seas

OVER A DECADE OF SERVICE Lisa Yunker has spent the last 12 years living in Cambodia, working with disabled children to help keep them with their families. She is currently back home on furlough for the next few months, and hopes to share were story with the community....

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A passion for helping others

NEW PROVIDER AT AVERA KaraLynn Kuhn, PA-C, is the newest provider at Avera Merrill Pioneer Community Hospital in Rock Rapids. Kuhn works in primary care in the clinic. She sees a vast range of conditions, ranging from chronic medical conditions to preventative care,...

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A life in Inwood

Proud of their community Ron and Donna Bos will serve as parade marshals in this year’s Inwood Fourth of July parade. (Photo/Tristan Taylor) Tristan Taylor | Editor After almost 50 years together in Inwood, Ron and Donna Bos are nothing but proud of the community they...

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Riding into the nature center

The Siouxland Trikers Members of the Siouxland Trikers, a three-wheeled motorcycle group based out of Sioux City, made a stop at the Lyon County Nature Center while on a tour of the county. From left to right: Matt Moore, Laura Budzinski, Marge Van Voorst and Don Van...

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‘Moana Jr.’ cast shows community how far they’ll go

THEY KNOW THE WAY Gracia Poppinga as Sina, Ashlee Koedam as Pua, Maisie Oedekoven as Moana and Hudson Hinrichs as Chief Tui learn wayfinding during the River Valley Players Junior production of “Moana Jr.” The River Valley Players Junior company presented this show...

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Adventures in Alaska

Mountains of vegetables During their trip to Alaska, West Lyon students visited VanderWeele Farms, one of the largest farms in the state. The students pose with farmer Roger VanderWeele (right) in front of a large pile of potatoes. (Photo/Submitted) Picking some...

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On to the next adventure

LEAVING RAPID NUTRITION IN GOOD HANDS Aimee Koedam of Inwood started Rapid Nutrition in Rock Rapids in November 2021. After over two years of operation, Koedam has sold the business to Kaleb Lindsey-Stevens of Sioux Falls. Koedam plans to move to Florida with her...

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Primary Election Results

Stewart Vander Stoep and Brian Hilt Tristan Taylor | Editor Dominique Kooiker | Editor On Tuesday, June 4, residents throughout Iowa went to the polls to vote in this year’s primary election, deciding on which candidates will be on the ballot for the general election...

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