Features

Local church prepares to celebrate 50years in Inwood

Celebrating with the community New Life Assembly of God Church will be celebrating its 50th anniversary Aug. 18 with an open house at 2:30 p.m. Pictured from left to right are Jessica Van Roekel, board member; Larry Wanamaker, pastor; Mike Ver Steeg, board member; and...

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Sweet N Sourdough Bakery

TOSSING DOUGH Esther Zech of Rock Rapids prepares dough for her in-home bakery, Sweet N Sourdough. (Photo/submitted) WORKING AT HOME Esther Zech bakes sourdough bread, treats and more from home. Those interested can make orders through the Sweet N Sourdough Facebook...

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A farewell to summer

Last Minute Summer Fun With summer vacation almost over for many, now is the time to get out for some last minute summer fun. Pictured is the Splashpad in Larchwood’s City Park, which will be operational until Labor Day. (Photo/Tristan Taylor) Places throughout West...

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‘A great place to call home’

Lifetime in Lester Ed and Judy Martin have been named this year’s parade marshals for Lester Days. The pair have lived together in Lester over 50 years, and have been there for some of Lester’s biggest moments throughout the years. (Photo/Tristan Taylor) Couple named...

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FCCLA attends national convention

Tristan Taylor | Editor The West Lyon FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) chapter attended the national leadership convention June 29-July 3 in Seattle, Washington. West Lyon had six students competing in STAR events and five others competing in...

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Serving the community’s youth

DARE OFFICER OF THE YEAR On July 15, Lyon County Sheriff Stewart Vander Stoep was named 2024 DARE officer of the year at the Iowa DARE State Conference in Dubuque. Vander Stoep has taught DARE to students throughout Lyon County 28 years. Pictured is Vander Stoep and...

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Making the most of fair week

ENJOYING THE PERFORMANCE A group of boys enjoys the performance by Eli Alger and the Faster Horses in Rock Rapids on Friday, July 26. (Photo/Madalynn Van Der Weerd) REPRESENTING THE COUNTY Alexis Landis, Miss Lyon County 2023, holds a bird during Bob Bohm’s show at...

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Miss Rock Rapids as Miss Lyon County 2024

2024 MISS LYON COUNTY COURT On Monday, July 22, Jade Kruse of Rock Rapids was crowned Miss Lyon County 2024. Pictured are the contestants for 2024 Miss Lyon County. Left to right, Aubree Boender, Miss Doon; Shaylyn Van Veldhuizen, Miss Alvord; Wyleigh Steenhoven,...

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Fair board names 2024 Friend of the Fair

2024 FRIEND OF THE FAIRThe Lyon County Fair Board named Sharon DeBoer (right) as the 2024 Friend of the Fair Monday, July 22, at the Miss Lyon County Pageant. DeBoer was prior owner of Country Boutique in Rock Rapids and helped decorate for the queen contest for many...

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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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