News

West Lyon educators look to retirement

Educator reflects on career of encouraging students Sandy Lantz, Fourth Grade Teacher  Tristan Taylor | Staff Writer After 40 years in education, West Lyon elementary teacher Sandy Lantz plans to retire after this school year. Lantz began her teaching career in...

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West Lyon educators look to retirement 

Three decades of helping every student learn Audra Thorson, Special Education Instructor Tristan Taylor | Staff Writer West Lyon teacher Audra Thorson will be retiring from her position after 32 years in education. After graduating from Augustana University, Thorson...

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Bringing history together

Granite receives grant to help preserve historical house PRESERVATION EFFORTS CONTINUEThe Berdahl-Rolvaag House was moved onto the Granite Threshing Bee grounds last year. A $3,000 grant from the Lyon County Riverboat Foundation will aid in preservation efforts....

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Area communities to observe Memorial Day

Jessica Jensen | Managing Editor Communities across western Lyon County will observe Memorial Day with a number of services Monday, May 29.  Alvord Memorial Day in Alvord will be observed with the Avenue of Flags at the cemetery. Inwood Memorial Day services in...

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Making a greener school

West Lyon teacher using grant money to promote more recycling Tristan Taylor | Staff Writer Starting next school year, students and staff at West Lyon can expect new ways to help go green around the school. Using grant money received through the West Lyon Education...

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Healing wounds and offering quality care

Avera in Rock Rapids opens wound care clinic LOCAL WOUND CAREStaff of Avera Merrill Pioneer Hospital’s wound care clinic in Rock Rapids started seeing patients March 6. The staff cares for any wound from acute to chronic, as well as venous ulcers, surgical wounds,...

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Street Rodders roll up to Granite

Tristan Taylor | Staff Writer The weather was favorable for a meetup in Granite on the evening of Wednesday, May 17. Over 80 cars pulled through Granite as the Granite Threshermen’s Association hosted the Great Plains Street Rodders for food and socializing. The Great...

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Saying goodbye to West Lyon

The 73 graduating seniors of West Lyon High School toss their caps in the air after commencement exercises. (Photos/Tristan Taylor)  Tristan Taylor | Staff Writer West Lyon conducted commencement ceremonies Saturday, May 13, with the community gathering to celebrate...

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West Lyon staff and community members recognized

TEACHERS, STAFF AND SUPPORTERS RECOGNIZED Pictured are recipients of awards presented to teachers, support staff and supporters during graduation at West Lyon on Saturday, May 13. From left to right: Ashley Koedam, English teacher, received the secondary Educator of...

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Recognized for their work

West Lyon student art published in magazine PUBLISHED ARTISTSWest Lyon students Evalyn Ghana-Neimeyer and Kaitlynn Beldin, pictured left to right, had artwork published in “Harvest” magazine, an annual publication organized by Northwest Area Education Agency. ...

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Bringing the smoke back to Inwood

Inwood to host first tractor pull competition in four years Tristan Taylor | Staff Writer It has been four years since the last time a tractor pull has rolled through the streets of Inwood. 2019 marked the end of a decades-long tradition, due to a combination of lack...

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Valuable asset

Students earn Seal of Biliteracy PROFICIENT TIMES TWOPictured are the West Lyon High School seniors who earned the Iowa Seal of Biliteracy for 2023. Left to right: Josue Santos Alvayeros, Sam Meester, Madeline Johnson, Madison DeJong, Aide Palma, and Cloe Blom....

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Final preparations before first pitch flies

Larchwood Baseball Club and Larchwood Diamonds prepare for season BASEBALL SEASON AHEADThe Larchwood ball field is nearly ready for action. The Larchwood Diamonds' first game is slated for Tuesday, May 30. (Photo/Tristan Taylor) Tristan Taylor | Staff Writer The...

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West Lyon to graduate 73 seniors Saturday

Tristan Taylor | Staff Writer It is almost time for 73 seniors to say goodbye to West Lyon one last time. Commencement ceremonies at West Lyon High School will be Saturday, May 13, at 3 p.m. The class motto is “Start where you are.  Use what you have.  Do...

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Putting skills to the test

Pictured are some highlights of West Lyon SkillsUSA members competing in skill competitions during the SkillsUSA Iowa Championships on the DMACC Ankeny campus April 27-28.  The West Lyon SkillsUSA chapter sent a number of students to compete in skill contests...

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ISU Extension and Outreach Office hosts open house

A NEW OFFICE SPACEThe ISU Extension and Outreach Office of Lyon County has moved into the office space on the top floor of Frontier Bank in Rock Rapids. The Extension Office hosted an open house Thursday, May 4, to introduce the public to its new office space....

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West Lyon community stuffs the bus

BOXES AND BOXES OF DONATIONSThe elementary TAG (Talented And Gifted) students at West Lyon pose with boxes of food and hygiene products that were donated for the Stuff the Bus project. The items were taken to the Inwood and Larchwood food banks. (Photo/Submitted)...

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Kickin’ up dust and putting down seeds

Spring field work underway in Lyon County Jessica Jensen | Managing Editor A familiar sight — tractors and planters in the fields — has returned across the state in the last few weeks. With several dry days last week, farmers were able to start or resume planting and...

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Ready to lead

Three West Lyon seniors prepare for their duties as SkillsUSA Iowa officers HIGHER STANDINGThe West Lyon SkillsUSA chapter continues to grow and find successes. Three members are also helping lead other chapters by serving as state officers while holding their chapter...

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Preschoolers explore Stensland Family Farm

TECHNIQUE REQUIRED TO GET THE GOOD STUFFRenna Grevengoed and Cambrie Henrichs roll their ice cream cups between their hands to soften them up a bit before eating. The treat was part of a field trip for Inwood Christian School preschool students to Stensland Family...

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