Front Page News

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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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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‘Major letdown’ for fairgoers

Flood damage done to Lyon County Fairgrounds, Rapid Speedway FLOODING AFTERMATHAfter the flooding earlier in June, the Lyon County Fairgrounds were filled with water and debris. Concrete was displaced, and one building was condemned. Due to the damage, traditional...

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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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Larchwood Family Days are almost here

Tristan Taylor | Editor The residents of Larchwood is busy preparing for the annual Larchwood Family Days celebration, which is only a little over a week away! This year’s festivities will be from Thursday, July 11 through Sunday July 14.Family Days festivities kick...

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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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