Tristan Taylor | Staff Writer Inwood Christian was first opened for school Monday, Sept. 2, 1948, after being discussed and fundraised by the Men’s Society for two years. There were 34 students enrolled the first year. Two teachers were hired, Ms. Johanna Van Dyke for...
News
West Lyon marching band takes the field in first preview
The West Lyon Wildcat Marching Band had its parent preview night to showcase its performance “The Wilderness.” (Photo/Tristan Taylor) Tristan Taylor | Staff Writer While the days have been counting down toward the inevitable end to summer vacation, some students are...
Dutchland Foods
Jessica Jensen | Managing Editor Dutchland Foods started with four members of the Van Wyhe family as a small franchise in 1992 in Lester. Now, more than 30 years later, the business, which produces pastries, bulk dough and more for private label, wholesale and retail...
A life lived in Lester
Tristan Taylor | Staff Writer Lester has always been home to Linda Kellenberger, one of this year’s parade marshals for Lester Days. She grew up on a farm outside of town and graduated from West Lyon. It was there she met her now late husband, Verlyn, through her...
Proud to call Lester home
Judy Ver Meer is pictured outside her home in Lester. She will serve as a parade marshal for Lester Days. Jessica Jensen | Managing Editor There were a number of times throughout her life that Judy Ver Meer could’ve moved out of Lester. But years later, she’s still...
Keeping strong family and community connections
Pat Myrlie sits outside her home in Lester. She will be serving as one of the parade marshals this year for the Lester Days Celebration. Tristan Taylor | Staff Writer For all but about four years of her life, Lester Day’s parade marshal Pat Myrlie and her family have...
Lester Days Preview
Tristan Taylor | Staff Writer The town of Lester will have plenty of reason to celebrate this weekend as the annual Lester Days Celebration begin. Festivities start the morning of Friday, Aug. 18, with a fundraiser rummage sale at Bethel Reformed Church from 9 a.m.-7...
Local TV star
West Lyon alum Jordan DeSmet poses in front of the main studio at Keloland TV in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, during his internship at the TV station this past summer. DeSmet worked in both the news and sports department at Keloland TV as part of his education...
Dutchland Foods to host open house
NEW LOOK ON MAIN STREETDutchland Foods has occupied a space on Main Street in Lester for over 30 years. A recent expansion will be showcased during an open house on August 26. (File photo by Tristan Taylor) Jessica Jensen | Managing Editor Dutchland Foods in Lester...
Inwood Aquatic Center celebrates 10 years
Families gathered at the Inwood Aquatic Center Aug. 9 to celebrate its 10th year open with a night of free swimming. Tristan Taylor | Staff Writer It was a fun evening playing in the pool as the Inwood Aquatic Center hosted a party for its 10-year anniversary...
Transitioning back to school
Social worker provides adjustment tips Dominique Kooiker | Staff Writer Preparing to head back to school can be a difficult time for many children and their families. Whether it is reluctance to give up the freedom of summer or anxieties surrounding homework and...
Principal honored for commitment to fine arts
DOUG JISKOOTThe West Lyon administrator was recently honored as the Iowa Fine Arts Administrator of the Year. (Photo/Submitted) Tristan Taylor | Staff Writer Doug Jiskoot, West Lyon’s junior and senior high school principal, was recently honored as the Iowa Fine Arts...
MCPH golf benefit raises funds for scholarship
MERRILL PIONEER COMMUNITY HOSPITAL SCHOLARSHIP FUNDOn June 26, the 19th annual Merrill Pioneer Community Hospital Benefit raised $17,812.72 for a new scholarship fund to assist Lyon County students pursuing an education in healthcare. Pictured are Brian Eben, Merrill...
Sheriff urges drivers to be aware as students return to school
Jessica Jensen | Managing Editor As students across Lyon County head back to school next week, Lyon County Sheriff Stewart Vander Stoep is reminding motorists and younger drivers to slow down, eliminate distractions and be more aware.AAA Auto Club Group is also urging...
Certified grief counseling specialist notes shift from ‘letting go’ of loved one to remembering
Dr. Shawn ScholtenMental health therapist and co-director of Creative Living Center. Jessica Jensen | Managing Editor Dr. Shawn Scholten, seasoned mental health therapist and co-director of Creative Living Center, works with a variety of conditions impacting people...
Helping families one estate plan at a time
Shane D. Johnson | Staff Writer The final stages of one’s life can be a difficult transition for family members and loved ones when it comes to how to handle a lifetime of collecting assets, wealth and splitting one’s life savings between a spouse and children. That...
New option for memorial gifts
A UNIQUE MEMORIAL GIFTLuxe on First now offers a new kind of memorial gift that can be given to those who have lost a loved one. The trays are filled with décor options from the shop as a more permanent memorial option that can be used as a centerpiece. The design...
Carrying on their legacies
Oaklyn Foundation launches funeral program Dominique Kooiker | Staff Writer The mission of the Oaklyn Foundation is to provide support to families who have lost a child. This summer, the organization launched a new program to assist local families in paying for...
Prearrangement specialist opens up dialog about final wishes
Billie Jo SedamPrearrangement specialist at Jurrens Funeral Homes. Jessica Jensen | Managing Editor Making decisions during a time of loss is not an easy task and planning a meaningful service to honor the life a loved one involves several. From the type of service to...
Larchwood rider marks iconic bike ride off his bucket list
FIRST-TIME RIDER FOR 50TH ANNIVERSARYKen Kerkvliet is pictured in Davenport at the conclusion of the 50th-annual Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa, or RAGBRAI, on Saturday, July 29. The ride was a first for Kerkvliet. (Top graphic and photo submitted.)...