News

Wed
16
May

Heins competes in Rubik's Cube competition

 

A few years ago, Decklyn Heins discovered the simple, yet complex Rubik’s Cube on a random trip to Walmart. Since then, he has used YouTube to learn how to quickly solve the popular 1980s puzzle and moved onto other variations of the original. He recently bought a Speedcube Rubik’s Cube, which he is holding in his hand. (Chris DeBack photo)

 

Heins competes in Rubik's Cube competition

 

 

By Chris Deback
cdeback@thefayettecountyunion.com

 

 

 

 

It doesn’t take long to discover the plethora of toys available to children these days. From walking down the toy aisles at Walmart to shopping on websites like Amazon, children have more options than ever before when it comes to entertaining themselves. 

Amidst all the G.I. Joes, Barbie dolls, Tonka trucks, and other toys that can be found in the toy section of any store, it was Rubik’s Cube that caught the eye of Decklyn Heins a couple years ago while walking through Walmart. He attempted to solve the simple, colorful, 3x3x3 puzzle cube that day before asking his parents to buy him one. 

Wed
02
May

Crown Club announces Ossian Fest theme

Crown Club announces Ossian Fest theme

 

 

Zakary Kriener

News Writer
zkriener@fayettepublishing.com

 

 

 

Ossian Crown Club and the Visioning Committee met Wednesday evening, April 25, to decide on details for the upcoming 2018 Ossian Fest on Saturday, Aug. 4.

Among the details announced was the theme for the annual celebration, which will be “Ossian Fest…a Little Bit Country and a Little Bit Rock-‘N’-Roll.”

The local organization also announced that the El Caminos will be the band for the fest; they will perform in the Ossian Educational and Performance Pavilion.

Planned events for Ossian Fest will include a citywide breakfast, kids’ games and activities, face painting, a balloon artist, a water ball fight, the Strong Man Striker game, a Car Show and Shine, food booths, various entertainment throughout the day, and a grand parade, which will be held at 7 p.m. prior to the live band taking the stage.

Wed
02
May

Sharing the stage with an 'Idol'

 

While attending Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge, Festina native Ethan Kipp (right) first met and began performing alongside fellow fine arts enthusiast Maddie Poppe from Clarksville. Now, two years later, Poppe has become known worldwide as she is currently among the top seven finalists of the hit show, “American Idol.” (submitted photo)

 

Sharing the stage with an 'Idol'

 

 

Zakary Kriener

News Writer
zkriener@fayettepublishing.com

 

 

 

For anyone who has tuned into his or her television over the past several weeks, the success of Iowa’s Maddie Poppe is no secret. The young singer from Clarksville has found herself among the top seven finalists on the hit TV show “American Idol” and looks to continue her path toward earning the coveted title in the show’s 16th season.

Among the biggest fans of the young singer throughout her journey has been Festina’s Ethan Kipp, a 2015 graduate of South Winneshiek High School and talented fine arts performer himself.

While much of the country did not become familiar with Poppe’s amazing singing talent until her recent success on the show, Kipp was aware of her abilities long before then.

Wed
02
May

Elgin volunteer has burning interest in fire investigation

 

Mark Borcherding of Elgin has long had an interest in volunteering for his local fire department.  The 14-year volunteer recently finished a two-week training program in Ames to become a certified fire investigator.  (photo by Megan Molseed)

 

Elgin volunteer has burning interest in fire investigation

 

 

By Meagan Molseed
mmolseed@thefayettecountyunion.com

 

 

 

“Ever since I was a kid, I knew I wanted to be involved with the fire department,” said Elgin volunteer firefighter Mark Borcherding. “I grew up just a few houses away from our local department and would run out to the sidewalk to watch them go by when they would respond!”

Borcherding, who has served as a volunteer firefighter in Elgin for 14 years, added that it was originally chance that brought him to volunteer for the local department and later volunteer his time for special training sessions to become certified in fire investigation.

Wed
02
May

Whitcomb's design hits the 'bull's-eye' at Target

 

Holly (Solheim) Whitcomb was pleasantly surprised to hear that the Mother’s Day card she had designed was among those selected to be featured in Target stores across the country. (submitted photo)

 

Whitcomb's design hits the 'bull's-eye at Target

 

 

By Meagan Molseed
mmolseed@thefayettecountyunion.com

 

 

 

“Honestly, my first thought was ‘Is this even real?’” remembered Holly (Solheim) Whitcomb of finding out her Mother’s Day greeting card design was selected to be sold at Target stores across the country.

“It’s almost surreal. I didn’t think my design even made the cut at first,” continued the Clermont native.  “Then I saw a facebook post of my card - in Target!”

Whitcomb, daughter of Dave and Linda Solheim of Clermont, has long had an interest exploring her artistic visions, from crafts to paintings.  In 2010, she decided to take her hobby to a new level by joining the website Minted, an online resource which supports independent artists and sells one-of-a-kind designs.

Wed
02
May

UIU alum to be keynote speaker at May 5 Commencement

Marshall Richards

 

UIU alum to be keynote speaker at May 5 Commencement

 

 

Marshall Richards, an Upper Iowa University (UIU) alumnus and Peacock Hall of Fame inductee from Phoenix, Ariz., will deliver the keynote address during the university's 156th Commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 5, at Harms-Eischeid Stadium in Fayette.

Over 600 students will be participating in the 2018 Commencement ceremonies. Graduates of the University's MBA, School of Business, and School of Science and Mathematics programs will participate in a 10 a.m. ceremony. This ceremony also includes associate degrees with an emphasis in general business.

The ceremony will be held at 2:30 p.m. for MPA, MSC, MEd, MSA, Andres School of Education, and School of Liberal Arts graduates. Associate degrees with an emphasis in liberal arts, criminal justice and psychology will also be awarded during this program.

Wed
02
May

Fayette County Food Shelf expanding to meet needs

 

Fayette County Food Shelf manager Karen Martin is gearing up to break ground on an expansion to the local charity.  Martin has said she is excited for the expansion to help the Food Shelf become much more self-sufficient. (Megan Molseed photo)

 

Fayette County Food Shelf expanding to meet needs

 

 

By Meagan Molseed
mmolseed@thefayettecountyunion.com

 

 

“Our goal is for this place to become self-sustainable,” said Fayette County Food Shelf manager Karen Martin.  

“This upcoming expansion will give us the space we need to take more items, sort items faster, and keep things running in the most efficient manner.” 

The current Fayette County Food Shelf opened in its current location for nearly four years after a fire destroyed the previous building, including the over $100,000 worth of contents in December 2013.  

Wed
02
May

'Bring Mom Back Home' to West Union

 

Denver and Dayton Steinlage (l-r) can’t wait to bring their mom, Candace Steinlage, back home during the First Annual “Bring Mom Back Home” celebration from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, May 12, in downtown West Union. Festivities on Mother’s Day weekend kick off with the Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital and Clinics 5K at 9 a.m. followed by a Car Show and Shine at NAPA Auto Parts starting at 10 a.m. Buck Hollow will perform downtown from noon to 2 p.m., and all area businesses are encouraged to be open and promote their products and services to area patrons. Chris DeBack photo

 

'Bring Mom Back Home' to West Union

 

 

By Chris Deback
cdeback@thefayettecountyunion.com

 

 

 

Be sure to “Bring Mom Back Home” to West Union on Saturday, May 12, to kick off the celebration of Mother’s Day weekend. 

The “Bring Mom Back Home” retail event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a number of festivities taking place in downtown West Union. 

It all gets underway with the Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital and Clinics “Fun” Run/Walk 5K with registration at 8:30 a.m. The walk will start at 9 a.m. 

Wed
02
May

Red Giant: Wholesale Fireworks opens in old Signode Building

 

Red Giant Wholesale Fireworks recently moved into the old Signode Building in West Union. Owners Terry and Julie Redfearn (l-r) of Hazel Green, Wis., have spent the last year bringing the building up to code. The owners of Tri-State Fireworks, a fireworks retail store in Hazel Green and Independence, recently decided to try their hand at the wholesale side of the fireworks business to supply their own retail stores and pick up any other business they could. (Chris DeBack photo)

 

Red Giant: Wholesale Fireworks opens in old Signode Building

 

 

 

By Chris Deback
cdeback@thefayettecountyunion.com

 

It has been a year since Terry and Julie Redfearn of Hazel Green, Wis., purchased the Signode building in West Union. 

The owners of Tri-State Fireworks, a Wisconsin-based fireworks retailer, have spent the last year bringing the 36,000-square-foot former manufacturing facility up to code for their next business venture: wholesale fireworks. The couple will use its new fireworks company, Red Giant Wholesale Fireworks, to supply its current and two new retail fireworks locations, plus pick up any other business they can along the way. 

Wed
02
May

A day in the life of Prom

The final touch for these NFV Prom attendees, Tommy Rolison and Hailey Smith, was pinning on the boutoniere and clasping the wrist corsage that the couple picked out from Old Mill Floral. All dressed up and ready to go, it was time for the couple to pose for a few photos prior to heading off to the Grand March that was held at the NFV Performing Arts Center.

 

A day in the life of Prom

 

 

By Meagan Molseed
mmolseed@thefayettecountyunion.com

 

 

 

“It’s hard to believe it’s my Senior Prom,” North Fayette Valley senior Hailey Smith said softly as she unzipped the garment bag to reveal the shimmery green dress she had chosen for the occasion with the theme “Diamonds Are Forever.”

“It doesn’t seem real that we’re already here,” the young woman continued as she shooed away her golden retriever, Whitney, who was eyeing the floor length gown with curiosity.  “It’s exciting and kind of sad at the same time.” 

Hailey, like many of the other North Fayette Valley juniors and seniors, started her day bright and early last Saturday in preparation for the annual tradition.

“I was up at 6:30 this morning, ” she said with a wide grin.  “I was just too excited!”  

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