While it was a difficult decision to reevaluate their number of center locations and programs last spring and summer, Upper Iowa University is experiencing significant improvements to its operating deficit and enrollment growth. (Courtesy photo)

Upper Iowa University continues springing forward

By Mike Van Sickle

      With a busy May fast approaching, Upper Iowa University (UIU) continues to spring forward in sustaining a bright future. Currently preparing for the inauguration of Kathy Franken as its 22nd president and hosting its 167th commencement ceremony, the local university made several operating decisions over the past year designed to strengthen finances and bolster enrollments. These efforts, combined with unprecedented fundraising success, have significantly bolstered UIU's short- and long-term financial outlook.

      "The decisions we made last spring and summer to reevaluate our number of locations and programs were incredibly difficult," said Franken, who will officially become UIU’s first woman president during the Friday, May 3, inauguration. "However, we've seen time and time again over the past year that institutions both big and small are facing similar if not more challenging circumstances. While this didn't necessarily make our reimagining process easier, it did serve to validate the actions we took last year."

Chairpersons for the 2024 Elgin Homecoming celebration, which will be held June 27-30, include (front, l-r) Shauna Kerr, Lexi Dunt, Tammy Moser, Candis Frieden, Pam Pfister, Abbie Peterson, Angie Boehm; (back) Mary Schott, Cindy Torkelson, Brandon Torkelson, and Joan Boleyn. Missing from photo are Mallory Hanson and Deb Kahler. (Zakary Kriener photo)

‘Movin’ and Groovin’ at Elgin Homecoming 2024

By Zakary Kriener

      It’s 2024, which means that Elgin will be hosting its Homecoming celebration this summer. Slated for June 27-30, this year’s featured theme will be “Movin’ and Groovin,” which is a throwback to the ‘70s.

      “We are blessed to have so many great volunteers here in our community that are getting involved and helping make this all come together again this year,” said Cindy Torkelson, who along with fellow Elgin resident Mary Schott, is a co-chair for the Homecoming Committee. “We are looking forward to bringing everyone together this summer and just having fun, celebrating our town, and reminiscing about the community.”

North Fayette Valley Middle School band director Abigail Toussaint leads the school’s new middle school jazz band in a recent practice at the Valley center. The participating students have learned the basics of jazz improvisation, 12-bar blues form, and jazz articulation and style. (Mike Van Sickle photo)

Jazzing things up at the middle school

By Mike Van Sickle

      The strong rhythm and soulful sounds of the blues is once again resonating from the North Fayette Valley Middle School band room as the complex chords of jazz music has returned to the middle school program. Under the direction of NFV Middle School band director Abigail Toussaint, participating students are not only learning more about the genre, but also acquiring the art of improvisation and expressing themselves through jazz music.

Fayette County Dairy coronation March 23

By Staff

      Fayette County Dairy Promotion members will crown the 2024 royalty during the organization’s annual banquet Saturday, March 23, at the West Union Event Center. Doors open to the rural West Union facility at 6 p.m., with the awards program and coronation ceremonies to follow the 7 p.m. meal. An ice cream social, raffle drawings, and door prizes will conclude the evening’s festivities.

Moellers, Peterson, Becthold file candidacy

Primary candidate nomination papers due March 22 

By Mike Van Sickletified 

(Editor's note: This story was updated after the newspaper office was informed West Union Police Chief Paul Becthold had officially filed after the Union Echo Leader had went to press Tuesday morning.)

      With the Friday, March 22, deadline fast approaching, two county candidates have filed nomination papers for Fayette County’s Tuesday, June 4, primary election. At the county level, the ballots will include the positions of auditor, sheriff, and one seat on the board of supervisors.  

      Incumbent Republican Fayette County Auditor Lori Moellers, who was first elected to office in 2008, has filed to seek reelection. In addition, Jay Peterson of rural Arlington has submitted the required paperwork to run for Fayette County supervisor and West Union Police Chief Paul Becthold has filed his nomination for Fayette County sheriff. Current supervisor Janell Bradley has announced she will not seek another term (see page A-3).

Town hall Saturday

      A town hall meeting will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Arlington Event Center. Among the state officials expected to be in attendance are representatives Anne Osmundson, Chad Ingels, Michael Bergan, and senators Mike Klimesh and Dan Zumbach.

Supervisors further discuss Inspiring Lives property

By Kaci Maire

      With the recent announcement of the decision for Inspiring Lives to vacate their building in rural Fayette, Supervisor Bruce Lehmann opened a discussion during the supervisors’ regular meeting Monday regarding potential building demolition costs and feasibility, alternative uses for the buildings and land, and a timeline surrounding the upcoming occupants’ move.

NFV enters into Apple buyback program 

By Sharon Drahn
Contributing Writer

      In the absence of North Fayette Valley School Board President Emily Koch, vice president Richard Klosterman called the meeting of the North Fayette Valley Board of Education to order Monday evening.

      The buyback quote for Apple devices was reviewed and approved by the Board with the estimated total being $344,478. The buyback offer is valid through Sunday, March 31, and a minimum guarantee of 70 percent is based on the terms and conditions set forth in the agreement.

County taxpayers to receive budget and tax rate mailing

      A recent legislative change to lowa Code 24.2A requires county auditors to mail a statement to county taxpayers by Wednesday, March 20, with state-specified information related to proposed local government budgets and proposed property tax rates.

      The information is for taxes payable in September 2024 and March 2025. Residents should receive a statement if they expect to receive a property tax bill in September.

Winneshiek County Fair Appreciation Night features free concert

By Zakary Kriener

      The fun and excitement at the Winneshiek County Fair will include an additional night in 2024 with a free concert on Monday night, July 8.

      Winneshiek County Fair Board Appreciation Night will feature the sounds of Iowa-based band Not Quite Brothers. The show will be free and open to the public with a start time of 7 p.m.