April Happenings

River Valley Spring Style Show - The 1st Annual FCCLA River Valley Spring Style Show was held Sat. March 31. A River Valley student from each grade was lucky enough to win a complete makeover. Stylists were, Kami Byers: Mary Kay Makeup, Pearl Richey: Nails & Beyond, Heather Edwards and Alicia McCrea: Mane Attractions, Jen Benedix: Shear Designs, Tara Volkert: Smart Glow, and Libby Bagenstos: from Lohff Schuman Fitness was there to show some exercises to the audience. Clothes that were modeled came from Simply For Her, owned by Jane and Melissa Ebert. Leah Graham is the advisor for the group, and planned this fun event. Pictured are, FCCLA Vice President Jasmine Smith, left, and Secretary Jacie Jepsen serve up refreshments for students and guests... (Photo by Jolene Smith)

Having fun - ... Freshman Morrgan Reusch, left, and sophomore Abby Zupp have fun modeling sporty clothes and their new hairdos. (Photos by Jolene Smith)

It was history in the making on Monday April 2nd as the first truck load of ethanol from the Quad County Corn Processors pulled into the new Cherokee Railroad Spur to load the ethanol into rail cars. On hand to mark this occasion were, left to right, Cherokee Area Economic Development Corporation Director Mark Buschkamp, Dean Babcock of Back Trucking, Quad County Corn Processors Maintenance in Cherokee Kyle Wilkie, and Quad County Corn Processors Project Manager Rex Rimmer. (Photo by Mike Leckband)

CMS 2012 DARE Graduation - On April 3rd, the Cherokee Middle School held its annual graduation for the many sixth grade students who participated in the DARE Program in conjunction with the CMS and the Cherokee Police Department. Students who participated received graduation certificates and DARE Essay winners were also announced. Sergeant Curt Moye of the CPD presented an overview of the DARE program to the parents of the students, as well as presenting the kids with their certificates. (Photo by Mike Leckband)

Essay winners - Pictured are the many Cherokee Middle School DARE class essay winners. The students were very happy to receive their prizes, which included a stuffed DARE Lion and medals for the hard work they have done on their essays and their work with the DARE program. (Photo by Mike Leckband)

Overall DARE essay winner - Sergeant Curt Moye, left, is pictured congratulating Ben Hart as he was named the overall winner of the Cherokee Middle School DARE program essay contest. Hart wrote about the dangers of drug and alcohol use. (Photo by Mike Leckband)

Table Steaks - On April 7, the members of the Quimby Fire Department were the hosts at their Annual Spring Steak Fry, a popular event of the seasonal social calendar. Among the many area folks dropping in for steaks hot off the grill was bee-keeper Lloyd Reineke and his better half, Sharon of rural Aurelia. (Photo by Ron Flewelling)

It's what's for dinner! - If you are one of those red blooded Americans who thinks that all vegetarians are a bunch of sissies and that nothing is more pleasing than a platter full of sizzling beef, you were undoubtedly one of those at the recent Quimby Fire Department's Spring Steak Fry. Chase Long was one of those on hand for the event who proved himself equal to the task of tackling one of the steaks still steaming from the grill. (Photo by Ron Flewelling)

Deb's desserts - A lot of the members of the Quimby Firemen's auxiliary, the Spitfires, pitched in to make the recent QFD Steak Fry successful. Deb Stevenson, for example, was seen in the fire station kitchen dishing up desserts. (Photo by Ron Flewelling)

Platter power - Pilgrim Lutheran's Vicar Scot Kerns put in a session of smoke swallowing when he volunteered to help out with the QFD's Annual Steak Fry. He was put to work ferrying the steaks from the grill to the hungry folks inside. (Photo by Ron Flewelling)

Reading room - As far as MMC second grade power perusers Carson Pick and Michael Welch are concerned, a school hallway is a great place for an avid reader to stretch out to read a few good chapters. (Photo by Ron Flewelling)

Let's make a deal - There's always a wheeler dealer in any elementary classroom. In MMC's first grade class, for example, Josh Welter believes that the deal making is a lot easier if it's advertised. Maybe that's why his t-shirt says "Will Trade Sister for Tractor,"...a deal any good John Deere man worthy of the green and yellow would subscribe to. (Photo by Ron Flewelling)

A whale of a tale - The students in Julie Letsche's first grade class at MMC delved into the subject of Oceans and the residents who inhabit the nether reaches of the briny deep for a few weeks. At the conclusion of the lessons, the youngsters put their new knowledge to good use by completing a special display. Working in teams, the youngsters completed projects that included models, drawings and posters of the various fishy subjects found in the Seven Seas. Their crafty handiwork was then strategically displayed, turning their classroom into a model ocean. After they'd finished, the classroom and projects were proudly exhibited to friends and folks dropping in to examine the youngsters' hard work. One project, in particular, was a real eye catcher. It was this gigantic whale being admired by several of the class members. This big boy was almost as long as the room and looked like he could go one-on-one with Moby Dick. (Photo by Ron Flewelling)

Dozens of dolphins - When the members of Julie Letsche's first grade class at MMC decided to bring the briny depths of the ocean to their classroom, classmates Emma Mahoney, Olivia Ney and Ella Ruby decided to do a presentation on Dolphins. Their project included scale models as well as drawings of the charismatic sea-going critter. (Photo by Ron Flewelling)

Puffed up - For their finny project for the MMC first grade's sojourn through oceanography, Kaden Neddermeyer and Tyler Pitts chose the unique Pufferfish. The project partners created this report that included models of the fish as well as an informative report. (Photo by Ron Flewelling)

Shark attack - The subject of sharks always seems to fascinate folks. I guess that's why MMC first grade oceanographers Aliyah Schossow and Isabelle Olson did their project on that fine finny subject. Their presentation included this poster displaying the numerous types of sharks inhabiting the ocean depths. Photo by Ron Flewelling (Photo by Ron Flewelling)

Mudball mix With fractions as an objective, students in Jan Brown's classroom at Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn made mudball cookies. Students learned the importance of reading carefully and what a rolling boil means. Pictured are, left to right, Kaitlyn Goth, Shana Ames, and Christa Lux working to form the cookies... (Photo contributed)

The next step - ... Gretchen Ruba seems to be contemplating what step to follow next while making mudball cookies. (Photo contributed)

Enjoying learning - ... Enjoying the cookies and jelly bean nests are Irmalinda Ponce, Patrick Paulsrud, Kaelee Letsche, Shana Ames, and Kaitlyn Goth. (Photo contributed)

Local-State-Nationals - Students at Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn were asked to participate in a VFW Auxiliary writing contest. Fourth graders were asked to define a veteran. Kaitlyn Goth was a local winner, then won in the state, which meant her writing is being judged at the national level. Pictured is Kaitlyn Goth being presented her award by Marion McNabb president of the Cherokee VFW Auxiliary. (Photo contributed)

Certificate of Appreciation - Members of the Cherokee Industrial Corporation gathered at Cherokee State Bank in April to present Carol Snapp-Leidahl with a Certificate of Appreciation. Leidahl is retiring as the volunteer treasurer for the CIC, a duty she has performed for many years. Pictured recognizing Leidahl for her service are, front row, left to right, Mark Braunschweig, Rick Mongan, Carol Snapp-Leidahl, Brenda Perrin, and Mark Buschkamp. Back row, Darren Zwiefel and Scott Weber. (Photo by Mike Leckband)

Tree art - Richard Sokolowski of Cherokee had to take down a tree in his back yard, but instead of cutting down the whole tree, Sokolowski hired Jeff Klatt to make a sculpture out of the tree trunk. Sokolowski plans to have the sculpture as a center piece for a garden that his daughter has designed. (Photo by Mike Leckband)

Virgin Mary sculpture- Chainsaw Artist Jeff Klatt, owner of Runaway Saws in Storm Lake, is pictured sculpting an image of the Virgin Mary in the back yard of Richard Sokolowski of Cherokee. (Photo contributed)

Ridge View Royalty - Ridge View High School held its Prom on April 14th. Members of the Prom Royalty included, left to right, Shelley Wendel, Taryn Rasmussen, Lyndsay Naberhaus, Queen Kayla Ronfeldt, King Travis Hoeppner, Paul Bainbridge, Chandler Woodke and Marc Meyer. (Photo contributed)

Civil War program - Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn fifth grade Social Studies Class had a great program about the Civil War Cavalry, presented by Fred Reese. Reese came to Ric Collin's fifth grade Social Studies class and shared and answered many questions from the students. MMC fifth grader Katie Bush was very proud of her uncle, and all of the students enjoyed his program on April 21st at the Cleghorn Building. (Photo contributed)

Patriotic penmanship - Kaitlyn Goth, the MMC fourth grade's resident patriotic scribe, has recently been notified that she has won first place honors at the state level in a Project for Youth essay contest sponsored by the VFW Auxiliary. The contest gave students an opportunity to answer the question, (in 75 words or less): "My Definition of a Veteran is..." Kaitlyn's essay will now be advancing to the national level of the patriotic creative writing project. (Photo by Ron Flewelling)

Patriotic prose - Three MMC Elementary third grade students have received accolades for their patriotic penmanship in a Project for Youth essay contest sponsored by the VFW Auxiliary. The students were challenged to write, in 75 words or less, the answer to the query: "I Love America Because..." When the scores were tallied, three MMC entrants emerging with victories in the district level were Tyler Frederes, Caden Sand and Kristina Goth who captured first, second and third places respectively in the contest. They will be receiving cash rewards for their red, white and blue creative writing talents. (Photo by Ron Flewelling)

Bird buddies - Several new residents have recently taken up temporary residencey in Kris Irwin's kindergarten classroom at MMC Elementary. These new transfers were a number of baby chicks brought to school by classmate Natalie Plagman. The chicks will be spending the next couple of weeks roosting in their chicken condo located in the kindergarten classroom. During that time, the youngsters, including class members Allie Ney, Natalie Plagman and Alec Schossow will be responsible for their food, water and general well being. (Photo by Ron Flewelling)

"Marsh"-ial arts? - The members of the second grade Guided Reading class at Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn have recently polished off the book 'A Boy Wants a Dinosaur', a tale that prominently features a marsh. At book's end, the students were challenged to pen their own stories as well as to create a poster of their own marsh. On this day, the students, including Colin Pick, Michael Rupp and Brett Staab,, are seen displaying their project, which is currently a work in progress in the school library. (Photo by Ron Flewelling)

Fellowship of old fogies - The students in MMC's K-1 through third grades celebrated the end of the first week of their ' Pop Open a Good Book' reading challenge program by coming to school made up like an old person. Among those sporting old geezer attires were second grade readers Carson Pick, Hannah Piggott and Jason Kirchner. (Photo by Ron Flewelling)

Crowning of the Queen - The Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn Prom Queen Casey Wurth is pictured being crowned and congratulated by 2011 MMC Prom Queen, Jennifer Gross. MMC recently held their annual prom. (Photo contributed)

MMC Prom Court - Pictured are the members of this year's Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn Prom Court held recently in Marcus. Keft to right, Kayla Foresman, Jalyn Doeden, Queen Casey Wurth, King Mitch Brady, Matt Tabke, and Mitch Means. (Photo contributed)

WHS Concert Band - The Cherokee Washington High School Concert Band under the direction of Paul McEntaffer, performed a variety of Folk songs during the WHS Music department spring concert, senior recognition and awards night at the high school. (Photo by Vanessa Reusch)

enior Girl's Vocal Quartet Members of the Senior Girl's Vocal Quartet, left to right, Amanda Kellen, Emily Estala, Molly White and Abby Hayes perform "Sing Unto the Lord" during the Washington Hight School Music department spring concert, senior recognition and awards night at the high school. (Photo by Vanessa Reusch)

Woodwind duet - Seniors Rachel Corken, left, on flute and Abby Hayes on clarinet perform a woodwind duet during the Washington High School Music department spring concert, senior recognition and awards night at the high school. (Photo by Vanessa Reusch)

Recognitions and awards - Senior band and choir students received awards at the Washington High School Music department's spring concert, senior recognition and awards night held at the high school. (Photo by Vanessa Reusch)

Trip to the Circus - Several second grade students from Cherokee Roosevelt Elementary School took a trip to Sioux City to see the Shrine Circus in April. By all reports the students had a great time - and even had a chance to ride an elephant... (Photo contributed)

Camel riders- ... Madison Stief, left, and DeLani Doeden are pictured having a great time riding a camel during a school trip to the Shrine Circus held in Sioux City. (Photo contributed)

WHS High School Choir - The Cherokee Washington High School Choir, under the direction of Amy Sarchet, performed a variety of songs during the WHS Music department spring concert, senior recognition and awards night held at the high school. (Photo by Vanessa Reusch)

Students from Cherokee Middle School recently participated in the Northwest Iowa Choral Directors Association's 5th and 6th Grade Honor Choir. The festival was held April 24 at Westwood Schools in Sloan. Students were selected by their director, Kristine Zylstra, by audition. During the festival, students rehearsed with other students from the Northwest Iowa district, then finished off the day with an evening performance. Guest director was Aaron Hansen, K-6 Music Specialist in the Waverly-Shell Rock School District. Front row left to right: Thadeus Booth, Daenen Pierce - alternate, Dre Bezoni, Anna Cox. Back row left to right: Alexa Timmerman, Addie Cosgrove, Merrick Harrison, Hannah Sayler, Hailee Maurer. (Photo contributed)

7th Grade Honor Choir - Eleven 7th grade students from Cherokee Middle School traveled to Westwood School in Sloan to participate in the Northwest Iowa Choral Director's Association Honor Choir on April 24. Students prepared music before going, and then spent the afternoon with a guest conductor perfecting the music for a final concert held that evening. This year's participants from Cherokee were, front row, left to right, Fran Conley, Sami Eberly, MaKenna Carver, and Clare Conley. Standing, Kyle Johnson, Mason Timmerman, Dylan Kohn, Jordyn Bingham, Annie Bunkers, Zoe Meadows and Kelsay Parrott. The students are directed by Amy Sarchet. (Photo contributed)

And the winner is ... The Christian Book Store in Cherokee held an Open House on April 30 in honor of their 30th anniversary. Towards the end of the business day, a drawing was held for three special door prizes. Prize winners selected were Lois Radke, Marilyn Hinkeldey and Cynthia Stevenson. Chris Reed of the Chronicle Times is shown here drawing one of the winners from a basket held by Tina Westbay of the Christian Book Store. (Photo by Dan Whitney.)