September Area Happenings

Crowds of people lined both sides of Third Street in downtown Sutherland on Sunday Sept. 2 to watch the popular Sutherland Burnout Rally - part of the Labor Day Weekend festivities held annually in Sutherland. (Photo by Mike Leckband)

Sutherland Burnout - The Sutherland Burnout Rally was held in downtown Sutherland on Sunday September 2nd, as part of the Labor Day Weekend festivities. (Photo by Mike Leckband)

There were several contestants in this year's Sutherland Burnout Rally, which was held at a new location this year. The popular event was well attended by residents from around the area. (Photo by Mike Leckband)

Labor Day crowd - The popular three-day Sutherland Labor Day Celebration was another huge success Sept. 1-3, with hundreds of people lining the streets for Monday's Labor Day Parade. (Photo by Mike Leckband)

American Legion - Many area American Legion groups participated in Monday's Labor Day Parade held in Sutherland, including members of the Peterson American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary. (Photo by Mike Leckband)

Marching band - The South O'Brien High School marching band provided the Sutherland Labor Day Parade with some smooth sounds on Monday as the annual event got started. (Photo by Mike Leckband)

FFA members - Members of the South O'Brien Future Farmers of America are pictured riding on a classic Farmall tractor during this year's Labor Day Parade in Sutherland (Photo by Mike Leckband)

Little Lutherans - The younger members of the Paullina Zion St. John Lutheran Church represented the congregation and school during the annual Sutherland Labor Day Parade. The parade was one of many events that was held in Sutherland during the long Labor Day Weekend. (Photo by Mike Leckband)

On September 4th, the Cherokee Bacon Aquatic Center ended its 2012 season with its third annual "Doggy Dip." where dog owners are invited to bring their canine friends for a dip in the pool before the water is drained. (Photo by Dan Whitney)

Here, Willa Campbell and her dog Billy Bob Brown enjoy the refreshing water at the Bacon Aquatic Center's Sept. 4th 'Doggy Dip.' (Photo by Dan Whitney)

This pooch returns an object thrown in the pool by its master at the Bacon Aquatic Center's Doggy Dip on September 4th. (Photo by Dan Whitney)

Cherokee City Recreation Director Dave Ellis said the Doggy Dip event, which cost $3/person, is one of the most requested events at the pool. Here, one of the customers gives a demonstration of - what else? - the "dog paddle" stroke. (Photo by Dan Whitney)

Junior Bierman of Cherokee poses by the chainsaw carving done on a pine tree in his yard. Junior's holding a photo of the dog used as a model for the carving by artist Jeff Klatt. (Photo by Dan Whitney)

FFA cookout - The Ridge View FFA Chapter held their annual cookout to kick off the new school year. Around 30 members of the club met in the Schaller City Park for a burgers, brats and desert along with a club meeting. The club gives huge thanks to their advisor Clay Drenth for making the food and the Schaller Jaycees for allowing them to use their grill. They hope to have a great year and wish our area farmers a safe harvest. (Photo contributed)

RV Senior Class - River Valley High School in Correctionville celebrated Homecoming the week of September 3 -7. Members of the senior class show their spirit here at a group assembly at the school. (Photo by Jolene Smith)

The junior class float in River Valley High School's Homecoming Parade had a 'Beauty and the Beast' theme. (Photo by Jolene Smith)

Members of the River Valley sophomore class are pictured here riding on their class float during the RV Homecoming parade in Correctionville. (Photo by Jolene Smith)

Members of the freshman class at River Valley High School had a ball riding in this year's Homecoming Parade (Photo by Jolene Smith)

When President Barack Obama made an appearance at Morningside College in Sioux City in September, he recognized Cherokee's Leroy Jenness (pictured), the State of Iowa's VFW Sergeant At Arms, and presented him with a special Presidential coin "in appreciation for all you've done (as a veteran) and continue to do for your country." (Photo by Dan Whitney)

The 36th annual Grand Meadow Heritage Center Festival was held on the weekend of September 8th, and the two-day event once again drew large crowds. Among highlights of the festival were an Antique tractor parade and the dedication of the new blacksmith shop on the grounds. (Photo by Mike Leckband)

The hoop barn at the Grand Meadow Heritage Center provided a great vantage point for those in attendance at the tractor parade. (Photo by Mike Leckband)

The former Grand Meadow School building at the Grand Meadow Heritage Center is packed full of historical artifacts that were on display throughout the annual Grand Meadow Heritage Center Festival in early September. (Photo by Mike Leckband)

Servers stayed busy as hundreds of people lined up to take part in the barbecue meal at the annual Grand Meadow Heritage Center's Festival. (Photo by Mike Leckband)

Shower spoof - The Bethlehem Lutheran Church Women of the ELCA held a fundraiser in September to collect free-will donations to refurbish the showers in the Lodge at Lutheran Lakeside Camp in Spirit Lake. The 'Specially-made Shower' served as a photo oportunity for the congregation.Over $1000 was raised at the fundraiser. Among those participating in the event were, left to right, Lynette Hyndman, Nicole Petersen, Emma Friedrichsen and Ashlyn Nelson... (Photo by Jolene Smith)

Hit the showers - ... Natalie Petersen, left, and Emma Kuchenreuther were among those participating in the Bethlehem Lutheran Church Women of the ELCA fundraiser for shower facilities at the Lutheran Lakeside Camp in Spirit Lake. (Photo by Jolene Smith)

The sophomore class at Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn made this sin for the Sept. 10-14 Homecoming week at M-M-C. (Photo contributed)

Cheerleaders at the Pep Rally - MMC Cheerleaders (left to right) Sarah Bird, Megan Bush, Amber Neisius, Maddie Rhodes, Jasi Vasher, Kacy Wolf and Alyssa Martin at the MMC Homecoming Pep Rally. (Photo contributed)

Dress-Up Days -- For Dress-Up Days during M-M-C's Homecoming week, left to right, Heather Hoefling, Nicki Schwarz, Maddie Rhodes, Amber Neisius dressed up as "The Breakfast Club," in honor of the 1980's film of that name. (Photo contributed)

MMC football players get blindfolded for their secret "Good Luck" kisses -- given by their moms - and one dad - at the MMC Homecoming Pep Rally in September. (Photo contributed)

The MMC Drill Team (shown here with sponsor Tami Schmillen) played a big part in providing extra spirit during MMC's Homecoming Week Sept. 10-14. (Photo contributed)

Senior Float in the Homecoming Parade -- Round 2 action is signaled by Kacy Wolf as Elliot the Eagle 'rocks the rocket' during the MMC Homecoming parade. (Photo contributed)

Powderpuff Football - Senior girls were victorious over the junior team during the Powderpuff football game during MMC's Homecoming week. Coaches Hoefling, Gross, Utesch, and Phillips, go over strategy during a time-out (Photo contributed)

Members of the 2012 MMC Homecoming Court - left to right, Michael Deichmann, Andrew Hoefling, Tyler Prunty, King Tanner Utesch, Queen Sarah Bird, Mallory Roseen, Kayla Theisen, Kelly Seablom (Photo contributed)

Praying in Quimby - When Heather Hanner, who now lives in Hutchinson, Minn., was home in Quimby recently, she took this photo of a critter sitting on the window sill of one of the businesses on Main Street in Quimby. The insect, which was about five inches long, is believed to be a Chinese praying mantis. (Photo by Heather Hanner)

Cherokee Mayor Mark Murphy congratulates retiring Cherokee Firefighter Hank Hayes for his 35 years of steadfast dedication to Cherokee Fire & Rescue. The ceremony occurred at a recent City Council Meeting. (Photo contributed)

Royalty returns - Last year's Homcoming King and Queen, James Curbow and Lindsay Hall, rode in the Alta-Aurelia Homecoming parade Wednesday night, then later crowned their successors at the Coronation ceremony at the Alta High School. (Photo by Dan Whitney)

Football team on Parade - The members of the Alta-Aurelia High School football team rode in the Homecoming Parade in Alta on Wednesday Sept. 19th. (Photo by Dan Whitney)

Cydogs - The Alta-Aurelia Cydogs youth wrestling team also had a float in the Alta-Aurelia Homecoming Parade. (Photo by Dan Whitney)

Grand Marshall - Adeline Peterson, a long-time supporter of the Alta school and its activities, was the Grand Marshall of the 2012 Alta-Aurelia Homecoming Parade, and she is shown here riding in the parade. Adeline is being chaffeured by Julia Meinking. (Photo by Dan Whitney)

A-A High School Band - The Alta-Aurelia High School Band, under the direction of Corbett Butler, was front-and-center at the Sept. 19th Homecoming Parade in Alta. (Photo by Dan Whitney)

Friday Night Barbecue - The Junior Class float in the Alta-Aurelia Homecoming Parade suggested a "Friday Night Barbecue" of the Warriors' homecoming opponent, Lawton-Bronson. (Photo by Dan Whitney)

Cage the Eagles - The A-A Senior Class float urged the Warriors to "Cage the (Lawton-Bronson) Eagles". (Photo by Dan Whitney)

All ages welcome - The Alta-Aurelia Homecoming Parade had participants of all ages and modes of transportation. (Photo by Dan Whitney)

Homecoming Royalty - Stephanie Stange and Alex Stephan were crowned as the 2012 Alta-Aurelia Homecoming Royalty on Wednesday evening, September 19th, in the Alta-Aurelia gym. . (Photo by Dan Whitney)

Homecoming week in Cherokee - On Monday September 24th, students from Cherokee Washington High school kicked off homecoming week by decorating George Hicks Field, as well as store windows along Main Street in downtown Cherokee. (Photo by Mike Leckband)

Best dressed freshmen In celebration of Cherokee Washington High School's Homecoming, these WHS freshmen, front row, left to right, Tessa Vawn and Alisa Ladenthin and, back row, Taylor Pruett and Riley Dolphin, get involved by dressing as twins for "Dress Up Day" on Monday Sept. 24. Staff (Photo by WHS Yearbook)

Twin Day - Cherokee Washington High School sophomores Mikki Hinkhouse, left, and Courtney Johnson show their homecoming spirit by dressing up for "Twin Day" on Monday. (Photo by WHS Yearbook Staff)

Junior theme winners - These Cherokee Washington High School juniors got into the homecoming spirit on Monday. Theme day winners included, left to right, Macenzie Wood, Jennifer Davis, Abby Lubeck, Makenna Mummert, and Mady Kelley. (Photo by WHS Yearbook Staff)

Senior winners - Cherokee Washington High School seniors dress up for Homecoming week. Monday's theme was "Twin Day". The senior winners were, front row, left to right, Sadie Brown and Kelsey Phelps, and, back row, Connor Ogren and Jaden Lux. (Photo by WHS Yearbook Staff)

Helping hand - Cherokee Washington High School Music Theory Instructor Paul McEntaffer, right, gives a helping hand to some students who were busy decorating the fence along George Hicks Field on Monday Sept.24th- One of the many Homecoming week activities at WHS that week. (Photo by Mike Leckband)

Painting fun - Members of this year's Washington High School junior class were having fun painting their Homecoming window at Letsche's Bike Shop on Monday as part of the week's Homecoming activities. (Photo by Mike Leckband)

Homecoming fun - Members of Cherokee Washington High School's senior class showed some of their school spirit on Sept. 24th by painting their class window at Wilson TV and Appliance in downtown Cherokee. as a part of Homecoming week. (Photo by Mike Leckband)

Creative talents - Members of the Cherokee Washington High School junior class demonstrated their artistic talents by decorating the store windows at Creative Cutters in downtown Cherokee, as part of Homecoming week. (Photo by Mike Leckband)

Nerdy side - Freshmen Alisa Ladenthin and Mason Meitzenheimer pose for a quick picture showing everybody their "nerdy" side on Tuesday of Homecoming Week at Cherokee Washington High School. (Photo by WHS Yearbook Staff)

Super Sophomores - "Super Sophomores" Cody Carlson and Emma Stoops exert their powers on Tuesday of WHS Homecoming Week. (Photo by WHS Yearbook Staff)

Funky Farmers - "Funky Farmers" Brett Walker and Mady Kelley show their school spirit on Junior Farmer Day on Tuesday of WHS Homecoming Week. (Photo by WHS Yearbook Staff)

Go seniors - Seniors Grayson Roosa and Megan Hummel go all out in their cool camouflage attire on 'Camo Day' at WHS on Tuesday of Homecoming Week. (Photo by WHS Yearbook Staff)

Favorite holiday - Wednesday's Dress Up Day theme at Cherokee Washington High School was 'Come as your favorite holiday'. Freshman Taylor VandeLune dressed up like Christmas for her favorite holiday. (Photo by WHS Yearbook Staff)

Dressing up It was holiday ahoy and homecoming joy for the Seniors on Wednesday's Dress Up Day at WHS. Rocio DelReal dressed as a Christmas tree, and Kyle Comstock as Cupid. (Photo by WHS Yearbook Staff)

Homecoming fun - Juniors Jessica Rodne and Alex Maurer dressed as their favorite holidays - Halloween and St. Patricks Day - on Wednesday's Homecoming Dress Up Day at Washington High School. (Photo by WHS Yearbook Staff)

WHS Homecoming Court - The 2012 Washington High School homecoming court was presented to the student body on Friday Sept. 28 after class skits were performed in the high school auditorium. Left to right, Marc Husman and Katie Bice, Lane Peterson and Lauren Woltman, Grayson Roosa and Megan Hummel, Eric Wilkie and Clara Wulfsen, Stetson Dagel and Megan Carlson. (Photo by Nancy Nelson)

Braves Royalty - King and queen honors for the 2012 Washington High School homecoming went to Marc Husman and Megan Carlson, shown here as they waved to the crowd at the September 28th parade in Cherokee. (Photo by Nancy Nelson)

Pilot Rock Signs of Cherokee recently made a new sign for the Alta-Aurelia High School building in Alta. (Photo by Dan Whitney)

Careage Hills earns second place - Earning second place in this year's Cherokee Chamber of Commerce's Scarecrow Contest was Careage Hills, for their delightfully funny scarecrow called "Harvest Moon." (Photo contributed)

Country Store takes 3rd place - The third place winner of this year's Cherokee Chamber of Commerce's Scarecrow Contest went to the Country Store. The Country Store "Gomer" wishes everybody a happy Autumn and a safe Harvest. (Photo contributed)

Lily of the Valley The Lily of the Valley one- room schoolhouse held classes one week in September. Area students attending included the fifth grade class from Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn, who learned what it was like to go to school in the early days of Cherokee Count... (Photo by Mike Leckband)

Preserving the past - ... The Lily of the Valley School is operated by the Cherokee County Retired School Personnel, who volunteer their time to preserve the building for future generations. The school is located on the campus of Northwest AEA, on the Iowa Hwy. 3 bypass, on the northeast side of Cherokee. (Photo by Mike Leckband)

Former MHI employees gather - On Sept. 26th, former employees of the Cherokee Mental Heath Institute gathered at Danny's Sports Spot for a reunion. The former employees had a good time socializing about their time spent working together at the MHI... (Photo by Mike Leckband)

Well - attended event ... Nearly 60 former employees were in attendance for the 30th Cherokee Mental Heath Institute employee reunion on Sept. 26. (Photo by Mike Leckband)

Ribbon Cutting in Alta - A ribbon cutting took place on Saturday, September 29th for The Hoodlebug in Alta, located at 3 N. Main St. Owner Cindy Pedersen is in the middle with her daughter, Elizabeth Petersen on the left and manager Lisa Hare on the right. (Photo submitted.)