Stories from Monday, March 29, 2010

There is growing concern regarding drowsy young people driving automobiles -- a significant problem among teens - especially now that our schools and colleges are nearing the end of their school year and summertime beckons. Indeed, overscheduled, overstressed, and overtired teens are a threat to themselves -- and others -- as they too often climb behind the wheel having had too little sleep...

The weather can sure affect our attitude. When that sun is shining, I can hop out of bed and get busy. Clouds can be a downer and as we all know, it didn't get me going on some winter projects. Now that it's spring, I'm wishing I had some painting done. ...

WASHINGTON, DC -- The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights has announced the appointment of twelve Iowa citizens to its Iowa Advisory Committee: Sheryl A. Leonard of Holstein, Nancy Boettger of Harlan, Francesca Galarraga of Ames, Isaiah C. McGee of Waukee, Cynthia A. ...

Grace Kirchoff of Cherokee will be observing her 98th birthday on April 9, 2010. She will be celebrating with her family on Sunday Aprill 11, from 2 - 4 p.m. If you would like to send birthday greetings her way, her address is: Grace Kirchoff; 921 Riverview Drive; Cherokee, IA 51012...

Emily Dettmer and Nick Bush are pleased to announce their engagement and upcoming wedding. Emily is the daughter of Joe and Carla Dettmer of Overland Park, Kansas and Amy and Steve Houts of Maryville, Missouri. She graduated from Maryville High School in 2000 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Merchandising of Textiles, Apparel and Furnishings from Northwest Missouri State University in 2004. ...

Recently the Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa had an "Adventureland Patch Design" contest, and Isabelle Reusch, 14, of Cherokee was named the winner. Pictured is Isabelle's winning design. Reusch, along with the other members of her troop, will receive a free admission pass to Adventureland Park in Altoona...

Storm Lake, Iowa -- Buena Vista head volleyball coach Heather Noll and her staff will be conducting camps inside of Siebens Fieldhouse on the BVU campus this summer for those in grades K-12. A camp for those who will be entering grades K-5 for the 2010-11 school year will take place from 9am-12pm on Tuesday, June 8, 2010, while an all-skills camp for those going into grades 6-8 will be held later that same afternoon from 1pm-4pm...

The Cherokee County 4-H clubs, which have a special project this year to raise funds to construct a new building at the Cherokee County Fairgrounds to replace the existing, aging, 4-H Building, have continued to receive donations towards the project from area businesses and organizations. These generous donations, along with several fundraising projects by the 4-Hers, have moved the project along nicely...

Every year since 1968, the Pony Express Riders of Iowa have ridden their horses and passed money donated to Easter Seals "relay style." arriving at Easter Seals Camp Sunnyside, located near Des Moines, on the Saturday before Easter. The Pony Express Riders of Iowa have raised over 8.5 million dollars in the past 42 years to benefit Easter Seals' Camp Sunnyside...

Cherokee's City Council last week approved the first readings of proposed ordinances establishing a 2-percent franchise fee on natural gas and electricity, and approved a resolution to adopt the City's proposed fee schedule. The revenue from the franchise fee will generate an estimated $80,000 annually with those monies targeting repair of existing public improvements, buildings, facilities, and properties; energy conservation; disaster prevention; public safety; construction and maintenance of streets, bridges, and sidewalks; and economic development.. ...