Stories from Monday, September 24, 2012

Statistics show that one of every six traffic fatalities is related to distracted driving. Another half million injuries result from distraction-related crashes. A common source of distraction is trying to multitask while driving. Also, the repetition of commuting also can be distracting...

MAPLE VALLEY - The Ridge View High School boys varsity Cross Country team took first place here on Thursday in the Maple Valley/Anthon-Oto Invitational Meet. The Raptors scored 47 team points to runner-up MVAO, which scored 65 points. Hinton was third with 70 points, Westwood fourth with 81 points, Ar-We-Va scored 100 and West Monona had 105...

A talented Spirit Lake volleyball team swept young Cherokee Washington High 3-0 in Lakes Conference action in Cherokee Thursday night, claiming game scores of 25-17, 25-18, 25-12. The Indians limited Cherokee's serving and hitting attempts with a strong defense and aggressive offense...

The Cherokee School Board of Education held its election of officers and made appointments to the District's Standing Board Committees at its monthly meeting last week. Laura Dawson was reappointed President of the Board, and Jack Creel reappointed Vice-President...

This happy group of Lions is shown presenting Cherokee Yacht Club Committee member Steve Thomas, back left, with a check for $500 to put towards the Yacht Club project. The Lions Club has a long history of outstanding service and volunteerism in Cherokee ,and this is just one of many projects that they have supported. Thank You, Lions Club! Photo contributed...

Absentee Ballots for the upcoming General Election will be available starting Thursday, Sept. 27, in the Cherokee County Auditor's office, located in the Cherokee County Courthouse at 520 W. Main St. If you will be unable to vote on the scheduled Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 6, you may stop in or call the Auditor's office at 225-6704 to receive the absentee request form...

The Iowa Retired School Personnel Association of Cherokee County invites any retired school personnel, whether teacher, secretary, cook, or maintenance worker, to joint the IRSPA. The purpose of the organization is to promote the social and economic welfare of its members. There are six meetings held throughout the year, with the first to be held at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 12, at Danny's Sport Spot in Cherokee...

The 2012 Cherokee Washington High School Homecoming Court was named on Friday at the WHS Auditorium. This year's candidates for Homecoming Queen are, left to right, Megan Hummel, Megan Carlson, Katie Bice, Clara Wulfsen, and Lauren Woltman. Candidates for Homecoming King are Marc Husman, Lane Peterson, Grayson Roosa, Eric Wilkie, and Stetson Dagel...

OKOBOJI - Two individuals with ties to Cherokee were among the Class of 2012 inductees into the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at the annual induction ceremoniy held here over the Labor Day weekend. Jackie Schmillen, daughter of Jane Schmillen and Joe Schmillen of Cherokee, was inducted as a member of the group Rockestra, which is based in Sioux City. Jackie is a vocalist with the group, which is a 40-piece unique blend of orchestra, traditional rock and roll instruments, and vocals...

ORANGE CITY - A 21-point second quarter busted open the game for MOC-Floyd Valley here Friday night, leading to a 34-8 Class 2A District 1 football victory for the host Dutch over the Cherokee Braves. The win boosts the Dutch to 3-2 this season, while the Braves tumble to 0-5 and host Sioux Center (0-5) Friday for Homecoming 2012. MOC-FV celebrated Homecoming Friday night against the Braves...