Stories from Wednesday, February 20, 2013

LE MARS - The Alta-Aurelia High School Warrior Jazz Ensemble placed first in Class 2A at the NWIBA District Jazz Contest in Le Mars on Monday, ahead of Sibley-Ocheyedan and Okoboji, in a very large and strong class of jazz bands. Their performance earned them an automatic bid in Class 2A to the 2013 Iowa Jazz Championships in Des Moines, held on April 18th. ...

DES MOINES - Jacob Meehan of Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn led a strong contingent of area wrestlers at last week's Iowa State Wrestling Championships, placing third in Class 1A in the 170-pound weight class. Meehan (46-2) rang up a 7-0 decision over Koy Snider (43-8) of Wilton in the consolation final to take third after posting a 4-1 match record at State...

Tammy Hare cut the ceremonial red ribbon Friday, marking the opening of her new restaurant, Tammy's, which is located at 222 West Main Street in Cherokee, The restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner Monday-Friday until 8 p.m., and for lunch on Saturdays from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Photo by Dan Whitney...

Judi Klee, who previously owned and operated The Spice Rack Bakery/Bistro in Cherokee, has just released a cookbook, "Secrets of a Professional Baker," featuring favorite recipes from the restaurant. Judi was no novice in the kitchen. She began cooking for her family while in elementary school, fixing meals and often baking cookies and cakes for everyone to enjoy. ...

Do you want to have fun? Do you want to meet new friends? Do you want to learn about fishing, dogs, crops, woodworking, photography and more? Well then, 4-H is for you. Today 4-H is the largest positive youth organization in the world, including 125,000 4-H'ers in Iowa alone...

Watching a bald eagle soar overhead is a breathtaking sight. There have been many of them using the Little Sioux River Valley this winter. An active nest has even been spotted just up the valley from the Prairie Heritage Center. All of this raptor activity comes just in time for the annual Bald Eagle Watch on Saturday, March 2 at the Prairie Heritage Center. ...

The City of Cherokee is seeking qualified general contractors to bid on remodeling jobs within the City. The work is being financed through a grant from the Iowa Economic Development Authority. Typical repairs may include re-roofing, re-siding, foundation repair, window/door repair and/or replacement, painting, electrical and mechanical work...

The Cherokee Youth wrestlers had six wrestlers compete in the AAU District Qualifier in Spencer recently. Cherokee had three second-grade wrestlers who wrestled up in the 3rd-4th division, Sam Zindel, Gabe Olguin, and Taylor Vandervort. Cherokee had two wrestlers in 4th grade in that division - Simon Mummert and Cael Wood...

Crystal Johnson-Hohl has received the WITCC TRiO-Student Support Services Achiever of the Month Award for February. This award recognizes Western Iowa Tech TRiO students who demonstrate qualities of leadership and citizenship while achieving collegiate academic success...

Craig and Krystal Peterson of Galva are the happy parents of a new baby boy, born on February 12, 2013. Lelund Donald Peterson was born at 7:08 a.m., weighed 5 lb. 7 oz., and measured 18 inches long. He was welcomed home by his brother, Landyn, and his sister, Layla...

Wanda Jean "Jeanie" Berkler, 70, passed away on Friday, February 15, 2013 in Alamogordo, NM. She was born on June 9, 1942 in Washington, DC to Edwin and Alice Ethington Mallory. She grew up and graduated in Cherokee. She moved to Alamogordo in 1972 and married Ed Berkler. Worked and co-owned Medical Arts Pharmacy for 22 years. Jeanie was a quilter and spent much of her time with her family, camping and crafting. Jeanie was a member of Order of Eastern Star Alamo Chapter #11...

Donald E. Small, born Sept. 24, 1929, died Feb. 16, 2013. He passed quietly at NHC Nursing Home in Franklin, TN. Don had been in ill health since a stroke and broken hip he suffered last April. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Ira & Iva Small. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Virginia A. Small; a brother, Larry Small; a sister, Gladys Willis, and a host of nieces & nephews...

Colene Frances Green, 91, of Cherokee, Iowa passed away peacefully on February 13, 2013 at a care center in Eureka, Illinois. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 23rd at 11 a.m. at the Memorial Presbyterian Church in Cherokee. Rev. Ethan Sayler will officiate. ...

The word retirement conjures images of rocking chairs, sunsets and shuffleboard -- and the big night out every week is a bus ride to the bingo hall. Many experts in the mental and physical health fields now take the view that retirement doesn't mean retreating from life, but rather, embracing it and all the things that drive our passions and fuel our fire...