Stories from Wednesday, May 8, 2013

May is National Foster Care Month, a time to raise awareness about the needs of over 400,000 American children in foster care and to recognize those who make a difference in their lives. "National Foster Care Month is a time to salute the compassionate Iowans who make a difference by serving as foster parents, relative caregivers, mentors, advocates, social workers and volunteers," said Kelli Malone, project director for Iowa KidsNet. ...

Norman Moon of Cherokee, age 80, passed away Monday, May 6, 2013, at his residence in Cherokee. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 9, 2013 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Cherokee. Father Dan Guenther will officiate. ...

Palmer F. Hanson of Cherokee, age 92, passed away Tuesday, May 7, 2013, at the Cherokee Regional Medical Center. Funeral arrangements are currently pending at Greenwood-Schubert Funeral Home in Cherokee. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.greenwoodfuneral.com...

"Where have you gone, Joe Dimaggio, the nation turns a lonely eye to you, ooh, ooh, ooh... Yes, those memorable Paul Simon lyrics from the 1960s movie, "The Graduate," ring true today as always, as many of us constantly search for deserving idols in Hollywood, collegiate and professional sports, television, music and theater...

The Ridge View girls track and field letterwinners this season include, front row, left to right, Sydney Kistenmacher, Gretchen Kistenmacher, Nicole Snyder, Rachel Hunt, Dana Hustedt, Katie Boyle, Kate Mathes, Brooke Lindgren. Back, Emily Brosamle, Anna Davis, Emily Kenny, Bailey Winterhof, Jadyn Mohr, Hope Clark, Savannah Nelson, Michaela Kron. Photo by Stevenson Studios...

The Ridge View boys track and field lettermen this season include, front row, left to right, Joe Tokheim, Michael Davidson, Christian Egger, Nate Myrice, Dru Kenny, Ryan Garthoff. Back, John Kofmehl, Zach Tokheim, Sergio Carbajal, Nick Babcock, Jason Kenny. Photo by Stevenson Studios...

HAWARDEN - The South O'Brien boys racked up four firsts and five seconds on the way to winning the War Eagle Conference Track and Field Meet here last week. The Wolverine boys snagged firsts with Bret Puhrmann winning the long jump with a leap of 20-1; the 4x100 relay clocked in 46.88; the 4x200 relay timed in 1:36; and the shuttle hurdle relay timed in 1:05...

The Cherokee Washington High girls notched a second-place finish and two third-place finishes at Friday's South O'Brien Relays hosted on the Cherokee track. Orange City Unity Christian won the girls team title with 136 points, followed by Sioux Central 111, South O'Brien 99, Newell-Fonda 82, Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn 47, Alta-Aurelia 38, Cherokee 37, Clay Central Everly 27...

EMMETSBURG - Host Emmetsburg claimed a Lakes Conference boys golf triangular here last week, carding a 148 to take the measure of runner-up Le Mars 172, and Cherokee 190. Low medal for the Braves were Devin Mongan 46, Aaron Boisen 47, Adam Cedar 47, Alex Winchel 50, Hunter Eaton 55, and Josh Haupert 56...

The American Cancer Society's Cherokee Relay For Life teams want to bring us one step closer to the cure! Do you want to fight cancer? The Relay For Life of Cherokee County is accepting additional teams to help fight back against cancer. Your involvement in the Relay For Life of Cherokee County will bring us closer to the cure for cancer!...

Renewable Energy Group® (NASDAQ:REGI), the nation's leading biodiesel producer and marketer, last wek executed a purchase agreement to acquire a 30-million gallon per year capacity biodiesel plant from Soy Energy, LLC. Pursuant to the agreement, REG will acquire the Mason City, Iowa biorefinery for $11 million in cash and the issuance of a $5.6 million promissory note to Soy Energy. ...

In a note to investors in October 2012, Jeff Oestmann, President & CEO of Soy Energy LLC, cautioned shareholders that volatile market conditions had taken their toll on Soy Energy LLC. "Current volatile market conditions and continued production challenges have taken a toll on Soy Energy LLC," said Oestmann. ...

The Cherokee VFW L.A. Westcott Post #2253 and Ladies Auxiliary hosted the Iowa VFW Eighth District meeting at the Cherokee VFW Club on Saturday . Of the 13 clubs that make up the district, 11 clubs were represented at the meeting. Also attending the meeting was VFW Iowa State Commander Larry Winthers of Spencer...

Special, entertaining events are planned to help Cherokee celebrate National Train Day on Saturday from 1- 4:30 p.m. at the historic, restored Cherokee Railroad Depot, The Depot's popular, renowned model railroad will be running all day, and there will be also be an Open House at the Depot, with tours available and refreshments served...