Et Cetera

  What's not to love about the great Iowa State Fair? From funnel cakes, ferris wheels, food on a stick and free entertainment, to premier livestock events, expansive art exhibits and the country's largest state fair food department, the Iowa State Fair has something for everyone. This year, Iowans can show their love for the Fair on their tax returns and help the Fair continue on the path of preserving the historic Fairgrounds.

The Vinton-Shellsburg Middle School 7th grade girls Lego League team, The Pink Chicks, received the Core Values award for teamwork at the district event in December and received an invitation to the state competition in Ames. The girls traveled to Ames on Saturday, Jan. 19, where they competed with 72 other teams. They did not place but did well, said teacher Ms.

  Emergency Responders and Public Officials are encouraged to attend educational event Interstate Power and Light Company (IPL), an Alliant Energy company, is participating in the Iowa Pipeline Association’s 2013 Pipeline Awareness and Education training offered at locations throughout the state. The training informs and instructs emergency responders and public officials about pipeline safety and prevention strategies.

  Atkins, IA  Cody Ayers, Criminal Justice;  Sydney Wallenfelsz, Management;  Blairstown, IA  Wendi Birch, Hum Res Mgmt;  Adrienne Elliff, Music;  Luzerne, IA  Sara Miller, Business;  Newhall, IA  Brittany Shepherd, Accounting;  Norway, IA  Connie Havran, Nursing;  Shellsburg, IA  Brittany Robertson, Psychology;  Urbana, IA  Travis Lohrer, Mgmt Info Systems;  Crystal McGuire, Accounting;  Nevin Snyder, English;  Lisa Wita, Business;  Vinton, IA  Sue Erickson, Nursing AP;  Brady Gerber, Biology;  Jessica Hoff, Nursing;  Elle Osborn, Psychology;  Walford, IA  Kristin Lee, Nursing AP;  The above were all named to Mount Mercy University Dean's List for fall 2012  Students with a semester grade point average of 3.

  Kelly Robertson, Master of Arts of Atkins graduated with a Master of Arts degree; Cody Robertson, of Shellsburg, graduated with a Bachelor of Business Admininistration;  Nevin Snyder, of Urbana, graduated with a Magna Cum Laude, Bachelor of Arts;  Sue Erickson, of Vinton, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Mount Mercy University in December 2012.

The Cooling Dancers have been performing for VS fans at half-time of sophomore basketball games. The girls performed another routine on Friday.

The Iowa Football Coaches Association recently released their academic all state teams.   Union Community's Brian Dunkelberger and Trev Hadachek both were honored at the Union basketball game last night.  To be considered a senior must be a starter, have a minimum of 3.7 acculmlative GPA, and particpate in other school activities. Below is a list of the former Union football players we have record of receiving this award.

The Celebration Park Project received another fantastic donation of $5,000 for the new community park.  Pictured here are Jon Clingman, Celebration Park Fundraising committee member and donors Kathy & Mark Mossman.  The Mossmans were very excited to donate to the project and are looking forward to the finished project as you enter Vinton from across the bridge.

Our Veterans are special people in our communities and our country. Sixty-years ago our Korean Veterans went to war with not much recognition. Last year there was a parade in Des Moines to honor our Korean War Veterans. Secretary of Defense-Leon E. Panetta signed certificates of Appreciation to each Korean Veteran there. The certificates read: "IN RECOGNITION OF HONORABLE SERVICE DURING THE KOREAN WAR IN DEFENSE OF DEMOCRACY AND FREEDOM.

State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald reminds Iowa students that the application for the 2013 Robert D. Blue Scholarship is available online at www.rdblue.org. All Iowa residents who plan to attend college in Iowa for the 2013-2014 school year are eligible to apply. The Iowa Centennial Memorial Foundation awards the Robert D. Blue Scholarship to Iowa students attending college in Iowa.