Students in Starmont Middle School’s STEM Excellence in Leadership Program created 24 Christmas tree ornaments that will hang on smaller Christmas trees around the National Christmas Tree in President’s Park in Washington, D.C. Starmont was one of 56 schools to be selected for the honor of creating ornaments that represent their states and territories. Students who participated include (front, l-r) Nicholas Corbin, Tristen Kruger, Abigail Krogman, Wendy Opperman, Ian Otdoerfer, and Carter Schnell; (back) Marlie Hettinger, Kaitlyn Heidt, Olivia Henry, Nicholas Willfong, Alyssa Kleinlein, Benton Parkin, Hannah Cantwell, and art teacher Kathleen Sweet. Not pictured are Katie Meade and Aleaya Cornwell. (Chris DeBack photo)

Starmont students represent Iowa in National Christmas Tree display

By Chris Deback
cdeback@thefayettecountyunion.com

While many of us want to hold off winter for as long as possible, students in the STEM Excellence in Leadership Program at Starmont Middle School have been getting in the Christmas spirit as they make Christmas tree ornaments that will accompany the National Christmas Tree in President’s Park in Washington, D.C.

Starmont is one of 56 schools across the country, and the only school in Iowa, that is creating these handcrafted ornaments that will hang on 56 smaller Christmas trees surrounding the National Christmas Tree. The 56 trees represent each U.S. state and territory plus Washington, D.C., as part of the “America Celebrates” display. 

Rosemary Hanson

Rosemary Hanson, 93, of Sumner, Iowa, formerly of West Union, Iowa, died Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, at Hillcrest Living in Sumner, Iowa.  

Rosemary was born Nov. 17, 1924, to Samuel R. and Zenita (Howe) Leitch in New Hampton, Iowa. 

She was a graduate of Waucoma High School. She earned her B.A. in Music and English Education from Luther College and her Master’s Degree in Remedial Reading from Upper Iowa University.

Rosemary was united in marriage with Daniel C. Hanson on May 28, 1944, at Plymouth Congregational Church in Los Angeles, Calif. Five children were born to this union.  

Rosemary taught at Lehigh, Iowa; Somers, Iowa; Holy Name in West Union, Iowa; and in the South Winneshiek School District, including the parochial schools.  She was a substitute teacher in the North Fayette and South Winneshiek Schools following her retirement.

Area shoppers are invited to join the jovial snowman as well as area business owners, including (l-r) Ken Popenhagen, Chelsey Matthias and Kaleb Vagts in taking part in a variety of area promotions as they shop West Union throughout the holiday season for a variety of great deals and fun prizes.

'Snow Place' like West Union

By Meagan Molseed
mmolseed@thefayettecountyunion.com

We may be some time away from the season’s first snowfall, but there is a holiday chill in the air as this festive snowman (sponsored by Rent-A-Look of Fort Atkinson) declares “There’s Snow Place Like West Union!” to kick off the 2018 Holiday Punch Card Promotion.