Numerous volunteers recently gathered to begin the installation of a new natural playground at the NICC Child Development Center. The play area includes a wooden rowboat, a dock, buried tires for climbing and a steppingstone path.

Playing is such a 'Natural' thing

Becky Walz
News Editor
bwalz@fayettepublishing.com

Nestled in the trees behind the Child Development Center on the Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar campus is an oasis created especially for the young.

As one enters the fenced-in area, a steppingstone path with a bridge leads to a play area with buried tires to climb on and through, a wooden rowboat and dock for the wildest imaginative adventures, raised gardens, and soon a trike path and an in-ground slide.

The trike path will wind through the shade of the tall trees for the youth to enjoy, and a shed along the path will house the tricycles when children aren’t present.

There are also wooden benches and chairs for the children to simply enjoy the sounds of the great outdoors.

This photo shows the recent damage done by what is believed to be a black bear that is roaming the area in northeast Iowa. These beehives, located south of Wadena, are owned by Bob Fassbinder.  According to Fassbinder, there have been multiple incidents in which beehives have been destroyed, with debris scattered throughout the area and into the woods. In a news release, the DNR confirmed the presence of a bear in the area last week.

Black Bear causes damage

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on Thursday confirmed tracks and scat left near Clayton County beehives came from a black bear.

  A DNR wildlife depredation biologist responded to a report from a beekeeper south of Wadena, near the Clayton-Fayette county line, who had found his beehives torn up. The official found bear scat within 25 feet of the hives.

In addition a nearby landowner reported tracks, which were also confirmed by the DNR. That same landowner reported that he had seen a bear, which he estimated to be a female around 200 pounds, as well as two cubs.

The DNR is continuing to investigate and more work is being done to confirm the size or number of bears. The public is requested to leave the bears alone and to not feed them.

Fayette thinking Christmas in July

Megan Mohlis
Contributing Writer

As the Fayette City Council held its biweekly meeting on Monday, July 21, one of the main topics discussed was the town’s Christmas celebration. Present at the meeting were Elissa Wenthe and Valerie Buehler, advocates to get Fayette on the map with a Christmas display. The two women came to the board seeking aid in placing electricity at the open-air market park located on Water Street. With intentions of placing a Christmas light display once the holidays get closer, the two women stated that their efforts in raising funds for donations of lights and volunteers for decorating would be irrelevant without placement of electricity at the park. They also pointed out that placement of electricity would be beneficial in a number of ways.

Jennifer Tobin has been named the new West Union Chamber of Commerce coordinator. Tobin began her duties on Monday. (Mike Van Sickle photo)

New Chamber coordinator named

The West Union Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has named Jennifer Tobin of West Union as the new Chamber of Commerce coordinator.

A 2007 New Hampton graduate, Jennifer later graduated from Buena Vista University with a bachelor’s degree in business and communication. Her husband, Mike, serves as a West Union police officer.

Amended pit bull ordinance

By Mike Van Sickle
News Editor
mvansickle@thefayettecountyunion.com

The West Union City Council remained divided on the issue of keeping and regulating pit bulls as an amended ordinance was approved 3-2 Monday.

After waiving the second and third readings, Councilmembers Adam Keller, Isaiah Stansbery, and Cathy Bemiss approved the ordinance. Meanwhile, Councilmen Cam Granger and Kennon Gumm voted against the motion.

State Fair Queen to attend county coronation

By Mike Van Sickle
News Editor
mvansickle@thefayettecountyunion.com

The 2014 Fayette County Fair Queen candidates will share the bandstand stage at the Fayette County Fairgrounds in West Union with Iowa State Fair Queen Kelsey Smith on Tuesday, July 29. The State Fair Queen from Henry County will participate in the coronation ceremony and pie auction scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. (note time change.)  during the opening day of the 2014 Fayette County Fair.

'May the Norsk Be With You'

Since 1967, over 1.5 million visitors from all over the world have attended Decorah’s annual Nordic Fest.

The theme for the July 24-26 event is “May the Norsk Be with You,” a wink to the popular science fiction movie franchise “Star Wars.”

The whole family will enjoy delicious food, traditional crafts, a colorful parade, lively entertainment, sporting events, and a Saturday night fireworks display.

Lydia Dawley (right) and Ashley Kurash were crowned the 2014 Winneshiek County Fair Queen and Princess, respectively, Tuesday, July 8. (Becky Walz photo)

Deb Loftsgard participates in a field training exercise at the Marine Educators Workshop in San Diego, Calif. Here, she receives instruction and encouragement from one of the Marines who assisted with the training exercise.

Wadena native learns 'Corps' values

Brian Smith
Contributing Writer
bsmith@fayettepublishing.com

Ever wonder what it might be like to experience life as a Marine recruit? Think you could stand up to the challenge of a Marine drill instructor getting in your face and barking orders at you? Deb Loftsgard, a 7-12 social studies teacher for Starmont Community Schools doesn’t have to wonder anymore about that. She knows how she would respond.

            “Intense is not a strong enough word to describe the feeling when your DI (drill instructor) is in your face and screaming at you ‘Stop moving!’ ” related the Wadena resident, who participated in a Marine Educators Workshop held in San Diego, Calif., in mid-June.

Pastor Pam Reinig is flanked by the elders of Illyria Community Church, from left: Craig Bennett, Chuck Frieden and Preston Johansen. The church recently voted unanimously to dissolve its 'yoke' with the United Methodist Church, and return to it's interdenominational, independent status. (Janell Bradley photo.)

Illyria Community welcomes new pastor and outlook

Janell Bradley
Contributing Writer
info@fayettecountynewspapers.com

Illyria Community Church is 120 years old this year, but unlike some small, rural areas that struggle with viability in their churches, members have no intentionof throwing in the towel.

Built in 1894, the interdenominational church is situated high above the prairie with a pastoral view in all directions. In 1921, the congregation agreed to "yoke" with United Methodist Church when it became difficult to find a pastor for such a small church.

In recent months, members became dissatisfied with the agreement, and the congregation voted unanimously to dissolve the yoke and hire a pastor independent of an association.

On the first Sunday after Easter, April 27, the Rev. Pam Reinig gave her first sermon as the church's official pastor.