The South Winneshiek Future Direction Committee held its first meeting last Wednesday, Feb. 11, in Calmar. An overall agenda and timeline were established, as well as chairpersons and secretaries, which included (l-r) Michelle Dietzenbach, co-secretary; Tom Bushman, vice-chairman; Steve Carnesi, chairman; and Brenda Frana, co-secretary. The group will meet once a month over the next seven months to develop a recommendation for the South Winneshiek board of education in regard to the future direction of the local school district. (Zakary Kriener photo)

Future Direction Committee convenes

The South Winneshiek Future Direction Committee, which was chosen at the February board of education meeting, held its initial meeting Wednesday, Feb. 11, in Calmar.

The meeting began with all 25 committee members introducing themselves and sharing their association with the South Winneshiek school district.

Committee members then voted on a chairperson and committee secretary. The top two vote-getters for the committee chairperson, Steve Carnesi and Tom Bushman, were elected chairman and vice-chaiman, respectively. There was a tie for most votes for secretary between Michelle Dietzenbach and Brenda Frana. Committee members agreed to make both co-secretaries.

Council approves sewer grant application

Brian Smith
Contributing Writer
bsmith@fayettepublishing.com

            The Elgin City Council approved a USDA World Development Search Grant at its meeting Monday night, Feb. 16. If received, the grant will allow the City to do a sanitary sewer study on its sewer system that will include cleaning and televising of specified lines, a list of proposed improvements to the system, as well as a cost analysis of the suggested improvements.

            Jim Holz, a representative from MSA Professional Services, was on hand to explain the details of the grant.

Blue Devil junior Ethan Fink drives against a Jesup player Monday, Feb. 9, in Jesup. Fink nailed three treys in a 12-point performance against the J-Hawks. (Sharon Pape photo)  

West Central boys ready for BB playoffs

By Jerry Wadian
jwadian@thefayettecountyunion.com

The West Central boys’ basketball team is now concentrating on the playoffs after concluding the regular season Monday, Feb. 9, with a 57-46 loss on the road at Jesup. WC ended the season as the UIC champions with a 15-0 record, and 18-3 overall.

The Blue Devils drew a bye in first-round District action and will face the winner of the Maq. Valley at Ed-Co game Thursday in Elkader; game time will be 6:30 p.m.

Miss Arlington Heather Anfinson poses for a photo with three of the bachelors participating in the fundraiser Thursday. From left: Austin Hamlett, Jake Fedeler and Tony Barry. (Janell Bradley photo)

'Prince Farming,' Arlington's 'Other Bachelors' charm crowd

Janell Bradley
Contributing Writer

Just hours before Valentine's Day, love was in the air at the Cedar Rapids Marriott Hotel as Arlington, Iowa's most famous bachelor joined eight other bachelors from his hometown in an effort to raise funds for the construction of a community center.

Unlike the women on the TV show "The Bachelor" who vie weekly to become "Prince Farming's" Cinderella as part of the TV series, women of all ages at Thursday night's fundraiser were happy just to get close to Chris Soules and snap photos of him on stage.

More than $23,000 was raised in live and silent auctions, and sales of calendars that feature "The Other Bachelors of Arlington," 12 men who had a little fun playing on "The Bachelor's" fame.

"Prince Farming" himself, Chris Soules, the subject of ABC's "The Bachelor" series, was a special guest and joined in on the fun as eight other single men from his hometown were auctioned to the highest bidders with winners earning a seat at a group date.