Fireworks to soar over Miss WU candidates

By Mike Van Sickle
Union editor

Miss West Union Kayla Lueder will pass her crown on to one of seven candidates during the community’s 2013 July 4^th celebration.

The festivities are tentatively scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. at the West Union Recreation Complex. In addition to the coronation ceremony, this year’s activities include the Miles Adams Band, face painting, kiddie train rides, an inflatable obstacle course and bouncer, carnival games, and fireworks at dusk.

The July 4^th celebration will once again coincide with a West Union Parks and Recreation-sponsored Pool Carnival at the West Union Aquatic Center.

The 2013 Miss West Union candidates are as follows:

Julie Breuer, daughter of Joe and Carolyn Breuer, is a member of North Fayette Honor Society and FCCLA. She also participates in track, cheerleading, chamber choir, band, and chorus.

Outside of school, the 17-year-old enjoys riding motorcycles with her family, working out, playing board/card games, camping, fishing, and deer hinting. 

A member of Holy Name Catholic Church, Julie is employed with both NuCara Pharmacy and Anytime Fitness. Following high school graduation she plans to attend the University of Iowa for pharmacy.

Julie is sponsored by NuCara Pharmacy of West Union.

Alannah Guenther, 16, enjoys hanging out with family and friends, swimming, hiking at Echo Valley, and camping. 

In addition to being a member of the North Fayette track team, Alannah is an active member of Eldorado Eagles 4-H Club and Fayette County 4-H Junior Council.

Alannah’s guardian is Colleen Guenther. Sponsored by Tap’t Out, the West Union teenager plans to attend Northeast Iowa Community College in 2014 for early childhood education.

Josie Mackey, daughter of Jennifer Mackey, is sponsored by Miller Insurance.

While attending North Fayette, Josie participates in volleyball, basketball, track, Danceline, chorus, band, jazz band, and chamber choir. 

A North Fayette Honor Society member, the 16-year-old serves as an accompanist for the high school choir and was chosen to the All-Iowa Dance Team. A two-time class officer, Josie is also active in HAWKS Club (Hawks Against Known Substances).

Outside of school, Josie is active at Holy Name Catholic Church. She enjoys playing piano, running, walking her dog, going to movies, shopping, working out, spending time with her siblings, dancing, weightlifting, and having fun.

After high school graduation, Josie plans to attend a college to major in occupational therapy and minor in piano performance.

Kerrin Meitner, daughter of Mark and Kristine Meitner, is active in FFA, chorus, and chamber choir at North Fayette. Outside of school she participates in Luther League and 4-H.

In her spare time, Kerrin enjoys training and riding horses, singing, and hanging out with friends. She has worked at several fair shows and helped clean up at the fairgrounds in West Union and Heritage Farm Park near Clermont.

After high school graduation, the 17-year-old plans to attend Northeast Iowa Community College before transferring to Gustavus Adolphus in St. Paul and later to graduate school. She looks forward to majoring in psychology.

Kerrin is sponsored by Moore’s Foods.

Samantha Ohlson, daughter of Dr. Michael and Joleen Ohlson, enjoys reading, and playing the saxophone and piano.

While attending North Fayette, she participates in Danceline, band, choir, basketball and football cheerleading, drama, large group and individual speech, jazz band, and chamber choir. The junior class vice-president serves on the Student Council and is a North Fayette Honor Society member.

Outside of school, Samantha is active at Holy Name Catholic Church, in Girl Scouts, Expressions Dance Studio, and West Union Swim Team. 

Following high school graduation, she plans to attend college and major in music education.

Employed by West Union Parks and Recreation Department as a lifeguard and water safety instructor, Samantha is sponsored by West Union Eye Clinic.

Kelli Steinlage enjoys showing dairy cattle, dancing, reading, spending time with her cousins, and participating in the Dairy Quiz Bowl.

The daughter of Loran and Brenda Steinlage, Kelli has participated in track, cheerleading, and Danceline at North Fayette. She is a past three-time officer of the North Fayette FFA Chapter.

Outside of school, the 17-year-old is an active member of Redeemer Lutheran Church and Windsor Sparkplugs 4-H Club. She has volunteered to help with Sunday school, AWANAs, Pony Express, Foods for America, WU-Stock, and at the Fayette County Fair.

Kelli plans to attend the University of Iowa in the fall and major in radiation sciences. In the future she hopes to open her own clinic and specialize in ultrasounds/MRIs.

Kelli is sponsored by TaDa Salon & Day Spa. 

Maggie Weidemann, 17, is the daughter of Terry Weidemann and Carol Pfister. She is sponsored by Lilac Lanes.

While in school, Maggie participates in basketball, softball, golf, band, jazz band, and choir. She has served on/is a member of the North Fayette Valley Ad-Hoc Committee, Prom and Post-Prom committees, and North Fayette Honor Society.

Maggie’s hobbies include playing basketball, golfing, and camping with her family. An active member of Zion Lutheran Church she also enjoys taking piano lessons.

Following high school, Maggie plans to attend a private four-year college and major in business or accounting.

In addition to earning a $500 scholarship, the winning candidate on July 4 will serve as an ambassador for the community. Candidates will be judged on leadership and citizenship, attitude and awareness, and community involvement.

Donations continue to be accepted...

Donations continue to be accepted for the West Union July 4^th Fireworks Show. The annual event costs an estimated $4,300 to produce.

Contributions to the fireworks show may be mailed/dropped off at the West Union Chamber of Commerce Office. Checks are to be earmarked for “Fireworks.” Persons may also contribute by depositing redeemable cans in the bin located at Old Mill Redemption Center near Jay’s Automotive in West Union.