Recounting the fairy tale love story of she and her husband, Bill, Deloris Thom was fortunate enough to be one of the select few to have her story published in Angel Magazine. In January 2014, the couple’s story was printed on the first page of a section dubbed, “Valentine Angels.”. (Megan Mohlis photo)

Rekindling an old flame

Megan Mohlis
Contributing Writer

In 1956, Deloris Reed and Bill Thom became high school sweethearts. Their time together revolved around their duties as 4-H county officers, and they spent much of their time together enjoying events that were held for the local chapters. However, with Reed attending school in Independence and Thom at Lamont, their young love was short-lived as they each graduated and ventured off into their own futures. What they didn’t know is that destiny would one day cause their paths to cross once again.

Marv and Mary Shippy of Hawkeye have been named the winners of the 2015 West Union “Pampered Night Out” promotion. The grand prize gifts from local merchants will be presented to the couple on a special day of their choosing. (Jerry Blue photo)

Hawkeye couple to be 'pampered'

By Mike Van Sickle
News Editor
mvansickle@thefayettecountyunion.com

A Hawkeye couple has been named the grand prizewinner of the “Pampered Night Out.” As the 2015 winners of the annual contest, Marv and Mary Shippy, who have been married 20 years, will enjoy (on a date of their choosing) dinner for two at Gus & Tony’s Town House Cafe, one dozen roses from Old Mill Floral, one night’s stay at Best Rest Inn & Suites, and breakfast for two at 122.

Still sweethearts after all these years

Brian Smith
bsmith@thefayettecountyunion.com

It was the spring of 1964. The war in Viet Nam was expanding, civil rights unrest in the South was growing, Lyndon Johnson was the president, “Beatlemania” was sweeping the nation, and the world was preparing for the summer Olympics.

Meanwhile, three young men and three young women were nearing graduation from North High School in West Union. Al Kleppe and Karol Thompson, Duane Pleggenkuhle and Olivia Hanson, and Kent Schuchmann and Pat Conklin each developed more than a passing interest in one another while attending high school together, with each couple eventually marrying and spending many happy years together. Three couples that have stood the test of time are now closing in on another Valentine’s Day with their high school sweethearts.

Fayette County Union and Newspapers of Fayette County staff members (l-r) Mike Van Sickle, LeAnn Larson, Stephanie Hermen, and Steven Murray display a few of the 14 awards earned by the local staff at the 2015 Better Newspaper Contests held in Des Moines Friday. (Kris Van Sickle photo)

Fayette County Newspapers captures 14 state awards

By LeAnn Larson
lanews@thefayettecountyunion.com

The Fayette County Union and Fayette Publishing staff members were honored with a number of awards at the 2015 Convention and Trade Show held Feb. 5-6 at the Des Moines Marriott Hotel. Presentations were made to the staff as part of the INA 2015 Better Newspaper Contests awards ceremony. 

Publisher LeAnn Larson states, “I am extremely proud of our entire staff and the recognition they received for the commitment and hard work put into our various weekly products. Being able to capture awards in so many different categories truly represents their ongoing dedication to our valued subscribers,  business accounts and to our company.” 

With rosy cheeks after playing in the snow, Blake Timp, Jackson Hemesath, and Annie Hageman (l-r) enjoy some of the indoor activities at the Ossian DeSales Child Care Center. The center has been in operation for over 15 years. (Zakary Kriener photo)

Over 15 years of service to Ossian families

Ossian DeSales Child Care Center has been a staple in the Ossian community for over 15 years. The Center opened in 1999, and with the help of many hardworking staff members, it has continued to grow ever since.

The center is certified to house children from six weeks of age to 12 years old.

“Typically, we see the children start to taper off when they get close to 10 years old,” noted Child Care Center director Robin Timp.

The center currently has a roster of over 100 kids, which is a number that has grown ever since the center expanded its facility in 2012.

Clermont native Gabrielle Hemesath, who was selected by the American Beekeeping Federation as the 2015 American Honey Queen in January, embraces the opportunity to travel around the country to teach people about the beekeeping industry. (submitted photo)

Nothing's sweeter than American honey

Zakary Kriener
News Writer
zkriener@fayettepublishing.com

“Life is a flower of which love is the honey.” There couldn’t be a more perfect quote to describe  Clermont native Gabrielle Hemesath. The Iowa State University freshman has recently been selected to represent the American Beekeeping Federation as the 2015 American Honey Queen, and she loves the responsibilities and opportunities that it brings.  

  Hemesath got her start in the honey industry when she was in seventh grade, working at Fassbinder Apiaries near Elgin. She quickly learned the tricks of the beekeeping trade as she discovered her love of the honey industry.

The 2014 graduate of North Fayette Valley was selected to represent the Iowa Honey Producers Association last year when she was named the 2014 Iowa Honey Queen.

Fayette to hire police chief

Janell Bradley
Contributing Writer

The City of Fayette has decided to hire a police chief.

Since the resignation of Police Chief Brad Gardner the city has been operating with a police officer and reserve officers. Mayor Andrew Wenthe said at the Fayette City Council meeting Monday night, the response from residents following a recent survey indicates that full-fledged law enforcement is most desired. As a result, a search process for a new police chief will begin.

Dakota Noggle, a West Central High School senior enrolled in the Charter School, is pictured at his job at Hardee's in West Union. When Dakota graduates from high school this May, he'll have also earned an associate degree from Northeast Iowa Community College – virtually tuition free. (Janell Bradley photo)

West Central seniors receive associate's degrees

Janell Bradley
Contributing Writer

As with most high school seniors, the Class of 2015 at West Central looks forward to Graduation Day with anticipation.

However, a particular achievement of note, is that five of the class's 13 seniors will already have two-year college degrees in hand when they walk across the stage to get their high school diplomas. That's right, FIVE of 13 seniors will have earned associate’s degrees at the age of 17 or 18.

That's because West Central is one of only three schools in Iowa to be a tuition-free charter school in which students can earn college credit while completing the requirements for graduation from high school.