Ossian native Isaiah Lienau tends the infield at the Field of Dreams MLB game in Dyersville, which featured a game between the Chicago Cubs and Cincinati Reds in August. Last week, Lienau was named one of Minor League Baseball’s Groundskeepers of the Year for his work with the Las Vegas Aviators Triple-A team. (Zakary Kriener photo)

Lienau named MiLB Groundskeeper of the Year

By Zakary Kriener

zkriener@fayettepubishing.com

Ossian native Isaiah Lienau was named one of Minor League Baseball’s Groundskeepers of the Year last week. Currently working for the Las Vegas Aviators – the Triple-A team for the Oakland Athletics – Lienau was designated as the Pacific Coast League’s Groundskeeper of the Year.

Discussion continues on potential closing of NFV Fayette center

by Mike Van Sickle

mvansickle@fayettecountynewspapers.com

Fayette area residents were joined by other members of the North Fayette Valley community Wednesday, Dec. 7, in asking questions and voicing their concerns regarding the potential closing of the school district’s Fayette center.

After the informational portion of the meeting held in Fayette, local resident Linda Tenney pointed out that she noticed there were no options to keep the Fayette school open.

North Fayette Valley Superintendent Joe Griffith responded by acknowledging that the plans being considered are being driven by fiscal reasons.

Sheila Reicks and Ann Bushman (l-r) plan to soon open the doors to Sips & Savors in St. Lucas. With a few subtle changes to the interior layout of the former White House Supper Club, the duo is growing more comfortable each day in making the restaurant a reflection upon themselves. (Mike Van Sickle photo)

Sips & Savors to soon open in St. Lucas

By Mike Van Sickle

mvansickle@fayettecountynewspapers.com

Great food and specialty drinks, all served up by a professional staff in a fine dining atmosphere; Sheila (Kuennen) Reicks and Ann (Guyer) Bushman feel this is a menu for success as they prepare to open Sips & Savors in St. Lucas. The two owners purchased the former White House Supper Club in November and plan to soon open their doors to much anticipation by the community.

Dyler Dozark

Arrest made in downtown Decorah shooting

An arrest has been made following a shooting that occurred early Friday morning near the Corner Bar in downtown Decorah.

At approximately 1:30 a.m. on Friday, police received a call about the shooting. When officers arrived at the location, they discovered the shooting victim, who was taken to Winneshiek Medical Center via ambulance and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

On Sunday, the Cresco Police Department arrested 23-year-old Tyler John Dozark of Cresco on an arrest warrant associated with the shooting. Dozark was charged with control of a firearm by a felon (Class D felony), reckless use of a firearm causing serious injury (Class C felony), intimidation with a dangerous weapon (Class C felony), going armed with intend (Class D felony), and assault while displaying a dangerous weapon (aggravated misdemeanor). 

Kristie and Tiffany Baumler (l-r) stand at the checkout register at their newly opened Ossian business, Kollective Memories Boutique. Located on Main Street inside the old Beckman Hardware store, the Baumlers offer numerous handcrafted items including ceramics, custom tumblers, and items from seven other area vendors. (Zakary Kriener photo)

Kollective Memories Boutique opens doors in downtown Ossian

By Zakary Kriener

zkriener@fayettepubishing.com

What started as a hobby 30 years ago for Ossian’s Kristie Baumler has now turned into a storefront business in downtown Ossian as she and daughter Tiffany recently opened the doors to Kollective Memories Boutique.

“I first started exploring ceramics about 30 years ago with my sister. We bought some molds and started doing it just as a weekend hobby,” explained Kristie. “A few years ago, I decided to really get into it, and it has really just blossomed from there!”

North Fayette Valley Superintendent Joe Griffith and school board members (background) took questions and heard concerns Monday, Dec. 5, at the middle school regarding the potential closing of the Fayette school. Teachers, staff, parents, and other community members also had the opportunity to address the school board during a public meeting Wednesday, Nov. 30, at the Performing Arts Center in West Union. (Mike Van Sickle photo)

NFV community discusses potential closing of Fayette school and class realignments

By Mike Van Sickle

mvansickle@fayettecountynewspapers.com

Class sizes, travel time and expenses, classroom space, and the impact on the Fayette community, were among the concerns shared by North Fayette Valley (NFV) parents, teachers, staff, and other community members during the first two meetings to discuss the potential closing of the school district’s Fayette center.

NFV Board member Julie Ahrens explained during the Wednesday, Nov. 30, meeting that the school board was hosting the series of meetings to give the public the opportunity to discuss the issues regarding the potential closing of the Fayette building.

Horse drawn carriage rides will be among the downtown entertainment during the “Miracle on Vine” celebration in West Union Thursday, Dec. 15. This family event features activities for people of all ages. (File photo)

Catch the holiday spirit at 'Miracle on Vine'

By Mike Van Sickle

mvansickle@fayettecountynewspapers.com

An ol’ time holiday celebration returns to downtown West Union from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15. While carolers will fill the courthouse plaza with cheerful music, the joyful laughter of children and the clippity-clop of horsedrawn carriage rides will echo across the downtown streetscape as part of the “Miracle on Vine.”

Soloists for the 81st Community Chorus performance of “The Messiah” include (front, l-r) Doug Poppen, Carol Jensen, Leslie Poppen, Stephanie Vagts, Mallory Hanson, Kimberly Pont, Emily Stene; (back) Norman Friedrich, John Bendt, Isaiah Stansbery, Jon Thompson, Don Best, and Craig Moss. The annual event returns to West Union United Methodist Church at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13. 

'The Messiah' returns to West Union Dec. 11

By Mike Van Sickle

mvansickle@fayettecountynewspapers.com

The 81^st Community Chorus' performance of Handel's "The Messiah" returns to West Union United Methodist Church Sunday, Dec. 11. The longtime community production is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. 

Come see Santa at Iowa’s Dairy Center on Friday, Dec. 9, for a drive-thru Santa on the Farm event in the farm’s freestall barn. Santa will be on hand from 5 to 7 p.m. and the event will give out pre-packaged cookies and milk, along with a holiday goody bag with dairy educational activities. (submitted photo)

Drive-thru Santa on the Farm is Dec. 9

Santa will be coming to town, or should we say to the farm! A Drive-Thru Santa on the Farm event will be held at Iowa’s Dairy Center on Friday evening, Dec. 9 from 5-7 p.m. Iowa’s Dairy Center is located at 1527 Hwy. 150, Calmar. 

Visitors will be able to meet Santa from their vehicles. The drive-thru event will take visitors right through the farm’s freestall barn to see a close-up view of the milking cows. Pre-packaged cookies and milk will be served right to your vehicle and visitors will also receive a fun holiday goody bag which includes dairy educational activities.