More than 200 Central College students presented research during the spring Undergraduate Research Smposium. The following area students were included: Jamie Retz of Newhall participated in the Independent Study in Chemistry symposium with the presentation "Manganese-catalyzed transfer Hydrogenation reactions," Mitchell Knock of Atkins participated in the Exercise Physiology Lab symposium with the presentation "The effect of music on an isometric contraction," Taylor McGowan of Dysart participated in the Research Investigations in Chemistry symposium with the presentation "Computational study of the mechanism between the methylamine and 2,3-dichloro-1,4-napthoalenedione," Dane Salow of Walker participated in the Biology Seminar symposium with the presentation "White-Nosed syndrome in bats," Kailey Phillips of Keystone participated in the Globalization, Development and Social Change symposium with the presentation "The Children's BandAID foundation - Haiti," Founded in 1853, Central College of Pella, Iowa, is a private, residential four-year liberal arts college known for its academic rigor and strength in global experiential learning, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), sustainability education, athletics success and tradition, and leadership and service.

Vicky Buckingham has just completed the quilt for the 2017 Benton County Relay for Life raffle. With the word "HOPE" spelled in various shades of purple, the official Relay for Life color, the quiltmeasures 38 by 46 inches, says Vicky.

Threemonths ago, Vinton-Shellsburg student Kenna Kurth received recognition for her "crazy sportsmanship." Now, the daughter of Tim and Shawna Kurth has received another honor.

VS FFA member Wes Haefner, center, was among several students to speak at a recent World Food Prize event. Last Monday, the sixth annual World Food Prize Iowa Youth Institute brought together 299 students from 131 high schools, including Vinton-Shellsburg, at Iowa State University to explore critical issues related to global food security and discover academic and career paths in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).

Vinton-Shellsburg seniors and juniors named Cassie Kenney Queen and Drew Wiley King of their Prom on Saturday. With the theme, "The Great Gatsby," the students took turns standing before their friends and family during the annual Grand March before proceeding to the Skate Center for Prom and then to the VSHS gym for the Post-Prom events.

Matthew Gerhold of Atkins, Iowa and the University A Cappella Choir from Concordia University, Nebraska, will travel to South Africa for its international tour May 7-27, 2017.

By Tamara Stark, Boomtown Committee It seems that after our recent good news announcement regarding the "˜open shoot' portion of our Boomtown celebration, sponsored by Veridian Credit Union, there are some questions and concerns regarding the closing of the road.

Rachel Danielle Gordon of Shellsburg was among more than 1,900 University of Nebraska-Lincoln students honored during individual college celebrations and the All-University Honors Convocation April 23 at the Lied Center for Performing Arts.

Minnesota State University, Mankato will award 2,334 degrees at the end of the spring 2017 semester, with approximately 1,500 students participating in three graduation ceremonies on Saturday, May 6 in Taylor Center's Bresnan Arena.

Dr. (Rev) Lyle and Marilyn Dake of Lawrenceville IL will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on April 25th. Lyle and Marilyn were married in theLittle Brown Church in the Vale in Nashua, Iowa.