Name: Kindra Akridge Hometown: Hobbs, N.M. Kindra is serving as a member of the NCCC FEMA Corps team Pine 1 at the Vinton Campus. She first learned about AmeriCorps NCCC while participating in a state/national AmeriCorps program at her college.

  By: Krista Eichhorst Name: Kelly Besmer Hometown: Snoqualmie, Wash. Kelly is serving as a member of the NCCC FEMA Corps team Spruce 1 at the Vinton Campus.

Happy Time Child Development Center had a special guest this week: Officer Ron Tippett, who shared how law enforcement officers work to help our community.

They learned how the Palace volunteers make lots of popcorn. They walked through the "secret" passageway that leads back stage. They sat in the big, comfortable stadium seat -- one child called them "nap chairs" -- in the auditorium.

The following students were named to the fall 2012 Central College dean's list: Amy Andrews of Shellsburg, a Exploring major, is the daughter of Kenton and Pamela Andrews Alyson Garwood of Dysart, a Exploring major, is the daughter of Scott and Leann Garwood Karleigh Miller of Keystone, a History and Political Science major, is the daughter of Tom and Kimberly Miller Samantha Retz of Newhall, a Biochemistry major, is the daughter of Drew and Carmel Retz The honor is awarded to full-time students who achieve a 3.

College-bound Iowa youth active in 4-H and/or FFA livestock projects and current undergraduate students may apply for $113,700 in scholarships available from the Iowa Foundation for Agricultural Advancement (IFAA).

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the University of Nebraska will be teaming up to offer a Feedlot Roundtable session at six Iowa locations on Thursday, Feb.

By: Krista Eichhorst Name: Kaley Bartosik Hometown: Kettering, Ohio Kaley is serving as a member of the NCCC FEMA Corps team Pine 3 at the Vinton Campus.

The Vinton Parks & Recreation department Celebration Park Fundraising Committee is pleased to announce that they have now reached the $175,00 figure towards the goal of $250,000.

Name: Jill Jaeger Hometown: Aurora and Fort Collins, Colo. Jill is serving as a member of the NCCC FEMA Corps team Hickory 6 at the Vinton Campus.