Kevin Kraus, Luther College vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college, has announced that 858 Luther College students were named to the 2011 fall semester Dean's List.

  Rep. Dawn Pettengill (R-Mt. Auburn) and Speaker Kraig Paulsen (R-Hiawatha) welcomed Andrew Novotny of Walker to the Capitol on this week.

Irene Geiger will celebrate her 90th birthday with an open house from 2 to 4 pm. Saturday, Feb. 18, at the Wesley United Methodist Church Fireplace Room, at 516 2nd Ave.

  The following students were named to the fall 2011 dean's list at Central College: Amy Andrews of Shellsburg, a freshman , daughter of Kenton Andrews and Pamela Andrews Kathryn Manternach of Watkins, a junior mathematics major, daughter of Stephen and Barbara Manternach Jackie McMahan of Newhall, a senior computer science major, son of Don and Nancy McMahan Samantha Retz of Newhall, a senior biology and biochemistry major, daughter of Drew and Carmel Retz The honor is awarded to full-time students who achieve a 3.

  Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is offering a course for folks who want to reconnect with the land, grow food for their own use and create a sustainable landscape.

    Name: Emily Ostroff Hometown: Dedham, Massachusetts   Emily is the Class 18 Team Leader for Fire Team Maple 4 at the NCCC campus.

  Name: Dania Munnigh Hometown: Sahuarita, Arizona   Dania began her second term with NCCC in January 2012. She is currently the Team Leader for Cedar 7 at the Vinton campus and will lead a team of Corps Members on four to seven projects through November 2012.

  Name: Courtney Miskell Hometown: Auburn, New York   Courtney graduated from Auburn High School in 2006 and Marist College in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Concentration in Public Relations.

  The Central College music department welcomed over 75 students from 14 high schools across Iowa Jan. 26 for Bandfest 2012, with the day culminating in the Bandfest Concert in Douwstra Auditorium.

  Name: John Miller Hometown: Poolesville, MD   John is serving his second term with AmeriCorps NCCC as the Team Leader for Oak 2 at the Vinton campus.