Upper Iowa University is pleased to announce the names of its October 2014 graduates, followed by the degree earned and respective honors. Paige Lohf of Luzerne, IA, Bachelor of Science: Nursing in Nursing , Cum Laude from UIU Nursing-Online; Robert Mangrich of Dysart, IA, Bachelor of Science in Management , Cum Laude from UIU Waterloo; Honors qualifications as follows: Summa cum laude is awarded to those with at least a 3.

Noah Dargy, a Senior Engineering major of Shellsburg, was among approximately 950 Bob Jones University students named to the Fall 2014 Dean's List.

On December 28, 2014 Bethlehem Lutheran recognized by presenting the December 2014 gift of $101.00 to the V-S Fine Arts Century Club.  This organization is about monetary assistance for the band, choir visual arts, speech and drama programs.

     When I look back on my own personal history of Christmas, I can think of several years when the holiday had special meaning for me.

It’s when families came together during the holidays at Gramma's house; when a picture comes to mind of a fireplace in the living room radiating warmth; a mixture of sweet and savory smells wafting throughout the home; family members who can't wait to get to Gramma's to be with everyone they've been missing all year long and rushing through the door, with packages and favorite dishes to share, to help keep the heat in.

Multisyllabic expressions are intermittently an essential aspect of my preferred modus operandi for communications, as well as entertainment. In other words, I like to use big words, not only for more effective communication with other people, but also, sometimes, just for the fun of it.

The Eastern Iowa Honor Flight received a check for $25,000.00 from Rockwell Collins in support of the Eastern Iowa Flight Mission.  Presenting the check were Tim Carson and Jenny Becker from Rockwell.

Megan Hopper of Dysart, Iowa is a member of the Luther College 2014-15 Concert Band music ensemble. Hopper is the child of Duane and Sherri Hopper of Dysart.

Casey Tecklenburg of Dysart, Iowa is a member of the Luther College 2014-15 Nordic Choir music ensemble. Tecklenburg is the son of Joe and Shary Tecklenburg of Dysart.

Jacob Bunge of Vinton, Iowa is a member of the Luther College 2014-15 Norsemen music ensemble. Bunge is the son of Mark & Karen Bunge of Vinton.