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Senator-elect Ernst receives committee assignments
AREA NEWS -- AREA NEWS -- AREA NEWS -- AREA NEWS -- AREA NEWS Getting in the holiday spirit... Elise Cameron (left) and Laine Miller, freshmen members of the ArWe-Va Rockers, are caught in action during the dance team’s Christmas routine performed during the boys’ halftime Saturday, December 13.
Iowa Senator-elect Joni Ernst has announced that she has been assigned to four Senate committees of importance to Iowans, beginning in the 114th Congress: Armed Services; Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry; Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs; and Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
Vail native Eunice McCollough, now a resident of Eventide, is all smiles as she enjoys the caroling festivities last Thursday night. McCollough and all the residents received carnations during the event, as Denison HyVee once again donated over 600 flowers for the activities. Dale Crane, a former Vail resident who now resides at the Reed House, enjoys a visit with Annette Boeck of Denison during the caroling festivities last Thursday night. Over 70 carolers participated at one or more of the four locations visited, including several local “celebrities” as well as several Job Corps students and staff members. The visitors sang a repertoire of 11 Christmas songs at each location. Emily Sailer of Schleswig was a featured soloist on “O Holy Night.”
Of the assignments, Ernst said, “I am honored to serve on these four committees which impact Iowans’ everyday lives. Ensuring Iowans’ voices are heard in Washington is my top priority and these committees focus on areas of critical importance to our state including strengthening our agricultural industry and growing our economy, advocating for Iowa small businesses, holding the government accountable to act effectively and efficiently, and ensuring the United States remains safe and secure. “Agriculture is our lifeblood in Iowa. I am eager to join Senator Grassley on the Agriculture Committee to continue fighting for the interests and values of Iowa farmers and businesses in Washington. “In addition, as a soldier and veteran I will work tirelessly on the Armed Services Committee to ensure the safety and security of the American people, as well as prioritize the wellbeing and operations of those in uniform.” Senator-elect Joni Ernst will take the Oath of Office on January 6, 2015.
Basketball action will resume after the Christmas break with a home doubleheader vs. CAM on Friday, January 2. The Rockers will be performing during the boys’ halftimes of most home games for the remainder of the season and will present their annual spring show in March. Photo by Lanice Kock
Luetjes share love, structure with kids through fostering FOSTER PARENTING Continued from page 1 ones will overcome a lot. With the help of the church, our small community and our support system, they have come a long way.” They try to give the children experiences they might never otherwise be able to enjoy. For example, they spent 46 days last summer camping out despite welcoming 12 different children into their home for respite care. Last weekend, they enjoyed a trip to Santa’s Castle in Storm Lake, and the “little kids” will be able to have the opportunity to be involved in school and church activities as they grow older. Foster parenting can be scary, they add, but they say they have received “tremendous support” over the years from the kids’ grandparents -- Norma and the late Wendell Luetje and Paul and Kay Aschinger. Jay says they have met a lot of people through their fostering experiences who support each other through their common bond. For example, they met a train engineer from the Ogden/ Boone area at one meeting and now three or four times a week, their new friend gives a toot on his train horn as he passes by their acreage. The Luetjes started the paperwork for the adoption process back in July and, although the move became official shortly after National Adoption Day, they decided to stay local instead of traveling to one of the 400 events held all over the country. “It just happened to come up at about the same time,” Cat says, noting that each case is different as to the amount of time it takes to complete. In the spring, the Luetjes are planning to have their new children baptized and to host an open house at their acreage for friends in their church, their school and the community. “It will be a good chance to welcome them into the family,” Cat says. Anyone who would like more information about how to get involved in foster parenting can call Lutheran Services in Iowa, 263-9341, or the Department of Human Services, 712-792-4391. Watch for Part 2 next Thursday!