As part of Buena Vista University's "First Amendment Week," the campus hosted Iowa activist Ed Fallon for a discussion Thursday, "Protesting in America."
The events lead up to the 215th anniversary of the signing of the Bill of Rights, Dec.15.

The Vaage family would like to extend our deepest gratitude for your kind words, thoughtful gifts, supportive prayers and humble service toward our family following the unexpected death of our beloved husband and father, Pastor Bob Vaage. We were inspired by how the entire community came together to honor his life. Bob would have loved the common goodwill evident that day.

__Q: What is the "21st Century Cures Act?"__

The people of Iowa once again showed they are among the most civically-minded in the nation, thanks to their turnout in the 2016 general election. More than 1.58 million Iowans made their voice heard. Iowa's 72 percent turnout ranks among the top five states in the country for voter participation.

This year, I was fortunate to spend the Thanksgiving holiday in Afghanistan at Bagram Air Force Base surrounded by some of our nation's finest men and women in uniform. I had the opportunity to visit with two Iowa companies stationed at Bagram: the B Company, 2-211th AVN, and the 185th Combat Support Sustainment Battalion. While my visit was far too brief, it filled me with gratitude knowing that Iowans are providing such outstanding support in defense of our freedoms.

Joseph Rummens, 23, of Windom, Minnesota, was charged with shoplifting at 9:55 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25, at 2200 17th Street in Spirit Lake.
Alexis Smith, 31, of Windom, Minnesota, was charged with shoplifting at 9:55 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25, at 2200 17th Street in Spirit Lake.
Dylan Haldeman, 22, of Mt. Lake, Minnesota, was charged with shoplifting at 9:55 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25, at 2200 17th Street in Spirit Lake.

Secretary Betty Naab passed along the gratitude of the South Dickinson Community Fund Board of Directors who would like to express their thanks to the residents of South Dickinson County. Contributors made it possible for the board to distribute $11,400 to the following agencies listed below as designated by the contributors.

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey on Friday, Dec. 9, encouraged Iowa fuel retailers and gas stations to submit nominations for the Secretary's Renewable Fuels Marketing Awards, which recognize fuel retailers that have gone above and beyond in their efforts to sell renewable fuels. Awards are presented for both the marketing of ethanol and biodiesel.

The Iowa Finance Authority Board of Directors has approved a total of more than $6.2 million in grants to 25 local housing trust funds to support local affordable housing initiatives, which will assist 2,326 Iowa families. The funding is provided from the State Housing Trust Fund's Local Housing Trust Fund program.

Over the years, gift cards have become one of the most popular gift items to give and receive. State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald wants Iowa consumers to make sure they take full advantage of their gift cards.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach specialists will travel to Okoboji on Jan. 5 for the 2017 Crop Advantage Series. The meeting location is Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center.

At the end of October, 117 community members came together to raise $30,000 in Orange City at a dessert auction to support northwest Iowa children. Proceeds from the dessert auction will benefit Autumn's Center, a regional children's center in Spencer, serving children up to age 21 who have experienced abuse, neglect, bullying, grief, loss, divorce of parents, parental substance abuse or who have developmental conditions such as autism.

Burning a yule log, a yule log cake, yule log ornaments on our Christmas trees -- but do we really even know where the yule log tradition came from?
Naturalist Charles Vigdal will explain to all those who attend the Winter Solstice Hike at 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 22, at Kenue Park in Okoboji.

The Lennon Sisters, entertainment icons for the past 60 years, will perform on Saturday, Feb. 4, at Wild Rose Casino and Resort.
As one of the most acclaimed, admired and longest performing female vocal groups in popular music, The Lennon Sisters are entertainment icons who have captivated audiences with their legendary harmonies throughout a dazzling 60 year career.

At the end of October, 117 community members came together to raise $30,000 in Orange City at a dessert auction to support northwest Iowa children. Proceeds from the dessert auction will benefit Autumn's Center, a regional children's center in Spencer, serving children up to age 21 who have experienced abuse, neglect, bullying, grief, loss, divorce of parents, parental substance abuse or who have developmental conditions such as autism.