Commencement Address Speakers Give Words Of Wisdom and Advice
(Le Mars) — Sunday was graduation day for seniors at Gehlen Catholic and at Le Mars Community. 38 students from Gehlen Catholic received their diplomas and 174 seniors from Le Mars Community crossed the stage to receive their graduation diplomas. At Gehlen, Salutatorian Luke McCarty spoke about
following graduation, the seniors will not be judged by awards and accolades achieved during their high school years. Instead they will be judged on their character and how they intend to live their lives.
McCarty reminded his fellow classmates to think about their time at Gehlen, but to also look ahead into the future.
Commercial roofing contractor, Bryan Nohava delivered the commencement address for the Gehlen Catholic seniors. Nohava offered several one-liners of words of wisdom and advice.
There were three Valedictorians for Gehlen Catholic this year. Together, Carly Bretey, Abby Dickman, and Kayla Mayer spoke about memories from growing up in the same class at Gehlen Catholic. The three began their address by
reciting the bible verse selected for the class of 2018.
During the Le Mars Community Commencement held on Sunday, six of the top academic seniors gave speeches. Many of them thanked God, their parents, friends, and the Le Mars Community faculty and administration for their high school education and experience. Ote Albrecht was the first to speak.
Following Albrecht to the stage was Josiah Engebretson.
Senior Chloe Evans was the next to speak at the Le Mars graduation. She began by offering a quote from President Donald Trump. Evans thanked her family and the faculty, but then challenged her fellow classmates.
We continue focusing on the Le Mars Community graduation by listening to the comments of Madison Mahan.
Samuel Vacera was the next senior to speak, and he talked about the meaning of sucess.
The final speaker from the Le Mars Community Class of 2018 was Caden Washburn.
Ireton Viet Nam Veteran Receives Medals Of Valor
(Orange City) — A Viet Nam veteran from Ireton was awarded medals from his service in the Army during a medal presentation ceremony that was held Saturday at the steps of the Sioux County Courthouse. Congressman Steve King bestowed the medals including the Bronze Medal and the Medal of Valor to
Calvin Bootsma. Bootsma was in Viet Nam for a year between July of 1968 through July of 1969. During that year, Bootsma helped save many of his military colleagues when they were ambushed by a group of North Vietnamese.
Bootsma says he is appreciative of his family and friends for instigating the medal ceremony. He says he is proud of his service to his country.
Agriculture Secretary Candidate Makes Stop In Le Mars
(Le Mars) –– A Republican candidate seeking the position of Iowa Secretary of Agriculture made a campaign stop at Le Mars Friday afternoon. Dan Zumbach is a farmer from northeast Iowa, but also serves as a State Senator, and is the chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee. Zumbach says there are several
similarities between his farm and those he has seen here in northwest Iowa.
Some of the other candidates seeking the position of the Iowa Secretary of Agriculture have had leadership roles with major farm groups or commodity organizations, or at present time is the Iowa Secretary of Agriculture. Zumbach has not had any leadership roles with agricultural groups outside his local county, and state legislature. However, Zumbach doesn’t see that as any
disadvantage for his campaign.
Zumbach says there are several challenges facing Iowa agriculture, but he sees a need to connect between the rural and urban areas.
Zumbach says he wants northwest Iowa to know and understand that he is a strong advocate and friend of Iowa agriculture.
Congressman Steve King Explains Why Farm Bill Failed In U-S House
(Orange City) — On Friday, the U-S House of Representatives voted down the proposed farm bill. Iowa Republican Congressman Steve King serves on the House Agriculture Committee and admits he was surprised to see the farm
legislation fail.
King was in Orange City on Saturday and explains why the farm bill failed.
The Iowa Congressional member says another reason for the bill’s defeat is because it had immigration issues tied to it.
King is optimistic and confident the House will pass a farm legislation before the current farm bill expires at the end of September.
