News

Tue
05
Mar

‘Healthy Hawkeye’ is keeping the small town feel alive

Last fall, five residents of Hawkeye started something that quickly became the talk of the town with the Healthy Hawkeye Coalition becoming a weekly activity that has provided countless benefits in a variety of different ways. Founders (l-r) Linda Story (holding Mahle), Bethany Cook, Melodee Woods, Addison Chapman (holding Luna), and Jordan Sherman started the organization as a way to safely exercise by going on regular group walks, but the group has evolved to become much more from promoting the town to developing new friendships and an overall sense of community. (Zakary Kriener photo)

‘Healthy Hawkeye’ is keeping the small town feel alive

By Zakary Kriener

      With a population of 434 people, the town of Hawkeye would easily be considered a “small town.” Over the course of the last several months, five members of the small Fayette County community have been establishing a unique organization that not only promotes the small-town values of the town, but also promotes physical and mental health.

      “The Healthy Hawkeye Coalition is basically an open-door group of residents that get together to walk every Saturday,” said Melodee Woods, who along with daughter Addison Chapman and three others from town, established the organization last fall. “Addison and I are both runners and we would go on walks and jogs through town regularly. This sparked the idea of trying to get more people to join us with a mission of promoting a safer way to do what we love.”

      Melodee and Addison shared their idea with several others at the downtown Hawkeye Coffee Company, including owner Jordan Sherman, as well as fellow patrons Bethany Cook and Linda Story.

Tue
05
Mar

Fayette County named Pheasants Forever Habitat Chapter of the Year

The Fayette County Pheasants Forever Chapter was named National Pheasants Forever Habitat Chapter of the Year during ceremonies in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Saturday. Among those participating in the awards ceremony were (l-r) Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever CEO Marilyn Vetter, Fayette County Pheasants Forever Board member Mallory Hanson, Fayette County Pheasants Forever President Rod Marlatt, Fayette County Pheasants Forever Treasurer George Schaefers, Fayette County Pheasants Forever Board member Brett Whitcher, and Iowa Pheasants Forever Regional Field Representative Lexi Ashbrook. (Courtesy photo)

Fayette County named Pheasants Forever Habitat Chapter of the Year

By Mike Van Sickle
Editor

      Since its inception in 1985, Fayette County Pheasants Forever Chapter 48 has financially supported approximately $4 million in area habitat projects and programs. In recognition of the members’ continued commitment to preserving and enhancing the environment, the local chapter was named the National Pheasants Forever Habitat Chapter of the Year during the National Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Saturday.

      "Being honored and named the National Chapter of the Year, represents the pinnacle of our chapter’s success,” Fayette County Pheasants Forever Chapter President Rod Marlatt said. “This honor is entirely due to the incredible support we continuously receive from our patrons, landowners, sponsors, and partnerships. The reason for receiving this award is due to those champions, of whom we are eternally grateful."

Tue
05
Mar

Marlatt named to Conservation Hall of Fame

Fayette County Conservation Director and Fayette County Pheasants Forever Board President Rod Marlatt was presented the 2024 Conservation Hall of Fame Award during ceremonies in Ames Wednesday, Feb.28. (Courtesy photo)

Marlatt named to Conservation Hall of Fame

By Mike Van Sickle
Editor

       Longtime Fayette County Conservation Director Rod Marlatt has been bestowed the 2024 Conservation Hall of Fame Award; the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the Iowa Chapter of The Wildlife Society. Marlatt was recognized during the organization’s annual winter meeting in Ames Wednesday, Feb. 28.

      The Conservation Hall of Fame Award recognizes the continued contributions by a natural resource professional through education, enforcement, management, policy, and research that have ultimately impacted the wildlife resources of Iowa. The award may be bestowed to honor individuals ranging from local to national influence but the person must have been associated with Iowa at some time in his or her career.

Tue
05
Mar

Annual Pheasants Forever Banquet March 16

 

Fayette County Pheasant Forever Chapter Board members (l-r) George Schaefers, Brett Whitcher, Rod Marlatt and Mallory Hanson display the local chapter’s national Conservation Excellence Award for contributing over $4 million in support of local habitat programs and projects since 1985, and the Pheasants Forever Print of the Year “Pheasant Charcoal.” The print will be among the long list of items available by auction or raffle during the annual Fayette County Pheasants Forever Banquet to be held Saturday, March 16. (Mike Van Sickle photo)

Annual Pheasants Forever Banquet March 16

      The 39th annual Fayette County Pheasants Forever Banquet will be held Saturday, March 16, at the West Union Event Center in West Union. Doors open at 5 p.m. The event will feature a prime rib dinner, games, raffles and auctions of wildlife art, guns, and other unique items.

      The Pheasants Forever model is unique to all other conservation organizations. All funds raised, except for memberships, are retained by the chapter to be used for projects in Fayette County. Local Chapter #48 has been creating, restoring, and preserving wildlife habitat for nearly four decades. Since its inception in 1985, the Fayette County Pheasants Forever Chapter has spent over $4 million for the establishment of wildlife habitat and public land acquisition.

Mon
04
Mar

County engineer and supervisors discuss IDOT five-year program

County engineer and supervisors discuss IDOT five-year program 

By Kaci Maire

      Fayette County Engineer Joel Fantz and Fayette County Supervisors Bruce Lehmann, Jeff Bunn and Janelle Bradley have agreed to allot time during the regularly scheduled Monday, March 18, board meeting to finalize a proposed Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) five-year program, or plan, for Fayette County roadways. This plan includes road shouldering, extensions and widening; bridge work; paving; and striping for example.\

Wed
28
Feb

Proposed county property tax hearing March 25

Proposed county property tax hearing March 25 

By Mike Van Sickle

      Prior to its tour of the Inspiring Lives building Monday, the Fayette County Supervisors scheduled a public hearing for the proposed fiscal year 2024-25 property tax levy. Any residents or taxpayers, for or against the proposed levy, can speak at the public hearing, which was scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Monday, March 25.

Wed
28
Feb

NFV speech students receive district recognition

NFV speech students receive district recognition

      North Fayette Valley speech students participated in the IHSSA District Speech Contest held at West Delaware High School in Manchester Saturday.

      Of the 33 NFV performances, 24 received Division I ratings and nine received Division II ratings. 

      The results below are formatted by name, category, and title of performance.

Wed
28
Feb

Benoit to share her ‘Ascension’ in Fayette Co.

 

Attempted suicide survivor Emma Benoit is coming to Fayette to share her story and help spread her message. The documentary of her struggles and road to recovery, ‘My Ascension,’ will be shown at Upper Iowa University in Fayette on March 4 with a live Q&A featuring Benoit to follow. (Submitted photo)

Benoit to share her ‘Ascension’ in Fayette Co.

By Zakary Kriener

      Every year, a reported 1.2 million people attempt suicide in the United States. With almost 50,000 Americans dying by suicide each year, one young suicide survivor is trying to change the stigma associated with mental health and make an impact through her own suicide survival story.

      “When I was 16, I suffered from anxiety and depression. I grew up in a community where talking about your mental health was taboo, so I never really opened up,” said Emma Benoit, who is featured in the film ‘My Ascension,’ which will be shown on March 4 at Upper Iowa University in Fayette and will feature a live Q&A with Benoit. “Over six to seven years of this led to me feeling helpless and to thoughts of suicide. The summer before my senior year of high school, I attempted suicide. Upon acting, I felt an instant regret about my choice, which I felt was a calling for me to raise awareness.”

Wed
28
Feb

County landfill rate increases

County landfill rate increases

      Fayette County residents are to be aware of new rates for materials unloaded at the Fayette County Transfer Station/Landfill near Fayette.

      The rates include the following. Furniture, $10 per item; construction and demolition items, $70 per ton (minimum 200 lbs, $7, and materials must be in 5 feet lengths or less); appliances, $8 each;

      Televisions and monitors, $15 each (larger televisions, $25); printers/fax machines, $5; copiers, $12-$25; car tires, $5 (with rim, $6) light truck tires, $6 (with rim, $7), large truck, $12 (with rim, $15), semi tires, $30; tractor tires, price based on weight, starting at $25.

Wed
28
Feb

Fayette Council receives department and service updates

Fayette Council receives department and service updates

By Jan Bear
Contributing Writer

      James Opperman, owner of the Cornhill Redemption Center addressed the Fayette City Council during its regular meeting Tuesday, Feb. 20, saying, “We’ve heard rumors that people are wondering where the money is going since we are a nonprofit. We’ve given $150-$200 checks to several nonprofits,”

      Opperman listed many organizations who had received money. During the meeting, Opperman presented a $200 check to Dan Boberg, representing the Fayette American Legion Veterans Post.

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