Blog

2023 year in review

2023 was an epic year full of significant triumphs, record-breaking generosity, milestone anniversaries, growth, and plenty of highlights for the residents, businesses, and organizations that put our small communities on the map. Below is a flashback of some of our favorite 2023 memories.

Community Generosity

                The season of giving lasted all year long in...
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Iowa farmland values set record last year but rise at a slower pace

Iowa’s average farmland values hit a record high again in 2023, although at a slower pace than the previous two years. The annual Iowa State University survey shows land prices climbed on lower interest rates and elevated commodity prices last year, with positive crop yields and strong investor demand. Farmland values climbed 3.7% since November 2022...
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Fikse Chiropractic celebrates 20 years of providing patient care in Sully

By Deb Johnson Aching back, neck pain, headaches: These are some of many reasons why you’d want to consider going to a medical professional who specializes in resolving issues related to spinal health. And for those of us in the Lynnville-Sully area, we have Fikse Chiropractic owned by Dr. Chad Fikse, D.C., which means we don’t...
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‘A Slice of Home’ by Simone Bates

Dip into 2024! Welcome to a new year! What will 2024 have in store for your family? Are you looking ahead to a wedding, a big vacation, or a new job? In our house, we’re cautiously hoping 2024 will bring us a full night’s sleep, but perhaps, that’s dreaming a little too big. The new year is...
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Carroll Nikkel, 77

  Carroll Lee Nikkel, 77, of Ames, passed away peace-fully at Iowa Meth-odist Medical Center in Des Moines on the evening of Dec. 25, 2023. When God called him home, he was surrounded by family and listening to “How Great Thou Art.” Visitations were held 4-7 p.m. Dec. 29 and 10-10:45 a.m. Dec. 30 just prior...
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Ronnie Baker, 85

Ronald Baker, 85, of Montezuma, passed away Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, at UnityPoint Health in Grinnell. Funeral services were at 10:30 a.m., Friday, Dec. 15, 2023, at Searsboro Friends Church. Burial was in Pleasant Township Cemetery at Ewart. Memorials may be designated to the Searsboro Friends Church. Ronald Dean Baker was born Aug. 6, 1938, at...
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‘Best Christmas Ever’ for Lynnville family

Lynnville family experiences Best Christmas Ever, from left, Cheyenne Smith of Lovilia nominated Tiffany Matthess, Gunnar, Taya, and Reece, shown with Jacee and Jamie Ball of Knoxville, who organized the gifting event held just before Christmas on the foggy Dec. 22 Friday evening.   By Margaret Vander Weerdt “Sometimes people through no fault of their own fall on...
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