Long-time Swaledale resident Melicent Ames was Grand Marshal of the Big Day Parade. She rode in a horseless carriage driven by Dale Caspers.

By Travis Fischer
The city of Swaledale partied all night Friday and all day Saturday with bands, shows, games, and food during Swaledale Big Days.

Watching out for bad weather, the party began with a street dance on Friday night. ‘The Working Class’ played classic rock till the early morning hours as people gathered and socialized on Main Street.

Food was provided by the Bio-Village Foundation, who served up brats, hotdogs, chips, and pop. The foundation also had on display a solar powered scooter which will be given away during a raffle drawing on Sept. 6. [more]

Garner’s Central Park has an attractive new entrance. In addition to adding a decorative touch, the arc of brick at the curb helps meet ADA guidelines that call for a warning surface at the end of sidewalk ramps for the blind or those with limited vision, according to City Administrator Brent Hinson. The surface should be contrasting in color and texture. Molencamp Builders of Garner did the Central Park entrance and sidewalk replacement. LEADER photo by Rebecca Peter

By Rebecca Peter
Set your sights for Garner, Friday and Saturday, July 11-12. “Focus on the Future” is the theme of the 28th annual Duesey Days Celebration.

“Last year was a ‘blast from the past’,” said Verne Brunsen, Chamber Commerce President, in reference to the 2007 celebration,
“This year we’re focusing on the future. Our young people and families are key to building a vibrant, productive community.”

Central Park is the setting for Duesey Days programs and activities. Bring your own lawn chair and enjoy the free entertainment on the stage, during the two-day celebration. [more]

CWL science teacher Bill Funnemark (right) accepts the Teacher of the Year Award from Justin Faiferlick

By Jill Blank
High school science teacher William "Bill" Funnemark was recently named the Air Force Association's Fort Dodge Chapter Teacher of the Year for 2007-2008. The award was presented to Funnemark on Wednesday, May 21, at Corwith-Wesley-LuVerne High School in Corwith, according to Principal Cory Myer.

Funnemark was selected for the Fort Dodge Chapter Teacher of the Year because of his outstanding teaching ability and his hands-on teaching approach along with his involvement in promoting aerospace education in his classes. [more]