08/31/23: Area Happenings & Accomplishments

Summer honor list announced at NCC

Northwest Iowa Community College in Sheldon has announced the Honor List for the summer semester. Students on the Honor List are full-time and have achieved an average grade point of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.

The following area students were included on the list.

Hartley: Lainie Raveling, Taylor Burns and Keith DeBoer.

Royal: Trinity Quinones.

Sanborn: Daniel Nyanchoga.

Over 90 students graduate at NCC

Ninety-one students graduated from Northwest Iowa Community College on Friday, July 21. The commencement ceremonies were held in the Northwest Iowa Lifelong Learning and Recreation Center on NCC's campus in Sheldon.

Hannah D. Castrogiovanni, of Hartley, was among the graduates. She was awarded a Business Diploma.

NCC welcomes Applied Technology Dean

Shane Peterson has been named the Dean of Applied Technology at Northwest Iowa Community College in Sheldon.

Peterson's educational background includes an A.A.S. in Architectural Drafting from Northeast Community College, Neb., and a B.S. Ed. in 5-12 Industrial Technology Education from Wayne State College, Neb. He is currently 8-12 Industrial Technology instructor and SkillsUSA Advisor at West Lyon Community School District.

"I am extremely excited for this opportunity to be a part of NCC," Peterson said in a news release. "The college has many great programs and a reputation as one of the best institutes in the nation. I look forward to helping NCC continue to serve the region by preparing our future workforce."

Peterson officially assumed his position on July 7. He resides in Inwood with his wife, Kelsey, and daughter, Teagan.

Leah Murphy is new executive dean at NCC

Northwest Iowa Community College in Sheldon has announced the selection of Leah Murphy as the Executive Dean of Student and Academic Services. Murphy officially assumed her new role on Aug. 1.

Murphy joined NCC in 2016 as the Director of the Learning Center, Alternative High School, and Accommodations. She was named Director of the Academic Center in 2017 and the Dean of Arts & Sciences/Business & Health in 2021. The NCC board endorsed Murphy's appointment on Aug. 21.

"I am honored and excited to continue with the NCC team in a new role as the Chief Academic Officer," Murphy said in a news release. "NCC has a remarkable reputation for success and service for all, and I am eager to work closely with the talented individuals who build upon these values daily."

Murphy resides in Sheldon with her husband, Michael, and children Lynn, Anthony and Maggie.

NCC names first athletic director

Dr. Greta Giese has been appointed the first-ever Athletic Director at Northwest Iowa Community College in Sheldon. President Dr. John Hartog made the announcement on Aug. 15, recognizing Giese's extensive experience and commitment to the college.

In her new role, Giese will be responsible for overseeing NCC's athletic programs which compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association and the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference.

"I look forward to collaborating with students, faculty and staff at NCC and throughout our community," Giese said in a news release. "Athletics development at the college is strategic to our recruitment, retention and student experience objectives, and I am thrilled to be a part of this exciting journey and grateful for the opportunity to serve."

Giese has been Coordinator of the Lifelong Learning & Recreation Center since it opened in 2011. Additionally, she played a vital role in the establishment and success of NCC's Sports Shooting team, which began in 2019.

Looking towards the future, NCC will join the NJCAA conference and introduce men's and women's competitive soccer in the fall of 2024. Giese's immediate plans include developing comprehensive athletic programs, ensuring student-athletes receive exceptional support and resources, and fostering a culture of excellence both on and off the field.

Outside of her professional responsibilities, Dr. Giese enjoys spending time with her husband, Mitch, and their two children, Wyatt and Lydia, who live in Sheldon.

Business ideas encouraged for regional grant competition

Economic development organizations in northwest Iowa are teaming up to offer $10,000 in prize money for The BIG Challenge grant competition.

The BIG Challenge encourages entrepreneurs to Build, Innovate, and Grow their business in northwest Iowa. The contest gives entrepreneurs and small business owners the opportunity to submit their dreams to start or expand a business, then encourage friends, family and customers to vote for them online. The finalists will present their idea to an audience and judges in a pitch-off event for a chance to win thousands in cash prizes.

Now through Oct. 1, entrepreneurs in seven northwest Iowa counties can visit http://www.iawestcoast.com and click on "The BIG Challenge" under More dropdown to submit their business or startup ideas.

Voting on the submitted ideas will take place Oct. 4-13. During the voting period, the entrepreneur will recruit others to vote for their entry online. The Top 3 vote getters will advance to a regional pitch-off competition, along with two additional entrants chosen by a selection committee. Each finalist will receive personalized coaching from the Small Business Development Center and UNI's Center for Business Growth and Innovation.

The regional contest will be held the evening of Thursday, Nov. 16 at The Wells Visitor Center & Ice Cream Parlor in Le Mars. Finalists will have the opportunity to showcase their ideas with first place receiving $5,000, second place receiving $3,000, and third place receiving $2,000 to grow their business.

To be eligible for the 2023 BIG Challenge contest, the business must be located in Lyon, Osceola, Sioux, O'Brien, Plymouth, Woodbury or Monona county; have a for-profit business; have fewer than five full-time employees; have been operating a business for three years or less; and have not been awarded prize money in a previous BIG Challenge or Dream Big Grow Here competition.

The BIG Challenge is sponsored and organized by Iowa's West Coast Initiative, Northwest Iowa Developers and Siouxland Economic Development Corporation. To learn about the contest rules or to enter the contest, please visit http://www.iawestcoast.com and click on "The BIG Challenge."

NWI fishing report

Water temperatures are in the low 80s to upper 70s, but should start to slowly drop while the area experiences cooler nights. Most area water levels are slightly below crest. Anglers have found the most success fishing off rock points and the edges of weed lines.

East Okoboji Lake: Black crappie, fair. Bluegill, fair. Most bluegill have moved deeper; you can still be successful fishing from a dock or shore. Use a small hook and piece of worm. In deeper water, use pilkies with wigglers or a slip bobber setup. Walleye, fair. Yellow perch, fair. Sorting will be needed.

Silver Lake (Dickinson): Black bullhead, good. Walleye, fair. Try trolling with spinners over or off weed lines.

Spirit Lake: You may have to move out deeper to find the edge of weed lines.

Black bullhead, good. Anglers have been very successful fishing the north grade. Black crappie, fair. Many nice-sized fish have been seen lately. Bluegill, good. Try a small hook with a small piece of worm from the docks. In deeper water, use pilkies with wigglers or a slip bobber setup. Walleye, fair. Leeches and minnows work well. Anglers have been successful with slip bobbers off points and pulling spinners over vegetation. Yellow perch, fair.

West Okoboji Lake: Water temperatures are in the mid-70s. Bass topwater bite has been good. Black crappie, fair. Try small jigs tipped with a minnow. Bluegill, good. Use pilkies with wigglers or a slip bobber setup. Pumpkinseed, good. Walleye, fair. Leeches and minnows work well. Yellow perch, fair. Sorting may be needed.