10/19/23: Area Happenings & Accomplishments

UCB names Tim Devitt as new president

The Board of Directors of United Community Bank last week announced the appointment of Tim Devitt as the new president of United Community Bank.

Devitt brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served Sanborn Savings Bank for 31 years. In his new role, he will be responsible for overseeing the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of both Sanborn Savings Bank and United Community Bank. Tim will succeed the current president, Steve Feld, as he transitions to retirement in February 2024

Tim Devitt has a long and successful career in banking. After graduating from Iowa State University in 1987, he began his banking career in Hawarden. In 1992, he started with the Sanborn Savings Bank where he rose to the position of president in 2018 and guided the bank to significant growth and success. Throughout his career, Devitt has been recognized as a leader in the banking industry.

At United Community Bank, Devitt will be responsible for developing and executing the bank's overall strategy, as well as leading the day-to-day operations.

He is passionate about providing customers with the best possible banking experience and will focus on ensuring that the bank remains competitive and innovative.

"I look forward to the opportunity to work with United Community Bank's customers, working to ensure their financial success," Devitt said. "I strongly believe that the bank needs to be dedicated to the success of the communities we serve."

Devitt assumed his new role on Oct. 11.

Local writers included in Lyrical Iowa 2023

The Iowa Poetry Association (IPA) last week announced the publication of its annual poetry anthology Lyrical Iowa. The poems bring to light the myriad experiences that inspire the setting of pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard, according to Editor Marilyn Baszczynski. The 2023 edition of Lyrical Iowa is IPA's 78th anthology.

"Iowa poets explore their world through their love of family, horror at war and injustice, delight in nature and Iowa, fear for the planet, zest for life, memories of childhood, and much more," Baszczynski said in a news release. "Yet, the reader may often suspect an underlying search for softness, silence, and empathy, perhaps as shield against countless contemporary travails."

Poems for the anthology are selected from among close to 2,000 submissions each year to the Lyrical Iowa Competition. Membership is not a requirement for having poetry included in the anthology. Contestants need only reside in Iowa. The Iowa Poetry Association has about 320 members across the state.

Besides those awarded cash prizes or honorable mentions in the seven adult categories and four student divisions, many other top-ranking poems are showcased in this 178-page book with full-color cover. This year, a total of 354 poems were selected from about 2,000 entries submitted to IPA's 2023 contests, including five Pushcart Prize nominations. Entries came from 72 of Iowa's 99 counties, sent by persons ranging in age from kindergartners to near-centenarians.

The mission of the Iowa Poetry Association, a non-profit organization, is to promote interest in and appreciation of poetry among Iowans through educational opportunities, poetry writing contests and the publication of an annual anthology of Iowa poetry.

Contest entries for the 2024 Lyrical Iowa Competition may be sent Jan. 1-Feb. 28, 2024. Complete contest rules for adult, college, high school and grade school entries are available on their website at iowapoetry.com. There is no entry fee. For information on Slam Poetry competitions, see iowapoetry.com/slam.htm.

O'Brien County: Nancy J. Peters, of Sheldon; Carolyn Rohrbaugh, of Sutherland.

Osceola County: Ronald Huisinga, of Sibley.

Clay County: Carol B McMullen and Janis Myers, both of Spencer.

FCS receives conservation award

Farmers Coop Society (FCS) last week announced its recent honorable mention for the national award of the 2023 NACD "Friend of Conservation Award," recognizing its unwavering dedication to sustainable agriculture practices and environmental stewardship.

The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) highlights the exceptional contributions made by FCS in the preservation and enhancement of natural resources, applauding its innovative approach and commitment to long-term sustainability.

"FCS's strategy of 'High Road to High Yields' says a lot in a few words," wrote Colton Meyer, Sioux County Soil and Water Conservation District, in his nomination of FCS. "It is rooted in a strong ethic of sustainability and environmental stewardship while developing and enhancing on-farm production."

Farmers Coop Society encourages all community members to learn more about its conservation initiatives and commitment to fostering a sustainable agricultural industry for future generations. To find out more information on how FCS is leading the industry in conservation and sustainability alongside their producers, visit http://www.farmerscoopsociety.com.

NCC receives Riverboat Foundation grant

Northwest Iowa Community College in Sheldon is enhancing its trauma education for Emergency Medical Service and Nursing students through a grant from the Lyon County Riverboat Foundation.

The $3,000 mini-grant funded the purchase of casualty simulation kit, simulated amputated arm and leg, and Stop the Bleed training kit. These tools will enable NCC to strengthen trauma training opportunities available to local EMS teams and students enrolled in the nursing, emergency medical technician and paramedic programs.

The grant provides an opportunity for students to participate in lifelike simulations of various trauma emergencies such as amputated limbs, gunshots, stab wounds and other major trauma incidents. While not common, it is imperative first responders and nurses know how to confidently and safely treat the injury and save lives.

"Many students will not see traumas like this during their nursing school clinical or preceptorship. Exposure to the limbs in the classroom will deepen students' knowledge, allow for hands-on practice and prepare students for the real world of trauma care," said Nursing Instructor Laura DeKruyf in a news release.