A HALF-CENURY OF MINISTRY Faith Baptist Church marked its 50th anniversary during Sunday morning worship Jan. 4. The church traces its roots to Pastor Bert Itterman and members of First Baptist Church in George, who began outreach efforts in Rock Rapids in 1974. (Photo/Kylee Miller) LOOKING BACK ON FIVE DECADES Founding member Leroy Kooiker, left, […]
Two local cosmetologists turn mutual support into new opportunities Amy Lyon | Staff Writer alyon@ncppub.com Two cosmetologists with different journeys and the same passion crossed paths in Rock Rapids last year, and their timing couldn’t have been better. Julie Timmerman and Shana Bakker had no prior connection, but their mutual support led to a rare […]
George woman helps decorate depot, Locker Park Dominique Kooiker | Editor dkooiker@ncppub.com Christmastime is a special time of year for many people, including Lexi Landis of George. Landis is a self-proclaimed “Christmas-holic.” It has become Landis’s mission to spread her love of Christmas throughout the community. “I’ve been a Christmas-holic my whole life. It’s absurd. […]
DANCE STATE CHAMPIONS The Central Lyon dance team competed in the 2025 Iowa State Dance Championships hosted by the Iowa State Dance and Drill Team Association in Des Moines Dec. 4. The team came home with a championship-winning first place in Class II Novelty and placed third in its pom and jazz routines. Front, left […]
2025 GEORGE-LITTLE ROCK HOMECOMING ROYALTY At the George-Little Rock homecoming coronation Monday, Dec. 1, Gavin Bruns and Lindsey Haken were crowned homecoming king and queen. The theme of this year’s homecoming was Golden Gala. (Photo/Dominique Kooiker) George-Little Rock celebrates homecoming 2025 Dominique Kooiker | Editor dkooiker@ncppub.com George-Little Rock celebrated its 2025 homecoming week Dec. 1-5. […]
Amy Lyon | Staff Writer alyon@ncppub.com With racing is in his blood, Dylan Vanden Top of George turned a teenage dream into a small business. He began creating miniature replicas of racecars during a college project that quickly drew attention from fellow racing fans. After five years of refining his designs and perfecting the process, […]
Former George woman shares prematurity journey Sara Stadem | Editor for NCP sstadem@ncppub.com According to the National Institutes of Health, roughly 15 million babies are born premature each year around the world, representing about 11 percent of all births. Sorrowfully, 1 million of these children die before the age of 5 due to complications from […]
George and Little Rock EMS team up for toy drive Amy Lyon | Staff Writer alyon@ncppub.com Last year’s George EMS toy drive has doubled this year as the department has joined forces with the Little-Rock EMS to make an even bigger impact on the closely-connected communities. They are calling for donations of gifts for children […]
HONORING A WINNING ESSAY AND 27 YEARS OF SERVICE Marlys Jones, recently-retired VFW Auxiliary president, presents August Blauwet, Central Lyon fourth grader and son of Ashley and Justin Blauwet, with a certificate for winning the district “I Love America Because…” essay contest. Jones recently retired from her position after 27 years of service as the […]
EXPLORING A WORLD OF ENCHANTMENT Jayden and Raylee Lenderink explore the new play equipment in the Rock Rapids Public Library basement during an open house Friday, Oct. 31. (Photo/Madalynn Van Der Weerd) LARGE MEETING ROOM Pictured above is the new large meeting room in the basement of the Rock Rapids Public Library. Both the small […]