On October 6, 2024, Irelynne McNamara hit a pretty big milestone, setting her 500th assist. The then-sophomore took most of two seasons to accomplish the feat. Well, the now-junior made the first 500 assists look like nothing, accumulating 446 this past season. Many of those 446 combined with the over 500 from previous years to put Irelynne into a more elite 1,000 assist club. To be a little more specific, it was a year and a day after celebrating her 500th assist that Irelynne earned her 1,000th assist accolades.
    "I was very grateful for accomplishing this goal before my senior year," Irelynne humbly said.
    "Irelynne is a great setter and an athlete across the board," stated Head Volleyball Coach Makenzie Smith. "She ensures she is doing the best she can to set her hitters up with good sets to help them put the ball away."
    A team player, McNamara, the daughter of Heather McNamara and of Cory Johnshoy both of Mapleton works her hardest no matter the position on the court. She, along with her teammates worked like well-oiled machines to cover the court and back up a player when balls sent across the net forced the Ram ladies to move them out of their intended spots for a moment.
    "She has been a great aspect to put anywhere if we need to use her with setting, passing, hitting, or serving," continued Coach Smith. "We are so proud of what she has accomplished in her volleyball career so far! She is a great leader with only being a junior. "I'm very excited to see her excel at a high level next year as a senior!
    Irelynne will have one more season to rack up more assists. She does have other aspirations, too.
    "My goal is to help everyone achieve their own goals and to be the best teammate I can. I would also like to increase my kill count next year and want to be #1 in Class 2A for my serving percentage because I was really close this year."
    Congratulations on your latest milestone, and we look forward to watching you achieve your goals next year.

    Friday will have small versions of monsters, princesses, athletes, and superheroes wandering the neighborhoods asking for a treat. When will trick or treating be in Danbury.
    At their regular meeting, the Danbury City Council determined that trick or treating will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 on Friday. If you wish to have the kids come to your door, please turn on your front door light.

    Next Tuesday all voters are asked to take to the polls to help make some decisions at the municipal and the school levels.
    For the city of Danbury, two councilpersons and a mayor will be voted for. The current mayor, Brock Boyle, and the current councilpersons, Kendra Dougherty and Kathy Scholl all did not take out papers to try to retain their seats, and no one else filed papers. Thus, a write-in campaign will decide who fills these seats.
    In the MVAO School District, Dale Wimmer and Jana Hamann are running for re-election in districts 3 and 5. No one else turned in papers to run in either District 3 or 5. In District 1, Rob Paulsen submitted paperwork to run for the seat. Karen Kennedy, who has held the seat for several years, has chosen not to run again.

    Des Moines, Iowa — The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is announcing upcoming changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that will impact what items are eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits. These changes will take effect on January 1, 2026, and are designed to promote healthier eating habits among Iowans receiving SNAP benefits.
    "As obesity and chronic illness continue to rise, Iowa is taking bold steps upstream — focusing on prevention and early intervention," said Iowa HHS Director Kelly Garcia. "By limiting SNAP-eligible purchases to healthier foods, this is a practical step toward encouraging better eating habits and supporting long-term health. This change is about more than just policy — it's about building a stronger, healthier Iowa for generations to come."
    Under the new guidelines, eligible SNAP purchases are determined by the state's non-taxable food items list, as well as some prepared foods, seeds for food-producing plants, and food-producing plants.
    As part of the updated rules, certain items will no longer be eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits. These include taxable food items such as soda and sugary beverages containing less than 50% fruit or vegetable juice, candy and items coated in candy, and some in-store prepared foods.
    Iowa HHS is working proactively with retailers across the state on outreach and communications materials for point-of-sale locations and direct outreach to SNAP recipients.
    For more information about the upcoming changes and the SNAP program, visit: hhs.iowa.gov/snap. To see what is considered taxable versus non-taxable, visit revenue.iowa.gov/taxes/tax-guidance/sales-use-excise-tax/iowa-sales-tax-food.

    On October 14th, the MVAOCOU HS Rams Student Council hosted a successful "Pink Out" fundraising event to support the June E. Nylen Cancer Center. Students showed their school spirit and compassion by purchasing special pink-out shirts to wear during the school day and at the home volleyball games against Woodbury Central.
    Throughout the day, the Student Council also sold cupcakes and extra shirts at school and during the evening games. The event not only filled the gym with pink but also brought the community together in support of a meaningful cause.
    All proceeds from the day's sales will be donated to the June E. Nylen Cancer Center to help support local cancer patients and their families.
    "We were excited to see so many people participate and support such an important cause," said a Student Council member. "We hope this becomes a yearly tradition for our school and community."
    Photo submitted by Mrs. Laura Holst Crosgrove. Thank you, Laura!