Closures & Delays
News | NCC Announces Summer Career Academy Workshops at Sioux Center Regional Center
Iowa – Northwest Iowa Community College (NCC) is excited to offer a new series of Career Academy Summer Workshops during June and July at the Sioux Center Career Academy
hands-on workshops give students a glimpse into real-world careers and college life—all while exploring engaging topics in a supportive environment
on select Tuesdays and Thursdays and are open to students in grades 4th through 12th
Attendees may register for one camp or all
For more information or to register, contact Brenda Sandbulte at 712-324-5061 ext. 170 or email bsandbulte@nwicc.edu
DC — Congressman Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) has announced that his office will host two in-person passport fairs — one in
Iowa — This is National Correctional Officers’ Week
Sioux County Sheriff Jamie Van Voorst says that this week
Iowa — Over 50 area projects are sharing over $150,000 in grants from an area non-profit gambling license-holder
some northwest Iowans may find their driver’s license is no longer an acceptable form of ID
Office: 712-324-2597 | Text: 712-324-2597 | Studio: 712-324-5377
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Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) announced that his office will host two in-person passport fairs in Council Bluffs and Sioux City
Iowa – Northwestern College has been selected as one of 10 host sites for the Opening Round of the NAIA Softball National Championship
The Raiders will host a four- or five-team pod at the Open Space Park Softball Field in Sioux Center on May 12-15
The winner of the double-elimination bracket will advance to the NAIA Softball World Series in Columbus
“We look forward to welcoming some of the nations best softball teams in the country to Northwest Iowa once again this year,” Vice President for Athletics Tony Hoops said
“Hosting national events only occur with excellent coaching leadership and tremendous staff support
We are blessed to have both to provide a premier postseason experience for all the players.”
Northwestern has now been awarded a host bid in back-to-back seasons after hosting in Sioux Center last season
and ticket information will be announced after the NAIA selection show on Wednesday
Central Methodist (Mo.) – Cox Stadium Complex; Fayette
Cumberlands (Ky.) – UC Softball Complex; Williamsburg
Georgia Gwinnett – Grizzly Softball Complex; Lawrenceville
Indiana Wesleyan – Sue Bowman Field; Marion
Northwestern – Open Space Park; Sioux Center
Oklahoma City – Ann Lacey Stadium; Oklahoma City
Oregon Tech – Stilwell Stadium; Klamath Falls
Science & Arts (Okla.) – Bill Smith Ballpark; Chickasha
Southern Oregon – University Field; Ashland
The Iowa High School Athletic Association has released the third edition of their official soccer rankings for 2025
(Photo Courtesy of Northwestern College – Photo by Lem Maurer) DES MOINES
Iowa – Drake women’s basketball has added to its
Class 1A School Record LW 1 Denver 9-0-0 1 2 Sioux City Bishop Heelan 8-2-0 2 3 Davenport Assumption 7-1-1 3
Iowa) – The Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) has announced the Women’s Tennis All#Conference selections for 2025
Iowa) – The Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) has announced the Men’s Tennis All#Conference selections for 2025
Axton Miller of Northwestern College is the GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Men’s Golfer-of-the-Week
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at First Christian Reformed Church in Sioux Center
A celebration of life service will be held at 10:30 a.m
May 5th at First Christian Reformed Church in Sioux Center
In lieu of flowers or gifts the Roos family prefers memorials be directed to the ALS Foundation or the Family Crisis Center in Sioux Center
Arnola Mae (Schaap) Roos was called to her eternal home on Friday
April 25 at Sioux Center Health after a battle with ALS
Arnola was born to Arnold & Alberta (Kampman) Schaap in Waterloo
She went to Excelsior Christian School for grades K-6 then to Ackley-Geneva Junior High and High School where she graduated in 1983
She went on to Dordt College where she majored in Elementary Education
1986 and they graduated from Dordt in 1987
WA where Arnola taught 3rd grade at Mt Vernon Christian School for one year before starting their family
Over the next five years Derick and Arnola welcomed four children into their family: their daughter
Arnola was blessed to be able to stay home to raise their four children until their youngest was in school
IA where Arnola worked at the Dordt College Bookstore for 12 years and Doelman Financial for 11 years
At both 1st CRC of Mt Vernon and 1st CRC of Sioux Center she was active in the life of the church by serving on various committees and leading and attending Bible Studies
She also enjoyed volunteering at the Family Crisis Center as time allowed
Arnola is survived by her husband of 38 years
and 8 grandchildren: Danielle (Christian Barnett) of Austin
She is also survived by her six siblings and their spouses: Arlan (Marcia) Schaap of Dike
sister-in law Dorenda (Nolan) VanGaalen of Sioux Center
Arnola was preceded in death by her parents
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The Sioux Center Community Foundation has announced its 2025 Generations Grant recipients
distributing a total of $32,000 to support nonprofit initiatives that enhance the community
aim to fund creative and impactful programs that address emerging needs and strengthen local services
This year’s funding supports a diverse range of organizations:
The Generations Grants program was established in 2016 during Sioux Center’s 125th anniversary
funded initially with $125,000 from the foundation
the endowment has provided $264,431 in grants to local nonprofits
the Sioux Center Community Foundation has facilitated over $7 million in funding for major community projects
Foundation President Kevin Wolterstorff emphasized the importance of growing the Generations Community Endowment Fund through individual gifts and fundraising
ensuring continued support for local nonprofits
“Our hope is to provide a perpetual financial resource for Sioux Center’s nonprofit community,” he said
the Sioux Center Community Foundation continues its mission of fostering a thriving
engaged community while supporting organizations that make a meaningful impact
These organizations were honored at a ceremony on Wednesday
recognizing their contributions to the Sioux Center community
(Photo courtesy of the City of Sioux Center)
Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) announced that his office will host two in-person passport fairs
Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) announced that Ella Strudthoff – a
The MOC-Floyd Valley Board of Education announced this morning that they have hired Mr
The water main has been replaced from 5th St
Iowa’s agricultural community saw a mix of modest gains and subtle shifts
Carolyn Van Beek Service Link: https://www.youtube.com/@christcommunitychurchsioux3945/streams
at Crown Point Estate Care Center in Sioux Center
at Christ Community Evangelical Free Church in Sioux Center
A committal service will be held prior the memorial service at Memory Gardens Cemetery
Family and friends should gather at Christ Community Evangelical Free Church at 9:45 a.m
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m
April 30th at Christ Community Evangelical Free Church in Sioux Center
Memorial contributions in Carolyn’s honor can be directed to Sioux Center Christian School
and dedication will be cherished by all who knew her
and her legacy will remain an inspiration for generations to come
Carolyn was the cherished daughter of Hilbert and Alice (Klein) Heynen
She attended country school and later graduated from Western Christian High School
at Bethel Christian Reformed Church in Sioux Center
where they attended until becoming members at Christ Community Church
They were blessed with four children—Arlis
Carolyn and Rallyn began their journey farming near Maurice
and Carolyn contributed as the bookkeeper for the family business
Carolyn was a dedicated member of Christ Community Evangelical Free Church
where her faith was inspirational and her commitment to serving others was very evident
She worked alongside Rallyn in Transport for Christ
Their efforts at the TFC chapel in Sioux Falls touched countless lives through the gospel
Carolyn’s love of life extended beyond her faith and service
She cherished memories of camping adventures with the family
Carolyn was blessed with the remarkable ability to play both the piano and organ by ear
Her skills in the kitchen were equally admired
and her sense of humor left a lasting impression
brightening the lives of everyone around her
and great-grandchildren was unparalleled; she was deeply involved in their lives and was known as a prayer warrior who always put family first
Carolyn is survived by her four beloved children: Arlis De Boer of Sioux Center; Norlyn and Cherie (Arkema) Van Beek of New Holland
South Dakota; Brenda and Cal Bolkema of Davenport
Iowa; and Verlyn and Michelle (De Groot) Van Beek of Sioux Falls
She leaves behind 17 grandchildren (and 35 great-grandchildren): Michael and Gina De Boer
Minnesota; sisters-in-law Joyce Heynen and Karen Van Beek both of Sioux Center; brothers-in-law Virgil and Donna Van Beek of West Okoboji
Heynen Jr.; and brother-in-law Erwin Van Beek
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Dordt University coaching staff involved with Sioux Center Recreation received the Sioux Center Chamber of Commerce’s Community Service Award this spring as part of the 2025 Spirit of Community event
“It’s inspiring to see Dordt University’s coaches draw out the student-athletes abilities on and off the court
but if you look closely around the community
you’ll see something even more inspiring,” says Dale Vander Berg
The coaching staff has become known as a pillar for community involvement by encouraging their teams to engage with the youth through sports
and building relationships in everyday life
and sacrificing of themselves to become and develop servant-leaders in the community
“These coaches are shaping a mindset in their athletes that they are not entitled to anything
they’re willing to sacrifice their time
Serving others is a key aspect of the Defender Way
“We’re extremely blessed to be a part of an athletic department that is very committed to developing our student-athletes
and then as servant leaders,” says Jackie Smith
finding the opportunities to serve is a team effort
as each coach and program gets to identify needs and opportunities to engage with residents and programs in the community
“And this awesome community of Sioux Center offers a ton of opportunity for that,” adds Smith
Whether it’s the women’s basketball team serving local communities after catastrophic flooding in 2024
the football team engaging with area elementary school students through reading and recess
or the women’s volleyball team facilitating fellowship opportunities with Crown Point residents through coffee and crafts
the athletic department can be seen throughout the community all year long
This community involvement is both a tangible way to express the department’s gratitude for the support they receive on the fields and courts
and as a “tangible way for us to equip our student athletes to become servant leaders and to have a kingdom impact,” says Smith
continues to be inspired by the coach staff’s willingness to serve in addition to their other responsibilities
“These coaches continue to meaningfully engage with all ages
“They work with a commitment to serve with excellence
they frequently note how much it means to see our coaches and athletes within the community
It’s evident that this dedication is creating a lasting kingdom impact.”
at Sioux Center Health Hospital in Sioux Center
Visitation will be from 3-7PM with the family present from 5-7PM on Thursday
2025 at Memorial Funeral Home of Sioux Center
A prayer service will be held at 10:00AM on Friday
Interment will follow the prayer service in Memory Gardens Cemetery in Sioux Center
A memorial service will be held at 11:00AM on Friday
The Keizer family prefers that memorials be directed to the New Life Church Mission Fund
where he spent many happy hours playing ball and riding motorbikes with his neighbors
He attended Boyden-Hull schools and graduated with the class of 1984
Erv and his friends were rambunctious and full of fun
and the teachers were relieved when they graduated
Erv found his greatest joy in playing sports
They spent most of their married life in Sioux Center
They were blessed with five children: Eric
Erv cherished being a father and often spent his time outside playing catch
and he loved sharing his sports knowledge with them
from gravel trucks with Joe’s Ready Mix to semi-trucks with refrigerated trailers at Te Slaa Trucking
He also owned his own truck for several years
Erv took a break from trucking to work as a custodian at Sioux Center High School
he became certified to officiate basketball
often returning home with many entertaining stories to share
hauling feed ingredients for Circle J Trucking
as he enjoyed driving and being home every night to attend his children’s activities
Erv's Christian faith was a core part of his life
and he was actively involved in New Life Church in Sioux Center
he previously served as a deacon and participated in the chair setup team for many years
where he enjoyed reading and discussing some of the lesser-known Old Testament stories with his classmates
Erv volunteered frequently at Hot Harley Nights in Sioux Falls
which benefited the Make-A-Wish Foundation of South Dakota
This cause was close to his heart after his family went on a Make-A-Wish-sponsored trip after Erin fought cancer in 2013
He also volunteered at the Sanford International Golf Tournament
which benefits Sanford Children's Hospital
in appreciation for the care Erin received there
Erv is survived by his loving wife of 33 years
Cindy Keizer; sons Eric and Brett; and daughters Erin
He is also survived by his brother Larry and wife Lois of Watertown
SD; brother Arlyn and special friend Shirley Van Voorst of Brandon
SD; sister Marla and husband Ron Schmith of Hawarden
IA; and brother Kevin and wife Lynda of Hull
With everything from pickleball to a parade
Sioux Center is ready to kick off summer right with Summer Celebration June 5-7
Each day is packed with fun for all ages
at Te Paske Theatre in the Sioux Center Middle School
Tickets: ticketleap.events/tickets/siouxcenterarts/annie
Central Park will be packed for the free Community Cook-Out
plus local music by the HOME worship band and the Estrellas de Jalisco dancers
as you check out classic cars and hot rods at the Cruise-In at Centre Mall’s parking lot
The free street dance kicks off downtown at 7:30 p.m
and headliner IV Play taking the stage 9 p.m.-midnight
Start with a delicious pancake breakfast Saturday morning
enjoy food vendors in Central Park all day
and buy a ticket to taste entries in the Fire & Smoke BBQ Challenge Saturday afternoon
Enjoy the free Kids Karnival and car show at Central Park
“We can provide most of the weekend activities for free thanks to amazing support from our sponsors,” stated Chamber CEO
“Their generosity and the energy that volunteers from businesses and the community bring makes this truly a community celebration.”
“The variety of events planned provide something for everyone from young to old,” said City Manager Scott Wynja
“We encourage all to take part in the weekend activities and help us celebrate our community and a kickoff to the summer.”
To help people navigate Highway 75 construction in downtown Sioux Center for Summer Celebration
the Chamber of Commerce and City of Sioux Center will share maps with directions and parking
For more information about the great events planned
find Summer Celebration on Facebook and Instagram or visit linktr.ee/summercelebration
A visitation will be held from 5:30 - 7:00 PM on Thursday
at the Memorial Funeral Home in Sioux Center
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, April 4, 2025, at First Christian Reformed Church in Sioux Center with Rev. Kurt Monroe officiating. Interment will follow the service in Memory Gardens Cemetery in Sioux Center. Livestream Link: Hazel Nibbelink Livestream
Hazel Marie Nibbelink was born on November 16
to Albert and Wieda (Jensma) Sprik in Prairie View
Iowa and she graduated from Northwestern Academy in Orange City
Hazel was joined in marriage to the love of her life
where they cultivated many close friendships
She was a determined person and if she decided to do something
Hazel would be known by many as the Fuller Brush sales lady
She was a top salesperson for Fuller Brush for over 50 years
taking enjoyment from getting to know her customers and getting them the products they used
She continued working until she retired at the age of eighty-four
She was a member of the First Christian Reformed Church in Sioux Center
where she served as a pastoral worker and was involved in Gleaners Forum Bible Study and other groups
Hazel also served on the county Cancer Board
She was a great friend to many and enjoyed gardening and flowers
She loved time with family and friends and a good cup of coffee
Hazel is survived by her five children: Deb (Jim) Sytsma of Rocky Mountain House
Lin (Darcy Emehiser) Nibbelink of Runnells IA
Rob Nibbelink of Edwards CO; eight grandchildren: Nathan (Mandy) Suhr-Sytsma of Decatur GA
She is also survived by eight great-grandchildren: Rowan and Rosalind Suhr-Sytsma of Decatur GA; Aiden
and KayLin Nibbelink of Sibley IA; Kendrick and Raiden Nibbelink of Brewster MN; as well as her sister-in-law Leona Sprik of Edgerton MN
She was preceded in death by her husband Bernie
all her siblings and Bernie's siblings and parents
and great-grandchildren Alexis and Finnleigh Nibbelink
The Sioux Center Municipal Utilities wastewater department is welcoming two new team members: Chad DeVries and Matthew Brummel
DeVries has joined the staff as the wastewater laboratory technician
checking various levels and testing the water
along with being part of operating and maintaining the collection and treatment system
“Chad is focusing on the lab duties within the wastewater plant
which are crucial for the efficient operation of our plant
and we’re very glad to have him on board,” Utilities Manager Murray Hulstein said
a Sioux Center native and Unity Christian graduate
most recently worked in pest control for 5 years
and previously started his own trucking business
where he was an owner/operator for 13 years
“I am enjoying working with the wastewater department and learning here,” De Vries said
he enjoys playing golf and spending time with family
Brummel has begun in the position of wastewater technician with Sioux Center Municipal Utilities
“We’re excited to have Matt join the City team,” Hulstein said
“He comes with experience of underground utility construction
which will be helpful as we see continued utility growth for our growing community.”
Brummel’s work with the Sioux Center wastewater department includes operating and maintaining Sioux Center’s wastewater collection and treatment system and performing laboratory analysis
Brummel worked 10 years with Vander Pol Excavating
has helped me learn about everything underground and get some understanding of the complete infrastructure of the city,” Brummel said
“I’ve worked hand-in-hand with a lot of the City utility staff
and moving forward I’ll get the opportunity to help the community in a different way.”
Brummel is an Orange City native and a Unity Christian Graduate
The annual Sioux Center E-Cycle Event takes place this Saturday morning at Pella’s south loading docks
Each year residents and surrounding communities are encouraged to participate in the annual E-Cycle Event
They start accepting recyclables at 7:30am and will continue until 9:30am
E-Cycle event committee member Jodie Wielenga says it is an opportunity to safely dispose of electronic items in an environmentally safe manner:
There are items that will not be accepted such as large appliances
She says it is an easy process to get through:
Donations collected go towards a local charity
The Sioux Center E-Cycle event was first held in 2009 and has continued with a great success
It is estimated that 40% of lead found in landfills is from e-waste
This E-Cycle Event is sponsored by these environmentally conscious companies: The City of Sioux Center
individuals and organizations that make Sioux Center a better place to live and work
PPMC was honored for the company’s local initiatives
economic impact and unwavering dedication to community service
Perdue acquired the legacy Sioux-Preme Packing Company in Sioux Center in 2015
The operations have a long history of supporting important community pillars
PPMC donated 80,000 pounds of high-quality protein to feed families in Siouxland
processes the pork for these brands at its Sioux Center facility
and also co-packs conventional private-label pork as part of its ongoing Sioux-Preme operations
With a second further-processing facility just down the road in Sioux City
PPMC employs 450 community members and partners with more than 180 independent farm families in the state
“In a county that is a top pork producer in the state and nation
Perdue’s investment here is part of strengthening our agricultural foundation
making an impact not only economically but also by strengthening the fabric of our community through their ongoing contributions to this great place we call home,” said Sioux Center Mayor Dale Vander Berg
"We’re proud to be a part of the great state of Iowa
and especially in the areas like Sioux Center where we have important operations
It’s a tremendous privilege to be a part of this community
I see firsthand everyday how we celebrate together
and remain committed to making our city the best it can be,” said PPMC Senior Vice President of Pork Operations Gary Malenke
PPMC received the community service award alongside fellow honorees including the Dordt University coaching staff and Sioux Center Public Library staff
PPMC is part of Perdue Farms. Learn more at www.corporate.perduefarms.com
About Perdue FarmsWe’re a fourth-generation
Through our belief in responsible food and agriculture
and farmers through trusted choices in products and services
and exporter of agricultural products and the largest U.S
It also ranks as one of the largest suppliers of organic feed ingredients in the world
IA following a battle with Alzheimer’s Disease
Visitation will be from 1:30 to 2:30 PM
February 22nd at Centerpoint Church in Sioux Center
The funeral service will be at 2:30 PM
Burial will follow at Memory Garden Cemetery in Sioux Center
Lunch and fellowship will follow the burial at Centerpoint Church.
The Ver Mulm family prefers memorials be directed to Hope Haven or Sioux Center Hospice
Pete Ver Mulm Funeral Service Livestream
Peter “Pete” Ver Mulm was born February 13
to Robert and Gertrude (Hoekstra) Ver Mulm in Maurice
He graduated from Alton High School in Alton
Iowa and later in Sioux Center after purchasing the Auto-Dine restaurant
They owned the restaurant for 20 years and were known for their broasted chicken
Pete and Werna wintered for many years in Mission and Rockport
IA; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two sisters
Galen “Dean” (Sandra) Bomgaars of Denver
Thelma “Kay” (Ron) Nelson of Tacoma
WA; as well as his nieces and nephews and other extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
at Floyd Valley Health Care Center in LeMars
A visitation will be held from 6 PM to 8 PM on Friday
at the Faith Christian Reformed Church in Sioux Center.
A memorial service for family and friends will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday
at Faith Christian Reformed Church with Rev
passed away in the early morning hours of January 14
Everything that follows is a testament to his life on earth
but we rest assured in the faith that his life in heaven is now exactly as his Savior planned it to be.
Bill’s early life began within the throes of uncertainty
and he was surrendered at 6 weeks of age for infant adoption
with few details surrounding these circumstances
and graciously took him in as their own son
He never desired to know his biological parents because he said often
“I know exactly who my parents are.” They raised him and his brothers in the footsteps of Jesus and within the framework of Christian education in Southwest Michigan.
He attended Byron Center Christian School
and later graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School
“they had a better band director.” His education weighed heavily on his life as he sought out opportunities to be involved in Christian teaching
To his loving mother’s pride and dismay
he left Michigan and attended Dordt College (now University)
Together they forged ahead with his plans to become an educator
specifically in the context of teaching young ones to follow Jesus through music
1981 - the summer before Bill’s senior year
He later deepened his passion and achieved a Master’s of Arts degree in teaching from Calvin College in Grand Rapids
Their lives were and are blessed richly by the places he learned and taught
His teaching career took them to many places and job opportunities
None of these strayed outside of the boundaries of Christian education
He taught at Fremont Christian School (Fremont
Edgerton Christian/Southwest Christian HS (Edgerton
Sioux Center Christian School (Sioux Center
Between these appointments he used his other gifts that brought him joy
mostly centered around being a people-person: a restaurant manager
He attacked all of these with all of his passion
His pride was never more apparent than when he was with his children
He also taught them to make enough food for leftovers
to keep track of your opponent’s discard pile
and to sing different lines of hymns with each passing verse
He was as likely to be cheering them on at one of their events
as he was to be waking one of them up with his trumpet if they overslept
He would ignore how ridiculous things looked and do them anyway if it meant he could make you smile - such as getting “sucked in by the beat” and starting to dance in a crowded mall walking past any store with loud music
On Sunday afternoons while the boys were young
and shoot hoops between flips of Sunday dinner on the grill
He loved cheering for teams that he had in common with his boys - especially the Twins and the Wolverines
He never hesitated to trade barbs or give grief to a Royals or Buckeyes fan when the time called for it
His fatherhood is imprinted on his four sons; he taught them responsibility and leadership
An extension of that was how he welcomed his daughters-in-law as his parents had with him
His family grew steadily as he and Darci added to their quiver with each new grandchild
His favorite title of all was Grandpa (sometimes Papa or even “P-pop”)
and he had a way of making each of his grandchildren feel special in their own way
to make a mundane 10 minute grocery store trip into a vacation
Grandpa arrived with extra presents in hand for each of the siblings who would otherwise just have watched
He was always good for a few dollars or a hard candy for his grandchildren
which he kept in his pockets whenever he felt he might need to give one out
He leaves behind his soulmate of 43 years of marriage
who will dearly cherish his memory until they are reunited
He also leaves his four sons and their wives and families - Jeremy & Heather and their 4 sons: Vincent
and Theodore; Aaron & Kim and their 2 daughters: Kaylee and Abagail
Derek & Allison and their 3 children: Grayson
and Taylor & Abbie and their 3 children: Beckett
his and Darci’s brothers and sisters with their spouses will also miss him
His brothers are Mike Dreise and Ellory Elhart
while Darci’s siblings include Keith and Wendy Schonewill
and the special place he had for her in his heart
He will also depart with a legacy of many thousands of lives touched by his instruction in music
He certainly has been fishing and cooking with them since his arrival in glory
but is made whole and made new at Christ’s side
and will set a table big enough for all of us to eat Thanksgiving dinner with him when we meet again.
at the Crown Pointe Care Center in Sioux Center
A visitation will be held from 5 PM – 7 PM on Tuesday
at the Memorial Funeral Home in Sioux Center.
A celebration of life service will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday
at Lebanon Christian Reformed Church with Rev
Interment will follow the service in Lebanon Christian Reformed Church Cemetery following the service
In lieu of flowers or gifts the Dragstra family prefer memorials be directed to the Lebanon Christian Reformed Church.
Wilmer (Willie) Marlan Dragstra (75) left this earthly life and entered Heaven on Thursday afternoon
the son of Chris and Rena (Haverhals) Dragstra and lived his entire life on their farm just west of Lebanon
Dordt College (now Dordt University).
He retired from farming at age sixty-two due to ill health but continued to be a mentor and resource for anything farm-related
He entered Crown Pointe in January of 2023.
A lifelong member of Lebanon Christian Reformed Church
regularly watching their service online every Tuesday morning
He read his Bible and believed in the Lord Jesus Christ as His Saviour and Lord.
A special love of Willie was playing fast pitch softball
he could tell you the score of any basketball
you knew you’d be watching some kind of game on his mammoth-sized TV and even get in a little actual conversation now and then
A highlight of Willie’s week during football season was attending every one of Jacob’s home football games at Northwestern College in Orange City
Sometimes that meant wrapping up in a sleeping bag and wearing gloves and a hat to survive the cold
He especially loved to tease his three sisters (whom he called his “three bossy wives”)
and the workers and therapists (whom he called his “terrorists” and his “wardens” at Crown Pointe)
He loved children and looked forward to Tuesdays when his great-nephew Case would come to visit
He also deeply loved his nephews and his one niece (Bethany)
Thankful for having shared his life are his siblings: Phyllis (Bryce) Fopma
and brother Ken (Julie) Dragstra of Lebanon
His nephews and niece include Brady (Rhonda) Fopma
His great-nieces and great-nephews include Benjamin
and brother-in-law Bernie Sichmeller.
The Dragstra family extends a warm thanks to the Crown Pointe staff who so lovingly cared for Willie during these last two years
going “above and beyond” in so many ways.
North Polk handled business Tuesday against a Sioux Center squad that proved to be a suitable sparring partner in the Iowa girls state basketball tournament.
The 2-seed Comets (23-2) pulled out a 47-45 win over the 7-seed Warriors (21-3) in the Class 4A state quarterfinals at Wells Fargo Arena
"I feel like our defense kept us in the game," said North Polk sophomore Fayth Sullivan
but our defense really set the floor and set the tone for the game."
Sullivan scored a team-high 13 points and tallied four rebounds
Campbell Schulz and Abby Tuttle each poured in 12 points
Tuttle and Becca Aagard tacked on 10 rebounds apiece
After Aagard disrupted Sioux Center’s opening possession with a block
Schulz got North Polk on the board first with a layup in transition
Aagard continued to use her 6-foot-3 frame to wreak havoc against Sioux Center’s offense down low
The senior Comet collected three of her nine blocks in the first three minutes of action
"I think playing volleyball helps a lot," Aagard said
but it just feels like it goes in my hand sometimes."
More: Iowa high school girls state basketball tournament 2025: Scores, bracket updates daily
the Comets were able to take a 4-0 lead thanks to a Schulz drive and layup
but Tuttle dished the basketball to Aagard for a field goal to extend North Polk’s lead
A pair of layups by seniors Lauren Ausborn and Jada Podey extended the Comets’ advantage to 10-4
Sullivan hit a 3-pointer to give North Polk its largest lead at that point
Missed shots by North Polk allowed the Warriors to take the lead for a moment with about a minute and change left in the second quarter
Sioux Center’s Amirah Bleeker splashed a go-ahead 3 before Sullivan answered with a shot down low to give North Polk a 24-23 edge
Tuttle capped off the second quarter with a field goal to give the Comets a three-point advantage at the break
Sioux Center struck first coming out of halftime with a layup before North Polk countered with back-to-back field goals to make it a 28-27 game in favor of the Comets
Sioux Center’s Kaylee Traver converted a game-tying free throw before teammate Margo Schuiteman pulled down a rebound off a miss on the second attempt and Maryn Franken converted a go-ahead layup
More: How to watch, buy tickets to 2025 Iowa high school girls state basketball tournament
Schulz answered with back-to-back jump shots before Tuttle drained a 3 to give North Polk a three-point lead
and Sullivan followed it up with a make from beyond the arc to make it a 40-32 game
with under two minutes left in the fourth quarter
That was until Sullivan drained a rainbow 3 from the top of the key to give the Comets a two-point lead
The Comets made two defensive stops in crunch time
a block by Aagard followed by a steal by Podey
that gave North Polk possession with 21 seconds left in the game
The Warriors were able to steal the ball back on an ensuing inbound play
but the Comets were able to buckle down defensively in the final seconds
Podey secured a steal off a Warriors inbound to punch the Comets' ticket to the state semifinals
we have players that buy into defense," said North Polk coach Clint Albertsen
they share the ball so when you have a game where you're not shooting well
you got to do every other thing right and make the big plays when you had to
I think the fact that we're well-rounded helps us in any kind of game."
Marc Ray is the high school sports reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. He can be reached at MARay@gannett.com, and on X, formerly Twitter, at @themarcszn
at Faith Christian Reformed Church in Sioux Center
A prayer service for family and friends will be held at 10:00AM on Tuesday
March 11th at Faith Christian Reformed Church
The Wolterstorff family prefers memorials be directed to JFA (Justice For All) or Hope Haven.
To watch the memorial service click this link: Clara Wolterstorff Service
and Emma (Scheltens) Meyer in Kandiyohi County
Minnesota and attended Central Minnesota Christian School through the 10th grade
Iowa and graduated from Western Christian High School
Clara began teaching grade school at Ocheydan
Iowa and later at Central Christian grade school in Prinsburg
Wolterstorff at the Bunde Christian Reformed Church near Clara City
While in Renville Clara worked as a CNA at the Olivia Hospital and the RenVilla Nursing home before becoming the Activities Director at RenVilla for 31 years
She was active in the various churches that she and Nic attended over the years
taught Sunday School and especially loved the Friendship Bible Class
She participated in the Cross Roads Prison Ministry and volunteered for the American Red Cross in communities experiencing a disaster
spent many of their retirement years volunteering with RVICS (Roving Volunteers in Christ Service)
They spent a month at a time in their fifth wheel trailer volunteering at Christian camps and ministries helping with repairs and improvements
They also volunteered at JFA (Justice For All) on a weekly basis for many years
Clara had a great love of nature and choose to be out in God’s Great Creation as much as time allowed
She is survived by her children: Roslyn (Cornelius “Corky”) DeBoer of Orland Park
Kevin (Bonnie) Wolterstorff of Sioux Center
MN; 10 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; two sisters and three brothers: Arlene Duininck of Prinsburg
sister-in law Verla (Jerry) Meyer and numerous nieces
Clara was preceded in death by her parents Herman
infant grandsons; Brett Jordan DeBoer and Nathan Mark Wolterstorff; brother Jerry Meyer; brothers-in-law
sister/brother-in-law Martha and Bruce Leonard