Freshman college and careers discussion at H-M-S

Kiana Johnson, executive director of O'Brien County Economic Development Corporation, moderated a freshman college and careers discussion last month at Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn High School. It was designed to initiate a conversation between H-M-S freshmen and three young professionals who have chosen to live and work in O'Brien County.

Kellie Einck, a South O'Brien graduate with a two-year community college degree, is now a diesel mechanic and accountant at AgriVision in Paullina. After graduating from South O'Brien, Alivia Grothaus pursued an AAS degree in surgical technology from Iowa Lakes Community College. She worked in that field for several years before becoming an environment and health safety specialist at AMPI in Sanborn. Brady DeVos, also a South O'Brien graduate, became an independent owner/operator after completing the necessary training, meeting state requirements and acquiring his CDL. His career path has allowed him to become his own boss at a young age with no student debt.

Each of the presenters was given a few minutes to introduce themselves and explain their personal education and career choices. After the introductions the students, teacher and moderator were given an opportunity to ask questions.

Johnson said the question and answer session went well with many excellent inquiries into the career choices of the three panelists. She plans to take her college and careers discussion to the South O'Brien and Sheldon schools in the next few months.

Free tax prep, E-Filing service available

The Internal Revenue Service's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance programs offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals.

The VITA program provides free tax help to people who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns, including people who generally make $57,000 or less; persons with disabilities; and limited English-speaking taxpayers.

VITA services are not only free, but they are also a reliable and trusted source for preparing tax returns. All VITA volunteers who prepare returns must take and pass tax law training that meets or exceeds IRS standards. This training includes maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of all taxpayer information. In addition to requiring volunteers to certify their knowledge of the tax laws, the IRS requires a quality review check for every return prepared at a VITA site prior to filing.

Be sure to bring to your tax prep appointment a photo ID, last year's return, Social Security cards for all names on the return and tax documents for income, including W2s and 1099s.

The tax prep sites will not prepare returns reporting farm income, Airbnb, Uber, Lyft, rental income or the buying and selling of property.

For additional information or to make a tax prep appointment, call the Clay County Extension office in Spencer at (712) 262-2264.

IESHA TOFT/SENTINEL-NEWS

Royal Lions Club president Mitch Fahnlander this month honored two longtime members, Craig Manning and Dave Rayner, with the Chevron award for their 30 years serving as Royal Lions Club members.

Fall Honor List announced at NCC

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

Students from this area were included on the Honor List.

Everly: Emily Sindt, Associate of Arts.

Hartley: Cherryenne Hibbing, Associate of Arts; Ethan Spronk, Industrial & Commercial Wiring.

Primghar: Jagger Anliker, Associate of Arts; Erin Kreibaum, Business.

Sanborn: Ivan Abonce, Electrical Technology; Holly Doughty, Practical Nursing; Jaden Lyman, Health Information Technology; Cade Schiphoff, Electrical Technology; Nathan Serr, Associate of Arts.