Deadline to apply for OBCCF grants is approaching

The deadline for submitting an application for this year's grant cycle for the O'Brien County Community Foundation (OBCCF) is Saturday, April 15. Applications are available online at http://www.siouxlandcommunityfoundation.org under the affiliates tab.

Since the first grants were made in 2006, over $1.5 million has been awarded to nonprofit organizations to help support present and emerging needs in O'Brien County in the areas of arts and culture, community betterment/beautification, education, environment, health and human services.

Those eligible to apply include nonprofit organizations and units of local government that serve O'Brien County and are tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Non 501(c)(3) groups such as service clubs and organizations may apply as long as the group has partnered with an eligible 501(c)(3) organization that has agreed to serve as a fiscal sponsor to receive the grant if awarded.

The O'Brien County Community Foundation is an affiliate of the Siouxland Community Foundation. Questions about the grant program or online application process may be directed to (712) 293-3303.

NCC president receives PTK Paragon Award

Dr. John Hartog, president of Northwest Iowa Community College in Sheldon, recently received the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) Paragon Award for New Presidents during the PTK Recognition Ceremony in Des Moines.

To be eligible for this award, college presidents and CEOs are new in their role having served less than three years. Recipients are nominated by students on their campus and are only eligible to receive the award once. The 28 recipients were selected from among 406 college presidents, chancellors and CEOs eligible to receive this award nationwide.

The award recognizes college presidents who have shown support of student success initiatives leading to stronger pathways to completion, transfer, and employment. They have taken an active interest in supporting high-achieving students and developing student leaders on campus.

"These college presidents have students-first leadership styles and made it a priority to support student success both inside and outside the classroom," Phi Theta Kappa President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner said in a news release. "This award is special because it comes directly from the students, and it is evidence of the gratitude they feel for the support for them and students like them."

"The staff and instructors at NCC deserve this honor; they really do," Hartog said. "This award highlights everyone's commitment to student success."

Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The society is made up of more than 3.8 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 countries.

Clay County Fair Queen apps being accepted

The search is underway for the next Clay County Fair Queen.

The winner will be crowned Sunday, April 30, and reign over this year's Clay County Fair. She will also compete for the Iowa State Fair Queen title in August.

Females between the ages of 16 and 21 by Aug. 9, the first day of the 2023 state fair, may apply. Candidates must never been married, cannot be a professional model, cannot represent any other organization, and must reside in Clay County or an adjoining county if the majority of her activities are in Clay County. Applicants must be a member of at least one service organization such as 4-H, Girl Scouts or a church group. Eligibility is not limited to 4-H or FFA membership.

The Clay County Fair Queen will represent the Clay County Fair at the Flagfest Parade in June, the Iowa State Fair during the queen contest, selected celebrations during the summer, and the Clay County Fair in September. The fair will be flexible with appearance dates if the queen has educational conflicts during her reign.

Applications are available online at https://claycountyfair.com/get-involved/fair-queen/. The application must be submitted to the Clay County Fair Queen Contest, PO Box 527, Spencer, IA 51301 or emailed to info@claycountyfair.com on or before April 10. A committee will then select the finalists who will compete for the title on Sunday, April 30 at the Clay County Regional Events Center.

Finalists will be notified by April 17 and will receive more information regarding the next phase of the competition. Candidates will be judged on personality, attitude, awareness, leadership and citizenship, contribution to the community, overall appearance, charm, poise and her three-minute or less self-expression portion. All judges' decisions will be final.

IESHA TOFT/SENTINEL-NEWS

"From ceiling to floor, From classroom to hall; The Mavericks looked magnificent, Each one and all!"

Call the Clay County Fair at (712) 580-3000 or email info@claycountyfair.com with any questions.