Over 100 hopeful people. Somewhere around 250 - 300 Bingo cards (an uneducated guess since I have no idea how many people were there, but there were definitely over 100). Only 31 winners. The chance of being a winner with that many cards on the tables is a bit low, somewhere between 10 and 15%. Granted, if you were the owner of multiple cards, your chances increased. Still, the people indeed came to Danbury Catholic School for a bite to eat and a hope of optimism that they would get to holler the words that was hollered somewhere around 35 times, factoring in the multiple winners in some of the rounds. The odds were even lower for the grand finale, a blackout game that had people purchasing many more cards to increase their own odds of hollering the enviable words.
    Danbury Catholic kicked off Catholic Schools Week over the weekend with visits to the three Catholic churches in the parish family - Danbury, Mapleton, and Ida Grove. Sunday evening was a celebration of the family. Families indeed entered the school for 32 games of Bingo. While people hoped for their numbers to be called and whispered "yes" loud enough for their neighbors to hear them when they were able to cover a number, they also knew that chances were excellent that someone else would end the round. Granted, some people were luckier than others (check out this week's Adventures with Lynnie for a recap/rant on those people). Yet, few left early knowing that they didn't have a chance to win.
    Catholic Schools Week is observed nationwide to celebrate a Catholic education. While many students at Danbury Catholic School are indeed of other faiths, all are united in their education and are part of the DC family.
    "Danbury Catholic celebrates Catholic Schools Week to help our staff and students celebrate the amazing things that make our school unique and also to learn and remember that we are a part of something much bigger," stated Principal Molly Petersen.
    When she says that they are part of something much bigger, she was talking about a picture much bigger than our school district.
    "One of my favorite ways to do this (to acknowledge that we are part of a much bigger aspect) is to participate in a postcard or letter exchange with other Catholic schools around the US," she said. "So far we have received letters from 13 different states, and the letters will keep arriving throughout the week. Each school shares information about their school as well as pictures. This is our 3rd year to participate."
    In her first year as principal, Molly is no stranger to this letter exchange.
    "In the past my own students got to hear each letter and see the pictures, then we would locate the school's state on a map and incorporate map skills and features," she added. "This year we are reading the letters and locating states on the map during hallway prayer so that all K-6 students are able to learn about other Catholic schools in the US."
    Catholic Schools Week does not stay in the school building whatsoever. They have made posters for nursing residents to enjoy since they were not able to visit the residents due to the illness floating in the air. They are writing letters to their parents, thanking them for choosing DC. They will utilize the aforementioned map and letters for their individual class. As this newspaper sits at the post office waiting to be delivered, the students were joined by veterans and law enforcement personnel in reciting a patriotic rosary. Friday will end the weeklong celebration with the traditional day of bowling.
    "Danbury Catholic is like a big family, and the life-long friendships built here help make sure that kids have positive influences in their lives," said Molly.
    One of these family members, Ellena DeVries, a sixth grader and daughter of Wendy and Eric DeVries of Mapleton, was asked by this reporter during Bingo what her favorite part of the school was. With some thought, she said that being challenged in class subjects was her favorite part. She explained that her teachers have presented more advanced material to the class to enhance their learning.
    Danbury Catholic School, which boasts the second largest enrollment growth of the 16 Catholic schools in the Sioux City Diocese, is always happy to welcome more students of all denominations. Petersen stated that there are financial aid opportunities through ESAs, diocese scholarships, and local support for families who wish to join the DC family. Interested families may call the school at 712-883-2244.
    As for Bingo night, Ellena and her sister, Olivia, a second grader at DC, were asked what they would do if they won a round of Bingo. The ladies both had the same answer - Sephora. Sadly for the ladies, they will need to find a different shopping money source. As for the blackout winners, yours truly and MVAO fourth grader Foster Seuntjens, son of Rhylie Wold and Sam Seuntjens, split the $200 blackout prize. When asked where their winnings would go, neither had an answer. Shopping sounds good, though!

    DES MOINES, Iowa – With tax filing season soon upon us, the Iowa Department of Revenue is reminding Iowans of the many resources available that can assist taxpayers with filing their tax return. The Department will begin processing individual income returns at the same time as the IRS on January 27. Iowa taxpayers are required to provide their federal return with their Iowa return. Iowa income tax returns are due on April 30.
    Updated in July 2024, the Department website (revenue.iowa.gov) is a good starting point to find tax forms and answers to all kinds of tax questions. The Tax Guidance section has been improved to allow taxpayers and tax professionals the ability to easily search for tax guidance in a single location. The Expanded Instructions provides line by line details to help complete the IA 1040. Specifically for tax year 2024, What's New? addresses some of the most common filing questions about individual income tax changes, including:
        * Rounding off to whole dollars
        * Increased 529 plan deduction limit
        * Changes to Iowa capital gain deduction for cattle, horses, or other breeding livestock
        * New public safety officer moving expense tax credit
    Filing Made Easy explains the filing process in three simple steps and includes information on how to file, avoiding common mistakes, and details regarding the status of a refund. The Department is committed to helping Iowans understand and comply with their tax obligations. Last year, refund processing averaged 30 days or less throughout the tax season.
    The Kernel, GovConnectIowa's virtual assistant. Available 24/7, including holidays, The Kernel can answer general tax and licensing questions. With just a few clicks of the keyboard, users can access instant, helpful, insightful answers. The Kernel is pre-programmed with answers to common questions, therefore, users with detailed questions pertaining to their unique circumstances are encouraged to consult their tax preparer or contact the Department directly. The Kernel is meant to enhance the customer experience by providing quick, reliable information. For more details or to experience The Kernel, visit govconnect.iowa.gov. Ask The Kernel - he's all ears!
    If you still need assistance, there are multiple ways to contact the Department:
        Website: revenue.iowa.gov
        Phone: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
        515-281-3114 or 800-367-3388
        Email: idr@iowa.gov

    Are you or someone you know looking to replace a bed in your home? Now is the time.
    The MVAOCOU Music Department is excited to announce they will be hosting their annual one-day mattress fundraiser on Sunday from 10:00 am - 4:00 p.m. For one day only, the MVAOCOU High School gymnasium will be transformed into a mattress showroom. There will be Therapedic, Purple, Helix, Purecare and more top brands in all sizes. Memory foam, latex, pillow-tops and hybrid styles will be on display, priced up to 50% below retail store prices. Pillows, mattress protectors, sheet sets, bed frames, box springs, weighted blankets, bed frames, adjustable bed bases and many other mattress accessories will also be available. Best of all, the music department benefits from every purchase, and the beds are less than retail stores because of the fundraising company's unique business model.
    If you are considering a new bed for someone in your home, the music department would appreciate your support.