Leland M. Stull, 46, died Friday, December 18, 2009 at Marengo Memorial Hospital from a sudden illness. Services will be 1:00 PM Saturday at the Hrabak Funeral Home by Rev. Jack Andrews. Burial will be in Rector Cemetery, Chelsea. Visitation will be 11:30 AM until the time of service on Saturday.
He is survived by his wife, Brenda; his mother Phyllis; sons, Chad, Jayme, and Tyler; daughter, Bridgette Grimm; step-daughter, Ashley Klever; four grandchildren, Evan, Emma, and Aaden Grimm and Cadan Stull; brothers, Danny, Jimmy, Larry, David, Carey, and Lester; sisters, Bonnie Brown, Karen Pillars, Cindy Ziolkowski, and Tonda Swanson.

After a sluggish first half, Belle Plaine’s shooters came to life in the second half as the girls posted a 43-30 win at Tri-County on Monday. The team improved its record to 7-3 on the season as it takes the holiday break.
The Plainsmen scored just seven first quarter points and six in the second quarter as the teams were tied at 13 at halftime. But in the second half, they scored 16 in the third and 14 in the final quarter.
Dani Coover led the Plainsmen with 13 points and 11 rebounds. She also had two steals and three blocks. Taylof Schafbuch had 10 points, three rebounds, eight assists and four steals. Julie Long finished with nine points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals. Joy Cronbaugh had five points, three rebounds and two steals. Macy DeMeulenaere had four points and two assists. Katie Croft had two points, three rebounds and a block. Melissa Janss had three rebounds and Laura Breja had two rebounds and two steals.
The Plainsmen are next in action Monday, Jan. 4, at Iowa Valley.

Winners in Week 15 of the Belle Plaine pro football raffle include:

Highest
1st Place 123 pts. $500 Jordan Bjustrom Clarksville, IA
2nd Place 122 pts. $150 Drew Johnson Belle Plaine, IA
3rd Place 112 pts. $ 70 Rhonda Mumby Belle Plaine, IA
3rd Place 112 pts. $ 70 Kristopher Hudson Belle Plaine, IA
3rd Place 112 pts. $ 70 Yvonne McConnaha Muscatine, IA
6th Place 111 pts. $ 40 Mary Moore Belle Plaine, IA
7th Place 110 pts. $ 32.50 Victoria Blount Belle Plaine, IA
7th Place 110 pts. $ 32.50 Mary Longfellow Belle Plaine, IA
8th Place 109 pts. $ 25 Carol Peterson Belle Plaine, IA

Lowest
1st Place 24 pts. $ 17.50 Roger Wilke Andover, IA
1st Place 24 pts. $ 17.50 Jack Clement Belle Plaine, IA
3rd Place 26 pts. $ 10 Josh Stamp Belle Plaine, IA

By Marlee Schminke

Every month the faculty selects one student who has excelled in his/her classroom. This award is given in recognition for the student’s hard work in the classroom. The students of the month for November are as follows:
Math-Jamie Johnson; English-Jessica Landuyt; Science- Rokco Rhoades; Social Studies-Julie Long; Business-Dillon McGrane; Family & Consumer Science-Abby Lohf; Spanish-Brayden Morrow; German- Emily Mast; Physical Education- Dakota Hamilton; Art-Cheyenne Robison; Music-Behre Bartlett; and AG-Kaleb Gorsch.
The students of the month for December are as follows:
Math-Chris Janss; English-Brianna Lucas; Science- Mason Stull; Social Studies-Jack O’Brien; Business- Ryan DeRycke; Family & Consumer Science-Brittany Uhl; Spanish-Joy Cronbaugh; German- Bryce Buckley; Physical Education- Jon Juett; Art-Katie Croft; Music-Andrea Lohf; and AG-Josh VanHamme.
Those were the students of the month for November and December. Congratulations and keep up the hard work. Make sure you keep reading. Be sure to watch for the students of the month for January.

November students of the month.

December students of the month.

By Christina Brake

All high school students need to do their best if they are pushing to get into a good college.
Even though maintaining good grades, ACT scores, and extracurricular activities are important during a student’s four years of high school, seniors need to push themselves to get the best grades possible and participate in activities they enjoy if they want to graduate gloriously.
In order to graduate, a student needs more than a good grade point average (GPA) and the acknowledgement of participating in activities, at Belle Plaine High School a student also needs 35 academic credits and 12 elective credits, adding up to 47 total credits. Doing all of your homework, studying for tests and quizzes, having good attendance and a positive attitude will help achieve those 47 credits.
At Belle Plaine High School a student must pass the following academic credits to graduate: seven credits of English, six credits in math, four PE or Physical Conditioning; two credits of the following: physical science, biology, science elective, world history, American history and technical (industrial tech, family & consumer science, computer); one credit in…government, economics, fine arts (band, choir, art), health, word processing and 12 elective credits. Elective credits should be focused around the area at which the student is considering as a future occupation or trade.
Miss Daily does an excellent job meeting with all Belle Plaine High School students at the end of the year or beginning to iron out schedules and check on credit status and four-year plans. Make sure each Belle Plaine High School student is aware of the importance of transcripts, so each individual can stay on the right track and have a successful future.

Goodbye 2009, and hello 2010!! Second quarter midterms were recently published; they’re a good indication of your student’s current status. The second semester will end on Friday, January 15th. This much-needed Christmas vacation will be a great opportunity to celebrate the season, spend time with friends and family, and start preparing for those semester tests!
The Class of 2010 has nearly finished seven out of the eight semesters of their entire high school experience! Flipping the calendar to January should bring much more intensity to finalizing those college decisions and applying for a wide variety of scholarships. Remember—it’s your future. Plan it wisely!
2nd SEMESTER SCHEDULES…are now 99% finalized. The only changes made now will reflect class numbers that are recommended for best instruction. Thanks for getting to Miss Daily’s office and making the necessary changes.
CULTURAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE…Buena Vista is hosting its 10th annual Cultural Leadership Conference from April 8th-11th. If you are from a diverse ethnic background and would like to consider attending this exciting and inspiring conference, please see Miss Daily for an application. You must have a 2.5 GPA and write a 300 word essay to be considered. All expenses will be paid for you. Application deadline is Friday, February 19th.
ATTENTION THOSE JUNIORS who took the PSAT…don’t forget to access My College Quickstart. It’s a great online tool that’s free for you to use!
JUNIORS WHO ARE CONSIDERING PLAYING COLLEGE ATHLETICS…Now is the time to register with the NCAA Clearinghouse. Follow these steps: 1) Log into the Eligibility Center’s new website at www.eligibilitycenter.org. 2) Select the “Fall 2010 or After” icon. 3) Select the “New Account” tab at the top of the screen; and 4) Begin the registration process. See Miss Daily for more information.
ATTENTION 2nd SEMESTER ACADEMIC MENTORS: Please pick up your permission slips from the blue folder on Miss Daily’s door. These must be returned by Tuesday, December 22nd.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY: The First Friday Breakfast Club is awarding six $2500 scholarships to high school seniors who have significantly participated in efforts to increase awareness and tolerance of gay and lesbian issues and reduce homophobia in his or her school and/or community. See Miss Daily for an application. Application materials must be postmarked no later than March 31, 2010.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY: The Benton County American Legion Auxiliary Merit Award will be given to a resident of Benton County or child of an American Legion member, or Auxiliary, or Veteran. Anyone wishing to apply will be considered, but Legion, Auxiliary, or Veteran’s children will have priority. Candidates must write a letter of application, enclose 2 written personal references, a recommendation from the school administration, and complete the application from Miss Daily’s office. Applications must be submitted to the local unit by March 15th. See Miss Daily for more information.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY: Dr. Seuss’ Oh, the Places You’ll Go Scholarship recognizes high school seniors who understand and value the limitless possibilities that education can offer with a scholarship award. One $5000 scholarship will be awarded based upon your essay submission. Deadline is February 15th, 2010.

By Kaleb Gorsch

Belle Plaine High School Speech competition is instructed and led by Paula Mengler. Mrs. Mengler has been the Speech coach for many years. When interviewed this is what she had to say…
Why have you chosen to be the speech coach?
“I was involved in speech in high school, and I like to be interactive with kids outside of the classroom.”
What kind of speech groups were you involved in during high school?
“Large group, individual, acting, and radio announcing”
Have you ever placed in competitions?
“Yes, a couple of the students were chosen to go to all-state in acting and story telling.”
How do you choose a piece for speech?
“By the personalities of the students”
How many member do you have involved in speech and what types of competition are they involved in?
“Coral Reading: Mallory Brandt, Laura Breja, Katie Pierce, Laura Johnson, Bailey Gorsch, Emily Mast, Meghan Miller, Hope Kriegel, Mikayla Mason, Nikki Miller, Dani Coover, and Stephen Muench. Reader’s Theatre: Meghan Miller, Laura Breja, Katie Pierce, Ariel Hawkins, and Emily Mast. Improv: Brandon Viall, Ryan Rupp, Ben Sayers, Dillon McGrane, and Kaleb Gorsch. Radio Broadcasting: undecided.”
When and where will they perform?
“January 23, 2010 at Grinnell High School”
Speech is a great thing to get involved in because you get to use your imagination and be creative. Coach Mengler is an energetic instructor that encourages the students and has a great time while coaching. She constructs fun activities and everyone gets along well. Wish the speech competitors good luck before the big day in January.

By Dakota Hamilton

The Student Body President of Belle Plaine High School is Tony Jones. Upon interviewing Mr. Jones, this is what he had to say…
What changes have you made for the BP student body?
“We have been in the working stages of organizing a dance and fundraising for the high school, in which that would be used for a new item. I also have tried changing lunches and field trips both in which will not be capable to being changed.”
Do you have any other plans for the year?
“We are searching for fundraising ideas to broaden our funds. I would also like a guest speaker and a surprise for the student body.”
Have you fulfilled any of your promises?
“I would say I have done a good job in trying to do my tasks. There are a lot of things that must be changed for lunch, which will not work. The school budget cuts also shut down any hope of field trips.”
What are your responsibilities as BPHS Student Body President?
“Fundraise, lead student voices, and be a role model to the student body.”
What is the purpose of student council?
“To make our school a better place as well as teaching students involved in student council leadership skills for the future.”
What is it like being the BPHS Student Body President?
“It’s a role of leadership I have to acknowledge. Being a role model for our school is a big deal. It’s also a learning time for me as well.”
Do you like being the Student Body President of BPHS? Why?
“I enjoy it…it’s a lot of work. I enjoy working for the school by representing the student body.”
Hopefully Tony Jones can keep up the good work here at Belle Plaine High School. As Belle Plaine’s Student Body President the goal should always be to improve the school and the student morale as well as represent the Plainsmen proudly.

By Jessie Peterson

Belle Plaine is a small community with limited types of food to eat. Belle Plaine students have a variety of tastes and have voiced their opinions on what they prefer.
The most popular choice among high school students is pizza. The second choice was steak. Other foods mentioned were hamburgers, spaghetti, seafood, Chinese, ribs, fruit, chicken, chocolate, ice cream, and bacon. Popular restaurants or fast food joints include: Ryan’s Steakhouse, Olive Garden, Applebee’s, Texas Road House, Red Lobster, Subway, Pizza Hut, Buffalo Wild Wings, and McDonald’s.
When a select few were asked, “What new eatery do you think we should get in Belle Plaine?” They responded…Chinese, Mexican, McDonald’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, or a place that serves more healthy meals.
For now the people of Belle Plaine have to travel 15 to 30 miles if they have a craving for something different. It would be nice to have more of a choice when eating out, but until there is a population boom, Belle Plaine students will have to be satisfied with what they already have.

By Breanna Robertson

Facebook is probably the most popular websites where a person can chat with just about anyone. Not only can you chat, but also download pictures, videos, and basically keep a day to day journal of your life so the people on your “friends” list can be updated. Facebook has become so popular that there are currently over 250 million Facebook users as of July 2009. Around a half of a million join each day.
Mark Zuckerberg is the creator and owner of Facebook as well as the youngest billionaire currently alive. The global social network has been up and running since 2004.
30 million “Facebookers” update their profile daily. The average Facebook user is online about 21 minutes per day and visits the site at least four times per day. One billion pictures are uploaded monthly. Out of the over 250 million Facebook accounts, 6 million are high school students from the United States. 85% of college students have a Facebook account.
If Facebook hasn’t made it onto your computer or into your home, find out more at www.facebook.com/about.php or join at www.facebook.com/facebook.