North Liberty

• Students of Liberty High in North Liberty are finishing the first year of school with the inaugural Dance for a Difference fundraiser. The event on April 22 will feature a DJ conducting music, food, a photo booth and four speakers telling their personal story. Individuals will run treadmills accumulating donations for every mile run and a silent auction. Proceeds will go to University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital’ the Fight with Flash Foundation and the Ronald McDonald House. — North Liberty Leader

West Branch

• West Branch writer Joanne Salemink sold her Honda Rebel motorcycle to purchase a telephoto lens for her camera. Her writing career took her to the West Branch Times, the Iowa City Press-Citizen and the West Liberty Index. It then propelled her to teaching English and speech at Wilton High School. Now, it takes her back to a motorcycle, a 1941 Indian Sport Scout, this time and her first book, “Scout’s Honor,” which she self-published in January. In it, her main character seeks self-therapy on the open road. — West Branch Times

Mount Vernon

• Mount Vernon residents said yes to a $12.8 million bond issue for a new performing arts center, more classrooms and a renovated school. The plan is for no increase in taxes. Of the 1,306 voters who cast ballots, 80 percent approved of the measure, according to unofficial results. The high school will have a 768-seat performing arts center added along with a new art classroom and 99 additional parking stalls. The middle school and Washington Elementary will each see two new classrooms added along with remodeling in both schools. — Sun, Mount Vernon-Lisbon

Winterset

• The Winterset School Bond passed with a 75.31 percent margin, with 723 “yes” votes and 237 “no” votes. The special election was held regarding a $19.95 million bond, which will allow the district to borrow money for school improvements including constructing a new 1,665-seat competition gym at the junior-senior high school. According to school officials, bond proceeds would also allow the district to “tackle” the need to enhance safety and provide updates. Also included is a new entrance at the high school, new classrooms at the junior high, a drop-off area for Winterset Elementary, a plaza entrance to the football field as well as new bleachers, a restroom and concession stand. — Winterset Madisonian