Marion

• Several Marion Parks & Recreation capital improvement conceptual designs were on display during a public open house at the Lowe Park & Environment Center on Jan. 9. Those in attendance were able to study the Phase 2 design plans, which include an all-inclusive neighborhood playground, park pavilion, sun-shaded areas and restroom facility near the south entrance at Irish Drive. The completed all-inclusive area will accommodate those with disabilities from autism to parents who are wheelchair bound. — Marion Times

Montezuma

• The Powesheik County Izaak Walton League is organizing the 20th annual ice-fishing derby at Diamond Lake on Jan. 27. The Derby will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and contestants must register at the Foster Center before fishing. Registration is $5 for each adult and 16 and under are free. Prizes will be awarded in adult and youth categories along with a few door prizes for some of the unlucky fishermen. — The Record

Columbus Junction

• The Pony of the Americas Club has announced the final point standings for the 2017 show season. Two local ponies have captured national titles in their respective age divisions. Z Better Zip Up and JBJ’s Kiddazzle will be honored at the POAC National Convention as the HIgh Point Weanling Stallion and the High Point Yearling Filly, respectively. Both horses are owned and shown by Tammy Virzi, of Columbus Junction. — Columbus Gazette

Sully

• I-Beams for the Slater Creek bridge about two miles northeast of Sully on the EAst 132nd Street South gravel road were put into place last week by a large crane. On the right beam is the scaffolding extension brackets. The seven-inch channel irons welded onto the outside beams are for forming the concrete deck pour later. The current bridge project follows the replacement of the bridge about a half mile north on what locals call “Little Slater Creek.” This current estimated $80,000 project is scheduled to be completed by spring. — Hometown Press