IOWA LAKES APPROVES PURCHASE OF HANGAR

The Board of Trustees of Iowa Lakes Community College took action Tuesday night to gain possession of a hangar to provide more space for the aviation program.  In several steps, the Trustees first purchased land; agreed to buy the Purina Mills Hangar at the airport; and then terminated a lease with the City of Estherville for land which the college was unable to use.  Purina Mills was anxious to find a buyer for the hangar after they closed the Golden Sun offices in Estherville.  The Aviation program has grown in recent years and needed to expand.

The Trustees then chose to table the bids on the planned Student Center at the Estherville Campus.  That action was taken after bids were opened last week.  All three bids were considerably higher than the architect’s estimate.  A subcommittee of the board has been appointed to more closely review the bids to determine whether costs may be reduced while maintaining the appearance and functionality of the project. 

Several student leaders** introduced themselves to board members at the meeting.  They talked about their reasons for selecting Iowa Lakes and spoke about the numerous leadership opportunities in which they participate.

In other business, the Trustees conducted regular monthly business and heard reports form the state community college group as well as the Iowa Lakes Farm Laboratory.

The next meeting of the Iowa Lakes Board of Trustees will be Tuesday, Oct. 22 in Estherville.

**Student leaders included: Greg Behrens, Everly, Ag Business Technology major, student senator; Amber Call, Spencer, A&S major, student senator and presidential scholar; Jamie Pedersen, Luverne, A&S major, presidential scholar; Jennifer Gottsche, Milford, A&S major, resident assistant; David Gust, Sibley, A&S major, resident assistant; Grant Hawn, Spirit Lake, A&S major, student senate; Kayla Richardson, Storm Lake, A&S Education major, resident assistant; Kukhanya Gwebu, Zimbabwe, Information Technology major, student senate and resident assistant; Barb Russell, Lakota, A&S major, adult learner scholarship.