U of I Extension, Chelsea Picken, Kenton's Cause, Lincoln Youth Wrestling results and the Harold Rayburn fundraiser make the Close Up

By Mike Fak

[January 28, 2011]  A "Cupcakes with Love" workshop for youth ages 8 and older will be offered by University of Illinois Extension on Thursday, Feb. 10, from 6 to 7 p.m. at a cost of $5. Participants will learn to decorate cupcakes with different icing tips and other embellishments, using a Valentine or love theme, and will take home four to six different cupcake designs. A maximum of 10 registrations will be accepted.

Advance registration and payment is requested by Feb. 4 so that supplies can be purchased. To register for the cupcake workshop, contact the Extension office at 732-8289.

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Pictured from left: Ed Jodlowski, Illini Central principal; Chelsea Picken; Bob Werner, executive vice president of 1st State Bank of Mason City.
(Click on picture for larger image.)

MASON CITY -- The 1st State Bank of Mason City and Illini Central High School are pleased to present Chelsea Picken with the December Student of the Month Award. For demonstrating outstanding character, Chelsea receives a $50 savings bond from 1st State Bank and a reference work appropriate to her course of study from the Illini Central High School faculty.

Chelsea is the daughter of Rick and Tina Picken. Her classes this year are Foods, Writing for College and Careers, Spanish 4, Journalism, AP Literature and Composition, and AP Chemistry. In addition, Chelsea keeps busy with several extracurricular activities. She is vice president of Student Council, vice president of Spanish Club, and secretary of Future Career and Consumer Leaders of America. Chelsea is also a member of Link Crew and is on the girls basketball team.

Chelsea plans to attend the University of Illinois in Champaign, where she will major in psychology or English.

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Kenton's Cause, an initial MPS walk, is scheduled for April 17 at 1 p.m. at Kickapoo Creek Park in Lincoln.

Kenton Fults was born on Nov. 12, 2008, and diagnosed on Sept. 4, 2009, with a mucopolysaccharidoses disease. MPS is a genetic disorder in which the body lacks specific enzymes that are needed to break down and recycle materials in cells. The missing or insufficient enzyme prevents the proper recycling process, resulting in the storage of materials in virtually every cell of the body. This causes damage to the heart, bones, joints, respiratory system and central nervous system. At this time there is no cure.

This walk, planned to become an annual event, is being done in memory of Kenton Fults, who lost his battle with this devastating condition on April 1, 2010. All money raised will go to the National MPS Society in the hope of one day finding a cure.

For more walk information, contact Amanda at 217-871-9220 or Tami at 217-871-0113.

For information on MPS, visit www.nationalmpssociety.org.

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Lincoln Youth Wrestling results from the Jan. 23 Mahomet-Seymour tournament:

6 and under -- Dustin Meachum took first; Chase Reed and Ryan O'Donoghue each took fourth.

7- and 8-year-olds -- Roux Starr took first place; Alex Bogdanic and Kailen Sanchez each took second place; Terrance Hyde and Austin O'Donoghue each took third place; and Cade Tanner, Bryton Fuchs, J. R. Lynn and Tyer Mason each took fourth place.

9- and 10-year-olds -- Trevor Bree took first place; Tyler Werth took second; Taylon Mason took third; and Dalton Westcott took fourth.

11- and 12-year-olds -- Austin Dennison took fourth.

Lincoln Youth Wrestling will travel to Fairbury for the Hawk Challenge on Saturday, Jan. 29.

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EMDEN -- There will be a fish fry Saturday, Jan. 29, at the Emden Community House, 301 Lincoln St. All proceeds will go to help Harold Rayburn with his medical bills as he fights cancer. The fish fry will be from 3 to 8 p.m., with donations accepted. Bingo starts at 4 p.m. There also will be a silent auction. The event will end at 7 p.m.

The fundraiser is sponsored by the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 506 and St. Peter Lutheran Church.

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Got a good piece of news, information or something that we can all brag about? If you do, e-mail Mike and let us tell everyone about it. Plus you can win cash. Every submission, whether we use it or not, will get your name in the Close Up grab bag. At the end of the month we will draw a name and someone will get $25 just for dropping us an e-mail. If you wish, we will be happy to donate your winnings to the organization of your choice.

You can contact Mike at [e-mail].

[MIKE FAK]

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