Good morning, Oelwein area readers.

Today is Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022. This morning’s 7 at 7 update includes the Wellness Center saying farewell to a 20-year staff member, area volleyball teams getting to the State Tournament and more. Have a great day!

1. WEATHER — Today will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 55. Southeast wind 6 to 13 mph, according to the National Weather Service. Tonight will be partly cloudy, with a low around 35. Southeast wind 5 to 8 mph. (Extended Forecast)

2. Wellness Center bidding farewell to an original employee — Claire Harrington will punch the clock as the Williams Wellness Center early mornin opener for the last time on Monday, Oct. 31. He has been with the staff since the center since the beginning. Join the center in thanking him from 6-8 a.m. Monday for his 20 years of service.

3. Wapsie Valley volleyball returns to state tournament — After Beckman Catholic denied Wapsie Valley entrance to the State Tournament last year, the Warriors turned the tables on Wednesday. (Read More)

4. Oelwein Middle School hosting Halloween fun tonight — The OMS Halloween Activity Night, 5:30-8 p.m., is for grades 5th-8th. Costume contest, yard games, music and a haunted classroom. Costumes encouraged. Admission $3. Proceeds to go to Plentiful Pantry in Oelwein.

5. Go fling a pumpkin — The Pumpkin Plunge and Paddle is back. On Saturday from 1-3 p.m., atFontana Park, 1883 125th St. Hazleton, slingshot a pumpkin into Fontana Lake and then paddle out to retrieve it. Floating targets will be in place. Hit the special target for a prize. Participants need to bring their own pumpkins, eight inches in diameter or smaller (large pumpkins don’t fling far). All pumpkins – whole or in pieces – must be retrieved from the lake. 319-636-2617.

6. Oelwein to give Huskies cross country team a send off to State — The itinerary for Oelwein’s State Meet send off today for the Huskies boys cross country team is:

• 8:30 a.m. at Wings Park, 
• 8:45 a.m. at Oelwein Middle School,
• 8:55 a.m. at Oelwein High School, and
• 9 a.m. — The community will send them off through town with police and fire department escorts. Starting at the bus barn, they will travel down 8th to Charles then to Frederick and finally to County 57.

7. MAYNARD COMMUNITY CLUB FALL EVENT ON SATURDAY— A costume contest, lunch, kids games, fire trucks and more will be part of the Fall Event coming up from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29. Admission is a free will donation.