March 10, 1980. The Collins Clippers were eliminated from Class 1-A District play by Applington 58-38 to end Collins season at 20 wins, 2 losses. Applington had first quarter 11-6 lead and 30-20 halftime lead. Turnovers hurt in the second quarter and in the third period Collins was unable to have consistent scoring. The Clippers game shooting was 15 of 42 for 38%, not near the Clippers season average. Applington was a stronger, more physical squad, as they also out-rebounded the taller Clipper team 36-22. Clippers scoring: Mark Huntrods 10, Bill Dunshee 8, Brad Oswalt 7, Mark Hudson 7, Barry Dodd 4, John Fish 2. Rebounding: Bill Dunshee 8, Mark Hudson 6.
March 10, 1980. For the first time in the 54-year history of Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union girls teams will be divided into four classes. These classes are determined by school enrollment and will be Class 1-A, Class 2-A, Class 3-A, and Class 4-A. The champions of each class will be paired alphabetically in semifinal games and one state championship will be determined. Five schools will make their first appearance in the state tournament: Colo, Urbandale, Norwalk, Britt and Terril.
March 12, 1980. The first grade, with teacher Miss Peterson, entertained 25 Collins senior citizens with a Valentine Program.
March 14, 1980. Educators and school districts throughout Iowa are hearing an ominous warning of leaner financial years ahead from the legislature and Governor Robert Ray. The warnings have been coming from the legislature for weeks. "The nice thing about the school foundation plan is that you can adjust it." Sometimes we might find it necessary to adjust it downward. While emphasizing education will continue to be a funding priority, the governor said even that area will come under scrutiny in the future.
March 21, 1980. Hot Lunch Menus: Mon. Pizza, buttered corn, fruit, milk. Tues. Hot sliced turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, milk. Wed. Salisbury steak, rice, green beans, bread and butter, milk. Thurs. Spoonburger, mixed vegetables, fruit, chocolate cake, milk. Fri. Fish sandwich, buttered peas, upside-down cake, chocolate milk.
April 11, 1980. Maxwell and Collins Community Schools will be observing National Library Week, which is April 13 - 19, with a variety of programs throughout the week. Both schools will have a special library diet for the week.
May 15, 1980. It was both a solemn and joyous occasion when the Lowland Laotian people prepared a "Basi" party to demonstrate their love, friendship and good wishes to their sponsors; Mr. and Mrs. Jim Newton and family, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Ryon and son, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Hilburn and Mindy Carver. Both of our Laotian families are exercising their newfound freedom in their choice to go to live with relatives. Sim's family goes to Oklahoma City. Boothoni's goes to San Diego.
May 16, 1980. Agenda for the Collins Board of Education meeting Monday, May 19, reports on: Status of vacancy teacher openings, summer driver education, new water tank and boiler, Ta Ma Ja Conference admission prices. Old business: Second reading of proposed new Title I Grievance Procedure School Board Policy, further discussion on possible changeover to propane fuel. New Business: Open sealed typewriter bids, teacher resignations, approved 14 seniors for graduation, set date for hearing to amend the 79-80 budget; 28E Agreement for schools in northern zone of Area 11, IASB Collective Bargaining Conference at Ames on June 16.