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Life in Sioux County, Iowa

Sioux County is the kind of place that favors candidates who speak plainly, signal their intentions early and demonstrate an appreciation for northwestern Iowa’s immutable rhythms.

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State Sen. Randy Feenstra plays basketball with his son Taylor, 14, at Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa. Feenstra enthusiastically accepted help with his state Senate campaign last year from then-Gov. Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota. Not long afterward, Pawlenty began courting Feenstra's support in the 2012 presidential race..

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

Randy Feenstra, Dawson Feenstra, 9, and Erika Feenstra, 11, jog around a track after playing basketball at Dordt College. 'The Feenstras are a basketball family,' the state senator says.

Randy Feenstra, Dawson Feenstra, 9, and Erika Feenstra, 11, jog around a track after playing basketball at Dordt College. "The Feenstras are a basketball family," the state senator says.

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

Erika Feenstra plays in the barn on her grandmother's farm n Hull, in Sioux County.

Erika Feenstra plays in the barn on her grandmother's farm n Hull, in Sioux County.

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

On the farm belonging to Randy Feenstra's in-laws n Hull, Brent DeJager sorts and loads pigs that are ready for market.

On the farm belonging to Randy Feenstra's in-laws n Hull, Brent DeJager sorts and loads pigs that are ready for market.

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

Cattle eat their morning meal on Brent DeJager's family farm in Hull.

Cattle eat their morning meal on Brent DeJager's family farm in Hull.

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

After a long day of preparation, Doyle Wissink plants corn for the first time this season on his farm in Hull.

After a long day of preparation, Doyle Wissink plants corn for the first time this season on his farm in Hull.

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

Kurt Franje, 21, a student at Dordt College in Sioux Center, prays with friends before a weekly student-led worship service.

Kurt Franje, 21, a student at Dordt College in Sioux Center, prays with friends before a weekly student-led worship service.

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

Dordt students participate in the weekly 'praise and worship' event on the private, reformed Christian college's campus.

Dordt students participate in the weekly "praise and worship" event on the private, reformed Christian college's campus.

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

Farmers, some of them retired and some still working, meet at sunrise for coffee at the Cenex gas station in Hull.

Farmers, some of them retired and some still working, meet at sunrise for coffee at the Cenex gas station in Hull.

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

Lester Harman, center, and other farmers gather for the kaffeeklatsch at the Cenex gas station in Hull.

Lester Harman, center, and other farmers gather for the kaffeeklatsch at the Cenex gas station in Hull.

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

David Lantinga jumps on the back of his father, Nick Lantinga, as the family and neighbors walk on the Dordt College campus in Sioux Center. Nick Lantinga says he has been trying to persuade friends to consider launching a presidential campaign effort for New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

David Lantinga jumps on the back of his father, Nick Lantinga, as the family and neighbors walk on the Dordt College campus in Sioux Center. Nick Lantinga says he has been trying to persuade friends to consider launching a presidential campaign effort for New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

Nick Lantinga, a Sioux County political and Christian education leader, shops for Easter dinner with his daughter, Elizabeth, while taking the opportunity to visit with people in the Sioux Center community.

Nick Lantinga, a Sioux County political and Christian education leader, shops for Easter dinner with his daughter, Elizabeth, while taking the opportunity to visit with people in the Sioux Center community.

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

Cooking dinner for the family at the end of a hectic day, Nick Lantinga takes a moment for himself at his home in Sioux Center.

Cooking dinner for the family at the end of a hectic day, Nick Lantinga takes a moment for himself at his home in Sioux Center.

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

Nick Lantinga says grace for his family, from left, Elizabeth, 8, David, 11, Sam, 15, and wife Sherri.

Nick Lantinga says grace for his family, from left, Elizabeth, 8, David, 11, Sam, 15, and wife Sherri.

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

Nick Lantinga helps daughter Elizabeth with her violin practice.

Nick Lantinga helps daughter Elizabeth with her violin practice.

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

On the side of a barn along Route 75 outside Maurice in Sioux County, Psalm 23 is suggested reading.

On the side of a barn along Route 75 outside Maurice in Sioux County, Psalm 23 is suggested reading.

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

The Wayside Chapel in Sioux Center, is open 24 hours. In northwestern Iowa, an estimated 99 percent-plus of the religious are Christian.

The Wayside Chapel in Sioux Center, is open 24 hours. In northwestern Iowa, an estimated 99 percent-plus of the religious are Christian.

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

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