Selected news briefs edited from


Odebolt ~ Early ~ Wall Lake
Official Sac County Newspaper, Established 1877
Jerry & Becky Wiseman, Publishers

The Chronicle, Volume 112, Number 17, 
April 24, 2003

The Mayor Sez...
     I am happy to tell you that Odebolt has won two very prestigious awards; the Tree City USA award for the third year in a row and one of the top awards in the Community Betterment competition sponsored by the Iowa Dept. of Economic Development. (Press releases to follow soon.) 
      A hot topic around town is whether we are going to keep our high school. Call your school board and let them know how you feel. Someone suggested having a straw vote on the matter.  The only comment that I will make at this time is that we HAVE NOT given up our high school as some have been led to believe, but it is up to you to let your board know how you feel.
     E-mail your comments on the matter to: and to "The Chronicle".  Be sure to send in important meeting dates, too. 
 - R J Rex, Mayor of Odebolt 

Sac County Fair Schedule is planned - The 2003 Sac County Fair will be held July 31 to August 3 this year.  The Sac County Fair Queen will be crowned on Thursday, July 31, followed by a sanctioned tractor pull and out-of-field tractor pull.  August 1, Friday night, there will be Motocross action at the grandstand and Saturday night, August 2, the return of Extreme Bull Riding.  Sunday night the demolition derby is back again.  Many other activities and events, including a carnival and concessions are planned as well.

Black Hawk State Park will offer free camping for all Iowans the weekend of May 2 to 4.  Campers and other park visitors and local residents are invited to attend the interpretive program scheduled at Black Hawk Park that weekend.  A night hike is scheduled for Saturday May 3 at 9 p.m.   Also part of Saturday will be a volunteer clean-up day throughout the park.   For more information on the park see their web site at www.exploreiowaparks.com/ .

Chronicle deadlines to be enforced - Please comply with our newspaper deadlines!  The Chronicle staff has noticed an increasing disregard for the published deadlines.
     For your information:  
     The Chronicle deadline for obituaries, church, news/calendars, club minutes, agendas and social activities are due at the Odebolt Office by 4 p.m. on Thursday.  All other news items are due at Odebolt by 12 noon Monday.  The above deadlines refer to news items only - not paid advertising or paid space!
    Paid advertising including cards of thanks, classified ads, and legals, are due at the Odebolt office by 4 p.m. on Thursday.  All other display (boxed) ads are due at Odebolt at 4 p.m. on Friday.
     Ad copy for the Greensaver and Rocket are due at the Odebolt office by noon on Friday.
    Paper layout begins on Thursday for the following week's paper.  That is the reason for the deadlines.  Your cooperation would be appreciated!

Chamber Essay Scholarship Contest. This year's topic is "What can be done to revitalize rural America?" Any O-A Senior is eligible to enter. They must write an essay and have it turned in to Mary Schroeder by May 5, 2003.  The winner will be announced at Awards Day.  

Ribbon Cutting Held at New Business - On Thursday, April 17th, Odebolt Chamber members and others in the community gathered for a ribbon cutting at Total Entertainment, a new business located at 137 W. 2nd Street in Odebolt.  The business opened in the beginning of April, 2003 and is owned by Kevin and Carmen Barnum of Arthur.
     Among the hundreds of DVDs and videos to rent, there are also pool tables, arcades, foosball and darts available.  Total Entertainment offers many great specials when renting their videos and DVDs.  They also specialize in computer repair, upgrades and training.  
    The business will be open Monday through Thursday 3 to 10 p.m.; Friday 3 p.m. to midnight; Saturday 10 a.m. to Midnight; and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

Odebolt City-Wide Garage Sale Update - The Odebolt Chamber of Commerce has recently announced that they will no longer be sponsoring the City-Wide Garage Sale Day.  Several individuals in the community have expressed interest to continue having the sales.  Tentative dates for this day are May 10th, May 24th or June 7th.  Residents are strongly urged to voice their opinion on which date would work best.  Please call 668-2466, 668-2687, or 668-2454.

ONRC Auxiliary - Plans were made at the March 17 meeting for the Pancake Supper which will be Friday, May 2nd, between the hours of 5 to 7 p.m.  Prices will be $3.00 for adults; $1.50 for 12 years and under, and Preschool will be free.
     During Nursing Home Week, May 11 to 17, the Auxiliary will be furnishing bars and ice cream at the Ice Cream Social at 2:30 p.m. Monday afternoon, May 12.
    Thursday, the 15th, there will be a Barbeque Picnic between 5 and 7 p.m.  The Auxiliary group will furnish desserts.
     All volunteers are invited to attend the Volunteer Brunch on Tuesday, April 29th at10:15 a.m.
     Administrator Jon Schuttinga told about the new ruling that residents' physical conditions may not be told to visitors, only to immediate family or caregivers.

Kids Konnection Daycare Opening June 1st - The daycare, located at 725 West 4th Street in Odebolt, is accepting infants and preschoolers.  Hours are to be Monday through Friday,  a.m. to 6 p.m.  An experienced childcare provider with references will be providing daily activities for kindergarten readiness with emphasis on social, cognitive, large and small motor skills.  Two meals and a snack will be furnished.  The daycare is clean and cheerful with a fenced-in yard. They will also accept elementary age children during the summer.  For information, call 668-2378.

Odebolt Cemetery Lot Owners Annual Meeting will be Monday, May 5 at 8 p.m. at the residence of Tom Down, 709 Dewey.  The meeting is for election of officers and any other business that may come before the association. The public is invited to attend. - Thomas W. Down, Secretary.

Deaths:
Dorothy Roberta Godbersen, age 92, of Schaller, Iowa, died Wednesday, April 16, 2003, at Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake, Iowa.  Funeral services were April 18 at Christensen-Huffman Funeral Home in Odebolt, with burial following at the Odebolt Cemetery.  Born October 23, 1910 in Richland Township, Sac County, Iowa, the daughter of Otto and Lorinda (Sisk) Siebrecht; attended school in Sac County; married Edward H. Godbersen Feb 18, 1929; made their home on a farm in Silver Creek Twp. in Ida County.  Edward died in 1980.  Survived by three daughters, Roberta, Hazel and Beverly; five grandchildren, a step-granddaughter; a sister, Bernice Christensen of Early, a brother Wayne;  preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Glenn and Lyle Siebrecht.

ADDTIONAL NEWS

POLICE DEPT. RECOGNIZED -  The Odebolt Police Dept. has been recognized by the Iowa Department of Public Safety's-Governor's Traffice Safety Bureau and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for participation in Iowa highway traffic safety initiatives during 2002.
     Over 225 partners including law enforcement agencies, as well as traffic safety advocates recieved recognition in ceromonies across the state. These partnerships helped to significantly reduce injuries & fatalities during 2002. The fatality rate on Iowa's roadways remained the lowest it has been since World War II, at the same time our seat belt usage statewide reached an all time high of 82%.
     The Odebolt Police Dept. would like to take this opportunity to extend a commendation to the citizens in our community for their participation in our efforts to make Iowa a safer place to live.
     Thank you.
Odebolt Police Chief Bruce Henderson

See School Board Meeting Minutes
from O-A School pages

EMT's AND DRIVERS NEEDED!
     The Odebolt Ambulance crew is running dangerously low on personnel.  There are a few days each month that if an ambulance were needed it would have to come from Lake View or Sac City.  We need both Drivers and EMT's.

• Drivers must have high school diploma or equivalent, a valid drivers license, an acceptable driving record, & be 18 years of age or older. 

• EMTs must complete a course and pass state written and practical exams.

• Please contact us with any questions
  Kay Bloyer 712-668-2895 (daytime) or 712-668-2814 (evenings) or Deb Flink 712-668-2200 (daytime) or 712-668-4835 (evenings)

This is a wonderful and needed service that is being provided for the community and it is the responsibility of the citizens of Odebolt to keep it going.  Please give it a thought!

SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES
Our businesses keep the town going and provide TREMENDOUS support for community, school and local organizations.  Show them your appreciation by buying locally.  Nearby larger town businesses do not give back to Odebolt causes.  Support our local businesses that do!

SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHRONICLE and support our hometown and the Odebolt businesses who advertise in The Chronicle!  (See subscription rates at bottom of the page)

Selected news briefs edited from


Odebolt ~ Early ~ Wall Lake
Official Sac County Newspaper, Established 1877
Jerry & Becky Wiseman, Publishers
The Chronicle, Volume 112, Number 16
 April 17, 2003

Letters to the Editor: 
A Salute To All the Veterans... and to the American Legion Roose Post 313 that has successfully completed a campaign to raise funds to construct a fitting Veteran's Memorial in Odebolt.
     When I attended the recent fund raiser legion steak fry at the Community Center - a celebration and tribute actually - I took several steps back for a moment from socializing to reflect on both the purpose of the occasion and the past.  I remember well, at the age of 10, on my way to school, the blue-star flag hanging in Irma Bengford's window change to a Gold Star commemorating the loss of her son Norbert in WWII, 1944.I still see the grief in the eyes of Pat Malone and his wife in their cafe from the loss of their only son Billy in WWII, 1945.   I vividly recall the time our dad, a proud legionaire, explaining to brother Tom and me the meaning of the Purple Heart awarded PFC Harry Briggle in 1942 for wounds received, who was later killed in action in 1943, Odebolt's native son and first young man to give his life in WWII.  Remembrance and grievance.
     The grass of time attempts to cover them all, as it does Delbert Lewis, Joe Simon, both Walters brothers, Gerald Bauer, Donald Huebner...The memory lingers of the fine young lad who helped me when I managed the Odebolt Pool - Bob Rex - a casualty of the Vietnam War.  Some 47,000 men joined Bobby in giving their lives in that conflict.  The list is long and lasting.  Tragically, the list grows longer as the years pass.
     Like other veterans, I'm proud that I could served in the Army for two years.  Brother Tom served as a Marine in Korea.  Dad's image is still there when I was a youngster seeing him polish his bugle and practicing "Taps" in preparation for each Memorial Day ceremony.  As a student when he dropped out of high school to enter the Army in WWI.   Dad could never articulate his experience in Germany during the war.  They are buried with him, as all of those who serve in war.
     Carl Sandburg, a dean of American poetry, a soldier himself, captured poignantly in his poem "Grass," the ravages of war and the memories of those who gave their life:  "Pile the bodies high at ... Shovel them under and let me work - I am the grass; I cover all."
     The Veterans' Memorial is a tribute and significant addition to Odebolt - like the Odebolt Library, Memorial Walk Park, Odebolt Community Center.  The toll of war is high, America's most costly expenditure is human lives:  Revolutionary War - 4,435; War of 1812 - 2,260; Mexican War - 1,733; Spanish -American War - 385; WWI - 53,204; WWII - 291,557; Korean War - 33,741; Vietnam War - 47,414; Persian Gulf War - 147.  Yet, our country can't afford quality health care for our veterans who wait an average of 7 months to see a primary care doctor. Still America can expend millions of dollars to level Iraq and, then, to help rebuild the country.  Lest we forget, the American Legion Memorial will remind us of those who served America.  Again, a salute to Roose Post 313 for their work!
 - Jerry D. Reynolds, Rochester, MN
(see Odebolt's Military history at the Odebolt History Pages)

The Mayor Sez...
    The Veterans Memorial Fund Steak Fry on April 5th at the Odebolt Community Center was a fantastic success.  Jim Scott informed me that over 200 tickets were sold and some over $3500 was raised.  This event was sponsored by our American Legion Post and the American Legion Auxiliary.  Your community recognizes all your hard work.  We salute!
     Last week I played golf on Tuesday and Wednesday at 78 degrees and then had to get out the snow blower again to removed 8 to 10 inches of snow on the next Monday.  That's Iowa, folks!
     The City of Odebolt would like to acknowledge the O-A Ministerial Association for the Prayer Service held for our troops involved in the Iraqi War.  Citizens gathered at the Memorial Walk gazebo on Wednesday at noon.  The participating ministers, as well as the speaker, Father John McGuirk, asked that the men and women of the armed forces as well as the Iraqi people e blessed in their undertakings to restore peace and safety to Iraq.  And that those called to make the ultimate sacrifice would be ready to meet their Maker.
- R.J. Rex, Mayor of Odebolt 

Sharon Lovejoy to visit Prairie Pedlar - On Monday, April 21, author and illustrator, Sharon Lovejoy, will be at the Prairie Pedlar north of Odebolt.  A special day-long event includes a lecture by Sharon at 1 p.m. detailing her new book, "Trowel and Error: Over 700 Tips, Remedies, and Shortcuts for the Gardener".  She will be available to visit and sign this title along with other books she has authored. Her books include pages of plant lore, garden adventures and projects, with her own watercolor artwork.  She has become a nationally known garden expert and naturalist.

Kuehl & Payer, Ltd. wins Engineering Award for the "Odebolt Water System Improvements" Project
The American Council of Engineering Companies of Iowa presented its yearly Engineering excellence Awards to engineering firms & their clients at its 47th annual conference and awards banquet in Des Moines on April 3, 2003.
     Honored with Engineering Recognition in the Large Budget Category (Construction Cost over $500,000) were Kuehl & Payer, Ltd. of Storm Lake, IA and their client, the City of Odebolt, IA.
     The project was initiated by the City of Odebolt because of the aging conditions of its system, and the need to reduce the radionuclide concentration of its source water to meet IDNR regulations. The City retained Kuehl & Payer, Ltd. to offer alternatives and recommendations for the improvements required to meet current regulations and to update the system to satisfy future requirements.
     Following review of the project through a "Value Engineering" process, Kuehl & Payer, Ltd. recommended an innovative water treatment process that is estimated to save the City of Odebolt nearly $425,000 in life cycle costs compared to conventional methods of treatment.  The process uses co-precipitation to coagulate impurities in the water including radionuclides which are then filtered out in the existing iron removal filter system.  The project was placed on line in June, 2002 and is meeting all the requirements anticipated.
     Mayor Ron Rex indicated, "The solution that Kuehl & Payer, Ltd. suggested for the water treatment system is both innovative and cost effective.  In addition, the City has been able to replace its aging water tower, increase its water pressure throughout town, add new valves to the old water distribution system, and replace some of the aging water mains."
     The City has been attempting to update its water system for several years and this project has accomplished most of what the City of Odebolt wanted to do.  The project was financed by a Community Development Block Grant and a State of Iowa Revolving Grant.
     The American Council of Engineering Companies of Iowa is a statewide association of engineering firms.
(See Odebolt Water System Improvements Project)

OA Prom set for April 26 - "A Moment Like This" is the theme for the O-A junior/senior prom with a "winter wonderland" look using colors of white and blue.  Real pine trees are being donated by Evergreen Acres of Denison.  An Open House will be held from 4:30 to 6:00 for the public to come and view the decorations that the junior class has worked so hard on.  The grand march entrance will begin at 6 p.m. with valet parking being conducted by junior fathers.  The banquet will begin at 6:30 with a menu of honey-mustard chicken breast, grilled rib eye steak, twice baked potatoes, cheesy spring vegetables, lettuce salad and ice cream sundaes.  The meal will be served by members of the sophomore class.  Dinner music will be provided on the school's baby grand piano by Laurie Currie, Kay Bloyer, Barb Votrobeck and Roby Larsen.  Knopp Photography will be taking pictures before and after the banquet and the dance begins at 8 p.m. with music by the Musical Knights.  The dance ends at 11:30 p.m. with after-prom activities beginning at 12:00 a.m.

ADDTIONAL NEWS

(Posted April 22) - Earl Hardisty was elected by the Sac County Republicans last evening to be its nominee in  a special election to be held for Sac County Attorney.  The Sac County Board of Supervisors had previously appointed Hardisty as Sac County Attorney on March 15, 2003.  Hardisty has been County attorney in Adams County in the past.

Police Dept Recognized -  The Odebolt Police Dept. has been recognized by the Iowa Department of Public Safety's-Governor's Traffice Safety Bureau and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for participation in Iowa highway traffic safety initiatives during 2002.
     Over 225 partners including law enforcement agencies, as well as traffic safety advocates recieved recognition in ceromonies across the state. These partnerships helped to significantly reduce injuries & fatalities during 2002. The fatality rate on Iowa's roadways remained the lowest it has been since World War II, at the same time our seat belt usage statewide reached an all time high of 82%.
     The Odebolt Police Dept. would like to take this opportunity to extend a commendation to the citizens in our community for their participation in our efforts to make Iowa a safer place to live.
     Thank you.
Odebolt Police Chief Bruce Henderson

Selected news briefs edited from


Odebolt ~ Early ~ Wall Lake
Official Sac County Newspaper, Established 1877
Jerry & Becky Wiseman, Publishers
The Chronicle, Volume 112, Number 15
 April 10, 2003

The Mayor Sez...
Bonnie Girvan Ekse and I were discussing the school issue the other day and she brought up some interesting things to consider. These were: where do high school kids spend their money before, during and after school; where do they buy gas; will it be more convenient to have their cars serviced locally or where they go to school; will they have their school physicals, dental appointments, piano lessons, and etc. where they go to school; will they enter into church activities where their high school is; will they volunteer for community service in Odebolt or where they might go to high school; which town will they choose for after school jobs? These are all good questions. The business community needs to speak up before it is too late, or everybody will be driving to another town every day for school, high school sports, concerts, proms, plays, and commencement. 
- R.J. Rex, Mayor of Odebolt

Easter Egg Hunt Planned April 19 at ONRC  - The Odebolt Masonic Lodge and Rainbow Assembly will sponsor an Easter Egg Hunt for local children on Saturday, April 19 at 9:30 a.m. at the Odebolt Nursing and Rehab Center.  Assemble in the parking lot by age groups.  Signs will be posted.  The hunt is for children up to ten years old.  Children must have their own baskets.  This year the cash prizes will be in the egg.  Treats will be served by ONRC following the hunt.  

Odebolt Library has DVDs and Videos that may be checked out for two days and returned by 5 p.m. the day they are due.

Ribbon Cutting at Unknown Treasures  - On a cold Friday, April 4th, 2003, the Chamber of Commerce and a handful of others gathered at 210 Main Street for a ribbon cutting at Unknown Treasures.  The owner, Cindy Volkmann of Odebolt, opened the store in August 2002.  She then expanded into the south portion of the building (formerly The Upper Cut) in mid-November.  Items found at the store include knick-knacks, used & refinished furniture, consignments and new crafts.  Unknown Treasures will be open during the morning hours of Monday, and Wednesday through Saturday.

Couple Sentenced for Kiron Bank Robbery - Eric Alan Struve, 26, of Kiron was sentenced Monday in Crawford County District Court to 15 years in prison for his role in the Jan. 9 robbery of United Bank of Iowa in Kiron. He was sentenced to 10 years for second-degree robbery, five years for second-degree theft and five years for going armed with intent.  Crawford County Senior Judge Richard Vipond ordered the theft and robbery terms to run consecutively and the term for going armed with intent to run concurrently.
     Struve's wife, Yesenia Struve, 27, was sentenced in early March to two years in prison for obstruction of prosecution and two years for third-degree theft.  The couple pled guilty to taking $23,000 from the bank at gun point.  They fled the bank in a teller's car, according to a police report.

"Spirit of America" Supper & Style Show sponsored by the P.E.O. Chapter DS of Odebolt, was held Thursday, April 3, 2003.  A delicious chicken and rice meal was catered by the Lidderdale County Store.  Following the meal, the style show began.  A number of businesses from Denison including Fashions Exclusive, Saturday Nite Gals, Saturday Nite Guys and Joleen's Boutique provided clothing and accessories for the "models" to wear as well as from the following Carroll businesses:  Two Friends, Jachelle's, The Buckle, Maurice's, Uptown Sporting Goods, Mimi's, Schweser's, JC Penney's, Classic Apparel and Bridal Country.  Weekenders USA, an in-home fashion line, also had several outfits displayed at the show.
     Approximately fifty models volunteered their evening in showing off over 120 outfits of formal and informal spring, summer and wedding attire for the 2003 year.  Many door prizes were given throughout the evening.  all profits from this event will be given as scholarships to local high school seniors.  The evening ended with everybody standing and singing one verse of "God Bless America."

Death:
Tobianne Chaffee Hall Bowers, 67, died Tuesday morning, March 18 at Tulsa, Oklahoma where she had been living with her daughter, DeAnn.  Born August 26, 1935 at Odebolt, the daughter of Judson and Dorothy Briggle Chaffee; attended Odebolt Schools until moving to St. Louis, Mo. where she graduated from high school; married to Percy Hall and later divorced; married "Buddy" Bowers in Kansas.  Survived by four children, Jesse, Delbert, Larry & DeAnn, and a brother William Chaffee.  No services were held.  Her ashes were placed near her husband in Oklahoma.

Currie makes All-State Team - Senior Mark Currie who set a new school scoring mark in leading the Trojan cagers in an undefeated regular season, was named to the Iowa Newspaper's Association All-State Team as a Second Team selection for Class 1A.  Currie established new Trojan career records for points scored (1179), assists (386), and steals (77), as well as breaking the record for steals in a season, with 77.  Currie also finished second all-time in career free throws and three-pointers, assists in a season, and free throw percentage in a game.

O-A Students to the Capitol - 8th grade students from O-A visited the Capitol in Des Moines on Thursday, April 3, 2003, making it their classroom for the day.  The annual visit enables them to learn more about the legislative process and allows them to meet with legislators.  The students were hosted in the Iowa House by Rep. Mary Lou Freeman and Rep. Clarence Hoffman.  The students were under the direction of Joyce Falck, Bill Stehr and Steve Walsh.

Booster Club - The O-A Athletic Booster Club would like to thank the students, teachers, coaches and parents who worked so diligently to mass produce 5,000 hoagies in 1 hour and 15 minutes - that's 1.1 Hoagies per second!  It is quite an operation to watch!  A special thanks to those who had to get everything and everyone organized so that the assembly ran smoothly and efficiently.  The sandwiches are delicious and our mission was accomplished.

Immediate Part-time Job Opening - The Chronicle is looking for someone who will contact clients/potential clients for advertising & promotions, attend/report on the O-A School Board and Odebolt City Council meetings, and take community and school pictures for O-A as requested.  Contact The Chronicle at 712-668-2253.

ADDITIONAL NEWS

BLIZZARD IN APRIL! 
Up to 10 inches fell Monday, April 7

click for enlargement

Snow piled around Monument Circle on April 7 in Odebolt. 
Below - Snow curls over the eaves on United Bank of Iowa, on Main Street
Photos by Chas. Hanson

We welcome "Unknown Treasures"  and Hemer's Plumbing and Heating
   to our odebolt.net Business Directory

Selected news briefs edited from


Odebolt ~ Early ~ Wall Lake
Official Sac County Newspaper, Established 1877
Jerry & Becky Wiseman, Publishers
The Chronicle, Volume 112, Number 14
 April 3, 2003

The Mayor Sez...
     I know most of you share with me our hope for the war in Iraq to end soon.  There is no doubt as to the outcome and hopefully with it, the Middle East will be a safer place for all concerned.  I urge all of you to support the President and the men and women serving in the armed forces.  If there is someone you know in active duty, send them a note as it will mean a great deal to them to hear from home.
 - R.J. Rex, Mayor

The Odebolt Museum held their monthly meeting March 26, 2003 with Carol Auen, Verna Mae Schwaller, Thelma Schroeder, Renae Babcock and Eleanor Peterson present.   An Odebolt Museum representative will inquire regarding necessary repairs to the building, especially the leaking roof and windows.  All issues of The Chronicle from 2002 will be bound and placed in the museum.  This year's ornament will feature the Princess Theater.  Because one year's ornament has been sold out, discussion was held as to whether more ornaments of previous years should be ordered.  Carol will check if there is any way that an order could be placed for less than the usual minimum of 100.  The Sac County Historical Society will meet April 8, 2003 at 7:30 p.m. in the Odebolt Museum.
- Eleanor Peterson, Secretary

Lucille Lange experiences Pony Express in Arizona - On January 21, 2003, Lucille Lange, of Odebolt, flew to Fountain Hills, Arizona with her daughter Marilyn and husband Gary Scott of Omaha.  Because of Lucille's relation to the Pony Express and Stage Coach Inn in Ida Grove, she had the opportunity to visit with the Hashknife Pony Express in Arizona.  The "posse" was saddling up for their 45th anniversary in which the Pony Express is reenacted.
     From 1980 through the early 90's Lucille and other country school teachers took area 4th graders to the Stage Coach Inn to see where the Pony Express would come in when bringing mail from Sioux City.  Ida Grove was the exchange point for mail going to and coming from eastern Iowa.  Often times the ponies would also be exchanged and the travelers would spend the night at the Stage Coach Inn.
  Lucille received a commemorative scarf from the Hashknife Pony Express.  They were very interested to hear of her involvement in education about the Pony Express.

Odebolt Nursing and Rehab Center (ONRC) held its regular meeting on March 20th.  It was voted to remove the organ from the activity room and to advertise it in the paper.  A pancake supper will be held on May 2 with Administrator John Schuttinga in charge of the grill.   Janice Richardson donated a white afghan for the Bazaar.  A motion was made and seconded to wait on helping with the purchase of a computer until the treasury has increased.

St. Martin's Luncheon and Card Party was held on Tuesday, March 25, 2003 at St. Martins Catholic Church in Odebolt.  On this beautiful day, over 150 people were served.  Door prize winners were Joyce Currie and Bernice Schroeder.  Card winners were Shirley Scanlan (Odebolt), Joan Bloyer (Arthur), Joy Webster (Early), Rita Dirksen (Danbury), Charlene Pine (Danbury), and Phrona Johnson (Odebolt).

Deaths:
Robert Schwaller, age 71, of Odebolt, Iowa, died Thursday , March 20, 2003, at Horn Memorial Hospital in Ida Grove, Iowa.  Services were held March 22 at St. Martin's Catholic Church with burial following in St. Martin's Catholic Cemetery, Odebolt.  Born December 3, 1930 in Sac County, the son of Henry and Frances (Stelflug) Schwaller; graduated from Odebolt High School in 1948; married to Nacy Lamaack on Sept. 14, 1957 in Odebolt.  farmed northwest of Odebolt until 1986. Nacy passed away on June 21, 1981.  Married Rita (Wilcox) Sorensen Aug 24, 1984 in Odebolt.  Rita died Sept 2, 1999.  Life-long member of St. Martin's Catholic Church in Odebolt.  Survivors include six children, Doug, Theresa, Elizabeth, Daniel, John, and Marilyn; five step-children, 16 grandchildren, 12 step-grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and 1 step-great-grandchild; a brother and two sisters.  Preceded in death by his parents and a son, Keith Schwaller.

School News

O-A Dance Express Spring Show  will be held on Saturday night, April 5th at the O-A High School.  Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show will begin at 7 p.m.  The theme for the show is "Thunderstruck" and will once again include several crowd favorite routines, including a light routine and mom's routine.  Dance teams from local schools will perform at the show as will solo performers and a farewell dance for the seniors.  Children, who participate in a Kids' Dance Camp Saturday morning, will also perform later in the evening.  The cost is $3.00 for adults and $2.00 for students. 

Box Tops for Education - Odebolt-Arthur Community School will soon be receiving a check for box tops sent in during the first half of the school year totaling $506.52.  Almost $80.00 of that amount was through the Box Tops for Education Visa Car.  To apply, call 1-800-227-9605.  
     Remember that you can shop online at Box Tops for Education Marketplace with stores like BarnesandNoble.com, EddieBauer.com and PETsMart.com.  Up to 20% of your qualifying purchases will be donated to the school of your choice.  Click this link to participate
http://www.boxtops4education.com/

After Prom Donations - April 26 - Prom Night will soon be here.  The junior class and their parents are busy planning  a fun and safe After Prom event.  Students and their dates will be bussed to the Skate Palace in Ida Grove for a performance by a hypnotist at 1 a.m..  Following his show, students may choose skating or other activities.  Before the "morning" ends, students will come back to school fro the drawing of prizes.  If anyone would like to help, either with a gift or donation, your contribution could be brought to the school or mailed to OA After Prom 2003, 600 S. Maple, Odebolt, IA 51458.

Prom Draws Near - The junior class of O-A has been working hard on Sundays to prepare for Prom 2003.  It will be held on April 26 with an open house from 4:30 to 5:45 p.m.  There will be valet parking at the canopy doors as students arrive.  The song "A Moment Like This" will be used with decorations in winter wonderland colors of silver, blue and white.  The band Musical Knights of Wall Lake will perform for the dance.

Solo and Small Ensemble Contest Results - Nineteen high school musicians participated in the State Solo and Small Ensemble Contest on Saturday March 29 in Albert City.  They earned on "III" rating, three "II" ratings and twenty-six "I" ratings.  They were accompanied on piano by Kay Bloyer, Roby Larson and Barb Votrobeck.
     The judge in each contest center may choose ONE outstanding performer in each of their centers.  Of the six centers at the contest site, two judges chose outstanding performers form the O-A School.  They were Janice Larson and Kevin Bloyer for their vocal duet, and Katie Bell for her French Horn solo.  O-A is very proud of all their musicians.

Pre-School Round-Up will be held Thursday, April 10th at 7 p.m.  Only pre-school parents need to attend.  Please bring immunization records, birth certificate and any special needs evidence.  Call the elementary office at 668-2767 if you have questions.
Guidelines:  
Kindergarten:  Children who are 5 or older on or before September 15 of the year they will enter school; 
Alternative Kindergarten:  for children whose parents choose not to have them attend full day classes.  There is no tuition pay, but a snack and milk bill will be assessed.
Preschool:  This program is for children who are four.  There is a tuition charge of $1 per hour.  It runs five days a week, mornings only.  Snack and milk is at extra cost.  
     It is the school's hope that there will be tuition help for those who qualify.  The bus will pick up route students in the morning, but you will need to pick them up at 11:30 each day.  Students will have the opportunity for visits later this spring.

Additional News

News from the Odebolt-Arthur music department - Last Saturday, many of our students participated in the state solo and small ensemble contest held in Albert City. The choral department received 15-"I" ratings out of 16 entries! Overall our students came home with 26 -"I's", 3 - "II's" and 1 - "III". 2 entries also received outstanding performance awards for their performance centers. (Judge's may only issue one of these for their center for the entire day.)
     Eleven vocal students were selected to perform the national anthem at the State Athletic Directors meeting held in Des Moines on Tuesday, April 1st.
Upcoming news  - Butter braids will be delivered to the music students on Thursday, April 10th, so customers should look for their delivery soon after!
     Ten 5th and 6th grade vocal students will be performing in the NW Iowa Honor Choir in Cherokee on Monday April 14th. The day will consist of pretty intense rehearsals all afternoon and a concert in the evening.
     The 3-5th grades will be presenting their spring concert on Tuesday, April 15th beginning at 7:00 p.m. The 5th graders will be honored by their teachers and parents at a banquet prior to the evening's concert.
     The annual high school Fine Arts concert will be presented on May 1st at 7:30 p.m. The students will also be competing in the State Large Group contest at Buena Vista University on Sat. May 10th.
     The HS music banquet is Thursday May 15th. Anyone with ideas for entertainment for the evening should contact the music department a.s.a.p.
     On May 21st, 50 high school musicians and 23 adults will depart for their adventure in Washington D.C. We will return on Tuesday, May 27th.

VETS STEAK FRY -On April 5th the fundraising for the Odebolt Area Veterans Memorial came to an official end. It was finished off with a Steak Fry at the Community Center. There were 200 rib-eye steaks grilled in the alley behind the building by several members of the Fire Dept. The Legion is truly grateful to them for doing this task.  It's wonderful that we can have such good cooperation between organizations in our community.  Inside the Ladies Auxiliary had prepared seasoned baked beans, baked potatoes and lettuce salad. Everyone enjoyed the truly great meal and conversation.
    The Legion & Auxiliary would like to thank all those who committed both time and money to make this project a success both within the area and also to those living far away who still have a special connection to Odebolt.
 - Bob Harden

Chamber of Commerce briefs: there was  a ribbon cutting ceremony, Friday April 4 for "Unknown Treasures", the new second-hand shop on Main St.  Also check out "Total Entertainment",  a new video rental business that has opened on the corner of 2nd and Maple 

The April 4th  PEO SPIRIT OF AMERICA STYLE SHOW played to a packed house. It was a huge success and for a very worthwhile cause (money for scholarships). A delicious, catered dinner was served by the PEO spouses and sons. MC's Al and Kathy Wilke did an excellent job of narrating each model as they walked thru their routine. The models were all PEO members or family members. The only male member in the audience was George Dresselhuis, and some felt that he deserves a medal for gallantry above and beyond the call of duty. - RJ  Rex

  Two Awards for Odebolt!  Odebolt has qualified and has been selected for the third year in a row to receive the "Tree City USA" award.
     In addition, the Community Betterment Competition sponsored by the Iowa Dept. of Economic Development has notified the City of Odebolt that they have won an award for their entry.  The presentation will be at a recognition banquet later this month.  More information to follow.  Elaine Rex served as coordinator for both of the above programs.

CLASS OF 1973 will hold its reunion August 9th at Prairie Pedlar.  More information to follow.