Selected news briefs edited from


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

The below contains news items of interest  to Odebolt residents. The Chronicle also contains news from Wall Lake,
Early, Nemaha, Schaller and Sac County.  Individual issues are on sale at The Chronicle office or by subscription. 

 The Chronicle, Volume 113, Number 18,
April 29, 2004

The Mayor Sez…
 I saw an interesting article about how to be a boom Town U.S.A.

1. Adopt a can do attitude.
2. Have a vision for the future.
3. Leverage a city's resources.
4. An advantage  of a small town is that it only takes a handful of people to really make a difference in a community .
5. Encourage entrepreneurs and business start-ups.
6. Maintain control of economic efforts.
7. Build a marketing brand for a community.
7 ½ .  Balancing community leadership in favor of positive thinking.
8.  Having visionary people that will take your community forward and not let the curmudgeons in your community keep you down (following the curmudgeons is pure economic disaster).
     The swimming pool will be open before you know it.  Don t forget to save ten bucks and get yourself a season ticket for the swimming pool.  The price is $50 now and $60 after the 1^st of June.
From the Bolt!
R. J. Rex, Mayor of Odebolt

Odebolt Youth Fellowship (OYF) took part in the World Vision 30-Hour Famine in March 2004.  During their fast, they donated time cleaning at the Ronald McDonald House and working in the stores at the Gospel Mission in Sioux City. They raised $500 for World Vision by holding bake sales, selling greeting cards, and canvassing Odebolt for donations. They held a skit during church worship followed by a coffee and free will donation.
     Throughout the year, the group also raised money by hosting a Potato Bake and selling poinsettias at Christmas.  The group has supported the following with a monetary contribution or gift:  the mitten tree, Sac County Food Pantry, supported our area servicemen with phone cards and letters, and the Appalachian Service Project. 

O-A Middle School Bands Meet Goals - After receiving a "II" rating at large group contest last year, the O-AMS (7/8) Band made it a goal to improve their rating this year. They have been striving toward that goal every rehearsal and reached it on Saturday, April 24.
     The band performed "Jefferson County Overture", Japanese Festivals" and "Intrada and Dance" before three judges at the middle school in Anthon. They received a "I" and two "I-'s", averaging to a "I-". All were very pleased and we congratulate them.
     The Sixth Grade Band also performed at the large group contest to see what they could do. They played "Theme from The Surprise Symphony", "Kachina", and "Dance of the Droggs" and received a "I+" and two "I's" for their efforts, averaging to a "I". Way to go!
     We are very proud of these bands and you can hear them in concert at the middle school in Arthur on May 11 at 7:30.

Odebolt United Methodist Church 2004 Graduating Seniors will be honored on Sunday, May 2 at the 10:00 a.m. worship service followed by a reception.

The Mayor Sez…
Here is update on the city lagoon situation.  The city, in conjunction with Kuehl & Payer Engineering firm, is asking for a compliance agreement that will extend our certification to be within present acceptable parameters.  We’ll just have to wait and see.
            Attention dog owners—the city is receiving complaints on dogs (running loose) scaring our citizens and also barking at night (disturbing the peace).  A citation may be forthcoming if the perp (dog) belongs to you.
            The Odebolt Memorial Walk Park Board would like to thank everyone that “walks the walk” and keeps an eye on things.  You play an important part in keeping our park neat and presentable.
From the Bolt!
R. J. Rex, Mayor of Odebolt

Arbor Day Poster Contest - The Odebolt Arthur fifth grade participated in the annual Arbor Day Poster Contest promoted by Trees Are For Kids under the auspices of Tree City, U.S.A. The theme for this year's contest was “Trees are Terrific in Cities and Towns”.
     The winners were Dani Cranston, 1st place; Taylor Rucker, 2nd place, and Nicole Gritten, 3rd place.
     A special thank you to Kurt Hofmeister, instructor.  Jane Bair, Verna Mae Schwaller, Thelma Schroeder, Arlene Sundell, and Elaine Rex, members of Tuesday Club, were on the committee. 
     Each student was presented a monetary award, a mug from Tree City U.S.A., and several booklets, pencils, rulers, and etc. Dani Cranston’s winning poster was displayed at the Annual Tree City Banquet and Awards Dinner in Des Moines on April 1st.
     These posters will be on display at the Odebolt Public Library around Arbor Day, April 30th.

John Scott Appointed to Serve on Promotion Board - At its March meeting the Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) welcomed Odebolt farmer John Scott as a director serving Crop Reporting District 4.  Scott was appointed by the board to fulfill the term of a grower recently retired from the ICPB. 
   Prior to becoming a director, Scott participated in an ICPB leadership development program and has volunteered as a member of the board's Corn Information Committee.  His appointment on the board will end Aug. 31.  He has chosen to become a candidate for election to a full three-year term on the ICPB in the coming director elections on July 6.
   The Iowa Corn Promotion Board was established in 1977 to oversee the investment of funds generated through Iowa's corn check-off program.  The ICPB invests in programs to improve the corn industry by researching new uses, defending and developing markets for corn, and educating consumers on the importance of agriculture to Iowa's economy.  The board's 17 producer directors serve three-year terms, overseeing an annual budget of approximately $6 million.

Tree City USA Recipient - The National Arbor Day Foundation and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources-Forestry Bureau are proud to announce that the City of Odebolt has received the 2003-2004 Tree City USA Award.
     The awards were presented to each city by State Forester Mike Brandup at the 14th Annual Community Forestry Awards Luncheon, held at the Airport Holiday Inn in Des Moines on April 1, 2004.
     Brandup commented, "The Tree City USA award is a symbol for communities who have made a commitment to the management of public trees."  The City of Odebolt has provided an outstanding example for other Iowa communities, by bolstering our forest resources and demonstrating the great value of trees in providing multiple benefits for future generations.
     The City of Odebolt was one of 129 Iowa communities to qualify for Tree City USA status.  To receive the award a city must meet four minimum requirements:  (1) The city must possess either a city forester or an active city tree board, (2) The city must have a tree ordinance, (3) The city must annually spend at least $2 per capita for its community forestry program, and (4) The Mayor must issue a proclamation naming a day as "Arbor Day."
     Elaine Rex and Council member Mary Jeanne Thompson, both members of the  Odebolt Tree Committee, traveled to Des Moines on April 1st to receive the "Tree City USA" award for Odebolt for the fourth year in a row.

Odebolt-Arthur students honored  - Five Odebolt-Arthur students were honored at the Scholars and Leaders Ceremony for outstanding student achievement at Iowa State University on March 28, 2004.  The High Scholarship Award recognizes the upper two percent of students in their respective college of the university.  Those honored were:  Alison Neumann, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; Seth Schroeder, College of Agriculture; Andrew Schroeder, College of Business; Jamie Youngquist, College of Education; and Kara Gunderson, College of Business.
     Kara Gunderson was also recipient of the David W. and Ellen J. Raisbeck Leadership Award.  This $1,000 award recognizes a Junior student who is a leader in the Greek Community.

OBITUARY:  GERALD E. CARRIER, age 88, of Odebolt, Iowa, died Monday, April 12, 2004, at Horn Memorial Hospital in Ida Grove, Iowa.
     Funeral services were held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 17, 2004, at the First Presbyterian Church in Odebolt, Iowa, under the direction of Christensen-Huffman Funeral Homes. The Reverend Charles Bulger officiated the service, with burial  following in the Odebolt Cemetery. Military graveside honors were conducted by Roose Post No. 313 of the American Legion.
     Born January 22, 1916, near Woodbine, Iowa, Gerald was the son of Fred and Carrie (Yeager) Carrier. He received his education in the Woodbine School and then worked as a mechanic for Harrison Automotive and as a hired hand for local farmers.
     He was united in marriage to Wanda Schneider on January 4, 1940, at Woodbine. The couple made their home in Spirit l Lake for a period of two years, during which Jerry was engaged in agricultural work. Later, they moved to Council Bluffs where Jerry was employed by Cudahay Packing Company.
     Duty called him to military service in World War II on January 22, 1943 (his birthday). He received his military training in Fort Hood, Texas, Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Wanda accompanied Jerry to all these bases. In November 1944, Jerry boarded a troop transport for participation in the Italian campaign. While his military occupation was listed as "motorcyclist," he was witness to much of the brutal combat which characterized that terrible conflict. He was in Italy when Wanda gave birth to their first child, Dennis. After the war, Jerry received an honorable discharge on November 18, 1945.
     While visiting relatives in Odebolt in early 1946, Jerry learned of an opportunity about which he had long dreamed. Within a year he and his family moved--to begin an enduring business relationship in this community, Carrier Auto Service. Shortly after establishing their new location, Wanda and Jerry became the parents of their second son, Ron. For thirty-seven years, Jerry served the area as an honest, reliable, and extremely capable mechanic. He also served as the mechanic for the school buses of the Odebolt-Arthur School District from 1951 to 1983. In later years, he sold his auto business and became semi-retired. Subsequently, he opened a new enterprise at his home--Carrier Outdoor Power Equipment.
     Jerry was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Odebolt, Roose Post No. 313 of the American Legion in Odebolt, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He enjoyed solving crossword puzzles, and recording and watching wholesome television programs from years past. A great deal of his special affection was lavished on his pets, both cats and dogs. He was a loving father, justifiably proud of his sons and a loving husband for sixty-four years.
     His survivors, who will cherish many precious memories, are his wife, Wanda; a son, Dennis and daughter-in-law Jane of Greenville, Texas; four grandchildren;  five great-grandchildren; and one brother, Charles Carrier of Idaho. He will also be mourned by a special group of nieces and nephews, as well as other relatives and friends.
     Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Ron; two brothers, Fred and Gene; and a sister, Marie

OBITUARY:  RUSSELL PETERS, age 84, of Odebolt, Iowa, died Friday, April 16, 2004 at the Odebolt Nursing & Rehab Center in Odebolt.  Funeral services were held 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 20, 2004 at the United Methodist Church in Odebolt, under the direction of Christensen-Huffman Funeral Homes.  The Rev. All Milligan officiated the service, with burial following in the Odebolt Cemetery.  Military honors were conducted by Roose Post No. 313 of the American Legion.
     Born September 14, 1919 near Clear Lake, South Dakota, Russell Ray Peters was the son of Benjamin and Edna (Osborne) Peters.  He moved to Iowa with his family as a young child where he grew up and received his education.
     Russell worked for area farmers and on November 15, 1941 was united in marriage to Helen Elizabeth Peters in Omaha, NE.  The couple made their home on a farm east of Odebolt for several years.  Russell enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II where he served with the SeaBees in the South Pacific. Following his tour of duty, he moved his family into Odebolt and began a career in carpentry.  He took great pride and satisfaction in his work and in later years enjoyed working for Structural Designs in Holstein and then at Odebolt Lumbar Company, from which he retired in 1984.
     Russell was a member of the United Methodist Church in Odebolt for nearly 60 years and was a 58 year member of the American Legion.  He also served on the Odebolt City Council.
     Survivors include a son and his wife, Roger and Norda Peters of Four Seasons, MO.
     He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Helen in 2002; a daughter Linda Peter; two brothers, Clifford and LaRoy; and a sister, Eva.

OTHER NEWS

CONGRATULATIONS and best wishes to Ambrose & Alice Snyder who celebrated their 68th Wedding Anniversary on April 23!

Antique Tractors Plow at Ekstrom Farm - In spite of high winds, about 38 antique tractors plowed a field during "Plow Day" at Kenny Ekstrom's farm south of Odebolt Saturday, April 24th. The Western Iowa Antique Tractor and Gas Engine Club sponsored the event in which 90 plow bottoms were used to till 55 acres of corn stalk. The non-competitive event gives owners of antique and restored tractors a chance have some fun putting them to work.
     Mike Peterson, a pilot for United Airlines who grew up in Odebolt & is now from San Francisco, plowed with his grandfather's 1955 Ferguson TO-35 tractor.  Ekstrom owns a two-cylinder John Deere and has been interested in tractors since he was a child. The club, which meets monthly, is open to all makes and models of tractors and presently has about 60 members from western Iowa.  (The above is a brief summary of an article which appeared in the Sioux City Journal April 21.)

New at Odebolt Memorial Walk Park - Four new benches were placed on the walk Wednesday;  two for the Petersmeyer family, one for Clara Thies, and one available for purchase. There is also a new tree plaque for Emer Gustafson, who lived in a small house along the creek.  - Elaine Rex

APRIL SETD NEWSLETTER - Read it!  It has some good advice for small towns.

Bed & Breakfast coming soon to Odebolt - "Hattie Grace Boarding House", a 4-bedroom bed and breakfast, will be opening soon at 317 West 4th Street in Odebolt.  Sherry Gritten, owner, says she is shooting for a pre-June opening.  Watch for more news soon!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

OAHS FINE ARTS CONCERT & ART SHOW - 7:30 P.M.
Come for an evening of superb entertainment.  The annual O-A Fine Arts Concert and Art Show will be presented Thursday, April 29, at 7:30 p.m. in the Bart Ogden Gymnasium. Following is the program.
Men's Quartet - "Let All Men Sing"
Katie Bell - French Horn Solo-"Allegro" from Concerto, Opus 40
Mixed Quartet - "Today"
Concert Band
   "Steel King"
   "Carnival of Venice" featuring Janice Larson on flute
   "Yorkshire Ballad"
   "Overture for Winds"
Triple Trio - "Johnny Has Gone For a Soldier"
Mixed Double Quartet - "Praise the Lord"
Vocal Solo - Janice Larson - "I Love All Graceful Things"
Chamber Choir
   "Deep River"
   "Swing Down Chariot"
Mixed Sextet - "Turtle Dove"
Flute Trio - "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring"
"Rondeau" from Symphones Pour Le Roi"
Tuba Solo - David Currie - "Barbarossa"
Clarinet Solo - Elizabeth Bloyer - "Concertino"
Concert Choir
   "Festival Sanctus"
   "Banks of Doon"
   "Wade In the Water"

The Mayor Sez…
The Odebolt Memorial Walk Park lights will be on until midnight and will remain on throughout the summer and fall months. Water is available at the RV park; however, hookups are limited. Reservations for Odebolt Creek Days at the RV park are coming in, so, if you know someone coming that would like RV space, tell them to contact City Hall. We still have spaces available.
     We congratulate the Presbyterians on their 125th birthday celebration. Their special day is Sunday, April 18th. Happy 125th!
From the Bolt!
R. J. Rex, Mayor of Odebolt

April 8 Chamber of Commerce Minutes are on-line
 - Washer tournament for Creek Days
 - Flags downtown
 - A mural for downtown
 - May flowers and more

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Presbyterian Church celebrates 125th Anniversary

     First Presbyterian Church in Odebolt will observe its 125th anniversary with special services April 18, 2004.
     The Rev. Jim Sanders, Executive Presbyter of Prospect Hill Presbytery will be the guest speaker at the 10 a.m. worship service.
     At 2 p.m. the public is invited to attend an anniversary program in the church sanctuary. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall.
     Individuals will be able to tour the church and purchase historical memorabilia.

HISTORY - The Church's history dates back to 1877. Read the history of the church at the Odebolt History Pages. 

In 1963 the church purchased the Einspahr property to the north. For a while, the house was used for Sunday school classes. Later it was dismantled and the lot was used for parking.
     On Oct. 8, 2000, a ground-breaking ceremony was held for a new addition. The northeast corner of the building was demolished and construction began the following week.
     The exterior was finished to match the 80-year old church by using old brick, which had been salvaged and cleaned for reuse. Matching roof tile was available and was used to match the existing roof. By June 2001 the interior was completed and by fall the entire project was finished.
     The addition features an easy-to-use elevator, accessible restrooms, an office and a new meeting room. For easy access, a gentle sloping ramp leads from the east entrance down to the lower level into the fellowship hall, which has been partially decorated too.
     Other work done includes repairs to the south steps, a new roof on the north wing, new sidewalks and a new driveway.
Dedication of the new addition was Nov. 11, 2001. The cost of the new addition was approximately $355,000.
     The church's current membership is 150. The Rev. Charles Bulger serves the congregation.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Candidates file for Primary Elections - Sheriff Ken McClure will be challenged for the Republican nomination for Sheriff at the June 8 primary.
     Ted Helmich filed to be on the Republican ballot along with McClure, seeking that party's nomination for Sheriff.
     Jack Bensely is unopposed in the Republican primary for County Supervisor District 1.  James Dowling is unopposed as the Republican candidate for Sac County Auditor.  No Democrats filed for either office.
     Steve Kettering (Senate District 26), Mary Lou Freeman (State Representative District 52) and Rod Roberts (State Representative District 51) are unopposed seeking Republican nominations.  No Democrats filed to be on the ballot for any of those seats.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Scanlan Sentenced for drive-by-shooting - Patrick Scanlan, 64, of Kiron was sentenced in Sac County District Court March 15, according to information obtained from Iowa Courts On-line, to two years probation, payment of fees, fines and court costs, as well as restitution to Nolan Schnuckel.  Scanlan is also subject to a one-year mutual restraining order and substance abuse counseling.  Scanlan was arrested December 22, 2003 for firing a shotgun into Nolan Schnuckel's residence.

O-A Junior/Senior Prom This Weekend - The Prom will be held on Saturday, April 24.  The Junior class has chosen "Here's to the Night" as their theme.  This year, the grand march, dinner and dance will be held at the Odebolt Community Center. 
     An open house in which the public is invited to attend will be held from 4:00 to 5:45 p.m.  The grand march will begin at 6 p.m. with the dinner to follow at 6:30.  The Lidderdale Country Store will be catering the meal.  The dance will follow from 8 to 11:30.  The D.J. will be Lance Garlock of Storm Lake.
     The sophomore servers include Leah Carlson, Abby Buehler, Shelby Veit, Kim Neuman, Kara Schroeder, Kevin Down, Colton Carstensen, Peter Larson, Corey Duff and Derek Pudenz.
     The After Prom begins at midnight with the juniors, seniors and their dates going to Denison for movies and bowling.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

IT'S A PLANT FAIR at the PRAIRIE PEDLAR!

We will be hosting a new and exciting event on Saturday, April 24th - 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Many area greenhouses and nurseries will bring their plants and gather together in one location for your shopping convenience. There will be plants, plants, and more plants!  Each vendor will provide a short program highlighting one of their specialty crops.  Speakers will begin at 11:00 and continue throughout the afternoon in the following order:  Mark your calendars and plan to attend the Plant Fair....bring a friend!  Warning! Clean out your vehicle's trunk before you come because you'll want to make room for a carload of new garden selections for your back yard!

Speakers beginning at 11:00 & throughout the day

 - Country Gardens at Early, IA - Steve Struchen discusses Baskets and Containers
 - Lake Tree Farm at Sac City, IA - Tom Lake talks about Trees & Shrubs
 - Rainbow Iris Farm at Bedford, IA - Kelly Norris IS the Iris Specialist
 - Ken Huntley at Westside, IA - Ken shares his knowledge about Hostas
 - Town and Country Market at Slater, IA - Larry Larson sells all kinds of Roses (including Buck)
 - Hershey Family Nursery at Dows, IA - Tony Hershey will discuss Grasses and Prairie Plants
 - Thistle Down Nursery at Lake View, IA - Dave Witte talks about Perennials
 - Marjo Flowers and Garden Center at Sac City, IA - Brian Dreith suggests popular Annuals
 - Prairie Pedlar at Odebolt, IA - Jane discusses Herbs and Jack suggests Shade Plants

A LUNCH WAGON will be available on the grounds, serving chicken salad wrap or ham/cheese sandwich, chips, fruit, homemade bars & cookies, and beverages.    

The Prairie Pedlar is located 6 miles north of Odebolt on M-43, then 3/4 mile west on 270th Street.  For more information, contact Jack and Jane Hogue at 668-4840, or visit their web site.

The Mayor Sez…
An item on the internet caught my eye the other day. It is as follows: the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) has declared that there shall be no more crosses on Federal property.  Doesn’t that make all of us wonder about the crosses at Arlington National Cemetery, Valley Forge, and every other National Cemetery where our beloved veterans lie buried, having given their lives for the very freedom that the ACLU has denounced? Shame! Makes this author wonder who is the ACLU? I say, “Send one of their members to Odebolt. We would like to have a talk with him/her.”
From the Bolt!
R. J. Rex, Mayor of Odebolt

April 5th, 2004 City Council Minutes are now on-line

Presbyterian Church to celebrate 125th Anniversary
     The First Presbyterian Church in Odebolt will observe its 125th anniversary with special services on Sunday, April 18, 2004.
     Plans include a guest speaker at the 10 a.m. worship service, a reservation only congregational dinner, and a 2 p.m. program and reception.

Meet your Sac County Board of Health - In honor of National Public Health Week, we would like you to meet your local Board of Health members. These people are some of the behind-the-scenes community leaders who play a vital role in our county.  In Iowa, local boards of health are the governing boards in their county.  They establish the framework for public health and their responsibilities and duties are established in the Iowa Code Section 137.7.  At the state and local levels, public health promotes and protects the health of all Iowans, and the local public health agency is the front line of this promotion and protection.
     Members of the Sac County Board of Health are:  Deb Gosch, Chairperson, Auburn; Dr. Paul Stebbins, Lake View; Rich Hecht, Sac County Supervisor; Jackie Duffy, Administrator, Sac City; Marshall Fox, Odebolt; and Pat Laursen, Vice Chairperson, Sac City.

Lansink Retires from ONRC - Alitta Lansink of Odebolt retired from Odebolt Nursing and Rehab Center in Odebolt on March 31, 2004.  Alitta had been working as a Certified Nurse Aide at ONRC for 20 years.  She received a crystal bowl from Care Initiatives, the parent company of ONRC, for her many years of service.  Cake and refreshments were enjoyed by residents and staff for Alitta's retirement party.

TAG Carnival 2004 Friday, April 16 -  5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Come to Odebolt-Arthur's Country Western TAG Carnival,  at the school.  This year, the carnival will have a western theme throughout the games and food.  Line Dancing, Barrel Riding, Lasso Karaoke, Quick Draw McGraw, Farm Pond, Fishin' Hole, Thumbkins, Quick Sand, BBQ Stand, Jail, Silly Saddle and Cake Walk. You will not want to miss the boot scootin' good time!

O-A After Prom Give-Away - The O-A After Prom Committee held a Getaway Weekend Raffle to raise funds for this year's Junior-Senior Prom.  The prize was awarded to Wayne Baker of Kiron on March 26th. The getaway includes a Friday night stay at the Embassy Suites in the Old Market of Omaha.

Antique Tractor "Plow Day" - Saturday, April 17, noon to 4 p.m. -  Western Iowa Antique Tractor and Gas Engine Club invites you to attend their Annual Plow Day.  You are welcome to step back in time to watch or participate in a "Plow Day" to be held in a corn stalk field

3 miles south of Odebolt on Hwy. 39
and 1.5 miles east on Sac Co. Road D-59
at the Kenny Ekstrom farm, 1870-360th St.

Please bring your vintage tractor and plow if available, of any make or model, so you may participate in this fun afternoon from 12 noon to 4 p.m.  A tractor and loader will be available to unload plows.

Rain date will be Saturday, April 24th
S & L Lunch wagon on grounds.
 For questions call Kenny Ekstrom at 668-4828.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

DEATH: Willard (Bill) O. Johnson passed away Sunday, April 4.  Funeral services were Wednesday, April 7 at 10:30 a.m., United Methodist Church in Odebolt.

The Mayor Sez…
     If you haven’t seen the mural of the old railroad depot that is painted on the inside of the East wall of the Odebolt Community building, you should stop and take a look. For those of us that remember the depot from years ago it is a trip back thru time. I understand our old schoolhouse is next; hope they get the old log swing in the picture.
     I would like to commend the board and everyone else for the foresight and planning in taking us back thru such splendid views of yesteryear.
From the Bolt!
R. J. Rex, Mayor of Odebolt

National WWII Memorial - I was just reading the Odebolt newsletter and information about the WWII memorial in Odebolt. You may know about this - it is a registry of remembrances for the new National WWII Memorial. Click on the link and it will lead you to a place where you can create an account and then register people to be part of the National Memorial.  (Look for the WWI Registry link).  I know you will share this with the community if it is good.
 - Respectfully, Robert Boerner, Nevada.

To the Odebolt Newsletter List - We have sent out the April "odebolt.net newsletter" Friday morning, April 2nd.  If you are on the list but did not receive the newsletter,  you may need to adjust your email filters to accept mail from

If you wish to subscribe, or unsubscribe from the "list", email the above address.
(Click for a sample of the newsletter.)
Thank you. - webmaster

The Odebolt Community Center is in the process of finishing the floor, installing a dance floor, and building the new permanent reception bar.  We are also designating a handicap parking space in front of the building, next to the alley. Donations are still being accepted as we work to finish the project.  Check the OCC web page for a look at recent additions!
April Schedule of Events:
24th---Odebolt-Arthur Junior/Senior Prom 
 - from Lance Garlock

From the Ida County Courier on-line:
 - Odebolt-Arthur Proposes 3.5 percent increase
 - BCIG, OA Approve Sharing Contracts   

NEW AT ODEBOLT HISTORY PAGES!
A new project is now in process at the Odebolt History Pages.  For a long time we have wanted to place more information on the site about Brookmont Farm (more commonly known in Odebolt as the "Cook Ranch").  A 7-page web-edition copy of a 1909 souvenir booklet on the farm is now on-line, accompanied by many photos scanned from the booklet.  We hope to post more information in the future.  Thanks to Phyllis Keis, Verna Mae Schwaller and Carol Auen for help with this project.  View the pages at BROOKMONT, A Souvenir of "The Finest Farm in the World".  And as always, check for recent additions to the history site on the "What's New" page.