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The Chronicle, Vol. 116, No. 17
April 26, 2007

The Mayor Sez
     The City recently entered into a agreement with the B.V. County Cat Rescue League to remove our downtown feral cat population.  To my knowledge most, if not all, the cats are gone.  The diseased animals were euthanized and the rest were spayed, given shots, and placed in farm homes.    The Rescue League states that they will periodically check back with us.
     R. J. Rex
     Mayor of Odebolt

Arbor Day Proclamation

  Whereas, in 1872, J. Sterling Morton proposed to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture that a special day be set aside for the planting of trees, and
  Whereas, this holiday, called Arbor Day, was first observed with the planting of more than a million trees in Nebraska, and Arbor Day is now observed throughout the nation and the world, and
  Whereas, trees reduce the erosion of our precious topsoil by wind and water, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce oxygen and provide habitat for wildlife, and
  Whereas, trees are a renewable resource giving us paper, wood for our homes, fuel for our fires and countless other wood products, and
  Whereas, trees in our city increase property value, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, and beautify our community and
  Whereas, trees wherever they are planted, are a good source of joy and spiritual renewal, and
  Whereas, the City of Odebolt has been recognized as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation and desires to continue its tree-planting practices

NOW, THEREFORE, I, RONALD J. REX, Mayor of the City of Odebolt, do hereby proclaim April 27th as

Arbor Day

  in the City of Odebolt, and urge all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day and to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands, and
  Further, I urge all citizens to plant trees to gladden the heart and promote the well-being of this and future generations.

Dated this 26th day of April 2007.
Mayor R. J. Rex

OFFICIAL NOTICE
     Property owners are reminded that ALL properties (including vacant lots with empty buildings) are to be kept mowed. Code of Iowa 657.2(12).  If the City finds it necessary to mow, the owner will be billed accordingly. City Codes 56.06 and 56.07.
CITY OF ODEBOLT

NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNERS
     Blowing cut grass into the street is prohibited.
Depositing twigs, branches or other debris onto City
Streets is prohibited. (Littering-section 106.06
of the City Code.)
     This debris causes drain sewers to become plugged and further causes street flooding during heavy rainfall. If citizens do not cooperate, citations may be issued.
CITY OF ODEBOLT

NEW GARBAGE REGULATIONS
EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 2007
     Each household will be allowed two (2) thirty-three (33) gallon trash bags of solid waste per week, not to exceed 66 gallons per week.  Each bag or container must not exceed forty (40) pounds in weight. Any additional waste over the 66 gallons (2-33) must have a city-approved tag/sticker securely affixed to each bag or container. The haulers will not pick up any bag or can exceeding the 2-33 gallon per household limit without the proper tag/sticker.
     The tag/sticker must be obtained from the City Clerk’s office prior to trash collection day and will cost one dollar ($1.00) per tag/sticker in lots of 10 ($10.00).
     The haulers will not pick up any bag or can exceeding the 2-33 gallon per household limit without the proper tag/sticker.
CITY OF ODEBOLT

Legion Auxiliary Chooses Thies for Girls State--Nicole Thies of Arthur has been chosen by the American Legion Auxiliary, Unit #313 of Odebolt, as their representative to attend the annual session of the Iowa American Legion Auxiliary Girls State to be held June 17-22, 2007 on the campus of Iowa State University, Ames. Nicole is a junior at Odebolt-Arthur and is very active in the community and school.

Church to Sponsor Mission Trip--First Presbyterian Church, Odebolt, will be sponsoring a second Mission Trip of the Gulf area this summer from June 25-July 1.  Anyone wanting to do some mission work in the area hit so hard by hurricanes the last couple years is invited to go along.  Call the church (668-4429) and leave a message.  Someone will get back to you.

Ornamenting Your Garden--(photo) Jane Hogue, owner of Prairie Pedlar, rural Odebolt, presented a program and slide show on "Ornamenting Your Garden" at the Wall Lake Public Library on April 16.

Baby Boutique Receives Donations--(photo) St. Martin's Catholic Church gathered donations for the Baby Boutique throughout Lenten Season.  These donations will be enjoyed by Baby Boutique participants like those pictured.  The Baby Boutique welcomes monetary donations and baby items such as diapers, wipes and bottles.

A three-page ad in this week's Chronicle
honors Odebolt and area workers during
Professional Assistants' Week
April 22-28, 2007.

TROJAN TRIUMPH
Read sports and school news in this special section of The Chronicle each week
For updates, click on  www.odebolt-arthur.net
IN THIS ISSUE: 
--Read about Trojan and Trojanette placings at recent track meets.
--Photo of students with their art work being displayed in Art Educators of Iowa Traveling Art Show.
--Photo of students advancing from the local level in the 22nd Annual ISEA Design-A-Decal Competition.
--Four O-A FFA members attend Iowa FFA Leadership Conference.
--Senior Scope of Jace Horsley

OBITUARY
HOWARD EINSPAHR
  Howard W. Einspahr, 72, of Overland Park, KS, passed away April 12, 2007.  Memorial services were held at 1:00 p.m. on April 15 at Faith Lutheran Church, Overland Park, KS.  Burial services were private.
  Howard was born in Odebolt, IA to Eva and Leonard Einspahr.
  He graduated from Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, IA and served in the Army as a Sergeant in Germany from 1955-56.
  On June 7, 1959, he married Rita Marie Beisner.  Howard worked for the Health Care Financing Administration in Sioux City, IA, Salina, KS and Kansas City, MO.
  He retired due to health problems caused by Multiple Sclerosis.
  Survivors include his wife Rita; children Jeffrey (Lori) Einspahr and Jean (Bob) Benson; brothers Duane (Beverly) and Bill (Rose) Einspahr; sister Margaret Farbelow; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law; grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
  He was preceded in death by his parents.
  Memorial contributions may be made to the National Sclerosis Society, 5442 Martway, P.O. Box 2292, Shawnee Mission, KS 66201.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ODEBOLT.NET NEWS
B. Horak & B. Ekse, Webnews Editors
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

O-A CAPTURES THREE OF FOUR OUTSTANDINGS! - Saturday, April 14, 2007, Odebolt-Arthur high school musicians traveled to Sac City with their directors and accompanists to participate in this year’s state solo and small ensemble contest. It was a long day and successful one for our participants. The choir and band each earned seventeen “I” (superior) ratings and thirteen “II” (excellent) ratings. One vocal group ­ the men’s quartet ­ and two instrumentalists ­ clarinet solo and multiple percussion solo - received the OUTSTANDING awards for their centers.
     Congratulations to all the participants on all your hard work!
     A huge THANK YOU to accompanists Roby Larson, Kay Bloyer and Laurie Currie!!
     (Click for a text file of all the participants and outcomes)
 - Submitted by Barb Votrobeck, band director

The Chronicle, Vol. 116, No. 16
April 19, 2007

O-A's New Superintendent--(photo) The Odebolt-Arthur school board named Dani Trimble as their 2007-2008 superintendent on April 10. Trimble came to O-A in the fall of 2004 as the elementary principal. Previously she taught instrumental music at Galva-Holstein and was curriculum director at BC-IG, serving as their interim middle school principal the spring of 2004. She and her family moved to Odebolt the summer of 2005.
     The Board also approved the hiring of Tony Spradlin as 6-12 grades principal for the 2007-2008 school year, pending release from BC-IG. The 2007-2008 budget was approved. The resignation of Sally Becker as part-time English instructor and a contract for Laurie Currie as 5-12 grades instrument instructor were both approved. Read the full report of the school board meeting in this week's Chronicle. - D. Cleveland

Flag Presentation--A photo in The Chronicle shows Bill Dreessen accepting a flag from Richard Tischer at a meeting of Wheeler Lodge on April 12. Tischer, a member of the local lodge, carried the flag with him on a sortie over Iraq when his unit of the Air Force Reserve was activated for service in the summer of 2006.

SWCD Poster Contest Winner--"Soil & Water Conservation" was the theme of the 2007 Poster Contest sponsored by the Sac Soil & Water Conservation District. All the schools in the county entered the contest, with a total of 112 entries this year. Kallie Schroeder, daughter of Rick & Kris Schroeder of Odebolt, won third place in the county contest. School winners at O-A are listed in this week's Chronicle.

Library Corner--See the list of new books, DVD's and CD's for March 2007 in this week's Chronicle.

Extracts from March 12 Meeting of Odebolt Public Library Board of Directors--Memorial monies will be used to pay for the new ceiling lights which have been installed in the old section. All numbers are up, but especially video rentals. Book Bingo is going very well with good attendance.

Cemetery Clean-up Day--It was a brisk and sunny morning Saturday, April 14 when volunteers met at the Odebolt Cemetery for their annual Clean-up Day. Pictured in The Chronicle are Jeannie Lange, Janette Down, Ronnie Lange, Ivan Auen, Tom Down, and Jimmy Scott. Also helping were Traci Bengford, Dustin Bengford, Chuck Gunderson, Sr. and Steve Loger. - D. Cleveland

Presbyterian Rummage Sale--Odebolt First Presbyterian Church held a rummage and bake sale Saturday, April 14 at the church. Proceeds from the event will help sponsor youth programs. (photo) - D. Cleveland

AREA STUDENT
     Nick Rohlf, a freshman from Odebolt, has a role in Shakespeare's Measure for Measure, on stage at Northwestern College, Orange City, Iowa, April 20, 21 and 25-28. He is the son of Gary and Sharon Rohlf of Odebolt.

TROJAN TRIUMPH
Read sports and school news in this special section of The Chronicle each week
For updates, click on www.odebolt-arthur.net

IN THIS ISSUE: 
-- Art Show Winners Announced--The 2007 Maple Valley Conference Art Show was held on April 2 at the Odebolt Community Center. Schools attending were Battle Creek-Ida Grove, Galva-Holstein, Westwood, Maple Valley-Anthon-Oto, River Valley, West Monona, Woodbury Central and Odebolt-Arthur.
     There were 15 categories, with ten entries per category. The O-A students receiving medals were: Kayla Blume, Architecture Environmental Design; Megan Anderson, Computer Graphics; and Mark Heidenreich, Photography. Red ribbon winners were: Kiley Frank, 2 - photographs; Bayle Olerich, photograph; and Martha Amerzcua, architectural drawing. See photos of the medal-winning entries in this week's Trojan Triumph.

--Trojanettes win first conference tourney and triangular meet.
--Trojans place fifth in first conference outing; capture first at Aurelia tourney.
--Photo of O-A high school musicians who received I ratings at state solo and small ensemble contest.
--Ads from local business convey good wishes for April 21 O-A Prom.

OBITUARY
EDWARD ZIEGMANN
     Edward R. Ziegmann was born in Odebolt, Iowa, the son of Joseph J. Ziegmann and Mary L. Stelflug.
He attended St. Martin grade school and Odebolt Public High graduating in 1945.
     He worked as an accountant for Boerner and Roth and in 1947 moved to Tecney, Illinois to work for Tecneygraf. In 1951 he moved to Dubuque and graduated from Bayless Business School. He moved to Omaha in 1953 and worked for U.S. Supply until 1975. Moving to Sioux City in 1975, he worked for Catholic Charities until 1985 when he retired because of poor health and moved to Kerrville, Texas. From there he moved to Fredericksburg in 1995 and finally to San Antonio in 2005.
    During his retirement he was active in taking Holy Communion to hospitals and shut-ins. He was involved in volunteer work with the St. Vincent de Paul Society in Kerrville and Fredericksburg. He was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus for over 50 years.
    Ed died April 2 and donated his body to the Creighton University Medical School in Omaha.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers John and Paul.
    He is survived by his sisters; Barbara Engel of Sac City and Teresa Lilly of Blair, Nebraska, and brothers; Walter of Iowa City and Leonard of San Antonio, Texas.

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The Chronicle, Vol. 116, No. 15
April 12, 2007

Schaefer Wins State Title - (Photo) Josh Schaefer, son of Dale and Marcia Schaefer of Odebolt won the title of State Champion at the AAU State Wrestling Competition held in Des Moines at Veterans Memorial Auditorium on Sunday, March 25.  Josh wrestled in the 7th and 8th grade division at 105 pounds with a full 32 man bracket, for this two day event.  He ended the tournament with five wins, three on points and two pins.
     Josh will be wrestling on Iowa's AAU First team at the Middle School Team Duals in Indianola on April 14 and 15.  This event will have representatives from over 20 states.  Josh is an 8th grader at O-A School and wrestles for the Mat Rats wrestling club.

Odebolt's Annual Easter Egg Hunt at ONRC - (Photos) The Odebolt Masonic Lodge and Rainbow Assembly, along with the Arthur Eastern Star sponsored the Annual Easter Egg Hunt for local children Saturday, April 7 at Odebolt Nursing and Rehab Center.  Over 2700 eggs were hidden with money and candy over the lawn.  The children were divided into four age groups, with each group hunting for eggs in a different area.  A large crowd was on hand despite the frigid temperatures.  Following the hunt everyone was invited to ONRC for cookies and juice.

Library Corner - See a list of new books that arrived at the library in March in this issue.

Sac County Endowment Grants Awarded - (Photo) Odebolt Community Sign Project Co-chairs Vance Lundell and Kristan Bieber, Rotary Club President, are pictured holding the check presented by Endowment Representative Shirley Phillips and witnessed by Howard Hustedt.  (The check was for $7,000 for community entrance signs).  See the complete story in the April Sac County Economic & Tourism Development Newsletter).

Odebolt Library Holds Card Party - (Photo) Five hundred was played Friday afternoon, March 30, at the Odebolt Public Library with 24 attending.  The party was hosted by Friends of the Library.  The card parties are one of the various fund raisers the Friends hold throughout the year.  Their latest donation to the library was additional chairs for the meeting room and two plastic chair mats.

TROJAN TRIUMPH
Read sports and school news in this special section of The Chronicle each week
For updates, click on  www.odebolt-arthur.net
IN THIS ISSUE: 
 - Tag Sharing Night, Friday April 13 from 5 to 7 p.m. in Odebolt MPR
 - O-A High School Honor Roll
 - (photo) Tractor Day at O-A
 - (Photo) 4th grade students present the integration of baseball throughout history.
  - Senior Scopes on Ben Scott and Alison Hansen

FOR SALE: 
The Odebolt-Arthur Community School District has the following items for sale:
    4 Metal Backboards
    4 Basketball Rims
    300 Utility Int. Tractor/Kelly Loader
     Bids are due in the business managers' office by 2 p.m. on Friday, April 27.
     To view items call Larry Allen (basketball) or Keith Fineran (tractor) at 668-2289.
     The O-A Board reserves the right to refuse any or all bids.

In the 2007 SPRING SPORTS SPECIAL, an extra section to this week's The Chronicle.
 - Photo: 2007 O-A Boys Golf
 - Photo: 2007 O-A Girls Golf
 - 3 Letter winners to lead Golf Season
 - Miller leads 5 ""Nette" Letter winners
 - 15 Letter winners Buoy Cindermen
 - Photo: 16 O-A Letter Winners return (boys track)
 - Photo:  2007 0-A Girls Track
 - Trojanette Track led by 3 Returners
 - 2007 Track & Golf Schedules
(Sponsored by Odebolt, Sac City, Kiron, Arthur and Ida Grove businesses)

OBITUARIES

GRACE PAUL
     Grace Ella Paul, 102 yrs., of Council Bluffs, passed away March 11, 2007. 
     She was born in Wheeler Twp., Sac County, IA, August 13, 1904 to the late Allie J. and Minnie E. (Sheldon) Paul.  Grace lived most of her life in Odebolt where she was involved in farming.
     She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, Archie, Verne and Milton Paul; two sisters, Amy (Paul) Mauer and Winnie (Paul) Scanlan.
     She is survived by her sister Thelma Sonksen of LeMars, IA and many nieces and nephews. 
     Inurnment will be held at 11:00 a.m. on April 14 at the Odebolt Cemetery.
     [Note:  Grace Paul's sister, Thelma Sonksen passed away on April 2, 2007.]

THELMA SONKSEN
     Thelma Sonksen, of Le Mars, formerly of Odebolt, Iowa, passed away Monday, April 2, 2007, at Good Samaritan Village in Le Mars.
     Memorial services will be held at a later date in Odebolt. Arrangements are under the direction of Mauer-Johnson Funeral Home in Le Mars. Condolences may be sent online to www.mauerjohnsonfh.com.
     Thelma Sonksen was born Feb. 7, 1912, to Allie and Edith (Sheldon) Paul, in Odebolt, the sixth child in a family of seven. She graduated from Odebolt High School as valedictorian in 1930. She received a two-year certificate from Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls in 1932.
     She married Marvin Sonksen on Oct. 5, 1932. They had three daughters, Janet, Lynne and Judy. They farmed south of Odebolt for several years, moving into Odebolt in 1953. She joined the Odebolt Chronicle staff on April 3, 1953, as a local and social news editor. In 1962, she was named editor of the newspaper. She worked with three publishers, Paul Wagner from 1953 until his death in 1959, Richard Wagner 1959 to 1974 and Robert Miller from 1974 until her retirement in September 1977.
     She was a member of the Iowa Press Women and served as a district director at one time. Her popular weekly column "Casual Comments" won awards in the Iowa Press Women competition as did her news stories and social page in the category of weekly newspaper in a town of less than 1,500 population.
     She was a member of Odebolt United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, Mary Circle, Order of the Eastern Star, Past Matrons, Isis Club, M and K Club, Odebolt Women's Club, Wheeler Improvement Club and a Birthday Club.
     She is survived by three daughters, Janet and Bill Bye of Prescott, Ariz., Lynne Bogh of Le Mars and Judy Sonksen of Colorado Springs, Colo.; 17 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren; 29 great-great-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Fern Chester of Odebolt.
     She was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin on Sept. 20, 1993; a grandson, Bill J. Brucker; three brothers, Verne, Archie and Milton Paul; and three sisters, Grace Paul, Winnie Scanlan and Amy Mauer.

PATRICIA APPLEGATE
     Patricia A. Applegate died Saturday, March 31, 2007 at North Colorado Medical Center - Hospice & Palliative Care Unite.  Services were at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 7, 2007 at Adamson West Chapel; Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.
     Patricia A. Applegate was born in Iowa Falls, Iowa, to George and Doris (Proctor) Hilburn, both public school teachers. Patty (as she was known to everyone) grew up in Odebolt, Iowa, graduating from high school in 1945 and going on to the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, where she earned a teaching degree in 1949.
     Trained early on as a classical pianist, she made several recordings during the 1940s, and music remained an important part of her life.
     In 1949 she married Roy Stierlin, and the couple had two sons before separating in 1954. In 1960 she married Merle Applegate and joined the faculty at Colorado State University, where she earned her master’s degree in 1962. That year the family moved to Greeley, and Patty taught English and Humanities at CSC/UNC until her retirement in 1987.
     An authority on the history of England and the English language, she traveled extensively in Britain, serving on occasion as a historical tour guide.
     Besides travel and teaching, her great passions included books and literature, crossword puzzles and her extensive collection of antique dolls.
     She was a member of First United Methodist Church, the American Association of University Women, PEO, Friends of Weld County Library, Show and Tell Antiques Club, and Second Childhood Doll & Miniature Club.
     Survivors include two sons, Michael Applegate and wife Judy Nordstrom of Greeley and Marc Applegate of Greeley; four grandchildren, Richard Nehrboss of Bumpass, VA, Tori Case of Fort Collins, CO, Tad Nordstrom of Lafayette, CO, and Kelly Adams of Greeley. She is also survived by 7 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.
     She was preceded in death by her husband, Merle Applegate on March 8, 1994, and her parents.
     [On-line obituary and condolences at Adamson Funeral and Cremation Services]

PAUL REINSCHMIDT
     Paul A. Reinschmidt, age 67, of rural Yale, SD, died suddenly of a heart attack at the conclusion of a machinery auction sale at Clark, SD, on Friday afternoon, March 23, 2007.
     His memorial service was at 11:00 AM Wednesday, March 28, at American Lutheran Church with Rev. Steven Brandsrud and Rev. Kevin Channell officiating. Burial was at 10:00 AM Wednesday at Restlawn Memory Gardens Cemetery.
     Paul A. Reinschmidt was born on January 30, 1940, to Adam and Ruth (Ulrich) Reinschmidt at his parents’ farm near Yale, SD. Paul attended rural school near Yale and graduated from Yale High School in 1958. He attended South Dakota State University for two years and returned home to farm. He served in the South Dakota National Guard from 1958-1964.
     On August 30, 1964, Paul married Janis Lynn Smith at Odebolt, IA.
     Paul was baptized at, and became an active member of, Trinity Lutheran Church of Yale. In 1964, he joined American Lutheran Church of Huron, where he served at various times as a board member, usher, communion server, lector, Sunday-school teacher, and choir member. He served on the church synod’s Support to Ministries Board of Directors in Sioux Falls from 1987 to 1992.
     Paul was on the Board of Directors for the Beadle Electric/Dakota Energy for 25 years, served many years on the Yale Farmers Cooperative Board, the Northeast TV Cooperative Board, and the Foster Township Board.
     He enjoyed his farming, attending farm and machinery auctions, and traveling. In recent years, he became an avid antique tractor hobbyist and was a member of the Huron Area Antique Power Association.
     Paul will be remembered for his deep faith; his love for his wife, family, extended family, and many friends; and his good memory and quick wit that could bring joy to all around him.
     He is survived by his wife, Jan of Yale; their three daughters, Tristin and Jason Gruenhagen of De Smet, SD, Tifani and Scott Williams of Minneapolis, MN, and Tauni Reinschmidt of Chicago, IL; two granddaughters, Lyric Gruenhagen and Aria Gruenhagen, (and soon-to-be-born Williams’ twins); two brothers, George Reinschmidt of Dallas, TX, and Rev. Dr. Howard and Connie Reinschmidt of Rochester, MN; 1 sister, Gail and Robert Schultz of Traverse City, MI; nieces, nephews, and other loved relatives and friends.
     He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister and brother-in-law, Mary Alice and Alvin Walz; and dear friend, Ron Lehr.
[On-line obituary and guest book at Welter Funeral Home.]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ODEBOLT.NET NEWS
B. Horak & B. Ekse, Webnews Editors
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thelma Sonksen, who died at the age of 95 on April 2, 2007 in Le Mars, Iowa, was columnist and editor during her 25 years with "The Odebolt Chronicle". Subscribers looked forward to her "Casual Comments" column each week. In her memory, we present "In Memory of Thelma Sonksen."

Odebolt Sign Project Receives grant money - April 4 - According to the April Sac County Economic & Tourism Development Newsletter, the Odebolt Community Entrance Sign Project has received a  $7,000 Sac County Endowment Grant. 
    The Sac County Endowment Foundation was organized in 2005 after receiving funding from the state gaming receipts.  Its mission involves helping the communities and non-profit organizations of Sac County.  A total of $45,400 was given out as grants to various communities and organizations in Sac County.  Grant requests had totaled $125,562.70. 

From the Odebolt History Pages

www.rootsweb.com/~iaohms/

The Chronicle, Vol. 27, No. 52, April 23, 1914
     An architect was in the city this week measuring the lot for the new bank building which is to go up on the corner now occupied by the W. F. Ahlberg store building, the old Farmers National bank building and Smith Bros. cafe.  He is now preparing plans for the new building and will have them ready to submit in due time.  The building is to be on of the most substantial in this part of Iowa.  (See Odebolt's Historic Bank for more information.)

 Pioneer Days
Read the Pioneer Days series, fascinating articles written in 1926 and 1927 from interviews with Odebolt pioneers on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Odebolt.

The Chronicle, Vol. 116, No. 14
April 5, 2007

SWCD Awards to Local Producers--At its annual awards meeting on March 27, 2007, the Sac County Soil and Water Conservation District presented the Cleo Johnson Award to Gary Siebrecht and Keith Siebrecht of Odebolt.  In the past four years Gary and Keith have installed 7400 feet of tile-outlet, narrow base terraces and 6100 feet of grassed waterway on their land in Section 14 of Cook Township.  They also have a new contract to install about 2600 feet of grassed waterway on land in section 36 of Cook Township.  In 2001 a three-row windbreak consisting of redosier dogwood, Colorado blue spruce and concolor fir was installed around Gary's house.  The Siebrechts have shown that they are good stewards of the land for present and future generations. (photo)

Wrestling National Champ--(photo) On April 1, 2007 Jarel Arbegast became the USA Wrestling Bantam 60 pound All American National Champion.  Jarel is a member of the Odebolt Mat Rats Wrestling Club and the son of Jared and Jeana Arbegast of Odebolt. Read more about the competition.

Mat Rats Enjoy Banquet--(photo) Mat Rat Wrestlers celebrated the end of their season at a banquet on March 27 at CoBe's in Odebolt.  Achievement and Participation Awards were handed out marking the end of an outstanding season.

Convenience Store Receives Top Honors--Cubby's of Odebolt has been recognized by Cenex, and brand of CHS, as a Circle of Pride Award Winner.  Four Cubby's employees are pictured in The Chronicle.

LIBRARY CORNER--Excerpts from Odebolt Public Library minutes of February 12, 2007 meeting.  Director's report:  1.  Book Bingo has started again.  Good number in attendance.  2.  Two pair of headphones purchased for use with computers.  3.  Library usage continues to rise in all areas.  4.  Budget will need to be adjusted due to the raising of minimum wage.
   Mary Neville submitted her resignation as Board Treasurer; board approved Kristy Dewey as new treasurer.

St. Martin's Spring Salad Luncheon--(photo) The March 27 luncheon was enjoyed by 130 people, followed by various card games.

Arthur Ball Field Receives Grant--(photo) The Arthur ball field is the recipient of a $300 charity grant donated by Iowa Network Services, Inc.  The money will be used for improvements to the field, such as a sprinkler system to help manage the care of the grounds.
   INS, headquartered in West Des Moines, provides long distance telephone service to Odebolt and Arthur, as well as dial-up and DSL internet service through Sac County Mutual Telephone Company. -D. Cleveland

Invitation to Rachel's Challenge--Community members from Sac County are invited to attend a special program called "Rachel's Challenge".  Rachel Scott was the first student to be killed at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999.
   Rachel's Challenge, presented by her older sister Dana Scott, is a national campaign designed to help schools and communities create a safer and more productive environment.  The program will be on Friday, April 13 at Bart Ogden Gym in Odebolt, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

TROJAN TRIUMPH
Read sports and school news in this special section of The Chronicle each week
For updates, click on www.odebolt-arthur.net
IN THIS ISSUE:
 - Seniors Bryan Leonard and Tate Wilken capture golds at track meets.
 - Trojanettes run in Lake City, Holstein Relays.
 - O-A Middle School Honor Roll, 3rd Quarter.
 - 5th Grade Band prepares for spring concert on April 10.
 - Senior Scopes:  Chelsea Larson, Kevin Keim
 - Dancers Present "You're a Shining Star!" (photo)
 - Record-breaking hoagie sales! (photo)

OBITUARIES

DONALD W. MURR
     Donald Wayne Murr, age 71, of Odebolt, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, March 28, 2007, at Odebolt Nursing & Rehab Center.
     Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, April 2nd, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Odebolt officiated by Pastor Albert Buelow. Burial was at the Odebolt Cemetery under the direction of the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home.
     Born on November 1, 1935, in Odebolt, Don was the 4th of six children born to Arthur and Rose (Werkmeister) Murr. He was baptized April 15, 1936, at home by the minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Odebolt and became a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Odebolt on May 29, 1955. Don attended Odebolt Elementary School.
     He was employed by the Cracker Jack Company in Odebolt for several years, later on Don did odd jobs for others and mowed lawns for many people around Odebolt. It was not unusual to see him driving around Odebolt on his riding lawn mower. He always raised a large garden and took great pride in it, sharing his bountiful produce with others. He also enjoyed going fishing with Ronald, traveling with Dolores and her husband Joe, but especially loved to be with his family, including his nieces and nephews. He made the best popcorn and was an avid Dallas Cowboy and John Wayne fan.
     Survivors include his sisters and brothers: Dolores Sprouse of Aurelia, IA, Fayetta Konradi of Storm Lake, Barbara Glau and husband Dick of Lake View, Ronald Murr and wife Berneice of Odebolt, and Jerry Murr and wife Mary of Corning, MO; many nieces and nephews, and extended family members.
     Don was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Rose Murr; two brothers-in-law: Earl Konradi and Joseph Sprouse; and two nieces: Brenda Hugg and Sonya Murr.
     Obituary at Farber & Otteman

GRACE PAUL
   Grace Ella Paul, 102 yrs., of Council Bluffs, passed away March 11, 2007.
   She was born in Wheeler Twp., Sac County, IA, August 13, 1904 to the late Allie J. and Minnie E. (Sheldon) Paul.  Grace lived most of her life in Odebolt where she was involved in farming.
   She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, Archie, Verne and Milton Paul; two sisters, Amy (Paul) Mauer and Winnie (Paul) Scanlan.
   She was survived by her sister Thelma Sonksen, of LeMars, IA, who passed away on April 2, 2007.  She is survived by many nieces and nephews.
   Inurnment will be held at 11:00 a.m. on April 14 at the Odebolt Cemetery.

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ODEBOLT.NET NEWS
B. Horak & B. Ekse, Webnews Editors
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DEATHS:
Betty Underberg, 82, of Eagle Grove, died Wednesday, April 4, 2007 at her home.  Betty was the mother of the Reverend Trish Underberg of Faith Lutheran Church in Odebolt, and Bethel Lutheran Church, Kiron.  Services are pending at Foust Funeral Home,103 N. Cadwell, Eagle Grove, IA 50533.

Thelma Sonksen, 95, of Le Mars, Iowa, formerly of Odebolt, Iowa, passed away on Monday, April 2, 2007 at Good Samaritan Village in Le Mars. Memorial services will be held in Odebolt, Iowa at a later date.
    

Did you know?

 - In 1871 Hiram C. Wheeler purchased nine sections of land near what was to become Odebolt.
 - On April 15, 1873, Charles W. Cook of Chicago purchased 12 sections of land.
  - The town of Odebolt was platted on August 22, 1877, making 2007 its 130th anniversary year. 

Dancers Shine like Stars

April 1 -  Dance Teams and Pom Squads from Odebolt-Arthur, BCIG, Schaller-Crestland and Aurelia wowed a large audience last night. March 31st, at O-A's Dance Express spring show, "You're a Shining Star", held at Bart Ogden Gym.
     The evening started out with the gymnasium darkened for a dancing light show and ended with an elegant solo dance by Chelsea Larson, senior, performing her farewell dance to the O-A crowd.
     O-A Dance Teams also included Elementary students who had participated in a dance camp earlier in the day, and Middle School dancers.  Several solo dances were interspersed throughout the program.
     Parents of the O-A dancers were recognized for their support, and Rendee Wallace, director for the past 10 years, was honored.
     I have never attended a dance show in Odebolt, and I was truly impressed with the level of skill, showmanship and grace exhibited by the dancers.  It was obvious that they had practiced long and hard to fine-tune their performances.  The costumes worn by the dancers varied from fanciful to elegant and were very attractive. 
     I, for one, thoroughly enjoyed the show and congratulate the students and all involved in this fine dance program. If you have never attended one of O-A's dance shows, plan to go next year.  You won't be disappointed!
 - Barb Horak, web editor

7th Tree City USA Award for Odebolt

April 3 - The National Arbor Day Foundation and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Forestry Bureau, has once again chosen Odebolt as one of the 2007 "Tree City USA" communities.  Odebolt Memorial Park board members Elaine Rex and Jim Gustafson will attend an Awards Luncheon in Des Moines on Thursday, April 5th to receive the award.  This is the 7th consecutive year Odebolt has received the award.  Click to see more about Tree City USA.

Area Students Display at Art Show

  April 3 -  The 2007 Maple Valley Conference Art Show was held Monday, April 2nd at the Odebolt Community Center.  On display were hundreds of works of art including paintings, pen and ink drawings, jewelry, pottery and more submitted by Conference high school and middle school students sporting blue, red and white ribbons.
     The art show was open for public viewing from noon to 2 p.m., with an awards presentation at 1 p.m. 
     In the morning students had visited the Prairie Pedlar, operated by Jane and Jack Hogue north of Odebolt, as well as Quality Sign & Design, a custom vinyl graphics business operated by Travis Youngren, also north of Odebolt.  Another activity was a presentation to students by Odebolt artist Audrey Bettin at the Community Center.
     Below are two photos from the art show.  Click on each photo for an enlarged view.
 - B. Horak, web editor
   

(Click the photos to enlarge them)

Odebolt Artist a Presenter at Maple Valley Conference Art Show

(Click picture to enlarge)

April 3 - Odebolt artist Audrey Bettin stands behind a display of many of her works of tole and decorative painting at the 2007 Maple Valley Conference Art Show on April 2. 
     Bettin was a presenter at the show and led three sessions of about 16 students each in a talk about her painting and her life as an artist, as well as about the murals in the Community Center.  She also demonstrated painting techniques for them. 
      Having painted for 35 years, Bettin has been featured in numerous painting publications.  She teaches seminars at national conventions and exhibits and sells her art products and instructional patterns nation-wide.    

Kindergarten Field Trip

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April 3 - Mrs. Youngquist's Kindergarten class from Odebolt-Arthur Elementary took a field trip on Monday, April 2nd, to see the Maple Valley Conference Art Show at the Odebolt Community Center.  They seemed to enjoy seeing the variety of art by the "big kids".  (Photo by B. Horak)