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, Vol. 113, No. 31
July 29, 2004

The Mayor Sez…
     Hey, it’s reminder time on a couple of things. Our curfew law is still in effect and that means if kids under 18 are out after 11 p.m. on week nights, or midnight on weekends, you stand a good chance of having your boy or girl delivered to your door and possibly a citation to go with it. (Note: it is okay if they are with a parent or guardian.)
     The second thing, the Odebolt Police Dept. WILL cite violators riding ATVs, golf carts, and motor powered scooters on our streets and sidewalks. You, as the parent, will receive the $100.00 citation. The State of Iowa made this law (321.275) and we are obligated to enforce it. I think I am safe in saying that no one, and I mean NO ONE, wants to see our kids maimed and/or injured due to improper neglect of the law.
     I encourage citizens’ participation in helping the enforcement of both parts of the mentioned subjects. Simply call 668-2221 and report the violators and where last seen. Thank your for your help.
  - From the Bolt!
     R. J. Rex, Mayor of Odebolt

EMT's and Drivers Needed - What if you had an emergency at your place and had to wait an extra 20 minutes for the ambulance to arrive?
     Do the people of Odebolt and the surrounding area realize that on many days, if they called for an ambulance, they would have to wait for one to come from Sac City or Lake View?
     Many of the volunteers that now serve as EMT's or drivers are giving way more of their time than should be expected of anyone to provide the services that we do have.  Some have even quit or asked to be reduced to temporary duty because of being asked to work too many shifts.  If the crew gets much smaller, there will be more days that you might have to wait for Sac City or Lake View.  Do you want to be the one that waits 20 minutes for an ambulance?
     We know that there are many in the community who could help but for some reason, they don't seem to see the need.  We are asking for anyone who lives in Odebolt or within 5 miles of town to consider giving some of their time for this important service to the community.  If you would consider helping, contact Kay Bloyer, Deb Flink, or Bill Wright.
 - Odebolt Ambulance EMT's and Drivers:  Bob Harden, Dick Bloyer, Deb Flink, Kay Bloyer, & Bill Wright.

The 134th  Sac County Fair is scheduled for Thursday, July 29 to August 1 at the Sac County Fairgrounds in Sac City.  It will include many events including 4-H livestock and exhibit judging, Queen Contest, tractor pull, antique tractor pull, chainsaw carving, music and beer tent, FFA shows, Krafts for Kids, horseshoes, Figure 8 Races at the grandstand, softball tournament, Baby Contest, pedal power pull, Ralph Scott Orchestra, Baker's Flying Morgans performing horse riding skills, T&C Rodeo Company, bull riders, Karaoke, 4-H Style Show, Chuckwagon Races and more.  Extreme Action Amusements will be on hand for carnival rides and games throughout the fair.  The Kids Day parade will start at 9 a.m. on Saturday July 31, with the theme of "County Fair Days".  Children must be 12 years of age to participate and should assemble near the gazebo.  (For more information, see the print version of The Chronicle.)

Sac County Fair 2004 Queen Contestant from Odebolt is Brenda Stickrod, 19 year old daughter of Dan and Barb Stickrod of Odebolt.  She is a 2004 graduate of OA High School.  Brenda will be attending Wayne State College in the fall, majoring in sports management.

Odebolt Community Center Activities - The following is a list of activities planned at the OCC for August 2004.
Aug 6 - Votrobeck wedding reception
Aug 7 - Bob Voelschow party
Aug 13 - Chamber meeting
Aug 14 - Patsy Weldin family reunion
Aug 24 - Siouxland Bloodmobile
Aug 31 - League of Municipalities
Please note these dates and DO NOT park vehicles on the OCC parking lot!

Touring with Colts Drum & Bugle Corps - Jeff Currie is currently on tour with the 135 member Colts Drum and Bugle Corps based in Dubuque, Iowa.  Jeff is the grandson of Olympia Currie of Odebolt, and son of Mitzi and Doug Currie of Polk City.  He is a 2003 graduate of North Polk High School and was selected by audition out of over 300 young people from 21 states and overseas, to perform as a member of the Colts.  It is Jeff's 2nd year touring with the group, playing first soprano (similar to trumpet). The Colts will travel and perform throughout the summer in eighteen states, traveling more than 15,000 miles on the tour.
     The Colts will be one of eight Div. I corps competing at the Celebration in Brass competition in Ankeny, Iowa on Sunday, August 1.  Tickets are available on-line at www.ankeny.org.  The Colts will then head to the World Championships in Denver. Further information on the Colts is at www.colts.org.

Obituary:  Esther Lydia (Hanke) Johnson, age 97, of Early, Iowa, died July 3, 2004 at Hamilton Hospital in Webster City, Iowa.  She was born in Sac County on July 19,1906 to Emil and Kathryn (Schramm) Hanke.
     As a young woman, she was employed at Adams Ranch as a personal cook for the Adams family.  She was married at the Cook Township Immanuel Lutheran Church to Virgil R. Johnson.  She and Virgil farmed in Ida and Sac County for several years.  When Virgil's health failed, they moved to Early where she helped her husband with the Boyer Valley Construction Company until retirement.  In 1991, she moved to Webster City to be closer to her family.
     Esther is survived by two daughters; Barbara and Lois Jane; a son-in-law, James Harber of Webster, SD; twelve grandchildren, twenty-one great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild;
     Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband Virgil, and youngest daughter Shirley L. Harber.
     Memorial services will be held Saturday, July 31st at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Early, Iowa, with burial at Early Union Cemetery prior to the memorial service at 10:30 a.m.  There will be no visitation.  Arrangements by Farber & Otteman Funeral Home.
(See The Chronicle for full obituary.)

Obituary:  Gertrude “Trudie” Hardy, age 81, of Odebolt, Iowa, passed away on Monday, July 19, 2004, at her home in Odebolt. Trudie was born on December 13, 1922, in Milwaukee, WI, the daughter of George and Adele (Wildt) Schroeder. She was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith, attended the Milwaukee schools, and graduated in 1940.
     In 1953 Trudie was married to Howard Carter in Milwaukee. He passed away in 1963. Trudie was united in marriage in 1964 to Larry Hardy in Reno, Nevada. He passed away in 1977.
     Trudie was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoyed spending lots of time with her children and grandchildren. She loved to travel, play cards, do crossword puzzles, sew, and spend quiet time reading a good book. She worked as a shipping and receiving clerk in Kintec, Inc, Chatsworth, CA, until her retirement in 1990. She moved to Odebolt to be closer to her daughter in 1993.
     Survivors include her son, Mark Carter of Sebastopol, CA; her daughter, Barbara Reinhart and husband Kent of Odebolt, IA, her three grandchildren: Shannon Reinhart of Tucson, AZ, Matthew Reinhart of Iowa City, IA, and Crystal Reinhart of Ida Grove, IA; her two brothers: Richard Price and wife Darlene of Milwaukee, WI, Ed Price and wife Marcia of New Berlin, WI; a sister, Alice Dunn and husband John of Adams, WI, and extended family members.
     Trudie was preceded in death by her mother and father; two brothers: Gordon and Martin; a sister Ruth; her first husband Howard Carter, and second husband Larry Hardy.
     Memorial services will be held at a later date with Farber & Otteman Funeral Home in Odebolt in charge of arrangements.

100th Birthday Card Shower for Grace Paul.  Grace will be 100 years old on August 13, 2004.  Please send your wishes to:  Grace E. Paul, Room 334, Indian Hills Nursing Center, 1500 McPherson Ave., Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503.

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Helpful People in Odebolt - A thankful woman from Storm Lake wrote to the Des Moines Register saying, "There are still some very helpful people in Iowa.  On July 7th her golf-cart trailer broke down as she and a friend were passing through Odebolt on their way to Ida Grove to play golf.  The MBW Welding and Machine Shop "nice gentleman"  in Odebolt dropped everything to make a part, and fixed the trailer in short order.  While waiting, another man stopped to see if they needed help. 

This was in the Des Moines Register on Sunday, August 1:
AN IOWA MOMENT: How Iowans went the extra mile to help others. - On July 7, my friend and I were on our way from Storm Lake to Ida Grove to play golf with the Keenage Senior Ladies. In Odebolt, my golf-cart trailer broke down. I walked back to a welding shop to ask for help. The nice gentleman came, took a look at it, said he would have to make a new piece for it, and would be back in 15 minutes. While waiting, another fellow stopped to see if we needed help. He stayed until the part was fastened and we were on our way. We made it to our golf outing, got our round in and returned home OK. This man was from MBW Welding and Machine Shop in Odebolt. There are still some very helpful people in Iowa.
-Barb Hartje, Storm Lake, Ia.

RAGBRAI Passes near Odebolt - Even though Odebolt was not directly on the RAGBRAI route, some bicyclists and many support vehicles passed through town.  The RAGBRAI route came up Highway 39 from Kiron and turned toward Wall Lake 4 miles south of Odebolt.  Their overnight stop was in Lake View.  Below is a photo of an arch made of old bicycles in Lake View on 3rd Street going toward the lake.

Click photo for enlargement

8/4 - Death: Duane Johnson, 87, of Odebolt died Friday, July 30, 2004, at Twilight Acres in Wall Lake, Iowa.  Services were held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. Aug. 4th at Kiron Baptist Church with burial in Hayes Township Cemetery, rural Arthur.

The Chronicle, Vol. 113, No. 30
July 22, 2004

The Mayor Sez…
Please make a note of reminding anyone you might see riding a motorized scooter that it is against Iowa law to ride them on our streets and sidewalks unless they have lights, an orange flag, and are ridden by someone who is at least 14 years of age with a safety certificate.  The law is to protect our kids and we are going to do just that!!
  - From the Bolt!
     R. J. Rex, Mayor of Odeboltv

John Scott visit to Washington, D.C. -Odebolt farmer John Scott spent Thursday, July 15th in the Washington, D. C. office of Iowa Congressman Steve King.  Scott spent the day shadowing Kin's agriculture policy aide, Amy Lloyd.
     Scott came to Washington with the Iowa Corn Growers Association for the National Corn Grower Association's "Corn Congress".  In addition to his time in King's office, he met with producers from other states to establish working relationships and visited the entire Iowa Congressional delegation to discuss issues pertaining to agriculture, such as the energy bill, trade policy, transportation issues, and quality of rural life.

(See article and photo at Congressman King's web site)

Museum News - Although it has been several months since recognition has been given to people who have donated items to the Odebolt Historical Museum, each item is very much appreciated and is a valuable addition to the history of Odebolt and the vicinity.
     Sharon Gronemeyer Rohlf, who was stricken with polio in the early 1950's, donated crutches and a leg brace that she used when she was about two years old.  These are interesting additions to the medical display in the museum.
     Donna Blake donated an "Agency Achievement Award" and a Questers book.  A Nash coffee can that belonged to Freda Stehr was donated by her daughters, Arlene Sundell and Janice Witte.  Old newspapers, including a commemorative issue and an Iowa history scrapbook of clippings were donated by Doris Krusenstjerna.  A child's swing was donated by Henrietta McFarland.
    "Geode," the Iowa Rock was found and donated by Fr. Verne Stapenhorst and "Odebolt Chronicle Progress Edition" 1938 and 1953 were donated by St. Martin's Church.
     Many items were donated by Carol Auen including can openers, a potato peeler and egg beater that belonged to her great-aunt, Alvina Tiefenthaler.  She also donated several books including "American Locomotives: A Pictorial Record of Steam Power 1900-1950" and "Model Trains" by the editors of Consumer Guides 1979.
     More items and donors will be published at a later date.

Class of 1959 Reunion - The Odebolt-Arthur High School Class of 1959 held their 45th class reunion on June 19, 2004 at Herby's Bar and Grill in Odebolt.  Those present for the event included the following:  Duane Buehler, Ronald Webber, Frank Bengford, Ronald Lange, Richard Rohlf, Richard Lange, Donna (Stiles) Buehler, Diane (Boerner) Boyer, Audrey (Mandernach) Bettin, Mavis (Meltesen) Whitaker, Margaret Ann (Johnson) Buller, Lynette (Lamons) Webber, Arlene (Howard) Lange, Lois (Roeder) Dunkin, Sharon (Schlies) Tierney, Barbara (Anderson) Oxendale, Joyce (Carlson) Nielsen, Bonnie Jane (Hard) Bundt, Kay (McFarland) Hummel, and Rosalie (Veit) Waddingham.

Odebolt-Arthur Elementary Art students have participated in a cultural exchange program called "Art Pals".  The students created an artwork, wrote about their artwork, and included a photo of themselves.  Eight of these artworks are currently on display at the Odebolt Public Library.  Please enjoy these artworks of Japanese students participating in various activities, read their stories translated into English, and see a photo of the artist.  The use of clear bright colors is sure to please the viewer.

Obituary: Lloyd Emil Lundblad, age 88 of Odebolt, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, July 14, 2004, at his home from complications of Eisenmenger’s Syndrome, which is very rare.
     Lloyd was born on December 4, 1915, in Odebolt, the son of Emil and Lydia (Lonnberg) Lundblad. He was baptized and confirmed in the Swedish Lutheran Church (now Faith Lutheran) in Odebolt and sang in the church choir. He was a life long resident of Odebolt, graduating from Odebolt High School in 1934. He was active in baseball, football, and boxing during his high school days.
     On May 3, 1942, Lloyd was united in marriage to Ruby V. Oldnettle in Sioux City. To this union three daughters were born: Diane, Julie, and Laurie.
     Lloyd farmed his dad’s farm for 8 years. On April 21, 1944, he was inducted into the United States Army. He served in the North Apennines, and Po Valley, during WWII, and earned the European Middle East Theatre Ribbons, Overseas Bar, Victory Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, 2 Bronze Stars for the above campaigns, and Purple Heart, on his release January 29, 1946. After the war he was as an owner/operator truck driver for over 30 years, custodian 2 years, bus driver for 25 years, and substitute bus driver for 5 years.
     Lloyd served on the Board of Directors of Sac County Mutual Telephone Company for over 21 years. He also was a volunteer fireman for the Odebolt Fire Department and Fire Chief for 6 years.
     Lloyd enjoyed spending time with his family and was very proud of his grandchildren. He liked to go golfing, bowling, and play pool and cards with his friends in the basement of the Odebolt Café.
     Survivors include his daughters: Diane Bender and her husband James of Springfield, VA, Julie Gustafson of Cambridge, IL, and Laurie Reik and her husband Darwin of Odebolt, IA; five grandsons: Brad Bender, Scott McDonough, Darren McDonough, Clay Reik and Quinn Reik; three great-grandchildren: Jacob McDonough and Drake and Olivia McDonough; his sister Alice Lawson of Wahpeton, IA; extended family members and friends.
     Lloyd was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ruby on April 13, 1989; three brothers: Laurine, Carl, and his twin brother LeRoy; and two sisters: Florence Salmonson and Edith Noyd.
     Funeral services were held Saturday, July 17, 2004, 10:00 a.m., at Faith Lutheran Church in Odebolt. Pastor Patricia Underberg officiating. Lucy Huldeen and Barb Votrobeck sang a duet accompanied by Arlene Sundell. Pallbearers include Brad Bender, Clay Reik, Quinn Reik, Scott McDonough, Darren McDonough, and Jacob McDonough. Burial was at the Odebolt Cemetery under the direction of the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home, with full military graveside rites by the American Legion Post No. 313 of Odebolt.

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7/23 - Minutes from July 19 City Council Special Meeting

7/22 -From Ida County Courier
O-A School Board Minutes

7/20 Chamber of Commerce July Yard of the Month

(click photo to enlarge)

     The winners for the month of July are Doreen and Don Schmidtke at 610 W. 2nd Street.  Slow down and take a look at the results of their hard work the next time you pass by!

The Mayor Sez…
     How time flies!!! When you read this one-half the month of July will nearly be gone. Won’t be long and the football boys will be “padding up” getting ready for the coming season. As a matter of fact, school will be starting in a little over 5 weeks. I’ll bet some moms and dads are ready for that. As for the kids---that’s another matter. We hope a number of you attended the open house last Sunday at the Peterson House; The Questers are proud of their work in the preservation of this 1886 home. See you next week!
  - From the Bolt!
     R. J. Rex, Mayor of Odebolt

Odebolt Corn Producer visits Japan - It is a rare occasion when an Iowa corn producer has a chance to get acquainted with a corn processor in another country who is using U.S. product.  That's the opportunity Jim Meyer of Odebolt had recently, when he went to Japan on behalf of several groups that serve Iowa corn growers.
     Last year, the U.S. shipped over 600 million bushels of corn to Japan, its number one export customer.  U.S. corn goes via the Gulf of Mexico, where it is loaded on Panamax ships that take 60,000 bushels at a time, and delivered to one of Japan's 17 ports.
     The U. S. Supplies over 80% of Japan's corn, and quality is an important issue.  Transportation, brokerage fees by trading companies, and repeated loading and unloading decrease the quality and increase the price for Japanese processors.  The #1 corn sold locally for $2.50 per bushel will be #3 corn and cost more than $8 per bushel in Japan.
     In Japan, the government and consumer groups put a high value on non-GMO corn.  Many believe that modifying the genetics somehow makes the product hazardous to eat.  Managers at the Japanese corn processing plants understand the improved value and safety of genetically improved corn but are not willing to remove food labels that say "Made from non-GMO corn" because they fear a consumer backlash.
     Iowa corn with built-in corn borer, rootworm, or weed control traits has to have Japanese government approval before it will be accepted and paid for.  Japan currently allows up to 5% GMO traits, and U.S. is currently at about 2% GMO traits.
     Meyer stated, "I was asked to go to Japan to meet with Japanese corn processors, who like to talk directly to owners of the products they buy.  The trip was a success.  We had the opportunity to thank them personally for their business and assure them we are interested in supplying their needs.  I traveled on behalf of the Iowa Corn Growers Association, the Iowa Corn Promotion Board (which funds export market development), and the U.S. Grains Council, which works with USDA's Foreign Agriculture Service to increase our exports."
     "I was also speaking for Novecta, a company jointly owned by the Iowa and Illinois Corn Growers Associations," remarked Meyer.  "Novecta's purpose is to help grower members improve profits from growing value-added and/or specialty corn.  Novecta can play a key role in assuring Japanese buyers that they are getting corn produced according to their specifications."
     Meyer continued, "Throughout the trip, we told our Japanese customers that we can supply corn grown the way they want it, and we would expect to be compensated accordingly.  I feel good that we were able to strengthen our two-country relationship."
     "The IGCA is a good example of how we can accomplish as a group positive results that would be extremely difficult for us to do as individual farmers.  Based on my experience, IGCA membership and my contribution of checkoff dollars to the Iowa Corn Promotion Board are both wise investments," concluded Meyer.
     Note:  Jim Meyer represents Crop District 4 (West Central Iowa) on the Iowa Corn Growers Association Board.  He was pictured with several other U.S. Corn Growers Association members in The Chronicle.

RAGBRAI Route to go through Sac County, July 25 and 26 - The route for the 2004 Des Moines Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) will take bicycle riders from Onawa to Clinton, and Sac County will be on prominent display on the first and second days of the ride.
     The riders will enter Sac County as they come out of Kiron, heading north on Highway 39, to Sac County's D59, which takes them through Wall Lake on the way into Lake View, where they will stay on the night of July 25th.  On Monday morning, July 26th, the riders leave Lake View on M54, going north to Sac County's D46, which they take east to Rockwell City and out of Sac County.  The riders' second night stop is in Fort Dodge.  

Rummage Sale for Arthur Library - The Arthur Public Library will host a Fundraiser Rummage Sale on Friday, July 23 from 5 to 8 p.m., and on Saturday, July 24 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.  The sale will be held at the Arthur Community Center.
     Donated items will be accepted on Thursday, July 22 from 5 to 8 p.m.
     Please join the fun and help support the library.  For information call the library at 367-2240 or 367-2236.

Peterson Pioneer Open House Held - An Open House was held at the Peterson Pioneer Home on Sunday, July 11, 2004.  The Peterson Pioneer Home is the oldest home in Odebolt, Iowa that remains as it was originally built.  Furnishings in the home are as near as possible of the late 1880-1890's.
     Nils Magnus Peterson and his wife Maria (Mary) Caroline Olson came to Odebolt from Sweden in 1885.  On December 28, 1885 they purchased a lot in Odebolt for $100 for their homestead.
     Erection of the house was started and completed in 1886.  Thus, the Peterson family were among the earliest residents.  The town of Odebolt was laid out and lots were sold in 1877.
     Five children were raised in this prairie style dwelling.  The last of the Peterson family, Edith, passed away in 1973.  The house then became owned by the City of Odebolt.
     When Edith passed away, the Tlobedo Questers asked to have permission to restore the house to its original state in preparation for the town's centennial celebration during the summer of 1977.  Items for the home were either loaned or donated.
     Five of the original members of Tlobedo #485, chartered in in 1970, are still living and very much interested in "their house."  Present members include Donna Blake, Thelma Dresselhuis, Phyllis Kies, Madeline Meyer, and Kathie Willhoite.  Read more at the Odebolt History Pages

Sweeden Awarded Scholarship - The Iowa Automobile Dealers Foundation for Education awarded Chance Sweeden of Odebolt with a $1,000 Scholarship.  Larry Beckman and Randy Veit of Larry Beckman motors, Inc., in Odebolt, sponsored Chance.  The presentation was held at the dealership, which is located at 600 Hwy. 175 East in Odebolt. 
     Chance is a 2004 graduate of Odebolt-Arthur Community School and plans to continue his training at Western Iowa Tech Community College in Sioux City.
     This year, the IAD Foundation for Education awarded twenty scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each to college-bound students in Iowa who wish to pursue a career in the automotive industry.

Museum Memorials - Memorials have been given to the Odebolt Museum thus far in 2004 in memory of: Don Schwaller, Bart Ogden, Marge Porter, Bill Johnson, Donna Ekstrom, Russ Peters, Maxine Williamson, D. Cleveland's mother, and George Dresselhuis.

Library Memorial Fund - Memorials have been given to the Odebolt Public Library Memorial Fund for May and June 2004 in memory of:  Donald Einspahr, Gertrude Paul, Fred Lange, Jerry Carrier, Salley Kennedy, and George Dresselhuis.

A Welcome Reception was held at Odebolt United Methodist Church at 11 a.m. on Sunday, July 18, 2004 for Pastor Kathy & Gerald Spracklin.

Sac County Cattlemen's Association held their annual Stag on Monday evening, June 28, at the Spring Lake Golf and Country Club.  Approximately 175 were in attendance to grill their steaks and enjoy socializing.  The auction for scholarship and traveling trophies given at the Sac County Fair was held.  Successful bidders were:  Allen Friedrichsen of Friedrichsen Trucking, Odebolt; Duane Schofield of United Bank, Arthur; Neil Sibenaller and Dave Wilken of United Bank, Odebolt; Todd Ernst of American National Bank, Sac City; Steve Irwin of Iowa State Bank, Sac City; Larry Schulte of Cropmate, Odebolt; and Steve Engle of Engle Agri-Sales, Sac City.    

Obituary:  Leland Weitzel
     Funeral services for Leland Weitzel, age 87, of Wall Lake, Iowa, were held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 8 at Peace Lutheran Church, Wall Lake.  Burial was at Wall Lake Cemetery.
     Leland Charles Weitzel, age 87, of Wall Lake, IA, passed away on Tuesday, July 6, 2004, at Twilight Acres Nursing Home in Wall Lake. Leland was born February 6, 1917, on the family farm northeast of Odebolt IA, the son of Louis Phillip and Anna (Dobbert) Weitzel. He received his education by attending a country school near Odebolt and graduating from Odebolt High School in 1935.
    

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7/20 Death: Gertrude “Trudie” Hardy, age 81, of Odebolt, Iowa, passed away on Monday, July 19, 2004.  She was the mother and mother-in-law of Barbara and Kent Reinhart of Odebolt.  Memorial services will be held at a later date with Farber & Otteman Funeral Home in Odebolt in charge of arrangements. 

The Mayor Sez…
     The Odebolt Memorial Walk Park Board would like to make the following acknowledgements to:  our berm volunteers that TAKE pride in keeping our berms in all their natural splendor (Renae Babcock, Ruth Neville, Elaine Gunderson, Frieda Veit, Mary Jeanne Thompson, Elaine Rex, and Scott); Roger Davis for his continuing efforts to keep our park neat and “picked-up”; Bob Hardin for his efforts and interest in keeping our park weed and dandelion free; Pat and Ann Hoefling and their crew for keeping our park mowed and trimmed; Bill Tysor and our city crew for emptying our trash containers, weed eating, and keeping limbs and etc. picked up; the Kentucky bound group of Kim and Alison Neumann, Tayli Thompson, and Lauren Bettin for their cleaning efforts prior to Creek Days; and a special “thanks” to Elaine Rex for doing our plaques and recording them and Mary Jean Thompson for doing the books (secretarial and treasury).  I would like to thank the rest of the Board for all their help. With all of the above it sure makes my job easy.  If I have forgotten anyone please forgive me.
     Has anyone noticed that our RV park has been busy this summer?  We would like to thank all of the RVer’s for the nice compliments on our park.
     From the Bolt!
     R. J. Rex, Mayor of Odebolt

School Board Nominations for vacancies can be filed between July 12 and August 5, 2004.  Elections will be September 14th.  Jane Heidenreich's term will be expiring at Odebolt-Arthur.  Nomination papers are available from board secretary Carol Auen and at least 10 signatures are required.

Iowa 4-H 400 Donor - Cropmate Company, of Odebolt, has become an Iowa 4-H 400 donor.  The 4-H 400 is a pledge program allowing donors to donate $400 over a 10 year period.  (Pictured in The Chronicle is Larry Schulte of Cropmate and Polly Raasch, Sac County 4-H Endowment Committee member.)
     Money donated to the Sac County 4-H Endowment will be used to assist clubs in community service projects and educational materials.  In the future, scholarships will be available to youth who are pursuing training at a vocational school or college.
     There are several ways to donate to the Endowment Fund.
 - Memorials are gifts given in memory of family or friends.
 - Tributes are gifts given to honor someone or mark a special occasion.
 - Life Insurance policies can name the Sac County 4-H Endowment as a beneficiary.
 - Gifts-in-kind are products or services given to Sac County 4-H.
     For more information contact Polly Raasch of Odebolt, or Susan Doehrmann of the Sac County ISU Extension Office, 712-662-7131.

Landgraf Reunion - Forty-four members of the former Odebolt residents, Albert & Pearl Landgraf families gathered on June 26 at Isaak Walton League Park in Fremont, NE.  The reunion was hosted by the Marilyn and Bob Fitzgerald families:  Namely, Marilyn Fitzgerald of Fremont, NE; Deb Kollars of Sacramento, CA; Kathy & Ron Bauer of Fair Oaks, CA; Mike and Cindy Fitzgerald of Cedar Bluffs, NE; Jean and Nick Brown of Arlington, NE; and Karen Fitzgerald of Lincoln, NE.
     Seven of the nine Landgraf children were present:  Dorothy Mae Blass of Sac City; Barbara Faber of Spencer; George Landgraf of Odebolt; Jean Jackson of Davenport; Helen & Paul Eckerman of Conrad; Lois and Roger Kipf of The Villages, FL; and Marilyn Fitzgerald of Fremont, NE.
     Grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Al and Pearl were from Lenexa, KS: Helena, MT; Fair Oaks and Sacramento, CA; Omaha, Lincoln, Cedar Bluffs and Arlington, NE; and Davenport, Dubuque, Pella, Ames, Marshalltown, Spencer and Early, IA.
     The group enjoyed supper and an evening of fun in the Mike Fitzgerald rural home at Cedar Bluffs, NE.

Goodwill's Ambassador trailer will be pleased to receive donations in Arthur from July 15 to July 21 at the Evangelical Free Church parking lot.  Please place donations as far to the front of the trailer as possible.

Class of 1937 Reunion - The Odebolt High School Class of 1937 held their class reunion on Sunday, June 20, 2004 at the Faith Lutheran Church Hall in Odebolt.  There were originally 37 class members with eleven of those able to attend this reunion.  The ladies chose to show they finally made it into the "Red Hat" society!

Click to enlarge

Pictured are:  (Front, from left) Winifred Bird of Carroll, Elmira Hazelhoff Morkin of Armstrong, Dorothy Engstrom Ohden of Odebolt, Phyllis Cranston Bengford of Ida Grove, Helen Godbersen Mentzer of Schaller, and Irene Anderson Olson of Odebolt.  (Second row) LaMorn Geiring Kropf of Wall Lake, Gus Schroeder of Wall Lake, Beth Frevert Hertz of Yellow Springs, OH, Ray Olson of Indianola, and Brooks Rector of Waterloo.

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Lloyd Emil Lundblad, age 88 of Odebolt, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, July 14, 2004, at his home from complications of Eisenmenger’s Syndrome.  Funeral Services were held Saturday, July 17 at Faith Lutheran Church in Odebolt, with burial in Odebolt Cemetery. 

JULY ODEBOLT CHAMBER MINUTES

     The July meeting of the Odebolt Chamber of Commerce was cancelled due to a small agenda. We do have a few items to tell you about.
     Our 1st Washer Tournament was a huge success!! We had 41 teams participate. Everyone had an enjoyable time playing and watching the new attraction. Thanks to everyone who participated or watched. We appreciated your support. Our winners were as follows:
Mixed Division Devin Friedrichsen & Dennis Bolden
Adult Division Kelley Graeves & Dennis Bolden
High School Elizabeth Bloyer & Tayli Thompson
Middle School Colby Hemer & Marcus Hansen
Elementary Karleigh Gunderson & Kendra Wunschel
Each winner received $20.50 in Odebolt Chamber Bucks. We look forward to doing this again next year!!
     The Chamber purchased advertising for Creek Days on KAYL & KKIA. We hope you heard the ads inviting people to Odebolt.
     We have not chosen a July Yard of the Month winner yet. We will be doing that soon!!
     The Junior Olympic Games are being held July 27-August 7. Volunteers are needed in a variety of capacities, including registering participants, taking tickets & assisting with sporting events. IF you are interested in volunteering please visit www.desmoinessports.org. Exploration of creating theme days for communities that provide large groups of volunteers for the games is also underway.
     Remember we meet the 2^nd Thursday of the month.  Come join us!!

July 5th City Council Minutes are on-line (.pdf file)
 - Report from Creek Days
 - Creek Days Tractor Pull Rescheduled to Sept. 4th
 - Watershed discussion
 - Sale of museum building
 - Bev Einspahr to fill vacancy on Library Board
 - More ..

The Mayor Sez…
     Remember that old saying, “Don’t mess with Mother Nature”? Well, “Crick Days” week-end our theme was “Stay Out of her Way”.  To my knowledge all the events went off O.K. with the exception of the tractor pull. Denny and his crew worked on the track off and on all week, including Saturday, and guess what????  It rained Sat. night and poof! Too much mud Sunday! The mud for the demo derby just added to the fun! (A little bit??).
     To all of our volunteers, both city and rural, a hearty THANKS! Without you there would be no Creek Days. Thanks to each and every committee chairman and their staff.
     A special thanks to the ODC, the lead organization, that does the forward planning. They meet monthly the year around planning to insure that all the things come together in one fun-filled weekend. Good job!!!
     Everyone have a safe Fourth of July!
     From the Bolt!
     R. J. Rex, Mayor of Odebolt

New Pastor for United Methodist - Iowa United Methodist Bishop Gregory V. Palmer has announced the appointment of the Rev. Kathryn Spracklin as pastor at Odebolt United Methodist Church, effective July 1, 2004.  Spracklin has served for the past two years as pastor at Terril-Langdon United Methodist Church.  She is a graduate of Simpson College and Candler College of Theology.  Before being appointed to Terril-Langdon, Spracklin served in the Iowa communities of Marshalltown, Afton, Logan and Edgewood.

First Federal Will Change Name to MetaBank - First Federal Savings Bank is pleased to announce that it will change its name to MetaBank during the first half of the 2005 calendar year, pending shareholder approval.  The name change will not affect the ownership of the bank or its operating structure.  As MetaBank, First Federal will continue to serve Storm Lake, Lake View, Laurens, Odebolt, and Sac City with the financial resources and services of a larger bank, yet provide the local know-how, decision making, hands-on service, and community involvement of a neighborhood bank.  For more information visit www.efirstfed.com and click on "Meta Update".

O-A Class of 1989 Reunion - Members of the Class of 1989 reunited on Saturday, June 19, 2004, to reminisce about their school days and graduation, fifteen years ago.  Class members were invited to attend an informal gathering at the Odebolt Park at 11 a.m. during Creek Days, to watch the parade together at 1 p.m., and later to go to an evening dinner at the Arthur Cafe.  Many of the class brought their spouses and children to introduce to their childhood pals.  Those pictured in The Chronicle are Glenn Barker, Jamie Rohlf, Brian Buehler, Jason Turin, Fred Anderson, Kelly (Cranston) Rohlk, Kari (Snyder) Ulrich, JoDee (Lange) Sharp, Jim Helkelman, Matt Mentzer, Chad Richey, Val (Porter) Bechtold, Rachel (Gustafson) Masters, and Ann (Launderville) Knudsen.  Also attending, but not pictured, were Doug Dublinske and Jeff Fineran.

Thanks for your part in Creek Days!
*** The Odebolt Development Corporation (ODC) would like to thank everyone who made this year's Creek Days a success.  Thanks to all who volunteered to work; to those who generously contributed money; to those who loaned us equipment, picnic tables, and bleachers; to the fire department, ambulance crew, and police department for all their help; to the City of Odebolt for their support and cooperation; to the Odebolt Community Center board for use of the beautiful facilities.  Our subcommittees deserve a very special thank you; they make Creek Days possible.  Also, our hats are off to the people who stood in the rain and hauled the band's equipment inside to make sure the show could go on Saturday night.  Finally, thanks to everyone who attended; we hope to see you all back next year!
 - The Odebolt Development Corporation

***A special thank you to everyone who helped prepare, set up, grill, serve and clean up at the Creek Days Demo Derby food stand.  A special thank you to Keith and Gary Siebrecht for the donation of a hog.
 - Odebolt Community Center

Obituary:  Marlene Fertig, age 69, of Odebolt, Iowa, died at her home on Monday, June 21, 2004, surrounded by her loving children.
     Memorial services were held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 24, 2004 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Odebolt with the Reverend Albert Buelow officiating.  Inurnment was held at the Odebolt Cemetery.  The Christensen-Huffman Funeral Home in Odebolt was in charge of professional arrangements.
     Born November 3, 1934, Marlene Ella Fertig was the daughter of William and Ella (Klindt) Albrecht.  She graduated from Odebolt High School in 1952.
     On May 29, 1952, Marlene was united in marriage to Marvin R. Fertig in Odebolt.  The couple made their home in the Odebolt area where they farmed for many years.  In earlier years, Marlene was employed at the Odebolt Chronicle.
     Marlene was a faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Odebolt.  She possessed a deep and abiding faith in God, which sustained her in good times and bad.  Marlene cherished her family, and will be remembered for her strength in the face of adversity.
     Survivors include four children and their spouses, Kathie & Craig Sommerfeld of Kelley, Judy & Mark Bohlmann of Ankeny, Bill & Teresa Fertig of Odebolt, and David Fertig of Sioux City; ten grandchildren; two step-grandchildren;' one great-granddaughter; two sisters and their husbands, Betty & AlWayne Riessen of Battle Creek, and Shirley & Wallace Gonnerman of Odebolt; and four sisters-in-law, Betty Albrecht of Fort Dodge, Helen Hoaglund of Arthur, Ruth Fertig of Rochester, MN, and Rooda Fertig of Washington.
     She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Marvin on September 20, 1999; an infant twin sister, Darlene; and two brothers, Lloyd and Melvin Albrecht.

Obituary:  Lorraine J. Buss, age 76, of Odebolt, Iowa, passed away Thursday, June 24, 2004, at Horn Memorial Hospital in Ida Grove, Iowa.
     Funeral services were held 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 28, 2004, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Odebolt, Iowa, under the direction of Christensen-Huffman Funeral Homes. The Reverend Albert Buelow officiated the service, with burial following in the Odebolt Cemetery.
     Born October 9, 1927, on a farm near Correctionville, Iowa, Lorraine Jane Buss was the daughter of Edward and Minnie (Voss) Paulsen. She was baptized in the Lutheran faith in September of 1928, and was later confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church in Galva.
     Lorraine spent her childhood years on the same farm on which she was born. She attended Rock Center country school for eight years, then graduated from Cushing High School in 1945. She married Garret Buss of Kiron on December 4, 1949, at Peace Lutheran Church in Wall Lake, Iowa. The couple farmed near Cushing until 1978, then moved to Odebolt.
     Lorraine worked at Colonial Manor Care Center for ten years. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Odebolt where she participated in the Ladies Aid.  Lorraine enjoyed her family, caring for her flower gardens, music and dancing, and scrapbooking.
     Survivors include her husband, Garret; three children, Verdell Buss and wife Linda of Ida Grove, Mardell Buss and wife Rhonda of Sioux City, and Sondra Buss and special friend Jim of Cottage Grove, MN; nine grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Shirlene (Larry) Johnson of Cushing, Edeline Jorgensen of Schleswig, and Junabell Maak of Denison.
     She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers-in-law, Elmer Maak and Allen Jorgensen. 

JIM HOWARD FAMILY TO LEAD WORSHIP AT FIRST PRESBYTERIAN, SUNDAY, JULY 4TH
     Jim Howard and his family will lead the worship at the First Presbyterian Church of Odebolt on Sunday, July 4 at 10:00 a.m. This will be a service of Country/Gospel Music with guitars and amplification. If you like Country Western and/or Gospel music, you will find this service to be very special.
     All are welcome to join the First Presbyterian congregation on the Fourth of July for this very exciting worship experience!

Thank you, from Hattie Grace! -We want to thank all of you that attended our Open House on Sunday, June 20th.  We had nearly 200 visitors and appreciate all the positive comments and support you have given to our new venture.
     In addition to our bed and breakfast, our downstairs rooms are available for gatherings such as club meetings, card parties, bridal showers or luncheons.  Give us a call for more information!
 - Sherry Gritten
Hattie Grace Boarding House

Odebolt Community Center - The 5th Annual Meeting of Odebolt Community Center, Inc. was held Tuesday evening, June 29th at the Community Center.  Pam Porter, Steve Bengford and Janice Richardson were re-elected to serve on the Board of Directors.  Lance Garlock was elected President, replacing Mike Olerich, and Becky Reis will continue her duties as Secretary/Treasurer.
    The OCC schedule is filling up and has bookings into December.  Be sure to plan ahead if you are in need of space for an upcoming event, either public or private!

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