Selected news briefs edited from

Odebolt ~ Early ~ Wall Lake
Official Sac County Newspaper, Established 1877
A Progressive Newspaper Boosting the Communities It Serves

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. 114, No. 30
 July 28, 2005

The Mayor Sez…
     With all the heat we have been getting these past few weeks I am going to bet the utility bill went ballistic (should know in a few days). Unless you have been watering the lawn your water bill shouldn’t fluctuate too much. We take these utilities for granted, however, all of us are aware that we must pay our bills to assure ourselves of continuous, uninterrupted service. Unfortunately a few, just a few, haven’t paid their water bill and we have been forced to shut their water off. You may hear of how “ruthless” we are in doing the above, but the way this mayor sees it, it is not fair to all of us that do pay our utility bills. If a telephone bill goes unpaid ­ snip and no telephone! If the electric bill goes unpaid ­ snap! No juice! So you see, it is nothing personal. Just keep paid up!
     From the ‘Bolt
     R. J. Rex, Mayor
P.S. Would the person, or persons return our “Tree City USA” flag that was flying at the Odebolt Memorial Walk Park?

Farm Leasing Workshop to be Held in Arthur - The annual Sac and Ida County ISU Extension Farm Leasing Workshop will be held on August 10th at 1:30 p.m. at the Arthur Community Building in Arthur.
     Farmers and landlords alike are invited to review current farmland information including the new cash rent and land value surveys.
     The workshop fee is $15 per person or $25 per couple. To pre-register for the event or for more information, contact the Sac County Extension office at 712-662-7131.

Pre-K & Kindergarten T-Ball Players - Twenty-one boys and girls who participated in the program are pictured in The Chronicle. Coaches were Jason Wulf, Rick Crawford, Danny Leonard and Dallas Hoelscher.

Red Cross Urges Summer Blood Donations - The need for type O blood is the greatest, but all blood types are needed. You can help ease the current shortage of blood and platelets. The next blood drive will be in Odebolt on Wednesday, August 10, 2005 at the Odebolt Community Center from 11:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Call 712-668-4487 to schedule. Walk-ins are welcome. Together, we can save a life.

July Yard of the Month - Ruth Ann and Dale Mohr were awarded the July Yard of the Month by the Odebolt Chamber of Commerce. They have a beautiful garden adorned with purple and gold flowers.

Awarded Doctor of Philosophy Degree - Lisa Landgraf, daughter of George Landgraf of Odebolt and Dorothy Landgraf (deceased) was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Information Systems from Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, on June 25, 2005.
     Dr. Landgraf teaches in the Computer Science department at Clarke College in Dubuque, Iowa.

Down to Perform with Honor Choir in Wisconsin - Kevin Down will be singing this week with the 40-member honor choir during the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod’s Commission on Worship at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin on July 26 through July 29, 2005.
     This choir was chosen by audition from students across the United States.

WITCC Announces Degree for Working Adults - Western Iowa Tech Community College (WITCC), Denison campus, has announced an associate of arts degree in business administration that is specially tailored to the needs of working adults.
     Informational meetings about the new degree will be held at 6 p.m. on Aug. 3 at the Denison campus.
     For more information, contact Nancy McGuire, WITCC admissions representative, at 712-274-8733 or 800-352-4649, extension 1476, or Diane Hargens, director of branch campuses, 712-263-3419, extension 2622.  Visit WITCC

BVU Accredited for New On-line Degrees - Buena Vista University, Storm Lake, has been notified by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools that the accrediting body has approved BVU’s on-line delivery of degree programs, as well as a new M.Ed. degree designation for BVU’s graduate program in education.
     Those interested in more details can call BVU’s Office of On-line Programs toll-free at 877-288-0423 or locally at 712-749-1880.  Visit BVU On-line.

Web Site Highlighting Women’s Health Debuts - www.womenshealthiowa.info has been designed to offer health information for women and families in Iowa, and is provided as a public service by the Iowa Department of Public Health.

Odebolt-Arthur Receives Donation - Odebolt-Arthur Schools recently received a $1,500 donation from Ida Grove Food Pride. The money was collected from the Support Our Schools campaign which ended in May.

Trojanettes Reach Finals of District Tournament - O-A coasted to wins in the first two games of the District Tournament in Wall Lake, setting up a rematch with the state’s top-ranked team. The Trojanettes opened the tournament trail with an 11-0 win over Sac City in six innings.
     The Trojanettes then defeated the Wall Lake View Auburn Wolverines, 12-3. The win set up a District Final against top-ranked Charter Oak-Ute on Friday, July 23.

Grapplers Camp and Wrestle in Nebraska - The OA/BCIG wrestlers trained and competed in the annual team camp at the University of Nebraska this summer. OA/BCIG finished the competitive portion of the camp with an 8-4 mark. As a team, OA/BCIG placed ninth out of 24 schools.

Down, Leonard Earn All-Conference Honors - Kevin Down and Bryan Leonard were named to the Maple Valley All-Conference baseball squad. Down was voted to the Second Team, while Leonard earned Honorable Mention.

Odebolt-Arthur High School seeks
applications for one full-time and
one part-time classroom aide.

Send letter of application
by August 5th to:
Chuck Foy
Box 475
Odebolt, Iowa 51458

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ODEBOLT.NET NEWS
B. Horak & B. Ekse, Editors
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DID YOU KNOW?

The Sauk Rail Trail is a 33 mile long multi-use recreational trail which connects two state parks, beginning in Lake View near Blackhawk Lake State Park and ending at Swan Lake State Park south of Carroll.  Read more about it!

 Local Option Sales Tax Election - September 27, 2005

 Become informed about the Local Option Sales Tax that comes up for election on September 27th.  The following is taken from the July 2005 SETD Newsletter (.pdf file).

     Some communities seem to be completing projects all the time!  Have you seen the street and road improvements, new jails, recreational trails, new entrance signs, streetscape amenities, sewer and water upgrades, new swimming pools, etc. that occur on a regular basis in some of the neighboring communities? Could it be that you are supporting these projects every time you purchase something in these cities and counties?
     The answer should be clear to all of us. You ARE supporting these projects—making those communities better places to live and to work and enhancing the quality of life in those particular cities.
     Do you want some of that prosperity to be at work in Sac County? If so, there is a relatively simple answer. A one-cent local option sales tax. That’s right—asking any and all who purchase taxable goods in Sac County to help support our communities and their much needed infrastructure repairs and projects.
     That means putting the one cent to work for us and not just Carroll and Storm Lake, Sioux City
and Fort Dodge, or even Des Moines.
     Some of the cities in Sac County are operating on budgets that are less than 20 years ago. Because of the continued roll back of property taxes for residential and agriculture, the taxable base continues to shrink.
     While valuations are decreasing, levies have been maxed. Much of the infrastructure in our communities is over 100 years old and some of our cities are sporting 30 year old vehicles.
Only those cities and counties who have been aggressive enough to pursue a one-cent local option tax can begin to sustain their infrastructure and complete the social amenities we all expect in a “quality of life” city. They can offer property tax relief or concentrate their efforts on capital improvements or even new projects.
     Forward thinking citizens in Sac County petitioned the Sac County Supervisors on June 21st to select a date for a Local Option Sales Tax Referendum. Many of the cities were represented at the meeting and all have now passed resolutions supporting the election and declaring what the money will be used for in their respective community. The Board of Supervisors accepted the petitions and established a time line for the upcoming election. They in turn also passed a resolution declaring the manner in which the one-cent local option sales tax will be dispersed from the unincorporated area.
     In order for the tax to be collected and distributed beginning on Jan. 1, 2006, the date for the election has been set for September 27th. Hours of the election are expected to be 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Beginning here and continuing on page 3, you will find the wording from the resolutions from the various entities.
     If you have any questions about this issue or would like to have someone come and speak to you or a service organization, please contact the SETD office and we will arrange a presentation.
     There must be a simple majority in each voting district, including the unincorporated area, to be successful. If a city or unincorporated area does not pass the referendum, then they will not be included in receiving the one cent benefit. 
     All the cities and the county will share in the cost of the election.

The Chronicle, Vol. 114, No. 29
 July 21, 2005

The Mayor Sez…
     A badly needed tennis court re-surfacing project was completed recently and the City is pleased to have our tennis players back in Odebolt playing tennis. Thanks to those players that helped in putting up the windscreens and general cleanup.
     Recently, we have had some “peddlers” coming to town and going door-to-door offering to register you for a free drawing for various prizes including a brand new Kirby Vacuum Cleaner. They need a City permit to do this and so far we have not issued any permits of this nature.
     One citizen has complained of their using forceful entry, so, beware of any strangers knocking on your door. If you have any reason to be suspicious of someone at your door, call 668-2221, and we will check it out.
     From the ‘Bolt
     R. J. Rex, Mayor

The newly re-surfaced tennis court is located directly south
of the Odebolt swimming pool

Notice of Local Option Sales Tax September 27 Election in Sac County - On Sept. 27th, Sac County residents will be voting on the question of the imposition of a 1% local sales and services tax to be implemented January 1, 2006.
     In the City of Odebolt 20% of revenue from this tax will be used for property tax relief and 80% will go toward pool maintenance and upkeep, street repairs, storm and sanitary sewer repairs, improvements to historical buildings, capital improvements, and any lawful purpose for the city as determined by the city council.
     Revenue collected for the unincorporated areas of Sac County is to be used 50% for capital improvements, Capital Equipment, Debt Reduction and any other lawful purpose as determined by the Sac County Board of Supervisors; and 50% to property tax relief.

[Minutes from the Board of Supervisor's meetings are posted online - Click here for more information.]

Court date set for Brannan - A September 20 Sac County District Court trial date has been set for Carla Brannan of Odebolt.
     On May 31, Sac County Attorney Earl Hardisty filed theft charges against Brannan after reviewing a United States Postal Inspection Service investigative report of mail losses in Odebolt.
    According to Iowa Court On-Line records, the following individuals filed statements of damages:  Williams Krusenstjerna, Betty Meyer, Ann Sears, Donna Buehler, Lucy Huldeen, Margaret McGonigle, Janette Down, Dorothy O'Tool, Jane Bair, Carol McCall, Robert Harden, Wilma Sievers, Gerald R. Miller, and Dennis or Laura Sykes.
    Brannan entered a written arraignment and pleas of not guilty on June 16.
    Brannan was also arrested by Ida County Sheriff's Department and charged with one count of fourth and one count of fifth degree theft on May 27, 2005 following investigation into two thefts from Ida Grove businesses.  On July 5th she was sentenced to serve 30 days in Ida County Jail by Ida County District Court.  After serving 6 days the sentence will be suspended.  Costs and fines were also levied on Brannan. (See the full story in this week's issue of The Chronicle.)

American Legion Auxiliary elects new officers - The Auxiliary held a coffee at the Phyllis Tiefenthaler home on Thursday, July 14th for newly elected and retiring officers of American Legion Auxiliary Roose Post #313.  New officers are:  Phyllis Tiefenthaler, President; Margaret Ann Roeder, V.P.; Barbara Bloom, Secretary; Helen Henkleman, Treasurer; Madeline McTasney, Chaplain; Ruth Neville, Historian; Mary Ann Siebrecht, Sergeant at Arms.  (See photo in this issue.)

OPEN HOUSE - Help Katherine Bergren celebrate her 80th birthday!  Please join Katherine and her family at the shelter house in Kiron's South Park, Saturday, July 30 from 2 to 4 p.m.  The park is on Hwy 39 just south of Kiron.

Black Hawk park is scheduled for an update according to the May/June, 2005 issue of "Iowa Conservationist".  The project will upgrade approximately 70 campsites to offer 50-amp service, adding electrical sites and adding sites with full hook-ups.  [Black Hawk State Park information]

Obituary:  Ross Sweeden, 74 of Arthur died Wednesday, July 13, 2005 at Horn Memorial Hospital in Ida Grove, Iowa. Services were 2 p.m., July 16th at Trinity Lutheran Church, Odebolt, Iowa with the Rev. Albert Buelow officiating. Burial was in the Odebolt Cemetery. Visitation was from 3 to 8 p.m. July 15th with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Christensen-Huffman Funeral Home.
     Born Dec. 18, 1930, in Keystone, Okla., Billy "Ross" Sweeden was the son of Robert and Laura (Lindsey) Sweeden. Ross' childhood was spent with the family moving from time to time, usually to find work. They settled in Centerville, Iowa, with Ross finding work at the Adam's Ranch in Odebolt in 1946. On Dec. 10, 1950, he married Dorothy Lucille Albrecht. Ross and Dorothy were blessed with three children.
     Ross was a dedicated, hard worker who kept busy with various jobs over the years, including as city maintenance worker in Odebolt and as a part-time police officer. In 1956, the family made their home in Arthur where Ross managed the Walnut Grove feed depot for 15 years. He operated his own tree trimming service, worked for Dubuque Packing Company for 12 years, then took up long-haul trucking, working for Mau's and Hewitt's of Ida Grove for 14 years. He served on the Arthur City Council and fire department and in various capacities at his church.
     Ross enjoyed hunting, catfishing, gardening, traveling, and hunting morel mushrooms. Never one to say a bad word about anyone, Ross will be remembered for his love of family, his positive attitude and his willingness to lend a helping hand.
     Survivors include his wife Dorothy, a daughter Billie Jo Zoch of Bayard, Iowa; two sons David Ross Sweeden of Odebolt and Jeffery Brian Sweeden and Kim Sharkey of Arthur; six grandchildren Angela Quirk, Jarrod and Chance Sweeden, Carrie and Luke Zoch and James Sharkey; six great-grandchildren Brexton and Dixen Gettler, Sydney and Josephine Sweeden, Karson Quirk and Bryan Zoch; three sisters and their husbands Wanda and Jerald Fenton of Russell, Iowa, Sue and Phil Jones of Paw Paw, Mich. and Rosalie and Jim Mullinix of Albia, Iowa; a sister-in-law Ingna Sweeden of Odebolt and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
     He was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers Tony, Dick, Lynn and Ernest Sweeden.

Obituary: Doris Ann (Hanson) Johnson
     Doris Ann (Hanson) Johnson was born in Odebolt on Oct. 15, 1913, the daughter of Harry H. and Margaretta E. (Newcom) Hanson. She was raised on a farm in Odebolt and graduated from Odebolt High School. Following high school and prior to her marriage, she was employed as a secretary for the Odebolt school superintendent and school board.
     On Dec. 10, 1938, she was united in marriage to Kermit W. Johnson in Des Moines. Their union was blessed with five children, John, Joan, Karen, Susan and Lisa. They made their home on the Hanson farm in Odebolt, where she was a busy farm wife and mother.
    After their children were older, she returned to her job as secretary for the superintendent and school board at the Odebolt School, a position she held for more than 35 total years.
     In her spare time, she enjoyed sewing, gardening, spending time with her family and raising their Great Dane dogs.  She was also a member of the First United Methodist Church in Odebolt.
     Kermit passed away on April 6, 1994 and Doris remained on the farm in Odebolt. 
     Due to failing health, Doris moved to the Black Hawk Life Care Center in Lake View, Iowa in April 1998, and it was there her death occurred, Monday morning, July 4, 2005.  At the time of her death she had been blessed with 91 years, 8 months and 19 days.
     Including her parents and her husband, Doris was preceded in death by an infant son, John Johnson; her sister, Sarah Kathleen Racine; and two grandsons, Thad Clouse and Scot Saemisch.
     Those remaining to cherish her memory include four daughters, Joan Skare of Rochester, Minn., Karen and her husband, Dwight Saemisch of Denison, Iowa, Susan Clouse of Black Canyon City, Ariz., and Lisa and her husband, Mike Sweeney of Sioux City; nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
     Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, July 8, 2005 at the First United Methodist Church in Odebolt with Pastor Kathy Spracklin officiating.
     Music for the service included congregational hymns with Corinne Down serving as organist.
     Pallbearers were Dan Pfannebecker, Larry Carstensen, Cyrenus Kneif and Robert Hitt.
     Interment was at the Odebolt Cemetery in Odebolt, Iowa.
     The Phannebecker Funeral Home in Denison, Iowa was in charge of arrangements.
      A memorial has been established to Macular Degeneration Research, 22512 Gateway Center Drive, P.O. Box 1952, Clarksburg, Maryland 20871-1952.

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ODEBOLT.NET NEWS
B. Horak & B. Ekse, Editors
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Death:  Phyllis Mary (Cranston) Bengford, age 87, of Ida Grove, Iowa, died Friday, July 22, 2005, at Horn Memorial Hospital in Ida Grove.   Funeral services were held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 26, 2005, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ida Grove, Iowa.
     Born May 25, 1918, in Odebolt, Iowa, she was the daughter of John Ray and Zelpha (Peck) Cranston. She graduated from Odebolt High School in 1937.
(See full obituary at the Ida County Courier.)

Death Notice:  Word has been received that Russ West of Bastrop, Texas passed away Wednesday, July 20th after a brave fight against cancer.  A memorial service is planned for Saturday, July 30th at 1 p.m. at the Cook-Walden Funeral Home in Pflugerville, TX.  Burial will be in the Odebolt cemetery at a later date.  Russ was the son of Ralph West and was a 1956 Odebolt graduate.  He is survived by his wife, Marlene (formerly Lundell).  Condolences may be sent to Box 1306, Bastrop, TX 78602

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Read about using Odebolt resources for planning a class reunion in "Class Reunion How-To" (.pdf file) from Bonnie Ekse. It contains good ideas for other gatherings and events as well!  Plan your event in Odebolt and buy locally - support Odebolt businesses!

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From the Ida County Courier
OA School Board Approves Appointments

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HOMES & RE FOR SALE

Bloyer Real Estate
Call 712-668-2895 or 668-2814
Swanson Real Estate
Call 712-668-2283
Friedrichsen Real Estate
Call 712-668-4148 or 712-830-0425
533 West 2nd, Odebolt

Visit Odebolt Real Estate page

The Chronicle, Vol. 114, No. 28
 July 14, 2005

The Mayor Sez…
    I am dedicating my column this week to dogs. Now, I know dogs can’t read (I wish they could), but their owners can and that is what this is all about. Most dog owners are caring, loving people that take good care of their animals, however, there are a few, just a few, that need to read the following. Ordinance #87.04, “The City shall be under no duty to attempt the confinement or capture of a dangerous or vicious animal found at large, nor shall it have a duty to notify the owner of such an animal prior to its destruction (at the discretion of the Mayor or Police Chief).” Also, “Continuous barking by a dog will constitute a nuisance and a citation ($151.50) for that infraction will be issued” (and more the second time dog owners are cited).  A dog considered vicious or causing endangerment to others will be severely dealt with, on the spot!
     A copy of our dog ordinance is being mailed to dog owners that we have received complaints on.
Remember, the dog won’t be paying the fine, the owner will!
     From the ‘Bolt
     R. J. Rex, Mayor

School Board Elections Sept. 13 - If you want to make a difference for children and your community, school board service may be the answer. The Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB) is encouraging Iowans to consider running for election to the school board as a way to ensure the future of the state’s children and its communities.
     At Odebolt-Arthur, nomination papers are available from the board secretary in Odebolt with twenty signatures required. Paul Rydberg and Deb Bengford have expiring terms.
     Serving on a school board is a challenging job that requires leadership, vision and dedication. School board members are locally elected public officials charged with accountability for student learning, determining education goals, setting policy, overseeing school finances and other duties.
     School board members serve three-year terms, with part of the board elected each year to maintain continuity and experience. School board members receive no pay. Experienced school board members across Iowa say that the rewards of service lie in meeting the needs of children and communities, according to IASB.

Local Vet Trains to Fight Animal Disease Outbreaks - Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Patty Judge announced that Dr. Marshall Fox of Odebolt has become a certified member of the Iowa Veterinary Rapid Response Team (IVRRT.)
     Over 240 Iowa veterinarians and animal health professionals will become members of the response team. Veterinarians across Iowa will receive special training in incident command; veterinary operations; disease management and develop a thorough understanding of the Iowa Emergency Response Plan as it pertains to infectious animal disease.

Odebolt Farmer Sees Biotech Advantages - Seeing is believing for farmers in South Africa, just as it is for Iowa farmers, according to Jim Meyer, an Odebolt farmer, who recently monitored a side-by-side demonstration of how genetically modified corn could benefit farmers and consumers in sub-Saharan Africa.
     The South African plots were part of a U.S. Grains Council program to demonstrate the value of biotechnology to international audiences.
     “This demonstration put Bt white corn, modified to protect itself from insects, next to unmodified corn on two- to ten-acre farms. The Bt corn produced a nice, worm-free ear with good yields,” Meyer explained. “The non-Bt corn had worms in most ears, and the stalks were riddled with holes. That weakens the plant and makes it vulnerable to naturally occurring problems like fusarium contamination.”
     “Some African governments have turned down food for starving people because they thought genetically modified corn wasn’t safe. This side-by-side demonstration should go a long way to disprove their concerns,” Meyer said.
     Meyer, who took time away from his own planting to participate in the demonstration, said it could lead to wider acceptance of biotechnology, resulting in better corn supplies in Africa and more export opportunities for corn farmers.

ONRC Grill Winner - Congratulations to Emily Hoaglund of Ida Grove for winning the Odebolt Nursing and Rehab Auxiliary’s raffle for the grill.

OCC Donations - Memorials were received for Lloyd Siebrecht, Irene Hogue, Erich Koch, Harold Nichols, George Neville, Ilsa Byers, Milton and Jeanette Nagel, Dorothy Girvan, Clayton Schroeder, Mary Down Parker, and W. G. “Bill” and Gertrude Horstman.
     Donations were received from Steve and Kris Gunderson and family, Leonard and Ferne Carstensen, Sac County Supervisors and City of Odebolt.

Donations to Odebolt Public Library - Memorials were received for Mary Down Parker, Erich Koch and Irene Hogue.

Annual Day Camp Held at Faith Lutheran
(see photo in The Chronicle)
     During the week of June 27th – 30th about 50 youngsters, K-5th grades, gathered each day at Faith Lutheran Church, Odebolt, for its 4th annual Day Camp. The camp is an outdoor ministry led by trained counselors from Lutheran Lakeside Camp in Okoboji, and all children in the community are welcome to attend at no cost.
     Camp days include activities such as Christian music, skits, crafts, Bible time, and even a water game day. On Wednesday evening all families of the campers were invited to a potluck picnic and program. The group of campers and counselors also performed their fun songs for ONRC residents and for the senior meals at the Community Center.

Arthur Church Hosting Bible School Program - The Arthur Evangelical Free Church is sponsoring a very exciting bible school program for the kids of Arthur, Odebolt, Ida Grove and surrounding communities.
     “The Jesus Expedition” will be held July 25 – 29 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the church building located at 320 East Fourth Street in Arthur. A program will be held on Friday night at 8:00 p.m.
     Children ages 4 through 6th grade are invited to join in the fun and adventure as we visit Antarctica, excavate the Egyptian desert, experience the Brazilian jungle, trek up Mount Everest, and dive into the Pacific Ocean. Children will engage in fun games, meaningful activities, cool crafts, and snacks.
     Please arrive a few minutes early the first night to get registered for the week’s events. For more information, contact the church office at 367-2472.

Cygnets Are History in the Making
(see photo in The Chronicle) - In early June, a pair of trumpeter swans hatched five cygnets at a nesting site in northern Buena Vista County. The Department of Natural Resources confirmed the hatching as the first nesting in this area since the birds were driven into extinction in Iowa over 120 years ago. Another pair of birds nested in northern Sac County and it was reported that seven cygnets were hatched in that nest. Swan Lake State Park in Carroll County also has three cygnets that hatched out in early June.
     This is a critical time for the cygnets since swans experience a 50 per cent survival rate the first two months of their lives. The public is encouraged to view from afar while the young are being raised. Hunters are also reminded that harming a trumpeter swan is illegal and comes with stiff penalties.

Sac County Cattlemen Hold Annual Stag
(see several photographs in The Chronicle) - The Sac County Cattlemen’s Association held their annual stag Monday evening, June 27 at Spring Lake Country Club, junction of Highways 71 and 175. Many were in attendance to grill their steaks and enjoy socializing. The Scholarship Trophy Auction was also held.

Sac County Extension Plans for Future - “What Extension Can Be” is the driving theme behind a recent series of meetings held in Sac County. The Sac County Extension Council’s goal is to strengthen the presence of Iowa State University Extension’s education programs [to make them] more relevant to current [and] future needs of Sac County communities.
     LaDon Siebrecht of Odebolt is an Extension Council member.

Agriculture Web Page Offers Resources - Iowa State University Extension’s Animal Agriculture and Air Quality Web page was recently revised to provide more links to information regarding the recent Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Quality Consent Agreement for livestock producers and to provide more resources such as fact sheets for producers managing air quality from livestock production systems.
     The Web address is http://www.extension.iastate.edu/airquality/

Obituary:  Clint Jay Siebrecht, age 18, of Odebolt, Iowa passed away on Sunday, July 3, 2005, at the Loring Hospital in Sac City, Iowa. Funeral services for Clint Siebrecht were held Wednesday, July 6th, 10:30 a.m., at the Presbyterian Church in Odebolt with burial at the Odebolt Cemetery under the direction of the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home.
     Clint was born September 12, 1986, to Gary Lyle and Karen Jean (Graber) Siebrecht, in Storm Lake, Iowa. He attended Odebolt schools, graduating from the Odebolt-Arthur High School in 2005. During his school years he enjoyed playing football and received many honors.
     He was a member of the Odebolt Presbyterian Church and also a member of the O-A Showman 4-H Club. He excelled in showing livestock and livestock judging and won many awards in 4-H and FFA.
     Clint’s other many interests included, hunting, fishing, and working on the farm, especially driving the 9400 John Deere tractor. This activity encouraged his collection of toy tractors.
     Survivors include his parents: Gary and Karen Siebrecht, three brothers: Eric of Zearing, Nathan of Cedar Rapids, and Lee of Odebolt. He is also survived by his paternal grandmother, Mary Ann Siebrecht of Odebolt and maternal grandparents, Delbert and Donna Graber of Wall Lake. Other survivors include nine aunts and uncles and his many cousins.
     He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Lyle Siebrecht.
     Clint will be remembered and missed by his many friends and relatives.

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ODEBOLT.NET NEWS
B. Horak & B. Ekse, Editors
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ODEBOLT CHAMBER MINUTES FROM JULY
     The July meeting of the Odebolt Chamber of Commerce was cancelled due to no agenda.
     The Annual Washer Tournament was a huge success. It was moved this year to next to the Volleyball Courts, which is a great location and will continue to stay there for future tournaments. Kay and Roxie did a great job putting it all together and all the help from the other Chamber Directors was greatly appreciated. There were 49 teams total that participated. The winners were as follows: Elementary Class: Spice Girls ~ Alex Veit and Cailin Carstensen; Middle School Class: Big Dawgs ~ Cord Horsley and Devin Friedrichsen; High School Class: Cobra Chowbra Duo ~ Colby Hemer and Jordan Pierce; Adult Class: Pocket Pool Players ~ Tal Bettin and Keith Reinhart and Mixed Class: Papa Son ~ Carl Hemer and Colby Hemer. Each winner received $24.50 in Chamber Dollars. The Chamber is looking forward to doing this again next year!
     The Odebolt Chamber of Commerce advertised for Creek Days on KAYL and KKIA, we hope everyone heard!!
     June's Yard of the Month winners were Dale & Ruth Ann Mohr. They receive an Odebolt Flag and the Yard of the Month sign in their yard. Congratulations to them and watch for next month¹s winners!!
     The Odebolt Development Corporation will be taking over the float in the coming years. They will be moving it out of the building when needed.
     A HUGE Thanks to Fina Roeder for the use of her car during the Creek Days Parade that had Grand Marshall Warren Hanson aboard.
     The next meeting is scheduled for August 11th.
     Remember, we meet the 2nd Thursday of the month!! Come join us!

Educator Dies East of Odebolt - Woodbine's former high school principal, Mark Glackin, was killed in a motorcycle accident Thursday afternoon near Odebolt.  The Sac County Sheriff's Office said Glackin, 33, was westbound on Highway 175 about four miles east of Odebolt about 4:45 p.m. when a semi-tractor trailer driven by Richard Rohlf, 64, of Odebolt turned in front of him into a driveway. The cycle struck the tractor trailer, killing Glackin, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The sheriff's office said Glackin was wearing a helmet. Rohlf was not injured, the office said.
     Glackin resigned from Woodbine schools at the end of the school year and was to become superintendent of the Armstrong-Ringsted Schools in northwest Iowa.  In addition to his wife, Lynne, Glackin is survived by three children, ages preschool to high school. (Edited from Council Bluff's Daily Nonpareil.)

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The Annual State Soil Conservation Tour was held June 28-29 in Buena Vista, Pocahontas, Calhoun and Sac counties. Soil & water conservation commissioners from the four districts were hosts for the events in their area.
     Members of Iowa's State Soil Conservation Committee and the Board of Directors of Conservation Districts of Iowa held meetings in Storm Lake. At the SSCC meeting, Madeline Meyer of Odebolt was elected as chairman and Jennifer Hoy of Birmingham in Van Buren County as vice chairman.
     In Sac County an early evening tour of conservation practices in the Odebolt area in Sac Co. concluded with a meal at Prairie Pedlar Gardens. Lane Collins and Ken Bentsen of the Sac Soil & Water Conservation District coordinated the tour assisted by SWCD commissioner Roger Buehler. Farms visited were:
1) Kevin Carstensen with a recently built grassed waterway with CRP assistance and EQIP animal waste system that includes concrete barriers with filter fences and then a filter strip containing gravel spreaders to further dissipate solids from effluent.
2) Clarence Etler with terraces and conservation practices.. The Etler land is an excellent example of the Northwest Iowa landscape of low rolling hills with contouring, grassed waterways, no-till and conservation tillage.
3) Warren Hansen's CRP project showed the steeper hills of the Southern Iowa Drift Plain which catches the southwest portion of Sac County. This farm has a diverse planting of native grasses, cool-season grasses, firebreaks and filter strips.
4) Livestock organic nutrient practices were observed also at the Dennis Schmitt farm with turkey and pork facilities.
     The second day featured the Iowa north central region with Clarion-Webster soils and the flatland topography and prairie potholes, with tours in Buena Vista, Pocahontas and Calhoun Counties.
 - Article sent in by Madeline Meyer

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Read "A Field of Yellow Flowers"
By Bonnie Ekse

The Chronicle, Vol. 114, No. 27
 July 7, 2005

The Mayor Sez…
     The 4th of July, 2005, is history. Whew! I am sure we are all thinking the same thing. Summer slow down, please!
     I really appreciated all the nice comments made by our Creek Days’ visitors about the over all appearance of our City. Believe me, most of our visitors are very aware of the constant vigilance that is required by the City to keep things neat and tidy.
     I do hope that everyone is back to enjoying crossing our railroad tracks on Main and Walnut Streets at legal speed rather than like the old days of slowing to 21/2 MPH and still giving your vehicles shock absorbers a work out. For anyone that is interested, we were not due to get these crossings replaced under the auspices of the DOT Grant until 2010. After contacting the DOT “powers that be” by City officials on numerous occasions the time-table was dropped to 2008, then 2006, and, voila, 2005! Hooah! Job done!
     From the 'bolt
     R.J. Rex, Mayor

Odebolt Rotary Calendar needs information for its 2006 Calendar.  If you know of an event happening in the community or if your club or business is hosting an event and would like to have it included in the Odebolt Rotary Calendar, please contact Tom Down at 668-4813 by July 15, 2005.

The ODC would like to thank everyone who made Creek Days 2005 a success.  Thanks to everyone who loaned us equipment, picnic tables and bleachers; to the City of Odebolt for their support; to the Odebolt Community Center for their cooperation; to the fire department, ambulance crew, and police department for their protection; to everyone who so generously contributed money and/or cans to help make the fireworks and other major events possible; to everyone who volunteered to work, especially the sub-committees, who do such a great job!  We appreciate all your time and effort.
     And finally, thanks to everyone who attended; we look forward to seeing you again next year!
 - The Odebolt Development Corporation

NEWS BRIEFS

World's Largest Popcorn Ball - A letter dated June 20, 2005 from Guinness Book of Records recognizes Sac County as having the world's largest popcorn ball.  The largest popcorn ball weighed 3,100 pounds and was made by 40 volunteers at the Noble Popcorn Farm, Sac City, Iowa on June 12, 2004.

4-H members from Sac, Ida and Buena Vista Counties attended a Fair Prep workshop on June 22, 2005 at the Sac County Fairgrounds.  The program was sponsored by the Sac and Ida 4-H County Councils.  Participants learned about showing livestock, giving a working exhibit at fair, wacky science projects and participated in recreational activities they can take back to their 4-H clubs.  (Pictured in this issue are some participating 4-H members.)

Postal Service now offers customers online hold orders, where mail can be held from three days to thirty days.  The USPS virtual Post Office can be found at www.usps.com then, under "Receiving your mail", click Hold Mail.

Good Neighbor Review
Odebolt Nursing and Rehab Center

     At Odebolt Nursing & Rehab they don't just care "for" their residents ... they care "about" them ... which is so evident.  That is also why we are recommending them and there is just no end to the reasons that we do.  They deserve it, plain and simple.  The care their employees give heads the list of why.  That's especially true of their rehab services.
     Many of their residents chose to go to ONRC just because of their excellent rehab services.  People with short term needs for rehab services to recuperate from broken hips, pneumonia or other needs, find just the help they need to have them returning to their own home soon.  They offer the best rehab services in the area.
     Caring for our loved ones is their top priority.  At ONRC they take that responsibility very seriously, in fact, the dedication and compassion of their employees toward the people that live in their home is so great you'd think that it was their own family.  ONRC provides a wonderful facility in our great small-town atmosphere of Odebolt.  The people who work there are your neighbors and friends and they constantly strive for the goals of providing excellence in health care and couple that with personal attention to each and every resident.  Just look at the smiles and experience the uplifting atmosphere when you visit and you will know that it is true.
     It is a challenge and it takes a lot of hard work to bring that vision to reality, but at ONRC at 801 South Des Moines Street they have done just that.  Call 712-668-4867 or go visit their home and check them out yourself.  You will experience first hand the friendly atmosphere that prevails there.  When you are in the position of making this very serious decision for someone you love, make it easy on yourself and go to Odebolt Nursing and Rehab Center.  [See the services offered at their web site.]

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ODEBOLT.NET NEWS
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From the Mayor - Denny Sykes, President of the ODC reported to the city council last Monday evening that proceeds from the Creek Days weekend were in excess of $7000.  He thanked the city for their overall support, financial and otherwise, and the city thanked Denny and his ODC staff for putting on an extremely successful 'Crickdays' weekend.  I believe someone said ... "one of the best we ever had."   From the 'bolt, R.J. Rex

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From the Ida County Courier - School Board Nominations Due August 4th.  At Odebolt-Arthur, nominations papers can be obtained from Board Secretary, Carol Auen. at the O-A School Office.  Twenty signatures are required.  Paul Rydberg and Deb Bengford have expiring terms.

Obituary: Doris Ann (Hanson) Johnson, 91, of Odebolt died Monday, July 4, 2005, at Black Hawk Life Care Center in Lake View, Iowa.
     Services were 2 p.m. Friday at First United Methodist Church in Odebolt, with the Rev. Kathy Spracklin officiating. Burial was in Odebolt Cemetery. Visitation was 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 7 at Pfannebecker Funeral Home in Denison, Iowa.
     Doris Ann (Hanson) Johnson was born in Odebolt on Oct. 15, 1913, the daughter of Harry H. and Margaretta E. (Newcom) Hanson. She was raised on a farm in Odebolt and graduated from Odebolt High School. Following high school and prior to her marriage, she was employed as a secretary for the Odebolt school superintendent and school board.
     On Dec. 10, 1938, she was united in marriage to Kermit W. Johnson in Des Moines. Their union was blessed with five children, John, Joan, Karen, Susan and Lisa. They made their home on the Hanson farm in Odebolt, where she was a busy farm wife and mother. After their children were older, she returned to her job as secretary for the superintendent and school board at the Odebolt School, a position she held for more than 35 total years. Kermit died April 6, 1994 and she remained on the farm. Due to failing health, she moved to the Black Hawk Life Care Center in Lake View, Iowa in April 1998.
     She was a member of First United Methodist Church. In her spare time, she enjoyed sewing, gardening, spending time with her family and raising their Great Dane dogs.
     Those remaining to cherish her memory include four daughters, Joan Skare of Rochester, Minn., Karen and her husband, Dwight Saemisch of Denison, Iowa, Susan Clouse of Black Canyon City, Ariz., and Lisa and her husband, Mike Sweeney of Sioux City; nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
     She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; an infant son, John Johnson; her sister, Sarah Kathleen Racine; and two grandsons, Thad Clouse and Scot Saemisch.
     A memorial has been established to Macular Degeneration Research and gifts may be left at the funeral home.

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Barn Quilts of Sac County from the SETD web site
Visitors will enjoy driving through Sac County, Iowa where they will see decorative quilt blocks on historic barns and corncribs all around the county.

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 Death:  Clint Jay Siebrecht, age 18, of Odebolt, Iowa passed away on Sunday, July 3, 2005, at the Loring Hospital in Sac City, Iowa.
     Funeral services were held Wednesday, July 6th, 10:30 a.m., at the Presbyterian Church in Odebolt with burial at the Odebolt Cemetery under the direction of the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home.  Obituary at Farber and Otteman web site.

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2005 Creek Days Slide Show
Size of the photos range from 30 KB to over 90 KB, so may be slow to load for those of you on dial-up connection.  Please set aside some time and allow the photos to load.  Enjoy! - Web Master

See the Alumni News page for photos of Class Reunions and the Creek Days page for more info!