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. 26
 June 30, 2005

The Mayor Sez ....
     The following statistics are mind-boggling.  One hundred seventeen people die every day on U.S. roads*.  More car accident fatalities occur on the 4th of July than any other day of the year*.  Forty percent of the 161 fatalities that occur on the 4th of July are alcohol related*.  Enough said!  Pul-eeeze drive safely.
     From the 'bolt
     R.J. Rex, Mayor
*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Scanned from this week's issue of The Chronicle

Siebrechts are Windbreak Winners - The Sac Soil & Water Conservation District Commissioners have recently selected the windbreak of Donald & Connie Siebrecht, who live in Section 31 of Cook Twp., as the 2005 District winner of the Izaak Walton Windbreak Contest.  Their windbreak consists of eight rows of various trees and shrubs.  They will now be entered in the Statewide competition.  State winners will be announced in the Fall.
 
The Sac County 8th Annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life was held Saturday, June 25th at the high school track in Lake View from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. in spite of intermittent thunder and rain showers.  Twenty-some teams from area businesses, organizations, families and friends were signed up to walk the Relay in celebration of life.  When team members were not on the track, they enjoyed food, fun and camaraderie.  This week's issue of The Chronicle shows a photo of the crowd releasing balloons in an emotional and inspiring moment for all, following a Survivor's Lap around the track.  Several other photos are also featured.

Sac County 4-H and FFA Fair Entries are due by 4 p.m., Wed., July 6th to the Sac County Extension Office.  Contact the office at 712-662-7131.

Girvan Sisters Receive
Community Service Awards

Mayor R.J. Rex presented Community Service Awards to Barb Horak (left) of Cedar Rapids, and Bonnie Ekse (right) of Ankeny, during the All-School Reunion held at the high school gym on Friday, June 17, 2005.  Barb, a 1967 O-A graduate, is web master of odebolt.net and The Odebolt History Pages, while Bonnie, a 1964 O-A grad, is the history researcher and proof-reads both web sites.  Mayor Rex thanked them for the work they do in providing a presence for Odebolt on the World Wide Web.  (Photo courtesy of Roger Rector, also an O-A graduate, and Publisher/Owner of the Ida County Courier.)

     Thank you, City of Odebolt, for the Community Service Award certificates presented to us by Mayor R. J. Rex.  We are pleased that odebolt.net, its sister site, The Odebolt History Pages, and the e-mailed newsletter have been effective in reaching not only the local community, but also Odeboltians nationwide and worldwide. 
     Many people gave us comments and kudos over the Creek Days weekend.  It is gratifying to us that so many people do view the web sites for information and enjoyment.
     A big thank you to the Odebolt businesses that sponsor odebolt.net. They are listed on the site's front page and on the business directory page. We invite you to thank them as well.
    Also thanks to our volunteers, digital photographer, Chuck Hanson (class of 1940), and our Odebolt-based reporter, Bill Wallace (class of ?). Thanks also to the many people who contribute news and photos throughout the year.
     It's been great fun building the web sites these past 4 years.  We invite everyone to visit frequently, and to send news, stories, photographs, and calendar events to
     Thank you, Odebolt, for the opportunity to give back.  We are proud of our hometown and are pleased to promote it to the world-wide web audience.  Our town is the ONLY Odebolt in the world!

The Girvan sisters,
Barb Horak, (brunette) Web Master
Bonnie Ekse, (redhead) Research and Proofing!!

Odebolt Swimming Pool
Red Cross Swimming Lessons
(Session I from June 1 - June 29 is underway)
Session II:  July 6 - July 15
  Life Guard Prep: 9:30-10:00 a.m.
  Level 4: 9:30 - 10 a.m.
  Level 2 & 5:  10 - 10:30 a.m.
  Level 1 & 3:  10:30 - 11:00 a.m.
$5.00 per session per child and each session is 8 days long.  NO CLASSES ON WEEKENDS.  Cancelled classes due to weather will be made up.  If classes are cancelled, the teachers will attempt to call each student.  We will limit the class size to 12 students.
     Private lessons are available.  Contact the pool or the individual life-guard of your choice to schedule a time.  Odebolt Swimming Pool - 668-4512.  Kara Mickelson, Manager.

Car Show Prize Donors - The following donated prizes for door prizes at the Car Show and Shine at Creek Days 2005:
Bauer Built Tires - gift certificates
Arnold Motor Supply - t-shirts, cups, radio/headphone sets
Guarantee Oil - collectible Golf course tractors
Auto Glass Center - caps, pens, notepads
Reis Auto - mugs, mouse pads
Speed's Auto - cookbooks
Lundell Plastics - daily planner/organizers, koozies, pens
Thad Thompsen - cash donation
Farner Bocken - cash donation
Kiron Auto Body - cash donation
Auen Distributing - coolers and racing flags

Creek Days - A HUGE THANK YOU goes out to Beth Wulf and the ODC crew for helping The Chronicle get all the information before, during and after Creek Days.  Also another HUGE THANK YOU goes out to Beth Wulf, Barb Horak and other community members who brought or sent in Creek Days pictures and class reunion pictures.  It was all very much appreciated!

Obituary:  Golden Alice Nelson was born on a farm in Wheeler Township, Kiron, Iowa, June 11, 1916, the daughter of Alfred and Hannah Lind Danielson.
     She was raised on the farm and received her elementary education at the Wheeler Township Number 9 rural school before being graduated from the Kiron High School with the class of 1934.  Following high school, she was employed as a telephone operator at the Kiron Telephone Company.
     On June 26, 1950 Golden was united in marriage with William A. Nelson, Jr. at the First Lutheran Church in Des Moines, Iowa.  They made their home in Kiron and their union was blessed with one daughter, Cathy.
     In 1972, Bill and Golden purchased Hewitt Hardware in Kiron which they owned and operated until retiring in 1987.
     William passed away March 22, 1995 and Golden continued to reside in her home at Kiron where, through the years, she enjoyed spending time with family, sewing, quilting and reading.
     Golden was a life-long member of the Bethel Lutheran Church at Kiron, having the distinction of holding the longest continuous membership, where she had served as Sunday School Superintendent, sang in the choir and served as president of the women's organizations as well as holding other offices.
     In May of 2004, Golden entered the Odebolt Nursing and Rehab Center in Odebolt, Iowa, and it was there her death occurred Sunday morning, June 19, 2005.  At the time of her death, she had been blessed with 89 years and 8 days.
     Golden was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; five brothers, David, Herbert, Elmer, Jubel and Floyd Danielson; and one sister, Sylvia Buller.
     Those remaining to cherish her memory include one daughter, Cathy & husband William Ballenger of Lubbock, Texas; two grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and other relatives. [Complete listing in The Chronicle.]
     Graveside services and burial were held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 25, 2005 at Bethel Lutheran Cemetery, Kiron, Iowa.  Memorial services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 25, 2005 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Kiron, Iowa, with Rev. Trish Underberg officiating.  Arlene Sundell served as organist.
     Honorary pallbearers were Karl Sandberg, Ed Sandberg, Charles Harm, john Schultz, Steve Schultz, Dennis Wellsandt and Jim Lindstrom.
     Following the service, the family invited all in attendance to join them in the church fellowship hall for a luncheon served by the Bethel Lutheran Women.  Memorials may be directed to Bethel Lutheran Church in Kiron.  The Pfannebecker Funeral Home in Denison was in charge of arrangements.

High School Class Reunions - Pictured in this week's edition are the Class of 1950 and the Class of 1940 reunion photos.  See these and other Class Reunion photos at the Alumni News page.

A patriotic sign on a lawn in Odebolt welcomes Keith
Fineran, Andy Mortensen and Chris Mace back home from Afghanistan.

The Chronicle, Vol. 114, No. 25
 June 23, 2005

The Mayor Sez…
     “Creek Days 2005” has come and gone. From the alumni kickoff banquet Friday night to the fireworks display as the final event on Sunday evening (and everything that happened in between), I am certainly safe in saying the entire Odebolt Creek Days weekend was a huge success. On behalf of the City of Odebolt I would like to thank EVERYONE that made it all possible. We salute!
     Another “big thanks” goes to all of our alumni, former Odeboltians, and guests for coming “back home”. It is my sincere hope that all of you had a pleasant and memorable time.
     From the ‘Bolt
     R. J. Rex, Mayor
 

NOTICE TO ODEBOLT RESIDENTS

Due to numerous complaints, the City wishes to advise citizens of the need for Door to Door Salespersons to have a City Permit, as described in Chapter 161 of the City Code.  Local organizations are exempt.
     Citizens are urged to request other peddlers to produce a permit ... if they do not have one then City Hall or the Odebolt Police should be contacted.

Summer Day Camp - Faith Lutheran Church will be hosting their annual Day Camp from Monday, June 27 through Thursday June 30, from 9:00 a.m. through 2:00 p.m.  Contact Connie Leinbaugh (668-4518) or Faith Lutheran Church (668-4515).

The Odebolt Fire Department hosted an Antique Fire Truck Show at the fire station on Saturday morning, June 18th during Creek Days in honor of their 125th anniversary.  Pictured in this week's issue are Carl Sandberg of the Kiron Fire Department with a 1946 Chevy Pumper; Ed Sandberg, Odebolt Fire Department with a 1946 International Pumper; Odebolt Fire Department's 1926 Chevy Chemical Truck; Denison Fire Department's Keven Mahlberg with a 1929 American LaFrance, and the Schaller Fire Department's Sean Erhp with a 1927 REO Speedwagon Pumper.

Area Soldiers Return Home - Seven hundred Iowa Army National Guard soldiers from 21 different companies across the state returned home recently after serving 13 months in Afghanistan.  The soldiers were part of the largest activation of the Iowa national Guard since World War II.
     Soldiers returning home included Jason Shall and Neal Schau of Ida Grove; Mickey Lansink of Battle Creek; Keith Fineran of Arthur; Andy Mortensen of Kiron; and Chris Mace of Sioux City, formerly of the Odebolt area.

O-A Gold Pee-Wee Team are pictured in this week's edition.  Members include Dalton Leinbaugh, Wyatt Pierce, Connor Hemer, Jake Roeder, Brady Schlender, Kyle Baker, Tyler Newman, Royce Rosemeyer, Alan Peine, Jr., Chance Klaus, Tyler Witzke and Coaches mike Leinbaugh and Carl Hemer.

The All-School Reunion was held on Friday Night, June 17, 2005, at the Odebolt-Arthur High School.  Guests enjoyed a catered meal by Lidderdale Country Store in the multi-purpose room, followed by a program in the Bart Ogden Gym at Odebolt Community Schools.
     Jeff McDonough was the emcee for the night, telling stories from the past.  Mayor Ron Rex welcomed everyone to Odebolt and then presented two Community Service Awards to Barb Horak and Bonnie Ekse for the Odebolt website and other projects the women have completed.
     The O-A Alumni Band performed the two school songs with only a few members present.  The Oldest Registered Alumni  award was given to Marjorie (Godbersen) Thayer, and the Class with the Most Present award was given.  Gary Johnson entertained the crowd with songs of past and present.
     Howard Hustedt gave a speech on the new community center and also sang "Sweet Odebolt" with Gary Johnson, to end the program.
     Following the program was the floor auction with Auctioneer, Dave Wilken.  All proceeds went for a new gym floor and bleachers.
     Below are the high bidders for the sections:
TROJAN HEAD - Sac Co. Mutual Telephone Co. -  $525 (Donated to the Odebolt Museum)
TROJAN HEAD - Mark Hansen's Rex Chevrolet GMC, Ltd. - $525
O-A LOGO - Larry Beckman Motors - $350
O-A LOGO - Bruce & Polly Raasch family - $300 (Donated to the Odebolt-Arthur School)
CENTER CIRCLE - Carol & Ruth Youngren -  $300
3 POINT CORNER- Lucy Huldeen - $150
1 FOOT SQUARE BLOCKS - $10 each - Ruth Youngren, 1; Jeff & Cindy McDonough, 3; Donna Simonson, 1; Bob & Nancy Youngren, 1; Sue Thayer, 1.
   
    

2005 Odebolt Creek Days photos and articles are located on pages 7 through 9 as well as throughout this issue.  Below are the results of various competitions along with some photos.

WINNERS FROM CREEK DAYS

DEMO DERBY RESULTS

Full-size
1st: Christopher Mack, Breda
2nd: Gaylen Freese, Galva
3rd: Chris Tasler, Jefferson
4th: Rick Tasler, Jefferson
Compact
1st: Casey Friedrichsen, Odebolt
2nd: Jake Bieret, Wall Lake
3rd: Jamie Cleveland, Breda
4th: Jace Horsley, Odebolt

PEDAL TRACTOR PULL RESULTS

3 and 4 year olds: these three all had full pulls first round so they then had a pull-off
1st: Jacob Cowlham 33'
2nd: Garrett Hugeback 28' 9"
3rd Dakota Powell 32' 9"
5 and 6 year olds: these three all had full pulls first round so they then had a pull-off
1st: Elliott Bengford 28' 9"
2nd: Adam Grote 28' 6"
3rd: Jarel Arbegast 19'
7 and 8 year olds:
1st: Tage Henkleman 47'
2nd: Jacob Oleson 37'
3rd: Jacob Hibma 30' 6"
9 and 10 year olds:
1st: Kelsey Schlender 43' 3"
2nd: Laurel Bengford 38' 9"
3rd: Jeff Marron 33' 6"
11 and 12 year olds:
1st: Michael Hanson 38' 9"
2nd: Zach Oleson 31'
3rd: Jacob Holmes 21'
 
CAR SHOW RESULTS

1949 & Older--Tie between Robert Caddell from Vail (1939 Chevy Street Rod), and Fred Coltrain from Kiron (1915 Model T)
1950-1969--Greg & Barb Holmes from Manilla (1969 Chevy Caprice)
1970 & Newer-- Tie between Aaron Coats from Sac City (1998 Pontiac Firebird)
and Todd Hoaglund from Odebolt (2002 Chevy Camero)

The Coaster Car Races were held on Saturday, June 18th after the parade starting at Odebolt City Park. (Photo courtesy of Vicki Beckman)
 
COASTER CAR RESULTS

Bicycle Tire (Ages 5-7)
1st--Jessica Gunderson
Bicycle Tire (Ages 8-14)
1st--Connor Hemer
2nd--Tage Henkelman
3rd--Kelsey Schlender
Derby Wheels (Ages 5-7)
1st--Garrison Davis
2nd--Jake Wulf
Derby Wheels (Ages 8-14)
1st--Lauren Beckman
2nd--Devin Friedrichsen (#8 car)
3rd--Devin Friedrichsen (#9 car)
Derby Wheels (Ages 15-Adult)
1st--Tony Hoelscher
2nd--Jason Wulf
3rd--Kelly Greaves

VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT

1st Place- Ramrod from Odebolt (James Lindgren, Mike Siebrecht, Steven Schroeder, Troy Schroeder, Jason Schroeder, Ali Neumann, Tisha Schofield, Travis Youngren)
2nd Place-Big Earl's from Adair-Casey
3rd Place-LaSalle Street from Storm Lake
 
DUCK RACES
1st Place-Kelsey Theis
2nd Place-Carrie Puetz
3rd Place-David Imhoff

(RESULTS FROM - Beth Wulf, Odebolt Development Corporation)

(Click to enlarge)

Out-of-town visitors Jo (Barkley) Link, Jim Barkley, Hans Link, Sandy (Moe) McAvin and Andy McAvin (from Houston, TX) are shown trying out the antique fire truck on Saturday morning, June 18th during the 2005 Creek Days weekend. Behind them people are lined up for the Mason's Pancake Breakfast held at the fire station.

(Click to enlarge)

A long line of fire trucks from Odebolt and surrounding communities participated in the Odebolt Creek Days parade on Saturday in honor of the Odebolt Fire Department's 125th Anniversary.  The celebration continued on Sunday evening, June 19th, with a spectacular fireworks display to honor the Fire Department as well as the 10th anniversary of Creek Days.

Odebolt Creek Days were held June 18 & 19 in Odebolt.   Pictured are participants awaiting their turn in the Creek Days Washer Tournament, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce.  (Photo courtesy of Vicki Beckman)

[See the Alumni News page for photos of Class Reunions and the Creek Days page for more photos.  A slide show will be coming soon on odebolt.net.]

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ODEBOLT.NET NEWS
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2005 Creek Days
Tractor & Pickup Pull Results (.pdf)

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NEW on the Odebolt History Pages
Thelma Dresselhuis Writes ...
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Girls Softball Photos
 (Photos courtesy of Vicki Beckman)

The Chronicle, Vol. 114, No. 23
 June 16, 2005

The Mayor Sez…
     Creek Days!!! It is upon us! This is our big weekend of the year when we all come together, town and country alike, to welcome our returning Odeboltians, alumni, and visiting guests and, most of all, have fun. The City asks your help in making our City presentable by mowing and picking up. If you see something that needs our attention give us a call. Trust me, the impression our visitors leave with are lasting ones.
     Last, but not least, the dollars you spend and donate this weekend come back to the community in many helpful ways.
     A special thanks to Dr. and Jeannie Anderson for the many, many annuals they donated to the Odebolt Walk Park for the berms.
     From the ‘Bolt
     R. J. Rex, Mayor

Dedication Ceremonies for the Odebolt Community Center were held the evening of June 4th with a full-house crowd present.  Herby's Bar & Grill catered a meal followed by the dedication program.  Guest speakers were Pastor Vic Johnson who gave the invocation, OCC Board President Lance Garlock, Odebolt Mayor Ron Rex, Congressman Steve King, Class of 1952 Alumnus Jerry Reynolds, Sac County Economic and Tourism Development directory Shirley Phillips, and Howard Hustedt.
     During his portion of the program Mayor Ron Rex presented community service awards to Howard Hustedt, Shirley Phillips, Bendixen Electric, Dale & Janice Richarson, Sally & Pam Porter, Lois Purdy, Mike Olerich, Lance Garlock, Pat & Becky Reis, Greg Neville, Cheryl McFarland and Steve Bengford.
     Congressman Steve King presented the OCC with an Iowa Flag and a US Flag both of which have flown over the state capitol. 
     The evening also included entertainment with Voice Exchange, a barbershop quartet featuring 1967 O-A graduate Jerry Einspahr, Rod Schneider of Ida Grove, Kevin Rasmussen and Mark Caraher of Glidden.  Also performing was 1964 O-A graduate Gary Johnson, and 1957 O-A graduate Jim Howard with his wife and daughter, Jessie and Cassidy.
     Afterwards a karaoke contest was held with cash prizes in which community members were allowed to take the stage to see if they had the talent to win the top prize.  Following the contest a dance was held.
     The community center has 7,500 sq. feet of space, including a dining area and kitchen.  It also has banquet tables, 300 folding chairs, a built-in bar, stage area, complete ballroom lighting, Spin-Master DJ and karaoke system, outdoor patio and 4,300 sq. foot ballroom.
     Rental fees for the whole building are $125, small room fee is $25, and the kitchen only is $25.  The deposit is the same as the rental fee and is returned only if the area is left clean and undamaged.
     Photos in The Chronicle include Mayor Ron Rex presenting Howard Hustedt with his community service award.  Howard was instrumental in moving the community center project forward.  Also pictured is Howard Hustedt singing a special Odebolt rendition of the song Sweet Caroline, Congressman Steve King presenting the Iowa flag to OCC Board President Lance Garlock, and the barbershop quartet, Voice Exchange.
     The program portion of the ceremonies ended with an outstanding DVD, Odebolt, A Way of Life.     

Odebolt Community Center will hold its annual meeting on Wednesday, June 22nd at 6:00 p.m.  The public is welcome to attend.

Barn Quilts going up around Sac County

Photo from SETD Newsletter

     Travelers on Sac County's roads can see the progress made in a county project currently underway.  Seven barn quilts have been mounted on historic barns and corncribs around the county and more will be coming the week of June 20. Twenty-two 8-foot square barn quilts will be painted by the end of June by various individuals, families, Voc. Ag. students, 4-H groups and other organizations and mounted by the Sac REC crew.
     Kevin Peyton started the Barn Quilts of Sac County project.  Jerry Chizek, Sac County ISU Extension Director indicated that permission has been received from almost all property owners who were invited to display barn quilts on their buildings.
   Around Odebolt you can view designs on the barn at Prairie Pedlar; on Scott Raasch's corncrib 1/2 mile east on Odebolt on Hwy. 175; on Marshall Fox's barn 3 1/2 miles east of Odebolt on 175. (See The Chronicle for additional Sac County sites for viewing.)
     "By the end of summer, we should have a 100-plus mile tour route mapped out all around the county, with barn quilts every 5 to 10 miles, said Kevin Peyton.  "Our committee hopes it will draw tour groups in buses, on motorcycles or bicycles, or individual cars as sight-seers," he added.

Read more about it in the June SETD newsletter (.pdf file)

Order Luminaria for Cancer Society's Sac County Relay for Life.  Each luminary honors someone who has battled cancer.  The plastic canisters shine through the darkness of night representing hope for the future and a cure.  Last year over 375 luminaries lined the relay track.  Luminaries will be for sale at the Relay for Life event, Saturday, June 25th at the high school track in Lake View.  Forms are available at area banks or call 664-2060, 657-3501, or 662-4593.

The Odebolt Swimming Pool is now open for the summer swimming season.  Pictured in The Chronicle are lifeguards chosen to work at the pool this summer, including Manager Kara Mickelson, Kayla Down, Alison Hansen, Paige Iversen, Chelsea Larson, Kara Schroeder, Cory Duff, Kara Kelly and Tayli Thompson.  Missing from the picture is Kim Neumann.
    Call 668-4512 for information on Red Cross Swimming Lessons, which will be held in two sessions from June 20 to June 29, and from July 6 to July 15.

Obituary:  Ilse M. Byers, age 42, of Odebolt, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, June 12, 2005, at Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City, Iowa.  Graveside services were 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, June 15th, at the Odebolt Cemetery in Odebolt.
     Ilse was born on September 14, 1962, in Desamparados, Costa Rica the daughter of Carlos G. and Carmen E. (Vega) Alvarez. They moved to Phoenix, Arizona, in 1973. She graduated from West High School and attended Phoenix Community College for two years.
     On June 21, 1986, Ilse was united in marriage to Max Lee Byers in Phoenix. Two children were born to this union: Gabriela and Matthew. They moved to LeMars in 1999 and Odebolt in 2000. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
     In her earlier years Ilse worked for the Phoenix Community College Library and then worked seventeen years at Trans America Insurance Company in the claims department. For the past five years she was a nurses aide at Twilight Acres Nursing Home and teachers aide at Head Start in Denison, Iowa.
     Ilse loved gardening, doing arts and crafts, dancing, working with the elderly, and attending her children’s activities in school. She was a loyal and loving wife, mother, daughter, and sister who will be missed by many.
     Survivors include her husband Max; her children Gabriela and Matthew both at home; her parents, Carlos and Carmen Alvarez of Phoenix; her brothers: Carlos Alvarez, Jr. and wife Sandy of Phoenix and Alex Alvarez and wife Karen of Seattle, WA; her sisters: Ana Pena and husband Manuel of Phoenix, and Gabriela Vail and her husband Ian of Denver, CO; nieces, nephews, extended family members, and many friends.

Obituary:  Irene Hogue, age 84, of Odebolt, Iowa, died Thursday, June 9, 2005, at the Odebolt Nursing & Rehab Center due to complications of Alzheimer’s Disease.
     Funeral services were held 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 13, 2005, at the United Methodist Church in Odebolt, Iowa, under the direction of Christensen-Huffman Funeral Homes. The Reverend Kathy Spracklin officiated the service, with burial following in the Odebolt Cemetery.
     Born September 11, 1920, in Blencoe, Iowa, Irene Z. Hogue was the daughter of Carl and Blanch (Kerr) Erickson. She grew up and received her education in the Blencoe area, and was married to Jack J. Hogue on March 5, 1936, in Salix, Iowa.
     Irene and Jack made their home on a farm north of Odebolt, Iowa, where they raised their family of five children. They enjoyed a long association with American Popcorn Company, raising Jolley Time popcorn. Irene will be remembered as a hard-working farm wife and mother who took great pride in her home and family. She supplemented the family income with various jobs over the years and also raised chickens and sold eggs for many years. She grew a large garden, and was adept at canning and freezing its produce. Irene was well known for her good cooking, especially her homemade noodles, meringue, and cinnamon rolls.
     She was a faithful member of the United Methodist Church in Odebolt, where she participated in United Methodist Women. In earlier years, she belonged to the Rebekah Lodge and Ingleside Women’s Club in Odebolt. Irene enjoyed bowling, golfing, and fishing, and was an expert marksman, earning the distinction of being the best shot in the family. She also enjoyed helping her son and his family at their business, the Prairie Pedlar.
     Survivors include four children and their spouses, Ron and Flora Hogue of St. Louis, MO, Peggy and Larry Vondrak of Sioux City, Marilyn and Lowell Fields of Storm Lake, and Jack and Jane Hogue of Odebolt; twelve grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; and a daughter-in-law, Marilyn Hogue of Sioux City.
     She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Jack in 1993; a son, Gary Hogue; a granddaughter, Cheryl Vondrak; and a sister, Clarice Keele.

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ODEBOLT.NET NEWS
CREEK DAYS
SPECIAL EDITION
June 14, 2005
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FRIDAY
Odebolt Community Center Welcomes Alumni - The Community Center will be open after 3 p.m. on Friday, June 17th to welcome alumni and guests and get people 'in the mood' for the All-School Reunion Banquet which runs from 5 to 7 p.m.  Come and see our new facility!

FRIDAY NIGHT- The All-School Reunion banquet and program for alumni of Odebolt High School and Odebolt-Arthur High School is being held this year.   A catered dinner (reservations required) is planned from 5:00-7:00 p.m., followed by the program at 7:30, open to the public.  Come and join us at the High School Gym!
      OA Alumni Band:  If you are interested in offering your talents for an OA Alumni Band, please bring your instrument (if you have one), and along with your dinner reservation, please note your willingness to participate.  Practice will be at 6:15 p.m. June 17th in the OA Band Room.

FRIDAY NIGHT AUCTION!
OWN A PIECE OF SCHOOL HISTORY!
You may have heard the school is replacing the gym floor and bleachers in the Bart Ogden gym.  The old floor is up and volunteers are bundling the boards that will be put up for bid at a later date, along with the south side bleachers and the planks from the north side bleachers.  The new floor will be 5 foot longer than the old one & the bleachers will be handicap accessible.
     Two Trojan Heads and two O-A logos, along with the smaller center court circle, and the 3 point line and corner section from the southwest corner will be sold at auction during the Alumni Banquet at Creek Days this year.
     If anyone would like to bid on one of these sections but is unable to attend the auction they may send a sealed bid to the Odebolt - Arthur School, 600 S. Maple, Attn. Carol Auen.  You may also fax a bid to Carol at 712-668-2631. Please include Name, Address, Phone #, Item you are bidding on and your Dollar Bid amount. All bids must be received prior to June 13th at 3:00 pm. 
     Proceeds from the auction of these items will go towards the new floor and bleachers, which will be ready for the fall sports season. (Article and photos from Vicki Beckman)

SATURDAY AT CREEK DAYS
     If you're looking for a great way to kick-off the first full day of Creek Days this year, stop down at the fire station on Saturday, June 18th for the Mason's Pancake Breakfast from 7:00 to 10:00.  Then enjoy our beautiful memorial Walk park with a Walk Around Odebolt starting at the gazebo between 2nd Street and 3rd Street at 8:30 a.m.
     When you're ready for a leisurely break from all of the exciting Creek Days competitions, stroll through the Craft Show on Willow Street and along the creek.  A variety of vendors will be set up with plenty of things to browse through.
     And when you're in the Willow Street area, check out the Show & Shine Car Show.  Car lovers from the surrounding area will have their automotive masterpieces shined up for your viewing pleasure. 
     At 1:00 p.m., you can sit back and enjoy the parade.  The always-popular Shriners Flying Carpets and model Ts will be back this year, as will the Condors Drum Corp.  With so many alumni in town for the All-School Reunion on Friday night, there will also be several class reunion floats. 

SATURDAY AFTER THE PARADE- Warren Hanson Family Open House - 2005 Creeks Days Parade Marshal Warren Hanson and his family will hold an open house at Warren's brick town house at 312 S. Maple Street south of the doctor's office.  It will start after the Creek Days Parade on Saturday and they will be serving cake and punch.  Stop in and greet all the Hansons!  Click for a bio on Warren Hanson

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COASTER CARS AVAILABLE!

SATURDAY - The above coaster cars will be available for "carless drivers" at the Coaster Car Races to be held Saturday, June 18th at Odebolt City Park after the parade.  Entry forms are available at City Hall, Reis Auto Parts, Murphy Chiropractic, and Hemer's Plumbing & Heating.  COME AND JOIN IN ON THE FUN!

SATURDAY WASHER TOURNAMENT - Excerpts from June 9th ODEBOLT CHAMBER MINUTES  - The Annual Washer Tournament rule forms and registration forms are still available. Remember to bring your registration with you to the tournament that morning. It will start at 9:00 a.m. by the Sand Volleyball courts. Any questions contact Kay Bloyer or Roxie Hemer.
     It was decided that the Chamber will not be having a float this year.  Instead, Fina Roeder has offered the use of her convertible for Warren Hansen to sit in for the opening of the parade. Due to it being the 10th Anniversary of Creek Days and the 125th Anniversary of the Fire Department, the Chamber will be throwing coozies and candy during the route of the parade.
     Flowers were planted in the planters in the downtown area and in Memorial Circle. Thanks to all that helped with that project.

SATURDAY NIGHT
Creek Days Dance Features Ransum

Back by popular demand, Ransum will make their fourth consecutive appearance in Odebolt for the Creek Days celebration on Saturday, June 18th. Ransum is a wildly entertaining group of superior musicians that perform many favorite current and classic rock and roll hits, as well as songs that you don't normally expect to hear but will have you singing along! They are known for their high-energy performances and outstanding level of crowd participation. After a full day of celebration and activities, there's no better way to end the day than by spending the evening with Ransum! Come early and stay late. Music begins at 8:00pm. by the Community Center.
 

SUNDAY AT CREEK DAYS

SUNDAY - The Sunday events at Creek Days are always a hit, and this year promises to be better than ever!  On Sunday, June 19th, we will kick off the action with our annual Tractor and Pickup Pull at 11:00.  The tractor pull will feature several classes including Stock 3,700 lb. - 19,700 lb.; 3,000 RPM 7700 lb.-12,700 lb.; Hot Stock 6,700 lb. - 12,700 lb.; Super Stock 7,700 lb.- 12,700 lb.; and Super Farm 9,700 lb. - 11,700 lb.   General pulling rules will apply, and there will be a $15 hook fee.  The pickup pull is for licensed stock pickups with DOT-approved tires. Weigh-in will be from 8:00 am to 10:30 am for all entrants, and there will be no late weigh-ins. For more information, contact Denny Sykes.
     The Demolition Derby will follow the Tractor and Pickup Pull, at approximately 5:00 pm. With plenty of wild cars and crashes, the demo derby is always a crowd-pleaser. Rules and regulations are available at www.odebolt.net or by contacting Terry Oxendale.
     A food stand and beer garden will be available all day, along with the souvenir stand featuring t-shirts and toys. Finally, the grand finale of Creek Days will take place at dusk--a fireworks extravaganza sponsored by the ODC and the Odebolt Fire Department in honor of the 10th anniversary of Creek Days and the 125th anniversary of the fire department. Make plans to spend the day with us! 

CREEK DAYS T-SHIRTS

Available at United Bank of Iowa
301 S. Main in Odebolt
Kids Medium - $10
Adult Sm, Med, Lge, X-Lge - $10
XXL & XXXL - $12
ADULT TANK TOPS
Med, Lge, X-Lge - $10

Des Moines Register story - Precision Farming Goes Sky High - featuring Brad and Jim Lundell of Odebolt.

 Death Notice:  Irene Hogue, 84 of Odebolt, passed away Thursday, June 9 at Odebolt Nursing and Rehab Center. Funeral services were Monday, June 13, 2005 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Odebolt. Obituary at Ida County Courier.

WELCOME HOME!
From the Des Moines Register on-line
(click link) IOWANS GREET GUARD TROOPS

(Excerpt) Master Sgt. [Keith] Fineran, head custodian at Odebolt-Arthur schools, was greeted by about 25 relatives, including his wife, Debra. She waved an American flag and wore a sweater with two U.S. flags and a battery-powered pin that flashed Old Glory in red, white and blue.

The Chronicle, Vol. 114, No. 22
 June 9, 2005

The Mayor Sez ...
     Another City treasure has been added to our growing list.  Our new community center has been formally dedicated and a big thanks to all that made this happen!  May it last forever (that's a long time isn't it?).
    Attention!  School is out and kids are everywhere, especially around the swimming pool.  DRIVE CAREFULLY!  Please protect our kids.  Thank you!
     From the 'bolt
     R.J. Rex, Mayor

HELP!  Anyone having unusual or historic photos of past Creek Days events, please bring them into The Chronicle for possible use in the 2005 Creek Days insert.

The Chronicle, Vol. 114, No. 22
 June 2, 2005

The Mayor Sez…
     Congrats to the OA graduating class of 2005.
     For all of you that helped putting on a most beautiful and impressive Memorial Day service at the Odebolt Cemetery, your City thanks you!
     Now then, it’s June and we all know what that means….Creek Days is just two weekends away! It is rumored that there will be a “dunk ‘em” fund raiser booth so people will have a chance to dunk some notable people from around town (get that pitching arm ready).
     Last, but not least, our community center dedication is Sat. beginning at 4:30. Hope to see you there.
     From the ‘Bolt
     R. J. Rex, Mayor

CITY OF ODEBOLT: NOTICE - The railroad crossings on Main Street and Walnut Street will be shut down for repairs for one week starting on June 6, 2005. 

Creek Days News - If you love competition, Odebolt is the place to be on Saturday, June 18th. Whether you want to compete or just watch, you'll find something exciting going on all day. Starting at 9 a.m., kids can test their strength and stamina in the pedal tractor pull on Main Street. No pre-registration is needed; just sign-up that morning in front of United Bank of Iowa.
     Also starting at 9 a.m. is the Chamber of Commerce Washer Tournament, which was a big hit last year. In this contest, two-person teams try to accurately toss washers across a distance of 20 feet. There are five divisions in the tournament: Elementary School, Middle School, High School, Adult, and Mixed-Age teams. Registration costs $5 per person or $10 per team, and all teams must be registered by 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 18th, so get your teams together and start practicing. Contact Kay Bloyer or Roxie Hemer for further information.
     Immediately following the parade, the Coast Car races will begin at the Odebolt Park and will cross the finish line at the creek. Contact Jason Wulf for more information. At the same time, the Sand Volleyball Tournament will get underway by the beer garden. Contact Ryan Schroeder for more information.
     Throughout the day, you will also be able to test your pitching accuracy as you try to dunk your favorite - or not-so-favorite - community members at a dunking booth. In addition, kids will get the chance to play a number of carnival games or work off some energy in an inflatable bounce house.
     There will be plenty of action in Odebolt on Saturday, June 18th so mark your calendars!

Odebolt Fire Brings Charges of Arson - On May 27, 2005 at 7:43 p.m. the Odebolt Police Chief received a citizen's report of a fire between 209 and 211 South Main Street.  The Fire Department was dispatched immediately and the fire was extinguished quickly.  There was damage to both buildings as a result of the fire.
     In a joint investigation in conjunction with the State Fire Marshal Division, it was determined that the fire was intentionally set. Two charges of Arson 2nd Degree and three charges of Arson 3rd Degree were filed against five juveniles, who were referred to the Sac County Attorney's Office for prosecution.

The O-A Athletic Booster Club presented a check to O-A's athletic director, Glenn Becker, at the All-Sports Banquet held May 17th.  A record $20,000 was raised this year.  Pictured in a photo is this week's issue are:  Glenn Becker, Vice-President Dave Wilken, Secretary Traci Bengford, Membership and Publicity Chairperson Kay Bloyer, Treasurer Tom Down and President John Currie.

Obituary:  John George Neville, age 88, of Odebolt, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, May 24, 2005, at the Odebolt Nursing and Rehab Center.  Funeral services were held on Friday, May 27th, 2:00 p.m., at the United Methodist Church in Odebolt with Pastor Kathy Spracklin officiating. Burial was at the Odebolt Cemetery under the direction of the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home.
     George was born on May 24, 1917, in Boyer, Iowa, the son of John Peter and Mary Edna (Walker) Neville. He attended country school.
     Before his marriage to Dorothy M. Bauer on October 13, 1953, George served his country in the U.S. Army. George and Dorothy were blessed with two children: Carol and James.
     George worked as a carpenter for P. Dale Gronemeyer until his retirement in 1982. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, and his favorite cat “Momma Kitty”.
     Survivors include his daughter, Carol Lane and her husband Robert of LeMars, IA; son James Neville and his wife Vickie of Odebolt; step-son Donald Sapp of Fort Dodge, IA; ten grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; three sisters: Edna Schenzel of Withrow, WA, Florence Messer of Durant, OK, and Grace Pair of Des Moines, IA; extended family members and many friends.
     George was preceded in death by his parents: wife Dorothy on January 13, 1991; and three sisters: Mary “Sunny” Brown, Velva Danielson, and Amber Rose.

Odebolt Memorial Day Services were held Monday, May 30th, 2005 at the Odebolt Cemetery starting at 10:00 a.m.  The American Legion raised the flag while the National Anthem was played by the O-A High School Band.  The service included reading the names of those being remembered on the Avenue of the Flags, taps and a Rifle Salute by the Color Guard.  See a photo of the ceremonies in this week's edition of The Chronicle.

Odebolt Rotary Celebrates 100th - The Odebolt Rotary met Tuesday evening, May 10th at Herby's Bar and Grill in Odebolt to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Rotary International.  members and their guests enjoyed dinner followed by storytelling.  Clayton and Linda Layman of Rockwell City and Alan Baughman of the Twin Lakes area, who call themselves the Storytellers of the Prairie, gave short stories, both humorous and thought-provoking.  Door prizes were also given.
     Rotary members pictured at the event in this week's edition of The Chronicle were Holly Quirk, Renae Babcock, Gordie Boerner, Mick Menage, Curt Raasch, Jim Meyer, Dick Duffy, John Hubiak, Don Bettin, Tom Down and Richard Swanson.