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The Chronicle, Vol. 116, No. 26
June 28, 2007

Izaak Walton League Windbreak Winner--(photo) The Sac Soil & Water Conservation District Commissioners have recently selected the windbreak of Janice Turin Christian as the 2007 District winner of the Izaak Walton Windbreak Contest.
     Janice lives in Sec. 25, Richland Township. The windbreak consists of five rows of various trees and shrubs.
     As District winner she will now be entered in the statewide competition. State winners will be announced this fall.

Damages to Newly Poured Highway 175--(photo) Recent road construction on Highway 175 passing through Odebolt has proven to be a little tricky to navigate. The photograph shows tracks made Monday, June 18 by a Sac City resident's pick-up. The pick-up and another vehicle maneuvered through the barricades and ventured onto the newly poured pavement causing damage to the road. No charges have been filed at this time.

Faith Lutheran Vacation Bible School--A great adventure is about to begin on July 8th through the 12th at Faith Lutheran Church in Odebolt.
     The theme this year is Great Bible Reef: Diving Deep into God's Word. You will have a chance to met Rocky the Crab, Flip the Dolphin, Bella the Butterfly Fish, Heidi the Octopus and Padre the Seahorse.
     This year's program will be held in the evening, Sunday through Wednesday, from 5:30 - 8:30, with a simple meal being served as we begin our evening together. On Thursday we will meet a half hour earlier at 5:00 with a potluck, and program beginning at 6:30.
     VBS is open to any child in the community, pre-school through those who have completed 5th grade this past spring. Each child will be asked to bring a light-colored t-shirt that can be painted or decorated.
    Registrations are available at Faith Lutheran Church or by calling 668-4515.

Flamingos Migrate to Odebolt?!--Recent flamingo sightings all over town have left residents perplexed. The flamingos' first stop was the home of Ron and Connie Herbold, pictured in The Chronicle. Rumor has it, they have also visited the homes of Bill and Susan Dreessen and Larry and Beverly Beckman. What makes them come? What makes them leave? Whose house will be next? Keep your eyes peeled for future sightings! (The Chronicle photo shows about 2 dozen lawn ornament flamingos in front of an Odebolt home.)

Story Time at Odebolt Library--Just a reminder, Story Time is being held every Wednesday afternoon from 2:15 - 2:45 p.m. at the Odebolt Public Library. Children three years old and older are invited to attend this fun time. Mothers are welcome to stay. The Story Time is held in the meeting room. This program will continue every Wednesday as long as there is an interest shown. - D. Cleveland

AREA STUDENTS
    At Iowa State University's spring commencement ceremonies, Alison Neumann of Odebolt graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with Distinction in Journalism and Mass Communication.
     Jenilynn Blair of Odebolt was named to Creighton University Dean's Honor Roll for the Spring semester of the 2006-2007 academic year.

Schroeder Earns Doctor of Optometry - Bryanne Schroeder, O.D., of Odebolt, was among 116 students recently awarded the Doctor of Optometry degree from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis.
     A graduate of Odebolt-Arthur High School, she is the daughter of Randy and Kim Veit, and the wife of Brian Schroeder, also of Odebolt. Dr. Schroeder earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from Iowa State University in 2003.

TROJAN TRIUMPH
Read sports and school news in this special section of The Chronicle each week.
For updates, click on www.odebolt-arthur.net
In this issue:
--The Trojans won road games last week at Ida Grove and Dunlap between losses to Maple Valley and Remsen Union.
--The Trojanettes pulled a major upset in Maple Valley Conference play last week by topping the state's fourth-ranked 1A team as they downed the Wildcats of Woodbury Central, 6-4.
--The Trojanettes won two of their first three games in the Conference Tournament and played for fifth place Monday night of this week.
--The Trojanettes captured seventh place in the BCIG Invitational.

Odebolt-Arthur Science Room Update--Pictured in The Chronicle is the latest progress with the science room addition at the Odebolt-Arthur school. --D. Cleveland

OBITUARIES

GEORGE STREED
     George Eric Streed, age 82, of Odebolt, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, June 17, 2007, at the Odebolt Nursing and Rehab Center in Odebolt.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, June 21st, at the United Methodist Church in Odebolt with Rev. Kathy Spracklin officiating. Burial was at the Odebolt Cemetery under the direction of the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home.
     George was born on August 30, 1924, near Holstein, Iowa, the son of Theodore and Alma (Wienert) Streed. He attended grade school in the Galva and Holstein areas and later graduated from the Odebolt High School. He furthered his education in his adult years by attending night classes.
     On November 11, 1945, he was united in marriage to Elnora Stout of Sac City, Iowa. To this union four children were born: David, Esther, Mark and Mary.
     On September 5, 1975, George married Anna Gunderson Roll, they made their home in Odebolt.
In his own words George referred to himself as being an "Iowa Plow Boy" (farmer). He began farming in March of 1949, after serving his country from January of 1946 to April of 1947.
     George was also a former area manager for Standard Oil Fertilizer where he initiated and supervised 21 plants in N.W. Iowa and one in Nebraska. He went on to be a maintenance foreman for Shinrone Farms, and then a heavy duty equipment operator for Pittman Construction. He was a self-taught expert on Iowa's land formations/soils.
     In his earlier years George was a 4-H leader and he enjoyed square dance. During his later years he loved to create beautiful gifts in his woodworking area, traveling, and selling Watkins products. He helped revive the Odebolt American Legion, and volunteered his time transporting Odebolt citizens to doctors appointments in Omaha, Des Moines, and Sioux City. Even in his senior years one could find him giving simple rides around the area pointing out his successful "dirt moving" or "bulldozing." He established a special relationship with each of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
     Survivors included his children: David Streed and wife Suzan of Lafayette, CO; Dr. Esther Streed of Urbandale, IA; Mark Streed and wife Candy of Lafayette, CO; and Mary Streed of Parker, CO; and a step daughter, Marlene Noll and husband Les of Spirit Lake, IA. He is also survived by his ten grandchildren: James, David, Angi, Renee, Rachel, Jenny, Shari, Brian, Angie and Nate; 19 great-grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter. Other survivors include his brother Ted Streed of Perry, IA, and his two sisters: Louise Clausen of McCook Lake, SD, and Gladys Albers of Cherokee, IA.
     George was preceded in death by his parents; both wives; grandson Daren Streed; and his three sisters: Alice Streed, Marie Cline, and Doris Bruns.
     Obituary at Farber & Otteman web site.

SIDNEY CARSTENSEN
     Sidney Carstensen, age 86, passed away at his home in Boca Raton, Florida on May 22, 2007.     
     He was born April 17, 1921, the son of the late Nick and Mary Carstensen.
     He is survived by his sons, Charles and Greg, granddaughter Nicole, and brothers Wally and Leonard.
     Preceding him in death was his wife, Rose and son, Steve.

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

From The Odebolt History Pages
Red Cross Fund Raiser
June 29, 1918

     The above is a small version of a June 29, 1918 poster for a World War I Red Cross Benefit held in Odebolt to help the war effort.
     Below are excerpts from The World War I Letters of John E. Kuhl a book by John Kuhl's granddaughter, Lanelle Krueger.  The excerpts are from letters written to John by his sister, Louise M. Kuhl, who worked as a secretary in the Helsell Law Office in Odebolt at the time.  She could see all the activity in front of what is now Odebolt State Bank, getting ready for the benefit, and wrote about it.
     The Helsell Law Office is the same building that is occupied by the Dresselhuis and Heidenreich Law Office in present-day.

June 29, 1918
   ...  You ought to see the way they are fixing up the streets for the carnival this evening. Everybody seems to be turning out to help.  Jessie Adams is the chairman of the committee and she seems to know how to make everyone work.  Right now Mike Paul is out in the center of the square where they had that "turn to the right" sign and is putting up some kind of an affair that looks like a big black monument.  If they take some pictures of the streets I will send you some of the cards ...

July 1, 1918
     ... The Red Cross Carnival Saturday night was quite an affair and it would have been a bigger success if it had not rained. They were just about ready to begin dancing (10:00 o'clock) when it began to sprinkle. It did not rain hard but it rained enough to spoil the floor. You remember I wrote they had it right in front of "Adams' Park" and there was no roof over the floor. They hustled the instruments up to the opera house and they had the dance up there. We girls did not go up there but I guess we took in everything else except the "Chamber of Horrors". That was over in the old lumber yard across from the office and it looked so spooky that none of our bunch cared to tackle it. They had a Hindu fortune teller in front of Larson's Store and of course we all went and had our fortunes told. If all he said is going to come true some of us have some wild careers before us. ...

If you haven't already read the Kuhl Letters that are posted at the Odebolt History Pages, here is a link.  More letters will be posted in the future.

 

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The Chronicle, Vol. 116, No. 25
June 21, 2007

The Mayor Sez ...
     Attention parents of "mopeders":  it has been brought to my attention that double, triple, and even one case of quadruple riding on a single moped has taken place.  I have instructed law enforcement to waive the courtesy of first warning and pull the perp's license when caught (in addition to fine that will be accessed).  The Legislature may change the law and exclude 14 and 15 year olds from legally riding mopeds.  Let's show them that 14 and 15 year olds can be law-abiding on a motor vehicle.
     One recommendation that came from a recent public safety committee meeting is that we have a second officer for part time duty.  The primary reason being that we need more patrolling when the chief is off duty.  Beginning soon, the patrol car seen at the chief's house will not mean that no one is patrolling.  Violators beware!!  Use of your cell phones to state that the ?coast is clear? may get someone in more trouble than it may be worth.
     Thanks to the ODC, their committees, and to all the volunteers that helped make Creek Days a smashing success.
     From the 'bolt,
     R. J. Rex, Mayor

Creek Days Grand Marshal--(photo) Chosen Grand Marshal for the 2007 Odebolt Creek Days parade was P. Dale Gronemeyer. He led the parade Saturday afternoon, June 16, in the traditional convertible, enjoying the beautiful day. Dale was chauffeured by Rachel Veit (driver) and Shelby Veit. The convertible, a 2006 Chrysler Sebring, was courtesy of Larry Beckman Motors.

The 12th Annual Odebolt Creek Days, June 16th & 17th, 2007. Proudly brought to you by....Members of the Odebolt Development Corporation Committee. Pictured in The Chronicle are Jason and Beth Wulf, Jann & Alex Murphy and Tandy & Mark Reis, all wearing the Odebolt Creek Days T-shirts. Committee members Bill & Marsha Tysor and President Denny Sykes escaped the camera's eye! We'll get 'em next year!
     The Creek Days celebration is featured in a four-page photo spread in this week's Chronicle. Show and contest results are included.

Creek Days Grand Marshal--(photo) Chosen Grand Marshal for the 2007 Odebolt Creek Days parade was P. Dale Gronemeyer. He led the parade Saturday afternoon, June 16, in the traditional convertible, enjoying the beautiful day. Dale was chauffeured by Rachel Veit (driver) and Shelby Veit. The convertible, a 2006 Chrysler Sebring, was courtesy of Larry Beckman Motors.

The 12th Annual Odebolt Creek Days, June 16th & 17th, 2007. Proudly brought to you by....Members of the Odebolt Development Corporation Committee. Pictured in The Chronicle are Jason and Beth Wulf, Jann & Alex Murphy and Tandy & Mark Reis, all wearing the Odebolt Creek Days T-shirts. Committee members Bill & Marsha Tysor and President Denny Sykes escaped the camera's eye! We'll get 'em next year!
     The Creek Days celebration is featured in a four-page photo spread in this week's Chronicle. Show and contest results are included.

Irlbeck Benefit in Odebolt June 24--A benefit for Mike and Megan Irlbeck and baby son Craig of Coon Rapids will be held Sunday, June 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Odebolt Community Center. Pork burgers and turkey filets, along with baked beans, salads and bars will be served for a free-will donation.
     Megan, daughter of Bruce and Polly Raasch of Odebolt, and Mike were married in March 2006. Their son was born prematurely in late December, and he remained in the NICU for three months. On April 5, the Irlbecks took their son home at last.
One month later, their home was hit by a tornado, tearing off the roof and destroying all of their living room furniture. Wedding gifts and baby presents, along with many other personal possessions were lost, as well as their family car.
     Please come to the benefit and support this young family. Donations can also be mailed or dropped off at any United Bank of Iowa location. Supplemental funding will come through Thrivent Financial.

AREA STUDENTS
     Daniel Olson, pre-nursing, was named to the Spring Semester President's List at Des Moines Area Community College. To be eligible, a student must have earned a 4.0 average.
     Jamie Koch, practical nursing, graduated following the spring semester from Des Moines Area Community College.

2006 Water Quality Report for Odebolt Water Supply--This report contains important information regarding the water quality in our water system. The source of our water is groundwater drawn from the Cambrian-Ordovician aquifer(s). See the water quality testing results in this week's Chronicle.

OBITUARIES

Eleanor Edna (Kessler) Schwab, age 92, of Scottsdale, Arizona and formerly of Schaller, Iowa, passed away Thursday, May 31, 2007, in Scottsdale.
     Services celebrating the life of Mrs. Schwab were held on Monday, June 4, 2007, at Messinger Mortuary, Scottsdale, Arizona, and local services on Thursday, June 7, 2007, at the United Methodist Church in Schaller with Reverend Terry Pollard officiating. Interment is in the Schaller Cemetery under the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Schaller. Those who wish to send online condolences to the family may do so via the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home website: www.fratzkejensen.com/obituaries/e-schwab.htm
     Eleanor was born on July 12, 1914, in Odebolt, Iowa to Edward and Lydia (Wallbaum) Kessler. She graduated from Odebolt High School in 1931 and attended the National Business Training School in Sioux City, Iowa. John Grohe Seed Farms of Schaller, Iowa employed her. Eleanor married Lester William Schwab on June 11, 1940 and they made their home in Schaller. Lester owned and operated Schwab Electric, while she was a homemaker and a mother of four children.
     Eleanor was an active member of the community and First United Methodist Church. In 1983, some years after her husband’s death, Eleanor moved to Scottsdale, Arizona. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Scottsdale and various vocal and artist groups and was active in the Scottsdale Senior Center. Some of her activities with the Center consisted of modeling in fashion shows and she sang in the Guys and Dolls Showtime Band and Charlie’s Angels singing groups. She was a season ticket holder to the Scottsdale Performing Arts Center. Eleanor enjoyed traveling with friends, as she did with her husband. A love for all things beautiful; faith, family, friendships, music, art and nature were central in Eleanor’s life. Her talents in the arts brought numerous opportunities for expression and serenity to a life well lived.
     Eleanor is survived by her children and their spouses: Douglas and Sally Schwab of Scottsdale, Arizona; Allan and Linda Schwab of Battle Creek, Michigan; Patricia and Richard Selberg of Atlanta, Georgia; and Rebecca and Steven Hamersley of Ankeny, Iowa; nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; her loving companion, Alex Salzman of Scottsdale, Arizona; extended family and many friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lester; her parents, Edward and Lydia Kessler; and her brother, Walter Kessler.

Shirley Mae (Henry) Trudeau, 88, passed from this life on June 5, 2007, in Boone, IA. She was born November 24, 1918, in Sioux City, IA. Her parents were Bert and Alice (Blonge) Henry. She graduated from Central High School in Sioux City and later attended Buena Vista College in Storm Lake. On June 7, 1942, she married Lawrence Trudeau of Elk Point, SD, in San Antonio, TX, where he was stationed in the Army Air Corps. They later made their home in Odebolt, IA, where they lived for many years. She was active in her church, in bridge groups, and with her many friends in the community and worked as a secretary and grade school teacher’s aide. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She cared for her husband for many years before his passing in 1999, and in 2002, she moved to Ames to be near her family. Shirley was blessed with a cheery disposition, a caring and generous nature, and a great sense of humor. She loved her family and friends, loved to share a laugh, even at her own expense, and she had a strong faith in the goodness of God. She will be greatly missed by those who had the privilege of knowing her.
     Shirley is survived by her daughter Linda Trudeau and Linda’s husband Paul Kaufmann of Ames, IA, her stepdaughters Margaret (Russell) Hanson of Elk Point, SD, Donna Hoklin of Laurel, MT, and Sherril (Francis) Christensen of Yankton, SD; grandchildren Shawna Trudeau and her partner Sara Drake, Jeremy Trudeau and his fiancé Kristin Sifuentes, and step-grandchildren Kathy (Tom) Sandau, Doug (Jeanne) Hanson, Yvonne (Mark) Doohen, Diane (Dan) Ritter, Darin (Donna) Hanson, Debbie Jelinek, Jarl Hoklin Jr., Karen (Steve) Ahmann, Kristin (Ryan) Syvrud, Julie Hoklin, Dennis Christensen, and Kathy (Ray) Campbell, and many, many great- and great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
     She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her sister Grace Finley, step-son Robert Trudeau; son-in-law Jarl Hoklin, niece Janice Finley Benjamin, and nephew Claude Finley.
     Services for Shirley were held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, June 9th, at the Faith Lutheran Church, 708 Locust Street, in Odebolt with burial at the Odebolt Cemetery.
www.farberotteman.com/obituaries/s-trudeau.htm

Raymond F. Voss, age 95, of Schaller, Iowa, died Sunday, June 3, 2007 at Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake, Iowa.
     Funeral services for Mr. Voss were held Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Schaller, with Reverend David Lyons officiating. Burial was in the Schaller Cemetery. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Schaller is in charge of the arrangements. www.fratzkejensen.com/obituaries/r-voss.htm
     Raymond F. Voss was born January 25, 1912 in Odebolt, Iowa, the son of Herman and Cora (Morley) Voss. He was baptized at Peace Lutheran Church in Wall Lake, Iowa and later confirmed his faith at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Schaller. He was raised in the Odebolt area and went to school there, graduating from Odebolt High School.
     On May 24, 1932, Raymond was united in marriage to Flora Buehler in Odebolt. They were blessed with seven children: Ray, Don, Janice, Ethlyn, Muriel, Albert and Amos. Flora died in 1969. On December 27, 1972, Raymond married Geraldine Jacobson.
     Raymond enjoyed farming and working the land, which he did for much of his life. He was a member of the Rotary Club for many years. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Schaller, where he was a Sunday School teacher. He liked to go fishing or hunting and enjoyed a spin around the dance floor. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as a friend to many.
     Left to cherish his memory are his son, Ray Voss of Schaller; daughter Ethlyn Vogler of Beverly Hills, Michigan; daughter Janice Koenen of Odebolt, Iowa; grandchildren: Cindy, Charlie, Susie, Sandy, Julie, Jim, Jeff, Jon, Mark, Kelly, Scott, Dawn, Jerry, Jr., Kenny, Andrew, Sara and Amanda; many step-children, step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Helen Heidemann of Pepin, Wisconsin; extended family and a host of friends.
     Raymond was preceded in death by his parents; his two wives; his sons: Don, Albert and Amos; his daughter, Muriel; and one grandchild, Bill.

TROJAN TRIUMPH
Read sports and school news in this special section of The Chronicle each week
For updates, click on  www.odebolt-arthur.net
 In the June 21st Chronicle: T
--Trojanettes win three softball games after pair of losses.
--Trojans drop three conference baseball contests.
--Senior Scopes of Elizabeth Bloyer and Kandi Neville
 In June 14th Chronicle:
--Odebolt-Arthur Middle School 4th Quarter Honor Roll
--Senior Scopes of Jordan Walsh and Joseph Schaefer

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The Chronicle, Vol. 116, No. 24
June 14, 2007

The Mayor Sez ...
     Last week my column was about Creek Days coming up.  This week, Folks, it is upon us!!
            I would like to extend an invitation to all of our neighbors around the area to come join in the fun.  There are some very interesting events; too numerous to mention, but, trust me, there is something for everyone.  Check the Web Site and The Chronicle for a schedule of events for Sat. and Sun.
     Today [June 14th] is Flag Day!
     Last, but not least, may I remind our Memorial Walk Park Board Members of our meeting Thurs., June 14th, at 4 and 5 P.M. for clean-up along the walk. Anyone that wants to help we will be glad to have you.  Just bring your own equipment.  Thank you!
   From the 'bolt,
   R. J. Rex, Mayor

A special Creek Days pull-out section in this week's Chronicle is sponsored by many area businesses.

Odebolt Swimming Pool - Swimming Lessons Schedule 2007 - The following schedule has been set for swimming lessons this year. Please register your child soon. We did not have enough students last year to hold 2 sessions, so this will be the only time there will be public lessons.

June 25th - July 3rd

Cost is $15 per student for the 7-day session.
NO CLASSES ON SATURDAY OR SUNDAY

Class Times
Level IV: 9:30 - 10:00 a.m.
Level V: 9:30 - 10:00 a.m.
Level VI: 9:30 - 10:00 a.m.
Level III: 10:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Level II: 10:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Level I: 10:30 - 11:00 a.m.

     Cancelled classes, due to weather, will be rescheduled, if possible. If classes are cancelled, the teachers will call each student.
     Private lessons are also available. Call the pool at 668-4512 to register or inquire about private lessons.  We ask all parents to please stay outside the fence while lessons are in session.
     Thank you for your cooperation.

Moonlit Bike Ride Scheduled--The Sac County Conservation Foundation will host their 3rd Annual Moonlit Bike Ride on Friday, July 6th, 2007. The approximate 20-mile ride will begin and end at Speaker Park in Lake View. The Moonlit ride will be held entirely on hard surface.
Registration forms are available at the Hagge Park office or the Internet at www.saccounty.org/conservation/whatsnew.asp

Elderbridge Gathering--The public is invited to attend the Sac County/Elderbridge Agency on Aging Gathering being held Wednesday, June 27, 2007, at the Odebolt Community Center Meal Site, 11 a.m. The program will be presented by Gwen Ecklund, Alzheimer's Association Regional Services Director.
     You do not have to be a regular to attend the gathering. If you would like to join us for lunch after the gathering, please make a meal reservation at (712) 668-2223 by Tuesday, June 26, 2007. The site begins serving at 11:30 a.m.

Blood Bank Needs Summer "Heroes"--Your next opportunity to donate in Odebolt is Wednesday, June 27 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Odebolt Community Center. www.siouxlandbloodbank.org

Seniors Awarded FB Scholarships--In 2007, Sac County Farm Bureau awarded four $500 scholarships to high school seniors pursuing a four-year college degree. Chelsea Ann Larson, daughter of Clayton and Kathy Larson of Odebolt, was a recipient of one of these scholarships. Chelsea plans to attend Northwestern College in Orange City and major in Economics and Business Finance.
     Tate Wilken, son of David and Twyla Wilken of Odebolt, received a $500 scholarship from Sac County Farm Bureau's 2007 two-year Ag Associate degree scholarship program. Tate plans to attend Iowa Lakes Community College and major in Agribusiness Technology.
     Six other Sac County Farm Bureau members were awarded $1,000 as part of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation renewable scholarship program. Kyle Siebrecht, son of LaDon and Linda Siebrecht of Odebolt, received one of these scholarships.

Sac County 4-H Endowment Fundraiser--Quilt raffle tickets will be available at the Sac County Extension Office or at Odebolt Creek Days, June 15-17, and other upcoming celebrations in Sac County. The money raised will help support Sac County 4-H clubs, assist youth to attend leadership camps, development of new 4-H clubs, and future scholarships. The quilt blocks were sewn in 206 by 4-H members, 4-H parents and friends of 4-H.

CARD OF THANKS
     The City of Odebolt wishes to say THANK YOU to the adults and students who assisted the senior citizens with Clean-up Day and for the hours of tidying up the City Park, Memorial Park Walk, and Museum.
     Your generosity is greatly appreciated by many.
 - Mayor R. J. Rex

Patten Brothers/Sailors at the Focus of Library Event -- Dale E. Sporleder, a grandson of Clarence Floyd Patten I, and co-author of 124 Years Before the Navy Mast - The Patten Family, presented a Power Point documentary of the Navy's largest family of eight brothers and their father who served patriotically in World War II, and who lived on a farm south of Lake City.
     In the mid-thirties the family lived on a part of Brookmont, then owned by J. Alvin Reik, located 1/2 mile north of the main Brookmont intersection, on the east side of the road.
     The Lake City Public Library hosted the presentation, which included actual news reels shown in movie theaters in June-July, 1942 from the archives of Universal Newsreels and United Newsreels that include footage of the Patten brothers and their father. Six of the brothers were on the Nevada, next to the Arizona when Japan attacked the American Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Later they served on the aircraft carrier Lexington in the battle of the Coral Sea in May 1942.
     A front-page article appeared in the Des Moines Register on December 6, 2006 that featured this Patten family to commemorate Pearl Harbor Day and acknowledge the story of a rural family from Iowa who loved their country and served their country patriotically a combined total of 124 years.
     The book states that in the fall of 1936 Floyd and his four youngest sons, Ted, Roy, Bruce and Wayne, signed a lease with Mr. Reik for six months of lumbering rights with the option to extend the lease as an additional monthly lease. Floyd and his sons sold lumber locally. Starting October 28, 1937 Mr. Patten and his sons picked from 83 to 98 bushels of corn daily for Andrew Carlson, using two teams of horses. That fall Al Christian of Lake View, Iowa supplied Mr. Patten with 2500 ft. of logs. They also purchased and sold lumber locally. In May 1940 they expired their lease, and Floyd and sons Bruce and Wayne (Ted and Ray had enlisted in the Navy) moved to Ridgefield, Washington. Eventually all eight Patten brothers and their father enlisted and served in the Navy during World War II.
     Audrey Bettin, Leonard Carstensen, Bonnie Ekse, Barbara Horak, and Phyllis Kies of Odebolt attended the presentation at Lake City. Read the complete article in this week's Chronicle and on The Odebolt History Pages.   (Floyd Patten and his eight sons are pictured in their Navy uniforms in this week's Chronicle) --Submitted by Phyllis Kies

Bonnie Ekse, Audrey Bettin and Phyllis Kies at the book-signing table with author,
Dale Sporleder, co-author of 124 Years Before the Navy Mast - The Patten Family.
Photo by B. Horak

Craft Time at the Odebolt Library--Craft time was held at the Odebolt Public Library the week of June 4 - 8. Many children enjoyed making pencil holders, bird feeders, angel decorations, bookmarks, note holders and toy containers. The last day was a field trip to the country to pet and feed hinnies, steers, goats, pigs, chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, guineas and rabbits. Pictured in The Chronicle are four children and their helper at a craft table. - D. Cleveland

Bible School at Trinity Lutheran--17 children are pictured in this week's Chronicle. They attended Bible School May 29 to June 1 at Trinity Lutheran Church. - D. Cleveland

Let's Keep Swimming! - "Repaint the Odebolt Pool Bath House" was the service project that Amy Stangl wanted to do for the Community Service project requirement to earn her Bronze Award in Girl Scouts. So she went to the pool manager to ask if she could undertake this project. However, as they began looking at the bath house they discovered there was much more that needed to be done than just painting. So Amy asked her dad to look at the bath house, then they discussed the cost of materials.
     Last September Amy presented a bath house remodeling plan to the Odebolt City Council. There was a need for new plumbing, benches, stalls, sinks, toilets and doors. The bath house also needed new siding and shingles. City Council approved the plan, and Amy next presented the idea to her 4-H club, the Richland Robins/OA Showmen. They agreed to help with labor and to donate funds raised at their annual omelet brunch.
     After reading the article in The Chronicle about the project, Becky Reis donated the first $20. Amy applied for and was awarded the Sac County Endowment grant through 4-H. She also applied for the Iowa Promise grant as a girl scout, along with Jon Stangl representing the OA Showmen. It was awarded as well. The Richland Robins/OA Showmen donated some of the profits from their omelet brunch. Since the end of April Amy has been asking Odebolt businesses to donate to the project. On May 27 the Odebolt pool project received a $5,000 grant from Hamburger Helper's My Hometown Helper.
     The 4-H club began demolition on April 17, 2007, and they discovered that the brick wall dividers in the women's and men's rooms were very unstable. Another demolition day was held on May 26, then the rebuilding began. At this time the walls and bathroom stalls have been erected, along with new shower heads and handles. New sinks and toilets will soon follow. Benches are being built by the high school boys of the OA Showmen; the 3rd-5th grade 4-H members have helped with clean-up and the planting of flowers, which were donated by Prairie Pedlar. Lake View Concrete donated landscaping stones. After they have completed work on the bath house the group will move on to the mechanical house, which needs new windows and some foundation work. (See two photos in The Chronicle.)
     "Before", "during" and "after" pictures will be displayed in the basket room by the middle of June. A sign at the pool lists area businesses that have donated to the project. Please express your appreciation to the businesses that have donated to the pool project next time you visit them.
     Total estimated cost for the improvements is $13,000. Currently Amy has raised $6,300. An Odebolt Pool Project account has been established at United Bank of Iowa. Donations may be made to that account, or you may contact Amy Stangl or Todd Bengford.
Let's Keep Swimming, Odebolt!

HAZEL V. RAASCH
     Hazel V. Raasch, 95, of Sioux City, Iowa, formerly of Odebolt, died Friday, May 25, 2007, at the Maple Heights Nursing Home, Mapleton, Iowa.
     Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, May 29th, at the United Methodist Church in Odebolt with Rev. Kathy Spracklin officiating. Burial was at the Odebolt Cemetery under the direction of the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home.
     Hazel was born March 31, 1912, to Julius and Vernal (Baker) Brucker. She grew up on a farm near Arthur, Iowa, and graduated from the Arthur High School in 1929.
     She was united in marriage to Willard I. Raasch on December 18, 1930, at the Methodist parsonage in Deloit, Iowa. They made their home on a farm north of Odebolt for almost 50 years. Two daughters were born to this union, Genevieve and Thelma.
     Hazel was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. She enjoyed spending time with her family, working in her garden, reading, and sewing. In September, 1980, they moved to Morningside in Sioux City. Willard passed away in December, 1992.
     In July of 2004, Hazel moved to her daughters, Genevieve Schrunk, in Mapleton. She had resided at Maple Heights Nursing Home since October 31, 2005.
     Hazel is survived by two daughters: Mrs. Charlie (Genevieve) Schrunk of Mapleton and Mrs. Floyd (Thelma) Nelson of Sioux City; eight grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; five step-great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; four step great-great grandchildren; a brother-in-law, Cleo Perkins of Holstein; a sister-in-law Betty Raasch of Odebolt; and many extended family members.
     She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and six sisters and two brothers.

CREEK DAYS

ODEBOLT MUSEUM will be open during Creek days on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and again from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.  Stop in and see all the displays of Odebolt's past! 
     Pick up some Odebolt Historical Note Cards while at the museum.  Limited Edition Historic Christmas Ornaments will be on sale, as well as the 2002 Odebolt History Book for only $12.00!

PARADE ROUTE - The Creek Days Parade will begin at 1:00 p.m. Saturday on the corner of Walnut and 2nd Street.  Entries will make their way eastward on 2nd Street and turn south on Main Street, where they will travel until they hit 5th Street.  On 5th Street they will go east until they reach Park Street, turning south and ending the parade by the Odebolt Swimming Pool. Parade entries should line up on 2nd and Dewey Streets.

SPECIAL PARADE GUESTS - The Grand marshal this year for the Odebolt Creek Days Parade is P. Dale Groneymeyer.  He will be riding in the parade.
     Special Guests this year at the parade will include: The Omaha Drum Corps, thanks to sponsorship by the Rotary Club 2213, Swanson insurance, ONRC & Assisted Living, and Jamboree Foods, will again be performing in the parade.  After the parade they wil be performing by the beer garden as well.
     Shriners Mini Indies will join the fun again this year sponsored by Lundell Plastics.

CREEK DAYS NEWS
     With Creek Days rapidly approaching, it's time to get your Creek Days 2007 t-shirts. This year's shirts are available in three different colors: chocolate, denim, and gold. You can pick one up at United Bank of Iowa or Iowa State Bank.
     It's also time to start planning your Creek Days 2007 weekend. There is even more to do and see than last year. In addition to the Tube Races and Bill Riley Talent Show, another new event is the Runaway Saws Chainsaw Sculptor Demonstration. On Saturday, June 16th, chainsaw artist Jeff Klatt (click for article) will be set up on the corner of 3rd and Willow Streets making four chainsaw carvings from start to finish. These carved sculptures will be auctioned off before the demolition derby on Sunday afternoon.
     Some events that were new last year are back again this year by popular demand. The Show & Shine Truck Show will once again line the streets. Also, the National Guard will be bringing their rock climbing wall back, and the Sand Box Treasure Hunt will be back with even more sand toys and more buried treasure! Kids can also enjoy some carnival games and barrel train rides after the parade at the Presbyterian Church.
     A new event that was a hit for adults last year was the tractor ride. Thirty-seven tractors cruised the countryside last year after the parade, and we hope for even more this year.
     These new or nearly-new events are in addition to the old favorites which will still be going on during the day Saturday. The Masons'/Fire Department Pancake Breakfast, Washer Tournament, Pedal Pull, Craft Show, Car & Motorcycle Show, Coaster Car Races, and Sand Volleyball Tournament promise to keep everyone entertained during the day. And don't forget about the great music Saturday night when Creek Days welcomes 2007 Iowa Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees Bob Dorr & The Blue Band.
     Sunday will also be jam-packed with activity. The day will start with a celebration concert featuring Praise Him at the Odebolt Community Center. At 12:30, the Garden Tractor Pull will get underway with stock and modified garden tractors as well as mini-rods displaying their power. The Bill Riley Talent Show, Chainsaw Art Auction, and Demolition Derby will fill the rest of the afternoon and evening hours, and the day will culminate in a fireworks extravaganza [put on by J & M Productions] as the Creek Days grand finale.
     Your generous can and money donations are helping to make an even bigger and better show possible for this year, but your continued support is very much appreciated. You can donate by dropping your cans in the drop box by Monument Circle or by dropping your change in one of the many donation cans at local businesses.

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ODEBOLT.NET NEWS
B. Horak & B. Ekse, Webnews Editors
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A bit of history as odebolt.net approaches
 65,000 "hits" on its front page counter.

     Odebolt.net's volunteer photographer, Chuck Hanson, recently alerted me to the fact that the daily hits recorded on the counter on the front page of the site is about to hit 65,000 visitors.  I thought it was a good time to give some background on the web site.
      Odebolt.net was first published on-line on October 16, 2001. Since that time, daily "hits" recorded on its counter have risen from 10 to 15 a day to around 90 on average, as more and more Odebolt citizens, or former citizens check in on what's happening in our town.
     About 45% of people are checking in from the local Odebolt ISP (Internet Service Provider), netins.net. The next highest ISP addresses are from rr.com, cox.net, iowatelecom.net, frontiernet.net, longlines.com, mchsi.com, comcast.net, qwest.net, and aol.com.
    The month of May statistics show that traffic comes mostly from the United States, with 4,300 page hits in May from non-profit organizations (.org) (possibly people checking in from libraries); 6,500 page hits in May from high schools and colleges (.edu), and 1,169 page hits in May from military addresses (.mil). The counter only counts a visiting isp once, even though many pages may be visited.
     Visits from addresses in other countries represented in May are Mexico, Australia, Canada, Germany, Sweden, Netherlands, Italy, Dominican Republic, United Kingdom, Belgium, Norway, Switzerland, Vietnam, Brazil, Indonesia, Hungary, Japan, and the list goes on.
     The heaviest traffic appears to happen on Mondays and Fridays, and the busiest hours are 7:00 to 9:00 a.m., and 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.  The search engine on the front page has been used about 6,500 times to search the web site.
     The pages that received the most "hits" in May are the front page (of course), then the News, Calendar, Business Directory, City page, Community page, Community Center page, Attractions page, Lodging page, and, right now, since Creek Days is approaching, the Creek Days page.
     When links to other odebolt.net pages are posted on the "News" or front page, the hits on those pages go up.  For instance, there were 190 hits on the Business Spotlight page in May, 170 to the Museum page, 141 to The Chronicle page, 125 to the Lodging page, and 111 visits to the Real Estate page.
     "Hits" always go way up when we send out the Odebolt.net Newsletter. It reaches around 200 people via email, many of whom do not check in on a regular basis, but do visit odebolt.net as a result of the newsletter.
    What we know from these statistics is that more people are visiting odebolt.net on a regular basis, and less than half of those are local people.  College students and military service persons are checking in, and our neighboring towns are visiting. Many former Odebolt residents check in often. People traveling in other countries check in as well as former O-A high school exchange students.
     The Odebolt.net Guest Book contains 59 pages of entries from people who have left messages for us all to read.
     Thanks to everyone for the support they have shown to odebolt.net, and thanks especially to all the businesses that help with financing it!  We will celebrate six years on the Internet on October 16, 2007.
- Barb Horak, odebolt.net editor

 

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The Chronicle, Vol. 116, No. 23
June 7, 2007

The Mayor Sez…
     Mark your calendars for June 16th and 17th as Creek Days is about upon us. A schedule of events will be in The Chronicle for two fun-packed days. The ODC and their volunteers have worked very hard throughout the year to make it all happen. This is the one huge event of the year that brings our community together, so I urge everyone to come on out and join in the fun. The Masonic breakfast gets things started Sat. morning and the fireworks end it Sunday evening. Everything in between is for your entertainment and enjoyment. Thank you!!
     From the ‘bolt,
     R. J. Rex, Mayor

Boys State Delegates--The Odebolt American Legion Roose Post 313 has chosen Chase Gunderson, son of Chuck & Kathleen Gunderson; Mark Heidenreich, son of Joe & Jane Heidenreich; and Tyler Leinbaugh, son of Mike & Connie Leinbaugh, all of Odebolt, as delegates to attend the 69th session of the American Legion Hawkeye Boys State at Camp Dodge near Des Moines, June 10-15. (photos)

Sac County Mutual Telephone donates to Museum -- The Odebolt Museum is the recipient of a $500 donation made by Sac County Mutual Telephone Company. The museum is maintained and operated by a group of hard-working volunteers who put in countless hours. Pictured in The Chronicle are Eleanor Peterson; Verna Mae Schwaller; Dale Schaefer, Manager of Sac County Mutual Telephone Company; Thelma Schroeder; and Renae Babcock. In the photograph, Dale Schaefer presents the check to Verna Mae Schwaller, Curator of the museum.

Sac County Mutual Telephone Company donated $250 to the City of Arthur's softball field project. The City has generously donated labor hours and money to upgrade the current condition of the ball field. One of the improvements is the new sprinkler system. Lois Oxendale, Mayor of Arthur, is pictured in The Chronicle receiving the check from Dale Schaefer, Manager of Sac County Mutual Telephone Company. - D. Cleveland

Memorial Day, May 28, 2007--See a photo of the Odebolt-Arthur High School Band playing a prelude concert at Odebolt Cemetery, and a photo of members of the American Legion at the ceremony, surrounded by flags billowing from their poles.

Odebolt Public Library--See the list of new books and DVD's for May 2007 in this week's Chronicle.

A 2007 Summer Sports Special extra section of The Chronicle has photos of the 2007 Trojanettes Softball Team and the 2007 Trojans Baseball Team, and write-ups about each team. Also included are the teams' game schedules. This special section is sponsored by businesses in Odebolt, Arthur, Kiron, Ida Grove and Sac City.

Iowa State Bank Welcomes you!
We are now open in the
former MetaBank location
219 Main Street, PO Box 465
Odebolt, IA 51458
712-668-4881
LOBBY HOURS
Mon-Fri, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sat., 9:00 a.m. - 12 p.m.
We're Here for YOU!

www.scsbank.com/

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ODEBOLT.NET NEWS
B. Horak & B. Ekse, Webnews Editors
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CREEK DAYS NEWS
NEW EVENTS!

Carnival at First Presbyterian - Following the parade on Saturday, June 16 there will be a carnival on the First Presbyterian lawn until 4:30.  There will be "Sheila's Short Stop" soft-serve ice cream, Denison Job Corp's "Clown Club", kiddie barrel train rides by the Wall Lake Lions, and various game booths for all ages.  There will also be the opportunity to throw sponges at various people.

Sunday Morning Breakfast & Praise Concert  - Sunday morning, June 17th from 10:00 to noon, the churches of Odebolt are serving a continental breakfast at the Odebolt Community Center.  The Kiron Baptist Praise Band, a group of high school youth, will be performing from 10:00 until 10:30.  At 10:30 a group named Praise Him, an octet consisting of four couples from the Ellendale, MN area, will present a 1-1/2 hour concert sharing their music ministry.  A free-will offering will be taken at approximately 11:15, accompanied by the Kiron Baptist Praise Band.  One hundred percent of the offering will be use to compensate the performers. 

Tube Races - Along with some old favorites, Creek Days 2007 offers several brand new events. For those of you still longing for the canoe races of Creek Days past, one of the new events this year will let you test out your rowing skills once again. Tube Races will be held on Saturday, June 16th at the Odebolt Swimming Pool. In these races, four-person teams will compete to see who can finish two legs of a relay the fastest.
     Two members of each team will paddle inner tubes from the west end of the pool to the east end and back. They will then switch with their other two team members who will complete the second half of the race. The first team to have all four members finish the course will be the winner.
     The entry fee for this double elimination event is $20, and cash prizes will be awarded. Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 16, with racing to start at 8:30.

Bill Riley Talent Show - Another of the new events, the Bill Riley Talent Show, will take place on Sunday afternoon. This talent competition is open to musicians, dancers, and gymnasts who are between the ages of 2 and 21 and are residents of the state of Iowa. First-, second-, and third-place prizes will be awarded in two divisions: Sprouts (age 2-12) and Seniors (age 13-21). The first-place winner in each division will advance to the 48th Annual Iowa State Fair Bill Riley Talent Search in Des Moines.
     The Odebolt Creek Days 2007 Bill Riley Talent Show will start at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 17th at the Odebolt Fire Station. For more information or to register, contact Jeana Arbegast at 668-2368. Spectators are welcome to come and enjoy an afternoon showcasing some of western Iowa’s most talented youth.

Runaway Saws Chainsaw Sculptor Demonstration - On Saturday, June 16th from 9:00-1:00 and from 2:00-6:00, chainsaw artist Jeff Klatt will be set up on the corner of 3rd and Willow Streets making four chainsaw carvings from start to finish. These carved sculptures will be auctioned off before the demolition derby on Sunday afternoon.

Garden Tractor Pull - On Sunday, June 17th starting at 12:30, the Western Iowa Garden Tractor Pullers and the Northwest Iowa Tractor Pullers will be in town for a Garden Tractor Pull. Classes will include Stock 950 lb. - 1050lb. Limited to 18 hp; Stock Altered 0950 lb. - 1050 lb. Limited to 18 hp; Limited Modified 1000 lb. - 1150 lb. Limited to 800 cc; Unlimited Modified 1150 lb. - 1250 lb. Limited to 1500cc; 4 Cylinder Mini-Rod 1350 lb. - 1500 lb. Limited to 4 cylinders; and 8 Cylinder Mini-Rod 1650 lb. - 1750 lb. Limited to 8 cylinders. Contact Dennis Sykes at 712-675-4201.

Bob Dorr & The Blue Band to Perform at Odebolt Creek Days - The Odebolt Development Corporation is proud to announce that 2007 Iowa Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees Bob Dorr & The Blue Band will perform at Odebolt Creek Days in Odebolt, Iowa on Saturday, June 16th from 9 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
     The band, which is based in Cedar Falls, plays a variety of blues, soul, rockabilly, and R & B music, and has released over 20 albums. In 2006, band leader Bob Dorr was inducted into the Iowa Blues Hall of Fame, and The Blue Band's 25th-anniversary concert aired on Iowa Public Television. These Iowa State Fair favorites are sure to provide a full night of entertainment for the Creek Days crowd.
     For a complete listing of Creek Days events, visit the Creek Days link at www.odebolt.net/creekdays.html ,  or to check out the band, visit www.theblueband.com .

Odebolt Museum Announces the 10th Edition Historical Ornament  - The Stratton Hotel

Click image to enlarge

     The newest historical ornament has been ordered to be available for purchase soon.  The ornament features the Stratton Hotel in 1907, and will be in a "Lilac Mist" color. 
     This building exists today as the Meyer Apartment Building on the corner of 2nd and Maple Streets.  In the past it has served as Odebolt Hospital for a time. Many will remember when the hotel was run by the Brower family and the Dinges family.  It was also a Greyhound Bus stop.
     Please visit the Museum page for more information.