Selected news briefs edited from


Odebolt ~ Early ~ Wall Lake
Official Sac County Newspaper, Established 1877
Jerry & Becky Wiseman, Publishers
The Chronicle, Volume 112, Number 13
 March 27, 2003

Letters to the Editor:  (with permission from Marshall Fox)

To the Communities of Odebolt & Arthur:

     First, opposition to sharing of students is not an issue in this letter.  Sharing has to be done as we have a declining enrollment and it is in the best interest of our students at Odebolt-Arthur to do so.  The questions are with whom and when will this happen.
     That said, the patrons of the Odebolt-Arthur Community School need to be immediately asking the questions, "who,", "why," "what," and "where" of our School Board and Supt. Johnson concerning proposed sharing agreements.
    A meeting is planned for March 31 at 6:30 p.m.  The vote planned at that meeting will shape our school district for the future. The Board will, at that time, vote to continue talks concerning the Sac Area Plan.  This plan includes Wall Lake View Auburn, Schaller-Crestland, Sac Community and Odebolt-Arthur. Will this vote be for the actual sharing of our students in a year or two or is it a vote to discontinue discussions?  Our school district's citizens need to become informed now.  The talks are moving quickly.  Come to the School Board meetings, talk to the Board members, and ask questions.
     Battle Creek-Ida Grove has proposed a sharing agreement also.  The BCIG district has many strong attributes to bring to our school that would be of value to our students in their future educational needs.  This plan should be carefully considered along with the Sac County Area plan.  The various districts and plans need to be evaluated by our district patrons for their stability and what they have to offer our students.  What are these various plans offering us that will make our school better?  Ask how the test scores (as compiled by the Dept. of Education) of the various districts compare, evaluate the educational programs and staff of the districts, what monies are available for scholarships, how stable are the communities, what industries will help these districts remain stable in the future, what is the debt of each district, what are the birth projections and actual births in the respective counties compared to number of school districts to help keep enrollments up, etc.
    Please become informed about these proposals and plans.  Let your Board know your thoughts.  We must give our students the best possible education available for their future and ours.
 - Sincerely, Robert Evans, Marshal Fox, Odebolt

Read the  School board minutes from Odebolt-Arthur Comm. Schools pages;

"OUR HEROES"

A Salute to the soldiers, including more than 3,700 reservists and Guard members along with regular military servicemen and women, who have been mobilized in this war.  We are thinking about you and praying for your safe return. Our thoughts also to the families who have a loved one serving in the military.  It's a struggle to get along each day, as you run the household yourself or pay the bills, all the while worrying about the safety of those absent: the husbands and wives, mothers and fathers, children and grandchildren.  To the families, you too are heroes.

The Mayor Sez...
     The City would like to thank the Richland Robins 4-Hers (and parents) for the time and effort to put on a very successful omelet brunch last Sunday.  I understand the proceeds will go towards completing the purchase of a slide for our Odebolt Swimming pool. We salute!!
     Jus a note to those of you that are interested.  I am in contact with our elected officials (Sen. Steve Kettering and Rep. Mary Lou Freeman) on the subject of property taxes.  They agree with me that it would be very untimely to raise property taxes at this time.
     As always, please contact our website for any pertinent community news that you have at .
 - R.J. Rex, Mayor

Fire Department Officers Elected - The Odebolt Firemen's' Annual Dinner & Dance was held at the Alumni Club, Saturday, March 22, 2003.  New officers for the upcoming year were announced.  They are: Fire Chief, Bill Tysor; Secretary/Treasurer, Travis Reis; Foreman, James Pierce; 1st Assistant, Carl Hemer; and 2nd Assistant, Bobby Schlender. A dance with music by The Musical Knights followed the dinner.

Odebolt Cemetery Clean-up Day - is scheduled for Saturday, April 5 at 9 a.m.  The Cemetery Committee is requesting the public's help.  Please bring your rakes, shovels, pick-ups, etc. to help beautify the cemetery.  In case of inclement weather, the rain date will be April 12, 2003.

Supper and Style Show, Thursday, April 3 is the date to reserve for a fun evening.  PEO Chapter DS of Odebolt is serving a delicious chicken and rice meal and plans to introduce you to the latest fashions.  Supper begins at 6:30  p.m. at the Odebolt-Arthur High School.  Formal and informal spring, summer, and wedding attire for the 2003 season will be featured from many Carroll and Denison stores.
     The meal will be catered by Lidderdale Country Store.  Door prizes will be given away throughout the evening.
     In purchasing a $10.00 ticket you will be helping young women further their education.  All profits are given as scholarships to local high school senior girls.  Since 1991, Chapter DS has contributed to the education of 37 young ladies from the Odebolt-Arthur and Wall Lake View Auburn schools.
     Call a friend and purchase you tickets in advance.  For tickets or additional information, call 668-4435; 668-4269; or 668-4480.  No tickets will be sold at the door.

Museum News  - Over the past several months many people have shared antiques, collectibles and family keepsakes with the Odebolt Museum.  A partial sampling includes a meat block from the general store in Kiron, a blacksmith forge, handmade rag rug loom, Kelly Colts uniform, military uniforms, eleven volumes of Odebolt history scrapbooks, many items from St. Martin's Church and Rectory, various Odebolt business advertising items, quilts, abstracts of Title and Deeds, old postcards, Clinton township school desk, phonograph records and phonograph, Odebolt-Arthur Trojan pins, Trojan yearbooks, 1902 Sac County Platte map, and much more. (For a full listing, see the March 27, 2003 Chronicle.)

Shirley Phillips to speak at ONRC - On Friday, April 4th at 10:15 a.m., Odebolt Nursing and Rehab will be having Shirley Phillips speak on Sac County Events.  She will talk about what has been happening and will be happening in the future.  This is open to the public and questions can be asked.  [Shirley Phillips is director of Sac County Economic and Tourism Development (SETD), 615 West Main St., Sac City.]

Did you Know... In 1938, Odebolt (pop. 1,153) boasted three national popcorn companies:  American Popcorn Co., Albert Dickinson, and The Cracker Jack Co. (Taken from American Profile)
[See more about the popcorn history of Odebolt at The Odebolt History Pages.]

PEO Achievement Award - Chapter DS of Odebolt is again offering two achievement awards for senior girls from Odebolt-Arthur and WLVA.  One graduating senior girl will be chosen from each school to receive a $150.00 cash award to be used to further their education.  Funds for these scholarships have been generated by a style show, bake sale and a pie social sponsored by the chapter.  Application forms are now available from the high school counselors offices.  Any further questions should be directed to 668-4825.

New County Attorney - Effective March 15, 2003, the Sac County Board of Supervisors appointed Earl E. Hardisty as the new Sac County Attorney.  Hardisty has been been County attorney in Adams County in the past.  

St. Martin's and St. Joseph's to Share New Priest - Fr. John McGuirk will be serving the Odebolt and Wall Lake parishes, replacing Fr. Allen Reickes, who is taking a year's leave of absence.  Fr. McGuirk will divide his time between St. Martin's and St. Joseph's but will reside in the rectory at Wall Lake.  He comes to this area from St. Patrick's in Sheldon, Iowa.

SCHOOL NEWS

Hemer Places at State Wresting - Conner Hemer, a first grader at O-A Elementary, participated in the Super Pee Wee State Wrestling Tournament, held March 16 in Waterloo, and received a 6th place finish in his division of 19 participants.

Parents! - We need help! - In order to help the school plan for the future, they need to know how many children there are in the district age five or below who are not currently attending Odebolt-Arthur Schools.  If you have a child(ren) or know of children who are in that category, please contact the school at 668-2289.  If after hours please leave a message.

After Prom Donations - April 26...Prom Night will soon be here.  The junior class and their parents are busy planning  a fun and safe After Prom event.  Students and their dates will be bussed to the Skate Palace in Ida Grove for a performance by a hypnotist at 1 a.m..  Following his show, students may choose skating or other activities.  Before the "morning" ends, students will come back to school fro the drawing of prizes.  If anyone would like to help, either with a gift or donation, your contribution could be brought to the school or mailed to OA After Prom2003, 600 S. Maple, Odebolt, IA 51458.

Death: Services for Robert Schwaller, 72, of Odebolt, who died Thursday, March 20, 2003, at Horn Memorial Hospital in Ida Grove, Iowa, were held at 10:30 a.m. March 22  at St. Martin's Catholic Church in Odebolt. Burial was in St. Martin's Catholic Cemetery.

The Odebolt Historical Museum on West 2nd Street is open by appointment only. Call 668-4860, 668-4377 or 668-4532.

Selected news briefs edited from


Odebolt ~ Early ~ Wall Lake
Official Sac County Newspaper, Established 1877
Jerry & Becky Wiseman, Publishers
The Chronicle, Volume 112, Number 12
 March 20, 2003

The Mayor Sez...
      Last Wednesday the delegation representing the Odebolt Community Center met with the Vision Iowa Board in Sioux City.  Our purpose was to obtain funds being doled out by the Vision Iowa Board to benefit the community projects that the board deemed in need of financial help the most.
     A bad omen from the beginning was that the meeting was set for 10:30 a.m. and finally, at approximately 11:20 they (the board) showed up.
     Now, the good news and the bad news - the bad news first.  When our delegation's turn came to be recognized (Mike Olerich, chairman; Howard Hustedt, coordinator; Shirley Phillips, SETD of Sac County; Sheryl Banasik, Region VII; Jack Bensley, Sac Co. Chairman of the Board of Supervisors; Gregg Neville, board member; and yours truly) the board indicated that they were unfamiliar with our project (in so many words), and would be reviewed April 9th in Des Moines.  Needless to say, we all were stunned by their failure to approve our grant when they had just doled out about a million, or so, before they got to us.  Our request was for approximately $58,000.00  The good news - we are still in the hunt!
- R.J. Rex, Mayor

April 1 Deadline for Vets Memorial; Steak Fry on April 5
      American Legion Roose Post #313 and its Auxiliary are sponsoring the Veterans' Memorial Monument to honor Odebolt's veterans who served from 1900 to 2000.
     The Legion has reached its goal of $39,000 for the project but tax-deductible donations are still being accepted.
     The American Legion asks the community to visit the website for more information.  Any names added after the April 1 deadline will be at the cost of the family, which will be $100 per name.
     The Legion will also host a steak fry fundraiser for the memorial at the Odebolt Community Center on Saturday, April 5.  Serving will be from 5:30 to 10 p.m.  Tickets will be $30 each and will include steak, baked potato, baked beans, salad and beverage.  This event is for both men and women.

Tuesday Club Contest Winners - "From Acorn to AOK" was the theme of the 2003 Arbor Day National Poster Contest.  Thirteen O-A fifth grade students participated in this event through Enrichment Instruction, sponsored by the Tuesday Club.  The posters were judged locally and the winning poster by Cassie Knight was sent to be judged on the State Level.  Honorable mention went to Kaylene Johnson, Garrett Neville, and Tanna Henkelman for their artistic work.  The top four winners were presented with monetary gifts from Tuesday Club.  The remaining posters are on display at the Odebolt Public Library.

Bloodmobile Coming - You become a hero whenever you give blood.  There's an opportunity waiting for you at the next bloodmobile on Thursday, April 3rd at the O-A High School multipurpose room from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.  To make an appointment call 668-2827.

On-line Tax Payments  - The Sac County Treasurer's office is now offering online tax payments according to Sac County Treasurer, Vicki Peyton.  Payments may be made by credit card with a two percent service charge from the credit card companies.  Access the site here. 

Death:
Florence (Frey) Freese, died Monday, March 3, 2003 at Heritage House in Atlantic, IA.  Daughter of George Henry and Katherine Melbrech Frey; b. Aug 31, 1904 in Odebolt; graduated from Odebolt High School and Iowa State University; home economics, math and history teacher in Battle Creek, Maxwell, Cambridge, Huxley, Slater and Ames schools.  Married Otto Freese May 25, 1927 in Storm Lake.  Celebrated their 70th Anniversary in 1997.  Lived in Clearwater, FL for 23 years after retirement; moved to Atlantic, IA in 1989.  Preceded in death by her parents; husband Otto; son Donald; two sisters, Ann and Georgia; two brothers, Tom and Bill.  Surviving are one son, Eugene; four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren. Memorial service held March 8, 2003 at First United Presbyterian Church in Atlantic.  Interment will be at Richland Cemetery north of Odebolt.

SCHOOL NEWS

OA & WLVA Discuss Sharing - Members of the O-A and WLVA Boards met on Monday, March 10 at Lake View to discuss future sharing options between the two districts.  Beginning with a tour of the Lake View facilities, the Boards then discussed ways the districts could "partner" and share resources to the benefit of the schools, both financially, and maintaining quality of education.  Timelines for various sharing options were discussed and also what the districts would look like down the road in two or three years.  Next school year WLVA and O-A will be sharing a Spanish teacher and are also planning to increase the industrial tech courses offered together.  The Boards plan to meet again after the four Sac County schools joint board meeting scheduled for Monday, March 31 at Odebolt.

Neuman is State of Iowa Scholar - Governor Tom Vilsack has recognized the academic achievements of top-ranked high school seniors who were named State of Iowa Scholars by the Iowa College Student Aid Commission.  Alison Neumann, daughter of Paul and Elaine Neuman of Odebolt is a recipient of the scholastic honor.  Honorees will receive monetary awards of up to $400 to help with first-year educational costs at Iowa colleges or universities.  

Spelling Bee Winner - The Ida Grove Knights of Columbus held their annual Spelling Bee on March 2nd in Ida Grove.  The top two spellers from each grade advance to the Regional Contest to be held in Ida Grove on Sunday, April 6th.  Samantha Aldag, 6th grade, of Odebolt was a winner.

Schofield advances to State Contest - Tisha Schofield received a "I" in Storytelling at the Individual Speech Contest on March 1, 2003, and advances to the State level on March 22.  Steven Leege received a "II" on Interpretive Prose. 

Invention Convention - Sisters Karleigh (4th grad) and Keelyanne (5th grade) Gunderson of O-A Elementary will advance to state Invention Convention competition at ISU in Ames on April 26th.  Their invention, "The Tap Helper," won top honors in Fort Doge, March 1st.

Eight O-A Mat Rats Qualified for the AAU Youth State Wrestling Tournament in Cedar Rapids on March 28-30 by placing in the top four of their respective weight classes at the district tournament in Harland on March 15.  Placing 1st - Dustin Bengford, Jeremy Hemer.  Placing 2nd - Josh Schaefer. Placing 3rd - Tanner Bengford, Jordan Pierce, Joey Schaefer and Taylor Bengford.  Placing fourth - Tyler Down.

Middle School Band - Students receiving a "1-" or better at the Buena Vista University Solo and Small Ensemble Contest held March 6 were: Elizabeth Bloyer, Alison Hansen, Sarah Johnson, Kayla Miller, David Currie, Chelsea Larson, Mat Rydberg, Chase Gunderson, Brianna Carlson, Tom Larson, Bayle Olerich, Abi Olson, Ryan Rydberg, Kaytie Peine and Kiley Frank.  The were accompanied on piano by Kay Bloyer, Laurie Currie, Liz Milligan and Barb Votrobeck.

FFA  - The FFA Banquet will be Thursday, May 8.  All members and parents are invited.  Keep an eye out for plants grown in the greenhouse.  They will be for sale soon.

Trojanettes Basketball - Tisha Schofield and Rachel Hansen led the Trojanettes to a regular season record of 12-6 before falling in the first round of tournament action.  Schofield led the team in scoring, steals and assists and was unanimous selection to First Team All- Conference.  Hansen led the 'Nettes in rebounding and blocked shots and was a Second Team All-Conference performer.  Kara Mickelson was named to the All-Conference Honorable Mention list.

selected news briefs edited from


Odebolt ~ Early ~ Wall Lake
Official Sac County Newspaper, Established 1877
Jerry & Becky Wiseman, Publishers
The Chronicle, Volume 112, Number 11
 March 13, 2003

Click for enlargement (94 Kb)

The following businesses are proud to sponsor you and congratulate you in your great achievements & outstanding performances during the basketball & wrestling seasons. - Kiron Auto Body, Kiron Lumber, Alumni Club, Bedrock Gravel, Inc., Bengford Construction, Bloyer Agency, The Chronicle Printing & Publishing, Cropmate Company, Dresselhuis & Heidenreich, E&J Auto, Einspahr Furniture, Farmers Cooperative, First Federal Savings Bank, Friedrichsen Real Estate/Friedrichsen Trucking, The Electric Company, Hemer's Plumbing and Heating, Jamboree Foods, J&M Windshield Repair, Jim's TV & Appliance, Joan's Headquarters, King Construction, Lundell Plastics, Mane Street Studio, Miller Blacksmith & Welding, Neville Construction, Odebolt Lumber, Quality Sign & Design, Reis Auto Parts, Rex Chevrolet, Sac Co. Mutual Telephone, Swanson Insurance & Real Estate, Terry's Pump "n Pak, United Bank of Iowa, Upper Cut, Wallace Soft Water, Wilken Auction.  Keep up the Good Work!

The Mayor Sez...
     Someone left a very nice pair of wool gloves at City Hall.  Please call 668-2231 and claim them.  
     A daily topic of discussion around town, the state, and the nation is the high cost of energy.  The only good news I have is that heating costs will diminish as warmer weather is just around the corner.  As for gas prices, "I don't have a clue!"
- R.J. Rex, Mayor

O-A Cagers Winning Streak Ends at 24 - Perhaps the most successful boys basketball season in OA history came to an untimely end in LakeView last Thursday at the hands of Newell-Fonda.  In a showdown of unbeatens, the top-ranked Mustangs put an end to OA's state tournament hopes 64-52. The Trojans had entered the game ranked fourth. 
     Crowd participation at the District Final game was at 110%.  With over 1200 people in attendance, the gym packed and the temperature high, enthusiasm and school spirit remained at an intense level.

Congregate Meals Celebrates 29 Years - Congregate Meals held a celebration on March 6, 2003 at Caroll's Kitchen in Odebolt to celebrate 29 years of having the 60+ Nutritional Program.  The group consists of anyone 60 years of age and older.  Thirty-one people attended the event with Caroleen Loeback of Odebolt serving as Site Manager. 

O-A Athletes Hoagie Sales to Begin - OA high school and middle school students will once again be selling Hoagie sandwiches March 14 through March 27, with pick-up/delivery date of April 1st.  They will be sold in multiples of 2 with a cost of $2.00 each and a minimum order of 4 sandwiches .  The famous Hoagie is a 6-inch sandwich on a Hy-Vee bakery fresh bun, made with 3 meats and 2 slices of cheese. 
     Assembly night is slated for April 1 when approximately 100 OAMS and HS students and 40 plus adults gather in the MPR to mass-produce the sandwiches.  Since 1987, a total of 77,586 sandwiches have been sold with 1991 being the best year so far with 5, 718 Hoagies being sold.  
     The OA athletes are also selling frozen cookie dough in four scrumptious flavors; chocolate chip, M&M, peanut butter, and sugar cookie, all available in a 3-pound tub at a cost of $10.00.
     This is the major moneymaker each year for the Athletic Booster Club which has raised over $155,500 for the athletic department.  The funds are used to purchase uniforms, equipment, etc., for all athletes.  
     Please call your favorite OA student or call the high school at 668-2827 to order your delicious Hoagies & Cookies today!

O-A Spring Carnival just around the Corner - The  O-A Spring Carnival will be held at the high school, Friday, March 21 from 5 to 8 p.m.  This year's theme is "Carnival Craze".  Join family and friends for an evening of fun, new games and old favorites, the pop and cake walk, the raffle table and many prizes.  
     Among the favorites will be Wheel of Fortune, face painting, basketball shoot, karaoke, chicken catapoultry and duck pond. Tickets for the games are 10 cents each.  The evening meal includes Maid rites, hot dogs, coneys, tacos-in-a-bag, nachos, chips, pop and funnel cakes.
     Profits from the carnival are used to support student learning experiences in the OA School District.  An assembly program on the Civil War and Science will be presented this spring.  Mock trial and quiz bowl entry fees are also paid from profits as well as many individual and small group academic challenge needs.  Come join the fun!  

selected news briefs edited from


Odebolt ~ Early ~ Wall Lake
Official Sac County Newspaper, Established 1877
Jerry & Becky Wiseman, Publishers -  

The Chronicle, Volume 112, Number 10
 March 6, 2003

The Mayor Sez...
     Sidewalks are the topic of discussion for this week.  The City will be contacting any and all that may have a sidewalk in need of replacement or repair.  Some businesses and residents did so last year and now the City will be asking you to complete your repairs or replacements, in the warm months coming up in 2003.  Your cooperation, as usual, will be appreciated.
     Just a friendly reminder to emailers; any notices, meetings, events or pertinent news that you may have, send to .
R. J. Rex, Mayor

Museum News - The members of the Odebolt Historical Museum met February 26, 2003.  Those present were Carol Auen, Thelma Schroeder, Verna Mae Schwaller, Elaine Raasch, Phyllis Kies and Eleanor Peterson.  Preliminary plans were made for the Sac County Historical Society meeting that will be held at the Odebolt Museum on April 28, 2003.  Discussion was held concerning the possibility of preserving the "Chronicles".  Letters were read requesting information and these will be answered by Carol and Eleanor.  The next meeting will be held March 25, 2003.  - Eleanor Peterson, Secretary

Meeting change - Due to Ash Wednesday services the March 5 meeting of the Odebolt Development Corporation will be held Monday, March 10 at 7 p.m., Caroll's Kitchen.  Anyone having anything to do with Creek Days, or who plan to have a booth, should be present.

INS Charity Grant - The Odebolt American Legion Roose Post #313 received an Iowa Network Services, Inc. grant recently.  INS makes these awards possible in conjunction with the Sac County Mutual Telephone Company, which provides service to the community of Odebolt, and supported the grant applications made by the American Legion and the Odebolt Community Center.

Currie Named to Academic All State Team - Mark Currie, son of John and Laurie Currie, has been named to the annual Boys Academic All State Team by the Iowa Basketball Coaches Association.  The O-A Senior will be recognized at halftime of the 3A state championship game on March 22 at Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Des Moines.  A Trojan senior guard, Currie is averaging just over 21 points per game and handing out 5.5 assists.  In the classroom he is ranked 4th with a 3.9 GPA, and he scored a 29 on his ACT.  Students must be nominated by their coaches and meet minimum criteria to receive this award.  It is regarded as one of the most difficult awards to achieve for a high school athlete.  not only do the individuals have to be a solid player, but also an exceptional student. 

BBQ Kick-off Rally for Relay for Life will be held Friday, April 25th at Cookies Food Products warehouse in Wall Lake from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.  Maxine Bettin, Sac County RFL Chair is looking for relay teams from every community in the county, as well as corporate and business sponsors.  To form a team, get together with family, friends or co-workers (8 to 15 members per team).  Registration fee is $100 per team (RFL will help find a sponsor).  Each team member who raises $25 will receive a RFL t-shirt, and other prizes can be earned with donations of $250 and above.
     At the Relay, one team member at a time  walks, runs, or strolls around the track while other members camp out, enjoy music, games, food and camaraderie with other teams and other events.
     The 2003 Relay is scheduled for Friday, June 20 at the Athletic Complex in Wall Lake.  For more information contact Maxine Bettin at 668-4390 or 664-2536.  For information about cancer call the area American Cancer Society office at Carroll (712) 794-0100 or toll free (866) 280-0100.

Drivers' Licensing and Renewal Changes;  New Location - As of March 3, the Sac County Treasurer's Office will offer licensing services on Mondays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. with written tests ending a half hour before closing.  
     Driving tests are first come, first served basis on every other Monday.  In March, those services will be March 3, 17, and 31.  More days will be offered for licensing in the future as additional staff are trained.  
     The new location is in the Sac County Courthouse on the first floor in the former Supervisors' meeting room.  For information contact 712-662-4578.

O-A SCHOOL BOARD NEWS 

Special Board Meeting to be held in  the High School Study Hall at the Lake View Center, March 10 at 6:30 p.m. - the purpose of the meeting is to discuss the future of the districts and whether or not the districts wish to pursue further discussion about the sharing of progrmas, including whole grade sharing.  The first activity of the evening will be a tour of the WLVA 7-12 facility.
Citizens Advisory Committee to be held in the High School Library, Odebolt,  March 11, 2003 at 6:30 p.m.  Agenda includes updates and questions regarding sharing considerations and  DOE Site Visit of Feb. 11-13; Discussion regarding issues brought forth by the Administration; and the Committee; Vocational Subcommittee meeting.

The Sac Area meeting, scheduled for Feb. 3, was postponed and is rescheduled for March 31 at the gym in Odebolt center,  7 p. m.

The O-A Board met with the Schaller-Crestland and Galva-Holstein Boards on January 27.  While no decisions have been made, the consensus of the boards was that a three-way wholegrade sharing among the schools was not feasible because of distance and building locations.  It was also the consensus of the boards that S-C and G-H's timeline for entering into a whole-grade sharing arrangement was much longer than that of O-A.

Additional News

From Heart & Home Gifts - We have just received Lavello Italian Charm Bracelets. They make a great gift for moms, grandmothers, mother-in-laws, daughters, and wives. Must see them to appreciate them. Charms for every occasion. They're supposed to be the hottest thing going.

HOOPS! by RJ - 

(March 8) The last scheduled middle school boys basketball jamboree was played yesterday at O/A . Schools from O/A, Denison, Emmetsburg, Alta, Kingsley, Galva/Holstein, Cherokee, Wall LakeView Auburn, Lake City, and Battle Creek/Ida Grove participated. The O/A 7th grade made the finals and won a silver medal. We salute!

(March 6) Newell-Fonda defeated the O-A Trojans Thursday night in the sub-state semi- finals by 12 points (more or less). O-A's record of straight wins ended at the 25th game. All in all it was a tremendous season for the Trojans and they can hold their heads high.  Seniors Mark Currie, Kevin Bloyer, Nick Thies, Troy Schroeder, and Blake Wilken will be sorely missed. We congratulate head coach Jim Mickelson and assistant coach Kurt Hoffmeister for the time, talent, experience, and putting it all together towards having an almost perfect season. This writer can also say that O-A hoops is alive and well for many years to come, both boys and girls. If I don't miss my guess we will be knocking on the door again next season, so I'll save my "Mayor's State Championship Speech" until then. We salute!!!