Selected news briefs edited from
 
 Odebolt ~ Early ~ Wall Lake
 Official Sac County Newspaper, Established 1877
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The Chronicle, Vol. 115, No. 13,
March 30, 2006

The Mayor Sez…
     What separates the thriving towns from the struggling ones? Do the people within a prosperous town approach their lives differently than those in a struggling town? Can communities that are struggling rebound? If so, how?
    The above items are going to be addressed by Jack Schultz, a nationally renown speaker, and hear his theories on how to improve your community. Registration for the event is $10.00 and is open to the public; hors d’oeuvres and refreshments included. The event is April 11th at the Wall Lake Community Center beginning at 5:30. Many, many interested people around the county will be there.
     From the ‘bolt,
     R. J. Rex, Mayor of Odebolt

Read more about Jack Schultz, Boomtown USA author and entrepreneur in the March SETD Newsletter.

SEVERE WEATHER TEST DRILL
The City of Odebolt will be having a tornado drill on Wednesday, April 5, 2006. There will be a weather watch at 10:00 a.m. with the sirens giving the warning at 10:15 a.m. The all-clear signal will be at 10:30 a.m. If severe weather threatens on April 5th, the drill will be rescheduled for Thursday, April 6th.

Carlson is a Page in Capitol—Odebolt-Arthur High School senior Leah Carlson is working as a page in the Iowa House of Representatives. Her photograph is in this issue of The Chronicle.

PEO Offers Achievement Awards—Chapter DS of Odebolt is again offering two achievement awards, one to a graduating senior girl from Odebolt-Arthur and one to a senior from WLVA. Funds for these scholarships have been generated by a style show, bake sale, and a pie social sponsored by the chapter. Application forms are available from the high school counselors at both participating schools.

Arthur School Building – A letter from the Odebolt-Arthur School Board to the Arthur City Council will be forthcoming offering the Arthur School Building to the City of Arthur. The city is required to respond by May 1st.
     The same offer may be made to the Arthur Alumni Association according to discussion by the O-A School Board at their Monday, March 20th meeting. If neither entity is interested in taking on the building it may be placed for sale to the general public.

The Chronicle, Vol. 115, No. 12,
March 23, 2006

The Mayor Sez ...
     Good news! As of two days ago spring has officially arrived. May I say, ‘spring has sprung.’ It’s that time of year to tidy up, pick up around the yard, find the rake and grease up the mower, but not necessarily in that order.
     Our daughter, Paula, lives in Show Low, AZ (white mountains region). She writes that they got 36 to 40 inches of snow the other weekend. I wonder if they had a lot of fog back in December?
     An interesting item was on KTIV last week. Mayor Bruce Dierenfeld of Schaller, Iowa is calling it quits, citing his frustration over not being able to get things cleaned up around town. He says “people ain’t gonna move to town if it’s a dirty town.” Hmmm – source KTIV.
     The following was given to me by Jack Stickrod, from memory. Don’t stick your elbow – out too far – it may wind up – in another car. Burma Shave.
     From the ‘bolt
     R.J. Rex, Mayor

New Baby Girl receives Keepsake - (photo in this issue) A newborn keepsake edition of "First Impressions", a collection of nursery rhymes and baby care tips, was presented to baby Tegan Marie Flink by OB nurses, from Horn Memorial Hospital and other sponsors. Tegan's March 5th birth was a very special one because her daddy had arrived home from Iraq on March 4th, where he was serving in the Army.  She is the daughter of Vicki and Travis Flink. 

American Legion Roose Post #313 News - (See photos in this issue)  Commander Jim Scott presented the following awards at the March 7th meeting held in the Community Center
 - Roger Neville, Outstanding Member award for the past year
  - 60-Year Certificates, David Maples and Kermit Siebrecht
     Also pictured were 50-Year Certificate awardees, Jack Williams, Duane Einspahr, Roger Neville, Jim Scott who received their awards at the last regular meeting.

UBI Donates to After-Prom - (Photo in this issue)  Dave Wilkin from United Bank of Iowa presented a check to Bob Leonard, Chairman of Odebolt-Arthur's After Prom Committee to help fund the activities planned this year.  If you wish to donate to help defray the expenses, contact Bo Leonard or Kay Bloyer.

IN THIS ISSUE
National Agriculture Week
March 19-25
A Salute to Agriculture & Our Farmers
Sponsored by Odebolt Businesses
Bloyer Agency/Grinnell Mutual
Boerner & Goldsmith Law Firm
The Chronicle
Cubby's
Friedrichsen Trucking & Real Estate
Hemer's Plumbing & Heating
Jamboree Foods
Kiron Auto Body
Lundell Plastics Corporation
Mark Hansen's Rex Chevrolet GMC
Odebolt Lumber
Reis Auto Parts & Service
Sac County Mutual Telephone Co.
Swanson Insurance & Real Estate
UAP Distribution, Larry Schulte
Pioneer AgCenter, Thad Diersen
United Bank of Iowa
Wallace Soft Water Service

Odebolt Community Center
DONATIONS UPDATE
     Memorial donations have been received in memory of
Dale Newman, Emer Gustafson, Chester & Lorraine Thevenot, Mildred Miller, Bob Hansen, Viola Cowlham, Harold Boney, Russell West, Lloyd Siebrecht, Fern Fox, Marjory Gronemeyer, Robert & Marjorie Buehler, Don Paulson, and Esther Souter.
     Cash Donations have been received from
Class of 1945, John Lashier, United Funds, Prudential; Swanson Insurance.
     A reminder to Alumni!  Get listed on the Donor Board with a donation of $250 from your class!  See details!

Letter to the Editor:
     We attended the Firemen's wonderful fish/chicken supper Friday night.  Fire Chief Bill and his crew did a great job of planning and organizing this public event.
     The food was very good.  We heard a lot of favorable comments from the large crowd.  Congratulations on a job well done.
     We have only lived in Odebolt a short time, but we don't know of any organization that is more dedicated in their service than the Firemen.  They do a lot of hard work with little compensation.
    We are happy we live in this community.
- Jack & Mertie Williams

SPRING SNOW IN ODEBOLT!

Daryl Cleveland was out and about with his camera in Odebolt March 21, the day AFTER the first day of spring.  Odebolt got around 6 inches of snow, just to start the season out right.  Yup - that's Iowa weather for you!
     See the SLIDESHOW, which will open in another browser window.  Thanks, Daryl!

The Chronicle, Vol. 115, No. 11,
March 16, 2006

The Mayor Sez ...
     Good news! If everything goes OK, three (3) downtown buildings could come down, hopefully in a month or two. It all depends on when the asbestos removal people can get the work scheduled. The project has been approved by the City Council.
     It is always nice to see Odebolt area people involved in State leadership. Terri Carstensen will chair the Iowa Beef Industry Council for 2006. “Beef – it’s what’s for dinner.” Congratulations Teri.
     Someone wrote – the nice part about living in a small town is: “When you don’t know what you are doing, someone else always does.”
     From the ‘bolt
     R.J. Rex, Mayor

Approved Asbestos Removal - At the Odebolt City Council meeting on Monday, March 6th, it was decided to approve a bid from August Enterprises for removal of asbestos from several of the old buildings that are scheduled for demolition in downtown Odebolt.
     A grant in the amount of $16,000 was discussed for removal of the dangerous material.  Everyone was in agreement that the money should be utilized to the fullest extent.
     The buildings discussed were the Olson building (former bakery), Harvey's, and the Lindquist building.  The board confirmed that each of the buildings must be emptied and asbestos removed before demolition can begin.

New Business coming to Odebolt - The Odebolt City Council approved a building permit to allow Bob Daiker to open a firearms repair and sales shop in the basement of the old museum.
      Bob Daiker is employed by the Sac County Sheriff's Reserve and has recently worked patrolling the streets in the City of Odebolt.
      Mr. Daiker assured the council that his shop would fully comply with all governmental and fire regulations.  He may consider also selling ammunition in the future.

Pool Staff Hired for 2006 - The Odebolt City Council approved the recommendations of the Recreational Committee for summer 2006 swimming pool staff.  Jeanette Fertig was hired as the new pool manager.  Nine lifeguards and six basket room personnel were also hired.
    Pool rates for summer 2006 season:
     Daily, 13 and over $2.50; 12 and under-$l.50
     Individual Season Pass:  $35.00
     Family Pass (until June 1) $60.00
                           (after June 1) $70.00
     The City Council wishes to acknowledge the Faith Lutheran Church and the Salmonson Fund for their gift of $3,000 to the swimming pool.     

Odebolt Fire Department - The OFD recently elected officers for the coming year.  Officers pictured in this issue are:  Mark Horsley, training officer; James Pierce, foreman; Carl Hemer, first assistant chief; Mike Hoefling, rescue squad captain; Bobby Schlender, second assistant chief; Bill Tysor, chief; and Todd Bengford, secretary/treasurer.

ONRC to receive LIHTC Funds - The Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) Board of Directors has announced that funds awarded as Low-income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) for developers of affordable housing projects in Iowa include one project in northwest Iowa. 
     The project is:

Odebolt Assisted Living (801 S. Des Moines Street, Odebolt)
New construction of 10 units of affordable assisted living. 
The LIHTC award: $752,680 (from nonprofit set-aside). 
Developer, Christy Hofsaess.

     The federal tax credits provide a dollar-for-dollar reduction to an investor's federal tax liability on ordinary income.  Tax credits are sold to investors to generate equity for the housing developments.  The Internal Revenue service annually allocates $1.90 per person in credits to each state based on population. 
     See www.ifahome.com for a complete listing of the 23 Iowa projects that received tax credits.

ONRC to build Assisted Living Units - The Odebolt City Council approved a building permit at their March 6th meeting that would allow the Odebolt Nursing and Rehab Center to begin construction of a ten-unit assisted living addition.
     A three year tax abatement was given to ONRC as well as $7,500 to assist with the coast of a sewage disposal system as promised by the council at an earlier meeting.

32nd Anniversary Celebrated - The 60+ Senior Meals site in Odebolt recently held their 32nd Anniversary Celebration Dinner. The dinner was held at the Odebolt Community Center, the current nutritional meal site.

OYF Regains Volleyball Title in Church Tourney - The OYF group proved to be the overall champs at the Annual Church-Wide Volleyball Tournament held each year on the second Sunday in March.  They took the title in the final game from the reigning champs, Trinity Lutheran, to regain the coveted title.  The churches represented were Odebolt United Methodist , Faith Lutheran, Trinity Lutheran, and Arthur Evangelical Free Church.
    Each team consisted of at least two girls with one of the six player being in junior high.  The OYF will host the competition next year.
    The ministerial association purchased a new trophy for this annual event. (See the OYF team pictured in this week's issue)   

Jarel Arbegast is AAU State Champ - On Sunday, March 12, 2006, Jarel Arbegast, son of Jared and Jeana Arbegast of Odebolt, became the 2nd Mat Rat to become an AAU State Champion.  Jarel wrestled in Waterloo, Iowa at Young Arena at the 2006 AAU Super Pee Wee State Wrestling Tournament.  He had to wrestle five times in his 32-man bracket to win the 1st grade 54-pound championship.  He won four of his matches by pins, including one in the championship match, and in his other match he won by technical fall with a 16-0 score.  Jarel only had two points scored on him all day. 
    He was awarded a gold medal, received his bracket, and a 2006 AAU State Champion hooded sweatshirt.
    The only other Mat Rat to become a State Champion is Jarel's uncle, Jeremy Hemer. 

Three Teams to State Invention Convention 
(Click photo to enlarge)

On Saturday March 11th, 2006, three teams of Odebolt-Arthur students advanced to the State level for Iowa Invention Convention to be held April 22nd in Iowa City.

O-A Prom Night 2006 - Odebolt-Arthur will be hosting their 2006 Prom on April 22, 2006.  The schedule of events is as follows:

* Public Open House - 4:30-5:30 p.m. at Odebolt Community Center
* Promenade at ONRC -  5:15 p.m.
*Grand march - 5:45 p.m.
*Banquet - 6:30 p.m.
*Dance - 8:30 p.m.
*After Prom Party following the dance

This year's theme is "A Hollywood Moment".  The Community Center will be decorated with an Academy Awards, red carpet, fine dining atmosphere.  Anyone wishing to make a donation to help ensure a special evening for the students can contact Kay Bloyer.

(A special section in this week's issue on Prom Night is sponsored by:

Odebolt Nursing & Rehab Center
      invites all Prom attendees to stop in at 5:15
      and "Promenade" for the residents

The Chronicle - Prom special!
Purchase a student subscription to The Chronicle before Prom and receive a
discounted rate of $15.00 in-state or $18.00 out-of-state.  668-2253

Shear Magic - Prom Tanning Specials
Unlimited tanning for one month for $40
20 Sessions for $50
10 Sessions for $30
Prom Product Special - 20% off any nail polish of your choice. 
Book your Prom Updo with Janet today! Spaces are limited. 
Janet Hoefling 668-2288

Purse-Instantly Yours
Host a Party before Prom and receive a hostess discount! 
Designer Inspired Handbags and Jewelry to give your Prom ensemble
 that extra special look!  Rendee Wallace 668-4886

Obituary
Phyllis J. Richardson of Onawa, Iowa were held Saturday March 4, 2006 at the Rush Family Chapel in Onawa.  Pastor Steven Hetzel officiated the service.  Arrangements were made by Rush Family Care Service.
     Phyllis was born March 18, 1927 at Odebolt, Iowa, the daughter of Chris and Ina (Draper) Bernhardt.  She was raised in the Odebolt area and graduated from Odebolt High School.
     She married Merle E. Richardson July 5, 1946 in Schaller, Iowa.  The couple made their home at Odebolt until moving to Onawa in 1955 where they operated McFarland Furniture and Ford's Apparel until their retirement.  They later managed Fairview apartments; Phyllis also was employed at Onawa Country Store and Ansco Seed.  Merle passed away December 18, 2001 at Onawa.
     Phyllis enjoyed bowling, handwork, sewing and caring for their many friends; always lending a helping had to meet their needs.  She especially enjoyed time spent with the family and grandchildren.
     Survivors include three sons and their wives, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
     In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Linda; her parents; two sisters and five brothers.

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ODEBOLT.NET NEWS
B. Horak & B. Ekse, Webnews Editors
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Odebolt native Arloe W. Paul died Dec 14, 2005.  Went from errand boy to CEO of Allen-Bradley Co. in Milwaukee.  See article at Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on-line.

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SETD NEWSLETTERS
Read about upcoming conferences, Highway 20 project progress, and ways to improve your community in the
Feb. & March issues of  SETD's newsletters.
February
March
(.pdf files will open in a new window)

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SEVEN RATE HIGHLY SUPERIOR
AT CONTEST

     Twenty-two middle school band students participated in the Buena Vista University Solo and Small Ensemble Contest on Saturday, March 11, in Storm Lake. They earned one “III” rating, one "II" rating, twenty "I" ratings, and seven "I+" ratings. They were accompanied on the piano by Kay Bloyer and Barb Votrobeck.  Click here to see the complete listing of ratings! (.pdf file) - Submitted by Barb Votrobeck

The Chronicle, Vol. 115, No. 10,
March 9, 2006

The Mayor Sez . . .   
     Attention parents of "mo-peddlers".  The moped season is upon us and please consider this as just a friendly reminder to advise your teenage riders to abide by the laws and regulations there of.  Not having a license, doing "doughnuts", riding double, etc., may result in a costly and unnecessary fine. (Around $75).
     Please remember, we don't look for trouble, it usually finds us.  Enough said!
     Another appropriate Burma Save set of signs are as follows:  No matter the price - no matter how new - the best safety device - on the bike is you.  Burma Shave!
     From the 'bolt,
     R. J. Rex, Mayor

Neville receives Fireman of the Year - During the annual Odebolt Fire Department supper held Saturday night, March 4 at Herby's Bar and Grill, Jim Neville was honored as Fireman of the Year.  Odebolt Fire Chief Bill Tysor (right) presented Jim with a plaque in recognition of this special honor.

ATTENTION!  Need a New Flag?
The Odebolt Legion Post will pay $5.00 towards the purchase of a new flag for any Odebolt Resident if it is purchased through the Legion.  We would then pick up the old flag for proper disposal.  If interested in a new flag, you may contact Bob Harden, Jim Scott or Robert Tiefenthaler.

After-Prom Can Drive  - Got a bunch of cans or bottles you would love to get rid of?  Great!  The OA Junior class is looking for ways to raise money for their after-prom festivities, so they'd be GLAD to pick up those bags full of cans that are cluttering your garage, your basement or pickup box!  All you need to do is have your cans and bottles in sacks out at your curb by 1:00 PM on Sunday, March 12.
     Country families:  Please bring your bags of cans and bottles to James' Body & Glass
     We appreciate your support!  Your contributions help provide a safe, fun and memorable After-Prom!
 - Odebolt-Arthur Class of 2007

Box Tops for Education - Due to faithful clipping and sharing of Box Tops for Education, Odebolt-Arthur was able to submit 5,050 box tops in January.  We will receive a check for $505.00.  Please continue to bring in Box Tops for Education.  They are processed and stored until it is time to send another shipment.  OA is grateful to General Mills for this fine program.  (Not sure what to clip?  Click this link for a .pdf poster with a listing!)

Library Minutes, and Memorials for January/ February 2006 - please click for an image of the article

Bill Tysor to receive 2005 Trophy
Buck Point Award - click the photo to enlarge.

SEE THIS ISSUE OF
THE CHRONICLE
for
SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT MAGAZINE
Featuring a Look at Recent Projects in Sac Co.
A Publication of The Sac Sun,
Lake View Resort & The Chronicle

March 6, 2006 City Council Minutes (.pdf will open in a new window)
- Agreement reached on company to remove asbestos from Lindquist and Keller buildings.
 - City Budget adopted
 - City pool personnel approved
 - Permit to build 10-unit Assisted Living Project by ONRC approved
 - Faith Lutheran gift to swimming pool
 - More

The Chronicle, Vol. 115, No. 9,
March 2, 2006

The Mayor Sez ...
      It's March!  Psychologically speaking, it's a boost for all of us, knowing that spring is just around the corner and with it warming and pleasant weather.  As a matter of fact, I always know when spring has arrived because I start seeing "snowbirds" home from their winter havens.  They seem to have a sixth sense about nice weather. Hmm?
            Your attention, please.  There is a can collection container across from the Heidenreich Law Firm ( former gas station) to be used for donating cans for the fireworks display at this year's finale of Creek Days weekend.  Please throw some cans on the pile.  Thank you.
            Some more Burma Shave safety signs:  Don't lose your head - to gain a minute - you need your head - your brains are in it !
     From the 'bolt
     R.J. Rex, Mayor
 

American Legion Auxiliary news - The Auxiliary met on February 26 to create fleece tied lap quilts for the Veterans' Hospital in Omaha.  Some of the Poppy money collected by the Legion and Auxiliary was used to purchase the material for the quilts.  Pictured in this issue are Alice Pudenz, Helen Henkelman, Inga Sweeden, Betty Mentzer, Phyll Tiefenthaler, Ruth Neville, Shirley Simon, Donna Simonson, Mary Ann Siebrecht and special helper, MacKenzie Neville.

ONRC Auxiliary News - The Odebolt Nursing and Rehab Center Auxiliary met February 23, 2006.  Donations toward the ice cream machine are very much appreciated and we are getting close to our goal.
     A Valentine Party was held with Russell Brown elected King and Doris Johnson, Queen.  Delette Peters is "Special Lady" for this month for the Sassie Lassie's Red Hat Club. 
     Volunteers will be honored the week of April 23.  A Pancake Supper will be held April 7.  A Grill Raffle will be held with ticket donations of $2 each or 3 tickets for $5.
      The next meeting will be March 15.  We welcome any new people who would like to join us.

Odebolt Youth "Fast for Food" - Pictured in this week's issue are Stephanie Roeder, Brianna Carlson, Kim Neumann, Tayli Thompson, Ali Hansen, Lauren Bettin, Kayla Miller and Stephen Roeder.  These Odebolt youth have made a life brighter for a child in Africa by participating in World Vision's 30 Hour Famine.  To raise money for the cause, the youth placed donation cans at various businesses, had bake sales and after church coffees.  A total of $300 will be given to World Vision and will help feed one child for a whole year.  The ladies of Faith Lutheran had quilts for the youth to learn to tie as their service project.

OBITUARY
Esther Martha Sauter, age 82, of Odebolt, Iowa, died on Monday, February 20, 2006, at the Odebolt Nursing and Rehab Center in Odebolt.
     Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 24th, at the United Methodist Church in Odebolt with burial at the Odebolt Cemetery under the direction of the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home.
      Born on January 26, 1924, in Odebolt, Esther Martha Sauter was the daughter of John and Daisy (Venzke) Sauter. She received her education at Clinton Township #5 Country School in Sac County.
     She lived her entire life on the home farm until her health failed. She then moved to the Odebolt Nursing and Rehab Center in Odebolt on November 31, 2003. She loved the outdoors. Esther always enjoyed raking leaves, cleaning up the yard, watching the baby lambs, and especially playing with the cats and her two special dogs. Baking rolls, cookies and bars for her nieces and nephews was one of her favorite things to do.
     Survivors include her sisters, Fern Schramm and Florence Schultz and her husband Fred both of Odebolt; niece, Diane Paulson and husband Thomas of Odebolt; nephews, Dennis Schultz and wife Mary of Plover, WI, and David Schultz and wife Rose of Odebolt. Other survivors include her great-nieces and nephews: Joann Paulson of Omaha, NE, Jeanette Wulf and husband Jeff of Odebolt, Jeffrey Paulson, Jennifer Paulson and her son Jayston of Sioux City, IA, Ryan Schultz of Madison, WI, Megan Schultz of Eau Clair, WI, Daniel Schultz of Plover, WI, John Schultz and wife Michelle and daughter Kiersten of Odebolt, and Ashley Schultz of Sioux City, and extended family members.
      She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Daisy Sauter.
Farber & Otteman on-line obituary

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ODEBOLT.NET NEWS
B. Horak & B. Ekse, Webnews Editors
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(March 2)
Tax Credit Approved for New ONRC Assisted Living Units  - According to a press release from Governor Vilsack's Office on March 1, 2006, a tax credit award has been approved for construction of 10 units of affordable assisted living housing at the Odebolt Nursing and Rehab Center.  The award is for $752,680 from the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program administered by the Iowa Finance Authority.  For more information, read the .pdf press release.
    

New Highway Signs for Odebolt?
(Feb 27, 2006)
     The above artist's drawing is only a sample of proposed highway signs to be constructed at the entrances to Odebolt, in a project spearheaded by Vance Lundell, president of Lundell Plastics Corporation. 
      I met with Vance when I was in Odebolt in early February.  He has been taking note of various town entrance signs as he travels throughout Iowa and had several photos of attractive signs he had seen.  He envisions a sign for Odebolt with columns on each side, although a final design has not been decided upon.
      Vance will be coordinating with the Job Corps in Denison who will provide labor for construction. Lundell Plastics will fabricate the signs.  Howard Hustedt is also involved and will be performing fund-raising.  It is hoped that the project can take off this spring.
- Web Master, Barb Horak

Lundell Plastics Corporation to build

(Feb 27, 2006)
     Lundell Plastics Corporation, 400 West Market (Highway 175) has bought the land to the east of the plant, cleared the trees, and will be building a warehouse on the lot.
    Vance Lundell, president of the company, said that "Quite a few people in town have told me that the wooded area that we cleared was known as 'bum's jungle' because the transient workers that worked at the Adam's Ranch would supposedly hang out or stay there.  I believe all of that happened quite a few years ago, probably when people still traveled around here by train."
     Visit Lundell Plastics Corporation
 - Web Master, Barb Horak