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The Chronicle, Vol. 116, No. 13
March 29, 2007
 

Students Art Show at Odebolt Community Center, Monday April 2 - The 2007 Maple Valley Conference Art Show will be held Monday, April 2 at the Odebolt Community Center.  Artists will be featured from the high schools and middle schools of the participating districts.
     The general public is invited to view the display from 12 noon to 2 p.m.  The awards presentation will be held from 1 to 2 p.m.
     Come and take a look at the works of local and area artists!

4-H Omelet Brunch Held - (photos) - The annual Omelet Brunch sponsored by the Richland Robins and O-A Showmen 4-H groups was held Sunday, March 18 at the Odebolt Community Center.  Proceeds will go to help repair the Odebolt Swimming Pool and for trip expenses for club members.  Matching funds were given by Thrivent Financial.    

Annual Easter Egg Hunt, Saturday April 7
     The Odebolt Masonic Lodge and Rainbow Assembly along with Arthur Eastern Star, will sponsor the Annual Easter Egg Hunt for local children on Saturday, April 7, 2007 at 9:30 a.m. at the Odebolt Nursing and Rehab Center.
     Signs will be posted so you can assemble in the parking lot by age groups.  The hunt is for children up to 10 years of age and they must bring their own baskets.  Cash prizes will be in some of the eggs.  A container will be provided so that the plastic eggs can be re-used next year.  It would be very much appreciated.
     Cookies, popcorn and juice will be served by the ONRC. 

4-H Thanks ! The Richland Robins & O-A Showmen 4-H clubs are once again overwhelmed by the wonderful support of our community.  We thank you for the great attendance & for your financial contributions to our recent omelet brunch. 
     We also want to thank the following businesses for their contributions:  Storm Lake and Dension Wal Marts, Cookies BBQ, Wells Blue Bunny, Farmers Co-op, United Bank of Iowa and Meta Bank, Cubby's, & Thrivent Financial.  Also thanks to jamboree Foods for the work they do for us.
     For those of you who were able to attend, the youth you saw working are the future of our community.  Thanks for supporting and encouraging them.

O-A Receives After Prom Funds (photo) - During the annual Omelet Brunch sponsored by area 4-H clubs held on Sunday, March 18, a representative of Thrivent Financial presented a check for $150 for the O-A After Prom.

Subscription Notes - Wonder when your subscription to The Chronicle expires?  Take a quick look at the address label on your paper.  The expiration date (04-01-2007) is above your name and address!  A weekly reminder!

P.E.O. Achievement Awards--Chapter DS of Odebolt is again offering two $200 achievement awards, one to a graduating senior girl from Odebolt-Arthur and one from WLVA. Applications for this scholarship are now available from the high school counselors. Funds for the scholarships have been generated by various fund-raisers sponsored by the chapter.

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 O-A School Board will conduct a PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED 2007-2008 SCHOOL BUDGET at OA-CSD, April 10, 2007, 5:30 p.m.  The proposed budget is published in this week's The Chronicle on the Trojan Triumph page.
 - Pre-school, Kindergarten Round-up was held March 27.  If you were unable to attend please call Elementary office at 668-2267.  Includes Preschool, Alternative Kindergarten and Kindergarten.
- Photos from O-A High School production of "Father Knows Best" from March 23.
 - Photo - 6th Grade Girls BB Victorious
 - Bryan Leonard, Tate Wilken third in Conference Indoor track meet at BVU
 - Elizabeth Bloyer selected for IGCA Senior Girls Basketball All-Star Game, March 31 at Mount Mercy College, Cedar Rapids.

Donald Wayne Murr, age 71, of Odebolt, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, March 28, 2007, at Odebolt Nursing & Rehab Center.
     Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, April 2nd, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Odebolt officiated by Pastor Albert Buelow. Burial was at the Odebolt Cemetery under the direction of the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home.   On-line obituary

Irvin Stehr, 73 of Odebolt, died Friday, March 30th at his home.
      Funeral services are at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Odebolt with burial at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery in Kiron. The Huebner Funeral Home in Denison is in charge of arrangements where friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Monday.
     Survivors include his wife, Beverleyrae of Odebolt; two daughters, Jerilyn Ekstrom of Odebolt and Julie Childres of Odebolt; four grandchildren; and one sister, Dorothy Schmadeke of Arthur.

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The Chronicle, Vol. 116, No. 12
March 22, 2007

60 Years Membership--The American Legion Roose Post #313 honored Duane Simonson of Arthur on March 12 with a 60-year certificate of membership in the American Legion. A photo by D. Cleveland in The Chronicle shows Jim Scott, post commander, presenting the certificate to Simonson.

Magazine Publisher Speaks to Rotary--Guest speaker at the Odebolt Rotary Club on March 13 was Barbara Rasko, owner of the new quarterly magazine, Make Mine Wine. It explores Iowa wines and wine country, with each issue highlighting a different Midwestern wine-maker. Pictured in the Chronicle with Rasko are Rendee Wallce, vice president, and Kristan Bieber, Rotary president.

National Agriculture Week March 18-24--Many Odebolt and area businesses placed ads in this week's Chronicle to thank and support local farmers.

Mat Rats--On March 10, thirteen Mat Rats wrestled at the AAU District Tournament in Harlan, and eleven qualified for the AAU State Tournament March 24-25 in Des Moines. Ten of the qualifiers are pictured in this week's Chronicle.

In honor of
National Social Work Month,
Odebolt Nursing & Rehab Center would like to recognize
Zena Olerich
for her outstanding contributions to our residents and their families.

Lunch and Learn Programs--Sac County Extension Office, 620 Park Avenue, Sac City. Please call the Sac County ISU Extension Office at 712-662-7131 to register.
- 1. Cook Once - Eat for Two Weeks - March 27, Noon. Please note change of date.
- 2. Financial Spring Cleaning - April 19, Noon.

Extracts from Museum Meeting Minutes--Members of the Odebolt Historical Board met on February 28 at the Odebolt Library. It was agreed to order folded note cards with envelopes to be designed and produced by Jenny Mutch. These will include eight pictures of Odebolt and Odebolt area places of interest with the inside left blank.
     The Stratton Hotel will be featured on the 2007 Christmas ornaments and the color will be lilac mist.
     Plans are to have the museum open starting the second Sunday in May from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. The museum will be open during Creek Days. - Eleanor Peterson, Secretary

Odebolt Fire Dept. Meal--The annual Odebolt Fire Dept. Fish & Chicken Fry was held on March 16 at the Odebolt Community Center. A large crowd gathered to help support the local fire department. (photo) - D. Cleveland

Board Approves Foy Retirement--At a special Odebolt-Arthur school board meeting held on March 13, the board approved the early retirement package for high school principal Chuck Foy.

Boards Discuss Sharing Superintendent--A special joint board meeting with BC-IG was held prior to the scheduled O-A board meeting on March 19. Concern was shown that Superintendent Freeman is being stretched too thin between the two districts and his responsibilities will continue to expand as the two schools work toward whole grade sharing. Neither school wants the bridges that have been built between the two districts to be hurt in any way.
     It was decided to extend the March 31 deadline for sharing a superintendent to April 30. Meanwhile the administrators and two board members from each district will meet to see if various ideas concerning the repositioning of responsiblities might be presented to the boards at another special joint meeting in May. Board representatives will be Dr. Michael Luft, Tony Bennett, Deb Bengford and Vicki Beckman.
     With the conclusion of the joint meeting, the regular scheduled O-A meeting began.
Instructor Michael Hedden and four students presented the Social Studies curriculum report to the board. They explained the use of Hollywood films in learning history. They example they used was the movie "The Last Emperor."
     Principal Trimble gave board members the results of O-A students' Proficiency at Grade Level for the State of Iowa Requirements. She noted the results had been very favorable.
     A public hearing on the budget - Taxes for July 1, 2007 - June 30, 2008 - is set for 5:30 p.m. on April 10. The proposed budget is asking for a tax levy rate of 13.98743 compared to this year's rate of 13.95725.
     Read D. Cleveland's complete report of the March 19 board meeting in this week's Chronicle.

Pancake Dinner--The annual pancake dinner at the First Presbyterian Church was held March 17 after being postponed due to inclement weather. In this week's Chronicle, Matt Raasch and Don Hout are pictured serving pancakes. - D. Cleveland

Odebolt Assisted Living Open House Winners--Peg Cowlham, Pnyllis Gardner and Kristy Dewey, winners of the Assisted Living Open House prizes, are pictured in this week's Chronicle. - D. Cleveland

Chester F. Ogren, age 87, of Odebolt, Iowa, died Saturday, March 10, 2007, at Horn Memorial Hospital in Ida Grove, Iowa.
     Funeral services were held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 15, 2007, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Kiron, Iowa, under the direction of Christensen-Huffman Funeral Homes. The Reverend Patricia Underberg officiated, with burial in Bethel Cemetery in Kiron.
     Born November 23, 1919, in Kiron, Iowa, Chester Franklin Ogren was the son of Frank and Minnie (Peterson) Ogren. He grew up and received his education in the Kiron area, graduating from Kiron High School in 1937. Chester served in the United States Air Force for three years during World War II, then returned to Iowa where he farmed the home place north of Kiron. In addition to farming, Chester fed cattle and also was a sales representative for DeKalb Seed Corn Company, earning several awards and trips for his efforts.
     He was a lifelong member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Kiron, serving in many capacities over the years, including as a board member of Bethel Cemetery. He also was a member of the American Legion. Chester was well known throughout the area and will be remembered for his love of the land and of the people with whom he associated.
     Survivors include four brothers, Allen Ogren of Odebolt, William (Betty) Ogren of Philadelphia, PA, Bob (Marina) Ogren of Las Vegas, NV, and John (Virginia) Ogren of San Marcos, CA; a sister, Frances Soli of Denver, CO; and ten nieces and nephews, Sue Kenny, Scott, Nancy, Jeff, Jim, Steve, Robin, and Mark Ogren, Ann Shively, and Eric Soli.  He was preceded in death by his parents.
     Memorials may be directed to Bethel Lutheran Church in Kiron, Iowa.  Online Obituary.
 

Caroline Catherine Werkmeister, 88, of Wall Lake, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, March 10, 2007, at Twilight Acres Nursing Home in Wall Lake.
     Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 13th, at Peace Lutheran Church in Wall Lake with Pastor Roger Carlisle officiating. Burial followed at the Wall Lake Cemetery under the direction of the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home.
      Caroline was born July 29, 1918, on the family farm 5 miles west of Wall Lake, Levy Township, Sac County, Iowa, the daughter of George and Margaretha (Lange) Werkmeister. She was baptized on the farm, August 3, 1918, by Pastor Discher and confirmed at Peace Lutheran Church April 9, 1933, by Pastor Schwidder. She attended Levy #4 Country School. Caroline remained a lifelong member of Peace Lutheran Church where she was a member of Ladies Aid, served as treasurer of Mission Society, and Sunday school teacher for 42 years.
     In her younger years Caroline worked as a hired girl for several families and helped on the family farm for 16 years. She had her own egg business with 3300 layers, retiring in 1977. She moved into Wall Lake December 18, 1993. She enjoyed visiting with family and friends and playing cards. Caroline moved to Twilight Acres Nursing Home January 13, 2006.
     Survivors include two nephews: Darwin Roth and wife Carol of Lake View, Iowa, and Kenneth Roth and wife Dixie of Milford, Iowa; and many cousins.
     Caroline was preceded in death by her parents, George and Margaretha; her brother Carl and infant brother Johan; adopted sister, Christina Roth; and brother-in-law Rolland Roth.  Online Obituary

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:
--Trojan Senior Shea Fineran named to First Team All Sub-State team by area coaches.
--Senior Chelsea Larson participated in Central College's dean's scholar days in February.
--Senior Kayla Miller named Most Valuable Player by teammates at 'Nettes' basketball dinner.

O-A Prom '07--The theme for the prom on April 21 is "Club 07" and the community center will take on the look of a big city nightclub.
     In the interests of the parents and family members taking pictures and the community who want to see the Grand March it was suggested to have bleacher seating. Rain and weather contingency plans are being made as well.
     The Junior Class will host an Open House at the Community Center from 4:00-5:15 p.m. The Grand March will begin at 5:45 and everyone is welcome!
     Read all about prom plans in the complete article in this week's Chronicle.

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

From the Internet
Odebolt woman pleads not guilty to bank fraud - Sioux City Journal
Discover Northwest Iowa - a "Make Mine Wine" blog that talks about visiting Odebolt and Sac County

Pioneer Days

Read the Pioneer Days series, fascinating articles written in 1926 and 1927 from interviews with Odebolt pioneers on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Odebolt. Some of these people settled in the area before there was a town of Odebolt, and many of their descendants still live in or around Odebolt! You'll marvel at the fortitude and optimism of these hardy pioneers.

The Chronicle, Vol. 116, No. 11
March 15, 2007

The Mayor Sez ...
     I would like to congratulate the Odebolt Nursing and Rehab Center on their new Assisted Living addition. Their open house was a huge success and we consider our city fortunate to have this wonderful facility.
     My ‘Mayor Sez’ article last week was written before the big blizzard hit us so please allow me to amend my prattle about being under on the snow removal budget. I think that one just got blown away!
     In reference to the ‘blizzard of 07’ we didn’t blame the president, we didn’t call the governor, we didn’t ask FEMA for any kind of aid, we just did the best we could do. Way to go Odebolt!
     From the bolt,
     R.J. Rex, Mayor

State Champion--On March 11, 2007, Jarel Arbegast became a 2-time AAU super Pee Wee State Champion. Jarel, son of Jared and Jeana Arbegast of Odebolt, wrestled in Waterloo, Iowa, where he won the 2nd grade 60-pound weight class. He won five matches to become the champion of his thirty-two man bracket. Jarel wrestles for the Mat Rats Wrestling Club in Odebolt. (photo)

Lunch and Learn Programs--Sac County Extension Office, 620 Park Avenue, Sac City.
 - 1. Cook Once - Eat for Two Weeks - March 27, Noon. Please note change of date.
 - 2. Financial Spring Cleaning - April 19, Noon.

Healthy Feet Clinic--Tuesday, March 20, Trinity Lutheran Church, Odebolt. The clinic will begin at 1:00 p.m. by appointment only. To set up an appointment, please call Sac County Health Services at (712)662-4785 or 1-800-967-3984 no later than 11:00 a.m. on March 20.

Odebolt Native Named Magazine Editor--GayNelle Wilken Doll was recently named editor of Vanderbilt Magazine, the flagship publication of Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. GayNelle graduated from Odebolt-Arthur in 1971. She is the daughter of Joyce Wilken of Odebolt and the late Russ Wilken.

MIDDLE SCHOOL INSTRUMENTALISTS DO WELL AT CONTEST -  Fifteen 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 “II” rating, two "II+" ratings, two "I-" ratings, and nine "I" ratings. They were accompanied on the piano by Julie Childers and Barb Votrobeck.
     Click for a listing of the students who participated.  (.pdf file)

LIBRARY CORNER--See new items for February 2007 which are listed in this week's Chronicle.

34th Anniversary--The 60+ Nutritious Meals in Odebolt celebrated their 34th anniversary on March 6 at the Odebolt Community Center. Daily meals are served at 11:30 a.m. Reservations must be made 24 hours in advance. (photo) - D. Cleveland

A special section of this week's Chronicle features Odebolt Assisted Living, L.L.C., the new assisted living wing addition to Odebolt Nursing & Rehab Center. The section contains many photographs of the assisted living addition.
     (Read more about the new assisted living unit at the ONRC web page.)

1st Resident in New Assisted Living Wing--"You can't print the right words to describe how good I feel about living over here. I have the room to stretch my legs." Those were 92-year-old Becky Mandernach's feelings about living in the new Odebolt Assisted Living. She was the first person to move into one of the suites on March 5.
   "I don't know what I've done to deserve such a beautiful place," exclaimed Becky. She loves the freedom she has and is able to entertain wherever and whenever she likes. Her window in her new suite looks out upon the Odebolt Public Swimming Pool, and Becky is looking forward to watching the activities at the pool this summer. Being able to watch the busy highway and intersection are also a plus. (Read the complete article by Donarae Cleveland in this week's Chronicle.)

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:
--Six Trojan seniors have banner season.
--H.S. to perform "Father Knows Best" March 23
--O-A Pops Concert candid shots.

The Chronicle, Vol. 116, No. 10
March 8, 2007
 

The Mayor Sez ...
     Not long ago I was commenting on the fact that we (the City) may come out ahead on the 06/07 snow removal budget allocations. I am not going to reverse my prognostication about the above quite yet, however, it needs to stop snowing – soon!
     While on the subject of snow I want to commend Bill T. and his crew for cleaning our streets, a.s.a.p. Bill tells me that if it keeps snowing it could create some problems, however, so far-so good.
     Just a reminder that City Ordinance 69.10 says you can’t park on a public street or alley when weather conditions consist of snow, sleet, ice or freezing rain. A $25.00 fine can be avoided by abiding by the above Ordinance. A tow can be costlier yet. Thank you for your cooperation and ‘chill out’ folks, spring is just around the corner.
     From the bolt,
     R.J. Rex, Mayor

Open House at Assisted Living, LLC--The facility is now open, and the new 10-unit addition to Odebolt Nursing & Rehab Center had an open house on March 5. Pictured in a photo in this week's Chronicle are Charge Nurse/NDS Coordinator Amber Wilcox, Director of Nursing Elaine Neumann, ONRC Administrator Jon Schuttinga, and Program Coordinator Jill Grote.

2007 Century and Heritage Farm Program--Farm families seeking to qualify for the Century or Heritage Farms Program must submit an application no later than June 1, 2007. The application may be obtained online at www.agriculture.state.ia.us/century.htm.

O-A Accepts Bid for Science Addition--At a special Odebolt-Arthur School Board meeting on February 27, the Board voted to accept the low base bid of $308,000 from H & H Builders, Inc. of Kingsley, for the new science addition. The membrane roofing, radiant floor piping and face brick were not decided. Construction is to begin April 23, 2007 and be completed August 24, 2007.
     The Board approved the purchase of a used 1968 John Deere tractor to replace the current tractor for about $5,000.
     The Negotiated Agreement with the Odebolt-Arthur Educational Association was approved by the Board. This provides a 4.29% total package increase with an approximate cost of $76,518. The length of the contract is for one year.
     The next regular board meeting will be March 19 at 6 p.m. - D. Cleveland

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:
--Team concept leads to 14-6 basketball season for Trojanettes.
--Invent Iowa local competition changed to March 15.
--O-A seniors to hear "How to Succeed in College" and "Credit Card Management" presentations March 20.

Photos by B. Cleveland, captions by D. Cleveland:
--9 O-A seventh-graders to participate in NWIA seventh grade Honor Choir on April 17.
--8 O-A sixth-graders to participate in NWIA fifth and sixth grade Honor Choir on April 17.
Photos by D. Cleveland:
--2 photos of O-A blood drive on Feb. 22.

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From the Superintendent's Desk (excerpts)--Last month I attended a budget workshop with our business manager to begin the process of creating the 2007-2008 budget. The per pupil cost is calculated by the amount of growth given to each school in the state by the legislature. For next year this is set at a 4% increase. With the loss of 35 students from last year, the formula will generate $108,407 less in state money for the school next year.
     If the board approves the budget guarantee (the ability to tax your patrons) the district will be operating on approximately $105,000 less money than the current school year. If we did not approve the budget guarantee, we would be operating on approximately $263,000 less money than we had from the state in the 2003-2004 budget.
   If you have questions about this information or the budget process, please feel free to contact either Carol Auen or myself at the office.
     Russ Freeman
     O-A Superintendent

Area Students - Crystal Reinhart, Psychology, Master of Arts, of Odebolt was among the fall 2006 graduates at Wichita State University, Kansas.

Mat Rats--On February 17th, 21 Mat Rats wrestled at the Galva-Holstein Youth Wrestling Tournament and earned 3rd-pleace team trophies in both the Super Peewee/Peewee/Novice division and the Junior/Senior division.

OBITUARIES

Florence M. Herrig, age 93, of Odebolt, Iowa, passed away on Friday, February 23, 2007, at the Stewart Memorial Community Hospital in Lake City, IA.
     Florence Marie Mandernach, the daughter of Albert and Lena (Hoefling) Mandernach, was born on July 30, 1913, on the family farm, in Clinton Township, northeast of Odebolt, Iowa.
     She was baptized on March 22, 1914, by Rev. D. E. Basma and later confirmed on September 12, 1926, by Rev. Jacob Elner at the Salem Reformed Church which was located one half mile west of her home. This church was closed in later years. After her marriage she became a member of the Peace Lutheran Church in Wall Lake, Iowa.
     Florence received her education by attending country school in Clinton Township through the 8th grade. She then went on to attend Odebolt Public School and graduated from there in 1931. Florence remained at home on the farm with her parents until she was married there on October 11, 1934, to Albert Paul Herrig.
     The couple made their home on a farm 3 miles east and 1 mile south of Odebolt. To this union four sons were born, Douglas Albert on April 22, 1937, Darrell William on July 12, 1939, Dennis Dew on February 6, 1941, and Doyle Glenn on March 14, 1947.
     Following the death of her husband, Florence continued to live on the farm with her son Dennis, until moving to Twilight Acres in Wall Lake.
     Florence enjoyed cooking and baking for her family. She also loved music, dancing, watching Lawrence Welk on TV, along with playing the piano and organ. Other interests included crocheting, embroidering and doing family genealogy.
     Those left to mourn her passing included her sons, Darrell and his wife Mary Jo of Oshkosh, WI and Dennis of Odebolt; daughter-in-law Deborah Herrig of Sprit Lake. Five grandchildren: Daniel Herrig of Grand Forks, N.D. Judson Herrig, of Elko, MN. Jodi Mancuso of Overland Park KS, Dana and Trent Gilman of Winneconne, WI and Andrea Easter of Spirt, Lake, IA. Five Great Grandchildren: Colton Wollesen, Anthony Mancuso, Mallory Mancuso, Jacob Gilman and Abigail Gilman. Her sister-in-law, Becky Mandernach of Odebolt also survives her along with numerous, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
     Florence was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Albert in 1959: two sons, Douglas and Doyle: and sister and brothers; Mildred and Harry Iversen, Howard and Louise Mandernach, Glenn Mandernach, and Floyd and Dorothy Mandernach. She was also preceded in death by brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Harvey and Marie Herrig, Verona and Tom Ferris, Roy and Lucille Herrig, and William Herrig.
     Funeral services were at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, February 27, 2007 at the Peace Lutheran Church in Wall Lake with Rev. Roger Carlisle officiating, and burial in the Wall Lake Cemetery. Online obituary at Farber & Otteman.

Tim Ellinger, 58, of Fort Collins, passed away March 2, 2007.
     Tim was born July 27, 1948, in Storm Lake, Iowa, to Donald and Betty (Fawcett) Ellinger. He attended Crestland Community School in Early, Iowa, and Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, Iowa. On July 18, 1970, he married Rebecca Korner in Odebolt, Iowa. Read the complete obituary at the Coloradoan News.

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ODEBOLT.NET NEWS
B. Horak & B. Ekse, Webnews Editors
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March Blizzard Photos

Click the photo to see more images of the recent blizzard in Odebolt.  The above is a drift by Marj Mohr's home, taken on Sat, March 3, facing south on Dewey Street. Thanks to Pam Hansen for submitting the photos!

The Chronicle, Vol. 116, No. 9
March 1, 2007

The Mayor Sez ...
     I think I speak for everyone when I say I hope we are out of the ‘deep freeze’ for the duration. I hope that fuzzy, furry little ground hog is right about forecasting an early spring!
     Now then, if you 100 day fog believers are correct, and the fuzzy, furry little ground hog is right, we should have rain in March, lots of rain. If we get snow instead, we will just have to blame the ground hog. By the way, can anyone tell me if we have ground hogs in Iowa? Maybe we could have an Odebolt Ground Hog’s Day and name the fuzzy, furry little thing ‘Odebolt Ole’ and have lots of hoopla to go with it. How about it Joe Dewey?
     From the bolt,
     R.J. Rex, Mayor

New Assisted Living Wing at ONRC  Photo by B. Horak

Odebolt Nursing & Rehab Center opens 10-unit Assisted Living Wing -  Odebolt Assisted Living, L.L.C., is now open, and the new 10-unit addition to Odebolt Nursing and Rehab Center will have an open house from 3 to 6 p.m. on Monday, March 5.
     Jon Schuttinga, administrator, encourages people from throughout the area to tour the new assisted living unit, as well as the nursing facility.
     Assisted living is housing with services for persons who need some help with the activities of daily living, but do not need the more intense level of care provided in a nursing home.
     Services are available 24 hours daily to help residents maintain maximum independence and dignity and also keep the resident's family members, neighbors and friends involved.
     Odebolt Nursing and Rehab Center and Odebolt Assisted Living L.L.C. are operated by Care Initiatives, a not-for-profit organization, which is Iowa's largest provider of quality health care services to the elderly. The organization operates 53 facilities across the state.
     Care Initiatives officials said the new assisted living facility offers personalized, cost-effective care that offers residents choices in lifestyle and care.
     The new addition is attached to the nursing home, but is independent from it. Residents may bring their autos if they still drive. Schuttinga said Odebolt Assisted Living will "keep residents part of the community. It provides a safe, homelike environment. It nurtures the spirit," he said.
     The building project, which began last April and includes upgrades in the nursing facility, cost more than $1.5 million. It included the installation of a 35,000-gallon water storage tank, buried under the assisted living unit. The tank provides water for the facility's sprinkler system.
     The 8,000-square foot assisted living addition includes two suites and eight studio rooms.
     The 455-square feet suites consist of a bedroom and a living/kitchenette area and bathroom, similar to a small apartment. The 388-square feet studio rooms have a one-room bedroom/living area and bath.
     All rooms are equipped with a microwave oven, refrigerator, sit-down shower and other amenities. All rooms are handicapped-accessible.
     Residents pay for rent, board and services. Three meals a day are served in the assisted living center's dining room. Residents may also use a commons area and a laundry room with a washer and dryer.
     Light housekeeping and linen service are provided weekly.
     Residents can also order additional services, and pay for the services they use. Those services include medication management, baths, dressing, and extra housekeeping or laundry services.
     Care Initiatives officials said eligible residents can receive HUD assistance on rent payments and Medicaid can help pay for extra services.
    Floor plan drawings of the assisted living addition's rooms are available at www.odebolt.net/onrc.html
     Schuttinga is available to give informational presentations to groups or organizations. He also can provide more information about the nursing & rehab center and the assisted living unit. He can be reached at 712-668-4867

Elderbridge Gathering--The public is invited to attend the Sac County/Elderbridge Agency on Aging Gathering at 12:00 on Tuesday, March 13 at the Sac City Senior Citizen Center on Main St.
     The program will be "Choices Not Chances" Senior Driver Seminar...the road to driving safer and longer, presented by the Iowa Department of Transportation Services. If you would like lunch during the gathering, please make a meal reservation at 712-662-7919 by Monday, March 12.

LIBRARY CORNER--Excerpts from Odebolt Public Library Meeting Minutes, January 8, 2007
     The numbers continue to go up; especially the renting of movies with all-time high of 100 a week, and 60 in one day. The returns have been timely so far.
     The Selby Community Room was rented three days over the Christmas holiday.

Odebolt Youth "STARVED" to Help World Hunger--Eleven youth participated in World Vision's 30 Hour Famine because of their concern of what hunger means for children living in poverty. The event was held on February 23 and 24 at Faith Lutheran Church. They experienced real hunger and took part in community service projects to help. (photo)

Easter Egg Hunt at ONRC--The Odebolt Rainbow Girls are preparing for the Annual Easter Egg Hunt to be held at the Odebolt Nursing and Rehab Center in Odebolt on Saturday, April 2nd.
     Donna Simonson, Mother Advisor, and Bill and Susan Dreesen are asking for volunteers to help them.

The O-A Mat Rats would like to Thank
the following businesses for their donations.
Larry Beckman Motors .. Einspahr Furniture .. Rex Chevrolet .. Friedrichsen Trucking .. Friedrichsen RE .. Swanson Insurance .. CoBe's Bar & Grill .. Wallace Softwater Service .. Sac County Mutual Telephone Co. .. Cropmate Fertilizer - Larry Schulte .. Gary's Backhoe & Trenching .. Hemer's Plumbing & Heating .. Dresselhuis & Heidenreich  . The Chronicle .. Odebolt Locker .. Evapco .. Wunschel's Service .. Joan's HEADquarters .. The Electric Company .. Odebolt Lumber .. Jared Arbegast Trucking .. Fancy Thread Embroidery
Thank You For Your Generosity

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:
--Schaefer, Bogue fail to medal at state wrestling tournament.
--Aurelia ends Trojan season in 74-72 overtime loss in Schaller.
--16 OAMS choir students will participate in the 2007 Maple Valley Conference Music Festival on March 19. (photo)

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ODEBOLT.NET NEWS
B. Horak & B. Ekse, Webnews Editors
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News from the Odebolt History Pages

www.rootsweb.com/~iaohms/
 

The Odebolt Observer
February & March 1881
Snowed in for Weeks!
Hardships endured by early settlers

Feb. 16, 1881 - A farmer of Cook township tells us that many stock men of his section are herding their cattle in their corn fields, it being impossible to gather the corn and feed them in the ordinary way, owing to the depth of snow on the ground.

Feb. 23, 1881 - Snowed in Again - No sooner does our railroad get plowed out than it is snowed in again. The road was opened again last Friday with a snow plow and three engines, the mail and express train following, delivering mails and express goods two weeks overdue.
 - The [train track] blockade has caused a great scarcity of coal here and it has been almost impossible to get enough for fuel.  Corn is freely used but is found to be much more expensive than coal.

March 2, 1881 - Some enterprising gentlemen ... went down with a team to Maple River junction [a small town in Carroll County] last Sunday, and brought up the mail for this place. It was the first eastern mail we had had here since the 18th of February
 - The railroad situation remained as it was at the date of our last issue ... up to yesterday noon, when the scoop train made its appearance, followed by the irregular with long delayed freight, mails and express goods. This was the first and only train since Feb. 18th.
 - There is a snow drift in Early 10 miles long, 30 miles wide, and 72 inches deep.

Baby Craig Irlbeck to be featured during Variety—The Children’s Charity airing on KCAU TV this weekend

Baby Craig (Ida County Courier photo by Steve Loger)

     Craig Michael Irlbeck, son of Mike and Megan Irlbeck of Bayard, Iowa has been in the Des Moines Mercy Medical Center NICU since his premature birth on Dec. 29. At birth he weighed one pound, three ounces and was 11 1/2 inches long.
    In this photograph, Craig is seven weeks old and weighed three pounds, one ounce and was 14 1/2 inches long. Megan is the daughter of Bruce and Polly Raasch of Odebolt.
     VarietyTM—The Children’s Charity of Iowa’s annual telethon will air this weekend, March 3-4, on KCAU TV, Sioux City. The Des Moines-based feed of the telethon begins on KCAU on Saturday, March 3 after the late news at 10:30 p.m. KCAU will do periodic, local cut ins on Sunday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. when the telethon ends.
     Read the complete story by DEB LOGER of the Ida County Courier.