Selected news briefs edited from


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

The Chronicle, Volume 112, Number 48
November 27, 2003 

The Mayor Sez...
     It was "showtime" last week with the O-A production of "The Music Man."  Think about this - an all O-A production staff and an all O-A student cast. Two splendid performances! Hats off to the entire production!  (If we had been sold out to another school, all of the above would not have happened. Think about it!)
     From the entire city administration and employees may we wish everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving.  I will sign off with the following safety tip:  
Cautious rider, to her reckless dear;
 Let's have less bull, and more steer.
~ Burma Shave!
From the 'bolt
R. J. Rex, Mayor

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1st Annual
CHRISTMAS JAMBOREE
Saturday, Dec. 6, 2003
7:00 p.m.
Events to include:  
Drawings for OCC Meat Raffle 7:30 p.m.
Drawings for Chamber Script Money 7:30 p.m.
Drawings for Chamber Doll House 7:30 p.m.
OCC Meat Auction 8:00 p.m.
MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT AND CASH BAR

Meat Raffle items:  4 Sides of Beef - 2 Sides of Pork
Winners are responsible for processing fees.
Tickets are $20 and are still available at Odebolt Lumber, Reis Auto Parts and Service, Swanson Insurance, or any OCC board member.  Contact Lois Purdy for more details and your tickets purchases.  

For Chamber Script Money, sign up at any Chamber member business.
~~.~~.~~.~~.~~.~~.~~.~~.~~.~~

Chamber Christmas Notes
Santa will be arriving in Odebolt on Dec. 6 this year from1 to 3 p.m.. Heart & Home will be acting as host & Santa will be handing out coloring books and candy canes. Come help us kick off the Holiday Season!
     The Chamber will be holding our Annual Holiday Drawing that evening in conjunction with the Odebolt Community Center Drawings. We will be giving away (4) $25.00 Chamber Bucks.
      Chamber Members - Please remember to put out your cans for customers to sign up for this drawing. Entries must be turned into Roxie at Hemer's Plumbing by 3 p.m. December 5th.
     Raffle tickets for the wooden dollhouse are still on sale .  Tickets are available from United Bank of Iowa in Odebolt or from any Chamber Director for $1.00 a piece.
     Kay Bloyer will be handing out pictures Dec. 1st to K-5th graders for our Annual Holiday Coloring Contest. We will be awarding a prize to a winner in each grade. Watch for the winners!! Entries will be posted at the local businesses.  (See full Chamber minutes in right column.)

BILL STEHR RECOGNIZED FOR 25 YEARS AS EMT

Pictured in the photo are: Bill Wright President, 
Bill Stehr E.M.T.-I and Kay Bloyer E.M.T.-I, Sect/Treas.
(click photo for enlargement)

     Saturday, November 15, 2003 the Odebolt Ambulance Dept. held their annual appreciation dinner for the volunteers that give their time for our community.
     A special recognition was given to Bill Stehr for his twenty-five years as an E.M.T. Bill was a part of the very first class of Odebolt E.M.T.s. When he first joined the department the ambulance was a modified hearse, in which you were unable to stand upright.  You had to work on patients while on your knees. Bill has seen many changes in equipment and staff requirements over the years.
    As E.M.T.- I's, Bill and his wife Kathy are each required to take 36 hours of continuing education every two years. They have both donated many hours to the well-being of the Odebolt area residents over the last twenty-five years.
     If you are interested in volunteering as a driver or taking an E.M.T. class please contact Kay Bloyer at 668-2895 . We are in desperate need of people that can take day shifts during the week. Next time the ambulance has a call it may be your loved one.  If we don't have enough volunteers you may have to wait for an ambulance to arrive from Sac City, 20 minutes away. Please think about it !

Sheriff Owens Honored at Retirement Gathering - Sac County Sheriff Roger Owens was honored Friday, November 21, 2003, with a retirement gathering where he received several awards for his 44 years of service to Sac County law enforcement.  Many past and present law enforcement members from throughout the area stopped in to visit with Sheriff Owens.  November 30th marks the end of Sheriff Owens' career after working in law enforcement since 1959.

Two Arrested on Drug Charges - Donald H. Gronemeyer and Jewelene Rosemeyer, both of 217 S. Hanson Blvd., Odebolt, were arrested on Friday, November 14th following an investigation, and a search performed on Thursday, Nov 6. 
    Both Gronemeyer and Rosemeyer were charged with Possession of Controlled Substance, Possession with Intent to Deliver; Child Endangerment; and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
     Bond was posted and they were released from the Sac County Jail on Sunday, November 16th.

Hunting Accident Claims Life - The Sac County Sheriff's Office is investigating the shooting death of 30-year old Michael Friedrichsen of Odebolt, Iowa.  The Sheriff's Office took a 911 call at 16:45 hours reporting that someone had been shot in a field at 370th and Ira Avenue, this located four miles south of Odebolt and 3 miles East.
     Friedrichsen was found shot sitting in a pick-up in a field by friends he was hunting with.  Friedrichsen was transported to Loring Hospital in Sac City, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
     At this time, it is undetermined if Friedrichsen was shot by another party he was hunting with, or if his weapon accidentally discharged.  An autopsy has been scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.
    The sheriff's office will be working with the Department of Natural Resources Officers on this continuing investigation.
     At the scene were the Odebolt and Sac City Ambulances, Odebolt Fire/Rescue, and Odebolt Police.

Michael Friedrichsen, age 31, of Odebolt, Iowa, died Monday, November 24, 2003, at Loring Hospital in Sac City, Iowa, as the result of a hunting accident south of Odebolt.   Funeral services were held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 29, 2003, at Peace Lutheran Church in Wall Lake, Iowa, with burial in  Wall Lake Cemetery.  

Tragic Accident Kills Odebolt Man, Mike Friedrichsen,  from the Sioux City Journal

Goodwill Collects "Tons" of Donations - Goodwill Industries of Sioux City recently had their Ambassador drive in Arthur and Odebolt.  Volunteers helped to collect 7,500 pounds of donated materials in Arthur and 15,000 pounds in Odebolt to be distributed to any or all of the 16 Goodwill regional store locations.  These donations will enable Goodwill to provide services to more than 200 program participants in a variety of locations and also help to provide jobs to 400 Goodwill employees in four states.

OBITUARIES:
LeRoy Lundblad, age 87, of Odebolt, Iowa, died at his home on Saturday, November 15, 2003.  Services were at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 20 at Faith Lutheran Church in Odebolt with burial in Odebolt Cemetery.   Born December 4, 1915 in Odebolt, the son of Emil and Lydia (Lonnberg) Lundblad.  He graduated from Odebolt High School in 1935.  He owned and operated the Clover Farm Grocery Store in Odebolt for several years, then worked as a painter with his partner, John Ludwig, retiring in 1994.  Survivors include his twin brother, Lloyd Lundblad of Odebolt, and a sister, Alice.  He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Laurine and Carl Lundblad, and two sisters, Florence Salmonson and Edith Noyd.

Clara Thies, age 89, of Odebolt, Iowa, died Monday, November 17, 2003 at Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City, Iowa.  Funeral services were held Friday, November 21, 2003 at St. Martin's Catholic Church in Odebolt with burial following in St. Martin's Catholic Cemetery, Odebolt.  Born July 2, 1914 in Sac County, daughter of John and Mary (Henrich) Ziegmann.  Lived her childhood years in the Wall Lake area. She married Linus Thies September 17, 1935 in Wall Lake.  Eight children were born to this union.  The couple lived their entire married life on their farm located close to Arthur.  In later years Clara looked after homebound people and spent much time volunteering at the Odebolt Nursing Home, where she herself became a resident in September of 1998.  Clara will be lovingly remembered and missed by her children, Loren, Joan, Ronald, Diane, Richard, Rudy, Linnea, and Mary; 19 grandchildren; 2 step-grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; & 10 step-great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Linus, her parents and all of her siblings; Albert, Joe, Lawrence, Leo, Bernard, Rachel, Gertrude and Margaret; two grandsons, Randy Thies and Christopher Thies; two great-granddaughters, Heather Schroeder and Leandra Cranston; a great-grandson Angel Eric Kjar; and a step-great-grandson, Cody Hammond.

DEATHS:
Betty Jo Thayer (Mrs. Robert Thayer), 78, of Wall Lake, formerly of Odebolt, died Thursday, Nov. 27, 2003, at a Sioux City hospital.  Services were Tuesday, Dec. 2, at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Wall Lake. Burial will be in Odebolt Cemetery, Odebolt, Iowa.
Obituary from Sioux City Journal.

Everett Bloyer, 84, of Arthur died Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2003, at Odebolt Nursing and Rehab Center in Odebolt, Iowa.  Services were 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Martin's Catholic Church in Odebolt with burial in St. Joseph Cemetery, Schaller, Iowa, with military rites. 

*NEW*

• New item on Odebolt History Pages - Henry Hanson biography and photos.
• Clay Bergren Performs with Liars Theatre
• Slide show "Tour of Odebolt"

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THE CHRONICLE PRINTING & PUBLISHING

For all your printing and publishing needs...

109 E. 2nd, Early, IA 50535, Ph. 712-273-5681
201 Main St., Wall Lake, IA 51466, Ph. 712-664-2421
216 S. Main St., Odebolt, IA 51458, Ph. 712-668-2253
 Fax: 712-668-4364  
E-Mail:
Call us today - we have what you need!

The Mayor Sez...
     If you remember a few weeks ago I was quoting Cleber Meyer, mayor of Spencer, about the prospects of getting a riverboat casino in Spencer.  You will remember I said to Cleber, "But Cleber, you don't even have a lake."  and Cleber said, "Well, we will just have to dig one."  Footnote to the above, Cleber was defeated in his bid for re-election.  Hmmm!
     The other day Howard Hustedt of the Odebolt Community Center, and myself met with the Senior Meals folks and hopefully worked out a parking arrangement.  We enjoyed a fine meal in a very friendly atmosphere.  I would like to suggest to those of you that don't attend to join in for good food and good fellowship.  Call a day ahead, please.
From the 'bolt
R.J. Rex, Mayor

Sac County Residents Pursue Gambling Boat - A growing group of Sac County residents have been investigating gaming and that broad-based group has decided that the benefits far outweigh the negatives.  They believe that a gambling boat can be a boost to the economic development of the  county and have started to circulate a petition to bring the issue to a vote of the residents.  The proposal indicates that the boat could be located on the east end of Hallett's Pits between Lake View and Wall Lake.
     Sac County residents will have an opportunity to vote on the referendum at the same election to be held to elect a new Sac County Sheriff, thus saving the county the cost of yet another special election.
   The number one goal is to promote economic development, enhancing the idea of entertainment and the other attractions in the area.  Although Sac County is a small county, Black Hawk Lake attracts over 250,000 visitors each year to the lake for camping, fishing, boating and other events.  Many other attractions in the county exist as well, such as the Sauk Rail Trail, Andy Williams Birthplace in Wall Lake, the Prairie Pedlar in Odebolt, the Chautauqua Building and Early mansion in Sac City and all of the Sac County Museums.  Bus tours bring visitors and money to the county each year. 
     Sac County officials are asking that a vote be taken by the citizens of the county on this important issue.

County Receives 3500 Gunlocks - Sac County law enforcement agencies have received 3,500 child safety gunlocks that will be distributed free to area residents.  
    Lt. Keith Flink of the Sac County Sheriff's Department announced that the Project ChildSafe (PCS) tour visited Sac County November 15, distributing the free cable-style gunlocks and accompanying educational materials as part of the program.  
    The Sac County Sheriff's Department was given 1,400 of the locks.  The Sac City, Lake View, and Odebolt Police Departments each received 700.  The cable-style gunlocks fit with over 95% of all firearms, including handguns, rifles and shotguns.
    "With hunting season underway, this is an ideal time to promote the message of responsible firearm ownership," stated Lt. Flink.  "I encourage hunters and shooting sports enthusiasts to pick up a free gunlock at their local police department or county sheriff's office."
     For further information visit www. projectchildsafe.org

Foell Named County Extension Director - Iowa State university extension and the Sac County Extension Council are pleased to announce that Laura Foell, of Schaller, has accepted the position of Sac County extension Education Director.  She will begin her duties December 8th. 
     "Laura brings important skills to our Extension team that will be very useful.  We look forward to her leading the efforts in Sac County with the Council and building upon the existing current strengths of the local staff," said Don Nitchie, Area Extension Education Director.  

OAHS to Sponsor Paper Goods Drive
   The Odebolt Arthur High School is sponsoring a paper goods drive on Tuesday, November 25, 2003 before the OAHS girls' opening basketball game against River Valley.
    Please bring any package of paper goods to the game to donate to the Sac County Health Services.  These types of items include:  toilet paper, paper towels, diapers, Kleenex, etc.
     Your donations are greatly appreciated.

50 Year Tuesday Club Member Honored - On Tuesday, November 22, 2003 Eleanor Peterson of Odebolt was presented a 50-year membership certificate and fall flower corsage by the members of the Tuesday Club. Eleanor became a member in 1953 after Dennis and she moved to Odebolt in 1952.  She stated that she has "enjoyed the club and the many friends she has made over the years".
     In other Tuesday Club news, members have been collecting, packing and mailing boxes to needy areas in Kentucky.  Donna Ekstrom brought the idea to the club when she told how she is constantly making baby quilts and sending them.  She has made over 40 quilts.  Tuesday Club has sent nearly 600 pounds of shoes, boots, jackets, dresses, shirts, mittens, hats and other items for men, women and children.  The postage amounted to over $200.00 but all the members felt it has been a worthwhile project.  At the December Christmas meeting, members will bring young children and infant clothing items, good toys, books, games, crayons, pencils, paper, etc.  The club is substituting their gift exchange with a cash donation to help pay the postage for these special boxes.

O-A After Prom Clothing Drive - Anyone interested in purchasing Odebolt Arthur clothing, please call 675-4476 or 668-4338.  Orders are due November 26th with delivery date before Christmas.

Legion Presents Flag to Prestin - at their regular meeting on November 10th, the Odebolt American Legion Roose Post #313 presented a flag to Mildred Prestin in honor of her brother, Albert Prestin, who served in World War II and recently passed away.

TURKEY WINNERS

The following is a list of Turkey winners for the 2003 Chronicle Printing & Publishing Turkey Drawing:

Beckman Motors - Ruth Ann Mohr
Caroll's Kitchen - Anita Gibson
First Federal Savings Bank - Willie Bengford
Jamboree Foods - Harris Thompson
Lundell Plastics Corporation - Mary Ann Siebrecht
Mane Street Studio - Linda Boysen
Odebolt Nursing & Rehab Center - Phyllis Hoefling
Rex Chevrolet GMC, Ltd. - Linda Godbersen
Reis Auto Parts & Service - Cam Pierce
Swanson Insurance & Real Estate - Elaine Raasch
Terry's Pump'N Pak - Jeri Skaren
United Bank of Iowa, Arthur, Kiron, Odebolt - Darlene Bird
Chronicle Printing & Publishing (Odebolt) - Sally Porter

All the above are from the Odebolt area.

Death:  LeRoy Lundblad, 87, of Odebolt died Saturday, Nov. 15, 2003, at his residence.  Services were at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 20 at Faith Lutheran Church in Odebolt with burial in Odebolt Cemetery. 

*NEW*

• Clevelands' Walk Across Iowa
• Odebolt's Swedish Potato Sausage

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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:

Opening for CNA, afternoon shift, 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Contact Jon Schuttinga, Administrator, 
or Elaine Neumann, Director of Nursing.
Odebolt Nursing & Rehab Center
801 S. Des Moines, Odebolt, Iowa 51458
(712) 668-4867; FAX 712-668-2268
www.careinitiatives.org AA/EOE

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Mayor Sez...
I am compelled to write about the word "attitude."  Webster's definition is as follows:  posture, feeling, bearing, or mood.
     Attitude starts at the top.  The Mayor's attitude sifts down through his/her city council and city employees (and constituents). 
     A school superintendent's attitude sifts down through his/her administration, teachers, employees and students.
     A CEO of a corporation must maintain a positive attitude to successfully run his/her company.
     A manager (boss) must maintain and display a proper attitude in order for his people to get their work done.
     An employee must have a good attitude to perform his/her work.
     What is all of the above about?  Let me tell you - whether you are a mayor, a school superintendent, a CEO, a boss or a worker, keep a good attitude.  It will make a considerable difference in your everyday life and also will touch the people around you.
From the 'bolt,
R.J. Rex, Mayor

THANK YOU - The City Council wishes to thank all the residents and business owners who have replaced their sidewalks.  Your cooperation has been tremendous.  More improvements will be done next year but the progress in the past two years is greatly appreciated.
- Odebolt City Council

The Odebolt Legion Auxiliary Roose Post #313 presented plaques to the planning committee of the new Veterans' Memorial at the Odebolt Cemetery.  The Plaques were given in appreciation for the committee's generous donation of time and effort devoted towards making the Veteran's Memorial a reality.  The planning committee members are:  Beverly and Duane Einspahr; Wesley Berg, Erich Koch, Bob Hardin, Bill Krusenstjerna and Jim Scott.

Odebolt Legion presents Flag Folding - The Odebolt American Legion Post #313 and the Odebolt-Arthur 2nd grade class held a Veterans' Day celebration at the Bart Ogden Gymnasium on November 11, 2003.  Pictured above, Roger Thayer and James Scott of the Odebolt Legion demonstrate the proper way to fold the American flag while Commander Duane Einspahr explained what each fold represented.

See more photos of American Legion at O-A School on Veterans' Day

HAROLD HILL CROSSES THE MISSISSIPPI
     Harold Hill, that "unscrupulous flew-by-night, unflypulous" salesman of band instruments and uniforms, was seen crossing the Mississippi over the weekend. Citizens beware and on the lookout for this con man! He should be in the Odebolt vicinity by Friday morning.
     Members of the boys band are Tyler Down, Tanner Bengford, Ryan Rohlf, Colton Hemer and Jon Stangl. These boys have been practicing the "Minuet in G" using the Think System for several days. We can't wait to hear what comes out of their horns!
     The O-A Music Boosters are also working to make sure your evening is one to remember. They will have slices of home-baked pie and a beverage for sale during the intermission and following the production each night for $1.00.
     Don't miss out. Buy your tickets now from cast members to see the O-A production of Meredith Willson's The Music Man on November 14 & 15 in the Bart Ogden Gym!

Odebolt Police Dept. serves drug search warrant.
     On Thursday, Nov. 6, 2003 at 1:33 pm Chief of Police Bruce L. Henderson served a search warrant at 217 S. Hanson Blvd. The search warrant was obtained after an investigation initiated by Officer Robert Upton Jr. and concluded by Chief Henderson.
     Seized at the residence were several items of drug paraphernalia and what appeared to be illegal drug substances.
     Jasmine Rosemeyer, 26, was charged by Officer Upton with Possession with intent to deliver, Child endangerment & Possession of drug paraphernalia. Her bond was set at $16,575.00 and she remains in the Sac Co. Jail.
     Charges on the other occupants of the residence are pending while law officers await the test results of the seized substances from the Iowa DCI crime labs..
     Departments involved in the search were the Odebolt Police Dept., the Sac Co Sheriff Dept., the Ida Co. Sheriff Dept. and the Iowa DOT Enforcement Div.
     Mayor Ron Rex would like to reiterate " If you want to mess with drugs stay out of Odebolt."

Box Tops for Education - Did you know that during the 2002-2003 school year at Odebolt-Arthur, enough box tops were collected to earn $1,025.00?  In October of 2003, another shipment was sent, and a check for $500.00 will soon be coming.
     Please work hard to save these Box Tops for Education and send them to the school so that this year's total can be doubled or tripled!   Find out more!

HAROLD HILL ENTERS NORTH CENTRAL INDIANA
     This is an update on the whereabouts of Prof. Harold Hill. Reports are that the band instrument salesman is now in north central Illinois. Charlie Cowell, who has been keeping track of Professor Hill, has heard that the latter was seen in his home town of Gary, Indiana. Mr. Cowell is still very leery of Harold Hill calling him a "two-bit thimble rigger - road agent - highwayman - pickpocket."
     Citizens of the Odebolt area need to keep an eye out for con-man.
     The orchestra for the O-A production of The Music Man is none other than Mrs. Roby Larson. She has been exercising her fingers, keeping them in shape for the rigorous workout she'll get accompanying the singers in a little over one week.
     The O-A Music Boosters are also working to make sure your evening is one to remember. They will have slices of home-baked pie and a beverage for sale during the intermission and following the production each night.
     Don't miss out. Buy your tickets now from cast members to see the O-A production of Meredith Willson's The Music Man on November 14 & 15 in the Bart Ogden Gym!