Selected news briefs edited from

Odebolt ~ Early ~ Wall Lake
Official Sac County Newspaper, Established 1877
A Progressive Newspaper Boosting the Communities It Serves.  Bethany Jones, Odebolt Editor
Chronicle Printing & Publishing

The Chronicle, Vol. 114, No. 43,
October 27, 2005

The Mayor Sez ...
     I want to commend our people who have really gotten into the Halloween spirit. Some have decorated their homes – magnificently! What is meaningful about this is that our children see Halloween as a fun time of the year with parties, dress-up costumes and trick or treating. Some TV shows depict Halloween as violence and crime and that is NOT what Halloween is all about. I will be looking forward to seeing all you little goblins and ghosts (and some big ones) Sat. October 29 from 5 to 7 p.m.
     On behalf of the City of Odebolt I would like to congratulate our neighbor City of Wall Lake on their new Community Building.
     From the ‘Bolt,
     R. J. Rex, Mayor of Odebolt

Highway 20 Folks Coming to Odebolt—Buck Boekelman and Bob Singer from the Highway 20 Committee will be at the Odebolt Community Center on Wednesday, November 2, from 9 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. They will be here to inform the public about the progress being made on the 4-lane expansion, visit with local industries dependent on rapid transportation and promote political action contributions.
     This informational meeting is sponsored by the Odebolt Chamber of Commerce. Come and get the facts.

Chronicle Changes Deadlines, Policies—The Chronicle has an email address that should be used for obituaries, for organizations or club minutes, school board or city council minutes or any other legal publication. Items sent in this manner can be easily formatted for the paper, saving valuable time since re-setting the copy would not be required.
     Photos for engagements, weddings, anniversaries, etc., can also be emailed to the paper. Please leave the formatting to us! (Send pictures jpeg/jpg or tiff.) To request a photographer, please allow 48 hours notice.
     Keep in mind that if you do not have access to email, you can fax information to us at 712-668-4364 or phone our main office at 712-668-2253.
     New deadlines are effective immediately. Please take notice! Greensaver and Rocket ads, all legals and church news are due by 4 p.m. on Thursday. Chronicle ads and club dates/social events are due by 12 noon on Friday. All photos must be in by 4 p.m. Friday. (This includes photos for all real estate ads.) All other news must be received by Monday noon. Items will be prioritized and published as space allows.

CHRONICLE DEADLINES
Green Saver & Rocket Ads-- 4 p.m. Thursdays
Legals & Church News-- 4 p.m. Thursdays
Chronicle Ads-- 12 noon Fridays
Club Dates/Social Events-- 12 noon Fridays
Photos-- 4 p.m. Fridays
All Other News-- 12 noon Mondays
Fax: 712-668-4364; e-mail:

3 Generations “Come Together” - Lanelle Krueger of Longmont, CO and her mother Jane (Kuhl) Krueger of Holyoke, CO were in Odebolt recently to present a copy of “The World War I Letters of John E. Kuhl) to the Odebolt Library. The book, an original war-time correspondence of the Herman and Nellie Kuhl family of Odebolt, which included daughter Louise and son John, was compiled into a book by John’s granddaughter Lanelle.
     While in Odebolt, the Kruegers made a stop at the Odebolt Cemetery and are pictured in this issue of The Chronicle in front of the Veterans Memorial where they found Lanelle’s grandfather’s name. They also visited the Odebolt Museum to see the military collection and the murals at the community center. (See article further down in this column.)

Buehler Recognized at Reception—Marilyn Buehler of Lake View attended a special reception hosted by Governor Tom Vilsack for Iowa’s new National Board Certified teachers at Terrace Hill in August. Thirty-eight teachers received the honor. Buehler is an elementary instructor at Odebolt-Arthur. Buehler is pictured in this week’s Chronicle with Judy Jeffrey, director of the Iowa Department of Education, and Governor Tom Vilsack. (Read the complete article in this week’s Chronicle.)

Race for Mayor - Bill Wallace, Jr. has thrown his hat into the political ring as a write-in candidate challenging incumbent R. J. Rex for the position of Odebolt Mayor.

Auxiliary Bazaar Winners Announced—The Odebolt Nursing and Rehab Auxiliary held their annual bazaar on Saturday, October 1, 2005 at St. Martin’s Parish Hall in Odebolt. Winners of door prize drawings, businesses which gave monetary donations, and donors and winners of many items are listed in this week’s Chronicle. Proceeds from this annual event are used to purchase needed items for the ONRC residents.

Ukrainian Visits Mrs. Buehler's Classroom

Vitaliy Shevchuk from Zashkiv, Ukraine, visited Mrs. Buehler's third grade class at Odebolt-Arthur Elementary on Tuesday, October 18, 2005.  View the story and photos from his visit.

National Honor Society Members Inducted—The Odebolt-Arthur Chapter of the National Honor Society recently inducted its new class of members for 2005. Inductees include: Elizabeth Bloyer, Alison Hansen, Chelsea Larson, Kayla Miller, Danielle Olerich, Matthew Rydberg, Shelby Veit, and Jordan Walsh. (Members are pictured in this week’s Chronicle.)
     Tapping took place with an early-morning wakeup call followed by the community service workday October 11th. An assembly announcement and the evening Induction service was held October 18th.

Northwest Junior High Honor Choir—Several 7th and 8th graders will be representing Odebolt-Arthur at the Northwest Iowa Junior High Honor Choir in Storm Lake on Tuesday, November 1st. These students have been working hard to learn the music for this year’s festival and are looking forward to a full day of rehearsals with other northwest Iowa students that day. Students participating this year are: Kaylene Johnson, Lisa Nishimura, Talia Ross, Clarissa Pudenz, Ivan Ross, Jon Stangl, RJ Brown and Colton Hemer. (These students are pictured in this week’s Chronicle.) The concert will be presented at the Storm Lake High School at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $4.00 for adults and $2.00 for students.

 Buehler to All-State Chorus - A big congratulations goes out to Abby Buehler, daughter of Roger and Ellen Buelher, on being selected as a member of the Iowa All-State Chorus! This is the highest individual honor available to Iowa high school musicians!
     The 2005 festival will celebrate the 59th anniversary of this prestigious event. District auditions were held around the state on Saturday, Oct. 22nd and only about 17% of the students who audition are selected for membership in the All-State ensembles!
     Participants will rehearse in Ames on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 18 and 19, and the festival concert will be presented to the public at 7:30 p.m. in Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa on Saturday evening, November 19, 2005. Iowa public Television will record the concert for broadcast tentatively scheduled for Thursday, November 25 at 8:00 p.m. and again on Friday, November 26 at 1:00 p.m.

Simpson College Rep. to Visit OAHS—Simpson College admissions counselor, Andy English, will be available to talk with prospective students at Odebolt-Arthur High School in Odebolt, at 1:15 p.m. November 3rd.
     For more information, contact the high school guidance counselor, or call the Simpson College Office of Administration at 1-800-362-2454.

Project Santa Adopt-A-Soldier in Odebolt—The Odebolt-Arthur High School Band participated in the “Project Santa, Adopt-A-Soldier” program, started by Kathy Cattani, an Illinois mom whose son is in the Army and stationed in Iraq.
    Cattanni’s son told her that many soldiers never receive mail and whenever he receives a package from her, fellow soldiers will often follow him to his room to share in the excitement of getting a package. He said, “Mom, is there anything you can do?” Thus, Project Santa was born.
     The word spread to Kay Bloyer, whose sister is a friend of Kathy’s. Kay hung posters around Odebolt explaining Project Santa. The O-A High School Band enthusiastically grasped this cause as did St. Martin’s CCD program. Kay will be delivering 35-plus stockings and 2 boxes of miscellaneous items to her sister this week so they can be shipped to Iraq for arrival before Christmas. (See the complete article in this week’s Chronicle.)

War-Time Correspondence Compiled into
Book  with Historic Significance
Published with permission from
the author, Lanelle Krueger

In 1918, young men in Odebolt were boarding the train to head off to war. Church folk solemnly held dedication ceremonies for service flags bedecked in stars, one for each serviceman. Townswomen were engaged in activities to support the Red Cross. Families were planting war gardens and reaping their bounty. Service flags for employees “over there” hung in store windows downtown, where help was getting scarce. A new disease, influenza, was sweeping the country, shutting down public gatherings at times. And families were routinely picking up fountain pens to write to their beloved sons, brothers, and uncles far from home.

The original war-time correspondence of the Herman and Nellie Kuhl family of Odebolt, which included daughter Louise and son John, who enlisted in 1918, was recently compiled into a book by John’s granddaughter, Lanelle Krueger of Longmont, Colorado. Krueger and her mother, Jane (Kuhl) Krueger of Holyoke, Colorado, a 1944 graduate of Odebolt High School, donated a copy of “The World War I Letters of John E. Kuhl” to the Odebolt Public Library recently.

“When I inherited these letters, I started to compile the book to share them with my family members only, considering this was a private family correspondence at the time they were written. The further I got into this project, the more I realized the letters’ historical significance to the Odebolt community,” said Lanelle. “The letters document the ‘life and times’ of 1918-1919 Odebolt on any given day of the week at that time.”

Through his letters home, the family could trace John’s travels to Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, Mo., and on to Camp Joseph E. Johnston, Jacksonville, Fla. He sailed for France in August 1918, and served as a truck driver with the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF). His unit helped supply the frontline as the French drove the Germans out of France. Following his return to Hoboken, New Jersey, he spent time at Ft. Des Moines before his discharge from Camp Dodge in August 1919.

“His letters are rather conversational in tone, oftentimes conveying his musings and sense of wonderment at all of the new things he was experiencing and observing,” said Lanelle. “They particularly depict a war-torn France.”

Meanwhile, Louise, then a 30-year-old law secretary for W. A. Helsell, frequently used her office typewriter to regularly keep her brother supplied with the news from home. The names of numerous Odebolt residents are mentioned throughout her letters as she keeps her brother posted on the weather, who’s enlisting, who’s writing to him, who’s getting married, the goings-on at his and his father’s places of employment, and general news of the day.

For example, Louise wrote on July 3, 1918: “I think I wrote you about the big black box that Mike Paul was putting up in the center of the square. Well, they have that all fixed now and have an electric light on the top. It looks like a big black monument and on each of the four sides they have a sign which reads, ‘Dedicated to the Slackers of Odebolt and Vicinity.’ Mr. Engstrom says that they were going to leave that there to remind some of these folks around here that they were slackers.”

The letters also depict the development of rural America at a time when the head of the household could earn $20 a week, trains were pulling into town morning, noon, and evening, telegrams were more common than telephone calls since a long distance call could cost half a week’s wages, letters could be mailed with one, two, or three one-cent stamps, and electric washing machines complete with wringers were the latest home convenience.

The book also includes some post-war correspondence from army buddies and an appendix, which includes a timeline of the events of WWI, a history of the AEF, Red Cross and YMCA, and John’s and Louise’s obituaries.

“My hope is that people with an appreciation for historical preservation, or an interest in war memorabilia, will find this book helpful,” said Lanelle. “It certainly served to acquaint me with my Grandfather Kuhl, who died before I was born, and put me in touch with my ancestors’ personalities, lifestyle, and values as brought forth from they themselves in these precious family heirlooms.”

Obituary - Shirley Neumann - Funeral services for Shirley Carolyn Neumann were held 10 a.m. Wednesday, October 19, 2005 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Kiron, Iowa. Rev. Mark Hansen officiated the services and graveside rites held at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery, Stockholm Township, Kiron, Iowa. Shirley died Tuesday, October 11, 2005 at her home in Kiron, Iowa, at the age of seventy-four.
     Shirley was born February 28, 1931 on a farm north of Kiron, the daughter of August and Ada (Schultz) Stehr. She received her education in a one room rural schoolhouse near her home and graduated from the Odebolt High School with the class of 1948.
     December 31, 1951, Shirley was united in marriage to Donald Neumann at St. John’s Lutheran Church. The couple made their home on a farm near Boyer and were blessed with four children.
     Survivors include one daughter, Judy Buse and husband, Melvin of Auburn; three sons, Dale Neumann and wife, Anne of Denison; Paul Neumann and wife, Elaine of Odebolt; Marc Neumann and wife Brandi of Aurora, Colorado; thirteen grandchildren and one great-grandson; one sister, Dorothy Schmadeke and husband, Louis of Arthur; one brother, Irvin Stehr and wife, Beverly of Odebolt; two brothers-in-law, Jack Neumann of Denison, George Bieret of Wall Lake; two sisters-in-law, Viola Schmidt of Odebolt; and Betty Kuhlman and husband, Roy of Mapleton; many nieces and nephews.
     Preceding Shirley in death were her parents; her husband, Donald; her stepmother, Edyth Krusenstjerna; three sisters-in-law; four brothers-in-law; one niece and two nephews.
     The Huebner Funeral Home in Denison was in charge of the arrangements.

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ODEBOLT.NET NEWS
B. Horak & B. Ekse, Webnews Editors
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A HAPPY TURN OF EVENTS  - At All-State Auditions on October 22, everyone was elated when Abby Buehler was selected as a member of the All-State Chorus. When we left the Storm Lake High School that day, Abby was our only musician selected, although Katie Bell was a first alternate in the French Horn section.
     On Wednesday, October 26, Mrs. Votrobeck received a call from the Iowa High School Music Association; a call she'd been hoping would come. They informed her that Katie Bell will be a member of the All-State Orchestra, due to the fact another district did not select their quota of French Horns.
     Congratulations to Abby and Katie for this honor. They will rehearse November 17 & 18 and perform in Hilton Coliseum November 18. And kudos to Jenilynn Blair, Peter Larson, Kevin Down, Ryan Rydberg, and Kate Olson for putting in all the time and effort to audition and improving as musicians.

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Pumpkins at the Post Office

Click photos to enlarge

Harve Keller votes for his choice of the best-decorated pumpkin as Maurice Sutton of Templeton, Iowa looks on.  Mrs. Buehler's third grade class decorated the pumpkins, which are on display at the Odebolt Post Office.  The voting ends on Friday, October 28th.

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MOVING BACK TO ODEBOLT

Article by Bonnie Ekse about the Krusenstjernas and Hansons, Odebolt natives, who have moved back to town in recent years.  Click for "MOVING BACK"

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Middle School Concert, Thursday Nov. 3rd

     The musicians of the Odebolt-Arthur Middle School have been preparing for their fall concert. The bands and choruses will present an evening of music in the Bart Ogden Gym, their new venue, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, November 3.
     Performing will be the Sixth Grade Band, Sixth Grade Chorus, 7/8 Band and 7/8 Chorus.
     Join us for an evening of entertainment November 3 at 7:30 p.m.!

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O-A to Present "State Fair" Nov. 11 & 12
     The cast for State Fair has been working hard in preparation for the upcoming school musical.  Mark your calendars so you can attend the State Fair in Odebolt, Iowa on November 11 and 12!

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Former O-A Coach Seeks Contacts

     Former O-A Coach and Athletic Director (1969-1981)Dennis Carlson has been diagnosed with lung cancer which has spread from his lungs to his brain, liver and bones. He has just started radiation and chemo treatments at the University of Nebraska in Omaha.
     We are asking for your prayers as we begin this battle. Odebolt has always been close to our hearts and we have always tried to keep connected. Denny would like to keep connected with some football players. At the present time he is at home and going in daily for radiation treatments.

Dennis & Connie Carlson
20804 Sequoia St.
Elkhorn, NE 68022

(from odebolt.net guest book
at the request of the Carlsons)

The Chronicle, Vol. 114, No. 42
 October 20, 2005

The Mayor Sez…
     So far Mother Nature has smiled upon the Midwest in the form of unseasonably warm weather. For every day that we don’t have to run our furnaces, it is money in our pockets. Cold weather will be upon us soon enough and I hope everyone has taken steps to keep their heating bills to a minimum. Gasoline, diesel, propane, and natural gas are at record all time highs and this author fears that the high prices won’t be coming down soon. Most of us have had to adjust our budgets (more commonly known as “tightening the belt”) due to the above.
     Everyone involved in the energy sector of our economy are blaming everyone else for our dilemma, but Cong. Steve King put it all in perspective when he said, “Wake up Washington, let’s start tapping our reserves in Alaska. There is enough crude oil in Alaska to last us for years. Let’s go get it!”
     From the ‘Bolt,
     R. J. Rex, Mayor of Odebolt

     P.S. Congratulations to the new inductees to the National Honor Society at OA and thanks to all of the Honor Society kids for their community service last Tues. Sorry I missed you!!
     P.P.S. Phyllis, it was my pleasure to give the welcome to the ladies of the Presbytery. Also, I don’t mind the person that is using my mailbox for a suggestion box, but I would surmise that the U.S. Postal Service would like their 37cents. Note: I’ll be glad to discuss the facts with you, just let me know who you are!!

Vilsack Extends Weight Limits--Governor Tom Vilsack Friday extended by 30 days the suspension of weight limits on Iowa's roadways. The suspension will expedite the delivery of supplies and equipment to the survivors of Hurricane Katrina, as well as aid farmers in moving their crops out of fields. It will also allow Iowa farmers to make fewer trips to market at a time when fuel prices are high.

Tostlebe-Peterson Farm Receives Century Award--Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Patty Judge presented Century Farm awards at ceremonies held August 16 at the Iowa State Fair. The Eleanor Tostlebe-Peterson family farm near Parkersburg was honored at the 2005 Century Farm Awards ceremonies. (A photo taken at the ceremony appears in this week's Chronicle. Pictured are President of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation Craig Lang, Mike Peterson, Eleanor Peterson, Jean Peterson-Jones, Alex Jones and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Patty Judge.)

Odebolt Library Accredited--The State Library of Iowa has announced that the Odebolt Public Library has met the conditions for state accreditation. Achieving accreditation requires a significant, ongoing local commitment to high quality library services. Of Iowa's 543 public libraries, 287 are accredited.
     Accredited libraries receive a higher rate of compensation through the State Library of Iowa's Enrich Iowa/Direct State Aid Program.
     The director and board of trustees of the Odebolt Public Library are to be commended for this achievement and their commitment to excellence in public library services for their community.

OYF to Help Food Pantry--The Odebolt Youth Fellowship will be canvassing Odebolt on Wednesday, October 26 between 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. They will be collecting nonperishable goods to be donated to the Sac County Outreach Center. Please give to this worthy cause when they come knocking on your door.

Center is Award Recipient--Iowa Network Services, Inc. is pleased to announce that the Odebolt Community Center, Inc., is a $200 award recipient of the Iowa Network Services Charity Grant Program.
     INS created this charity grant program to increase its service and support to the communities it serves and to help bring INS closer to its customers.
     INS presents this award in conjunction with the Sac County Mutual Telephone Company, which provides service to the community of Odebolt and supported the grant application submitted by the Odebolt Community Center, Inc.
     (Pictured in this week's Chronicle is Community Center Representative, secretary/treasurer Carolyn Hoelscher, receiving the $200 grant from JD Seibert, INS marketing representative, and Dale Schaefer, Sac County Mutual Telephone Co. general manager - Odebolt office.)

October is National Pork Month. This week's Chronicle includes a special Pork Edition. Visit Pork's Home Page at http://www.nppc.org/

Hurricane Relief - During the month of October Jim's TV & Appliance of Odebolt will be donating for each new or renewed line of service.  Donations will go to the Red Cross or Salvation Army.

Clover Kids Program Offered - Clover Kids is a program for kindergarten through 2nd graders where youth participate in activities uniquely suited to their developmental age, grow and learn in a non-competitive environment, participate in hands-on-learning, and much more. 
     In Odebolt the program will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. on October 29 and December 3.  Registration deadline is October 21.  For information call the Sac Co. Extension Office at 712-662-7131.

 Flu Shots through Stewart Memorial Community Hospital HomeCare/Hospice will be available in Odebolt at:
     Cubby's - Monday, Oct 24th from 8 to 8:30 a.m.
Sparky's One Stop - Friday, October 21, 8 to 9:30 a.m.
    Shots will be available in Arthur at Sparky's One Stop - Thursday, Oct 27, 8 to 9 a.m.
     Payment of $20.00 or Medicare cared is required at the time of your shot.  If these times are not convenient, call 712-464-4201 to make an appointment.

Trick or Treat!--The Odebolt City Council has announced Trick-or-Treating night in Odebolt will be Saturday, October 29th from 5 to 7 p.m.  Households wishing to participate are asked to turn on their porch lights.
     Everyone is asked to use precaution and keep Halloween a safe and fun time for our young people.

TRICK or TREAT
at Odebolt Nursing & Rehab Center
Friday, October 28th
2 to 3:30 p.m.
Children through 5th Grade
Refreshments provided:
Cookies & Juice
Children must be with an adult!
COME HAVE A
SPOOKTACULAR TIME

HUNTERS' LUNCH
United Methodist Church
Odebolt, Iowa
Saturday, October 29
Lunch served 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Creamed Chicken on Biscuits, Cole Slaw
Chili, Maidrites, Hot Dogs & Chili Dogs
Homemade Pie and Beverage
BAKE SALE by OYF
Carry Outs Available 668-4449

Odebolt P.O. Hosts Pumpkin Decorating--The Odebolt Postal Service is hosting a pumpkin decorating contest like no other. The public is welcome to stop by the Odebolt Post Office from October 21 - 28 to see and judge the creative pumpkins decorated by Mrs. Buehler's O-A third grade class.

Faith Lutheran to host Higher Power and Soup Supper October 30th - Higher Power, a gospel music quartet based out of Des Moines, Iowa will be in concert at faith Lutheran Church in Odebolt on October 30th starting at 6 p.m.  The quartet provides concerts and worship services over 135 times a year in the Midwest, singing gospel, southern gospel, progressive gospel, a capella and contemporary music.  See their website at www.hpquartet.com.
   A soup supper will be held at Faith Lutheran prior to the concert, from 4:30 to 5:45 p.m.

MILESTONES:
 - 90th Birthday Celebration at the Kiron Baptist Church from 2-4:30 p.m. October 30, 2005 for Marion Sonichsen. No gifts, please. If you would like to send a card: Box 119, Arthur, IA 51431

The Chronicle, Vol. 114, No. 41
 October 13, 2005

The Mayor Sez…
     Fall is here. A bountiful harvest is underway, the trees are turning, and the temperature is going south. Won’t be long and leaves will need to be dealt with. We will appreciate your not raking your leaves into the gutter as they do clog up our storm sewer. You will be seeing the street sweeper out and about doing its job.
     Rotary put on a steak fry last Monday eve for a very worthy cause. One of our City’s treasures, the museum was the recipient of the proceeds as they are trying to finish some things that need to be done. Hats off to the Rotarians.
     While I am on the subject of the museum I am pleased to tell you that I am working on getting some money for the museum from a foundation that will be administered by the Sac County Economic Development Board that Elaine and I are members thereof. This money, annually, will be distributed around Sac County for worthwhile projects, such as our museum.
     From the ‘Bolt,
     R. J. Rex, Mayor of Odebolt 

We Proudly Salute Our Volunteer Firemen
 During Fire Prevention Month
(click photo to enlarge)

View the Fire Department page

O-A in 2005 Class 1A District & Regional Volleyball - Odebolt-Arthur will match up with WLVA Wednesday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. at Lake View in the District 2 Semi-final.  The winner of this game will go on to meet the winner of the Pomeroy-Palmer vs Rockwell City-Lytton match up in the District Final.

Seminars and Forums on Medicare Drug Program Scheduled - Programs to help seniors learn about the upcoming enrollment in Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage are scheduled for Sac County.  Farm Bureau and Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa will have four seminars:
 - Tues., Oct 18 - 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Iowa State Bank in Sac City
 - Tues., Oct 25 - 9 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Wall Lake.
 - Wed., Oct 26 - 1 p.m. at Iowa State Bank in Sac City.
   Loring Hospital, Elderbridge Agency on Aging, Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIP), and the Social Security Administration Office will bring a form to Sac County on Monday, Oct. 24th from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Sac Community Recreation Center , located at 1015 Main Street in Sac City. 

Farming's big footprint in Sac - Farming and agri-food industries remain a large and vital part of Sac County's economy.  A recent Iowa Stat University study funded by the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers (CSIF), shows that:
 - 25% of the county's jobs are directly related to farming and agri-food industry
 - 48% of the county's total property tax revenues come from farming
     Read more about this study (.pdf file)

ONRC News - Odebolt Nursing and Rehab Center held their annual Auxiliary Bazaar on Saturday, October 1, 2005 at St. Martin Church hall.  Free coffee and blood pressure checks were given.  Drawings for prizes, a luncheon and bingo were enjoyed. (Photo in this week's issue.)

Burgers-Burgers - No need to fix supper before each O-A home football game this year.  Burgers will be grilled just for you!  The Junior Class will sell burgers on October 21st. 

Obituary:  Robert M Hansen, age 74, of Odebolt, Iowa died Thursday, October 6, 2005 at his home.
     Funeral Services were held Monday, October 10, 2005 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Odebolt, with Father John McGuirk officiating. Burial was in St. Martin’s Catholic Cemetery in Odebolt. The Farber & Otteman Funeral Home in Odebolt was in charge of the arrangements.
     Robert Mark Hansen was born on February 17, 1931 in Lake View, Iowa to Harry and Thelma (Park) Hansen. He was baptized in the Presbyterian faith and later baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Odebolt. He grew up in Odebolt, graduating from Odebolt High School with the class of 1949. Bob excelled in all sports and was the indoor and outdoor half-mile state champion.
    On September 24, 1949 at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Odebolt, he married Betty Duffy. Bob and Betty were blessed with five children; Nancy, Patty, Mark, Steven and Kristy.
     Bob was employed as a claims representative with Iowa Mutual Insurance Company for 39 years until his retirement on January 1, 1993.
     He enjoyed the outdoors, cooking, and helping work on his sons’ racecars. He loved thunderstorms and listening to the rain. He also loved to travel and he and Betty enjoyed spending winters in Arizona and Florida. His grandchildren were the light of his life and he looked forward to every visit and holiday that gathered them near to him. Bob’s family and the times they spent together were treasured above all else. He will be missed by all those who love him.
     Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 56 years, Betty; children: Nancy and Michael Schmitz of Arnolds Park, Iowa; Patty and Mark Collison of Urbandale, Iowa; Mark and Pam Hansen of Odebolt, Iowa; Steven Hansen of St. Joseph, Missouri; and Kristy and Joe Dewey of West Des Moines, Iowa. Bob is also survived by his sixteen grandchildren: Cara (Jared) Gerlock and Eric Svalstad; Shelley (Jesse) Diehl and Missy, Katie, and Ashley Brinkman; Christopher (Paige) Hansen, Heather (Michael) King and Rachel, Alison, and Marcus Hansen; Michael, Scott, and Kellen Hansen; Alex and Anna Dewey; and one great-granddaughter, Lily Diehl; brothers: Douglas Hansen of Storm Lake, Iowa and Daniel and Charlotte Hansen of Sarasota, Florida; sister Donna and Lowell Ryan of Lake Challapa, Mexico; bothers-in-law: Richard Duffy of Odebolt, Iowa, Walt and Pat Duffy of Lincoln, Nebraska, Dale Einspahr of Odebolt, Iowa, Ed Smith of Phoenix, Arizona; sister-in-law Phyllis Gardner of Odebolt, Iowa.
     Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Reverend Doyle Hansen; his niece, Mary Catherine Hansen; brother-in-law Donald J. Gardner; sisters-in-law Pat Smith and Joan Einspahr; great nephew Scott Barnes; and parents-in-law Walter and Amelia Duffy.

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ODEBOLT.NET NEWS
B. Horak & B. Ekse, Webnews Editors
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Odebolt Chamber of Commerce--Minutes from October 13, 2005
     The October meeting of the Odebolt Chamber of Commerce was held at Traci Bengford's house due to her leg injury. In attendance were Melissa, Kay, Jon, and Janet.
     Due to the resignation of our current secretary, Janet Hoefling has been selected for the position.
     We would like to thank Melissa Pierce and Jake Olson, along with the Sac County Mutual Telephone Company for their time and effort it took to take down the flags. We also greatly appreciated the use of the trucks; it made things go so much smoother.
     Also, briefly discussed was the dropping of the annual soup supper for the chamber members due to the lack of success in the past. The decision will be determined at a later date.
     The homecoming theme this year for the hallways was "places." The seniors theme was "Welcome to the Jungle," the juniors thought "Hollywood" would be a good theme, the sophomores decided on "Alaska," and the freshman were creative with "The Field of Dreams." We felt all classes were VERY GOOD and well planned out in such little time. So everyone is getting rewarded for their hard work by getting a pizza party from the chamber, which will be within the next week. Also, the middle school got rewarded with a pop from the school for their hard work and creative abilities during the homecoming festivities.
     It was also brought to our attention that there is interest in getting four new "Odebolt" signs, and if we were interested in the development of the signs. We were informed that the labor for the building of the bricks was all donated. We had a few concerns about who is responsible for the maintenance and keep-up of the signs, whether they were light-up signs, and if some of the businesses will be involved to try to keep it in the community. If anyone has any comments or questions about the signs, please let us know.
     Some upcoming events are the Coloring Contest held every year, along with the Holiday Lighting Contest, and the visiting of Santa Claus. This year the Visit from Santa will be moved out to the Odebolt Nursing and Rehab Center, where pink lemonade and cider will be served. This will take place on December 3, 2005, from 1:00pm-3:00pm. We hope to see you there!!!

Remember, we meet the 2nd Thursday of the month!! Come join us!
VISIT OUR WEB SITE!
Odebolt Chamber of Commerce

O-A to Present "State Fair" Nov. 11 & 12

     The cast for State Fair has been working hard for four weeks with Mrs. Jepsen and Mrs. Votrobeck. Solos and duets are almost memorized. Some cast members are ready to practice without their books. Mrs. Johnson has been working with the chorus on their songs and they sound terrific!
     Mark your calendars so you can attend the State Fair in Odebolt, Iowa on November 11 and 12!

STATE FAIR CAST

O-AMS CONCERT BAND MEMBERS
IN NW IOWA HONOR BAND

     The 38th annual Northwest Iowa Junior High/Middle School Honor Band Festival will take place on Saturday, November 5, 2005 in Storm Lake, Iowa. Approximately 400 seventh and eighth grade musicians from 48 northwest Iowa schools auditioned on October 15 for places in one of two equal bands. These two honor bands will rehearse during the day of November 6 and present a concert that evening at 7:00 pm in the Storm Lake High school Gymnasium. Admission for the concert is $3 for adults and $2 for students.
     Guest directors for the band festival will be Alan Greiner and Steven Colton.
     Christine Bloyer and Kaylene Johnson, both eighth graders from O-AMS, will participate in the festival. Christine plays French Horn and is the daughter of Dick and Kay Bloyer. Kaylene plays Bb Soprano Clarinet and is the daughter of Brian and Linda Johnson.
     Also auditioning against 56 other percussionists on snare drum, timpani, and bells, was Ryan Rohlf, an eighth grader.

Olerich to Opus Honor Choir Festival

     Morgan Olerich, daughter of Mike and Zena Olerich, was recently selected for participation in the twentieth annual Opus Honor Choir Festival. Over 2900 students were nominated by their directors for 720 positions in the four Opus Honor choirs. Selections were made by means of a taped audition. Morgan will be participating in the 7th and 8th grade girl's chorus under the direction of Pamela Quick Crawford.
     The 2005 Opus Honor Choirs will perform at 4 p.m. November 17 in CY Stephens Auditorium in the Iowa State Center in Ames. The Opus Honor choir Festival is under the auspices of the Iowa Choral Directors Association, Inc.

The Chronicle, Vol. 114, No. 40
 October 6, 2005

The Mayor Sez…
     The penny tax referendum has passed. I’m proud of Odebolt for stepping up and doing what is right. It passed by a 94% majority, the highest in the County. Hats off! What this means is that $40,000.00-$50,000.00 extra revenue will go towards helping in many ways. Some of those ways will be pool maintenance, streets, property tax relief, capital improvements, and more. Many, many of those dollars will be generated by non-residents. I commend the rest of Sac County for passing this as well. We salute!
     I have some items coming in by way of citizen complaints. They are as follows: illegal operation of mopeds (riding double, etc.), cars and trucks speeding on streets and alleys, inappropriate conduct at the city park, and last, but not least, stop sign violators. Spread the word; none of the above is going to be tolerated. Three out of four of the above four items involve public safety issues. Enough said!
     Congrats to Thelma Schroeder and Verna Mae Schwaller for receiving the Rotary Community Asset award for their volunteer work at the Odebolt Museum. We salute!
     From the ‘Bolt,
     R. J. Rex, Mayor of Odebolt

Local Option Sales Tax Approved - Each of the communities and the rural area of Sac County approved increasing local sales tax by one cent, according to an election held September 27.  Only 996 votes were cast out of the 8,669 eligible voters in the county.  Odebolt approved the tax with a vote of 76 for to 5 against.  Rural voters approved it by a 128-64 vote.
     The tax will go into effect on January 1, 2006.  Sales tax in the county will then be seven cents per dollar for items that are taxable.

Ballot set for November 8, 2005 City Election - Ron Rex is unopposed in his bid for re-election as mayor.  There are six candidates for the three open seats on the council.  They are F. Duane Einspahr, Keith Flink, Gary Gritten, Mike Hoefling, Jeff Holmes, and James A. Scott.

Sac County Board of Supervisor Minutes can be located at www.saccounty.org

Bulgarians Visit - Jim Meyer of Odebolt, vice-chairman of the Western Iowa Energy Board, Wall Lake, was recently host to two sales representatives from Bulgaria, who were interested in Wall lake's biodiesel plant project.  Meyer explained the feasibility of bio-diesel production, technology selection , and financing options.  A tour of the plant was declined but a hill-top view of the construction site proved an educational aid in explaining the project.  (Pictured in this issue are Nikolay Nikolov, regional sales representative from Dobrich, Bulgaria, Jim Meyer, and Dimana Valkanova, sales manager from Rimex Engineering of Sofia, Bulgaria.)

National Merit Scholar - Peter Larson of Odebolt-Arthur High School was among the approximately 16,000 semifinalists in the 51st annual national Merit Scholarship Program.  These scholastically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 8,200 Merit Scholarship awards, worth $33 million, that will be offered next spring.

O-A Homecoming Royalty 2005 - (Pictured in this issue)  Reigning over the 2005 Odebolt-Arthur homecoming activities were Kara Schroeder, daughter of Rick and Kris Schroeder of Odebolt, and Jeff Schroeder, son of John and Donna Schroeder of Odebolt.

Homecoming Week - See photos of last week's Homecoming activities in this issue of The Chronicle, including the following captions:
 - The O-A senior football players were serenaded by their mothers at the Pep Rally
 - The O-A football team rides the fire truck during the homecoming parade.
 - The O-A Dance Express performed for the crowd at the Pep Rally
 - The O-A cheerleaders and senior football players performed a kazoo rendition of the school fight song much to the amusement of the crowd.
 - The O-A coaches entertained the crowd with an enthusiastic pom/can-can routine to the school fight song.
 - Future generations of O-A Homecoming Royalty and Court patiently await the crowing of the 2005 King and Queen.

Farm Service Agency to Close Sac City Office - The Sac County FSA office is one of 31 offices that would be closed under a consolidation plan released last week by Derryl McLaren, State Exec. Director of the USDA FSA in Iowa.  Surrounding counties that would be considered for taking over the work of Sac County's office include Buena Vista, Carroll, Calhoun, and Ida.  At this time no final decisions have been made.

Odebolt Library - The monthly board meeting will be held Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2005 at 7:00 p.m.
     See this week's issue for a list of new books, LP books, DVDs and Videos available.

Hedden Qualifies for Special Recognition - Linda Hedden, AU, CPCU, has been recognized by the American Institute for Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters (CPCU) and the CPCU Society as qualifying for the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Program.  She and her husband, Michael, live in Odebolt.
     Hedden is a farm underwriter and licensed agent for Colburn & Son, Inc., Insurance in Sac City and Storm Lake. 

Flu Shots through Stewart Memorial Community Hospital HomeCare/Hospice will be available in Odebolt. 
     Prior to October 24th flu shots will be given to:
Persons 65 years and older, children 6 months to 23 months, pregnant women, persons 2 to 64 with other health problems, and persons in contact with children younger than 6 months.
     Starting October 24th flu shots will be available for everyone.
     Shots to be available in Odebolt at:
Cubby's - Monday, Oct 24th from 8 to 8:30 a.m.
Sparky's One Stop - Friday, October 21, 8 to 9:30 a.m.
    Shots in Arthur:
Sparky's One Stop - Thursday, Oct 27, 8 to 9 a.m.
     Payment of $20.00 or Medicare cared is required at the time of your shot.  If these times are not convenient, call 712-464-4201 to make an appointment. 

Obituary:  Helen (Down) Carson (Mrs. J.R.),  94, formerly of Moline, passed away Wednesday, September 21, 2005, peacefully at home in Manhattan Montana, with her family with whom she had lived since she left Moline five years ago. She died of natural causes.
     Services were 2 p.m. Tuesday, October 4, 2005, in the Celebration of Life Chapel at Trimble Funeral and Cremation Center, Moline.  Following cremation, private burial will be in National Cemetery on the Rock Island Arsenal. Memorials may be made to Riverside United Methodist Church or American Cancer Society.
     The former Helen Down was born May 23, 1911, in Odebolt, Iowa, the daughter of Thomas and Emma (Hanson) Down. After graduation from Morningside College, Sioux City, Iowa, she taught English and Drama in high schools in Nebraska, Iowa, and California. She married J.R. (Kit) Carson in Sioux City, Iowa, in 1940. During his duties in the navy she taught in San Francisco, California. They moved to this area in January 1946. After her husband’s death in 1970, she taught in Rock Island until 1974.
     She was a member of Riverside United Methodist Church, Moline, Chapter IS of P.E.O. Sisterhood, AAAW, and Ladies of the Elks.
     Helen is survived by a daughter, Suzee Branch and her husband Steve Branch, of Manhattan, Montana; a granddaughter, Polly Vandiver-Leggett and her husband Andrew Leggett, and great-granddaughter Bowie Leggett, of the Bahamas; one sister-in-law, and twelve nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, six brothers and three sisters.

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ODEBOLT.NET NEWS
B. Horak & B. Ekse, Webnews Editors
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Death: Robert M. (Bob) Hansen, age 74, passed away at his home Thursday, October 6th, after a long battle with cancer. Services were 10:30 A.M. Monday, October 10th at the St. Martin's Catholic Church in Odebolt with burial in the St. Martin's Catholic Cemetery. 
     Bob is survived by his wife Betty, and children Nancy, Patty, Mark, Steven and Kristy.
     Obituary at Farber & Otteman where you may leave condolences.

Graveside Services for Russell West were held on Friday, October 14, 2005 at 2 PM at the Odebolt Cemetery, Odebolt, Iowa. Friends were invited to join the family for a time of fellowship at the Odebolt Methodist Church following the graveside service. Russell was aged 67 when he passed away peacefully at his home in Texas on July 20, 2005, after a battle with cancer.

From Sioux City Journal
Did you know?
By Tim Gallagher, Journal staff writer
(Scroll down to find the part about Odebolt)
(excerpt) From Odebolt, Iowa: I did a double-take after examining the football program here Friday evening. The Odebolt-Arthur homecoming king and queen shared the Schroeder surname.  Twins?

 High Bidders at Student Council Auction

     The Odebolt Arthur Student Council held an auction during Homecoming week.

      Larry Beckman Motors was the high bidder of $1225 for the football autographed by the players, managers, coaches and cheerleaders. Shown accepting the football is Randy Veit and Student Council members.

     Rex Chevrolet was the high bidder of $400 for the volleyball signed by the team and coaches. Mark Hansen is shown accepting the volleyball from the Student Council.
 

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FROM IDA COUNTY COURIER

Click for Photo of O-A Homecoming Royalty
     Kara Schroeder and Jeff Schroeder are Odebolt-Arthur's homecoming king and queen. Kara is the daughter of Rick and Kris Schroeder and Jeff is the son of John and Donna Schroeder, all of Odebolt.
     The Trojans lost their homecoming game when Woodbury Central rallied for two fourth-quarter touchdowns, slipping past Odebolt-Arthur 21-14.

Area school districts all experience enrollment drops
Check out Odebolt's enrollment statistics.

O-A Elementary Children Support Hurricane Katrina Children

     The above photos show O-A elementary students who made "Lift Your Spirits" packets for children affected by Hurricane Katrina. The packets contained books, small toys, candy, and other items children like. The kids all brought items and assembled the packets in large zip lock bags at school for shipping to Howell Park Elementary in Baton Rouge, LA.
     The staff and children also raised $593.00 for the Red Cross.
- Vicki Beckman, O-A School Board

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 School Gym Project Nearly Complete

(Click the above photos to enlarge)

The Odebolt-Arthur high school gym flooring project is finished.  Currently bleachers are being installed.  Volunteers are working hard to have the gym ready for Super Class Night on Thursday, as part of Homecoming activities.  There are a few finishing details such as basketball backboards, the Conference standings board and the new U.S.A. and Iowa flags to be hung, but work on the refurbished gym should be done soon.
 - Vicki Beckman, O-A School Board

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