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ODEBOLT.NET NEWS
B. Horak & B. Ekse, Webnews Editors
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WAREHAM WORKS TO RENOVATE
 AN OLD  ODEBOLT BANK BUILDING

     With the demolition of old buildings that has occurred in Odebolt recently, its great to see someone working to save an old building!
    Curt Wareham is renovating the old Farmers Savings Bank building on the north side of Second Street. Some of you may remember it as the home of Odebolt State Bank from 1934 to 1967.

Tuck pointing in progress in September on the
old bank building that Curt Wareham is
renovating on north 2nd Street in Odebolt.

     I talked with Curt back in September when the above photo was taken. Work was started in Spring 2008 and plans are to replace the windows soon as well.  Inside Curt has installed two 6'x6' skylights in the main room, which has a 25' high ceiling.  He plans to have an atrium there with plants and trees. Another plan is to put a patio door on the east side leading into the fenced-in courtyard next to the building. 
   Curt and his wife, Vonnie and three children live above the business he runs with his father, Jim's TV and Appliance, just to the west of the bank building.  The couple have remodeled the space into a 2000 square foot "loft" living area.  The bank renovation will extend their living area and they plan to have a balcony off their second floor bedroom overlooking the atrium.
     I asked Curt what his favorite thing was about living there.  He said that with the blinds shut you could just as well be in a New York City loft apartment, with the high ceilings, skylights and tall windows.  It has a "city feel" to it. 
     Even though the south side of downtown 2nd Street is gone, the north side is alive and doing well -- two renovated bank buildings a thriving business and the Odebolt Museum!
 - Barb Horak, odebolt.net editor

 Curt is looking for old photographs of the bank, especially of the interior, since all the bank fixtures, counters and cages were sold and removed many years ago. If you can help him out, please contact him at Jim's TV or email the web master at

October 30th

FROM THE IDA COUNTY COURIER
www.idacountycourier.com

DISTRICT TALK
by Dani Trimble
O-A Superintendent

School and community forum
Our Wednesday night school and community forum has been a great source of two-way communication. Thank you to each and every one of you who have taken time to visit.

Beginning in November, the forum will be held on the first Wednesday night of the month only. While attendance has begun to drop off, I still want to be able to provide this opportunity for open communication. I hope you will consider attending.

Enrollment
We may be among the few districts in the state that will be fortunate enough to report an increase in enrollment this fall. While we are glad to be able to report an increase, when we count actual students in our classroom, O-A is down one student from last year (365 to 364). The increase is in our certified enrollment, which is calculated slightly different.

So what does this increase mean? Well, it’s tempting to see it as a temporary budget fix, but unfortunately I have to advise caution here. First, it is not an upward trend in enrollment. It is a pleasant surprise, but I must add that five of those students also left between Oct. 1 and this article.

Again, keep in mind that this is not an upward trend in enrollment. Second, unfortunately expenses are not fixed. We are all experiencing the current economic situation— schools are no different. Simply put, the cost of most everything is rising. Despite these factors, the increase in enrollment is positive. We are fortunate to not have the significant drops that other districts must now address. Like everything in life, we just have to keep it all in perspective.

Whole-grade sharing
There are so many details to put into place. It is exciting work. Teachers from O-A and BC-IG will soon be working together to write and/or revise course descriptions for the OA-BCIG High School course guide. They’ll also be making plans as to what equipment and resources need to be moved.

Administrators are working to make handbook recommendations that will be reviewed by teachers and CACs to then go before the boards for approval. A plan for tentative middle school room assignments has been given to teachers for input. It will all take time and careful planning.

In addition, a timeline has been developed to fill all coaching and sponsorship positions. We expect this process to span November through April as we work our way through each area or sport.

The process that we must follow is established in Iowa Code. This includes the requirement to fill positions from within those currently holding coaching or sponsorship contracts, if they are interested. If any positions remain unfilled at that point, we would then advertise beyond school personnel.

The Odebolt History Pages

www.rootsweb.com/~iaohms/    

Grain trucks full of golden corn are lined up on First Street in Odebolt these days, awaiting their turn to be weighed or unloaded. This year's bushels-per-acre harvest is far more bountiful than the harvest of 1874. Read below about John Currie's first crops when he was a pioneer in Clinton Township.  - Bonnie Ekse

John Currie settled in Clinton township in the year 1874, on the northwest quarter of section 20. The country was at that time a wide sweep of unbroken prairie, with not even a wagon track to mar its even continuity of surface. The waving grass, growing to a height of three feet, covered the land like a vast inland sea of verdure. He was the third settler in this township. Two others had preceded him, H. J. Martin and Mr. Sherwood having previously settled in the township. Mr. Currie paid five dollars and sixty cents an acre for his land on a time contract. During his first year he was able to erect a very small house, twelve by twenty feet in dimension, and raise a fine crop of sod corn and potatoes. His corn yielded sixty bushels to the acre and he raised two hundred bushels of potatoes in this first season. He was enabled to dispose of the greater part of his corn and potatoes to good advantage. He traded some of the potatoes for two brood sows, which gave him his start in hog raising. He has ever been thankful for the smiles of Providence during this first year, as he had no money when he came to Sac County, and his good fortune came as a Godsend to him and his family. Mr. Currie recalls that money was a minus commodity for several years and there were times when the settlers became discouraged, he among them, for, in 1877, when the grasshoppers were devastating the land and driving the settlers eastward and westward by their ravages, even his optimistic attitude toward the world was changed, and, becoming thoroughly discouraged, he disposed of eighty acres of his land. Had a really good excuse been forthcoming at this time he would have left the county and remained away. Fortunately for him, there came a change in conditions, and prosperity gradually smiled once more on his efforts, and he was enabled to repurchase his former “eighty” in 1878.
CLICK FOR JOHN CURRIE STORY

The Chronicle, Vol. 117, No. 44
October 30, 2008

The Mayor Sez…
   Halloween is upon us—Boo! From 5 to 7 P.M. our little spooks and goblins will be out and about. Please leave your porch or front light on for them.
   Odebolt has always been a safe place for our kids and we sure want to keep it that way! Have a happy and safe Halloween weekend.
   By the way, leader Karen Siebrecht and her Richland Robins were recognized in the “Farm News” for their endeavors of cleaning up and the remodeling of the men’s and women’s bathhouses at our swimming pool. The City deeply appreciates your interest and effort. We salute!!
   From the ‘bolt,
   R. J. Rex, Mayor
   www.odebolt.net/council.html

Odebolt Visioning Project---Odebolt has completed its Iowa Living Roadways - Trees Forever Community Visioning project and will be headed to the annual celebration in Ames on November 15.
   Odebolt started its visioning process by identifying areas in the community that needed to be beautified. Working with Patty Peterson of Trees Forever, they assessed their historical and natural assets and determined that the Highway 175 corridor could use some sprucing up.   Conceptual drawings were done by landscape architects to show a more inviting tree-lined corridor. They also worked on green spaces throughout the community, as well as improvements to a walking path.

Election Day Nov. 4---Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. In Sac County, voters in District 1 will be choosing their representative for Sac County Supervisor. Incumbent Jack Bensley of Odebolt is the Republican candidate. He is being challenged by George Naberhaus of Schaller, running as the Democratic candidate. The other county races are all incumbents and unopposed on the ballot.

Lunch & Learn Series---Click here to read about the Lunch & Learn educational series to be presented at the Sac County Extension Office by by ISU Extension Field Staff and Master Gardeners.

The Trojan/Falcon Frontline Read sports & school news in this special section of The Chronicle each week. STAY UP-TO-DATE & INFORMED! VISIT www.odebolt-arthur.net Click for Sports and Fine Arts Schedules Click for School Board Minutes ---O-A flutist, Hannah Gustafson (photo) has been selected by audition to play in the Northwest Iowa Junior High/Middle School Hnor Band on November 1. ---Photo of National Honor Society Inductees: Kate Bergman, Shayna Cooper, Kaylene Johnson, Lisa Nishimura, Heidi Hoefling, Clarissa Pudenz, Christine Bloyer, Dayton Hoelscher and Tyler Down. ---Final OA volleyball season ends with 16-14 in matches and 45-45 in games. ---OA/BCIG Falcons thump Carroll Kuemper 37-22. SPAGHETTI SUPPER A spaghetti supper will be sponsored in the dining hall at the Odebolt United Methodist Church on Friday, November 7th from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. Enjoy the meal prior to the High School Variety Show at the gymnasium. The menu will include spaghetti, salad, Texas toast, dessert and beverages. A free will donation will be appreciated by MUGS who are in charge of the preparations.

---

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ODEBOLT.NET NEWS
B. Horak & B. Ekse, Webnews Editors
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The Odebolt History Pages

www.rootsweb.com/~iaohms/    

HALLOWEENS OF THE PAST

Our dad used to tell us a story he'd heard about what took place one Halloween night many years ago, even before his time. Several brothers, who lived on a farm in Clinton Township, dismantled their neighbors' windmill---a lot of work and quite a feat to carry off in one night. However, the brothers' dad found out who the culprits were and made the boys reassemble the windmill the next day. The brothers are ancestors of people who live in the Odebolt area today.  - Bonnie Ekse

THE CHRONICLE. VOL. XXVIII. NO. 28. NOVEMBER 5, 1914.

Sunday a lady's white nightgown of ample proportions floated fitfully before the breeze from the flagstaff in Hanson park. It was the only visible reminder that hallowe'en had been celebrated the night before. An excursion up side streets showed a few outhouses lying face downward, and a few buggies and vehicles of a miscellaneous nature in strange situations. Otherwise the landscape was not marred in an unholy way. A beaming moon, which made it as light as day outside, and consequently a hazardous occupation for the marauder, kept those who were prone to deviltry within due bounds.

The Chronicle, Vol. 117, No. 43
October 23, 2008

The Mayor Sez…
     Due to recent national economic developments, I thought I had better put a blurb in my column about the financial condition of our City.
     Contrary to the financial fiascos going on nationally your City is solvent. We need no bailouts. We pretty much abide by our budget and do our best to keep property taxes in check. We do not spend more than we take in.
     I thought you might enjoy the following quote, “I have wondered at times about what the Ten Commandments would have looked like if Moses ran them thru the U.S. Congress.” ( by Ronald Reagan).
     Pheasant season opens Sat. and with that goes the annual Hunters’ Lunch at the Methodist church on Sat. Noon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
     From the ‘bolt,
     R. J. Rex, Mayor
     www.odebolt.net/council.html

The Trojan/Falcon Frontline Read sports & school news in this special section of The Chronicle each week. STAY UP-TO-DATE & INFORMED! VISIT www.odebolt-arthur.net Click for Sports and Fine Arts Schedules Click for School Board Minutes Photos: 5 O-A students audition for All State Choir. 4 O-A students audition for All-State Band. 8 O-A Middle School students to sing with NW IA Junior High Honor Choir November 4. Trojanettes sweep Lawton-Bronson at home to end regular season of volleyball. Falcons fall to Missouri Valley at Odebolt. Thank You. Ida County Pheasants Forever, thank you very much for your generous donation to the annual Springbrook trip. Your 13 years of support have benefited many O-A students. SCHOOL & COMMUNITY FORUM LEARNING FROM EACH OTHER First Wednesday of each month from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. OA High School Library.   This week’s sponsors: Lundell Plastics Corporation, Hwy 175 West, Odebolt, Ia Kiron Auto Body Inc., 24 S. Orchard St., Kiron, Iowa

OBITUARY

HAZEL DRAKE
     Hazel M. Drake, age 87, of Odebolt, Iowa, died Friday, October 17, 2008, at Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City, Iowa.
     Funeral services were held 2 p.m. Monday, October 20, 2008, at the United Methodist Church in Odebolt, under the direction of Christensen-Huffman Funeral Homes. The
Reverend DeeAnn Klapp officiated, with burial following in the Odebolt Cemetery.
     Born April 8, 1921, northeast of Odebolt, Iowa, Hazel was the daughter of Louie and Marie (Thayer) Kessler. She grew up and received her education in the Galva area, graduating from Galva High School in 1939.
     On February 11, 1943, Hazel was united in marriage to Duane Drake. The couple farmed and raised their two children, Nadine and Ranell, near Odebolt. They retired and moved into Odebolt in 1979. Hazel and Duane enjoyed square dancing and traveling to every state. They shared special memories of a family trip to the World Fair in New York.
     Hazel was a member of the United Methodist Church in Odebolt where over the years she taught Sunday school and Bible school. She also was a member and past-president of the American Legion Auxiliary. Hazel enjoyed life. She enjoyed playing cards and trips to the casino, and had a talent for crafts, crocheting, and knitting.
     Survivors include a son and his wife, Ranell and Kathy Drake of Odebolt; three grandchildren and their spouses, Jill and Richard Shadwick of Ankeny, Dana and Jill Drake of Comfrey, MN, and Carrie and Brad Puetz of Sioux City; and three great-grandchildren, Mallory, Kendall, and Sophie. She is also survived by a brother, Hubert Kessler of Galva and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
     Hazel was preceded in death by her parents; husband Duane in 2001; a daughter, Nadine; and a brother, Wayne Kessler.
OBITUARY at the funeral home web site

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ODEBOLT.NET NEWS
B. Horak & B. Ekse, Webnews Editors
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AUSTIN, MN ( from Post Bulletin on-line news)
     Maurine E.(Dominio) Jan, 97, of Austin, died Friday (Oct. 24, 2008) at Austin Medical Center.
     Maurine Evelyn Domino was born July 7, 1911, in Odebolt, Iowa. On Nov. 25, 1930, she married Louis V. Jan at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. The couple made their home in Austin, where they reared four sons. In 1963, they adopted a grandson, Michael Loren Jan.
     She is survived by three sons, Kenneth (Patricia) of Livermore, Colo., Gerald (Sharon) of Dallas, Texas, and Michael (Susan) of Kansas City, Mo.; 19 grandchildren; and 28 great-grandchildren. Other survivors include three daughters-in-law, Shirley R. Jan of Rice Lake, Wis., Shirley M. Jan of Arnold, Md., and Minh Smith of Savannah, Ga. She was preceded in death by her husband, on Jan. 24, 2004; two sons, Lloyd and Loel; a granddaughter, Kathy Rae Jan; her parents, Walter and Eva (Tasland) Domino; three brothers, Victor Domino, Glenn Domino and Dale "Rex" Domino; and a sister, Lola.
     At Mrs. Jan's request, her body has been donated to the Anatomical Bequest Program at Mayo Clinic.
     No services will be held. Interment will be at a future date in Oakwood Cemetery, Austin.
     Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements.

From the October 15th Ida County Courier

Former Adams Ranch owner establishes human services campus in Council Bluffs.  (Excerpt)     The Charles E. Lakin Human Services Campus in Council Bluffs opened Sept. 24.  The campus will house the American Red Cross, Heartland Family Service, the Salvation Army, Boys and Girls Club and the Micah House shelter.
   The $34 million project is named after businessman Charles Lakin, formerly of Odebolt. The Emerson native made his fortune in real estate and gave the project its largest donation, $12 million.
....In 1963, Lakin (41) purchased the Adams Ranch (6,510 acres) in Odebolt for $2.5 million. In the 1960s, Lakin owned 17,000 acres in Sac County, which was considered the largest contiguous expanse of single-owner farmland in Iowa. Lakin, wife Florence and their four children Diane, Charles III, Deborah and Nancy lived on Lakin Ranch until he sold it and the family moved to Omaha.
   He sold the property to Shinrone Inc. in September 1967. The deed for the property was
held in escrow in an Omaha bank until February 1975 when it was recorded in the Sac County Courthouse in Sac Cityfor the purchase price of $4 million.  (Read more about it in the Ida County Courier.)

Photo of Mattes Building demolition     Demolition began Tuesday, Oct. 7, on the Mattes building at the corner of Main and Second Streets in Odebolt. The two-story brick building (50x100-feet with basement) constructed by Joseph Mattes in 1891 served as the home of Mattes Hardware, the I00F Lodge #447 for 73 years (1892-1965), Rebekah Lodge #336, Krusenstjerna Clothing, Country Blues clothing store (owned by Nancy Flynn), a hair and tanning salon, NAPA Auto Parts and others through the years. For pictures from the Courier, Click here

The Odebolt History Pages

www.rootsweb.com/~iaohms/    

Billy Hamilton, founding publisher and editor of The Chronicle, reminisces about Sac County streams and groundwater in this 1902 article. An article from the 1881 Odebolt Observer tells us that the McKeever's shop was at the corner of Main and Third streets. Other old photos show us that the building was at the northeast corner of Main and Third streets. Therefore, the well for the water works which was drilled in 1884 was somewhere east of the northeast corner of Main and Third streets.

THE CHRONICLE. VOL. 16. NO. 24. OCTOBER 16, 1902. (link)
We remember that in 1883, when we came to Sac county, water was running in many places that are now dry, although they have never been tiled or ditched. Every brook bed was full of water and it seeped out of high ground in many places. In the fall of 1884 when the well for the water works was put down back of McKeever's shop the water came to the surface and overflowed. Nature has been supplying a deficiency this year and storing the water in the soil for the future. While too much of it came at the wrong time for the good of corn, wheat and oats, the benefits will be apparent hereafter.

Odebolt Observer, Vol. 1, No. 39, March 30, 1881 (link)
We learn that E. C. McKeever has purchased of E. Geist the property on the corner of Main and Third streets, known as the old school house, and will remodel it for a business location. It will make a good one. Mr. McKeever intends to add another story to the old school building, put in a nice front and make it a first-class store room.
LINK TO PHOTO
LINK TO PHOTO

Click to enlarge

From Chuck Hanson:  The building that was recently the law office of Boerner & Goldsmith is now gone. To the right of the opening is the Swanson insurance office and the tile building on the left had been a bar at one point in time but is unoccupied lately

Guestbook: Jean Hanson Lee signed the odebolt.net guestbook and asks a question about Bob Covey, who was born in Odebolt in 1938 . His father was a teacher, football and basketball coach. It would be around 1938 - 1940.  See the guestbook if you have information to share.

2008 Odebolt Fire Department

Click photo to enlarge
Photo courtesy of Ida County Courier

Thanks to Fire Chief, Bill Tysor, and all the volunteers that make up the Odebolt Fire Department!  They meet the first Thursday of each month at 8 p.m. at the fire station. Odebolt people have been volunteering for fire duty for 128 years!

Visit the First Responders page

Read some Fire Department History

The Chronicle, Vol. 117, No. 42
October 16, 2008

The Mayor Sez…
     The old, 1891, Mattes Building at 2nd and Main is gone! Needless to say it left quite a space in that particular block of the downtown area. Now, the ideal situation would be to have a new buildings go up with new businesses occupying them; maybe a new City Hall?? Maybe a nice downtown green area with a gazebo….a sitting park?? The important thing is to keep a positive attitude. The City will be doing repair work to the damaged sidewalks. Not much can be done to these blank areas until the ground settles.
     The City wishes to express their thanks to everyone that has been trimming their trees. The City has a ways to go, however, we should have the tree-trimming project completed by next Spring.
     From the ‘bolt,
     R. J. Rex, Mayor
     www.odebolt.net/council.html

PHOTOS IN THIS WEEK'S CHRONICLE:
--Sonny Bruns took the oath of office of Chief of Police during the City Council meeting October 6. He was sworn in by Mayor Ron Rex.
--Two photos of the USAF FAC Memorial Dedication in Colorado Springs and two photos of the monument in honor of the Forward Air Controllers killed in action. (See Jack McTasney's letter to the editor.)
--Odebolt Nursing & Rehab Center residents enjoying the ONRC Auxiliary Bazaar.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR
   Robert F. Rex was Killed in Action as a Forward Air Controller supporting ground forces in Southeast Asia in 1969. Bob was my classmate at the USAF Academy and in Odebolt where I lived until 1957 when Mom and I moved to St. Louis.
   On October 3rd I attended two ceremonies where Bob was memorialized: the USAF FAC Memorial Dedication in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the USAFA Class of 1963 Turning of the Cups and Toast to the Deceased.
I have attached four pictures of the FAC Memorial Dedication. Bob's name is at the very top of the third column of names in the first picture (over 290 FAC's were KIA in SE Asia). Colonel Bud Day, USAF Retired, Medal of Honor recipient was the Dedication speaker shown in picture with the crowd. The Final picture shows a group of Lao-Hmong American veterans who fought as kids for us in Laos and contributed to building the memorial because those 290 plus FAC's never let them down no matter how tough the fight. Bob Rex epitomized the guts and determination of a FAC, dying with the team he had inserted into Cambodia.
   Our USAFA Class of 1963 purchased 499 engraved silver cups when we graduated, one for each graduate. On October 3rd we gathered in the Cadet Chapel as we do every five years to toast those who have died in the five years since our last reunion. As a cadet reads the names, a classmate turns over the deceased's cup. Then the living graduates fill their cups with brandy and drink a toast to all of our departed classmates. Every one of us plans to be the last one standing someday.
   Hope all is going well in Odebolt!
   Sincerely,
   John B. (Jack) McTasney

The ONRC Auxiliary Bazaar was held Oct. 4 at St. Martin's Parish Hall. The list of donors and winners is in this week's Chronicle.

The Trojan/Falcon Frontline Read sports & school news in this special section of The Chronicle each week. STAY UP-TO-DATE & INFORMED! VISIT www.odebolt-arthur.net Click for Sports and Fine Arts Schedules Click for School Board Minutes --Falcons roll over Mustangs at Shenandoah, 74-0. --Trojanettes top River Valley in four games at home; lose to Lady Pirates in Holstein. --O-A Photography and Art Fundamentals classes took a field trip to the Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha on September 25. (photo) --Photos of Middle School Football Team, 7th Grade Volleyball Team, 8th Grade Volleyball Team, Middle School Class Officers. --Bayle Olerich, Marcus Hansen and Colby Hemer, 2008 O-A graduates, were inducted into the Trojan Club during the October 3 pep rally. Members of this club have earned ten or more varsity letters during their high school career. (photo)

OBITUARIES

RUSSELL JOHNSON
   Russell Rex Johnson, age 76, of Odebolt, Iowa, passed away Sunday, October 5, 2008, at Stewart Memorial Hospital in Lake City, Iowa.
Funeral services were held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 7, 2008, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Odebolt, Iowa, under the direction of Christensen-Huffman Funeral Homes. The Reverend Albert Buelow officiated, with burial following in the Odebolt Cemetery.
   Born October 27, 1931, on the family farm in Milford Township, Crawford County, Iowa, Russell was the son of Edward and Lillian (Price) Johnson. He was baptized as an infant and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. Russell graduated from Deloit High School as valedictorian of the Class of 1949. Following graduation, he went to work for the Union Pacific Railroad. He farmed from 1951 until 1969, and in 1970, bought his first semi truck and began trucking. Russell owned 15 trucks and operated Johnson Trucking, which took him to all 48 states. He retired in 2000.
   Russell married Faye Wittrock on January 18, 1981, in Deloit, Iowa. In July of 1981, the couple made their home in Odebolt, where they have resided since. Russell was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Odebolt.
   After retirement, Russell occupied his time by fixing his cars, riding his motorcycle, and sitting on the deck "watching the world go by." He especially enjoyed spending time with his family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and helping them in any way he could. Russell was the rock of the Johnson family.
   Survivors include his wife, Faye; six children, Cynthia (Larry) Volkmann of Odebolt, Thomas Johnson of Odebolt, Elizabeth Johnson of Dow City, Russell Johnson Jr. of Osmond, NE, Robert "Bob" (Tina) Johnson of Altoona, and Tamie Johnson and special friend Caine Mahlberg of Dow City; two step-children, Mindy Wittrock and her special friend Roger Dobernecker of Carnavon, and Tyson Wittrock of Carroll; 22 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by three step-brothers, Ernest and Eugene Johnson of Pennsylvania and Roland Talcott of Kiron; and a step-sister, Bonnie Lee Jacoby of Pennsylvania.
   He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Allan Johnson; a step-sister, Mary Walker; and two great-grandchildren, Jeremiah and Isiah Whiteing.

KENNETH PETERSON
   Kenneth Peterson died early Monday, October 6, 2008, at the Horn Memorial Hospital in Ida Grove, Iowa. At the time of his death he had been blessed with 90 years, 9 months and 8 days.
   Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, October 11, 2008, at the First Baptist Church, Kiron, Iowa, with Pastor John Aiken officiating. Music for the service included two congregational hymns, "In the Sweet By and By" and "When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder" with Wilma Anderson serving as accompanist. Pall bearers were Kevin Schlappi, Darin, Schlappi, Matthew Peterson, Daniel Peterson, Howard Patchin and David Patchin. Military Honors were provided by the American Legion Post 8, Denison, Iowa and Post 383, Kiron, Iowa. Interment was at the Kiron Cemetery, Kiron, Iowa. The Pfannebecker Funeral Home, Denison, Iowa was in charge of arrangements.
   Kenneth was born at Kiron, Iowa, December 28, 1917, the son of Carl Albert and Britta Axelina Lundgren Peterson. He was raised on the farm, receiving his early education in the rural schools before graduating from the Odebolt High School with the class of 1935. He then furthered his education for one semester at Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa.
During World War II, from December of 1943 until his discharge in May of 1946, Kenneth served his country in the United States Navy. Upon his discharge he returned to Kiron.
   On June 12, 1946, Kenneth was united in marriage with Gloria Sjogren at Kiron, Iowa. They made their home on their present farm at Kiron where he was actively engaged in farming from 1946 until 1980. Following his retirement from active farming they remained on the farm and Kenneth was a self-employed electrician from 1982 until 1985.
   Due to failing health Kenneth had resided at Odebolt Nursing and Rehab Center in Odebolt, Iowa since 2007.
   Since 1947, Kenneth was an active member of First Baptist Church in Kiron, where through the years he served as an Usher, Trustee, Deacon, Financial Secretary and was Vice-Chairman of the Church. In addition to his church activities, Kenneth was an active member of the community serving as a Board Member of the Horn Memorial Hospital in Ida Grove for six years, Federal Land Bank Board Member, ASC Board Member, a twenty five year member of the Kiron Cemetery Board serving as Manager, President and Secretary and was over a 60 year member of the American Legion Post 383, Kiron, Iowa where he had served as Commander and Chaplain.
   In his spare time he enjoyed stamp collecting, reading and crossword puzzles.
Including his parents, Carl and Britta Peterson, Kenneth was also preceded in death by one daughter, Terrilyn Patchin, three brothers, Arthur, Harold and Glenn Peterson, two sisters, Alice Peterson and Emma Peterson who died in infancy and one son-in-law, Stanley Schlappi.
   Those remaining to cherish his memory include his wife of over 62 years, Gloria Peterson of Odebolt, one daughter, Carol Schlappi of Kiron, Iowa, one son, John Peterson and wife, Linda of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, former son-in-law, Don Patchin and wife, Lorinda of Adair, Iowa, 4 grandchildren, Kevin and Darin Schlappi of Deer Creek, Illinois, and Matthew and Daniel Peterson of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, one sister, Dorothy and husband, Marvin Kent of Omaha, Nebraska, one brother, Donald Peterson and wife, Carolyn of Seattle, Washington, brother-in-law, Adelbert Sjogren of Odebolt, Iowa, sister-in-law, Ellen Peterson of Winchester, Kentucky, other relatives and friends.

JAMES BLESSINGTON, JR.
    James Blessington, Jr., age 87, of Odebolt, Iowa, formerly of Breda, passed away on Tuesday, October 7, 2008 at the Odebolt Nursing & Rehab Center in Odebolt.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, October 10th, at Peace Lutheran Church in Wall Lake with Rev. Roger Carlisle officiating. Burial was at the Wall Lake Cemetery under the direction of the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home.
   Jim was born on April 19, 1921, in Jackson Township, Crawford County, Iowa, the son of James E. and Bertha (Voss) Blessington. He attended country school through the eighth grade. He was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Wall Lake.
   On December 20, 1944, Jim was united in marriage to Isabell Karstens in Ulmer, Iowa. Jim farmed north of Breda and operated a commercial painting business. He enjoyed playing cards, fishing, and watching baseball games. Isabell passed away March 13, 1989.     Jim retired in 1994 and moved to Sac City where he married Vera Corderman Mohr on September 24, 1994. They enjoyed some traveling together before Vera passed away on March 15, 2001.    After her death Jim moved to Auburn. He always enjoyed being with family and friends. He was a kind warm-hearted person, always ready to help anyone in need. Due to failing health he entered the nursing home in 2005.
   Survivors include his two sisters: Margaret Teague of Auburn and Dorothy O'Tool of Odebolt; three brothers: Marvin Blessington and wife Delores of Lake View, Lee Blessington and wife Marie of Sac City, and Arnold Blessington and wife Ethel of Lake View; sister-in-law Blenna Blessington of Lake View; many extended family members and friends.
   Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Isabell and his wife Vera; two brothers: Melvin and Lloyd; brothers-in-law Russell Teague and Bud O'Tool; and sister-in-law Beth Blessington.

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ODEBOLT.NET NEWS
B. Horak & B. Ekse, Webnews Editors
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Mattes Building Coming Down

Click photo to enlarge it

Chuck Hanson snapped this picture October 8th as demolition was in progress on the old Mattes Building on the corner of 2nd and Main.  Click to see the building when it was new, from The Odebolt History Pages.

From the odebolt.net guest book
Thursday 10/09/2008
Name: John B. (Jack) McTasney
Your connection to Odebolt: Born and raised there 1941-1957
City/Country of residence: Carmichael, CA 95608
Alumni? Class of: No, would have been Class of 1959
Comments: Just attended the USAF Forward Air Controller Memorial dedication October 3, 2008 in Colorado Springs. Robert F. Rex from Odebolt who was Killed in Action as a FAC is the top name on the third column of names on the Memorial. I'm sure Ron Rex would appreciate knowing Bob has been remembered, over a thousand people attended the dedication and Colonel Bud Day, Medal of Honor recipient was the speaker.

(Read about the memorial)

The Odebolt History Pages

www.rootsweb.com/~iaohms/    

     The City of Odebolt has been gathering income surveys from all residents in order to apply for Community Development Block Grant funds from the Iowa Department of Economic Development for sewer system improvements.
     In 1902, according to an article in the Chronicle, there was no sewer in downtown Odebolt. Also, at least two churches had no bathrooms. Dorothy Groman recalled in her memoir that "the churches, one in back of and one across from our house, didn't have toilets in the early days, and people were always coming to our house asking if they might use our bathroom." The Gromans' home was on the southwest corner of Maple and Third streets, across from the Presbyterian Church and east of the Methodist Church.

CHRONICLE. VOL. 16. NO. 23.
OCTOBER 9, 1902. (LINK)

A sewer is badly needed in the business part of town, and yet there is no place for an outlet. The only way would be to run the sewage into a big reservoir and distribute it thence into the soil, as is done by the school house system; but the cost would probably be too great if the entire business part of town were drained. As it is, there are few conveniences, and closets are so scarce that the health of merchants and their clerks is impaired. To speak plainly, there are practically no accommodations for female clerks and saleswomen. Every owner of a building which is used for mercantile or office purposes should be compelled by law to furnish closet accommodations within or near the building.

The Chronicle, Vol. 117, No. 41
October 9, 2008

The Mayor Sez…
     As I drive the countryside I can’t help noticing what appears to be a very beautiful corn crop, at least, I hope so. What is bothering me is that we have ethanol plants all over the state using hundreds of thousands of bushels of corn and yet I have trouble finding an E-85 pump. People are buying E-85 compatible vehicles, but have trouble finding an E-85 pump. Give me a break! You ask what can we do about it?? Well, my thought is to write, e-mail, or call your State Senators and State Representatives and ask them to do what ever they can to make the E-85 product available in every town in our State. Using E-85 is keeping our money at home!
     A reminder for all of us, October is “Breast Cancer Awareness Month”.
     From the ‘bolt,
     R. J. Rex, Mayor
     www.odebolt.net/council.html

PHOTOS IN THIS ISSUE
 - A large group of people enjoyed playing cards Monday afternoon, September 29 at the Odebolt Public Library.
- The Siouxland Community Blood Bank was in Odebolt Wednesday, October 1 at the Odebolt Community Center.  Among the many donors was Nancy Hugeback of Odebolt.
- Special page with photos of Sac County 4-H Clubs including the O-A Showmen/Richland Robins, sponsored by various Odebolt businesses.
- United Bank of Iowa hosted a Homecoming Cookout Friday, October 3 in Odebolt serving grilled burgers and pop.  It was a free will donation with proceeds benefitting the O-A Education Foundation.
- A collage of photos from O-A/BCIG Homecoming activities

Homecoming King & Queen,
Tyler Schroeder & Heidi Hoefling

See enlarged photo at
www.odebolt-arthur.net

Falcons celebrate Homecoming - It was a fun-filled week for OA-BCIG as the students celebrated Homecoming 2008.  Different days were observed all week, the hallways were decorated, and plans for Super Class Night were finalized.
     The Homecoming parade was held Friday afternoon followed by a pep rally in the gym. The Homecoming Royalty for 2008 was announced with Tyler Schroeder chosen King and Heidi Hoefling chosen Queen.  Tyler is the son of Rick and Kris Schroeder and Heidi is the daughter of Pat and Ann Hoefling.

The Trojan/Falcon Frontline Read sports & school news in this special section of The Chronicle each week. STAY UP-TO-DATE & INFORMED! VISIT www.odebolt-arthur.net O-A Volleyball Recognition Night October 16 from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. following the Lawton-Bronson match in the MPR.  Bars and beverages will be provided.  Special recognition of 30 years of Trojanette volleyball, coaches, assistant coaches and former players will take place after the second game of the match.  Both head coaches in the history of Nette volleyball will be present.  The night is also parents' night for the 2008 season and will honor the four current senior volleyball players.  - Falcons roll over Red Oak for Homecoming, 56-8  - Trojanettes fall to Woodbury Central (volleyball)  - OA/BCIG Homecoming photos  - O-A High School Class Officers (photo)

OBITUARY
RUTH (DANNENBERG) BONEY
     A Celebration of Life service for Ruth Louise Boney, age90, of Lake View will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 3, 2008, at the Lakes United Methodist Church in Lake View, Iowa with Pastor Mary Shultz officiating. Ruth died September 30, 2008 at Loring Hospital. Music will be provided by the family and Marilyn Hundling, organist. Burial will be at the Odebolt Cemetery under the direction of the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home in Lake View.
     Ruth Louise Boney, daughter of Edward and Catherine (Currie) Dannenberg, was born March 26, 1918, on the family farm in Richland Township north of Odebolt, Iowa. Following graduation from Odebolt High School, she taught school for five years. On July 16, 1939, she married Donald Irwin of Lake View, Iowa. He died October 19, 1939. On May 7, 1942, she married Harold Boney of Sac City, Iowa. They farmed at Sac City and Bode, Iowa before moving to the Dannenberg family farm north of Odebolt in 1958. When they retired in 1983, they moved to Lake View.
     Ruth was an active member of the United Methodist Churches in Sac City, Humboldt, Odebolt, and Lake View. She had sung in the chancel choir since a teenager and taught in the education department for many years. In addition, she and Harold served as senior MYF counselors and Methodist camp counselors for many years. She was actively involved in United Methodist Women, serving as president in Odebolt and Lake View. She also chaired several circles and held various other church positions. While her daughters were growing up, she took an active part in their activities and in other activities in the community.
     Ruth enjoyed playing various sports, especially golf. Her biggest love was bridge, not only playing it but also teaching it. Ruth and Harold traveled throughout the United States, especially when their daughters were growing up. The Tropic Star Resort in Pharr, Texas was their winter home for 16 years.
     Surviving Ruth are her daughters, Pamela (Tom) Arrigo of Barrington, IL and Cheryl (Steve) Soelberg of Georgetown, Texas and Lake View; five grandchildren, Tom (Jeannette) Arrigo of Houston, Texas, David (Chantel) Getter of Urbandale, Iowa, Tim Arrigo of Mexico City, Paul Getter of Denver, Colorado, and Anne (Bob) Wiersma of Denver, Colorado; and five great grandchildren, Evan, Bryce, and Carly Getter, Ella Wiersma, and Travis Arrigo. She is also survived by her sister, Elaine Raasch; her sister-in-law, Mavis Dannenberg; her brother-in-law, Maurice Boney, nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
     Preceding her in death were her husbands; her parents and parents-in-law Harry and Minnie (Tiffin) Boney; her sisters, Helen Noyd and Lois Linden; her brother, Robert Dannenberg; her sisters-in-law, Lilly Dannenberg, Peggy Boney, and Loretta Conley; her brothers-in-law Willard Linden, Elwin Raasch, Almer Noyd, Donald Lewis, and Joe Conley; and her nephew, Rex Lewis.
(Farber & Otteman Obituary)

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

James Blessington, Jr., age 87, of Odebolt, Iowa, formerly of Breda, passed away on Tuesday, October 7, 2008 at the Odebolt Nursing & Rehab Center in Odebolt.  He was the brother of Dorothy O’Tool of Odebolt
     Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, October 10th, at Peace Lutheran Church in Wall Lake with Rev. Roger Carlisle officiating. Burial was at the Wall Lake Cemetery under the direction of the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home.
    Obituary at Farber & Otteman web site

Russell Rex Johnson, age 76, of Odebolt, Iowa, passed away Sunday, October 5, 2008, at Stewart Memorial Hospital in Lake City, Iowa.  Funeral services were Tuesday, October 7, 2008, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Odebolt, Iowa.  Obituary at Christensen-Huffman Funeral Homes.

The Odebolt History Pages

www.rootsweb.com/~iaohms/    

     Curt Wareham is renovating the old Farmers Bank building on the north side of Second Street. Some of you may remember it as the home of Odebolt State Bank from 1934 to 1967. Curt is looking for old photographs of the bank, especially of the interior. If you can help him out, please contact the web master.

THE CHRONICLE. VOLUME XXIX. NO. 38. JANUARY 13, 1916.

Farmers Bank to Build
     It has been virtually decided by the stockholders of the Farmers Savings bank to erect a new building on the site of the present bank. Action to this effect was taken at the annual meeting of the institution on Tuesday. For some time the bank's officers have had such a plan in mind, but no definite action was taken until this annual meeting. At this meeting the plan was submitted to the stockholders, and they gave it such strong approval that it is a virtual certainty the building will be built. It will be the plan to have the set of plans drawn now and everything made ready to build in the spring.
     A handsome building is proposed. The front will be of terra cotta and of an ornate design. The building will be sixty-six feet deep, and virtually two stories high. At the front will be placed the private offices with a wide entrance between them. Overhead will be a balcony equipped as a director's room. In the center will be the bank lobby. The ceiling in this part will be the full height of the building. At the rear will be placed the vaults, with a second balcony overhead. Temporary quarters will be secured while the building is in course of construction.
     All of the present offices and directors were chosen to succeed themselves for another year. The bank has made a nice growth during the year, and the officers and stockholders express satisfaction over the showing and future prospects.

Photo of Farmers Savings Bank that
was later Odebolt State Bank.

SAC COUNTY FOUNDATION GRANT APPLICATION WORKSHOPS COMING
       Grant application workshops for the Sac County Endowment Foundation funds will be held on Thursday, Nov. 6th and Tuesday, Nov. 18th. Both sessions will be held at 1:30 p.m. at the SETD office and we will ask for reservations in October for those trainings. It is imperative that the person filling out the grant application attend the workshop and applications will only be handed out at the workshops. This is a great time to go over the application line by line and ask any questions.
     There will also be discussion on the follow up to the applications, such as quarterly progress reports,
final evaluations of projects and how to submit final paid bills and receipts. There will be a few new items to cover this year. Applications will be due Jan. 5, 2009 at 4 p.m.
     Remember that the Sac County Endowment Foundation funds vertical infrastructure projects only. If you have any questions regarding whether a project will fit the criteria, feel free to call either Shirley or Lynda at the SETD office at
712-662-7383 or email shirley@saccountyiowa.com

Click photo to enlarge

     Above is a photo submitted by Vicki Beckman of the O-A girls softball team that played during September in the Denison Fall Softball Recreational League.  The girls were coached by Brittany Walsh.
     Teams in the League included AR-WE-VA, Denison, Harlan, BC-IG, Storm Lake St. Mary's, Odebolt-Arthur and Maple Valley - Anthon Oto.
     Front row l-r : Taylor Rassel, Lauren Beckman, Taylor Snyder, Alex Veit, Rachell Duff, Caitlin Carstensen
     Back row l-r : Kallie Schroeder, Lexi Olerich, Rebecca Grote, Kara Cowlham, Hannah Gustafson, Brittany Walsh

UMW HOLD ANNUAL MEETING    
The Northwest District United Methodist Women held their Annual Meeting at Storm Lake United Methodist Church on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008. The theme for the day was “Living the Sacred with guest speaker Gwenna Appel, discussing the topic of our Green Mission. The group also heard an update on Shesler Hall, a women’s residence, in Sioux City. A total of 253 people participated in the event. Those attending from this community were Pastor DeeAnn Klapp, Deb Bettin, Ferne Carstensen, and Elaine Rex.

The Chronicle, Vol. 117, No. 40
October 2, 2008

The Mayor Sez…
     Recently, Elaine and I had the good fortune of visiting our 50th State, Alaska. During one of the educational encounters we had while visiting various places was by a Tlingit Indian guide. He stated that his ancestors have inhabited the territory of Alaska for over 10,000 years. I said, “How many years?” He repeated that it was 10,000 years and I said, “Wow!” Some of the things he told us about the creed of his ancestors up to present day living are: “Be careful how you speak, for words can be either pleasing or like a club. Your food comes from the land or the sea. To abuse either may diminish it’s generosity; use only what is needed. Respect elders, parents, property, and the world of nature. Also respect yourself so others may respect you.”
     There is more, but so far, quite interesting, don’t you think?
     From the ‘bolt,
     R. J. Rex, Mayor
     www.odebolt.net/council.html

ODEBOLT LIBRARY
Closed Oct. 21 - Nov. 16
    The Field Carnegie Odebolt Public Library will be closed Tuesday, October 21 through Sunday, November 16 for repair of the structural damage in the Rosmer Bruce addition.
     Patrons of the library will be able to check out additional books prior to the library being closed.  These books should be kept until the library reopens.  NO MOVIES will be checked out while the library is closed.  In addition the drop box will be closed during this time.
     HELP NEEDED.
     All books, movies, furniture and computers will need to be moved to the upper level while repairs are being done.  If you would be willing to help move items on Tuesday, October 21 and Wednesday, October 22, please contact the library at 668-2718.

Photos in The Chronicle:
---28 members of the Odebolt-Arthur Class of '73 attended their reunion on August 2, 2008 at the Prairie Pedlar.
---Four of their high school teachers and their wives joined the celebration.
---Lori Heemstra, Primghar, Iowa,  will be a guest soloist at First Presbyterian Church in Odebolt on October 5 at 10 a.m.  She will be joined by her children.  Visitors are expected.
--The residents at Odebolt Nursing & Rehab Center were recently entertained by "Cowboy Jim" (Jim Bergstrom) from Eagle Lake, MN.

The Trojan/Falcon Frontline Read sports & school news in this special section of The Chronicle each week. STAY UP-TO-DATE & INFORMED! VISIT www.odebolt-arthur.net Volleyball News ---Trojanettes win 3 of 4 matches in first Western Valleys conference tournament in Mapleton. ---Trojanettes sweep BCIG at home. Football Falcons fall to 5th-ranked IKM/Manning. Read District Talk by Supt. Dani Trimble. SCHOOL & COMMUNITY FORUM LEARNING FROM EACH OTHER      Join OA School Supt. Dani Trimble for an evening of conversation in an open forum to share ideas  and strengthen communication.      Bring your questions and ideas on any topic - budget, future planning, programs, legislative issues, or any topic you wish. Every Wednesday night from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. OA High School Library. This week’s sponsors: Murphy Chiropractic, PC Swanson INSURANCE & REAL ESTATE