The Chronicle, Volume 111, Number 44, October 31, 2002

The Mayor Sez..
     A very ambitious and worthwhile project is being undertaken by our Legion Post. Carlyle Monuments has designed an Odebolt Veterans Memorial Monument to be placed at the head of the Avenue of Flags area of the Odebolt Cemetery. It will have the names of all our area veterans who have served from 1900 to 2000.  They must raise approximately $39,000 and hope family, friends, and the community will support and fund the project. (Donations are tax deductible.)  The Chronicle will have more information and a picture of the project.  I will get one to our website also.
     It is later than you think-- there are only 4 weeks until Thanksgiving and 8 weeks until Christmas!
R.J. Rex, Mayor 

All families of veterans are urged to contact Duane Einspahr at (712) 668-2838, P.O. Box 132, Odebolt, IA 51458
or Jim Scott, (712) 668-2647, 200 Hanson Blvd., Odebolt, IA 51458, to make sure a name is not overlooked for the Odebolt Veterans Memorial Monument.

City of Odebolt Notices:
185.03 Removal of Snow, Ice and Accumulations:  It is the responsibility of the abutting property owners to remove snow, ice and accumulations promptly from the entire width of all of said sidewalks.  If a property owner does not remove snow , ice or accumulations within twenty-four hours, the City may do so and assess the costs against the property owner for collection in the same manner as a property tax.
69.10 Snow Removal:  No person shall park, abandon, or leave unattended any vehicle on a public street, alley or city-owned off-street parking area between the hours of 12:00 midnight and six o'clock (6:00) a.m. of any day during the period of November 1 to April 1 when weather conditions consist of snow, sleet, ice and/or freezing rain.  Exemption:  Business district shall be exempt until 2:00 a.m.

New Salon Welcomed to Odebolt - A ribbon cutting held by Odebolt Chamber of Commerce members was held at Mane Street Studio, 222 South Main Street in Odebolt, Monday, October 28, 2002.  Owner is Shanda Mohr.  An open house was held in conjunction with the ribbon cutting.

Honor Band - Elizabeth Bloyer, on Bb Clarinet, and David Currie on Tuba, both students at Odebolt-Arthur Middle School will participate in the Northwest Iowa Junior High/Middle School Honor Band Festival on November 2 in Storm Lake, Iowa.  Approximately 450 seventh and eighth grade musicians from 50 northwest Iowa schools auditioned on October 18 for placement in one of two equal bands.  A concert at 7 p.m. in the Storm Lake High School Gymnasium will follow a day of rehearsal.  Because of Elizabeth's high placement in the clarinet section, she will also perform at the Iowa Bandmasters' Convention in May, in the All-Iowa Honor Band.  Parents of these fine musicians are Dick & Kay Bloyer and John & Laurie Currie.

Variety Show, Friday, November 8 - The O-A High School will present their variety show in Bart Ogden Gym on November 8 at 7:30 p.m.  Musical numbers will include vocal solos, a dance duet, humorous skits, a popular Victor Borge story, the O-A Jazz Band and other performances.  

The Chronicle, Volume 111, Number 43, October 24, 2002

The Mayor Sez..
     Happy birthday, Odebolt.net!  October 16th marked the anniversary of Odebolt.net that serves Odebolt so successfully.  It has been visited nearly 7500 times and there are 29 pages of people that have signed the guest book.  A smashing success; thanks to Barb Girvan Horak (and sister, Bonnie), all of the sponsors, and city government for making the above possible.
     MUCH appreciation to Carol Raasch and her 22 National Honor Society kids for their community service last week.  What was really neat is every last one of them was happy to do any task assigned to them.  We salute!
 - R.J. Rex, Mayor of Odebolt.

Open House at Water Treatment Plant - Odebolt Water Superintendent Bill Tysor gave tours of Odebolt's new water treatment plant on Wednesday, October 9 during an open house.  Water from the city's deep well and west well are piped into the plant where they are blended and then treated.  Treatments include co-precipitation to reduce the radium level, potassium permanganate to oxidize the water to break down iron, manganese and liquid chlorine.  The water goes through an aerator, then into a 5,000 gallon detention tank before being piped into two graded sand water filters, and finally into the city's new 200,000 gallon water tower.  The treatment plant includes a state-of-the-art monitoring system and testing facilities.
     The treatment facility was the final step of the city's water system improvement project which included installation of a raw water line from the west well to the treatment building, and the new water tower.  Also present at the open house and available for questions was water project engineer, Neal Kuehl of Kuehl & Payer Ltd., Storm Lake.  (See Water Improvement Project for more information and photos.)

United Methodist will celebrate 125 years on Sunday, November 3, 2002.  The day will begin with District Superintendent James Hanke preaching during the morning service with special music being performed, followed by a catered dinner at noon.  Special guests will be former ministers and former members.  Beginning at 1 p.m. a program will be held in the sanctuary followed by a tea in the dining room to which the public is invited.  The program will include the movie "The Christmas Story," produced in 1961 by the Church School Department under the direction of George and Doris Hilburn.  This will also be a time for reminiscing and comments from former ministers.  
     The first church services were held in homes followed by store buildings, one of which was on Main and 2nd Street, which is now occupied by Hemer's Plumbing and Heating.  Later the church moved a block south to a two story building which gave room for Sunday School classes and day classes on the second floor, and worship on the ground floor.  The first church was built in 1874 and was called Bethel.  In 1882 a building was erected on the present site.  The morning service was in English and the afternoon in German.  The cost of the building was $1,200.  By 1899 it was evident that the building was too small and needed remodeling.  In 1909 the building was again remodeled and enlarged.  In 1950 this building was torn down and the present building was erected.
     Please join in the 125th celebration! 

New Scale Interface at Farmer's Cooperative in Odebolt - A CompuWeigh Grain Management System scale interface was installed at FC-Odebolt in June, which greatly reduces paperwork and improves efficiency of weighing and grading grain.  As a load of grain comes on the scale, data is entered on the CompuWeigh system via mouse and keyboard including name, delivery number, type of grain, gross weight, vehicle and driver I.D. and the elevator bin in which is will be stored.  After probing and sampling the grain, grade factors are entered on the system, which automatically applies the correct grade to the scale ticket, enters the tare weight and prints the ticket when the empty vehicle returns to the scale.  The equipment reduces clerical error and enhances the ability to track grain lots through the house and from producer to end user, which is a requirement of American Institute of Baking (AIB) Quality Management System project now in use at Odebolt.
     The interface is one of three components of the total system.  It can be linked to a bin inventory management system that tracks grain by bin, type of grain and average grade factors of grain in the bin.  The third component is the bulk weigh controller, soon to be installed, that is used to monitor loading of rail cars.

FC-Odebolt rates high in AIB audit - FC-Odebolt recently became only the second grain handling facility to achieve a passing score on the AIB Quality Management System Evaluation in which it scored at 93.5% in the Ideal and Exemplary categories and only 6.5% in the Marginal category with 0 Failures.  AIB is a not-for-profit corporation founded by the North American wholesale and retail baking industries in 1919 as a technology center for bakers and food processors.  It provides consulting/auditing services for Food Safety, HACCP, Food Security, Occupational Safety, Quality Systems Evaluation, and Identify Preservation.  FC began the Quality Management process to increase markets for specialty grains in response to world concerns about traceability, food safety and biotechnology.  However, it became quickly apparent that internal efficiency improvements could sustain the program regardless of specialty grain markets.  Everyone associated with this project at FC-Odebolt can be proud of achieving a very high score on the AIB audit. 

Trick or Treat has been scheduled for Thursday, October 31st from 5 to 7 p.m. by the Odebolt City Council.  Households wishing to participate are asked to turn on the porch lights.  Everyone is asked to use precaution and keep Halloween a safe and fun time for our young people.

Ladies Aid and Lydia Circle of Odebolt Trinity Lutheran Church will host women of the Odebolt churches as their guests on Sunday, October 27 at 2:30 p.m.  The originators of the Freedom Quilts to New York City project, will present experiences of transporting the many quilts from Varina to New York City, to be given to families of victims of September 11, 2001.  Guests will be invited to share their experiences creating quilts for this project and a presentation of patriotic music will be part of the entertainment.  Refreshments will be served.

New Businesses -  An Open House was held at Pitts Family & Sports Chiropractic on Thursday, October 24 from noon to 2 p.m. hosted by Dr. Mark Ford.  Regular hours will be M/T/& F 8:30 to 5 p.m.; Wed. 1:30 to 8 p.m. and Thurs. 7 a.m. to noon.
     A Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting will be held Monday, October 28 at 10 a.m. for Mane Street Studio, at 222 South Main in Odebolt.  Owner is Shanda Mohr. 

Deaths
Hume, Elsie Astrid Linea (Dahlstrom), a former Odebolt resident passed away on September 28, 2002 in Bishop, California.  Born February 23, 1911 to Mr. & Mrs. A.W. Dahlstrom.  Her father was a photographer in Odebolt for many years. Survived by her sister Eleanor Paton, her daughter Cindy, two grandchildren, two great-granddaughters.  Burial next to her husband, William Hume, at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, CA
Johnson, Hattie Augusta (Hanson), age 102, of Arcata, CA, formerly of Ida Grove, IA, died Monday, October 14, 2002 at Arcata.  Born July 25, 1900 in Odebolt, Iowa to Hattie and Eric Hanson.  Grew up on farm south of Odebolt, attended Odebolt High School, taught in rural school in Cook Twp.  Married Dewey F. Johnson March 30, 1921 in Odebolt.  Farmed in Corwin Twp. and retired to Ida Grove. Survived by a daughter, two sons, 14 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild.  Burial at Ida Grove Cemetery. 
Slechta, Maurice, 77, of 1205 W. Sixth St., Odebolt, died Saturday, October 19, 2002 at Avera McKennan Hospital.  Born April 26, 1925 in Deloit, IA, son of Herbert and Emily (Barrows) Slechta.  Graduated from Odebolt High School, served in US Army from 1943-46.  Married August 29, 1948 in Sioux Falls, SD to Viola Getting.  Bus driver, Assessor for Sioux Falls and Minnehaha County, SD until 1987 retirement.  Survived by his wife, two sons, three daughters, ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.  Services held October 23 at George Boom Funeral Home, Sioux Falls.

The Chronicle, Volume 111, Number 42, October 17, 2002

The Mayor Sez..
     Hey, thanks Chamber for that great pancake and egg brunch last Sunday.  Expressions of appreciation go a long long way!
     We were pleasantly surprised to have a nice turnout at our  new waterworks plant open house.  Thanks for coming.
     Shoppers beware, only 69 days until Christmas.
     Another Burma Shave road sign:  Cautious rider to her reckless dear, Let's have less bull and more steer!  Burma Shave!
 - R. J. Rex, Mayor of Odebolt

Council Approves Water Rate Increase - The Odebolt City Council met Monday, October 7 for their regular monthly meeting.  Following discussion on raising the water rates to help finance the new water tower and treatment process, the council adopted the following:
1.  First 1,000 gallons used per month - minimum $11.00 (an increase of $1.00)
2.  All over 1,000 gallons used per month at $2.25 per 1,000 gallons (an increase of $.25)
These rates will be effective on the November 2002 billing for October water services.

The Council also:
      -  set Halloween Trick-or-Treat for Thursday, Oct. 31st from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. 
      -  hired Bob Upton as a city police officer with a 6 month probationary period
      -  heard from OCC Board of Directors Mike Olerich and Pat Reis who requested financial support for the Community Center so they    could apply for a Vision Iowa Grant.
      -  reviewed the curbside "pro and con" mail delivery information as presented by Gary Gritten and other residents
      -  will be seeking bids on a new/used garbage truck
      -  approved a resolution to accept the grant of easement submitted by Bill and Rachel Wallace for the existing water main in the Cottage Grove Addition.  A payment of $600 to the Wallaces was authorized.

Prudential Raises Funds for OCC - Prudential employees, families and friends, along with the Odebolt Community Center Committee provided pork burgers, on a free-will donation, at the football game on Friday, Oct. 4, 2002.  Richard Swanson, alone, donated $500 to the event.  Prudential donated $1,000 in matching funds, with all monies going to the Community Center.  Members of the OCC grilled and served 320 pork burgers.  Prudential is the largest insurance company in North America and donates millions of dollars and thousands of employee volunteer hours for a wide variety of non-profit programs across the United States and abroad.

Republican Recognition to John Huldeen - John Huldeen will be honored posthumously with the John McDonald Award by the Republican Party of Iowa to be given at the Ronald Reagan Dinner on Saturday, October 26, in Des Moines.  This award is one of the top recognitions given by Iowa Republicans for volunteer service.  Huldeen served as a member of the Republican State Central Committee and as Finance Chairman, was a past chairman of the Sac County Republicans, worked with a number of political campaigns over the years, as well as numerous community, agriculture and church activities.

Sac County Parks Closing for Season -  The Sac County Conservation Board is in the process of closing Grant and Reiff Parks prior to the start of pheasant season and will re-open in April of next year.  In Hagge Park the restroom/shower building and all water will be turned off by the end of October but the shelter house will remain open until Dec. 1.  Conservation Board areas that remain open are The Sauk Rail Trail, McDonald Greenbelt, Vogel Access, Raccoon River Heritage Corridor, Whitetail Woods Wildlife Area and Lubeck Woods, all of which are open to hunting during respective seasons.

• The Odebolt Chamber of Commerce served approximately 350 people at the 2nd annual Free Customer Appreciation Brunch held Sunday Oct 13th, 2002 at the Odebolt Community Center.  (See photos of the event at the Chamber of Commerce page.)

The Chronicle, Volume 111, Number 41, October 10, 2002

• Click for Water Improvement Project

• Historical note:  THE CHRONICLE, VOL. 6, NO. 22, October 13, 1892 - The new iron bridge across the Odebolt, north of the depot, will be completed this week.  It is 34 feet long, with 20 feet of roadway and four feet of sidewalk on each side, and it cost the county $500.

The Mayor Sez..
     Through the combined efforts of Youngren Farms, Manager Butch Hemphill's Odebolt Farmers Cooperative facility, Jim Meyer of the Iowa Corn Grower's Assn., and the U.S. Grains Council, Odebolt was honored to be a host city to VIPs from 22 countries around the world.  Most of these representatives from their respective countries were members of their agricultural ministries and directly involved in who and from where they purchase their grain, i.e. Brazil, Argentina, China, United States, or wherever.  Youngren Farms put on a field demonstration and hosted their lunch.
     The City of Odebolt was selected for the afternoon business session at the Community Center and then a tour of the coop facility to see how our top quality grain is handled in a most efficient manner. 
     On behalf of the City of Odebolt and our rural Odebolt area, yours truly gave them a rousing welcome and briefly told about the entire town and country area.  I hope those of you that read this understand the significance of what all of the above means.  The economic impact is awesome!  Bottom line, of course, is a better price to our producers.
     Appreciation to all that were involved in the above.
 - R. J. Rex, Mayor of Odebolt

International Policymakers Visit Odebolt - (article in full - pages 1 and 2, The Chronicle, Vol. 111 No. 41, October 10, 2002.)
     Top policymakers from 22 nations took a first-hand look at US grain production and handling September 30th through October 4th at the International Conference, sponsored by the US Grains Council, Iowa Corn Promotion Board and the Nebraska Corn Board.
     On Wednesday, October 2, the conference visited the Robert Youngren farm north of Odebolt where a tour and luncheon were served. Also present at this event was Jim Meyer, a director on the Iowa Corn Growers Board, representing a district in western Iowa.
     The conference drew more than 75 delegates from three international decision-making bodies; the Codex Alimentarius Commission, the United Nations Intergovernmental Committee for the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, and the World Trade Organization.
     "This is a key audience, since decisions made in these three forums will have a significant impact on the future development and trade of grain and grain products derived from biotechnology," explained U.S. Grains Council President Ken Hobbie.
     Through a series of field visits and seminars in western Iowa, eastern Nebraska and New Orleans, delegates acquired factual, science-based information on the uses and benefits of biotechnology and the realities of grain production and handling in the United States.
     "Our goal is to encourage the development of rational, consistent international policies by giving the decision makers a first-hand look at the entire corn production chain, from the laboratory, to the farm, to the grocery store or export terminal," said Bernie Heier, chairman of the Nebraska Corn Board.
     Iowa Corn Promotion Board's Past Chairman Vic Miller noted, "Too often, global decisions are being made by individuals who have had no exposure to the on-the-ground realities of grain production and handling.  But we're set to change all that and, in the process, build awareness of the quality and safety of the U.S. grains supply and expand our market opportunities around the globe.
    "This is the first time that people involved in policy-making for international food safety groups have been invited to American farms," said Don Hutchens, executive director for the Nebraska Corn Board.
     A producer panel, consisting of three key speakers was held before the luncheon.  Leon Corzine of Assumption, IL and a fourth generation farmer, serves as chairman of the Biotechnology Working Group of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and is a member of the NCGA Board of Directors.  Vic Miller of Oelwein, IA also spoke.  He currently serves on the Executive Committee of the U.S. Grains Council and in various leadership capacities with the NCGA.  The third speaker, Kevin Swanson of Overton, NE and a fifth generation farmer, is a director for both the U.S. Grains Council and the NCGA.
     Kenneth Richardson of Nassau, Bahamas stated that by coming here he would gain "a better insight of the use of biotech foods in the U.S. and can see first hand how local farmers feel about the use of biotechnology."  Richardson continued with stating that "a lot of food is imported into the Bahamas and even the food for the poultry and pork industry.  People in the Bahamas take for granted that if the food is safe to eat in the U.s. it is safe there.  It is interesting to see that with the different problems in productions, technology has gone one step further to ensure that there are safeguards."  Richardson works for the Ministry of Agriculture, part of the Bahamas government.  He says his "main concern would be the health issues of allergens, accessibility of seeds to farmers and then the legal issues."
    The U.S. Grains Council is a private, non-profit partnership of farmer and agribusiness organizations committed to building international markets for U.S. barley, corn, grain sorghum and their products.  The Council is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

Hunting Season opens October 26 with Hunter's Lunch! -  An opening day Hunter's Lunch will be held at Odebolt United Methodist Church, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  with a menu of Creamed Chicken on Biscuits, Chili, Maidrites, Hot Dogs, Chili Dogs, Slaw, Homemade Pie.  The U.M. Youth will also be holding a Bake Sale.  Call 668-4449 for carry-outs.  Bird numbers are up and Iowa pheasant hunters are looking at a much better season than last year. Pheasant season is October 26 through January 10, 2003 and hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.  Limit is three cock birds daily with 12 in possession.  Quail season dates are October 26 through January 3, with a limit of 3 birds daily, 12 in possession.

Make a Difference Day - The Richland Robins and O-A Showmen 4-H Clubs will take part in a county-wide citizen project to help support the Sac County Family Development Center Food Pantry, joining a million volunteers all across America in lending a helping hand.  Please drop items such as laundry soap, ketchup, diapers, crackers, cereal, dish soap, dried milk, tissue, canned foods, 5 lb. sugar or flour bags in the drop boxes in each of our local churches and at Jamboree Foods.  The food pantry is especially short on toothpaste, paper towels and peanut butter.  For more information contact Ellen Buehler or Karen Siebrecht.  The boxes will be picked up the week of October 28.

Homecoming Wrap-Up - Festivities for the Odebolt-Arthur Homecoming, October 4th, began with a pep rally with Kara Mickelson and Steven Leege as announcers.  The 2002 Homecoming candidates were announced as well as Kindergarten attendants Emily Beckman and Cole Hammond.  The court included Tisha Schofield, Katie Lucht, Janet Hoefling, Amanda Hoegh and Brooke Schroeder; Mark Currie, Kevin Bloyer, Troy Schroeder, David Larson and Bradley Stehr.  James Lindgren, 2001 OAHS graduate gave a pep talk followed by cheers led by the O-A cheerleaders.  Skits were performed by the Juniors, faculty, elementary school, student council, and parents.  The OA Dance Express team performed.  Barb Votrobeck was voted the winner to receive the "pie in the face". (see below).
     Athletic Director Mr. Becker announced the "Trojan Club" recipients.  Athletes must have received 10 or more varsity letters to belong.  Those receiving the award included Molly Heidenreich, James Lindgren, Holly McDonough, Sarah Pudenz, Becky Schaefer, Travis Schroeder and Tyson Veit.
     Hallway decoration winners were Sophomores, first; Seniors, second; Freshman, third; and Juniors, fourth.  Business window decoration winners were Beckman Motors, first; Jim's TV & Appliance, second; Odebolt Nursing and Rehab, third; and Swanson Insurance, fourth.
     The final event of the pep rally was coronation of the 2002 Homecoming King and Queen.  James Lindgren and Molly Heidenreich, last year's king and queen, crowed Amanda Hoegh and Kevin Bloyer as this year's royalty.
     The Homecoming football game was held that evening with O-A winning, 48-0, against West Harrison.
    *Pie in the face - Jars were set around town and at the school to collect money.  The staff member's jar with the most money in it received the pie in the face.  Dave Wilken auctioned off the pie to the highest bidder for a chance to put the pie into Votrobeck's face.  Vicki Beckman's $200 bid won.  A Total of $281.33 was raised with proceeds going to purchase a new trophy case.

Be an O-A Superfan!  The O-A cheerleaders will paint your driveway or sidewalk with the letters "O-A" using stencils.  One stencil is $20 or you can get two for $15.  Please contact an O-A cheerleader, the school, or Twyla Wilken for information.

Deaths:
Johnson, Edna Anna Victoria (Berg), age 91, died September 28, 2002 at Eventide Lutheran Home in Denison, Iowa.  Born in Wheeler Township on April 30, 1911, the daughter of Charles and Jennie Peterson Berg.  Grew up on a farm north and east of Kiron; attended Wheeler #8 and graduated from Odebolt High School in 1929.  Married Kenneth Johnson of Kiron November 25, 1931at her parents' home in Wheeler Twp. Farmed and then lived in Kiron.   Survivors include two daughters, Betty and Barbara, five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.  Services held October 2, 2002 at First Baptist Church in Kiron with burial at Kiron Cemetery, Kiron, Iowa.

The Chronicle, Volume 111, Number 40, October 3, 2002

The Mayor Sez...
     I'LL DO IT!  Those three magic words are the key to happiness of all leaders of volunteer organizations.  As most of us know, our Odebolt volunteer organizations have those members that say "I'll do it."  We know who you are and commend you.  Your "I'll do it" spirit is infectious and it DOES spread.
     For you young readers (probably very few) you have never heard of the "Burma Shave" signs that were posted just about everywhere on two-lane highways, 5 signs about 100 feet apart, each containing one line of a four line couplet and the obligatory 5th sign advertising Burma Shave, a popular shaving cream.  My readers that remember the above obviously are getting "long in the tooth" as this author.  The messages are about safety in a humorous way.  Here's one:  "CAR IN DITCH, DRIVER IN TREE, THE MOON WAS FULL, AND SO WAS HE" - BURMA SHAVE."
     R.J. Rex, Mayor of Odebolt

Godbersen a Rodeo Finalist - Leah Godbersen, daughter of Robert and Twyla Godbersen of Arthur, was a finalist in the 2002 Miss Iowa Rodeo Association Pageant held September 19-22 at the Iowa State Fair Show Pavilion in Des Moines.  Leah was judged on horsemanship, written exam, modeling, speech delivery, personality, congeniality and most photogenic.  She carried the flag at each of the 3-day rodeos during the grand entry, riding "Penny", a registered American quarter horse owned by Ken and Linda Hurley of Odebolt.  Leah was sponsored by Galva Holstein Ag Elevator and Cook Siding and Supply of Wall Lake.

Music Ministry on Tour - Pastor Braden Daniels of First Hope Church in Odebolt, begins a fall music tour with Braden Daniels & Gospel Truth Ministries in October.  It is a long awaited opportunity for Daniels, his wife Penny and their five children and will include concerts at churches and Christian organizations statewide.  Braden has a newly released CD, "No One Knows", and was the winner of the 2002 National Gospel Songwriter's competition in September.  Daniel's style of music could be described as alternative Christian.  The group does not charge a fee for performing. 

Parent Teacher Conferences Changes - Conferences at Odebolt-Arthur will be Monday, October 21 and Thursday, October 24 from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m.  There will be one hour early dismissal on those days.  The date changed to Monday since Odebolt is hosting the District Volleyball tournament on Tuesday night.  To accommodate junior varsity football students and parents, the JV football game will start at 4 p.m. in Alta on Monday, October 21.

Yearbooks are in - The 2001-2002 OA yearbooks are now available for pickup at the high school office.

O-A Marching Band & Choir - The O-A Band has had a busy season, performing their first halftime show entitled "America - Home of the Brave," on September 6, a tribute to the founders of our great country and the heroes of 9/11. The Band also performed at the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony in downtown Odebolt at which the National Anthem was performed and Taps played by Kevin Bloyer and Nick Frank. Linda Johnson is the new Voice of the O-A Marching Band at halftime shows.  Three members, Kate Brown, Rachel Redenius and Katie Bell are busy preparing for All-State auditions in October.  In the meantime, the high school choir and band kids have been raising funds and looking forward to a Washington DC trip for three years and it is finally here.  They will travel to the Nation's Capitol this upcoming Memorial Day (2003).  Students will be paying anywhere between $307 and $615 for this remarkable experience. If you would like to donate toward a particular student's trip expenses, or toward the expenses in general, please send a donation to Odebolt-Arthur Comm. School, Attn: Linda Johnson, 600 S. Maple, Odebolt, Iowa 51458.

Trojan Clothing Sale - The EF Education Tour students are sponsoring an Odebolt-Arthur clothing sale.  Order forms are available in the school newsletter and at school offices and are due by November 1, 2002.  Pick-up date for the clothing is Wednesday, December 4 from 3:30 to 6 p.m. at the school.