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ODEBOLT.NET NEWS
B. Horak & B. Ekse, Webnews Editors
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(Click to enlarge)
(L to R) Sac County Chief Deputy Sheriff Keith Flink, Bruce Henderson, and Odebolt
incumbent Chief of Police, Sonny Bruns at Henderson's retirement reception, September 23, 2008.

CHIEF HENDERSON HONORED

Bruce Henderson, retiring Odebolt Police Chief, was honored at a reception organized by friends and held at the Odebolt Public Library meeting room on Tuesday, September 23rd. Henderson’s final day on duty was September 15, 2008.

Present were fellow law enforcement officers including incoming Odebolt Chief Sonny Bruns, Sac County Sheriff Ken McClure; and Sac County Chief Deputy Sheriff Keith Flink.

Odebolt Mayor, R. J. Rex, Odebolt Fire Chief, Bill Tysor, City Council members Butch Hemphill and Jim Scott, and County Supervisor Jack Bensley and their wives, as well as City Clerk Joan Godbersen, and Assistant City Clerk Phyllis Franken were present.  Many Odebolt residents came to congratulate Henderson and wish him well. Henderson’s parents also came from Cushing, Iowa.

Mayor Rex presented Henderson with an Odebolt Community Service Award in recognition of his 9 ½ years of faithful service to the community. The Mayor said, "It is very difficult to be a good cop & maintain good community relations, but Bruce has done it for 9 1/2 years.  We had an excellent relationship."

Although Henderson is retiring from law enforcement, he is not leaving the workforce. He currently has an LPN degree and is working as a nurse at a group home in Storm Lake. He enjoys working with the mentally-challenged children and teenagers in the program. He is also taking course work toward an RN degree.

Henderson began his career in law enforcement with the Woodbury County Sheriff's Department in 1985 as a correctional officer. He was later promoted to Corporal and then Sergeant. In 1989 he was hired by Crawford County Sheriff's Department as a deputy sheriff, and graduated from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy that same year. On March 15, 1999 Henderson was hired by the City of Odebolt as Chief of Police to replace the late John Pingel. He met his wife, Jan, after moving to Odebolt.

Asked what a normal day as Chief was like, Henderson replied that there were no “normal” days; every day was different, ranging from responding to barking dog complaints, to working with the "Peacock" movie crew to secure the filming area.

Working to keep Odebolt free from drugs was high priority, and shutting down a meth lab in coordination with county and state law enforcement personnel was a proud accomplishment.

Henderson related that his favorite part of the job was working with the school children, and then hearing them yell, “Hi, Bruce”, as he drove past them on daily rounds. A tradition he initiated was providing police motorcycle or vehicle escort for funeral processions. One of the most difficult duties was notifying families of the death of a loved one, which he tried to do gently, with compassion and respect. He views Odebolt as a fine community and has enjoyed the many connections he has made with its people through his position.

Officer Sonny Bruns, will be sworn in as Odebolt Chief of Police at the October 6, 2008 City Council Meeting.

(Click to enlarge)
Mayor R.J. Rex presenting retiring Chief of Police, Bruce Henderson with an
Odebolt Community Service Award, September 23, 2008.

The Odebolt History Pages

www.rootsweb.com/~iaohms/    

Odebolt Observer, Vol. 2. No. 13. September 28, 1881
In Memoriam

     The funeral services in memory of President Garfield were held at the Presbyterian church in this place last Sabbath morning, as previously announced. The church was tastefully draped for the occasion. The Masonic fraternity attended in a body in full regalia, escorted by the band playing an impressive dirge. The attendance at the church was far too large for its capacity to seat, and the congregation outside was almost as large as that within. Rev. Fysh, of the M. E. church, preached an appropriate and impressive discourse to which all listened with deep attention. Rev. Jesse Helsell, of the same church, Rev. McCulloch, of the Advent and Rev. Vail of the Presbyterian churches participated in the services. [Rev. Fysh's very lengthy sermon was printed in the OBSERVER but was not transcribed for the web pages.]

(click for link)

The Chronicle, Vol. 117, No. 39
September 25, 2008

The Mayor Sez…
     Am I the only one getting tired of all the political ads on TV?? No matter what party affiliation you may be, the whole thing is getting ridiculous. Thank goodness for the TV remote control. I wonder how many like me hit the “mute” button when the political ads pop on? What a waste of money!
     My solution to the entire problem would be to make all of the candidates be restricted to “pay for view” TV only.
     Congratulations to Dr. and Mrs. David Anderson for all the blue ribbons at the Clay County Fair; what a great way to advertise our City and the talented people in it.
     From the ‘bolt,
     R. J. Rex, Mayor
     www.odebolt.net/council.html

Homecoming Cookout
Friday, October 3rd
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
grilled burgers and pop
at the UBI office in Odebolt.
FREE WILL DONATION
All proceeds will benefit the
O-A Education Foundation

UNITED BANK of IOWA, Member FDIC
The Difference is Here!
301 S. Main Street, Odebolt, IA, 712-668-4877

O-A/BCIG Falcon
Homecoming football game
versus the Red Oak Tigers
kicks off at 7:30 p.m. in Ida Grove.

Click to enlarge!

O-A Homecoming Candidates--- Candidates are Abbie Grote, Kyle Wunschel, Heidi Hoefling, Sydney Harm, Cody Dupre, Reece Bengford, Kristi Chase, Tyler Schroeder, Tori Cranston and Justin Bettin. - D. Cleveland

Homecoming Week Activities

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Odebolt Library---See the August list of new books and a DVD in this week's Chronicle.

Peterson Pioneer Home DVD---The Odebolt Public Library was the recent receipient of a DVD from the Odebolt Questers Club. The DVD tells the story of the Peterson ioneer Home narrated by Phyllis Kies and takes you on a tour of the home. It was filmed by Jim Mickelson. The DVD is available to be checked out at the Odebolt Public Library.

Ingleside Club Officers---New Ingleside Club officers for the next two years are pictured at the club's fall luncheon held September 17 at the Odebolt Public Library: Joan Turin, vice president; Kathy Wilke, president; Nancy Youngren, treasurer; and Ruth Neville, secretary.

Ingleside Fall Trip---On October 1, 2008 Ingleside Club will travel to Elk Horn, Iowa for their Fall Trip to visit the museum and other places of interest there. Wanda Larson has planned the trip and would like the club to meet at the Odebolt Methodist Church at 8 a.m.

Need a Truck?  Support 4-H!  The Midwest Ford Dealers of Iowa have donated a 2008 Ford F-150 to the Iowa 4-H Foundation to be raffled off to raise money for 4-H programs across the state.
     Tickets can be purchased until October 3rd at the Sac County Extension Office $20.00, or six for $100.00.  Half the money raised in Sac County will go back to the Sac County Endowment Fund with the other half going to the Iowa 4-H Foundation. 
     The drawing is planned for October 10, 2008.  For more information and pictures of the truck , visit www.iowa4hfoundation.org

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 celebrates Homecoming Week September 29 - October 3. Read the article about homecoming week activities. --OA/BCIG football team ranks #10 in state; defeat Rams in Mapleton. --Trojanettes defeat R-U in Remsen; place second in Laurens-Marathon Tournament; place second at BCIG Tournament. --Photos of O-A High School Student Council and O-A Middle School Student Council.   2008 Odebolt-Arthur HOMECOMING SUPER CLASS NIGHT Thursday, October 2, 7:30 p.m. O-A Student Council wants Community Teams!!  The community teams will compete against the class winners of each event. Pyramid 10 people Football Throw 6 people Tug-O-War 600 lbs. total Tractor Tube Relay 8 people Obstacle Course (2 men/2 women) 4 people Ice Cream/You Scream 6 people Wheel Barrow Races 8 people One person may be in up to 2 events.  Choose which event you want to be in!!! If interested, contact the High School Office at 668-2827. 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

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ODEBOLT.NET NEWS
B. Horak & B. Ekse, Webnews Editors
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Western Valley Conference
www.westernvalleyconf.com/

Schools in the Maple Valley and Boyer Valley conferences have merged into a new conference called Western Valley effective in the fall of 2008.

Schools in the North Division include: Battle Creek-Ida Grove, Galva-Holstein, Kingsley-Pierson, Lawton-Bronson, Maple Valley/Anthon-Oto, Odebolt-Arthur, Remsen-Union, River Valley, Westwood of Sloan and Woodbury Central.

Schools in the South Division are: Ar-We-Va, Boyer Valley, Charter Oak-Ute, Irwin-Kirkman-Manilla/Manning (which are expected to whole-grade share after next year), Logan-Magnolia, West Harrison, Woodbine, West Monona and Whiting.

From the Des Moines Register

Homeless grandma hits the books to earn GED - Click the link to read about Terri Mace, who was born in 1946 and grew up in Odebolt.

The Chronicle, Vol. 117, No. 38
September 18, 2008

The Mayor Sez...
     By now most everyone has had a chance to familiarize themselves with their tree trimming responsibilities and the enforcement there of. If there are any questions please contact City Hall. It is the City's wish that the property owners take care of their own trees rather than having the City take charge. Some years ago there were misunderstandings that caused some problems. We want to avoid those problems and abide by the ordinances pertaining to them.
     I received a few quotes, per e-mail, for us older citizens. A good thing to remember, "Being over the hill is much better than being under it".
     From the 'bolt,
     R. J. Rex, Mayor
     www.odebolt.net/council.html

Voters Turnout for Election (Photo)  Odebolt saw its largest turnout at the polls in many years for the Odebolt-Arthur School Board election on Tuesday, September 9.  At noon when the polls opened, the line had already begun to form for people to cast their ballots.  Over 500 voted in the election.

Iowa State Bank Donates (Photo).  Iowa State Bank of Odebolt recently presented a donation to the Sac County Conservation Center building fund.  Barb Bloom, board president said, "The $150,000 capital campaign goal is met and we've been awarded a $160,000 Vision Iowa CAT grant.  Appreciation to all the communities, businesses and individuals for backing this worthwhile project.  Bloom reports the next step in finalizing drawings, completing necessary paperwork, and letting bids.  Pictured are Barbara Bloom, Sac Co. Conservation Center project, and Iowa State Bank employees, Matt Huegerich, loan officer and Renae Babcock, branch manager.

Sponsor of the Creek Days Page

Business of the Week - Reis Auto Parts and Service began in 1975 when Pat and Becky Reis purchased the business, which was then a gas station.  Pat's father joined the business in 1978 and was associated with it until his retirement.  The business has continued to grow with several additions being added to the original structure.  Their service is auto and truck repair, tires and parts, and auto towing. 
     (Photo)  Pictured are Travis Reis, automotive technician; Garrett Neville, par-time help; Becky Reis, owner; Mark Reis, automotive technician; and Pat Reis, owner.

Odebolt Assisted Living Holds Open House (Photo) Assisted Living Week was celebrated at Odebolt Assisted Living September 7-13.  At an Open House on Sunday, Sept. 7 residents and friends were treated to ice cream sundaes and cookies.  Pictured are Donna Barclay, Verona Steuk, Pam Steuk, Dorothy Johnson, Shirley Simon and Angie Peters.

Odebolt Library Accredited - The State Library of Iowa has announced the Odebolt Field Carnegie Public Library has met the conditions for state accreditation as outlined in "In Service to Iowa: Public Library Measures of Quality, 4th ed."  Achieving accreditation requires a significant, ongoing local commitment to high quality library services. 

Odebolt Museum (excerpts of August 27, 2008 meeting minutes).  A great amount of repair work has been completed on the museum building by Schoonover Tuckpointing of Vinton, Iowa.  A good used copier is now in use in the museum.
     Board members receive many compliments regarding the window displays. If anyone has VINTAGE Christmas trees, lights or decorations that could be used for a Christmas display, please contact museum board members.  They are also looking for an "old-time" nurse's uniform to be loaned or given to the museum.
     Because of the high cost of heating the building in the winter, there will be no regular meetings until spring.  If there are items of business that need attention, there will be "called" meetings.    

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 Read Supt. Dani Trimble’s District Talk in this week’s Chronicle. (Highlights)  - 70+ athletes reported for football season  - notes on preparing for Whole Grade Sharing in 2009-2010  - Homecoming 2008 will be October 3rd with location of the game at the Ida Grove site.  There will be two homecoming courts.  - Student representatives from O-A and BCIG met in July with music teachers and administrators to choose a new school song.  - Tentative teacher placement for MS and HS during WGS in 09-10 was mailed to staff.  - Classroom renovations included lowered ceilings, new lighting, new countertops and sinks and air conditioning in various combinations.  - Sac Co. Mutual Telephone Company, First State Bank, United Bank of Iowa, Iowa State Bank, Greg Neville Construction and Schau Towing & Salvage cooperated in removal of the radio tower on the playground and through their donations and on-site work, this coast the district very little.  The effort was led by Dale Schaeffer. Read OA and OA/BCIG Sports news  in The Chronicle 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

The Odebolt History Pages

www.rootsweb.com/~iaohms/    

On August 27, 1913 a fire destroyed or severely damaged several buildings on both sides of First Street in Odebolt. Soon after, plans were in place to rebuild.   [Link to article]

THE CHRONICLE. VOL. XXVII. NO. 20. SEPTEMBER 11, 1913.
New Buildings Will Go Up.

THE CHRONICLE is pleased to announce at this time that the buildings destroyed by the recent fire will all be rebuilt, more substantial and modern than before. The charred remnants of machinery have been removed from the Einspahr garage and Koehler & Hanson warehouse lots, and the work of rebuilding a mammoth structure of tile blocks covering the entire area of a quarter of a block will be begun at once. John McFarland has the contract for putting up this new building, while J. E. Einspahr, the owner of the greater portion of the corner, will superintend its construction. Mr. Einspahr will occupy a portion of the south half of the building with a carpenter shop and will equip it with the latest improved machinery for turning out the finest class of interior finishings. The balance of the large structure will be occupied by Koehler & Hanson for their implement shed and warehouse. The structure will be built especially for the business that it is to be used for and will be a credit to the business section of Odebolt.

The Trans-Mississippi grain elevator people have had men and teams at work clearing away the burnt grain and other remains of the old elevator getting the ground ready to rebuild a new elevator at once. They hope to have the site ready to begin the new elevator by October first.

See photos of the August 27, 1913 fire here - scroll about halfway down the page.

From John Einspahr's 1927 Pioneer Days biography:

The same year in August he lost his shop and fine equipment by fire. Machinery, tools, building and all went, except one keyhole saw and a putty knife which had been loaned out.

This was a hard blow and nearly ended his business career. Nevertheless, he built again with the help of Koehler and Hanson, who owned a lot adjoining Mr. Einspahr's.

The Chronicle, Vol. 117, No. 37
September 11, 2008

The Mayor Sez…
     The City of Odebolt would like to congratulate Polly Raasch for her induction into the 4H Hall of Fame. Just think, 50 years of 4H work and working with kids to insure them to be the best they can be. We Salute!!
     The updating process for our lagoon (required by the DNR) has begun, but first things first. We will be seeking a $500,000.00 BDBG grant along with another government grant. Your City administration is well aware of a funding problem without these grants.
     From the ‘bolt,
     R. J. Rex, Mayor
     www.odebolt.net/council.html

Photographs in this week’s Chronicle:
Lincoln Kaub, O-A 1st grade artist, holds his “Mola of a Beaver” (colored paper), and his art instructor, Twyla Godbersen, holds the certificate he received in the “Celebrating Creative Expression” competition held in recognition of the Belin-Blank Center’s twenty years of service to the International Gifted Education and Talent Development community, at the University of Iowa. Lincoln was one of only 9 artists from across the state of Iowa to have his artwork selected for inclusion in the celebration show.

First State Bank of Odebolt employees recently presented a donation to the Sac County Conservation Center building fund. Bank employees Kris Polzien, Kim Schroeder and Pam Beckman are pictured with SCCB President Barb Bloom.

BUSINESS OF THE WEEK
City of Odebolt Deputy Clerk Phyllis Franken and City Clerk Joan Godbersen are pictured at work in City Hall.

Susan Dreessen reads to children Odebolt Public Library on Wednesday afternoons. In the photograph she is seated in a rocking chair holding a book, and children stand nearby or are seated on the floor.

REMEMBER Seven Years Later: Reflecting Back, Looking Ahead.
     On September 11, 2001, a series of terrorist attacks on our nation killed thousands of innocent men, women and children in a matter of hours. Seven years later, the aftermath of this tragedy remains fresh in the hearts and minds of Americans. We continue to remember and mourn the victims.
     On September 11, 2008, we pay tribute to those whole lives were taken, and pray for the families who continue to grieve. America has turned tragedy and grief into a strengthened resolve to protect liberty, and we salute the brave troops who continue to defend our freedom abroad. Seven years later and forever, we remember September 11, 2001.
     God bless our Soldiers, and God bless America!

Sponsored by City of Arthur, Odebolt Rotary, W. L. Community Club, City of Early, Early American Legion and Auxiliary, City of Kiron, Wall Lake Lions, City of Odebolt, Odebolt American Legion and Auxiliary, City of Wall Lake, Wall Lake American Legion and Auxiliary, and The Chronicle

This week’s Chronicle includes the 2008 Fall Sports Special, with photos of the OA-BCIG Falcon Football Team and the Trojanette Volleyball Team. The supplement is sponsored by Odebolt and area businesses.

The Salute to Soybeans Magazine is a supplement to this week’s Chronicle. It is sponsored by Odebolt and area businesses.

Faith Lutheran Church of Odebolt  will be hosting
KIDS TIME – NEW DAY!!
TUESDAYS 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
(If there is an early out, it will run from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.)
Open to all students K-5th grade. Come enjoy games, cooking, snacks and working on crafts.
If you have any questions call Pastor Trish Underberg at 668-4515.

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 Community School Regular Board Meeting Agenda for September 15, 2008, 6:00 PM www.odebolt-arthur.net/AgendaSept08.pdf Read Supt. Dani Trimble’s District Talk about the school budget in this week’s Chronicle. --OA Trojanettes reached semifinals in volleyball at Southern Cal Tournament in Lake City. --Trojanettes fall to MV/AO in 4 games at Mapleton. --Falcons rout Galva-Holstein Buffalo Ridge Bison, 40-0, keep the Reynolds Trophy for another year. --Falcons defeat Kingsley-Pierson Panthers 55-0. 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. Odebolt-Arthur Music Students Pizzas/Pies Sales O-A Music Dept. Pizza Sales  Sept. 8th-22nd O-A Band and Chorus members will be selling food items from 4 Seasons to support the music program.  Items include pizza, pies and other goodies.  Please call the O-A Music office at 668-4353 or a Music Student for more information.  (Please pay with order.)  Thanks for supporting the O-A Music Department!  Delivery date:  Oct. 21st after 4 p.m. in the Music Room This week’s sponsors: Murphy Chiropractic, PC Swanson INSURANCE & REAL ESTATE

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ODEBOLT.NET NEWS
B. Horak & B. Ekse, Webnews Editors
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September 9th School Board
Election Results
from the Auditor's Office

The Odebolt History Pages

www.rootsweb.com/~iaohms/    

How times have changed!  According to this excerpt from the History of Western Iowa, published in 1882, the Odebolt Public School had three teachers, including the principal, and those three taught 220 pupils in three rooms!

HISTORY OF WESTERN IOWA,
WESTERN PUBLISHING COMPANY,
SIOUX CITY, 1882

ODEBOLT PUBLIC SCHOOL - This school became an independent district in April, 1880. The first school taught in Odebolt was taught by Jacob Gable. The first school board consisted of W.W. Stanfield, Z.G. Sparks, H. Hansen, J. Flanders and J. Ketterer, Trustees; Wm. Graham, Secretary; J.T. Martin, Treasurer. The present officers are the same, except in place of J. Ketterer, who has been succeeded by John Wilson. Mr. Taggert is the Treasurer at present. C. Messer is the Principal of the school, and Anna Beekman and Mrs. Emma Gill, assistants. The enrollment is 220 pupils, with an average attendance of 150. They have a neat frame building containing three rooms, which was erected in 1880 at a cost of $3,000.

Click for full page article   .....   Read more school history

The Chronicle, Vol. 117, No. 36
September 4, 2008

Read Paul Neuman’s letter to the editor in this week’s Chronicle about “the positive things that are happening to our school” and “the whole grade sharing agreement with BC-IG to ensure the future of education for all students.”