Public Health shares COVID recommendations

With an increase in COVID-19 cases in Southwest Iowa, Taylor County Public Health Agency is reminding area residents to isolate following exposure to reduce the risk of spreading of the virus.

“As more cases continue to be seen in our communities, we see a rise in phone calls regarding isolation, returning to work and if household contacts can go to school/work,” Taylor County Public Health Agency administrator Crystal Drake said. “We thought it would be good to review what the current recommendations are for persons sick with COVID-19 and those that have had an exposure.”

Those sick with COVID-19 are considered infections 48 hours prior to symptom onset and for an additional 10 days after symptoms start, Drake said. It is important for individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 or suspect they may have COVID-19 remain isolated to stop the spread. Current guidance instruct these individuals to isolate and not return to normal activities until the following items are met:

• 10 days since symptoms first appeared and;

• Fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications and;

• Symptoms are improving.

“It’s important for everyone experiencing an illness to stay home while they are ill, even if they test negative for COVID-19 or receive an alternative diagnosis,” Drake said. “When we look at those that have been exposed to a positive case as a close contact or a household member, we provide the following recommendations to help reduce the risk of spread to other people, especially vulnerable populations.”

Unvaccinated, asymptomatic contacts are advised to stay home to monitor for symptoms, Drake said. To help further reduce risk of spreading the virus, unvaccinated people who are exposed but remain healthy (no symptoms) can be advised to stay home to monitor for symptoms. Individuals exposed to COVID-19 may develop symptoms from 2-14 days after exposure. However, exposed individuals can reduce the length of time they are recommended to stay home from 14 days via the following options:

• Stay home through day 10 if no symptoms have developed.

• Stay home through day 7 if the exposed person tests negative and no symptoms have developed. The specimen must be collected within 48 hours before leaving the home (i.e. not earlier than day 5).

In all cases, the individual should continue to monitor for symptoms and are recommended to wear a mask when around others through day 14 in order to minimize risk of spread.

Vaccinated contacts do not need to stay home, but should monitor for symptoms and get tested, Drake said. Fully vaccinated people with no COVID-like symptoms do not need to stay home following an exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. However, fully vaccinated people should still self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days following an exposure.

Fully vaccinated people who experience COVID-19 symptoms should stay home, be clinically evaluated, and be tested for COVID-19 infection if clinically indicated.

Contacts who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past three months do not need to stay home, but should monitor for symptoms. People who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past three months do not need to stay home or be tested following an exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, as long as they do not develop new symptoms. However, they should still self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days following an exposure.

People who develop COVID-19 symptoms within three months of their first COVID-19 infection should stay home, be clinically evaluated, and be tested for COVID-19 infection if clinically indicated.
Unvaccinated contacts who have tested antibody positive within three months before or immediately following an exposure are generally not advised to stay home, but should monitor for symptoms, Drake said. Unvaccinated people who have tested antibody positive (IgG, IgM, or Total Antibody) within three months before or immediately following an exposure to someone with confirmed COVID-19 and who have remained asymptomatic since the current COVID-19 exposure do not need to stay home in low risk situations. High risk situations include settings where contact with persons at high risk of COVID-19 severe illness, including older adults and persons with certain medical conditions, is not anticipated for at least 10 days following exposure.

Contacts should still monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19 during the 14 days after exposure and if symptoms develop they should stay home and seek testing. 

“We are not dealing with the same virus as we did last year at this time,” Drake said. “The current variant is more contagious. Please consider the environment where you live, work and play to assess the risks if you were to become sick with COVID or any other illness. Take appropriate precautions while keeping those around you in mind."

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DON GROVES/Free Press — Corning Main Street executive director Raelynne Risser poses for a photo Sept. 1 at her desk at the Lauvstad Center at 710 Davis Ave. in Corning.

Main Street names
​new director

Corning Main Street has hired a new executive director.

Bedford native Raelynne Risser took over the position Aug. 19.

With a background in radio marketing, Risser said she’s eager to work with small businesses, “the ones who really need the help.”

Risser said Main Street Corning has been a part of her life she was a child but after speaking with Adams Community Chamber executive director Marti Gebbie she gained a better appreciation of how unique the community is. 

“I think I can really make a difference,” Risser said.

As a child, Risser said her mother would take her to the dentist in Corning and would stop at Sweet Desires for a donut on the way home. But, Risser said, she wasn’t allowed to eat the donut until she returned home because she had to allow for her fluoride treatment.

Risser said she gained an even better understanding of just how strong community support was after attending Shameless!, Nebraska Showdowns Tribute to Garth Brooks, at the Corning Opera House. She said Opera House executive director De Heaton told her how fire destroyed the building, originally the National Bank, and damaged other downtown businesses but local businessman Frederick Charles Reese worked with community donors for a bank loan to bring the Opera House to Corning.

Risser attended Bedford High School and moved to Maryville following graduation, got married, and had two sons, now 3-1/2 and 2 years old. Risser said she plans to move to Corning in October but for now is focused on upcoming events such as the Sept. 18 the Southwest Cruisers of Iowa’s seventh annual Johnny Carson Birthplace Car Show and downtown trick or treat on Oct. 29.

“I’m excited to be here,” she said. “There’s plenty to do.”

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Delta variant on the rise

A recent increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations in Iowa seem to have one thing in common — the Delta variant.

Taylor County Public Health Agency administrator Crystal Drake said Aug. 26 she and her colleagues continue to see rising COVID-19 case numbers in the region.

“Over the past week, 100 percent of the variant sequencing completed at the State Hygienic Lab has been for the Delta variant — we will most likely continue to see this trend,” she said. “Since we know that the Delta variant is more contagious, the trend of new cases will also continue.”

Drake said public health colleagues continue to share stories of increased hospitalization and lack of bed availability in Iowa with the same story in Missouri.

“We understand that COVID cases will continue to be reported but we want to limit death and the strain on our healthcare system,” she said.

The Iowa Department of Public Health issued a press release Aug. 25 that said the majority of current COVID-19 hospitalizations are among unvaccinated Iowans. On Aug. 25, 79 percent of individuals hospitalized with a primary COVID-19 diagnosis were not vaccinated and 86 percent of patients in the ICU were not vaccinated before becoming infected. The hospitalization rate is currently highest among middle age to older adults. Eighty-seven percent of those hospitalized are age 40 and older. Children under the age of 18 account for just 2 percent of COVID-19 hospitalizations.

“One of the best tools we have to keep ourselves and loved ones safe is the vaccine,” Drake said. “Preventing avoidable COVID-19 hospitalizations also helps preserve health care resources for other needs, including illnesses, injuries and emergencies. Some Iowa hospitals have recently reported an increase in hospitalizations among children with RSV, limiting their bed capacity for other patients.”

Drake said hospitals in the region are sharing COVID-19 hospitalization statistics. Hospitals in Adams, Audubon, Cass, Crawford, Fremont, Harrison, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie and Shelby counties report their statistics on a daily basis that are then combined into regional and state-wide reporting at https://coronavirus.iowa.gov/pages/rmcc-data.

“We also encourage people to get tested if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms,” Drake said. “Effective testing is essential in helping slow the spread of the virus by identifying those who have the virus and enabling treatment and isolation.”

Testing is available through primary care providers and with free test kits that can be picked up at local pharmacies and public health. 

“If you test positive through one of these testing methods, most likely you will receive a call from our office to review isolation/quarantine recommendations,” Drake said. “Our intent is to help you contain the spread within our family and social circle.”

Other testing is available from retailers that may be advertised as a BinaxNOW or home test, Drake said. 
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“If using one of these tests, we encourage you to call your healthcare provider or public health 

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SWV welcomes
​new teachers

Southwest Valley Schools welcomed 10 teachers at the district’s orientation.

While some of the teachers are new to the district, others transitioned from one SWV school to another. The new teachers include Marissa Kiner and Gina Travis at the elementary school; Destiney McCuen, Macy Burgess, Kelsey Mead, and Becca Ridnour at the middle school; and Jennifer Bissell, Micayla Taylor, Jerry Hartman, and Stephanie Riley at the high school.

Information about Kiner and Travis was unavailable at press time but background about the other teachers follows.

Middle school

Destiney McCuen teaches middle school English. She grew up in Villisca and was actually a member of the last graduating class of Villisca in 2013. She received my Bachelor's Degree in Secondary English Language Arts in 2020 from Buena Vista University. 

“My husband CJ and I have two children, Cecil and Michelle,” she said. “In my free time I enjoy reading, being outside with my kiddos, and play video games such as Fortnite, Pokemon, or Animal Crossing.”

Macy Burgess teaches middle school computers/PLTW/DM. She grew up in Villisca and graduated from SWV in 2017. 

“I then attended Central College in Pella, Iowa, and received my bachelor’s degree in 2021 after majoring in sociology and psychology,” she said. “I am currently working towards my master’s degree in child, youth and family studies with a specialization in human and family services administration through the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family, traveling, and crafting.”

Kelsey Mead teaches sixth ELA/reading. Born in Omaha, Neb., she grew up in Clarinda and graduated from Clarinda High School in 2010. 

“I received my bachelor’s degree from Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Mo.,” she said. “I started teaching in 2016 at Lenox Community Schools as the junior high/high school special education teacher. My significant other is Dakin Wilcoxson. We have three children: Nash, Berkley, and Brinley. We live in New Market, Iowa. In my free time I enjoy spending time with our children, fishing, listening to podcasts, working out, and reading.”

Becca Ridnour teaches middle school math/science. She grew up on a farm south of Red Oak and graduated from Red Oak High School. She attended Northwest Missouri State University where she received a bachelor’s degree in elementary and early childhood education and a master’s degree in reading.

“I have spent a lot of time in elementary classrooms, specifically third grade,” she said. “I live in Clarinda with my husband, Harry, and our two children. I enjoy being outside, crafting, making shirts, and spending time with family.”

High school

Jennifer Bissell is the high school guidance counselor. She grew up in O’Fallon, Mo., and received a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in physical education and coaching from William Jewell College in 2006. 

“I pursued my master’s in education in school counseling from Buena Vista University,” she said. “I began my counseling career in 2008 at Corning Schools, later transferring to Griswold Schools and now in 2021 I am excited to be back at SWV. My husband, Justin, and I reside in Corning with our dogs, Lilly and Lina, and our cat, Stripes. We enjoy spending our free time riding our side by side in Oklahoma, cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals, and spending time with our family and friends.”

Micayla Taylor teaches high school physical education.

“I grew up in Red Oak, Iowa and graduated from Red Oak High School in 2015,” Taylor said. “I attended Northwest Missouri State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in K-12 physical education. I taught K-12 P.E. and health in Murray, Iowa, for one year. I will now teach high school P.E. and weight training at Southwest Valley. I enjoy running, lifting, sports, and being outdoors.”

Jerry Hartman is a high school science teacher and coach.

“I grew up on the family farm in Pomeroy, Iowa,” he said. "I graduated from Iowa State University and have been a teacher at the high school and community college level. I’ve coached football, basketball, bowling, soccer and baseball. I am married and have four kids.”

Stephanie Riley is a high school special education teacher. She earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a special education endorsement from Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa.

“I later added a high school special education endorsement through Iowa State, and this past year I completed coursework for a math endorsement through Western Governor’s University,” she said. “I have taught at Pleasantville, Roland-Story, and Mt. Ayr in the past. I was excited to join the Southwest Valley School District last year where I worked at the middle school, and now this year I look forward to teaching at the high school."

Candidate filing
​begins Aug. 23

Monday, Aug. 23, is the first day to file nomination papers with the Adams County Auditor for the cities within Adams County.  

Aug. 23 is also the first day to file nomination papers with the secretary of the school board for school board positions. For more information on how to file nomination papers and other filing requirements, contact the Adams County Auditor for city positions and Jodi Lyddon at Southwest Valley Schools for school board positions. The deadline to file papers for both regular city elections and school elections is 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 16.

Tuesday, Aug. 24, is the first day that the Auditor’s Office can accept absentee ballot requests for the regular city/school election which will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 2. For this and other related election information, contact the Auditor’s office at (641) 322-3340 or visit the Adams County website at adamscounty.iowa.gov under the Elections section.

Survey to study
pandemic’s impact

Adams Community business owners are being asked to take part in a survey about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Adams Community Economic Development Corporation and the Adams Community Chamber are working with the Southern Iowa Council of Governments to survey businesses in Adams County and the SICOG region to determine impacts to date from the pandemic and potentially develop programs to assist community businesses.

Local businesses are encouraged to take a few moments to go online and complete the survey at https://iastate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_25C9xnLcrbWcN2S, ACEDC executive director Beth Waddle said.

“As a local business if the Chamber or ACEDC has your e-mail address you should receive an e-mail around Aug. 10 or 11 with a direct link to the survey,” Waddle said. “It only takes a few minutes, and we would appreciate your quick response. If you don’t see an e-mail, please contact either office and a link will be sent to you. This survey will only be open for a few days.”

SICOG has engaged Iowa State University Extension and Outreach to facilitate the development of the strategy, which has multiple components that include economic data analysis, labor market trends, innovation indicators, and this regional survey.  

Survey
A survey has been developed for the SICOG region (Adair, Adams, Clarke,  Decatur,  Madison, Ringgold, Taylor, and Union) that will gather information from business responses to assist in developing the strategy as previously mentioned.  This survey will be accessed online via a hyperlink with all responses being confidential and submitted to Iowa State University. The survey has been developed with six sections that include an overview of the business/organization, workforce, financial, future/outlook, and an opportunity for any other comments, suggestions, or thoughts by the respondent.  
​
Results and integration
The results of the survey will be integrated into the overall Pandemic Economic Recovery Strategy, which will be available on the SICOG website for review and download.  
For more information, contact the ACEDC office at (641) 322-5229 or the Chamber office at (641) 322-3243.

Delta variant reaches Adams County

Taylor County Public Health said it will once again began offering weekly COVID-19 data reports after cases of the COVID-19 Delta variant were confirmed in Taylor and Adams counties.

Taylor County Public Health administrator Crystal Drake said that Adams County saw two more COVID-19 cases July 21-28 while Taylor County saw one new case. The fully vaccination rate for Adams County is 44 percent while Taylor County is 38.8 percent.

“In an effort to ensure accurate and consistent information is provided to residents, we will resume reporting of COVID-19 data for Taylor and Adams County on a weekly basis,” Drake said. “This will occur every Wednesday to coincide with the state’s COVID-19 dashboard updates.”

Both Taylor and Adams Counties have confirmed cases of the Delta variant, Drake said.

“The Delta variant (B.1.617.2) is currently the most common COVID-19 virus strain circulating around in the U.S., the region, and in Iowa,” Drake said. The Delta variant was originally found in India in December 2020 and was first seen in the US in March 2021. The Delta variant creates a tremendous amount of virus in the body — far more than previous strains. A great deal of that virus thrives in the nose and throat early in infection. The result is the virus spreads easier (an infected person has more virus, which means there is more virus to spread) and vaccinated people could become unwilling vectors for spreading disease.”

Drake said the vaccine is still working. She said some vaccinated people may test positive and are infected, but do not experience illness. Some experience mild illness. More than 97 percent of hospitalizations are unvaccinated people.

“The vaccine produces antibody response primarily in the blood,” Drake said. “In the early stages of infection, those antibodies might not make it to the nose until the virus makes its way into the lungs where your immune response ramps up.

“Plain and simple, if the COVID-19 virus strains continue to spread from person-to-person, new variants will continue to occur,” Drake said. “COVID-19 vaccines are effective against the variants that are currently circulating, so all eligible people are urged to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Getting vaccinated protects against the current virus strains and decreases the chances of a vaccine-resistant variant developing in the future.”

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DON GROVES/Free Press — Artist John Evans of Richland, Iowa, works on a painting July 24 for the Corning Center for the Fine Arts’ 15th annual En Plein Air competition. Evans won the event for his painting “200th Street Vista.”

Evans, Roush named
​En Plein Air winners

John Evans of Richland, Iowa, and Lynn Roush of Corning are the winners of the July 23-24 Corning Center for the Fine Arts’ 15th annual En Plein Air painting competition.

Evans placed first in the En Plein Air competition with “200th Street Vista.” Roush won the Quick Paint competition “Water Fountain @ Central Park.”

The artists competing in Corning were able to paint their En Plein Air paintings starting at dawn July 23 and select their paint sites anywhere in Adams County. They submitted their paintings by 2 p.m. July 24 for judging.

The Quick Paint Event requires that the artists complete a painting with the time limit of maximum of two hours of painting. This event showcased artists painting only sites in downtown Corning.

Michael Morain, Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs and Iowa Arts Council, researched that Corning Center for the Fine Arts Competition is the longest continuous running En Plein Air event in the state of Iowa. 

En Plein Air, a term derived from the French, literally means “in the open air,” CCFA director Linda Shearer said. 

“It is a familiar concept today and has become a popular painting competition in Iowa,” she said. “It was quite revolutionary in the late 1800s when the Impressionists ventured out of their studios to investigate and capture the effects of sunlight and different times of day on a subject they painted.”

The En Plein Air Exhibit will be on display and for sale at Corning Center for the Fine Arts through Sept. 30.

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CARIE MORALES/Free Press — Long-time Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Human Sciences specialist in nutrition and wellness Barb Fuller was inducted July 12 into the 2021 Adams County 4-H Hall of Fame at the Adams County Fair.

4-H honors Fuller’s devotion

Long-time Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Human Sciences specialist in nutrition and wellness Barbara (Wiese) Fuller was inducted July 12 into the 2021 Adams County 4-H Hall of Fame at the Adams County Fair.

Barbara (Wiese) Fuller joined the Colfax Cloverettes of Boone County in the 1960s and enjoyed membership until she graduated. She participated in a number of project areas including raising and showing dairy cattle. She also attended the Citizenship Washington Focus in Washington, D.C. Both of her parents were 4-H volunteers and her siblings were also 4-H members in Boone County.

After graduating from United Community High School, Fuller attended Iowa State University and graduated with a degree in dietetics. She first took a job with Rosary Hospital (now CHI Health Mercy Corning) and moved to Adams County. She met and married David Fuller in 1982 and they welcomed their daughter, Mary, in 1985.

Mary became a third-generation 4-H’er by joining the Jasper Specialist as soon as she was eligible. While Barb initially resisted volunteering as a leader, she eventually gave in and was the leader of Jasper Specialist for many years, volunteering even after her daughter graduated. She has had a positive impact on many Adams County 4-H’ers through the years, guiding them through projects and paperwork, making sure that anyone who wanted to participate in the 4-H had the opportunity. She also encouraged everyone to participate in a variety of project areas and to explore beyond their comfort zones. 

In 2006, Fuller got involved in 4-H Shooting Sports and became the Adams County coordinator, as well as a rifle instructor. Along with her husband, David, she has helped instruct youth as they have competed at a local, state, and national level in a variety of events. She has also volunteered as a hunter safety instructor for more than 25 years, teaching youth and adults alike the importance of responsible gun handling and hunting.

Fuller is an honorary 4-H alumni recipient in Adams County. She has also served as a member of the Adams County Fair Board. She has volunteered many hours at the fair, helping 4-H’ers, leaders, and the public. Fuller was elected to the Adams County Extension Council and served in that role until taking a job as a nutrition and wellness specialist with Iowa State University and Outreach, covering many counties in Southwest Iowa. She recently retired after 13 years in that role.

“Barb has proudly participated in, promoted, and facilitated 4-H youth programming for many decades, touching many lives and futures; she is heartily welcomed into the Adams County 4-H Hall of Fame,” Hall of Fame organizers said.

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Lazy Days to fill
​Main Street

Main Street Corning’s Lazy Days and the Battle of the Barbecue will take place July 23-24 in the Main Street district.

The Corning Center for the Fine Arts’ En Plein Air Festival will take place from dawn to dusk July 23 throughout Adams County. The CCFA will host an open house from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 706 Davis Ave. where Corning graduates can register for the school reunion, receive a schedule of weekend events, and bid in the en plein air silent auction. A time en plein air quick paint event will take place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. July 23 at the CCFA.

Registration and meat distribution for Battle of Barbecue cookers will take place from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. July 23 at Eighth Street and Benton Avenue. The cookers meeting and group photo will be held at 5 p.m. Gates open to the public at 5 p.m. Entry fees are $10 per person, $5 for children 5 to 12 years old, and free for those 5 and under. A beer garden hosted by the Corning Fire Department will be held from 5 p.m. to midnight with DJ Randy Cooper playing music from 7 p.m. to midnight. The wings samples and people’s choice award voting begin at 7 p.m.

The Corning American Theater will show a movie at 7 p.m. July 23-24 at 704 Davis Ave.

The En Plein Air Festival continues from dawn to 2 p.m. July 24 .

Check-in for CHI Health Mercy Corning Doctors Dash begins at 6:30 a.m. July 24 at Eighth Street and Davis Avenue. The race begins at 7:30 a.m. with an awards ceremony following the race.

The Corning Rotary Pancake Breakfast will take place from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. July 24 on Eighth Street between Davis and Benton. Freewill donations support polio eradication.

Corning school graduates and reunion attendees can register and receive a schedule of events from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 24 at the Corning Center for the Fine Arts.

Main Street’s mini carnival, caricature artist, and food truck will be available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 24.

A tour of Southwest Valley High School will begin at 10 a.m. July 24 at 904 Eighth St.

Battle of the BBQ judging takes place from 10 a.m. to noon July 24 at 925 Davis Ave.

An En Plein Air silent auction will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 24 at the Corning Center for the Fine Arts. Awards and the silent auction sale will take place at 3 p.m.

Tours of the Johnny Carson Birthplace will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July  24 at 500 13th St. Admission is $7.

A barbecue meal will be served from noon to 2 p.m. July 24 on Eighth Street between Benton and Davis. The cost is $10 per person for ages 6 and up.

A social/reception to meet artists will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. July 24 at the Corning Center for the Fine Arts.

R&S Collectibles tours will take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 530 Davis Ave. Admission is $5 for ages 12 and up.

People’ Choice Wing Contest winners will be announced at 1:45 p.m. followed by barbecue winners at 2 p.m. July 24 at Central Park.

For more information about Lazy Days, visit www.adamscountyiowa.com.

Seniors hear about Pinecreek Meadows

The Adams Community Economic Development Corporation held a public meeting June 29 at the Corning Community Center to introduce a new opportunity for seniors 55 years or older. 

Pinecreek Meadows is a cooperative community designed to foster a high-quality of life for its residents by sharing the ownership costs between all its members through cooperative shares, Adams Community Economic Development Corporation executive director Beth Waddle said. The corporation assumes the responsibilities of mortgage, taxes, maintenance, and repairs for all its residents. 

Consultants Bruce Boehm and Kumar Wickramasingha, as well as Todd Hackett and Jenna Hackett-Harasim from Hackett Construction, were on hand to share the plans and answer questions. The 20-unit cooperative will feature three sizes of units: one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and two-bedroom plus den options. Each unit will have an open living-dining-kitchen area with patio/balcony. Each will have its own laundry room. Appliances will be included. The common areas will include a lounge area, inside mail delivery, and large outside deck. An underground heated garage will provide out-of-the-weather parking and the two elevators will assist residents with easy access to their unit. An additional garage will be on-site for two-vehicle families.

Original cooperative shareholders will have some options during construction to select colors or develop upgrades they may want in their home. A director will be hired to manage the property and assist with maintenance requests. A 15-passenger bus will be available for resident activities throughout the year.

“You may be asking, ‘What is a housing cooperative?’” Waddle said. “Cooperative housing is a community of active adults who own an equity share — not just a unit-in the entire community property though a cooperative corporation. Each equity share is held through an official membership certificate upon purchase. The membership certificate entitles you to occupy a specific unit in the complex. The cooperative holds title in the entire property that includes the units, land, and common areas. It also assumes the mortgage, tax and other obligations necessary to finance and operate the facility.”

The cooperative is operated on a democratic basis and the governing body is its Board of Directors, which consists of elected individuals by the member owners from the co-op, Waddle said. “Each equity share enables members to occupy one home and receive one vote when electing the Board of Directors and/or making by-law changes. The board oversees and directs the policies, expenditures, and operations of the cooperative and hires the director.

“Cooperative living combines the financial advantages of home ownership with the amenities, security and comfort of a wonderful community in a fantastic location,” Waddle said. “It allows seniors to age in place, living the carefree lifestyle they want, either as a working senior or as the carefree retiree which can include travel without the worry of home maintenance while they are away. Many seniors get tired of or become financially strapped by the hassles of house maintenance, surprise repairs and expensive bills; and will appreciate the extra time and money saved to enjoy the things they love. If or when added assistance is needed, home health care options expand one’s ability to stay in their home within the community that has been established.”

Those 55+ years of age interested in maintenance-free, cooperative living should contact the Adams Community Economic Development Corporation by calling (641) 322-5229 or e-mailing acedc@adamscountyiowa.com for an informational packet or to be included on a list to be invited to the next informational meeting to be held in early August

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Fair features
Small Town Showdown

Adams County Fair attendees will be part of a Small Town Showdown this year July 8-13.

The fair gets underway with a Small Town Showdown barbecue kickoff at 5 p.m. July 8 followed by the coronation of the fair queen at 7 p.m.

July 9 begins with the horse show at 9 a.m. The Safety Education in Shooting Sports members will meet at 3 p.m. at the Corning Gun Club. Rodeo fans will have the opportunity to ride a mechanical bull from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Impact wrestling will take place at 5 p.m. The evening will end with a street dance at 7 p.m.

July 10 is Antique Day at the Adams County Fair. Tractor rides begin at 8 a.m. Draft horse games begin at 10 a.m. A cornhole tournament will be held at noon. Both the fun dog show and the antique road show begin at 1 p.m. A 4-H table-setting contest will be held at 3 p.m. The mechanical bull will be available from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The 4-H fashion show will be held at 6 p.m. Races begin at the Adams County Speedway at 7 p.m.

July 11 is Kids Day at the fair. A 5K color run will start the day at 7 p.m. followed by the broiler show at 7:30 a.m. The Fair Board breakfast and sheep and goat show begin at 8 a.m. Services for an outdoor church will be held at 10:30 a.m. The mechanical bull will be available from noon to 7 p.m. Afternoon and evening activities include the poultry show at 1 p.m., a magic show at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., a baby contest at 3 p.m., a Quilts of Valor presentation at 5 p.m., spin art at 6 p.m., a robotic demonstration at 6 p.m., and Dairyland donkey boll at 7 p.m.

The swine show begins at 7:30 a.m. July 12 followed by the rabbit and small pet show at 11 a.m. The Bill Riley Talent Show begins at 1 p.m. followed by the bucket of junk contest at 2 p.m., family fair tours at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m., the pedal pull at 5 p.m., the 4-H Foundation and State Fair awards at 6 p.m., and a draft horse pull at 7 p.m.

The fair wraps up July 13. A pancake breakfast starts the day at 7 a.m. followed by the beef show at 8:30 a.m. The dog show will take place at 1 p.m., livestock judging at 1:30 p.m., Ag Day in the pavilion at 2 p.m., Reach the Red from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., the 4-H tall corn contest at 4 p.m., the Ag Day meal at 5 p.m., bottle buckaroo show at 5 p.m., and the fair sale at 7 p.m.

Pinecreek Meadows coming to Corning

Developers of a new project are working to bring maintenance-free living for older adults to Adams County.

The Adams Community Economic Development Corporation will hold two sessions for Pinecreek Meadows, a proposed two-story 20-unit development for those 55 and older, June 29 at the Corning Community Center. Each session will have a short presentation with the developers and construction team. Project plans with layouts, elevations, and handouts will be available. Session 1 will be from noon to 2:30 p.m. with a short presentation at 12:30 p.m. Session 2 will be from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. with a short presentation at 6 p.m.

“Feel free to stop in for a short time during any of those times to fit your schedule,” ACEDC president Donna Hogan said.

Plans for the project include one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and two-bedrooms plus den units, each with their own kitchen and laundries in a tree and river lined acreage in Corning. Hogan said first-story units will have a small walk-out patio and second-story units will have a balcony. An elevator will service the second-floor units with underground parking and storage areas. An additional parking garage will be available for second-car families.

“We want to hear your thoughts, ideas and opinions on this project,” Hogan said. 

For more information about senior cooperative living, call (712) 621-6547.

Chamber preps
​for golf tourney

The Adams Community Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for its annual golf tournament Aug. 3 at Happy Hollow Country Club in Corning.

The best ball tournament is limited to 18 teams. The cost is $200 per team and $45 per golf cart or golfers can bring their own carts. Teams can buy two mulligans for $20 per team. Hole sponsorships are available for $50. Businesses will be displayed on one of nine holes with a limit of two sponsors per hole.

Hy-Vee won the 2020 tournament to earn $200 off its chamber membership and possession of the traveling trophy. 

Tee off is at 10 a.m. Aug. 3. Registration is due by July 26. Checks should be made payable to Adams Community Chamber of Commerce. Email registration forms to chamber@adamscountyiowa.com or drop off registration forms at 710 Davis Ave.

For more information, call (641) 322-3243

County assessor
​to begin inspections

Adams County assessor Ben Mullen recently announced that door-to-door inspections of all real estate in Adams County will begin approximately June 14.

A reappraisal project was approved by the Conference Board in February 2017.

The purpose of the reappraisal program is to equalize property assessments so that each taxpayer is responsible for paying only his/her fair share of the property tax burden.  Periodic inspections and reappraisal of properties is necessary as all types of properties do not increase or decrease in value at the same rate. Some properties physically deteriorate faster than others, and in many instances similar homes located in different areas of the county will differ greatly in value due to economic factors.

Data collectors with photo ID signed by the assessor will make interior and exterior inspections of all properties. They will be compiling information to be used to estimate the fair market value of each property. Information to be collected includes type of construction, type of interior finish, physical condition of the property, age of structures and exterior measurements. A complete sales analysis, local construction costs, and economic conditions are also considered. No estimate of value will be given at the time of inspection.

Property owners are asked to cooperate by allowing a complete inspection of their property and providing accurate information so that a fair and equitable assessment may be determined for each property.

The preliminary data collection process will begin in June 2021. The project is scheduled for completion Dec. 31, 2021.

Notice of final value estimates will be mailed to each property owner after Jan. 1, 2022.  The property owners will have an opportunity to meet informally to discuss their revaluation in the spring of 2022.

The new assessed values will be effective for Jan. 1, 2022, for taxes payable in fiscal 2023-2024.
Representatives of Vanguard Appraisals Inc. in conjunction with the Adams County Assessor’s Office will be conducting this project.

All law enforcement agencies as well as the Adams County Assessor’s Office will be apprised of the areas where data collectors are working. They will also have a listing of all names and license plate numbers of anyone involved in the project.

Any property owner with questions regarding the reappraisal project is urged to contact the Adams County assessor’s office at (641) 322-4312 or email assessor@adamscountyia.com. Additional information is available at https://adams.iowaassessors.com.

Submitted photo — Six local service members were presented Quilts of Valor on May 27. From left are Gregory Myers, Jack Nevius, Donnie Willett, Shannon Townsend, Benjamin Mullen, and Britney Mullen.

Six receive Quilts of Valor

Six local service members were presented Quilts of Valor on May 27.

Receiving quilts from Quilts of Valor Foundation volunteers are:

Shannon Townsend — Townsend served in the U.S. Marines Corp from 1992 to 2000. He attained the rank of corporal. His quilt was made by Judi Perrin and quilted by a QOV Foundation volunteer in Winterset.

Gregory Myers — Myers served in the U.S. Army from Jan. 10, 2001, to Dec. 31, 2005, including 12 months in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He attained the rank of E5. His quilt was made by Judi Perrin and quilted by a QOV Foundation volunteer in Winterset.

Britney Mullen — Britney Mullen served in the Iowa National Guard from November 2003 to May 2012 helping Southwest Iowa with the floods of 2008. She attained the rank of specialist. Her quilt was made by Judi Perrin and quilted by a QOV Foundation volunteer in Winterset.

Benjamin Mullen — Benjamin Mullen served in the Iowa National Guard from May 2010 to December 2012 and was stationed at Camp Slayer and Bagdad during Operations Iraqi Freedom. He attained the rank of specialist. His quilt was made by Judi Perrin and quilted by a QOV Foundation volunteer in Winterset.

Donnie Willett — Willett served in the Iowa National Guard from 1958 to 1965. He attained the rank of SPEC 5. His quilt was made by Judi Perrin and quilted by a QOV Foundation volunteer in Winterset.

Jack Nevius — Nevius enlisted in the U.S. Army in April of 1976. After completion of Basic, AIT and Airborne schools he was assigned to the 2nd BN, 75th Airborne Ranger Regiment at Fort Lewis, Wash. He graduated from Ranger School in 1977 and later transferred to the 9th Infantry Division, also at Fort Lewis. In 1978 Nevius was reassigned to Panama Canal Zone on the Isthmus of Panama.There he was a member of the 1st BN, 508th INF (Airborne detachment of the 82nd Airborne DIV) at Fort Kobbe on the Pacific side of the isthmus. While there he graduated from the Airborne Jumpmaster School. In 1979 Nevius was selected to be an instructor at the Jungle Operations Training Center (JOTC) at Fort Sherman on the Caribbean side of the Isthmus. There he spent his last year on active duty teaching at the Jungle Warfare School, discharging in April of 1980 as a sergeant E5.

Nevius returned to Iowa and enrolled at the University of Northern Iowa through the GI Bill. He also enlisted in the Iowa Army National Guard and shortly thereafter was accepted as an officer candidate in the Iowa Military Academy’s OCS program at Camp Dodge, north of Des Moines. Nevius was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in 1982 and served with the 1st BN, 133rd INF in Charles City and Oelwein, Iowa. While there he served as an infantry platoon leader, company executive officer, and detachment commander. He was promoted to 1st lieutenant in 1984. After graduating from UNI in 1985 and accepting employment with EDS of Dallas, Texas, he transferred to Inactive Army Reserve.

After returning to Iowa, Nevius returned to active drill status to accept the position of company commander of Company A, 1st BN, 410th INF, U.S. Army Reserves in Waterloo. He served in that capacity until 1991, then returned to the Inactive reserves. In 1998 he was recruited back to active drill status to become company commander of the 445th Tactical Transportation Company in Waterloo, where he was promoted to captain. He served there until early 2001 when he ended his military career after 25 years of service.

His quilt was made by Erma Fuller and quilted by a QOV Foundation volunteer in Winterset.

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County to see
​new alert system

Adams County Emergency Management will replace is current alert system, Alert Iowa, to Rave Alert and Smart 911 effect July 1.

With the switch, residents will have access to new feature and functions that will enhance how the county receives alerts.

The Smart911 app allows users to receive push notifications from the state, including National Weather Service warnings, and to set up a use profile for individuals and family members that includes options to add multiple addresses and numbers.

For those who do not want to use the Smart911 app, a county opt-in page will be available that will allow users to register multiple addresses and numbers to create a user account.

Users will be able to sign up and receive alerts in languages other than English.

There will be the ability to provide additional information to the registry, which will be used in the event of an emergency for messaging to a specific group.

Instructions on how to register the new system will be released soon and will be found by visiting the Adams County Emergency Management web page https://www.adamscountyia.com/departments/adams-county-emergency-management/.

Residents who are currently registered for Adams County alerts through Alert Iowa will need to re-registers for the new systems, Rave Alert and/or Smart911, to continue to receive alerts after June 30.​

Timberwolves 2021

FCCLA students
​advance to nationals

STAR (Students Taking Action with Recognition) Events are Competitive Events in which Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) members are recognized for their proficiency and achievement in chapter and individual projects, leadership skills, and career preparation. 

STAR Events allow students to compete individually or as a team. There are more than 30 STAR Events students can choose to compete in, all which recognize participants who demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities to actively identify an issue concerning families, careers, or communities, research the topic, and develop and implement a project to advocate for positive change.

In order to advance to the national level in a STAR Event, members first compete at the district and state levels. Three SWV students competed in Clarinda on Feb. 9 and advanced to the state competition in Gowrie on April 1. Both entries received gold medals in the state competition qualifying for the national level in Nashville, Tenn., June 27 – July 2. Kayla Mitchell will be competing in National Programs of Action – Community Service while Karsyn Poston and Allyssa Sothman are teamed up for the Chapter Service Display category. 

“I am extremely proud of these young women for stepping up to organize these great community service projects. I never dreamed how much money and supplies we would raise to give back to those in need,” adviser Lisa Konecne said. By completing STAR Events the students have learned valuable life skills such as time management, communication skills, and organizational skills.”

“For Allyssa’s and I’s project, I really wanted to help the animal rescue out in some way,” Poston said. “While working at the vet clinic, I have seen quite a few that were looking for new homes. I really wanted to be able to help the dogs that I have worked with find their forever homes.” 

“I have participated in the Pony Express Ride for Iowa for 16 years,” Mitchell said. “This ride is used to raise money for the special needs individuals and their family. They provide rehabilitation and respite camp services. I would have rode a total of 17 years if COVID-19 hadn’t canceled the 2020 ride as a result Camp Sunnyside received a reduced amount of funds. I chose to create my project to help offset the lack of needed funds that operate and provide a wonderful camp for many attendees.” 

“I learned the importance of community,” Sothman said. “We had the goal to raise money for the rescue our communities stepped up and helped us so much. I loved this project because we were able to raise money for a food cause and so many new friends were made through the volunteers.”

To help offset the cost of the trip to nationals, Mitchell, Poston, and Sothman will host a Color Fun Walk/Run at the SWV Middle School in Villisca on May 29. Run day registration begins at 8 a.m. with the run scheduled to start at 8:30. The cost is $10 per individual or $30 per family (two adults and two children — add $5 for each additional youth). Pre-registration is encouraged by email to swvfccla@gmail.com. 

“We encourage everyone to wear white as color will be thrown at you,” Konecne said.

About FCCLA
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America is a dynamic and effective national student organization that helps young men and women become leaders and address important personal, family, work, and societal issues through Family and Consumer Sciences education. FCCLA has more than 182,000 members and 5,253 chapters from 48 state associations, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

CHI Health Mercy Corning hits milestone

CHI Health Mercy Corning is celebrating its 70th anniversary.

CHI Health Mercy Corning opened its doors to patients in 1951 but the history started before that date. Rosary Hospital’s origin began in 1942 when a bequest from the Roach Brothers Estate went to Father Powers of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Corning, Iowa. Fr. Powers had the vision to establish a hospital to benefit the entire community.

In 1942, the community was still reeling from the effects of a severe farm depression and a prolonged drought. The intervention of the war years and related shortages delayed the project until March 1946. A community committee was formed to gather additional financial support for construction costs. Fr. Powers also approached the Felician Sisters to request qualified sisters to staff and operate the hospital upon its completion. Mother Mary Jolanta, provincial superior of the Chicago Motherhouse, agreed to this support. Soon after, Fr. Powers purchased a 42-acre site on the outskirts of Corning. Fr. Powers also began some initial construction on the site under his own design and supervision. During the 1994 renovation project, footings for his design were found.
In May of 1948, the community committee and Mother Mary Felicitas, new provincial superior, reached an agreement for general plans for the 40-bed hospital and management of construction. By 1949, the local community had contributed a total of $175,000 to be added to the $253,000 Roach Brothers’ bequest. This fell short of the estimated cost of the project, and to complete the project funding, Corning was awarded a government grant of $188,000. The construction began with August 1950 as completion target.

The $600,000, 42-bed facility opened its doors debt free in May of 1951. The first staff consisted of eight sisters, a lay staff of 42 full and part time employees, and a medical staff consisting of eight physicians.

Many changes have occurred at Rosary Hospital through the years. A significant change happened in March of 1989. The Felician Sisters withdrew their sponsorship of the hospital due to a decrease in vocations. The Des Moines Diocese became the hospital sponsor under Bishop Maurice Dingman. 
The next ownership change was in August 1985. Mercy Health Systems of the Midlands became the owner of Rosary Hospital. Mercy Health Systems of the Midlands became the owners in 1989. Alegent Health partnership formed in 1996 involved the Mercy Midlands Health System and the Immanual Lutheran System. And in 2012 Alegent Health and Creighton joined together Alegent Creighton Health. Changes continued through to the current ownership/name that the hospital and health system has today of CHI Health as division of Commonspirit Health. These changes and partnerships have provided strength and growth for the Southwest Iowa Critical Access hospital.

Mercy Corning continually looked for ways to improve health care for area residents throughout the years. Recognizing the shift from inpatient to outpatient care, a $750,000 fundraising effort was held in the community. These funds remodeled part of the hospital convent area into a modern outpatient clinic area. The Outpatient Clinic opened in spring of 1992. Following that project the laboratory in the basement was renovated to become a modernized department. The outpatient renovation project began the focus on other needed improvements in the building. The 21st Century Healthcare Campaign was launched in 1994 to secure funding for the estimated $3.6 million project. The community rallied to aid the hospital and pledged $1.6 million for the new construction and renovation project and the additional $2 million project funds came from the governing organization.

Groundbreaking ceremonies were held on a hot, windy day in August of 1995. Heavy equipment started rolling in late in the fall and construction continues on schedule for completion in 1997. The 14,000 square feet of new construction and renovated area included a 22-bed med-surgery wing, two emergency rooms, new surgical suite, cardiac rehabilitation, relocated and expanded physical and respiratory therapy departments, renovated space for medical records, dietary, social services, and environmental services. 

Health care changes moved the next major hospital project to the fore front rapidly. A $6.1 million project broke ground in August of 2005 and opened to the public with a special event on Sunday, Sept. 23, 2007. The new space added 20,635 square feet to the hospital campus and 8,740 square feet of space was renovated. The south end of the hospital campus became the Corning Clinic, Specialty Clinic, and new dietary/cafeteria area. Other new areas included an expanded surgical suite and radiology area. The former administration offices were transformed into a cardiopulmonary rehabilitation suite. The hospital and clinic share an expanded lobby area which includes the hospital chapel, a conference room and receptionist areas.

The radiology department was expanded with the project with the traditional radiology exam equipment, DEXA scan, CT scanner, ultrasound, 3D mammography and waiting area located within the department. Patient privacy and comfort were key factors in the department design along with significant technology improvements.

A new department of the hospital was the addition of the Wellness Center when the original Wellness Center opened in downtown retail space on Seventh Street in February 2003 and expanded in October of 2006 to adjoining business space. And the Mercy Health Care Foundation funded the renovation of Pamida building and the Wellness Center opened in its current location in May 2010. 
Today, the hospital has a staff of 136 employees with its clinics having four physicians and three midlevel providers. In addition to these providers, the hospital has 18 specialists for specialty and surgical services. The hospital provides management and staffing for the Adams County Emergency Services as well as having a helipad onsite.

Along the way, Mercy Corning has been recognized for outstanding service to patients. After becoming a critical access hospital, Mercy Corning has been at Top 20 Critical Access hospital multiple times and most recently was recognized as a Top 20 critical access hospital in America for patient satisfaction. 

CHI Health Mercy Corning is fortunate to have been built in 1951 in a community that has supported it financially and emotionally through the years. Its staff and volunteers continue to work toward fulfilling a mission of the hospital: to provide high quality care for the body, mind and spirit of every person.

Dreams can come
​true at SWV

The Southwest Valley Music Department has been busy this spring working on its production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella.” 

Show times are Saturday, May 1, and Sunday, May 2, in the Southwest Valley Auditorium. Saturday’s show will start at 7 p.m. and Sunday’s will start at 2 p.m. Tickets are $7 for adults and $6 for students and can be purchased at the door. Masks are required to attend this production.

The production features senior Kendi Graham as Cinderella and Kade Hutchings at Prince Christopher. Other seasoned veterans of the stage include Jacob Roberts as the King and Joslynn Moore as the Queen.

“We have several new faces to the stage as well: Emma DeVore and Lexi Weston (the Stepsisters) and Karissa Richey (Stepmother),” SWV director Mindy Docker said. “The Fairy Godmother is played by junior Lyric Cory.

“Does Cinderella’s dreams come true? Can the Prince find his mystery girl from the ball?” Docker said. “Come join us on Saturday and Sunday to find out.

Fostering Hope
to hold courses

Fostering Hope of Southwest Iowa will hold a free community training event, Strong Kids — Strong Future: Helping Adults Help Kids, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 1 at First Presbyterian Church at 907 Grove Ave.

The event will include a variety of courses including information about human trafficking, drug awareness, trauma and healing the brain, sleep issues, psychostimulants, healthy sexual development, and CPR/First Aid certification.

Fostering Hope planned a similar event last spring but the COVID-19 pandemic limited the courses to just a few online classes, Fostering Hope organizer Michelle Morgan said.

“We planned it but we had to cancel it but were able to do a few classes by Zoom,” she said.

Morgan said the Strong Kids — Strong Future courses are not just for foster parents, parents, and teachers but for anyone “who knows and loves kids.”

“We just want to get the word out that it’s for everybody,” she said. “We want it to be beneficial to the community as well as foster parents.”

The CPR/First Aid certification course, for example, is for “anyone who needs certification,” Morgan said.

The courses are Department of Human Services foster care credit approved and Early Childhood Development credit approved. Register online by April 23 at 1stprescorning.org/strong.

The courses include:

• Pediatric child/infant/adult CPR/AED and First Aid
Instructor Cena Danielson, LPN,ACE-PT is the CHI Health Wellness Center coordinator. She also devotes her time to multiple community projects with health focuses. Danielson is a certified instructor for the American Heart Association to help spread awareness and the importance of learning CPR. She has been instructing AHA CPR/AED classes for the last five years to businesses and communities. 

• Dangerous Playgrounds 2.0 — Drug Awareness and Trends
Instructor Mike McGuire has been employed with the 2nd Judicial District Department of Correctional Services as a probation/parole officer since 1989. He was the coordinator of the Cerro Gordo County Community Drug Court program from 2000 until 2010 and currently serves as the area office supervisor for the Mason City probation and parole office. He and his wife Christie have eight children and have been foster and adoptive parents for over 20 years. McGuire will speak about the different classifications of abused substances (both legal and illicit) and will leave this training with a working knowledge of the terminology, visual identity, the “how they are used,” the “how they are made,” and the effects of substances on the community.

• Human Trafficking in Iowa: It’s Here and Thriving
Instructor Ruth I. E. Buckels, LMSW, is the AMP and the Teens Against Human Trafficking  statewide coordinator for Youth and Shelter Services in Ames. AMP is an advocacy program focusing on youth voices initiating system change in the child welfare system. TAHT is a school focused program seeking to set up teams of youth in each school who will create safety in that school through education. Buckels will present a candid discussion on how human trafficking operatives work, impact on victims, and how people serving youth can identify and respond. Iowa examples and stories will be shared to clarify situations. This presentation also contains statistics of trafficking trends, and video testimonials of actual victims of Human Trafficking.

• The Magic of Healing the Brain
Instructor Dr. Joann Seeman Smith is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who specializes in diagnosis, and treatment of children and adolescents. She received her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Iowa State University in 2008. Smith has been providing training for foster and adoptive parents since 2008. She currently has her own practice with offices in Ames and Granger. She also provides consultation and training for schools to better understand children with trauma. Smith will explore activities that will work towards healing the traumatized brain and towards creating a healthy secure attachment. These activities will be taught and practiced.

• Nurturing Healthy Sexual Development
Instructor Megan Parsons is a certified domestic abuse specialist with Crisis Intervention and Advocacy. She is certified through the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Parsons will discuss why it’s important to nurture sexual development within children and will cover topics such as normal behavior children may exhibit, as well as normal curiosity, exploration, and questions children may ask; how to respond to these questions and behaviors and how to have open communication with children about their sexual development.

• Sleep: How to Know When Something is Wrong and What to Do
Instructor Dr. Joann Seeman Smith is a licensed mental health counselor who specializes in diagnosis, and treatment of children and adolescents. She received her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Iowa State University in 2008. Smith has been providing training for foster and adoptive parents since 2008. She currently has her own practice with offices in Ames and Granger. She also provides consultation and training for schools to better understand children with trauma. Smith will discuss what healthy and developmentally normal sleep looks like and what are some red flags to signal there might be an issue. She will explore the three major categories of childhood sleep disorders, dyssomnias, parasomnias, and psychiatric/medical and discuss good sleep hygiene techniques.
​
• Stigma of Substance Abuse and Psychostimulants
Instructor Jessica Petter is a prevention specialist for Zion Integrated Behavioral Health Services with two and a half years in the behavioral health field and five years in healthcare. She graduated with her bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Psychology and Sociology from Eastern Washington University. The Stigma of Substance Abuse training will give parents, teachers, and caregivers the opportunity to educate themselves about the impact of stigma on populations that use substances. It will provide insight into what stigma is, how it forms, and how it ultimately affects the community. The Psychostimulants training will give parents, teachers, and caregivers the opportunity to educate themselves about Psychostimulants and their impact in Iowa. This training will give participants an education on what psychostimulants are, how they affect the brain and body, what common medical uses they have, and an understanding of the potential for their misuse

Ernst visits Adams County

U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst heard about challenges of opening a business during COVID-19 and met with community leaders about additional economic development projects April 6 in Adams County when she visited Corning as part of her 99-county tour.

Ernst toured the Corning Hotel, which opened in August 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. She spoke with Adams Community Economic Development Corporation members about the pandemic and its economic and mental effects on the community.

Meeting labor needs was a top concern. Ernst said she is focused on helping small businesses by reigning in regulations that are often burdensome. One example, she said, was improved work visas that, combined with adequate housing, could help build the local labor force.

The lack of high-speed broadband access remains a concern and expanding it can be a boon to communities throughout the state, Ernst said. Improved broadband would help not only businesses but rural families and students of all ages.

Infrastructure improvements, specifically highways, was another topic of discussion. Expanding Highway 34 to four lanes could help ease traffic, especially with long-haul trucking.

Submitted photo — Main Street Corning Public Relations chair Marilea Mullen, right, presents a token of appreciation to Main Street Iowa’s Darlene Strachan for her retirement.

Strachan ends
​where she begins

Main Street Iowa conducted a partnership visit March 30 with Main Street Corning organization. 

The Adams Community Economic Development Corporation provides funding for Main Street Corning program, which has received accreditation from the National Main Street Center for more than 30 years. 

Darlene Strachan was Corning Main Street director from 1999 to 2001 prior to accepting the Main Street Iowa state position. Strachan chose Corning as her last assessment location prior to retiring. 
“I left Corning for the state and wanted to end in Corning,” she said. 

The Community Center was open to the public between 9 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. to wish Strachan well upon her retirement April 1.

Main Street Corning Public Relations chair Marilea Mullen presented Strachan with a small token of appreciation for all she did and has done for the community in the years both working in Corning and in her state capacity.

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Submitted photo — Main Street Public Relations presented the Central Park light crew the 2020 Volunteer of the Year Award and a volunteer and awards celebration March 23 at the Corning Community Center. The light crew includes, from left, Betsy Akin, Gary Badgett, Patty Peterson, Bert Peckham, Jan Leonard, and Jerry Peckham.

Main Street names Volunteer of Year

Main Street Public Relations hosted a volunteer and awards celebration on the evening of March 23 at the Corning Community Center. 

Marilea Mullen, Public Relations chair, recognized the bi-monthly volunteers from 2020 and announced the 2020 Volunteer of the Year Award. 

“We are here to recognize the resiliency of our Main Street Community and some of our volunteers who made a difference,” Mullen said. 

Every year, members of the Public Relations Committee selects individuals or organizations who selflessly give of their time to improve our community and the Main Street district. Those selected in 2020 were the Historic Preservation Committee, Jamie McManis, the Corning Hotel Board, both the Sheriff Office and Corning Fire Department, the Central Park light crew, and teaming up together Julia Paul and Jamie Stargell, Mullen said. The 2020 Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to the Central Park light crew. 

“These volunteers are responsible for the joy our community feels when Central Park turns into a winter wonderland,” Mullen said. “Thank you to this special group of volunteers who spend many hours, regardless of the weather, setting up and taking down the spectacular light display we all enjoy year after year.”

Also recognized were accomplishments under each of the Main Street Four Points (Design, Economic Vitality, Organization, and Promotions) which were submitted to Main Street Iowa. In 2020, each of the Four Point Committees pivoted and adjusted at every turn, Mullen said. 

The Design pillar of the Main Street Approach is influential in working with local government to create options for ordinance and policy changes to enhance the Main Street District. City Council granted approval for an exception to the sidewalk ordinance allowing Primrose Restaurant to have outdoor seating for their patrons. 

Under the Economic Vitality pillar, Main Street was able to create pamphlets for eateries, which showed options of curbside and delivery. These pamphlets have expanded to retail businesses, self-care, and eateries and pubs. They are available at the Corning Hotel, Lauvstad Center lobby, and Lake Icaria for both locals and visitors, creating a broad reach and awareness of local businesses that serve the community. 

Community outreach is part of the Organizational pillar, which is just what happened when Reagan Brown led the Aspiring Entrepreneurs of Adams County Camp. Partnering with local businesses to share their business knowledge and providing tools and resources allowed the young students to create their own business model and present it to a panel of judges. Seeing an opportunity to collaborate with other communities, Jamie Stargell and Julia Paul worked on the SWIA Shop Hop. Under the Promotion pillar, the event successfully launched on social media achieving the goal of promoting “shop local” in area communities.

“Volunteers are the heart of our Main Street organization and are the key component to our success, ”said Main Street Corning executive director Marti Gebbie said. 
​
 “We invite you to be our partners on the wonderful journey to make Main Street Corning a great place to be,” Mullen said at the conclusion of the celebration.

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Online vaccine appointments offered

COVID-19 vaccine eligibility expands to include all Iowans on April 5 and to help Adams and Taylor County residents schedule a vaccination appointment Taylor County Public Health is introducing the ability to book appointments online.

“We want to provide this option as we transition to newly eligible groups for the vaccine,” Taylor County Public Health administrator Crystal Drake said. “After registering using the online system, you will choose an appointment date and time that works for you.”

Once selected, participants receive a ticket that grants access to Taylor County Public Health’s COVID-19 clinic and reserves a vaccine for the participant.

“The process is very smooth and does not require more than a couple minutes of time for those that use smartphones or computers,” Drake said. “This will also open up options for neighbors in surrounding counties as we have exhausted our waitlist.”

Currently there are no residency requirements for the vaccine in Taylor and Adams counties. Taylor County Public Health continues to partner with other vaccine providers in the counties — Bedford Drug, NuCara Pharmacy and Corning HyVee Pharmacy.  

“We look forward to continuing vaccination efforts in our communities and assisting fellow Iowans in becoming fully vaccinated against COVID-19,” Drake said.

Us the following link to schedule an appointment. All open vaccination clinics through Taylor County Public Health will be listed under this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/taylor-county-public-health-32838770479.

Historic piano
​returns to Corning

A baby grand piano originally owned by Iowa Gov. Daniel “Dan” Webster Turner has found a home again in Corning.

Dr. Patricia Tice gifted the Wm. Knabe and Company piano that was built in 1913 to the First Presbyterian Church of Corning. The 5-foot, 1-inch baby grand piano was delivered to the church March 12 by S&P Piano Services of Des Moines.

Dr. Tice had owned the piano since the 1990s but after purchasing a fully restored 1928 Steinway L Onyx Duet she spoke with the Turner family to find a home for Gov. Turner’s piano.

“No one had a good place for it,” First Presbyterian Church Pastor Jessica Paulsen said.

So the Turner family suggested the piano be donated to the church Paulsen said and, after working out the details, the church board accepted the gift.

Paulsen said the move and set-up of the piano “went super smooth.” Shon Clausen with S&P Piano Services oversaw the piano’s installation.

“Dr. Tice had hired him to move it and they took care of all that,” Paulsen said.

Paulsen said having the piano back in the community has great historical meaning. She said church records show that Gov. Turner was a member of church from 1889 until his death at age 92 in 1969.
Although the Gov. Tuner’s piano wasn’t used in Sunday’s services, Paulsen said the piano’s arrival was “exciting.”

“It fits our space well,” she said.

Paulsen said that excitement was shared with one of the church’s pianists, Judy Townsend.

“She said 'I can’t wait to practice on that next week,'” Paulsen said.

Once COVID-19 concerns have diminished, the church plans to dedicate the piano at a future service.

“We’re very pleased and honored to receive this gift and are look forward to using it as part of our ministry as we go forward,” Paulsen said.

Brooks UMC
​to hold final service

A closing chapter in the history of Brooks United Methodist Church took place March 7 when five boys were baptized at the church attended by the parents or grandparents.

The final baptism and confirmation come after more than 130 years of the church serving the community. Now with just six members, all of whom are in the 70s or 80s, the sale of Brooks UMC and Brooks community hall will bring the church to an end.

“We’re selling everything in here and in the hall,” Jerry Peckham, Brooks UMC president, said.
Peckham and Brooks UMC treasurer Cheryl Swartz spoke March 3 about the church, its history, and the role it played in their lives. 

Brooks UMC got its start in 1857 when a bishop from Indianola started a seminary in Brooks when a few local Methodists began meeting their for services. The seminary later became Simpson College, which later move to Indianola. At the time Brooks had four churches in a population of about 350 residents.

In 1883 Brooks UMC bought lots 7-8-9 and became the site of  the church. The seminary’s organ, bell, stove, and other items were moved to the new church.

A fire in 1922 destroyed the original church, Peckham said. Corning Fire Department was called but firefighters were unable to save the church. The church was rebuilt in 1923 using materials from a church that closed in 1920 in the Dog Hollow community on old Highway 34.

Peckham said the congregation was proud of the new church for having so few members.

“Church used to be a more social event,” he said. 

The church would hold a potluck once a month and Peckham said he used to ride his pony to the church to carry water to threshing crews in the fields.

“The women were very active for many years,” Swartz said.

The church would hold dinner fundraisers and for a time the men would hold pancake suppers.
Brooks UMC became associated with Carbon and Carl United Methodist Churches. Brooks celebrated its 125 anniversary in 2008 and installed new carpet and windows for the event.

Items from Brooks will go to other churches when Brooks UMC closes its doors for good. The stained glass windows at Brooks that came from a Baptist church in Corning will go Lenox UMC as will the altar. Carbon will take Brooks’ baptismal and the glass from the church windows. The bell will become part of a monument for the church after it is taken down.

“Everything has a beginning and an end,” Peckham said.

Brooks UMC’s long history will still see two more closing chapters — its final service at 2 p.m. March 14 and final sale of the church and Brooks community hall March 27.

The service will be open to the public but masks will be required. The Rev. Melissa Drake, conference superintendent for UMC’s Southwest Region, will conduct the service.

Dashboard provides
COVID-19 insight
Iowans seeking more information about COVID-19 cases, testing, and vaccinations can visit the Iowa Department of Public Health’s website coronavirus.iowa.gov.

The COVID-19 dashboard provides insight into the number of new cases, statistics on positive cases by sex and age groups, and daily state case counts from March 2, 2020, to date.

To date, Adams County has seen 327 positive COVID-19 tests. The county has also administered 200 of its 538 vaccine series initiated.

During the early months of the pandemic, Iowa Department of Public Health reported the number of new positive COVID-19 case-patients and positivity rate daily, Taylor County Public Health administrator Crystal Drake said. The department looked at many of the state’s metrics on a daily basis. At that time, understanding the characteristics of the people being impacted by this new virus was very important. The information told the department how many new cases were in the state, what their characteristics were, and helped target mitigation efforts accordingly.

“But over time, as the rate of testing increased, monitoring overall trends in addition to recent activity has become increasingly more important,” Drake said. “Looking at key data points in terms of 14-day rolling averages to align with the incubation period of the illness has allowed us to better monitor incidence, or new cases of the virus, giving us a more complete picture of current COVID-19 activity across the state and in specific counties.”

As antigen testing, or “rapid testing,” became more readily available and commonly used for routine testing, the number of tests by individuals began increasing significantly, and the process to duplicate tests by individuals became even more complex, Drake said.

In early October, Drake said Public Health made the decision to begin publicly reporting results for both tests by individuals and total tests, so Iowans could compare both reporting methods, knowing that at some point, it may become necessary to make a change to better reflect recent activity and to make comparisons with other states that use this approach a little easier.

At that time, approximately 825,000 Iowans had been tested, and 1.3 million total tests conducted.
 
“Now, we’ve doubled the number of individuals tested and tripled our total tests,” Drake said. “The shift from individual tests to total tests means that positivity rates will also shift to align with total test results.”

The Iowa Department of Public Health’s dashboard now shows the total number of positive tests instead of the number of individuals who have tested positive (cases), Drake said. 
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“This may look like an increase, but is due to the number of cases that have had more than one positive test,” she said. “The number of cases can still be calculated using the Individuals Positive data in both the PCR and Antigen test fields. This also will have an effect on the percentage positivity since it will now be calculated using total tests, and will cause our reported percentage positive to show a slight decrease.”

Submitted photo — Adams County 4-H Safety Education and Shooting Sports meet each month to train new trap shooters at the Corning Gun Club near Lake Binder. The Gun Club is hoping raise $4,000 to secure matching funds for grant applications to replace a 25-year-old trap machine.

Gun Club begins
​capital campaign

A long-time Corning organization has begun a capital campaign to bring some of its equipment up to date.

The Corning Gun Club was established at the current location near Lake Binder in 1947. People have been able to shoot trap since that time. Through the years the popularity of trap shooting has varied said David Fuller. The Gun Club added sporting clays in the early 1990s. 

The Gun Club has started a capital campaign to replace one of the trap machines that is 25 years old. Each year the machines throw 25,000 targets. Fuller said experienced and new shooters have been able to enjoy this sport, but last year one trap was not working well. This caused delays and less than pleasant experiences. Trap shooters come from Adams County and a 50-mile radius, thus bringing visitors to area. Each year is a team trap shoot, using two trap machines. Adams County 4-H Safety Education and Shooting Sports meets each month to train new trap shooters. In the past the Gun Club has hosted Boy Scouts and a First Shots program. 

The capital campaign will be used to secure matching funds for grant applications to replace the oldest trap machine. Fuller said the Gun Club is hoping to raise $4,000.

Those wishing to donate, can contact David Fuller, 1007 Washington, Corning or call (712) 370-3774 (Dean Lammers). Corning Gun Club is a 501(3)c and donations are deductible. 

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Public Health offering COVID-19 clinics

Additional shipments of COVID-19 vaccine to Adams and Taylor County has made it possible for Taylor County Public Health to offer clinics once a week in Corning and Bedford, Public Health administrator Crystal Drake said.

“This week we received news that said we will receive consistent shipments of vaccine for the remainder of February. Each week we will receive 100 initial doses in Adams and 100 initial doses in Taylor,” she said. “To account for this we’ve adjusted our vaccine clinic strategy and will now hold one clinic each week in Bedford and another in Corning to dispense all of the vaccine we receive. We will continue to receive boost doses separately to ensure everyone that received their initial dose will get a second dose.”

Drake said she also learned that the vaccine will be sent to retail pharmacies. 

“This is good news as it means more vaccine will be available in our area each week,” she said. “Right now Bedford Drug in Bedford and NuCara Pharmacy in Lenox are slated to receive vaccine in the upcoming weeks. It is not yet known when HyVee Pharmacy in Corning will receive their shipment of vaccine. Demand for the vaccine continues to outweigh our supply, however we are starting to see more entities receive vaccine that will slowly increase our supply.”

Drake said Public Health’s focus remains on those  65 and older but initial vaccinations have been completed for school staff law enforcement, fire personnel and child care providers (Tier 1) in Taylor and Adams County. She said the next focus is on workers in food, agriculture, distribution and manufacturing who are unable to social distance while working. 

“This will be our largest tier of essential workers to vaccinate,” she said. “We work to find the best approach to vaccinate this group of people with the supply we will be given. More information will be forthcoming for these employers. “

Taylor County Public Health continues to take names of individuals 65 years of age and older. To be included on the list, call the Public Health office at (641) 322-6283 or (712) 523-3405. Public Health will use the list to schedule an appointment for vaccination at one of its weekly clinics.

“Please pass this information along to those you know,” Drake said.

Drake said Public Health is using a tier approach to scheduling vaccination appointments for those 65 and older. Since age is the highest indicator of severe illness and mortality followed by pre-existing conditions to COVID, Public Health schedules those who were the oldest with severe health conditions first. 

“We continue to work down the tiers as more vaccine is received. We will begin scheduling those that are 65-75 years old with severe health conditions within the next two weeks,” she said. “Right now there is no residency requirements for vaccination, however with the limited supply we are giving priority to residents of Taylor and Adams County.”

Drake said that while progress is being made in the battle against the pandemic precaution should continue to be a priority.
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“We all want to celebrate the end of the pandemic as soon as possible, but we are not there yet. Please continue to mask, social distance, and be mindful of gathering in large numbers,” she said. “Please know that our goal is to vaccinate our communities to the best of our abilities. I continue to thank you for your grace and patience as we work countless hours to prevent and protect.”

SWIFT builds 90 fish habitat structures
On Feb. 7 the Southwest Iowa Fishing Team casted off their aggressive 2021 conservation project to help to restore and replenish precious deteriorating fish habitat across Southwest Iowa lakes and ponds.

Preserving habitats is essential to preserving biodiversity. Like all animals, fish need a healthy living space or habitat, to survive, grow, and reproduce. The quality and quantity of fish habitat in a water body directly affects fish populations and the quality of fishing for anglers.

The SWIFT goal is to produce 200 different types of artificial fish habitat structures to address the needs of aquatic life in the lakes. Twenty student anglers almost reached the halfway point of their goal by producing 90 fish structures. The team went through 5,000 feet of plastic tubing — or almost a mile — which was used to mimic branches of a tree. All the materials used to build are recyclable, which keeps the waste out of the landfill and are not harmful to the fish but provide excellent substrate, nesting, spawning habitat, feeding locations, shelter for young fish and attract fish to make for better fishing. 

Bryan Hayes from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources also attended the event and spoke to the students about the importance of conservation and the impact of building good fish habitat structures will have on the lake's aquatic life and for their community. He applauded the students on their commitment to conservation and was impressed with the types of fish habitat structures they were producing. Every structure will help grow the sport of fishing and provide biodiversity in the lakes and ponds in the area. He also informed the students about the duties of the DNR and offered to the students if they wanted to know more about the DNR to consider job shadowing them for a day. 

The Southwest Iowa Fishing Team was formed to provide a safe and competitive activity for the students. The current 26-member team consists of boys and girls from Southwest Iowa surrounding communities who will compete in amateur youth fishing tournaments throughout the year-long season, with the opportunity to win Iowa State and National Championships with the Student Angler Federation and the Bass Federation. The primary initiative is to instill the ideals of good sportsmanship, education, conservation, and fish care through instruction, seminars, and training during all outdoor youth activities. Sixty percent of the students who participate on fishing teams are not involved with traditional high school sports. This extends more opportunity for students to be involved in school-like activity, and the potential to earn scholarships to advance their education.

For more information about the team or to sign up email swifishingteam@gmail.com or visit https://www.facebook.com/swifishingteam.

Boswell to release
two new books
A 1996 Corning High School graduate will soon release two new children’s book.

Author and artist Addie Boswell’s board books “Go, Trucks, Go!” and “Go, Planes, Go!” are available for pre-order online from various retailers. The books introduce young children to the worlds of trucks and planes and are part of her in-motion series of board books that also includes “Go, Boats, Go!” and “Go, Bikes, Go!”

Boswell, who now lives in Portland, Ore., published three books last year: “Five on The Bed,” “The Snow Dancer,” and “Go, Boats, Go!” Her first in-motion board book, “Go, Bikes, Go!” was released in 2019. Her first book, “The Rain Stomper,” was published in 2009.

Boswell finds inspiration  in people, particularly children. 

“There is always extraordinariness in ordinary life, and there is always a story to tell,” she says in her artist statement on her website, www.addieboswell.com. “The stories I find myself returning to are about family, shared work, growth, the seasons, and a sense of community or place.”

And though she’s now based in Portland, she credits her roots in Adams County and her teachers in Corning as part of her success.

“I wrote my first picture book in the seventh grade in Corning,” she said. “It was in LeAnn Morris’s talented and gifted class.”

Boswell’s story, “The Very Big Nose” (of Annabel Rose), gave her “a real sense of accomplishment that I can still conjure today.” She soon began believing she would grow up to become an author, artist, actress, or pianist  because of the creativity and freedom she found in Corning. 

“Growing up in a small town in Iowa granted me the chance to try all these things and I continue to love how different disciplines and mediums feed each other,” she said.

Boswell found another mentor in former Corning English teacher Pete Nett who had his students write in their journals every day. Boswell said that practice has stuck with her and is central to her writing life. 

“He really got me into writing,” she said.

Also pivotal in Boswell’s career was the hours she spent searching for books and reading in the Corning Public Library, where copies of her books can be found.

In college she fell in love with painting and had the fortune to study in Italy and traveled to West Africa.

“Both these experiences expanded my sight — and influenced my palette — for many years to come. It wasn't until I moved to Portland that I started meeting ‘real’ artists and writers — and trying to become one myself,” she said.

Boswell mainly works on public art and picture books now. Most recently she collaborated with children and other artists to create Common Threads, an exhibit using perforated steel panels based on Beaverton Arts Center’s creative history. She also worked with artist Antwoine Thomas to create Vibrant Cities Don’t Burn, an acrylic mural at Portland Fire and Rescue Headquarters. Both of these works can be seen on her website, www.addieboswell.com.

While Boswell credits growing up in Corning as the foundation for her life today as a successful author and artist, she now gets inspiration and help from one young critic — her  seven-year-old daughter Imogen.

“I read all my picture books to her first,” she said. “She’ll keep on me to keep working. I’ve been working on one story about a candy factory and she keeps asking if I‘m working on the candy factory.”

Inspired by questions from children, Boswell has also created a five-minute video on how to make a book, which is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4y8-Fhxy0UI&t=48s. She kept track of the time to make “Five on The Bed” to answer those questions.

Boswell said also set up a free front yard library where people can exchange books. 

“I’ve been stocking it and meeting more neighbors this year,” she said.

Boswell said there are two things anyone hoping for a career in art needs — mentors and time. And while she has had many mentors, her roots lie in Adams County.

“I’m grateful for public education in Iowa,” she said.

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Chamber honors community volunteers

The Adams Community Chamber Awards were held Jan. 21 at the Corning Community Center and livestreamed on the Adams Community Chamber Facebook page. 

There were a total of 22 nominees for 2020. The award winners are Best Agriculturalist, Bill Shipley; Entrepreneur of the Year, Primrose Restaurant, Joel Mahr and Jill Fulton; Organization/Business of the Year, Lake Icaria Park and Recreation, Adams County Conservation Board; John McMahon Volunteer of the Year, Jamie Stargell; and The Joe Cook Lifetime Support Award, Beth Waddle. 

Best Agriculturist — Bill Shipley started his lifelong pursuit and passion of farming in 1979 in the Nodaway area. He helped many local farmers while growing his own operation. His operation grew to encompass hogs, corn, soybeans, cattle, and hay as well, in addition to providing custom work for local area farmers including his family.

Shipley was an active member of the community and served as the Adams County Soil and Water Conservation District commissioner for 19 years, serving as chairman from 2002 to 2017, and became vice chair 2017 to current. He also was an Adams County Conservation Board member, holding all the offices over the 12 years he served. He was instrumental in building the cabins, cottages, and new shop at Lake Icaria and other improvements. He was director of District 7 on the Iowa Soybean Association board for eight years and was president (2017) and president-elect (2016) and was currently a board member. He was a leader and promoter of agriculture all over the world during this time and believed in the importance of establishing relationships with other countries as he hosted and toured many different groups from other countries, traveled extensively, making friends all over the world.

Beyond agriculture, Shipley was also an active member of the Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church and served as officer and elder there, in addition to being an active member of the FFA Alumni at Villisca, he was the Nodaway Cemetery manager/caretaker for 15 years, past Nodaway fireman, United Mercantile Co-op Board member, BlueJay Booster's Club, Pork Producers, Adams County Fair Board, and countless other area board and committees over the years.

Shipley received the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award in July 2016 for his conservation practices on his farms, as he was dedicated to farming the ground in a responsible and sustainable way, including being one of the very first area farmers to practice no-till farming in the early ‘90s. 

 “Bill was a progressive farmer, leader for agriculture and an involved community member,” Chamber director Marti Gebbie said. “To Bill’s family, we give our sincerest condolences to you. And we and so many others in our community will miss him and his unwavering dedication of service to agriculture and so many other areas of our county and state. Congratulations Bill Shipley.”

Entrepreneur of the Year — While COVID-19 radically had an impact on the Adams Community and businesses, Primrose Restaurant owners Joel Mahr and Jill Fulton developed a plan to continue offering their food options to the community while following the COVID-19 guidelines for safety.

“But what set them apart this year, was their giving back to the community at a time that was extremely tough in the restaurant business with restrictions being put in and constantly changing,” Gebbie said. “March 16, Joel and Jill announced that they would be giving a free hot meal to any Corning district student grades K-12 from Tuesday- Saturday. And this continued until it was time to go back to in person school time for students.” 

When they announced this endeavor, they made mention of knowing that the struggle for COVID-19 was across the community and could be particularly hard for parents. But they followed up with “This is a tight-knit community that supports each other.” 

“We are thankful that Primrose Restaurant and owners Joel and Jill are part of our community supporting our families,” Gebbie said.

Organization/Business of the Year — The Lake Icaria Conservation Board had the vision to improve the options at Lake Icaria with the construction of two new cottages. Those improvements proved to be a boon under COVID-19 when increased numbers of campers became the norm over the summer and the cabin reservations were filled spring, summer, and fall. The beach area saw increased visitor traffic as well since local pools in Southwest Iowa were closed.

“The leadership and the staff at Lake Icaria are to be commended for dealing so well with the influx of patrons while maintaining a clean and safe park and camping areas for all to visit,” Gebbie said. “Their customer service and building relationships with these visitors set a wonderful example for our community. Your vision to build the cottages, make the improvement to the park, hire and train excellent staff — these have combined to make our Lake Icaria park a great place to be. We thank you for be part of our community and helping us grow.”

John McMahon Volunteer of the Year — Jamie Stargell is active in many community organizations, including Main Street Board as president and committee member, and has been Rotary Club president. As Main Street Corning’s president, she coordinates with others to make the entire community a success. Stargell was instrumental in beginning a new program, the Aspiring Entrepreneur Workshop for youth. Through that program, she was able to connect with youth and start giving them background information and guidance on businesses and development.

Stargell recognized the need for change to keep people engaged in the community and businesses as COVID-19 affected program planning within the community. She found ways to use creative marketing on Facebook and how to hold events safely. She collaborated with three other communities for the first Southwest Iowa Shop Hop to encourage shopping locally and build the strength of area businesses and home vendors.

“She is engaged with supporting activities and always a willing volunteer to lend a helping hand,” Gebbie said.

Joe Cook Lifetime Support Award — Beyond the countless hours of leadership that Beth Waddle has provided in her role as Adams Community Economic Development director and previously as Chamber and Main Street director, she began sharing her love of the community as a volunteer with the Main Street Program as a member, then chairperson of Main Street’s Organization Committee, now known as Public Relations.

Waddle, who was unable to attend the ceremony because she volunteered to help as the Southwest Valley girls basketball scorekeeper, has supported the community’s youth throughout the years, beginning when she was a little league softball coach and provided youth basketball and volleyball AAU coaching. She served as a junior high girls’ softball assistant. She also enjoys her work as a high school speech judge, First Tech Challenge judge, and when she assists Southwest Valley as a judge when they host FFA or FBLA district contests. For a number of years, she was on the advisory board for business education for the Southwestern Community College region. 

Waddle has provided leadership and representation in many community organizations: Corning Rotary, Adams Community Ambassadors, Corning Center for the Arts, Icarian Players Board, and the City’s Community Visioning Committee which supports local planning efforts for community improvements. Other community involvement includes revitalizing the Icarian Players and directing the first play and a couple more when the Opera House reopened. She also has participated in madrigal and cantata performances. 

Waddle has also represented the community at the regional and state level. She has served on the Small Business Development Center Board, Southwest Iowa Coalition, Southern Iowa Council of Government, Community Vitality Commission spearheaded through Iowa State University.

Waddle’s church involvement at St. Patrick Church ranges from time as religious education coordinator, teacher, lector, cantor, liturgy committee, and parish council member. She also represented Southwest Iowa on the Des Moines Diocese Board of Education and chairperson of the Bishop’s Pastoral Council. She is one of the founding members of the AC Christmas Angels program, assisting families not only through the holiday but year-long for close to 20 years. 

“Thank you, Beth, for always wanting the best for our community and our region,” Gebbie said. “You are one of the key players in making that happen and we know that your passion for service for the betterment of others will continue.”

Gebbie and fellow Chamber members thanked the 2020 Chamber Board for their dedication and service:  president Wendi Boswell, vice president Devin Hunter, secretary Marilea Mullen, treasurer Julia Paul, and board members Chris Fenster, Denny Villhauer, Blake Venteicher, Marvin Smith, JT Morrison, Jessica Wilson, and Jason Mitchell.

New Chamber Board officers and members were also installed. They are president Jamie McManis, vice president Devin Hunter, secretary Alyssa Ogburn, treasurer Julia Paul, and board members Chris Fenster, Denny Villhauer, Blake Venteicher, Marvin Smith, Jessica Wilson, and Jason Mitchell.

“Congratulations to the 2020 winners — well deserved,” McManis said. “We have the best support and community involvement and it is because of people such as those we have honored here tonight as nominees and award winners. I challenge you to be part of the effort to keep our community growing and moving forward in 2021. We will continue to meet the challenges before us and work to make our community a great place to live and do business in.”

A look at 620 Davis Ave. and its rich history

By Steve Gruba
Main Street Public Relations

The former Iowa State Savings Bank building at 620 Davis Ave. in Corning is one of the most eye-catching buildings downtown. Partly for its standout light colored brick, but also for its arches and large windows. This handsome structure has a very colorful history.

Although A.F. Oakley ran Corning State Savings Bank in 1892 at another location, he teamed up with his brother-in-law C.H. Vernon to build a new bank on property owned by Mr. Vernon. On April 19, 1900, the brand-new Okey-Vernon Bank opened for business at 620 Davis Ave. boasting two fireproof vaults, one for money and the other for safety deposit boxes. Presumably, it was business as usual until 1915 when there was a two day “run” on the bank probably triggered by a rumor. Thirty-thousand dollars was withdrawn on a Friday and another $10,000 on Monday as people stood in line loudly demanding their money. To assure the public and the bank investors, $100,000 was brought in by special train from Omaha (it was the fastest way to travel then) and ultimately $175,000 in bills and gold were piled on the back counters as visible proof that the bank was solvent. The bank survived the “run” in good shape and in the next year moved to a new location on Davis Avenue.

On May 13, 1916, O.T. Hutchison and his son Hayden, always known as Hayde, moved their harness shop from next door into the remodeled former bank. It now sported an addition to the east housing a large skylight and a big oil tank made of concrete. The tank was handy for treating the tack required in the horse-and-buggy days. The older part of the building was used to display their goods. Dolores Parcher remembers having her good brown shoes dyed black at Hutchison’s in 1927 when she was in the seventh grade. They lasted her through the six years she was in band.

According to an Aug. 9, 1961, article from The Des Moines Tribune, Vernon Ashenfelter apprenticed to Hayde at age 19 in 1922 and bought the business from him in 1945. The need for harness sales and repair had gradually slacked off with the changing times, but Vern retained show harness repair and saddlery as he diversified the business into shoe sales and repair, sporting goods, and hand-crafted jewelry. This odd mix came about from Vern’s hobbies of rock collecting and polishing and his marksmanship with firearms and archery. A shooting range in the basement allowed the potential buyer to try out the weapon right on site!

Vern’s son Richard (Dick) started part-time work at the harness shop while in fifth grade; partly sorting harnesses, but also sweeping out the shop and washing the windows. By 1944 he was working full time in the shop. Vern passed away in 1966 and Dick purchased the business from his mother Bernice and renamed it Ashenfelter Repair Store, even though shoe sales remained a big part of the business. His wife Betty worked side by side with him repairing clothing, tarps, awnings and so many flags that she got the nickname “Betsy Ross of Corning.” According to his daughter Janet (Ashenfelter) Buzzard, the motto of the shop was “We mend the rips, patch the holes, build up the heels and save the soles.”

In 1989 the building came full circle as Dan Dunlap of First National Bank-Lenox restored it back to its original glory. The stamped metal ceiling was polished, the brick walls exposed, and the wood floors waxed to a shine. An attractive modern vault was installed in plain view behind the teller cages that looked like something right out of the Wild West. However, no gun slinging was allowed in the open dirt floored basement original from the earliest days. The old oil tank/harness production area got converted into offices.
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In 2020, this branch of Iowa State Savings Bank (who had taken it over from First National Bank) closed. This jewel of a building now sits empty. Soon, there will be activity bustling from inside the walls of this magnificent building. A local company, Balance4ward headquartered out of Nodaway, will be the next owner. With so much potential, the next chapter of this building is on the horizon. 

COVID-19 vaccine
rolls out locally 

As the first COVID-19 vaccines begin to be distributed across the United States, Adams/Taylor County Public Health administrator Crystal Drake said she is thrilled with the overwhelmingly positive reaction from the public eager to get their vaccination. 

However, vaccines are limited and these early doses are for people in the highest risk category, phase 1A, specifically healthcare workers and long term care residents and staff. 

Phases or risk groups are defined by the federal and state Infectious Disease Advisory Council, Drake said. Currently, these advisory councils are in the process of further defining these phases, groups, and sub-groups. Adams/Taylor County Public Health does not yet know who will get the vaccine next after healthcare workers and long-term care residents and staff. Broad information regarding recommendations exist, but specifics have not been released. 

“Taylor County Public Health is working with facilities in both counties to allocate vaccine doses to the Phase 1A priority populations,” she said. “Taylor County Public Health will continue to provide updates for other priority populations as we receive additional allocations of vaccine. We anticipate putting the updates out via local news outlets, our Facebook page, and website. While right now, the vaccine is being made available to the priority populations, it is anticipated that by mid-2021, there should be enough vaccine for anyone who wants to receive it.” 

Drake said until vaccine is widely available to all, it remains vitally important that all continue to take the necessary steps to decrease the spread of COVID-19. Always wear a mask while in public, practice social distancing, wash one’s hands often, and do not gather with those that do not live in one’s own household. 

“These steps, combined with a safe and effective vaccine, draw the road map to a quick and sustainable recovery,” Drake said.

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COVID-19 vaccine
arrives locally

The Adams/Taylor County Public Health Agency said Dec. 29 that the COVID-19 vaccine has arrived locally.

“We’ve received allocations of the COVID-19 vaccine in both Taylor and Adams counties,” agency administrator Crystal Drake said. “We are excited to have the vaccine in our toolkit to combat COVID-19 and already started vaccinating in both counties.”

The first doses are allocated to healthcare workers, assisted-living facilities (residents and staff), and long-term care facilities (residents and staff), Drake said.

“This is referred to as the 1A priority population,” she said. “The long-term care facilities in both counties are taking part in a federal contract with CVS Pharmacy to provide vaccinations.”

Healthcare workers in group 1A include but are not limited to individuals working in critical care, emergency departments, infectious disease, hospitalists, primary care, anesthesia, respiratory therapy, EMS, phlebotomy, pharmacy, students, volunteers, radiology, federally qualified health centers, COVID-19 vaccinators, COVID-19 specimen collectors, staff/physicians of urgent care centers, acute care clinic, clinical laboratory, hospice, home health, physical therapy, rehabilitation, group homes, environmental services or other areas where direct patient care is seen that has the risk of exposure to COVID-19.

“Qualifications for vaccinations in this priority population is two-fold,” Drake said. “If you are a healthcare worker that works in Taylor/Adams, you could be eligible for vaccination. Also if you are a healthcare worker that resides in Taylor/Adams, you could be eligible for vaccination. At this time, public health is working with entities in each county that employ healthcare workers and providing them with an opportunity to be vaccinated. However, we know that there may be more people than those we’ve reached out to. If you or someone you know meets the healthcare worker qualification and is interested in being vaccinated, please contact our office.”

The next priority population is group 1B and tentatively includes people 75 and older and non-healthcare frontline essential workers. 

“When the 1B priority population opens up, public health will communicate vaccination opportunities on our Facebook page, our website, in local newspapers, through other media outlets and through this email group,” Drake said. “We will also be partnering with local pharmacies and clinics for vaccination opportunities.”
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For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine, visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/index.html or https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus/Vaccine.

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Lake Icaria site
​of two First Day Hikes

Two First Day Hikes will take place at Lake Icaria Recreation Area on Jan. 1, 2021.

The guided hikes will be led by Michelle Wilson of Radiant Wellness Solutions. Hikers can choose between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. starting times for the guided hikes.

Due to COVID-19 precautions, each hike will be limited to 30 people, with RSVPs required to save a space. Social distancing will be observed.

“Parks in Iowa have been hosting First Day Hikes on January 1 for years,” Wilson said. “As a hiker who enjoys the Lake Icaria trails year-round, I’m excited to partner with the Lake Icaria staff again this year to bring more people to the trails for the new year. Walking the trails is an ideal way to start the new year.”

Hikers will meet on Jan. 1 at the nature trail near the beach at Lake Icaria for this event. Participants are encouraged to wear warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes/boots. The beach to dam nature trail is 1.72 miles round-trip.

“The park is a beautiful outdoor setting where hikers can experience the woodlands and all of the birds and wildlife that live here as well as wonderful views of the lake,” Adams County Conservation Board director Travis Paul said.

Lake Icaria is located four miles north of Corning. Lake Icaria offers six miles of walking and hiking trails throughout the park where park visitors can experience the outdoors. Lake Icaria is managed by the Adams County Conservation Board.

An outdoor enthusiast, Wilson leads guided hikes throughout the year on Iowa trails. 

“The lake is such a gem. A lot of people know about the lake for camping and boating or fishing,” Wilson said. “Icaria’s trails are some of my favorites in southwest Iowa.”

For additional information and to register for the 1 p.m. or 3 p.m. guided hike, contact Michelle Wilson at mjtwilson@gmail.com.

Churches get creative
​for Christmas services

Candlelight Christmas Eve services this year will look a bit different at many churches as COVID-19 cases continue to rise.

While traditional services will continue at some churches, those seeking to social distance can often find virtual or drive-in services.

The First Presbyterian Church of Corning will offer both in-person and virtual Christmas Eve services at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 24, the Rev. Jessica L. Paulsen said. Masks and physical distancing will be required.
Prescott United Church Disciples of Christ will hold Christmas Eve candlelight and communion services at 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. Dec. 24. Safety precautions will be taken.

“The public is welcome to attend if they feel safe do to so to find the peace, comfort, and hope from God in this time of chaos, uncertainty and loss,” Pastor Mary O’Riley said.

Corning United Methodist Church will take a different approach — a Christmas Eve drive-in lessons and carols service in the church parking lot at 7 p.m. Dec. 24.

“Following the closing prayer we will gather outside of our cars — staying socially distanced — and sing ‘Silent Night’ by candle light,” Pastor LeAnn Robine said on the church’s Facebook page. “If you have a battery operated candle please bring one, or if you prefer a jar candle please have something to light it with. We will also have some battery operated candles available for use.”

Those unable to attend the drive-in service can follow the service on Corning UMC’s Facebook page.

Saint Patrick Catholic Parishes will conduct Christmas mass services at 5 p.m. Dec. 24 in Corning, 7 p.m. Dec. 24 in Lenox, 8:30 a.m. Dec. 25 in Lenox, 10:30 Dec. 25 in Corning, and 12:30 p.m. Dec. 25 in Spanish in Lenox

Cooper’s Kitchen
​shares holiday spirit

The holiday spirit is alive and well in Prescott.

Randy and Holly Cooper served more than 50 free Thanksgiving meals and plan to serve 75-100 Christmas Day meals at Cooper’s Kitchen.

The Coopers, who along with four others went together five years ago to buy the Prescott school house and turn it into the Eagle’s Nest community event center, decided to serve Thanksgiving meals this year.

“On Sept. 4 three years ago Mom died. Fifteen days later my step-dad died, both of cancer,” Holly said. “We would always get together at Thanksgiving. We called it ‘Thanksmas’ because we had Thanksgiving and Christmas together. After they passed we didn’t get together as often.”

So with the holidays approaching and COVID-19 restrictions limiting many people’s opportunity to visit family and friends, the Coopers put the word out they would provide a community Thanksgiving dinner. Holly said they had originally planned to charge for the meals but decided instead to accept freewill donations. Once the word got out, though, donations for the dinner started coming in.

“We got a donation from one of Mom’s best friend in Missouri, $200 right off the bat,” Holly said. “We had several other donations that helped us with the meals for people.”

The Coopers posted on social media that they were serving the dinner and all people had to do was place their order by 5 p.m. the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Holly said they had 35 orders that evening but by Thanksgiving morning the number of orders had almost doubled to 61.

“It’s amazing how many people have poured out support,” she said. “I had elves that helped me package meals and the Prescott Fire Department delivered the meals. It was so fun.”

Holly, who said she dressed as a turkey for Thanksgiving and plans to play Santa at Christmas, her elves, and Prescott firefighters served up turkey or ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn or green beans, sweet potato casserole, dressing, cranberry sauce, dinner roll, and pumpkin pie to people in eight different communities — Prescott, Corning, Creston, Orient, Fontanelle, Bridgewater, Lenox, and Cromwell.

The plan is to do the same on Christmas Day. 

“Anybody who needs a meal for whatever reason, please get a hold of us and we’ll make sure we get them a meal,” Holly said. “If they can’t come get them, we will make sure they can be delivered. Someone will deliver their meal to them.”

Those needing a Christmas meal or wishing to donate can call Cooper’s Kitchen at (641) 202-0781 or visit the Prescott Eagles Nest LLC Facebook page for Cooper’s Kitchen’s hours and menu. The Christmas dinner will be served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“We just need to know if they want ham or turkey or corn or green beans,” Holly said. “I’m going to shoot for 75, maybe 100.”

Holly said serving the meals has been a lot of fun, especially with all the volunteer help she’s received. And with COVID-19 cases on the rise and many cancelling or postponing Christmas visits with family and friends serving holiday dinners is reward, she said.

“It was just overwhelming at the amount of people who don’t have family or can’t go to family this year,” Holly said. “If we didn’t have COVID I’d open school and we would do it there. It was overwhelming. Oh we had fun.”

Regular hours for Cooper’s Kitchen are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday.

Unprecedented times bring unprecedented generosity 

Adams County was reminded Nov. 19 the generosity of its residents when Corning First Presbyterian Church hosted its annual food pantry dinner.

The committee in charge of the dinner said that the dinner was not scheduled on the calendar until the middle of October as organizers had not yet felt they could make any plans. The dinner is usually an event with a variety of meats, sides, desserts, and a lot of foot traffic. With the rise of COVID-19 cases in the area it was decided to go back to the drawing board and come up with a new way to help the Adams County Food Pantry.

After some deliberation, the committee decided to reinvent the dinner. A single dinner option was chosen and plans began to create a drive-through style meal for the community, even offering delivery for those in town who felt safer staying at home.

With open arms and packed dinner boxes, volunteers greeted cars as they drove through the alley behind First Presbyterian Church. Meals were handed off with blessings and waves. Cars lined up and kept lining up with generous donations to assist Adams County’s Food Pantry, housed in the Matura Outreach Center.

“Community members continued to show up and dinners continued to be served,” said Megan Boswell, one of the dinner organizers. “Soon the servers ran out of not only meat, but all other food prepared, and still the community continued to give. With empty bellies and full hearts, volunteers went home after the event in awe of the support shown by the community.” 

Even after the Nov. 19 dinner, donations continued to be offered to the cause. On Giving Tuesday, Dec. 1, First Presbyterian Church presented a check for $5,000 to assist the Adams County Food Pantry in its work this year. 

“First Presbyterian has never given more from a dinner than they did in 2020. In this year of change, uncertainty, and trepidation it was beautiful to see the community come together in such a great way for such great work,” Boswell said. “The committee wants to thank all the volunteers and the community for showing up and making this dinner one for the record books.”

To donate to the Food Pantry, contact Holly Steeve at Matura’s Adams County Center at 1402 Hull St. in Corning or by calling (641) 322-4096.

County sees second
​COVID-19 death

The Adams/Taylor County Department of Public Health announced Nov. 25 the second death associated with novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Adams County.

A fifth death in Taylor County was confirmed Nov. 29.

The Adams County individual was of older age, between 61 and 80 years of age, while in Taylor County the individual was over 80 years of age.

“We wish to extend our sympathy to both families,” said Adams/Taylor County Public Health director Crystal Drake. “Taylor County Public Health and all of our key partners throughout the county and state continue to work to stop the spread and impact of this virus in our communities.” 

All residents should:

• Social distance from others by keeping a safe space between yourself and other people who are not from your immediate household.

• Wear a mask when social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.

• Stay home when even mildly ill.

• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow/upper arm. 

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. 

For up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit the IDPH webpage at https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging- Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus or follow the department on Facebook at @IowaDepartmentOfPublicHealth.

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Christmas for Kids
aims to brighten holiday

Every year there are challenges trying to help all youngsters have an enjoyable Christmas but 2020 brings a variety of challenges for everyone.

One challenge that arose for MATURA this year is trying to ensure it has enough toys available for children in Adams County to help them have a merry Christmas.

“We worked closely with Vincent Else in Nodaway to secure an adequate number of quality items,” said Holly Steeve, director of the local MATURA office. “But after Vincent’s death we didn’t know how we could fill that void.” 

Steeve said she told Brian Peterson about MATURA’s concern and he shared some ideas how the need might be met.

There is no age limit for the children but typically most are sixth grade or younger though there may be some high school age. Steeve said there is no way to know how many youngsters will be needing toys but she estimates there will be more than 40. There is a limit of two toys per child when getting toys at MATURA. There will be some items more suitable for older children.

Steeve stressed that the toys don’t have to be new but do need to be clean and in good condition and MATURA will accept a monetary donation to use to purchase toys.

Peterson discussed the need with Norvell’s People in Need Coffee Group he meets with and they all thought it would be a good project. The group also thought it would be a great idea to include the Adams County Sheriff’s Office. 

Peterson said there was enthusiastic support from the Sheriff’s Office after meeting with Adams County Sheriff Alan Johannes and several deputies. They arrived at the name of the project, Christmas for Kids. 

Norvell’s Coffee Group and the Sherriff’s Office said they would like people throughout Adams County to donate toys or a monetary donation to help all youngsters in Adams County have a merry Christmas. 

Unwrapped items and monetary donations should be dropped off to the Adams County Sherriff’s Office by Dec. 16. Donations can be delivered to the Sheriff’s Office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. any day of the week.

“The department will deliver all donations to MATURA,” Johannes said.
​
Monetary donations should be made with a check made out to MATURA with Christmas for Kids written in the notes section of the check. The Adams County Sherriff’s Office and Norvell’s People in Need Coffee Group encourage all people in Adams County to get involved in helping make Christmas 2020 special for the youngsters in the county by donating to Christmas For Kids.

Create a COVID-19 plan
​for the holidays

With the winter holidays fast approaching and COVID-19 cases on the rise, this year the festivities will require even more planning than most. 

“Everyone is yearning for more normalcy and that includes getting together in-person,” Crystal Drake, Adams/Taylor County Public Health administrator said. “However, we have to stay united in making sure celebrations do not put us and our loved ones at a higher risk of acquiring COVID-19.”

Traditional plans of getting 40 loved ones together at someone’s house is not at the top of the “least risky” list, Drake said. Staying home and participating in virtual celebrations is the best way to protect family and friends. Those must travel and get together in-person with family should be informed of the risks involved. 

“Planners, now is your time to shine,” Drake said. “Careful planning this holiday season can help lessen your risk for contracting and spreading COVID-19. Discuss the following with your family and friends to thoroughly prepare for festive celebrations.”

Make a pact with family and friends to:

• Limit the number invited.

• Stay home if anyone is feeling the slightest bit ill, awaiting test results, or has been exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days.

• Gather outdoors if at all possible. Bring warm clothes and bundle up.

• Make sure the gathering location allows for enough space between people.
• Open windows to improve air flow.

• Determine a seating plan ahead of time to keep six feet between each household.

• Do not use shared serving utensils.

• Wear masks while together.

 • Have plenty of paper towels, soap and hand sanitizer available. 

If traveling consider the following:

• Cancel plans or trips if someone isn’t feeling well, is awaiting test results, or has been 
exposed.

• Avoid larger crowds, including mass transit.

• Pick another time of year to travel when it is less likely to be busy or congested.

• Before making any travel-related purchases or bookings, learn about the company’s COVID-19 prevention efforts and cancellation or refund policies.

• If traveling solo or by personal vehicle, bring hand sanitizer to use after stopping for breaks, and do not travel with those outside of the immediate household. If one must travel with others, wear masks and crack the windows. 

Black Friday sales bring large crowds. Consider patronizing local shops or online shopping when they are less busy. Be sure to ask what safety precautions the business is taking. 

“Remember, there is a higher risk of spreading COVID-19 as groups get larger and closer together, and gather for longer timeframes, especially while indoors,” Drake said.

Keep the following in mind:

• If feeling ill at all, have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19, or has symptoms of COVID-19, stay home.

• Wear a mask over the mouth and nose that is tight fitting and more than one layer.

• Avoid small spaces that do not allow for distancing of six feet.

• Stay at least six feet away from those who do not live in the home.

• Wash or sanitize hands often. Get a flu shot. 

“It is important to get one each year, but if there were ever a time to get one, it’s now,” Drake said.

Visit the following sites for more information: CDC Holiday celebrations during COVID-19 CDC Travel during COVID-19 or CDC When to delay travel.

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Chamber seeks
​award nominees

The Adams Community Chamber Board of Directors is seeking nominations to honor successful businesses, organizations, and individual leaders in the Adams Community. 

The chamber is asking for nominations in the following five categories, with last year’s winner noted and a brief description of the award:

Entrepreneur of the Year: Any individual/business who have taken the initiative to develop, continue or expand a business in Adams Community through exceptional vision, effective leadership, and innovation in products, services, or processes, market awareness, operational efficiency and/or outstanding customer service. 

Rustic Charm was the 2019 recipient for Entrepreneur of the Year.

Best Agriculturalist: An individual who has dedicated themselves to the advancement within agricultural opportunities in the Adams Community. Individual proven ability and accomplishments as a progressive farmer, including effort and leadership contributed to our community and agricultural organizations. This can include a farmer, processor, marketer, or any individual involved in any of the related areas of agriculture. 

EDGE Ag Solutions was the recipient of the 2019 Best Agriculturalist.

Outstanding Business/Organization of the Year: A business or organization that has continued growth and/or economic health, dedication to customer service, community involvement, leadership, and innovative efforts to adapt to the changing community. 

The Business/Organization of the Year Award winner for 2019 was Backgrounds Coffee Bar and Boutique.

John McMahon Volunteer of the Year: An individual who has shown outstanding volunteer efforts that have made a significant and positive impact on the Adams Community.

The award was renamed in 2011 to honor John McMahon and his efforts in the Adams Community. The Volunteer of the Year Award for 2019 went to Denny Villhauer.

Joe Cook Lifetime Support Award: An individual who has shown long-term dedication to the betterment of the Adams Community. Burton Heaton was the honoree for 2019.

“Adams Community is full of extraordinary citizens and businesses who make a difference in creating a great place to live, work, and visit,” chamber director Marti Gebbie said. “Please help the Adams Community Chamber of Commerce honor them by nominating those individuals and businesses. Please pick up a nomination form at the Lauvstad Center (710 Davis Ave., Corning, IA 50841) in the lobby, available on our website at www.adamscountyiowa.com or request a form via email chamber@adamscountyiowa.com.”

The deadline for nominations is Dec. 31.

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SWV students
go to the ‘polls’

By the Iowa Department of Education

It’s all about participation for students in veteran teacher Mike Cormack’s Contemporary Issues class, who coordinated the 2020 Fall Iowa Youth Straw Poll for Southwest Valley High School in Corning.

Conducted by the Iowa Secretary of State’s Office on Oct. 27, the IYSP is an engaging, statewide, interactive exercise which aims to illustrate to students the importance of voting in a democracy. Students across the state will cast their vote for their preferred candidate for the offices of U.S. President, U.S. Senate, and U.S. House of Representatives.

“There’s a lot of good I see out of participating in this program,” said Cormack, whose professional career models the meaning of participation. He teaches everything from required courses like American government and U.S. History Since the Civil War, to electives like microeconomics, Contemporary Issues, and a course on leadership. He also coaches girls’ varsity basketball, and has been assistant softball and baseball coach at the high school.

“The poll does link our students to students statewide,” Cormack said. “We are a rural school, and they do feel a sense of accomplishment and pride in joining other students in a collective effort around the state. I think that’s a positive.”

The students in Cormack’s current events class coordinated and promoted the event, and distributed and collected the ballots at the high school. They put up posters around the building reminding and encouraging students to vote, while remaining absolutely neutral about who should receive a vote.

“I believe my role as a teacher in everything I do, is not to promote Republican, Democrat or independent,” Cormack said. “My job is to promote participation. And good citizenship is being involved. I don’t care if our students are headed toward conservative, liberal or somewhere in between. I am concerned if they are apathetic. And so, anything that we can do that allows them to participate I think is a positive. I don’t see any downside. I see nothing but good.”

Cormack says how accurate the straw poll ends up being compared to the actual vote is irrelevant when compared to the value of knowing what is on the minds of the large number of students around the state and of providing them an outlet to express those views.

“We have some students who will vote in the upcoming presidential election, and many students who will be eligible to vote in the election two years from now,” Cormack said. “I do think it is something where the more you participate, the more likely you are to participate in the future. This is an opportunity for students to either think about voting, or remind themselves that they are about to vote in the near future.

“For so many students who aren’t able to vote now, but do have an interest in what’s going on, it’s an outlet to be able to express what they think about the candidates running for president, senate, and U.S. house,” he said. “It allows them to have some perspective on how the whole process works. Those are real benefits.”

All students at the high school were provided the opportunity to participate. Voting took place on Oct. 27 during the first five minutes of fourth-period classes, which allowed for maximum participation since some students attend morning classes at a local community college.

Schools that participate in the IYSP register via the Iowa Secretary of State’s website, where official ballots are made available. Last year, most students at the high school wanted to participate in the poll and only a few opted out. However, just like in an actual election, no one is ever forced to vote.
Once votes were cast at Southwest Valley High School, the ballots were placed in sealed envelopes, collected, tabulated, uploaded to the Iowa Secretary of State’s website, and then shared with other schools for comparison throughout the state.

“We want this to be representative of what the students are actually thinking,” Cormack said. “We’re probably looking at about 90-95 percent participation. The only challenge this year is for our remote learners or those who have temporary circumstances, and we will try to find ways to allow them the opportunity to have their say.”

Many students are surprised to learn there are nine presidential candidates on the ballot this general election.

“It introduces students to the fact that there are any number of parties in our state and that anybody who can get on the ballot is worthy of our respect for doing so in any one of these races,” Cormack said.

Cormack says the Secretary of State’s website has an added feature where candidates provide a short video biography of themselves and highlight why they are running for office. Sometimes candidates give a general speech and sometimes they tailor their comments to high school students. Teachers can share the videos with students during class.

“What I have generally found is that those messages, regardless of party, are again trying to inspire young people to participate, which is nothing but good,” Cormack said. "Sometimes, we in Iowa don’t realize how we are right in the heart of so much political activity compared to other states. We have national figures that come to our state. With it being such a competitive state, people from all parties do come to our state to campaign. That does not happen in all 50 states.”

Cormack notes that students, just like adults, sometimes get frustrated with the volume of political ads and messaging, but he adds, “I try to remind them that some countries determine their leadership through guns and bullets. We do it through harsh words and at the ballot box and it works out in the end.”
​
“One nice thing about the Iowa Youth Straw Poll is it does seem a wide swath of students, regardless of academic ability, do seem to be interested in this, and that is nothing but good because at the end of the day, regardless of a student’s grades, their background, or anything else, they’re all going to be American citizens, all Iowa citizens,” Cormack said. “It is great that something like this does seem to attract a wide variety of student interest and background."

Holiday Boutique
​to take place

The Corning Opera House Cultural Center is hosting its annual Holiday Boutique with social distancing booths on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 9 am to 3 pm. 

There is no admittance fee. The Opera House is located at 800 Davis Ave. in Corning.

“Due to the social distancing, we have limited the number of vendors in attendance this year,” Opera House executive director De Heaton said. 

The vendors are Norwex, Tupperware, Color Street, Plunder, Pampered Chef, LuLaRoe, Scentsy, Rugged Lace, and crafters. All vendors will be 6 feet apart, masks are optional, and touch points will be cleaned throughout the day. 

“By supporting these independent local businesses you are helping celebrate the uniqueness of our community, supporting local jobs, investing in entrepreneurship and making our community a destination,” Heaton said.

Two upcoming events are on Saturday, Nov. 21. The first one is Daddy Daughter Hair Styling Class from 10 a.m. to noon for $10. Call (641) 418-8037 to reserve a spot. Refreshments and goodie bags will be available for all participants.

That evening will be the Nebraska Showdown Country Gospel show featuring gospel songs by Alan Jackson, Brad Paisley, Willie Nelson, and more. 

Dec. 4-6 will be “The Odd Couple” female version community theater and meal. 

For more information and events visit www.CorningOperaHouse.com.

Voter pre-registration deadline nears

The deadline to pre-register to vote for this election is 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24. 

This applies to registration in person (including registration at driver’s license stations or agencies) or by mail. Voters may register online until 11:59 p.m. After Saturday, Oct. 24, a person may register to vote at the Adams County Auditor’s Office and vote an absentee ballot. This is the same process for registering to vote on Election Day.

Saturday, Oct. 24, is also the last day to request an absentee ballot by mail. Absentee request forms must be in the Auditor’s Office by 5 p.m. The Auditor’s Office will be open on Oct. 24 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. for registration and voting purposes in the office. 

For more information, contact the Auditor’s Office at (641) 322-3340

Unique challenges
greet new pastor

Every new pastor faces a series of challenges with her new congregation but Corning United Methodist Church Pastor LeAnn Robine is taking on a challenge few imagined a year ago: ministering during a pandemic.

Robine became pastor of Corning United Methodist Church in July but instead of handshakes and hugs as a welcome she was greeted instead by masks and social distancing as the world and Adams County battled COVID-19.

“It has been interesting, that’s for sure,” she said about conducting services and meeting with parishioners during COVID-19. “That’s one of the best words I can use to describe it.”

Despite the challenges of ministering while following safety protocols, Robine said she’s had plenty of help from church members. 

Robine, who was born and raised in Council Bluffs, earned her education degree at College of St. Mary in Omaha, Neb.

“I taught preschool for about eight years,” she said. “I just grew up knowing I was going to be a teacher then God told me I was going to be a different kind of teacher.”

In 2016, she answered the call to preaching, attending seminary online with Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colo., while at the same time pastoring two rural churches outside of Red Oak.

On July 1, Robine moved to Corning and started work as pastor of Corning United Methodist Church, holding services while taking steps to  prevent COIVD-19. At times, that meant holding service in the park or livestreaming services on Facebook.

“We are back to holding services in the church,” she said.

The 10:30 a.m. Sunday service includes masks and safety protocols but it is also still livestreamed for those who would prefer worshiping from home. On Oct. 25, the church plans to hold a children’s service on spooky stories of the Bible at 5:30 p.m. while observing social distancing.

“We want to have a safer place for kids to go trick or treating,” she said.
​
Pastor LeAnn Robine can be contacted at Corning United Methodist Church at (641) 322-3312 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday-Thursday.

​Public Health updates quarantine guidance

The Iowa Department of Public Health is making a change to the Iowa quarantine recommendations for people that have been exposed to a positive case of COVID-19, and Adams/Taylor County Public Health is implementing this change. 

The change applies to non-healthcare, non-residential settings only. This includes businesses, education, and childcare settings.

• Close contacts of COVID-positive cases will no longer need to quarantine for 14 days if a face covering was consistently and correctly worn by both people during the exposure.

• The positive case must isolate and the close contacts should self-monitor. Self-monitoring entails close monitoring for COVID-19 symptoms over the subsequent 14 days, staying home if any symptoms develop and speaking with a healthcare provider about testing in the case of any illness. If people who are self-monitoring become ill but do not get tested, they should remain home until 10 days after symptom onset.

• Household/residential contacts and contacts in health care settings will still have the 14-day quarantine recommendation.

• A face shield is not considered a face covering and quarantine is still required if one or both people were wearing a face shield only. Acceptable face coverings are described in CDC guidance available at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html.

• This does not change the isolation requirements for people that are actually sick or COVID-positive to isolate from others until they have had no fever for at least 24 hours (that is one full day of no fever without the use of medicine that reduces fevers) and their other symptoms have improved, and at least 10 days have passed since their symptoms first appeared or since they had a positive COVID test if they are asymptomatic. 

An infographic depicting the new IDPH recommendations can be found at https://idph.iowa.gov/Portals/1/userfiles/61/covid19/resources/WhenToQuarantine.pdf.

This decision was made by the Iowa Department of Public Health based on observations within Iowa and some other states that when the COVID-positive case and close contacts were both wearing face coverings at the time of exposure, the contacts were much less likely to develop illness or later test positive. 

Adams/Taylor County Public Health wants to emphasize the importance of wearing face coverings consistently and correctly, with it covering both the nose and the mouth. Other recommendations such as social distancing, staying home when you are sick, and frequently washing or disinfecting hands continue to be important practices to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

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Curb COVID-19
​this Halloween

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Adams/Taylor County Public Health Agency is reminding area residents it is important to use caution and plan ahead for Halloween festivities. 

Public Health is strongly recommending everyone to exercise caution when deciding to participate in trick-or-treating and events that put them in close contact with people outside their households. To lower risk, consider safer and socially distant ways to celebrate.

“This guidance is designed to help curb the spread of COVID-19,” said Crystal Drake, Adams/Taylor County Public Health Agency administrator. “It may be updated as we learn more in the weeks leading up to Halloween.”

Children and parents:

• If sick, or have been in contact with someone who is sick with COVID-19 or has symptoms of COVID-19, stay home and away from others.

• Wear a face mask covering both mouth and nose, even under a Halloween mask. (Note: Face coverings should never be placed on children younger than 2.)

• Trick or treat with people from the immediate household and maintain a six-foot distance from all others.

• Carry hand sanitizer and use it often, especially after coming into contact with frequently touched surfaces and before eating candy.

• Limit the number of houses visited and ask children to stay as far from treat-givers as possible. For small children, consider holding the bag for them. 

Homeowners:

• Do not hand out candy if sick, or have been in contact with someone who is sick with COVID-19 or has symptoms of COVID-19.

• Refrain from having children select their own treats from a bowl/common container. Instead, use a distribution table between the treat-giver and trick-or-treaters.

• Allow for social distancing between families.

• Wear a face mask covering both mouth and nose and wash hands often.

• Do not hold large in-person Halloween parties. If holding smaller parties, limit attendance to 10 or fewer people and hold the event in an outdoor area where social distancing is possible. Avoid activities, such as bobbing for apples, that foster the spread of infection. 

More information on low, moderate and high risk activities can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html#halloween.

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SBDC to offer
​small business tips

America’s Small Business Development Center Iowa is partnering with Main Street Corning to host its #IASBDCMobile initiative from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Sept. 28 at the Corning Opera House.

 A team of experts in marketing, accounting, and operations is traveling to different communities around Iowa and offering free resources regarding e-commerce, QuickBooks, shipping, and business operations. 

The day will start with a chance for business owners to speak with small business experts in person anytime between 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and have their questions answered (come and go as one pleases). America’s SBDC will help promote and educate businesses on the e-commerce platform; Shop Iowa. The SBDC will be offering appointments all day to walk businesses through setting up their online shop on ShopIowa.com, stage products, and answer general questions. 

The SBDC recommends pre-registering for Shop Iowa before scheduling an appointment to make the most of initiative. Register on ShopIowa.com/sell. If interested in setting up an appointment, contact marketing manager Brianna Hall at bschwind@iastate.edu.

“With the recent COVID-19 closures, chances to network have been a challenge,” said Ethan Pitt, SBDC Iowa regional director out of Southwestern Community College. “This is a really unique effort from SBDC and Main Street Corning to address that and build stronger business practices throughout south central Iowa.”

 “We are extremely excited to get out there in these communities and talk with businesses directly about ways we can help them,” state director Lisa Shimkat said. “We are also ready to keep promoting the online platform, Shop Iowa, and get businesses registered on the site so that they can start generating more revenue immediately.” 

Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, America’s SBDC Iowa has 15 regional assistance centers located strategically across the state. Since program inception in 1981, the SBDC has helped Iowa businesses and entrepreneurs through no fee, confidential, customized, professional business counseling and practical, affordable training workshops.

For more information on America’s SBDC Iowa programs or services, call (515) 294-2030 or visit www.iowasbdc.org,https://www.facebook.com/AmericasSBDCIowa, or https://twitter.com/IowaSBDC

Corning welcomes
two new resident artists

Corning Center for the Fine Arts recently welcomed two new resident artists.  

“They are very interesting folks with various experiences and expertise,” Linda Shearer said. “Neil Rizos does painting, etching, and copper sculpture and Stephanie Peters is a web site designer and painter.”

The two arrived in Corning on Sept. 3 after spending spring and summer in Cedar Falls for a project Rizos had been working on. They will be residents artists at the Center for Fine Arts for three months.

Peters spent her early childhood living on an Arabian horse farm. She grew up running around open fields and raising animals, including her three goats. During her adolescent years, she lived in the Washington, D.C. area, and took full advantage of the free art museums and galleries of the region. Inspired by the work of Robert Rauschenberg and Alexander Calder, she began painting and drawing. She went on to complete a B.A. in Art History and Studio Art at The University of Arizona, in Tucson in May 2009. 

After graduating, she spent several years traveling and finding her artistic voice, Peters has found inspiration in the natural world since childhood. She has traveled to interesting places to have firsthand encounters like hiking with a herd of desert big horn sheep in Zion, Utah, watching greater flamingos near the Camargue, France, or snorkeling with sharks in the Dominican Republic. These adventures regularly inspire new work she creates on location and in her studio.

Rizos was born in Boston, Mass. His first five years were lived in Manomet, a small community on Cape Cod. From a home perched on the bluff overlooking the sea, his consciousness of the natural world began. The synergy of a receptive spirit and a place of light, water, forests and birds set the course for his life. As a student of art, foreign languages and literature, he traveled throughout Europe and in Africa, living for extended periods in San Jose, Costa Rica; Seville, Spain; Paris, France and Quebec, Canada. 

Upon graduation from the State University of New York, he pursued his love of the natural world and art, working as a natural history illustrator and ornithological researcher from the Arctic to the rain forests. He has studied eagles, hawks and falcons in Montana with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management; Harris hawks in the Southwest with the University of Arizona; migratory birds on the Alaskan tundra with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service; and participated in other bird studies with public and private organizations in the U.S. and Canada.

Although Peters and Rizos have both traveled widely, they’re now experiencing Southwest Iowa and what the region has to offer.

“So far the town’s been very friendly with us and very welcoming,” Peter said. “We’ve enjoyed exploring downtown Corning.”

As an ornithologist, Rizos said he’s been impressed with the large number of species of birds Iowa has to offer, from trumpeter swans to sandhill cranes.

“Iowa isn’t known as a big bird destination but I think I’ll get a different perspective on that from my time here,” he said. “I’m looking forward to the autumn migration.”

Wildlife and nature are the subjects of the art, some of which is display at the Corning Center for the Fine Arts. The two will be working there Wednesdays and Fridays and invite people to stop by to visit with them and see their work.

And as for Corning itself, the two say they’ve been impressed by what it has to offer. They say the new Corning Hotel, the Opera House, the Center for Fine Arts, and other amenities have kept the community vibrant and the local economy strong, which isn’t always the case for many small towns.
As artists and entrepreneurs, Rizos said he admires the efforts the community puts into making it a destination and how its residents work together to take charge of their own destiny.

“It’s a great place,” Rizos said. “I’m impressed by Corning.”

“We’re liking the area,” Peters said.
​
For more about the artists and their work, stop by the Corning Center for Fine Arts or visit their websites at www.stephartist.com or www.rizosart.com.

West inducted into 4-H Hall of Fame

Donna West is the 2020 Adams County inductee into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame. 

West lived more than 30 years on the family’s now Century Farm until she made the tough decision to move to town to be near her job. Although she no longer lives on the farm, she still takes interest in the family operation of crops and livestock and stays active with her children, grandchildren, and now great-grandchildren.

For many years, West was a leader for the Royal Workers 4-H Club, later becoming the Prescott 4-H Workers. She spent endless hours helping with projects and record books, sometimes finishing the night before the Adams County Fair. West spent endless hours at the fair making sure members got their projects to the judges on time and final touches were complete. She also traveled to other clubs’ achievement shows to judge 4-H’ers and provide helpful hints. West was asked to be the Family and Consumer Science and Visual Arts superintendent for six to seven years, volunteering her time to spend with the 4-H clubs and families, including mentoring her own grandchildren. She said it brought her happiness to see projects be chosen to go on to the Iowa State Fair and smiles beaming on faces.

West also donates her time to her communities of Prescott and Corning. She was a youth leader and treasurer for the Prescott United Church and served as treasurer for the Corning United Methodist Church. She provided leadership to the Adams Community Ambassadors and Rotary Club as well as the Chamber of Commerce. She also sat on the boards for Resource Conservation and Development and Midwest Opportunities. She currently still delivers Meals on Wheels and serves as treasurer for the Rose Ann Auxiliary at CHI Health Mercy Corning. As a former auditor/deputy auditor for more  than 25 years, she also helped after retirement with county elections.

West has three hobbies: sewing, gardening, and playing cards with friends. On the farm she planted large gardens and grew flowers. Her love of flowers followed her to town where she plants flowers in pots on Main Street Corning. Her time sewing is limited, but grandchildren and great-grandchildren are reaping the rewards of her labor with handmade quilts.

It is her time at the Iowa State Fair, though, that West looks forward to each year. What was a six-day adventure over every inch of the grounds has become a one- to two-day journey taking in as many sites and shows as she can. The 4-H Building and Ag Building are still stops on the route, but sitting on a bench under a shade tree brings her rest as she watches families and enjoys a favorite fair food. A trip to the beef and pork tents is a must for her every year.

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CARIE MORALES/Free Press — The Corning Hotel officially opened for business Aug. 28. From left are Heather Lily, Marilyn Werner, Betsy Akin, Scott Akin, Donna Hogan, Jim Ruppert, Doug Oldenkamp, Joel Morrison, Brandon Schulte, and ReNae Fulton.

Corning Hotel
​open for business

The Corning Hotel officially opened for business Aug. 28 with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Donna Hogan, president of Corning Hotel LLC, thanked the more than 40 investors, Adams County Economic Development Corporation, the Adams County Board of Supervisors, Corning City Council, Corning Municipal Utilities, the Corning Hotel Board of Directors, DCI construction and its subcontractors, MidAmerican, Southwest Iowa Rural Electric Cooperative, and the community for its support in the project. 

The 33-room, two-story hotel includes two extended-stay rooms with kitchenettes, a double king suite, and various king and queen rooms. Amenities include cable TV, wireless internet, guest laundry, and free breakfast.

“We took many tours all day until 7 p.m. and had a great response to the hotel,” Hogan said. “The Corning Hotel will compliment all the businesses and tourist sites in our community.”

Lifelong Adams County resident ReNae Fulton is the manager and Heather Lily is the assistant manager.

“They have put a great team together to run the hotel,” Hogan said.

To book a room or for more information about the Corning Hotel, located at 2260 Juniper Ave., visit thecorninghotel.com or call (641) 418-8190.

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Eligibility expanded
​for Utility Disruption Prevention Program

The Iowa Economic Development Authority announced Aug. 21 that more Iowa small business owners and nonprofits are now eligible to receive financial assistance with electric and natural gas utility bills.

Eligibility criteria for the Iowa Small Business Utility Disruption Prevention Program has been expanded to include utility assistance for eligible small businesses and nonprofits for electric or natural gas service provided between March 17 and Oct. 15.

Eligible small businesses and nonprofits must have experienced a COVID-19 loss of income. Full eligibility information and the application is available at iowabusinessrecovery.com. The program will accept applications through Oct. 31 or until all funds have been exhausted.

The program will provide short-term relief in the form of direct payments to utility providers to be applied to accounts. A minimum of $400 and up to $7,500 can be applied towards utility bill costs for eligible small businesses and nonprofits. The state allocated approximately $14.5 million of federal CARES Act funds for the program when launched in early July.

“We’re pleased to announce the extension and expansion of the utility assistance available to COVID-19 impacted small businesses and nonprofits as they work tirelessly to recover from the far-reaching impacts of the unparalleled pandemic,” IEDA and Iowa Finance Authority executive director Debi Durham said.

Questions regarding the Iowa Small Business Utility Disruption Prevention Program can be addressed by calling (515) 348-8914 or toll free at 1-855-300-2342

Feed the Pack
in its third year

Feed the Pack is beginning this new school year by continuing to provide free weekend meals to eligible students on free or reduced meals in the Southwest Valley School District of Villisca and Corning.

Now into its third year, Feed the Pack is a program designed to provide nutritious, non-perishable, and easy-to-prepare food to help supplement nourishment over the weekends and holiday breaks when school is closed. 

“Good nutrition plays a critical role in a student’s overall health and school success,” Feed the Pack’s Melody Miller said. “Many students eat breakfast and lunch at school but go hungry on weekends and extended breaks. Providing students with this added nutrition helps them go to school on Monday morning healthy and ready to learn.”

Interested families may pick up the Opt In form at their child’s school.

“We understand circumstances are always changing, therefore families may sign up any time through the school year,” Miller said.

Feed the Pack continues to appreciate community support and generous donations from individuals and businesses. A donation of $150 provides one child with weekend and holiday meals for the entire school year. A donation of $75 covers the cost of meals for half a year or $37.50 quarter. 

“All donations help to ensure the success of the program and make a positive impact in the lives of our students,” Miller said. 

Donations may be sent to Feed the Pack, c/o Katrina Ogburn at Miltner Insurance, 706 Adams St., Corning, IA 50841.
​
For more information contact Melody Miller at msvzmiller@gmail.com or Lindsey Hogan at lhogan@corningcsd.org

Submitted photo — Kaiden and Ian Bagley, Gavin Bagley's older brothers, helped paint the outside of the Living for Christ Outreach Gavin Bagley Children’s Center in Corning.

Children’s center
​to honor Gavin Bagley

The Living for Christ Outreach prayer center in Corning is in the process of becoming a memorial for Gavin Bagley who drowned last month at the age of 4.

“We will be turning it into the Living for Christ Outreach Gavin Bagley Children’s Center,” Living for Christ Pastor Tim Blaisure said.

Blaisure said he wants to honor his grandson and help other young people learn more about the Gospel of Christ.

Blaisure said he and his family had gone to Massachusetts because his mother-in-law was dying. The day after they arrived, he said they were sitting around the pool at his sister-in-law’s house when Gavin asked his grandmother how he could know if he was going to heaven.

“She asked him if he knew Jesus, ‘do you know him in your heart?’” Blaisure said. “And he said, ‘Yes Grandma.’”

Work is already under way on the Gavin Bagley Children’s Center. The outside was recently painted, thanks in part to Gavin’s older brothers, Kaiden and Ian. Inside the prayer center, new carpet, fresh paint, and children’s murals are being added.

“We’re working on the inside making it safe for kids,” Blaisure said.

Volunteers have helped with the work and donations have made it possible to complete outside improvements. Plans are to order a sign for the building and seek approval from the city to add an iron gate to set up safe a play area for youngsters. 

“We do everything debt free,” Blaisure said. “We don’t do it if we don’t have the money for it.”

The Living for Christ Outreach Gavin Bagley Children’s Center will include activities for all ages, newborn to 12th grade. Blaisure said a big-screen TV will be added to show movies and videos from CBN Superbook Kids, a Bible-based website that offers free online games. 

“I’m homeschooling my grandsons now so down the road we may set up some computers for homeschooling,” Blaisure said. “There’s a lot of opportunity.”

Blaisure said he plans to dedicate the Living for Christ Outreach Gavin Bagley Children’s Center on Gavin’s birthday, Dec. 15. 

Anyone wishing to volunteer their time or donate to the memorial should contact Blaisure

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SWV prepares
for fall sports

Following guidance concerning COVID-19 precautions from the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union and the Iowa High School Athletic Association, Southwest Valley Schools has crafted a Return to Fall Sports Plan.

The full versions of the IHSAA and IGHSAU return fall sports guidelines can be found on the organizations’ websites. 

“This document’s purpose is to slim down the above documents and re-state the guidelines that are presented to us and that we must follow in order to have fall sports this year,” the SWV plan says. “We greatly appreciate your understanding, flexibility and willingness to work with us in order for us to follow these guidelines.”

General information includes:

• Transportation — District policy is that everyone who rides in a school vehicle (bus, van, etc.) for any activity will be required to wear a facemask.

• Possible or positive COVID-19 case​ — Possible or positive cases will be immediately directed to the school nurses (Lindsey Hogan/Darcy Dalton) for further evaluation. 

• Health Screening — ​Students, coaches and volunteers who are a part of SWV activities will be asked to self-screen their symptoms. Temperatures will not be taken at this time. Any individual who is reporting symptoms and/or a temperature of 100.4 will not be allowed to practice or attend events. These will be considered excused absences. Anyone who does not feel well should stay home.

• Social distancing —​ The overarching safety principle in all areas of athletic activities (meetings, practices, travel, instruction, drills, benches, spectators, locker rooms, training rooms, concessions, restrooms, etc.) is that individuals should maintain 6 feet of social distancing when possible.

• Hand sanitizing — ​Everyone will be highly encouraged to sanitize and/or wash hands whenever possible. Everyone is encouraged to bring their hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizer will be available when possible.

• Equipment sanitizing​ — Any equipment that is shared by student-athletes should be sanitized before and after practice, as well as before and after competition.

• Towels​ — Individuals should never share towels. Student-athletes must bring their own clean towel and launder it after each use. 

• Locker rooms — ​Locker rooms will only be used to change in. Locker rooms will be sanitized after each use. All equipment and clothing must be taken home. Anyone who needs a place to put their equipment during a school day will be asked to place it in the high school gym against the west wall.

• Water​ — Each individual student-athlete must bring their own water to practice. If a hydration station is provided, students must sanitize their hands prior to using it. An alternative practice is to assign one person to fill water bottles and that person should wear a mask and protective gloves.

• Spectators —​ ​Spectators should use 6 feet of social distancing when possible. Families may sit or stand together but should social distance from others. Frequent reminders should be made via public address.

• Press box or scorer’s bench​ — These areas should be limited to, in order of priority: Essential personnel, scorekeeper, scoreboard operator, announcer; home and visitor coaching staffs (football); media as per guidelines.

• Concessions — ​Concessions will be announced at a later date.

Spacing between players, coaches and staff will take place as much as possible for football, cross country, and volleyball. Coaches will keep a record of attendance for possible contact tracing. Teams will not exchange handshakes but can acknowledge opponents with other appropriate non-contact measures. Hand sanitizing should be used as much as possible. 

For football, ​an officials’ timeout will be taken every four minutes of game clock time in order for teams to properly sanitize and hydrate during the contest. This timeout is to be two minutes in length. Breaks in between quarters will now be two minutes in length. Masks are allowed but not required. ​Plastic shields covering the entire face (unless clear and integrated into the face mask and attached to the helmet) shall not be allowed during the contest. It is recommended that players keep their tooth and mouth protector in their mouths at all times. Spitting is to be prohibited.​ Water is to be consumed only. Players should not rinse their mouth, rinsing their mouth piece, or pour water on their faces or necks. The ball should be cleaned and sanitized throughout the contest using sanitizing solutions recommended by the ball manufacturer. 

Cross country meets may consider using staggered, wave, or interval starts. Note at the current time the state qualifying meet and state meet will be using the traditional mass start. Athletes and coaches should bring their own water bottle. A decision about SWV’s home meet awards ceremony will be made at a different time. It is suggested that SWV either find a way to do it with social distancing considered or not have an awards ceremony. 

Volleyball rosters are to be submitted directly to the officials’ table before the 10-minute mark. Roster submission at the pre-match conference is suspended indefinitely. Teams are required to bring their own volleyball to use for warm-ups for away matches. Volleyballs must be marked to help with identification purposes when traveling with volleyballs. Teams are not allowed to warm-up outside of the court near their opponents while their opponents have the court for the six-minute portion of the 5-6-6 warm-up protocol, unless there is another court area for them to utilize. It is permissible for teams to share the court of the 50-minute ball handling portion of warm-up as teams will be socially distanced by the net. There will be no spectator seating on the first two rows of either side of bleachers. Teams are not to switch benches between sets. 
​
Host schools must have at least three volleyballs to use for the in-game ball rotation to allow for volleyballs to be sanitized while not in use. The host school will be responsible for sanitization of the in-game volleyballs in rotation. Volleyballs should be removed from play and sanitized if they are touched by a spectator.

Potential exposure
at Taylor County Fair

Out of an abundance of caution, Taylor County Public Health is advising anyone who attended the Taylor County Fair or who has had prolonged contact with someone who attended this event to be aware they have potentially been exposed to novel coronavirus. 

The Taylor County Fair was held July 13-18 in Bedford.

New COVID-19 cases also were reported July 26 in both Adams and Taylor counties, bringing the total of confirmed cases to 13 in Adams County and 92 in Taylor County.

Symptoms of COVID-19 can appear two to 14 days after exposure. Exposure could have occurred at the event or by close contact with someone who attended the event. There were individuals in attendance at this event who reside outside of Taylor County and are also at risk of exposure.

“During contact tracing you may be contacted by the positive case or our office regarding your recent exposure,” Adams/Taylor County Public Health Agency administrator Crystal Drake said. “We know that anyone who comes into close contact with someone who has COVID-19 is at increased risk of becoming infected themselves, and of potentially infecting others. Contact tracing can help prevent further transmission of the virus by quickly identifying and informing people who may be infected and contagious, so steps can be taken to not infect others.“

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and/or shortness of breath. Other less common symptoms are chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain and weakness, headache, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell. Anyone experiencing symptoms is asked to isolate himself from others and call his health provider about testing. 

Strategies to prevent the spread of COVID-19 include the following:

• Social distance from those outside the immediate household.
• Wash hands frequently.
• Disinfect surfaces frequently.
• Wear a face covering when in a public setting and in close contact with others.
• Stay home sick.

“If identified as a close contact, it’s important to look out for symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell,” Drake said. ‘You will need to quarantine for 14 days from your last contact with the positive case and seek medical attention if you start to experience symptoms.”
​
For up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit the state COVID-19 webpage at https://coronavirus.iowa.gov/ and follow the Taylor County Public Health department on Facebook at @TaylorCountyPublicHealth.

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County sees
​12th COVID-19 case

Adams County saw an increase of four new COVID-19 cases July 11-20.

“We have another confirmed case to report in Adams County,” Adams/Taylor County Public Health Agency administrator Crystal Drake said. “The total confirmed cases in Adams County is now at 12.”

The agency reported Adams County’s first three cases May 20, two days after Taylor County saw its third COVID-19 case.

Drake said 340 Adams County residents have been tested for the coronavirus and 728 Taylor County residents have been tested. In relation to population, that is 9.3 percent of the population in Adams County and 11.7 percent of the population in Taylor County.

“No county knows the total number of people infecting with COVID-19,” Drake said. “All we know is the infection status of those who have been tested. All those who have a lab-confirmed infection are counted as a confirmed case. This means that the counts of confirmed cases depend on how many individuals in a county actually get tested. Without testing there is no data. Testing is our window onto the pandemic and how it is spreading in our communities.

“We are fortunate to have testing opportunities in our local clinics and hospitals,” she said. “Please call your local provider to get information on being tested or go to testiowa.com to register for testing at a TestIowa clinic in Clarinda or Creston.”

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4-H Program
awarded grant

The Adams County 4-H Program was awarded a $1,500 grant through the Iowa 4-H Foundation for its Technology Program.

Funds given to the Adams County 4-H Program will support youth in STEM, communication, and the arts. With limited internet access across Adams County, the technology purchased will allow staff a better opportunity to serve at county weigh-ins, community events, and county fair. iPads will be utilized in future programs to educate volunteers, and for youth activities.

The Iowa 4-H Foundation offers grant support to state, regional, and county 4-H programs each year valued at more than $200,000. This summer, grants have been awarded to programs from over 20 counties across the state of Iowa, each offering a wide variety of 4-H opportunities and experiences.

“We’re proud to recognize the efforts of the Adams County 4-H Program through this grant to help them continue their work to support the young people in their communities,” said Emily Saveraid, executive director of the Iowa 4-H Foundation. “This investment in 4-H gives youth the opportunity to gain valuable skills to benefit them both now and in the future.”

The Iowa 4-H Foundation reviews and awards grant funds twice a year. The grants are made possible through donor contributions and the endowment created as a result of the sale of the Iowa 4-H Center. 

A full list of all grant recipients include:

• 4-H National Wildlife Habitat Education Program 
• 4-H Place Maker Program 
• Adair County: Springbrook Outdoor Adventure Camp 
• Adams County: Technology 
• Animal Science, Equine & Dairy Judging Contests 
• Artist Next Door 
• Arts in the Park 
• Butler County: Ricochet 
• Camera Corps 
• Clay County: Ag in the Classroom 
• Clover Kids: Healthy Living 
• Dallas County: First Generation Programming 
• Field Team Programming Kits 
• Global Citizenship 
• Guthrie County: Creative Coding 
• Healthy Living: Cooking Pilot Program 
• Iowa 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Workshop 
• Iowa 4-H Shooting Sports State Program 
• Livestock Quiz Bowl and Skillathon Contests 
• Madison County: It’s Time for STEM 
• Mindfulness Initiatives 
• National 4-H Congress & Conference 
• Northwest Counties: Virtual Camp 
• Page County: Cooking and Food Safety 
• Polk County: Mindfulness Workshop Series 
• Regional Intermediate Clothing Event 
• Sac County: Wonder League 
• State 4-H Council 
• State 4-H Recognition Day 
• SWITCH 
• Tri-County 4-H Camp 
• Volunteer Development and Training 
• Wapello County: EmpowerU

Southwest and Northwest counties include Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson, Cherokee, Lyon, O’Brien, Osceola, Plymouth, Sioux, Woodbury, Adair, Adams, Cass, Montgomery, Page, Taylor, Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Pottawattamie East, Pottawattamie West, Audubon, Carroll, Crawford, Greene, Guthrie, Shelby, Calhoun, Ida, Monona, Sac, Woodbury.
​
The Iowa 4-H Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides the private financial resources to develop and deliver quality 4-H youth programs throughout the state of Iowa. These opportunities help young people enhance their ability to use critical thinking, leadership, communication, and social skills — tools that will give them a competitive edge in their future endeavors. More information can be found  at www.iowa4hfoundation.org.

Submitted photo — Adams Community Economic Development Corporation’s Donna Hogan, left, and Corning Mayor Jan Mercer Leonard, right, pose July 3 for a photo with POET Biorefining-Corning’s Greg Olsen after honoring him for his 13 years of service to the community.

ACEDC honors
POET’s Olsen

The Adams Community Economic Development Corporation honored POET Biorefining-Corning’s Greg Olsen on July 3 for all the projects completed and lives touched through his commitment to excellence for his team at POET and to the community.

For more than 13 years, Olsen has been at the helm of POET Biorefining-Corning and a leader in the Corning and Adams County community. On July 10, he will officially retire from POET.

“When the Adams Community Economic Development team first met Greg, they knew Poet had picked the right person to lead POET-Corning to be the best,” ACEDC’s Donna Hogan said. “He has proved they were right time and time again.”

Beyond his leadership at POET, Hogan said Olsen was committed to giving back to his community.  With POET’s blessing, Olsen was able to invest more than $850,000 in projects.  They included holiday lights in Central Park, created the Santa House, crosswalks in downtown Corning and around the schools, tree planting at Lake Icaria, safety enhancements around the Widener building, new bleachers and new lights at Spring Lake Park, new uniforms for Corning Youth Club baseball, a new infield at Spring Lake ballfield, sponsor of races, and a new press box at Adams County Speedway, Watch Me Grow and other STEM activities at Southwest Valley Schools, holiday parade entries, RAGBRAI volunteers, the new fire station, Corning Theater, new fire truck, Adams Community Aquatic Center, Central Park pavilion and benches, Corning Opera House, Southwest Cruisers car show, SWV senior interviews,  SWV Feed the Pack, chamber tent, and sponsorships for several years of chamber and Main Street activities, to name a few.

“Greg would hear of a need and make something happen,” Hogan said. 

The community presented Olsen with the Consider It Done Award for sharing his gifts, talents, leadership, and resources with the community.  

“He will be missed, and the community wishes him well,” Hogan said.

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Livestock sale undergoes change for this year’s fair

Amid COVID-19 concerns, the Adams County Fair traditional livestock sale will be anything but traditional.

“Our 2020 Adams County Fair is definitely going to look different this year,” said Dawn Shuler, one of the sale organizers. “We are not going to be able to have a traditional livestock sale. We have appreciated all of your support throughout the years and know that this year has been unique.”

While the traditional livestock sale will not take place individuals and businesses can still support Adams County youth participating in the fair, which will be held July 9-15.

 “We are working with the Corning Locker and have a limited number of spots reserved for swine,” she said. “If you or someone you know would be interested in purchasing a 4-H pig to butcher from one of our Adams County 4-Her’s please let me know.”

Shuler said the price for the pig will be $1 per pound and buyers are responsible for the processing at the locker. The pig would be delivered to the locker on July 13. Due to the limited locker spots, this is on a first come, first serve basis. Buyers will be contacted about the amount owed on Sunday, July 12, after the swine weigh-in in the evening. Checks can be made out to Adams County Fair Board.

“We are also selling butchered broiler chickens this year,” Shuler said. “These will cost $25 a chicken.  They will be available for pickup on July 13.”

Those interested in buying a butchered whole chicken should contact Shuler. These are also on a first come, first serve basis.

“If you or your business is interested in donating to the Adams County 4-H youth but do not want to purchase an animal we will also take donations,” Shuler said.  “Those donations will be split amongst all livestock exhibitors at the Adams County Fair.”
​
For more information, contact Dawn Shuler at (641) 782-0638 or by email at shulerfarms@gmail.com.

CARIE MORALES/Free Press — Cash Brammer received the Junior Beef Showmanship Award during the 2019 Adams County Fair.

Adams County Fair
​to take place July 9-15

Organizers are gearing up for Adams County Fair, which will be held July 9-15 with the theme “Red, White, and Blue. This Fair is for You!”

While a schedule has been released for the 4-H and FFA Fair, the schedule is tentative and will be adapted to meet practices and guidelines responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Evy Ganfield, Adams County Extension youth coordinator, said things “are going to be different” this year. Social distancing guidelines will be in place and only a limited number of people will be allowed in the ring for the livestock shows. Spectators, who in past fairs have filled the seats during the shows, are encouraged to watch livestreams of the shows instead of attending.

“Our goal is to have the shows livestreamed,” she said.

Ganfield said details about the shows will be shared as they are finalized on Adams County Extension website and the 4-H and Adams County Fair Board Facebook pages.

Ganfield said exhibits will be conference judged with entrants meeting face to face with judges 6 feet apart while using personal protective equipment. Each evening, exhibits will be open to the public but the building will include a designated entrance and exit and a clearly marked perimeter visitors will follow while maintaining a 6 feet distancing guideline. Each exhibitor will get to choose one exhibit for the building.

The tentative schedule includes:

July 9 — Static exhibit judging beginning at 8:30 a.m. (exhibitors will be scheduled individually and should arrive at their assigned time); tall corn contest at 6:30 p.m.

July 10 — Horse check-in 8:30 a.m., horse show 9 a.m., 4-H Safety Education in Shooting Sports exhibition at 3 a.m. at the Corning Gun Club.

July 12 — Sheep and goat weigh-in 8 a.m., broiler and poultry check-in 10 a.m., sheep and goat show 11 a.m., broiler show 11 a.m., poultry show 1 p.m., swine weigh-in 5 p.m. (exhibitors are scheduled by family and should arrive at their assigned time).

July 13 — Swine show 7:30 a.m., rabbit check-in and small pet check-in 10:30 a.m., rabbit and small pet show 11 a.m.

July 14 — Dairy check-in 7 a.m., dairy show 8 a.m., beef weigh-in 8 a.m., beef show 10:30 a.m., dog check-in 12:30 p.m., dog show 1 p.m.

July 15 — Tentative carcass judging 9 a.m., carcass results announced at noon at Corning Meat Processing with swine carcass exhibitors present.

The public is reminded the 2020 Adams County 4-H and FFA Fair scheduled is tentative and is encouraged to visit the Adams County Extension website and the 4-H and Adams County Fair Board Facebook pages for updates.

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Non-profits receive
​crisis relief

The Adams Community Foundation recently helped five local Adams County non-profits with financial assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic that has threatened their livelihood over the past several months. 

Assistance was awarded to the Corning Opera House and Cultural Center in the amount of $13,500, Corning Center for the Fine Arts in the amount of $3,600, Corning American Theater in the amount of $4,000, and the Johnny Carson Birthplace Society in the amount of $1,890, as well as MATURA in the amount of $3,900. 

In all $26,890 was given to provide stop-gap funding for these organizations in their time of need.

“These organizations are vital to the fabric of our community and they need our assistance going forward,” Adams Community Foundation’s Nancy Turner said. “Donations to any of these organizations are still greatly appreciated and will help them continue their work in our community going forward. If you would like more information on how to give, contact any of the organizations directly or contact the Adams Community Foundation.”

CMU receives
​$500,000 grant

Corning Municipal Utilities was awarded a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant for water system improvements.

CMU’s grant was part of $4.6 million awarded June 4 for water and sewer infrastructure projects in 14 communities across the state. The Iowa Economic Development Authority made the awards through the CDBG program, which provides support for community improvements.

IEDA received 16 applications totaling $5.3 million in funding requests. Grants are awarded based upon the benefit to low- and moderate-income persons, financial need, project impact and readiness, and commitment of local resources to the project.

“Programs such as CDBG, whether administered by IEDA or the Iowa Finance Authority, serve our communities by providing much-needed resources for infrastructure development,” said Debi Durham, director of IEDA and the IFA. “With the compendium of programs we manage, I like to say there is no state problem we can’t solve.”

CDBG funds enable communities to make needed improvements to water and sewer systems, improve housing conditions for low-income homeowners, provide facilities for disabled and at-risk individuals, and make transformative downtown improvements.

The CDBG program is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. IEDA is responsible for administering the CDBG funds in the non-metropolitan areas of the state.

For more information on CDBG or other community programs, visit iowaeda.com/community or email cdbg@iowaeda.com.

CARIE MORALES/Free Press — A Southwest Valley junior varsity softball player practices batting June 1, the first day Timberwolf softball and baseball teams were allowed to prepare for the summer season under COVID-19 guidelines.

Timberwolves to begin summer play

Southwest Valley athletes returned to the practice field June 1.

SWV athletics director Allen Naugle released May 29 a copy of the district’s plan to begin summer sports.

“We are very happy to be back in action in some capacity and looking forward to playing ball,” the plan says. “We would like to discuss a few items before we list all of the guidelines that we will need to follow in order to play ball this summer. We are going to try to make this experience as close to ‘normal’ as possible for the players, coaches, and fans, but it will most certainly be different. We are asking for your patience and cooperation as we figure out how to follow all the guidelines presented to us. As most of you know, we are the first state to have school sponsored athletic events. We are creating our plan based on the guidelines set forth by the Governor, the Iowa Board of Education and the IHSAA/IGHSAU.”

The practice guidelines include:

• All athletes and coaches will have their temperature checked and COVID-19 symptoms screened before being allowed to practice. If an athlete or coach has a temperature above 100.4, they will be sent home and not allowed to practice. Every player and coach will have temperatures taken. Managers or support personnel will also have temperatures taken. All temperatures will be written down and given to the superintendent weekly. Symptom screenings will be based on Centers for Disease Control guidelines.

• No dugouts will be used during practices.​ The coaches will help players contain their belongings in an area that is at least six feet apart from each other.

• Parents must remain in their cars if they drop off their students.

• Athletes will leave school facilities immediately following completion of practices.​ “Hanging out” in the parking lots will not be allowed before or after practices.

• Players should plan to use their own gloves and bats, if possible.​ Players who plan to use their own bat should have their coach inspect it to make sure it meets state guidelines. SWV has ordered more catching gear and batting helmets. All equipment will need to be sterilized between uses; no exceptions.

• Players must bring their own water/beverages.​ Players will not be allowed to share water. The hydrants at the fields will be locked and will only be used for watering the field. 

• Coaches will be responsible for ensuring that physical distancing is taking place.​ This may change the way that practices are normally run.

• All shared equipment will be sanitized before and after each practice.

• No one with symptoms of illness will be allowed to attend practice. Players who do not feel well should stay home.

• Players and coaches are encouraged to bring and use their own hand sanitizer.

• Sunflower seeds are banned this summer. ​This is a guideline from the Iowa Department of Education. Athletes will not be allowed to spit. Failure to follow this guideline will result in immediate dismissal from practice for the day.

• If there is imminent weather and practice cannot take place outside there will be no inside practice.​ The Activity Center and high school gyms will not be used for baseball and softball activities.

• Restrooms can only be used one person at a time. 

Similar guidelines are in place for games, which begin June 15. Team meals, which have been a part of previous seasons, are not allowed this summer. There will also be no concessions and no bleachers.

“We have removed the bleachers from the fields in Corning,” the plan says. “We ask that you bring your own chairs and please practice physical distancing. We are lucky that we have plenty of space and hills for fans to sit on and still see the game.”

No one, including fans, with symptoms of illness will be allowed to attend games.

Another baseball and softball tradition that will not take place this summer is the congratulatory handshake followed games.

“We are hoping that we can find another way to show good sportsmanship after games but right now, there are no handshakes after games with the opposing team,” the plan says.

Tickets to the games will be freewill donations with an employee stationed at the gate to monitor the free will donation container.

If there is an outbreak of COVID-19 with players/coaches, the district will evaluate and reserve the right to postpone or cancel the season.
​
“We completely understand that some of these guidelines will change the way that you attend games this summer. We do ask for your cooperation and your patience as we navigate through uncharted waters,” the plan says. “We are required to follow the guidelines presented to us by the IHSAA/IGHSAU and the Iowa Board of Education. These guidelines are non-negotiable and in order for our community to have baseball and softball this summer, we need everyone’s cooperation.”

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COVID-19 reaches
Adams County

Adams County now has five confirmed cases of COVID-19.

As of May 25, the Iowa Department of Public Health said 95 Adams County residents have been tested for the virus. Of the five positive cases, one has recovered.

Adams/Taylor County Public Health Agency reported Adams County’s first three cases May 20, two days after Taylor County saw its third COVID-19 case. Since then, Taylor County’s total has grown to 39 positive cases.

“We are reporting a higher number of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 today, with 25 new cases in Taylor County,” Adams/Taylor County Public Health Agency assistant administrator Crystal Drake said May 24. “Most of these positives are the result of targeted testing of workers at a local employer.”

Drake said the Public Health Agency elected the state, with support from the Iowa National Guard, to do contact tracing.

“All new cases have been instructed to self-isolate,” she said. “Contact tracing is occurring and any close contacts — within 6 feet for 30 minutes or more — will be contacted with instructions. At this time we are unable to say how many of these cases were due to community spread or household contacts. COVID-19 is widespread and community spread is being seen in our region and across the state. The guidance for protection remains the same for all individuals.”

Drake said the increase in cases has also increased the number of calls to her office.

“We’ve fielded questions about why our office is not sharing more information on the recent confirmed cases. Iowa Code Chapter 22 prohibits the release of any information that could lead to the identification of any individual or facility,” she said. “Contact tracing is done with the confirmed case to identify close contacts who should all monitor their health and symptoms and self-isolate. Close contacts of the confirmed case that are at risk will be contacted.”

Drake said the risk of the COVID-19 virus remains the same regardless of where new cases are confirmed. She said precautions such as social distancing, avoiding large groups of people, wearing a mask in public, washing hands frequently, and disinfecting common surfaces are the best defense at stopping the spread of the virus.

“This is needed by everyone, regardless of a confirmed case, because we know there is community spread throughout Iowa,” she said.

Testing continues to take place routinely through local medical care providers, surrounding medical care providers, employer/strike teams, and TestIowa https://www.testiowa.com, Drake said. Local large employers are testing workers due to exposure to positive cases.

Drake said the public can help by supporting the medical community and learning the facts about COVID-19. 

Symptoms of COVID-19 include cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, loss of sense of taste/smell, and sometimes gastro-intestinal symptoms (such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting). Symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone with any of these symptoms should call their health care provider. Older adults and those with underlying health conditions are at greater risk. This includes people who smoke.

Most people recover from this viral illness, Drake said. The goal is to not overwhelm hospital systems so all those in need can receive care/treatment.
​
“The virus is highly contagious,” she said. “One person can spread this illness rapidly without intent. Stay home, even if you are mildly ill.”

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Public Health offers COVID-19 guidelines

The Adams/Taylor County Public Health Agency is providing COVID-19 health guidelines following Gov. Kim Reynolds’ recent proclamation easing COVID-19 restrictions on businesses providing direct services to clients such a salons and barbershops.

“Yesterday [May13] the governor allowed more businesses to open up,” Taylor County Public Health Agency assistant administrator Crystal Drake said. “The following guidance applies to any facility that provides direct services to clients, including: salons, barber shops, massage therapy practices, medical spas, tanning salons, and tattoo parlors. Contact us, your regulating entity or professional association with questions about how to implement this guidance.”

This guidance applies to any facility that provides direct services to clients, including, but not limited to: salons, barbershops, massage therapy practices, medical spas, tanning salons, and tattoo parlors. Consult Taylor County Public Health Agency, the appropriate regulating entity or professional association with questions about how to implement this guidance. In addition to following all directives of the governor as outlined in proclamations, entities considering reopening are strongly encouraged to adhere to the following public health guidance:

1) Follow CDC guidance related to Cleaning and Disinfection for Community Facilities, including frequent cleaning and disinfecting of all high touch surfaces. Refer to the CDC’s Cleaning and Disinfection Tool to determine which areas need cleaning versus disinfection.

2) Encourage and provide supplies to allow for frequent hand washing and hand sanitizing for employees and the public.

3) Provide reminders to employees and members of the public to stay at least 6 feet away from others when in the facility and mark six foot intervals when possible.

4) Provide services on an appointment basis only.

5) Ask employees and the public to acknowledge upon entry that they do not currently have symptoms and that they have not been around anyone with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis in the last 14 days. 

• Do not allow entry to anyone who is visibly ill. 

• Do not allow entry to anyone who has been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the last 14 days. 

• Provide face shields for employees to use when providing services to clients. 

• Require clients to wear masks or cloth face coverings. 

6) If an employee or a member of the public becomes ill while at the facility, ask them to share that information with management, leave the facility and then call their health care provider. If it is an emergency, call 911 and let them know the emergency may be COVID-19 related.

7) Members of the public and employees should consider the use of cloth face coverings (when practical) if staying at least 6 feet away from others is not possible. 

8) Anyone who is high risk for more severe COVID-19 illness should continue to stay home.

9) Businesses should continue to follow the CDC’s guidance for businesses and ensure return to work policies for employees with positive diagnoses are consistent with CDC guidance regarding self-isolation.

10) Businesses should also reach out to the Iowa Department of Public Health or the local public health department with questions at any time.

11) Businesses should also use messaging to remind employees of steps they should be taking to protect their own health while at work. 

For more, see the OHSA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 at https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf.

Submitted photo — Rotarian Stephen Gruba poses with truckload of books headed for Kenya following a book drive conducted by Corning Rotary, Villisca Lions Club, and Southwest Valley Schools.

Book drive will benefit Kenyan pupils

The combined Corning Rotary/Villisca Lions Club book drive with Southwest Valley Schools will soon help fill the school libraries of young Kenyan students.

Rotarian Dr. Stephen Gruba visits two English-speaking schools in rural Kenya twice a year. He coordinated with the Corning Rotary Club, the Villisca Lions Club, and the Rotary Club of Meru, Kenya, to help send books, DVDs, and other materials to the schools.

Under the leadership of principals Allison Thomas in Corning and Lee Haidsiak in Villisca, school students scoured their homes and brought in hundreds of DVDs and thousands of used books during the drive. Residents in both communities donated hundreds more.

When sorted and packaged for shipment, the donations filled 53 boxes weighing approximately 40 pounds apiece. These were loaded into an oceangoing container that left Kansas City on May 8 on the first leg of a three month journey to Nairobi, Kenya, where the donations will be transferred to a truck for delivery to two schools near Meru in rural central Kenya. There they will become the backbone of the schools’ libraries.

Gruba said currently the 300 pupils at each school have no books, no TV, and no internet to turn to for entertainment and their teachers are no better off. 

“The Kenyan school kids will treasure this gift from our communities for many years to come,” he said.

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Fulton named Corning Hotel manager

The Corning Hotel recently announced that ReNae Fulton has been selected as the manager of the Corning Hotel. 

“We are excited to bring ReNae on board as manager,” said Donna Hogan, president. “Her experience in customer service and environmental controls are two of her most important life skills, especially amidst the current challenges in the hospitality arena.”

Fulton is a lifelong resident of Adams County. She will step into her new role on July 1.

“I feel privileged to contribute to the Hotel’s growth and future success as the hotel manager,” Fulton said. “I look forward to providing our guests with an outstanding and stress-free stay at our hotel. I also believe my knowledge of the community and region allows me to share with our guests opportunities for them to spend more time — and money — at our local businesses, cultural centers, museums, outdoor recreational facilities and events.”

While construction on the hotel continues to move forward, no date has been established for opening. 

“The current pandemic has caused some delays in getting the materials ordered on site. The construction and management teams are in daily contact with distributors to find solutions,” Hogan said. “Meanwhile, we remain optimistic that the Hotel will open late this summer.” 

Most recently, the decorative rock façade has been completed on the front of the hotel. Inside bathroom plumbing is being completed, cabinetry is being installed, painting has started, and the reception area and breakfast room are taking shape.

Progress of the Corning Hotel can be followed on the MyCorningHotel Facebook page.

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Proclamation loosens restrictions

Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a new proclamation April 27 continuing the State Public Health Emergency Declaration until May 27.

The proclamation loosens social distancing measures in 77 Iowa counties effective May 1 and continues other restrictions until 11:50 p.m. May 15. 

In the 77 counties, the proclamation permits restaurants, fitness centers, malls, libraries, race tracks, and certain other retail establishments to reopen in a limited fashion with public health measures in place. In addition, the proclamation lifts the restriction on religious and spiritual gatherings so long as churches and other gathering hosts implement reasonable public health measures. All other regulatory relief previously provided to affected Iowans is also extended until May 27. 

“I strongly encourage all vulnerable Iowans, including those with preexisting medical conditions and those older than 65, in all counties of the state to continue to limit their activities outside of their home, including their visits to businesses and other establishments and their participation in gatherings of any size and any purpose,” Reynolds says in the proclamation.

Restaurants will be allowed to serve food and beverages on the premises but must limit the number of customers present to 50 percent operating capacity to ensure adequate spacing of customers. Seating is limited to groups no larger than six people and six feet of physical distance between each group or individual dining alone is required. Buffets, salad bars, and other self-service food or beverages remain prohibited.

“We’re anxious to welcome people back through our doors where we can,” said Jessica Dunker, president and CEO of the Iowa Restaurant Association. “However, we understand this has to be a gradual re-opening. Customer and employee safety are our top concerns and we know many operators will want to do far more than simply comply with the social distancing and other mitigation requirements from the state. They will want to take optional steps that go above-and-beyond.”

To that end the Iowa Restaurant Association is launching a program called The Iowa Hospitality Promise. This “contract” between restaurants and the public seals the special relationship the industry has with its patrons by committing to take safety and sanitation steps that exceed any mandates. It also asks the public to commit to staying home and utilizing contactless delivery options when they are not feeling well or if they have an underlying health risk.

“This new normal places higher expectations on everyone,” said Dunker. “The hospitality industry is ready to keep its promise to Iowans and we’re confident our customers will do the same.”

Participating establishments will display The Iowa Hospitality Promise, so people know they are taking extra steps to keep the public safe during this recovery period. The program will launch on April 28, after the state provides the expected additional re-open guidance from the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals and the Iowa Department of Public Health.

Churches, fitness centers, libraries, malls, race tracks, farmers markets, and other retail establishments will be allowed to reopen under similar social distancing guidelines.

Bars, theaters, social and fraternal clubs, senior centers, museums, playgrounds, campgrounds, swimming pools, salons, barbershops, medical spas, and door-to-door sales will remain closed until at least May 15.

Restrictions remain in place for 22 counties were COVID-19 cases are higher. The counties include Allamakee, Benton, Black Hawk, Bremer, Dallas, Des Moines, Dubuque, Fayette, Henry, Iowa, Jasper, Johnson, Linn, Louisa, Marshall, Muscatine, Polk, Poweshiek, Scott, Tama, Washington, and Woodbury.
​
As of April 26, the Iowa Department of Public Health reported 5,868 confirmed cases and 127 total deaths statewide with 38,150 residents tested and 2,021 confirmed cases recovered

SWV adapts to COVID-19

While schools may be closed across Iowa education continues at Southwest Valley.

Gov. Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Department of Education announced April 17 that all school districts and nonpublic schools will be closed for the remainder of the school year to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 but for the past month SWV students have been taking part in distance learning through the district’s Educational Enrichment Program.

SWV superintendent Chris Fenster said the district began its program March 17, just two days after Reynolds recommended Iowa schools close to stop the spread of COVID-19.

“We’re still conducting our continuous learning opportunities on the [school] website,” Fenster said. “The teachers have been doing a phenomenal job.”

Those resources are updated weekly for each SWV campus at www.southwestvalley.org. The website includes additional news and information regarding COVID-19.

Communication has long been the key to education but it’s become even more crucial during social distancing. Chromebooks, Zoom, Facebook, and other forms of information technology have made it possible for students, teachers, staff, and administrators to continue alternative education. 

While classwork continues from students’ homes, meals continue to be served through curbside pick-up and the Feed the Pack program, which provides weekend meals for eligible students, is helping meet nutritional needs. Fenster said SWV is serving about 105 to 110 students at Corning and Villisca.

“We’ll continue through May 21 then start on the summer program,” he said.

With May 21 officially the last day of school at SWV the excitement of the final few weeks has become more an uncertainty, especially for the class of 2020. Prom and graduation, the two spring fixtures of a high school senior’s year, will be memorable for different reasons for SWV’s graduating class.

“We don’t want to cancel it,” Fenster said about prom but with COVID-19 restrictions in place what form it may take is unclear for the moment.

Fenster said the school is seeking input from seniors and senior parents concerning prom, awards nights, and graduation. Seniors are asked to fill out survey with options such as a virtual graduation.

Graduation would still take place May 17 as planned but the how and where have yet to be determined. Fenster said he’ll present the seniors’ recommendations to the school board, which has already approved the graduation list, then decide how graduation will take place depending on social distancing guidelines. And if students want an actual prom, it will be held at a later date.

“Unless they loosen restrictions, we’re not going to have kids come back into school,” he said.

Fenster, who just finished his fourth year as superintendent, said this has been “the oddest year” yet for him as an administrator but he and everyone at SWV are taking it day by day.
​
“We’ll figure it,” he said. “The kids want to be in school and we want them here in school too.

CARIE MORALES/Free Press — Former Corning Breadeaux Pizza owner Steve Stueckradt, left, and new owners Som and Troy Waddell pose April 10 for a photo at the restaurant.

Breadeaux Pizza
​trades hands

Corning’s Breadeaux Pizza came under new ownership last week.

Longtime owners Steve and Eleanor Stueckradt sold the pizzeria to Troy and Som Waddell.

“We got her sold as of Friday,” Steve said. “I’m going to be around to answer questions and help them out for a while.”

The Stueckradts bought the Breadeaux in Corning in 1991 but before then they already owned Breadeaux Pizzas in Red Oak and Boonville, Mo. On top that they owned the bakery in Corning, which is now Sweet Desires.

“That was a little too much,” Steve said.

So the Stueckradts sold the Boonville Breadeaux and the bakery, where Steve started working when he was sophomore in high school. Steve said he took over the bakery in May 1964, often working 15 hours or more a day. The Stueckradts sold the bakery in 1994 and, about 10 years ago, sold the Red Oak Breadeaux and focused on Corning.

Corning is where the first Breadeaux opened in 1985. And though its location and ownership has changed since then the Waddells said they are looking forward to remaining a part of Main Street. Troy is a Hy-Vee pharmacist who owned the drug store for a few years. Som most recently worked at the Hy-Vee deli but previously was a Thailand department of agriculture food inspector, ensuring health and safety at chicken, swine, duck, and fresh seafood plants there. She also owned a veterinarian clinic in Thailand.

For the past four or five weeks, Som has been working with Steve in preparation for the transition and learning more about Breadeaux’s operations in Denison and Pella.

While Breadeaux is limited to takeout now because of COVID-19 restrictions, the Waddells said customers can expect the same service provided by the Stueckradts. Som said that although she misses her customers from when she worked at the Hy-Vee deli, she’s looking forward to meeting her new customers at Breadeaux.

“We’re excited to be a part of Main Street,” Troy said. “Hopefully we can continue what Steve has built.”

Steve, who at age 77 has been a part of Main Street for more than 56 years, said his plans for the next few weeks are to help the Waddells with the transition. After that, he and Eleanor are looking forward to something they’ve been doing the last 20 years — spending time at Lake of the Ozarks.

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Submitted photo — Engel & Maharry received the Main Street Iowa Superior Interior Rehabilitation Award. Pictured Feb. 7 are Marti Gebbie, Rod Maharry, Amber Tye, Deena Moore, and Ted Engel.

Engel & Maharry receives Main Street award
Corning’s Engel & Maharry was honored with Main Street Iowa’s Superior Interior Rehabilitation Award and Main Street Corning celebrated its 30th anniversary as a Main Street Iowa member.

“We are proud to be celebrating 30 years as a Main Street organization. We celebrated the local Main Street Award nominees on Feb. 7 at the Corning Opera House. Our nominees were Corning Medical Clinic for Terrific Total Building Rehabilitation, Engel & Maharry for Superior Interior Rehabilitation, Kids Shopping Day for Exception Special Event, and Primrose Restaurant for Outstanding Residential Project. Congratulations to all our nominees,” Main Street Corning director Marti Gebbie said. “We are excited to share Engel & Maharry was selected at the state level for Superior Interior Rehabilitation. These awards are extremely competitive and we could not be more proud of all of our businesses. We are also pleased to honor Jamie Stargell with the Leadership Award. Jamie has been on the Main Street Board for over five years and has worked her way into the demanding role as president of our Main Street Program for Corning.”

Although the Main Street Iowa awards ceremony scheduled for April 3 was canceled due COVID-19 concerns, Main Street Iowa recognized the efforts of those who work day-in and day-out to revitalize Iowa’s downtowns — the heart and soul of communities across the state. The awards honor outstanding accomplishments, activities and people making a difference in the state’s 55 designated Main Street Iowa districts. This year, 19 projects were selected from 155 competitive nominations submitted in 13 different categories.

“Main Street Iowa has stood the test of time since its introduction in 1985,” said Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority. “We continue to see significant growth in the amount of business, jobs and investment in communities of all sizes due to the program, and as a result, these districts serve as inspiring examples of what’s possible for Iowa’s downtowns.”

A full list of award winners follows.

Signature Project Award
Jefferson Matters: Main Street
Recognized for Jefferson Rural Forge, a project that rose above the traditional award categories in regard to impact and significance.

Private Investment Milestones
Nine communities reached milestones in the amount of private investment in their commercial districts.   
Grundy Center: $1 million
Newton: $5 and $10 million
Ames, Le Mars and Ottumwa: $20 million
Burlington, Cedar Falls and Davenport: $100 million
Dubuque: $750 million

Main Street Iowa Anniversaries
Corning and Iowa Fall: 30 years
Central City, State Center and Story City: 20 years

In 1985, the Iowa Legislature adopted the National Main Street Center's Four Point Approach to district revitalization by establishing Main Street Iowa within the agency that is now the Iowa Economic Development Authority. Since inception, the state program and its communities have been considered examples of excellence in the national effort to revitalize historic commercial districts across the country.

Since 1986, local Main Street programs have made a significant impact on Iowa’s economy, resulting in: 

• The inception of 4,943 new businesses and a net gain of 15,170 new jobs;

• More than 12,400 building projects reported, totaling a private investment of $2.07 billion; and

• More than 3.4 million hours of human capital equating to greater than $87.5 million in time and talents according to the Independent Sector’s estimated value of a volunteer hour.

To learn more about Main Street Iowa and how all Iowa communities can access commercial revitalization assistance through the Iowa Downtown Resource Center, visit iowaeda.com/mainstreetiowa, email mainstreet@iowaeda.com or call (515) 348-6184.

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Cruising Corning

Backgrounds
​an Open 4 Business pick

Backgrounds Coffee Bar and Boutique was Main Street Corning’s Open 4 Business contest selection.

Main Street Corning received five applications demonstrating their entrepreneur initiatives who could use $28,000 to expand and grow their business idea within the Corning Main Street district.

“We held a local competition to determine which business would move forward and represent Main Street Corning,” Main Street Corning director Marti Gebbie said. “This business will complete an online application and submit a short video outlining their business idea and how it will benefit the local economic climate in their community. A 25 percent cash match is required. Businesses must have been in operation for at least one year to apply.” 

The Open 4 Business contest, launched in 2015, is an opportunity for businesses located within a state-designated Main Street district to compete for a chance to win up to $28,000 in grant funds to assist with a business development or expansion project that will help them grow their business. 

The grant funds are administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Downtown Resource Center and Main Street Iowa program.

Each designated Main Street community may submit one local business applicant that will represent Corning at the state competition held July 27 in Iowa City.

“We are pleased to announce Backgrounds Coffee Bar and Boutique was selected as our applicant,” Gebbie said. “Wish them luck as they compete with 53 other Main Street districts.”

For complete details about this program, contact Gebbie at (641) 322-3243 or Robin Bostrom, Iowa Downtown Resource Center/Main Street Iowa business specialist, at (515) 348-6176 or robin.bostrom@iowaEDA.com.

DON GROVES/Free Press — David Yazell looks out the front door Subway in Corning about 10 a.m. March 24 prior to the opening of Primrose Restaurant.

Eateries adjust
​to COVID-19

With restaurants limited to carryout and delivery following Gov. Kim Reynolds’ March 17 State of Public Health Disaster Emergency declaration, local eateries are adapting to continue serving their customers during COVID-19 precautions.

Sherry Keefe, owner of Backgrounds Coffee Bar and Boutique at 708 Davis Ave. in Corning, began delivery March 23. She said delivery is available 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday while still offering carryout during regular hours of 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Backgrounds’ alley entrance due to the temporary closing of Hair Designers.

Keefe said business has been slow, which was something she expected, but she plans to continue to serve coffee and food as well as offer boutique items to help keep the economy flowing on Main Street. She’s also looking at taking website orders should social distancing become more drastic.

“We’re just trying to be mindful and be cautionary,” Keefe said.

South of Backgrounds at J.O.’s Lounge at Kay’s Kafe at 608 Davis Ave., owner Kay Olson also said business has “cut down a lot” but she too is now offering delivery.

“Our fish and chicken night Friday was the best we had all week,” she said. “People called in for that.”

Olson said all her lunch and dinner menu items are still available, as are daily specials and pie, through either carryout or delivery.

North of Kay’s Kafe and Backgrounds at Breadeaux Pizza at 716 Davis Ave., owner Steve Stueckradt said his restaurant had its last open buffet March 16, the day before Reynolds signed a public health declaration virtually closing in restaurants statewide.

Stueckradt said Breadeaux is back to carry out only and employees there are taking all necessary health precautions.

On the west side of Davis Avenue at Primrose Restaurant at 619 Davis and next door at Subway at 617 Davis, Primrose is offering carryout and delivery while Subway offers carryout.

Pickup hours at Primrose are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday for dinner, although owner Joel Mahr said hours could change. Only 10 patrons, including employees, are allowed in the restaurant at one time so one person is encourage to pay and pick up food. One payment for groups is also recommended.

“We’re taking all the safety precautions,” Mahr said. “Our staff have been trained on how to handle money and all that. People shouldn’t be afraid to come into the restaurant.”

At Three C’s Diner at 300 Ninth St., Steve and Missy Sanson said business typically picks up for them but since the health declaration daily sales have been cut in about half. Carryout and deliveries are available, Missy said, and they plan to offer discounted gift cards that can be used at a later date.

Steve said customers should know that when they do home deliveries they’re taking every precaution possible.

“We’re wearing the gloves and taking the sanitizer to be as safe as we can,” he said.

He said they’re also following all Iowa Department of Public Health recommendations and doing an extra deep cleaning after each customer visits Three C’s.

Many of the restaurant are turning more to social media to let customers know about hours of operation, daily specials, and services available.

“My daughter puts it on Facebook,” Kay Olson said about Kay’s Kafe specials.

Backgrounds, Primrose, and Three C’s also have updated information on their Facebooks pages.

While Corning restaurant owners are taking proactive steps to fight COVID-19 and what it may ultimately mean to the local economy, the effects have already been felt. Jo Bissell, owner of Sweet Desire’s Bakery at 711 Davis Ave., said last week she hoped to remain open, especially because the bakery is carryout, but expressed concern about her employees and customers. Over the weekend, Bissell decided it would be safer to close down until further notice.

“It’s a tough call but we certainly don’t want to make people sick,” she said. “It’s added a lot of extra stress.”

Missy Sanson said she’s been praying every day “that we can get through this and keep the doors open.”

“It’s rough right now, real rough,” she said.

Three C’s typically has a staff of 16 but Missy said they’re now down to four.

“I feel bad for them but I told them yesterday to go ahead and apply for unemployment,” she said.

Stueckradt fears that if the COVID-19 cases continue to increase it’s only a matter of time before Reynolds orders restaurants completely closed. That’s a concern also shared by Kay Olson, who said she’s grateful for the support of her customers.
​
“Just keep calling in those orders,” she said. “I opened in 1980 and I would hate to think something like this could take out our business.”

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Adams County
​responds to COVID-19

Southwest Valley schools have been closed until further notice and access to the Adams County Courthouse has been limited following the spread of COVID-19 in Iowa.

The SWV website, www.southwestvalley.org, includes information about the campus closings and will be updated as needed.

“Plans will continue to evolve as more information is known,” the website says. “The administration of Southwest Valley will continue to meet weekly to reevaluate plans and protocols. It is also important to stay home at this time and not congregate at school playgrounds, friends’ homes, or other common public places.”

Although SWV’s Early Childhood Education Center and the Wellness Center in Villisca have been closed for now and all spring activities have been suspended, hot lunches are still available to SWV students 18 years old and younger. To order a hot lunch, text (641) 418-0952 or email lunch@southwestvalley.org for  curbside pickup from 11 a.m. to noon at the main entrance of Corning Elementary School or Southwest Valley Middle School. Orders must be made by 8 a.m.

The school closing came following Gov. Kim Reynolds’ March 15 recommendation that Iowa schools close for four weeks.

“Based on new information today from the Iowa Department of Public Health, now is the time to move to the next level of response,” Reynolds said. “I am now recommending that all Iowa schools close for a period of four weeks to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.”

On March 17, the Adams County Board of Supervisors announced access to the Adams County Courthouse would be limited “for the safety and concern of our employees due to COVID-19.”

Only the southwest door of the courthouse is open and all people entering the building will need to check in at the door with courthouse staff who will log the visitors’ names and addresses and purpose of business.

“You will be directed to the office that you are needed and then instructed to return and log out,” a press release from the supervisors’ says. “This procedure is being implemented to track exposure should that become an issue. If you are not feeling well or possibly at risk, please refrain from visiting the courthouse.”

County offices will provide assistance by phone or email to conduct business or to answer any questions regarding the situation. Supervisors are also recommending calling or emailing before visiting the courthouse or the engineer/secondary roads office. The county website, www.adamscountyia.com, and the county Facebook page will include announcements and other changes as needed.

Those needing to visit the Sheriff’s Office should use the east doors there or call (641) 322-4444.
Property taxes can be paid online at www.iowatreasurers.org or by mail. Taxes may also be dropped off in the mailbox on the west side of the courthouse and receipt will be mailed. Those needing to renew their driver’s license are asked to wait to do so. For more information, call the treasurer’s office at (641) 322-3210.

Other county phone numbers are the assessor’s office, (641) 322-4312; auditor’s office, (641) 322-3340; recorder’s office, (641) 322-3744; attorney’s office, (641) 322-4008; conservation office, (641) 322-4793; engineer/secondary roads, (641) 322-3910; Veterans Affairs, (641) 322-4455; Emergency Management, (641) 322-3262; and clerk of court, (641) 322-4711.

As of March 17, the Iowa Department of Public Health reported 23 cases of COVID-19 in the state with Johnson County the highest with 15 cases. Allamkee and Dallas County are reporting two cases each while Carroll, Harrison, Polk, and Pottawattamie are reporting one each. Another 199 Iowa residents were being monitored.

SWV to present
​‘Bye Bye Birdie’

The Southwest Valley Music Department will present the Tony Award-winning musical “Bye Bye Birdie” March 14-15 in the SWV High School auditorium.

Show times are 7 p.m. March 14 and 2 p.m. March 15. Tickets are $7 for adults and $6 for students and are available for purchase at the door.

“Bye Bye Birdie” is the story of an early 1960s heartthrob singer Conrad Birdie (Gabe Fuller) as he is drafted into the Army and is going to give one lucky fan his “one last kiss” before he goes. The adventure takes Conrad, his manager Albert Peterson (Jacob Roberts), and Albert’s secretary (Anna Inman) to Sweet Apple, Ohio, where they meet the MacAfee family (Kade Hutchings, Lyric Cory, Kendi Graham, and Avery Morgan) and chaos ensues. 

“We hope our Timberwolf communities will come out and support these talented actors and actresses, and find out if Conrad gets his ‘one last kiss,’” SWV vocal music teacher Mindy Docker said.
 
SWV Music Boosters will be once again hosting a dessert bar during the intermission of both shows for a freewill offering. 

“Proceeds from the dessert bar will go towards replenishing our funds after the purchases of our new timpani set and sound system,” Docker said.

SWV Schools
​plan book drive

Southwest Valley Schools are conducting a book and DVD drive to help fill the school libraries of young Kenyan students.

The Rotary Club of Corning and the Rotary Club of Meru, Kenya, are establishing libraries at two English-speaking schools in rural central Kenya visited twice each year by Dr. Stephen Gruba. The Villisca Lions Club is assisting with the drive as well. 

Both schools have 200-250 students, most of whom are orphans because of HIV taking their parents or from such poor families that they would not get any education if the school did not take them in, Gruba said. They live in dormitories on the school grounds. Although they have electricity, they do not have TV, iPads, computers, etc. One school has a digital movie projector donated by a benefactor and shows DVD movies on the wall once a week. The schoolteachers also live on the grounds and have no better entertainment. 

“A library would be a wonderful gift of entertainment and learning for both the children and the adults,” Corning Elementary School principal Allison Thomas said. “Any book or DVD in the English language, at any grade level, new or gently used, will be appreciated.”

All four Southwest Valley Schools will be collecting the items with the drive ending on March 19. Community patrons who wish to donate items may drop books at Corning Elementary or Southwest Valley High School. All collected books and used DVDs will be shipped to Kenya. 

“This is not a fundraiser, just a book and DVD gathering effort,” Thomas said.

For more information about the book drive, contact Thomas at Corning Elementary or Anthony Donahoo at SWV High School.

Myers places
fourth at state

Southwest Valley’s Tallen Myers returned home from the Iowa High School Athletic Association’s Class 1A 2020 State Wrestling Tournament Feb. 20-22 a little worse for wear but he also came home with a fourth place medal.

“Tallen came in to the tournament as most first timers do — a little overwhelmed and a lot nervous,” head coach Cody Konecne said. “His first match was against a kid that we have never seen before and didn’t have much knowledge about. He went out aggressive but got out of position and got caught in a fireman’s carry and pinned.”

That match ended by fall to West Hancock’s Tanner Hagen in 0:42 but Myers came back to win an 8-3 decision over South Central Calhoun’s Brian King.

“After that [first] match, his nerves seemed to calm almost completely and went out and really mowed guys down,” Konecne said. “He won his next match 8-3.”

Myers continued with a win over Interstate 35’s Sam Vonnahme by fall in 2:34 and defeated Northwood-Kensett’s Gideon Rollens in an 11-6 decision and Eagle Grove’s Joel Mendoza in a 7-3.

“The match that got him into the placing rounds, he pinned his kid in the second period. From there he went on to beat the No. 1 ranked kid coming into the tournament 11-6. His last match he beat the No. 1 seeded, No. 2 ranked kid 7-3,” Konecne said. “It was unfortunate that during that match those two collided, which resulted in concussion-like symptoms for both wrestlers. Tallen even had to take two staples for his head was split open by the contact. Neither one of the two would end up wrestling their final placing match. Tallen would have wrestled the same kid [Tanner Hagen] that beat him in the first round.”

While Myers never got the chance to again face Hagen, who brought home the third place medal, Konecne has little doubt how the rematch would have ended.

“The coaching staff couldn’t have been more proud of the way he performed at state. He overcame a loss in the first round and came back, winning four matches in a row to give himself a chance to place third,” Konecne said. “He had to face two elimination matches in a row just to make the podium. That is all heart and will. And the way he was wrestling at the time, there was no doubt in our minds that he wouldn’t have won that match.”

Myers qualifies for state

Southwest Valley High School wrestler Tallen Myers will compete Feb. 20-22 in the Iowa High School Athletic Association’s 2020 Sate Wrestling Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena Des Moines.

Myers qualified for the state tournament after placing second at 220 pounds Feb. 15 in the IHSAA 1A District Tournament at Underwood. SWV’s Kaden Jacobs just missed qualifying for state at 182 pounds.

Head coach Cody Konecne said the district tournament was filled with “gut-wrenching anxiety.”

“My heart probably stopped six times today. I got to celebrate a state qualifier, and empathize a crushing defeated of a third place district placer, just like last year,” he said. “The bright side of this year’s experience — we have quite the foundation to build around. And we will build our foundation on effort and principles set forth from our leaders. And we will achieve so many great things next year because of it.”

Myers defeated Underwood’s Chris Gardner with a 4-2 decision in the first round of the district tournament then lost by fall in 2:49 to Audubon’s Luke Mosinski, finally claiming another win over Gardner for second place.

Jacobs defeated Treynor’s Logan Young by fall in 2:58, lost a 10-6 decision to Coon Rapids-Bayard‘s Aaron McAlister, then lost by fall in 2:22 to Riverside’s Kaiden Hendricks.

Konecne said the district tournament proved to be a landmark for Southwest Valley wrestling history.

“I have been a part of this school district my whole life. In that time, we have been rich in wrestling history. Tallen Myers has not. He is from Villisca. Born and raised. From a town in which wrestling was just something other schools did. And I know Villisca and Corning are collectively Southwest Valley but up until now very state place winner and qualifier has come up from Corning. Until now Villisca kids just participated in wrestling but never made the big state,” he said. “Until now it was just easier to submit yourself to basketball than legitimately give yourself an opportunity to really make a name for yourself. And in this year, we almost had two kids from Villisca to prove that theory wrong.

“This whole grade sharing opportunity that Southwest Valley has provided these communities allows anyone to be whatever they want to be, succeed at any level they want to succeed, be friends with people they may have never met otherwise,” Konecne said. “When I say that this day is a great day to be a Timberwolf, I mean it in the most sincere way. Because when communities can work together as one in sports and achieve great things, nothing can stop us from creating a truly great place to call home.”

Main Street Award nominees named

The Main Street Corning Program celebrated its 30-year anniversary, recognized local volunteers, and announced the Main Street Iowa Award nominees Feb. 7 at a special event at the Corning Opera House.

The nominees are Primrose Restaurant for the Outstanding Residential Project Award, Corning Medical Clinic for the Terrific Total Rehabilitation Award, Engel and Maharry for the Superior Interior Award, Kids Shopping Day for the Remarkable Retail Promotion Award, and Main Street Corning President Jamie Stargell for the Leadership Award. Anne Greenwalt was also presented the Wall of Fame Award for spearheading Market Down Davis and many other leadership roles she tackled in 2019.

Following Stargell’s welcome to the event, Burton Heaton spoke about how Main Street Corning came into existence 30 years ago. 

Main Street Corning director Marti Gebbie announced the award nominees beginning with Kids Shopping Day, an event tailored toward children aged kindergarten through fifth grade to help them with Christmas shopping. She said the Main Street Promotion Committee extended the hours of the event and partnered with Corning Opera House, which donated space for event activities. Children were given Chamber Bucks to spend in downtown Corning for Kids Shopping Day, which was also Small Business Saturday. With the extended hours, the event included lunch and a movie.

Gebbie also spoke about the three businesses nominated. Corning Medical Clinic was selected for the Terrific Total Building Rehabilitation thanks to the work done by Greater Regional after purchasing the building at 700 Davis Ave. in 2018. In the process of renovating the back wall, the brick in the back had fallen in years earlier and almost resulted in the entire building collapsing. Greater Regional not only restored the building’s exterior it also updated the interior, exposing the original brick.

Primrose Restaurant, last years’ recipient of the Superior Interior Rehabilitation Award and previous Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant winner, was selected for the Outstanding Residential Project Award for renovating the second story of the restaurant. The renovation includes two apartments, one overlooking Davis Avenue and the other overlooking Benton Avenue.

Engel and Maharry Law Offices was selected for the Superior Interior Rehabilitation Award for the remodeling of its new office at 713 Davis Ave. Ted Engel and Rod Maharry purchased the building in 2018 and began remodeling in 2019. Improvements include a new front window, lighting and fans, wiring, and a sound buffer system while preserving much of the building’s historical features. The wood floors and ceiling were cleaned and polished, the original back doors were stripped down and mounted onto a rolling system for the conference room, and an old bookcase with a sliding library ladder are now the backdrop to the front reception area. 

“We are very excited to see how our group of nominees do at the Main Street Iowa Awards, as so many great things happened in 2019,” Gebbie said. “Congratulations to all for being nominated for a Main Street Iowa Award.”

Marilea Mullen spoke about Main Street Corning’s success and the amount of volunteer hours involved in the program. She said more than 10,000 hours of volunteer time was recorded in 2019. She said the national value of a volunteer is $25.43, which amounts to a $254,300 investment through volunteers back into the Main Street Corning district.

Stargell said with Main Street Iowa’s approval, Main Street Corning was able to extend its district to include several existing businesses such as Miltner Insurance, Pearson Family Funeral Homes, and Wolf Wash. In addition to those added to the district, Auriginal Designs, Phillips Stafford Insurance Group, Corning Medical Clinic, and JD Services brought in new businesses as well. She said a total of $1.9 million was invested in the district last year through new buildings or improvements. She said Main Street Corning also awarded five façade grants totaling $3,865 in 2019 thanks to the contribution commitment from local banks.

“Main Street Corning has accomplished a huge milestone of nearly $14 million being invested back into our Main Street community,” Stargell said.

Another Main Street Corning district improvement is the work being done on the Widener building at 729 Davis Ave. The City of Corning acquired the building and is stabilizing it thanks in part to a $75,000 Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant, a $25,000 Adams Community Foundation Grant, and a $4,000 Operation Round-up Grant from REC.

Stargell said Andrew and Misty Johnson, owners of RJ’s Plumbing-Rolling Thrones, came in second runner up for the Open 4 Business grant earning $13,000 for their business last year. Carver’s Ridge won first place in 2018 with a grant award of $28,000. She said the 2020 Open 4 Business contest local applications are due by March 2. Applications are available online at adamscountyiowa.com, on the Main Street Corning Facebook page, or by calling Gebbie at (641) 322-3243.

“Main Street Corning is ever changing, and we are just beginning to settle into the year,” Stargell said. “We have a lot of goals to accomplish and future plans to develop. I am looking forward to cultivating better relationships with volunteers and community organizations.”

Warrants lead to arrests,
​recovery of stolen property

Search warrants served Jan. 31 in Creston resulted in four arrests and the recovery of stolen property taken in recent thefts in Creston and the surrounding area.

The Adams County Sheriff’s Office along with the Creston Police Department, deputies from Union, Ringgold, Adair, and Taylor counties, the Afton Police Department and the Department of Narcotics Enforcement served the search warrants at 612 W. Mills in Creston, according to a Creston Police Department press release.

Adam Cross, Jennifer Beard, Patrick Farlow, and Natalie Eslinger face multiple felony charges following their arrest.

Cross is charged with two counts of theft, criminal mischief, possession of burglar tools, aggravated burglary third degree, possession of controlled substance third/subsequent, dominion or control of a firearm by a felon, attempted burglary third degree, and gathering where controlled substance used. Cross was served a Union County warrant for interference with official acts and an Adams County warrant for probation violation, for which he is being held on no bond.

Beard is charged with possession of a controlled substance first offense, theft second degree, and gathering where controlled substances used. Beard was served a Union County warrant for violating a no contact order and theft. She was being held without bond until seeing the magistrate.
Farlow is charged with possession of a controlled substance second offense, gathering where controlled substance used, and burglary third degree. Farlow was served three Union County warrants — two probation violations following original charges of possession of a controlled substance and carrying weapons and a controlled substance violation. He is being held on no bond.

Eslinger was served a Polk County warrant for probation violation on an original charge of operating a vehicle without owner’s consent. She is being held on no bond.

Among the items recovered are five firearms, drug paraphernalia, and methamphetamine as well as a large amount of stolen property including one vehicle.

The Creston Police Department will notify victims of recent thefts and ask them to identify any possible missing property after the seized evidence has been logged and tagged.

Chamber honors community leaders

This year’s Adams Community Chamber awards included 36 nominees.

The Chamber announced the award winners Jan. 23 at its annual banquet at the Corning Community Center with just over 100 in attendance. This year’s theme was Through the Years.

Receiving awards were:

Best Agriculturist — Jason and Jamie McManis of Edge Ag Solutions. The full-time farm couple and parents of five children spearheaded Edge Ag Solutions. After repurposing a vacant building for a multi-faceted agricultural business that has added employment, they now offer ag chemicals, fertilizers, custom application, crop insurance, seed, and soil sampling. They currently employ three full-time employees and six part-time or additional seasonal employees. Jason and Jamie McManis also volunteer on various boards and are helping the county grow by providing a hands-on ag equipment simulator to local students that will provide training and internship opportunities.

Entrepreneur of the Year — Caitlyn Houck, owner of The Rustic Charm. Houck has taken her hobby of handmade home décor items and has grown it into a business with one full-time and two part-time employees. She also organizes the Handmade Market, a daylong event that attracts many customers to the community, and offers classes to create handcrafted items. She also recently added a mobile business to take her creations on the road and raise awareness of Adams County outside of the community.

Organization/Business of the Year — Sherry Keefe, owner of Backgrounds Coffee Bar and Boutique. Opened just over two years ago behind Hair Designers, Backgrounds Coffee Bar and Boutique offers much more than just coffee and tea. Backgrounds also offers breakfast and lunch items as well as a wide variety of boutique items, many of which are locally created. Keefe partners with other businesses to bring more shoppers into the community and spotlights a small local business each month. One of Keefe’s nominations said, “I nominate her because she has worked so hard over the past three years to make her dream of opening up a coffee shop come true. Backgrounds has become the best place to meet up and bring people together.”

John McMahon Volunteer of the Year — Denny Villhauer. Villhauer has given time to multiple organizations for the betterment of Corning and Adams County including Adams Community Economic Development Board, Chamber Board, Main Street Board, and Rotary Club. He volunteers to help plan and set up a variety of community events and support youth programs.

The Joe Cook Lifetime Support Award — Burton Heaton. Heaton has provided hours of support to a multitude of endeavors in the community. He has been involved with Main Street Board and Design Committee for more than 21 years. He serves on the Adams County Economic Development Board. He is currently the Rotary Club president and has been a strong supporter/volunteer of the Adams County Speedway for many years. Heaton has had various roles in the Chamber, is a member of the Adams Community Ambassadors, and takes part in sharing with legislators and business recognition in the community. He has served as treasurer for The House of History for the past 17 years and supports student athletes by working the scoreboard at home volleyball and basketball games as well as volunteering as a timer at home track meets. Heaton also works to beautify the community and oversees the can redemption site at Hy-Vee for Main Street.

Prior to the award presentations, the Chamber presented its 2020 officers and board of directors. Officers are Wendi Boswell, president; Devin Hunter, vice president; Marilea Mullen, secretary; and Julia Paul, treasurer.

Chamber director Marti Gebbie highlighted the Chamber’s 2019 accomplishments. She said more than $22,000 in Chamber Bucks were issued, a 45 percent increase. The Chamber has 117 business memberships and 31 individual memberships, a 22 percent increase. The Chamber Ambassadors gave 12 business salutes in 2019.

Gebbie said the 60th Annual Flight Breakfast had 12 fly-ins and served more than 400 people, the Chamber Golf Tournament had 19 teams and 11 hole sponsors, and First Friday BBQ attendance averaged more than 220. 
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Adams Community Foundation chair Nancy Turner presented Foundation grant awards to Prescott Fire and Rescue, $18,294.64 for rapid extraction equipment; Adams County Fair and Racing Association, $10,000 for bleacher renovation; City of Corning, $25,000 for Widener building stabilization, and $3,776 for a kitchen oven and dishwasher at the Community Center; Adams Community Economic Development Corporation, $2,500 for lighting and flooring; and Corning Public Library, $2,300 for a handicapped door. Turner said $61,870.64 was awarded, bringing the total of $1.4 million awarded since 1988.​

Chamber awards
​nominees announced

The Adams Community Chamber of Commerce Board announced nominees for the Chamber Awards at the Lauvstad Center on Jan. 17 during Chamber Coffee. 

Those nominated were individuals, businesses, and organizations who had an impact on the community in 2019. Winners will be named Jan. 23 at the Annual Chamber Awards Banquet at the Corning Community Center. Due to inclement weather, several nominees were unable to attend and are not pictured.

The nominees are:

Entrepreneur of the Year — Caitlyn Houck (The Rustic Charm), Sherry Keefe (Backgrounds Coffee Bar and Boutique), Jason and Jamie McManis (Edge Ag Solutions), Andrew and Misty Johnson (RJs Plumbing and Heating – Rolling Thrones), Nick and Allie Wetzel (Wolf Wash), and Darrell and Diane Hein (Vogel and Thomas).

Best Agriculturalist — Duane and Evelyn Dougherty (Dougherty Farms), Jason and Jamie McManis (Edge Ag Solutions), Rod Fleharty (Adams Community Rural Development Committee).

Business /Organization of the Year — Cathay Pringnitz (Imagine the Possibilities), Amy Stalcup (Bella Vita), Caitlyn Houck (The Rustic Charm), Southern Hills Veterinary Services and City of Corning, Joel Mahr and Jill Fulton (Primrose Restaurant), Holly Steeve (Matura Outreach), De Heaton (Corning Opera House), Rick and Jo Bissell (Sweet Desires Bakery), Deb Loudon (Lakeside Supplies), Sherry Keefe (Backgrounds Coffee Bar and Boutique), Jeff Fulton and Chuck Fast (Nishna Valley Builders), Market Down Davis (Main Street Corning), Adams County Conservation Board, and Corning Rotary Club.

John McMahon Volunteer of the Year — Jamie Stargell, Judy Beckett, Denny Villhauer, and Cliff Mann.
Joe Cook Lifetime Support Award — Burton Heaton, Colleen Bickford, Marilea Mullen, Betsy Akin, Beth Waddle, Donnie Willett, and Tim Ennis.

Laborshed study
​under way

The Adams Community Economic Development Corporation is partnering with Iowa Workforce Development and Iowa Economic Development Authority to complete a laborshed employment study for the Adams community area. 

This study will geographically define which communities contribute to local workforce, regardless of political boundaries. This defined area is called a laborshed area and is based upon commuting patterns.

The purpose of this laborshed study is to measure the availability and characteristics of area workers. Laborshed studies are useful tools for economic development teams and existing or prospective employers to understand the local labor market, make informed expansion and site selection decisions, and maintain/recruit a high-quality workforce.

For the success of this study, we will be sending letters to employers in Adams County asking that they provide aggregate counts of their employees’ residential ZIP codes. This will allow ADECDC to define a commuting pattern for Corning and determine what the scope and scale of the laborshed area is and better understand where Adams County’s workforce resides. 

A confidential survey of residents will also be conducted to collect workforce characteristic information specific to the area. Residents will receive a letter directing them how to take the survey online and/or they will receive a telephone call to take the survey. The survey call originates out of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, therefore, the incoming number will have the 319 area code. It is possible that Adams County residents may receive a text message from an 888 number as well, alerting residents to expect a call about the survey. Survey questions will cover topics such as employment status, current and desired wages, current and desired benefits, education level, and type of occupation among other things. However, Iowa Workforce Development will not ask survey takers identifiable information such as name, Social Security number, or date of birth.

Every year Iowa Workforce Development conducts laborshed studies across the state. The results of each analysis are publicly available online at www.iowalmi.gov/laborshed. For more information about the laborshed project, contact Katie Lippold at (515) 281-3035 or Beth Waddle at (641) 322-5229.

SWV seeks new principal

Southwest Valley School District is seeking a new principal following the resignation of SWV Middle School principal Lora Top.

“Over the holiday break, Southwest Valley has had to make a change at the middle school principal position.  Lora Top submitted her resignation on Dec. 19 and the Villisca School board voted 5-0 to accept the resignation,” SWV superintendent Chris Fenster said. “We have conducted a search and have selected Lee Haidsek as the interim middle School principal for the remainder of the school year. Lee previously served as principal at Villisca before retiring.”

The Villisca School Board approved Haidsek as interim principal at the board’s Jan. 2 meeting.

“We are excited that Lee has stepped forward to help us finish our school year out strong,” Fenster said.

Fenster said the district has already begun advertising for a permanent middle school principal. Candidates will be reviewed the week of Jan. 27-31 and interviews will begin the first week in February.

“On behalf of the Villisca School Board and the Corning School Board we would like to thank Lora for her service with the district and wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors,” Fenster said.

Swearingen and Kelli
to perform Jan. 10

Nashville duo Swearingen and Kelli will present their Fire and Rain nostalgic acoustic concert of the iconic folk hits of the 1970s at 7 p.m. Jan. 10 at the Corning Opera House Cultural Center.

The show features the authentic and harmonic vocals of the singer-songwriting duo, highlighting some of the greatest songs from that era. This show of classics will include music from Cat Stevens, Gordon Lightfoot, Jim Croce, Carole King, James Taylor, Simon and Garfunkel, Fleetwood Mac, Kris Kristofferson and more.

“I mean, it’s that harmony. When you hear a duo that is really singing together — and by that I mean listening as much as anything else — it’s a special and unique sound.” — Red Line Roots, 2019

Their third studio album, Cold-Hearted Truth, bridges the gap between modern-day Americana, the classic sounds of '70s singer-songwriters, and country rebels. The album delivers stories about endurance, addictions, old stomping grounds, false starts and getting things right the second time around. The album revels in simpler times of AJ Swearingen’s family’s humble beginning in the Appalachian coal mines and Jayne Kelli’s family history in the small town of Lapeer, Mich.

Discounted tickets can be purchased as part of the winter/spring package that includes two or three other shows or individually. Adult tickets are $30 and students are $10, unless purchased more than 24 hours in advance, saving $5 per ticket. Purchases can be made online at www.CorningOperaHouse.com, afternoons at the opera house office, at the State Bank of Brooks in Corning, or by calling the office at (641) 418-8037. Follow the Corning Opera House on Instagram (cohcc) and on Facebook for the latest details and upcoming events.

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CHRISTY GROVES/Free Press — Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand speaks Dec. 17 during a town hall meeting at Corning City Hall.

Sand targets
financial crime
Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand met Dec. 17 with Adams County residents to discuss new policies he will be implementing Jan. 1 during a town hall meeting at Corning City Hall.

Sand visited Corning to round out his 99-county tour for 2019.

Sand, who  was named an assistant attorney general in 2010 by attorney general Tom J. Miller, has created a new position in the state auditor’s office named auditor/investigator. Sand said the goal of this new position is to create stronger prosecution of financial crime.

Sand said he is also advocating moving some state auditor employees to rural communities. He said the change would help bring more revenue and better job opportunities to rural communities. He said some state employees would welcome the opportunity to live in rural communities rather than Des Moines. 

Sand said adding or losing a state job doesn’t have a great affect as it would on the economy of a rural community. He said employees from his office would be given the opportunity to relocate to rural communities if they desired.

Sand has pledge to conduct a 99-county tour of the state each year he is in office.

“I’m proud of the work our office has done this year, but I didn’t just tell Iowans about that,” he said. “I also let them poke their state auditor with a stick to see what comes out. All our events have been open to the public and I’ve answered questions at every stop. It’s been refreshing to have concerned citizens, local elected officials, and folks from the legislature, from both parties, at my stops across the state.

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Christmas services planned

Adams County churches will offer several Christmas and Christmas Eve services and programs.

Living for Christ Outreach will hold a Christmas program at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec.  22, at 1007 Nodaway St. in Corning.

Brooks-Carbon-Carl Parish will hold a community candlelight service at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22, at Carbon Community Hall. A Christmas service will be held at 10 a.m. Christmas Day, Dec. 25, at Brooks United Methodist Church.

Corning United Methodist will hold a Christmas Eve service at 5 p.m. Dec. 24 at 901 Nodaway St. Regular services will be held Dec. 22 and Dec. 29 with Sunday school at 9:30 a.m. and worship at 10:30 a.m.

St. Patrick Parishes will hold Christmas at 4 p.m. Dec. 24 at 504 Grove Ave. in Corning, at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 24 at 600 W. Michigan in Lenox, and at 10 a.m. Dec. 25 in Corning.

Redeemer Lutheran Church will hold a Christmas Eve candlelight service at 7 p.m. Dec. 24 at 800 17th St. in Corning.

Corning First Presbyterian Church will hold a Christmas Eve service at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 24 at 907 Grove Ave.

Prescott United Church Disciples of Christ will hold a candlelight and communion worship service at 11 p.m. Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, at 405 Sixth Ave.

Christmas Dinner
​biggest yet

More than 140 people shared a meal, music, and fellowship Dec. 6 at the Ninth Annual Community Christmas Dinner sponsored by Living for Christ Outreach. 

“This was our biggest turn out of our community,” Living for Christ Outreach Pastor Tim Blaisure said. “Thank you to the Adams County community for coming and making this an awesome time together.”

Blaisure said The Hunter Family — Brandon, Sheri, Jaron, Jediah, Asher, and Rayna Hunter — “really connected with everyone” with their music. 

“We had Three C's Restaurant who catered for us and did an awesome job,” he said.

“Thanks to everyone who donated their time, money, prayers, and gifts for everyone who stayed to the end,” Blaisure said.

Submitted photo — The Seventh Annual Norvell Houck Remembrance Meal and Fundraiser will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Corning Community Center.

Houck Remembrance Meal to take place Dec. 7

Christmas season is under way, signaling the renewal of seasonal traditions such as youth Christmas programs and community concerts. It is also marks the Seventh Annual Norvell Houck Remembrance Meal and Fundraiser, which will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Corning Community Center. 

The fundraiser is sponsored by Norvell’s People in Need coffee group. 

“It is an opportunity to have a meal before you go home from an afternoon of shopping,” according to co-chair Tony Mullen. 

A freewill donation will be taken for a menu of scrambled eggs, French toast, and sausage gravy and biscuits. 

Co-chair Jim Amdor said an auction for pies and a variety of other items will be held beginning at 6 p.m. 

“There will be more than 25 pies available,” Amdor said.

The goal is “to raise funds for charitable activities and organizations,” Mullen said. He said funds raised at the event have been used in the Adams County Community and beyond.

“Families and individuals have been assisted in a large area including Shenandoah, Creston, Lenox, Villisca, Bedford, and more,” Amdor said.

“We have assisted many cancer patients and their families, as well as MATURA, the past five years,” Mullen said.

James and Caitlyn Houck are donating a beef for the auction. The beef will be sold in quarters and the processing has been paid.

“We want to make this available to families in need at an affordable price,” the Houcks said. 

“This will be a great way to end a day of Christmas shopping,” the co-chairs said. “It will be an opportunity to visit with friends in the community, have a great meal and take a pie home and all the time you know you will be helping our coffee group help People in Need throughout the area.”

Those not able to attend can make donations at the Bank of Brooks, 701 Benton Ave., Corning, IA 50841, payable to Norvell’s People in Need. For more information, contact Jim Amdor at (712) 621-0879 or Tony Mullen at (712) 621-1483

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Accident claims
​semi driver’s life

A 26-year-old Hamlin woman died and two others were injured Nov. 23 in a two vehicle accident west of Corning on Highway 34 and Gingko Avenue, according to an Iowa State Patrol crash report.

Karmen Grabill died at the scene of the accident after she failed to stop the 2010 Freightliner semi she was driving north on Ginkgo Avenue and was struck by a westbound 2012 Chevrolet Traverse on Highway 34 driven by Wannita Olson, 54, of Corning at about 10:47 a.m., the report says. The semi jackknifed and came to rest in the west ditch of Gingko Avenue and the Traverse came to rest north of the intersection on Gingko.

Olson was taken to CHI Health Mercy Corning while her 5-year-old passenger was flown by LifeNet to Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines.

Both Olson and her passenger were wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident.

Iowa State Patrol Sgt. Kevin Johnson, Corning Fire Department, and Adams County Rescue responded to the accident.

County passes
​post-election audit

Adams County conducted its post-election audit Thursday, Nov. 14, under a law designed to monitor and protect election processes.

Adams County Auditor Rebecca Bissell said the audit was a perfect match to the result recorded.
Iowa law requires that after each election, the Secretary of State will choose, at random, one precinct in each Iowa county to be audited. County auditors must then supervise a hand count of the ballots from that precinct and compare the results to the voting machine count from election night.

In Adams County, the Secretary of State chose the Absentee Precinct with the first ballot position being audited, which in this case was the mayor for the City of Corning. Seventy-four votes were cast in the Absentee Precinct of which 31 ballots contained that race. Both the machine count and the hand count Nov. 14 showed the following breakdown: Leonard – 30 votes, Write-In – 1, Undervotes — 0, Overvotes — 0, for a total of 31 votes.

Bissell said that the law is in response to concerns about election security. 

“We test the machines multiple times before the election and being able to rely on paper ballots gives us confidence in the integrity of our voting system,” Bissell said. “This post-election audit with a hand count shows that our machines are accurately counting the ballots.”

Two precinct election officials, representing the two major political parties, conducted the count under the supervision of Bissell and staff. As required in the law, the auditor’s office notified the county chairs of both of the two major political parties. Questions about the post-election audit and other election matters may be directed to the auditor’s office at (641) 322-3340 or acelect@adamscountyia.com.

Submitted photo — Corning Councilwoman Judy Beckett, left, and Mayor Jan Leonard pose for a photo after being awarded a $75,000 grant for the City of Corning’s Stabilization Project on the Widener building at 729 Davis in downtown Corning.

Corning receives $75,000 Main Street grant

The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) awarded Main Street Corning a $75,000 grant for the City of Corning’s Stabilization Project on the Widener building at 729 Davis in downtown Corning.

Mayor Jan Leonard, councilwoman Judy Beckett, Main Street Corning representative, and Beth Waddle, executive director of the Adams Community Economic Development Corporation, were on hand to accept the award Nov. 7 at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. 

The grant requires matching funds from the City of Corning. The project is scheduled to start in the new year. 

“The Main Street Iowa Challenge grants have been instrumental in revitalizing Iowa’s historic main streets,” said IEDA and Iowa Finance Authority director Debi Durham, who was on hand along with Main Street Iowa director Michael Wagler to present the award. “Reinvesting in our traditional commercial districts is good business. It is good for our economy and good for our state. These projects will bring new businesses and new residents to our downtown districts.”

Fourteen Main Street communities were awarded grants that ranged from $25,000 to $75,000 and totaled $1 million. The estimated total project cost of these 14 projects is over $3.2 million. 

“This investment will have a significant economic impact within each district,” Wagler said.

Since the Challenge Grants were awarded in 2002, approximately $10.6 million in state and federal funds have leveraged more than $59 million in private investment. Over the life of the program, 179 projects in 54 Main Street Iowa commercial districts received funding. Other projects over the years in the Main Street Corning District have been Primrose Restaurant and the Corning Opera House.

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Veterans Day
events scheduled

A variety of Veterans Day events are planned for the Adams Community.
​
Southwest Valley will host two Veterans Day assemblies, one at the Southwest Valley High School Activity Center in Corning and the other at Southwest Valley Middle School gymnasium in Villisca, at 10 a.m. Nov. 8.

The high school assembly will include the presentation of Quilts of Valor to veterans.

Due to teacher in-service, there will be no school Nov. 11, Veterans Day.

A Veterans Day program featuring the Synergy Winds of the 34th  Army Band of the Iowa Army National Guard and the Corning Center for the Fina Arts art installation “These Fallen Friends,” crocheted poppies honoring the 3,576 Iowans who died serving in the armed forces during World War I, will take place Nov. 10 at the Corning Opera House and at Central Park in Corning.

The Center for the Fine Arts will also feature Michael Wilson’s “One Man One War, One Hundred Years” following the Veterans Day program with light refreshments.

Synergy Winds woodwind quintet is stationed in Fairfield, Iowa, and is the only military band in the state of Iowa. The mission of the 34th Army Band is to provide music throughout the spectrum of military operations, instill in soldiers the will to fight and win, and foster the support of citizens and promote national interests at home and abroad. The 34th Army Band is made up of citizen soldiers whose civilian occupations include teachers, salesmen, corporate management, engineers, and students.

The unit's numerous ensembles have extensively toured the state of Iowa performing at official military ceremonies, sporting events, parades, concerts, festivals, school assemblies, patriotic concerts, and many other events. The current focus of the 34th  Army Band has been developing smaller musical performance teams (MPTs) to expand their ability to support more musical requests, both for the military and events throughout Iowa. Current MPTs include the Concert and Marching Bands, Sidewinders Rock Band, 42 Romeo Rock Band, Scrap Metal Popular Music Group, Synergy Winds Woodwind Quintet, Ceremonial Brass MPT, and Operation Groove Jazz Ensemble.

Synergy Winds quintet members are Douglas Davenport, clarinet; Cherie Knight, flute; Ben Lempka, bassoon; Michelle Monroe, horn; and Kelley Ullerich, leader. All are current members of the 34th Iowa Army National Guard Band. They will start playing at 1:30 p.m. as people arrive for the Veterans Day program at 2 p.m. featuring Michael Wilson’s “One Man One War, One Hundred Years” art exhibit and Corning Center for Fine Arts poppy installation. Synergy Winds will perform as part of the program and play “Taps” at the poppy field in Central Park. This is a free event for the public.

On Nov. 11, Corning Hy-Vee and Corning Rotary Club will serve a free breakfast to veterans and their spouses from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Corning Community Center. 
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Free coffee for veterans will be served Nov. 11 at Backgrounds Coffee Bar and Boutique. The coffee is sponsored by Miltner Insurance

School measures
on Nov. 5 ballot

Voters in the Corning Community School District and the Villisca Community School District will be asked Nov. 5 to reauthorize Southwest Valley School District’s physical plant levy.

“On the ballot this November will be reauthorization of the school’s voted physical plant levy rate of .67 per $1,000 assessed value. This levy is required by law to be voted on every 10 years,” Southwest Valley superintendent Chris Fenster said. “The district uses PPEL funds to improve buildings, purchase busses, and purchase new technology. Some examples of projects that have been paid for by the VPPEL/PPEL account are middle school demolition, stabilizing the activity center, repairing roofs, tuck pointing, bus purchases, new technology, lighting for athletic fields, and new LED lighting in buildings. Future projects will include stabilizing the high school track, office relocation at Enarson Elementary, new bus barn in Corning, new boiler for the activity center, technology purchases, new fencing at athletic fields in both districts and several other projects. This voted PPEL has been in place for the past 20 years and is a very important part of the community support for the schools in providing the best facilities, transportation, and technology for our district.”

School board members at Corning and Villisca are also on the ballot. Gwen Larsen and Amy Grau are on the Corning ballot and Jason Poston, Richard Allen Mullen, and Tom A. Williams are on the Villisca ballot.

CAM, Creston, Griswold, Lenox, and Orient-Macksburg school board candidates appear on the ballot as are Southwestern Community College District 1 and District 2 directors. 

City elections for Carbon, Corning, Nodaway, and Prescott will also take place Nov. 5.

In Carbon, Larry E. Johnson is the mayoral candidate. Council candidates include Harold Wayne Mitchell, Donna Rochau, Helen Hickman, Vicki Haley, and Michael Kempton.

In Corning, Janice Mercer Leonard is the mayoral candidate. The council at large candidate is Bert Peckham. Gardy Badgett is the Ward 1 candidate and Adam Goodvin is the Ward 3 candidate.

In Nodaway, Patricia A. Shipley is the mayoral candidate. Council candidates are Gary Poen, Gene Dixon, Brenda Dunn, Rebecca Poen, and Christine Dunn.

In Prescott, the mayoral candidate is Theresa West. Council candidates are Julie Krauth and Kimberly Reed.
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For more information about the election, contact the Adams County auditor’s office at (641)322-3340.

Chase ends in wreck,
​drug charges

A Waterloo man is facing multiple charges following a high-speed chase Oct. 20, according to the Adams County Sheriff’s Office.

The Adams County K9 unit stopped a vehicle driven by Matthew Bowlden at approximately 1:34 a.m. Oct. 20 near Highway 24 and Nodaway Avenue for a speeding violation, a Sheriff’s Office press release says. K9 Baxo was deployed and gave a positive alert to the odor of narcotics but Bowlden barricaded himself in the vehicle and refused numerous orders to exit the vehicle.

After the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office arrived to assist, deputies again attempted to get Bowlden to exit the vehicle but he still refused. Deputies attempted to gain entry into Bowlden’s vehicle but Bowlden drove off west on Highway 34 at speeds exceeding 100 mph. Bowlden headed south into Brooks and continued on gravel roads where he eventually lost control and wrecked near 255th and Filbert Avenue.

Bowlden was subsequently arrested for attempting to elude a law enforcement vehicle, possession of a controlled substance first offense, possession of drug paraphernalia, and interference with official acts.

Bowlden was also cited for speeding (103 mph in a 55 mph zone, 80 mph in a 40 mph zone, and 80 mph in a 30 mph zone), failure to obey a traffic control device, failure to maintain control, no insurance-accident related, careless driving, reckless driving, failure to carry registration card, and operating a non-registered vehicle.

The Adams County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.

Students harvest corn
​for Watch Me Grow 

As rain approached Adams County, Corning Elementary fifth-graders completed their Watch Me Grow project at POET Biorefining on Oct. 9 with a harvest celebration.

Students, teachers, and parents were invited to POET to hand pick the corn they planted last spring with the help of some POET and Nutrien Ag Solutions employee volunteers, Farm Bureau members, and Southwest Valley High School FFA students.

Thirty-two students harvested their corn, sold it to POET, and earned $3.75 each for their crop. The students began the project as fourth-graders when last spring they planted their corn crop, Farm Bureau sales associate Jennifer Westlake said.

“Every two weeks between planting day and harvest day the students received an update on their crop, informing them of how much their crop had grown, how much precipitation it had received along with information regarding crop growing conditions, biology and science,” she said. “This is the fourth year for the program providing an opportunity for students to experience what the American farmer might experience when growing a crop.” 

The students and guests toured POET Biorefining before harvesting their corn, ending their visit with games and a picnic lunch.

CARIE MORALES/Free Press — Jim Maeder with St. Patrick’s Knights of Columbus presents a check for $2,859.17 Oct. 2 to Fostering Hope, a foster/adoptive closet that provides toiletries, clothes, toys, and other items to those in need. From left are Michelle Morgan, left, the Rev. Jessica Paulsen, Megan Boswell, and Jim Maeder.

Fostering Hope
​receives donation

St. Patrick’s Knights of Columbus was one of Fostering Hope’s most recent donors.

The Knights of Columbus presented a check for $2,859.17 to the foster/adoptive closet Oct. 2.
Located at The First Presbyterian Church at 907 Grove Ave. in Corning, the closet has been helping foster families throughout the area since its opening in May 2018.

“We’ve been growing exponentially in terms of donations,” said Megan Boswell, one of the organizers. She and Michelle Morgan saw the need for faster parents in the area and started Fostering Hope to support foster families.

Fostering Hope began with clothes, toiletries, and other necessities but also has other items for children and infants such as cribs, beds, swings, and other baby gear, Boswell said.

Along with helping meet physical needs, Fostering Hope is also providing information and resources for foster families. On Nov. 7 Fostering Hope will present This Is Foster Care, which will provide information for those interested in learning more about foster care. Boswell said the event will feature seven or eight different speakers to raise awareness, answer questions, and provide information about foster families. This Is Foster Care will take place at the Corning Community Center.

Boswell said plans are under way for a training conference this winter. She said the conference will focus not just on foster families but also on teachers, pastors, mental health professionals, and others who work with foster families.

Boswell said its help such as the recent donation from the Knights of Columbus that has helped Fostering Hope grow and reach those in need.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to community and everybody who is supporting us,” she said.

For more information about Fostering Hope, call Boswell at (641) 226-1908 or Morgan at (641) 202-1995.

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​Governor’s Volunteer Awards

Iowa Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg presented the Governor’s Volunteer Award to two Adams County volunteers Sept. 27 at the Southeast Polk High School Auditorium in Pleasant Hill. Both Marilea Mullen, left, and Chris Nelson have both given countless hours to the community. The Adams Community Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors nominated Nelson and Main Street Iowa nominated Mullen for the award.

SWV homecoming 2019

Twenty-two join SWV staff

Editor’s note: With Southwest Valley Schools welcoming 22 new staff members this fall, The Adams County Free Press asked them to share a bit about themselves to help introduce them to the community. Below are their responses.

Diane Mitchell is the new elementary art teacher for Southwest Valley Schools. 

“I grew up in the small town of Auxvasse, Mo., and graduated from North Callaway R-1 High School in 1991.”

Mitchell earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Monmouth College in 1995. She has taught K-8th grade art in both Illinois and Iowa.  

“While at Monmouth College I met my husband, Andrew,” she said. “Andy is the athletic director and assistant principal for Atlantic High School. We have four children: Emily is a junior at Iowa State, Tyler is a freshman at Iowa State, Grace is a sixth-grader at Atlantic Middle School, and Anna is 4. I am looking forward to enriching the lives of the students of the Southwest Valley Schools.”

Amanda Donahoo teaches third grade at Corning Elementary School.

“This will be my fourth year teaching third grade, and I have been teaching since 2010. I grew up in Corning and graduated from Corning High School in 2006, so I am thrilled to be back home in the Southwest Valley School District.”

Donahoo attended Northwest Missouri State University and graduated in 2010, where she majored in Elementary Education, minored in Early Childhood Education, and received a K-8 Reading Endorsement. 

“My husband Anthony is beginning his first year as the Southwest Valley High School principal and is the varsity football coach of the Timberwolves, as well,” she said. “Our daughter Kinsey is in first grade and our son Karsen is in preschool We are happy to have our entire family in the same district and especially to be in our hometown.”

Kaci Mullen teaches second grade at Corning Elementary.

“I was born in Marshalltown, Iowa,” she said. 

Mullen received her bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University and her master’s degree from Morningside College. Her endorsements include reading, social studies, and coaching. 

“I have been an elementary teacher since 2014. Previously, I taught kindergarten in Adel and first grade in Clarinda,” she said. “I am married to my husband, Matt. We love attending country concerts as well as cheering on the Cyclones and Huskers. I am so excited to be a part of the Timberwolf family.”

Dawn Shuler is the new Corning Elementary School secretary.

“I have worked in the healthcare field for the past 20 years and am very excited to start this adventure at the elementary,” she said. “My husband John and I live on a farm south of Corning and stay busy with our four kids, two in school and two out of school.”

Stephanie Cook teaches fifth grade at Corning Elementary. She earned her degree in Elementary Education at Northwest Missouri State University.

“Growing up on a farm in rural Missouri, Corning feels very much like home,” she said. “This past summer I got married and my husband and I officially moved to Creston. In my free time I enjoy spending time with family, friends, our pets, and cooking.”

Angela Hartman is an ELP/Title I teacher at Corning Elementary.

“I grew up in Southwest Iowa. I went to elementary, middle school, and some high school in the Red Oak school district, and graduated from Lenox High School. I have lived in Corning since 1994,” she said. “My husband, Scott, and I married in 2018, and we share six children.”

Hartman received her bachelor’s degree from Buena Vista University in 2016 in Elementary Education with endorsements in K-8 reading, and middle science and math. 

“I am currently working toward my masters endorsement in TAG,” she said. “Previously, I taught middle school math and reading at East Union School District. I now work at Corning Elementary School in the Title/TAG program. I am looking forward to a fantastic year.”

Lisa Sorensen is the instructional coach at SWV Elementary. She attended Northwest Missouri State University where she received her degree in education. 

“Early in my career, I taught middle school and high school education. Most of my career has been spent teaching in elementary classrooms,” she said. “My husband, Dan, and I live in Villisca. We have a son, Austin and a daughter, Erin. I enjoy spending time with my family.”

Joshua Lucken teaches sixth-grade math and science at SWV Middle School. He has a degree is in K-8 Education with endorsements in middle school and coaching. His certifications at the middle school level include math, science, and social studies. He received his degree from Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa. 

“I played baseball for the Red Raiders for three years, and is still one of my favorite hobbies,” he said. “I was born and raised in Sioux City, and am brand new to the Southwest Valley Community. Some of the things I enjoy doing are coaching, watching movies, playing basketball, and hanging out with friends.”

Keith Hardy teaches sixth grade at SWV Middle School. Born and raised in Red Oak, he attended Red Oak Community Schools and received a bachelor’s degree in education from Buena Vista University.
 
“In my free time, I enjoy mountain biking with my beautiful wife Teresa, wonderful kids Kaley and Cody, and their spouses Patrick and Beth and my absolutely beautiful grandkids Finnley, Faye, and Albin,” he said. “Go Timberwolves!”

Jerry Hartman is the new PLTW (Project Lead The Way) instructor.  

“We are teaching Design and Modeling, Automation and Robotics and also have two STEM classes challenging some of the eighth-graders. I also teach the eighth-grade computers class and have a sixth-grade reading intervention class as well as my den.”

Hartman has a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Iowa State University and will complete a Masters of Education degree this December at ISU.  

“My wife and I live on the family farm south of Creston. We have four children, oldest son is getting his doctorate in Agronomic Meteorology from ISU, oldest daughter graduated from ISU, commissioned into the Air Force and was married all this last May. My youngest daughter is a junior in Music Education at ISU and my oldest son is a senior at Creston Community High School,” he said. “My hobbies include being a sports official for football, basketball, soccer, track and field, baseball, and softball. I love to spend time on my Harley and on the tractor. I also enjoy flying as well as being a drone pilot and basically anything outside.”

Michelle Williams teaches seventh- and eighth-grade science and coaches junior high volleyball and girls basketball. She is originally from Villisca, where she graduated in 2009. She majored in biology and secondary education at Iowa State.

“After graduation I moved back home for a bit and substitute taught in the area. My first full-time teaching position was at Thomas Jefferson High School in Council Bluffs. There I taught biology, AP biology, and chemistry, coached junior high volleyball, and sponsored several after school clubs,” she said. “I am currently working on completing my master's degree from Morningside College. This last summer I completed a six-week teacher externship at the Omaha Zoo through the Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council; I hope to do more teacher externships in the future. I am very excited to be back in the community. Go Timberwolves!”

Blake Anderson is one of the 9-12 Agriculture Education instructors and FFA advisors at Southwest Valley Community Schools. He graduated from Corning High School in 2009 and from Northwest Missouri State University in 2012.  

“For the past six years, I taught at Nodaway Valley Community Schools in Greenfield, Iowa. I currently serve on the Iowa FFA Association Board of Directors, as the State FFA Creed Speaking Career Development event chairperson, on the Southwestern Community College Agriculture Department Advisory Committee, as the vice president for Adams County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, on the Adams County Rural Development Committee, and as the chair of the Ag 4 All Committee based out of Adair County,” he said. “I farm part time with my family near Nodaway, raising corn, soybeans, hay, and beef cattle. I enjoy traveling, seeing new places, and bringing these experiences into the classroom to make a real world connection with the students.”

This year Anderson is teaching Introduction to Ag, Ag Entrepreneurship, Ag Leadership, Ag Power and Technology, Ag Woodworking and Construction, and Farm and Home Maintenance. 

“I look forward to meeting all of the students as well as expanding my connections in the communities,” he said.

Evan Baldwin is the new physical education teacher at SWV.

“I am actually from Southwest Valley. I originally went to Villisca High School, then I graduated with the first class of Southwest Valley in 2014,” he said. “I then pursued my career in physical education at Northwest Missouri State University, where I obtained a bachelor's degree in physical education. I am very sports oriented, and many of my hobbies revolve around them. I also enjoy racing, spending time with friends and family, and officiating different varsity athletic sports.”

Marsha Schrader is the new Spanish teacher at SWV. She was born in Corning, lived on a farm near Guss, and graduated from high school in Villisca. She attended the University of Northern Iowa where she earned her BA in Spanish-Teaching. During her undergraduate studies, she spent a semester in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Later after teaching several years, she earned an MA degree from UNI.

“I have taught in several places in Iowa, mostly recently at Newton High School. I retired from Newton in 2018 and have since moved back to Southwest Iowa. I was blessed to be able to travel with students and adults on several trips to Spain, and to France, Mexico, and El Salvador,” she said. “The biggest blessings, however, are my three adult children who live in central Iowa. My two sons work as engineers and my daughter is a student a UNI, seeking a teaching degree. We all enjoy being together, whether it is here on the farm or elsewhere.”

Other SWV staff members are fifth-grade teacher Claire Swanson, counselor Blake Reser, para educator Marissa Kiner, special education teacher Michael Robinson, art teacher Marie Sussman, cook Andrea Parrott, ag teacher Jackie Rush, English teacher Denis Stull, science teacher Jamie Fehring, Early Childhood Education Center site coordinator Tonya Inman, site coordinator, and school resource officer Dalton Green.

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Submitted photo — Third-place Open 4 Business contest winners Andrew and Misty Johnson with RJ’s Plumbing & Heating in Corning pose for a photo after receiving a $5,000 grant to support purchase of new equipment and software.

RJ’s Plumbing takes third in Open 4 Business contest

Andrew and Misty Johnson with RJ’s Plumbing & Heating in Corning will receive a $5,000 grant to support purchase of new equipment and software after taking third place in the Open 4 Business contest.

Euphoria Coffee, located in West Union, bested four other competitors in a pitch contest Aug. 27 in conjunction with the Iowa Downtown Conference in Dubuque. 

Five businesses from Main Street Iowa communities across the state competed in the final round of the Open 4 Business contest, which started with a field of 22 applicants in May. 

“I’m always wowed by our competitors. It takes guts to stand in front of a panel of judges and share your dreams for your businesses,” said Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority and emcee of the event. “They each have a unique story, but they all share a passion for their Main Streets and a commitment to using their business to make their communities better.”

Euphoria Coffee owners Nick and Jacey Yost will receive a $20,000 grant, which they plan to use to purchase additional roasting equipment and create an outdoor gathering space at their new Main Street location. Runner up, Blooming Acres, located in Mount Vernon, will receive a $10,000 grant. Owner Becka Owen plans to expand her space and materials for hosting crafting classes. 

“Euphoria’s owners have created a welcoming place for customers, but they’re also giving back to their community and supporting other small businesses by sourcing their ingredients locally,” said Durham regarding what stood out about the evening’s winners. “Blooming Acres is leveraging the makers movement to bring new business to Mt. Vernon and RJ’s Plumbing & Heating is continuing a family business while supporting an apprenticeship program to train the next generation.” 

Luxurious Hair Care in Dubuque, owned by Shamika Ranier, and Mayberry’s Coffee House & Eatery in Osceola, owned by Molly Crawford, rounded out the five semi-finalists making their pitch. All semi-finalists received $8,000 in support of their business plans and for standing out among the significant field of Open 4 Business applicants. 

Judges for the event included Rand Fisher, Iowa Area Development Group; Vada Grantham, director of Entrepreneurship at DMACC; Sandy Ehrig, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation; and Lisa Shimkat, state director of the Iowa Small Business Development Center. 

“Main Street Open 4 Business enables entrepreneurs in downtown districts to take an in depth look at their current business operations and think big about business expansion opportunities,” said Michael Wagler, Main Street Iowa state coordinator. “The innovation, hard work and leadership these businesses demonstrate reinforces each local Main Street’s efforts to enhance their local commercial districts.”

This is the fifth year of the Open 4 Business contest. Businesses located in the 54 Main Street Iowa districts across the state are eligible to apply for the grants, which are administered through IEDA’s Iowa Downtown Resource Center and Main Street Iowa programs. 

Since its inception, the Main Street Iowa program has generated nearly $2 billion in private investment, more than 3 million volunteer hours, nearly 5,000 new businesses and more than 15,000 jobs. Main Street Iowa is one of 40 programs in the Main Street America network and is often held up as an example of how to successfully leverage the “Main Street Approach” to revitalize downtowns and inspire economic growth.
​
For more information about the Main Street Iowa Open 4 Business Grant program, contact Robin Bostrom, business specialist, Main Street Iowa, at (515) 348-6176 or robin.bostrom@iowaEDA.com.

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SWV resource officer bridge gap

With classes back in session at Southwest Valley, students there are getting a bit of extra guidance.

SWV school resource officer and Adams County deputy Dalton Green is bridging the gap between young students and law enforcement while maintaining a safe school environment. As a leader and role model, his job is to have a positive impact on young people’s lives.

Green joined the Adams County Sheriff’s Office in May after serving as a Red Oak police officer the past three years. 

“I always wanted to be a police officer then I found out about school resource officers,” he said.

Along with law enforcement experience, Green has also worked with youngsters with behavioral problems at Boys Town and Heartland School, helping them get their lives back on track and complete their education.

Green said working with young people is rewarding, especially when they overcome difficulties and succeed. His wife also works with young people. She’s a case manager at Clarinda Academy. They have four children.

Green received his associate’s degree from Iowa Western Community College and his criminal justice degree from Buena Vista University. 

During the summer, Green serves as a deputy, working the night shift and patrolling the county. Right now, though, Green is helping students have a safe and successful school year.

“We’re off to a good start,” he said. “I’m just kind of popping in and out of classrooms, just building relationships with kids and trying to deter bad behavior from happening.”

Harvest of Hope
​to take place Sept. 8

This year’s Harvest of Hope auction and raffle Sept. 8 at the Corning Opera House will help foster families and children in Southwest Iowa.

St. Patrick’s Knights of Columbus will donate a portion of their proceeds to Fostering Hope, a foster/adoptive closet that provides toiletries, clothes, toys, and other items to those in need. Fostering Hope is located at The First Presbyterian Church at 907 Grove Ave. in Corning. Co-chairs of the organization are Megan Boswell and Michelle Morgan.

“It started as just helping this county,” Knights of Columbus member Wayne Rychnovsky said. “It’s helping Southwest Iowa now.”

The Harvest of Hope auction and the big meat raffle raises funds for St. Patrick Catholic Church and local organizations. 

“It was very successful two years ago. A portion of those proceeds were donated to the Adams County Ministerial Alliance,” Rychnovsky said.

This year’s Harvest of Hope includes a wide variety of auction items. Some of the donated items include a youth spring turkey hunt, a trail ride, wildlife prints, a youth harvest ride, a church pew, a set of new golf clubs, a progressive prime rib dinner for six, an Iowa State football ticket and tailgate package, University of Iowa football tickets, an oak six-gun cabinet, two cases of Iowa wines, and a family home entertainment package.

The meat raffle includes two quarters of beef and two hogs for four prizes total. Raffle tickets are available by calling Tom Miller at (712) 621-1281 and will be available during the auction.

“Winners will be announced that night,” Rychnovsky said.

Doors will open at 4 p.m. Sept. 8 at the Corning Opera House. Dinner, which includes pulled pork sandwiches, will begin at about 5 p.m. Freewill donations will be accepted. The auction will begin at 6 p.m.

Changes made in city, school elections

This fall will feature a change in the way city and school elections are handled in Adams County.  

In years past school elections were held in September and city elections were held in November in odd numbered years. This year will be the first year, due to a change in state law, that the elections will be combined in November and voters will cast their ballots in their normal polling places used for general elections. From now on voters will always vote at the same location for every election. This should be less confusing for voters who are concerned where they vote for different elections, Adams County election clerk Nancy Turner said.

Not all offices will be on the ballot in every precinct nor for every voter in a particular precinct. All ballots will contain school offices and ballots for voters residing inside the corporate limits of a city will also contain city offices. Depending on the election cycle, some ballots may also contain community college offices. Another change is that all voters will vote in their county of residence. 

“In years past for example, Taylor County residents who were part of the Corning Community School District would come into Adams County to vote in a Corning Community School election,” Turner said.  “Now those residents will be voting in Taylor County for those same races. Voters must vote in their precinct of residence.”

The precinct polling places and addresses for Adams County are:

Precinct 1 — Corning Community Center, 601 Sixth St., Corning

Precinct 2 — Corning Public Library, 603 Ninth St., Corning

Precinct 3 — Redeemer Lutheran Church, 800 17th St., Corning

Precinct 4 — Nodaway Community Center, 300 Seventh Ave., Nodaway

Precinct 5 — Prescott City Hall/Library, 607 Second Ave., Prescott

Voters who are unsure of their precinct for this election should contact the Adams County Auditor and Commissioner of Elections at (641) 322-3340 or by e-mail at acaudit@adamscountyia.com. Voters may also verify the voting location for their home address at https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/voterreg/pollingplace/search.aspx

“More specific information will be available as we get closer to the election date of Nov. 5, 2019,” Turner said.  

The Adams County Auditor’s Office is available for additional information from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at (641) 322-3340.

CARIE MORALES/Free Press — Corning Hotel LLC members, City of Corning and Adams County Board of Supervisors representatives, and DCI Group members break ground Aug. 22 for the Corning Hotel at 2260 Jupiter Ave.

Ground broken
for Corning Hotel

Corning Hotel LLC broke ground Aug. 12 at 2260 Jupiter Ave. in Corning.

Donna Hogan, president of the LLC, said that after several years of investigating options, looking at feasibility, and determining the best location for the project, the hotel team is excited to put shovels in the ground.  Forty-six individuals or entities, most of them either local or with a tie to the community, invested in the project. The 33 room, two-story hotel will include two extended-stay rooms with kitchenettes, a double king suite, and various king and queen rooms. Amenities will include cable TV, wireless internet, guest laundry, and free breakfast.   

Leland Shipley, chairperson for the Adams County Board of Supervisors, thanked both Adams County Economic Development Corporation and the hotel team for moving the project forward. He also talked about the opportunity this brings to Adams County.  

Brandon Schulte, vice president of DCI Group, introduced the team that will be working on the project and shared their enthusiasm for the project.  

“DCI is a design-build company, and we look forward to starting the build part of the process,” he said. 

“Currently, our community sends visitors, business associates, and family members out of the community for overnight accommodations,” Adams Community Economic Development Corporation executive director Beth Waddle said. “These people take their spending dollars out of town also; purchasing gas, meals, lodging, and retail dollars as well as sales taxes with them. The hotel will assist in keeping more of those dollars local. We also have bus tour companies wanting to spend a couple of days in Adams County taking in tourist activities, but when they find out they have to travel almost 30 miles to book the number of hotel rooms needed, they won’t come back for the second day. Corporate executives, trainers, examiners, and business to business associates also travel to regional locations for lodging instead of staying local.”

While the smallest county by population in Iowa, Waddle said the community makes a big splash. Not only is it known as an award-winning National Main Street community, it is on the National Register of Historic Places as a Commercial Historic District, is a Preserve America Community, and is one of Iowa’s Great Places. She said the new hotel will open up opportunities for more people to experience what Corning and Adams County have to offer.
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The Corning Hotel is anticipated to open the summer of 2020.

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Seven join ACS
Hall of Fame

The Adams County Speedway inducted four former drivers, two contributors, and a long-time racing fan into its Hall of Fame on Aug. 3.

The 2019 Hall of Fame inductees are drivers Bob Kosiski, Chuck Hulett, John Hampel, and Jerry Carlson, contributors Luie Avila and Kirk Elliott, and fan Steve Houck.

Bob Kosiski

Bob Kosiski, “the man who started the Kosiski Racing Legend,” got his racing career started almost by accident in 1950 in Central City, Neb., when a relative, Stan Williams, didn’t show up, leaving Kosiski to drive the car. 

“I’ve been hooked on racing ever since,” he said. 

After graduating from South High School in 1952, Kosiski started taking his racing seriously. He started racing a’32 Ford Modified Coupe that his dad owned. They raced at Riverside Speedway in South Omaha, Playland Park in Council Bluffs and Grandview Race Bowl in Bellevue. In 1953 Kosiski won his first track championship at Riverside. After getting out of the service in 1959, he returned to racing, but decided to step up a notch and started racing with the International Motor Contest Association. Driving his dad’s 1959 Thunderbird against the likes of Ernie Derr, Dick Hutcherson, Darrell Dake and Ramo Stott, Kosiski posted four wins in IMCA over the next couple of years. In 1960 he started out the season running the Daytona 500 and was doing well until his Thunderbird’s rear end gave out and he retired from the race. 

During his driving career Kosiski recorded numerous track championships at Riverside, Playland Park, Sunset Speedway (including a string of seven in a row), and Whitehead Speedway near Nebraska City. ln 1973 he won just about everywhere he ran including six straight wins over a two-week period at Sunset, Harlan and Corning as well as the Nebraska Late Model Nationals at Doniphan and the Nebraska State Fair Championships in Lincoln. 

Kosiski retired from the driver’s seat after the 1978 season, but he did not retire from racing. With Kosiski tuning the engines, his three sons won two national and six regional NASCAR Weekly Racing Series titles while also dominating the Busch All Star Tour with 12 total titles. Kosiski considers his biggest win to be the 1960 win at the Minnesota State Fair while his most memorable race was the 1960 Daytona 500. One of wife Grace’s fondest memories is Bob racing one holiday weekend. 

“He raced five times in four days and won all five,” she said. 

While Kosiski’s racing career at Corning was somewhat limited he did drive both the familiar No. 53 and Wayne Mason’s 2X to several wins. ln addition, he also helped his sons win many features, special events, and track championships at the Adams County Speedway.

Chuck Hulett

The late 1990s and early 2000s produced a Hall of Fame driver from Creston by the name of Chuck Hulett. A dominate force every time he took to the track, Hulett tallied 10 career weekly series wins in the ACS Pro Street Division. His start in racing and the journey for car No. 23 came in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s when his dad built a 1966 Chevelle SS big block four-speed that Shorty Adamson drove at the Adams County Speedway. 

Hulett began working in the pits at ACS when Chris Rehmeyer raced the No. 33 Camaro in the mid- to late ‘80s and in 1991, Hulett purchased a cage kit from Sardenson Racing and built his first car, a 1980 Camaro. In 1992, Hulett raced for the first time at ACS, finishing second in his heat and 10th place in the feature before going on to be that seasons Pro Street Rookie of the Year. ln 1997 he purchased a John Kinney Camaro, collecting three wins and finishing second in the points to his great friend and competitor Mike Garner. Then in 1998 Hulett had a break out season, winning four features including championship night over fellow competitor Tim “The Toolman” Taylor, en route to winning the ACS Pro Street Championship. 

Following his championship season, Hulett stepped away from the track to devote time to his family, including his wife Tami and sons Keaton, Kadon, and Kolby. Retirement, however, was short lived as Hulett formed a partnership with Eddie Hensley to return to the track with Hulett returning to the seat in 2003. Together from 2003 to 2005, the duo would capture four weekly series wins, along with a special event win during a USMTS visit. 

Hulett’s impact on ACS reaches well beyond his time behind the wheel. From 2004 to 2009 Hulett would begin building the UCC Chassis focusing on hobby stocks and stock cars, a venture that kept him involved in the sport and made him responsible for introducing new talent to the speedway, and helping to mold racers into champions.

Stepping aside after the 2005 season, Hulett again switched hats, becoming a car owner for a young Steve Churchill. Together they would record six wins in 2007 along with winning the season ending Tradition. Hulett returned to the driver’s seat in 2010, this time behind the wheel of a hobby stock for the first time. In only six starts that season, Hulett went on to record two feature wins while driving a back-up car owned by Pat Shiflett. 

“I am honored to be inducted to the 2019 Adams County Speedway Hall of Fame,” Hulett said.
 
John Hampel

Long-time late model driver and speedway contributor John Hampel joins his parents Gail and Karen Hampel in the Adams County Speedway Hall of Fame. Hampel’s 33-year racing career began in 1983 and concluded with his retirement from behind the wheel in 2016. During his career, the driver of the famed Nodaway Elevator No. 2h collected a total of 53 weekly series wins at the Adams County Speedway, a mark which ranks third on the all-time late model wins list. From 1986 through his retirement in 2016, Hampel and crew collect victories in 24 out of 30 seasons at ACS. The Nodaway native reached the pinnacle at ACS in 1991 and again in 1993 by beating out some of the best in the Midwest by becoming the Adams County Speedway Late Model Track Champion. His respectful driving style and all around “good guy” personality that he exhibited with his competitors also earned him multiple late model sportsmanship awards. 

In addition to his many weekly wins and track championships, Hampel also put his name in the record books by winning some of the biggest late model specials in ACS history. Those wins included the 1993 IMCA Summer Nationals and the 2004 WDRL. His WDRL victory is etched in ACS history as one of the most dominating performances, an event that found him winning the race and leading the majority of the laps after starting in the 27th position. Along with his triumphs at ACS, Hampel also captured the 2004 and 2007 Alphabet Soup/WDRL feature events at the I-80 Speedway.

Off the track, Hampel and crew constructed the majority of the structure of the seats and decks ACS fans jump up and down on to cheer on their favorite drivers. Hampel ranks in the top three in all-time ACS history for number of laps in a water truck or pulling a sheepsfoot or wheel packer. During the ACS flood of 1987, Hampel and fellow ACS competitor Tim Cooney set the unofficial non-motorized two-person watercraft track record for their lap around the track in a canoe.

Jerry Carlson

Jerry Carlson goes down in the ACS Hall of Fame as one of the most versatile and adaptive drivers in speedway history. Carlson got his start in 1987 in what was then known as the Pro Street Division. In a time period that saw a weekly car count typically in the 30s or higher, Carlson was able to capture a total of 28 feature wins over a nine-year span, a number that is still fourth all time in the division. Carlson’s nine wins in 1996 still stands as an ACS Pro Street record for most wins in a season. His Pro Street era concluded in 1996, but not before he put his mark on the record books with consecutive track championships in 1995 and 1996. In 1997 Carlson and team would take on a new challenge by making the move to the Modified Division. He proved to be a quick study, capturing a pair of wins in his first year in the modifieds. Carlson’s ACS racing career in the modifieds lasted until 2007, resulting in a total of 17 modified feature victories, as well as the 2002 Hard Charger of the Year. While he never captured a modified title, Carlson was honored in 2006 as the ACS Driver of the Year. 
Carlson is noted for his respect earned from his fellow competitors and officials. During his 20-year career he was four times named Pro Street Sportsman of the Year while also earning the same honor twice in the modifieds.

Luie Avila

Joining the 2019 ACS Hall of Fame is long-time contributor Luie Avila. Avila got his start at ACS in 1976 in an unconventional way — by helping to hook up cars and trailers in the rain and mud so they could be towed out of the infield. 

In 1988 Avila was nominated to the Adams County Fair and Racing Association by Hall of Famer Harry Wiechman and his wife Shirley. Avila has continued to serve on the ACFRA for 31 consecutive seasons, including a stint as board president for eight years. During this time span, the man labeled as the “Dirt Terminator” has done almost every job at the track at one time or another, mostly in tech inspection and assisting and leading track preparation efforts. 

Avila has been supported by his wife of 31 years, Jess, along with three children, Michele, Michael, and Sarah. The speedway has been a huge part of his family’s life — it is where he informed his wife many years ago on the front stretch that they were getting married, and even served as his kid’s playground growing up, spending countless hours with their father at the track which he has poured his heart and soul into for over three decades. 

Kirk Elliott

Joining the 2019 Adams County Hall of Fame is long-time speedway announcer and publicist Kirk Elliott. Elliott served the speedway in this capacity from 1984 through the 2000 racing season, giving race fans a detailed and informative race call as well as providing press releases to local medial along with national and regional racing publications. From 1982 through 1985, he also broadcast a weekly pre-race show live from the track for KSlB Radio in Creston. Elliott retired from weekly public address announcing after a 30-year run in 2000 to focus on a new business venture with Scott Traylor, covering racing on Kansas City radio station Sports Radio 810 WHB. The duo later developed RacinBoys.com, a premier motorsports website offering racing coverage across the U.S. Both of Elliott’s post ACS ventures continue to operate and thrive today. 

“As a Mount Ayr, Iowa, native, I always have considered Adams County Speedway home, and during my time there, was privileged to have witnessed the transformation of this fairgrounds speedway into one of the premier dirt track facilities in the country,” Elliott said. “The greatest years in my career in racing were spent at the Adams County Speedway. A big thank you to the Hall of Fame and to all the volunteers that have kept this great race track going all these years. I will forever be grateful to Gail and Karen Hampel whose memories I will always cherish.”

Steve Houck
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Steve Houck is one of the biggest supporters and fans to grace the gates of the Adams County Speedway. Houck was not only a huge supporter at ACS but also a huge community supporter, always backing his hometown Corning Red Raiders. Houck never missed a week of action at the speedway and will be remembered by many as the familiar face that greeted them inside the front gates each week as he sold the Hawkeye Racing News.

Mild weather greets Doctors Dash runners

Sunshine and mild temperatures gave dozens of runners and walkers near perfect weather conditions July 27 for the 20th Annual Doctors Dash during Corning Main Street’s Lazy Days.

Event winners were: 

6.5 mile run — Overall winner female Kathie Madron of Oakland, Iowa; male Justin Karp of Dobb Ferry, New York. First through third placing in age categories female/male were: 15-19 Sydney Davies, Aubrey Boswell and Bella Johnson; Blake Ventiecher; 20-29 Caleb Sorensen; 30-39 Caycie Fidler; Matthew Ramsey 50-59 Tom Williams, Doug Oldenkamp; 60-69 Alan Adkisson.

3.2 mile run — Overall winner female Keely McCarthy of Dobb Ferry, New York; male Matthew Lee of Council Bluffs, Iowa. First through third placing in age categories female/male were: 14 and under Kya Newton, Zaina Harvey; Evan Timmerman, Jacob Boswell, Joe Scarpello. 15-19 Adam Timmerman; 20-29 Aunica Harvey; Blake Lee; 30-39 Sheila Ramsey, Katie Zimmerman, Stephanie Hodapp; Andy Olson 40-49 Lori Harvey; Andy Timmerman; 50-59 Sheri Cooney, Tammy Newton, Cindy Williams; 60-69 Barb Corey, Debbie Jurshak; Melody Zadina.

3.2 mile walk — Overall winner female Sandy Drake of Albuquerque, New Mexico; male Tracy Burroughs of Byron Minnesota. First through third placing in age categories female/male were: 14 and Under Megan Ramsey; 20-29 Trent Newton; 30-39 Mindi Moore, Shonda McCuen; 50-59 Karen Mullen. Michaeleen Burroughs; 60-69 Paula Sink; Jon Brokaw.

One mile walk — Overall winner female Joslyn Boswell of Council Bluffs, Iowa; male Marvin Smith of Corning. First through third placing in age categories female/male were: 30-39 Hope Jackson; 40-49 Jodie Boswell, Cheryl Richey; 50-59 Kyle Dasher.

Several youth from the 2019 Kids Camp attended and participated free as part of the camp.

Sponsors were Amy Wetzel, Pharm D, Dr. Michael DelCore, Dr. Gregg A. Drabek, Dr. Tom McGinn, Dr. John Thomsen of Family Vision Center, Dr. Maria Reyna Fuller of Fuller Family Dental, Dr. John Safranek, Paislee Dalton, ARNP and Kyle Dasher of Aspire Behavioral Health. Corning HyVee provided post-race fruit. Twenty-eight volunteers are a special part of the success of the event which starts and finishes in downtown Corning. The Mercy Health Care Foundation and CHI Health Mercy Corning Community Wellness staff coordinate the event. All proceeds from event benefit area youth programs provided by CHI Health Mercy Corning.

CARIE MORALES/Free Press — Local veterans pose for a photo July 14 after being presented with Quilts of Valor during a ceremony at the Adams County Fair.

Quilts of Valor
presented to 21

Twenty-one local veterans were honored July 14 during the Adams County Fair when they were presented with Quilts of Valor.

Receiving quilts were:

Ray Thomas, who served in the National Guard 168thInfantry 34thDivision “Red Bull.” He enlisted in May 1948 and served 10 years, then reenlisted in 1976 and served until 1988. He was promoted to Sergeant First Class (E-7). The quilt was made by Kathy Bozwell and was  quilted by Piece Works Volunteers.

Kent Dunn, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps in Vietnam from 1965 to 1968 with the rank of Staff Sergeant. The quilt was pieced by Judi Perrin and quilted by Piece Works Volunteers.

Merle Jordening, who answered a draft letter in December 1960 upon returning from his honeymoon. He did his basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo., and Fort Riley, Kan., and cook school at Fort Leonard Wood. He was stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas, in a headquarters unit as a cook and was promoted to Specialist (SP-4). The quilt was made by Diane Walter and quilted by Piece Works Volunteers.

Paul Harris, who served in the U.S. Navy from 1967 to 1971 during the Vietnam War with the rank of Naval EB’s E-4. The quilt was pieced by Joleen Nelson and quilted by Kay’s Quilting of Allendale, Mo.

Kennard Cooney, who served in the National Guard from 1951 to 1952. He was in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1954 at the rank of Corporal, serving in Korea. He attended Non-Commissioned Office School while in Austria. The quilt was pieced by Joleen Nelson and quilted by Kay’s Quilting.

Roger D. Hull, whose military career was twofold. He was in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years from Nov. 10, 1959, to Dec. 1, 1979, where he was on active duty. He was also in the Air Force reserve. He spent four years in the Iowa Air Guard in Des Moines. His army career was with the 394th Ordinance Battalion in Ames. He spent 26 years in the elite Veterinary Corps. After volunteering for active duty at post 911, his entire military career was 42 years. He retired as a Command Sergeant Major for the U.S. Army. The quilt was made by Diane Davis.

Richard Harvey, who served in the U.S. Army for just over a year in Korea with a rank of E4 Communications. The quilt was pieced by Judi Perrin and quilted by Piece Works Volunteers.

Harley A. Speary, who served in the Army. He was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., and at Fort Benning, Ga. He was trained in Alabama for helicopter maintenance and readied the Medivac to send out. He served in Korea, attaining rank PFC-E3. The quilt was made by Kathy Bozwell and quilted by QOV Foundation Volunteer.

Ross Griffith, who served 12 years from 1963 to 1971 and from 1973 to 1978 in the Marines in Vietnam. He was a Hospital Corpsman Frontline with the rank of E-6 (Staff Sergeant) Second Class. The quilt was made by Diane Walter.

Bob Moore, who served with the U.S. Air Force from July 18, 1966, to July 17, 1970, during the Vietnam War with a rank of E-5. The quilt was pieced by Judi Perrin and quilted by Kay’s Quilting.
Ivan L. Dixon, who served in the Navy from 1957 to 1961 with the rank of Torpedo Man Second Class. The quilt was made by Erma Fuller.

Bruce J. Peters, who served in the U.S. Navy from June 9, 1961, to June 8, 1967. He served at Chicago Great Lakes Training Center and Norfolk Naval Air Station where he was attached to the VR-22 Helicopter Squadron. He attained the rank of HM2 (Flight Surgeon Assistant). The quilt was pieced by Judi Perrin and quilted by Val Russell of Murray, Iowa.

Richard Lee Butkovich, who served in the U.S. Navy from Dec. 12, 1963, to Dec. 20, 1969, during the Vietnam War. He attained the rank of E5. The quilt was pieced by Judi Perrin and quilted by Cindy Drake of Corning.

Dick Pettit, who served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam from 1961 to 1963. He served with the National Guard from 1963 to 1964 and with the Army Reserves from 1964 to 1967. He received the rank of Specialist 5. The quilt blocks were made and machine quilted by QOV members and were pieced and bound by Donna Peckham.

Warren Blaisure, who served as chaplain’s assistant in 1969 with the rank of Private. He trained at Fort Dicks in Brooklyn, N.Y., and was stationed in Korea. The quilt was made by Diane Walter.

Ronald J. White, who served in the U.S. Army for three years. He attained the rank E6 Staff Sergeant. The quilt was pieced by Judi Perrin and quilted by Piece Works Volunteers.

Merlin Rex Dixon (A/1C), who served from Aug. 1, 1958, to July 31, 1962, in the U.S. Air Force with 3973rdCombat Defense Force and the 16thAir Force Strategic Air Command U.S. Air Force. The quilt was made by Erma Fuller.

John Michael Adams, who served with the U.S. Navy from 1959 to 1979 in Aircraft Maintenance. He was with Squadron 192 VS29-VC8 where he worked on AEW Barrier (Air Early Warning Barrier). He served on the USS Coral Sea, the USS Kitty Hawk, the USS Ranger, and the USS Oriskany. He was stationed at Hawaii, California, and Florida. The quilt was made by Diane Walter.

Adam Grundman, who served in the U.S. Navy from 1997 to 2002 and in the Army Reserve from 2002 to 2006 where he served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The quilt was made by Becky Grundman.
Holly R. Steeve, who served in the U.S. Army from 1982 to 1997 and in Desert Storm. She attained the rank of sergeant. The quilt was pieced and quilted by Piece Works Volunteers.
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Rex Eberly, who served in the U.S. Air Force for 21 years from October 1954 to February 1975. He retired as Chief of Quality Control and was awarded an Accommodation Medal with Third Oak Leaf. He worked on and flew B47 and B52 bombers with nuclear weapons. In 1967 he did temporary duty in Guam as Crew Chief and flew combat missions over South Vietnam. The quilt was made by Diane Davis.

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First Presbyterian celebrates 150th

The First Presbyterian Church of Corning is inviting the community to join in the celebration of its 150th anniversary with a weekend worship service from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. July 28 in Central Park in Corning.

The congregation has been observing its anniversary since April when it held a birthday party for the church. In May the church hosted the regional presbytery and in June hosted a Chamber Coffee. For homecoming church members will participate in Southwest Valley Schools’ homecoming parade, wrapping up the celebration with a congregational dinner in November.

A 150th anniversary in itself is enough cause for celebration, but the early history of the First Presbyterian Church brings even greater cause for celebration. What is now First Presbyterian began in 1869 as two separate congregations, the Rev. Jessica Paulsen said.

Five charter members met Aug. 21, 1869, to form the First Presbyterian Church and three months later on Nov. 22, seven charter members met to form the Congregational Church of Christ in Corning, Iowa. Then, in 1919, the two churches decided to become a federated congregation, joining together for a unified mission.

“They kept separate roles but functioned as one church,” Paulsen said. 

The federation lasted until 1952 when the churches voted to officially become one as part of the Presbyterian Church. That was also the year the Rev. Bill Sinning became the first pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Corning. Since his retirement in 1979, the church has had just two other pastors — the Rev. Ken Rummer from 1980 to 2017 and the Rev. Paulsen.

Paulsen, who came to Corning last year, said working on the church’s 150th celebration has helped her learn more about the community and the church.

“It’s been really helpful to me to learn the history,” she said.

Some of that history can be found in a booklet about the church’s last big celebration, its centennial in 1969. From that booklet and from other sources, Paulsen created a 150th anniversary trivia quiz about the church’s history that’s been presented in the church bulletin each week since April. The quiz also appears in the church newsletter and on the church website.

“We’ve had a lot of fun responses from people who have moved away,” she said.

The July 21 trivia question is “The Congregational Church ordered a 500-pound bell. How much did the bell that arrived in Corning actually weigh?”

Along with the trivia quiz, the church is celebrating with photos and memorabilia about its history, including a friendship quilt created in the 1930s for a former church member. All of it is on display at the church.

“There’s a lot of history here,” Paulsen said about the displays.

Submitted photo — Receiving Adams Community Foundation Grants at the July 5 Chamber Coffee in Corning Central Park are, from left, Bert Peckham and Janice Leonard, City of Corning; Chief Deputy Rich Miller, Adams County Sheriff’s Office; Billi Vavra and Jeanne Birt, Prescott Fire and Rescue Association; De and Jim Heaton, Corning Opera House Cultural Center; Stacey Haskins, Children and Families of Iowa; Emma Christianson and Sara Lemke, Food Bank of Iowa; and Alyssa Ogburn, Corning Public Library

Adams Community
​Foundation Grants awarded

Adams Community Foundation Grants totaling $53,372.83 were awarded July 5 at the Chamber Coffee in Corning Central Park.

With the most recent grants that were awarded, almost $122,000 has been re-invested back into the community this year. To date, the Foundation has awarded more than $1.3 million in grants given to Adams County non-profit organizations and governmental entities since 1986.

Grants awarded include the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, $7,380 for Tasers; Corning Opera House Cultural Center, $30,930 for window repair and restoration; Corning Public Library, $290 for software; Food Bank of Iowa, $627.83 for a box truck; Children and Families of Iowa, $760 for SafeChild curriculum; City of Corning, $11,125 for electrical updates at Lake Binder; and Prescott Fire and Rescue, $1,260 for equipment for CPR classes.

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CARIE MORALES/Free Press — This year’s Adams County Fair queen candidates are, from left, Emily Laurer, Katie Walters, Destiny Seyler, and Jasmine Wilborne.

Welcome to Fairadise features family day

Adams County Fair attendees will receive a Welcome to Fairadise this year July 12-17.

The annual 4-H and FFA fair will also feature family day July 15 with games, a bounce house, a Ferris wheel, a magician, a Iowa State University insect zoo, a Youth Council ice cream social, and a movie on the lawn during Family Fun Night.

Activities take place from 9 a.m. to noon July 12 with clean-up day and lunch provided by the Adams Community Ambassadors at 11:30 a.m. Gates and the beer garden open at 6 p.m. with the opening band Basic Bohn at 6:30 p.m., the introduction of queen candidates at 7 p.m., and the band Hairball at 7:05 p.m.

Animal weigh-in and check-in will take place from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. July 13 and open class static judging from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The 4-H static exhibit judging and 4-H bake sale will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. An open class dog show followed by an open class pet show will take place at noon. The Clover Kid Showcase will be held from 12:15 p.m. to 1 p.m. At 6:30 p.m., Adams County Speedway will host 4-H/FFA Race Night with the queen coronation taking place during the 8 p.m. intermission.

A south of the border breakfast will kick off at 6:30 a.m. July 14 followed by the Lawrence Peterson Memorial Tractor Ride, the 4-H/FFA horse show, and 4-H/FFA sheep and goat show at 8 a.m. ATV races begin at 9 a.m. in the grandstand. Adams County Antique Day will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the pavilion as will Ford Paradise featuring Ford tractors and cars with the Antique Tractor Club and Southwest Cruisers Car Club. At 1:30 p.m., 4-H Share the Fun will take place followed by presentations and working exhibits. The Antique Road Show and old-time demonstrations will begin at 2 p.m., as will a bag/corn hole tournament. The 4-H/FFA broiler and fryer show will begin at 3 p.m. Quilts of Valor will be presented at 5 p.m. and the Fire Department Barbecue will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the lawn. The fashion revue and clothing selection will take place at 5:30 p.m., 4-H Foundation recognition and 4-H Hall of Fame induction will begin at 6 p.m. followed by the presentation of State Fair plaques at 6:15 p.m. and a demolition derby at 7 p.m.

The 4-H/FFA swine show gets under way at 7:30 a.m. July 15. Kids Day in the Pavilion will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and a Science Center of Iowa and Blank Park Zoo Outreach exhibit will be open from 9 a.m. to noon. Blank Children’s Hospital Fire Safety House and the Lion’s Club Ferris wheel will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A children’s show with Mikayla Oz the Magician will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The 4-H/FFA pets and small animal show will begin at 11 a.m. and a Rotary luncheon and meeting will take place at noon. The Bill Riley Talent Show starts at 4 p.m. and ISU’s interactive insect zoo will be open from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Extension Council barbecue will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and a parade will be held at 5 p.m. as will the Youth Council ice cream social and pie and cake auction. The baby contest and all-age pedal pull begin at 5:30 p.m. Family Fun Night with games and inflatables takes place from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. with a movie on the lawn at dusk.

The Endowment Fund Pancake Breakfast begin at 7 a.m. July 16 followed by the 4-H/FFA dairy cattle and dairy goat show at 8 a.m., the 4-H/FFA beef show at 8:30 a.m., and the 4-H/FFA dog show at 1 p.m. Livestock judging takes place at 1:30 p.m., Agriculture Day in the Pavilion is from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., the bottle/bucket buckaroos show their cattle at 5 p.m., and the community barbecue takes place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Double S bull riding competition begins at 7:30 p.m. and non-sale animals will be released at 9:30 p.m.

The livestock auction will begin at 9 a.m. July 17 with Senior Day taking place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The open cookie contest for all ages will be held at 9:30 a.m. and entertainment under the pavilion will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. A community luncheon will be held at noon in the southeast room as will an awards presentation. Bingo takes place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and building exhibits will be released at 1:30 p.m.

Adams County Fair events wrap up at 10 a.m. July 20 with carcass results at Corning Meat Locker.

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60th annual Flight Breakfast to take place

Corning Municipal Airport’s annual Flight Breakfast will marks is 60th year July 4.

The Flight Breakfast will be held from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the airport. The meal will include pancakes, sausage, and eggs free to fly-ins. The cost is $6 for adults and $4 for children under 10. Basic Bohn will provide live music.

The first Flight Breakfast was held July 12, 1959, with 400 people attending and about 74 airplanes, according to the July 16, 1959, Adams County Free Press. The Chamber of Commerce sponsored the event and Corning National Guard members served a breakfast of pancakes, eggs, coffee, and milk.

“Highlights of the day included four parachute jumps by Lyman O’Neal, of New Providence, Idaho, who was visiting relatives in Corning,” the 1959 Free Press said. “Mr. O’Neal made two morning and two afternoon jumps from a plane piloted by Kenneth Roland, Corning. He made his jumps from an altitude of around 4,500 feet.”

Wes Rittel served as master of ceremonies. Rittel awarded prizes to Jack Mills of Creston for first plane to land; Earl Lewis of Creston for oldest plane, a 1939 Luscomb; W.W. Foote, 70, of Missouri Valley for oldest pilot; Dennis Knee, 18, of Cumberland for youngest pilot; and Major Leo Sullivan from Hanscom Field, Massachusetts, who flew the greatest distance.

“Cadets of the Corning Civil Air Patrol unit assisted with parking duties. Cars shuttled both drive-ins and fly-ins to the main hangar area,” the Free Press said. “Committee in charge of the general planning included Lyle Silsby, chairman, Dick Miller and Junior Leonard.”

Corning woman
​warns of scam

A Corning woman recently said an unknown caller claiming to be from the Social Security Administration attempted to get her to supply personal information.

According to the woman, the caller said there was an issue with her Social Security account but if she provided her Social Security number he could resolve the issue.

The woman did not give out her information but wants other Adams County residents to protect their personal information and be suspicious of callers seeking such information.

The Social Security Administration said such calls from unknown numbers are on the rise. A caller claiming to be with the Social Security Administration threatens that Social Security benefits will stop immediately unless personal information is provided. The scammer uses the information to steal one’s identity, sometimes under the guise of helping compete a disability application.

The Acting Inspector General for Social Security, Gail Stallworth Stone, urges everyone to stay vigilant of impersonation schemes and to not be afraid to hang up.

Stone said Social Security will never:

• Call to demand an immediate payment;

• Demand that someone pay a debt without the ability to appeal the amount owed;

• Require a specific means of payment, such as requiring payment with a prepaid debit card;

• Ask for personal information or credit or debit card numbers over the phone; or

• Threaten arrest or deportation.

Anyone receive such scam call or email should hang up immediately or delete the email without providing any information and contact Social Security’s Office of Inspector General at https://oig.ssa.gov/report.

If one receives a notice from Social Security, use the telephone numbers provided in the notice. For more information, call 1-800-772-1213 or visit socialsecurity.gov.

SWV Schools give back

On June 4, the Southwest Valley Schools faculty participated in their inaugural give back to the community project. 

Staff painted, cleaned storm drains, removed material from the Corning Opera House, did service work at the Icarian Village, and cleaned up the athletic fields in Villisca. 

“The communities support our schools so well during the year that this will become an annual tradition at the conclusion of each year,” a press release from SWV says. “The inclement weather cancelled a few areas where we had planned to work, but the staff were flexible as always and moved to different projects.  Some of the projects were on campus and included painting rooms at Corning Elementary.”

The schools plan to reach out for other projects next year so staff members can help area communities. They also plan to serve the First Friday BBQ in Corning Central Park in September 2020.

Feed The Pack
​moves forward

Corning is joining hands with Villisca and will be offering the weekend-food backpack program Feed the Pack.

The program will now be called Feed the Pack East Campus and Feed the Pack West Campus. These packs will include nutritious meals for children on free and/or reduced meals at school. During the 2019-2020 Corning Elementary School registration, forms for interested eligible families will be available. Confidentiality of participants will be honored, as only school personnel will be distributing the food packs.

Feed the Pack board members said the program has received donations from POET, Judy Loonan, Miltner Insurance, Hastings Mutual, St. Patrick Altar Society, Anna Leonard, CYC, New Balance Commodities, Feeders Grain, and Norvell Houck’s People in Need. The group will continue to explore possible funding sources for additional grants and donations.

“In order for Feed the Pack East Campus to be a self-funded program for the 2019-2020 school year, we need continued community support,” the Feed the Pack board says in a press release. “Individuals interested in making a $150 donation would be covering the cost of weekend meals for one child for the entire school year.”

To donate, contact Melody Miller at (712) 621-6224 or Jessica Wilson at (641) 322-5175.

“The Feed the Pack-East Campus board is optimistic that we will have continued community support for kids and families in this important endeavor,” the press release says. “In order to meet their full potential, children must have their basic nutritional needs met. We will continue to share our progress as we Feed the Pack.”

Connection & Conversation
begins June 3

A new initiative to communicate between businesses, Adams Community Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Board members, the community, and any concerned person will soon get under way.

The first Connection & Conversation will be held at 7 p.m. June 3 at the Corning United Methodist Church.

Main Street and Chamber director Marti Gebbie said both boards feel it is important for the community to connect to share information and ideas, answer questions, collaborate, and network.

“We are all passionate about where we live, work, and play,” she said. “Let us combine our collective skills and abilities, learn what initiatives are in the works, and help shape our future. We are stronger together for the betterment of our community.”

The plan is to hold Connection & Conversation the first Monday of even months. Organizers will have a short list of informative items to share. Those who have something they would like addressed are asked to let the Chamber or Main Street know or bring it up at Connection & Conversation.

“Our goal is to work together as a collective collaborative effort in a relaxed, informal networking environment,” Gebbie said. “If there are concerns you wish to share, we want to hear them and work together to reach an amicable solution for the betterment of our community and businesses.”

Receptions to honor
six at SWV

Just as Southwest Valley’s class of 2019 is beginning its next stage of life, so too are a half dozen SWV employees who have been a part of not just this graduating class’s education but that of many others.

Three at the elementary school — Denise Bradley, Karen Graf, and Sally Thompson — and three at the high school — Jack Hill, Andrea Nett, and Pete Nett — totaling more than 200 years of experience will be honored from 1 pm. to 3 p.m. May 31 with receptions at their respective schools.

For most of the retirees education was a career choice but for Hill, who has been a bus driver for 57 years, it was a job that fit into his farming schedule.

“Ray Gauthier needed someone to fill a bus driver position,” he said. “I was just going to do it until spring and I’m still doing it.”

Graf, an administrative assistant, began her career in as secretary for the Prescott superintendent and board of education then in 1987 became Corning High School secretary. Bradley and Thompson both began their careers in special education, Bradley at Corning High School/Junior High and Thompson at Iowa’s Area 4 Northwest Area Education Agency. All three said changes in technology — from carbon paper and chalkboards to touch screens and iPads — has been challenging but it has also benefited students.

“Technology has created more learning tools for teachers and students,” Bradley said.

She said there’s also more collaboration between teachers and more is expected out of children academically.

“Students are more responsible for their own learning through goal setting and project based learning,” Bradley said.

Pete and Andrea Nett, who are finishing up 35- and 36-year teaching careers, have seen those same changes.

“The job has gotten more difficult because of kids having access to so many different kinds of technology,” Pete said. “It is hard to keep up with all of it and equally hard to compete with it for limited attention spans.”

For Hill, the changes have come differently. He’s driven the same route for most of his career as bus driver, taking three generations of some families to school.

“I drove my grandson when he started school,” Hill said. “Now he’s going to be 34 the 1st of June. He started kindergarten here in Corning.”

But, he said, the route has changed since then.

“Now the homesteads are gone,” he said. “The population is probably less than half it was then.”
Although the school district has changed over the decades, all of the retirees said working with students is its own reward.

“The best part is the kids,” Graf said. “When they come and give you a hug or make something for you or you can make them feel better in some way.”

Thompson agreed. She said the best part about teaching is the students, each and every one of them.

“If you named a kid I could give you a highlight,” she said.

“The best part of this career is watching a kid ‘get it,’ whether that's in the classroom, on the ballfield or on the stage,” Pete said. “Watching kids get a little more confident in their abilities because of an activity that I led is something I never got tired of.”
Bradley said the support she received from staff and administration made her career more enjoyable but watching students from the beginning of the school year to the end of the year was the best part.
“Enjoying the smiles and giggles, the riddles and knock-knock jokes,” she said. “The excitement and smiles on their faces when they accomplish their goal. The excitement they feel when they are teaching me something. … Being a part of the redesign of the elementary library and seeing the students’ faces when they first saw the change.”

Pete said those changes and excitement are still milestones in the lives of high-schoolers.

“I remember certain lessons in specific classes that received great feedback, and then wondered why the lesson didn't get the same feedback the next year,” he said. “I remember the kids in their first play/speech contest, and how nervous they were, and how excited they were with their performance. I remember various kids having their ‘coming out party’ during a tennis match, when they walked onto the court with one level of proficiency/confidence and walked off the court an hour later with a whole new perspective on their game.”

Hill said the students he’s driven over the years have always been polite. He attributes that too their parents.

“I’ve had a good bunch of parents,” he said. “If a bus drive has confidence in parents and good communications with them, that’s half the battle.”

Hill said he’s going to miss his morning drives and watching the seasons change along his route.

“And you meet a lot of good people,” he said. “You kind of stay in touch, in other words.”

Retirement will be different for all of them. Thompson isn’t certain what retirement will mean for her while Graf plans to travel, read, and spend “more time with Shannon, Sean, Carter, and Lincoln in Oklahoma.” Bradley plans to work on landscaping her yard and flower and vegetable gardens, spend more time with her grandchildren, and travel to Branson, Mo., but she’ll also stay in touch with students. She plans to substitute teach at SWV.

The Netts plan to move to the Kansas City area to be closer to their children and the rest of their family.

“While we're looking forward to the start of a new adventure, we're also incredibly sad to be leaving our home and community,” Andrea said.  “We've loved our lives here in Corning, and leaving is difficult.”

“My immediate retirement plans are to have a Beach Boys' ‘Endless Summer.’” Pete said. “We plan to move to Kansas City to be closer to family, but I have no other big plans outside of that. When I get tired of having endless summer, I will deal with whatever I want or need to do then.”

Hill, who thought he would only drive a school bus for one year, planned to retire last year but after driving “better than a million miles” will finally set his own schedule.

“I’m going to enjoy myself and not watch the clock,” he said. “I’ve watched the clock all the time except summertime.”

The retirees were asked to share any words of wisdom that might have for students, teachers, or parents. Graf said simply “Enjoy every day,” while Thompson said “Just because something’s hard it doesn’t mean it’s not worth it.” Thompson said.

“Be curious. Read,” Bradley said. “Reading is an adventure where you can be entertained or learn so many new things.”

Pete said he didn’t really have any words of wisdom but did share a bit about some of the things he’s told students in class the last few years:

“You can't do everything with your life, but that doesn't excuse you from doing anything,” he said. “If the first thing doesn't work out, find something else, but find something.  I guess I spent more time in class the last few years talking about the nature of the kind of work that different classroom activities and assignments entailed, and always tried to end it with ‘If you take anything from this, know what kinds of things you like to do and are good at, and find a career that fits those things.’”

Despite retirement, all of them said they will miss their time serving the school district and community.

“I will certainly miss the students and staff,” Graf said.

“It has been absolutely my privilege to be able to work with the youth of this community,” Pete said.

On being a teacher
By Andrea Nett

I was asked by the Free Press to answer a few questions about teaching and how teaching has changed over the years. I basically chose to ignore the questions and just write about my teaching career in general, about what I know and about what I've learned. I hope I didn't go too far off topic. Thanks for listening.

Some people are gifted with beautiful voices or the ability to play basketball. I feel gifted every time I walk into a classroom, and students invite me into their hearts and minds. I love all the nuances: the sizzle of creative energy, the quiet intensity of deep thought, the relieved nods of understanding, and the light of sudden comprehension. That is my gift — I am a teacher.

Once in a great while, there is a kind of certainty that occurs in a person's life. I knew when I was six or seven that I would teach. Through the years, that commitment never really wavered. I grew up loving school, loving the magic that took place inside the four walls of a classroom. Somehow I always knew and always accepted that I would be the one in charge of creating and sustaining that magic someday.

In today's classroom, magic isn't always easy to come by, but nothing worth having is. One of the first things a teacher learns is that the classroom is anything but foolproof. And truthfully, that's part of the challenge. I've learned to embrace uncertainty and welcome the unexpected. If I'm to perform magic, there are other skills I need to utilize: tap dancing around emotionally charged situations, juggling seven or eight problems at a time, reading minds, and reading faces.

There is no single, well-lit path to education. What there is instead is a need to cherish learning and to teach my students that there is joy to be had in reading a poem, in writing an essay, or in making a successful argument. As a teacher, my greatest wealth is a bone-deep appreciation for my students, for their individual strengths, for their humor, for their warmth, and for the ability each and every one of them has to learn.

When people ask what I do, and I tell them that I teach, they often respond with grimaces, with sympathetic noises — once a woman patted my arm. Something in our society is askew. Teachers are seen too often as poorly paid baby-sitters who command little or no respect, who put up with abysmal working conditions, and who have to deal with apathetic students. For those people, the fact that I teach is reason enough to feel sorry for me.

The good news is that through 36 years of teaching, I haven't needed anyone's sympathy. My classroom has been a vital place where apathy never reared its ugly head. I have loved teaching. And at the risk of sounding sappy, I have loved my students. Most of all, I loved the magic that we created inside the four walls of a classroom. And I will miss that magic.

American Theater
celebrates 5 years

Saturday night at the movies is alive and well in Corning, thanks to community support,  a group of volunteers, and a business plan that exceeded expectations.

While tickets and concessions at multiplex cinemas mean a small fortune for many families, the Corning American Theater still keeps family entertainment affordable.

The American Theater will soon celebrate its five-year anniversary after reopening on June 6, 2014. And while a few things have changed at the theater, prices there remain what they were in 2014.

“It hasn’t changed much,” said Donna Hogan, who along with husband Rich, Jim and Carrol Ruppert, and Doug and Carolyn Oldenkamp worked to reopen the theater after it sat closed for seven years. 

The theater reopened with the movie “Godzilla,” contributions from 54 donors, and the hope of attracting about 75 moviegoers on average each week. That average is now 155 each week, double what was originally budgeted. Attendance even swelled to 455 for one week with “American Sniper.”

Attendance alone, however, isn’t what makes the American Theater a success. There’s also revenue from two upstairs apartments and local ads run on the screen before the movies’ showing. And, of course, there’s continued community support.

“It works because the community allows us to make it work,” Rich Hogan said.

That support came first from donors who pitched in to reopen the theater and it continues today Wednesday through Sunday when all ages come to the big screen for entertainment. Whether it’s kids’ movies for young students when a ticket can include a free small popcorn and drink, a $5 Sunday matinee, or a $2 box of candy, affordability is part of the draw.

“We wanted to be reasonably priced so families could come to the movie,” Jim Ruppert said.

“I like to say a kid can come in, get a movie ticket, a pop, popcorn, and candy for under $10,” Doug Oldenkamp said.

While the prices have remained unchanged the last five years the theater itself hasn’t. Community grants have helped fund improvements such as hearing impaired glasses and headsets and most recently the Corning American Theater became the first theater in Iowa to add a curved movie screen. 
Last summer the theater installed a new Harkness curved movie screen and 15 new speakers. Along with the upgraded equipment, the theater increased its seating capacity from 100 to 105 by removing seven chairs from the front row and installing 12 new recliners in the first two rows.

“The seats are as popular as we thought they would be,” Doug Oldenkamp said.

He said the recliners are the first seats filled, with some arriving early just to make sure they get a recliner.

The theater provides more than entertainment, though. There’s also a few staff positions that give high school students work experience but for the volunteers — the Hogans, the Rupperts, the Oldenkamps, Brenda DeVore, and Jill Sjulin — it’s what the community gives back to the theater that’s so valuable.

“The community does a wonderful job supporting us,” Donna Hogan said.

Teams sought
​for Andrews Memorial

Teams and sponsors for the 12th Annual Greg Andrews Memorial Golf Tournament scheduled for Aug. 3 are being sought.

The tournament was started as a fundraiser for the Booster Club with then athlet­ics director Greg An­drews, who was instrumental in the organization and direc­tion of the tournament. Upon Greg’s passing after the first tournament, the tournament was memorialized in his name and continues to raise fund for the Southwest Val­ley Booster Club and provide for the success of our student athletes.

“This golf tournament started out as a way for teachers/coaches, community members and our booster club to spend a day together golfing, promoting Corning sports and raising funds for our athletics program,” SWV athletics director Allen Naugle said. “The first year we had this tournament would have been the summer after my first year teaching in Corning. I have attended every one of them since.”

Registration for the 18-team, four-person best-ball tournament is due Aug. 2. The entry fee is $140 per team. Lunch will be provided. Mulligans will be on sale for $5 with a limit of three per person. Tournament champions will receive a plaque. Hole prizes will be offered. Hole sponsorship is available for $25. Signs will be posted at each hole showing support of SWV athletics.

Tee time is 9 a.m. Aug. 3 at Happy Hollow Country Club in Corning. All proceeds will go to the improvement of the SWV athletic fields and facilities.

“The Greg Andrews Tournament still is a great way for our community members, booster club and staff to golf together and spend a day promoting our athletics. It is now a great way however to raise funds for and promote Southwest Valley Athletics,” Naugle said. “Anyone is welcome to attend and play. The more teams the better.”

To register, sponsor a hole, or donate, checks may be sent to Naugle at 904 Eighth St., Corning, IA 50841. Checks should be payable to the SWV Booster Club.

For more information, contact Naugle at SWV High School at (641) 322-4245 or ​anaugle@corningcsd.org.

Baker-Maynes sworn
​in as supervisor

Bobbi J. Baker-Maynes officially became District 5 supervisor for Adams County at the Board of Supervisors’ April 22 meeting.

Baker-Maynes took the oath of office and officially was sworn in as supervisor District 5 to fill a vacancy for the remainder of the term ending Jan. 2, 2021.

Baker-Maynes replaced Corey Moore following her election April 9. Moore was appointed to fill the seat vacated by Karl McCarty, who now serves as the county roads maintenance supervisor.

After Baker-Maynes was sworn in, the board heard from county engineer Travis Malone about ongoing project. 

Malone also presented fuel bids from three vendors: United Farmers Cooperative for $134,691.60, RK Fuels for $134,215, and Agriland FS for $133,634. The board unanimously approved the UFC bid.

In other business, the board:

• Approved a health insurance rate increase and renewed insurance with Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield through Miltner Insurance;

• Discussed hiring outside counsel for human resources concerns. The board asked county attorney Andrew Knuth and auditor Becky Bissell to gather more information;

• Approved county claims; and

• Discussed committee reports.

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Free Press photo — Five trumpeter swans enter Lake Icaria after being released May 12, 2017, by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Trumpeter swans
to be released May 9

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will release six trumpeter swans at 9:30 a.m. May 9 on the north side of Lake Icaria at the east boat ramp in partnership with the Adams County Conservation Board.

Swans will also be released at Viking Lake and Lake Anita. All releases will occur rain or shine.

These releases are part of the Iowa DNR’s statewide effort to restore trumpeter swans to Iowa that began in 1993. Trumpeter swans were once common in Iowa, but were gone from the state by the late 1880s. By the early 1930s, only 69 trumpeter swans remained in the lower 48 states. 

It takes six years, on average, before trumpeter swans successfully nest. Last year, Iowa was home to 54 pairs of nesting trumpeter swans; however, only two of those nesting pairs were south of I-80. Dave Hoffman, wildlife research technician with the Iowa DNR, said the goal is to raise that number to eight, which would likely create a self-sustaining population.

“We are hopeful to get them nesting here in a year or two,” Hoffman said. “We had swans displaying some territorial signs at Lake Icaria, which is encouraging.”

As the largest North American waterfowl, these all-white birds can weigh up to 32 pounds and have an 8-foot wingspan. The trumpeter swans being released are young and flightless and will imprint on the area where they learn to fly, returning each year as open water is available. The swans were donated to the project from zoos in Cleveland, Kansas City, Green Bay, Wis., Oklahoma City, Bronx, Anchorage, Alaska and Maryland.  

Each event includes a swan and wetland presentation, an opportunity to touch and view the swans up close, and a photo opportunity with the kids. Staff from the Kansas City Zoo will be on hand offering educational activities, and filmmaker Steve Harryman may be at these releases collecting footage for an upcoming documentary “Return of the Trumpeter Swans, in partnership with the Trumpeter Swan Society.

For more information, contact David Hoffman at David.Hoffman@dnr.iowa.gov or 641-425-0737.

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DON GROVES/Free Press — Adams Community Cham-ber of Commerce Ambassador Jessica Wilson presents an Ambassador Salute certificate April 12 to county engineer Travis Malone for improve-ments at secondary roads de-partment building and engi-neer’s office at 2004 200th St. north of Corning.

County engineer hosts tour

Adams County’s engineer gave visitors a look at his new office April 12 during an Adams Community Chamber Coffee.

Engineer Travis Malone said the county had planned to complete moving into the new secondary roads department building and engineer’s office at 2004 200th St. north of Corning at the first of the year but weather delayed the move, which was completed Feb. 6.

The county purchased the former Iowa Department of Transportation maintenance property last year at a cost of $500,000 and added another $135,036 in improvements, which were paid for through the sale of county land and buildings. The new site includes office spaces, storage for county dump trucks and crew pickups, a wash bay, two overhead hoists, a parts room, and equipment storage.

Malone said the new site has made work more convenient for him and roads maintenance supervisor Karl McCarty.

“It keeps Karl and me here with the crew,” he said.

Malone replaced former Adams County engineer Eldon Rike in August, who retired at the end of June. Malone’s first day on the job was Aug. 13, just three days after resigning as Ringgold County engineer.

Malone worked as a bridge maintenance plans engineer for the Kansas Department of Transportation before the Dunlap native returned to Iowa. At KDOT, Malone worked with two other engineers. The three oversaw bridge inspection, plans, and data.

Malone and his wife have four children. He said she too was raised in Iowa.

“We both came back to Iowa,” he said.

With spring’s arrival, Malone said he’s working on bridge maintenance plans for the next five years, reviewing road conditions, and putting together plans pave them following a harsh winter. He said some of the roads, at least the ones that have been resealed, are in good shape.

“It’s just like painting your house,” he said. “It’s cheaper to keep a good bridge good than to keep a fair bridge fair.”

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Churches plan
​Holy Week services

With Easter fast approaching, Adams Community churches will hold Holy Week services beginning Palm Sunday, April 14.

Services include:

Corning First Presbyterian Church — Palm Sunday, April 14, 10 a.m.; Maundy Thursday, April 18, 7 p.m.; Good Friday, joint service with Corning United Methodist Church to be held at First Presbyterian, April 19, 7 p.m.; Easter, April 21, 10 a.m.

Corning United Methodist Church — Palm Sunday, April 14, 10:30 a.m.; Maundy Thursday, April 18, 7 p.m.; Good Friday, joint service with First Presbyterian Church to be held at First Presbyterian, April 19, 7 p.m.; Easter Sunday, Sunday school activities at 9:30 a.m. followed by worship at 10:30 a.m.

Prescott United Church Disciples of Christ — Palm Sunday, April 14, 9 a.m. adult Sunday school, 10 a.m. children’s Sunday school, 10 a.m. worship with blessing of Palms, 1:30 p.m. church service at Corning Specialty Care, 5 p.m. Lenten service at First Presbyterian Church of Creston, 7 p.m. Lenten service at Maple Grove (Guss) Methodist Church; Wednesday, April 17, 5:30 p.m. cross walk at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Lenox; Maundy Thursday, April 18, 7 p.m. at Sharpsburg Presbyterian Church; Good Friday, April 19, noon Lenten Service at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 7 p.m. Clearfield Methodist Church; Easter Sunday, April 21, sunrise service 6:15 a.m. outside church, followed by breakfast and movie, 10 a.m. Easter worship.

Redeemer Lutheran Church — Maundy Thursday, April 18, Service of Holy Communion, 7 p.m.; Good Friday Service of Darkness, April 19, 7 p.m.; Easter Sunrise Service of Holy Communion, April 21, 7:30 a.m.; Easter breakfast, 8:30 a.m.

Grace Baptist Church — Easter Sunday, April 21, continental breakfast 9:30 a.m., worship 10:30 a.m.

Living for Christ Outreach — Palm Sunday, April 14, 10:30 a.m. service and 6 p.m. evening service; Easter Sunday, April 21, 10:30 a.m. 

Carbon United Methodist Church — Good Friday, April 19, 7 p.m.

District 5 candidates
share views

Editor’s note: To give voters a better understanding of the candidates in the April 9 special election for Adams County Board of Supervisors District 5, The Adams County Free Press asked the candidates to respond to a questionnaire about their experience, views, and vision for District 5. The following are their answers in the order the candidates appear on the April 9 ballot.

Bobbi J. Baker-Maynes

Occupation: Farmer/bookkeeper 

Date of birth: June 27, 1965 

Years in Adams County: 31 years 

Family: Husband Lyle Maynes; three adult children, Montgomery Maynes of Omaha, Neb., Kennedi 
(Ethan) Cretsinger of Coon Rapids, Iowa, and Chase Maynes of Lenox, Iowa. 

Previous political experience: Served as a Mercer Township trustee and on the Adams County Extension Council. I am a member of the Iowa Farm Business Association and Lenox Chamber of Commerce, where I serve on the Lenox Promotions Board. 

Summarize why you are seeking office:

Several residents asked me to consider running, so I took a good look at what I had to offer to the Board of Supervisors. I am seeking office because I have the desire to serve, as well as the time required to fully commit to the job of supervisor. My children are grown, family commitments are not pressing, and I am motivated to do my part to make Adams County flourish. Characteristics I possess that will make me a good supervisor include being a good listener, organized, problem solving, following through, and doing what is right, even if it is the more difficult decision. I have dealt with financial situations, management decisions, as well as following the many government rules and regulations, as I am the bookkeeper for our family farm, while taking care of my parent’s aging needs before their deaths, both financially and medically. I simply want what is best for Adams County for future generations.

What do you see as the three greatest issues District 5 faces and what solutions do you have for dealing with these issues? 

Infrastructure: Continue to support and build our county roads, bridges, law enforcement, fire departments, medical services and educational systems. 

Tax base: We need to continue to look at our tax base in a fiscally conservative way. As the least populated county in Iowa, the residents and property owners of Adams County have a huge responsibility to support and promote economic growth. Supervisors always need to look at promoting, protecting and welcoming industry, local businesses, and new residents. 

Accountability: A supervisor needs to be accountable to those served. Decisions and actions made by the Supervisors, need to be clearly communicated. Additionally, Supervisors need to be accessible, so that concerns may be easily conveyed.

What is your vision for the district and Adams County for the next five to 15 years? 

It is my vision that Adams County remain one of the safest and most enjoyable places to live and visit in the State of Iowa. By spending wisely, we will create an environment of growth, capitalizing on the positive things that Adams County has, is and continues to build upon and create such as, a vibrant Corning Main Street, Lake Icaria, good school districts, access to SWCC, and entrepreneurial spirit of our current and future residents. As a farmer, I will be a strong advocate for protecting our property rights. We need to continue to work with our schools and community college to make sure our youth are being provided with the skills they need to make Adams County and Southwest Iowa successful. We are blessed to have great communities that we want to raise our children in. One of my goals are to help our youth maintain a positive image of where they are from, so they are inspired to stay and/or return to raise their own families in Adams County. Additionally, Southwest Iowa is a great place to call home. 

Corey B. Moore

Occupation: State of Iowa Department of Public Safety Senior Trooper with the Iowa State Patrol

Date of birth: 1971

Years in Adams County: Born and raised in Adams County. I moved away when I was 18 to go to college and I moved back 14 years ago to raise my family in Adams County. It is a great place to raise a family and my wife and I wanted to be near our own families.

Family: Son of Terry and Roxann Moore, married to Deena Moore and we have three children, Mikayla Moore, (University of Iowa), Kennedy Moore (Grand View University), and Joslynn Moore (Southwest Valley High School).

Previous political experience: This is my first political office I have ran for, however, I have served on several boards as a member and as the board president for many years including the Corning Parks and Recreation Board, the Corning United Methodist Church Trustees and the Corning Youth Club.

Summarize why you are seeking office:

I want to serve our county with honesty and integrity. I hope to serve the members of my district by always being there to listen to their needs. I may not be able to solve every problem because I am just one vote, but I will certainly make myself available to hear every concern and do my best to seek a resolution. 

I know there has been some discussion regarding whether or not I will have time to serve our county on the board with my job restrictions. I want to be forthcoming that it is my goal to attend every meeting asked of me and I have not missed one while I have currently been serving on the board. I have seniority in my position with the Iowa State Patrol and with that comes a good amount of flexibility and if it means I need to take a few hours of personal time on a regular basis in order to attend the supervisor meetings, I do not see that being a problem. 

There have also been some questions regarding the use of taxpayer funds to pay my salary as a state employee and also as a county supervisor. I understand the reasons for your concern, but I do want my constituents to understand that because I am already on state insurance benefits, I have not and will not be utilizing the county insurance benefits while in service, therefore, I hope that will result in a savings for our county.

What do you see as the three greatest issues District 5 faces and what solutions do you have for dealing with these issues?

I feel the greatest issues facing District 5 are the same issues facing all of Adams County. We need to PRESERVE, GROW AND RETAIN. I want to do my best to preserve the wonderful assets our county already has to offer including our current industry and our flourishing main street with new businesses and cultural event centers. I will continue to support our farmers and agricultural businesses along with the beautiful recreational sites in our county. I hope to accomplish this while also looking to increase and grow the job opportunities by encouraging new businesses into our area. I further want our county to retain our youth and encourage them to move back to Adams County to raise their families much the same way I did 14 years ago.

My goal is to see those profiting from Adams County’s resources be the members of Adams County. Those are the faces I have been out meeting and speaking with, they are the people I hope to better by remaining their county supervisor. 

The solutions to these three issues/goals is never simple and I know I won’t be able to please everyone. However, I will always be trying to do what is best for the most amount of people in our district and I plan to accomplish those goals while being conscientious of our safety, the budget and the general well-being of our community at all times.

What is your vision for the district and Adams County for the next five to 15 years? 

Well to be honest, I am proud of our home, the least populated county in Iowa. We as a county seem to be able to do a lot with not very much. I will continue to focus on what is successful in our county, I will look for more opportunities for our county and I will be working to identify and solve any threats or weaknesses that Adams County may encounter while serving as your District 5 supervisor. These are the tools I believe we need for Adams County to continue on its successful path and just keep it going forward in a positive direction. I look forward to continuing to serve as your District 5 supervisor and would appreciate your vote!

Karen A. Carlson

Carlson told the Free Press in a phone call March 29 she had withdrawn as a candidate.

Tim Peterson

Occupation: Self-employed owner operator Tim Peterson Trucking

Date of birth: June 12, 1955

Years in Adams County: 63

Family: Wife Kris; two married daughters, Heather and Rachel; one son, Lane.

Previous political experience: None

Summarize why you are seeking office:

To get more involved in the community and make a difference in the county.

What do you see as the three greatest issues District 5 faces and what solutions do you have for dealing with them:

Try to maintain the gravel roads, putting rock down before they lose their base.

Bringing back the population in our county and have people want to visit here.

Working to keep taxes lower, and spending tax payers money wisely.

What is your vision for the district and Adams County for the next 5 to 15 years?
​
For our community to grow and continue to be a safe place to live, work, and raise children.

Feed the Pack meeting
​planned for April 3

An informational meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 3, at the Corning Elementary Building to determine if there is community interest in establishing a Feed the Pack program in the Corning School District.

Feed the Pack was implemented in the Villisca Elementary at the beginning of the 2018-2019 school year to provide a weekend food source for eligible students. Some schools call this a weekend backpack program, even though a backpack isn’t involved. Corning students attending the Southwest Valley Middle School were included in the program effective December 2018.  The program provides individually packaged, easily prepared breakfast and lunch meals that are sent home with students on Friday or prior to any break period. Parents are required to opt-in to the program. Volunteers purchase and pack the food for the students; school personnel distribute the food to maintain family confidentiality.

Individuals who established Feed the Pack in Villisca will be present at the April 3 meeting to explain the program, funding, volunteer needs and how to get started.  The Villisca Feed the Pack group is in the process of establishing a non-profit entity and with the hope of collaboration between the communities in sharing the status. If there is interest in the program, the goal would be to create a core volunteer base in Corning that would implement Feed the Pack-Corning campus at the beginning of the 2019-2020 school year.

If there are questions regarding the meeting, contact Allison Thomas, Corning Elementary principal, or Pat Shipley, Feed the Pack, atpatshipley@myfmtc.com.

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By J. Wilson, author of Diary of a Part-time Monk

Four seek District 5 seat

Four candidates have filed for the Adams County Supervisor District 5 seat vacated by Karl McCarty that will be filled during a special election April 9.

Corey Moore was appointed to fill the vacancy Feb. 15 and will serve until the results of the canvass of the election are complete.

The candidates seeking the District 5 seat are Republican Bobbi J. Baker-Maynes, current appointee Democrat Corey B. Moore, and Karen A. Carlson and Tim Peterson, both nominated by petition.

The polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Election Day, April 9. Voting is limited to those voters who reside in District 5-Prescott.
Absentee ballots are available at the Auditor’s Office at the Courthouse at 500 Ninth St., Corning, IA 50841. Ballots may be voted there 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. 

The Auditor’s Office has begun taking requests for those voters who wish to have an absentee ballot mailed to them. The request form can be found at www.adamscountyia.comor voters can call the Auditor’s Office at (641) 322-3340 to have a request form mailed to them. The deadline to request to have an absentee ballot mailed is 5 p.m. Friday, March 29. There will be no ballots mailed for any requests received after 5 p.m. March 29. 

Voters may submit a request for an absentee ballot by email or fax. However, the original signed copy must still be mailed to the Auditor’s Office with a postmark of March 29 or earlier and received by the time the polls close on Election Day. Overseas voters do not have to send their original requests. All electronic requests must include an image of the voter’s written signature.

Pre-paid return postage is provided for all ballots returned by mail to the Election Office. A mailed ballot received after April 9 must be postmarked on or before April 8, or it will not be counted. Postmarks are not always affixed by the post office, so voters should mail absentee ballots early enough so that they arrive by Election Day. Even if the ballot is postmarked on time, mailed ballots must also be received in the Auditor’s Office by noon Monday, April 15, or they will not be counted. Due to the shortened timeline, it is important for voters to mail back their ballots ASAP.

Absentee ballots may not be turned in at a polling place except to be surrendered and voided, in which case the voter would vote in person at the polling place. Hand-delivered ballots need to be taken to the Auditor’s Office by 9 p.m. on Election Day, April 9.

Voter pre-registration deadline: The last day to pre-register at the Auditor’s Office for this election is Friday, March 29, before 5 p.m. Voter registration forms may also be found at www.sos.iowa.gov. Following the deadline and on Election Day, any new voter and any voter who has moved from outside the county will be processed using the requirements of Election Day Registration and must provide proof of residence and identity.

Election Day Registration. A person who is eligible to register to vote may do so on Election Day at the polling place for the precinct in which the person lives. The person must complete a voter registration form, sign an oath, and provide acceptable proof of both identity and residence. The most common example of an acceptable form of identity and residence is an Iowa driver’s license that is not expired and shows the person’s address on Election Day. Other acceptable forms of identity may be found at www.sos.iowa.gov.

Voting at the polls: All voters are required to provide an approved form of identification at the polling place before they may receive and cast a ballot. Voters who are not pre-registered or voters changing precincts must also provide proof of residence. Any voter who cannot show ID may have their identity attested to by another registered voter in the precinct who has proper ID. For more information about voter ID, visit http://sos.iowa.gov/voteridor call (641) 322-3340.
​
For more information about the special election or voting in general, contact the Adams County Auditor’s Office. The telephone number is (641) 322-3340 or the email address is acelect@adamscountyia.com. The Auditor’s Office is located at 500 Ninth St., Corning, IA 50841.
 

Main Street Corning
earns state awards

Main Street Corning received three Main Street Iowa Awards on March 8 in Des Moines.

State awards and special recognitions were presented to Carver’s Ridge, Business of the Year; Primrose Restaurant, Superior Interior Rehabilitation Project; and Jacki Bardole, Leadership Award. Forty-five representatives from Main Street Corning attended the awards ceremony.

Main Street Iowa hosted the 33rd annual Main Street Iowa Awards celebration March 8 at the Scottish Rite Consistory in Des Moines. The program honored the efforts of those who work day in and day out to revitalize Iowa’s downtowns — the heart and soul of communities across the state. The awards honor outstanding accomplishments, activities and people making a difference in the state’s 53 Main Street districts.

This year, 19 projects were selected to be recognized from the 129 competitive nominations submitted. The honors were presented by Gov. Kim Reynolds, Iowa Economic Development Authority director Debi Durham and James Engle, director of IEDA’s Downtown Resource Center.

“Main Street Iowa has stood the test of time since its introduction in 1985,” said Durham. “We continue to see significant growth in the amount of business, jobs and investment in communities of all sized due to the program, and as a result these districts serve as inspiring examples of what’s possible for Iowa’s downtowns.”

Primrose owners Jill Fulton’s and Joel Mahr’s rehabilitation project in Corning garnered Main Street Iowa Interior Rehabilitation Award. The celebration honors the efforts of those who work endlessly to revitalize Iowa’s downtowns.

The couple purchased the Primrose in 2017, which once housed everything from a funeral parlor to a furniture store. Now, the space is a dining destination where guests can enjoy a farm-to-table experience.

Using mostly local contractors and businesses, the couple demoed the main floor to create an open concept restaurant space. Plaster walls were patched and repainted, the original ceiling tiles were restored and layers of carpet covering were removed. The finished project is an example of a modern build out that respects the historic mass and character of the building. 

Two special awards were presented during the event. The community of Mount Vernon received the Spirit of Main Street for demonstrating the true intent of the program. The City of Dubuque and the Dubuque Main Street Program received the Signature Project Award for the Steeple Square Project in Dubuque’s historic commercial district, which stood out among this year’s projects.

“The Main Street Approach works, and Main Street Iowa has been a national model because we are creative, we embrace change and we demand local initiative and action,” Durham said.

During the event, seven communities were recognized for reaching milestones in the amount of private investment in their commercial districts. Newton was recognized for reaching the $1 million-dollar benchmark and Colfax was honored for $3 million in local investment. Centerville and Jefferson attained the $5 million-dollar benchmark. Story City was recognized for achieving the $10 million in local investment since being designated a local Main Street program and Des Moines Fifth Avenue Corridor and Marion both reaching the $20 million benchmark. 

The community of Waverly was recognized for 30 years of program designation and the communities of Ames, Cedar Rapids Czech Village — New Bohemia, Colfax, Davenport Hilltop Campus Village, Des Moines Sixth Avenue Corridor and Manning were recognized for 10 years of participation as designated Main Street Iowa communities.

As part of the event, a special partnership with the Smithsonian Institution and Main Street Iowa was highlighted. Carol Harsh, director of Museum on Main Street for the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Serve recognized Ames, Conrad, Guthrie Center, Jefferson, Mount Vernon and Ottumwa for hosting Smithsonian’s exhibit Hometown Teams: How Sports Changed America in their community.

In 1985, the Iowa Legislature adopted the National Main Street Center’s Four Point Approach to district revitalization by establishing Main Street Iowa within the agency that is now the Iowa Economic Development Authority. Since its inception, the state program and its communities have been considered examples of excellence in the national effort to revitalize historic commercial districts across the country.

Since 1986, local Main Street programs have made a significant impact on Iowa’s economy, resulting in:

• The inception of 4,805 new businesses and a net gain of 14, 938 jobs;

• More than 12,000 building projects reported, totaling a private investment of more than $1.96 billion dollars; and 

• More than 3 million hours of human capital equative to greater than $81 million dollars in time and talents according to the independent Sector’s estimated value of a volunteer hour.
​
For more information about Main Street Iowa and how all Iowa communities can access commercial revitalization assistance through the Iowa Downtown Resource Center, visit iowaeconomicdevelopment.com/MainStreetiowa, email mainstreet@iowaeda.comor call (515) 348-6184

Special election to fill District 5 seat

Adams County will hold a special election April 9 to fill the Supervisor District 5 seat vacated by Karl McCarty.

The polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Election Day, April 9. Voting is limited to those voters who reside in District 5-Prescott.
Ballots will be printed and tested after the filing deadline of March 15.

Absentee ballots will be available at a future date after March 15 at the Auditor’s Office at the Courthouse at 500 Ninth St., Corning, IA 50841. Ballots may be voted there 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

The Auditor’s Office has begun taking requests for those voters who wish to have an absentee ballot mailed to them. The request form can be found at www.adamscountyia.comor voters can call the Auditor’s Office at (641) 322-3340 to have a request form mailed to them. The deadline to request to have an absentee ballot mailed is 5 p.m. Friday, March 29. There will be no ballots mailed for any requests received after 5 p.m. March 29. 

Voters may submit a request for an absentee ballot by email or fax. However, the original signed copy must still be mailed to the Auditor’s Office with a postmark of March 29 or earlier and received by the time the polls close on Election Day. Overseas voters do not have to send their original requests. All electronic requests must include an image of the voter’s written signature.

Pre-paid return postage is provided for all ballots returned by mail to the Election Office. A mailed ballot received after April 9 must be postmarked on or before April 8, or it will not be counted. Postmarks are not always affixed by the post office, so voters should mail absentee ballots early enough so that they arrive by Election Day. Even if the ballot is postmarked on time, mailed ballots must also be received in the Auditor’s Office by noon Monday, April 15, or they will not be counted. Due to the shortened timeline, it is important for voters to mail back their ballots ASAP.

Absentee ballots may not be turned in at a polling place except to be surrendered and voided, in which case the voter would vote in person at the polling place. Hand-delivered ballots need to be taken to the Auditor’s Office by 9 p.m. on Election Day, April 9.

Voter pre-registration deadline: The last day to pre-register at the Auditor’s Office for this election is Friday, March 29, before 5 p.m. Voter registration forms may also be found at www.sos.iowa.gov. Following the deadline and on Election Day, any new voter and any voter who has moved from outside the county will be processed using the requirements of Election Day Registration and must provide proof of residence and identity.

Election Day Registration. A person who is eligible to register to vote may do so on Election Day at the polling place for the precinct in which the person lives. The person must complete a voter registration form, sign an oath, and provide acceptable proof of both identity and residence. The most common example of an acceptable form of identity and residence is an Iowa driver’s license that is not expired and shows the person’s address on Election Day. Other acceptable forms of identity may be found at www.sos.iowa.gov.

Voting at the polls: All voters are required to provide an approved form of identification at the polling place before they may receive and cast a ballot. Voters who are not pre-registered or voters changing precincts must also provide proof of residence. Any voter who cannot show ID may have their identity attested to by another registered voter in the precinct who has proper ID. For more information about voter ID, visit http://sos.iowa.gov/voteridor call (641) 322-3340.

Questions may be directed to the Auditor’s Office. The telephone number is (641) 322-3340 or the email address is acelect@adamscountyia.com. The Auditor’s Office is located at 500 Ninth St., Corning, IA 50841.

SWV speech brings home five medals

Ten Southwest Valley students participated in 15 events at the conference speech contest Feb. 19 at Bedford.

Representing Southwest Valley were Freshmen Lyric Cory, Allyssa Sothman, Alana Drake, Lexi Weston Sophomores Joslynn Moore and Kendi Graham and Seniors Katie Hoerman, Danica Drake, Connor Shipley, and Mazzy Hummel. 

In addition to receiving a total of 10 Division I ratings, Southwest Valley took home five medals for outstanding performances. Medal winners were: Connor Shipley, Radio News; Katie Hoerman, Spontaneous Speaking; Danica Drake, Prose; Joslynn Moore, Prose; and Katie Hoerman, After Dinner Speaking.

District Individual events contest scheduled for Feb. 23 was postponed due to weather and now will be held on Feb. 27 in Shenandoah. Speakers receiving a I at district will advance to state contest March 9 in Nevada.

The individual events speech home show will be at 5:30 p.m. March 7 in the SWV High School auditorium in Corning.

“The conference coaches were finally successful in getting the conference contest moved to early in the week of district,” head coach Pete Nett said. “I tell the kids conference speech is really about getting a live performance out of your system before district. The coaches judge it, so there is often some really good feedback. I was pleasantly surprised by the number of medals we took home, but a lot of that simply has to do with the natural talent that some of these kids have since they were all busy with their group contest pieces until two weeks ago.”

Open 4 Business contest begins

Main Street Corning is looking for interested entrepreneurs who could use $20,000 to expand and grow their business idea within the Corning Main Street district. 

The Open 4 Business contest, launched in 2015, is an opportunity for businesses located within a state-designated Main Street district to compete for a chance to win up to $20,000 in grant funds to assist with a business development or expansion project that will help them grow their business. Businesses must complete an online application and submit a short video outlining their business idea and how it will benefit the local economic climate in their community. A 25 percent cash match is required. Businesses must have been in operation for at least one year to apply. The grant funds are administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Downtown Resource Center and Main Street Iowa program.

Contact the Main Street Corning director Marti Gebbie if interested in entering the contest. The local application deadline for grant consideration is March 7. Each designated Main Street community may submit one local business applicant that will represent Corning at the state competition June 27 in Des Moines.

For complete details about this program, contact Gebbie at (641) 322-3243 or mscorning@adamscountyiowa.com or Robin Bostrom, Iowa Downtown Resource Center/Main Street Iowa business specialist, at (515) 348-6176 or robin.bostrom@iowaEDA.com

​Three-time state qualifier

CARIE MORALES/Free Press — Southwest Valley’s Teagan Lundquist is making his third trip to the state wrestling tournament for the third year in a row.

Lundquist makes it three
​in a row to state

Southwest Valley wrestler Teagan Lundquist has earned his third trip to the state wrestling championship in as many years.

“Teagan will be going for his third medal at the state tournament plus only lacks four takedowns for the school record,” head coach Cody Konecne said. “I 100 percent believe he will achieve both.”

Lundquist placed second in the 138 weight class Feb. 9 in the Iowa High School Athletic Association 1A District 7 Tournament in Underwood. The Timberwolves’ Tallen Myers placed third.

“Teagan won his first match but lost his second match, but there was no wrestleback so he moved on to state,” Konecne said.
Lundquist won with a 14-2 major decision.

“Tallen Myers won his first match, lost his next match which forced a wrestleback,” Konecne said. “He lost that match and ended up third thus ending his run at state.”

Myers pinned his first opponent in 3:15 but lost by fall in his following matches.

“Tallen had a great year, especially considering he did not get cleared to compete in his first match until the second week in January. He was coming off an injury from football,” Konecne said. “This was his second third place finish in districts in as many tries.”
Lundquist faces Sherman Hayes of Afton in his first match of the state wrestling tournament Feb. 14 at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.
“We will be trying to set up a school send off Thursday at about 9 a.m. at the cafeteria/south parking lot of the high school,” Konecne said.

---

Baseball honors

Submitted photo — Members of the 1958 Nodaway men’s baseball team were honored Feb. 2 at Clarinda A’s 44th Hall of Fame Banquet in Clarinda. Front row from left are Chuck Bartz, Virgil Briggs, and Marilyn Carlson for Merlin Carlson. Second row from left are John Hausen, Denny Bartz, Gayle Heard, Fred Bryson, Leo “Buck” Heard, Dave Skahill, Cliff Anderson, and Don Narigon. Back row from left are Paul Fish, Merrill Heard, Mike Dukes, Gary Rhamy, Larry Swartz, Cliff Baldwin, Dale Palmer, and David Rhamy,

SWV speech groups
​earn state ratings

Southwest Valley took six groups to the state speech contest Feb. 2 at West Des Moines Valley.

Groups receiving Division I ratings from all three judges were:

Choral Reading "20 Years?!?" — Cast members are Danica Drake, Katie Hoerman, Kaitlyn Richie, Evan Davis, Connor Shipley, Adam Harris, Kade Hutchings, Dominic Nicolas, Joslynn Moore, Sydney Davies, Aubrey Boswell, and Kendi Graham; and

Ninth grade Choral Reading  "Family Vacation" — Cast members are Adam Timmerman, Gabe Fuller, Alana Drake, Lyric Cory, Allyssa Sothman, Addison Shepherd, Sarah Shipley, and Lexi Weston.

Group Improvisation with Tracy Baker and Tristan Cline received two Division I ratings and a Division II rating. 

Group Improvisation with Augustus Cooper and Kyle Casagrande and Reader's Theater "This is a Test" with cast Members  Mazzy Hummel, Kade Hutchings, Adam Harris, Kayley Myers, Kendi Graham, Aubrey Boswell, Sydney Davies, Jentry Schafer, Abbie Wetzel, Marah Larsen, and Joslynn Moore both received one Division I rating and two Division II ratings.

Ninth grade group improvisation with Adam Timmerman, Gabe Fuller, Sarah Shipley, and Addison Shepherd received a straight Division II rating.

"All of the weather we had the two weeks between district and state didn't do us any favors,” coach Pete Nett said. “We had a great crowd for our home show last Thursday, and all of our kids should be proud of their performances Saturday and the work they put in during their rehearsals.”

Adams Community
​Rock Stars stand out

The Adams Community Chamber of Commerce celebrated the community’s Rock Stars at the Chamber’s awards banquet Jan. 24 at the Corning Community Center.

With the theme Rock Stars of Adams County, Chamber leaders honored the individuals, organizations, and businesses that work to support and grow Adams County.

Receiving awards were:

Greg Olsen, general manager for POET Biorefining-Corning, Agriculturalist of the Year Award. POET received the award for its Watch Me Grow Program. Through the program, Corning Elementary School students learn about agriculture and ethanol by planting corn, harvest it, then sell the corn to POET’s grain buyer with students receiving a portion of the sale.

Shari Fulton of Fulton Family Farms, Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Fulton received the award for her and her family’s work the Corning Farmers Market. As a member of the Green Hills Produce and Craft Association, Fulton spearheads Fulton Farms’ participation in the market and helps provide fresh produce to local restaurants and the Omaha marketplace.

Joel Mahr and Jill Fulton, owners of Primrose Restaurant, Business/Organization of the Year Award. The couple took Mahr’s years of experience as a chef to purchase a building on Davis Avenue in Corning and turn it into a farm to table restaurant, helping make Adams County a destination for diners.

Marilea Mullen, John McMahon Volunteer of the Year Award. Mullen serves on the Chamber and Main Street boards, recently completing her term as Main Street Corning president and is a member of the Ambassadors. She also works with St. Patrick’s youth choir and high school events, and served on the Adams County Farm Bureau Board, 4-H and Youth Committee, and the Adams County Extension Council.

Chris Nelson, longtime Adams County Extension Program coordinator, Joe Cook Lifetime Support Award. Nelson has served as Extension Program coordinator for nearly 33 years. He is an Adams County Fair Committee member and helps coordinate Senior Citizen Day, Antique Day, and other events at the fair. He’s also a Rotarian and an Adams Community Chamber Ambassador, serves on the Johnny Carson Birthplace Board, Rural Development, Kid Care Council, and several other organizations.

Prior to the awards presentations, Adams Community Foundation chair Nancy Turner presented Foundation grant awards to Adams County Kid Care Council, $1,975; Corning Opera House, $1,600; Carbon Community Center, $10,000; Corning Center for the Fine Arts, $3,440; Hearts and Hugs Daycare, $5,346; Williamson American Legion, $10,000; City of Corning, $7,670; Prescott Fire and Rescue, $13,642; and Adams County Conservation Board, $15,875.26.

During the Chamber’s business meeting, outgoing president Jessica Wilson invited treasurer Julia Paul to present the 2018 financial report and the 2019 budget. Following their approval, Wilson presented 2019 Chamber Board of Directors nominees. Officers are Anne Greenwalt, president; Wendi Boswell, vice president; Marilea Mullen, secretary; and Julia Paul, treasurer.

Chamber director Marti Gebbie and Greenwalt spoke about the Chamber’s 2018 accomplishments and 2019 goals. 

Gebbie said the Chamber welcomed 10 new members, issued more than $15,000 in Chamber Bucks, had 18 planes fly in for the Annaul Flight Breakfast, had 17 teams participate in the Chamber Golf Tournament, and averaged more than 150 attendants for the First Friday BBQs.

Greenwalt said the Chamber has already added five new members in 2019 on its way to a 15 percent increase in membership. She said the Chamber plans to add an additional fundraiser and she challenged current members and volunteers to become more active in the Chamber.

Greenwalt closed the evening by congratulating all of the Chamber nominees and thanking them for their support and community involvement.

“What an inspiration all these nominees are to our community,” she said. “I’m excited to let everyone and all of Iowa know about Adams County.”

Four T-Wolves
​place in tourney

Four Southwest Valley wrestlers took the podium Jan. 19 after placing in the 64th Annual John J. Harris Wrestling Invitational in Corning.

Earning medals are Teagan Lundquist, second place at 138 pounds; Bryson Rhamy, third place at 195 pounds; Tallen Myers, fourth place at 220 pounds; and Dalton Calkins, fifth place at 285 pounds.

Lundquist opened with a bye in the first round then defeated Colby Harris of Nodaway Valley by fall in 3:40. Lundquist followed by defeating Trevor Nelson of Tri Center by fall in 5:47 before losing a 9-1 major decision to Chase McLaren of Atlantic in the first place match.

Rhamy also started with a bye in his first match then defeated Jeffrey Ressler of Nodaway Valley by fall in 1:02. Rhamy next faced Ben Kingery of Adair Casey/Guthrie Center, who won a 10-8 decision. The loss put Rhamy against Aaron Anderson of East Mills. Rhamy won by fall in 1:00. Rhamy also won by fall in the third place match, pinning Sam Martin of Atlantic in 5:24.

Myers opened with a win by fall in 1:34 over Griswold’s Nick Freund. Myers followed with another win, this time pinning Chance Strough of Bedford/Lenox in 3:54. Myers lost by fall to Colton Kinnison of Red Oak in 0:42 then came back to pin Trevor Kinyon of Creston-Orient Macksburg in 3:43. Myers lost by fall in 3:56 in the third round match to Joey Christensen of Nodaway Valley.

Calkins had a bye in his first match then lost by fall in 0:58 to Storm Howard of Clarinda. Calkins defeated Brandon Bellmyer of Griswold on a technical fall in 2:47. Calkins lost by fall in 0:49 to Devin Whipple of Bedford/Lenox then won a 5-3 decision over Liam Mahoney of Red Oak in the fifth place match.

Four other Timberwolves — Brendan Knapp at 145, Steve Rodriguez at 152, Matthew Johnston at 160, and Kale Haffner at 182 — competed in the invitational.

Knapp lost by fall in 3:01 to Brayton Chestnut of Creston.

Rodriguez lost by fall in 0:18 to Rylan Luther of Creston.

Johnston lost by fall in 2:24 to Derek Mueller of Griswold.

Haffner lost by fall in 1:41 to Mitchell Williamson of Atlantic.

The Timberwolves faced Mount Ayr and Van Meter on Jan. 15.

SWV fell 30-42 against Mount Ayr. Winning were Kale Haffner at 195 by fall in 2:44; Myers at 220 by fall in 0:41; Brendan Knapp at 138 by fall in 1:25; and Lundquist at 145 by fall in 4:58.

The Timberwolves fell 11-72 against Van Meter. Winning were Myers at 220 by fall in 2:35 and Lundquist at 138 by technical fall in 5:10.

This week SWV heads Jan. 24 to Southeast Warren then competes Jan. 26 in the East Mills Tournament. Sectionals are scheduled for Feb. 2. 

John J. Harris tourney
​set Jan. 18-19

The John J. Harris Wrestling Tournament will be held Jan. 18-19 at Southwest Valley High School Campus in Corning. 

The tournament began in 1955, making this year’s event the 64th year. Twenty-two teams will travel to Corning for the event.

According to the Jan. 3 rankings published by ​“The Predicament,”​ this year’s competition will feature 22 ranked grapplers. Twelve of the 14 weight classes will have a ranked wrestler, with multiple weights featuring two-three ranked wrestlers.

Teams include AC/GC, Atlantic, Bedford/Lenox, Central Decatur, Chariton, Clarinda, Clarinda Academy, Clarke, Creston, East Mills, Griswold, Missouri Valley, Mt. Ayr, Nodaway Valley, Panorama, Red Oak, Riverside, Shenandoah, Southwest Iowa, Southwest Valley, Tri Center, Wayne of Corydon, and Winterset.

“Class 1A ranked No. 8 Missouri Valley will be wrestling with four ranked wrestlers and appears to one of the early favorites for the team title,” SWV athletic director Allen Naugle said. “Also look for class 2A perennial power Creston to vie for one of the top spots as well as Winterset, Atlantic and Red Oak. Oakland-Riverside brings in a very competitive team as well so our team title should be a very entertaining race.”

Competition begins at noon Jan. 18 and continues at noon Jan. 19.

Backpack program
​feeds SWV students

By Ann Peterson and Janet Scholey

Isn’t living in rural Iowa wonderful? Those of us who prefer small town atmosphere enjoy the peacefulness, knowing neighbors, meeting for coffee, and all the other amenities that contribute to this quiet lifestyle.

Unfortunately there are children in our communities who are hungry. If a child does not get enough food outside of school, that child is considered “food insecure.” Feed the Pack is a recently established group assisting children-in-need at Enarson Elementary and Southwest Valley Middle School, both located in Villisca. Backpacks for the weekends and school breaks include kid-friendly, nutritious items. Lightweight, individually packaged items provide meals that are easy to prepare. Volunteers pack the food and school staff confidentially places bags in backpacks. 

Food Bank for the Heartland serves 250 schools and 93 counties in Nebraska and Iowa. We are awaiting acceptance into this program, although most schools do not tend to opt out. As a result of a $5,000 grant from the Lilly Foundation, the committee for Feed the Pack was able to implement the food backpack program for eligible elementary students in the Villisca. We have received other grants and many generous donations to get this program underway, and are now expanding to include eligible middle school students. Eligibility information and applications forms are available on the school website at southwestvalley.org.

To assure continuing success of this program, Feed the Pack welcomes support from organizations, businesses, and individuals in our community and surrounding areas. A contribution of $150 will provide one student with backpack meals for an entire school year. As we await our 501©3 status, the Villisca Presbyterian Church is the temporary receiving agent. If you wish to support this program, checks may be made to the church, and please write, “Feed the Pack” in the memo line. Our mailing address is: Feed the Pack, P.O. Box 191, Villisca, IA 50864. If you have questions or would like to become involved, please contact us at wefeedthepack@gmail.comTogether we can make a difference in children’s lives!

​Adams Community looks back at 2018

Adams County receives $12,000 grant

Historic churches, schools and cemeteries in Adams County will be surveyed and documented thanks to a grant announced Dec. 18 by the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs.

The department awarded $12,000 to the Adams County Historic Preservation Commission for a "Reconnaissance-level Survey of Rural Adams County" to complement earlier surveys of the county's transportation, commercial and agricultural history.

In total, the department awarded $96,367 to nine projects in eight counties through its Certified Local Government program for historic preservation, which encourages governmental partnerships, provides training and technical assistance, and supports preservation of historic resources at the local level.

Iowa’s Certified Local Government program is one of the largest of its kind in the nation and is administered by the State Historic Preservation Office in conjunction with the National Park Service. The program was established as an amendment to the National Historic Preservation Act in 1980.

Banquet to celebrate Rock Stars of Adams County

The Adams Community Chamber of Commerce will host its annual banquet Jan. 24 with the theme of Rock Stars of Adams County.

“All are invited to join celebrating the accomplishments of the Chamber for 2018 and honor individuals and businesses nominated for outstanding support and growth of our community,” Chamber executive director Marti Gebbie said.

The Chamber board of directors is requesting nominations to honor successful businesses, organizations, and individual leaders in Adams Community. The Chamber is asking for nominations in these five categories, with last year’s winner noted and a brief description of the award:

Entrepreneur of the Year: Any individual/business partners who have taken the initiative to develop, continue or expand a business in Adams Community through exceptional vision, effective leadership, and innovation in products, services, or processes, market awareness, operational efficiency and/or outstanding customer service. Tyson and Anne Greenwalt of Carvers Ridge was the 2017 recipient of the Entrepreneur of the Year. 

Best Agriculturalist: An individual who has dedicated themselves to the advancement within agricultural opportunities in Adams Community. This individual has proven ability and accomplishments as a progressive farmer, as well as, for the time, effort and leadership they contributed to community and agricultural organizations. This can include a farmer, processor, marketer, or any individual involved in any of the related areas of agriculture.
Judy Loonan was the recipient of the 2017 Best Agriculturalist.

Business/Organization of the Year: A business or organization that has continued growth and/or economic health, dedication to customer service, community involvement, leadership and innovative efforts to adapt to changing community. Receiving the Business/Organization of the Year Award for 2017 was the Corning Opera House.

John McMahon Volunteer of the Year:  An individual who has shown outstanding volunteer efforts that have made a significant and positive impact on the Adams Community.
The award was renamed in 2011 to honor John McMahon and his outstanding efforts in the Adams Community. Volunteer of the Year Award for 2017 went to Jerry Peckham.

Joe Cook Lifetime Support Award: An individual who has shown long-term dedication to the betterment of the Adams Community. Jim Ruppert was the honoree for 2017.

“Adams Community is full of rock stars who make a difference in creating a great place to live, work, and visit,” Gebbie said. “Please help the Adams Community Chamber of Commerce honor them by nominating those individuals and businesses.”

Nomination forms may be picked up at the Lauvstad Center at 710 Davis Ave. in Corning in the lobby. They are also available online at www.adamscountyiowa.com or may be requested via email chamber@adamscountyiowa.com. The deadline for nominations is Jan. 8. 

The Adams Community Chamber of Commerce banquet will be held Jan. 24 at the Corning Community Center. Tickets can be purchased at the Chamber office or through any Chamber Board Member for $20 per person.  

Kids' Shopping Day

WIC clinic moves
​to new location

The monthly Women, Infants and Children nutritional supplement clinic held in Corning is moving to a new location beginning in December. 

The new location is the Crossroads Health Service building at 905 Benton St. in Corning. This is a permanent change.

“This is a lovely location, providing easy access for our participants,” said Karla Hynes, WIC coordinator. “Everything else will remain the same. We’ll still be in Corning the fourth Tuesday of every month.”

Along with WIC services, maternal, child and adolescent health, I-Smile and 1st Five services are available in conjunction with WIC appointments.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (641) 202-7114. 

WIC is a supplemental nutrition program for babies, children under the age of 5, pregnant women, breastfeeding women and women who have had a baby in the last six months. WIC helps families by providing healthy foods, nutrition education and referrals to other health care agencies. The local WIC agency is managed by MATURA Action Corporation.

Submitted photo — Visitors share a meal at last year’s Houck Remembrance Meal and Fundraiser.

Houck Remembrance Meal and Fundraiser to be held

Christmas season is under way, signaling the renewal of seasonal traditions such as youth Christmas programs and community concerts. It is also marks the Sixth Annual Norvell Houck Remembrance Meal and Fundraiser, which will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Corning Community Center. The fundraiser is sponsored by Norvell’s People in Need coffee group.

“It is an opportunity to have a meal before you go home from an afternoon of shopping,” co-chair Tony Mullen said. 

A freewill donation will be taken for a menu of scrambled eggs, French toast, and sausage gravy and biscuits. 

Co-chair Jim Amdor said an auction for pies and a variety of other items will begin at 6 p.m. 

“There will be more than 35 pies available,” Amdor said.

The goal is “to raise funds for charitable activities and organizations,” Mullen said. According to Mullen, funds raised at the event have been used in the Adams County Community and beyond. 

“Families and individuals have been assisted in a large area including Shenandoah, Creston, Lenox, Villisca, Bedford, and more,” Amdor said.

“We have assisted many cancer patients and their families, as well as MATURA, the past five years,” Mullen said.

James and Caitlyn Houck just announced they are donating a beef for the auction. The beef will be sold in quarters and the processing has been paid. James and Caitlyn said “we want to make this available to families in need at an affordable price.” 

“This will be a great way to end the weekend” the co-chairs said. “It will be an opportunity to visit with friends in the community, have a great meal and take a pie home and all the time you know you will be helping our coffee group help People in Need throughout the area.”

Those not able to attend can make donations at the Bank of Brooks, 701 Benton Ave., Corning, IA 50841, payable to People in Need, according to Mullen and Amdor. For more information contact Jim Amdor at (712) 621-0879 or Tony Mullen at (712) 621-1483.

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District 1 supervisor
​tie goes to Birt

The Adams County Board of Supervisors District 1 race in the Nov. 6 general election couldn’t have ended closer.

After counting absentee ballots, incumbent Doug Birt (R) and Marty Olive (D) ended up with 151 votes each. And with the tie, Adams County auditor Becky Bissell said her office turned to Iowa Code Section 50.44 which says the election “shall be determined by lot.” She said each name was written on a separate piece of paper as uniform in size as possible, placed in a receptacle and, in the presence of the board of canvassers, one name was drawn and declared elected.

“This goes to show that every vote counts,” Bissell said.

Election night ended with Birt leading Olive by one vote at 151-150 with one District 1 write-in vote. Bissell said an absentee ballot had been hand delivered on election day but the absentee board had already adjourned. She said they could have reconvened but instead waited for the absentee ballot deadline of noon Nov. 13 when three more absentee ballots were received in the mail.

Bissell said District 1’s single write-in and four under votes in the supervisor’s race give greater significance to the importance of voting. Those five votes could have easily determined the District 1 election. On top of that, Bissell said other absentee ballots were supplied per request but were not received.

The official vote on Public Measure A, the hotel/motel tax, ended 536 yes to 360 no. The District 3 supervisor contest between Scott Akin (R) and Tony Mullen (D) was unchanged by absentee ballots with Akin defeating Mullen 190-183.

The board of canvassers met Nov. 14 to certify election returns. Turnout was 60.68 percent with 1,772 of 2,920 registered voters in Adams County casting ballots in the Nov. 6 general election.

For more Adams County election results, visit https://www.adamscountyia.com.

Submitted photo — Marilea Mullen, Main Street president’ Leland Shipley, Board of Supervisors; Judy Beckett, City Council; Marti Gebbie, Main Street director; and Joel Mahr and Jill Fulton, Primrose owners, pose for a photo Nov. 8 after being presented a $70,000 grant from the Iowa Economic Development Authority.

Main Street receives $70,000 grant

The Iowa Economic Development Authority awarded Main Street Corning a $70,000 grant Nov. 8 for the Primrose upper story apartments. 

Marilea Mullen, Main Street president’ Leland Shipley, Board of Supervisors; Judy Beckett, City Council; Marti Gebbie, Main Street director; and Joel Mahr and Jill Fulton, Primrose owners, represented Main Street Corning at the event. Twelve other Main Street Iowa communities also received grants.

“Main Street Corning continues to thrive because of the dedication of our businesses in our district. This grant for Primrose will make an impact for them and our community. I am thankful we are part of the Main Street Iowa program. This partnership is one key to our success with financial support opportunities,” Mullen said. “But it is the vision and passion for making a difference, by all involved, that is truly the heart of what makes Main Street Corning a special place to be part of.”

 “The Main Street Iowa Challenge grants have proven to be catalysts for the revitalization of Iowa’s historic main streets,” IEDA director Debi Durham said. “These projects demonstrate the ongoing commitment the people of our state have to keeping our downtowns vibrant, which helps attract new visitors, residents and businesses.”

The grants are administered through IEDA’s Iowa Downtown Resource Center and Main Street Iowa programs. The funding will be distributed in the form of matching grants to the selected Main Street programs. The estimated total project cost of these 13 projects is over $8.7 million. 

“Each project must provide at least a dollar-for-dollar cash-match,” said Michael Wagler, state coordinator for the Main Street Iowa program. “In total, these projects will actually leverage more than nine times the state’s investment into bricks and mortar rehabilitation that will have a significant economic impact within each district.”

The Challenge Grant program is funded through an appropriation from the Iowa Legislature. Since the first appropriation in 2002, approximately $9.6 million in state and federal funds have leveraged more than $57 million in private investment. Over the life of the program, 165 projects in 53 Main Street Iowa commercial districts across the state have received funding.

For more information about the Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant program, contact Wagler at (515) 348-6184 or mainstreet@iowaeda.com.

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Submitted photo — Iowa Firefighters Association past president Mark McNees, left, congratulates former Prescott Fire Chief Bill Birt for his 40 years of service as a firefighter.

Birt celebrates 40 years
​as firefighter

As a child, Bill Birt dreamed of being a fireman. He made that dream a reality in 1978 when he became a firefighter because “it was a good way for me to give back to my community.”

Earlier this month, during Fire Prevention Week, Birt was honored for giving back for his 40 years of service with a presentation by Iowa Firefighters Association past president Mark McNees, who gave Birt an engraved chrome firefighter axe plaque and a certificate marking the occasion.

Birt has served as fire chief, first responder, lieutenant captain, first assistant, and secretary/treasurer. Although after 40 years as a firefighter some might consider retirement, Birt continues to use his experience to help new and younger firefighters and helps provide leadership to Prescott Fire and Rescue.

Birt said he’s seen several changes in firefighting over the years, particularly in equipment. He said gear is much safer and lighter and fire departments use a lot more technical equipment than they did 40 years ago. He also said there have been a number of advancements in fire operations and training but there are fewer opportunities to burn houses for training purposes.

“As a rookie I remember a two-story house training burn and what a rush it was,” he said.

Birt said some of his favorite memories are the times he and fellow firefighters were able to save a house during a fire. 

“Some memories you would like to forget, like when a close friend and fellow fireman was burned at a scene and when investigating an arson/homicide,” he said.

Birt said serving a small community means knowing nearly everyone at the site of a medical call or fire. He said in most cases firefighters have to make split second decisions in dangerous conditions.

“When tragedy occurs you always wonder if you did your best to help and end up sometimes second guessing yourself as you always with for the best outcomes,” he said. “Whether [the decisions] are right or wrong that is what you have to be able to do and hopefully you can put those decisions to rest afterwards.”

Each call is different, Birt said, and it take commitment and training in many different fields such as operations, firefighter, hazmat, confined space, incident command, pump operations, medical training, and lifelong continuing education hours.

“Helping others is a big commitment and it is not always about the glory,” he said. “You have to balance the dedication it takes to be a firefighter and the time it takes away from family as it is a 24-hour, seven-day a week commitment.”

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CHRISTY GROVES/Free Press — Adams County candidates Leland Shipley, left, Doug Birt, Scott Akin, Jamie Stargell, Tony Mullen, and Marty Olive listen to Adams County Economic Development executive director Beth Waddle speak Oct. 16 at a candidates’ forum in Corning.

Local candidates
​share views

By Don Groves
Free Press

Adams County voters had the opportunity Oct. 16 to find out more about their local candidates seeking office in the Nov. 6 general election.

County supervisor District 1 candidates Doug Birt (R) and Marty Olive (D), District 3 candidates Scott Akin (R) and Tony Mullen (D), District 4 supervisor Leland Shipley (R), and county recorder Jamie Stargell (R) spoke about their backgrounds, experience, and vision during a candidates’ forum at the Corning Community Center.

The forum opened with questions from the public about a 7 percent hotel/motel tax on the Nov. 6 ballot. Beth Waddle, Adams County Economic Development executive director, said Corning residents approved the tax last November.

Waddle said neighboring communities have similar use taxes that are paid by people staying in hotels, motels, and other lodging facilities. Creston and Red Oak bring in between $85,000 to more than $100,000 annually with the tax. She said a percentage of the tax goes to the Iowa Department of Revenue with quarterly payments from the state returning to the county.

 The candidates began by sharing a bit about their background, their experience, and why they are seeking office. Each has a history of public service and has served on local and regional boards or organizations.

Olive said he believes in serving his community.

“We all have to pitch in,” he said. “I believe in what a county can do.”

Mullen, too, said he felt an obligation to help the community.

“I care deeply about the people in Adams County and want to give back to the people,” he said.

Stargell said she enjoys her job and working with the public and has learned a lot since becoming county recorder four years ago.

Akin said his family has a long history in Adams County and wants to use his experience to help the county. He said he also likes the challenge serving on the Board of Supervisors would bring.

Birt is seeking his third term on the Board of Supervisors and said he is “seeing traction in this county.”

“I believe in public service,” he said.

Shipley said serving as a supervisor has been a privilege and it’s difficult to explain the commitment people have to Adams County.

Akin said revenue and growth are two issues the county faces. He said an auditor’s report shows a 9 percent growth in the county operations costs but only a 3 percent growth in revenue. He said youth migration from the county is another issue, as is quality mental health care.

Akin said improving wireless services and broadband access can help deal with some of those issues. He said the Board of Supervisors has done a good job improving Lake Icaria, which helps bring people to the county. He said resource sharing, such as law enforcement with neighboring counties, and public/private partnerships can also help the county by attracting more businesses and more residents.

“How do we find future leaders?” Akin asked. “We grow them.”

Birt also cited Lake Icaria as a major benefit for the county in attracting people and said it has had a “huge impact.” He said Main Street does a good job promoting what the county has to offer and believes there are more marketing opportunities.

Birt said a mentoring program that helps young entrepreneurs could help retain and attract younger adults. He said mentoring played a large role in the success of the Cattlemen’s Association.
“The Cattlemen are now running strong,” he said.

Birt said there are a lot of young people investing in the county who see it as an opportunity and are being rewarded for their efforts but improved services such as better broadband access could attract others unfamiliar with the county.

“We ask people from Omaha to come stay here but they can’t get on the Internet,” he said.

Shipley, too, spoke about Lake Icaria’s success and young entrepreneurs opening businesses like Carver’s Ridge in Adams County. He said the county is a desirable place to live and work but its leaders need to continue provide good roads, good communication, and good law enforcement.

“We have to bring new people with new ideas,” he said.

Mullen said maintaining and improving infrastructure such as bridges and roads are crucial to attracting businesses and residents, which in turn can increase the tax base and help provide further improvements.

Olive said attracting a new residents to the county is best tackled with an “and/and approach” by focusing not just on young families but also on retirees and others looking to get away from urban areas. Being aware of how decisions effect working families can be key to the county’s growth, he said. The county faces challenges, he said, but there are also “incredible opportunities.”

“We need to be ready and be quick on our feet,” he said.

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Adams County Extension
​celebrates 100 years

By Don Groves
Free Press

Adams County Extension supporters of all ages celebrated 100 years of it existence Oct. 12 at the Corning Community Center.

“The Extension had been a service to people for 100 years,” Adams County Extension coordinator Chris Nelson said. “Our county is the smallest in the state but we have one of the strongest Extensions.”

The celebration included a variety of displays about Adams County Extension, from information about the programs it offers to bit of history about some of its members. Barb Fuller, Iowa State University Extension Human Sciences specialist, was part of a feature her daughter Mary Fuller, a 2004 high school graduate, created named “My Family Through 4-H” when she was a member of the Brooks Bluebelles 4-H Club.

“She was a pretty active 4-H member,” Fuller said about her daughter. “4-H did her well.”

Tristan Cline, an Adams County 4-H Safety Education and Shooting Sports member, shared a presentation about the organization and what it does.

“It teaches them things that will help them in life,” he said. “It really shaped me as a person.”

Don Gee, Adams County Extension Council chairman, welcomed those attending to the celebration and thanked them for their support.

ISU Extension vice president John Lawrence congratulated Adams County Extension for its 100 years of existence. He said other county Extensions were also marking 100 years but Adams County had one of the biggest turnouts.

Lawrence spoke about the Extension’s history, saying the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 made it possible for land grant colleges to be established in 1862. He said Iowa was the first state to accept the provisions of the Morrill Act, which helped create public universities for the sons and daughters of people who toil.

In 1887, Lawrence said the Hatch Act set up agriculture experiment stations for research, which helped pave the way for the Extension programs and in 1903 Iowa became the first in the nation with its Extension concept.

Just 15 years later Adams County began its Extension and 4-H Club Program, organizing boys and girls clubs. Adams County Fair Board chairman Paul Anstey said 4-H clubs have helped the fair grow and thrive.

“The fair couldn’t go one without the Extension bringing kids along into 4-H,” he said.

Lori Greenlee, 4-H Endowment Committee member, talked about the committee’s history and it began with providing a $200 scholarship to a high school seniors to proving $1,500 in scholarship to four seniors this year. It also helps 4-H members with dues, donated $10,000 for a new swine facility at the fairgrounds, and raises funds with an annual tractor ride.

Helping youth is what will continue keep Adams County Extension and 4-H strong, Nelson said.

“The kids are our future,” he said.

Adams County 4-H Youth Council president Jasmine Wilbourne has been a Youth Council member since seventh grade and can attest to the Extension’s support.

“The Extension had done a lot for us,” she said.

Corning cow named
to Iowa Animal Hall of Fame

For the first time ever, a cow has been named to the Iowa Animal Hall of Fame. 

Aubry, a Red Angus cow belonging to Connor Haggerty of Corning, has been named as the winner in the Hall of Fame’s Companion category. Connor is the son of Rex and Missy Haggerty. Aubrey was nominated for the award by Drs. Scott and Ryan Shuey of Southern Hills Veterinary Services in Corning.

Presented by the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association and Merck Animal Health, the Iowa Animal Hall of Fame awards animals for their bravery, companionship and professional contributions to people and the community. Sixty-four animals from across Iowa have been inducted into the Iowa Animal Hall of Fame since its inception 21 years ago. The awards were given in three categories — Companion, Hero and Professional.

Connor’s family purchased Aubrey, who had been raised as a bottle calf, as a 4-H bucket calf project for Connor who has autism. From the very beginning, Connor and Aubry bonded and became very close. Although Connor is very apprehensive about other cattle in the herd, Aubry’s gentle manner allowed Connor to gain the confidence to be around cattle. 

“It is very rare to see an animal so patient and kind with humans as Aubry,” Dr. Scott Shuey said. “She always moves slow around Connor and she’s patient as he leads her.” 

Connor showed Aubry at the Adams County Fair the next year as a bred heifer and for the following two years a cow-calf pair, even winning Reserve Champion Cow-Calf pair. That first bucket calf 4-H project has allowed Connor to grow his own cattle herd. He now has four head of cattle, all descended from Aubry. 

The skills Connor learned by showing and caring for Aubry have improved his life in other ways. His schoolwork and cognitive skills improved and he became more involved at school. 

“Through Aubry, Connor has grown from a quiet, reserved individual who lacked self-confidence and social skills to a young farmer who is very proud of his cow herd and looks forward to making more friendships daily,” said Dr. Ryan Shuey. 

Connor’s mom Missy is proud of how confident around cattle Connor has become. 

“Aubry lets Connor get close to her new calves, something other cows in the herd don’t always do,” she said. “Aubry has also helped Connor be more aware of his surroundings, something kids with autism have a hard time with. He’s learned to be more responsible for himself as well as for something else.”

Other winners in the Iowa Animal Hall of Fame include:

Hero Category: Vader, a 6-year-old German Shepherd K9 who works for the Cass County Sherriff’s Office. His handler is Deputy Kyle Quist of Atlantic. Vader was nominated by Dr. Kate Hoffmann of Atlantic Animal Health Center.

Professional Category: Amber, a 10-year-old Retriever mix belonging to Larry Vojcihoski of Yarmouth in Southeast Iowa. Amber was nominated by Dr. Diane Noll of LeClair, Iowa.

Drs. Shuey, Shuey, Hoffmann and Noll were recognized for nominating the 2018 Iowa Animal Hall of Fame winners at the 2018 Iowa Veterinary Medical annual meeting Sept. 20 in Ames. The animals and their owners will be recognized at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa’s Raise Your Paw Auction on April 27 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.

For more information about the Iowa Animal Hall of Fame award program, visitwww.iowavma.org.
​
The Iowa Veterinary Medical Association is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, member-service organization dedicated to the veterinary profession. The IVMA supports member veterinarians and promotes the profession through continuing education, publications and advocacy.

Submitted photo — Linda (Cosaert) O’Hair of Waukee, left, meets British pen pal Sheila (Allison) Laydon on Sept. 23 in Des Moines for a week’s visit.

From airmail to e-mail:
​Pen pals share
​lifelong friendship

By Don Groves
Free Press

A high school assignment in 1960 that connected an Iowa girl with another young teen across the Atlantic has continued as a lifelong friendship that most recently brought the two together in person in Corning.

Linda (Cosaert) O’Hair of Waukee met British pen pal Sheila (Allison) Laydon on Sept. 23 at the airport in Des Moines to spend the week reminiscing and catching up with each other’s life. 

“It all started 58 years ago when Mr. Kauzlarich’s freshman English class at Corning High School received an assignment to write to a someone in England,” O’Hair said. “Everyone in class was assigned a name and address of a person there.”

Laydon said the letters began on Feb. 19, 1960, with an exchange of small airmail letters when she lived in the town of Ipswich, Suffolk, England.

“You couldn’t write much on them,” Laydon said.

O’Hair said it took extra efforts to send letters overseas. They had to be light weight or the postage was higher. The letters had to be weighed to assure the correct postage, which meant a trip to the post office.

Those early letters to one another were often about boys, both O’Hair and Laydon said. One of Laydon’s boyfriends happened to be an American serviceman, which didn’t sit well with her father.

“I had to keep him a secret,” Laydon said. “My dad was a prisoner of war with Japan. He wasn’t a fan of Americans.”

As the two friends matured from teens to young adults the letters continued but as they aged O’Hair said “the letters started getting sparse.” Laydon joined the Royal Air Force, where she met her first husband and later her second husband.

“I started moving about quite a bit,” she said. “We didn’t stay in touch as long.”

Although their writing wasn’t as frequent they still stayed in contact, sharing news about husbands and children instead of boyfriends.

“Families to divorce to parents dying,” Laydon said. “It’s the whole life cycle, isn’t it?”

“I have quite a few of her letters,” O’Hair said but Laydon said she’s lost many of the letters she received. They got to read some of those early letters during Laydon’s visit.

“It was fun for her to read the letters because she would sit there and giggle,” O’Hair said.

Writing has long been a part of her life, O’Hair said, and she had several pen pals in the United States when she was younger.

“Back then pen pals were really popular,” she said.

“You mean I wasn’t the only one?” Laydon joked.

While the method has changed from airmail to e-mail the correspondence has continued, maintaining a bond that began 58 years ago. The two first met in person 35 years ago when O’Hair and her husband visited the United Kingdom on a business trip. The pen pals met up again 22 years ago, this time when Laydon and her husband took a three-week bus tour from New York to San Francisco.

Laydon’s most recent trip to the states included visits to Corning “where I started writing from when I lived on the farm,” O’Hair said, the Iowa State Capitol and Terrace Hill, and Living History Farms as well as celebrate Laydon’s birthday on Sept. 26.

“We’ve done quite a bit,” Laydon said about her visit, although she could have just as easily had been speaking about a friendship started years ago with a letter from a young Iowa girl.

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SWV heads Back to the Future for homecoming

Adams County Extension
​celebrates 100 years Oct. 12

This year Adams County Extension is celebrating 100 years of organized county Extension work. 

“This long-established partnership with Iowa State University provides local citizens with access to education and university research”, said Don Gee, Adams County Extension Council chairperson. “ISU Extension and Outreach provides education and builds partnerships for a strong Iowa and a strong Adams County.”

Chris Nelson, long-time Adams County Extension worker explained: “A hundred years ago the people of Adams County joined the Extension movement and hired their first local Extension agent. Today ISU Extension and Outreach serves as a 99 county campus, connecting the needs of Iowans with Iowa State University research and resources.

“The Adams County Extension Council represents county residents and acts on behalf of ISU Extension and Outreach locally,” Nelson said. “The Adams County Extension Council includes Don Gee and Linda Adams of Prescott, and Dan Lamgo, Cliff Mann, Kaleb Bissell, Tim Cooney, Emily Anderson, Tyler Edwards and Susan Bagby of Corning. With their understanding of local issues, these elected officials make sure that significant educational programs are available in Adams County that help people solve critical issues affecting their lives.”

“Education and partnerships are how we solve problems and prepare for the future,” Gee said. “Iowa State University Extension and Outreach looks forward to being part of the ongoing life of Adams County for years to come.

“During National 4-H week, Adams County Extension will host a chamber coffee on Friday, Oct. 12. The Adams County Extension Council invites everyone in the community to attend this coffee. This is a very special coffee because on that day, Adams County Extension and 4-H are celebrating their 100th birthday,” Gee said. “To celebrate this special occasion, the coffee will be at the Corning Community Center on Sixth Street starting at 9:45 a.m. and going on until 11 a.m. There will be several special things with the coffee including commemorative gifts and 4-H cookbooks for all who attend, speeches by dignitaries, and of course birthday cake and coffee.”

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach educational programs cover people’s entire life span, from Iowa’s youngest to oldest residents. More than 1 million people directly benefit from ISU Extension and Outreach educational programs each year.

“Both 4-H and Extension work with many volunteers every year,” Nelson said. “These volunteers include: extension council members, Youth and 4-H committee members, 4-H club leaders, 4-H project leaders, fair superintendents, fair committee members, 4-H trip chaperones, Time Out and other newsletter volunteers, Extension ag and families committee members, Farmers Market committee members, and on and on. All are invited to share in the celebrating on Oct. 12 at the Community Center.”

ISU Extension and Outreach is part of the federal Cooperative Extension Service — a network of more than 100 land-grant institutions, including Iowa State University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture serving communities and counties across the United States. Every county in Iowa has an elected extension council that decides how to support ISU Extension and Outreach educational programs at the county level. Adams County currently has one and a half employees as a part of Extension in Adams County: Melanie McMann, full time as office assistant/Adams County youth coordinator, and Chris Nelson, half time as Adams County Extension Program coordinator.

For more information about ISU Extension and Outreach, contact the Adams County office at 603 Seventh St. in Corning, call (641) 322-3184, or visit www.extension.iastate.edu.

Poppies honor
​These Fallen Friends

By Don Groves
Free Press

An ongoing poppy party at the Corning Center for the Fine Arts will help honor the 3,576 Iowans who died during World War I.

Work on These Fallen Friends, a community art installation, began in July with a poppy crocheting party at the CCFA. The goal is to crochet or knit at least 3,575 poppies as a companion piece to One Man, One War, One Hundred Years, a traveling exhibit by Iowa artist Michael Wilson celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Nov. 11, 1918, armistice. The exhibit will be in Corning from Aug. 1 through Nov. 3, 2019.

About a half-dozen volunteers met Sept. 12 at the CCFA to continue crocheting the poppies. Right now they’re about halfway to their goal of 3,576 poppies, CCFA Board member Pat Getter said.
Led by instructor Nadine Olive who has been helping with the crocheting on Wednesdays, the women worked on the poppies, telling jokes and laughing as they did. Another group of knitters led by Kathy Bozwell meets on Thursdays.

Susan Noonan, another CCFA Board member, said the project began with three or four of them just learning how to crochet. Some of the volunteers meet at the CCFA while others work out of their homes.

“A lady from Prescott sent some. Another one from Lenox sent some,” Noonan said about the poppies. “We’ve been getting them from all different areas.”

“We hope to have it mushroom,” Getter said about the project.

Getter said once the volunteers reach their goal of creating enough poppies to represent all of those from Iowa who died during World War I they’ll begin working on poppies for Iowans who died in other wars.

“A couple of ladies have made over 500 themselves,” Getter said.

Wilson, the first artist in residence at the Corning Center for Fine Arts, was inspired to create One Man, One War, One Hundred Years after finding World War I photos of his great uncle Herb Thordsen, who served as a machine gunner in the American Expeditionary Forces. Wilson’s exhibit is on display through Dec. 30 at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art.

The poppies created by CCFA volunteers will be on display the weekend of Veterans Day 2019 in Corning’s Central Park. Getter said people are invited to meet with volunteers and learn how to crochet or knit or to create poppies at their homes.

“It’s a good project,” she said. “The whole community should reap the benefits.”

There is no limit to the amount of poppies that can be submitted. All poppies received will be displayed. Suggested poppy patterns are available on the Corning Center for the Fine Arts Facebook page, online at www.corningfinearts.com or by emailing corningalumni@frontiernet.net. Personally deliver or mail completed poppies to Corning Center for the Fine Arts, 706 Davis Ave, Corning, IA 50841.

McCarty inducted into Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame

Karl McCarty of Prescott in Adams County was inducted into the 2018 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during an Aug. 19 ceremony at the 4-H Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fair. 

Ninety-nine Iowa counties participated in the program this year and selected 131 inductees for their outstanding service and dedication to 4-H. Inductees or their surviving family members were presented a certificate by the Iowa 4‑H Foundation president Holly Grandin and interim state 4-H Program leader Andrea Nelson as they were introduced on stage. 

McCarty joined 4-H in the Adams County Prescott 4-H Workers 4-H club in the 1970s and was a nine-year 4-H member in that club. After college at Iowa State University, McCarty came back to Adams County to farm and work. He has helped at the Adams County 4-H/FFA Fair in some way or another as a volunteer for the past 37 years. McCarty’s love for woodworking grew into sharing his carpentry skills with 4-H’ers and the 4-H program through the years by taking the lead with many improvements to 4-H Fair Buildings at the Adams County Fairgrounds. He has spearheaded construction of the Fair Pavilion, the remodeling of the 4-H exhibit building, the construction of the small animals building, the construction of the new livestock show ring barn, construction of the new horse barn and construction of the new swine barn in 2018. 

McCarty and his wife Julie also served together as 4-H leaders for the Prescott 4-H club for three years. He has also volunteered through the years as a youth and 4-H committee member, Adams County Extension Council member, and as Fair Swine superintendent. McCarty’s community involvement has also included serving on the Prescott School Board for several years and as an Adams County supervisor for the last 14 years.

Iowa counties select inductees for their exceptional work in contributing to the lives of 4-H members and the overall 4-H program, said Chris Nelson, Adams County Extension program coordinator. Many inductees serve as 4-H club leaders, youth mentors, fair superintendents, fair board members, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach county council members, county youth council members, fair judges, financial supporters, chaperones or ISU Extension and Outreach staff members. The inductees have unselfishly demonstrated dedication, encouragement, commitment and guidance to Iowa’s 4-H’ers through the years.

“We are honored to recognize these special individuals, for their advocacy and dedication to the Iowa 4-H program,” Iowa 4-H Foundation executive director Emily Saveraid said. 

“One of the pillars of the Iowa 4-H Youth Development program is youth-adult partnerships. Our honorees generously give their time and talents to foster these positive partnerships with our 4-H youth,” said Tillie Good, Iowa 4-H volunteer development specialist. 

The Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame was initiated in 2002 to help commemorate the 100th anniversary of 4-H. A summary of previous honorees was on display at the 2018 Iowa State Fair in the 4-H Exhibits Building. These summaries are also available at the Iowa 4-H Foundation office in the Extension 4-H Youth Building at Iowa State University. Information about previous inductees to the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame is also available on the Iowa 4-H Foundation website, organized by year and by county. Go to www.iowa4hfoundation.org/and select “Recognition” then “Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame.

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Submitted photo — Carver’s Ridge owners Tyson and Anne Greenwalt pose for a photo their Iowa Open 4 Business 2018 Winners Cup on Aug. 29 in Waterloo.

Carver’s Ridge wins
​state contest

Carver’s Ridge of Corning was named the $20,000 2018 Iowa Open 4 Business winner Aug. 29 in Waterloo.

The Iowa Economic Development Authority hosted the Main Street Iowa Open 4 Business state contest in conjunction with the Iowa Downtown Conference, which showcased the best of the small business community that are the heart of Iowa’s small towns. 

More than 20 businesses entered the competition earlier this year and competed through video and Skype interviews for a chance to advance to the state competition. IEDA director Debi Durham served as the emcee for the event as the four semi-finalists — Anne Greenwalt’s Carver’s Ridge, Tommie Ouverson’s Fuel Art & Espresso in Mount Vernon, Tom and Lori Schuch’s Get Branded 360 in Le Mars, and Anna Blanchette’s Sugar Me in Marion — made their business pitch to a panel of judges before a live audience.

Fuel Art & Espresso was the first runner up, won $10,000. Second runners up Get Branded 360 and Sugar Me won $5,000 each.

The panel of judges included Rand Fisher, Iowa Area Development Group; Vada Grantham, Des Moines Area Community College; Sandy Ehrig, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation; and Lisa Shimkat, Iowa Small Business Development Center. In addition, semi-finalists named during the first round in June were each awarded $8,000.

This is the fourth year of the Open 4 Business contest. It is open to businesses located in any of the 54 Main Street Iowa districts. The grants are administered through IEDA’s Iowa Downtown Resource Center and Main Street Iowa programs and will assist with expansion projects for each of the winning businesses. CENEX Corporation joined as a sponsor of the 2018 contest, providing giveaways and an after party concert at the River Loop Amphitheater featuring hometown country music star Jay Allen.

“Main Street Open 4 Business enables entrepreneurs in downtown districts to take an in depth look at their current business operations and think big about business expansion opportunities,” said Michael Wagler, Main Street Iowa state coordinator. “The innovation, hard work and leadership these businesses demonstrate reinforces each local Main Street’s efforts to enhance their local commercial districts.”

The contest is funded via the Challenge Grant program, an appropriation from the Iowa Legislature. Since the first appropriation in 2002, approximately $7 million in state and federal funds have leveraged over $37 million in private reinvestment in 120 projects in 43 Main Street Iowa commercial districts. 

For more information about the Main Street Iowa Open 4 Business grant program, contact Robin Bostrom, Main Street Iowa business specialist, at (515) 348-6176 or robin.bostrom@iowaeda.com.

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Plaque honors
​longtime pilot

By Don Groves
Free Press

A recent addition to Corning Municipal Airport pays tribute to a longtime pilot.

A plaque and flagpole were installed in July to honor Clark Larry Carmichael for his “lifelong passion for aviation.”

A TWA pilot for 28 years, flying the Boeing 707 and later the Boeing 727, Carmichael passed away in October 2017. As a child he became interested in flying, inspired in part by his Uncle Richard Simpson who was a P-38 pilot in World War II and second cousins Hartford Fees and Ken Ro­land who were also pilots during this war. Carmichael took his first flying lesson in February 1961 and joined the Army National Guard’s 1063rd Aviation Company at Water­loo, Iowa, that summer.

In October 1961, Carmichael’s Na­tional Guard Unit was called to active duty at Fort Riley, Kan., during the Berlin Crisis. Although he had earned his private pilot Li­cense in February 1962, he was not a rated Army pilot, so in May 1962 he reported to the Army Aviation School at Fort Rucker, Ala., for Army Flight Training. Upon completion of training in 1963 he continued as an in­structor in the Department of Tactics until he was released from active duty in 1964 to start flight engineer training for Trans World Airlines on the Lockheed Constellation.

Carmichael was a flight engineer based in Kansas City before being transferred to San Francisco where he flew co-pilot on the Convair 880. He later flew the Boeing 707 on TWA’s round the world routes for several years to Honolulu, Guam, Taipei, Hong Kong, and Bangkok, as well as to all the cities in the U.S. served by TWA, until he qualified as captain in 1977. In January 1978 he was qualified on the Boeing 727 and received his first captain assignment in Kansas City. He retired from TWA on Oct. 26, 1992.

The plaque and flagpole honoring Carmichael were in place in time for pilots landing for the annual July 4 fly-in breakfast at Corning Municipal Airport to see. Dick Blazek and Wayne Page installed the flagpole and plaque created by Carmichael’s wife Audrey.

“Wayne Page and I did it,” Blazek said. “We’re both pilots. I’ve known Larry and Audrey a long, long time. We were talking about it and we thought it would be a great way to honor Larry.”

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Area effort ends
​search successfully

By Don Groves
Free Press

A two-day search for a missing Prescott woman ended in relief when she was found about a half-mile north of her home more than 36 hours after she went missing.

Searchers found 79-year-old Judy Stalcup in a cornfield about noon Aug. 15, Adams County Emergency Management director Donnie Willett said.

“Medics were sent to her and LifeFlight was called,” he said. “It was determined that her vital signs were good but that she had a compound fracture of one leg. She was transported by ambulance to the landing zone set up for LifeFlight.”

Family members reported Stalcup missing about 12:18 a.m. Aug. 14. The family and law enforcement officials called the search off at about 3 a.m. but it began anew at about 8:30 a.m. with Prescott Fire, Corning Fire, Adams County Ambulance, and Adams County Sheriff’s Office. The Iowa Highway Patrol also helped with the search by airplane.

Beginning at 1407 Poplar near Prescott, searchers began checking road ditches north and south on Poplar as well as buildings and vehicles at 1407 Poplar, 1263 Orange Ave., and 2573 135th St. Orient and Lenox Fire also joined the search.

At about 10:30 a.m. Aug. 14, a Highway Patrol plane began using thermal imaging to check field ditches and under trees.

“We did another search of all the buildings at the three farmsteads,” Willett said.

Concerned about scaring Stalcup from returning home, Willett said they moved search organizers to different location.

“We had 21 horses and riders check the cornfields,” he said. “We had three drones in the air at different locations. All told, we had eight to 10 ATVs and about 150 people on the scene.”

At about 9 p.m. Aug. 14, the search was called off because of rain and darkness. 

Willett said organizers let radio stations in Atlantic, Red Oak, Creston, and Shenandoah know the search would begin again at 8 a.m. Aug. 15. By 7:35 a.m., a large number volunteers began showing up to help with the search.

“The number of people that showed up was outstanding,” Willett said. “We ended up with about 350.”

Willett said volunteers were broken up into two groups with 84 people in one group and 72 in the second.

“They would walk across the section about three feet apart,” he said. “The rest of the people would recheck the spots that were checked the day before. About 10 we called everyone in to take a break and get refreshed. We set up two groups again to continue the search.”

Soon afterward one of the searchers, Allen Adkisson, found Stalcup.

Willett said the amount of support given by individuals and businesses throughout Southwest Iowa during the search was overwhelming. 

“The community was great help in making a bad situation turn out great,” he said. “We had food brought out to us, water, Gatorade, by businesses and individuals. We couldn’t have done it without help from all of them.”

Submitted photo — The Brandt family poses with 231Z, a 3,050-pound Simmi/Angus bull owned by Brandt Farms, after winning the Super Bull contest Aug. 9 at the 2018 Iowa State Fair.

Brandt bull
a State Fair champ

By Don Groves
Free Press

A 3,050-pound Simmi/Angus bull owned by Brandt Farms of Corning outweighed the competition to win the Super Bull contest Aug. 9 at the 2018 Iowa State Fair.

“We had a good day yesterday, that’s for sure,” Kirk Brandt said Aug. 10 from the Fair.

The bull, 231Z, is a two-time State Fair winner. In 2012 at 7 months old, 231Z was the Foundation Simmental Bull Calf champion.

“I raised him as calf,” Brandt said. “He was actually an embryo transplant out of a donor cow.”

Brandt sold the bull in 2013 when he would have been yearling sold to friends Alan and Candy Tanner of Creston, who owned the bull the last five years. When the Tanners bought the bull it weighed about 2,950 pounds so last year, when a 2,800 pound bull won the State Fair contest, Brandt said a lightbulb went off in his head.

“I said, ‘I’d like to buy him back when you’re done with him,’” Brandt said.

So Brandt brought 231Z back home, kept him fed, and entered him one more time in the State Fair. In front of a large crowd, the Brandts watched and waited as the seven entries were weighed.

“After they declared us winners, we let the bull in and gave a victory lap,” Brandt said.

The second place bull, DLH Angus of Indianola, came within 66 pounds of the champion at 2,984. DLH Upward 122 and Bedwell Charolais of Osceola took third place with his 2,875 pound Charolais bull Quiet Riot.

The winner, 231Z, as well as the Big Boar and Big Ram, will be on display at the Iowa State Fair in the Cattle, Swine, and Sheep Barns, respectively, through Aug. 19 while the Brandts continue showing other cattle.

“We are here for the entire Fair,” Brandt said Aug. 10. “We show five feeders tomorrow and show three registered Angus next Tuesday. The last three or four days of the Fair we get to sit down a relax a bit.”

Brandt said the State Fair has been “our family vacation” for the last 20 years.

“It’s what we choose to do,” he said.

Brandt and his family will return home following the State Fair’s end this week as will the winning bull. For those who didn’t make it to Des Moines for the Fair will still have an opportunity to see 231Z on when the Iowa Angus Association in conjunction with the Iowa Southern Angus Association host an Angus tour on Aug. 25-26.

“We’ll put him on display as well a lot of our other cattle,” Brandt said.

After that, life will return to normal for the winning bull.
​
“I’ll probably shave a few pounds off of him and put him back in the herd this fall,” Brandt said. “He’s a lot of fun and he’s got a super temperament.”

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American Theatre
sees upgrades

By Don Groves
Free Press

Moviegoers attending the Aug. 10 opening of “Skyscraper” at the Corning American Theatre will not just get a look at a new movie, they’ll also experience a bigger, brighter screen and better sound clarity.

For the last couple of weeks, workers with Sonic Equipment Company from Iola, Kan., have been installing a new Harkness curved movie screen and 15 new speakers. Along with the upgraded equipment, the theater has increased its seating capacity from 100 to 105 by removing seven chairs from the front row and installing 12 new recliners in the first two rows.

The new screen is about a foot wider than older one, according to Doug Oldenkamp who has been working with Sonic Equipment.

“It should be a lot brighter,” he said. “There should be no more fading at the edge of the screen.”

While the screen is likely the most visually noticeable improvement to the theater, the frame for the new screen was the biggest expense. And when the sound kicks in, moviegoers hear the audio improvements. The new speakers are more than double the size of the old ones and weigh in at 257 pounds each. Combine those with the 205-pound subwoofers and surround sound will take on a whole new meaning.

The entire video and audio system is automated so that the lights and sound come on at the correct time and at predetermined levels. Sonic Equipment services the theater, helping diagnose problems with a 24-hour call line and visiting he theater every six months to recalibrate the sight and sound levels.
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While the new equipment may add excitement to the Corning American Theatre, there’s a good deal of history there too. A look at some of the items upstairs near the projection room provide a look back in time — an old reel storage area, a ticket machine, projector equipment, and more hearken back to an era when area residents still found entertainment on the silver screen.

Hotel team
​provides update

A group working to bring a hotel to Corning has shared a news release updating its progress.

The Corning hotel team met recently with the Adams County Board of Supervisors, which encouraged Adams Community Economic Development Corporation (ACEDC) to complete the hotel feasibility on a more aggressive timeline. 

Team members have already met with AmericInn, Boulders, and Cobblestone to look at franchise possibilities. They also visited with the highly successful leaders of the privately held Mount Ayr Inn. 

“All companies we met with had similar cost projections between $3.5 and $4 million,” the news release reads. “After months of study and research into building costs, revenue projections, operations costs, franchise fees, management styles and several other factors, the team determined that with a non-franchised model the benefits far outweigh the costs.”

The team reflected on the previous successful projects completed by the generous donations of both locals and alumni and started a campaign to raise funds. The group continued to develop the business model for the hotel. It was soon determined that the project would better suit the needs of the community as an economic engine if an investment module was added. Investor packages are currently being developed with a member-managed LLC. 

The team projects 20-year property tax and hotel/motel tax revenues of $1,969,531. On July 23, the Board of Supervisors continued to support the hotel by contributing $100,000 to ACEDC for the project, approving a 10-year property tax abatement, and refunding the first 10 years of the team’s portion of the hotel/motel tax (if passed in November). 

“This still gives the county a 20-year return on investment of over $1 million,” the news release reads. “The BOS also agreed to pave the road from Highway 34 to the hotel property. All items are contingent on the hotel project being financed.”

Basic information about the hotel includes:

Location: The team looked at several locations. A fairly flat piece of ground that had or could have access to utilities at minimum costs was the driving factor. Access and visibility from U.S. Highway 34 to help market the hotel for those driving Highway 34 was also important to encourage more travelers to stay. Currently, ACEDC has an option on land west of the Corning Winery on the south side of Highway 34 and is conducting pre-engineering surveys to determine site layout. A USDA Rural Business Development Grant has been secured to assist in covering those costs.

Hotel size: 32 rooms — The hotel currently being designed will be similar to many modern hotels being built today with complimentary Wi-Fi, cable tv and breakfast.

Type of rooms: There will be a mixture of queen and king rooms along with two to three extended stay rooms.

Accessibility: All rooms will be accessible by elevator.

Guest laundry: Coin-operated facilities on site.

Parking space: A mixture of paved and gravel parking with enough room for semis and traveling campers as well as fishing enthusiasts.

Meeting room: Guests would be encouraged to use local community meeting rooms, however, the breakfast area will be available for small groups.

Pool, restaurant, fitness center, banquet facilities: In looking at the financial feasibility of the property and wanting to support local businesses, it was determined that the hotel staff will be trained to encourage guests to support local venues.

“This project will economically benefit Adams County, fill a growing need of the community, as well as provide a return to the investors,” the news release says. “Follow the progress of the hotel project in future issues of The Adams County Free Press.”

Lazy Days to take
​place July 27-28

Main Street Corning’s Lazy Days will take place July 27-28 in the Central Park area on Davis Avenue.

From the 13th Annual En Plein Air Festival to the Fourth Annual Johnny Carson Birthplace Car Show, a weekend of activities is planned.

The Corning Center for the Fine Arts’ En Plein Air Festival will take place from dawn to dusk July 27 throughout Adams County. Artists may register from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. that day at the Corning Center for the Fine Arts at 706 Davis Ave. A Chamber Coffee will be held there from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. 

The festival continues from dawn to 2 p.m. July 28. A reception will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the CCFA with En Plein Air judging taking place from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. and an awards ceremony at 3 p.m.

Gates open at 5 p.m. July 27 for the Battle of the BBQ. Included are a beer garden, the People’s Choice Wing Contest, and a street dance with Rusty Laffoon and the Broken Wagon Band.

July 28 begins with the 19th Annual Doctors Dash, a 3.3 or 6.5 mile run and 1 or 3.2 mile walk. Registration is from 6:30 a.m. to 7:15 a.m. The run and 3.2 mile walk begin at 7:30 a.m. followed by the mile walk at 7:35 a.m. Pets are allowed on the walks. All proceeds support Community Wellness Youth Health Education programs.

The Corning Rotary Club will hold its annual pancake breakfast from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Retail Crazy Days will also take place from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.

All ages can find entertainment with inflatables and giant games from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at a cost of $3 per person or $10 per family. A vendor fair will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Corning Opera House will host its second annual quilt show from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 800 Davis Ave. More than 75 quilts will be featured. 

Registration for the Fourth Annual Johnny Carson Birthplace Car Show will take place from 9:30 a.m. to noon. The show itself will be held from noon to 2:30 p.m.

From noon to 2 p.m. the farmers market will be open at a barbecue meal will be served for $7 per person. Children under 6 eat free.

For more information, visit www.adamscountyiowa.com or call the Adams Community Chamber at (641) 322-3243.

District eyes five-year plan

By Mark Saylor
Free Press

Southwest Valley’s new superintendent Chris Fenster shared information on the activity center and elementary school projects as well as a five-year facility plan and the school website at the Corning Community Schools Board of Education’s July 9 meeting.

Fenster said repairs at the activity center are going to be taken care of at the end of the month and into August. He said the west wall was shifting and needed some reinforcement but repairs can be made from the outside, saving the district almost $100,000. 

Fenster also presented the board the five-year facility plan, which outlined projects that are needed to improve the district’s facilities. 

Fenster said he has met with staff members from both Corning and Villisca districts to lay out a new school website that will hopefully be up and running by the end of August or early September. The current website needs to be improved so information can get out quicker and more accurately to the public.

The board accepted two resignations and approved two contracts. Assistant track coach Alaina Templeton and assistant cross country coach Jason Hults submitted their resignations.  A contract with William Foley as fifth-grade teacher was approved for the 2018-2019 school year as was a contract with Jacob Wolfe as high school counselor and National Honor Society sponsor pending Wolfe receiving a Class G license.

In other business, the board:

• Approved a 2018-2019 open enrollment application of a freshman student from Creston to the Corning district;

• Approved all checks outstanding for over a year in all accounts for removal;

• Approved depository banks for the district’s funds including TS Bank with $3 million, Page County State Bank (PCSB) $200,000, State Bank of Brooks $200,000, Iowa State Savings Bank $200,000, and Bankers Trust $3 million;

• Appointed board member Maria Fuller as Legislative Action Network representative and delegate for 2018-2019; and
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• Approved a bread bid from Hy-Vee and a milk bid from Hiland Dairy Foods.

Supervisors discuss
​Hunter Trail washout

By Mark Saylor
Free Press

The Adams County Board of Supervisors discussed the wash of gravel onto a property along Hunter Trail with county secondary roads worker Karl Herring at the board’s July 2 meeting.

Herring told the board retiring county engineer Eldon Rike inspected the shoulder washout on Hunter Train prior to his departure and had said there was little secondary roads could do to prevent wash during heavy rains. 

Cody Silence had requested time on the agenda to discuss the item but was not present for the meeting.  

Adams County Sheriff Alan Johannes appeared before the board to share a letter he had received June 29 regarding the dispatch console for 911 that had already been purchased. Johannes used a grant from the state for part of the cost. He said a letter informed him the grant amount was being reduced by $12,500.

The final payment for the Nodaway Bridge project was presented for approval by the supervisors, which was unanimously approved. 

Submitted photo — This year’s Adams County Youth and 4H/FFA Fair queen candidates are Hailee Trichell, daughter of Debbie and Jackie Trichel of Corning; Anna Inman, daughter of Tonya and Aaron Inman of Prescott; and Emily Lauer, daughter of René and Curtis Lauer of Corning. Crowning will be July 7 during intermission at the Adams County Speedway.

Adams County Fair celebrates 160 years

Adams County is observing two big milestones this year — the Adams County Fair will celebrate its 160th year July 6-11 and Adams County Extension and 4-H will celebrate 100 years in existence this year. 

Chosen as the theme for this year’s Adams County Fair is Rural Life is Real Life. That theme will be woven throughout the activities and events of this year’s fair, which as usual will include something for everyone, from babies to senior citizens.

Activities begin July 6 with the arrival of open class and Care Facility building exhibits between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the Adams County 4-H Exhibit building in Corning. Anyone can enter items in the open class division as long as the entry is the work or produce of the exhibitor. Fair books describing all the varied classes are available at the Adams County Extension office in Corning. Classes include baking (all breads), visual arts, needlework, fine arts, photography, woodworking, welding, flower arranging, floriculture, vegetables and fruits. There are special fun classes in the horticulture division including the largest vegetable and most unusual vegetable categories. There is no cost to enter open class items and ribbons will be awarded to all exhibitors. 

In the open class Care Facility Division, items should primarily be the work of any resident of Care Initiatives Corning, Choice, Inc., Midwest Opportunities, or other area care facilities. Judging for this division will take place July 7. The institution with the most exhibits will be awarded a $25 donation from the Adams County Fair Committee.

From 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. July 6, the Adams County Fair Committee invites everyone to a fair kickoff barbecue hosted by Adams County Extension. The barbecue will be held in the fairgrounds pavilion. The meal will feature pulled pork, beans, apple sauce, chips, and drink for $6. Also in the pavilion and new in 2018 is a Quilts of Valor presentation ceremony at 6 p.m. Following that, the 2018 Adams County Fair queen candidates will be introduced. The Battle of the Bands” will begin at 7 p.m. Bands will compete for cash prizes and will be chosen as the opening act for the July 9 Hairball concert at the fair. In its third year, the open class swine show will start at 7 p.m. at the north end of the fairgrounds. A 4-H/FFA exhibitor swimming party at Adams Community Aquatic Center will round out events from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

At 6 a.m. July 7, all 4-H and FFA livestock exhibits will be brought to the fairgrounds for check-in. More open class building exhibits may be entered between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Judging of open class and care facility exhibits will start at 9 a.m. Judging of 4-H exhibits will begin at 11 a.m. and continue until completed. 4-H exhibit categories include Family and Consumer Science, Creative Arts/Personal Development, Science and Engineering and Ag and Natural Resources. A bake sale of items brought in by 4-H’ers for exhibit judging will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. or until judging is complete in the 4-H Building.

At noon July 7, open class fun dog show open to area dog owners of all ages will take place in the pavilion just north of the 4-H building. Exhibitors’ dogs must have current rabies vaccinations. Dogs will be judged in fun classes and some will compete in obedience classes.

July 7 is also 4-H/FFA Race Night in the grandstands beginning at 6:30 p.m. This race night is free to all and especially to 4-H and FFA exhibitors wearing their fair t-shirts. The crowning of the 2018 Adams County Fair queen will take place at 8:45 p.m. in the grandstands.

The Adams County Fair Committee will sponsor a breakfast from 6 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. July 8 in the 4-H exhibit building. An antique tractor ride will leave the fairgrounds at 8 a.m. The ride will be 20-25 miles long and will include a stop at the Lake Icaria Beach Restaurant. Riders will be back to the Adams County Fairgrounds for the Antique Expo around noon.

The Adams County Antique Expo will begin at 10 a.m. The theme for this year is Rural Life in 1918. The featured tractor will be Allis Chalmers. Tractors and machinery of all makes are also welcome. Working demonstrations and displays will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will also be a local version of the Antique Road Show at 1 p.m. Those interested are invited to bring antiques to the pavilion for evaluation at this show. A stump the antiquers show will also be held at the 1 p.m. program. The public is invited to bring antique objects that they can’t identify and let the experts tell them about what they have. Classic and vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles are also invited to the Antique Day show and will be on display from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The fourth year of a special class, Homemade Yard Art, will also be at the 2018 Antique Day. Exhibitors are invited to bring their creations for display. One exhibit will be judged as Best of Show. 

There will also be a special Garden Tractor Show during Antique Day. All old engines pre 1993, dead or alive, mounted or not, GTs, equipment, attachments, lawnmowers, and walk behinds are invited. 
All Antique Day exhibitors will be presented with a souvenir medallion for participating. There will be a special table set up to display items that would have been in common use 100 years ago in 1918. These could include farm tools, household items, publications, pictures, letters, clothing items, and etc.

The Adams County Fair 4-H and FFA Youth Horse Show will begin at 8 a.m. July 8 and the 4-H Share-the-Fun Show will start at 1:30 p.m. 4-H’ers will also be doing working exhibits for judging between 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. The public is encouraged to watch the working exhibits and take part in whatever 4-H’ers are demonstrating or making.

ATV/180 Races will be held July 8 in the grandstands. The pits will be open for registration from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Races will begin after registration. There will be trophies for all class winners and payout for full size classes. Go to Facebook at adamscountyfair for more details.

A Bean Bag Tournament will be new to the 2018 Adams County Fair. The tournament will take place at noon July 8 on the east side of the 4-H Exhibit building.

The 4-H poultry broiler and fryer show will be held at  3 p.m. July 8 in the barn show ring.

A baby contest will be held at 4 p.m. in the pavilion. Classes include: 6-24 months, 2-3 years, and 4-5 years. Contestants must be in the age of the group they are participating in by July 1, 2018. Rules for the competition can be picked up at the Adams County Extension office at 603 Seventh St. in Corning or by calling (641) 322-3184.

Fairgoers can watch the 4-H fashion review and clothing selection show at 5:30 p.m. in the pavilion prior to a short fundraising auction July 8. The 4-H Endowment Fund Committee will recognize the 2018 4-H scholarship winners at 6 p.m. and the 4-H Committee will announce the 2018 Adams County 4-H Hall of Fame recipient as well. Following that, the 4-H State Fair plaques will be handed out in the pavilion.

The Adams County 4-H Youth Council will auction a few of their pies and cakes for fund-raising at 6:30 p.m. in the pavilion. More will be auctioned off at other shows throughout the fair. This money goes to support 4-H activities and financial assistance for Adams County 4-H’ers throughout the year.

 The Bill Riley Talent Show will follow at 7 p.m. in the pavilion with the sprout division and then the senior division continuing until its end.

New in 2018 is a demolition derby in the grandstand at 7 p.m. Entries are $30 and rules are posted on Facebook at adamscountyfair. The grandstand fee is $10.

The Adams County 4-H and FFA Swine Show will be begin at 7:30 a.m. July 9. The Adams County 4-H Pets and Small Animal Show will follow the swine show. It is scheduled to start at 11 a.m.

July 9 is Kids Day in the pavilion from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event include many educational and hands-on activities for youth and their parents. Mikayla Oz will have programs at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The Southwest Valley Robotics Club will demonstrate activities throughout the Kids Day and the Villisca Lions Ferris Wheel will there from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

An open class pet show will be held at 4 p.m. in the pavilion. The show is open to exhibitors of all ages and may include such pets as cats, rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, fish, snakes, turtles, etc. No dogs allowed in the open class pet show.

An all-age pedal pull will begin at 5 p.m. Age divisions include 4-6 year olds, 7-9 year olds, and 10-12 year olds. There are also adult divisions for men and women. A trophy will be awarded for the top winner in each division and each participant will receive a participation ribbon.

 The Southwest Valley High School junior class will host a prom fundraiser meal from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The 4-H Youth Council will have an ice cream social at 5 p.m. to go with the meal.

Also at 5 p.m., the 4-H and FFA sheep and meat goat show will be held in the livestock show ring.
Entertainment will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the grandstand at with the Battle of The Bands winning group followed by Hairball at 7 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at the gate only.
July 10 activities begin at 7 a.m. with a pancake breakfast served by the Adams County 4-H Endowment Fund Committee at the 4-H lunch facility in the air conditioned 4-H exhibit building. All area residents are invited. Proceeds help fund scholarships for area 4-H youth.

Dairy goat and dairy cattle judging begins at 8 a.m. The beef show will follow immediately after the dairy show is completed. A Corning Area Chamber Coffee will start at 10 a.m. on the fairgrounds. Coffee and donuts will be available free for all fairgoers.

The Adams County Fair 4-H Youth Dog Show begins at 1 p.m. in the pavilion. At 1:30 p.m., a livestock judging contest will be held near the livestock show ring. It is open to local and area 4-H’ers and FFA chapters.

July 10 is Agriculture Day in the pavilion. There will be educational materials and displays for fairgoers to learn about today’s farmers and agricultural practices. From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., a community barbecue will be held near the pavilion sponsored by the Adams County Rural Development Committee with its traditional steak sandwich meal.

The bottle-bucket buckaroos show will give children 3 years old through third grade to show a baby calf in a fun, non-competitive atmosphere. The show will begin at 5 p.m. in the livestock ring. Calves can be either a steer or a heifer and will include costumed and non-costumed divisions.

Grandstand entertainment will be the Double S Bull Company Extreme Bull Riding Competition. Price for admission is $10 per person for ages 13 and over. Ages 6-12 can get in for $5 and 5 and under are free. A family pass can be purchased for $25 this year. The pass is good for two adults and their children. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. in the race track grandstands area. Gates will open at 7. An additional feature will be mutton busting for ages 4 to 6 years old. Registration for mutton busting will be at a table near the grandstand gate prior to the start of the bull riding competition.
July 11 is Senior Citizens Day in the pavilion and the 4-H Exhibit Building. Senior Day includes a cookie contest at 9 a.m. in the pavilion with more than $100 in cash prizes to the best bakers. Prize money is contributed by KCSI radio station 95.3 FM in Red Oak. Divisions include: KCSI sunshine cookies, drop cookies, bar cookies, no-bake cookies, and iced and decorated cookies.

There will also be entertainment in the pavilion at 9 a.m. including community booths, music by Erma and Friends, line and square dancing demonstration and participation, a healthy living presentation by Megan King of CHI Health Corning, and plenty of door prizes.

Additionally this year, the Senior Day Committee will have a table in the pavilion set aside for people to display Adams County 100 years of Extension memorabilia. There is no cost for the display. Everyone will get their scrapbooks, pictures or other display items back at the end of the day.

A $5 lunch of chicken and noodles and mashed potatoes, green beans, and fruit cobbler will be available for all fairgoers from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the southeast room of the 4-H building. At noon, the Senior Citizen Volunteer of the Year Award will be presented. Bingo for all ages will start at 1 p.m. in the southeast room and continue until 3:30 p.m.

The 4-H and FFA Fair Livestock Auction will be held at 9 a.m. July 11. This is a chance to watch 4-H and FFA members show their animals one last time, for fairgoers to fill their lockers with meat, and help a young person build their college funds.

Plan now to attend and enjoy the events at the 2018 Adams County Fair, July 6-11. There is always free admission to the fairgrounds in Corning. The 4-H Food stand is always open in the air-conditioned 4-H exhibit building.

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Independence Day
​events begin July 4

The Adams Community Chambers’ 59th annual Flight Breakfast at Corning Municipal Airport will kick off Independence Day events July 4 in Adams County.

A breakfast of eggs, sausage, and pancakes will be served free to all who fly into the airport. The costs for others is $6 for adults and $4 for children 10 and under.

The Farmers Market will be open from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. July 5 at Central Park in Corning.

Adams County Farm Bureau and Farm Bureau Financial Services will sponsor a First Friday BBQ from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. July 6 at Central Park. The menu will include smoked brisket sandwiches, chips, Rice Krispie Treats, and bottled water.

Lake Icaria will also host a barbecue from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. July 6 Also included are the annual Kids Scavenger Hunt at 7 p.m. and the Friends of the Lake Fireworks Celebration at dusk.

Activities continue July 7 at Lake Icaria with a youth fishing clinic for youngsters 12 and under from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Bobbers Down Marina. Prizes will be awarded and lunch provided to all registered youth.

Fourth of July activities wrap up July 7 at the Adams County Speedway with POET Biorefining Fan Appreciation Night and CHI Health Junior Speedster E-Powered Races.

Service to honor
​fallen Vietnam pilot

By Mark Saylor
Free Press

A former Lenox area resident killed in action in Vietnam will be remembered by a former 1969 West Point classmate in a memorial service July 6.

Capt. Edwin Gilbert Northup was reportedly killed in a gun fight after his helicopter was shot down, according to the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association website. Northup was attempting to rescue Stephen Shields of Maryland from the helicopter. Both initially survived the crash.

Northup and Ray Dupere attended the United States Military Academy at West Point together.
Dupere became an ordained minister after serving his country in Vietnam and said he was quite touched when asked to do a memorial service as part of their 50th class reunion next year.

“During my time at West Point I was not someone who cared much about spiritual things, but coming to faith in Christ three years after I graduated changed me dramatically,” Dupere said. “This trip was a way of saying thank you to the class for the honor of being asked to do the memorial service, and a thank you to God as well.”

Dupere said he will be holding other memorial services this summer for a few of his classmates who were killed in action in Vietnam.

“I am from Connecticut and will start out in Detroit, Mich.; Gary, Ind.; Corning; Minneapolis, Minn.; Choteau, Mont.; Tucson, Ariz.; San Antonio, Texas; San Marcos, Texas; Winona, Miss.; Beckley, W.Va.; and Arlington, Va.,” he said.

According to information from information provided by Dupere and compiled by Denis Gulakowski and his B-3 classmates, Northup graduated from West Point in 1969. as an army lieutenant. He was then commissioned in the field artillery and follow the prescribed path for officers through Airborne School and the basic course. He reported to the 5th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colo., and spent the mandatory four-month stateside tour there before attending flight school en route to Vietnam. He completed primary helicopter training and was subsequently qualified as a gun ship pilot. On April 2, 1972, he joined his unit in Vietnam. He had also been promoted to captain prior to his death. Details of Capt. Northup’s last mission are documented on the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association website, vhpa.org. It was reported in the June 29, 1972, edition of The Adams County Free Press that Northup had been killed in the line of duty. A full notice about his death was published the following week.

Dupere’s memorial service for Northup will be held at 10 a.m. July 6 at Northup’s gravesite at the Oak Hill Calvary Cemetery in Corning. Family, friends, and any Vietnam era veterans are invited to attend. Dupere said Northup’s sister Linda Pershin is planning to attend.

According to the Free Press, other survivors at the time of Northup’s death were his wife Threse of Wilmington, Del.; his parents Mr. and Mrs. Byron Northup; other sisters Mrs. Cella Curry, Mrs. Louise Sandstrom, and Lisa Northup; and a brother, John.

According to information from 2016 his wife Threse, whom he married in 1969 after he graduated from West Point, had remarried and was living in Wilmington, Del. Sisters Linda Pershin lived West Branch, Celia Curry lived in Johnston, Lisa Wilkinson lived in Prescott, and Mary Sandstrom lived in Dallas Center. His father Byron Northup died in 1981 and his mother Anita Northup died in 2000; both are buried at the Oak Hill Calvary Cemetery. His brother John passed way in 2016 and is buried at Grove Township Cemetery near Lenox.

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Akin, Mullen
​primary winners

By Mark Saylor
Free Press

Republican Scott Akin and Democrat Tony Mullen are the winners of the Adams County Board of Supervisors District 3 June 5 primary election.

The two will face each other Nov. 6 general election to decide who will take the seat currently occupied by Linda England who chose not to seek re-election.

Akin defeated Lauri Greenlee 82-25 while Mullen defeated Judith Butcher 66-16.

Adams County voters also will pick their District 1 supervisor in November. Republican incumbent Doug Birt will face Democratic challenger Marty Olive.

Uncontested races in Adams County include District 4 Republican Leland Shipley; county treasurer Nancy Kempton, soon to be Nancy Barnes; county recorder Jamie Stargell; and county attorney Andrew Knuth.

At the state level, District 11 incumbent Republican state Sen. Tom Shipley of Nodaway to face Sara Ramsey of Corning and District 12 incumbent Republican state Rep. Tom Moore of Griswold will face Democrat Denise O’Brien of Atlantic.

Other statewide races include Adams County farmer Ray Gaesser, who was in a five-way race for the Republican nomination for State Secretary of Agriculture. Mike Naig, who was appointed by Gov. Kim Reynolds to replace Bill Northey who went to Washington, D.C., is the current incumbent but fell short of the needed 35 percent of votes to become the Republican nominee with just 34.74 percent. Instead state convention delegates will choose the nominee June 16. In addition to Gaesser and Naig, delegates must decide between state Sen. Dan Zumbach, former Iowa Farm Bureau president Craig Lang, and farmer Chad Ingles.

Other statewide races in November will pit incumbent Republican District  3 Rep. David Young against Democrat Cindy Axne, Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds against Democrat Fred Hubbell, incumbent secretary of state Republican Paul Pate against Democrat Deidre DeJear, and incumbent state auditor Republican Mary Mosiman against Democrat Rob Sand. Incumbent state treasurer Democrat Michael Fitzgerald is unopposed. 

SWV names new superintendent



​By Mark Saylor
Free Press

The Corning and Villisca school boards have chosen a new superintendent to lead the Southwest Valley District.

The boards selected Chris Fenster, current North Linn of Troy Mills superintendent and elementary principal at a May 31 meeting.

Fenster has been at North Linn for the past two years. He received his undergraduate degree from Upper Iowa in Fayette and his master’s in education/superintendent degree from Drake University in Des Moines. He is the father of three boys, Carson, Cade, and Colby, who attend Norwalk School near Des Moines. He enjoys playing golf, travelling to St Louis to watch the Cardinals, watching and playing sports, volunteering to assist in community activities, and exercising.

“I am excited to be moving here by the end of June,” he said “The move will allow me to be closer to my family as my boys live in Norwalk and I will be closer to see them instead of a six-hour trip on Wednesdays and every other weekend that will be shortened to about an hour and 15 minutes.”

Fenster said he wants “to make SWV a destination school in Southwest Iowa” but is aware both the district and education itself face several challenges.

“Funding from the state will be disappearing. I am good at working with the business manager on budgets and want to work to keep both districts viable for the foreseeable future,” he said. “Someday down the road we might have to look at consolidation but I know educating the public is also very important with the two districts.”

Fenster plans to begin tackling his superintendent duties relatively soon and begin conducting interviews for teachers as well as a replacement for Linda Brecht Kwirant who resigned last month as elementary school principal.

Fenster and Lenox secondary principal Mike Still were two finalists chosen from a pool of five after Corning and Villisca boards began conducting interviews after SWV superintendent Willie Stone announced his resignation in May.

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Four seek District 3 seat

By Mark Saylor
Free Press

Four candidates will compete for the Adams County Board of Supervisors District 3 seat in June 5 primary election.

Democrats Judith Butcher and Tony Mullen and Republicans Scott Akin and Lauri Greenlee are on the ballot to replace District 3 supervisor Linda England, who took the oath of office Nov. 1, 2005, to fill out the unexpired term of Rhonda Millhollin after she resigned her seat. England was selected according to Iowa Code by the Adams County auditor, treasurer, and assessor at that time. The party winners will face off in the November election.

The Free Press asked the four candidates to complete a questionnaire to share their background, reason for seeking office, and what issues face Adams County. Below are their responses presented in the order the candidates appear on the ballot.

Judith Butcher
Biography — I am Corning High School graduate from 2000, later earning credits for nursing from Southwestern Community College in Creston in 2002. Over the years I have maintained employment on Main Street; factory setting (Midwest Products at Blue Grass Park) and local livestock farmers. I was also employed at Feeders Grain and Supply as an accounting clerk, proudly serving the rural farming community for six years. I also had the opportunity to serve on the Adams County Rural Development Board during this time. In 2008, I was elected to the Corning City Council, which was extremely educational. I am currently employed with Southern Iowa Trolley serving a range of residents from youth to senior citizens from Adams and surrounding counties. I currently serve as treasurer of the Corning American Legion Auxiliary; volunteer at the Wellness Center; am an active member of St Patrick’s Catholic Church; and volunteer at Corning Gymnastics. My husband and are pleased to raise our two children in this wonderful community.

Why are you seeking election? — My priority is to serve the taxpayers with the best service possible at reduced cost while maintaining an aggressive budget. I will strive to keep county money local and employment positions filled by local residents. My previous experience of budgets, finance, and local relations make me an excellent candidate to conduct county business effectively. Being a fifth generation Adams County resident my connections run even deeper.

What are the top issues facing Adams County and how would you fix them? — My first concern with the secondary roads is an obligation to assertive rotation schedule of county equipment. Also, hiring a qualified county engineer is another important component at instilling top-notch service for both residents and county employees. We have an immense obligation to roadways as they play a major impact to transportation of goods and services within out county. Technology also drastically impacts daily operations of citizens and government alike and it is my hope to see a modernization of electronic infrastructure in Adams County. Updating and expanding fiber optics countywide will allow for greater potential to accommodate internet based businesses and self-employed individuals seeking a rural lifestyle.

I am thankful for the humbling experience to represent my fellow community members. Your support for election to the Adams County Board of Supervisors is greatly welcomed.

Tony Mullen
Biography — I have been an Adams County resident and registered Democrat my entire life. My wife Linda and I both graduated from Corning High School, as did all four of our children. I have formed for over 40 years in Adams County on the family farm, which has been in my family for 66 years. Throughout my adult life, I have been involved in many community organizations. My family and I are members of the Carl Methodist Church and I am currently an active member of the Quincy Cemetery Board, Adams County Speedway Board, and a Quincy Township Trustee. I was a founding member of the People In Need community outreach group and continue to serve in that organization. I also spent eight years on the Farm Service Co-op Board.

Why are you seeking election? — I care deeply about the future of Adams County, which is why I have decided to run for office. I truly feel fortunate to live in Adams County where there are a lot more positives then negatives. We have great industry in the industrial park and the ethanol plant. We have a good tourism base with the Adams County Speedway, Lake Icaria, and very strong Mainstreet.

What are the top Issues Facing Adams County and how would you fix them? — We have many issues facing us such as declining population; continuously increasing taxes, and the need for more employment opportunities.

If elected, I will bring a new voice and fresh perspective to the table. I am willing and able to listen to the concerns of the people of this community, learn the rationale behind decisions that have been made in the past and look toward a bright and promising future by working collaboratively towards solutions to help build a more prosperous and fiscally responsible Adams County for the future.

Scott Akin
Biography — My family has lived in Adams County for three generations. My grandfather bought into the lumber business in the 1920s and we have been a fixture in Corning ever since. I graduated from Corning, went to college and returned to grow the family business. I married Betsy Turner and we have two children Connor and Ella. I have served Adams County for many years. I have helped bring industry and jobs to Adams County; I was on the school board that brought the Corning and Villisca Schools together to form Southwest Valley. I am currently chairman of the Coning Municipal Utilities and Industrial Development Boards. I am also the vice president of the Adams Community Economic Development and treasurer of the Adams Community Foundation. I feel I have the qualifications and experience to lead, compromise, and to fulfill my position as 3rd District supervisor. The rewards are in helping shape the future of our county and to make it a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

Why are you seeking election? — As a supervisor I will encourage the board to support our economic development partners. We must be proactive in promoting industry, job retention, and wage growth. We need to provide economic opportunity for our high school graduates to stay here or come home. We must nurture entrepreneurship.

What are the top issues facing Adams County and how would you fix them? — Counties are increasingly under financial pressure from state budget cuts. We have a broken health care system. Rural jails are becoming default facilities for community members with mental illness. Medical care cost for inmates can be a budget buster. The state road use tax fund allocation is inadequate for the needed construction and rehabilitation of secondary road bridges and culverts. The Board of Supervisors must rise to the challenge. I am also aware of the financial burden of property taxes. I will make sure our resources are spent wisely.

I believe with my experience I can help Adam County grow. I would like the opportunity to serve Adams County as a supervisor from the 3rd District. I will listen to my constituents and do my best to understand their concerns and resolve problems as they arise. I would appreciate your vote.

Lauri Greenlee
Biography — I have been married to John for 20 years and we have raised eight children in Adams County. Our family includes 12 grandchildren and one on the way. I have been a homeowner for 35 years in Adams County while living in Adams and Taylor counties my whole life except for two years when living in Washington State. My parents and grandparents are from Adams County. My dad Roger James is a 1952 graduate of Corning High School and my mom Donna James graduated from Corning High School in 1955. My family has a Century Farm in Adams County. I graduated from Lenox High School in 1976 and was a 10-year Adams County 4-H member. I have worked professionally as a hair dresser and licensed electrologist on main street for over 25 years, I have also served as pastor at United Methodist Churches in Adams County. I am also an independent health coach.

Why are you seeking election? — I am anxious to learn more and support Adams County while serving on the Board of Supervisors. I believe in Adams County and the future of Adams County. I have much to learn about the duties of the supervisors and have been attending the open meetings gleaning information. I also believe needs continued diversity with female representation as currently there is only one female on the board and she is not seeking re-election. I have served the Adams County people in many areas, working in the service industry my entire life. I have also listened to people, helped them to resolve issues, guided them in decision-making and I am excited to serve in the future as a supervisor in District 3.

What are the top Issues Facing Adams County and how would you fix them? — The issues facing the county that I see as a I have begun my journey of learning the duties of the Board of Supervisors would include economic development, senior housing, tourism and recreation, being transparent and available as a board, and proper disposal opportunities such as appliances, chemicals, electronics, and tires.

How to fix the issues? I don’t have those answers at this time. I am just in the early stages of understanding the duties and possibilities of this board. I am not going to make promises that I can’t keep; I try my best to stand by my word. Some answers sound simple only to find out legal and financial restraints restrict the solution.
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I look forward to listening to the citizens of Adams County to hear their ideas and concerns, spending time getting to know the great people we are blessed to have in our county.

Former courthouse
​site sold

By Mark Saylor
Free Press

The site of the former Adams County Courthouse in Quincy is now under new ownership.

Dana and Dean Morgan bought the property with a $10,000 bid at the May 14 Adams County Board of Supervisors meeting.

Supervisors had been approached in January to sell the property, which formerly was the site of the original county courthouse in the 1800s. After the courthouse was razed, a schoolhouse was built and still stands today. The public hearing on the sale was opened and no comments were heard from the public or presented orally to the board. Bidding opened at $1,000, which included the cost of the deed to be drawn up as well as advertising for the sale. Anything above the $1,000 is to be returned to the Quincy Township Trustees.

County conservation director Travis Paul met with supervisors to discuss the proposed cottages at Lake Icaria. Paul said the conservation board met May 10 and approved a bid package presented by Nishna Valley Builders of Corning, which will build two cottages at a cost of $446,000. Paul said work is expected to begin as soon as all the infrastructure such as electrical and plumbing is installed.

“Our hopes are that if they can begin construction soon that they will be completed by this fall with the finish date on the contract January of 2019,” Paul said.

Adams County engineer Eldon Rike presented a resolution to post speed limit signs of 25 mph on portions of Quarry Road and Juniper Avenue, which supervisors approved unanimously.

A utility permit was also approved for Southern Iowa Rural Water Association to bore under County Road N-61 for the purpose of water.

Supervisors briefly discussed the secondary roads maintenance supervisor position, which will again be placed on the board’s next agenda for further discussions.

A fireworks permit was approved for the Adams County Fair and Racing Association for a display to be held following the June 30 races on June 30. Supervisors also approved a Cass County child support staffing contract with SFY 2019 Budget.

McMahon to retire

By Don Groves
Free Press

From adding just the right amount of cherry flavoring to a soda to delivering prescriptions to homes around town, for five decades Beverly McMahon has been a familiar face in Corning.

“She’s been on Main Street for 50 years working at the pharmacy,” Hy-Vee pharmacist Troy Weddell said. “She’s a favorite of everybody.”

At 10 a.m. May 18, Beverly will officially retire with a celebration Hy-Vee Drug Store at 625 Davis Ave. in Corning.

Beverly began working for her father-in-law Richard McMahon during the summers while she was still in high school.

“I started out as a soda jerk then,” she said.

That was up the street from where McMahon Drug Store/Hy-Vee Pharmacy is today. Beverly said at the old pharmacy was set up differently than it is now. The stools, which were moved along with the soda fountain from the original location, made it difficult for people to order their prescriptions, especially after school when high-schoolers would stop by for a soda or ice cream.

“We just had soda and ice cream at the original location,” she said. “My father-in-law did not want to have any hot drinks but he had to have his coffee and I’d have to run out and get it for him.”

Beverly said she and her husband John began serving coffee after Richard sold the business to his son. Now coffee is a mainstay at the drug store, drawing a group of local women there daily at 10 a.m. at the tables near the original stools and fountain.

“Down here we wanted to have it set up for tables,” Beverly said. “Main Street [Corning] really helped with plan.”

While Main Street may have helped with the design of the drug store’s seating, Beverly and her husband John helped Main Street — both the organization and the downtown — as well, even serving as chamber president at one time.

Beverly’s official retirement will likely mean more work with Main Street and the chamber, at least that’s part of her plan. Since January she hasn’t worked and has been healing a broken leg.

“I hope to do more with Main Street. I know they need volunteers everywhere,” she said. “Find something I don’t have to be on my feet all the time. And be a taxi driver for my grandkids.”

Serving others has always been a part of her life, Weddell said, and her good nature brightens nearly anyone’s day.

“She always brings out a smile in folks,” he said. “She is fun to work with, always lively. She has a big heart. I think she really liked doing the deliveries and getting out and meeting people.”

Beverly knew more about where to just deliver prescriptions from the drug store. Weddell said she has a vast knowledge about drugs, was a good pharmacy technician and, best of all, she knew the people she served.

“She has a vast knowledge of the people of Corning. She knew what kind and what brand of aspirin someone took,” he said. “She would pick out birthday cards for people when they called.”

Weddell said Beverly was such a part of the pharmacy that at least one person was worried there would be no more deliveries without her but he reassured the caller there would still be deliveries. And, if that isn’t enough, Beverly said she’s still available to help.

“Someone asked my who’s going to help me pick out cards now?” she said. “I said call me and I will help.”

Kindness is just a small part of Beverly’s personality. There are also her animals — goats, chickens, and who knows what else.

“Many times I’d get calls down here because invariably I’d have a pot-bellied pig going down the highway,” she said.” I grew up on a farm so it’s hard to get the farm out of me.”

And then there’s the hair. It’s purple at the moment but the color can change at a whim. When asked how long she had been dying her hair purple she said, “I’d have to ask my hairdresser. For my senior pictures I bleached blonde my hair. One thing about it, you know I dye my hair.”

Beverly said she’ll likely miss the social aspect of work but after her husband’s death at age 57 seven years ago she said when she hit retirement age she was going to retire.

“I didn’t really work for the pharmacy, I worked for my husband,” she said. “I just enjoyed working.”
“She’s definitely going to be missed around here,” Weddell said. “The pharmacy department is definitely going to be more boring without her. I’m happy that she’s retired. She deserves that. Her love for her grandchildren is very evident.”

“I enjoy life. In fact my husband was the serious one,” she said.

And though not working at the pharmacy will be a major change in her life, Beverly thinks that might be a good thing for the drug store.

“They might get a little more done without me, be a little more serious,” she said.

Stone announces
​SWV resignation

By Mark Saylor
Free Press

The Board of Education of the Corning Community School’s accepted the resignation of Southwest Valley Community School District superintendent Willie Stone at an April 27 special board session.

Stone, who has been superintendent for SWV since July 2009, will become superintendent at Washington Community Schools in Southeast Iowa. He said he had not planned to leave Corning and SWV but was approached by the Washington school district.

“I want to start off by saying that I was not looking for a new position but in late March, I had a representative from the Washington Community School District call me and asked me to look at their open position,” he said. “I hesitated to apply for the position because we love our community.”
Stone said he made the decision to be near his father.

“I decided to apply for the job because it is 30 minutes from where all of my family lives and my dad’s health has been failing,” he said. “It is also a good school district. I went through the interview process and was selected as their new superintendent.”

Stone admitted it was a tough decision.

“We (my family) are full of mixed emotions right now. We have the excitement of moving to a new community and accepting the challenge of being there. We are sad because of the great relationships that we have with people here at SWV,” he said. “I want to thank the district and community for allowing me to be part of the great things that we had happened over the past nine years and more importantly for treating my family as one of their own.”

The board also accepted four other resignations: assistant wrestling coach Anthony Donahoo; elementary teacher Haley Blackledge; K-12 art teacher and high school yearbook sponsor Bryce Giesmann; and head cross country coach Joshua Sussman.

The Corning School Board and Villisca School Board met May 1 in joint special session. The boards discussed the superintendent search process and decided not to hire a search firm at this time. The boards also discussed the soon to be vacant athletic director position. Current athletic director Jason Wetzel announced his resignation April 9 as high school wrestling coach and athletic director.

Main Street Corning receives national accreditation

Main Street Corning has been designated as an accredited Main Street America program for meeting rigorous performance standards set by the National Main Street Center. 

Each year, the National Main Street Center and its Coordinating Program partners announce the list of accredited Main Street America programs in recognition of their exemplary commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach.

“We are thrilled to honor this year’s 829 nationally accredited Main Street America programs for their commitment to preservation-based economic development and the revitalization of their commercial districts,” said Patrice Frey, president and CEO of the National Main Street Center. “The power of Main Street shines across the country through these vibrant communities, who have all worked to generate impressive economic returns, preserve community character, and celebrate local history.”

In 2017 alone, Main Street America programs generated $4.48 billion in local reinvestment, helped open 6,211 net new businesses, generated 30,294 net new jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 8,737 historic buildings, and clocked 2.7 million volunteer hours.

The Main Street Corning performance is annually evaluated by Main Street Iowa, which works in partnership with the National Main Street Center to identify the local programs that meet ten national performance standards. Evaluation criteria determines the communities that are building comprehensive and sustainable revitalization efforts and include standards such as fostering strong public-private partnerships, documenting programmatic progress, and actively preserving historic buildings.

Corning was designated a Main Street in 1990 and has maintained this accreditation for 28 consecutive years. In 2017 the reported private dollars spent on projects and acquisition totaled $377,243. There were 1,679 volunteer hours in 2017 an equivalent to almost one FTE.

“All I can say is wow, our Main Street program has amazing volunteers on our board, committees and for special events. Each person is a key component in making things happen,” said Marilea Mullen, president MS Corning. “I think it is exciting to be witnessing new vibrancy in our local district the past few years, to seeing new businesses move into the district, updates and expansion for others. We’ve got talented and passionate business owners in our community. It’s not just about earning and income for them, they recognize and help fill needs for our community and help Corning be a great community.

“Receiving this accreditation recognizes the input from our volunteers and businesses believing in the Main Street Corning district and philosophy,” she said. “It truly is a team effort to achieve this designation.”

Main Street America has been helping revitalize older and historic commercial districts for more than 35 years. Today, it is a network of more than 1,600 neighborhoods and communities, rural and urban, who share both a commitment to place and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development.

Since 1980, communities participating in the program have leveraged more than $74.73 billion in new public and private investment, generated 614,716 net new jobs and 138,303 net new businesses, and rehabilitated more than 276,790 buildings. Main Street America is a program of the nonprofit National Main Street Center, a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. 

Submitted photo — Adams Community Economic Development Corporation executive director Beth Waddle receives a Main Street Iowa Leadership Award on April 13. From left are Marti Gebbie, Gov. Kim Reynolds, Waddle, and Iowa Downtown Resource Center director Jim Engle.

Waddle receives Leadership Award

Adams Community Economic Development Corporation executive director Beth Waddle was presented a Leadership Award at the 32nd annual Main Street Iowa Awards celebration.

Waddle voluntarily gave support to the Main Street program during two occurrences of director vacancies.

“She is always willing to lend a hand, guide us to the right places for answers, and offers superb technical assistance,” Main Street director Marti Gebbie said. “Most importantly, she has offered unwavering words of encouragement to make sure we succeed, a real can-do attitude which is contagious. Beth is truly deserving of this award and so much more.”

Main Street Iowa hosted the awards celebration April 13 at Hoyt Sherman Place in Des Moines. The program honored the efforts of those who work day in and day out to revitalize Iowa’s downtowns, the heart and soul of communities across the state.

Main Street Iowa has annually presented awards honoring outstanding accomplishments, activities and people making a difference in Main Street districts throughout the state. Projects large and small are recognized and serve as outstanding examples of what historic commercial district revitalization is all about.

This year, 18 projects were selected to be recognized from the 117 competitive nominations submitted. The honors were presented by Gov. Kim Reynolds and James Engle, director of the Iowa Downtown Resource Center.

“The Main Street Iowa program is a powerful catalyst for local revitalization and community investment,” Reynolds said. “As I travel across the state, I see over and over that Main Streeters are passionate, innovative and creative. They’re also committed to making their downtowns — and our state — a stronger, more sustainable place to live, work and raise a family.”

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MARK SAYLOR/Free Press — Volunteer Guy Brace helps remove dirt around a headstone in order to allow it to be raised and become more visible at the Queen City Cemetery during a restoration project.

Couple share ‘labor of love’

By Mark Saylor
Free Press

Tombstones at the tiny Queen City Cemetery in rural Adams County got a facelift last week thanks to former residents Ken and Mary Booth who now live in West Des Moines.

Both are originally from Corning so it was just natural they come back to work in their home county. Mary is the daughter of August and Theo Bauer. They have been doing restoration projects in Illinois for almost 20 years. After learning of one of the stones at the site, great-great grandson Rod Van Velson contacted Corning city leaders and told them his great-great grandmother Mary Ann Lewis Bundick was buried there and wanted to do what he could do to get her a tombstone in her memory. The information was gathered and a group went to the cemetery at Lake Binder east of Corning and located her stone, which led to the restoration project.

The Booths say their work is a labor of love. Their interest in genealogy leads them taking on projects such as restoration or repairing stones. Local volunteers worked with the couple to clean or unearth the stones that were placed at the site by Adams County residents years ago. They use a combination of soap and water to clean the stones that will kill all the growth of lichen to prevent it from further damaging the stone. Although the stones at the cemetery have been cleaned they will never become bright white as they once were but the inscriptions will be easier to read once the lichen has died off.

The Booths have worked on various cemeteries in both Iowa and Illinois, restoring them to their former glory, reset stones, or do any repairs that need to be completed. Among those who assisted the Booths in the project were Guy Brace, Saundra Leininger, Dale Carmichael, and Nancy Carmichael

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Medical examiner investigator assistant OK’d

By Mark Saylor
Free Press

Adams County medical examiner investigator Lisa Brown will receive a little help when her duties require her to be out of town.

The Adams County Board of Supervisors approved hiring Jen Worisek of Creston to serve as Brown’s assistant in the event she is out of town at the board’s April 2 meeting.

Worisek will complete the required training at no cost to the county thanks to a grant from the State Medical Examiner’s Office. The grant will pay for the entire cost of the training, which will be in August in St Louis.

Brown said there have been times when she has been out of town and has had to work via phone and instruct law enforcement to collect the information in her absence. Supervisors approved the request after being reassured there is no cost to the county.

Supervisors approved a claim submitted by county Emergency Management Coordinator Donnie Willett, who had earlier presented a claim for CPR training materials in the amount of $239.20. CPR classes will be instructed by Prescott Fire Chief Billi Vavra, who will be utilizing the materials and then teaching Adams County employees and others CPR. The only cost involved is updating CPR cards.

The claim had earlier been denied by the auditor’s office, as it was not believed to be a county expense, because another county entity would be using the materials and then billing back for that cost. Willett reassured supervisors that the only cost to the individuals is for their cards.

Supervisors also decided to reopen applications for the county engineer position. The supervisors’ top choice for engineer accepted a position with a different county. Due to the small number of applicants, the board decided to seek new applicants.

Lake project delayed

By Mark Saylor
Free Press

Adams County Conservation director Travis Paul update the Adams County Board of Supervisors on the cottages being built at Lake Icaria at the board’s March 26 meeting.

Paul said the bids for the work came in very high.

“I think we need to go back to the drawing board and make the plans more cost effective as even with voluntary alternates the bids are still too high and possibly go to one story rather than the two-story plan,” he said.

Paul said the Conservation Board has had some issues with the architects, Alley-Poyner out of Red Oak, getting plan revisions correct and getting them done in a timely manner.  He said it seemed the Adams County project was put on the back burner and was only worked on when the architects had time. 

Supervisor Karl McCarty advised Paul of the possible problems of starting the project over.

“You’re not going to gain anything by going with either something else or a different plan,” McCarty said.

Paul said the architects admitted they had bigger projects on the table but those projects are about over and then they would have more time and manpower to devote to the Adams County project.  Instead of going back to the drawing board, McCarty advised Paul of a possible solution.

“Find out the cost to revise the current plans and to rebid the project, and when the packets need to be sent out for this project to still begin yet this spring,” McCarty said.

As far as the delay in the project, Paul suggested that payment to the architects be held until they have a clear path on how the project is going to get finished. If necessary, due to delays and other issues, it may be necessary to withhold partial payment, he said. 

The board discussed meeting with county attorney Andrew Knuth to let the architects know about the county’s concerns.

“Just advise them that due to their delay in the project we are done paying you,” supervisor Merlin Dixon suggested to Paul.

The supervisors also met with county engineer Eldon Rike who had two utility permits for approval: one with Southern Iowa Rural Water Association for a pump station project in Prescott and the second for Farmers Mutual Telephone southeast of Nodaway along the new railroad overpass that was constructed last summer. 

Auditor Becky Bissell and election clerk Nancy Turner met with the board in regard to the purchase of new election equipment.

Bissell said election equipment had not been updated for several years and the new equipment will assist voters in allowing them to see the entire ballot as the screen will be larger and easier to read. The new equipment will cost a total of $12,804, which includes a trade in of the older equipment. Supervisors approved the request.

The board also approved a request from county recorder Jamie Stargell for the purchase of a new document locator, which is used to transfer files, at a cost of $12,137.90. Both purchases are budgeted for this fiscal year.

The supervisors also approved several tax abatements that were presented.

Knuth met with supervisors to discuss the possibility of him performing other duties as time allows on projects not involving the county. Knuth said several individuals contact him to assist in writing of wills, contracts, and title opinions. He said in doing such projects he will not perform any duties that present a conflict of interest with his position as county attorney. The consensus of the board was to allow Knuth to perform these duties as time allowed.

ACS community honors Sharp family

By Mark Saylor
Free Press

Tragedy struck the Adams County Speedway family last week after a Creston family was found dead in their condominium while vacationing in Mexico.

Kevin Sharp, 41, his wife Amy, 38, and their children Sterling, 12, and Adrianna, 7, died after inhaling toxic gases, according to Mexican authorities. They say the source of the gas leak was in the water heater that had become damaged either from use or lack of maintenance.

Relatives reported the Sharps missing about a week after they left for vacation. Their bodies were discovered following a welfare check in Tulum on the Caribbean coast.

Kevin Sharp was a regular at the Adams County Speedway beginning in 2008. He had eight career wins, winning a track title in 2015 and was ranked 22nd all time in the speedway’s stock car division.
More than 300 people attended a vigil March 24 at the Speedway, where Kevin’s pit pad for his No. 2 race car will remain vacant this season.

A second vigil was held March 25 at the Veterans of Foreign Wars baseball field in Creston where he and his son Sterling played baseball.

Funeral arrangements for the Sharp family are pending.

Two organizations relocate

By Mark Saylor
Free Press

Two offices have recently moved to new locations in Corning.

The French Icarian Colony Foundation and the Johnny Carson Birthplace Society recently left the Lauvstad Center to new locations at 616 Davis Ave., the New York Life Insurance office, and 518 Davis Avenue, R&S Motors respectively. The two entities are run independent of the Adams Community Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Corning, and the Adams Community Economic Development offices, all of which are located in the Lauvstad Center. The phone numbers will remain the same. To reach the French Icarian Colony Foundation call (641) 322-4717 or (515) 868-1415 and call the Johnny Carson Birthplace Society at (641) 322-3212.

The French Icarian Colony Foundation is headed by Saundra Leininger and according to its bylaws is responsible to establish the means by which the heritage of French Icarian Colony may be recognized, preserved, promoted, interpreted, and made available for the benefit of the public. The mission statement of this corporation is: “The French Icarian Colony Foundation is dedicated to conveying the importance of the Icarian experience to the history, of our nation by protecting the heritage, preserving the site and celebrating the contributions of the Icarians as an integral part of history.”

At the helm of The Johnny Carson Birthplace Society is Roger Sorensen who owns R&S Motors. His office is in the 500 block of Davis Avenue. Sorensen is also chair of the society so it only made sense to move volunteer coordinator Doris McElwain to that location. The society hosts several events throughout the year including the annual car show during the Lazy Days celebration each summer.

The French Icarian Colony Foundation has several events planned throughout the year including a new event called Kites over Icarian Village, which will be held April 14 with a rain date of April 21 at the village east and north of Corning. Another special event upcoming will be the annual Ladies May Day Tea on May 5.

Another event going on at the Icarian Village is the spring plantings by Corning fourth-grade students. Students will plant and harvest several native plants at the village. The foundation received a grant that enabled it to put in a septic system, continue renovations to the dining hall, and construct modern bathroom facilities. 

Camp reservations
​could change

By Mark Saylor
Free Press

The Iowa Senate is attempting to change the way campsites at state parks are reserved now that almost half of the campsites available cannot be reserved in advance.

Nodaway state Sen. Tom Shipley said the legislation will make it possible to attract more visitors to the state parks.

“Fewer and fewer campers are willing to pack up the kids and the tents and the sleeping bags and the fishing poles and drive to the campground if there is a chance there won’t be a site available when they get there,” he said.

The legislation would get rid of rule that now requires at least a quarter of the campsites in each individual state park be held open and filled on a first come first served basis. Shipley said under the current rules many campsites sit empty when they could have been reserved.

Adams County Conservation director Travis Paul said he has mixed feelings about the idea.

“While reservable sites generate a more stable income they benefit the non-local users much more than local users,” he said. “With first come, first serve camping, local campers and users have the advantage because they can check how the park is filling up and decide when to register for that campsite by driving to the park in person and seeing how fast sites are filling on any particular weekend. Non-locals don’t have the luxury of being close to the park to register a day or two ahead of their planned arrival date without making an extra trip to the park, which may involve an extra couple hours spent in the car just to check on site availability.”

Paul said that at Lake Icaria attempts are made to satisfy as many campers as possible.

“We offer one campground, Timber Ridge, online and available for advanced reservations and Lake View campground is only available for first come, first served camping,” he said. “It seems no matter what we as a board decide to do it is very difficult to make everyone happy all the time.”

Paul said since Lake Icaria offers reservations in Timber Ridge campground, the park is receiving more requests to have reservable sites in Lake View campground as well.

Paul added there are a lot of users who help take care of Lake Icaria. These users have camped in state parks, other county parks, and parks across the country who have seen weeds are out of control, unmown grass, garbage, and unclean restrooms. Paul said the state parks have seen decreased funding and reduction in seasonal staff over the last several years, which has aided in lower approval ratings by users.

“While I completely understand that many will continue to use the state parks because their camping rates are lower than ours, I believe it would be in their best interest to increase their rates to be able to return those dollars to their park maintenance program,” he said.

Paul said the public should understand why the local Conservation Board increased camping and cabin rates for the upcoming summer season,

“We have done this to allow us to stay ahead of the state parks and other parks throughout Southwest Iowa,” he said. “This being said, we have always offered out camping coupon books that are very popular with our regular and local users. The camping coupon books stayed exactly the same rate. By offering the coupon books at the same rate as they have been in the past, we are encouraging users to take advantage of this opportunity to save themselves money and camp more regularly at Lake Icaria.”

Paul said offering the coupon books at the same rate allows the board to collect a few more dollars from our out of town campers using the park and its facilities, which allows the board to continue to reinvest in the program.

The coupon books are available for $228 and are good for 14 nights of camping on an electrical site, which comes to a of just $16.29 per night. Coupon books can be shared between campers and do not have to be used the same year they are purchased. Paul encourages everyone to take advantage of this opportunity.

“While running a campground is a business and definitely not cheap, we try to keep our users in mind whenever we make changes,” he said. “The Adams County Conservation Board wants everyone to feel that Lake Icaria is a great and safe place to come camp, fish, swim, boat, hike, and play with the entire family.”

Paul said anyone with any questions about Lake Icaria should contact him or his staff at (641) 322-4793. To reserve a campground or cabin, visit mycountyparks.com, search for Adams County and watch for the addition of new cottage style cabins coming this summer.

Submitted photo - Annie played by Anna Inman, Grace Farrell played by Kaitlyn Richey and Oliver Warbucks played by Connor Shipley discuss what to do on Annie's first night in the mansion in Southwest Valley High School's production of "Annie."

Leapin’ lizards! ‘Annie’ coming to SWV

By Mindy Docker

It’s musical season at Southwest Valley, and this year the Music Department is proud to present “Annie.”

Annie is the classic story of the orphan who crosses paths with a wealthy businessman on her search to find her parents. The show will take place on Friday, March 9, and Saturday, March 10, at the Southwest Valley High School Auditorium. The show will start at 7 p.m. on both nights.

The Southwest Valley Music Boosters will be providing a dessert and beverages during intermission and after the show for a freewill donation. Ticket prices are $6 for students and $7 for adults and can be purchased at the door; there will be no reserved seating. “Annie” is under the direction of Mindy Docker and Shelby Cooper, and Monica Allen will be accompanying the students on piano.

Annie is shaping up to be an exciting show with lots of new talent on the stage. The role of Annie is played by newcomer Anna Inman. Connor Shipley does an excellent job in the role of Oliver Warbucks. Grace Farrell, Mr. Warbucks’ personal secretary, is played by another actress getting her first leading role, Kaitlyn Richey.

We have an excellent group of orphans participating as well. Miss Hannigan, the director of the orphanage, is played by Oakley Goodvin. Rooster (Anthony Bynum) and Lily (Lillie Oglesbee) do a great job scheming with Miss Hannigan to … well, I guess you’ll need to come to the show to find out. With all of the hardships with weather and scheduling, these kids have been working hard to produce a show that you won’t want to miss.

We are looking forward to having our Corning and Villisca friends at the show. See you on the stage!

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Deliberation determines school closings

By Mark Saylor
Free Press

Do parents and students ever wonder how the decision is made to have school or not when it snows? 

Southwest Valley Schools superintendent Willie Stone said last week’s snowstorm pushed the last day of school for SWV students to May 25, barring any more snow days. In his explanation, Stone said there several different things he looks at in delaying or cancelling classes.

“We track the weather patterns. I get alerts from the Omaha and Des Moines National Weather Service and listen in on their phone meetings when things are looking bleak,” he said. “We try to make a decision as soon as we possibly can to give parents the ability to make arrangements for childcare. If possible, we make the decision the night before, but most of the time we need to wait until the morning to see if the storm is still tracking our direction.” 

Stone said that on the really stormy days he transportation director Tim Thibodeaux starting hit the roads at 4:30 a.m.

“We try to span out across our district as best we can,” he said. “Mr. Thibodeaux drives around the Corning area, and I drive around the Villisca area. We try to get to the secondary county roads first and move to gravel roads after that.”

Stone said in making the decision they are not as worried about busses being able to make it is as they are about independent student drivers.

“We have several students driving for the first time in winter weather, and we always try to take that into consideration,” he said.

Stone the SWV district is in constant contact with other area districts when monitoring the weather.

“We also continue to listen to weather predictions for the day,” he said. “My goal is to make the call no later than 5:15 a.m. We have several students involved in school activities at 6:15 a.m. and I want to have the call made before them getting on the road. This also provides more time for parents to make arrangements. When in doubt on making the call we will delay or postpone for our students’ safety.”

The change in the school schedule makes May 25, the last day of school, only one day later than planned with the original school calendar.

Lundquist seventh at state

Drug dog fundraiser
hits $1,700

By Mark Saylor
Free Press

The Adams County Sheriff’s Office is almost a third of its way toward its $6,000 goal for a new drug dog.

Sheriff Alan Johannes told the Adams County Board of Supervisors at its Feb. 12 meeting his office has raised $1,700 for the purchase of a new dog. To donate to the fundraiser, call the Sheriff’s Office at (641) 322-4444.

The supervisors approved updating the tobacco policy in the county employee handbook. The handbook now reads “Adams County now is a tobacco-free/nicotine free workplace and property. While the courthouse has been tobacco-free for many years, this new policy expands the prohibited items to tobacco-like products and the use on county property at any time is strictly prohibited. Prohibition includes all buildings, all areas maintained by Adams County including sidewalks and all vehicles owned or leased by Adams County. There are now no designated smoking areas within any Adams County location or on any grounds. Ash receptacles will not be available on company property. All Adams County employees while representing the county shall not use tobacco products. This new policy applies to all employees, visitors, workers, volunteers, or any person coming on grounds or to any Adams County facility.”

The county is reminding the public that there are no cigarette receptacles at courthouse entrances and asking those who smoke to extinguish cigarettes before entering county property.

The board discussed the sale of the Quincy School property. The sale will be delayed while county attorney Andrew Knuth draws up the necessary paperwork the sale of the property. Currently the property does not have an adequate legal description, as it was the original site of the county courthouse. A survey of the property will also need to be completed and Knuth is working to get the legal description to allow for its sale.

The board also continued work on the 2019-2020 fiscal year budget. Work has been completed and next up for the budget will be to decide when the public hearing will be held before the budget can be adopted.
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The board also approved a liquor license for The Brooks Bar in Brooks and received an update on the sale of the county farm and the former county care facility east of Corning.

Extreme Images by Ashley photos - Southwest Valley's Teagan Lundquist faces Atlantic's Kole Hansen in the first place match of the 126-pound competition Jan. 20 in the John J. Harris Invitational. Lundquist qualified for the Class 1A state wrestling tournament after placing second Feb. 10 in the Iowa High School Athletic Association 1A Sectional 10 Tournament in Corning.

Lundquist makes it two

SWV wrestler earns second trip to state

Southwest Valley’s Teagan Lundquist is getting his second shot at a state wrestling champion for the second year in a row.

Lundquist placed second Feb. 10 in the 126 pound weight class in the Iowa High School Athletic Association 1A Sectional 10 Tournament in Corning. Three other Timberwolves — Dylan Dalton, Merik Gaule, and Tallen Myers — finished third in the tournament and just missed qualifying for state.

“I knew coming into the tournament we were going to have some tough matches, but there were also matches I thought we could win,” head coach Jason Wetzel said. “Teagan has continued to do a nice job for us. This is his second consecutive year qualifying, placing seventh last year. I know he would like to improve on last year's placing.”

Lundquist claimed an 11-2 major decision over Jaeden Rassmussen of AHSTW in the semifinal but lost by fall in 3:14 to Alex Thomsen of Underwood in the first place match. Lundquist won by rule over Rassmussen in the second place match.

Dalton lost a 6-3 decision to Jackson Dunning of St. Albert in the 160 semifinals. Dunning took the second place match by rule. Dalton won by fall in 1:27 for third place against Brennon Mauer of Treynor.

Gaule lost by fall in 1:13 to Gabe Pauley of AHSTW in the 170 semifinals and lost by fall in 3:12 in the second place match to Jace Morgensttern of Clarinda. Gaule won a 9-1 major decision against Mick Clevenger of Riverside Oakland for third place.

Myers lost by fall in 4:42 in the 220 semifinals to Brady Canada of AHSTW. Canady won by rule in the second place match. Myers won by fall in 3:58 over Isaiah Moore of St. Albert for third place.

“I am also proud of Dylan, Merik and Tallen. All three had tough first round loses but were able to wrestle back to third place,” Wetzel said. “Merik was the only wrestler to earn a wrestle-back for true second. He was wrestling well on the day but the Clarinda kid got him in a head throw and Merik couldn't fight out of it. I would always like to have more guys at state as we had a great year, but now Teagan is the lone representative for Southwest Valley wrestling. I know he will make the team proud.”
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A community send-off for Lundquist as he heads to the state tournament will be held at 10:15 a.m. Feb. 15 on Main Street in Corning.

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Program warns
​of risky behavior

An interactive display designed to warn young adults about the dangers of risky behavior will be presented at Southwest Valley High School in Corning and the SWV Villisca Campus.

Hidden in Plain Sight displays items that are danger signs of destructive behavior, substance abuse, gambling, and other risky behavior in a mock teenager’s bedroom to create a healthy conversation between teens and parents, grandparents, and guardians about those dangers. The presentation is not designed for those under 18 years of age. Parents, grandparents, and guardians are welcome to walk through the display.

Hidden in Plain Sight will be presented from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Feb. 8 and from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Feb. 12 at SWV High School. Contact Brandy Powers at (712) 850-1211 for more information about the Corning presentation. It will also be presented from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Feb. 8 and from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Feb. 12 in Villisca. Contact Damon Clark at (712) 243-5091 for more information about the Villisca presentation.

Page County Public Health Tobacco Prevention, Zion Recovery Services, and Heartland Family Service are presenting Hidden in Plain Sight.

 ‘We Always Bet
on Adams County’

Chamber honors those who build community

By Mark Saylor
Free Press

The theme “We Always Bet on Adams County” was readily noticed as 115 Adams Community Chamber members and families attended the chamber’s annual awards banquet and meeting Jan. 25 at the Corning Community Center.

Several awards were handed out including:

Entrepreneur of the Year awarded to Anne and Tyson Greenwalt, owners of Carver’s Ridge. While Carver’s Ridge is relatively new to the community it continues to grow and expand. The business hosts several events a year, serving local customers as well as those from surrounding communities. Carver’s Ridge not only promotes its own products but also hosts a few other businesses in the community as well. The Greenwalts have renovated their store. They have also been active on social media with their promotions and giveaways, using technology to grow their inventory and provide support alongside local marketing efforts. The Entrepreneur of the Year is awarded to an individual or business partners who have taken the initiative to develop, continue, or expand a business in the Adams Community through exceptional vision, effective leadership innovation in products, services or processes, market awareness, operational efficiency and or outstanding customer service.

Agriculturalist of the Year was awarded to Judy Loonan. Loonan continues the family beef seed stock business that is in its 43rd year of operation. It offers Simmental, Red Angus, and Red Simmental seed stock. As a business the family looks to continually provide the best genetics available in the industry. Loonan is an accomplished businesswoman in her industry and has given generously to her community. The Agriculturalist Award is for an individual or business that have taken the initiative to develop, continue or expand a business in Adams Community through exceptional vision, effective leadership, innovation in products, services, or processes, market awareness, operational efficiency and or outstanding customer service.

Business/Organization of the Year was awarded to the Corning Opera House. As the award was presented it was noted the Opera House has rejuvenated the historic property and provided the area with outstanding entrainment, bringing many people to town. More than 2,000 people have used the building since its restoration. The Opera House has provided the opportunity for personal growth through its educational program. It hosts numerous community events to add to its own entertainment venues. It has become one of the main cultural mainstays. The Business/Organization of the Year award is given to the business or organization that has continued growth and/or economic health, dedication, to customer service, community involvement, leadership, and innovative efforts to adapt to changing community.

John McMahon Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Jerry Peckham. In his introduction for the award it was noted that he is always willing to help out whenever asked and always has a positive attitude. He never asks for or expects recognition but is usually working on numerous community projects, making him dependable whenever there is a community project in Corning. Whether it’s cleaning the city park, putting up the park lights, cleaning highways, serving on numerous boards and committees, Peckham is there helping out. The John McMahon Volunteer of the Year award is given to a special person who has shown outstanding volunteer efforts, which have made a significant and positive impact on the Adams Community. Devin Hunter, who presented the award, said the chamber and the entire community rely on volunteers to achieve a variety of goals, which are met through events and activities. Without volunteers the Adams Community would not be as viable as it is.

Joe Cook Lifetime Support Award was given to Jim Ruppert. Ruppert was recognized as a special person to the community who has volunteered many hours behind the scenes such as organizing roadside cleanups and providing a place for volunteers to continue camaraderie after a task was completed. Ruppert has shared success stories and the needs of the community with governors and legislators at the Statehouse and helps organize and play host at legislative coffees. The renovated Corning American Theater was a project of pride and passion for him. The theater remains a focused volunteer activity for him. Ruppert also played a major volunteer role in the vision and completion of the Aquatic Center, spending hours of strategic planning, fundraising and following up. Ruppert has served for several years on a local daycare board, offering his services in a leadership capacity. Even in his retirement, Ruppert stays busy by serving on the Board of Directors of the Adams Community Economic Development Corporation, spending hours each month working on projects, meeting with prospects and offering expertise as treasurer of the organization. The Joe Cook Lifetime Support Award recognizes an individual for lifetime support and dedication to the betterment of the Adams Community. Marilea Mullen, who presented the award, said those who were nominated have been there to provide vision, to give guidance and to invest their time, talents, and resources to make things happen. These supporters are often not in the limelight. Sometimes they are the ones providing the quiet, continuous, and much needed assistance.

The Adams Community Foundation presented grant awards to recipients at the banquet. The Corning Center for the Fine Arts received $4,880 to upgrade lighting at the facility, the Corning Public Library received $3,000 for the purchase of new materials, and the city of Prescott received $9,325 to assist with repairs to its city hall/library building. The Foundation was started in 1988 and since then has awarded 255 grants totaling $1,140,095.27 including the latest awards, which total $17,205
​.
The 2018 Chamber Board members were also introduced. The new board includes Jessica Wilson, Devin Hunter, Julia Paul, Marilea Mullen, James Craig, Denny Villhauer, Anne Greenwalt, Alyssa Ogburn, Wendi Boswell, and Andrew Bardole.

County engineer
​to step down

By Mark Saylor
Free Press

The Adams County Board of Supervisors met Tuesday, Jan. 16 a day late because of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

Supervisors heard from a variety of county boards and department heads regarding budget requests for the approaching new fiscal year.  During his presentation of his 2018-2019 budget, county engineer Eldon Rike stated he was not going to renew his contract at the end of June 2018.

Supervisors also met in closed session to discuss the possible purchase of property within the county. After the closed session, supervisors voted to offer $500,000 to Rodolfo Morales for the purchase of the old Department to Transportation shed located at 2004 200th St. and use proceeds from the sale of the county farm to purchase the property if the offer is accepted by Morales.

Supervisors also met with Ronda Russell, dispatcher, in regard to the scheduling of dispatchers. Currently, only two dispatchers are required to get at least 80 hours per pay period with three other part-timers on staff to take the shifts that are not covered by the two fulltime dispatchers. It was mentioned one of the part-time dispatchers who works 32 hours a week is willing to work a full 40-hour week but Russell failed to schedule her because she was not aware supervisors would allow her to work a full 40-hour week. Supervisors said it would not be a problem as the county is already paying benefits for the employee. Supervisors said they were initially looking at current costs within the department budget and noticed a lot of overtime was being paid in that department.

The Adams County Board of Supervisors also heard from Corning Mayor Jan Leonard who discussed the payment concerning the Corning Fire Department. Due to a clerical error when the city was paying off the fire station it failed to use the $50,000 the county had given the city to go toward the fire station project.  Supervisors gave permission to the city to move the funds from the fire station building fund to its general fund.

JACKI BARDOLE/Free Press Southwest Valley’s Teagan Lundquist competes in the semifinal of the 126-pound class in last year’s John J. Harris Invitational Wres¬tling Tournament in Corning. Lundquist placed fourth.

63rd Annual John J. Harris Wrestling Tournament set

The 63rd Annual John J. Harris Wrestling Tournament will be held at Jan. 19-20 at the Southwest Valley High School Campus located in Corning.

The tournament began in 1955 when John J. Harris started the Red Raider Wres­tling Tournament. In 1986 the tournament was renamed in his owner and continues to be one of the premier wrestling events in Iowa. Twenty-three teams will travel to Corning for this year’s event.

According to the Jan. 5 rankings published by “The Predicament,” this year’s competition will feature 28 state ranked grapplers. Twelve of the 14 weight clas­ses will have a ranked wres­tler, with 138 pound and 220 pound each featuring four ranked wrestlers.

Class 1A No. 4 ranked Mis­souri Valley will be wrestling with six ranked wrestlers and appears to be the early favor­ite for the team title. Also look for Class 2A perennial power Creston to vie for one of the top spots as well as Winterset and Atlantic.

“The field appears to be very evenly matched this year,” Southwest Valley ath­letic director and head wres­tling coach Jason Wetzel said.

Teams competing include Adair County/Guthrie Center, Atlantic, Bedford/Lenox, Central Decatur, Chariton, Clarinda, Clarinda Academy, Clarke, Creston/Orient-Macksburg, East Mills, Gris­wold, Missouri Valley, Mt. Ayr, Nodaway Valley, Pano­rama, Red Oak, Riverside, Shenandoah, Southwest Iowa, Southwest Valley, Tri Center, Wayne, and Winterset.

The Jan. 19 schedule begins with weigh-ins at 2 p.m. in the high school gym followed by a coaches meeting at 3 p.m. in the music room in the Activ­ity Center. All wrestlers and managers should go the Ac­tivity Center gym to be marked for admission. Cheerleaders should report to the band room. Competition begins at 4 p.m. with pigtails and championship first round, which is expected to last until 7 p.m. Quarterfinals and first round consolation matches are scheduled for 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Weight classes 106-145 will compete in the Activity Center and classes 152-285 will compete in the high school gym.

The Jan. 20 schedule begins with weigh ins at 9 a.m. in the high school gym followed by a coaches meeting at 9:20 a.m. in the hospitality room. Second round consolation will take place from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. with classes 152-285 in the Activity Center and classes 105-145 in the high school gym. Semifinals will take place in the Activity Center and third consolation in the high school gym from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. fol­lowed by a break until 1:45 p.m.

Consolation semifinals will take place from 1:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. with classes 152-285 in the Activity Center and classes 106-145 in the high school gym. Fifth and sixth place matches will take place from 2:50 p.m. to 3:50 p.m. in the main gym. Championship and third/fourth matches will take place from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the main gym.

Wetzel said it’s important for competitors, coaches, and fans to know that all times are approximate.
“We will run ahead of schedule if possible,” he said.

For more information about the tournament, contact Wet­zel at by email at jwet­zel@corningcsd.org or by calling (641) 322-4245.

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Community to honor
​Dr. Wayne Ryan

The St. Patrick Church community invites the com­munity to honor and remem­ber a favorite Corning son, Wayne Ryan, for a memorial mass at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 13 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Members of his family plan to attend and would like to visit with guests at the St. Patrick Parish Center imme­diately following the service.

Wayne Ryan, Corning High School class of 1945 graduate and lifelong friend to Corn­ing, passed away Nov. 3, 2017. Ryan is a Corning na­tive, one of five children born to Patrick Ryan and Lillian Casey. The Ryan family moved to Omaha between Wayne’s junior/senior high school years. A ruptured ap­pendix kept him in the hos­pital for two months that summer.

“On leaving the hospital, I attended Creighton Prep for two months,” he said. “I re­belled and returned to Corn­ing to finish school while living with my grandparents.”

Wayne, at a very young age, found a passion for sci­entific research. His first pa­tented invention was the first blood quality control product. He founded Streck Laborato­ries Inc. in 1971 in LaVista, Neb. Streck now produces control and calibration mate­rials for hematology labora­tories worldwide, as well as products for chemistry, im­munology, and histology la­boratories. As Phil Gauthier once wrote about Wayne, “Not bad for a Corning kid who, in junior high school, blew off his eyebrows and part of his hair while at­tempting to make gunpow­der.”

Wayne often remembered, “I loved sports … football, basketball, and the special times brought with athletics. I was a serious thespian for two years. I wasn’t a good student.” He called his years at Corning, “some of the best times of my life. The contin­uous association with class­mates and others have been a source of great enjoyment.”

Ryan once said, “The cen­ter of my life has been trying to satisfy my intellectual cu­riosity by doing research.” He credited longtime Corning High School principal and science teacher Ralph Currie and librarian Anna Craft for their inspiration.

Wayne loved his hometown and the people who have worked to keep it strong over the years. He also loved the school. He gave generously back to the both in thanks­giving for the values and life lessons he learned: that through hard work, determi­nation, and youthful ambition great things could be accom­plished. In 1998, he set up the Ryan Scholarship program for graduating seniors. To date his assistance has helped an estimated 500 graduates of Corning High School and now Southwest Valley con­tinue their education. He set up an internship program at Streck, and offered several to Corning graduates.

When the Adams Commu­nity Economic Development Corporation started the sub­division at Spring Lake and was looking for funds to build a triplex housing unit, Dr. Ryan loaned ACEDC the money at 0 percent interest. Once the three units were completed, he contacted ACEDC and said that he would forgive the whole loan, if a) ACEDC sold the outer two units and donated the money in his name to the Education Foundation; and b) ACEDC would retain owner­ship of the middle unit and Dr. Ryan would pay to have a designer furnish the unit, as long as he could stay there the two to three times each year that he came back to Corning to visit. Thus Corn­ing Alumni House was es­tablished.
When St. Patrick Church was undergoing both some structural and cosmetic needs, Dr. Ryan made a large donation to help cover the costs of the projects in order to pay homage to the church of his youth as well as the one he always attended when he was back in town visiting.

He gave generously to many other projects and local organizations, even to the extent that his memorial money donations were sug­gested to all Corning enti­ties: Corning, Iowa, Alumni Association, St. Patrick Catholic Church in Corning, and the Corning, Iowa, Public Library.

MARK SAYLOR/Free Press — Southwest Valley High School student Nevada Simpson purchases a drink from Morgan Jones and Cory Steinbach at the T-Wolf Café.

SWV students
​open T-Wolf Café

By Mark Saylor
Free Press

Inspired by Backgrounds Coffee Bar and Boutique in Corning, Southwest Valley High School teacher Keanon Lewis decided to bring real world experience to members of his consumer math class.

As students started a unit on business and how to run a small business, they were tasked by Lewis to find the cost of supplies if they were to open a student-run coffee shop. The students researched the quality and expanse of items for the coffee shop. They worked with Back­grounds owner Sherry Keefe to find out what they would need to start the coffee shop. Keefe let the students use her supplier to order the same quality of coffee and flavored syrups that she offers.

During the inaugural two weeks of the T-Wolf Café, students learned which drinks are popular with their peers. They found out that French vanilla coffee and hot choco­late are the most popular items but they continue to get feedback from surveys to meet their customers’ needs. Items for sale at the T-Wolf Café include green tea, cin­namon tea, hot chocolate, flavored coffees, and several food items that meet the healthy school requirements.

The student workers have also been experimenting and developing their own crea­tions with the most popular to date being The Tina, a drink named after the high school secre­tary. Second semester culi­nary arts students will create and sell homemade treats at the T-Wolf Café.

TS Bank presented a $2,500 to help the students with start-up funds to make the T-Wolf Café a reality. In addition to math and business skills, the students are also learning about problem solving, effec­tive communication, leader­ship, and accepting feedback — all are skills that will be needed in the workplace as they embark on their chosen career paths.

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Supervisors weigh
​replace­ment options

By Mark Saylor
Free Press

The Adams County Board of Supervisors met Dec. 18 with county engineer Edlon Rike to discuss the possible replacement of county maintenance supervisor Stan Grebner who resigned earlier this month.

Rike said he had received some applications for the va­cancy, which has been adver­tised locally with a Dec. 29 deadline to apply. The board plans to decide after the deadline if the maintenance supervisor position will be filled or if the board will cre­ate an alternate solution.

Supervisors asked Rike about his plans for retirement in the coming year with Rike not committing to when he may retire as county engineer. Currently Taylor County and Adams County share Rike’s services but some Taylor County supervisors have ad­vised Adams County supervi­sors that they are looking for a full-time engineer and after they have one hired Taylor County will terminate the 28E agreement on the shared county engineer position.

The Adams County Board of Supervisors opened bids for the sale of two county owned dump trucks. Each required a minimum bid. One of the trucks was sold to An­drew Johnson of Corning but the minimum bid of $11,500 for the other truck was not met. That truck will remain with the county roads depart­ment for use as a spare this winter.

Adams County supervisors also set a hearing for Jan. 8 for public input regarding the sale of the Quincy School House and property. The property is where the original county courthouse stood and after it was razed a school­house was built at that loca­tion. Quincy Township trus­tees approached the supervi­sors about selling the property but because it is county prop­erty the board said a public hearing would need to be held to get input from community members.

Supervisors met with Ronald Saltzman who re­cently purchased the former Country Haven agricultural portion of the property to dis­cuss some of his concerns. Saltzman wants to install a new fence to separate the properties to make it clearly mark the property lines.

Travis Paul met with super­visors to give them an update on the progress at Lake Icaria with the building of new cot­tages and the site preparation work that is taking place. Paul said he just wanted to make sure the board was updated on the project and will continue to update the board as the project continues.

The board also heard from Sandra Leininger and Nancy Carmicheal with the Certified Local Government Program with her end of year report. CLG also updated the board on the goals for next year and also submitted its budget re­quest. County treasurer Nancy Kempton also submitted her budget request to the supervi­sors. The board also heard a presentation and budget re­quest from the Adams Com­munity Economic Develop­ment Corporation.

Season shines
​with Light Of Hope

By Mark Saylor
Free Press

The Mercy Health Care Foundation Board at CHI Health Mercy Corning spon­sors an annual event during the Christmas season.

It’s the Light of Hope and Marilea Mullen, Foundation coordinator at CHI Health Mercy Corning, said the event has been ongoing since 2000.

“It is a fundraiser for the foundation and was started after seeing a similar program at Bergen Mercy in Omaha,” she said. “Our board members felt like this was a great pro­gram to give people the chance to remember and honor loved ones. It has been a very successful program providing much needed sup­port for special projects since it started.”

The Light of Hope tradition is designed to honor special people in one’s life such as family members, a newborn child, godchild, good neigh­bor, church family, home­bound friend, or military or emergency personnel. It’s also designed to be in remem­brance of someone who has passed away.

Every Light of Hope contri­bution of $20 or more pro­vides a light that is tagged with the donator’s wishes to honor a loved one. Each year the Light of Hope Tree is in the Mercy Corning lobby. This year will remain lit until Jan. 6. Mullen said the foun­dation receives an average of $7,000 to $8,000 in donations every year. This year the foundation received a special significant one-time gift from the Corning Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) after the congregation disbanded.

Each year the foundation chooses a need of the hospital to receive all the proceeds from the Light of Hope after receiving requests from the various hospital departments. Mullen said this year founda­tion board members decided the gifts would assist the Out­patient Specialty Clinic and Therapy Department.

“This year foundation board members determined the do­nations would be used to pur­chase an additional recliner and television set, which were purchased,” she said. “And through the outpouring of generosity this year the foun­dation was also able to pur­chase a total gym for physical therapy patients to utilize.”

The recliner and television will be used in support of patients getting treatments and tests to helping staff members provide a comfort­ing environment of care. The equipment for the therapy department will be used often for patients with hip and/or knee replacement recovery therapy.

In the past the foundation has funded several special projects through the Light Of Hope program. Some of these include supporting patients needing rides to hospital, wound care equipment, a spe­cial needs patient room, a healing garden, Taylor County Medical Clinics, and electronic door openers for Corning Clinic and Specialty Clinic.

It is not too late to make a contribution for the 2017 Light of Hope. Tags are still being added to the tree and on display until Jan. 6. Contribu­tion to the Mercy Health Care Foundation may be made by sending them to Mercy Health Care Foundation, 603 Rosary Drive, Corning, IA 50841. For more information, call (641) 322-6276.

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County maintenance super­visor to resign

By Mark Saylor
Free Press

The Adams County Board of Supervisors accepted the resignation of county mainte­nance supervisor Stan Grebner at its Dec. 4 meeting.

Grebner has been with the county for 12 years. His last day on the job for Adams County will be Jan. 3. Grebner and his family will be staying in the Adams County area. He has taken a job with Blacktop Services where he will be a salesman for Southwest Iowa.

Supervisors have begun a search for Grebner’s replace­ment, according to county engineer Eldon Rike.

Supervisors opened the bids for the county care facility and land property for the for­mer Country Haven location east of Corning.

Bids were received from:
• Duane and Evelyn Dougherty for Parcel B for $873,000;
• Justin Petersen for Parcel B for $760,920 and $50,800 for Parcel A;
• Arnold and Stacy Maynes for Parcel A for $944,000;
• Ron and Karen Saltzman for Parcel B for $985,680; and
• Jason McManis for Parcel A with a $20,000 cash bid, which included an economic development projection.

Bids will be evaluated and scored before the board’s Dec. 11 meeting.

Supervisors reappointed Lu­anne Brown to the Adams County Conservation Board for another term to end on Jan. 2, 2023.

The board also approved a portion of the Family Farm Grant applications submitted by county auditor Becky Bis­sell.

Court­house security studied

By Mark Saylor
Free Press

The Adams County Board of Supervisors spoke with county department heads about security at the Adams County Courthouse at the board’s Nov. 27 meeting.

County auditor Becky Bis­sell, treasurer Nancy Kemp­ton, recorder Jamie Stargell and Sheriff Alan Johannes discussed with the board cre­ating a backup system if a security issue arises at the courthouse and law enforce­ment is not able to respond immediately.

The county will revisit the issue at budget time to see what funds are available for courthouse security.

The board received a rec­ommendation from the Com­pensation Board for a 4 per­cent salary increase for all elected officials with the ex­ception of the county attorney who had a recommended sal­ary increase of 2 percent. As the fiscal year 2017-2018 budget is set, the supervisors will again discuss the recom­mendations. 

The board also discussed invoices for the Nov. 7 mu­nicipal elections. Each com­munity with an election was billed an amount that pays for poll workers, the printing of the ballots, and associated administrative fees.

Billed were Corning for $939.83, Carbon for $463.48, Prescott for $464.08, and Nodaway for $391.47.

The supervisors also ap­proved a 2017 weed commis­sioner report submitted by Virgil James.

Medical examiner provides help in Puerto Rico

By Mark Saylor
Free Press

A local medical examiner for both Adams and Taylor County recently returned from Puerto Rico.

Lisa Brown was deployed to Puerto Rico following Hurri­cane Maria to assist on the Disaster Mortuary Opera­tional Response Team (DMORT).

Brown spent 30 days in Puerto Rico working 12 hours shifts seven days a week as­sisting other team members. Brown worked in the Medical Examiners’ office assisting her team and was also part of a strike team, which made multiple trips across the island in search of decedents need­ing to be brought back to the Medical Examiner’s office for autopsy.

DMORT is composed of medical examiners, coroners, pathologists, forensic anthro­pologists, funeral directors, medical records technicians and transcribers, fingerprint specialists, forensic odonatol­ogists, dental assistants, x-ray technicians, and other person­nel. Although the responders hail from communities na­tionwide, when deployed they are federal government em­ployees working as part of a coordinated federal response. Brown said there was also one other member on the team deployed from Iowa.

The National Disaster Medical System is a federal program that supports com­munities with medical care and mortuary assistance dur­ing disasters or public health emergencies at the request of states. NDMS is among the resources made available by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response. Brown’s team was deployed to assist after 9/11, the Sioux City air crash, Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Ike, as well as many other disasters re­sulting in multiple deaths.

Living conditions were not the best as Brown said they were initially placed in the convention center when they first arrived. They were given a cot to sleep on and told to “pick a spot” among the other 1,500 responders who were also sleeping in the conven­tion center. They then were moved to a hospital that was under construction and there they were given some addi­tional amenities including a shower. Still, they were never guaranteed after getting to the sixth floor shower if it would be cold water or scalding hot water.

Toward the end of her stay a retired cruise ship was brought in from Italy, allow­ing the teams to have addi­tional privacy as well as meals for breakfast and din­ner. Brown said when they first arrived they were given military Meals Ready to Eat. Brown said the days were hot and humid and they were ad­vised before travelling to Puerto Rico to get hydrated because dehydration would probably set in rather quickly if they were not prepared. Brown said the biggest ad­justment she had to make af­ter arriving was working long shifts in the hot weather but she eventually became accli­mated.

Brown said she really has a sense of compassion for those in Puerto Rico and attempting to get people’s lives there back in order after such a major disaster. She said after arriving back home a lot of things seemed pretty trivial after seeing what many Puerto Ricans had to go through. Brown said if given the chance she would return to help out in in a heartbeat.

Gaule named new baseball coach at SWV

By Mark Saylor
Free Press

Corning Community Schools Board of Education hired a new baseball coach for Southwest Valley High School at its Nov. 13 meeting.

Stoney Gaule of Creston will serve as the new coach for 2017-2018.

The board also approved hir­ing an additional boys basketball coach and accepted the resigna­tion of special education teacher Michael Robinson.

Superintendent Willie Stone discussed the upcoming state school board convention, foun­dation work, and senior class caps for graduation.

The board also approved a School Budget Review Com­mittee application for $52,728 for open enrollment students not included in the fall 2016 enroll­ment.

An open enrollment applica­tion of a preschool student from Corning to Villisca was ap­proved, as was a third grade student open enrollment.
​
The board also approved Ad­ams County Sheriff Alan Johan­nes as Level 2 investigator and Sharon Meyers as equity coor­dinator.

Corning OKs ho­tel/motel tax

By Mark Saylor
Free Press

Corning voters approved a 7 percent hotel/motel tax in the Nov. 7 municipal election.

Results show Public Meas­ure A passing 98-63. The user tax will be paid for by guests staying at hotels and motels or other lodging facilities within Corning city limits.

Corning voters also ap­proved 117-39 Public Meas­ure B, increasing the number of Municipal Board of Trus­tees from three to five.

In uncontested races, Corn­ing voters elected Jan Leonard as mayor with 150 votes, Jerry Peckham as Ward 2 councilman with 28 votes, and Judy Beckett as coun­cilperson at large with 119 votes.

In Carbon, Larry Johnson was re-elected mayor as were city council members Vicky L. Haley, Helen Hickman, Michael Kempton, Harold Wayne Mitchell, and Donna Rochau.

In Nodaway, Pat Shipley was re-elected mayor. Re-elected to the Nodaway City Council were Gene Dixon, Brenda L. Dunn, Christine Dunn, Becky Poen, and Gary Poen.

In Prescott, Greg Wilkinson was re-elected mayor. Glen Hickman, Brenda Robinson, and Kevin Ray Schafer were re-elected to Prescott City Council. Ann R. Lydic was elected to fill a vacancy after being appointed to the coun­cil.

Voter turnout numbers were also released for Adams County communities.

Of Corning’s 1,036 regis­tered voters, 163 submitted ballots for a 16 percent turn­out.

Of Carbon’s 26 registered voters, nine submitted ballots for a 35 percent turnout.

In Nodaway, 11 of its 57 registered voters cast ballots for a 20 percent turnout.

In Prescott, 38 of its 153 registered voters cast ballots for a 25 percent turnout.
​
All totals were confirmed Nov. 13 during the official canvass at the Adams County Board of Supervisors meeting.

Corning chosen for Com­munity Visioning

By Mark Saylor
Free Press

The city of Corning has been selected to be just one of 10 communities within Iowa to participate in the Iowa’s Living Roadways Community Visioning program in 2018.

The program integrates technical landscape planning and design techniques with sustainable community action to assist community leaders and volunteers in making sound and meaningful deci­sions about the local land­scape. A volunteer group con­sisting of Beth Waddle, Marilea Mullen, Kennedy Moore, Bert Peckham, Jerry Peckham, Kristen Carmichael, Judy Beckett, and Janice Leonard will attend a Com­munity Visioning program Nov. 9 in Ames.

Almost 250 Iowa commu­nities have benefited from the Community Visioning pro­gram since its inception in 1996. In order for a commu­nity to qualify for the program the community must have a population of less than 10,000, have existing trans­portation related issues, and a committee of volunteers willing to dedicated their time and talents to the visioning process.

The program is sponsored by the Iowa Department of Transportation in partnership with Iowa State University Landscape Architecture Ex­tension and Trees Forever, an Iowa based non-profit envi­ronmental advocacy organi­zation. In addition, profes­sional landscape architects will offer expertise in creating conceptual design plans for the communities involved.

Other communities chosen for the program are Coon Rapids, Decorah, Forest City, Glidden, Graettinger, Moville, Peterson, Plymouth, and Wapello.

Westgate cele­brates 50 years

By Mark Saylor
Free Press

The state’s first venture into low-rent housing in Corning celebrated 50 years as a facil­ity with an open house Oct. 24.

Westgate Housing came into being after Corning vot­ers overwhelmingly approved building public low-rent housing. Information from the Nov. 7, 1963, edition of The Adams County Free Press says voters favored the plan 406-68.

Westgate became the first project approved in the state under Chapter 403A of the Code of Iowa. The Corning City Council earlier had ap­pointed a Housing Commis­sion to develop the housing facility and conduct its busi­ness affairs. The first five members of the Housing Commission had staggered terms with one commissioner having a term that expired each year. Members ap­pointed were Millard Vance, Bernard E. Miller, Harry Coulter, Lee R. Watts, and Thelma Heitsman. 

The commission’s first or­ganizational meeting was held Dec. 31, 1963. Millard Vance was elected chairman, Harry Coulter was elected vice chairman, and Thelma Heits­man was elected temporary secretary. The commission decided to construct 50 units for the elderly.

The project, which was named Westgate, was started in April 1966 and was com­pleted in December 1967. The first tenants moved in on Oct. 30, 1967. Those tenants were Carrie Dixon, Flossie West, and Laura Ritnour. Westgate celebrated with an open house in May 1968.

At the time it was built ten­ants had to be 62 years old or older or meet the criteria for disabled and income limits. Several changes have taken place at the facility since then. Now tenants are no longer required to be 62 or older. The average age there is 57 with tenants ranging in age from 4 to 98.
With remodeling of the fa­cility, Westgate now contains 46 apartments. Since 1967 there have been 521 leases signed by residents.

Currently, Lori Amdor serves as the director of the facility and Brent Thompson serves as maintenance super­visor. Current board members include chair Monica Allen, vice chair Don Kenworthy, and members Phil Casey, Ann Myers, Marj Reynolds, and Lawrence Peterson. 

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Submitted photo — Southwest Valley High School’s Makayla McMann, left, accepts her Uncommon Students Award from Leslie Hoover-Lauble.

SWV student takes top hon­or 

A Southwest Valley High School senior was one of three winning students hon­ored Oct. 14 in the Uncom­mon Students Awards pro­gram at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library-Museum in West Branch.

Makayla McMann and 13 other high school seniors became Uncommon Student Awards finalists, earning a $1,000 award each. Three were selected by a panel of judges for an additional $5,000 scholarship award.

The students applied for the program as high school jun­iors back in March. The Foun­dation selected 14 final­ists from across Iowa to par­ticipate in the program. Each student developed a philan­thropic program of their own design and worked on it over the summer. They returned Oct. 14 to present their re­sults.

McMann’s project “Villisca Summer Day Camps” was one of the three $5,000 schol­arship winners.

“I created and implemented a day camp in a small town which had not held any day camps for their youth for over 10 years,” McMann said.

The camp ran every Mon­day for five weeks and served students in grades K through 6.

“I thought I might get 20 to 25, and was greatly surprised to have 65 show up for the program,” she said.

JJ Kapur of Valley High School in West Des Moines earned a $5,000 scholarship for his project “Iowa Sikh Turbanators.”

“I formed a youth-run or­ganization with the goal to ‘turban-ate’ the negative stig­mas surrounding the Sikh faith in Des Moines through awareness building and com­munity service events,” Ka­pur said.

He said the Uncom­mon Student Award program was a natural fit for him.

“In my life I’ve always con­sidered myself to be un­common, particularly be­cause of my appearance and wearing a turban and looking different among my peers,” he said. “Being part of this program taught me that being uncommon is a good thing and it’s something to be treas­ured.”

The third scholarship award went to Kaleb Cook from Linn-Mar High School in Marion. His program, “Danc­ing Away the Stigma,” pro­vided a 10 lesson dance ther­apy program for Linn-Mar School District special needs students in grades K-12.

“It was really inspiring to be an Uncommon Student,” Cook said. “As I learned about Hoover’s humanitarian work, it was really cool to see the similarities we shared in wanting to impact social change.”

Cook’s program would grow to include the general student body and he’s work­ing on releasing his curricu­lum state-wide with hopes of seeing it go national.

Wesley Hanson of Union High School in La Porte City was recognized as the Mariah Becker Volunteer Leadership Award winner for his project “STEM of New Opportuni­ties for Youth.” This award is presented by the Uncommon Student Alumni group in memory of Mariah Becker, a member of the Hoover Un­common Student Award Class of 2000. She was a stu­dent at the University of Iowa in 2002 when she lost a long and courageous battle with cancer. Hanson received a plaque and his name was added to a permanent display at the Library-Museum. To ensure the STEM program carries on, $250 will be do­nated to help fund the project when it’s turned over to other students at Union High after he steps down to attend col­lege.

The Uncommon Student Awards program annually identifies and honors up to 15 Iowa high school juniors who propose and then accomplish a project of their own choos­ing and design. Grades, test scores, essays and financial need are not evaluated. Appli­cation is open to all Iowa high school juniors and is due by March 15.

About the Foundation
The Hoover Presidential Foundation is a private non­profit organization for the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library-Museum and Hoover National Historic Site in West Branch, Iowa. The Foun­dation fosters the collec­tion, interpretation and preser­vation of historical re­sources relating to the life, ideas, values and times of Herbert Hoover, 31st Presi­dent of the United States.

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Corning school board reor­ganizes

By Mark Saylor
Free Press

The Corning Community Schools Board of Education met Oct. 9 to reorganize fol­lowing the Sept. 12 school board election.

Board secretary Jodi Lyd­don told the board Howard Anderson, Scott Shuey, and James Houck were elected to the board. Board member Scott Akin did not seek re-election but during his last meeting thanked the board and staff for the opportunity to serve on the board.

The board then adjourned which the organizational meeting was then called to order by Secretary Lyddon then followed. Election of officers was top on the agenda, board members se­lected Scott
The board elected Shuey as president for the 2017-2018 school year, after which Shuey appointed and Marla Fuller as vice president.

The board decided to hold school board meetings at 7 p.m. the second Monday of the month in the boardroom.

In other business, the board approved:

• The 2017-2018 special ed­ucation instructional program contracts;

• A 2017-2018 inter-agency contract for a special educa­tion instructional program with Mount Ayr Community School;

• Two open enrollments ap­plications; and

• Various fundraiser re­quests.

Absentee ballots available

By Mark Saylor
Free Press

The Adams County auditor’s office has announced that ab­sentee ballots for the Nov. 7 municipal elections are now available at the auditor’s office in the Adams County Court­house in Corning.
 
The who requesting ballots should send their request as soon as possible by completing an Absentee Ballot Request Form or submitting a written request with the following information: Name; date of birth; Iowa resi­dential address; election type or date (such as 2017 City Elec­tion); and signature of person requesting the absentee ballot.

Forms are now available at the Adams County Auditor’s Office or can also be downloaded from www.adamscountyia.com and clicking on the Absentee Ballot link or at www.sos.iowa.gov.

As highlighted in the Sept. 28 issue of The Adams County Free Press, there are candidates in the four cities within Adams County.

In Carbon, electors will vote on the mayor and all five City Council seats.

In Corning, voters will decide on the mayor and Ward 2 coun­cilperson and an at-large seat plus two other public measures.

In Nodaway, electors will vote on the mayor and all five City Council seats.

In Prescott, voters will vote for mayor, three City Council seats and one City Council seat to fill a vacancy.

Sample ballots plus the notice of election will be published in a future edition of the Free Press as Election Day near. Sample ballots will also be posted in the Adams County Auditor’s Office.
Friday, Oct. 27, is the pre-election voter registration dead­line for the election. There is Election Day registration, but proof of identification must be provided and registration before Election Day is encouraged.

Friday, Nov. 3, is the deadline to request an Absentee Ballot by mail for the regular city election. However, those requesting bal­lots on this day will have diffi­culty returning ballots in time to be counted in the election due to the post office turn around.

Other reminders for those voting on Nov. 7:

• Polls will be open from noon until 8 p.m.

• Polling places include Car­bon United Methodist Hall, Corning Community Center (all wards), Nodaway Community Center, and Prescott City Hall.
​
• The Adams County Audi­tor’s Office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more infor­mation about voter registration, absentee ballots, or voting, con­tact the Auditor’s Office at (641) 322-3340 or visit www.adamscountyia.com or www.sos.iowa.gov.

Work continues on nuisance properties

By Mark Saylor
Free Press

The Corning City Council continued working to clean up the city’s nuisance properties at its Sept. 26 meeting.

City attorney Matthew Han­son presented the council in­formation representing all the current nuisance properties and legal representation issues against the property owners, which the city is pursing. He said cases filed in court should be resolved in 45 to 60 days. Hanson recommended one of the properties being handled as a nuisance prop­erty should be considered an abandoned property.

Hanson said his office had a conflict of interest in one is­sue pending trial and the city will need to find another rep­resentative. He said another case had already been through the court and the fine had been paid.

The council also asked Han­son to work on a purchase contract regarding a new site for landscape debris.

The council also decided to pursue the filing of small claims for the recovery of delinquent sewer and garbage charges with forms provided by the city attorney.

In other business, city coun­cil:

• Approved a curb cut and sidewalk replacement request from Scott Wilson at 1102 Adams following city code;

• Accepted a $13,450 bid from Dreyer Painting to paint and remark the Aquatic Pool; and

• Approved hiring of M&S Tree Service to trim and re­move trees and grind stumps in city parks, City Cemetery, and city right of way at a cost no more than $4,000. M&S will work with city employees where possible to assist in the removal of dropped materials.
​
At its next meeting, city council plans to discuss the hiring of an engineering firm for the design of the Commu­nity Center Americans with Disabilities Act restroom and handicap parking, the possible purchase of a new refrigerator for the Community Center, and arrangements for the dis­posal of leaves and debris this fall.

Southwest Valley Homecoming 2017

County OKs sale
​of Country Haven

By Mark Saylor
Free Press

The Adams County Board of Supervisors voted at its Sept. 19 meeting to sell the former residential care facility Country Haven.

The resolution to sell the property passed on a 4-0 vote with supervisor Doug Birt not in attendance at the meeting.

The board made the deci­sion following a public hear­ing on Country Haven and county farm property. No written comments had been received but Jack Kretzinger, Merle Jordening, and Duane M. Dougherty were on hand to further discuss the situation with the supervisors.

Supervisor Karl McCarty expressed the intent of the board is to “see it back on the tax rolls,” while board chair Leland Shipley indicated the board would also “like to see it developed and become eco­nomically viable for Corning and the Adams County area.”

Kretzinger, a local auc­tioneer, also provided some valuable input to the board as to how to possibly sell the property. As of now the board plans to take bids on the par­cels in a couple of different ways yet to be determined. The three men were not op­posed to the county selling the property, only to offer input to the board.

The board also announced the parcel that includes the former Country Haven build­ing will possibly be sold via bid with the purchaser paying to have the asbestos removed after purchase or having the county perform the removal after the property has been sold.

More details will be re­leased at a later date regarding the particulars of the bid packages that will be sought. Country Haven, located east of Corning on Highway 34, closed March 15.

The board also heard from Adams County Conservation director Dan Carl who gave an update on site preparations and floor plans for the new cabins to be built at Lake Icaria next spring. Carl told the board that bids are being sought for the extension of a 4-inch water main to the new cabin site development. He also said a new disc golf course is being developed and should be available for use this fall. The new course is being paid for with a $7,920 grant received from the Ad­ams Community Foundation earlier this summer.

The board met with county attorney Andrew Knuth who was seeking a raise for his secretary, Lisa Brown. Knuth said she recently received her Associate of Arts degree in criminal justice. He also said Brown is a valuable member of his team and she has assists him greatly in administrative duties in collecting fines owed to the county as well helping him with work related to his duties as county attorney. On a 4-0 vote supervisors ap­proved the $2 per hour wage increase to $17 per hour ef­fective at the start of the next pay period.

Congregate meal site un­changed for now

By Mark Saylor
Free Press

The Corning City Council approved a lease agreement through June 30 2018 with Connections Area Agency on Aging for the congregate meal site to remain at the Commu­nity Center.

The council approved the lease at its Sept. 11 meeting.

Connections AAA will pay $100 per month for the site while Friendship Meals and Senior Citizens Meals at Fair will contribute $200 per month per Colleen Bickford who will bring in the payment to City Hall each month to assist with utility reimburse­ment.

City clerk/treasurer Iona Allen told the council that Deloris McElwain contacted her regarding loose lag bolts and pothole at the BNSF railroad crossing on Loomis Avenue. Allen said she contacted the BNSF su­pervisors who stated they will be getting a temporary fix in place with a perma­nent fix to take place in three to four weeks.

The council approved a $6,311.51 payment to Adams County for the lining of a tube at 220th Street and Eighth Street. Approval was also given for a grant application to Trees Forever with city contribution of $2,000.

The council tabled the hir­ing of an engineering firm for the Community Center Americans with Disabilities Act restroom and handicap Parking.
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Trick or treat night was set for Oct. 31 between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30pm.

CHRISTY GROVES/Free Press — Three foreign exchange students are attending Southwest Valley High School this year. They are Christoffer Ulrich of Denmark, Moritz Schlimbach of Germany, and Eunsu Hyun of South Korea.

Three exchange students join SWV

By Mark Saylor
Free Press

Three foreign exchange stu­dents are part of the Southwest Valley High School student body this year.

The three students and their host families are Moritz Schlimbach from Germany with host family Mike and Gina Travis; Christoffer Ulrich from Denmark with host family Tom and Marci Rhamy; and Eunsu Hyun from South Korea with host family Mike and Mondra Laughlin.

Schlimbach is from Hammin­keln, Germany, where his home school has close to a thousand students. He is involved in jun­ior band, big band, and musical education. Back in Germany, Schlimback’s parents are a teacher and computer scientist. He looks forward to participat­ing in band, football, basketball, choir, speech, and tennis while attending SWV.

Schlimbach said almost every­one in Corning and Southwest Iowa seems to drive a truck. He said the area has a lot of space dotted with farming, cows, and small spread-out cities.

Some of the things Schlimbach wants to do while in the United States is to see the Grand Canyon, snowboard in the Rockies, have a fun school year, make new friends and family, experience a new cul­ture, and score his first touch­down in football.

Ulrich is from Copenhagen, Denmark, where his home school has between 700 and 800 students. He is involved with soccer back home. His parents are involved in the banking and insurance industry.

While attending SWV, Ulrich wants to run cross country, and play basketball and tennis.

Ulrich said Corning and Southwest Iowa are different in a good way when compared to Denmark. He said he is looking forward to learning a new lan­guage and meeting new people while experiencing a new cul­ture.

Hyun is from South Korea where she said her city is me­dium sized with her school en­rollment of about 1,200. She is involved with the dance team and psychology club back in South Korea. Her father works as an engineer for Samsung and her mother is a piano teacher.

Hyun plans to join the dance team while at SWV as that is her favorite activity.

She said Corning and South­west Iowa include more farm­land and wild animals when than South Korea.
​
Hyun said she is also looking forward to making many friends and sharing her culture. She wants to experience as much as she can while she is in the United States.

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Submitted photo — A core committee representing the Adams Community Economic Development Corporation Fund Inc. is working to bring a hotel similar in the size and style of this one to Corning.

Hotel plans proceed

A core committee repre­senting the Adams Commu­nity Economic Development Corporation Fund Inc. is working to bring a hotel to Corning.

“We need a place for visi­tors to stay,” committee member Beth Waddle said. “Alumni, family, friends and other visitors have to stay 25 to 30 miles from Corning and spend time driving back and forth, when they would rather be closer. Also, we watch dollar after dollar escape our community as sales taxes, dining, gas, retail sales are spent in the other communi­ties they are lodging at.”

The core committee has met with two franchise companies and two private hotels to gain information for construction a 32-35 room two-story build­ing. The construction cost projections for each were around $3.5 million. Once the committee knew the approxi­mate price tag, members de­cided they needed to deter­mine whether at least $2.5 million could be raised for the capital needed to build the project.

ACEDC Fund Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit affiliated with the Adams Community Economic Development Cor­poration. If the funding can be raised, ACEDC Fund Inc. would play a large role in the ownership of the property. Donations for the capital campaign are tax deductible. If there are profits above the normal scope needed to maintain the hotel, those dol­lars would be used for other community projects.

Currently a fundraising committee has begun to ask for pledges. Since some alumni classes met in July, the committee started with those classes. There is an alumni challenge for classmates to work together to raise pledges for $10,000 per year for five years. For each class that reaches that goal, their class year will be on a plaque for one of the rooms. The goal is to raise at least $1 million from alumni pledges. In addi­tional there is a $1.5 million goal from other individuals, businesses, and grants.

The fundraising committee is trying to find a cham­pion/cheerleader from each class who would be the main contact to the committee. That person would gather the con­tact information from class­mates, help send out infor­mation on how classmates can give, and keep them informed on how close their class is to reaching their goal. Currently the fundraising committee has class champions for 1955, 1963, 1969, 1972, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1987, 1988, 2003, and 2007.

Waddle said she hopes once details about the a hotel are known, businesses and indi­viduals will have a better un­derstanding about the project.

“As you can imagine, it is very time consuming to set up meetings with every business and family in the community, and since it is difficult to get a list of every family, we will rely on the community,” she said.

Donors can make a one-time pledger or can make a pledge over five years. At this time, the committee is not seeking actual payments, just pledges. Once a minimum of $2.5 mil­lion has been pledged and the project is moving forward, donors will be contacted about making payments.

“There is a website, www.mycorninghotel.com,” Waddle said. “It was origi­nally developed for alumni, however, anyone is invited to use the form to make a pledge.”

To make a pledge or to be a champion/cheerleader for an alumni class, contact Waddle at the ACEDC office at (641) 322-5229 or e-mail acedc@adamscountyiowa.com.
​
While no exact timeline for the project has been set, the goal for the fundraising com­mittee is to determine if it will have $2.5 million in pledges by December of this year. While the fundraising com­mittee continues to work on that, other committees are forming to gather more in­formation and community input. Watch for more infor­mation in the Adams County Free Press. Additional infor­mation will also be on the mycorningiowa.com webpage.

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Grassley: Health care still a priority

By Mark Saylor
Free Press

Iowa Sen. Charles Grassley met with Adams County community leaders Aug. 24 at the Corning Opera House.

Grassley said he was using his summer break to touch base with all of Iowa’s 99 counties.

Grassley told the audience health care reform has been the topic on most people’s minds.

“Its kind of embarrassing for me to say, after seven years, when we said we were going to repeal or reform a program that didn’t deliver on its promises and come up one vote short,” he said.

Grassley said he hopes leg­islatures will continue work­ing on health care and accom­plish something in the next two or three months.

Mental health, particularly the lack of mental health professionals, is another of Grassley’s concerns.
“We don’t have enough psychiatrists and psycholo­gists to deliver the care we need and it’s very difficult to get people to go into those segments of medicine,” he said. “We have to find alter­native ways of doing it. I also said maybe the problem in Iowa is a little bit different than the nation as a whole because Iowa restructured mental health delivery four to five years ago. I think there are growing pains there and the growing pains were com­plicated by the privatization of Medicaid as it affects mental health.”

Grassley also said low economies are injured when large-scale farm operations benefit from farm program subsidy loopholes but small family farmers are limited in crop acreage because the Crop Reserve Program. He said crop insurance, however, should remain a part of the federal Farm Bill.
Rural areas are also unlikely to benefit from federal plans to improve infrastructure, Grassley said.

“I tried to explain the prob­lems we have with the ad­ministration wanting to pur­sue public/private partner­ships, which I don’t have any argument with except I don’t think it’s very realistic to do in rural America,” he said.

Grassley plans to take the information he receives dur­ing his 99-county tour back to Washington, D.C., including a concern raised by Adams County Sheriff Alan Johan­nes. Johannes said a pris­oner’s Medicaid is dropped after 30 days of incarceration and the prisoner then becomes a burden on local taxpayers.

Grassley was critical of many of his fellow members of Congress who he believes are not allowing President Trump to get things accom­plished.

“I think some of the things the President does detracts from what Congress is trying to do because he gets the at­tention, diverting it from Congress,” he said. “But re­member, we are the legisla­tors and we don’t have to wait for the President and don’t have to be concerned if he is going to sign it or veto it and so I would give more criti­cism to the United States Sen­ate not doing its work rather then blaming President Trump.”

From Corning, Grassley travelled on to Bedford and Shenandoah.

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MARK SAYLOR/Free Press — Southwest Valley’s new teachers are, front row from left, Brittany Wiig, Ashley Pegg, Deb McDaniels, Lindsey Hogan, Karen Cline, and Shelby Cooper. Back row from left are Michelle Morgan, Brianna Porter, Haley Blackledge, Bryce Giesmann, Keanon Lewis, and Sarah Lillie.

SWV welcomes new staff members

By Mark Saylor
Free Press

Eleven new staff members greeted Southwest Valley students this week on the Corning Campus when clas­ses began Aug. 23.

The following is a bit of background about the new faculty and staff on the Corning Campus.

Haley Blackledge is in her inaugural year as a third grade teacher this fall after gradu­ating from Graceland Univer­sity in Lamoni last spring. She student taught within the Centerville and Mormon Trail School Districts and also has worked with special education students in Waukee. Black­ledge enjoys teaching history and math. Outside of the classroom she enjoys riding horses, being outside, reading and spending time with friends and family. Her par­ents live on an acreage near Lake Rathbun. Her mom is a nurse practitioner and has a clinic in Centerville and she has two older sisters, one of whom is an attorney and the other is a nurse. Blackledge said she has found Southwest Iowa to be beautiful and eve­ryone here friendly and wel­coming.

Shelby Cooper will be in her first year of teaching band for grades 6-12. She gradu­ated from Buena Vista Uni­versity in Storm Lake. Her parents live in Atlantic. She said she is looking forward to teaching at SWV. Cooper enjoys concert band season. Outside of the classroom she likes to kayak, read, and play clarinet in community bands and musical pits.

Karen Cline is a new cook for the district.

Bryce Giesmann is enter­ing his 14th year of teaching. He will teach elementary and high school art at SWV. He graduated from Luther Col­lege in Decorah and is cur­rently working on his master of fine arts degree from Sa­vannah College of Art and Design. Giesmann taught pre­viously at Charter Oak Ute and Muscatine Schools in Iowa and Fremont #25 in Ri­verton, Wyo. Giesmann en­joys teaching photography. Outside the classroom he likes long boarding and running with his Husky Koda. Gies­mann’s wife, Rachel, is cur­rently the high school math teacher at Mediapolis. They have three children: third-grade Ella, 8, first-grader Hadley, 6, and 4-year-old Bryer. Giesmann said he en­joys the smaller close-knit community he has joined.

Lindsey Hogan is the new school nurse at SWV after being a nurse at Mercy Hos­pital NICU department in Des Moines. She said she enjoys travelling with her family and cheering for the Cyclones. She is married to Michael Hogan, who farms. They have two children, Cael, 10, and Elin, 6.

Keanon Lewis will be starting his first year of teaching at SWV in the math room after graduating from Iowa State University. Lewis will teach Algebra 1A, Alge­bra 1, Geometry, and Con­sumer Math. He said he en­joys teaching Applied or Con­sumer Math. He enjoys woodworking projects and watching baseball outside the classroom. Lewis’s father, Marshall, influ­enced him to become an edu­cator. Marshall is a school superintendent in Nebraska. His mom Kim works in fi­nances while brother Derek is a doctoral candidate at Penn State and sister Kennedy is a high school senior in Ne­braska. Lewis said he enjoys the small town atmosphere, the good people and nice weather in Southwest Iowa.

Sara Lillie will be working as a one-on-one para educator with a kindergarten student at SWV this fall. Lillie went to LaJames College of Cos­metology. She enjoys spend­ing time with her 10-year-old daughter Katey, who is in the fifth grade, and attending sporting events.

Deb McDaniel will teach junior kindergarten this year at SWV. She is entering her 12th year in education after graduating from the Univer­sity of Northern Colorado. McDaniel previously taught in Okaloosa, Iowa. She enjoys teaching science and outside the classroom can be found either reading or doing crafts. She and her husband Brad have a second-grade daughter, Fiona. She enjoys the small close-knit community at SWV.

Michelle Morgan will begin her first full-time job of teaching in the fourth grade classroom at SWV after being a substitute teacher at Creston, Orient Macksburg, and West Central Valley Dis­tricts. Morgan attended Southwestern Community College in Creston and then transferred to Simpson to complete her education. She enjoys teaching social studies, as History was her favorite subject as a student. Outside the classroom Morgan can be found kayaking, fishing, hik­ing or involved in anything outdoors. She has two broth­ers, an older sister, and her mom. Her dachshund Emy completes her family. She said she enjoys the friendli­ness of everyone at SWV.

Ashley Pegg is the new ELP coordinator at SWV. She has been teaching for four years, previously teaching first grade at Inman Primary School within the Red Oak School District. She graduated from Northwest Missouri State University and is cur­rently taking classes from Morningside College, work­ing toward her master’s de­gree as a professional educa­tor with TAG endorsement. Outside the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her family. Pegg and her husband Cody have three children: fifth-grade stepson Colton, kindergartener Addison, and 2-year-old Kinley. She said she enjoys being part of the Corning community after moving to Southwest Iowa almost seven years ago.

Brianna Porter enters her second year as a school coun­selor but her first as SWV Elementary School counselor after spending her first year at North Union High School. Porter attended Buena Vista University in Storm Lake. She enjoys teaching character de­velopment. Porter and her husband Steven have a daughter, Olivia, 10, and a son, Lucas, 18 months. Out­side the classroom she can be found doing crafts, reading, travelling or taking par in outdoor activities. Porter said she enjoys the countryside and the friendly people of Southwest Iowa.

Brittany Wiig has been teaching the last year and a half at Fremont Mills. Wiig will teach seventh and eighth grade computers/business, automation and robotics, and design and modeling. Wiig attended Bellevue University for business and Buena Vista University for reaching. She enjoys teaching personal fi­nance. Wiig and her husband Josh have two children, 3-year-old Charles and 12-month-old Howard and their English bulldog Cadi. Wiig enjoys spending time outside with her children, reading books and spending time with friends. Wiig is originally from Villisca, graduating high school in 2006. She said it feels good coming back and seeing many familiar faces.

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Corning weather hotter, drier in July

By Mark Saylor
Free Press

Weather information for the month of July shows a drop in normal rainfall and an in­crease in heat.

State climatologist Harry Hillaker said statewide it was the 41st driest month of July and was the 38th warmest in the last 145 years of record­keeping. He said temperatures were about one and a half degrees warmer than normal. Statewide rainfall was a little more than an inch and a half below the normal average of 4.5 inches of rain in July.

Not only was lack of mois­ture a problem in July but also there were some triple digits recorded by weather spotters around the state. The Corning weather station reported a high of 94 degrees on July 22 and a low for the month of 54 degrees on July 1. As far as local precipitation goes, the weather station located near CHI Health Mercy Corning reported 66 one hundredths of an inch of rain fell in Corning on July 19.

Hillaker also said June, July, and August are usually the months of more precipitation so there is hope this month could turn around the drought-like conditions.

Candidates file for school boards

By Mark Saylor
Free Press

Two of the three incumbents on the Corning Community Schools Board of Education have filed for re-election this fall.

Nomination forms were due to county auditor’s office by 5 p.m. Aug. 3. Both Howard Anderson and Scott Shuey turned in their required pa­perwork to appear on the Sept. 12 ballot. Incumbent Scott Akin did not submit nomination papers, thus Corning Community Schools patrons will likely fill that seat via write-in campaign.

For the Villisca Community School Board, incumbent Le­land Shipley is seeking re-election. Incumbent Todd Drake chose not to seek re-election, however, Terry Dalton has turned in papers to run for one of the two vacan­cies also on the board.

Also on the ballot for both districts will be a public measure proposed by South­western Community College in Creston to continue a 6 cent per $1,000 assessed value tax levy in any one year for a period not to exceed 10 con­secutive years starting July 1, 2018, for the purpose of the purchase of instruction equipment.

The deadline to register to vote for the school or college election is 5 p.m. Sept. 1. Af­ter that date a person may register to vote at the county auditor’s office and vote an absentee ballot. All county auditors’ offices will be closed Sept. 4, Labor Day. Sept. 8 is the last day to re­quest an absentee ballot via mail by 5 p.m. that day. Polls will be open from noon until 8 p.m. Sept. 12.

Alternate congregate meals site sought

By Mark Saylor
Free Press

Nearly a dozen residents attended the July 24 Corning City Council meeting to dis­cuss the congregate meals program at the Corning Community Center.

Corning Mayor Janice Leonard said she invited sen­ior citizens to the meeting to help bring them up to date with what is going on with the program.

Leonard said currently only about six to 10 people are taking advantage of the meals being served at the Commu­nity Center. AAA Connec­tions presented the council with an updated lease agree­ment reducing the rent from $300 to $100 per month and use of the facility between 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
The council voted down the new lease, indicating the city would not be able to pay the utilities with that amount and with so few people taking advantage of the meals. The council voted instead to give Connections Area Agency on Aging a 60-day extension to allow the organization time to look for an alternative site in Corning that would have a refrigerator and oven onsite to allow the serving of meals.

As of now no other group is allowed use of the Commu­nity Center while its being used. Currently, the parties are researching different lo­cations. Leonard reiterated the plan is not to “kick them out of town instead help them find a different location.” Leonard added that if the group is not able to find an alternate location the issue will be revisited by the coun­cil, probably in early Septem­ber at the earliest.

In other business, city attor­ney Matthew Hanson told the council he is filing court doc­uments on the owners of seven properties who origi­nally had 30 days to respond to nuisance letters with a court date set for Aug. 17. Hanson requested approval from the council to perform title searches for two of the three properties to proceed with abandoned status with the courts. Title searches will be performed on properties at 1901 Quincy and 814 15th St. A title search is already com­pleted for the property at 303 Ninth St. Title searches cost an estimated $50 to $90 each.

The council also discussed limiting the number of ani­mals allowed at each resi­dence within the city limits. The city has faced an ongoing issue with dogs running off leash creating public health and safety concerns. The number of cats without li­censes within the city was also a concern. Hanson said he will review ordinances of other cities and report back to the council at the next meet­ing. 

Lazy Days

Lazy Days of Summer heat up

By Mark Saylor
Free Press

The Lazy Days of Summer are upon Corning.

Main Street Corning’s Lazy Days of Summer will take place July 28-30.

The event will feature giant yard games, inflatables for all ages, a vendor fair, the Battle of the Barbecue, class reun­ions, En Plein Air painters, and Green Hills Farmers Market on July 29.

Activities begin at dawn July 28 with the Corning Center for the Fine Arts’ 12th Annual En Plein Air Festival. Artists will create two paint­ings at various sites through­out Adams County for this juried competition. The painting will continue until 2 p.m. July 29 when judging begins. First place will re­ceive $250, second place $200, and third place $150 in addition to the sales of indi­vidual art pieces. A social and reception will be held form 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. July 29.

One of Corning’s newest businesses, Backgrounds Coffee Shop, will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 28 and from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 29 at 708 Davis Ave. The Adams Community Chamber Coffee will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Corning Center for Fine Arts at 706 Davis Ave.

Corning High School grad­uation registration will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 28 and from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Corning Center for Fine Arts. Both the CHS class of 1977 and class of 1987 have planned reunion activities. Also taking place during registration is a silent auction of past En Plein Air art at the CCFA.

Gates open to the public at 4 p.m. for the Eighth Annual Battle of the BBQ Cook-Off on Benton Avenue. More than $4,000 in cash prizes and door prizes will be awarded. The people’s choice wing contest will begin at 7 p.m. July 28. Wing winners will be an­nounced at 1:30 p.m. July 29 followed by barbecue contest winners at 1:45 p.m.

DJ Randy Cooper will pro­vide music from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. July 28 on Eight Street between Benton and Davis Avenue. The beer garden will be open from 5 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. July 28. American Thea­tre at 704 Davis Ave. will feature at movie at 7 p.m. July 28 and July 29. July 28 activ­ities will end with a band and street dance.

The CHI Health Corning Doctors Dash 1 mile run/5K run/10K run/ and 1 mile walk/5K walk will begin with check in at 6:30 a.m. July 29 at Eighth and Davis. The race begins at 7:30 a.m. CHI Health Wellness Center showers will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 401 Sixth St.

The Rotary Pancake Feed will take place from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. July 29 on Eighth Street between Davis and Benton. A vendor fair spon­sored by Main Street Corning will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 29 at Central Park while the Corning Opera House Quilt Show will take place at the same time at 800 Davis Ave.

The Third Annual Johnny Carson Birthplace Society Car Show registration will take place from 9:30 a.m. to noon July 29 at the Central Park pavilion. The car show itself will be held from noon to 2:30 p.m. on Davis Avenue. Awards will be presented at 2:30 p.m. in Central Park. Main Street Corning’s Lazy Days Family Fun Activities will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Registration is at the Lauvstad Center at 710 Davis Ave.

School tours will begin at 10 a.m. July 29 at 904 Eighth St. Other tours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. include R&S Col­lectibles at 530 Davis Ave. and the Johnny Carson Birth­place at 500 13th St. Also from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. will be a Basket Palooza Sale and Silent Auction will be held at the CCFA.

A barbecue meal will be served from noon to 2 p.m. July 29 on Eighth Street be­tween Benton and Davis. The $7 meal includes a barbecue sandwich, beans, and chips. Children 6 and under eat for free. The Farmers Market will be open from noon to 2 p.m. in Central Park.

Afternoon tours July 29 in­clude the House of History from 2 p.m. to 3:30  p.m. at 1000 Benton, Icaria Village from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. three miles east of Corning, and Floating Vine at the Corning Winery from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 2300 State Highway 148.

Adams County Speedway will present Chat Mobility Night and Kids Money Grab on July 29. Gates open at 5 p.m. with races beginning at 7 p.m.

Lazy Days of Summer wrap up July 30 with breakfast at the beach from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Lake Icaria, a Kline Museum tour from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Prescott and a 2 p.m. matinee at American Theatre.

For more information, con­tact the Main Street Corning at 322-3243 or check out Main Street Corning on Face­book.

The Adams Community Chamber Annual Golf Tour­nament is slated for Aug. 8.
Tee off will be at 10 a.m. for the Best Ball Tournament. Registration is $150 per team and $45 for a golf cart, with a free lunch for all registered golfers. Two team mulligans are also available at $20 per team.

Walter selected for 4-H Hall of Fame

By Mark Saylor
Free Press

Dave Walter, Jean Smith, the Carol E. Little family, and Ber­nadine Behlers were honored for their contributions during the Adams County Fair.

Dave Walter

The Adams County Youth and 4-H Committee announced Dave Walter as its selection for the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame on July 10.

David was selected as the 2017 nominee who will now represent Adams County at the Iowa State Fair next month. Walter’s 4-H resume is quite extensive, beginning in 1964 when he joined the Jasper Spe­cialists 4-H Club. Walter got involved showing pigs his first year in 4-H and then after his family moved to town he showed rabbits and had several woodworking projects. Walter had the Adams County Fair Grand Champion rabbit in 1970.

Walter married Kim Dame­wood in 1976 and when their children were old enough they got them involved in 4-H and since they were living on a small acreage west of Corning there was room to allow for large livestock projects. The Walters’ children, Stacey and Tony, raised and showed lambs at the Adams County Fair for 12 years. Dave volunteered to serve on the sheep committee in 1988 and continued until 1999. In 1991 Water became the sheep de­partment superintendent until he resigned the position in 1999.

In 2010, Walter joined the Ad­ams Community Rural Devel­opment Committee. With his position he is in charge of find­ing lambs for 4-H and FFA members to have for county fair projects. This committee has a program that provides livestock projects for youngsters who are unable to finance their own live­stock projects. This year he found three lambs for each of five 4-H’ers in Adams County and similar numbers in other years of the fair.

Walter has also served on the Adams County Fair Committee from 1990 until 1995. He is probably best known for his work with the 4-H carcass shows. He was employed by Corning Meat Processing in 1985 and then purchased the business in 2000. With that po­sition Walter was involved with swine, sheep, and even beef car­cass shows at various times.

The swine carcass show has lasted the test of time. Each Ad­ams County 4-H swine exhibitor learns what raising meat animals is really about with the ability to view their hanging swine car­casses in a required competition at the Corning Locker. For the last 18 years, Walter has also allowed Iowa State University livestock specialists to measure and judge the swine carcasses at the locker and then urges every youth and family to come view their pig and learn at a Saturday morning carcass showing. Wal­ter also provides similar oppor­tunities for 4-H’ers and FFA members in both Montgomery and Page County youth swine shows.

Jean Smith

Adams County Extension rec­ognized and thanked Jean Smith for her 30 years of service as a member of both the Adams County Extension Council and member of the County 4-H and Youth Committee by presenting her with the Adams County Ex­tension Award.

Smith was recognized for at­tending nearly every council meeting, serving as its secretary and also served on the personnel committee, helped with fair bar­becue meals and also manned the county Extension booth at the Ag Day Event.

Carol E. Little family

The Carol E. Little family was recognized at the Adams County Fair this year.

After the passing of Carol Lit­tle in August 2016, the family noted that any memorial money received it would in turn donate to the Adams County Endow­ment Fund for scholarships to Adams County 4-H’ers.

Bernadine Behlers

The Adams County Fair Sen­ior Day committee recognized Bernadine Behlers as the 2017 Senior Citizen Volunteer of the Year.

Behlers volunteers for various activities throughout Adams County including the blood drive, Corning Opera House, CHI Health cafeteria, and Ad­ams County Extension Time Out. Behlers also belongs to the local Red Hat Society, is a good friend to many, is very active on the Senior Day Committee, and coordinates and recruits for a Southwest Iowa square dance group.

MARK SAYLOR/Free Press — The Adams Community Foundation grants were at the July 7 Ad¬ams Community. Chamber Coffee. Pictured are, front row from left, Jake Brandt, Crystal Schafer, and Julia Paul. Back row from left are Dan Carl, Linda Shearer, Donna Hogan, Cheryl Thompson, Jan Leonard, Roger Sorenson, Enid Grundman, and Carol Olive.

Foundation winners an­nounced

By Mark Saylor
Free Press
​
The Adams Community Foundation presented mone­tary awards totaling $64,280.02 to nine local or­ganizations at the July 7 Ad­ams Community Chamber Coffee.

Receiving award were:

• Adams County Conserva­tion with a $7,920 grant for the construction of an 18-hole disk golf course to be built at Lake Icaria;

• Adams County Economic Development Corporation Fund with a $5,000 grant for engineering services for ex­ploring a hotel in the commu­nity;

• The Corning Center for the Fine Arts with a $2,000 grant for the purchase of a new awning at the front of the building and façade work;

• The Corning Volunteer Fire Association with a $17,625 grant for the pur­chase of a Special Rescue Operations Trailer and Ultra-Terrain-Vehicle for use in emergency situations in re­mote locations;

• The city of Corning with a $16,800 grant for the purpose of tearing up the carpet and possibly polishing the con­crete floor area at the Com­munity Center;

• The Corning Youth Club with a $4,500 grant for the purchase of two Automated External Defibrillators and training for volunteers as well as first aid kits for the town’s youth sports teams;

• The Prescott Library with a $5,700 grant to update the library with new carpet and other improvements;

• The Johnny Carson Birth­place Society with a $2,960.02 grant for land­scaping of around the home as well as sidewalk improve­ments; and

• The Corning Opera House Cultural Center with a $1,775 grant for the purchase of a new water heater for the fa­cility.

Since 1988 the foundation has awarded $1,222,890.27 to local non-profit and govern­mental entities.

The deadline for the next round of applications is noon Jan. 5. Donations to support the Foundation are welcomed and can be mailed to Adams Community Foundation, 710 Davis Ave., Corning, IA 50841.

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Adams County Fair begins July 7

The Adams County Fair will be showing its “County Pride, County Wide” July 7-12. The six-day fair includes something for all ages, from babies to senior citizens.

The fair begins July 7 with a barbecue by the Adams County Extension from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the fair­grounds pavilion. The meal will feature pulled pork, beans, applesauce, chips, and drink for $6. The 4-H fashion revue and clothing selection show will begin at 5 p.m. followed by the Bill Riley Talent Show for the sprout division at 6 p.m. Fair queen candidates will be introduced between the sprouts and sen­ior division of the Bill Riley Talent Show or at approxi­mately 7:30 p.m.

New on July 7 is an open class horse show at 7 p.m. in the horse arena at the south end of the fairgrounds. At the north end of the fairgrounds the open class swine show will start at 7 p.m. After the fair queen introductions, the senior division of the Bill Riley Talent show will con­tinue in the pavilion.

The July 8 schedule in­cludes judging of 4-H build­ing exhibits. Categories in­clude Family and Consumer Science, Creative Arts/Personal Development, Science and Engineering and Ag and Natural Resource ex­hibits in the 4-H building. Open class entries will also judged. They include baking (all breads), visual arts, nee­dlework, fine arts, photog­raphy, woodworking, weld­ing, flower arranging, flori­culture, vegetables and fruits. There are special fun classes in the horticulture division including the largest vegeta­ble and most unusual vegeta­ble categories. Open class entries may be brought to the 4-H building on the fair­grounds from 9 a.m. to noon. Judging will begin at noon. There is no cost to enter and ribbons will be awarded to all exhibitors.

A bake sale of items that 4-H’ers have brought in for ex­hibit judging will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or until judging is complete in the 4-H build­ing.

There will also be an open class Care Facility Division for items that are primarily the work of any resident of Care Initiatives Corning, Choice Inc., Midwest Oppor­tunities, or other area care facilities. Judging for this division will begin at noon July 8.

July 8 is also 4-H/FFA Race night in the grandstands be­ginning at 6:30 p.m. All 4-H and FFA exhibitors can re­ceive free admission by wearing their fair t-shirts and attending with a paying adult. New is the crowning of the 2017 Adams County Fair queen in the grandstands at 8:45 p.m.

An open class fun dog show will take place at noon July 8 in the pavilion north of the 4-H building. The event is open to area dog owners of all ages. Dogs must have current rabies vaccinations. Dogs will be judged in fun classes and some will compete in obedi­ence classes.

At 6 a.m. July 9, all 4-H and FFA livestock will be brought to the Adams County Fair­grounds for check in.

An antique tractor ride will begin at 8 a.m. July 9. The ride will be 30-40 miles long and will take about four hours. Riders will be back to the fairgrounds for the An­tique Expo around noon.

The Antique Expo will begin at 10 a.m. The theme is Household Appliances and Antiques. The featured tractor in 2017 will be any and all Lawn and Garden Tractors, no matter the brand. Tractors and machinery of all makes are also welcome. Working demonstrations and displays will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will also be a local version of the “Antique Road Show” at 1 p.m. Those interested are invited to bring antiques to the pavilion for evaluation at this show. A stump the antiquers show will be held at the program. The public is invited to bring an­tique objects that they can’t identify and let the experts tell them about what they have.

Classic and vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles are also invited to the Antique Day show and will be on dis­play from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Homemade Yard Art will also be on display for judging. All exhibitors at Antique Day will be presented with a souvenir medallion for participating.

The Adams County Fair 4-H and FFA Youth Horse Show begins at 9 a.m. July 9 and the 4-H Share-the-Fun Show will start at 1:30 p.m. 4-H’ers will also be doing working exhib­its for judging between 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.

At 10 a.m. July 9, the SWIATP Association will have a tractor pull in the cen­ter of the race track.
 At 3 p.m. July 9 the 4-H poultry broiler and fryer show will be held in the livestock arena.

Other July 9 events include  an all-age pedal pull begin­ning at 3 p.m. Age divisions include 4-6 years old, 7-9 years old, 10-12 years old and 13-15 years old for both boys and girls. There are also 16-50 years old and 51-up year old divisions for men and women. A trophy will be awarded for the top winner in each divi­sion. Each participant will receive a ribbon.

At 4 p.m. July 9, a baby contest will be held in the pavilion. Classes include 6-24 months, 2-3 years, and 4-5 years. Contestants must be in the age of the group they are participating in by July 1, 2017. Rules can be picked up at the Adams County Exten­sion office at 603 Seventh St. in Corning or by calling (641) 322-3184.

The Midwest Truck and Tractor Pullers Association will stage a big boys pull in the grandstands at 5:30 p.m. July 9.

The 4-H/FFA exhibitor swimming party will be held from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the pool.

On July 10, the Adams County 4-H and FFA Swine Show will begin at 7:30 a.m. The Adams County 4-H Pets and Small Animal Show will follow the swine show at 11 a.m.

July 10 is Kids Day in the pavilion from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will include educational and hands-on activities for youth and their parents. Silly Sally the Clown will have programs at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., the Southwest Valley Robotics Club will demonstrate activi­ties throughout the day, and the Villisca Lions Ferris wheel will there from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

An open class pet show will be held at 4 p.m. in the pavil­ion. This show is open to ex­hibitors of all ages and may include such pets as cats, rab­bits, hamsters, gerbils, fish, snakes, turtles, etc. No dogs are allowed in the open class pet show.

 The Adams County Kid Care Council will provide a meal from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. July 10. This meal is the Kid Care Council’s matching-grant fund-raiser for their activities throughout the year. The 4-H Youth Council will have an ice cream social at 5 p.m. to go with the meal. Also at 5 p.m., the 4-H and FFA sheep and meat goat show will be held in the livestock show ring.

State Fair plaques will be presented at 6 p.m. July 10 in the pavilion as will be the 4-H Endowment Fund recognition of scholarship winners, etc., and the announcement of Ad­ams County 4-H Hall of Fame recipient.

At 7 p.m. July 10, the ATV 180 Drag Races will take place in the grandstand. The pits will open for contestants at 5 p.m. There will be tro­phies for all class winners and payout for full size classes. Visit myadamscountyfair.net for more details.

Activities begin at 7 a.m. July 11 with a pancake breakfast served by the Ad­ams County 4-H Endowment Fund Committee at the 4-H lunch facility in the air-condi­tioned 4-H exhibit building. All area residents are invited. Proceeds go to help fund scholarships for area 4-H youth.

Dairy goat and dairy cattle judging begins at 8 a.m. July 11. The beef show will follow immediately after the dairy show. An Adams Community Chamber coffee will start at 10 a.m. on the fairgrounds with coffee and donuts avail­able for free for all fair-goers.

The Youth Dog Show be­gins at 1 p.m. July 11 in the pavilion. At 1:30 p.m., a live­stock judging contest will be held near the livestock show ring. It is open to local and area 4-H’ers and FFA chap­ters.

July 11 is also Agriculture Day in the pavilion with edu­cational materials and dis­plays for fairgoers to learn about today’s farmers and agricultural practices. From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., a community barbecue will be held near the pavilion. The meal will be put on by the Adams County Ru­ral Development Committee and will feature its traditional steak sandwich meal.

At 5:30 p.m. July 11, the Adams County 4-H Youth Council will hold its pie and cake fund-raising auction in the pavilion. Funds go to sup­port 4-H activities and finan­cial assistance for 4-H’ers throughout the year.

Bottle-Bucket Buckaroos, a chance for children 3 years old through third grade to show a baby calf in a fun, non-competitive atmosphere, will show in the livestock ring at 5 p.m. Calves can be either a steer or a heifer and will include costumed and non-costumed divisions.

July 11 grandstand enter­tainment will be the Double S Bull Company Extreme Bull Riding Competition. Admis­sion is $10 per person for ages 13 and over. Ages 6-12 can get in for $5 and 5 and under are free. A family pass can be purchased for $25 this year. The pass is good for two adults and their children. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. in the grandstands. Gates open at 7. An additional is mutton bust­ing for ages 4 to 6 years old. Registration will be at a table near the grandstand gate prior to the start of the bull riding competition.

July 12 is Senior Citizens Day in the pavilion and the 4-H Exhibit Building. Senior Day includes a cookie contest at 9 a.m. in the pavilion with over $100 in cash prizes to the best bakers sponsored by KCSI radio station 95.3 FM in Red Oak. Divisions include KCSI sunshine cookies, drop cookies, bar cookies, no-bake cookies, and iced and deco­rated cookies.

There will also be enter­tainment in the pavilion at 9 a.m. including community booths, music by Erma and Friends, line and square dancing demonstration and participation, a healthy living presentation by Megan King of CHI Mercy Health Corn­ing, and door prizes.

The Senior Day Committee will have a table in the pavil­ion set aside for people to display Adams County Pic­tures from the Past. There is no cost for this and everyone will get their scrapbooks or pictures back at the end of the day.

A $5 lunch of chicken and noodles and mashed potatoes, green beans, and fruit cobbler will be available for all fair­goers from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the southeast room of the 4-H building. At  noon, the Senior Citizen Vol­unteer of the Year award will be presented. Bingo for all ages will take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.in the southeast room.

The 4-H and FFA Fair Live­stock Auction will begin at 9 a.m. July 12. This is a chance to watch 4-H and FFA mem­bers show their animals one last time, fill a locker with meat, and help a youth build their college funds.
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Entertainment at 7 p.m. July 12 will be a sand volleyball tournament in the horse arena.

Adams County July 4 events on tap

By Mark Saylor
Free Press

The nation’s 241st Inde­pendence Day is rapidly ap­proaching and celebrations are planned all across the country to mark the occasion. The Adams County Commu­nity is no exception with a variety of activities planned.

Events begin July 2 with a sand volleyball tournament at 9 a.m. at the Lake Icaria beach. To register a team or for more information, contact Lindsey Wetzel at (641) 322-9415.

Activities continue July 3 at Lake Icaria. A youth fishing clinic and contest will take place from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the east shelter near the marina. The clinic and contest is rescheduled from earlier this year. The beach concessions will host a barbe­cue from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with Randy Cooper playing music at 7 p.m. The annual Kids Scavenger Hunt sponsored by the Adams Community Chamber, PCSB Bank, TS Bank, Iowa State Savings Bank, and the State Bank of Brooks will take place at 7 p.m. at the beach. The even­ing will end with fireworks at dark at Lake Icaria.

July 4 features the Adams Community Chamber’s 58th Annual Flight Breakfast be­tween 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. at the Corning Municipal Air­port with complimentary breakfasts for all those who fly in. For others attending the breakfast the cost will be $6 for adults and $4 for children 10 and younger. Pancakes, sausage, eggs, coffee, and juice will be served. 

A reminder: Some busi­nesses will also be closed in observance of the Fourth of July holiday, including the Adams County Courthouse.

Group works to create 
Mount Zion Cemetery direc­tory

By Mark Saylor
Free Press

Efforts are under way to raise funds to construct a di­rectory at the Mount Zion Cemetery five miles north of Prescott at the intersection of 150th Street and Quince.

The cemetery dates back to the late 1800s and is still in use today. Stacey Truman, one of the fundraising organ­izers, said they are attempting to raise $12,000 for the con­struction and installation of the structure to help individu­als locate relatives buried at the rural Adams County cem­etery. The directory will be approximately 60 inches wide by 60 inches high and 12 inches deep.

The group has also re­quested funds through an Ad­ams County grant applica­tion. Previous fundraising efforts have been used for the construction of a new fence surrounding the ceme­tery and the placement of 10 flags and flagpoles, which are on display during all major patriotic holidays, weather permitting.

Those who wish to donate or for more information should contact Truman at (641) 344-3071, Walt Veatch at (641) 335-2574, or Marcy Edwards at (641) 344-5640.

Donations may also be mailed to Friends of Mount Zion Cemetery, c/o Stacey Truman, 2619 150th St., Pres­cott, IA 50859.

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Meal will help fill food pantry

By Mark Saylor
Free Press

A June 29 community meal at the Corning Community Center will help the Adams County Food Pantry stock its shelves.

The Corning First Presby­terian Church is organizing the meal. Spokesman Ken Pangburn said freewill dona­tions will be accepted with all proceeds going to the pantry.

“A lot of people think the greatest need for the food pantry is in the winter months, but instead donations are needed while the school-aged children are at home and not getting the hot lunch at school,” he said.

Pangburn said several spon­sors have already contributed to the fundraiser, with some choosing to remain anony­mous. The donations are used to purchase meat — beef bris­ket, beef brats, and chicken breasts — for the meal. The rest of the meal, which in­cludes homemade salads and desserts, is being made by church members. Serving will be from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Pangburn said carry-outs will also be available.

Pangburn said this is the fourth or fifth year for the event and every year it has steadily increased in both at­tendance and donations.

To date Pangburn said he has raised more than $800. Those who cannot make it to the meal but still wish to do­nate can contact him at (641) 344-2810 for more infor­mation or send a check ear­marked for the food pantry to the Corning Presbyterian Church in Corning.
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The Adams County Food Pantry is located on North Highway 148 in Corning in the Matura office building.

ISU solar car to stop in Corning

By Mark Saylor
Free Press

A unique car will be in Corning the evening of June 10 through the morning of June 11.

Iowa State University’s stu­dent run solar car team PrI­SUm will be making an ap­pearance at the Adams County Speedway between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. June 10 and at the Corning City Park until around 11 a.m. June 11 before heading to their next stop in Lenox. The car, known as Penumbra, is the culmination of two years of work and is unique to any car that came before it.

The car, which is the 13th such vehicle to be developed by ISU engineering students, will participate in the Bridge­stone World Challenge in Australia in October. The car is the first four-seat vehicle to be built by ISU students. The car is said to be slightly unas­suming in design considering its mostly white body, small tires, the usual front and rear windows, sound system, and a roof full of solar panels. It resembles a small hatchback and passengers are able to check Facebook, use Google Maps, or even listen to music.

The price tag on the vehicle totals $750,000 in materials, machine time, and cash with about two thirds of it coming from the many sponsors. Some of those sponsors who helped make the vehicle be­come a reality including Boeing and Siemens. The car has a top speed of 40 miles per hour on a sunny day.
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The car is touring all 99 counties before leaving on its trip with 15 team members to prepare for the world compe­tition. All cars participating in the Bridgestone World Chal­lenge must obtain 90 percent of their energy from the sun or recover the vehicles kinetic energy. Teams will begin in the northern Australian city of Darwin and continue 1,864 miles to the southern Aus­tralian town of Adelaide

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Corning crafting fireworks ordinance

By Mark Saylor
Free Press

The legalization of con­sumer fireworks in Iowa is likely to add a bit more spark to the evening skies this Fourth of July holiday.

Former Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad signed legislation in May legalizing the sale and use of consumer fireworks in the state. Under the new leg­islation, Iowans may purchase consumer fireworks beginning June 1. The new law indicates consumer fireworks may be sold in permanent buildings between June 1 and July 8 and then again from Dec. 10 through Jan. 3. However, during the Fourth of July holiday season, consumer fireworks may be sold in tem­porary tents and stands begin­ning June 13 through July 8.

The new law has cities and counties establishing guide­lines and ordinances on the sale and use of consumer fireworks. Corning is consid­ering amending its city ordi­nance on fireworks. The Corning City Council is pro­posing the following changes to the current ordinance:

• A permit will be needed for the sale of fireworks within the city limits and for large displays.

• Any person discharging fireworks assumes all respon­sibility for its operation and consequences; must be age 18 and older or if younger must have adult supervision; and must not be intoxicated or under the influence of a drug or narcotic.

• Fireworks may only be discharged between the hours of noon and 10 p.m. July 1 through July 5 and Dec. 30 through Jan. 2 unless on July 4 when hours will be 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. and from 9 a.m. Dec. 31 to 12:30 a.m. Jan. 1.

• Fireworks must be dis­charged on the person’s own real property, not within 200 feet of the sales of fireworks, and not within 200 yards of a hospital or nursing home.

• Violators of the ordinance will face a $500 fine and have all remaining fireworks con­fiscated.
Adams County officials have not taken any action as of this date on the proposed change to Iowa Law.
​
The new Iowa consumer fireworks law will allow for the sale and use of consumer fireworks, include aerial shell kits and reloadable tubes, chasers, helicopter and aerial spinners, firecrackers, mine and shell devices, missile-type rockets, Roman candles, sky rockets and bottle rockets, multiple tube devices, cone fountains, cylindrical foun­tains, flitter sparklers, ground and handheld sparkling de­vices, ground spinners, illu­minating torches, toy smoke devices that are not classified as novelties, and wheels wire or dipped sparkers that are not classified as novelties.

Civil War Monument to be rededicated

By Mark Saylor
Free Press

The Civil War Monument at the Oakland Cemetery at Quincy will be rededicated June 3.

The monument was erected to honor area residents who fought in the Civil War from 1861 to 1865. Its thought the monument was first dedi­cated within 10 years of the completion of the war.

Adams County supervisor Linda England said the rededi­cation is a joint effort between the Oakland Ceme­tery Board and Adams County supervisors. Adams County area residents are invited to attend the 1:30 p.m.

England said a lot of hard work has gone into the restora­tion project. A grant helped fund the majority of the restoration but assistance came from Diane Davis, Da­vid and Barbara Fuller, Anna Ruth Hardisty, Barbara Spring, Estella Swartz, Mer­lin Dixon, Dan Olson, Nancy Davis Adams, Phyllis Houck, Max and Rachel Carney, Mi­chael Carr, PDC Sons of Un­ion Veterans of the Civil War, James and Caitlyn Houck, Leland and Amy Shipley, Phyllis Miller, the Adams Community Ambassadors, Thomas J. Gaardd RV Trust, the Adams Community Foun­dation; American Legion Post #117, and the State Asso­ciation for the Preserva­tion of Iowa Cemeteries.

The monument was rededi­cated in October 2012. The preservation work started last fall and was recently com­pleted with the installation of posts around the monument to prevent individuals from accidently or purposely dam­aging the monument. The ceremony in 2012 honored more than 250 Adams County veterans. At that time it counted nearly 40 who had died and more than 50 who were wounded, captured, or disabled during the conflict. The monument is inscribed with several names that be­came more visible after the monument had been sand­blasted.

In researching the monu­ment and its history it was discovered only a few Adams County Civil War partici­pants are actually buried at the cemetery. They include James Thompson, A.S. Provett, Jacob R. Miller, and Samuel Bryant.

The event will include speak­ers as well as the reading of the rededi­cation speech that was delivered in 2012 by Dean Davis.

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MARK SAYLOR/Free Press — Five trumpeter swans enter Lake Icaria after being released May 12 by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Film to include swan release

By Mark Saylor
Free Press

Five trumpeter swans were released May 12 at Lake Icaria north of Corning.

Dave Hoffman, coordinator of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources trumpeter swan restoration program, said the goal of the program is to have a self-sustaining population that will be hope­fully realized in the next 10 years.

The 11-month-old baby swans or cygnets were do­nated by zoos in Des Moines, Baltimore, Md., Cleveland, Ohio, Green Bay, Wis., and Kansas City.

Hoffman held a brief pro­gram prior to the release, which was attended by South­west Valley elementary students. Hoffman said the swans released will start fly­ing in a couple of months. He encourages the public to visit Lake Icaria and view the big birds but discouraged the public from feeding the swans as they will imprint on the area and hopefully return to Lake Icaria.

Hoffman said was encour­aged when he was informed two swans from prior releases were back home in Adams County on the northeast part of Lake Icaria. The trumpeter swan can live up to 30 years while in captivity but are subject to a high mortality rate because of power lines, lead pellets or fishing sinkers, shootings, and disease from eating moldy food.

A unique part of the May 12 program was the filming of the release by producer Steve Harryman. Harryman is creating a documentary to be aired on local public televi­sion. Hoffman said there were other area swan releases at Viking Lake and Lake Anita.

“It’s been a long-term pro­ject as it started out to be a look at the year in a life of a trumpeter swan but I was encouraged by so many states having restoration programs in Iowa, as well as in Michi­gan where I am from, includ­ing Canada,” Harryman said.

Harryman said the documen­tary will tell the story of the trumpeter swan including its history as well as current efforts to restore the trumpeter swan popula­tion and the future of the winged animal. He said Hoff­man encouraged him to Iowa to film portions of the docu­mentary.
​
Harryman said he also filmed at Viking Lake as well as Lake Anita to provide foot­age for his documentary, which he said hopes to be a feature length of 90 minutes but could be scaled back to 60 minutes for television pur­poses. He hopes to air the documentary on the Public Broadcasting Service. Plans are to complete the documen­tary by late 2019 or early 2020.

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MARK SAYLOR/Free Press — Parent volunteers Andrea Bevington and Paulina Sharon help Southwest Valley students Joe Scarpello, Madeline Bevington, Alex Morgan, Destiny Licon, Aubrey Reed, Colton Pegg and Johnathan Weatherly put in a garden May 5 at the French Icarian Colony.

Fourth-graders put in gar­dens at Icarian Colony

By Mark Saylor
Free Press

Forty-two fourth-graders from Southwest Valley Schools partnered with the French Icarian Foundation on May 5 to develop and plant a variety of gardens to create an ongoing hands-on learning environment for years to come.

The project is part of a ser­vice challenge the students undertook. Fourth-grade teachers Sally Woods and Dianne Roberts worked with Saundra Leininger, head of the French Icarian Foundation in Corning, to put the event together. Woods said they hope to eventually have six gardens around the site. An herb garden is being devel­oped that will produce fresh herbs for sale at 3 C’s Diner and possibly at the Farmers Market later this year, a sun­flower garden, and a fall dec­orative garden with Indian corn, gourds, and mini pump­kins, plus a three sisters gar­den, which will include sweet corn, pole beans, and squash. A sixth garden, a Heritage Garden, will likely become a reality next spring. It will feature native plants and grasses from all over Adams County.

Woods said several area parents and businesses, including Bloomers Greenhouse, which contrib­uted the plants, and Corning Rental, which supplied equipment, helped make the project possible. Woods said the students utilized their en­tire curriculum in preparing the sites for the planting. They used math in figuring out the size of the garden and how far to plant the seeds apart. Liter­ature was utilized to study how certain plots came to be. The students had also studied the French Icarian Colony as part of Iowa history. Science was also utilized with the study of seeds and soil.

Woods also said they hope to harvest the seeds in the fall to then replant in the spring eventually making it a semi self-sufficient project. It’s planned to take next year’s fourth-graders back to the site to help with the harvest of the plants and prepare it for the winter months.

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County OK’s budget amendment

By Mark Saylor
Free Press

The Adams County Board of Supervisors at last week’s meeting approved setting a public hearing date for a budget amendment.

County Auditor Becky Bis­sell said a portion amendment is to increase the county reve­nues in county conservation. Lake Icaria is having a good year so far, she said, and the expenditures part of the budget amendment are needed for capital improvements completed during this fiscal year.

Bissell said when the budget was set for the current fiscal year it was thought most pro­jects at the lake were going to be completed in the previous fiscal year and when that did not happen the current fiscal year’s budget had to be amended in order to allow money to be spent on those projects.

Bissell also said the city of Corning was also able to pay off its portion of the Aquatic Center debt, therefore the County Board of Supervisors made an additional payment on the loan for a little more than the city’s payoff amount, necessitating another amend­ment.

The Adams County Board of Supervisors also approved the hiring of another deputy, therefore an increase in the Sheriff’s Office budget was also needed for the deputy’s salary, truck, equipment, and uniforms. There was also some additional overtime hours by the dispatchers while they were short staffed.

The public hearing for the budget amendment is set for 10 a.m. May 16 in the board­room of the Adams County Courthouse in Corning. The supervisors also approved accepting bids for the mowing of the county care facility to be received by 4:30 p.m. May 12.

SW Iowa Cruisers hit the road

By Mark Saylor
Free Press

Several area classic cars rolled out of Corning Sunday afternoon en-route to Red Oak to enjoy pizza at the Pizza Ranch.

This was the inaugural event for the group Southwest Iowa Cruisers, classic car enthusi­asts from Adams County and area communities. Dale Car­michael, organizer of the event, said the group is just getting started and this was the first organized event with more to be planned in the upcoming months. Thirty-four cars and trucks participated in the first event to be hosted by the club.

“We are a group of people who love cars, trucks, cycles, sharing our passion and hav­ing fun,” Southwest Iowa Cruisers member George Ho­erman said.

The group is comprised of members from Corning, Creston, Clarinda, Villisca, and Red Oak. Additional members are welcome to at­tend their meetings on the third Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at JO’s in Corn­ing; dues are just $25 a year. Car enthusiasts need not be paid members of the group to attend the meetings or partici­pate in the events.

“We love every era of car, truck and motorcycle, so there is something for everyone,” Hoerman said.

The group also has a Face­book page at “Southwest Cruisers” for all to keep up on scheduled meetings and events and where pictures and videos will also be posted.
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For more information on the group contact Carmichael by calling (712) 621-4803 or Hoerman at (763) 283-2574.

Community health event planned

Area residents are invited to a special night to gain aware­ness and understanding about being in control of their health.

CHI Health Mercy Corning is hosting Ignite Your Health from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thurs­day, May 4, at the Corning Winery. This come-and-go event will give attendees the chance to visit with health professionals on a variety of topics.

CHI Health Mercy Corn­ing’s wellness supervisor Cena Danielson said that a committee has put this event together.

“Last year we had a suc­cessful event for women,” Danielson said. “This year we would like to encourage men and women of all ages to at­tend. We have designed this event to be fun and informa­tive on a variety of topics which may impact your health.”

Attendees will have the chance to visit with health professionals and other ex­perts in seven different areas. One featured topic will be body ergonomics and proper lifting. From sitting on a tractor or at a desk all day, standing at the kitchen sink or working in the garden, body ergonomics plays a significant role in how we feel each day. Those attending can learn how to make tweaks in their daily lives to support the skel­etal/muscular system. Proper lifting will be emphasized too to maintain healthy backs and shoulders.

Another health station will include Healthy Relation­ships. Maggie Parrish, RN with Senior Life Solutions said, “This is an important topic no matter where you are in your life. Healthy relation­ships are a key component to a person’s health status. Studies have shown that when you have a network of people you know you can count on, your health status can be pos­itively impacted.”

Other topics will include healthy sleep habits, blood sugar and blood pressure screening, childhood health screening and immunizations and brain health. Along with CHI Health staff, representa­tives from Taylor County Public Health, Alzheimer’s Association and Matura will be sharing information.
Danielson noted a few other special parts of the event.

“When you arrive, you’ll be given a quick survey card to fill out and when you turn it back in, receive a compli­mentary beverage ticket,” she said. “They can enjoy this with the great appetizers available that evening. And of course, we hope that they take time to enjoy a chair massage while there. Dr. Bethel Kopp will be the featured speaker at 5:30 p.m. to give insight on helping you achieve your best health.”

This free event is designed for anyone ages 18 and older so they can learn about factors which impact their health and which factors they have the ability to make an impact on — through lifestyle changes.

“We want to encourage everyone to make choices for positive change in their health,” Danielson said. “Making the choice to be healthy can be tied to making the choice to be happy. Our goal is for everyone to leave the event with information that will help them commit to making choices to improve their health.”

Door prizes will be given to the first 100 in attendance including a month free pass to the Wellness Center. Four large door prizes will be drawn from attendees’ names: Weber Charcoal Grill, Fitbit, Grilling Basket and Gift Cer­tificate for Corning Meat Pro­cessing. Attendees don’t have to be present to win, as this is a come-and-go event.
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“We are excited about this event,” Danielson said. “The Corning Winery, located just south of the Highway 34 and 148 intersection, is a great location because it is such a soothing and enjoyable at­mosphere. Stop by to learn about becoming empowered for better health. We invite you to do just that on Thurs­day, May 4, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the winery.”

Corning honored with Main Street Iowa awards

Main Street Iowa hosted the 31st annual Main Street Iowa Awards Celebration on Fri­day, April 7, at Hoyt Sherman Place in Des Moines.

The program honored the efforts of those who work day in and day out in downtown revitalization in Iowa. Ap­proximately 550 individuals representing communities across the state attended the event.

Corning received the fol­lowing state awards and spe­cial recognitions: award for Outstanding Partnership with Southwest Valley Schools, recognition for reaching the $10 million benchmark for private investment in the Main Street District, and recognition for Outstanding Leadership by Nancy Turner. Thirty-three community members from the school, Main Street, and local busi­nesses represented Corning at the awards.

Main Street Iowa has annu­ally presented awards honor­ing outstanding accomplish­ments, activities and people that are making a difference in Iowa’s Main Street dis­tricts. Projects large and small are recognized and serve as outstanding examples of what historic commercial district revitalization is all about.

Fifteen projects and activi­ties occurring in local Main Street communities were se­lected to be recognized from the 160 competitive nomina­tions submitted. The honors were presented by Gov. Terry E. Branstad, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds and Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA).

“The Main Street Iowa pro­gram has stood the test of time since its introduction in 1985. The program continues to bring businesses, jobs, in­vestment and vitality to our states’ communities, both big and small,” Branstad said. “The Main Street Approach works, and Main Street Iowa has been a national model because we are creative, we embrace change, we demand local initiative and action, while holding strong to our roots as an historic preserva­tion program.”

“Healthy, historic commer­cial districts are a key decid­ing factor for industrial and business recruitment,” said Reynolds. “Since 1986, local Main Street programs have made a significant impact on Iowa’s economy with 4,514 new businesses and a net gain of 13,402 jobs. More than 740 building projects have been reported with an investment in those rehabs of over $2 bil­lion. Last year alone, the Main Street Iowa network surpassed 156,135 total documented hours of human capital in­vested into Iowa’s downtown revitalization efforts. This demonstrates a tremendous commitment to Iowa’s Main Streets.”

During the event, 10 com­munities were recognized for reaching significant bench­marks based on private dollar investments made in the pur­chase and revitalization of properties within their respec­tive commercial districts. Centerville and Lansing were recognized for reaching the $1 million benchmark in the last year and Ft. Madison was honored for $2 million in lo­cal investment. Ames and Guthrie Center were recog­nized for achieving the $5 million level. Des Moines Sixth Avenue, Chariton, Corning, State Center and Ottumwa all attained $10 million in local investment since being designated as local Main Street programs.
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In 1985, the Iowa Legisla­ture adopted the National Main Street Center's Four Point Approach to district revitalization by establishing Main Street Iowa within the agency that is now the Iowa Economic Development Au­thority. Since its inception, the state program and its communities have been con­sidered examples of excel­lence in the national effort to revitalize historic commercial districts across the country.

Spring brings emergence of EAB

With the arrival of spring, the Iowa Emerald Ash Borer Team is asking Adams County residents to report suspected infestations of the emerald ash borer.

The presence of EAB, an invasive beetle that attacks and kills ash trees, was con­firmed last fall in Adams and Adair counties. The Iowa Department of Natural Re­sources says adult EABs emerge from beneath the bark of ash trees in May through mid-July, creating a D-shaped exit hole. Adult bee­tles are most active during warm sunny weather. They have a limited distance they can fly (one to four miles) depending on the wind but the greatest thing contrib­uting to the spread of EAB is the transportation of firewood.

The DNR says once the em­erald ash borer finds a mate, the female can lay 60-90 eggs in the crevices of ash tree bark. Adult beetles will feed on ash tree leaves creat­ing "notches" that does not harm the tree. It is estimated that adult beetles live up to six weeks after emergence. Usually by the time a new infestation is discovered, EAB has been in that area for 3-5 years slowly killing trees going unnoticed.

EAB kills a tree by disturb­ing and limiting the tree’s natural ability to deliver wa­ter and nutrients throughout the tree. The EAB larvae is the most destructive stage in the life cycle of the borer as it feeds under the bark of the tree all fall and winter de­stroying the tree’s vascular system. Adult EAB can only do minimal damage to a tree as it feeds on its leaves. As a tree becomes damaged there are visible indicators includ­ing canopy thinning, epicor­mic sprouting, bark splits, cracks, woodpecker damage, and the exclusive D-shaped exit holes in the tree.

Research indicates that in­secticide treatments work best as a preventive measure on healthy ash trees. Properly applied insecticides have yielded effective and con­sistent protection from EAB. The most recent maps indicat­ing the recommended treat zone can be found at iowatreepests.com. This is the Iowa Department of Agri­culture and Land Stewardship website that is updated regu­larly on the latest EAB news. The DNR recommends land­owners living within 15 miles of a confirmed infestation starting treatments if they wish to save their tree.

EAB is now present in 28 states after being discovered in Detroit, Michigan in 2002. EAB is native to Asia. The pest was discovered in Octo­ber at Lake Orient Recreation Area (Adair County Conserva­tion Board) in Adair County and a rural area north of Cromwell in Adams County. Insect larvae were taken from both sites and later positively identified by federal identifiers as EAB.

“It is particularly difficult to battle an invasive species like emerald ash borer,” said Mike Kintner, Iowa Depart­ment of Agriculture and Land Stewardship EAB and gypsy moth coordinator. “One thing people can do to help with this effort is avoid transport­ing firewood.”

The Iowa EAB Team strongly urges Iowans to use locally sourced firewood, burning it in the same county where it was purchased. Fire­wood is a vehicle for the movement of EAB. The adult beetle also can fly short dis­tances, approximately 2 to 5 miles.

The state of Iowa continues to track the movement of EAB on a county-by-county basis. Before a county can be officially recognized as in­fested, EAB must be col­lected by a member of the Iowa EAB Team and verified by USDA entomologists.

To learn more about EAB and other pests that are threat­ening Iowa’s tree popula­tion, visit www.IowaTreePests.com. Contact any of the following members of the Iowa EAB Team for more information:

• Mike Kintner, IDALS EAB coordinator, (515) 745-2877, Mike.Kintner@IowaAgricul­ture.gov 


• Robin Pruisner, IDALS state entomologist, (515) 725-1470, 
Robin.Pruisner@Io­waAgriculture.gov 


• Paul Tauke, DNR state for­ester, (515) 725-8450, Paul.Tauke@dnr.iowa.gov


• Tivon Feeley, DNR forest health coordinator, (515) 725-8453, Tivon.feeley@dnr.iowa.gov 

• Emma Hanigan, DNR ur­ban forestry coordinator, (515) 249-1732, 
Emma.Hanigan@dnr.iowa.gov 


• Jesse Randall, ISU Exten­sion and Outreach forester, (515) 294-1168, Ran­dallj@iastate.edu 


• Mark Shour, ISU Exten­sion and Outreach entomolo­gist, (515) 294-5963, mshour@iastate.edu 


• Laura Jesse, ISU Exten­sion and Outreach entomolo­gist, ISU Plant and Insect Diagnostic 
Clinic, (515) 294-0581, ljesse@iastate.edu 


• Donald Lewis, ISU Exten­sion and Outreach entomolo­gist, (515) 294-1101, 
drlewis@iastate.edu. 

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• Jeff Iles, ISU Extension and Outreach horticulturist, (515) 294-3718, iles@iastate.edu 

Local weather volunteers sought

By Harry Hillaker
State Climatologist

Corning, Iowa, on April 1. This was a very pleasant spring morning with clear skies and just a hint of a breeze from the southwest. At noon it was 63 degrees and winds were calm. The year was 1887.

The weather reporter was Capt. Charles S. Stryker who had recently moved to Corn­ing from Creston where he had also recorded weather observations for the Iowa Weather Service (predecessor to today’s State Climatologist Office and founded in Iowa City on Oct.1, 1875).
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Weather observations were recorded by volunteer weather observers at Corning nearly continuously from that spring day 130 years ago until Oct. 6, 2015. On that fall day Mercy Hospital, which had provided volunteer weather observations for the National Weather Service since May 5, 1965, submitted its final weather report. The weather was very similar to that April day in 1887 with a high tem­perature of 65 degrees the previous afternoon, no rain having fallen in the previous 24 hours and a final weather report of a temperature of 53 degrees at 7 a.m. Oct. 6.

Quite a range of weather was recorded over those many years. There was the blister­ing heat in the heart of the Dust Bowl years when the morning low temperature on July 25, 1936, was 85 degrees and the afternoon high soared to 115 degrees. This was one of 39 days that summer with highs climbing into the triple digits. Then there was that frigid day in 1912 when the temperature fell to minus 32 degrees on the morning of Jan. 12 and only “warmed” to a high of minus 13 degrees that afternoon. Then there was that strange spring in 1907 when five snow storms passed through after April 9 includ­ing a 7-inch accumulation on April 29 and 1.5 inches on May 3. Annual precipitation totals varied from only 15.98 inches in the drought year of 1988 to an even 60.00 inches in 1973.
With the closing of the Corning weather station in 2015, Adams County is now the only county in Iowa where no weather data is collected from any publically-available weather station.

The National Weather Ser­vice office in Johnston is looking for a volunteer weather observer in Corning, or at least within a five mile radius of town. The NWS will provide and install a rain gage and electronic temperature system. All that is required to be a volunteer weather ob­server is a suitable location to install the weather equipment and the ability to provide a once daily weather report containing the maximum and minimum temperature (rec­orded automatically by the temperature system), a man­ual daily precipitation meas­urement (rain and/or the liq­uid equivalent of new snow fall), the depth of any new snowfall and the total depth (old and new) of any snow or ice on the ground.

Additionally, there is an­other volunteer weather ob­server network with a need for weather observers any­where in the county. This is for the Community Collabo­rative Rain, Hail and Snow Network or “CoCoRaHS” (pronounced “KO-ko-rozz”). This network was begun by the State Climatologist Office in Colorado in 1998 in re­sponse to a deadly flash flood event that occurred the previ­ous year in Fort Collins. This network has spread to all 50 states, plus Canada, the Ba­hamas, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. CoCoRaHS has been in Iowa for nearly 10 years and has approximately 300 volunteers spread among 78 Iowa counties. This net­work requires use of a 4-inch diameter plastic rain gage to insure consistency of meas­urements at all sites across the network. There is no cost to join or participate in the net­work. More information can be found online at www.cocorahs.org.
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If either of these volunteer weather opportunities are of interest to you, or if you have any questions, feel free to contact Harry Hillaker, state climatologist at the Iowa De­partment of Agriculture in Des Moines, at (515) 281-8981 or Harry.Hillaker@IowaAgri­culture.gov. With your help we can put Corning and Ad­ams County back on the weather map.

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CHI welcomes new physician 
 Jeffrey Powell, D.O., Internal Medicine, will be joining CHI Health Mercy Corning and Clinic staff with clinic appointments starting April 3.

Dr. Powell is a native of Pen Argyl, Pa., a community with a population of about 3,600. After receiving his un­dergraduate degree in biology at Tem­ple University in Philadelphia, he continued with graduate work in im­munology and virology before he at­tended Lake Erie College of Osteo­pathic Medicine. Dr. Powell did his internal medicine residency at Inspira Medical Center, Vineland, N.J.

An internal medicine physician (in­ternist) has an undergraduate degree, four years of medical school and three years of internship/residency. The internist treats a broad range of dis­eases and medical conditions, but the focus is on adult medicine. Dr. Powell is a physician who will provide long-term, comprehensive care, managing both common and complex illness of adolescents, adults and the elderly. Internists are experts in diagnosis, treat chronic illnesses, promote health through strategies such as wellness education and try to prevent disease. Examples include the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, infections and diseases affecting the heart, blood, kidneys, joints and digestive, respira­tory and vascular systems. Dr. Powell has also trained in the essentials of primary care internal medicine, which incorporates an understanding of dis­ease prevention, wellness, substance abuse, mental health and effective treatment of common problems of the eyes, ears, skin, nervous system and reproductive organs.

Dr. Powell’s journey into health care started at home. His parents have health careers as his mother is a nurse and his father works in the lab at their local hospital. Dr. Powell’s grand­mother was also a nurse. A family critical health situation really brought into focus the idea of a health career for him.

“When I was 13, my grandpa had a pulmonary embolism. At the hospital, we were told that he wouldn’t likely make it because his heart had already stopped. The staff administered Tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA), a medi­cation given to break up blood clots. My grandpa survived and is now 85 years old and active,” he said. “This influenced me to think about how medicine saved the life of someone I loved and I wanted to be able to do the same.”

Dr. Powell originally considered be­coming a surgeon or anesthesiologist but being a self-professed non-early morning person, he quickly realized those career choices wouldn’t be a good fit for him. During med school and residency he found that internal medicine was a path that allowed him to use his desire to “solve health puz­zles” for patients.

“I love complex patient cases, I like the chance to investigate and figure out how to help people become healthy again,” Powell said. “Internal medicine has a wide scope of practice and gives me flexibility in working through what the patient needs for their health.”

Medicine has also been part of his personal healing after having a shoul­der injury during a sparring match.

“I’ve been active in the mixed mar­tial arts since I was 8 years old starting with karate. At 13, American boxing was my next step followed by kick­boxing training,” he said. “I’ve had the opportunity to travel all over the world to compete in kickboxing. At one point, I trained in Thailand in the Muay Thai form of kickboxing.”

A friendly training session with a kick at the wrong moment incurred the injury requiring surgery and physical therapy to regain mobility. His exten­sive travels have led to a desire to learn foreign languages too. When not working, Dr. Powell enjoys working out, skiing, skateboarding, snow­boarding, being outside and most types of extreme sports including rac­ing motocross.

Dr. Powell recently moved to Corn­ing and has enjoyed getting to know the community prior to starting in the clinic. CHI Health Mercy Corning has a great partner in the Adams Commu­nity Economic Development Corpora­tion. ACEDC added a housing com­ponent to CHI Health Mercy Corn­ing’s incentive package to entice Dr. Powell to choose Corning and Adams County over other locations he was considering.

“Quality healthcare is a key eco­nomic component when bringing in new businesses and industries, and even more important to those already within the community wanting to ex­pand,” said Donna Hogan, ACEDC president. “The community needs to continue to work together to create opportunities and expand services to our residents.”

Dr. Powell will be accepting new patients starting the week of April 3 at the CHI Health Corning Clinic and can be contacted for appointments at (641) 322-5245. As a primary care provider, Dr. Powell will be practicing general medicine and will see patients for routine, non-emergency medical care in the clinic.

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JACKI BARDOLE/Free Press — Wyatt Konecne points out a postcard he received from his aunt in Kansas.

Postcards help students see the world

By Jacki Bardole
Free Press

For the past three years, Corning Elementary second grade students have been working with friends and family near and far to learn about geography.

During the first quarter, students invited friends and family to mail in postcards from their hometowns or vacation destinations. Par­ticipants are encouraged to fill these postcards with in­formation about the popula­tion, culture, location relative to Corning, or local indus­tries. The students then post the postcards on one of three large maps — Iowa, United States and world — in the classroom.

Teacher Kate Jenett said, “It can be hard for them to really visualize and under­stand how different other places are. This project helps them to visualize it all better. And, they love to get mail.”

Anyone wishing to partici­pate in the project is encour­aged to send postcards to Corning second grade at 1012 10th St., Corning, IA, 50841.

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NSP funds aid property purchases

By Jacki Bardole
Free Press

The city of Corning recently purchased properties at 903 Adams St. as well as 703 and 703-1/2 Ninth St. with funds remaining from the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP). These properties are set to be demolished.

A licensed specialist contracted by the city has removed the asbestos from all three locations, making them prepared for demolition as soon as weather permits. Kevin Olson of GO Construction has been contracted to demolish the properties on Ninth Street.

“I am hoping to start this weekend if the weather cooperates and it isn’t too muddy for the equipment,” said Olson.

The Corning Fire Department will conduct a controlled burn for training purposes of the property on Adams Street. The burn is scheduled for Sunday, March 12, contingent on favorable weather conditions. Sunday, April 2, has been set as an alternate day if the weather March 12 prohibits a safe burn.

Last year, the Southern Iowa Council of Governments, which the city has worked with as administrators of the NSP, informed the City Council that the state wanted to close out Corning’s participation in the program and encouraged the council to make a plan for how to use the remaining funds before time expired. The council and Mayor Jan Leonard outlined several properties that pose hazards or other nuisance concerns and prioritized which properties could be procured most quickly and at the least expense in order to make the biggest impact throughout the community.

After these properties were determined to be the priorities, the project was approved through SICOG and the state of Iowa before taking steps to purchase.

Corning’s participation in the NSP will come to a close by the end of March. Corning was initially given approximately $300,000 to participate in NSP. Since then the city has built one new home, rehabilitated two more and with the inclusion of the current projects demolished a total of six dwellings. Only one of those properties has not and will not be sold by the city. Memorial Rock Park was created in a green space created from the demolition of a blighted property.

After final bills from the purchase and demolition of these properties is complete, all remaining NSP funds will revert to the state of Iowa to be used for similar projects in other communities. Any money resulting in the sale of these properties or other properties that the city currently owns through NSP projects will also be returned to the state.

“We will be selling these properties as well as those we currently have ownership of, but the program has limitation for how these properties may be sold,” Mayor Leonard said. “We are not in the real estate business, nor are we interested in maintaining these properties at our expense long-term. Ideally we could get all of the remaining properties sold and back on the tax rolls.”

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JACKI BARDOLE/Free Press — The Southwest Valley Timberwolves pose for a photo Feb. 27 following their successful season. Front row from left are Scotty Adcock, Jace Petersen, Scott Palmer, Wyatt McAlpin and Grant Mauer. Back row from left are coach Kyle Bashor, Jacob Webb, Hunter Poston, Trenton Drake, Dustin Lund, Jadon Bohn, Chance Cobb, coach Robert Whaley and coach Andrew Focht.

Timberwolf family ends on high note

The Timberwolves’ high hopes at the beginning of basketball season ended on a high note with the Class 1A District 14 title, a 14-11 rec­ord and two Second Team Pride of Iowa All Conference selections.
Southwest Valley won its last six games before falling Feb. 25 to Grandview Chris­tian School in the Class 1A Substate 7 Tournament.

“We started the season with high expectations, we had some ups and downs through­out the season and some really close games, we came together really well towards the end of the season and built the momentum go­ing into district play,” South­west Valley head coach An­drew Focht said. “The fan support was great, especially those kids in the student sec­tion, they really helped to keep us motivated and helped us win.”

Fans had much to be ex­cited about this season, espe­cially in the Timberwolves district championship game when SWV turned a 30-18 first half deficit into a 62-59 win over Fremont-Mills.

Much of that excitement came from the intensity of seniors Wyatt McAlpin and Scott Palmer and junior Chance Cobb. Cobb averaged 13.8 points per game, Palmer averaged 10.9 points per game and McAlpin averaged 10.7 points per game. McAl­pin and Cobb were both se­lected Second Team All Con­ference.

“Wyatt McAlpin was a four-year varsity player and a great athlete. He works hard and helps to keep our momen­tum going. He’s one of our best defenders,” Focht said. “Scott Palmer was al­ways in the play and along with Chance Cobb was a leader on the floor. We are going to miss them both next year.”

Teamwork was the key to the Timberwolves’ success, McAlpin said.

“It was fun watching the team progress into a family,” he said. “We built up a lot of trust, we knew we had each other’s back. It was a fun run.”

Palmer, too, saw the Tim­berwolves become a family in ways he couldn’t imagine.

“No one, including our­selves, would have seen us here at the start of the sea­son,” he said. “We started out as a team and ended as a fam­ily. It was a hell of a ride. We can look back and cherish and enjoy these memories when we are older.”

Cobb along with fellow jun­iors Jace Petersen, Tren­ton Drake, Jadon Bohn, Grant Mauer and Chance Tepoel will bring his talent, experi­ence and leadership skills back next year for, hopefully, an even more successful sea­son.

“It was amazing. We had such a good run, it’s just too bad we couldn’t finish it out the way we wanted,” Cobb said. “I want to give a shout out to our seniors Wyatt and Scott — they brought it every night and kept us going. I think we turned a lot of heads this year at districts and sur­prised people. We were one of the best teams in the confer­ence.”

“We had a great team work­ing together,” Focht said. “We couldn’t have done this without all of them.”

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Lundquist brings home state hardware

While Southwest Valley’s two state wrestling qualifiers — senior Bryce Newton and sophomore Teagan Lundquist — didn’t finish the tourna­ment as strong as they may have liked, coach Jason Wet­zel said the Timberwolves were well represented in Des Moines.

“We had an excellent week­end,” coach Jason Wetzel said. “Both boys wrestled well.”

Lundquist came home with a seventh place medal. After losing in a 5-2 decision to Brady Henderson in the first round, Lundquist came back to defeat Justin Severson by technical fall in 3:45 and Kea­ton Hetland in a 3-1 deci­sion. Lundquist fell to Logan Lutgen in a 7-1 decision but won the seventh round match in a 13-10 decision over Anavin Mounivong.

“Teagan wrestled a tough kid in the first round and was in the match the entire time but lost in the end. He had to win the second and third round matches to place, which he did,” Wetzel said. “The third round he won in overtime with a sweet outside leg takedown. He then lost the fourth match to the fourth ranked kid in the state and came back to wrestle for sev­enth place. He was wrestling a wrestler he defeated earlier in the year. This time it was very exciting but Teagan came away with the win. Plac­ing as a sophomore is quite an accomplishment and he will work hard in the offseason and improve for next year.”

Newton started off facing two strong opponents. In his first match, Newton lost by fall in 3:23 to Tom Rief, a wrestler with a 53-4 record at the time. Newton then faced Colton Francis, a wrestler with a 37-9 record at the time. Francis defeated Newton by fall in 4:52.

“We knew going into the meet Bryce would face the No. 2 ranked kid first round and would have the sixth or eighth ranked kid second round,” Wetzel said. “Alt­hough he lost both matches he was wrestling well through­out the two matches. It was great for Bryce to expe­rience the state tourna­ment.”

Lundquist, Newton qualify for state

In the first time since 2014, Southwest Valley will com­pete again in the Iowa High School Athletic Association State Wrestling Tournament.

Teagan Lundquist and Bryce Newton both placed second in the Feb. 11 in the Class 1A District 17 Tourna­ment in Underwood. Both claimed wins in the semifi­nals, Lundquist by pinning Dalton Rose of Clarinda Acad­emy in 1:59 at 126 pounds and Newton by pin­ning Denton Hicks of River­side in 2:47 at 220 pounds.

“Both boys wrestled well in their first match of the day, each earning pins,” Timber­wolves coach Jason Wetzel said. “Winning the first match is key and puts you in a much better position to qual­ify for state. They each lost their championship matches, Teagan to the No. 1 ranked wrestler from Under­wood and Bryce to a wrestler who has defeated him two previous times. Neither had to wrestle in a wrestle back match, which was quite a relief from the pressure each of them may have been feel­ing.”

In the championships matches, Alex Thomsen de­feated Lundquist in a 19-4 technical fall and Cade Suhr of ACGC defeated Newton by fall in 1:36.

With their semifinals wins, Lundquist and Newton shot at state wrested on the out­come of the third-place matches in their weight clas­ses. Had the opponents Lundquist and Newton had defeated lost, the two Timber­wolves would have found themselves on the mat once again. Rose and Hicks claimed wins to place third.

The IHSAA State Wres­tling Tournament will take place Feb. 16-18 Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. Class 1A competition begins at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 16.

“At state on Thursday, Teagan starts of with the No. 6 ranked wrestler from North Linn, Brady Henderson. Bryce will begins the tourna­ment with the no. 2 ranked wrestler from Missouri Val­ley, Tom Reif,” Wetzel said. “The great thing about quali­fying for the state tournament is everyone who is there de­serves to be there. At anytime upsets can and often do hap­pen. We are going to Des Moines with the mindset of placing at the state tourna­ment. We want guys on the awards podium.”

The community will give Lundquist and Newman a send-off at 8 a.m. Feb. 16 on Davis Avenue and then onto Highway 138.

Speech stu­dents strong at state

Southwest Valley took three groups to the state group speech contest Feb. 4 at West Des Moines Valley.

Two groups received divi­sion I ratings and one group received a division II rating.
Earning Division I ratings were:

• Short Film, “No Clue,” with cast members Tom Wil­son, Jesse Houser, Duncan Roberts, Anthony Bynum and Bryce Newton; and

• Choral Reading, “... And a Class Bunny,” with cast mem­bers Tom Wilson, Ma­zene Laughlin, Grant Maurer, Anthony Bynum, Evan Davis, Connor Shipley, Adam Harris, Elizabeth Fuller, Erin Fle­harty, Danielle Wetzel, Abby Fleharty, Danica Drake, Katie Hoerman, Carlie Breaud, and Kaitlyn Richey.

Receiving Division II rat­ings were:

• Ensemble Act­ing, ”Barefoot in the Park,” with cast members Elizabeth Fuller and Quinton Scott.
Prior to state competition, the students honed their skills before a local audience Feb. 2 in the Southwest Valley Group Speech Home Show in Corning.

“I thought the kids per­formed very well, both on Saturday and at our home show Thursday night,” SWV speech coach Pete Nett said. “We had an absolutely fabulous crowd at the home show; it was great to see so much of the student body and the community get a chance to share with the kids the hard work they did with their selections.”

Chamber celebrates Super Heroes

By Don Groves
Free Press

“The Super Heroes of Ad­ams County” made their ap­pearance at the Adams Com­munity Chamber of Com­merce’s annual banquet Jan. 26 at Happy Hollow Country Club in Corning.

Chamber leaders used the Super Heroes theme to honor the businesses, organizations and volunteers that work to improve Adams County. This year’s award winners are:

• Gary Boswell, Agricultur­alist of the Year. This award is presented to an individual who has dedicated himself to the advancement within agri­cultural opportunities in Ad­ams Community;

• Jeff and Tina Russell of Bobbers Down Marina, Entre­preneur of the Year. This award is presented to an individual/business partners who have taken the initiative to develop, continue or ex­pand a business in Adams Community through excep­tional vision, effective leader­ship, innovation in products, services, or processes, market awareness, operational effi­ciency and/or outstanding customer service;

• Bob Stougard of Corning Gymnastics, Busi­ness/Organization of the Year. This award is presented to a business or organization that has continued growth and/or economic health, dedication to customer service, commu­nity involvement, leadership and innovative efforts to adapt to changing community;

• Doug Oldenkamp, John McMahon Volunteer of the Year. This award is presented to an individual who has shown outstanding volunteer efforts that have made a sig­nificant and positive impact on the Adams Community; and

• Ken Rummer, Joe Cook Lifetime Support Award. This award is presented to an individual who has shown long-term dedication to the betterment of the Adams Community.

Prior to the presentation, the Adams Community Foun­dation chair Nancy Turner presented the foundation’s January cycle of grant awards. Awards went to:

• CHI Health Wellness Cen­ter $1,900 for wellness equipment;
• City of Prescott/Prescott Fire and Rescue, $20,000 for fire equipment;  
• Corning Opera House Cul­tural Center, $15,000 for window preservation;
• City of Prescott, $10,000 for a dump truck; and
• City of Corning, $5,148 and $52,048 for renovation of park restrooms.

Turner said the foundation, which celebrated its 30th anniversary with a free First Friday Barbecue in July, has presented 243 grants and has invested more than $1 million back into the community since its first grant was pre­sented in 1988. The next round of grant applications is due the first Friday in June.

Outgoing chamber presi­dent Jerry Peckham said the chamber gained eight new members in 2016. The new members are TS Bank; Akin Design Center; First National Bank of Massena; Rasmussen, Nelson and Wonio, PLC; Carvers Ridge; Taylor County Public Health; and Preferred Properties.

Treasurer Jodi Lyddon pre­sented a financial report. The chamber was under budget on income in 2016 with $28,090 budgeted and $25,286.69 actual. It was also under budget on expenses as well with $31,634 budgeted and $27,494.93 actual. Lyddon said the 2017 budget is simi­lar to 2016’s actual, with in­come budgeted at $26,465 and expenses at $26,465.

Julia Paul presented the chamber’s 2016 highlights. Among them were $9,000 in Chamber Bucks, 252 people attending the annual Flight Breakfast, more than 30 busi­nesses participating in Sam­ple Corning, six First Friday Barbecues, the lighted Christ­mas parade, visits with Santa, an Halloween costume con­test and other events.

Paul said the chamber’s 2017 goals include hiring a new chamber director, in­creasing membership, sum­mer networking events, Cham­ber Coffees and continu­ing existing events.
Denny Villhauer, chamber board member and 2016 vice president, challenged cham­ber members to keep the com­munity growing in 2017.

“Who will be our Super He­roes in 2017?” he asked.

Jessica Wilson, incoming chamber president, closed the banquet with a few brief com­ments.
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“I look forward to being president in 2017,” she said. “We will make our commu­nity stronger, viable and a great place to call home.”

Rummer to retire after 36 years

By Jacki Bardole
Free Press

After serving for more than 36 years as the pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Corning, Ken Rummer will officially retire on Jan. 31. The church will celebrate his ministry Jan. 28 with an open house from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. before his final worship service on Sunday.

Ken and his wife Myrna moved to Corning with their toddler son Tim in 1980 after having served four years as the assistant pastor at Douglas Avenue Presbyterian Church.

“I served under three senior pastors in four years,” said Ken. “The time served functionally as an apprenticeship. When I got here, it was several years before I ran into something ‘new.’ That time really helped to prepare me for the unexpected of ministry.”

Rummer began to feel called into ministry during his sophomore year of college at Michigan State. Rummer chose to take ancient Greek to fulfill his foreign language requirement. As an electrical engineering student, Ken began feeling the pull to go to seminary. One professor told his students that everyone should spend at least one year at seminary. When he graduated from Michigan State he turned down a job with a large engineering firm and decided instead to attend the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary.

During his time at UDTS, the seminary had a sharing agreement with two other seminaries in Dubuque.  Between the three institutions, there were approximately 100 students with access to 65 faculty.

“We had a lot of personalized interaction with the faculty and were exposed to a variety of theological perspectives,” said Rummer.

Presbyterian churches function on a call system. In this system, churches and pastors each fill out a profile outlining their ministry needs and gifts. Those profiles are submitted to a computerized central system that puts together potential matches. This process usually takes several months up to a few years.

At the time that the Rev. Rummer was looking for a new ministry placement, there was a large volume of pastors and churches looking for a match. The general assembly held what it called a face to face, an event at a central location where search committees and clergy could meet in a series of short meetings. Pastors could meet with up to six churches in one day to speed along the process of making matches.

“The call process is a little bit like online dating. Each side fills out a profile and after a series of talking with and interviewing potential matches, search committees bring in a candidate to meet the congregation,” said the Rev. Rummer. “These face-to-face meetings were sort of like the speed-dating. I met with six committees in one day.”

The contingent from Corning was Rummer’s final meeting of the day. Despite being tired from a long day, something about his meeting with the committee stood out as special or different from his other meetings.

“I interpreted that little something extra as the moving of the Holy Spirit,” he said. “There was liveliness and life here that I deeply responded to. Soon after the face-to-face meetings we came to Corning to interview. When we came to visit, our son Tim was only about one and a half. A parishioner, Raymond Moore, offered to take him to find the toys while Myrna and I took a tour of the town. When Tim took Raymond’s hand and just toddled off, we knew this was special.”

Rummer followed the Rev. Jim Sinning who had served First Presbyterian Church for 27 years. When he began his ministry here, Rummer felt that if this were a good match it would last about 10 years. He never imagined that it would be more.

“I thought 27 years was ridiculous at the time,” he remembered. “Opportunities to move on arose, but it was never the right time. We were always right in the middle of something. Sometime around 11 and a half years in, I had a personal crisis. I had outrun my imagined future and didn’t know what I was supposed to do next. After wrestling with myself, I decided to just be here. I told God, ‘if you want me somewhere else, I’m going to need a big sign. That sign never came.”

Thirty-six years leaves time for a lot of growth, both personally and professionally.

“If I were the same pastor as when I came, this would not work,” he said. “I’ve grown and changed and so has the church. There have been new and different areas of ministry to focus on each year.”

Through their years in Corning, Ken and Myrna have served the community outside the walls of First Presbyterian in many ways. After a few years at home with Tim and daughter Tricia, who was born after the family moved to town, Myrna served a term on the school board before joining the faculty at the middle school. While she taught, she also pursued a master’s degree in guidance counseling from Northwest Missouri State University. After working as counselor for both Corning and Prescott school districts, she took courses with an Iowa State University cohort to earn an endorsement in school administration. She spent seven years as the principal of Corning Elementary before retiring. In total she spent 20 years working in the district.

Using her gifts in counseling and education, Myrna has served on boards for Midwest Opportunities, Crossroads and the Corning Education Foundation. Ken served on as chair of the Main Street Corning Design committee and the Main Street board when Corning became a Main Street community. During his tenure the committee worked on façade upgrades and were recruited by the city to work on repairing or replacing the bandstand in Central Park. Ken became the chair of the task force that redesigned Central Park.

In trying to reflect on the life they have led here, Myrna said, “It’s a collection of happenings through the years. Building friendships and relationships.”

Ken shared that he has had the honor to witness the moment when a fussy baby gets calm and quiet during baptism, a moment of understanding when in a child’s eyes as they partake of communion and being present at the deep and mysterious moment of death.
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The next chapter for the Rummers begins with a vacation to visit Myrna’s sister in Florida for a few weeks of what Ken calls “retirement lessons” followed by a period of time helping with preparations for a soon to be born grandbaby. They expect their new home in Ankeny by the High Trestle Trail to be finished by the end of March.

CHI Health sees leadership changes

Joan Neuhaus, senior vice president of CHI Health Support Services, recently announced that Deb Gold­smith became president of regional operations for CHI Health.

For the past year, Gold­smith has overseen the oper­ations of CHI Health’s owned critical access hospi­tals (CAH), while maintain­ing her role as president of CHI Health Mercy Hospital, Corning. Neuhaus said that Goldsmith has done an ex­cellent job, working with the CAH hospital presidents, to expand access and maintain CAH hospital profitability throughout the region.

In her new role, Goldsmith will have oversight responsi­bility for CHI Health wholly owned hospitals: CHI Health Missouri Valley Hospital, Missouri Valley, Iowa; CHI Health Schuyler Hospital, Schuyler, Neb.; CHI Health St. Mary’s Hospital, Ne­braska City, Neb.; CHI Health Mercy Hospital, Corning; CHI Health Plainview Hospital, Plainview, Neb.; CHI Health managed hospitals: Memo­rial Community Hospital and Health System, Blair, Neb.; Thayer County Health Sys­tem, Hebron, Neb.; and Pawnee County Memorial Hospital, Pawnee City, Neb.

In addition to hospital oversight, all operations to support CHI Health’s critical access hospital networks will also fall under Goldsmith. This will include work in the areas of credentialing, peer review, quality and opera­tional support for CAH Net­work hospitals.

One of Goldsmith’s first decisions was the selection of a new president for CHI Health Mercy Corning. Goldsmith recently an­nounced the appointment of Lisa Wolfe to the position of president for Mercy Hospital Corning and Clinics with administrative duties begin­ning Jan. 1.

“We are pleased that Lisa Wolfe accepted this leader­ship role,” Goldsmith said. “Lisa has been a strong team member at the management level and advocate for Mercy Corning. As president, she brings a wealth of knowledge from her hands-on health care experience and former leadership re­sponsibilities.”

Wolfe has worked for CHI Health Mercy Corning 13 years starting in education and clinical support services and serving as operations director for ancillary services for the past eight years. Lisa (Kannas) Wolfe was a grad­uate of Corning High School and received her registered associate degree in nursing from Southwestern Commu­nity College, her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Phoenix and is currently working toward a Master’s Degree in Health Care Administration. Mar­ried to John Wolfe of Creston, together they have two sons, Jacob and Jay.

“I am honored to have been selected to fill the role as president. When I returned to my hometown to work 13 years ago, I knew I was making a good choice to support the health care of this community,” Wolfe said. “One of my first duties was as the health career instructor for Corning High School. It’s rewarding to see those students now have active health careers and making a difference for others. It’s that type of future I see for our hospital: to make a differ­ence for our community and for people’s health. The business of health care is changing rapidly but one constant for Mercy Corning is the compassion, quality and dedication of service to those who come to us for health care. I’m excited to lead the hospital and clinics on the journey to remain a strong, viable asset of our area.”

CHI Health Mercy Corning is part of the CHI Health regional health network stretching across Nebraska and southwest Iowa. It serves patients and communities through 15 hospitals, two stand-alone behavioral health facilities and more than 150 employed physician practice locations. The system in­cludes 2,820 licensed beds and serves as the primary teaching partner of Creighton University’s health sciences schools. In fiscal year 2013, the organization provided a combined $130.7 million in quantified community bene­fit including services for the poor, free clinics, education and research.

“Mercy Corning is a key player in CHI Health’s on­going mission to provide quality health service to the residents of southwest Iowa and southeast Nebraska re­gions,” Goldsmith said. “It is a win-win partnership to have this hospital in our net­work and to work together to keep health care services where they need to be, close to those who need them. I have every confidence in Lisa’s ability to continue in providing the leadership to strengthen Mercy Corning abilities to meet that need.”

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Young engineers thrive at SWV

By Jacki Bardole
Free Press

Southwest Valley schools hosted a FIRST TEC (FTC) robotics competition on Jan. 7.

Sixteen Iowa teams, in­cluding three representing Southwest Valley, filled the high school gymnasium and commons areas with their robots and cases of back-up supplies and tools.

Each year, FIRST employs a team of engineers to design and develop a new FTC game. Some components of the game stay the same from year to year, for example, the field is always a 12 by 12-foot square with lighted bea­cons on the two sides oppo­site of the drivers. There are four phases to each meet: judging/interview, qualifying rounds, alliance selection and finals. During the judg­ing portion, teams talk with the judges about their design and building process as well as any community awareness activities they have partici­pated in.

For qualifying rounds, each team is paired randomly with another team to form either a red or blue alliance. In a meet the size of this one, there are 20 qualifying matches. After qualifiers, the top four teams select which team they would like to align with for the semi-finals round. The winning alliance from each semi-finals round compete against each other to determine the overall win­ning alliance. 

The game this year is titled “Velocity Vortex.” It con­sists of a center vortex (a pair of goals atop a pole —these goals can rotate when pushed) and two corner vor­tices, three small balls of each color (particles) and two larger “cap” balls that begin the round parked around the center vortex. There are a variety of ways to score points during the match, including tossing a particle through the center vortex goal, moving or lift­ing the cap ball, claiming the beacon or parking a robot in designated areas. Each task is worth a different amount of points. Teams are given a basic kit of parts and are allowed to add materials within specified parameters. The finished robots must fit within maximum dimension of 18 inches by 18 inches by 18 inches and be pro­grammed using Java-based programming controlled by an Android device.

During the design and building phase, teams ana­lyze the game and decide which aspects they will focus on for their scoring. Some robots at Saturday’s compe­tition were focused on lifting the cap ball and claiming beacons, while others were more concerned with col­lecting and shooting particles through the center vortex.

The match plays out in three parts. First is a 30 se­cond autonomous period, during which the robot exe­cutes a preprogrammed ma­neuver. This is followed by a driver-controlled period of two minutes and a 30 second driver controlled end game. The end game is when robots designed to lift the cap ball transition from other modes of scoring.

Southwest Valley is home to three teams: 8882 — An­nihil8ors and 3634 — KISS represent the high school and 9566 — Tech Bam is from the middle school.

The Annihil8tors team of Ryan Maeder, Daniel Kin­yon, Connor Shipley, Melissa Wiechman, Paige Garland, Bryce Newton, Nic Frede, Hayden Bayles, Jesse Houser, Tom Wilson and Duncan Roberts finished in 15th place.

The middle school team, sponsored by Kelsi Bruce, consists of the eighth grade students from the Extended Learning Program (ELP). These students competed with FTC as seventh-graders and decided to take on the challenge again this year. Each student has designated roles within the team. Marah Larsen and Blaine Venteicher focused on the pro­gramming. Larsen, Aubrey Boswell and Aspen Lundquist completed the build, while Sydney Davies and Kaitlyn Bruce, the “me­dia” team, documented the progress for the team’s engi­neering journal. Kendi Gra­ham is a rover, helping out with building and program­ming as needed. During competition, Larsen, Graham and Venteicher take turns driving, while Lundquist and Boswell serve as coaches.

“Last year, I offered the idea as a project the group could all work on together for their ELP time,” said Ms. Bruce. “They did pretty well, and enjoyed it, so we tried it again this year. I have been learning about robotics and engineering right along with them.”

When evaluating this year’s game, Tech Bam de­cided to focus its efforts on collecting and shooting the particles. During the auton­omous phase, the team’s robot is programmed to shoot two particles before moving the cap ball and parking on the center vortex. If autonomous runs exactly as programmed, the team should score a total of 40 points before the driver-con­trolled period even begins. Robot No. 9566 is designed with a brush created out of zip-ties attached to a spin­ning rod to sweep up parti­cles and transfer them to a throwing arm during the driver-controlled period.

“The competition is a lot of fun. I like to try to solve the problem,” said Venteicher. “I would like to do something like this in the future. I’ve learned a lot.”

Larsen agreed, through this process she has discovered that she has some interest in engineering.

“I really like the problem solving,” she said. “We start with nothing but a bunch of parts and come together to build a robot that can do all these different things. Our robot this year is very differ­ent from the one last year.”

Others on the team are less interested in the engineering aspects of the challenge, but enjoy the emphasis on working together as a team to solve a problem.

“It’s really fun, the group is fun,” said Boswell. “And I like meeting new people. I think it would be great to form a new team next year and keep working together.”

Tech Bam ended the day in 13th place.

Team KISS (an acronym for Keep It Super Simple) has a few veteran members, but most of the participants are new to FTC. Home school senior Rebekah Queener returns to her role as media and coach for a third year. In addition to de­signing their team logo each year and talking to members of the community about ro­botics, Queener focuses her energies on helping the younger members of the team to stay calm under the pressure of competition and focus on following the rules of engagement.

“We have some very com­petitive people on our team, and when things aren’t going as planned, I feel it is my role to help them stay calm through the match,” she said. “Sometimes we have some communication glitches, but when we focus and work together our robot will work how we want it to.”

Ashlyn Pittman is a fresh­man student who is also new to the community. She joined robotics because she wanted to get to know other students and her new community. Her role as media is to help get the word out about their team and get additional students and community members involved.
First year competitors Jor­dan Joyce, Tristan Cline and Suzie Hensley focus on the building, programming and driving of the robot. Both Cline and Hensley credit middle school teacher Erin Wetzel with encouraging them to pursue robotics after demonstrating a natural tal­ent during Project Lead the Way classes.

KISS chose to focus its efforts on claiming beacons. During the autonomous pe­riod, the robot is designed to hit the cap ball and park on the ramp. Recently, the team added a mechanism to the robot to lift the cap ball dur­ing the end game phase. Sat­urday was the test run to see if the design modifications would be successful. During the main phase, the robot’s focus is on pushing the but­tons to claim the beacons for their alliance.

In addition to the five members of the team at the competition on Saturday, Steven Jennings, Mark Collwell, Tracy Baker and Natalie St. John round out the team.

“We stalled out during our first match today,” said Cline. “I’m trying to figure out now if it is an electrical or a mechanical failure so we can solve the problem and keep competing.”

After locating and fixing the mechanical problem KISS went on to finish eighth in the qualifying round and be selected by the fourth seeded team as its alliance partner. Team KISS also earned the Motivate judged award for its commu­nity activities with the County Fair and inspiring others to join Robotics. This award qualified them to move on to the next round of competition Feb. 4 in Sioux City. 

Mobile devices engaging, concerning at SWV

The use of mobile devices in Southwest Valley High School classrooms has ad­ministrators reaching out to students and parents over new safety concerns.

Southwest Valley High School principal Jamie Craig said the vast majority of staff and students have a cell phone or tablet that they use on a regular basis. Teachers have incorporated mobile devices into instruction this year dif­ferent than any other. Stu­dents can use their phones and tablets to conduct research, take assessments, and practice skills. They can communicate with family and friends bringing real-world conversa­tion from all around the world.

Students engage in content different than ever before, Craig said. There are also many concerning behaviors that come with students bringing devices to school. While the positive opportunities for em­bedding technology in the curriculum are endless, so are the negative impacts of inap­propriate use of mobile de­vices.

“Two new concerns have come up lately that parents and the public should be aware of: live broadcasting and spoofing,” Craig said. “Mobile devices have been able to make recordings for a long time, but now those vid­eos can be viewed live as they happen on apps like Facebook and Instagram. When some­one initiates a live broadcast, their followers — someone who ‘likes’ their information feed — receive a notification that they are online broad­casting. With Facebook, the live recording stays on the person’s feed until they delete it. This is very popular with news organizations now as they try to fill every minute of the 24/7 news cycle and be first on the scene.”

Instagram is different be­cause when the live broadcast stops, no video is saved, Craig said.

“This creates a privacy issue for both staff and students and a distraction to the classroom as students receive notifica­tions on their devices that their friends are broadcast­ing,” he said. “At no time are students authorized to video capture, photograph, or audio record others in the school building, on school property, or at school activities unless recording a public perfor­mance, such as a school play, game, concert, contest, etc.”

Craig said the second issue is spoofing.

“Spoofing is when someone sends you a message appear­ing to be someone else,” he said. “This means, for exam­ple, that if you receive a mes­sage from someone you know but isn't content you recognize or is harassing in nature, it may be coming from someone else that has your number and is using a third-party applica­tion to send the unwelcome message. Because these mes­sages do not originate from the cell phone number they say they do, tracking the mes­sages is extremely difficult. This makes cyberbullying harder to investigate, and can get someone in trouble that's number is being used to send harassing texts."

Craig said Southwest Valley High School will not tolerate use of mobile devices with the exceptions of times noted in the student handbook and when approved by teachers or administration.
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“We ask that parents please have a conversation with your children regarding inappropri­ate use of mobile devices at school and possible conse­quences that could come as a result,” he said. “There are many positive ways that tech­nology can be harnessed to give students a more engaging educational experience, and we want to operate with a mobile device policy that al­lows for appropriate class­room usage. We appreciate your support in helping the school prepare students for appropriate device usage as they work to achieve their goals, and as our staff works to provide a quality educa­tional experience for all our students.”

JACKI BARDOLE/Free Press — Corning Elementary School buddies Zoey Mullen and Addy Morgan and Wyatt Mendenhall and Dre Sparks read together in the library.

Young mentors help kin­dergarteners

By Jacki Bardole
Free Press

Corning Elementary School is home to a unique mentoring program now in its second year. Each Corn­ing third grade student is paired with a kindergartener. These students meet gener­ally once a month to bond and work together on their reading and other activities.

Third grade is the youngest group of students in the up­per elementary pod at the school.

“We wanted the kids to have the chance to connect with a grade level in the west pod and have a role model,” said kindergarten teacher Sarah Morrison. “The third-graders get to act as a little bit of a mentor to their kin­dergarten buddies.”

Each grade is split into two sections, so each time they meet, half of the third-grad­ers go to the kindergarten room while half of the kin­dergarteners travel to the third grade room. This way, there are never too many children in one classroom at any given time. It also gives the kindergarteners a chance to experience a “big kid classroom” and reminds the third-graders of how much they have grown in the past couple of years.

“We always plan a fun ac­tivity when we meet,” said Morrison. “We want the kids to be excited to see their buddies. Next week when we get together the third-graders are presenting a readers the­ater and we will share our Gingerbread story with them. We have also made crafts to give a Christmas gift to our buddies.”

Other projects completed or planned focus on getting to know one another and improving literacy skills. Students created a book to­gether after interviewing their buddy to learn about what he or she likes and doesn’t like. Later in the school year, students will share their research projects with their buddies.

Third grade teachers Kathy Sothman and Rachel Foutch shared that while the benefits to the kindergarteners may seem more obvious, third-graders are also getting a chance to improve their skills through the partner­ship.

“We want to incorporate social activities to foster skill building, guided interaction and to let the older students take ownership of leading, mentoring and encouraging younger students,” said So­thman. “The younger stu­dents remind our third-grad­ers how far they've come as readers and communicators.”

 The third grade students were very excited to talk about their buddies. Some students already knew their buddies because they are the little brothers and sisters of classmates, ride the same bus or attend the same daycare. Others have met a new friend.

“I really liked getting to meet my buddy and learn more about her because I didn’t know her before,” said Oakley.

Wyatt agreed, “I got to know my buddy better while we made our book.”

“We are making ornaments for our buddies today,” said Aiden.

While some third grade students focused on the so­cial aspect of working with their buddies, others were excited about their reading and the upcoming presenta­tions.

“I helped my buddy read and also work on spelling,” said Ellie C.

“I am excited for our read­ers theater next week. I get to be the gingerbread girl and have people chase me,” shared Ada.

“I’m excited to be a narra­tor and show the kids that you can learn how to re­member your lines,” said Lucas.

Gavin shared that he helped his buddy learn to speak more clearly. “I had a tough time understanding him at first. But as we kept working together, it got eas­ier.”

“I think it’s neat that we get to help them learn to read,” said Chloe.

Cael is excited because, “We get to help them learn.”

“I’m a much better reader and have learned to be a better person than I was in kindergarten,” said Wyatt. “And my kindergarten buddy is helping me learn too.”
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Above all else, that is the goal of this partnership — both kindergarten and third graders will grow academi­cally and socially and come to learn more about them­selves in the process. 

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JACKI BARDOLE/Free Press — The ladies of Sew and Sew quilting club present World War II Army veteran Frannie Mack with a Quilt of Valor to honor his service and sacrifice for his country on Dec. 12. Shirley Fleharty was not available for the presentation.

Quilts serve as reminders to veterans

By Jacki Bardole
Free Press

The Sew and Sew quilting group formed 10 years ago with the mission of creating hand-quilted pieces to gift to local non-profit organizations.

A few years ago, the ladies of Sew and Sew learned of the national organization called Quilts of Valor. At that time, the group made a pair of quilts that they presented to recently returned, injured local veterans.

Quilts of Valor was created in 2003 by Catherine Roberts while her son was deployed in Iraq. The first Quilt of Valor was given to a young soldier from Minnesota at Walter Reed Army Medical Center who had lost his leg in Iraq. The thought was simple, a handmade quilt is comforting and reminds the veteran that someone cares for them.

By 2005, Quilts of Valor had grown so quickly that it became an official non-profit organization. In those early days, quilts were only awarded to injured veterans of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. However, quilts were awarded to a group of Vietnam veterans in 2009 when a group of recent veterans could not be located for the program. These veterans commented to organizers that these quilts and the people who presented them were the first thank you they had received for their service in the 40 years since they had returned home. Roberts changed the rules immediately. Now, any warrior who had been touched by war, regardless of dates of service, could receive a Quilt of Valor, no questions asked.

The guidelines for the quilts are both simple and specific. They are to fall within certain dimensions, not too small to comfortably wrap around an adult, but not so large as to be a bed quilt. They are to be patriotic in color scheme and unless they are made with a specific recipient in mind are not to include the insignia of any specific branch of the military. The quilts must be machine or hand quilted and must be labeled as a Quilt of Valor.

The ladies of Sew and Sew have just finished another piece for Quilts of Valor and presented it to World War II veteran Frannie Mack. In an effort to show that Mack’s contributions have not been forgotten, the quilters spent the better part of the past year creating and hand-quilting the project.

The Sew and Sew quilters meet two to three days a month and spend about six hours working on their projects. They chose Mack as their recipient before they began the project last year in October. Each of the nine women — Shirley Fleharty, Erma Fuller, Gwen Herbert, Norma Mosman, Joleen Nelson, Donna Peckham, Kay Peckham, Judi Perrin and Marilyn Shellenberg — pieced together four quilt blocks of whatever patterns they chose. When the individual blocks were completed they pieced them all together into one quilt top. After the quilting process was completed, Perrin took the quilt home to attach the binding and prepare it for presentation.

Donna Peckham shared that they chose Mack because everyone knows him so well and frankly, the time remaining to honor World War II veterans is coming to a close.

“All veterans are deserving, but we can only get so many quilts done,” said Donna. “We will keep working on it to try to reach more.”

Mack served in the United States Army as a medic from 1943 to January 1946.

“I was one of 12 medics in charge of caring for a company of 800 men,” he remembers. “I was able to see a lot of the world. I was stationed in New Guinea, New Zealand, the Philippines and Japan. I was lucky enough to be in Manila when the atomic bombs went off. If I had already been allowed to travel to Tokyo, I wouldn’t still be here.”

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Christmas Angels brighten holiday

By Jacki Bardole
Free Press

For well over the past two decades, Corning churches have been supporting local families in need at Christmas time.

In the early 1990s Mary Morrison, Nancy Mann and Beth Waddle got together and decided to combine their efforts in order to reach more families and individuals in a more effective way. They came together as representatives of the Presbyterian, United Methodist and Catholic churches in the community and formed the Christmas Angels program. Nancy Turner joined the Angels on behalf of First Presbyterian to replace Mary Morrison several years ago.

“We know that gifts aren’t the point of Christmas, but there’s nothing worse than not being able to give your child something for the holidays,” said Waddle. “For me, the best parts of the program are the grateful hugs from parents and the excitement of the children when they see their box at pick up day.”

Since they began keeping records in 1995, Christmas Angels has sponsored hundreds of local children and their families.

“Our records from 1995 show we had 13 families with a total of 41 children,” shared Waddle. “Now we average 50 to 65 families each year with over 200 individuals receiving gifts. This year we have 46 families with a total of 191 children.”

In addition to gifts for the children of the families, Christmas Angels provides food items through partnerships with Corning Meat Processing and Hy-Vee. Each family receives frozen ground beef and specialized Hy-Vee gift cards when they pick up their gifts. These gift cards indicate how many of which items each family can purchase at Hy-Vee to create meals like spaghetti, chili or macaroni and cheese. This year, thanks to increased generosity of cash gifts toward food items, families will also receive sausage from Corning Meat Processing and be able to get some fresh fruit and vegetables from the grocery store. These food gifts are calculated according to family size and are primarily non-perishable items in order to extend their usefulness beyond the few weeks around Christmas.

In years past, the adults in the families have been given Chamber Bucks or gift cards to local stores. This year, the Christmas Angels team has decided to direct funds to purchasing additional food items for the entire family instead.

“We wanted to focus on things that were the most helpful for the families we support,” said Waddle.

While Christmas Angels began with the three churches, there are now additional churches, businesses and school groups in the community that support the program.

“Each year we have more families offering to help than we have families to sponsor,” said Waddle. “I’m always overwhelmed by the generosity of our community. I feel that Christmas Angels demonstrates the true meaning of Christmas — people supporting each other, coming together to care for one another.”

Many families use the Christmas Angels program to teach generosity and giving to their children.

“Each year we have parents ask if there is a family they can sponsor that has children the same ages or gender as their kids so they can take ownership of picking out just the right gift,” shared Waddle. “And we’ve been doing this for so long, that now we have people who shopped for families with their parents who now adopt families with their own children. Seeing the generational impact is incredible.”

While Christmas has always been and will continue to be their focus, the Christmas Angels program has evolved through the years and supported the community in a variety of additional ways. They have purchased freezers for the community food pantry, provided summer food gifts to families, helped with the purchase of school supplies and assisted families in emergency situations by referral.
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Cash donations may be made to the Christmas Angels account at any time at Iowa State Savings Bank.

Rep. Young’s legislation becomes law

Iowa’s Third District Rep. David Young introduced a piece of Legislation, the No Veterans Crisis Line Call Should Go Unanswered Act, June 7 in response to con­cerns voiced by Iowa veter­ans about unanswered calls, emails or other communica­tions, and failed attempts to receive help from the Veter­ans Crisis Line.

These concerns directly dispute previous assurances from the Department of Vet­erans Affairs to congres­sional VA committees that problems like these had been addressed. The legislation also follows an investigation by the VA Office of the In­spector General, which re­vealed a lack of quality con­trol measures to ensure communications are an­swered promptly and re­sponse efforts are properly documented.

The legislation provides necessary responsiveness and performance improve­ments to the Veterans Crisis Line, which is the confiden­tial, toll-free hotline for vet­erans seeking suicide pre­vention and crisis resources help from VA responders.

 “Our men and women in uniform sacrifice a great deal to keep our country safe and secure, and we owe it to them to provide the best health care possible,” Young said. “When a veteran is in crisis and is reaching out for help, we have to guarantee someone is there for them 100 percent of the time. No excuses. Any instance of a veteran having trouble with the Veterans Crisis Line is simply unacceptable. This legislation requires the VA to provide and implement a plan to improve responsive­ness and performance of the crisis line, an important step to ensure our veterans have mental health resources they need.”

Late in the day on Sept. 26, the U.S. House of Repre­sentatives overwhelmingly approved Rep. Young’s bi­partisan legislation by a vote of 357-0.

On Nov. 16, the U.S. Sen­ate also unanimously ap­proved the No Veterans Cri­sis Line Call Should Go Un­answered Act.

“I appreciate the unani­mous support this legislation has received from my col­leagues in both the House and the Senate, and I hope upon reaching the president’s desk, this bill will be quickly signed into law,” Young said.

President Barak Obama signed the legislation into law Nov. 28. The law re­quires the VA secretary to create a quality assurance process outlining perfor­mance indicators and objec­tives to address responsive­ness and performance of the Veterans Crisis Line and backup call centers, and a timeline noting when objec­tives will be reached, as well as develop a plan to ensure any communication to the Veterans Crisis Line or backup call center is an­swered in a timely manner by a person in accordance with the guidance established by the American Association of Suicidology. Finally, the VA is to submit the plan to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate within 180 days of the legislation’s enactment.

“In a victory for our veter­ans, service members, and their families in Iowa and across the country, the No Veterans Crisis Line Call Should Go Unanswered Act has been signed into law,” Young said. “I appreciate my colleagues in the House and Senate and the president for working with me to get this widely supported, critical mental health legislation for our veterans and service members across the finish line. Those who have sacri­ficed in defense of our free­doms deserve the best qual­ity mental health care possi­ble, and I remain committed to ensuring we uphold the promises made them.”

Holiday Headquarters ring in season

The Corning Opera House Cultural Center is ushering in the Christmas season on Saturday, Nov. 26, with a Christmas Sing-a-long and the grand opening of Holiday Headquarters at 6 p.m. with more than 20 decorated trees by individuals, businesses, and organizations.

The community is invited to join family and friends for holiday music such as “Rudolph,” “Frosty” and “Silent Night” with hot cocoa or cider in the auditorium on the second floor, which is handicap accessible by elevator. Those attending may also stroll among the adorned trees and vote with loose change to pick a favorite. The money raised will cover the cost of utilities for the Opera House. After the lighted parade, the trees can be seen until 8:30 p.m.

From 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 2, the Opera House will host Chamber Coffee. Guests will hear Renaissance music while being served hot cider among the festive trees.

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, children can “make and take” an ornament or decorate a Christmas card for someone special.

On Saturday, Dec. 10, children’s author Jane Goedken will read and sign her book “Froggie’s Best Friend” at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Goedken will also have other frog crafts and games for children to participate in. She hopes to inspire children with a love of reading and nature as she shares her book, through enhanced nature pictures and rhymes that teach the importance of friendship, the patience it sometimes takes to find a best friend, and how differences can make friendship exceptional.

During Men’s Shopping Night from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15, men are welcome to come in from the cold, enjoy a beer (for a small fee) and shop for their wives and family members. Show tickets for 2017 can be purchased with a 10 percent discount or gift certificates will be available.
Businesses or families can also rent the festive space for a wine and cheese party or catered meal. Call (641) 418-8037 for details.

Other opportunities to visit Holiday Headquarters are from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 27; from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3; from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11; from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 17; and from noon to 2 p.m. and Sunday, Dec.18. Follow along on Facebook or the Opera House website www.CorningOperaHouse.com to stay up to date.

Sample Corning starts holiday season

By Jacki Bardole
Free Press

Now in its 13th year, Sample Corning continues to draw a crowd. Held annually on the second Friday of November, Sample Corning is designed to kick off the holiday season in the community.

The number of participating businesses dipped slightly this year due to Veterans Day closures, but the unseasonably warm weather enabled more than 400 residents and guests to visit the 34 participants.
Adams Community Chamber executive director Wendi Boswell shared that the Chamber continues to orchestrate the event because it serves as an opportunity for businesses and the community to interact with one another.

“Sample Corning promotes what our local businesses have to offer by getting people in the doors of businesses that they may not normally frequent and showing them what products or services the business has to offer,” she said. “It also provides a great opportunity for businesses to show their appreciation to the community for their support throughout the year.”

In the past few years, Sample Corning has undergone a few key changes. In 2014, Boswell began printing booklets that contained all the recipes being sampled. That year, these booklets were made available to the businesses participating in Sample Corning, since they were unable to collect recipe cards from the other businesses. Last year, the booklets replaced the cards entirely. That shift was partially precipitated by joining forces with the Small Business Administration to raise awareness for Small Business Saturday and encouraging people to shop local. Anyone interested may download a copy the recipe booklet at www.adamscommunityiowa.com.

The Chamber has distributed a pair of surveys, both of which are available through its Facebook page. One is for businesses and the other is for participants.

“We hope that a lot of people will take the time to complete our short surveys to let us know what went well and offer suggestions to make next year even better,” said Boswell. “We at the Chamber believe that Sample Corning is a perfect way to kick off the holiday season and look forward to many years to come.”

Long overdue

Two World War II veterans presented medals for their service

By Jacki Bardole
Free Press

Dean Kester and Harold Walter received long overdue thanks and were awarded service medals for their service in the United States Navy during World War II. Sen. Joni Ernst presented the medals during an Election Day ceremony at Vintage Park in Lenox, where both men are residents.
Kester served in the Navy from 1940 to 1946.

“I served every day of World War II,” he said. “And a year before and after.”

Kester, along with his brother, served in the Navy while another brother joined the Army.

“We all volunteered, at that time, there wasn’t a draft,” he said. “I’m the only one of us left now.”

During his tenure of service, Kester served on three vessels: the battleship USS Idaho, the USS Fargo and the only wooden sub chaser used during World War II — the SC1048.

“I spent two years on that battleship and when we got off, there were quite a few sailors that I had never met before,” said Kester. “But I guess you’ll have that with 2,500 people on one boat.”

The Idaho moved from its dock at Pearl Harbor through the Panama Canal to Iceland in September 1941 to protect American advance bases. The ship departed Iceland to return to Pearl Harbor two days after the attack.

While serving on the USS Fargo, stationed in Naples, Italy, Kester found himself in charge of getting a fellow sailor to his court-martial hearing.

“He rather liked his liberty and wouldn’t always return when he was supposed to,” remembered Kester. “The commander decided enough was enough and scheduled him for a court-martial. I had to transport him as a prisoner from Naples to Florence. It took two days by train. Then I was responsible for him all the way back to the States.”

During the war, while Kester was on a short leave before transferring to another ship, he returned home to marry long-time sweetheart Leona.

“We’d known each other since grade school,” he said. “I got married and moved my new wife with me to Washington, D.C., while I went to school to become a gunner’s mate.”

After earning the rank of gunner’s mate, Kester was stationed aboard the sub chaser and was in charge of the ammunition, the artillery and the depth charges.

“We used sonar to locate the subs under the water,” he shared. “When we found something, we dropped a depth charge. I know we found and hit one during my time.”

During his years of service, Kester travelled the world and was in places like Iceland, New Zealand, South America and Italy and sailed the Southwest Pacific, the North Atlantic and the Mediterranean. During his 12 weeks of training to be a gunner’s mate in Washington, D.C., President Franklin D. Roosevelt passed away. Kester was selected as part of the Honorary Guard for his funeral.

A few months ago as Kester’s son Larry and his wife Denise were going through Dean’s military paperwork, they discovered that he had earned several medals that he had never received. The Kesters passed the paperwork on to an employee of Vintage Park who worked with Sen. Ernst’s office to arrange the presentation.

Like Kester, Walter served on three vessels in the Navy from Aug. 28, 1942, to Feb. 15, 1945. 

For the first six months he was stationed on the English gunboat the PG68. The second ship he served on was actually a converted yacht that the U.S. Navy had seized from Harold S. Vanderbilt at the outbreak of World War II. Walter spent six months aboard this vessel before earning the rank of 3rd class yeoman and being transferred to a sub chaser.

While on the sub chaser, Walter climbed in rank to a 2nd class yeoman, but never rose higher.
“You had to know and use shorthand to make first class,” he remembered. “I didn’t like shorthand, so I never made it past 2nd class.”

Walter served all along the Eastern Coast during his tenure, ranging from as far north as Newfoundland, Canada, to the Grand Cayman Islands in the south. When the war was over, his sub chaser was responsible for bringing a German submarine into the harbor at Boston.

When Walter realized that he was the only one of the five young men who left for war together who was still living, he looked over his military service paperwork and noticed that he was to have been given several medals that he had never received. That is when he requested that someone from the Veterans Affairs helped him apply for them.

Sen. Ernst spoke about her respect for these two men who demonstrated what she deems the four pillars of success: Assuming prudent risk, leadership, service and gratitude.

“Leadership,” she said, “is not just someone who wears a title like senator or sergeant, but someone who inspires others to follow them toward a common goal.”

Sen. Ernst also shared that these medals were not from her or her office, but rather given by the United States on behalf of the people of the United States.

“These two sailors earned these awards and unfortunately never received them. This recognition is long overdue and I am so honored to be able to present them.”

Kester was awarded the Navy Good Conduct Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the American Defense Services Medal, the American Campaign Medal and the American Pacific Campaign Medal as well as a Discharge button and Honorable Service lapel pin.
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Walter was given the Navy Good Conduct Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, and the American Defense Services Medal as well as a Discharge button and Honorable Service lapel pin.

Harley Crill sells his share of the crop to be converted into ethanol and animal feed on the final day of the Watch Me Grow project Oct. 26 at POET Biorefining.

Fifth-graders harvest corn

By Jacki Bardole
Free Press

Corning Elementary fifth-graders completed their Watch Me Grow project at POET Biorefining on Oct. 26 with a harvest celebration.

Fifth-grade students, teachers and parents were invited to POET to hand pick the corn they planted last spring with the help of some POET and Crop Production Services employee volunteers, Farm Bureau members, and Southwest Valley High School FFA students.

After picking their corn, playing some games and learning about corn mold and ethanol, the students sold their corn to POET. Students earned $3.10 each for their crop. After completing their sale, students and guests took a tour of the manufacturing plant before regrouping for a picnic lunch.
Several students shared their favorite parts of the entire project from planting to the celebration. Tate Haffner most enjoyed “picking the corn” while Layla Konecne thought “the tour, seeing what the lab is for and smelling all the samples was cool.” Samantha Davies thought the games were fun and the tour was really interesting and KC Sitzman was excited to get money for his work.

Brianna Crozier experienced something brand new in picking corn and Emma Cooper thought the tour was really interesting. “Going in the building and seeing the machines was cool,” she said. “And we got to see the computer and tell what was and wasn’t working when the plant had a problem this morning.”

Charlee Larsen enjoyed picking corn too. “I got to pick my corn and another row too,” she said.
Emma DeVore thought the tour was neat. “It was good to see what people do in the factory and learn how ethanol is made,” she said. Parker Boswell most enjoyed “going into the office and learning about all the things that are made from corn.”

Most of the children were so excited about the events of the day that it consumed their focus. A few students remembered back through the summer. “Getting things in the mail all summer was really cool. My favorites were the hat and the puzzle,” said Megan Ramsey and Karissa Richey couldn’t pick a particular favorite, “the mail, the tour — it was all very enjoyable.”

Allison Thomas explained that her family also received and enjoyed the summer mailings. “It was always like Christmas at my house when the POET envelopes came,” she said. “We’d all read the newsletters together and each of us found something that we wanted from the fun surprises. What I enjoyed was that we learned so many things about farming and ethanol.” She also explained how the project fit nicely into the school curriculum, “We are talking about the eco system and food chain so this fits in perfectly with what we are working on in science,” she said.

POET Corning general manager Greg Olsen expressed a sense of pride in the first season of Watch Me Grow, a program that he created with support from Farm Bureau and CPS.

“It was great, the kids seemed to really enjoy it and so did we,” he said. “We will absolutely do it again.”

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Local candidates answer questions

By Jacki Bardole
Free Press

Five candidates for Adams County government attended the Oct. 18 candidate forum. Tim Ostroski, executive di­rector of Southern Iowa Council of Governments, served as moderator. A small audience of approximately 30 voters was assembled to hear from the candidates.

Becky Bissell, running un­opposed to retain her seat as Adams County auditor, shared that the biggest change in her office over her first term is the acquisition and implementation of elec­tronic poll books.

“The electronic poll books use free software from the Iowa Secretary of State’s office. All we had to pur­chase was the laptops and printers for the precincts. For that minimal expense, we were able to upgrade our election process and ensure the integrity of the elections in Adams County,” said Bis­sell. “Many counties in Iowa that are much larger than ours have not yet made this transition.”

Bissell later explained that this system, combined with multiple fail safe security measures at both the county office and the Secretary of State’s office, ensure that election tampering does not occur.

“Our database never touches the network and is kept in a locked and secured room at all times,” said Bissell. “We work very closely with the Secretary of State, and their system is monitored 24-7.”

Bissell indicated that the biggest challenge facing her department relates to human resources.

“My office has been working to streamline our county HR practices,” she said. “We need to bring our policies and procedures up to state and federal laws and department of labor regula­tions. And most importantly, limit our county liability.”

Karl McCarty and Merlin Dixon are running unop­posed for reelection for Ad­ams County Board of Super­visors District 5 and District 2, respectively.

McCarty is running for a third term. He shared that the board has many accom­plishments over his past two terms that he is very proud of.

“I am very pleased with our secondary roads crew, they do a great job at main­taining our county roads and keeping them safe,” he said. “We’ve made some im­portant safety improvements at the courthouse, brought the sewer lines in from Lake Icaria and Country Haven, and made improvements to the lodges and campgrounds at Lake Icaria. And now we have the wind turbines in that will create revenue that should help keep taxes down.”

Dixon agreed that the sewer lines were a big ac­complishment over the past few years for the board.

“The sewer lines should get us out of trouble with the DNR. We also became a Home Base Iowa commu­nity, which will help us to get vets to move into the community,” he said. “And we have great communica­tion with our state legislature which has helped us to keep our E911 service alive.”

McCarty would also like to see HR improvements across all departments countywide; he feels this is the No. 1 pri­ority facing the board. Dixon indicated that he would like to see the board finish up­dating county ordinances so that they are fair and known to everyone.

Both supervisors indicated that as the state legislature continues to evaluate trans­forming Highway 34 into a four-lane corridor Adams County needs to take steps to ensure it is ready to meet the demand of the increased traffic. One voter asked the candidates what the county has planned to make sure that Adams County is more than just a pass through.

“These transportation op­tions [truck friendly high­ways and accessible rail­ways] are a big draw for in­dustries. We make sure when we are courting potential new industries that they are highlighted as one of our advantages,” said Dixon.

McCarty also commented that a heavily trafficked highway would open up other possibilities for the community.

“There would be a need for a truck stop, which would create some jobs,” he said. “We do need to address housing. We need more moderate priced homes that appeal to those just starting out, not so much those who are nearing retirement. Maybe we need to create some incentives to help peo­ple afford to purchase a home. Young people are what will keep this commu­nity going.”

The only locally contested race in this election is for Adams County sheriff. Dep­uty Robert Lillie is chal­lenging incumbent Sheriff Alan Johannes. Johannes has served as sheriff for six years. He was appointed to the position when Bill Lyd­don retired mid-term and was elected to the position four years ago.  Lillie has been with the department since 2009.

Johannes indicated that he would like to see the depart­ment continue to treat all people with respect and dig­nity.

“I don’t want anyone to be afraid to call 911,” he said. “I want people to know that if they have a problem, we are there to help and that we have an open door policy.”

Johannes did not indicate any significant changes he would like to make to the department.

Lillie commented that he would like to make two ma­jor changes. “We need to eliminate em­ployer/employee relation­ships and improve honesty. We have outstanding offic­ers; I want to keep them in the department. We need to keep them working and keep them happy.”

Both candidates indicated that one of the best things happening currently in the department is the joint screening process for new hires.

“All deputies are involved in the screening process for new officers,” said Lillie.

Johannes agreed that this procedure is highly effective. “I agree with Bob. Joint screening really helps with longevity of our officers.”

Johannes also indicated that he is pleased with the recent radio and repeater upgrades that allow the dep­uties to communicate more effectively with dispatch.

When questioned about how to improve the effec­tiveness of countywide law enforcement the candidates had some differences of opinion.

“We always have two dep­uties on duty, generally one stays in and around Corning while the other is in the rural areas of the county — be­cause of this, we have great response time,” said Johan­nes. “We are adding another deputy, which will reduce the on-call time for our of­ficers. That will be an im­provement. Also, we have just recently purchased new software and are in the pro­cess of switching over, for better record keeping. As we purchase new or upgrade our vehicles, we will have com­puters installed that are com­patible with the MACH sys­tem from the Iowa DOT. We already have cameras in all vehicles as well as body cameras for each deputy.”

Lillie indicated that the MACH system is a high pri­ority.

“Right now, there is a war on police and Highway 34 is dangerous, especially in the middle of the night. An of­ficer never knows what situ­ation they are walking into. In the event that something happens that they can’t radio in, the MACH system lets dispatch know exactly where the officer is,” he said. “We also need to upgrade our weapons system, right now it’s not useful at night. And we need to have trauma plates for our body armor. In this rural area, so many peo­ple have rifles — our armor will not protect us from a rifle round. And we also need to implement regular, monthly, hands-on training.”

One voter asked why each candidate thought they were better suited for the office of sheriff than their opponent. Lillie highlighted his many years of military experience, particularly that of his duties as first sergeant responsible for a company of 138 subor­dinates.

“I have experience leading and I know have the respect of the officers and the dis­patchers. Without that re­spect, you can’t be much of a leader. I lead by example,” he said.

Johannes indicated that he also leads by example. “I never ask them to do some­thing I am not willing to do. I spend time on patrol as well as in the office doing paperwork.”

Ostroski probed the ques­tion further, asking how the candidates meld the roles of law enforcement and admin­istration.

“I’ve never claimed to be a great administrator,” said Johannes. “But I have a great staff — my chief deputy is a great help, and we have re­sources for help with HR through Becky. And after six years on the job, I’ve gotten more efficient, reporting that used to take a full day, now takes only a few hours.”
Lillie indicated that ad­ministration is more than just paperwork. “A good admin­istrator also has to manage personnel. There should be regular reviews that are doc­umented.”

Two final questions for the sheriff candidates centered on finances. First the candi­dates were asked if they felt, considering the needs stated, the department was under­funded. Both candidates in­dicated that the budget is sufficient to meet the needs of the department and that the board is very supportive and grants additional spend­ing when needs are pre­sented. Secondly, the candi­dates were asked if there had been misspending of the budget that made the pur­chase of trauma plates not feasible.

“There is a line item in the budget for public safety. Money has not been spent on things that it shouldn’t have,” said Johannes. “There’s no reason not to have bought the trauma plates.”
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Lillie was not given the opportunity during the forum to respond to the question. However, after the forum was over, he indicated that he believes money has been misspent. &ld