Estherville Area
OUR
hometown
AUGUST 2020
Shop Estherville Spend Local Photo Courtesy of Chamber of Commerce
104 S. 17th Street, Estherville Owners: Trace & Lesli Iverson
102 South 1st Street Estherville, IA (712) 362-7429 Office Hours: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm M-F 6 am by appt. only
102 South 1st Street Estherville, IA (712) 362-7429
Office Hours: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm M-F 6 am by appt. only
Signs & Banners Interior/Exterior Aluminum, Corrugated, Vinyl & More! 620 Central Ave • Estherville, IA 712-362-4803 • www.esthervilleprinting.com HOURS: M-F 8:30-5:00
Clarken REALTORS
Residential, Commercial & Farm
“The Spouses Selling Houses”
1108 Central Ave. Estherville Grocery: 712-362-5284 Meat Dept: 712-362-7305
Check Out Our Big Savings In The Estherville Spirit Every Week
Remember we are a full service Real Estate Company. We can auction your personal property and we have moving trailers to help you move into your new home. • MIKE 2011 • EDITH 2013 •
303 Central Ave. Estherville, Iowa
Office 362-4332 • Mike Cell 380-2981 • Edith Cell 380-2982 • www.clarkenrealtors.com • clarkenrealty@gmail.com
Take the night off and feed your family some delicious CHICKEN w/ choice of potato.
Call ahead to order
712-362-5126 CHICKEN-TO-GO now available on the weekends. Orders can be large or small...any amount you need.
827 West Central, Estherville 2 ßß AUGUST 2020712-362-5300 ß OUR HOMETOWN
Shop Estherville Spend Local Photo Courtesy of Chamber of Commerce
415 S 18th St. • yourrwc.org •
regionalwellnesscenter
712-362-3950
2209 Murray Road, Estherville, IA
Yarn • Party • Office Supplies Scrapbooking-Card Making Napkin Imprinting Greeting Cards from 50% OFF Visit our online store at www.esthervilleoutlet.com
- outletstoreestherville
18 North 7th Street - Estherville, IA
Thank you for shopping our small business!
Home décor & gifts that create smiles for you and the ones you love.
608 Central Avenue • Estherville, Iowa 51334
Wed. Noon-5:00 * Thur. & Fri. 8:30-5:00 * Sat. 8:30-1:00
16 Unique Boutiques
Mobile Oil and Lube Service “We Come To You” 414 South 9th Street, Estherville IA 51334 (712)2096294 Firehousemobilelube.com
• Cabinet Paint • Building Supplies North Iowa Lumber & Design, Inc. 2303 Murray Road, Estherville, IA 51334
712-362-5996
All In One Convenient Location!
Vendor Space Available! Contact: Elaine 209-1934 or Frannie 209-2614
Heartland Co-Op 16 South 6th Street, Estherville
• Apparel • Gifts • Accessories • Home Goods & Decor • Baked Goods • Custom gifts • Antiques • Essential Oils & Much More!
Hours: Wed 10-5 Thurs 10-6 Fri 10-5 Sat 10-2
Inman Electric & Inman Electric Downtown Antiques inmanelectric@yourstarnet.net 15 South 6th Street. Estherville, IA 51334
712-362-2203
AUGUST 2020 ß OUR HOMETOWN ßß 3
Beauty Earth For the
of the
By Amy H. Peterson apeterson@esthervillenews.net
4 ßß AUGUST 2020 ß OUR HOMETOWN
Tom Brekke of Superior has cultivated wildflowers on his land for a decade
A
n Indian proverb says, “All the flowers of the tomorrows are in the seeds of today.” This thought was at the root of the U.S. Farm Service Agency’s project to pay farmers to give a portion of land to growing wildflowers. The Conservation Reserve Program came into 2020 celebrating its 35th year. In the last year for which statistics are available, 2017, CRP counted for 23.4 million acres, and the ownes of those acres received $392 million in rental payments, an average of $218/acre, according to the USDA. It’s the highest published rental rate in the United States. “CRP in general has been a fantastic program, in all three components: to protect our soil, to help clean our water and to re-establish wildlife habitat,” said Matt O’Connor, Iowa habitat coordinator for Pheasants Forever. “On environmentally sensitive land, it gives farmers a solid income stream.”
Tom Brekke
Managing CRP acres requires more than simply not raising crops on them. Participants – who may be resident landowners or tenants – are required to control noxious weeds, undesirable vegetation, and pests that may threaten neighbors’ property, according to Curt Goettsch, FSA’s Iowa conservation compliance chief. AUGUST 2020 ß OUR HOMETOWN ßß 5
That includes re-establishing native prairie grasses and wildflowers on enrolled acres. Tom Brekke of Superior joined the program about a decade ago and now has 100 acres dedicated to wildflowers. Planting wildflowers is connected to the nation’s food supply. Without pollinators providing pollen, many plants could not set seed and reproduce, and consequently many animal populations and species would die out. This has serious economic implications for humans and for native eco-system diversity and stability. Brekke’s wildflower fields are part of the Pollinator Habitat Initiative, which offers landowners like Brekke a way to create longer-lasting meadows of high-quality native wildflowers that support pollinators and other wildlife populations while increasing the percentage of fast-blooming forage legumes and other wildflowers that have traditionally been a part of native plant mixes.
This adds up to millions of acres CRP has annexed into the program over the last three decades. Brekke said farmers and the FSA share the cost of seeds and farmers receive annual rental payments plus an enrollment signing incentive payment. Land must be cropland that is planted to an agricultural commodity, be free from planting restrictions due to easement or other legal instrument, and meet other requirements. “Some day this will be burned out,” Brekke said, with the land making way for a new planting cycle or for a new purpose. Brekke, who traverses his acres on a four-wheeler, said, “We want future generations to live on this planet for a long time. The best way is to be good stewards of the land and take conservation seriously.” Looking out at the vast, golden field, Brekke added, “Knowing I am contributing to the future of the land gives me a connection to it that nothing else does.”
At Fareway our goal is to save you money on your total grocery order matching all local competitors sale prices and accepting their coupons, whether it’s a 1-day, 3-day or 7-day ad. Plus you get U.S.D.A. Choice meats, fresh produce and carry-out service to your car!
GROCERY DEPARTMENT 362-5264 MEAT DEPARTMENT 362-7305 6 ßß AUGUST 2020 ß OUR HOMETOWN
STORE HOURS Mon.-Sat. 8am-9pm Closed Sundays & Holidays 1108 CENTRAL AVE. • ESTHERVILLE
DUITSMAN
• PLUMBING • HEATING • AIR CONDITIONING • RADIANT EQUIPMENT • WATER HEATERS • GEOTHERMAL HEAT PUMPS We offer repair, remodeling, and new home construction.
We also offer drain and sewer cleaning. Trophies
Keith & Dan both hold a Master license in Plumbing, HVAC, Refrigeration, and Hydronic. Engraving Invitations
8 South 5th St. , IA . ESTHERVILE “IF YOU’RE NOT HAPPY, WE ’RE NOT HAPPY HAPPY AND, IF WE’RE NOT 712-362-3776 Awards
Answer on Page 10
- YOU’LL NEVER SEE IT.”
ESTHERVILLE
17159
PRINTING COMPANY
620 Central Central Ave. Ave. Estherville, Estherville, IA IA •• 362-4803 362-4803 •• www.esthervilleprinting.com 620 www.esthervilleprinting.com
NOW OFFERING: Outdoor Durable Vinyl Printing
•Yard Signs •Banners •Decals AUGUST 2020 ß OUR HOMETOWN ßß 7
Socially distanced summertime Emmet County kids faced the challenge of socially distancing in a time when they normally would crowd parks, waterfronts and play places by
Amy H. Peterson
apeterson@estehrvillenews.net
The Estherville News gathered the best images we found of children in the area catching fish, soaking up the sun and wading in the water as spring and summer melded into a five-month vacation. While this expanse of free time would seem like the dream life to kids of all ages, it came at the cost of getting together in large groups and for some, even seeing their friends in person.
Above: Grace Daisy touches the water on a fishing boat ride. At left :Adriana Jackson made an amphibious friend. 8 ßß AUGUST 2020 ß OUR HOMETOWN
Above: Easton Daisy may have, like everyone else, missed Sweet Corn Days, but he managed to clear an ear of sweet corn on his own. At left: Hunter Daisy holds up his catch of the day. Below: Nora Giddings of Ringsted holds up her rainbow creation last spring. A northwest Iowa group, Rainbow Hunts for Kids grew to include places far beyond Northwest Iowa as homes and businesses put up rainbows in their windows for kids to find on walks. Photos submitted
AUGUST 2020 ß OUR HOMETOWN ßß 9
Answer to puzzle on Page 7
Excavating • Demolition • Dozing • Rock Gravel • Sand • Black Dirt • Crushed Concrete Business Offc. 712-864-3640 Cell. 712-260-6202 FAX. 712-864-3146
P.O. Box 50 Armstrong, IA 50514 Michael Sjoblom, Pres. sjoblom@iowatelecom.net
We Put The PLUS In Banking! We put the PLUS in banking! Your Full-Service Community Bank • Deposit Accounts • Special Services • Consumer Loans • Agricultural & Commercial Loans
Drive up ATM in front of building for Estherville Bank and Plus convenience. - 1202 Central Ave. your safety
Estherville BANK Lobby PLUS 1202 Central Ave. Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Phone: 712-362-5000 Fax: 712-362-2100
www.bankplusiowa.com 24-Hour Drive-Up ATM
Additional Times Available by Appointment
712-362-5000 Drive-Up Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. www.bankplusiowa.com Satuday 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
10 ßß AUGUST 2020 ß OUR HOMETOWN
Hours Lobby M-F 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Drive Up M-F 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Business spotlight
Roy: grateful for community support
Roy Gage of Roy’s Auto said the initial quarantine of the pandemic from March into April, the Central Ave. shop experienced an unprecedented slowdown of customers bringing their vehicles in. After that, and with warming weather, the lot filled with waiting cars. By the end of May, the workflow became downright busy. Roy said, “We did our best to wipe down with disinfectant door handles, steering wheels and shifters, etc. on all cars before and after working on them to protect both our customers and ourselves.” Roy added, “We are living in strange times.”
Isidro: staff and customers have been outstanding
Isidro and Judith Pena, owners of Don Jose Restaurant in Estherville, experienced some downturn when they had to go to takeout service only. Isidro said his staff was remarkable, and they were able to keep people in their jobs. Isidro said they made the decision to stay with takeout service for a time after the governor said it was okay to open at 50% capacity. Isidro said, “We are fortunate to have 14 tables even at 50% capacity.” The restaurant continues to seat every other table and booth in an effort to socially distance. “We are so grateful for the support of our customers who order takeout and who come in to the restaurant,” Isidro said. AUGUST 2020 ß OUR HOMETOWN ßß 11
The
Loop Hundreds turned out for a properly distanced social event Text and photos by Amy H. Peterson apeterson@esthervillenews.net
They scooped the loop. They bombed Central. They took a lap. Diane Dreeszen said, “It was fun when it was four-lane. Everybody cruised Central.” To Dan Perkins, it was “Taking a lap.” Vickie Anderson agreed, telling Dan, “Many laps were taken back when we were in high school. I don’t remember ever being bored.” Steve Anderson called it, “Dragging Central.” Tyler Friesner said, “Everybody knew where their teenagers were back then.” Karen Benjamin Egel said, “I remember when Red Owl parking lot (now the movie theater) was the place to be if you couldn’t afford the gas to drive back and forth all night. If the phone in the phone booth rang, whoever was closest would answer it and would usually be able to tell the caller where they might find 12 ßß AUGUST 2020 ß OUR HOMETOWN
the person for whom they were searching.” Nancy Yackle agreed those were, “Good times!” Fern Kilts said, “Well, I hate to mention the late ‘50s and early ‘60s, but those were the days, my friend.” The popularity of driving around persisted, according to Mike Wilson, who said, “That’s all we did in the ‘80s and early ‘90s, seven days a week.” Peggi Lowski said, “Drag Central or Bombed It. Those were the days.”
fect night to drive the Central Ave. loop with a detour to the care Those days came back on a Friday centers so older friends quarannight earlier this summer. tined inside could see the lineup of cars from all eras and wave. Social distancing and ideal weathThe Black Knights Car Club led the er came together to create a per-
Family Owned and Operated
Clair Iverson Jay Iverson
parade of every kind of vehicle as singles, couples, families, grandparents and grandchildren, even dogs took in the warm spring air and caught up with their friends.
We Buy, Sell & Trade Daily
712-362-5300
www.carzcentral.net • 827 W. Central Ave., Estherville AUGUST 2020 ß OUR HOMETOWN ßß 13
Turn in this completed word search to the Estherville News office at 10 N. 7th St. for a chance to win $25 in Estherville Chamber Bucks. Winner will be contacted by phone and announced in the next edition of Our Hometown
14 ßß AUGUST 2020 ß OUR HOMETOWN
Drawing will be August 28, 2020
Name: ___________________ Phone: ___________________
Business Directory All-Star Lanes 104 S. 17th St Estherville, IA 51334 (712) 362-4954
Estherville outlet 608 Central Ave. Estherville, IA 51334 (712) 362-2548
M.E.’s Body Shop 2209 Murray Road Estherville, IA 1334 (712) 362-3950
Blum & Leonard Agency Insurance & Real Estate 418 Central Ave Estherville, IA 51334 (712) 362-7272
Estherville Printing Company 620 Central Ave Estherville, IA 51334 (712) 362-4803
Michaelson INC Po Box 50 Armstrong, IA 50514 office: (712) 864-3640 Cell: (712) 260-6202
www.blumandleonard.com www.blumandleaonardrealestate.com
Brey’s on Seventh 18 N. 7th St. Estherville, IA 51334 Carz Central 827 W Central Ave Estherville, IA 51334 (712) 362-5300 www.carzcentral.com
www.esthervilleprinting.com
sjoblom@iowatelecom.net
Fareway Meat & Grocery 1108 Central Ave Estherville, IA 51334 Grocery: (712) 362-5264 Meat: (712) 362-7305
North Iowa Lumber & Design 2303 Murray Road Estherville, IA 51334 (712) 362-5996
Fire House 414 S. (th St. Estherville, IA (712) 209-6294
Clarken REALtoRS 303 Central Ave Estherville, IA 51334
Heartland Co-op 16 S. 6th St. Estherville, IA 51334
Drain Pro (712) 865-2070
Henry olson Funeral Home 401 N 7th St Estherville, IA 51334 (712) 362-0035
www.clarkenrealtors.com realty@mediacombb.net
Duitsman Plumbing & Heating 8 S 5th St Estherville, IA 51334 (712) 362-3776 Estherville Bank Plus 1202 Central Ave Estherville, IA 51334 (712) 362-5000 www.bankplusiowa.com
www.henryolsonfuneral.com
Inman Electric & Antiques 15 S. 6th St. Estherville, IA 51334 (712) 362-2203
RWC 415 S. 18th St Estherville, IA 51334 (712) 362-8484 Shear Attractions 103 N 20th St Estherville, IA 51334 (712) 362-2407 S&R Auto 102 S. 1st St. Estherville, IA 51334 (712) 362-7429 thates tree Service (800) 225-8733 www.thatetree.com VFW Post Canteen 314 S. 1st St. Estherville, IA 51334 (712) 362-5126
Estherville HyVee 1221 Central Ave Estherville, IA 51334 Store: (712) 362-7246 Floral: (712) 362-7620
Pharmacy: (712) 362-5551
AUGUST 2020 ß OUR HOMETOWN ßß 15
16 ßß AUGUST 2020 ß OUR HOMETOWN
NO TIME FOR THE FLU? GET A FLU SHOT & GET
YOUR ONE-STOP FAMILY PHARMACY
JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED
LOW PRICES ON EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO FIGHT THE FLU! NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY. HIGH DOSE AND QUADRIVALENT AVAILIABLE.
IMMUNIZATIONS:
HY-VEE PHARAMCY OFFERS THE FOLLOWING IMMUNIZATIONS ~ HASSLE-FREE ONLINE & PHONE REFILLS ~ INFLUENZA (FLU) ~ PROFESSIONAL PHARMACY ADVICE ~ PNEUMOCOCCAL ~ FRIENDLY, PERSONALIZED SERVICE ~ SHINGREX (SHINGLES) ~ TETANUS/DIPHTHERIA/PERTUSSIS PLUS, YOU’LL LOVE OUR EVERYDAY LOW PRICES ON THE OVER-THE-COUNTER REMEDIES, ~ HEPATITIS B PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS, HOUSEHOLD GOODS, ~ MENINGOCOCCAL CONVENIENCE ITEMS AND MORE! ~ FAST & EASY PRESCRIPTIONS
MONDAY - FRIDAY 8 A.M. - 6 P.M. SATURDAY 10 A.M. - 4 P.M. SUNDAY 11 A.M. - 3 P.M.
HYVEE PHARMACY 1221 Central Ave. Estherville • 712-362-7246 AUGUST 2020 ß OUR HOMETOWN ßß 17
Parting SHOT
18 ßß AUGUST 2020 ß OUR HOMETOWN
Photo by Amy H. Peterson
THATE’S TREE SERVICE
Proudly Serving Southern Minnesota & Northern Iowa Since 1977
Complete Professional Tree Care for •Commercial •Residential and •Agricultural Properties Joe Thate MN-4410A
PROFESSIONAL ARBORISTS Since 1977
We Specialize in Large & Difficult Tree Projects!
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THATE’S TREE SERVICE 24 Hour Emergency Service!
John Thate - Owner
800.225.8733
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www.thatetree.com • Fully Insured AUGUST 2020 ß OUR HOMETOWN ßß 19
Funeral Preplanning
for Peace of Mind
Funeral preplanning will save your loved ones the stress and expense of making important decisions in their time of grief. Call today to arrange your preplanning consultation, and ensure your final arrangements are carried out according to your wishes.
Henry Olson Funeral Home & Crematory
401 N. 7th St. Estherville, IA 712-362-0035 www.henryolsonfuneral.com
personalized funeral services | burials & cremations | preplanning | options | flexible payment options
Insurance & Real Estate
A full service agency with an experienced and qualified staff for all your insurance and real estate needs.
Insurance:
Bob Schacherer Nancy Danielson Lori Keeler Cody Newgard Dave Rowley
Real Estate:
Dave Spurgin - Broker Jill Spurgin - Sales Associate Lesa Nauss - Sales Associate Rob Goebel - Sales Associate
Blum-Leonard Insurance & Real Estate
418 Central Ave., Estherville IA 51334 | 712-362-7272 www.blumandleonard.com | www.blumandleonardrealestate.com 20 ßß AUGUST 2020 ß OUR HOMETOWN