March 17, 2010

Wednesday March 17, 2010

The Akron $100

H metowner

Your locally owned hometown newspaper now in its ninth year

Volume 9 • Number 11

Hometown newspaper of Richard & Dixie Port

Ryan recommends budget cuts to board

photo by Julie Ann Madden

Monday afternoon motorists could still drive across the Big Sioux River at Akron but come Tuesday morning the barricades were up and the road was closed.

Flood warning issued for Big Sioux River

by Julie Ann Madden On Saturday, the Big Sioux River flooded over its banks in several places, especially between Hawarden and Akron.

Monday morning the National Weather Service (NWS) at Sioux Falls, S.D.,

Akron, Iowa 51001

reported both Akron and Hawarden were still under a flood warning.

At 8 a.m. at Hawarden, the Big Sioux River was at 20.4 feet; flood stage is 15.0 feet. The NWS forecast that the river will crest near 21.7 feet by today (Wednesday)

at Hawarden, then begin slowly falling. Iowa Highway 10 begins to flood at 21.5 feet.

At 11 a.m. Monday at Akron, the water level was at 20.2 feet -- more than 4 feet above its flood stage of 16.0 feet. The NWS fore-

cast predicted the Big Sioux River will crest near 21.4 feet Wednesday at Akron, then slowly begin falling.

South Dakota Highway 48 and Big Sioux River Road begin flooding at 21.5 feet.

See page 20 for more information.

April 1 deadline for A-W Board opts to cut Greater Hoyt agreement as little as possible

by Julie Ann Madden With their legislative exemption foiled, the Greater Hoyt School Board only has a few days to create a reorganization plan for the dissolution of their school district.

April 1 is the deadline for submitting the plan to the South Dakota Department of Education.

A school board committee of President Greg Heeren and Lance Nielsen has been meeting with both Elk Point-Jefferson and Alcester-Hudson school officials

to negotiate an agreement.

It’s likely a special school board meeting will be called this week so the board members can take action on negotiating an agreement.

Once a plan is approved by the board and South Dakota Department of Education officials, then the voters in the Greater Hoyt School District will decide whether to accept or reject the plan.

At the Greater Hoyt

The Akron Opera House is the place to be on Sunday, March 21 when Gaelic Storm makes their second appearance on our stage “back by popular demand.”

The band is being sponsored

by The Akron Hometowner.

Gaelic Storm’s dynamic stage show features rousing upbeat vocals, energetic dance tunes, haunted Celtic ballads and infectious madcap humor.

Over the past ten years,

the district’s maximum Spending Authority, which is the amount school districts could spend if they funded it. Spending Authority is calculated as 25 percent of the district’s last year expenditures but state officials could cut that to 20 percent.

On Saturday, local state legislators said they see school districts getting 2 percent Allowable Growth but that will not be fully funded from state coffers.

See HOYT Con’t on page 9

by Julie Ann Madden The Akron-Westfield School Board has two choices: cut staff and reoccurring expenses or raise taxes in the school district in setting the 2010-2011 budget.

However, Board Secretary Jodi Thompson, who is also the school’s business manager, informed the board even if the state increases school districts’ Spending Authority, A-W is already close to the maximum allowed.

In fact, the proposed 2010-2011 budget includes

“Gaelic Storm” has sold out hundreds of theatres and performing arts centers and played to audiences totaling in the millions, turning this one-time-pub-band into one of the premier touring acts in the world music scene.

Gaelic Storm’s compelling originals and fresh arrangements steeped in Celtic traditional melody combined with a unique blend of world rhythms continue to broaden the musical

horizons of the Celtic music genre.

Highlights from their decade-spanning career include seven Billboard Chart topping albums, a DVD, a full-length concert film featured on HD.net in 2007-2008, song placement on two EA Sports Games, a 2008 Hallmark greeting card featuring their song “Kiss Me I’m Irish”, countless television and radio appearances, and of course, an

appearance in James Cameron’s blockbuster movie “Titanic.”

Gaelic Storm has headlined the world’s largest Irish Festival, the Milwaukee Irish Fest, for six straight years, playing to crowds of 15,000 per performance and breaking the festival’s policy of not inviting artists to perform in consecutive

See BOARD Con’t on page 11

Gaelic Storm hits Akron on Sunday

See GAELIC STORM Con’t on page 8

by Julie Ann Madden On Monday, Akron-Westfield Superintendent Tony Ryan released his budgetary cut recommendations: According to Ryan, these items are on the reduction list for sure: • Science teacher - $71,000, through attrition; Randy Bartels took Early Retirement.

• Middle School Math teacher - $43,000, through attrition; Kurt Van Kley resigned.

• High School Special Education Aide* - $7,700, through attrition; this person’s resignation will be on the March 22 school board meeting agenda.

• At-Risk Coordinator - $17,000, a Reduction in Force.

The position is held by Mike Allner. Both guidance counselors will take the at-risk responsibilities; • Guidance Extended Contract Days and use as Compensation (Time) Days - $2,200; Guidance Counselors are Shawn Hoffman and Krista Weiland.

• Assistant Varsity Track Coach- $2,700, Reduction in Force; this position is held by Graham Lundt.

• Evening Custodian* - $9,000 – Reduction in Force; • General Education Aide – In order to use attrition for the math and science positions, we will have to reassign the General Education Aide to a Study Hall monitor. There most likely will be a decrease in hours with this position, as well. Currently, the teachers are covering study halls.

By having an aide cover the study halls, we can implement the teachers as instructors in place of covering study halls.

The General Education Aide on the original List of Possible Cuts was Patty Heeren.

• Add half time science teacher – +$20,000. To properly offer the biology and Middle School science curriculum, we must hire a half-time science teacher to meet the needs. This cost will be about $20,000.

Total for base option reductions: $132,600 On March 22, Ryan will recommend the school board approve the base option reductions above, and then add $17,400 or more of reductions (below) of their choosing to equal $150,000 cut in staff and reoccurring expenditures. The board would still take $150,000 from the Cash Reserve.

Additional Options • Music – $45,000; Reduction in Force; Ryan Schuknecht has the least seniority.

• Vocational Agriculture Extended Day contracts from 42 days to 21 days - $3,750; the vocational agricultural teacher/FFA advisor is Randy Kroksh.

• Assistant Business Manager-Secretary position $11,600, Reduction in Force. This position is held by Barbette Grimm.

• Junior Class Sponsor - $1,389. The sponsor is Robin Dirks.

• FCCLA sponsor - $896. Position held by Barbara Derby.

Total additional options: $62,635 “I believe you have some good options above,” Ryan told the school board members. “If you wish to consider different options, please let me know ASAP. I will work something out prior to the meeting. Also, if there are positions on the original “list of possibilities” that you would like to visit about or consider, please let me know.” *Editor’s Note: Superintendent Ryan declined to release the names of the following affected by the base option reductions: High School Special Education Aide and Evening Custodian, which is a vacancy currently filled by two substitutes. The rest of the names were listed in the List of Possible Cuts, published Jan. 20, 2010. The March 22 board meeting is a special meeting to give people the chance to speak on the recommendations. To speak, contact Ryan at 568-2020.

Call: 712-568-2208 • FAX: 712-568-2271 • E-mail: akronht@hickorytech.net • Website: www.akronhometowner.com

Community News

Page 2 • The Akron Hometowner

Collegians

Mount Marty College students were honored for their academic achievements during a special Honors Convocation ceremony in February at Bishop Marty Memorial Chapel on Mount Marty’s campus in Yankton, SD. The College’s most prestigious scholarship recipients are recognized during this annual event.

Receiving a Trustee Scholar was Mitchell Zenk of Akron.

Receiving a Benedictine Scholar from Akron was Kalib Heeren.

Akron Hometowner subscriptions make great gifts for college students!

The Akron Hometowner Periodicals postage paid at Akron, IA 51001 Published weekly except the last week of December.

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March 17, 2010

Union County Electric to hold 73rd annual meeting April 5 The 73rd Annual Meeting of Members of Union County Electric Cooperative, Inc. will be held Monday, April 5 at the Elk PointJefferson Middle School Gymnasium.

Registration will begin at 11:00 a.m. and the business session will begin at 1:00 p.m. Several displays featuring energy efficiency and efficient electrical equipment will be available for members to view during the registration session.

Cody’s Homestead Café and Mike Dailey, representing the Union County Pork Producers, will be on hand to prepare a free noon meal featuring barbecued pork loins. The meal will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. The business meeting will follow at 1:00 p.m.

Members registering for this year’s meeting will once again receive a $5 registration credit which they can apply to their April or May electric bill and a registration gift.

Capital credit checks, amounting to over $104,000, will be distributed to all eligible members when they register. The amount to be retired represents capital credit

allocations for the year 1988.

The election of one director will highlight the afternoon session. Members will elect a director for District #5 – Jefferson and Big Sioux Townships. Incumbent Richard Dailey has filed a petition for Director for District #5. The director elected will serve a threeyear term on the cooperative’s board of directors.

The afternoon session will also include reports from East River Electric Power Cooperative and SDREA as well as reports from the officers and management of the cooperative.

Following the conclusion of the business meeting, there will be a drawing for a “grand prize” held prior to the drawings for door prizes. Members whose names are drawn for either the grand prize or one of many door prizes must be present to win.

For members with special needs, handicapped assistance will again be available at the meeting site.

Make plans now to attend your cooperative’s 73rd Annual Meeting on Monday, April 5 at the Elk Point-Jefferson Middle School Gymnasium.

photos by Patti Ericson

Where did the ball go?

That’s just one of the millions of questions parents and teachers don’t have a good answer for but Akron Lanes co-owner Garry Jacobson has the answer to where bowling balls go.

He showed the Akron Head Start children the mechanics of the lanes as well as gave them a few times on bowling recently.

Flooding remains a possibility

by Steve Peterson Flood damage chances remain a good possibility, according to the latest National Weather Service data.

“We saw two to three-hundredths of an increase in flood stage last weekend. There is a possibility for rain through Friday (March 12). It will depend on just how much we get,” Mike Gillispie of National Weather Service of

Sioux Falls said. Temperatures are expected to remain above freezing this week.

As of the latest data on March 5, there is a 75 percent chance the flood stage of 20 feet will be met on the Lower Big Sioux River, he said, which would mean property damage, street flooding, and possibly farmhouse flooding.

The current flood stage level is 8.0 feet

Annual A-W FFA Banquet is this Saturday The Akron-Westfield FFA members will host their annual banquet at 5:30 p.m., this Saturday in the Akron-Westfield School Commons.

The evening begins with a meal catered by Akron Jo’s Cafe, then Akron-Westfield FFA members will receive achievement awards, and guests will be recognized for their support of the local chapter.

All supporters of the

Akron-Westfield FFA program -businesses, parents, FFA Alumni and individuals, are invited and encouraged to attend.

Entertainment will be FFA member vocalist Marissa Harvey.

There will be a silent auction of items with proceeds going toward FFA members’ expenses for Washington Leadership Conference and other leadership activities.

Akron Golf Course Annual Membership Night Saturday, March 27, 2010 • $10 discount on all memberships paid

on or before March 27

• Come and meet the new staff coming to the Golf Course this year • Dave Nelson - Course Superintendent • Julie Coyle - Club House Manager • $10 discount on all memberships paid

on or before March 27 Menu: Pork Loin Sandwiches Potato Salad • Baked Beans • Serving 6 - 8 p.m.

Hope to see you all there.

Street Superintendent:

The City of Akron is seeking a candidate for this full time position. Duties include street construction, vehicle operation and any other duties related to the operation of a municipal utility. CDL is required.

Salary DOQ. Pre-employment physical and drug screening may be required. EOE. Position open until filled. For more information, contact the Director of Public Works, Gary Horton, at 712-568-2654.

Send resume to: City of Akron, Attn: Gary Horton PO Box 318, Akron, IA 51001

Grandma Beth will be 50 on the 2 9th !

Love, Your Family

Mrs. Martin’s Mending

•

Keeping You in Stitches

712-568-2051 712-551-7905 1 mile south of Westfield Call to make arrangements

Corinne J. Martin Seamstress

21538 HWY 12 • P.O. Box 93 • Westfield, IA 51062

Community News

March 17, 2010

Auxiliary Minutes

The Akron Legion Auxiliary met on Thursday March 4 for a pot luck dinner at 6:30.

After a short opening the meeting was held at 7:00 with six members present.

Poppy day was set for May 28. The ladies will be out distributing poppies at 7a.m.

Amy reported on her trip to Des Moines in February where she attended the State Legion Mid Winter Convention. Junior members are working on helping any families that have parents deployed to war zones. Will decide later if we make a donation.

Motions made and passed: donate $100.00 to the District Presidents project. All dollars received will go to the Sioux Falls and Omaha VA hospitals. Donate $100 the Legion Emergency Fund. This is used to Help Legion families in cases of financial crisis. Donate $50 each to Akron Westfield School for Project Prom and the History Fair.

At the May meeting there will be a memorial service and draping of the Charter for all of our members that passed away during the last year. Families of these members will be invited.

Discussion of making a cook book followed and will be advertised in the Akron Hometowner.

Every member will be contacted and asked to contribute recipes and maybe a little history of the recipe.

Meeting was adjourned and closed with prayer.

Sect. Judy Zoeller

Extension Council meets Monday

The Plymouth County Extension Council will meet Monday, March 22 at 7:30 p.m. at the Extension Office Conference Room.

Agenda items include the Le Mars Home Show, staffing at fair report, and the Coalition for a Greater Siouxland report.

Post No. 186 Auxiliary looking for recipes

Attention local American Legion Auxiliary members! The Albert E. Hoschler American Legion Post No. 186 Auxiliary request its members submit recipes and stories for a 2010 Memorial Day Cookbook.

Deadline: April 1, 2010.

Please call President Amy Adix at 568-2755.

Four groups receive Akron Community Foundation grants The Akron Community Foundation (ACF), an affiliate of the Siouxland Community Foundation, recently awarded grants totaling $8,647 to four local organizations.

“Since the first grants were awarded in 2006, over $70,000 has been awarded to support needs in the community and the services provided by Akron nonprofit organizations which positively impact the quality of life here in Akron,” said Mike Hohenstein, chairman of the ACF Advisory Board.

This year grants have been awarded to: • Akron Opera House: $1,300 - For new background flats on performance stage for a more professional set design and to enhance overall experience of audience.

• Akron Park Board: $4,700 - Support for park improvement to replace 10 grass camp spaces with a cement pad, new picnic table and fire ring.

• Akron-Westfield Community Schools: $1,797 - Support for Geezer’s Workshop to equip and repair A-W Industrial Arts Wood and Auto Shops so interested community members can have material and direction with projects.

• Akron Public Library: $850 - Funds to purchase readalong book and CD sets for children, and books on CD for older children and adults.

The mission of the Akron Community Foundation is to identify and fulfill community

From the Administrator’s desk “If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it.” This is an old saying that still holds true. Being active and doing for ourselves means independence and a feeling of self accomplishment.

In the nursing home we are mandated by CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid) to keep our residents at the highest practicable level. They interpret this as the resident should continue doing the same things for themselves as they were doing when they came to the home. Or they should have rehabilitative therapies and restorative care to being them to as close as possible to their original level.

We offer both restorative and physical therapies for this at Akron Care Center.

One day when I was a new administrator, I saw a person struggling down a hall in her

The Vets Club

201 Reed Street • Akron • 568-3015 - Dine In or Carry Out Night Specials Noon Specials Wednesday - 17 th Corned Beef w/Cabbage

Wednesday Nights All You Can Eat TACO’s

Thursday - 18 Beef-n-Noodles

Thursday Nights Pan Fried Chix w/Mashed Potato, Gravy & Vegetable

th

Friday - 19 Meat Nachos with meat, cheese, Jalapeno peppers, onions, black olives, salsa & sour cream th

Monday - 22 nd Chili Burger Tuesday - 23 rd Tater Tot Casserole

Johnson Jrs.

needs, impact future growth and development of Akron, promote volunteerism, attract and distribute funds, and enhance the quality of life in Akron by providing leadership, creating opportunities, and challenging the community to share time, talent, and resources through personal involvement and commitment.

In planting the first seeds of giving to establish the ACF, Florence and Fern Peterson created a vehicle for the people of Akron to give back to their community. All gifts to the ACF are carefully invested and the income from Akron’s endowment is used to make grants to public charities that best meet the needs in Akron.

“Gifts of any size to the Foundation are encouraged to help grow Akron’s endowment and increase the Foundation’s capacity to support current and future needs in our community,” stated Mike Hohenstein. “We also hope people will consider making memorial gifts as lasting tributes to loved ones and friends.”

The ACF is an affiliate of the Siouxland Community Foundation which provides administrative and technical assistance to further the charitable efforts of all its affiliates, including the Akron Community Foundation.

Visit www.siouxlandcommunityfoundation.org/akron.aspx to learn more about the Akron Community Foundation.

by Gail Olson, Care Center Administrator

Friday Nights STEAK & SHRIMP Served with Baked Potato or Fries and a Salad Friday Nights thru Lenten Season All - You - Can - Eat Fish Fry 50¢ off your meal when you bring in this Ad

Kitchen Hours: Mon. - Sat • 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. • Sunday • Noon - 7 p.m.

The Akron Hometowner • Page 3

wheel chair and offered to push her to her room. I hadn’t gone far when a C.N.A. gently tapped me, (her “New Boss”) on the shoulder and told me not to do that for the resident because it was on her Plan of Care to do it for herself. I knew better, but since then I know to ask or read the Plan of Care. We do not expect the public to do this, but if you wonder why we sometimes allow a resident to struggle sometimes we are doing what is best for our residents. Exercise helps with balance and strengthens the resident.

Two income tax tips. Nursing home insurance is deductible on your Federal Income Tax Form if you itemize, but not yet on the Iowa Form. Your resident’s nursing home bill is deductible from the resident’s yearly income the same as a prescription. Be sure to bring these items up to your tax person.

March Meeting The Johnson Juniors 4-H meeting was held Saturday, March 6 at 10:00 a.m. in the TAG room.

Nastya and Anya Wolff lead handson-learning with an Easter basket surprise. Vice-President Caine Westergard called the meeting to order at 10:05 a.m. There were 17 members present with four parents present. This month’s roll call question was, “Are you Irish? If so, how much?” Cali Westergard read the minutes of the February meeting. She read a thank you from Mid-Sioux Opportunities for our donation. Katie Black reported $780.66 in the club’s checking account.

In committee reports, Caine reported on the County Council meeting on March 3. They planned for the volleyball tournament, Sneak Peek, Project Discover Day and going to the State 4H Conference in June.

In old business, members were reminded to read their Clover Connections for important county 4-H information. Members were asked to save their project sheets in the Clover Connection for project ideas later. Members were asked to sign up for the volleyball tournament on March 20 and also were reminded that they need to attend four meetings in order to show at the Plymouth County Fair.

In new business, Cali Westergard reported on the Pioneer Grant she applied for and received to make baby blankets for the Floyd Valley Hospital in Le Mars. She will give more details about the

project at the April meeting. Colleen Westergard reported that the Akron Museum needs the can bin emptied. The club seemed interested and Roxanne Hoffman will call the Museum to find out details when this needs to be completed.

Roxanne also gave the leader and the livestock report and reminded members to cash premium checks immediately, to check how many meetings each member has attended, and check the Clover Connection for deadlines. She also reminded members of the Sheep Weigh In May 1 along with the FSQA testing requirements.

If members have questions, they may call the Extension Office for more information.

Nastya Wolff lead the 4-H pledge and the meeting was adjourned.

Kurtis and Kaylee Hoffman gave a demonstration on caring for a baby goat. Members were allowed to feed it. Caine Westergard lead a lesson on playing volleyball, and the club played a few matches to prepare for the March 20 tournament. Jessica Hansen served snacks.

The next meeting will be held Saturday, April 10 in the FNB room at 10:00 a.m. Hoffmans will be the leaders, Sydney Pridie will do hands-on-learning, demonstrations will be done by Kristen Foley and guest presenter, Linda Beitelspacher, on design elements. Vondraks will serve refreshments.

Submitted by Secretary, Cali Westergard

Boat registrations expire April30

Siouxland Blood Bank thanks A-W donors

Plymouth County Recorder, Jolynn Goodchild reminds boat owners that all boat registrations expire April 30, 2010. You need to renew by this date to avoid a penalty.

Renewals may be made in person at the Recorder’s office.

Office hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Renewals can also be done through the mail if you send the proper fee and the old registration.

Anyone with questions please call the Recorder’s office at 712546-4020.

Dance team concert

The Akron-Westfield Dance Team Concert is Monday, March 22, 7:30 p.m. in the old gym at the school. Everyone is invited to come.

Westfield Congregational United Church of Christ Annual All-You-Can-Eat

There were 36 donors registered, of that 11 were first time donors! Every single person who contributed to this blood drive played a role in saving the lives of many people. Thank you.

Milestone Donor was Anthony Miller - One gallon.

Others registered to donate blood at the Akron-Westfield Community High School blood drive were: Gabrielle Andersen, Casey Armstrong, Kaitelyn Barbour, Randy Bartels, Tiffany Bosse, Benjamin Brown, Danielle Bursell, Barbara Derby, Grant DeRocher, Daniel Dirks, Cody Gagnon, Mindy Hartman, Marissa Harvey, Monica Harvey, Mitchell Hedlund, Caitlin Heyl, Ashley Johnson, Tasha Johnson, Chance Klemme, Michael Kriener, Melissa Kroksh, Randall Kroksh, Ruth Kroll, Graham Lundt, Marisa McGinnis, Evan Meinen, Hillary Morse, Cody John Otto, Sarah Parkinson, Coreen Robinson, Kyle Strom, Chris Swearingen, Katherine Tindall, Caine Westergard, Taeji Wilken.

Fish or Chicken Strip

Dinner Fridays

Menu:

5 - 7:30 March 19 April 2

Fish or Chicken Strips Au Gratin Potatoes Coleslaw / Jello Dinner Rolls / Bars Coffee, Tea, Water

Adults: $900 Kids 5 - 11: $500 Kids 4 - Under: Free

• Thank you for your support!

Did someone track in?

Call Brian to clean up (712) 551-3888 or Cell (712) 551-6888 Brian has Industry Certification in: Water Damage Restoration Commercial Carpet Maintenance Residential Carpet Cleaning Odor Control Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning

Page 4 • The Akron Hometowner

Obituaries Ida C. Stone, 98

Mrs. Ida Christine Stone of Sioux City passed away on Sunday, March 7, 2010, at Touchstone Living Center in Sioux City.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 20 at 10:30 at the Christy-Smith Morningside Chapel. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until service time with burial at Memorial Park Cemetery. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.christysmith.com Ida was born Wednesday, Jan. 31, 1912, in Akron, she was the daughter of Louis Sprenger and Florence Waterbury Sprenger. She graduated from Akron High School in 1931 and later moved to Sioux City where she has resided ever since.

Ida married William Sever in August of 1936. He passed away Feb. 19, 1938. She later married George V. Stone on June 8, 1940. He passed away Dec. 12, 1972.

She was a homemaker for several years, later she served as a practical nurse, cooked at various restaurants, and was also employed at Morningside College until the late 70’s when she retired.

She was a founding member of Tri-State Christian Church. Life long member of the Eastern Star. Enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening, babysitting her grandchildren, cards and volunteering at church.

She is survived by her two sons, Robert (Gayle) Stone of Sioux City, and William (JoAnne) Stone of South Bend, IN; step-son, Neal (Marion) Sever of Pittsburg, PA; five grandchildren, Jeff, Julie, Rich, Mike and Chris Stone; five great-grandchildren; and various nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by two husbands; two sisters, Florence Moss, Helen Klemme; and one brother, Louis Sprenger Jr.

Wilhelmina Alvina “Minnie” Bauder, 95

Wilhelmina Alvina “Minnie” Bauder of Hawarden, passed away Saturday, March 13, 2010, at Hillcrest Health Care Center in Hawarden.

Funeral services were Wednesday, March 17 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hawarden with the Rev. Todd Bunge officiating. Burial was in Grace Hill Cemetery.

Porter Funeral Home in Hawarden was in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent to www.porterfuneralhomes.com.

Wilhelmina Alvina “Minnie” Bauder was born July 14, 1914, the fourth of ten children, born to German immigrants, Frederick and Alvina (Tank) Gayer, on the homestead in Plato Township, Southwest of Rock Valley, IA. Minnie was baptized and confirmed at the Peace Lutheran Church south of Rock Valley. She attended country school through the eighth grade. Minnie helped her mother raise her siblings and helped her dad on the farm. She worked for young mothers in the neighborhood with newborn babies and did housekeeping.

Minnie was united in marriage with Roy Bauder on Feb. 25, 1936, at the Peace Lutheran Church. They began farming east of Hawarden.

During their first year they experienced blizzards, flooding, severe drought, and dust storms. Roy and Minnie sold eggs at their farm and had a delivery route in town. After their children were raised, she worked at Otis Radio and Electric for 10 years. The couple retired into Hawarden in 1982. Minnie continued to enjoy her flower gardens, playing cards with family and friends, and volunteering at the Hospital Thrift Shop.

Minnie was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, the Ladies Aid and Lamplighters. She was also a member of the Hawarden Hospital Auxiliary and the American Legion Auxiliary. Minnie enjoyed her vegetable and flower gardens and doing needle work. She was active in 4-H, helping her children with their projects.

Roy passed away Dec. 20, 2001. Due to failing eye sight, Minnie moved to Hillcrest Health Care Center on Feb. 14, 2005.

She is survived by daughter Marge Dimmick and husband, Don of Hawarden; two sons and their wives, Darrell and Dorothy of Moorhead, MN and Larry and Joann of Hawarden; eight grandchildren; 19 greatgrandchildren; a brother, Robert (Lura) Gayer of Rock Valley; four sisters, Esther Bauder of Rock Valley, Ann Wasser of Hawarden, Dorothy Jones of San Diego, CA, and Marcia (Walter) Intorf of Osage, IA. Besides her parents and husband, Minnie was preceded in death by a brother, Fred Jr. “Fritz” Gayer; and three sisters, Martha Gerlach, Emma Moeller, and Louise Heuer.

Arrested in Plymouth County

According to Plymouth County sheriff’s reports, the following were arrested: • Dec. 15, 2009: Bobby James Vargason of Le Mars, was cited into court for fifth degree criminal mischief, a simple misdemeanor.

This was in connection with a Nov. 23 complaint of criminal mischief to city property, located in the fire department.

• Jan. 9: Joette Nicole Kallsen, 20, Hawarden, was charged with Class D felony offense OWI and aggravated misdemeanor driving while license is barred. Her bond was set at $5,000.

• Jan. 9: Ashley Marie Vree-

man, 20, Hawarden, was charged with aggravated misdemeanor second offense OWI and simple misdemeanor no valid driver’s license. Her bond was set at $2,000.

• Jan. 16: Scott Michael Pederson, 28 of Marcus was charged with aggravated misdemeanor second offense OWI. His bond was set at $2,000.

• Jan. 22: Jeffrey Allen Olis, 28, Kingsley, was charged with Class D felony intimidation with a dangerous weapon. In this domestic situation, the victim received minor injuries, and a temporary protection order was established.

For the Record

March 17, 2010

Michael Louis Dennison, 53

Michael Louis Dennison of North Sioux City, SD died unexpectedly Thursday, March 4, 2010, at his residence.

Services were held Monday, March 8 at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel, with the Rev. Anthony Opem, pastor of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church, officiating. Honorary pallbearers were Steve Davis, Marlin Hoffman, Bill Long, Lee Fredrickson, Cole and Justin Lineberry, Steve Knapp, Dale Hayden, Dave Horsley and Jeff Banks. Burial will be at a later date in Westfield Cemetery, Westfield.

Michael was born Aug. 26, 1956, in Akron to Tom and Barb (Neal) Dennison. He grew up in the Westfield area and attended elementary school in Westfield. He graduated from Heelan High School in 1975, and from Briar Cliff College in 1979. Mike worked for Sioux Laboratories in Sioux City, Metz Baking Co. in South Sioux City, and Claussen Nursery in North Sioux City.

Mike was active in sports while in school and participated in baseball and wrestling. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, cooking, the outdoors and mushroom hunting. He was a fan of Notre Dame football.

Survivors include his daughter, Summer Dennison and her husband, Joe Gogue, and their two children, Amaya and Josiah of Sioux Falls, SD; his parents, Tom and Barb Dennison of Westfield; his special friend, Renee Crippen, and her children, Missy and Kevin; six brothers and sisters, Thomas Dennison of Sioux City, and his children, Tiffany, Tom, Tanya, Trevor and Tyler, Deanna (Roger) Heyl of Akron, and their children, Derek, Jordan and Connor, Kathryn (Kirk) Banks of Westfield, and their children, Haley, Cale, Bret and Devon, Pat (Kelley) Dennison of Akron, and their son, Robert Lloyd, Bill (Janet Kluver) Dennison of North Sioux City, and their children, Lacey and Lindsay, and John Dennison of Westfield, and his children, Riley and Colton; as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents.

Delmer A. Stene, 86

Delmer A. Stene passed away March 10, 2010, at Morningside Care Center in Alcester, SD. Funeral services were held Monday, March 15 at Roseni Lutheran Church, rural Beresford with burial at the church cemetery.

Wass Funeral Home in Alcester was in charge of arrangements.

Delmer was born March 25, 1923, to parents Louis and Louise (Keiser) Stene on the family farm in Union County, SD where he lived his entire life. Delmer attended Prospect Hill rural school.

Delmer married Darlene Newberg Oct. 5, 1943. He farmed his whole life. Farming wasn’t just his occupation, it was an enjoyment and passion and in 2008 Delmer was recognized at the South Dakota State Fair for having a Century Farm. Darlene passed away in 2003 and Delmer continued to live on the farm until poor health forced him to move to the Morningside Care Center where he resided until his death.

Delmer was baptized and confirmed at Peace Lutheran Church and later became a member of Roseni Lutheran Church where he served on the church council. Among his hobbies and interests were tractor pulling, restoring tractors, dancing and spending time with his grandchildren.

His survivors include three children, Dennis Stene and wife, Glenda of Sioux Falls, DeLynn Stene and wife, Colleen of Alcester and DeAnne Mulder and husband, Larry of Mt. View, MO; eight grandchildren, Amy Ireland and husband, Scott, Angela Stene, Kimberly Stene, Julie Stene, Travis Stene and wife, Natalie, Kyle Stene and wife, Marcy, Jennifer Renegar and husband, Earnie and Melanie Miller and husband, Tim; nine great-grandchildren, William and Alex Ireland, Chantell Westberg, Amelia and Trevor Stene, Haleigh and Colton Stene, Jayson Petersen and Avery Miller; special friend Mildred Espeland, Sioux Falls; and many relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, son Dallas, and brother DeLewis.

Memorials may be directed to Morningside Care Center, American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.

Council approves budget

by Julie Ann Madden There wasn’t anything out of the ordinary in Akron’s 2010-2011 budget, according to Finance Committee/Councilor Chad Ericson.

“Everything else is pretty much the way it was last year.”

A public hearing was held on the proposed budget Monday morning, just before the deadline for submitting the budget to the state. Then the councilors unanimously approved it by a vote of 3-0 with Councilors Bob Frerichs and Deanna Boe absent.

Some things to note in Akron’s 2010-2011 budget are: • The police and public works departments will receive new computers. Both offices will then have Outlook e-mail software.

• During this fiscal year, the

final Portlandville Heights Phase I debt payment of approximately $50,000 will be made, and the Northwest Iowa Solid Waste Agency landfill initiation fee will be paid off. It was also noted that in 2011-2012, the city’s electric bond will be paid off.

• A $3,396.50 donation from the city’s Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) funds to the Akron Opera House will be made to offset that organization’s cost for new carpeting and a door.

At their March 9 meeting, the councilors discussed the budget, setting the public hearing on the budget, and made a $100 donation to Project Prom. It was noted the council had donated $100 each year, 2006 – 2008 but no record was found for 2009.

Annual 4-H Volleyball Tournament

The annual 4-H volleyball tournament will be held on Saturday, March 20 at the Community Wellness Center in Le Mars.

The 4-H and Youth Committee along with many County Council members will keep score and time each match of the double-elimination tournament. 4-H parents and leaders will serve as line judges for the event and the delegates that will be attending the Citizenship Washington Focus trip will be facilitating a concession stand to help raise funds for the trip.

According to Ann Schoenrock, County Youth Coordinator, the tournament will have 27 teams competing in four categories which include Junior Girls, Junior Coed, Senior Girls, and Senior Coed. These teams will be competing for awards and prize money.

The champion and runner up in each category will receive a cash prize for their club and each player earns a gold or silver disc to add their 4-H award plaque which will be awarded at the Annual 4-H Recognition event.

Friends and family of Plymouth County 4-H are encouraged to come and cheer on their favorite 4-H club. The event is free of charge. For more information on Plymouth County 4-H contact the ISU Extension Office at 712-5467835 or xplymouth@iastate.edu.

Poetry workshop set for April

The Akron Public Library is hosting its second annual pRhyme Time on the Prairie poetry workshop April 16 – 17 at the Hole N’ Wall Lodge.

Three poets who will present their work and lead poetry-writing workshops. The poets are Dale Allan Evans of Sioux Falls, S.D.; Phil Hey of Sioux City, and Yvonne Hollenbeck of Clearfield, S.D. Tickets Available People can either attend the Friday evening dinner and poetry readings or both the Friday evening activities and Saturday’s poetry workshops. Overnight lodging is also available. A l l three poets will have their books for sale.

Reservations must be received by April 9 at the Akron Public Library. To make reservations, call 568-2601 or e-mail: akronlib@hickorytech.net.

Phil Hey

Dale Allan Evans

Yvonne Hollenbeck

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March 17, 2010

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Curt Harris, Agent (712) 568-2442

fnia@fnbakron.com

First National Insurance Agency

Maynard’s Food Center Mon- Sat 7 am - 9 pm Sun 9 am - 6 pm

Phone: 568-2026

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568-3651 • 800-747-2828 Breakfast Lunch Dinner Open Sundays

568-2246

UNION CREEK LUTHERAN 31030 481st Ave. 565-3100 Pastor Carla Nelson Sunday, March 21 9:00 a.m. Worship/Holy Communion 10:00 a.m. Fellowship 10:15 a.m. Sunday School Wednesday, March 24 5:45 p.m.

Soup/Sandwich Supper 7:00 p.m. Lent Program “Make It Simple” ROSENI LUTHERAN CHURCH 47214 307th St., Union County, SD Thursday, March 18 9:45 a.m. Bethesda Chapel Sunday, March 21 9:00 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship 11:30 a.m. Fellowship 11:45 a.m. Sunday School Tuesday, March 23 5:45 p.m. Lite Lent Supper 7:00 p.m. Lent Program “Make It Simple” WESLEY UNITED METHODIST 350 Main St. 568-3439 Rev. Tanya L. Sherrill Thursday, March 18 6:30 p.m. Fit for Faith 8:00 p.m. The Shack Book Study Sunday, March 21 9:00 a.m. Sunday School for all ages plus Confirmation Class 10:15 a.m. Worship Service 11:15 a.m. Coffee Fellowship Tuesday, March 23 6:30 p.m. Fit for Faith Wednesday, March 24 1:00 Lenten Study on Forgiveness /Ridgewood Community Room All are welcome 4:30 p.m. Confirmation 5:30 p.m. Joy Ringers 7:00 p.m. Youth Group

Akron, IA

ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH--ELCA Noon Buffet 22543 C16 Akron, IA 11 am - 1:30 pm Pastor Sarah Nye Evening Buffet Diaconal Minister Joel Nye Tues., Thurs.

712-568-2914 5 pm - 7:30 pm Sunday (712) 568-3506 Mon-Thurs 11-9 pm • Fri-Sat 11-10 pm 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship Service Wednesday 6:30 p.m. Confirmation 8:00 p.m. Senior Choir Rehearsal ST. JOSEPHELLENDALE CHURCH 23533 K22, Merrill, IA Rev. Daniel Greving 712-938-2236 Sunday Mass:8:00 a.m.

“Compassion and service are more than just words...”

Douglas D. Carlsen Daniel J. Rexwinkel Carlsen Funeral Home 107 12th St. SE P.O. Box 711 Le Mars, IA 51031 (712) 546-7107

Carlsen Funeral Home

Schroeder Chapel 200 Main St. - P.O. Box 888 Akron, IA 51101 www.carlsenfuneralhome.com (712) 568-2721

321 Mill Street, Akron IA Phone: 568-2411 After Hours: 568-2288

Church Page

ST. PATRICK’S CATHOLIC CHURCH 650 Dakota Street 568-3292 Monsignor Richard E. Zenk Mass: Saturdays 5:00 p.m. & Sun days 9:00 a.m.

Confessions: Saturdays 4 - 5 p.m., & daily before Mass Sundays before Mass The following are all at St. Patrick’s Parish Hall: 2nd Monday 7:30 p.m. Catholic Daughters 2nd Tuesday 7:30 p.m. Knights of Columbus 3rd Monday 7:30 p.m. Ladies of St. Patrick’s Wednesdays 7:00 p.m. CCD Classes

New Horizons UCC PO Box 431, 141 Reed St. Akron, IA Pastor Steve Jewett 568-3446 (LOVE HIM) Sunday, March 21 9:00 a.m. Celebration of Worship/ Communion, followed by Fellow- ship Time 10:15 a.m. ACT Meeting 11:00 a.m. “All for One” Musical Worship BIG SPRINGS BAPTIST CHURCH

30705 480th Avenue Alcester, SD Senior Pastor Daryl G. Runion Director of Youth & Family Ministries, Shelly Palmer Associate Pastor of Discipleship & Visitation, Allen Beeck Associate Pastor Dan Palmer 605-934-2255 or 547-2816 Sunday, March 21 9:25 a.m. Worship 10:45 a.m. Sunday School Tuesday, March 23 7:00 p.m. Christian Education Board Meeting Wednesday, March 24 6:45 p.m. Awana, JYF 7:00 p.m. CYF, Adult Bible Study 8:30 p.m. Worship Team Practice FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST 451 Iowa Street Pastor Tom Steele Beryl Hicks 568-3095 Sunday: 9:00 a.m. Sunday School 10:00 a.m. Worship Service Wednesday: 10:30 a.m. Women’s Bible Study FIRST PLYMOUTH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 16119 Hickory Ave. Rural Le Mars Sunday, March 21 10:30 a.m. Worship-Led by Dr. James Meade - Baptism & Communion will be celebrated

BRULE CREEK LUTHERAN CHURCH 31398 474th Avenue Elk Point, SD Interim Pastor Randy Rasmussen 605-761-1000 Sunday 9:15 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Worship Wednesday 7:00 Lenten Service

ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH 31903 475th Ave. 605-356-2559 North of Elk Point, SD Pastor Mary Feistner Sunday, March 21 9:15 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship Service Wednesday, March 24 7:30 p.m. Lenten Worship Service TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH 220 Hardy St. 568-3471 Pastor Jean Morse Sunday, March 21 9:00 a.m. Sunday School 10:00 a.m. Family Worship 11:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship served by LYO 11:15 a.m. LYO Meeting 6:00 p.m. Fireproof Bible Study at the home of Lee Harding Monday, March 22 All items due for Newsletter Tuesday, March 23 10:00 a.m. Text Study Wednesday, March 24 9:45 a.m. Prayer Time 7:00 p.m. Lenten Worship Service at Immanuel Lutheran Church IMMANUEL LUTHERAN 251 Main St. 568-2682 Pastor Dawn Quame Thursday, March 18 9:00 a.m. Ruth Group 2:00 p.m. Naomi Group 7:00 p.m. Eve Group Saturday, March 20 5:30 p.m. Worship with Holy Communion Sunday, March 21 9:00 a.m. Sunday School/ First Communion Class 10:15 a.m. Worship Service 11:15 a.m. Coffee Fellowship Wednesday, March 24 7:00 p.m. Lenten Service with Coffee Fellowship following WESTFIELD CONGREGATIONAL UCC 224 Linden St. Westfield Rev. Mark Cadenbach 712-568-2045 Sunday 9:00 a.m. Worship Service 10:15 a.m. Social Hour 10:30 a.m. Sunday School

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FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 300 Country Club Lane Akron, IA Pastor Mike Avery 568-3204 Sunday 9:30 a.m. Fellowship 10:00 a.m. Worship 11:15 a.m. Sunday School 6:00 p.m. Praise and Worship

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The Akron Hometowner • Page 5

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Page 6 • The Akron Hometowner

Doug Sez

by Doug Maurstad

Unbelievable I am in total awe of the ‘county commissioners.’ Last week at the commissioners meeting they auctioned off the one remaining liquor license for Union County. It went to the only bidder, Sean Brady from Vermillion for $25,000. Now here is where it gets fun. He had to put down a $5,000 certified check as a retainer, which would be returned if he is unsuccessful in the bidding. If he wins the bid that $5,000 goes towards the amount of the bid. The caveat here is the winning bidder must also submit a business plan. (I’m getting ahead of myself here). After he won the bid and was leaving the room he asked who he had to give the check to. Carol said he could just pay at the auditor’s office on his way out.

He asked if he could just give them a personal check for the $20,000 or if it had to be a certified check? He was holding up a personal check for the $20,000. The commissioners and the states attorney looked around at each other and shrugged their shoulders, and finally Carol said it has to be a certified check, so he said okay, he would bring one back in the afternoon, and he left. Remember folks, I don’t make this up; I just tell it like it happens.

Remember where I said one of the requirements for getting the bid was to submit a business plan? Here is a description of what the Small Business Administration says a business plan should have (taken from the SBA website) (1) Description of the business, (2) Marketing, (3) Finances, (4)Management Example Elements of a Business Plan I. The Business A. Description of business B. Marketing C. Competition D. Operating procedures E. Personnel F. Business insurance II. Financial Data A. Loan applications B. Capital equipment and supply list C. Balance sheet D. Break even analysis E. Pro-forma income projections (profit & loss statements) F. Three-year summary G. Detail by month, first year H. Detail by quarters, second and third years I. Assumptions upon which projections were based J. Pro-forma cash flow III. Supporting Documents A. Tax returns of principals for last three years Personal financial statement (all banks have these forms) B. For franchised businesses, a copy of franchise contract and all supporting documents provided by the franchisor C. Copy of proposed lease or purchase agreement for building space D. Copy of licenses and other legal documents E. Copy of resumes of all principals F. Copies of letters of intent from suppliers, etc.

OK, now that we’ve seen what a plan should look like, here is what Mr. Brady submitted. (Remember that we are not a sophisticated business city, just a small country community so keep that in mind.)

Mission: to provide a pleasant and affordable place for travelers, residents of Union County and the surrounding communities to socialize while enjoying a drink and a meal.

Exit 31 Grille will initially offer Midwest Pub style food and beverages in a comfortable environment and allow the local residents to drive the business in the future.

Our customers will always be treated with importance and warmth. When it comes time for our customers to decide where to spend their entertainment dollars, we will strive to become their first destination of choice. Our staff will be cheerful, courteous, and focused on pleasing our customers.

Our staff will be offered a workplace where they can prosper and grow in a dignified, fun and rewarding manner.

Our vendors will be treated with loyalty, and they will find their future with us to be fruitful.

We will be a good neighbor to the businesses in our area, and we will be a contributing and supportive member of our community.

Keys to Success: 1. Our policy of having a manager visit with each and every customer that has a question, or if the customer has positive or negative feedback. The manager is required to use every means possible to satisfy our customers.

2. Our commitment to the success and happiness of our staff.

3. Our commitment to providing excellent quality food and beverages at all times.

This property is currently zoned Commercial and there are no applicable covenants. The proposed square footage is between 3000-5000.

The commissioners should return Mr. Brady’s business plan and tell Mr. Brady when he has a REAL business plan to submit he can come back. But then, maybe there are no requirements for a business plan. Come to think of it, the zoning ordinance says they must submit a business plan, but there is no definition of what a business plan is or what it needs to contain. Maybe the commissioners just say ‘aw he’s a good guy that will do.’ Even the states attorney stated at the meeting that the plan is not extensive. Is that an understatement or what?

I just don’t understand what is going on with the government in this county. I’ve only lived here for 22 years so I’m not really up to speed yet. Is this how things have always been? If it is, then things have to change.

Perspectives

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, Just a note for the Akron Care Center.

Thanks for all you do for me at the Akron Care Center.

I’ve lived here for eight months now. I like it and enjoy it here. What’s not to like???

I have a nice comfortable room. It’s my room ! I get my laundry picked up, washed, dried, then brought back to my room. I get three delicious, nourishing meals every day.

Thanks to all the above.

Plenty of activities daily. Chapel is right here in the building with local Pastors taking turns weekly. Plus, Trinity services are piped in here and shown on TV in the lobby weekly. I get cable TV! We’re also entertained with current events, card playing, bell ringing, entertainment from churches and clubs.

Each week there’s Men’s Coffee, Ladies’s Chat. We also have Crafts and Bingo, and plenty to do. Never get lonely.

Thanks to all the Director and aides.

The nurses and aids are terrific. They take care of our medical services with a doctor visiting weekly. There is also a social worker available. Thanks to all the above. Everyone of the care takers are so special.

I couldn’t be happier in any other place. What a place.

Praise be to God! Irene Gabel Dear editor Is it time for a Hyperion refinery reality check?

The free market seems to have already decided the fate of Hyperion even though Governor Rounds continues to squander scarce state resources in the hope that this refinery will be built. Worldwide, refining capacity exceeds demand by 13,000,000 barrels per day. In the US, demand for refined fuel peaked in 2007 and, experts believe, will never reach those levels again. Excess US refining capacity exceeds 1,700,000 Bpd. just in shuttered and under utilized refineries. Traditionally the least profitable sector of the oil industry, refining margins are negative or near historic lows and refining continues to be the largest drain on big oil profits.

Refinery utilization, at 78%, is the lowest in 25 years, even after recent closings. Industry experts estimate at least 5-8% more need to close to bring supply in line with demand.

Conservation and increased use of biofuels are projected to further erode market share.

Investors are being asked to gamble billions on an industry that is currently unprofitable, plagued with overcapacity, and facing a future of declining demand. Add the wild card of regulation which is likely to penalize the highly polluting tar sands oil, and few investors will see any opportunity here. Rounds could better serve South Dakota by championing the 15% ethanol blend, cellulosic and bio diesel research and lobbying for an improved transmission grid to take advantage of our vast wind resources. Unlike his refinery pipe dream, these would create jobs that could actually happen.

Kevin Kelley, Elk Point, SD

Peggy’s Ponderings

By Peggy Searls The past week was a vast improvement weatherwise, wasn’t it? Another great event!!! I drove the car again! Ed gets it out of the garage and puts it back in for me. The garage door seems to be shrinking from all the snow. If that’s the case, really should go sit in the big snow pile still in the backyard. My hips could use some shrinking too. The snow would be all gone before a body would notice any difference, and besides, there’s the moisture to be considered!

•••••••••• Nature never intended for us to pat ourselves on the back. If she had our hinges would be different.

•••••••••• Here we go again - messing around with the clocks.

Suppose there’s a good sound reason for all of this. Always takes a while to get used to it, then it’s time to go back to the other time. One thing, kept me busy changing clocks at Nightmare Manor. One or two in every room. Doesn’t seem to do much good in my case, “Late and Lost” describes me.

Have to keep in practice complaining though, even if there’s nobody around to hear me.

•••••••••• When I look for a recipe to share, try to imagine those who could use it. This is a good one for those time when you need a “15 minute wonder.” You know 15 minutes before eating you wonder what to cook and then create a miracle!

Taco Soup Brown 1 lb. ground beef, add 1 pkg. Taco Seasoning, drain.

Add 2 cans tomato soup that has been mixed with 1 can water. Heat. Put soup in bowls and add desired toppings - shredded cheese, crushed Nacho or Tortilla Chips, sour cream, etc. Serve with salad and bread sticks.

•••••••••• If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything. - Mark Twain

March 17, 2010

Just Thought You’d Like To Know

by Wanda Philips

Robins Have you looked out the window and spotted the first robin of the season? You are probably answering with a smirk, “Oh, ha, ha, what snowbank is she living under?”

It is time, though. The first robins will arrive in March.

It seems they haven’t watched the evening news or they would wait awhile. Do they think they can find a worm under the snow?

It is a puzzle to me where robins go when they go south for the winter because robins are scarce where I live in Florida. Lots of mockingbirds but few robins. Do they go to Texas, Mexico, Guatemala or hide in the bushes here in Florida? or all of the above?

The Audubon Society of Florida says this has been a record year for robins, more than usual. Sounds like the weather, doesn’t it? The southern counties of Florida are already noticing the dwindling robin populations as they suspect that robins are on the move northward.

Some of the robins may look a little “tipsy” as they dine on the Brazilian pepper plant along the flyway. The Brazilian pepper is a tree-like plant, grows about 20 feet tall, has a red berry and looks very much like a holly tree.

It is Florida’s most invasive and unwanted plant. It is toxic to humans acting very much like poison ivy and the berries are poisonous. The robins, however, seem to enjoy the berries as they ferment and have a low alcohol content.

You may notice them flying or flitting around in a wobbly manner.

That happens in Iowa in the fall too when the robins eat the berries off my cotonester shrub on the farm and they have a similar reaction. Did you ever see a drunk robin? Maybe it is time to consider a robin AA program.

The cold weather this winter in Florida helps sweeten the citrus crop and probably it sweetens the berries on the Brazilian pepper too. The local oranges and tangelos are so sweet that you hardly need a dessert if you eat one of them.

No doubt those robins know a good thing when they eat it.

Isn’t nature remarkable? Watch for the robins.

Great books from the Akron Library

by Deanna Boe

GOING ROGUE By Sarah Palin

My husband and I received two Sarah Palin books for Christmas gifts. My daughter, Nadiya, gave one to him.

I received the other from his daughter, Kris. I know I received mine as a “tongue-in-cheek” gift, since everyone (it seems) knows how I voted. We donated one book to the library and the other has been sitting on my “to read table.”

I have read 30 other books since Christmas, and this past week-end I decided I could not put it off any longer. The big question is how to review this book without sounding prejudiced. I know I can’t win on this one but I will try.

First of all, Sarah Palin’s life is like a fairy tale. Sarah was born in an average home, who grows up to put Alaska on the right path to being a successful state. All of which could have made her the fairy princess who became Vice President of the United States. This book is so well written, it contains no grammatical errors or misspellings, that it leaves me feeling she really could have another career as a writer. You can hear her talking (which is a talent) in her writings. She is also very good at describing her viewpoints by using descriptive words such as “the hit squad, the obstructionists, the media types, the Washington insiders, the hate American types, and the Obama-Biden camp and their media friends.” She talks so much against Washington you wonder just why she would ever want to be a part of it. Sarah views herself and her followers as Patriots, and anyone else as not. Probably, politics as usual.

If you are looking for a political book, one that really analyzes the in-depth philosophy of John MaCain and their run for the presidency, forget it. This is a memoir of Sarah Palin, written and viewed as she wants us to think of her – this take charge soccer mom who “saved Alaska.” John McCain appears in the book only in passing. But, his campaign aides are mentioned often. They are the ones to blame for her failed aspects of the campaign.

She describes in detail just why her interviews with Katie Couric and Charlie Gibson were not her fault. As the old saying goes…..me thinks she doth protest too much.

Sarah Palin is a woman who was able to parlay her position of city council member of a small town in Alaska, to being its mayor, and from there to governor. She was plucked from obscurity as far as the other 49 states were concerned and foisted upon the Republican party without much thought as to what her impact might be as someone who really was not ready for a national role. No one can dispute her tenacity and that she does have a future somewhere, but not as president. She is vibrant, funny, attractive (which never hurts), and probably a caring mother and wife. And if no ghost writer is involved, she can also write.

I see her in “our” future – just not sure where. Read the book and draw your own conclusions.

March 17, 2010

Ridgewood News Greetings from the Ridgewood apartments once again. The following news was gathered for this past week.

Monday evenings are busy with our weekly Bingo party.

About 20 residents gather each week for a variety of Bingo games.

When numbers are being called our community room has never been quieter. Between games, however, lots of fellowship evolves! Other nights of the week you will usually find someone playing cards.

On Monday, Wednesday and Friday residents gather for exercises with weight lifting, etc. for 15 minutes at 10 a.m. and on Tuesday and Thursday we gather for 30 minutes of balance exercises at 10:30 a.m. Residents are encouraged to join us at these times!

Tawny Seely, formerly of Le Mars came to visit and have brunch with her grandmother, Alma Seely, on Monday before leaving to go back to Tampa, FL, where she is now living.

Lida Fischer moved into Ridgewood Apartments on Tuesday of this week. Her family was here helping her move in. She formerly lived in Merrill, IA. She is the mother of Beth Ross. We welcome you, Lida!

We had our monthly birthday

party on Friday this time as it was actually Pat Bremer’s birthday that day and there were no other birthdays this month. We enjoyed ice cream and cup cakes in our community room. Steven and Sharon Snow of DeQueen, Arkansas, joined us that day also, since they were here visiting his mother and other relatives and friends.

On Saturday, Peggy and Dick Anderson and Gene and Karen Wilcoxen of Sioux City and Gary McCrill of rural Akron came and helped their mother, Wanda McCrill, move into a different apartment here on Monday.

Mark Dreeszen of Hubbard, NE, came to visit his mother, Kate Dreeszen, Sunday, and at noon they met her son, Herb Dreeszen, of Sioux Falls at Beresford, where they enjoyed dinner together.

Richard Knapp, Jr., and his wife, Jerrilyn of Quimby, IA, came to visit his father, Richard Knapp, Sr., on Sunday morning.

Now that the weather is better and the snow is gradually disappearing, everyone is out and about much of the time. It is great to see the snow going and warmer weather.

Join us next week for more news from Ridgewood!

Week of March 8-12 Greetings from the Akron Senior Center.

Come join us for good food, fun and fellowship. There are cards to play in the card room, a good pool game going on both before and after our meal, and a jigsaw puzzle table. It's also a good place just to get out and chat with friends, especially when the weather has been so dreary and unpredictable.

If you would like to come and join us for a meal, give us a call at 568-3120 preferably a day in advance. All we ask is for a suggested donation price of $2.75 per person for those over age 60 and $5.25 for those under 60.

We will make home deliveries if called in by 10:00 am. We ask for a donation of $3.25 per person for home delivery.

On my way to church in Jefferson Sunday morning, I saw a couple of geese in one of the “roadside ponds.” Coming home, they were gone. They must have joined with a rather large flock of geese that I saw further north. I also saw a few small flock of ducks heading north.

Monday through Wednesday we had no visitors. The governing board met Tuesday at 12:30 for their monthly meeting.

Thursday, our visitors were Beth Ross with her mother, Lydia Fischer, who has just moved into the Ridgewood Apartments. We hope to see her quite often.

Friday our guest was Margaret

Talbott, who comes to eat with us quite often now that the weather is nicer.

Name drawn for a free meal was Joy Porsch.

Hope you had a good weekend, and see you all at the Center.

Senior Center

Senior Center Meals March 18-24 Thursday, March 18 BBQ Rib/Bun or Chicken Patty/Bun Tater Tots Tomato Spoon Salad Peaches Friday, March 19 Baked Fish or Boneless Chicken Breast Baked Potato/Sour Cream Spinach Bread Pudding/Raisins Monday, March 22 Spaghetti/Meatsauce Coleslaw Rosy Applesauce Garlic Bread Tuesday, March 23 Meatloaf or Boneless Chicken Breast Baked Potato/Sour Cream Broccoli Pears Rice Krispy Bar Wednesday, March 24 BBQ Chicken/Bun or Hamburger/Bun Potato Salad Green Beans Fruit Crisp Wheat bread & milk offered at each meal

Wilcox Electric

Steve Wilcox 33 years in service

Business/Home 712-568-2005

Farm, Residential & Commercial

The Akron Hometowner • Page 7

ooking

ack

from the files of the Akron Register-Tribune

by Pat Clark

110 years – February 22, 1900 The tenant farmers have begun making their annual changes.

Father T. Sullivan went to Sioux Falls yesterday to consult an architect regarding plans for the new Catholic church and parsonage. Work will begin upon the buildings in three or four weeks.

A 9-pound son was born to James Austin and wife last Saturday, February 17.

A. L. Roetman and wife are the happy parents of a son, born on Wednesday, February 21,1900.

Last Friday, February 16, a daughter was born to George Pelow and wife, who reside on the Boden farm, in Dakota.

The tenant farmers have begun making their annual changes.

Albert Witt and wife, residing six miles east, are rejoicing over the arrival of a son at their home on Monday, February 19.

The home of Henry Boetger and wife, of Sioux Valley township, S. D., was gladdened by the arrival of a nice daughter last Monday, February 19.

A handsome young lady arrived at the home of Gerhard Lucken and wife, southeast of town, last Sunday, February 18, and has since received all proper care and attention.

100 years – February 24, 1910 Washington's birthday, Tuesday, was blustering and one of the most uncomfortable days of the winter, the mercury scarcely getting above zero at any time. The holiday was not generally observed here. The post office, banks and thirst parlors were closed.

Born: Feb. 17, a daughter, to Mr. and Mrs. H. A. Johnson, near Ruble; Feb. 17, a son; to Mr. and Mrs, Don Cameron, southeast of town; Feb. 22, a daughter, to Mr, and Mrs. Ole Lawrence, southwest of town.

90 years – February 26, 1920 There have been several light snowfalls the past week, along with some very raw and chilly days. Today it has moderated considerably.

A movement has been started by the local fire department to raise funds by subscription for the purchase of an auto truck, equipped with two chemical tanks, hose and ladders, which will be particularly valuable in use against fires out of reach of the city water supply.

Cobb & Greenleaf have just built and installed a Music Room on the balcony in the rear part of the store, where they cordially invite the music loving public to call and see and hear the Great Brunswick machines and the wonderful, sweet tones from your favorite records.

Acting postmaster, M. V. Smith, has installed in the post office a new automatic dating and, canceling machine, which considerably reduces the labor and tedium of handling outgoing letters.

Born: Feb. 21, a son to Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Nylon, northwest of town; Feb. 21, a son to Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Latham, west of town; Feb. 23, a son to Mr. and Mrs. Al. Troup, west of town; Feb. 26, a son to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Christopher of Westfield.

Died: Feb. 2, George W. Healy, formerly of Akron.

80 years – February 20, 1930 The board of supervisors and engineers were here yesterday looking after matters connected with the construction of the drainage ditch to be dug from the south edge of town, west to the Big Sioux river, this summer.

Drs. Smikahl and Smikahl are selling their household furniture and other goods at their residence on Saturday, this week. They leave in a few weeks for California to visit his mother and other relatives, after which they plan to return to Akron and open a sanitarium.

The Nelson-Mitchell Hatchery are hatching the following breeds: Barred and White Rocks, Rhode Island Reds, White Wyandottes, White Leghorns Buff Orpingtons, also custom hatching.

There has been a great variety of weather during the past week. There was an inch or more of snowfall Friday morning and that evening the mercury took a nose dive settling to 9 below zero at 11 pm after which it began to rise again and has been increasingly moderate ever since, melting all the snow again and giving us some real springlike weather.

Tuesday and Wednesday it was 69 degrees above. A rise of water in the Big Sioux has resulted from the unseasonable warmth.

Died: Feb. 7, Mrs. J. A. (Bergithe Ivorson Ranum) Ven of Brule Township.

70 years – February 22, 1940 A new bowling tournament was begun at the Akron Bowling Alleys on Tuesday evening of this week, with eight teams participating, After this week there will be league play each Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evening, play continuing for a period of seven weeks.

Died: Feb. 13, August Klemme, of Preston township; Feb . 15, Mrs. James (Nettie May Peck) Waterman of Akron.

60 years – February 23, 1950 The weather has been mostly clear, cool and pleasant this week, with a slight wintry touch at times.

Thaws Sunday and Monday took off considerable of the recent snow.

Born: Feb. 20, a daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Neal, of Westfield; Feb, 23, a daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Smizer, south of town.

Died: Feb. 19, Mrs. James (Florence Geneva Plopper) Harkness, formerly of Akron.

50 years – February 25, 1960 A near 3-inch snowfall Saturday was sandwiched between sub-zero temperatures on Friday, Sunday and Tuesday mornings, with 7, 5 and 8 minus readings, respectively. High temperature on any of the four days was 18 degrees Saturday.

Born: Feb. 16, a son to Mr. and Mrs. Charles Borchers of Akron.

Died: Feb. 22, Mrs. Bessie Conway, formerly of Big Springs; Feb. 15, Mrs. Hattie Peck formerly of Akron; Feb. 22, Thomas M. Hummel, of Jefferson S. D., an early-day resident of southeast Union county and southwest Plymouth county.

40 years – February 26, 1970 If it weren't for the calendar telling us differently, we could almost be convinced that Spring

has arrived early! Temperatures have continued in the "comfort zone" most of the past week, with mostly sunny skies and no precipitation. Forecasters are saying it may turn a bit colder the last part of the week, but no severe weather is predicted. It certainly has been an unusual and much appreciated month of February.

Born: Feb. 17, a daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Lowell Barinsky of Akron; Feb. 22, a daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Terry (Nancy Kerr) Keech of Ontario, CA. 30 years – February 21, 1980 “Old Man Winter" showed he still can hold his grip on the area last week with light snow and dropping temperatures into the minus reading the last part o! the week. He lost his grip again over the weekend as thermometers began to rise, and by Monday, with southerly breezes, warm springtime temperatures were felt. Under cloudy skies and scattered showers, thermometer readings climbed from the 30s for a nighttime low, into the 40s on Tuesday. The warm readings are predicted to stay for a few days as the month of February slips by.

Born: Feb. 15, a daughter to Timm and Leeann Banks of Westfield; Feb. 12, a son to Mr. and Mrs. Teddy Miller of Elk Point; Feb. 12, a son to Dante and Doris David of Westfield.

Died: Feb. 15, Clarence E. Yates of Le Mars; Feb. 17, Sherrie Jo Jacobson (stillborn), infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Darcy Jacobson of Westfield; Feb. 13, Blanche Hardacre Morrow of Mankato, MN; Feb. 15, Benjamin F. Held of Hinton.

20 years – February 22, 1990 The majority of over 200 concerned people attending the open forum at the Senior Center Feb. 14, concerning keeping medical care in Akron, showed overwhelming support for the city to pursue purchase of the clinic.

The meeting gave those attending the chance to discuss concerns, voice questions and learn about the options being considered to keep the facility open. Community support will continue to be needed at the clinic, with majority of those at the meeting showing their intent to do so.

Born: Jan. 29, a son to Michael and Amy (Borchers) Spaugh of Fort Worth, TX. Died: Feb. 14, Gene L. Dewey of Westfield; Feb. 18, Leo Schiefen of Hawarden; Feb. 14, Marion Byker of rural Hawarden; Feb. 12, Mrs. Russell (Fern Gieger) Westadt of Hawarden; Feb. 14, Mrs. Wayne (Delores E. Olson) Beach, formerly of Akron.

10 years – February 24, 2000 The National Park Service (NPS) has been directed by Congress to study the Loess Hills of western Iowa for possible inclusion in the National Park System.

The Loess Hills Special Resource Study will analyze the natural and cultural resources in approximately 640,000 acres extending as bluffs in a narrow band from Plymouth County in the north, through Woodbury, Monona, Harrison, Pottawatomie, and Mills counties, and ending in Fremont County in the south. The objective of this first series of meetings is to inform people about the Special Resource Study and to give people a chance to voice their concerns.

Born: Dec. 18, a daughter to Briggs and Kim Smith of Akron.

Died: Feb. 20, Charles L. Fletcher of Akron.

Page 8 • The Akron Hometowner

March 17, 2010

Still time to get tickets for Gaelic Storm GAELIC STORM Con’t from Front page

Keith Kjar of Akron, S.D., (second from left) is suffering from esophageal cancer. On Sunday, a benefit lunch and auctions will be held. The Keith Kjar family includes: daughters (l-r:) Eirca, Annie, Allison and Eliza.

Benefit for Akron man is Sunday

by Julie Ann Madden His job has taken him to places many only think of as vacation sites -- Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Canada and places across the United States.

He has worked in some of the largest mines and biggest construction sites in the United States.

He works on machinery used on roads, canals, dams and bridges.

In 2004, Keith Kjar of Akron, S.D. was one of only five Iowa mobile hydraulic technicians certified by the National Fluid Power Society.

But since early January, Kjar’s career has been sidelined by esophageal cancer.

After spending several weeks receiving radiation and chemotherapy at Mayo Clinics in Rochester, Minn., he is home. On April 1, he will have surgery to remove the tumor in his esophagus.

Relatives and friends are hosting a lunch and auction benefit for Keith from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday, March 21 at St. Patrick’s Parish Hall in Akron.

A free-will offering will be taken for the lunch featuring pulled pork and tavern sandwiches, salads and bars.

In addition, there will be both a silent auction and a live auction.

The live auction will begin at 2 p.m., and the silent auction will run from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Donated auction items include framed Richard Plasschaert wildlife art print, Warren Thompson stained glass artwork, Blair Smith bear chain saw carving, pizza & pool swimming party, 40 lbs. ground bison, two processed half hogs, 20 farm fresh pork chops, a Pizza Ranch pizza once a month for a year, six grill-ready rib-eye steaks, John Deere footballs, three hours of spring planting, automo-

bile oil changes, automobile diagnostic scans, clothing and much more.

Several items are displayed at First National Bank and Peoples Bank.

Union County Thrivent Financial is matching up to $500 raised at this benefit.

Kjar, age 48, has four daughters: Erica and Annie, both college students; and Allison and Eliza, students at Akron-Westfield Community School.

He graduated from Ida Grove High School in 1979 and earned an associate’s degree, graduating with honors from the Northwest Iowa Tech Community College in Sheldon.

Kjar began his career at Godberson Construction and Sheer Construction of Ida Grove. He has also worked for Gomaco Corporation, Steve King Construction, Herman M. Brown Co. which became Road Machinery & Supply, and Akron’s Higman Sand & Gravel. Kjar is currently employed as equipment and service manager for MidCountry Machinery in Sergeant Bluff. He was instrumental in establishing its Siouxland office.

Kjar is a member of Union Creek Lutheran Church where he has served on the church council and as its president. He also enjoyed constructing sets for children’s productions at the Akron Opera House.

A bake sale will also be held during the Akron-Westfield Dodge Ball Tournament, April 6 in the Akron-Westfield School Commons.

All proceeds from the benefits will go toward ongoing medical expenses not covered by insurance.

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years. In June 2008, Gaelic Storm expanded their touring to include Australia, kicking off their tour at the National Celtic Festival outside Melbourne.

Gaelic Storm consists of five talented musicians with musical backgrounds that precede their involvement together in this musical venture.

Patrick Murphy was born and raised in Ireland. His parents still live in Cork.

On St. Patrick’s Day, 1996, Patrick Murphy of Cork City, Ireland officially joined forces with Steve Twigger of Coventry, Patrick Murphy England at O’Brien’s pub in Santa Monica, California. One year later in 1997, Gaelic Storm was catapulted out of their formative pub haunts by the appearance as the “party band” in the steerage scene in the blockbuster film “Titanic.”

Patrick serves his time as front man and lead vocalist for the band, also playing harmonica, accordion, and spoons. As one of his band members recently said of him: “He’s either a comic genius or certifiably insane...

Born in Coventry England Steve Twigger showed musical promise very early on, performing in his school orchestra at age five on the triangle later graduating to the glockenspiel. Two years of keyboard Steve Twigger lessons in his early teens ended abruptly when his music teacher died. It was then that he picked up the guitar. Self taught, he formed his first band at age 16, playing rock lead guitar.

Steve survived 2 years of biker bar and pub gigs in Coventry before emigrating to California.

It was at his brand new local Irish pub, O’Brien’s that he met Patrick Murphy who asked if he would like to fill the recently empty spot of guitar player in Pat and Steve Weymeyers band Gaelic Storm. In addition to guitar, Steve plays mandolin and bouzouki and also takes on the vocals.

Ryan Lacey was born in New Jersey, moving to California at a young age.

He spent his youth in the great wasteland of Bakersfield, known widely for its country music scene. Ryan Lacey At an early age, he stole his father’s drum set and made it his own. At the age of 19, after earning the price of a one- way flight on Aer Lingus, he moved to Ireland to continue his musical career. He soon hooked up with an Irish label called Origin Records, and became one of their house drummers for recordings and tours.

Since moving back to the states and relocating to Pasadena, Ryan has graduated from the Los Angeles Music Academy twice, once for hands and once for sticks.

Before joining Gaelic Storm in 2003, Ryan had been the host drummer for a rock opera called Repo the Genetic Opera and had been playing and recording with many groups in Los Angeles. Ryan plays drums and world percussion with Gaelic Storm.

Peter Purvis is Gaelic Storm’s Highland piper, Uilleann piper and Irish whistle player. Born and reared in Ontario, Canada, Pete began playing bagpipes at age 12 when he reportedly “heard them and thought they sounded cool.”

Now a Grade 1 piper, Pete has played with some of Canada’s best and awardwinning pipe bands and ensembles.

His musical career has taken him all Peter Purvis over Scotland, England, Ireland, and even as far as Sydney, Australia to play at the 2000 Olympics.

The newest member of the band, Jessie Burns (fiddle), originally hails from Suffolk England and now lives in Colorado.

As a child, she played recorder, violin and piano, competing and performing nationally and internationally in orches- Jessie Burns tras and chamber groups. Music was constantly played at home, and her Irish grandparents got her hooked on Irish tradition at a young age.

Prior to Gaelic Storm, Jessie played with Gregory Alan Isakov and The Freight, as well as David Ford in England.

At press time, only 91 seats remain. Call the Opera House ticket line at 712-568-8747 to purchase your ticket.

Planning a Trip? See us First.

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SOUTH DAKOTA AND THE REPUBLICAN PARTY

Meet Scott Munsterman Candidate for Governor

Saturday March 20th 8:00 - 10:00 a.m.

SPINK CAFE 31300 473rd Ave, Elk Point Corner of SD Hwy 48 and 473rd Avenue

Come meet Scott, join the conversation!

Questions Contact Ashley ashley@mustermanforgovernor.com

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Paid for by Munsterman for Governor, 306 4th Street, Suite F, Brookings, SD 57006, 605-695-3926

March 17, 2010

The Akron Hometowner • Page 9

Akron alum challenges incumbent Union County sheriff

by Julie Ann Madden James Heeren, son of Patty and Arden Heeren of Akron, S.D., is running for Union County sheriff, a challenge to 20-year incumbent Sheriff Dan Limoges.

Whose name will be placed on the November Union County election ballots will be decided in the June 8 primary election.

Both candidates submitted the following information to The Akron Hometowner.

James Heeren James Heeren is a 1993 graduate of Akron-Westfield Community School. He earned an associates degree from Iowa Lakes Community College in criminal justice.

Heeren brings 14 years of law enforcement experience to this sheriff candidacy. He began his law enforcement career with the Elk Point Police Department in 1996. In 1997, Heeren joined the North Sioux City Police Department and currently is one of the department’s sergeants. He also serves with the North Sioux City Fire Department and is serving his second term on the Dakota Valley School Board.

When not on duty, Heeren enjoys coaching T-ball. He is a past youth baseball and assistant football coach.

Heeren is a past DARE officer and school resource officer for Dakota Valley School and was selected as 1 of 10 young outstanding South Dakotans in 1999.

He was selected as South Dakota’s 2008 Outstanding Jaycee Member of the Year, GDV Chapter; and in 2009 was named Siouxland Red Cross Hero of the Year in the Law Enforcement category.

I am a strong believer in “Community Policing” based law enforcement services, said Heeren, who has three children with his wife of 10 years. “With your support for me as sheriff, I shall work with both the public and other law enforcement agencies to help protect you and your family.”

Heeren’s Oath to Union County residents: • I will improve service to all

citizens in Union County; • I will provide the leadership needed to provide the best and most efficient law enforcement services to the people of Union County; • I will make it a priority to protect and assist senior citizens; • I will continue to produce out of county revenue for Union County while exploring additional revenue sources; • I will expand the use of technology; • I will put priorities where they should be placed; • I will promise fiscal accountability; and • I will work to develop programs for our youth.

Heeren’s Goals • Enforce the law fairly and equally to everyone, regardless of race, sex, age, religion or social status.

• Develop a professional and pro-active department that will cooperate and work closely with all agencies and departments to provide the best service possible to the public.

• Treat the public with dignity and respect, and manage a responsible, proficient, and respected department.

• Gain the trust and confidence of the public by emphasizing community policing so law enforcement and citizens can work together to solve crimes.

• Determine and monitor high crime areas, and adjust work schedules and manpower according to the demand.

• Strictly enforce illegal drug and domestic violence laws.

• Work closely with County Commissioners and exercise conservative spending.

• Develop a non-discriminatory employee hiring process with incentives to reduce the loss of trained employees.

• Periodically meet with and solicit suggestions from community leaders to improve service to the public.

• Develop a department where employees look forward to coming to work, and are proud to be a

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Dan Limoges

James Heeren member of a professional department.

• Form a public safety committee to weigh the options before a decision is made on closing the jail and contracting the dispatch out to neighboring Clay County.

“When you’re dealing with public safety, the public needs to be involved and allowed to hear the options on the table, allowing time to speak on the issue,” said Heeren. “I don’t believe this is anything that should be rushed into and a public safety committee in my opinion would be the only way to move forward with either option. I know there are other options out there other than just closing the jail and contracting out dispatch.”

Heeren’s Commitment As your sheriff, I will always have an open door, and would encourage the citizens of Union County to provide feedback. A strong attribute I possess as a candidate for sheriff is the ability to communicate effectively across all mediums.

Loyalty and passion are what drive me. I have served the community for 14 years and will continue to do that to the best of my ability. Being your Sheriff would be an honor and privilege.

Job enrichment and sensible job enlargement will empower the members of our organization.

This in turn will provide the community with the very best we have to offer. I am confident in my ability to bring forth the best in all members of our organization and I would never ask someone to do something I would not be willing to do myself.

The Sheriff’s Office belongs to the community. The duties and

obligations of the sheriff can only be achieved by being a part of the community and working with the community, not just as a reactive agent.

I appreciate your support in the June 8th Republican primary.

Dan Limoges Since 1990, Dan Limoges has been Union County’s sheriff. He is seeking reelection for his sixth term.

Limoges and his wife of 32 years have two adult children.

There have been many changes since Limoges took office.

Under his guidance, the sheriff’s office has undergone many visible changes, including an increase of 3.5 deputies since 1990. Limoges was instrumental in getting public support to construct a 40-bed jail in 1988, and with the completion of the 911 rural address system, he brought the communication center up-to-date with Enhanced 911 Phases I and II which included mapping. Limoges provides 24 hour/seven days a week operations to support the jail, dispatch center and law enforcement.

The sheriff’s office handles law enforcement calls for all of Union County. Limoges is on the Tri-State StarComm Committee, which has brought a radio link to connect Iowa, South Dakota and Nebraska through a grant Iowa was awarded. This grant brought new radio equipment along with dispatch consoles to Union County.

He has served on the Statewide Methamphetamine Task Force and as a second vice-president and then president of the Sheriff’s Association in 2005. He attending training at the National Center for Rural Law Enforcement held in Charleston, W.V., which gave training to sheriffs and police chiefs from rural communities that is usually reserved for urban law enforcement officials.

Limoges was awarded the Veterans of Foreign Wars honor in 2000 and is an active member of the Lions Club in Elk Point, S.D. Limoges believes his top priority as sheriff is to continue to provide quality law enforcement services and a safe environment for Union County citizens. He enjoys the wide spectrum of tasks and duties that are part of his job and spends time on everything from office administration to handling calls for service and serving civil process. He believes it is important for him to stay abreast of current laws and issues and he works hard to provide quality training to his staff.

Limoges has seen rapid growth of Union County through the 1990s

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and into 2000s, from Beresford in the north to Dakota Dunes in the south. In that time, Dakota Dunes grew from a handful of residents to a community of approximately 2,900. The county’s population has grown 12.3 percent since 2000 with a total population in 2008 of 14,131.

As Union County grows, we continue to be faced with new law enforcement challenges while striving to provide quality law enforcement to the citizens of Union County.

“I feel very blessed that you have given me the chance to make a difference in the lives of so many,” wrote Limoges, “and I hope you will continue to support my efforts in keeping Union County a safe place to live. I want everyone to remember that bad people are always going to exist in our society and law enforcement officers deal with lots of negative things. However, we must never lose sight of the fact that good will always outweigh the bad. I believe in an open door policy to all citizens of Union County; please feel free to contact me anytime.”

“Your vote on June 8 does count,” said Limoges. “Your support will be appreciated.”

A-W seeks meeting with Judy Jeffrey HOYT Con’t from Front page

board’s March 7 meeting, they paid all but one bill, which was from Alcester-Hudson School District for students open enrolling to that district this year. As Alcester-Hudson officials previously did, they charged the Interstate Open Enrollment fee of $5,750 instead of the South Dakota intrastate open enrollment fee. After a bill with the correct amount is issued, the board will put it on a future agenda.

It was noted that Greater Hoyt has a financial balance of $165,178.48, as of Feb. 28.

A-W takes steps At the March 7 Akron-Westfield School Board meeting, Board Member Roger Oetken requested that they get something in writing regarding the funding and payments from the Iowa Departments of Education.

It was noted the district will lose approximately $120,000 in Greater Hoyt funds. Of that, $87,000 will be lost in A-W General Fund dollars.

This does not mean that Greater Hoyt students will not be allowed to attend Akron-Westfield, said A-W Superintendent Tony Ryan. It’s just a difference in the amount of funding Akron-Westfield will be receiving for educating South Dakota students. Currently, A-W receives more than $9,001.82 per South Dakota student in tuition, Capital Outlay, transportation, building improvements, operating and maintenance, instruction support and Special Education dollars. Next year, the figure is $5,750 tuition per South Dakota student open enrolling to A-W. This year, South Dakota state tuition dollars are $4,804 per student attending South Dakota school districts such as AlcesterHudson and Elk Point-Jefferson.

Page 10 • The Akron Hometowner

What is causing the asthma epidemic?

“In the United States, asthma cases have increased by more than 60 percent since the early 1980s, and asthma related deaths have doubled to 5,000 a year,” says Dr. Bradley Britton of Britton Chiropractic and Rehab Clinic in Akron. What is causing the asthma epidemic and what can we do to stem the tide?

What Causes Asthma?

So far, researchers don’t know why asthma cases are increasing at such an alarming rate. They hypothesize that a combination of genetics and non-hereditary factors, such as increased environmental exposure to potential allergens play a role. “Thirty years ago, Windex was the only cleaning solvent used by a few people. Now, we have a special cleaning solvent for every object,” says Dr. Britton. “In addition, furniture and carpets are made with formaldehyde as a preservative, and people breathe it,” he says.

Decreased air quality is coupled with the allergy-friendly modern house design, says Dr. Britton. “Fifty years ago we lived in old, drafty houses, and the breeze dried and freshened the air, which cleared out mold and other allergens. Nowadays, our super-insulated houses don’t breathe adequately. Making basements into a living space increases mold exposure because mold grows in any basement.”

Food has become another source of exposure to allergens. “Food manufacturers put more preservatives in foods now to store them longer,” says Dr. Britton. Researchers hypothesize that an increase in vaccinations, cesarean births, and antibiotic intake may be playing a role as well.

How Can Asthma Be Treated?

Asthma is a chronic disease; it can’t be cured – only controlled. For best treatment results, a doctor of chiropractic, MD, and an asthma specialist should be involved. The treatment program should include regular chiropractic adjustments to make sure the nervous system is functioning properly which allows the body to function at its highest capacity. In addition, reducing exposure to the substances that induce acute episodes and identifying specific allergens that affect the patient.

Non-Allergen Causes of Asthma Allergens aren’t the only culprit of asthma attacks. Stress factors – such as moving to a new home, or changing jobs – may induce or aggravate asthma attacks. Even emotional expressions such as fear, anger, frustration, hard crying, or laughing can cause an attack as well.

To reduce the patient’s stress level and improve the patient’s quality of life, alternative treatments should be incorporated into the treatment program. Various relaxation techniques, such as chiropractic manipulation, massage, acupuncture, and breathing exercises can be helpful.

Dr. Britton recommends the following tips to alleviate asthma symptoms.

• Use air filters to help clean air in your home.

• Cover mattresses and pillows with dust covers and use hypoallergenic bed clothing to reduce exposure to dust mites.

• Get checked for viral respiratory infections and different medical conditions, such as flu, rhinitis, sinusitis, and gastro esophageal reflux.

Endocrine factors, such as menstruation, pregnancy, and thyroid disease, may exacerbate asthma, as well.

• Some medications – aspirin; beta-blockers, including eye drops; non- steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, etc. – can also precipitate or aggravate asthma symptoms.

• If your asthma is exercise-induced, an individually prescribed exercise program carefully chosen under the guidance of your doctor of chiropractic should be incorporated into the treatment plan.

• Avoid sulfites or monsosodim glutamate (MSG) in foods. Since both additives are used in a wide variety of foods, carefully read processed food labels and choose MSG-free foods when eating out.

• Include foods with omega-3 fatty acids in the diet – such as fish or fish oil, and even add a supplement of fish oil as a daily regiment which can reduce inflammation throughout the body.

• Supplement with vitamin C, which helps reduce allergic reactions and wheezing.

• To reduce stress in your children, spend quality time with them and limit their exposure to TV programs that include violence.

Chiropractic Care Can Help The research shows much success with asthma by doctors of chiropractic. One study showed a decrease in Bronchodilator (inhaler) use by 20 percent with chiropractic care, and decreased the severity of the reactions by 39%. Even better, after a year follow up, the improvements were maintained.

“Doctors of chiropractic can give a full-scale evaluation to asthma patients; assess their physical and neurological status, their lifestyle, diet, and stressors; and help the patients increase motor coordination, and improve the work of respiratory and gut muscles to increase the quality of life,” says Dr. Britton. “Doctors of chiropractic can be a great addition to the healthcare team treating the asthma patient.”

Talk to your doctor of chiropractic about other ways to improve your quality of life. Doctors of chiropractic are trained and licensed to examine and treat the entire body with emphasis on the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. They also help people lead healthier lives by focusing on wellness and prevention.

Iowa DOT suspends USDOT number requirement The Iowa Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Office of Motor Vehicle Enforcement (MVE) suspended the USDOT number requirement for intrastate, private motor carriers operating in Iowa, pending further public outreach and education.

No new date has been set for implementation of the numbering requirement.

This suspension does not in

any way affect, waive or suspend the requirement to display a USDOT number for interstate commercial motor carriers or intrastate, for-hire motor carriers.

Questions as to whether one is required to obtain and display a USDOT number, or whether and what part of the FMCSR applies, contact the Iowa DOT’s Office of MVE at 800-925-6469 or by E-mail at omve@dot.iowa.gov.

March 17, 2010

A-W considers funneling fund-raising monies to General Fund

by Julie Ann Madden Can a school board funnel dollars raised through fund-raisers, including the upcoming Elementary Carnival, to the district’s General Fund?

Is it legal to take textbook and towel fees collected from parents at Registration Day each August and funnel them into the General Fund?

Should students be going on field trips to music museums and symphony concerts when they probably won’t have music in high school?

Should the district start charging for the “city route” bus service? Should all elementary students living within two miles of the school and high school students living within three miles pay a fee to ride school transportation to and from school?

Should drivers’ education fees be raised?

Can monies collected through food containers’ box tops be funneled to the General Fund?

Those were the questions posed at the Feb. 15 Akron-Westfield School Board meeting.

“I don’t have a problem with field trips and box tops,” said Board Member Roger Oetken, who brought up the idea to funnel fund-raisers to the General Fund and questioned the music field trip, “To me, we have to start thinking outside the box on some of this.”

The district’s Activity Fund account, entitled Towel Fund, has a balance of about $13,000.

Revenue for the Towel Fund is generated by a Towel Fee parents are charged when they register their children to attend classes at Akron-Westfield. From July 1, 2009 to Feb. 28, 2010, the Towel Fund revenue collected was $1,700.50 and expenditures were $610.39, according to Board Secretary Jodi Thompson and Superintendent Tony Ryan.

According to Thompson, the purpose of the fund is to purchase towels which are used by students to shower after Physical Education classes and participating in sports practices and games. It also covers the purchase of commercial washers and dryers and laundry supplies for the towels.

Oetken added coaches are paid to wash the towels with General Fund dollars.

Thompson explained the coaches are paid through the

Coaches Towel Fund, an account in the General Fund, while the Towel Fund is an Activities Fund account.

The Towel Fund expenditures could be paid with School Infrastructure Local Option (SILO) and Physical Plant & Equipment Levy (PPEL) taxes, said Oetken, explaining the Towel Fund was set up years ago when the school district was financially strapped.

“My idea would be to put that account’s money every year in the General Fund,” said Oetken, who also questioned the balance in the Textbook Fund, which is also a registration fee parents pay.

Board President Jim Black agreed, saying textbook fees and towel fees are collected at the same time and in his opinion, both funds support student programs.

“But you don’t charge a towel fee to keep a program,” said Thompson. “The expenditures are coming out of the (Towel Fund) for the purpose we’re collecting that money.”

“It’s to save a program as far as I’m concerned,” said Black.

“Maybe it’s only a couple thousand dollars a year,” said Oetken, “but I just think we need to look at how everything is funded so we can generate as much funding as we can to save as many things as we want to save.”

“In a time when everything is crunching, we have $13,000 setting there doing nothing,” said Board Member Phil Parks.

“The way I see it is we are never going to use that money to pay for replacement of equipment,” said Black. “That will be SILO or PPEL. The towels are being used for programs. It’s no different than textbooks that we charge fees for.”

With the music field trip, Oetken told Grades DK-8 Principal Cathy Bobier, “I’d rather some of these fund-raisers be funneled to the General Fund where we need the help so we can save things for the students.”

“I have no problem with field trips but we’re going to have a carnival bring in several thousand dollars,” said Oetken. “Why not buy library books for elementary kids so you’re freeing up some General Fund (dollars).”

“That’s what we do though,” said Bobier. “We have magazines and things for them; nonfiction

r u yo r! k da r a en M al c

readers which is supposed to help their reading program so we try to fund the curriculum when we can.”

Food Box Top fund-raising monies legally have to stay for student activities, added Superintendent Tony Ryan.

“The amount we spend on textbooks -- we certainly don’t generate enough fees to pay for those textbooks,” said Black.

“Fees collected from towels, that’s part of being able to offer that program.”

According to Thompson and Ryan, the 2010-2011 textbook fee revenues are $14,611.50 but expenditures have been $19,786.53.

“There’s fear out there as well,” said Ryan. “I want you to know I appreciate your stance but I don’t want to go backwards, challenging some of our sponsors to have the temptation to establish their own accounts and try to sidestep (having the district control fund-raising dollars). I’m emphatic to the sponsors who work very hard and are passionate about that situation.”

“What I’m trying to say is tread lightly,” he said, suggesting this be tabled until the March 8 meeting.

Then Ryan discussed charging for “city route” bus service and increasing the drivers’ education fee.

Charging city kids to ride the bus would only raise about $3,000 a year, he said, noting some northwest Iowa school districts charge for city transportation.

“As a parent living in town, I would have paid dearly to get that service,” said Parks, adding he would fight hard to keep it rather than lose it, and the district has the option to not have a “city” bus route. “I am a parent who cannot drive my children to school.”

“About 40 - 50 students in town use the bus service,” said Ryan, adding he wouldn’t make a recommendation on this until the March 8 meeting. “Is it worth it to put the parents through that for $3,000 in an entire year?”

With the drivers’ education fee, Oetken suggested raising it between $10 and $30 as A-W was charging less than Hinton and Le Mars. Parks agreed with Oetken but noted Woodbury Central only charged $100.

WING

competition Thursday, March 18 Akron-Westfield New Gym

Event starts at 5:45 p.m.

Face painting & Kids games - Raffle - Handmade African Baskets for sale

Contest at 7:00 p.m.

Watch students & community members compete to see who can eat their wings the fastest!

Sponsored by the Akron-Westfield National Honor Society Proceeds to benefit Light in Africa

March 17, 2010

The Akron Hometowner • Page 11

A-W school board split over Cost Saving Measures options BOARD Con’t from Front page On a positive note, A-W has a Cash Reserve – about 30 percent of Iowa schools do not. Districts without any Cash Reserve must complete a “Work-Out Plan” with the School Board Review Committee, which may or may not approve it. The districts have three years to turn their financial situation around or the state steps in with reorganizing ideas for dissolving the district.

At the March 8 meeting, board members struggled with selecting one of the four options Superintendent Tony Ryan proposed.

• Option1: Cut $150,000 in staff and use $150,000 in cash reserves.

• Option 2: Cut $200,000 in staff and use $100,000 in cash reserves.

• Option 3: Cut $100,000 in staff and use $200,000 in cash reserves; and • Option 4: Cut zero dollars in staff and use $300,000 cash reserves.

Spending Authority will most likely increase because of decreased reoccurring spending in each of the four options.

Spending Authority is not cash. It is the maximum amount the district could spend if the board chooses to fund that amount.

Furthermore, if the district has zero Allowable Growth, the district’s taxes will automatically move to around the 17.12 mill levy range, said Ryan.

Ryan recommended Option No. 2, explaining he wanted the board to be more “proactive now to lessen the blow in the future.

State officials say the year 2012 is going to be the roughest year financially.”

“I personally feel Option 2 is too deep,” said Board Member Roger Oetken, explaining the wind turbine repairs were going to cost less and is expected to be operational next month. It generates about $50,000 annually.

“If we lose too many things, it hurts our students,” said Oetken.

“I don’t want to do that.”

Board Member Josh Martinsen agreed, explaining some district expenses, including technology support, can be paid for with the board-approved Physical Plant & Equipment Levy (PPEL) dollars. In addition, there is legislation pending that would allow school districts to use PPEL for repairs such as on school buses.

Board President Jim Black pointed out the district has a trend of reducing its Unspent Balance the last few years.

“We’re spending too much money and depending too much on taxes as far as revenue goes,” said Black, adding he expects if state officials approve 2 percent Allowable Growth, they will cut it again during the fiscal 2010-2011 year like they did last October.

Iowa School Finance Information Services spokesman Larry Sigel continues to say Allowable Growth will be unfunded by $310 per student, which is $183,198.53 for A-W, said Ryan. Legislators can change it until April 2011.

If the funding level stayed the same as it was this year, next year, it would be -15 percent, said Thompson.

If state legislators don’t totally fund Allowable Growth, it will mean more cuts, said Black.

Eighty percent of the budget is already spoken for, explained Ryan. When state officials do that, districts freeze their budgets and spend only for necessities.

“I don’t think Option 2 will hurt our revenues,” said Black and Board Member Nick Schoenfelder agreed.

“I don’t think Option 2 is strong enough,” said Board Member

Janet Willer, explaining Ryan had told the board, $300,000.

Oetken noted even though the state gave a 10 percent across-theboard cut, A-W faces a 15 percent cut with the loss of Greater Hoyt’s approximate $121,000. Of that, $87,000 is cut from A-W’s General Fund.

Even with that extra burden, Oetken is optimistic that the economy will turn around.

“Nobody knows when we will come out of the recession,” said Oetken. “Hopefully, three years from now will look a lot different.”

“I want to look at what our programs will look like, if we are going to stay marketable and draw students” said Board Member Deb Jordt.

“That’s going to be the hardest part,” said Willer. “It’s not the dollar side but how we are going to get there.”

The options presented didn’t list any specific cuts.

“You’ve got to remember every school system in the state is battling the same challenges,” said Ryan, noting Le Mars is closing the Kissinger Elementary School in Merrill; West Sioux is looking at $600,000 in cuts; Sioux City is looking at several million. “I just want to make sure the board is conscientious about the decisions being made.”

Ryan noted administration had begun that process last November.

The List of Possible Cuts had been created starting with the meeting the “bare” minimum Iowa Code Chapter 12 requirements, board policies and graduation requirements, then moving upward. Some class offerings could be combined; some programs cut to the minimum. For example, districts must have four tracks of vocational education (agriculture, Family & Consumer Science, industrial arts and business). Each track must have three sequential course offerings.

“If you reduce everything on the list, you will not (meet state code and board policy requirements),” said A-W High School Principal Derek Briggs. “Without something specific, it’s hard to tell you (whether we’d meet the requirements).”

“It’s a very complex puzzle,” said Ryan. “It’s almost guaranteed whatever position you act on that list will be a trickle effect to something else within that list. That’s why we stress these are possibilities.”

For example, if the Industrial Arts teaching position was reduced to half-time, there would be three high school Industrial Arts classes offered instead of five each semester plus the middle school Industrial Arts exploratory and one athletics/study hall supervisory period would be cut.

The board’s consensus was for recommendations of exact cuts from the List of Possible Cuts.

Ryan noted administration will do that but they may need time once the board makes cuts to see if those cuts will actually work with scheduling class offerings.

Next, the board discussed other agenda items before making the Financial Option decision.

The board’s consensus was to not add a “city bus route” fee for elementary students who lived within two miles of the school and high school students who lived within three miles. Ryan had proposed $20 per quarter or $30 per semester, noting some districts don’t charge but others charge between $50 and $200.

Ryan recommended leaving “Registration Day” fees the same but increasing the Drivers’ Education fee to $275. However, several board members wanted fees raised.

Willer suggested a “10 percent across-the-board increase”

in fees. It was decided to do this to the “General Fund” fees, which are textbook fees, band instrument rentals and Drivers’ Education.

Towel Fund fees may also be legally transferable to the General Fund – administration didn’t have the answer yet. The Towel Fund has a balance of $13,129 and only $610.39 had been spent this year.

Athletic Director Todd Colt said towels are purchased twice a year and locker padlocks are also purchased with this account. He will be buying both soon. Briggs noted parents pay $7 for their child to receive a towel and a lock.

Ryan is considering having the portable classroom replaced with a building addition by the fifth grade classrooms. The “ballpark range” for this project is $135 per square feet and may be paid for with School Infrastructure Local Option (SILO) and/or PPEL taxes.

When it became time to make the Financial Option decision, there was some hesitancy.

“I understand it doesn’t feel good,” said Ryan. “It doesn’t feel any better for me. I’m not getting any enjoyment out of this. We have a lot of staff members who are wonderful for us. I will support whatever direction the board tells us to go.”

“I looked at the $150,000,” said Martinsen, making a motion for Option 1. “It’s not easy to get there but I can see ways we can get there and still have Akron-Westfield.

You start going much beyond that, looking at the (List of Possible Cuts), where are you going to get the other $50,000. There is a possibility that other $50,000 will have to be cut next year or more.”

Martinsen noted last year the board had cut more than they’d needed to, and it was fortunate or the district would be in worse shape now.

“Maybe we’re in the same boat, shoot over it and we’ll be better off next year,” said Martinsen. “I just struggle to think what options we’d have to cut to get to that.”

“Early on I was in favor of more cuts,” said Oetken, who seconded the motion, explain-

ing because of the $250,000, the Greater Hoyt money loss, the wind turbine down. However, the wind turbine repair price has been reduced and there are possibilities of sharing a superintendent next year and new options for spending Early Intervention dollars. “I’m throwing out things that would hopefully work to our advantage.

It’s really hard for me to cut things for students when I’ve seen what it’s done for my own children. I respect (Black’s) understanding of the budget but I think when your students get to some of the things being proposed to cut, you’ll see that in a different light.”

“If there is any possible way we can get through this without going any deeper than $150,000, we should do it,” said Oetken.

“I’ll support cuts as long as they stay away from the classroom. I’d go another $25,000 if we’re staying away from classrooms. I don’t have problems with certain things if we don’t have numbers to support certain things.”

Ryan asked the board to focus on reoccurring expenses and to stay on the $300,000 mark for cuts.

The district has about $892,000 in Cash Reserve and a Spending Authority of $539,327.

Jordt again asked for List of Possible Cuts recommendations while Schoenfelder asked if the board cut $150,000 now, what it would mean next year.

“We’d just have to cut again next year, why not do it now,” said Black.

“We’ve made a lot of tough cuts over the years,” said Oeken, “so we would have an Unspent Balance and a Cash Reserve. Now, it’s supposed to be for a rainy day, and to me, it looks like the roof’s leaking.”

“I don’t have any problem supporting $150,000,” said Black, “but I wouldn’t be surprised if we’re sitting here next year looking at the same thing because I don’t think it’s going to improve.

You’re still going to have reoccurring expenses, our Unspent Balance is going down for another year and I don’t see the revenues coming back from the state this

year.”

“What’s easier for us to do on the school – (half now, half next year) or just do it,” asked Willer.

“It’ll make it more difficult next year,” said Black. “We may get through this year and get up to $150,000 or $175,000 but then everyone needs to be prepared. I wouldn’t be surprised we’d be sitting here making major changes in program (next year) because we have already taken as much as we can trim off. What I’m hearing from people is you don’t want to go there, and I don’t either. But, your district is going to be forced to or you’ll be looking at another year with Unspent Balance going down.”

“You have to,” said Schoenfelder, wanting to amend the motion to Option 2 but a vote was needed on Option 1 first.

“We might have better options next year,” said Jordt, including sharing a superintendent, teachers. “We may do a better job with class offerings. There are some of those pieces we don’t have yet that maybe, we wouldn’t necessarily need to sacrifice programming.”

“You make those cuts,” said Oetken, “and you look at people leaving the district because certain things aren’t offered. Your staff moving who have kids in the district so then your cuts become even larger.”

“If we cut something, it’s going to stay out,” said Willer.

“We’ve done that way too many times, that we’ve cut and back in it comes. That doesn’t look good for the board to be doing that.

You have got to study it so when we take it and let it go, it’s got to go.”

If the financial situation turned around, it would be fine to put it back in, she added but not just add it back in a few months later.

“Then maybe it shouldn’t have been cut in the first place,” said Martinsen.

Black called for the vote. It was 4-2 with Schoenfelder and Willer dissenting.

Westfield receives NWREC electric increase

by Julie Ann Madden For the first-time in its history, North West Rural Electric Cooperative (NWREC) is charging a Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) fee to its wholesale consumers.

The City of Westfield will find this PCA on its May bill.

At the March 4 meeting, City Clerk Barbette Grimm presented the mayor and councilors with information on this new charge.

According to a letter from North West REC General Manager Lyle D. Korver, a PCA is designed to recover some of the increases in wholesale power costs that we are incurring above our base wholesale rate. It is a method of either collecting from or returning to the members the difference in wholesale power costs compared to the base wholesale rate. It is not designed to recover any other operating costs – just to pass along the increases or decreases in wholesale power costs. The NWREC chose the PCA fee in lieu of an adjustment to the rate structure.

NWREC anticipates the PCA will average 3 mills or three-tenths of a cent per kWh for the months of April through December, which is about a 5 to 6 percent increase.

According to Korver, NWREC’s wholesale cost of power increased 9.5 percent Jan. 1, and in combination with other increases that have been passed along to NWREC in recent years, the average cost of wholesale power has now increased over 40

percent since 2005…the NWREC implemented a retail rate increase of 11.8 percent in July 2009, and this was the first rate increase in 26 years. The increase for our three phase rate customers averaged less than 10 percent. We were able to limit the amount of increase by utilizing some reserve funds we had set aside in some of the strong margin years in the past.

The projected wholesale power costs for 2010 are 4.79 cents per kWh while the base wholesale power cost in effect when their 2009 rate study was completed was 4.44 cents per kWh. Therefore, the PCA is the difference: 0.35 cents per kWh. Grimm told Westfield officials, this means the city’s bill will increase $20 a month. The council took no action on the matter to pass the costs on to the residents at this time.

In other business, the Council: • Unanimously approved the city’s 2010-2011 Budget, which sets the city’s tax levy rate at 8.10 per $1,000 valuation on regular property. The budget estimates total revenues for 2010-2011 at $151,675 and expenditures at $213,975, leaving the city an estimated balance of $186,767 on June 30, 2011. The vote was 4-0 with Councilor Marion Ross absent.

• Learned the city has several grant opportunities, including the Whole Town Energy Audit, the

council approved this application at their last meeting; an ARRA Energy Efficiency Community Development Block Grant to help meet the council’s Energy Efficiency goals, which will cost the city $757 and will come out of the Electric Fund; the Iowa Finance Authority Water Quality Financial Assistance Program grant to replace the city’s utility electronics, water tanks and upgrade the lift station; and the Build With Bags grant for recycled park equipment.

• Were informed the city needed to hire a road maintenance person to grade alleys and apply gravel to unpaved streets.

• Unanimously approved a liquor license for James Ulatowski of Akron, S.D. The liquor license is contingent on Ulatowski purchasing Hummer’s Roadhouse.

• Unanimously denied a building permit to James Scott due to application not meeting the permit criteria and the fact that Scott does not own the property where building would be placed.

• Unanimously approved a $50 donation to Akron-Westfield Project Prom.

• Discussed Westfield Community Center rentals.

• Learned Iowa Representative Chuck Soderberg will be holding a public forum at noon March 13 at the Westfield Community Center.

Page 12 • The Akron Hometowner

March 17, 2010

Akron-Westfield Girl Scouts celebrate National Girl Scout Week

Troop No. 338 - Kindergarten Daisies

At the Akron-Westfield Community School District, there are five troops with 48 girls and seven adult leaders.

During National Girl Scout Week, March 7 - 13, each troop did fun activities to celebrate.

On Monday, each troop hung a poster representing the fun they have. On Friday, during the Elementary Opening School Day Ceremony, the troops were recognized as they celebrated Girl Scouts’ 98th Birthday, which was March 12.

Troop No .338 Daisies are (Clockwise from bottom left:) Chloee Colt, Marinda Moore, Brooke Lewison, Sky Robley, Emmalee Wilken and Presley Marnach. Their leader is Christina Robley.

Troop No. 113- First Grade Daisies

Troop No. 113 Daisys are (Front Row l-r:) Sophia Knuth, Emma Noll, Tristan Ferguson, Emma Martinac, (Middle Row l-r:) Hannah Welch, Tori Nemesio, Madelynn Munsen, Hannah Schwartz, Hailey Watkins, Erica DeWeerd, (Back Row l-r:) Melissa Munsen, Troop Leader; Ava Harding, Hailey Wilken, Addison McMillan, Arlena Heyl, Hope Hasenbank, Natalie Toben, Amy McMillan, Troop Co-Leader.

Troop No. 183 - Second Grade Brownies

Troop No. 183 Brownies are (Front row l-r:) Kendra Ericson, McKenna Moats, Melissa Meinen, Kayla Johnson, Jerrica DeGroot, Isabelle Fegley (Back row l-r:) Grace Martinsen, Alayna Mullinix, Kailee Tucker, Megan Swancutt, Jaden Harris and Lily Kenny. Their leader is Bobbi Fegley.

Troop No. 6 - Fourth Grade Junior Girl Scouts

Troop No. 485 Third Grade Brownies

Brownie Troop No. 485 with Leader Sherry Ritz (back center) are (Front Row l-r:) Autumn Stowe, Sarah Ritz, Brooke Koele, Courtney Albers, (Back Row l-r:) Karenna DeWeerd, Emma Rohlfs, Abby Ryan, Jennifer Ritz and Shaylee Siebens.

Grow your business - Advertise here!

The Akron Hometowner - 712-568-2208 Where do you read your Akron Hometowner?

The Class of ‘59 held their 50th reunion at Theo’s Steak House Lawton, IA. Those attending (l-r) Front row: Alyce “Ross” Dion, Westfield, Marge “Welch” Devine, Sunrise Beach, MO, Norma “Whitead” Burger, Waterloo, NE, Randall Lilly, Sioux City, Jerry Dennison, Westfield. Back row: Edna “Lackman” Frisch, Akron, Joellen “Kindig” Toben, Akron, Sandra “Maclem” Hartley, Carson City, NV, Francis Niehus, Elbert, CO, Joyce “Toben” Hasenbank, Westfield. While holding the Sesquicentennial edition of the Akron Hometowner we noticed the school song and of course sang it. Other memorabilia was displayed as well.

There’s no ‘wrong’ place to read your Akron Hometowner.

Just ask the Class of ‘59!

Call 568-2208 to get your subscription.

Troop No. 6 Junior Girl Scouts are (l-r:) Danika Smith, Laken Mullinix, Justyne Rabey, Cassie Hansen and Kiana Appley. Troop members missing from photograph are: Kammi Bishop, Michaela Arens, Rose Witt and Andrea Hughes.

Their leaders are Kim Smith and Kim Hansen.

March 17, 2010

The Akron Hometowner • Page 13

Westerner Review Akron-Westfield Community School

March 17, 2010

Volume 39 Number 21

San Antonio trip is just JV boys end season well around the bend

Dr. Britton tests for scoliosis by: Cody Reed student reporter Mrs. Holly Kutz, the school nurse, and Dr. Bradley Britton performed a scoliosis screening for grades 2 through 5 and all freshmen in high school.

Scoliosis is a curvature in the spine and can affect the function of parts of the body, some parts being major organs.

The screening was performed by observing the spine, viewing the

student from the back, side, and front, and with the student bending forward.

Early detection, diagnosis, and treatment will help with the prevention of back pain and deformity.

Students found to have signs of a possible spinal abnormality will be recommended for further evaluation by a chiropractor or physician.

C team comes MS girls split pair with West up short in Sioux final game by: Alex Frankl student reporter The C team boys finished their season with a loss Friday, February 5. The Westerners lost by a score of 51-37 to the Hartley MelvinSanborn Hawks.

The Westerners played tough, but turnovers turned out to be too costly.

Leading the Westerner attack was Zach Tindall with 14 points and Mitch Hedlund with eight.

The C team finished with a 5-2 record.

by: Tyler Johnson student reporter February 8, the Westerners traveled up Highway 12 to take on arch rival West Sioux.

The seventh graders really struggled to get anything going offensively, and were defeated 21-3.

Scoring the loan bucket was Cali Westergard.

The Westerners rebounded very well, but just couldn’t get the ball into the basket.

The eighth graders more than made up for the lack of offense by the seventh grade, pounding the Falcons 34-7.

Leading the offensive attack was Sarah Schroeder with 11 points and Erika Clark, Jordan Hansen, and Dana Hedlund each had six.

A big key for the win was the 36 steals the girls combined for and the rebounding led by Kayla Tindall with seven.

Music department presents successful “Pops” concert Robin sighting!

It’s official! The Akron Hometowner has received its first Robin sighting photo, so it must be Spring! This little fellow was spotted by the staff of the Akron Care Center outside the dining room windows March 10. The photo was taken by Amy Adix.

by: Cody Reed student reporter Many classic songs were sung Tuesday night for the high school Pops Concert.

Classic songs like Hold Your Hand by the Beatles and Don’t Stop Believing by Journey were sung.

The choir did well as they prepare for Texas. After the trip, the choir will practice for their spring concert.

by: Marissa Snedeker student reporter The high school choir and band students are going to San Antonio, Texas for a music trip. The students will leave the school Wednesday, March 24 at one in the afternoon. They will not return until noon Sunday, March 28.

Ninety percent of the trip has been paid for by the students in bimonthly payments of around $150.

There are still some things coming up that the students will have to pay for themselves. There are six meals for which the students will have to pay.

Then there are the personal costs such as spending money on things for souvenirs.

Thursday, March 25 the students will have breakfast at a fast food restaurant. They will arrive in San Antonio at around 10:00 a.m.

They’ll go to Tower of the Americas and eat lunch at River Center Mall. Students then will go to the Alamo and watch an Imax on the Price of Freedom.

Then they’ll go to Mission San Jose and El Mercado. Finally, the students will go to the hotel for a

pizza party.

Friday, March 26 The group will go to Trinity University for Master Classes. They will eat lunch at the River Center Mall. Students will then go on a Riverboat Cruise before visiting the Spanish Governor’s Palace. The students will then get to see a Texan show and have supper. Finally, the students will go to The Diamond W. Longhorn Ranch.

Saturday, March 27 the group will go to Dallas to the sixth floor of the JFK Museum. Then the students will go to Six Flags where they will also have supper. The students depart for home at 9:00 p.m.

Wednesday and Sunday will be spent mainly on the bus. There will, of course, be breaks.

All students participating need to be sure they have turned in their parental consent, medical, and the behavioral consent forms to either Mr. Ryan Schuknecht or Mr. Tim Zorr before the bus leaves Wednesday, March 24.

If these forms are not turned in, the student will not be permitted to ride the bus, even if they have paid all their money.

Sixth and seventh grade keyboarding exploratory

AW school collects lids

by: Marissa Snedeker student reporter The sixth and seventh grade students are taught keyboarding by Mrs. Amanda Van Kley.

The students are learning about the excel program, how to sort and filter information, and about functions and formulas and how to use them.

The students will be moving on to power point after their excel lesson. They will learn how to create presentations for their classes.

Powerpoints are essential, because they teach the students how to put information into groups and how to create an entertaining yet informative presentation.

Breakfast Menu Thursday March 18: Toasted bagel w/cream cheese or jelly, juice or fruit, milk.

Friday March 19: Egg and cheese omelet, toast, juice or fruit, milk.

Monday March 22: Cereal, toast, juice or fruit, milk.

Tuesday March 23: French toast w/syrup, sausage, juice or fruit, milk.

Wednesday March 24: Breakfast wrap, juice or fruit, milk.

Westerner Review Staff:

Editor: Tyler Johnson Ass’t. Editor: Marissa Snedeker Reporters: Alex Frankl and Cody Reed Advisor: Mrs. Pam Von Hagel

by: Alex Frankl student reporter The Akron-Westfield School is collecting Land O’ Lakes lids for a fund-raiser. The funds will be used to buy AR books for the library and new playground equipment.

The lids can be from white milk, chocolate milk, and orange juice jugs from the Land O’ Lakes company.

They can be placed in the same containers for the Box Tops as well as Pizza Ranch Wagon Wheels.

These containers are located at Peoples Bank and The Akron Post Office.

Lunch Menu

Thursday March 18: Hot ham and cheese/bun, chips and cheese, baked beans, applesauce, milk.

Friday March 19: Pizza Ranch pizza (pepperoni or cheese), corn, mixed fruit, milk.

Monday March 22: Taco in a bag w/fixings, peaches, cookie, milk.

Tuesday March 23: Pepperoni or cheese pizza, lettuce salad, s’mores bar, milk.

Wednesday March 24: Turkey wrap w/lettuce, cheese, and Ranch dressing, corn, mandarin oranges, milk.

by: Alex Frankl student reporter The JV boys basketball team ended their 2009-2010 campaign with a 48-41 victory over the rival West Sioux Falcons.

The Westerners were again led by sophomores David Berkes with 16 points and Chris Swearingen with nine.

The defense was key in the victory, however, which was led by 6’4” Joel Schroeder who dominated the paint.

The JV team ended their season with an 8-2 record.

MS girls beat Remsen Union by: Tyler Johnson student reporter February 2, the AW Middle School girls played host to the Rockets of Remsen Union.

The seventh graders had no trouble, as their best defensive effort of the season only allowed the Rockets eight measly points the whole game.

Ryleigh Schnell led the scoring attack for the Westerners with 12 points, and Kortney Hedlund added seven.

Strong offensive rebounding put the game away and allowed the Westerners to come away with the easy victory, 32-8.

The eighth graders exploded offensively, winning their game 47-21.

Sarah Schroeder led the way with 13 points, Jordan Hansen added 12, and both Erika Clark and Bethany Eastman added six.

Limiting turnovers and causing them on defense, like the seven

by Jordan Hansen, really proved to be handy for the Westerners, limiting the Rockets to only seven points the whole night.

Sixth grade Speech class by: Marissa Snedeker student reporter The sixth grade students Speech exploratory is being taught by Mrs. Mary Jane Tapper.

Right now the students are finishing their Radio and Reader Theatre projects. The topics they are using for these presentations are Tom Sawyer and The Wizard of Oz. The students will present their Demonstration Speeches. In these speeches students demonstrate how to do something.

Joke of the Week by: Tyler Johnson student reporter Two men went into a diner and sat down at the counter. They ordered two sodas, took sandwiches out of their packs, and started to eat them.

The owner saw what was going on and approached the men. “You can’t eat your own sandwiches in here,” the owner complained.

The two men stopped, looked at each other, and then swapped their sandwiches.

Page 14 • The Akron Hometowner

March 17, 2010

A-W students begin National History Day trek

by Julie Ann Madden There are 43 Akron-Westfield students competing in the National History Day Contest.

They began the first leg of the journey to Maryland with the annual Akron-Westfield History Day Locals Event, March 1.

At this point, the students have created exhibits, documentaries, performances or Web sites, written research papers, and undergone interviews and work critiques in preparation for the District History Day Contest March 17.

Their hearts and hopes are set on competing at state competitions in April and May and at the National History Day competition in June in Maryland.

Competing this year are the following: Junior Division Performances • Anastasia Hoffer, “Clara Barton;” • Emily Meerdink, “Lacey’s Act of Conservation;” • Lexi Hageman, Kortney Hedlund, Hannah Koele, Desi Oltmanns and Cali Westergard, “The Golden Age of Radio;” and • Katie Black, Dana

Hedlund, Maggi Liebetrau and Sarah Schroeder, “REA.” Junior Division Documentaries, Web sites • Alec Heeren, “Dorothea Dix;” • Corbin Bundy, Bethany Eastman and Eliza Kjar, “Barb Wire;” • Mariah Grimm and Kayla Tindall, “American Disabilities Act;” • Trevor Hansen, “Gatling Gun;” and • Anthony Fountalakis, “Dynamite.”

Junior Division Group Exhibits •Charlie Anderson, Skyler Briggs, Daniel Martinsen and Cameron Wahlberg, “Telescope;” • Tyler Waterbury, Caleb Colt and Zach Bosse, “Manhattan Project;” • Kylie Dumas and Trisha Frerichs, “Polio Vaccine;” • Jackson Gereau and Brenden Moore, “Television News Broadcasting;” • Sydney Pridie and Alex Franker, “Lobotomy;” and • Jessen Wood, Mackenzie Black and Jacob Neubrand, “Elvis Presley.”

Local History Day judges Joni Noble-Brown and David Wolff critique Trevor Hansen’s Web site entry.

(l-r:) Ryleigh Schnell, Chandra DeRocher and Kelcie Wakeman created this exhibit about Martha Graham.

At the Invention Convention, Nash Lininger demonstrates his Paper Holder with pencils grippers, paperclips and erasers that attaches to school desks.

Junior Division Individual Exhibits • Jonathan Twohig, “Transcontinental Railroad;” • Mikayla Morey, “Walt Disney Animation;” and

There are refillable toner cartridges -- why not refillable markers? That is the invention Quentin Hoffer showed passersby at the Invention Convention.

• Olivia Parks, “Work Progress Administration Art.”

Akron-Westfield third and fourth grade Talented-And-Gifted students hold an “Invention Convention” during the History Day Locals Event. Laken Mullinix (l) demonstrates her “AllIn-One” white board markers and highlighters invention to Megan Black.

Answers to questions about last week’s Hyperion land map

by Julie Ann Madden Several questions have been posed to The Akron Hometowner about the map regarding Hyperion land options, which was published last week.

Land west of 473rd Avenue The first question was whether land west of 473rd Avenue, which is commonly called the “Spink Oil Road,” was still in the Hyperion footprint.

That is a debatable question.

The source of the map showing the outline of Hyperion Energy Center was Hyperion Refining LLC. It was one of three maps that they presented to the South Dakota Board of Minerals & Environment in April 2009. The Akron Hometowner received the maps from Hyperion’s press agent, Eric Williams of Gallatin Public Affairs.

In looking at the other two maps, one shows just the outline of Hyperion’s heavy industrial area and the transitional buffer zone. This map doesn’t have any land shown west of 473rd Avenue as part of Hyperion Energy Center.

However, the other map which shows the placement of such things as the tank farm, offices, and emergency flares, shows the Hyperion boundary line going west of 473rd Avenue.

Now, the Union County Commission made it plain that Hyperion’s Planned Development area for this Hyperion Energy Center project did not include land west of 473rd Avenue. However, the county’s official map that hangs in the Commissioners’ meeting room shows the Planned Development jutting out to the west instead of a straight line down 473rd Avenue.

That map was just revised in the last year.

The Akron Hometowner didn’t realize that Hyperion’s maps had

Which options do Hyperion still hold?

Here is the list of landowners’ whose land option agreements with the Elk Point Economic Development Corporation are still filed in the Union County Register of Deeds Office and in effect, as of March 5, 2010.

Filed March 2007 Donald-Mary Abraham Susan Parker Spencer Albin Eric Abraham Mark Quam Craig Eidem Marlene Wilson

Acres 240.00 314.00 80.00 114.71 516.78 231.57 187.09

Filed July 2007 Norrel & Ben Quam Allen Pace Ron Bird Craig McInerney Craig Eidem Alyce Law Phyllis Edwards Dakota Eastern Gorman Erickson

320.00 159.01 680.95 160.00 234.35 160.00 155.50 606.30 160.00

Filed December 2007 Ronald Anderson Reid & Collettte Bird Yvonne & William Busker Charles-James-Bernice Carpender Hubert & Deborah Cholick D & M Grazing

153.99 7.13 271.13 159.33 80.00 168.00

two different outlines of Hyperion Energy Center Planned Development. I didn’t think to question it since the map I used was sent to The Akron Hometowner in “2009” -- way past the county’s involvement and the citizens’ vote.

Is the county’s official map, which is the responsibility of Union County Planning Director Dennis Henze, wrong? Yes, it shows the same map outline as printed in last week’s Hometowner.

There have been errors in the Hyperion’s land option documents. For example, the land options listed approximately 80

Filed December 2007 Brian Hanson Clarence & Janice Hanson Trent & Miracle Hemmingsen Tim & Jennelle Irwin Greg & Lisa Larsen Bernard & Glenda Ofstehage Laverne Quam

Acres 35.78 160.00 80.00 6.00 2.17 38.99 77.83

Filed Feb. 25, 2008 Luverne & Margaret Hanson Luverne & Margaret Hanson

198.22 6.00

Filed March 2008 Douglas and Patricia Olave 80.00 Clifford Jervik Estate (Curt Jervik) 107.00

Total Options Filed: 13,596.18 acres Total Options Filed Left: 5,951.83 acres March 5, 2010 Source: Union County Register of Deeds Office

acres of Devin Bird’s land. However, the legal description on the land option document was for land owned by Jim Wennblom and Marimack Inc. Hyperion officials never corrected this error even though they knew about it after the first time The Akron Hometowner published it, and Wennblom brought it to our attention.

Hometowner Correction The Akron Hometowner did make an error in last week’s legend. It stated that one parcel still optioned but not shown on the

map was Devin Bird’s. However, Bird’s option was released freeing Wennblom and Marimack Inc.’s parcels.

The parcel still optioned but not shown is owned by Dakota Eastern LTD, in Section 1 of Elk Point West Township.

HEC Transportation Routes Another question asked was whether the transportation routes into Hyperion Energy Center were correct on the map.

Hyperion’s map shows the transportation routes for heavy equipment deliveries, materi-

als deliveries and employees’ entrance -- all from Interstate 29, along South Dakota Highway 50.

The heavy equipment will enter the Hyperion Energy Center on 475th Avenue, north of South Dakota Highway 50.

Materials will be delivered north of South Dakota Highway 40 via 473rd Avenue.

The employee’s entrance rout will go from South Dakota Highway 50, north to 315th Street and east about 1.25 miles to the entrance gate.

On the other hand, a Joint Powers Road Improvement and Maintenance Agreement between the South Dakota Department of Transportation and Union County, the state agrees to “provide for the maintenance of the driving surface of the following public road segments: a) 473rd Avenue from its intersection with State Highway 50 in Union County to its intersection with State Highway 48 to facilitate the north and south bound traffic intersecting to and from 315th Street, a township road in Union County.”

The question was why doesn’t Hyperion’s map showing any transportation routes from South Dakota Highway 48 south on 473rd Avenue to 315th Street.

The agreement included having the state loan the money to the county. The “road agreement” was never completed by state and county officials, only discussed.

Conclusion According to Gallatin Public Affairs’ Eric Williams, the correct map to use is the one with all of HEC’s Planned Development east of 473rd Avenue. This was done so that portions of 473rd Avenue would not be closed.

March 17, 2010

The Akron Hometowner • Page 15

NCCC restores grasslands in Plymouth County

Second grade teacher Carol Palmer, with the first to fifth grade GFWC Friendship and Service Club Youth Creative Writing Contest winners for 2010.

Friendship & Service Club announces writing winners Information submitted by Akron-Westfield teacher Carol Palmer.

Thanks very much to the Akron-Westfield students, teachers and GFWC Friendship and Service Club for their roles in making the 17th annual poetry and short story contest another successful event.

Facilitated by second grade teacher Carol Palmer, this year’s event included 316 entries from students in grades one through 12, Division winning pieces will be sent on to represent our school and local club at the state level of the GFWC-Iowa Youth Creative Writing Contest.

“Keep up the wonderful work, students and teachers!” Awards for grades one through grade five were presented March 4, older stu-

dents will receive theirs at a later date.

Division I, (grades one to three), story, “Santa’s Missing”

by Nash Lininger; poem, “Pizza, Pizza, Pizza” by Taylor Heeren; Division III (grades 7 to 9), story, “My Best Friend, Getting Buster”, Dana Hedlund; poetry, “In Me”, Kellie O’Bryne; Division IV (grades 10-12), story, “Forever” by Ashley Gagnon, poem, “Nature”, Paul Johnson.

First grade stories, first place, all titled “ Four Seasons”, first place, Ali Welch; second place, Aaron Hummel; third place, Sam Mullinix; fourth place, Madelyn Munson. Poems, first place, Carter Meinen, “Wrestling”; second place, Kyle Welch, “I Went To Town”; third place, Kegan Lyons, “Coats”;

photos by Steve Peterson

Grades seven to 12 winners, middle school and high school, from left: Paul Johnson, Laura Tentinger, Kristen Foley, Kellie O’Bryne are congratulated by Mrs. Carol Palmer. Not present: Dana Hedlund, Maggie Liebetreau, Emily Meerdink, and Ashley Gagnon.

Division winners included: Charlie Anderson, Nash Lininger and Taylor Heeren, with teacher Carol Palmer.

fourth place, Jader Briggs, “Ragbrai.”

Second grade, stories, first place, Megan Swancutt, “Rudolph, Rosy and Jolly Old Saint Nick”; second place, Lily Kenny, “The Magic Box”; third place, Levi Hemmelrick, “The Monster Chase” and forth place, Kailee Tucker, “School Day Before Christmas.”

Poems, first place, Kayla Johnson, “Snowflake”; second place, Jessica Wahlert, “Snowball”; third place, Bailey Reed, “Ice Skating”; fourth place, McKenna Moats, “Muskies.”

Third grade, stories, first place, Nash Lininger, “Santa’s Missing”; second place, Autumn Stowe, “Adventures of Super Cat”; third place, Paul Knapp, “Forget Turkey, Pass Me the Apple Pie”; fourth place, Trenton Frerichs, “Operation Save the Turkey.”

Poems, first place, “Pizza, Pizza, Pizza,” Taylor Heeren; second place, Sarah Ritz, “Cats, Cats, Cats”; third place, Karenna DeWeerd, “Dogs”; fourth place, Scott Toben, “Tractors.”

Fourth grade, stories, first place, Michaela Arens, “Food Galore”; second place, Nick Albers, “Nick and the Super Hero”; third place, A.J. Nemesio. “The Day that Changed My Life”; fourth place, Jordan Neubrand, “The Chronicles of Crabby Apple.”

Poems, first place, Rose Witt, “Where Do Gummy Bears Come From”; second place, Cody Hillrichs, “Highlights of my Life on the Farm”; third place, Max Anderson, “Birthdays.”

Fifth grade, stories, first place, Charlie Anderson, “Othia Island”; second place, Daniel Martinsen, “Grandma and Grandpa’s Farm”; third place, Cameron Wahlberg, “Sylvan Lake”; fourth place, Eric Cotrell, “The Drake Alux Adventures.”

Poems, first place, Samantha Sturgeon, “If I Were in Charge of the World”; second place, Jessica Hansen, “If I Were in Charge of the World”; third place, Ben Liebetau, “Mother Nature”; fourth place, Alix Koele, “Football.”

Plymouth County hopefuls may file for three supervisors’ slots Plymouth County Board of Supervisors will have three spots open for election on the June 8 primary.

March 8 was the first day to file petitions with Plymouth County Auditor’s Office. Petitions, with a maximum of 100 signatures for the Republicans and 93 signatures for the Democrats, may be filed

from March 8 to 5:30 p.m. March 31, Auditor Stacy Feldman said.

Forms are available at the auditor’s office, on-line, or through Iowa Secretary of State.

Supervisors’ whose terms are up are Don Kass of District 3, Craig Anderson of District 4, and C. Gordon Greene of District 1.

As of March 15, Kass and Anderson filed petitions. Jack Guenther of Le Mars filed his petition for Dist. 1.

For county offices, Linda Dobson, incumbent, filed her petition. Recorder and attorney are other county offices up for election.

A team of 11 AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) members are serving with the Plymouth County Conservation Board and the Nature Conservancy from Mar. 7-Apr. 23, 2010. They are working to help restore and preserve 15 acres of the Five Ridge Prairie, Broken Kettle Grasslands, and the Hillview Recreation Area.

For the next seven weeks, the NCCC team is assisting with a variety of tasks, including removing invasive species, conducting prescribed burns, constructing and placing a fish habitat, and participating in other aspects of park maintenance. “Preserving the prairies of Plymouth County is a job that I feel honored to be a part of,” said NCCC member Sam Spears of Asheville, N.C. “I feel that our team is going to make a large contribution to the conservation effort.”

The Plymouth County Conservation Board and the Nature Conservancy work to preserve the plants, animals, and communities that represent the diversity

of life on Earth. They also work to provide residents of Plymouth County quality conservation education and outdoor recreation opportunities.

This project is the third of five total projects that the NCCC teams is expected to complete during their term of service that runs from Oct. 14, 2009 through Aug. 5, 2010. The NCCC team is assigned to the North Central Region campus located in Vinton, Iowa.

AmeriCorps NCCC, administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, provides opportunities to members, who work to improve the environment, enhance education, increase public safety, help with disaster relief and assist in other unmet human needs.

NCCC members must be18-24 and complete at least 1,700 hours of service during the 10-month program. For information about applying to AmeriCorps NCCC, call 1-800-942-2677 or visit the Web site at www.americorps.gov/ nccc.

Getting counted is important for county, town dollar

by Steve Peterson The Plymouth County Board of Supervisors is the latest group of elected officials hoping citizens cooperate with U.S. Census takers.

The resolution was expected to be presented to the supervisors at their March 9 meeting.

“Le Mars is doing a knocking-on-the-door campaign, to tell people that they need to fill out the forms. As Mayor Dick Kirchoff said at the Le Mars Business Initiative meeting, it is $89 per person for roads for the next 10 years for every person who is not counted,” Board Vice Chairman Don Kass said.

Another stumbling block to a higher count could be the foreclosures, as people are no longer residing in homes where they once were.

There is a cost in figuring out non-counted. The constitutionally required count is done every 10 years. The Iowa Association of County’s web site has a lot of information on this, Raymond said.

According to ISAC web site’s Census 2010 information: All U.S. residents must be counted, people of all races and ethnic groups, both citizens and non-citizens.

Census Day is April 1, 2010.

Questionnaire responses should represent the household as it exists that day.

Census questionnaires will be delivered or mailed to households via the U.S. Mail in March; those who need replacement questionnaires will be sent in April.

Census workers will visit households that do not return questionnaires.

Every year, the federal government can allocate more than $400 billion to states and communities based, in part, on census data.

Census data is used to guide for planning for new hospitals, roads, job training centers, schools and more.

Census data is used to determine the need for social services,

block grants and other grant programs essential to many communities.

The 2010 Census questionnaire is one of the shortest questionnaires in history.

The bureau cannot share responses with anyone.

The Census will show state population counts and determine representation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Local communities could be designated as Census partners.

For more information, visit 2010 census.gov.

In Hawarden, the Census 2010 is mentioned in the newsletter, and on cable TV, and posters are around town.

In other matters: Chairman Jim Henrich gave a report on the Siouxland Regional Housing Authority. He said the federally-funded program provides housing assistance funds to low-and-moderate income households. A total of 300 families can be supported, down from 389 previously. Singles, those without elderly or disabled under 18, or over 18, will be pared down.

The program costs about $73,000 a month.

Raymond gave the board an update on the Electronic Document Management System, paperless courts, which is making a pilot program in Plymouth County for the whole state. Statewide staff members were at the county Dec. 17, and have been working in and out of the Plymouth County Courthouse since.

Kass gave a report on YES, the Youth Emergency Services facility in Cherokee. Plymouth County had no juveniles staying there in January.

Kass is supporting use of a Sheriff’s Department’s vehicle to transport juveniles to and from court appearances. This would save time of a deputy or jailer.

Also, the vehicle could me made available to other counties in the region, charging them the federal hourly rate..

Page 16 • The Akron Hometowner

Sports

From Home Plate

by Steve Peterson

by Steve Peterson There is still some ground to cover on winter sports 200910, before it is completely filed away, although it is good that there will not be any more cancelledpostponed, snowed, winded, or otherwise calendar scratched-out events, at least until April.

While certainly not the result that was hoped, Akron-Westfield wrestler Josh Taylor can look back that his wrestling career ended at the state meet.

A-W wrestling coach Mark Van Oort commented on Josh Taylor’s two matches at state Class 1A wrestling meet, held at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines: “I think every coach would say the same thing who takes a wrestler to state.

You’re proud that they have made it, but it is such an emotional roller coaster, and you’re disappointed for them that it did not work out as well as hoped.”

The key moment in the match with four-time finalist and this year’s 130-pound champ Thomas was when Thomas got Taylor in a headlock.

The senior’s season and 100win career ended for Taylor after the consolation round loss. Taylor took the losses “real well,” his coach said.

“I think that Josh’s future aspirations in the sport are to be a coach. He has a lot to offer the sport of wrestling, whether it be on the youth level, junior high, or high school,” Van Oort said.

Kudos to Morningside College wrestler Joe Sievert, who finished second at 165 pounds at the NAIA Regional meet in Sioux Falls and finished third at Nationals in Oklahoma City. Sievert is an A-W grad who won the state title at 160 pounds last year.

Now, for some (hopefully)

spring sports news: One of the returning Northwestern College softball starters is sophomore catcher-infielder Shelby Johnson. Johnson played in all 37 games last year, ranked second on the team with a .308 batting average, 36-of-117; 16 runs scored and ranked second with 20 RBIs; had seven doubles; threw out 14 base runners. Johnson, an Akron-Westfield graduate, earned honorable mention All-GPAC honors.

For the Westerners, she earned third team all-state and first-team all-conference by hitting .442 in 2007, and recorded 57 hits which included 11 doubles, two triples and a pair of home runs as she helped lead the Westerners to a second place finish at the state tournament with a 37-3 record. She is the daughter of Kent and Kathy Johnson of Akron. She is also on the Northwestern basketball team.

Northwestern was picked eighth in the pre-season GPAC poll.

Junior Rachel Harris, daughter of Jon and Lisa Harris, returns to patrol center field. Harris led the Raiders in batting average last year, with a .343 clip, led the team with 10 stolen bases.

Briar Cliff, featuring A-W grads junior second baseman Tana Colt and sophomore outfielder Jessica Horton, also hopes to contend.

Looking ahead: the first big prep meet of the “spring” season is the War Eagle Conference indoor track and field meet March 15.

Last year, as I recall, it was a fairly balmy day with melting, if not gone already, snow.

Kudos to Briar Cliff’s Chase Vander Feen and Dordt College’s Logan Kingma, both of Hawarden, whose teams won first round games in the GPAC Men’s Basketball tournament.

Bowling Leagues CLASSIC

SUNDAY NIGHT MIXED March 7

Points Won

Points Lost

Kelley Painting 3 14 185th ARW 26 18 Rednecks 26 18 Blind 1 43 High games: Tony Tripp, 256; Tim Kelley, 225; Eric Blake, 224; Nellie Hillrichs, 159 High series: Tim Kelley, 607; Eric Blake, 598; Tony Tripp, 579; Nellie Hillrichs, 435

TUESDAY COFFEE March 9

Points Won

Points Lost

Mustangs 24 12 Cadillac 18 18 Mercedes 18 18 Corvette 12 24 High games: Lori Wetrosky, 198; Kirsten Griffith, 150; Kim Heyl & Pat Clark, 149 High series: Lori Wetrosky, 514; Kim Heyl, 426; Lois Sundstrom, 390 Splits: Nelda Hultgren, 5-7; Pat Clark & Kirsten Griffith, 3-10

MEN’S COMMERCIAL March 11

Points Won

Points Lost

L.G. Everist 14 10 Dirks Motor 13 11 Heeren’s Lucky 7 13 11 Sherri’s Auto Ranch 12 12 First National Bank 10 14 TWT 10 14 High games: Kirk Miller, 247; Dave Dirks, 246; Luke Nielsen & Darren Jacobson, 233 High series: Kirk Miller, 667; Darren Jacobson, 649; Luke Nielsen, 641

March 9

Points Points Won Lost

Akron Lanes 41.5 0 Gabel Family Farms 41.5 0 Hometowne Inn 37 0 Bye 0 0 High games: Garry Jacobson, 257; Bob Myers, 225; John Gunion, 209 High series: Garry Jacobson, 661; Bob Myers, 560; John Gunion, 558

WOMEN’S COMMERCIAL March 10

Points Won

Points Lost

American Legion 24 12 Pioneer Seed 23 13 Toadal Design 23 13 Akron Hometowner 22 14 Akron Lanes 15 21 Bye 1 35 High games: Nellie Hillrichs, 215; Barb Kelly, 192; Cathi Pond, 190 High series: Cathi Pond, 525; Nellie Hillrichs, 515; Tambrey Groves, 510

Rock n Bowl Fridays & Saturdays 9-11 p.m.

Sponsored By:

Akron Lanes

Garry and Cheryl Jacobson 331 Reed St. 712-568-3116 Tues.-Sat. 3-10 p.m.

Sunday 4-10 p.m.

Track season kicked off March 15

Akron-Westfield track and field meet schedule began March 15 with an indoor meet.

Coaches are Kent Johnson, Scott Johnson and Graham Lundt.

March 15, WEC Indoor, Coed, Dordt College, Sioux Center. See next week for results.

April 5, Marcus-MeridenCleghorn (co-ed), Marcus April 12, Kingsley-Pierson (co-ed), Kingsley April 15, (coed) Sioux Center, Sioux Center.

April 16, Blackhawk Relays (girls), Hinton April 22, Warriorette Relays (girls) Sgt. Bluff April 22, Blackhawk Relays (boys), Hinton April 23, Hartley, Melvin, Sanborn, (coed), Hartley April 27, Lawton-Bronson (boys), Lawton.

April 30, Boyden-Hull (coed), Hull May 4, WEC Outdoor (coed), 4:30 p.m., Hinton May 6, West Sioux (coed), Hawarden May 11, Marcus-MeridenCleghorn (coed), Marcus May 14, Girls Regional, 4 p.m., TBD May 14, Boys District, 4:30 p.m., TBD May 20, State Track Meet (girls and boys) TBD, Des Moines Meets start at 5 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

March 17, 2010

Harris also plays for softball team Rachel Harris, a junior from Akron, is also on the Northwestern College softball team. Only a story about Shelby Johnson appeared in last week’s edition. Harris is the daughter of Jon and Lisa Harris.

Harris is back for her junior season as an outfielder for the Northwestern College softball team.

In 2009, Harris earned second team all-Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) honors. She started in 37 games, led the team with a .343 batting average at leadoff, had 22 runs scored and 13 RBIs. She also contributed three doubles, one triple, and led the team with 10 stolen bases. She led outfielders with a .966 fielding percentage. In 2008, she playedstarted in all 49 games, hit .275 with 23 runs scored and 10 RBIs, with 36 hits, nine doubles, two triples and was 7-of-11 in stolen bases. She finished with a .902

fielding percentage.

At Akron-Westfield, she was a five-year letter winner and helped lead her team to a 38-3 record and the Class 1A State Championship as a senior. She led the team with a .484 batting average, and a .616 on-base percentage, totaled 56 runs scored, 30 RBIs, and 27 stolen bases. She struck out just nine times in 143 plate appearances and did not commit an error all season. She earned all-state honors and was a member of the state all-tournament team. She is an elementary education major, and also is an assistant coach at A-W softball.

The Raiders open the 2010 softball season with the annual trip to Arizona.

Harris was 2-of-3 with a triple in Northwestern’s 4-3 win over Purdue North Central for a 1-1 record at the Tuscon Invitational March 9.

Iowa youth basketball begin play offs Iowa youth basketball teams in grades 5-9 will begin qualifying this month in the First Annual Iowa Youth Basketball State Championship at eight regional sites in Sioux City, Fort Dodge, Cedar Falls, Des Moines, Iowa City, Maquoketa, Eddyville, and Lamoni.

Pacesetter Sports will be conducting this tournament system in conjunction with state youth basketball tournaments in Minnesota, South Dakota, and North Dakota.

The top two teams from each state tournament at each grade level will qualify for the Great Four-State Championship at the Target Center in Minneapolis.

The regional play offs will begin March 27 and run through April 25. The state championships will be held in Des Moines June 26-27, and the Great State Championship will be held on five dates in July and August.

All teams are guaranteed 3-4 games in each regional tournament. The team entry fee is $40. Each region is limited to the first 16 teams to register. Further information is available from head high school coaches, on the Pacesetter Sports website at pacesetternet.com, or see the ad elsewhere in this issue of The Akron Hometowner.

Sports

March 17, 2010

The Akron Hometowner • Page 17

Harris, Groon chosen for Lady Westerners end season with 15-8 record all-star game at Dordt College by Steve Peterson in 23 games, 0-of-7 three-pointers, overs, .3 average; 8-6-14, 1.2 rebounds, average;1 interception, Akron-Westfield girls basketball fans have one last chance to see seniors Jordan Harris and Karly Groon play hoops.

The two have been named to the Defender Gold All-Star Basketball game. There will be players from Lakes, Siouxland and War Eagle conferences playing on March 20 at Dordt College in Sioux Center.

Boys and girls teams will compete in the annual Pizza Ranch All-Star Game at De Witt Gym. The girls game will begin at 5:30 p.m., and the boys starting at 7:15 p.m. Each game will feature a three-point shooting contest at halftime and there will be a game MVP named for both. Admission for the games is $5 for adults and $3 for kindergarten to 12th grade students.

Girls players from the WEC also include: Mackenzie Small of Hinton; Melissa Wiig of Sergeant Bluff-Luton and Jillian Visser and Lindsey Moerman of Unity Christian. Other team members: Abbie Ackerman, Kayla Cuperus and Mary Schleusner of Central Lyon; Kelsie McCauley of Esterville

Lincoln-Central; Brook Kruse of George Little rock; Andrea Anderson of MOC Floyd Valley; Danelle Miedema and Jessica Ackerman of Sibley Ocheyedan; Ally Mahrt of Spencer; Chelsea Stetnicks, Mary Brown and Slone Masters of Storm Lake; Jocelyn Bousema and Kristin Scholten of Western Christian.

No Westerners were chosen for the boys’ team, but fans can watch: Jordan Mouw and Josh Vander Maaten of Boyden Hull; Tyler Stuerman of Hinton; Davis Bloemendaal of MOC Floyd Valley; Josh Bubke of Spencer; Spencer Johnson of Estherville Lincoln Central; Ross Chettinger of Sergeant Bluff Luton; Jarod Syndergaard of South O’Brien; Austin Katje of Unity Christian; Cody Ege of Cherokee; Drew Kellen of Le Mars Gehlen Catholic; Sam Van Wettering of Le Mars; Trevor Starkweather of MOC Floyd Valley; Taylor Zuentenhorst of Sheldon; Chris Postma and James Rylaarsdam of Unity Christian; Bryce Groeneweg of Western Christian and Skler Higgins of Remsen St. Mary’s.

Changes in football districts announced for schools

by Steve Peterson High school football coaches learned their district assignment for the next two years on Feb. 2, according to Iowa High School Association officials.

“There is a Board of Control meeting to finalize the enrollment districts, and we’ll post them on Tuesday,” said Todd Tharp of the IAHSAA office in Des Moines.

The process is done every two years so that schools get nine home games in that time, he said.

The Akron-Westfield Westerners will be staying in District 1, Class A. Others in the district will be: Clay Central-Everly, Gehlen Catholic - Le Mars, Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn, Woodbury Central - Moville, and West Sioux. West Sioux had anticipated the switch to Class A from Class 1A. “There was a lot of changes in (Classes) 2A, 1A, A; and 11 schools went from A to eight-man,” Tharp said. Each of the three districts has 64 teams.

Schedules will not be known until later this month.

Akron-Westfield was a Class

A school the last two years. Neighbor West Sioux was a Class 1A school.

One change announced by the Board of Control will be playoff second round games will be moved from Friday to Monday to allow for more rest and preparation, Tharp said.

District 2 Class A will be Belmond-Klemme; Bishop Garrigan, Algona; North Iowa, Buffalo Center; Northwood-Kensett, Southeast Webster-Grand, Burnside and West Hancock, Britt.

Former Falcons district foes Hinton and Lawton-Bronson stayed in Class 1-A, District 1.

Powerhouse West Lyon is in Class 1-A, District 1.

“I think that it will be exciting,” West Sioux coach Clint McKee said, of playing Akron-Westfield for district. Falcons are already hitting the weight room, doing plyrometrics, and numbers are up, he said. West Sioux was 5-5 last year, making sub-state.

A-W and West Sioux could see each other three times: district, non-district, and the playoffs.

Last Call for Minor League Baseball 7, 8, & 9 year olds

Registration forms need to be in city hall by 5:00 p.m. Friday, March 19th Any questions call Matthew Finzen at 568-2532 or 540-7301 or Melanie Tentinger at 568-3701 or 551-6271

Final statistics for the Akron-Westfield girls basketball team for 2009-10, which ended its season at 15-8 with a regional semifinal loss to George Little Rock.

Jordan Harris, senior, AllWEC unanimous first team selection: played in all 23 games, was 45-of-158 for three-points shots, 28 percent team leader for most made; 49-of-123 for twos, 40 percent; all field goals, 94-of-281, 33 percent, team leader for made and attempts; 49-of-84 free throws, team leader for most made, 58 percent; 58 turnovers, average 3.0; 55 offensive rebounds, 23 defensive rebounds, 79 total, 3.4 average; 2 blocked shots, .1 average; 68 interceptions-steals, 3.0 average; 282 points, team leader, 12.3 average; 42 assists, 1.8 average.

Karly Groon, senior, AllWEC second team: played in all 23 games; 104-of-167 for 62 percent shooting twos, (team leader for most made and attempts and percentage); 0-for-1 for threes; 104-of-168 for all field goals, team leader in both; 44-of-85 free throws, 52 percent, team leader for attempts; 23 assists, 1.0 average; 27 turnovers, 1.2 average; 103-60-163, 7.1 average rebounds per game, team leader in all; 29 blocked shots, 1.8 average, team leader; 42 interceptions-steals, 1.8 per game; 252 total points, 11.0 per game.

Harris and Groon were selected to play in the Dordt College high school all-star game at 5:15 p.m. March 20. There is also a boys game, and three-point shootouts.

Monica Harvey, sophomore: played in 22 games, 9-of-41 threepointers, 22 percent; 56-of-113 two pointers, 50 percent; 65-154 all field goals, 42 percent; 23-of-36 free throws, 64 percent; 38 assists, 1.7 average; 59 turnovers, 2.7 average; 22-18-40, 1.8 rebounds; 33 interceptions, steals, 1.5; 162 total points, 7.4 average.

Sarah Parkinson, junior, played

0 percent; 44-of-117 twos, 38 percent; 44-of-124 all field goals, 35 percent; 23-of-37 free throws, 62 percent; 25 assists, 1.1 average; 47 turnovers, 2.0 average; 81-46-127, 5.5 rebounds, average; 4 blocked shots, .2 average; 47 interceptions, steals, 2.0 average; 111 total points, 4.8 average.

Tasha Johnson, junior, played in 23 games; 13-of-70 three-pointers, 19 percent; 13-of-47 twos, 28 percent; 26-of-117 all field goals, 22 percent; 28-of-53 free throws, 53 percent; 117 assists, 5.1 average, team leader both; 81 turnovers, 3.5 average; 101-16-117, 5.1 rebounds; 2 blocked shots, .1 average; 46 interceptions-steals, 2.0; 93 total points, 4.0 average.

Brandi Davis, sophomore, played in 23 games; 8-of-25 for three-pointers, 32 percent, best percentage; 24-of-58 twos, 41 percent, 32-of-83 all field goals, 39 percent; 19-of-29 free throws., 66 percent, best percentage; 19 assists, .8 average; 33 turnovers, 1.4 average; 30-31-61, 2.7 rebounds; 21 interceptions, steals, .9 average, 91 points, 4.0 average.

Caitlin Heyl, junior, played in 23 games; 10-of-33 three-pointers, 30 percent; 20-of-56 twos, 36 percent; 30-of-89 all field goals, 34 percent; 11-of-26 free throws, 42 percent; 20 assists, .9 average; 33 turnovers, 1.4 average; 35-33-68, 3.0 rebounds, average; 1 blocked shot; 21 interceptions, steals, .9 average; 81 total points, 3.5 average.

Kristin Martin, junior, played in 10 games; 1-of-5 three-pointers, 20 percent, 4-of-13 twos, 31 percent; 5-of-18 all field goals, 28 percent; 4-of-6 free throws, 67 percent; 1 assist, .1 average; 13 turnovers, 1.3 average, 11-3-14, 1.4 rebounds, average; 2 interceptions, steals, .2 average, 15 total points, 1.5 average.

Caitlin Carlson, sophomore, played in 12 games; 3-of-8 twos, all field goals, 38 percent, 5-of-8 free throws, 63 percent; 4 turn-

steal, .1 average; 11 total points, .9 average.

Coreen Robinson, junior, played in 10 games; 3-of-9 shooting twos and all field goals, 33 percent; 5-of-11 free throws, 45 percent; 1 assist, .1 average; 6 turnovers, .6 average; 11-6-17, 1.7 rebounds, average; 1 interception-steal, .1 average, 11 total points, .6 average.

Danielle Bursell, sophomore, played in 11 games; 1-of-6 shooting twos and all field goals, 17 percent; 5-of-8 free-throws, 63 percent; 5 assists, .5 average; 4 turnovers, .4 average; 8-1-9, .8 rebounds, average; 7 total points, .6 average.

Hailey Coyle, freshman, played in seven games; 1-of-3 tows, all field goals, 33 percent; 1 assist, .1 average; 6 turnovers, .9 average; 2-2-4, .6, rebounds, average; 3 interceptions, steals, .4 average; 2 total points, .3 average.

Emily Miller, freshman, played in three games, 2-0-2, .7 rebounds.

A-W team totals, offensive average, 48.7, defensive average, 39.5 points per game.

Shooting, 86-of-340 threes, 25 percent; 322-of-720 twos, 45 percent; 406-1,060 38 percent all field goals; 216-of-383 free throws, 56 percent; 292, 12.7 assists, average; 381 turnovers, 16.6 average; 469-246-715, 31.1 rebounds, average; 38 blocked shots, 1.7 average; 285 interceptions, steals, 12.4; 1,118 points, 48.6.

Opponents’ totals: 54-235, 23 percent threes; 300-793, 38 percent twos; 354-1,028 all field goals, 34 percent; 147-of-263 free throws, 56 percent; 151 assists, 6.6 average; 455 turnovers, 19.8 average; 391-216607, 26.4 rebounds, average; 37 blocked shots, 1.6 average; 196 interceptions, steals, 8.5 average; 908 points, 39.5 average.

Football schedules released for season

by Steve Peterson Football schedules have been released for 2010 and 2011 by the IHSAA office in Des Moines.

Both Akron-Westfield and West Sioux are in Class A, District No. 1 for the two-cycle. District and class assignments are given every two years.

The Westerners of coach Graham Lundt in 2010 open at Hinton (in Class 1A) in week one; week two is at Lawton-Bronson (Class 1A); week three North Iowa, Buffalo Center, (a District 2 team, three hours, 332 miles away round trip, east of Estherville), here; week four, at Elk PointJefferson; week five, at MarcusMeriden-Cleghorn; week six, at Woodbury Central, Moville; week seven, at West Sioux; week eight, at Clay Central Everly (one hour, 45 minutes, 160 miles); week nine, at Gehlen Catholic, Le Mars.

“Our district went from eight teams, to seven, to six this year.

There are predictions it could go to nine next time. The state schedules the full season. Our travel is not bad next year, but we go to North Iowa the next year,” Akron-Westfield Athletic Director Todd Colt said.

Games are expected to remain on Fridays at 7 p.m.

West Sioux, back in Class A, of head coach Clint McKee, will play: week one, Unity Christian (class 2A), here; week two, at Sibley-Ocheyedan (class 1A); week three, Bishop-Algona, here; week four, at West Harrison, Mondamin (two hours away); week five, at Gehlen Catholic; week six, MMC, here; week seven, A-W here; week eight, Woodbury Central Moville, there; week nine, at Clay Central Everly.

District No. 1, Class A teams

are: Akron-Westfield; Clay Central-Everly; Gehlen Catholic in Le Mars; West Sioux of Hawarden; Woodbury Central of Moville.

District 2 teams include Bishop Gerrigan, Algona, which A-W played in last year’s substate and the Westerners won.

Schedules for 2011 are reverse locations from 2010, in the same order.

Football players are hitting the weight room hard in off-season preparations.

“We have a concern for distance of one game, at West Harrison, and we’ll be talking about it,” West Sioux Superintendent Paul Olson said.

Meanwhile, some sports at West Sioux may be merged with nearby schools in the future due to low numbers of participants.

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Page 18 • The Akron Hometowner

March 17, 2010

Area News

West Sioux board approves $600,000 in staff reductions

Steve Peterson West Sioux School District Board of Education approved $600,000 in staff reductions for the 2010-11 School Year budget at the March 8 meeting. Votes by the school board members were unanimous in all 11 separate actions.

The school’s cuts total $610,146.

The school board did learn that the School Budget Review Committee voted to “zero out” $342,200 in over spending, in part due to the school’s budget action plan. But this is the second year that the school has asked for “mercy from the SBRC and they don’t want to see us back for a third year. That would mean

a second phase audit, and they would tell us where to cut, and as Judy Jeffrey of the State Board of Education said, ‘would look at the continued long-term viability of the district’,” said board acting president Ryan Schwiesow.

Positions that were trimmed from the budget and people currently staffing them were, all by 4-0 votes: physical program teacher, Dennis Weerheim; AtRisk teacher, Charles Bangert; one music teacher, Jill Orban; one guidance counselor, Holly Liston; combine a kindergarten and first grade classroom, involuntary transfer for Carrie Thonstad to the combined class, involuntary transfer of Amy Huebner to fourth

grade Jason Knueven; eliminate one middle school teaching position, Nate Roberts; preschool teacher to sixth-tenths time, Gwen Kellen; cut $3,986 from extended contract for Jim Hansen, guidance counselor; cut $5,730 for extended contract for Larry Gregg for technical support; eliminate one Kindergarten aid job, Michelle Nolan; eliminate three special education aids positions, Julie Schipper, Ruth Ortiz and Dawn McKee. “In all of the reductions, we did not eliminate any programming. It may be changed, but it was not eliminated,” Superintendent Paul Olson said later.

The number of positions presented to be cut was “about the

McManaman celebrates birthday with Mustangs

photo by Steve Peterson

Bobbi McManaman grabs the rebound for the Mustangs against Kansas Wesleyan University.

by Steve Peterson Bobbi McManaman celebrated her 19th birthday in a memorable way for the freshman on the Morningside Mustangs’ women’s basketball team.

McManaman connected on two three-pointers and had an assist as Morningside beat Concordia University 72-59 Feb. 25 to advance to the Great Plains Athletic Conference tournament semifinals.

At West Sioux High School, McManaman was the standout three-point shooter, 1,000-point scorer, but at Morningside she is one of many, as Morningside makes an average of almost nine a game, and the treys were a big reason for their 20th win.

John McManaman, Bobbi’s dad, said she knew the challenge of a program like Morningside, which won its seventh straight 20-win season and is defending NAIA D-II National Champs.

Games go from scoring 11 points to just watching, depending on how things are going for the Mustangs. “She was realistic about this year,” he said before the game.

Bobbi’s high school activities also included dance, track, and softball.

McManaman made a successful debut at the national tournament, scoring nine points in an 83-45 first round win over Kansas Wesleyan. Fourth ranked College of the Ozarks shot 63 percent in the second half, was 7-of-9 on threepointers, and ousted the Mustangs 94-72. McManaman was the second-leading scorer with 11 points.

On her birthday night, McManaman’s family watched as the Mustangs won. Morningside, though, was ousted for contention for the GPAC conference tourney

title by Hastings, 72-62, in the semifinal round Feb. 27 in Hastings, Neb. “I worked on basketball the most,” Bobbi, with sister Brooke nearby, said. Brother Ethan and older sisters Afton and Brittany and many family members provide key support. In the classroom, McManaman acknowledged that college is more difficult, but is working hard on her business trek courses.

“I’m very happy with our freshmen. They’ve played great all year. The freshmen are the best freshmen in the conference.

We have enough experience that they don’t get to play a ton, but they’re all great players. They’re good kids and they play hard all the time, and they will be the players we will be depending on next year,” Head Coach Jamie Sale said.

McManaman averaged 2.3 points per game and totaled 60 points, and had 19 rebounds and five steals on the year.

For this night, earning a right to face league champ Hastings for the third time meant less turnovers in the second half and continued intensity. Things did not work out against the No. 1 seed Hastings in a 72-62 semifinal round loss Feb. 27.

Against Concordia, the Mustangs built up a 19-point cushion.

Morningside was looking to keep a late-season push going, winning six of its last seven games, and downing ranked No. 1 Hastings and then No. 7 Briar Cliff in the process.

Some of the accomplishments of the Mustangs, as of late in the regular season: Brittany Williamson, the 15th leading scorer (1,246 career points before the Concordia game) and 14th leading rebounder in school history; Nelson, the 23rd leading scorer (924); Leslie Foral, the 27th leading scorer (839) and 18th leading rebounder (524); and Miller, the 37th leading scorer

(703) and 26th leading rebounder (404) in school history are the team leaders, first-year player McManaman acknowledged.

That’s fine with her. She know that the PA announcer for the Mustangs will have plenty of chances to say, “McManaman for three” in the next three years.

NAIA tournament game Morningside won its 21st game of the season in an 83-45 romp over Kansas Wesleyan University March 10 in the first round of the NAIA Women’s Basketball National Championship in Sioux City.

The 11th-ranked Mustangs earned a slot opposite favorite College of the Ozarks, 28-4, March 12, but Ozarks’ offense was just too much in a 94-72 loss.

McManaman was part of the Mustangs’ bench players who tallied 42 points against the Coyotes.

It was a No. 4-seed Morningside squad against the fifth-seeded Kansas team. But seeds were the only close thing, as intense defensive pressure helped Morningside gain a 16-4 lead. Tanaeya Worden had 16 points, and seven steals and five rebounds. Three-point shooter Chelsie Trask had 15 points.

McManaman’s effort in 19 minutes included nine points on 3-of-6 shooting, 1-of-4 from threes, two rebounds, and three assists.

“We’ve had great practices; I was excited to see how we would play and they were intense but relaxed.

“I thought our depth had a lot to do with it. We were able to wear them down. We have 13-14 very talented players, and we can go to our 13th or 14th players, and they are still very good players,” Sale said.

“I was proud of our team. With the defending national champions hanging over our heads, that they may play nervous, but they came out and played loose and intense,” Sale said.

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same as last year, he said. “One thing we had going for us last year was early retirements, about four or five. So far, no one has indicated they will, because the package was not lucrative enough for them.” About nine people would be eligible, and have until March 19 to give notice.

There was no comment from the public on positions being cut.

Later, some school board members defended the actions taken, given the financial times.

“We have to be fiscally responsible as a school district, to get it back into the right shape. We directed the school administration to cut $600,000; we expect them to do it properly with the infrastructure,” board member Jody Anderson said.

“Have we looked at everything else? We can save a lot of money by doing an energy audit, for example,” board member Gary Witt said. “Many have gone to this measure. We should exhaust every opportunity that we can, every school district in Iowa is going through some type of this. It is very important that we get at it, just cutting traveling down.”

“With the potential of further cuts, everything is on the table,” Schwiesow said.

Shared programs in sports and academics are being explored, Olson said.

Budget projections were given for 2010-11. A key factor is Allowable Growth. It could be zero percent or a 2 percent increase, depending on the state legislature’s actions. Also, a 2 to 3 percent across the board cut is considered a possibility.

“Every school district in the state is in this position; due to lack of funding by the state,” Olson said.

Olson said irregardless either Allowable Growth rate chosen, the district will be able to keep its pledge to taxpayers to cut the 24 mills tax rate. Perhaps by 4.85 mills with an Allowable Growth hike. “That is a pretty substantial reduction,” Olson said.

“But what if there is a 2-3 percent cut, as Senator Randy Feenstra has told superintendents,” board member Jody Anderson said.

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“We’re still in limbo with Allowable Growth. A lot of the budget process is an educated guess,” he said.

A 2 percent hike would mean a budget of $557,319 more over last year; ending with $11.3 million, compared to $10.7 million this year.

A zero Allowable Growth, defined as the trend of enrollment, would mean $800,000 less.

Regardless of the Allowable Growth factor, the budget must be approved by April 15. At the public hearing April 12, rates can be lowered, but not be raised.

The budget public hearing will take place at the same time as the regular school board meeting at 7 p.m. following publication of estimates.

Other factors include the waiting for a settlement with the teachers union, and the large (70) number of open enrollments to neighboring districts.

“We should continue to discuss the marketing of West Sioux,” Schwiesow said.

School board members gave the administration support to cut $600,000 in February. Reductionin-force letters must be sent by April 30.

“We have discussed the areas, now we’re talking about people.

Ultimately, it is an administrative decision (whom to let go),” Olson said before the regular March meeting.

The school board approved creating a Kindergarten and first grade combination classroom for 2010-11. Principal Ryan Kramer said that he supports the combined classroom concept, which is making a comeback, and has just the right person in mind.

“There could be more (cuts).

I just wanted to give the administration a heads up,” Schwiesow said. “There is a possibility with the settlement, we have not reached with the teacher’s association, or negative Allowable Growth, if the legislature comes back with that. Our backs are against the wall with the SBRC. We can’t overspend our authority.

We’ve made the necessary cuts to get us to even.”

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Area News

March 17, 2010

The Akron Hometowner • Page 19

Dance fever hits Charles McManaman celebrates 90 years with family and friends at West Sioux

Hospital administrator welcomed to community

Hawarden Hospital’s new administrator Barry Goettsch and his family were welcomed to the community at a reception held March 12 in the hospital conference room. Presently living in Cherokee, the family plans to move to Hawarden in the near future. In the top photo, LaVonne Slife of Hawarden greets Barry Goettsch at the reception. Bottom photo, the Goettsch family, Barry and his wife Eva, and children fifth grader Bennett, 10, and third grader Abby, 9.

photos by Dodie Hook

(712) 274-2038 Dr. Douglas Wheelock, D.D.S., P.C. Dr. Brian Bursick, D.D.S. Dr. Laura E. Giese, D.D.S. 4100 Morningside Ave., Suite B, Sioux City, IA

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by Steve Peterson It was time for Dance Night, 2010, as West Sioux Dance Team members held their annual fundraiser event on Feb. 27.

More than 100 possible future dance team members participated in a camp for girls over three days, and performed as well. Parents and grandparents filled the one side of the gym at West Sioux High School for a Saturday night show.

Coach Cynthia Porter described some of the team’s accomplishments, “we finished third at state in jazz routine and won a trophy. We were also honored for having a grade point average as a team of 3.5 to 4.0.”

Seniors honored were Signe Porter, co-captain; Nicole Jacobs, captain and Allison Sanow.

The West Sioux Dance Team performed at the NAIA Women’s Basketball Tournament Championship game’s halftime show March 16 at Tyson Events Center in Sioux City. The game was nationally televised.

TK through second grade camp members did a “Party in the USA” pom routine, choreographed by Jacobs. The Dance Team then performed a kick routine to Michael Jackson’s “Beat It”; third through fifth grade, wearing yellow camp T-shirts, did a hip-hop routine “Tik tok” choreographed by Bea Driesen.

Sixth to eighth graders showed a Hip Hop Routine to “Day & Night.”

WS Dance Team members did their hip-hop routine to “Fire Burning”, and the dance and high school team both did the concluding Light Routine, choreographed

by Jacobs and Driesen.

Dance team members are: senior captain Jacobs, co-captain Porter and Sanow; juniors Driesen, Caitlin Kelhower, Adrianna Topete, Janae Wilkens; sophomores Nicole Anema, Colby Janssen and Brooke McManaman; freshmen Jaylen Blakenship, Maddy Eilts and Andrea Schoemaker.

by Steve Peterson Family and friends of Charles McManaman stopped by at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Feb. 21, to wish him a happy 90th birthday.

McManaman sold insurance after a couple of years as a Hawarden High School teacher in the 1940s. He is a 1940 graduate of HHS. “He’s been a very good neighbor, nice, friendly. He looks very good and walks when he can,” said neighbor Karlinda Benda, who attended with husband Bill.

“He’s such a nice man,” Henrietta Daale said.

A dozen nieces and nephews who live in the vicinity helped

photos by Steve Peterson

Charles McManaman visits with his neighbors Karlinda and Bill Benda at his 90th birthday open house Feb. 21 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

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Richard A. Clarey Living Trust - Owners Licensed In Iowa & South Dakota

organize the Sunday event. Family members recalled Charles’s two holes-in-one in golf, his favorite sport, and his favorite PGA pro is Phil Mickelson. Charles recalled the days, at Okoboji when there were sand greens on the course, and you could create a path to the hole for your putt.

“He knows everything, you can ask him about the stock market, about health care,” said niece Lucky Heuer.

She added that he loves golf, whether playing out-of-town or at good old Hawarden Golf Club.

Charles is the oldest son of John and Flora McManaman, and was born and raised in Hawarden. Charles served in the Army in World War II in Europe, then taught school and started his career in insurance sales.

His siblings, who attended, are brother Jerry and sister Flora Storm of Washington. Three other siblings have died.

Charles was married twice, but had no children.

“I wanted to do something special for him, since family is so scarce in the area. He enjoyed it very well,” niece Linda Van Wyhe of Hawarden said. About 70 persons attended.

Charles enjoyed his winter stays in Arizona.

Bruce R. Brock Real Estate L.L.C.

Bruce R. Brock - Broker & World Champion Auctioneer 30 Plymouth St. SW, Le Mars

Holocaust survivor to speak

A Polish Holocaust survivor, Benny Hochman, will give a presentation in Hawarden about surviving a World War II German Concentration Camp, at 7 p.m.

April 7 at the West Sioux School Auditorium. The presentation is open to the public.

“From Hell to Here” is Hochman’s autobiography, with C.J. Cornelius, M.D. The talk will also be presented to West Sioux Middle and High School, and to AlcesterHudson middle and high schools.

The talk is sponsored by American Legion Post 254 in Hawarden and American Legion Post 276 in Ireton.

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The Akron Hometowner 712-568-2208

Page 20 • The Akron Hometowner

March 17, 2010

Public Notice

Public Notice

Akron City Council Proceedings March 15

Akron-Westfield School Board Notice of Public Meeting

Your right to know

photo by Julie Ann Madden

Spring flooding began over the weekend. Not all of the snow is gone yet but the Big Sioux River is already out of its banks at both Hawarden and Akron.

Big Sioux set to crest Wednesday

by Steve Peterson The Big Sioux River had some flooding damage, but nothing major on March 15, Hawarden city officials said.

“It is holding now for the last six to eight hours,” Hawarden Administrator Gary Tucker said Monday afternoon.

There was an ice jam that morning around the Carr’s Landing area, but it had not posed a problem.

Sandbags, if needed, were accessed from Sioux County Emergency Management, with access available to more if needed, Tucker said.

Mike Gillispie, hydrologist with the National Weather Service, said Hawarden is at 21 feet, expecting to go to 21.7 feet on March 17, and the flood stage is 15 feet. One street on the South Dakota side had been reportedly impacted.

Flood awareness is particularly important since Iowa is still recovering from the floods and storms

of 2008. The 2008 disaster was not only the worst natural disaster to strike the state, but is considered one of the largest disasters in U.S. history.

On March 4, Gov. Chet Culver signed a proclamation declaring March as Flood Awareness Month at a public event at the Capitol.

State officials advise people to start assessing their risk of flooding by being aware of whether or not they live in or near a flood plain, discussing flood preparations with families, and considering flood insurance. Iowans who own or rent a home or business should also be aware of the availability of flood insurance. Iowans should consider looking into flood insurance as soon as possible, because unlike homeowners’ insurance, there is a 30-day waiting period before flood insurance begins once a person purchases a policy.

Helpful Web sites are: Rebuild Iowa Office, www.rio.iowa.gov.

Another helpful Web site

is www.FloodSmart.gov. Homeowners, renters and small business owners can estimate their premiums, calculate their flood insurance rate and find a local insurance agent qualified to sell flood insurance on this site. There are currently 15,360 flood insurance policies in Iowa, up about 40 percent from this time in 2008.

Lastly, Iowa’s Homeland and Security Management Division offers three simple steps for Iowans to protect themselves and their families before a flood or disaster occurs: learn about and stay aware of flood risks in your community; work with family members to put together a family emergency and evacuation plan; and put together an emergency kit before a disaster strikes.

Iowans can learn more about flood safety tips, evacuation plans and how to prepare for a disaster at www.bereadyiowa.org.

Information above is from Sioux County Sheriff’s Web site.

Big Sioux River Flood Predictions

Location

BRCS2 BRKS2 DERS2 SFLS2 WAVS2 SXFS2 HAWI4 AKRI4

As of Monday, March 15, 2010 Source: National Weather Service, Sioux Falls, S.D.

Flood Latest Observed Maximum Forecast Stage Stage Time Stage Time 8.0 9.0 12.0 12.0 10.0 16.0 15.0 16.0

9.19 11.15 12.74 12.57 9.72 15.42 20.40 20.24

Mon 11 AM Mon 11 AM Mon 11 AM Mon 11 AM Mon 11 AM Mon 11 AM Mon 8 AM Mon 11 AM

N/A 11.9 Wed 7 PM 13.4 Thu 7 AM 13.0 Wed 7 PM N/A 17.0 Fri 1 AM 21.7 Wed 1 AM 21.4 Wed 1 PM

Recent Observed Crest 9.3

Mon March 15

10.6

Sat March 13

Minutes as written – prior to council approval Akron City Council Special Meeting Monday, March 15, 2010

The Akron City Council met in special session on Monday, March 15, 2010 at 11:000 a.m. for the purpose holding a public hearing for the City Budget FY 10-11. Ericson opened the public hearing.

No comments from the floor. No written or verbal comments received by Clerk. Ericson closed public hearing.

Present: Mayor Protem Tem Ericson, Johnson, S. Frerichs, and Willms-City Clerk. Julie Madden was also present.

Absent: Higman, R. Frerichs, Boe, Horton-DOPW and Stuart-Attorney.

Mayor Protem Tem Ericson asked everyone to rise and recite the pledge of allegiance.

Old Business: None. No minutes to review.

New Business: City Budget FY 10-11: Council members were able to view city budget for FY 10-11. No objections

by Council. Motion by Johnson to pass on City Budget FY 10-11. Clerk authorized to submit budget to State of Iowa. Seconded

by S. Frerichs. Ayes, 3. Nays, 0. FYI: Meetings/Newsletters/Misc: None. Reports: None. Allowing of Bills: None. Meeting adjourned.

Chad Ericson, Mayor Pro Tem Desirae Willms, City Clerk

Published in The Akron Hometowner March 17, 2010.

Your right to know

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETINGS

You are hereby notified that the Board of Directors of the Akron-Westfield School District will conduct a special board meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. on the 22nd day of March 2010 at the School ICN Board Room, Akron, Iowa. At this meeting, the tentative agenda is currently as follows:

1. Call to Order

2. Roll Call

3. Approve Agenda

4. Discuss Cost Saving Measures/ Reductions for the 2010-11 School Year

5. Superintendent’s Recommendation

6. Adjourn

Persons wishing to address the Board at this meeting should indicate their desire to do so, along with the topic to be addressed with the Superintendent of Schools not later than 12:00 Noon, prior to the meeting, either by written request or by telephonic request. However, the Board and Administration would appreciate an earlier notification (at least three days before the meeting) if possible. This would permit orderly scholar of public participation on the agenda and would provide adequate time for the Board and Administration to obtain needed information.

Akron-Westfield School District Telephone No: (712) 568-2020 Akron, Iowa 51001

By Secretary, Board of Education

Published in The Akron Hometowner March 17, 2010.

Journey through a colossal human colon Ever wonder what a human’s colon really looks like?

Here’s your chance.

A “Colossal Colon” touted as a one-ton replica, 40 feet long replica of the human colon will be on display for those who wish to take the journey through the colon in May at the Sioux City Convention Center.

One will see healthy colon tissue, polyps, various stages of colorectal cancer, Crohn’s Disease, diverticulitis and even hemorrhoids as they walk through the replica, according to Dr. Cindie Wolff, director of the Hereditary Cancer Center.

People can reserve tours on May, 4, 5 and 6 by calling 712279-2989.

On May 7 and 8, the display will be open to the public.

There is no admission charge

to venture through this exhibit, which is being hailed as “an experience of epic proportions.”

This exhibit has been made possible through a Wellmark Foundation grant.

This project is to promote colon health.

It is part of a larger project which began with an American Cancer Society grant for the Akron Mercy Medical Clinic, said Wolff.

The clinic was able to provide many clients with colon screenings.

“More than two-thirds of our tests came back pre-cancerous,” said Wolff. “We saved many lives.”

“All of these projects are possible because of the cancer work we have done in Akron,” she said.

March 17, 2010

Public Notice Your right to know

Plymouth County Board of Supervisors Proceedings March 2 March 2, 2010 Le Mars, Iowa

The Plymouth County Board of Supervisors met in the Boardroom on March 2, 2010 at 9:30 a.m. All members were present. All votes following are aye unless otherwise indicated.

Motion by Anderson, seconded by Loutsch, to approve the agenda for the March 2, 2010 meeting.

Motion Carried.

Motion by Loutsch, seconded by Greene, to approve the minutes of the February 23, 2010 meeting.

Motion Carried.

Motion by Anderson, seconded by Greene, to appoint to the County Compensation Commission the following: Jan Wagner, Real Estate Broker, to replace Darrell Lancaster; Mike Hohenstein, Finance Officer, to replace Kevin Eekhoff; Paul Jacobson, Finance Officer to replace Richard Magnuson; and Bill Schroeder, Agriculture Land Owner to replace Richard Roder.

Motion Carried.

Motion by Anderson, seconded by Greene to approve a tax suspension for Robert Dimmet for $464.00 for March 2010 taxes.

Motion Carried.

The Plymouth County Board of Supervisors opened the FY 2010-11 budget hearing at 10:00 am. There were no comments from the public.

Motion by Anderson, seconded by Kass to approve the County FY 2010-11 budget as published.

Loutsch-aye; Greene- nay; Henrich-aye Kass-aye; Anderson- aye.

Motion Carried.

Brandon Bradshaw of Pipe Dream was present seeking the graveling of Jasmine Road. The Board will discuss with Tom Rohe, Plymouth County Engineer.

Motion by Anderson, seconded by Kass to approve Resolution #030210 authorizing and approving a Community Attraction and Tourism Program agreement between the Vision Iowa Board and Plymouth County, Iowa in the amount of $85,000. Loutsch-aye; Green- aye; Henrich-aye Kass-aye; Anderson-aye.

Motion Carried.

Andrea Westergard, Plymouth County Economic Development Director was present to give the Board a power point presentation of the World Agriculture Expo in which she attended in California and gave an update of the Mid-States Community and Economic Development Conference and EntreFest.

The Board of Supervisors discussed the Energy Efficiency Community Block Grant application for federal stimulus dollars through the Iowa Office of Energy Independence. Plymouth County Auditor, Stacey Feldman will submit an application

by March 5th, 2010 to seek grant funds for replacing the windows in the Courthouse for future energy conservation. Total project cost in estimated at $162,000 and will be paid for with grant dollars, energy rebate program dollars and Local Option Sales Tax Funds.

Board approved the following claims per payroll dated 2-28-2010: GENERAL BASIC FUND Troy Beitelspacher, wages.............. $30.80 Paul Betsworth, wages...................... 35.80 Dan Devos, wages............................. 53.52 Scott Dorhout, wages...................... 124.27 Dawn Fifita, wages............................ 33.60 Kirk Hatting, wages.......................... 14.40 Pat Heissel, wages............................. 31.60 Sarah Hinrichs, wages....................... 28.80 Jill Holzman, wages............................ 6.00 Steph Hoppe, wages.......................... 29.60 Tami Jorgensen, wages................... $16.80 Paul Kolker, wages........................... 16.80 Tiffany Konz, wages......................... 28.80 Dan Landseness, wages.................... 35.60 Aaron Leusink, wages..................... 429.67 Jim Lubben, wages.......................... 155.80 Stacy Rolfes, wages.......................... 29.60 Steve Schnepf, wages........................ 54.12 Rick Singer, wages............................ 65.74 Lynn Steckelberg, wages.................. 31.80 Jeff TeBrink, wages........................... 16.20 Jary Vermeys, wages....................... 252.84 Brenda Ward, wages......................... 71.98 Employer withholdings.............. 67,161.01 Employee withholdings............. 33,837.01 MD-DD SERVICES FUND Employer withholdings................. $928.21 Employee withholdings.................. 637.12 SECONDARY ROAD FUND Employer withholdings.............. $5,577.49 Employee withholdings............... 3,853.34 SPECIAL APPRAISER’S FUND Employer withholdings.............. $1,258.65 Employee withholdings.................. 549.63 LOCAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT FUND

The Akron Hometowner • Page 21 Employer withholdings................. $235.49 Employee withholdings.................. 736.29 ASSESSOR FUND Employer withholdings.............. $5,149.54 Employee withholdings............... 2,836.42

Board approved the following claims per warrant register dated 3-2-2010: GENERAL BASIC FUND Adrianna Porez, interpreting........... $80.00 Advanced Corr. Healthcare, Mar contract

............................................. 1,119.66 Akron Hometowner, publications... 651.77 AmSan, supplies............................. 308.79 Jan Beck, flex & co health insurance reimb

................................................ 227.08 Robert Becker, Elgin twp trustee mtg

.................................................. 20.00 Steve Beeck, mileage reimb.............. 21.16 Nick Beeck, co health insurance reimb

................................................ 485.00 Roye Beene, America twp trustee mtgs

.................................................. 40.00 Blue Ocean Consulting, Econ Dev lead tracker............................................. 500.00 Kay Bohnenkamp, postage exp reimb

.................................................... 9.80 Bomgaars, supplies............................. 7.49 Dennis Britt, America twp trustee mtgs

.................................................. 40.00 Jim Bybee Law Office, court appt’d counsel1 .................................................. 86.00 C&S Communications, phone maintenance............................................ 1,020.00 Campbell’s Electric, automatic door hookup............................................ 482.94 CBM Food Service, inmate meals

............................................. 3,396.07 Chemical Sanitizing System, supplies

................................................ 133.16 Cherokee Co Sheriff, service............ 31.00 DISH, satellite service...................... 68.89 Document Depot & Destruction, shredding

.................................................. 80.00 Electronic Engineering, pager service

.................................................. 12.00 Fareway, groceries............................ 99.58 Stacey Feldman, flex reimb............. 416.66 Tom Flannery, Perry twp trustee mtgs

.................................................. 60.00 Frontier, phone............................. 1,970.01 Glenn’s Copier, office supplies......... 63.94 Govconnection, supplies & equip..... 52.99 Grant Writing USA, class registration

................................................ 425.00 Darrell Hageman, Hungerford twp trustee mtg .................................................. 20.00 Larry Henderson, Hungerford twp trustee mtg .................................................. 20.00 Kara Harpenau, flex reimb.............. 416.66 David Hawkins, Elgin twp trustee mtg

.................................................. 20.00 Larry Hoffman, co health insurance reimb

................................................ 500.00 Holiday Inn & Suites- DesMoines, lodging

.................................................. 96.32 Hy-Vee, supplies............................... 11.97 Byron Jauer, Hungerford twp trustee mtg

.................................................. 20.00 Jefferson Co Sheriff- CO, service..... 19.34 Jerry’s Automotive, vehicle repairs... 36.75 Kingsley News Times, publications

................................................ 477.73 Lee Konz, Elgin twp trustee mtg...... 20.00 Krista Koster, Feb mapping maintenance

................................................ 812.50 Doug Langel, America twp trustee mtgs

.................................................. 40.00 Geri Langel, flex reimb................... 200.00 Larsen Lock Service, lock service.... 45.00 City of LeMars, water/sewer utilities

.................................................. 31.77 LeMars Body Shop, vehicle repairs

................................................ 200.00 LeMars Daily Sentinel, publications

................................................ 524.58 LeMars Postmaster, postage............. 83.38 Mail Services, March MV postage & print

................................................ 723.21 Matt Parrott & Sons, voter registration cards .................................................. 52.61 Microfilm Imaging Systems, annual service............................................. 780.00 MidAmerican Energy, gas/electric utilities

................................................ 550.28 Midwest Radiator Co, copier maintenance

................................................ 363.40 Richard Milne, America twp trustee mtgs

.................................................. 40.00 Minnehaha Co Sheriff, Service........... 2.58 Cheri Nitzschke, flex reimb.............. 83.05 O’Brien Co Sheriff, service.............. 55.50 Oklahoma Co Sheriff, service........... 50.00 Shawn Olson, supplies exp reimb..... 22.95 Terry Olson, Elgin twp trustee mtg... 20.00 PAETEC, phone.............................. 200.92 Erica Pepper, flex reimb.................. 669.30 Perkins, office supplies................... 337.47 Ply Co Sheriff, sheriff’s fees........... 864.60 Preferred Partner.com, software licenses

............................................. 1,029.00 Charles Pridie, Perry twp trustee mtgs

.................................................. 60.00 Ella Pridie, Perry twp trustee mtgs... 60.00 Darin Raymond, misc exp reimb.... 509.32 NW REC, electric/radio utilities..... 427.26 Red’s Printing, supplies.................. 812.19 Remsen Bell Enterprise, publications

................................................ 355.95 Tommy Rice, flex reimb................. 161.00 SEAT, FY 09/10 membership dues

................................................ 100.00 Eugene Shultz, postage exp reimb.... 16.70 Jessica Simoni, flex reimb................. 66.96 Sioux Co Sheriff, service.................. 40.00

Siouxland Reporting Service, depositions

................................................ 229.50 Solutions, annual maintenance agreement

................................................ 800.00 Southern Sioux Co RWS, water........ 65.25 John Stoltze, Hungerford twp trustee mtg

.................................................. 20.00 Treasurer State IA, schooling............ 60.00 Heidi Tritz, postage exp reimb.......... 12.75 Union Co Electric Coop, tower....... 102.84 Mike VanOtterloo, flex reimb......... 745.00 Verizon, cell phones........................ 304.96 Larry Vondrak, Perry twp trustee mtgs

.................................................. 60.00 Wal-Mart, supplies.......................... 285.68 Gayle Walhof, contract wages........ 881.25 Andrea Westergard, flex & mileage reimb

................................................ 957.96 Woodbury Co Sheriff, service........... 73.60 Wright Express Fleet Services, fuel

............................................. 3,124.86 MH-DD SERVICES FUND Jim Bybee Law Office, court counsel

.............................................. $138.00 Dean & Associates, court counsel... 250.00 Mid Step Services, work activity services

................................................ 156.36 Dewey P. Sloan, court counsel........ 126.00 Southwest IA Planning Council, transport

................................................ 163.80 RURAL SERVICES BASIC FUND Noel Ahmann, postage exp reimb... $65.50 Frontier, phone.................................. 65.88 Alan Lucken, postage exp reimb...... 17.85 PAETEC, phone.................................. 6.41 Siouxland Dist Hlth Dept, Jan well testing

.................................................. 23.00 VETERAN AFFAIRS CO GRANT FUND Perkins, office supplies..................... $3.89 SECONDARY ROAD FUND Aramark, mat service.................... $210.43 Bekins Fire & Safety Service, safety

.................................................. 85.25 Bomgaars, parts............................... 279.68 CENEX, fuel................................ 1,976.73 Central Service & Supply, cables

............................................. 8,009.78 Chief Supply Corp, supplies........... 106.87 Dakota Riggers & Tools Supply, parts

................................................ 378.43 Day’s Door Co, parts......................... 80.00 Electronic Engineering, radios.......... 53.40 Fastenal, parts................................... 35.43 Glenn’s Copier, office supplies....... 443.55 Grainger, parts................................. 148.50 Great Plains Int, parts...................... 701.02 Hardware Hank, parts....................... 38.98 Higman Sand & Gravel Inc, materials

............................................. 3,120.48 Holiday Inn- DesMoines, lodging... 376.32 Hydraulic Sales & Service, parts...... 18.98 Iowa DOT, supplies.......................... 36.50 Iowa Prison Industries, signs..... 12,244.10 Jesse Bera, gutters........................... 750.00 Kellen Excavation, materials....... 4,448.70 LeMars Ford Mercury, parts............. 34.23 LeMars Postmaster, stamps............. 120.40 Linweld, welding supplies................ 81.51 MD Products, parts......................... 413.90 Menards, parts................................... 62.84 City of Merrill, utilities..................... 24.77 MidAmerican Energy, gas/electric utilities

.............................................. 1399.46 Kevin Moffatt, tires & tubes........... 165.85 Murphy Tractor & Equip, parts.... 4,160.62 Northside Glass Service, outside service

................................................ 153.81 O’Halloran International, parts.... 1,396.25 NW REC, electric utilities................ 15.00 Route 3 Tire, tires & tubes.............. 131.50 Southern Sioux RWS, water............. 47.25 Luke Steeg, cleaning......................... 60.00 Tool Depot, parts............................... 47.42 Transit Works, equipment............... 294.81 Van’s Sanitation, garbage pickup...... 99.00 Wagner Auto Supply, parts.............. 219.47 Wal-Mart, supplies............................ 19.35 Ziegler, parts................................ 2,996.17 FORFEITURE, DARE, RESERVES FUND Wal-Mart, fridge............................. $79.96 SPECIAL APPRAISER’S FUND Vanguard Appraisals, annual service

........................................... $3,200.00 LOCAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT FUND Frontier, phone.............................. $144.02 City of LeMars, water/sewer utilities

.................................................. 25.47 LeMars Daily Sentinel, publications

.................................................. 34.13 Ply Co Fair Board, fair booth.......... 192.00 EMA GRANT FUND Motorola, radio equip................... 6,483.95 CO ASSESSOR FUND Frontier, phone................................ $65.88 Jerry Groenhagen, mileage reimb... 255.86 Bob Heyderhoff, mileage reimb....... 37.70 Perkins, office supplies................... 311.37 INMATE REIMBURSEMENT FUND Advanced Corr. Healthcare, Mar contract

........................................... $1,119.66 E911 FUND Frontier, 911trunks........................ $794.20 Govconnection, supplies................. 132.18 PAETEC, phone.................................... .04 Qwest, 911 lines.............................. 270.59

Meeting adjourned at 11:45 am Stacey Feldman, Plymouth County Auditor Jim Henrich, Chairman

Published in The Akron Hometowner March 17, 2010.

Public Notice Your right to know

Akron City Council Proceedings March 9

Minutes as written – prior to council approval Regular City Council Meeting, March 9, 2010

The Akron City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, March 9, 2010. Mayor Pro-Tem R. Frerichs asked everyone to rise and recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

Present: Ericson, Boe, S. Frerichs, R. Frerichs, Gares-Police, Horton-DOPW and Willms-City Clerk. Julie Madden was also present. Agenda: Motion by S. Frerichs to approve agenda. Seconded by Ericson.

Ayes, 4. Nays, 0. Old Business: None. New Business: Motion to set Public Hearing for Adopting the 2010-2011 Budget: Ericson reported that the budget was pretty straight forward. He stated that new computers for Chief Nielsen and Horton were budgeted for and that the city allocated some of the LOST money to the Akron Opera House.

Motion by Ericson to set a public hearing for March 15, 2010, at 11:00 A.M. Seconded by S. Frerichs. Ayes, 4. Nays, 0.

Donation to project Prom: Willms noted that in 2006-2008 the city donated $100.

Motion by Boe to donate $100 to project prom. Seconded by Ericson. Ayes, 4.

Nays, 0. Other- Ericson introduced Jared Gares to the Council. Gares spoke to the council about what his plans include and expressed that he is very happy with his move. Gares also gave Willms his signed contract. No vote was taken. Input: (limit to 3 minutes) FYI: Meetings/Newsletters/ Misc. Reports: Regular council meeting minutes from 2/23/2010. Two corrections were noted- Couldron should have read Caudron and Sioux Valley Environmental Inc. should have read Sioux Falls Environmental Inc. Akron Park Board Minutes from 2/25/2010, February Clerk’s Report Including Revenues and Expenditures, February Treasurer’s Report and Allowing of the bills-Motion by Ericson to approve all minutes, reports and bills with the corrections noted. Seconded by R. Frerichs.

Ayes, 4. Nays, 0. Meeting adjourned.

Robert Frerichs, Mayor Pro-Tem

Desirae Willms, City Clerk AFLAC..........................................$247.56

SERVICES AFSCME/IOWA COUNCIL 61.......$65.50

SERVICES AKRON LUMBER COMPANY.......$5.92

SUPPLIES BAKER & TAYLOR.....................$339.50

SUPPLIES BARWICK AG PARTS & SVC.......$33.00

SUPPLIES BIERSCHBACH EQUIPMENT...$110.91

SUPPLIES BORDER STATE INDUSTRIES..$234.00

SUPPLIES CHARLENE HODENFIELD........$105.89

SERVICES CHESTERMAN CO........................$32.00

SUPPLIES CRA PAYMENT CENTER.............$50.07

SUPPLIES DAKOTA SUPPLY..........................$59.40

SUPPLIES DIRKS HARDWARE....................$267.30

SUPPLIES DORSEY & WHITNEY LLP.....$1,396.50

SERVICES ECHO GROUP..............................$833.63

SUPPLIES GARY HORTON........................$3,998.42

REIMBURSEMENT GLENNS COPIER, INC................$172.10

SUPPLIES HAWKINS, INC..............................$25.00

SUPPLIES HEARTLAND POWER...........$45,121.34

SERVICES HICKORY TECH..........................$318.21

SERVICES IA ASSN OF MUNCIPAL UTILIITES

............................................$2,475.00

SERVICES JACKS UNIFORMS & EQUIPMENT

............................................$1,103.50

SUPPLIES JACOBSON AUTO PARTS..........$139.87

SUPPLIES JARED GARES...............................$21.31

REIMBURSMENT KOALA-T PRINTING....................$95.00

SERVICES LANDMARK AUDIO BOOKS....$256.00

SUPPLIES MIKES TANK WAGON.............$1,838.09

SERVICES MOELLER UPHOLSTERY............$90.00

SERVICES NORTHWEST IOWA AREA SOLID

...............................................$888.84

SERVICES NW IA LEAGUE OF CITIES.........$45.00

SERVICES PETERSON AND STUART..........$584.00

SERVICES POWERPLAN...............................$217.70

SUPPLIES

PREMIER COMMUNICATIONS..$64.21

SERVICES RANDY WILLMS......................$2,729.49

SERVICES RICK LEWISON...........................$225.00

SERVICES SENIOR CENTER GOV. BOARD.$90.00

SERVICES SHEEHAN MACK.....................$1,054.75

SUPPLIES SHERRIS AUTO RANCH............$263.00

SERVICES STEVES HEATING & AC INC....$455.08

SERVICES THE AKRON HOMETOWNER...$493.22

SERVICES ULINE..............................................$50.31

SUPPLIES US CELLULAR............................$224.52

SERVICES USA BLUEBOOK.........................$256.69

SUPPLIES VANS SANITATION, INC.........$5,504.75

SERVICES WESCO DISTRIBUTION, INC.... $1,819.16

SUPPLIES WESTERN AREA POWER ADMIN

..........................................$23,846.66

SERVICES WESTERN IOWA TECH................$70.00

SERVICES DESIRAE WILLMS......................$185.18

REIMBURSEMENT KAREN WARDRIP....................$1,898.04

REIMBURSEMENT PAYROLL 5..............................$11,346.39

PAYROLL EFTPS.........................................$3,494.05

PAYROLL TAXES POSTMASTER.............................$185.26

SERVICES MIKE MARTIN..........................$2,300.00

SERVICES IPERS..........................................$3,560.01

IPERS IA DEPT OF REVENUE............$1,303.00

PAYROLL TAXES TOTAL......................................122,589.33 Expenditures (2/28/2010) Revenues (2/28/2010) GENERAL FUND....................$70,091.61 GENERAL FUND....................$24,874.11 SPECIAL FUND SPECIAL FUND Road Use Tax............................$11,595.36 Road Use Tax............................$13,505.85 Employee Benefits......................$4,978.24 Employee Benefits.........................$566.15 LMI Tif.......................................$2,300.00 LMI Tif..........................................$229.34 Portlandville...................................$154.00

Portlandville Portlandville Amended...................$180.00

Portlandville Amended Downtown......................................$605.00 Downtown......................................$674.08 Local Option Tax........................$4,233.97 Local Option Tax......................$13,891.39 DEBT SERVICE

DEBT SERVICE Portlandville Heights

Portlandville Heights Fire Station..................................$4,233.97 Fire Station..................................$4,233.97 CAPITAL PROJECT CAPITAL PROJECT Reed Street Project Reed Street Project Storm Sewer Storm Sewer Dakota Street Dakota Street Kiosk Kiosk Country Club Dr. Country Club Dr. Summer Projects LMI Summer Projects LMI Akron Business Park Akron Business Park Sargent Field Sargent Field Portlandville-ph 6 Portlandville-ph 6 69KVTransmission line$418.00 69KVTransmission line WATER.......................................$7,069.96 WATER.....................................$10,638.24 SEWER.......................................$3,410.62 SEWER.......................................$6,194.68 ELECTRIC...............................$97,176.74 ELECTRIC.............................$109,044.38 Electric Revenue Bond Electric Revenue Bond CARE CENTER MM ACCT......$8,945.41 CARE CENTER MM ACCT......$8,949.04 8-Plex Debt-..............................$19,762.82 8-Plex Debt-..............................$19,762.82 VEHICLE PURCHASE VEHICLE PURCHASE UTILITY DEPOSITS UTILITY DEPOSITS....................$221.00 TRUST FUND...............................$785.83 TRUST FUND...............................$151.55 SPONSORSHIP ACCT SPONSORSHIP ACCT UNDESTRIBUTED RECEIPTS UNDESTRIBUTED RECEIPTS UTILITY SALES TAX UTILITY SALES TAX Total ........................................$196,415.89 Total ........................................$173,410.96

Published in The Akron Hometowner March 17, 2010.

Page 22 • The Akron Hometowner

Public Notice Your right to know

Akron-Westfield School Board Proceedings February 15 REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 15, 2010 7:00 P.M.

The regular board meeting of the Akron-Westfield Board of Education was held on February 15, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.

Board members present were Black, Jordt, Martinsen, Oetken, Parks, Schoenfelder, and Willer.

Administrators present were Tony Ryan, Cathy Bobier, and Derek Briggs.

Others present were Todd Colt, Julie Madden, and Pam Von Hagel.

Motion to approve the following consent items with the following changes to the minutes of January 13, 2010 was made b Martinsen, seconded by Schoenfelder.

Minute changes – the time the Board returned to open session was 11:28 p.m.

The time the Board adjourned was 11:28 p.m.

Agenda

Next regular board meeting date of march 8, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. in the ICN board room

Special meeting for the budget reduction recommendations for the 2010-2011 school year, March 22, 2010 at 6:30 p.m.

Special meeting to finalize budget reductions for the 2010-2011 school year March 29, 2010 at 6:30 p.m.

Minutes of the first collective bargaining session January 13, 2010

Minutes of the regular board meeting January 13, 2010

Minutes of the regular board meeting December 14, 2009

Motion carried with 7 ayes and 0 nays.

Motion to approve the monthly district bills was made by Parks, seconded by Jordt. Questions were answered. Motion carried with 7 ayes and 0 nays.

Motion to approve Policies 704.5, 402.9, 504.6, 904.1, and 905.2, was made

by Martinsen, seconded by Schoenfelder.

Motion carried with 7 ayes and 0 nays.

Motion to approve Policy 211.2, Regular Meeting was made by Martinsen, seconded by Parks. Motion carried with 7 ayes and 0 nays.

Motion to approve the final payment for the Building Renovations – Summer 2009 Project was made by Oetken, seconded by Martinsen. Mr. Ryan commented that we have one item that needs to be completed. Between the 5th grade rooms, the locks do not work properly.

Martinsen amended that this problem be fixed prior to releasing the final payment. Seconded by Willer, the amendment carried with 7 ayes and 0 nays.

Motion carried with 7 ayes and 0 nays.

Motion to approve sending a formal letter of invite to the Hinton Board of Education to discuss possible future sharing of administrative and other personnel was made by Jordt, seconded by Parks. Motion carried with 7 ayes and 0 nays.

President Black declared the meeting adjourned with out objection at 8:27 p.m.

Records, documents, full text of motions and resolutions for policies considered by the Board of Education at this meeting are on file in the Board Secretary’s office, Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Jodi Thompson Board Secretary Akron-Westfield CSD Checking Account: GENERAL FUND AHLERS & COONEY PC...............533.00 SERVICE AKRON HOMETOWNER, THE.....236.34 SERVICE AKRON LUMBER.............................91.45 SUPPLIES AKRON-WESTFIELD COMM SCHOOL ............................................................75.00 POSTAGE & SERVICE AKRON-WESTFIELD HOT LUNCH DEPT.................................................102.25 SERVICE ALL AMERICAN MOLD LABORATORIES, INC...........................................45.00 SUPPLIES

AMSAN LLC................................1,224.96 SUPPLIES ARAMARK UNIFORM SERVICES.......... ............................................................75.51 SUPPLIES ARNOLD MOTOR SUPPLY.............15.10 SUPPLIES AUTOMATIC BUILDING CONTROLS.... ..........................................................157.28 SERVICE & SUPPLIES BANKCARD SERVICE CENTER....28.08 SUPPLIES CDW GOVERNMENT INC..............65.05 SUPPLIES CITY OF AKRON.........................7,155.79 SERVICE COLONIAL RESEARCH................121.33 SUPPLIES CULLIGAN WATER CONDITIONING.... ..........................................................120.00 SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE..........................................350.00 SERVICES DIRKS HARDWARE.......................104.10 SUPPLIES DIRKS, ROBIN..................................15.00 REIMBURSEMENT FARONICS TECHNOLOGIES USA INC. ..........................................................254.75 SOFTWARE FEAUTO, EMILY.............................115.61 REIMBURSEMENT HICKORYTECH..............................100.00 SERVICE HINTON COMMUNITY SCHOOL........... .......................................................5,546.00 SERVICE IOWA LAKES COMMUNITY COLLEGE.....................................5,694.50 TUITION JACOBSON AUTO PARTS.............144.25 SUPPLIES JOSTENS INC...............................1,305.20 SUPPLIES KING REINSCH PROSSER & CO LLP.... .......................................................8,733.50 SERVICE KYOCERA MITA AMERICA INC............. .......................................................4,132.00 SUPPLIES LEADER SERVICES.........................67.33 SERVICE MAYNARDS FOOD CENTER........174.51 SUPPLIES MID-AMERICAN ENERGY...........408.26 SERVICE MIKES INC...................................4,028.09 SUPPLIES OFFICE ELEMENTS.......................151.08 SERVICES OFFICE SYSTEMS COMPANY.....749.03 SUPPLIES POSTMASTER................................273.00 SUPPLIES PRESTO X..........................................68.25 SERVICE SEMINOLE ENERGY SERVICES............. .......................................................7,707.40 SERVICES SERGEANT BLUFF-LUTON COMM SCH................................................2,773.00 SERVICE SIOUX CITY COMMUNITY SCHOOLS.. .....................................................39,281.40 OPEN ENROLLMENT SIOUXLAND REGIONAL TRANSIT SYS...................................................976.13 SPECIAL ED TRANSPORTATION...........

SWIFT AIR....................................1,921.36 SERVICE TACONY CORPORATION...............39.20 EQUIPMENT THE LAMPO GROUP, INC...............69.93 SUPPLIES THOMAS BUS SALES OF IOWA INC..... ............................................................90.38 SUPPLIES THORSON DRUG.............................34.97 SUPPLIES U S CELLULAR..............................170.44 SERVICE WILCOX ELECTRIC......................421.63 SERVICE WILMOT, DWAIN.............................20.49 REIMBURSEMENT Fund Total:...................................95,966.93 Checking Account: MANAGEMENT FUND AFLAC...............................................93.00 SERVICE Fund Total:..........................................93.00 Checking Account Total:..............96,059.93 Checking Account: PHYSICAL PLANT & EQUIPMENT CANON FINANCIAL SERVICES INC..... ..........................................................660.00

Public Notices SERVICE EXECUTIVE TECHNOLOGIES..1,420.50 SERVICE HIGMAN, SUE................................525.00 SERVICE OFFICETRONICS INC.................1,428.00 SUPPLIES Fund Total:.....................................4,033.50 Checking Account: CAPITAL PROJECTS FRANK AUDINO CONSTRUCTION, INC...............................................12,481.69 SERVICE Fund Total:...................................12,481.69 Checking Account Total:..............16,515.19 Checking Account: STUDENT ACTIVITY FUND ACT...................................................278.40 SUPPLIES AKRON WESTFIELD ATHLETIC BOOSTER CLUB ...........................680.97 MISC AKRON-WESTFIELD COMM SCHOOL ..........................................................320.18 POSTAGE & SERVICE AKRON-WESTFIELD HOT LUNCH DEPT...................................................17.50 SERVICE ANDERSON, SUSAN........................38.78 REIMBURSEMENT CHESTERMAN COMPANY...........768.10 SUPPLIES CLAREY, MYRA.............................250.00 SCHOLARSHIP DEAN FOODS...................................88.48 SUPPLIES DEROIN, CHRIS................................55.00 OFFICIAL....................................................

DEZEEUW, CAMILLE....................100.00 SERVICE DIRKS, CHARLES..........................100.00 SERVICE DIRKS, JORDAN.............................200.00 SCHOLARSHIP DISTRIBUTED WEBSITE CORPORATION.................................................242.00 SUPPLIES FANMATS LLC................................452.98 SUPPLIES FREESE, RYAN............................ (110.00) OFFICIAL FUHRMAN, MARK..................... (110.00) OFFICIAL GILCREST, SARAH........................100.00 SERVICE GRANGER, TYLER........................100.00 SERVICE GRAPHIC EDGE, THE......................55.90 SUPPLIES GROUP TRAVEL PLANNERS.................. .....................................................29,808.00 SERVICE HARRIS, CINDY.............................437.99 REIMBURSEMENT ICDA...................................................80.00 SERVICE & SUPPLIES IOWA FOOTBALL COACHES ASSOCIATION.............................................30.00 SERVICES IOWA HIGH SCHOOL SPEECH ASSN..... ..........................................................297.00 SERVICE J W PEPPER & SON INC................147.99 SUPPLIES JAY’S MUSIC....................................64.00 SUPPLIES JOSTENS..........................................293.90 SUPPLIES KNUTH, RUTH................................180.00 REIMBURSEMENT KOALA T-PRINTING......................954.88 SUPPLIES KORTHALS, LINDA.......................100.00 SERVICE KROKSH, RANDY............................35.94 REIMBURSEMENT LYNOTT, GREG.............................(55.00) OFFICIAL....................................................

MARTIN BROS. DISTRIBUTING CO...... ..........................................................264.35 SUPPLIES MAYNARDS FOOD CENTER..........53.30 SUPPLIES MCARDLE, BARRY........................220.00 OFFICIAL NATIONAL FFA ORGANIZATION........... ..........................................................602.50 SUPPLIES NORTHWEST AEA.............................6.36 SUPPLIES & SERVICES OFF THE WALL PROMO, INC...1,050.00 SERVICE PIZZA RANCH.............................1,533.19 SUPPLIES PUSH PEDAL PULL..........................25.00 SUPPLIES REED STREET IMAGING..............141.24

March 17, 2010 SERVICE SANCHEZ, FERNANDO & MARTA........ ..........................................................180.00 REIMBURSEMENT SANFORD, JULIE...........................100.00 SERVICE SCHEELS ALL SPORTS...................74.99 SUPPLIES SCHMITT, LAURIE ANN...............100.00 SERVICE SERGEANT BLUFF-LUTON COMM SCH.....................................................60.00 SERVICE SHERRILL, GREG & TANYA..........30.00 REIMBURSEMENT SIEBERSMA, STEVE.....................(65.00) OFFICIAL SOMETHING UNIQUE INC...........101.70 SUPPLIES SPERLE, DUANE...........................(55.00) OFFICIAL SPORTSMAN’S............................1,449.27 SUPPLIES STOUGHTON, KATHLEEN...........100.00 SERVICE THOMPSON, VERNA.....................250.00 REIMBURSEMENT THORSON DRUG SUPPLIES ULLRICH, ROXIE...........................100.00 SERVICE VANDER WILT, MARC.................(65.00) OFFICIAL VOSS, CARRIE..................................30.00 REIMBURSEMENT WAGNER, JIM.............................. (110.00) OFFICIAL WESSELMAN, JASON.....................55.00 OFFICIAL WIERSMA HORN, LISA.................100.00 SERVICE WILKEN, MARY.............................180.00 REIMBURSEMENT WOLTHUIZEN, JESA......................200.00 SCHOLARSHIP WOODBURY CENTRAL CSD.........60.00 OPEN ENROLLMENT WORLD’S FINEST CHOCOLATE............ .......................................................3,770.00 FUNDRAISING Fund Total:...................................46,570.57 Checking Account: AGENCY FUND (ATHLETIC BOOSTERS) DECKER SPORTS........................3,801.00 SUPPLIES SPORTSMAN’S.................................96.00 SUPPLIES Fund Total:.....................................3,897.00 Checking Account Total:..............50,467.57 Checking Account: SCHOOL NUTRITION FUND CASEY’S BAKERY INC.................800.87 SUPPLIES CHEMICAL SANITIZING SYSTEMS LT. ..........................................................126.62 SUPPLIES DEAN FOODS..............................2,988.73 SUPPLIES GJESDAL, LINDA.............................21.00 REIMBURSEMENT GOODWIN TUCKER GROUP........252.32 SUPPLIES HARTMAN, CHAD...........................14.40 REIMBURSEMENT KECK INC.....................................1,820.27 SUPPLIES MARTIN BROS. DISTRIBUTING CO...... .......................................................5,436.14 SUPPLIES MAYNARDS FOOD CENTER............6.87 SUPPLIES PIZZA RANCH.............................1,980.00 SUPPLIES REINHART FOOD SERVICE.........953.89 SUPPLIES WILKEN, CLARICE..........................34.88 REIMBURSEMENT Fund Total:...................................14,435.99 Published in The Akron Hometowner March 17, 2010

Public Notice Your right to know

Akron-Westfield School Board Proceedings February 3

SPECIAL BOARD MEETING FEBRUARY 3, 2010 8:00 P.M.

A special board meeting of the Akron-Westfield Board of Education was held on February 3, 2010 at 8:00 p.m.

Vice-President Oetken called the meeting

to order at 8:00 p.m.

Board members present were Jordt, Martinsen, Oetken, Parks, Schoenfelder, and Willer. Black was absent.

Administrators present were Tony Ryan, Cathy Bobier, and Derek Briggs.

Others present were many employees, students and patrons from the Akron-Westfield School District.

Motion to approve the agenda was made by Parks, seconded by Jordt.

Motion carried with 6 ayes and 0 nays.

Motion to approve Policies No. 407.4, 407.4E1, and 407.4E2 Early Retirement was made by Parks, seconded

by Schoenfelder. Motion carried with 6 ayes and 0 nays.

Vice-President Oetken declared the meeting adjourned without objection at 9:18 p.m.

Records, documents, full text of motions and resolutions for policies considered by the Board of Education at this meeting are on file in the Board Secretary’s office, Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Jodi Thompson Board Secretary

Published in The Akron Hometowner March 17, 2010.

Public Notice Your right to know

Probate No. ESPRO18017 IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT PLYMOUTH COUNTY Probate No. ESPRO18017

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF PATRICIA BERNARD WELCH f/k/a PATRICIA L. BERNARD, Deceased NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, OF APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR, AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF PATRICIA BERNARD WELCH f/k/a/ PATRICIA L. BERNARD, DECEASED; who died on or about February 9th, 2010.

You are hereby notified that on the 5th day of March, 2010, the last will and testament of Patricia Bernard Welch f/k/a/ Patricia L. Bernard, deceased, bearing date of the 29th day of March, 1995, was admitted to probate in the above named court and that Kathryn Beacom was appointed executor of the estate.

Any action to set aside the will must be brought in the district court of said county within the later to occur of four months from the date of the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice to all heirs of the decedent and devisees under the will whose identities are reasonably ascertainable, or thereafter be forever barred.

Notice is further given that all persons indebted to the estate are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned, and creditors having claims against the estate shall file them with the clerk of the above named district court, as provided by law, duly authenticated, for allowance, and unless so filed by the later to occur of four months from the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice (unless otherwise allowed or paid) a claim is thereafter forever barred.

Dated this 1st day of March, 2010. s/Kathryn Beacom 3215 McDonald St. Sioux City, IA 51104 Marten A. “Mat” Trotzig ICIS PIN No: AT0008077 Bauerly, Trotzig & Bauerly, P.L.C. 1288 Lincoln St. SW, P.O. Box 336 Le Mars, IA 51031 Date of Second Publication 24th day of March, 2010

Published in The Akron Hometowner March 17, 2010 & March 24, 2010

Classifieds

March 17, 2010

DAY-CARE

PEST CONTROL

LOOKING FOR DAY-CARE: Have FT/PT openings in Akron.

Call Julie at 712-550-9043.

PROFESSIONAL PEST CONTROL: Bats, snakes, Asian Lady beetles, box elder bugs, termites, flies, crawling insects a problem? Call D & D PEST CONTROL @ 605-565-3101 or 1-888-777-8951. We service residential, commercial and farms in your area monthly. (w)

FOR RENT FOR RENT: Different sizes office space in Akron for rent, lease or buy. Cable ready, multiple-telephone access. 808927-0270 or 808-927-2120. (w,p)

FOR SALE FOR SALE: For Stanley home products or Fuller Brush products - call Peggy Searls 712568-3311. (w)

Sewing Machine service and sales

Free Estimates • All Makes Free Pick-up & Delivery Call: Dirks

Hardware 568-3316

The Akron Hometowner • Page 23

Statewide Classifieds

ADOPTION Adoption: Loving parents and their 9-yearold adopted daughter would love a baby brother or sister. Stay at home mom, professional dad. Expenses paid. Please call Becky/ Mike 800-472-1835 (INCN)

Statewide Classifieds

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

REAL ESTATE

ALL CASH VENDING! Do you earn $800 in a day? Your own local candy route.

Includes 25 Machines and Candy All for $9,995. 1-888-755-1342 (INCN)

FOR RENT: House in Hawarden, 2 BDR, 2 bath, 2 car garage. Call 712-540-0131 for more info. (p)

FOR SALE: ‘96 Olds 98R, very good condition, 122K. Asking $3,000. Call 712-568-3475 or 712-541-0586 before 9 p.m. (p)

Statewide Classifieds

HELP WANTED Truck Driver

HOMES FOR SALE

Leasing 3/4 - 1 ton trucks. Deliver RV’s nationwide. Must be 23 yrs., clean MVR, 6 months verifiable over road driving experience within last 3 years OR own personal RV, verifiable past 5 years. Bennett 574848-7315. (INCN)

IOWA FORECLOSURES. BARGAIN PRICES. INDIVIDUAL BUYERS WELCOME. AGENTS PROTECTED. WWW. BUYITFORECLOSURES.COM OR 515865-3019 (INCN)

Help Wanted: Small family owned Iowa company looking for over-the-road truck driver. Temperature controlled freight. Must be 22 years old and have 2 years experience. Call 1-888-680-6649. (INCN)

MISCELLANEOUS

FOR SALE Farm Equipment

$$$Your Future Tomorrow Start Today$$$ 100% APU Equipped. OTR Drivers Wanted. Pre-Pass EZ-pass. Every 60K mile raises. Passenger/Pet Policy. 100% NO Touch. Butler Transport 1-800-5287825 (INCN)

FORESTRY EQUIPMENT: 3pt. PTO FARMI logging winches. VALBY 3pt. PTO Woodchippers. Replacement bucket grapples, rotators, woodsplitters, skidsteer, tractor tire chains. Three Rivers, Inc. 866-638-7885, www.threeriversforestry.com (INCN)

Drivers - Training and Building Business Owners! Train and work for Central Refrigerated. Class A-CDL Training. No credit check. Regional Training Locations! (800) 526-9277 x2003 www.centraldrivingjobs. net (INCN)

Statewide Classifieds

Driver OWN YOUR OWN TRUCK Weekly Payments as Low as $200 Lowest Lease Purchase Price in the Industry *75% of the load *100% fuel surcharge *Flatbed exp. not required Also Hiring Owner Operators 866-945-2778 www.JoinMalone. com (INCN)

Statewide Classifieds

VEHICLE FOR SALE

Statewide Classifieds

FOR SALE Miscellaneous VONAGE Unlimited Calls Around The World! Call U.S. & 60+ Countries, ONLY $14.99/Mo For 6 Months (then $25.99/Mo) Money Back Guarantee! 1-888-364-2094 (INCN)

Statewide Classifieds

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING WORKS! Make one call and place your 25 word classified ad into 249 newspapers in Iowa. Call this newspaper or 800-227-7636. (INCN) ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from Home. *Medical, *Business, *Paralegal, *Computers, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. Call 888-220-3960 www.

CenturaOnline.com (INCN) FREE 6-Room DISH Network Satellite System! FREE HD-DVR! $19.99/mo, 120+ Digital Channels (for 1 year.) Call Now- $400 Signup BONUS! 1-866-2312520 (INCN)

Statewide Classifieds

STEEL BUILDINGS YOUR TOTAL solution for steel and woodsteel buildings. Quality. Versatility. Value.

Service. Sentinel Building Systems, 800327-0790 ad 26. www.sentinelbuildings. com. (INCN)

DRIVERS WANTED Owner Operators 3/4 ton and up. Top Pay! CDL and passport preferred, Must Be 25 to Apply 641-4354021. (INCN)

Register to attend the ‘Owl Prowl’ at Hillview

An Owl Prowl hike will start at 7:00 p.m., March 26 at the picnic shelter (tubing hill parking lot) on the south side of Hillview Park. This free program will end at 9:00 p.m.

For more information contact the Plymouth County Conservation Office at 712-947-4270 (8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday) or visit our Web site: www.plymouthcountyparks. com or www.mycountyparks.com/plymouth.

Neighborhood Business Directory Call 568-2208 to find out how to place your business ad here!

Kathleen Keltz, O.D. Call for an Appointment

First National Insurance Agency 251 Reed St., Akron, IA 712-568-2442 fnia@fnbakron.com

Curt Harris

605 Ninth St. • Hawarden, IA 551-1603

321 Reed Street #2, Akron, IA 712-568-3973

Registered Representative of and securities offered through QA3 Financial Corp., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisor Representative of and advisory services offered through QA3 Financial, LLC. an SEC registered investment advisory firm. Legacy Financial, LLC is not affiliated with QA3 Financial Corp or QA3 Financial LLC.

Chad Ericson

email: cdericson@legacyfinancialllc.com

Hawarden Family Medical Clinic Dr. Cindie Wolff Dr. David Wolff Dr. Allison Schoenfelder PA Paul Niles 321 Mill St. • 568-2411

“We have what you need “98 Years of and what you need to know” Serving You”

210 Reed St., Akron • 568-3316

Leah’s Tax and Bookkeeping Services Leah Terpstra Accounting & Bookkeeping Income Tax Preparation 712-552-1450 Hawarden, IA

MTS

Greg McInnis LeMars, IA • 1-800-728-1821 gregm@ambankiowa.com www.am-bank.com

Anderson Construction New York Life Insurance Co.

Jesse McKee, Agent

Akron, IA 712-898-0194

Tim Allard

222 Reed St. • 568-2444 • 800-541-2446

Hawarden, IA 712-551-1995

Moffatt Tree Service and Stump Removal

712-568-2752 Trimming & Removal Stump Removal Competitive Rates Free Estimates • Insured

Kelley Painting 712-568-3141 Akron, IA

Monte J. Harvey, D.O. Teri Osterkamp, ARNP

920 Avenue F • 551-1000

Hawarden Harvest Inn

70 Ave E • Hawarden • 551-3333 King & Queen size beds 2 Jacuzzi Rooms Continental Breakfast Bringing Beauty To Your Home

McKenny’s Furniture STEVE McKENNY KATIE McKENNY Open daily 9-6 Thursday ‘til 9 Saturday 9-3

712-551-2756 704 Central Ave. Hawarden, IA 51023

Post this business guide on your fridge for easy access to the names and numbers of local businesses

Page 24 • The Akron Hometowner

March 17, 2010

Countryside Art

photo by Julie Ann Madden

Although the artist is unknown, this artwork has caught the attention of many passersby who travel 481st Avenue, just about a mile north of South Dakota Highway 48. Passersby speculate that this deer was hit and killed by a motorist’s vehicle. Then the artist placed it in the snowbank at this intersection and decorated its antlers. Old Man Winter draped it artistically with snow. As one passersby told The Akron Hometowner, it could be a symbolic gesture of too long of a winter leading to mischievous-behavior. No matter the reason or artist’s intent, it’s made quite a few chuckle at the sight.

‘Godspell’ coming to Opera House stage in April

The cast of “Godspell” continues rehearsing for performance dates of April 9, 10, 11, and 12 at Akron Opera House. “Godspell” is under the direction of Val Philips with Ryan Schuknecht as musical director and Lisa Harris as production assistant. Cast members include Jon Harris (Jesus) and Tim Philips (Judas) who are reprising the roles they played 20 years ago in “Godspell.” Other cast members are Amy Linder (Joanne), Jill Schroeder (Robin), Ryan Schuknecht (Jeffrey), Colleen Westergard (Peggy), Michael Harris (Lamar), Kate Tindall (Sonia), Derek Appley (Gilmer), and Tom Schroeder (Herb). The chorus/ensemble includes Dawn Martinsen, Allison Schoenfelder, Anya Wolff, Tim Blum Amy Wilken, Allison Kjar, Tasha Johnson, Wayne Blum, and Coreen Robinson.

GAELIC STORM

MARCH 21 - 7:30 p.m.

Sponsored by: Ga Sto elic rm

y

red b ponso

••• Watch For Details! ••• The Akron Hometowner

S 110 Reed St. • Akron, IA • www.akronhometowner.com

THE AKRON HOMETOWNER

For Tickets Call: 712-568-8747 For Tickets$40 Call: 712-568-8747

$40

Akron Opera Opera House House Akron

214 Reed St., Akron, IA 51001 712-568-2848

151Reed Reed Street Street ~Akron, Akron,IAIA 151 Akron Jo’s Cafe • 150 Reed St. • Buffet Dinner • 5 - 7 p.m.

Featuring: Roast Beef & Roast Pork & All The Trimmings

250 Sargent St., Akron, IA - Formal dining w/ pocket doors, formal living w/beveled glass piano window and stained glass transom window. Finished modern family room in basement, attached garage.

520 Mill St., Akron, IA - Three bedroom ranch, double attached garage, full block basement. Great location, one block from post office.

740 & 742 Mill St., Akron, IA - Need positive income flow? Modern, maintenance free duplex.

Each unit has two bedrooms. Includes 3 car attached garage and built-in tenants!

1051 Ridge Road Dr., Akron, IA 1,008 sq. ft. three bedroom ranch built in 2006.

621 Iowa St., Akron, IA - 1 1/2 story, 3 bedroom totally remodeled.

14779 Diamond Ave., Akron, IA - 8.16 acres pasture, with four bedroom home.

Horse clover and hobby farm.

551 S. 8th St., Akron, IA - Two bedroom ranch on corner lot.

900 Westerner Dr., Akron, IA - Large newer home in great condition.

200 S. 9th St., Akron, IA -Sprawling 2,200 sq. ft. ranch home on 1 acre lot!

BARE LOT TO BUILD ON Akron, IA - $9,500 Two acre building site one mile north of Akron on C16 rural water and electric on site, tremendous view.

321 Union St., Westfield IA

422 Evergreen, Ln., Westfield IA - Two bedroom ranch.

530 Dakota St., Akron, IA - 1 1/2 story, 3 bedroom with full basement on large lot with alley access.

Beautiful woodwork throughout the house, open stairwell, formal dining room, eat-in kitchen. Fridge, stove, washer & dryer stay. Full bath on both levels.

This home is definitely turn key. $75,600.

Where do you read your Akron Hometowner?

1st time Home Buyers --The up to $8,000 tax credit HAS BEEN EXTENDED!!! Call for details.

509 S. Main St., Inwood, IA OFFER ACCEPTED

NEW LISTING - 8 Acre SD building site - Call Don for details

Don Feauto, Lee Harding, Principal Broker Broker-Associate & Auctioneer & Auctioneer We have many more listings in the surrounding area.IA - Two 422 Evergreen Lane, Westfield, bedroom ranch.

Call for details.

45 6th Ave. SE Le Mars, IA LD SO

2010 Clover D Dr., Akron, IA SOL

750 Dakota St., D Akron, IA SOL

125 Elm St.,DWestfield, IA SOL

340 1st St.,LChatsworth, IA D SO

Don Feauto - Real Estate Broker & Auctioneer Lee Harding - Broker Associate & Auctioneer Deb Feauto - Broker Associate Office: 712-568-2848 Fax: 712-568-2669

Equal Housing OPPORTUNITY

www.feautorealestate.com • E-mail: feauto@feautorealestate.com

Grace McCorkell, holding granddaughter Lily, Eric and Christina Putkela, Joan Six and Robert McCorkell all enjoyed reading The Akron Hometowner while at Hearst Castle in San Simeon, CA.

There’s no ‘wrong’ place to read your Akron Hometowner.

Just ask Grace, Lily, Eric, Christina, Joan & Robert!

Call 568-2208 to get your subscription.