Leon’s busy Christmas celebration on Saturday ended with a lighted parade that dodged some of the rain that had hung around all day. Following its trek up Main Street, the parade was greeted by a very Christmasy courthouse lawn that reminded one of Santa’s Workshop at the North Pole. Rumor had it that Tia Campbell with Wild Jade’s Boutique made 37 signs for the sponsorships of the decorations.
Speaking of Santa, Santa and Mrs. Claus led the parade and then stopped at Main Street Brick House to hear some last minute wants and wishes.
First place float winners were Lyndi Jo Kistler’s gingerbread house and The Grinch (Melissa Graham); 2nd place was Will and Braden Mozingo of Red Oak and third place went to Jessica Smith from Prescott. “There were 12 vehicles in the parade,” reported Sta-
cey Legg. “Many cancelled because of the weather.”
FBLA members Angel Easton, Olivia Reed and Chloe Allen painted the windows while Teegun Davis, Carter Davis, Brian Cullinan and Blake Foote assisted with hanging lights and helped FIB with their window display.
While taking a scoop around the square, take note of the extra decorated, painted windows. The FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) Club from Central Decatur volunteered in helping finish up the lighting and with decorations.
Leon Chamber Awards Tree and Decorated Window Winners
Decorated window winners pictures on page 5.
Decorated tree winners pictures are on page 20.
The Leon Chamber hosted their annual Christmas tree contest with the 18 festive and bright trees adorning the Main Street windows and a few businesses near Main Street, giving you the feeling of yet another
Hallmark movie. The judging was very difficult again, with the creativeness by the businesses and organizations. Selected as the 1st place winner was Main Street Brick House adorned with
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Leon Noel Held Last Saturday
All through Mother Nature did not cooperate, this year’s Leon Noel was held at the CD School as planned.
Because of the rain/ice, numbers were down and the sleigh rides were cancelled, but all
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Local Area Happenings
Christmas
Cookies at Farmers Bank
Everyone is encouraged to stop by Farmers Bank in Leon this Friday, December 20, to enjoy some Christmas cookies with the employees.
Sheriff’s Santa Project
Donations will be accepted until Monday, December 23 for the annual Decatur County Sheriff’s project of adopting up to 20 county families to receive gifts and food items to make their Christmas a little brighter. Check the ad on page 12 for needed items and where to leave monetary donations.
Central Decatur Board President Honored for Excellence
Central Decatur CSD Board President Amber Swartz was honored with an Individual Achievement Award through the Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB) Annual Board Awards program. This award is given to individuals who complete a minimum of 15 hours of learning in one year to improve their
knowledge and skills by attending IASB-led learning events. IASB Board President Jesse Howard commended Swartz for her hard work. "Education significantly impacts both boardroom decisions and student success. These award winners have gone above and beyond to stay informed and capable, all in their efforts to enhance student outcomes." Howard said. This acclaimed award was presented to 307 school board, area education agency (AEA) and community college board members. A full list of winners is available on the IASB website.
1st place: Samuel and Katie Bear at 202 W 1st Street.
3rd place: Scott and Amanda Risius at 806 S Main Street.
2nd place: Danny and Karla Hill at 105 SW Sand Street.
The Leon Lions Club along with the Leon Chamber of Commerce, sponsored their annual home Christmas lighting contest. The judges traveled around the City of Leon last Thursday, December 12, checking out the interesting and festive displays. The home of Samuel and Katie Bear was chosen as 1st, Danny and Karla Hill received 2nd and Scott and Amanda Risius received 3rd.
Mr. and Mrs. Clause make early stop at the Christmas Lighted Parade.
Lyndi Jo Kistler’s gingerbread house and The Grinch (Melissa Graham), 1st place parade entry.
Pictured on the left, CD Board President Amber Swartz receiving her award from Jesse Howard, IASB President.
MAHAN, James (Jim) Edwin, Jr., 93, of Leon, Iowa, died on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at the Decatur County Hospital in Leon. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the Slade-O’Donnell Funeral Home in Leon, Iowa, with Pastor Rick Hawkins officiating. A visitation gathering will be held on Friday, January 24, from 3:00 –7:00 p.m. at the SladeO’Donnell Funeral Home. Interment will be held in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Mount Ayr, Iowa, at a later date.
NUSSBAUM, Ronald Leon, 80, formerly of Leon, Iowa, died on Sunday, December 8, 2024. Funeral services were held at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at the Urbandale United Church of Christ in Urbandale, Iowa. Interment will be held at the Veterans Cemetery near Van Meter, Iowa, at a later date. Arrangements were through the Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home of Des Moines, Iowa.
PARKHURST, Kelley Renea, 49, of Leon, Iowa, died on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa. No services are planned at this time. Arrangements were through the Slade-O'Donnell Funeral Home in Leon, Iowa.
Mike, of Eagleville, Missouri.
Please
for an address correction notice if you don’t pick up each paper when moving before address gets changed. Please furnish the correct address on time, or stop your J-R if you want it held until you move. Thank you.
Survivors include her companion, David Bradford of Leon; children and their companions, Cenzie Bradford and Jordan Jackson, of Leon; Marhaya Bradford and fiancé, Brooke Shockey, of Leon; Macy Bradford and Dennis McIntyre, of Flushing, Michigan; and Hunter Bradford and Chloe Davis, of Creston; grandson, Raiden Long; and siblings.
BUTCHER, Ruth, 88, died on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at Westview Acres in Leon, Iowa. Arrangements are pending through the Slade-O'Donnell Funeral Home in Leon, Iowa.
Survivors include her daughter, Marcia Black and husband,
OBITUARIES
JAMES EDWIN
MAHAN, JR.
James Edwin Mahan, Jr., age 93, of Leon, Iowa, the son of James Edwin, Sr. and Ettie Katherine (Lucas) Mahan, was born August 5, 1931, at Mount Ayr, Iowa. He left this life on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at the Decatur County Hospital in Leon, Iowa.
Jim grew up in Mount Ayr and graduated from Mount Ayr High School with the Class of 1949. He joined the United States Navy in July of 1952. After his honorable discharge in May of 1954, he worked for his dad at Mahan Monument Co. and the Iowa Fish Hatchery, both in Mount Ayr until landing a job at Iowa Southern Utilities as a meter reader. With his work ethic and personality he worked his way up into management and retired as district manager over several southern Iowa towns. He lived in both Mount Ayr and Leon, Iowa to fulfill his duties. In December of 1954, he was united in marriage to Betty Jean Powell in Mount Ayr. They were blessed with two sons, Thomas and Kevin. Betty and her mother were both killed in a tragic motor vehicle accident in December of 1964. On March 31, 1968, Jim married Marilyn Joan Fulton. Jim later adopted her two children, Shannon and Bruce. To complete the family, they were blessed with son, Sean.
Jim was a member of the Mount Ayr American Legion Post 172, the Creston Elks Lodge #605, and the Leon Golf and Country Club. In his free time, he enjoyed golfing, fishing, and watching the Iowa Hawkeye teams. Preceding him in death were his parents; wives, Betty Mahan and Marilyn Mahan; and his sisters, Dorothy Caskey, Gertrude Baker, and Bettye Coates. Survivors include his children, Tom and Tonya Mahan of Denton, Texas, Kevin and Jane Mahan of Creston, Iowa, Shannon Yeaton of New Albany, Indiana, Bruce and Tammy Mahan of Parker, Texas, and Sean and Stephanie Mahan of Corydon, Iowa; 14 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; nieces and nephews; other relatives; and many, many friends.
HEWLETT, Penni, of Leon, Iowa, died on Sunday, December 15, 2024. Graveside Services will be held on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. in Kellerton, Iowa. Arrangements are through Armstrong Funeral Home in Mt. Ayr, Iowa. Survivors include her companion, Dana Hall and sisters Debbie (Rod) Holmes and Teena Hash. Advertise in and Support your Local Information Source.
RONALD LEON
NUSSBAUM
Ronald Leon Nussbaum was born on December 4, 1944, in Leon, IA to Earl Sr and Helen Durell Nussbaum. He was welcomed home by his older brother Ed. He celebrated his 80th birthday that he anxiously waited for several weeks 4 days prior to his passing. Ron started school at a country school that was a short walk over the river bridge. When the river flooded, he had to stay with his grandma and grandpa who lived on the same side of the bridge as the school. However, the teacher usually stayed there too! The family moved closer to town, so Ron started 2nd grade in Leon. He graduated from Leon High School in 1963. He worked for the Core of Engineers doing surveying for a short time and Wright Tree Service until he was injured. He worked for Hy-Vee meat department, where he met Sandy who had joined her mom to shop at HyVee. She talked to Ken who dated a co-worker of hers, Ron told Ken he wanted to meet Sandy. A semi blind double date was arranged, 6 months later it was Mr. and Mrs. Nussbaum. Two weeks after they were married Ron accepted a job at Pioneer. He told Sandy first he quit work before telling her he had a new job. He worked for Pioneer, now Corteva, for 42 years. He was also with the IA National Guard for 22 ½ years. They enjoyed going camping and watching Daniel and Sean play baseball and basketball and going to Ryan’s band concerts. Ron has battled cancer for the last 7 years.
Surviving Ron are his wife Sandy of 54 ½ years. Children David (Jacque), Kari and Doug Nussbaum, his grandsons Daniel (Hana), Sean and Ryan, and great grandson Callan. Also, two (adopted daughters) Andrea Hall and Alicia Dolsen and their respective families. Sister in-law Jan Cummiskey and her family brother in-law Bill Sears, aunts, several nieces and nephews, lots of cousins and friends. Those who preceded him were his mom and dad, brother, grandparents Alvie and Louie Durell and George and Anna Nussbaum.
DCH Corner
DCH Outpatient Clinic Now Taking Appointments in Expanded Cardiology Clinic
Did you know? The DCH Outpatient Clinic now offers Cardiology appointments eight (8) days each month, from two board-certified cardiologists: Dr. Steven Mehta, and Dr. Ernesto Cruz. At DCH, we are proud to offer in-house access to a comprehensive set of cardiac care needs including stress
SEASONS GREETINGS SOUTHERN IOWA
Merry Christmas, Decatur County, and Happy Holidays to all. So many memories are tied to this time of year, from Leon, Lamoni, and Davis City. The joys of bags of candy, plus an orange or apple, which often followed a free movie at the local theater and a visit from Santa. Participating in school and church programs added a sense of excitement and nervous tension, trying to remember lines or the words to a particular carol. It is often wished that the spirit of this season could be maintained all year long. That might be
tests, nuclear medicine, echocardiograms, holter monitors, MRI, and vascular surgery. With support from specially trained nursing and radiology staff, and our general/vascular surgeon Edwin Wehling, DO, our comprehensive cardiology program is constantly evolving to meet the needs of our community. As board-certified cardiologists, Drs. Mehta and Cruz work with patients who live with: atrial fibrillation, post-cardiac event symptoms, abnormal heart rhythms, structural heart disease, congenital heart issues, peripheral artery disease, chronic venous disease, valve stenosis, and more. Our cardiology program offers: Stress testing. If you need a stress test to assess your heart health, you don’t have to travel far from home or wait months to get results. At Decatur County Hospital, we provide stress testing in a caring and secure environment with an expertly trained team, including Drs. Mehta and Cruz, cardiac rehab nursing staff, a nuclear medicine technician, and specially trained RNs to supervise each test.
In-house nuclear medicine. To further expand timely access to high quality health care, we have recently added a brand new, inhouse, nuclear medicine machine. With the permanent addition of the GE NM 830 in our radiology department, we now have the capability to diagnose and track the progression of heart disease, evaluate
expecting too much, but it isn’t too much to expect a little kindness and forbearance as we face a new year with a little anxiety. In Decatur County, we often have known one another for years, and even when we root for different teams, we can still be civil after the game or the election is over. This is not a time to divide into “we” and “they “as we face something of an unsure future. Our family is still our family, our neighbors are still our neighbors. It is easy to see the need for compassion as some of our friends, family, and neighbors go through hard times. We are all familiar with the query "Who is my neighbor?” In reality, we are all neighbors. The new year will be brighter as we face it together.
Kay L. Herring 5600 Center Street West Des Moines, IA 50266
thyroid function, detect obstruction of the renal blood flow, locate cancerous tissue, evaluate any degenerative and/or arthritic changes in the joints, and to find bone diseases and tumors. Appointments are available up to six (6) days each month. The NM 830 brings the diagnostic capability to enable reduction of dose or scan times by up to 25 percent, providing shorter, more tolerable exams and greater patient comfort. The technology of this equipment allows us to diagnose disease earlier and with the SwiftScan Planar and SwiftScan SPECT’s improved small lesion detectability.
Echocardiograms. Our radiology department offers on-site echocardiograms four (4) days each month, provided by a specially trained ultrasound technician.
Holter monitors. We offer the testing technology of the Holter monitor to help treat heart conditions that are associated with arrhythmia and heart palpitations. These symptoms could indicate a serious health condition that could lead to complications such as a heart attack or stroke.
In-house MRI. In addition to other available testing, an MRI can provide a deeper look into potential heart issues, including damage from a heart attack, reasons for reduced blood flow, inflammation, issues with the aorta, and more. Our new, permanent,
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Grand River
MELINDA MACKEY
More Christmas decorations have gone up around town making it a festive little place. The wreath has been placed at the Veterans Monument and that's probably my favorite. The wreath is one of those Christmas symbols that seem so simple, but it means so much. Laying a wreath on a military grave or memorial site is such a solemn heartfelt gesture to honor and remember the sacrifices made by our service members. Thank you for placing the wreath on the monument.
Recently I found an article Sharon Becker had written about the 1959 blizzard. She was just a young girl when it happened and reading through it, I can't help but think of the kindness of people helping each other out. I would like to think we would still open our homes to help out our friends and neighbors when they need it. Here's a little bit of what she wrote of her adventures trying to get home after school: By the time we got to Leonard and Deana FOLAND's farm, located approximately 8 miles northwest of Grand River, it became obvious that Mr. MULLENS' car was going to shut down, choked by snow and ice. He pulled into the driveway and honked his horn. Leon-
ard rushed to the car and told us to wait a minute. He came back a few minutes later with a couple of quilts to protect us from the frigid sharp wind as we struggled through hip-high snow banks, stumbling toward the house. Deana had put a kettle of water on to boil and helped us out of our soggy coats and boots. She ushered us into several bedrooms and then brought us some towels to dry ourselves.
Then she bundled us up in several layers of Leonard's long johns and sat us down by the wood stove in the parlor. To make sure we didn't get chilled, she wrapped us up in quilts and brought us cups of hot tea. Don't forget about Christmas Dinner on Christmas Day at the Community Center, it is free and open to everyone! A wonderful way to spend Christmas! Have a great week!
at the Lamoni Schools. All the hard work paid off with a great turnout for the event.
Ronnie Mickelson has been taking advantage of the decent weather days and getting lots of anhydrous put on the fields.
Alma Mickelson enjoyed a nice Saturday evening at Leslea McKillip’s home for the school staff holiday party.
Tuesday night
Philinda Snethen and Mary Ellen Silver ate Gravy with the Grinch at the Lamoni Schools.
Gary Silver loaned his pickup to the Optimist Club Wednesday morning so Liz Carpenter and Jim Coulthard could take a load of cans and bottles to the redemption center in Lenox.
On Wednesday
Mary Ellen Silver and Philinda Snethen went to Leon and did a little shopping.
Liz Carpenter and her friend Sheryl Harrison went to Creston Thursday morning. Took care of some business then did a little shopping and got some lunch before returning to Lamoni.
she will never need it. Better to be prepared. Good thinking, Donna. While she was in Leon she also stopped at the furniture store and got new dining room chairs. Always good to accomplish as much as possible with every trip you make.
Saturday Donna Ogier’s girls, Steph and Angela and her boyfriend Tyler met up in Lamoni for pizza. The weather made the trip a bit iffy but everything worked out and they had a great visit. They also stopped to visit Jan Fisher before heading home.
Kim Erwin with her Cupbake business participated in the craft and vendor fair at the Stables Event Center in Lamoni on Saturday. Liz Carpenter visited and did her Christmas shopping!
Last Sunday Gary Osborn went to Maryville, Missouri, to visit his mom Ruby Osborn. They ate lunch with his sister Geneva and her husband Ray.
7 Days Until Christmas
It is hard to believe we have almost reached the end of another year. It also means we are nearing the end of the regular season for pro football and heading towards the post season play. And, by the way, the KC Chiefs actually won their game Sunday without any last minute drama. GO CHIEFS!
Last week was a super busy week for Alma Mickelson with organizing and preparing all the food for Gravy with the Grinch event
Walking in a Winter Wonderland
Andover LIZ CARPENTER Peace be with you and yours this season.
Donna Ogier made a trip to the hardware store in Leon last week and bought a kerosene heater. She plans to keep it handy for emergencies and hopes
Sunday afternoon Philinda Snethen had lunch with Liz Carpenter, watched the KC Chiefs win another game, and made caramel and cinnamon popcorn.
Breanna, Clay, and Brooks Parkhurst spent Saturday in KC shopping and doing the
May you have the Peace, Hope and Love which is Christmas.
20 YEARS AGO (December 15, 2004)
Leon Chief of Police Todd Byerly resigned as the Chief accepting a position in Riverton, Wyoming. The Council approved the appointment of Andy Walker. The Central Decatur Middle School Choir brought the joy of Christmas to downtown Leon on a Friday around the noon hour, under the direction of Linda Bachman. The Central Decatur 4th through 7th grade Madrigal Choir presented a “Madrigal Celebration” in two performances. One celebration with dessert served was held at 4:00 p.m. and the dinner celebration was held at 6:30 p.m. The Madrigal was held at the Barnum Community Center in Decatur. Showing at SCIT was “Christmas with the Kranks,” starring Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis.
50 YEARS AGO
(December 18, 1974)
The Decatur County Farm Bureau received an award for the best promotion of the Beef Improvement Corporation (BIC), the cattle marketing and procurement service of the Iowa Farm Bureau in 1974. Earl Hanthorn received the award at the State Convention held in Des Moines. The Van Wert Lions Club held a chili supper and presented $230 to Mayor Don McClure to be used to help finish the new fire hall. The check was given to McClure by Harold Fullerton, Lions president. Members of the Grand Jury from Decatur County for 1975 were Marjorie Baker, Jack Black, James R. Cornett, Lohre Fisher, Julian Frost, Vivian George, Evelyn Havens, John Kubec, Juanita Lynch, Virginia Madden, Gloria McClure and Dave Stuck. Winner of the Cen-
50
ter’s Cheerful Chums 4-H raffle for a rifle was John McKibben of Garden Grove.
Births at the Decatur County Hospital: Mr. and Mrs. Eldon Simpson, a daughter, Gloria Dawn born December 6; Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Waddell, a son, Preston Slemp born December 7; Mr. and Mrs. Gregg Henderson, a daughter, Carrie Allyn born December 7; and Mr. and Mrs. Charles Decker, a son, Chad Eugene born December 10.
The children and grandchildren of Mr. and Mrs. Oliver McGahuey were planning an Open House for the couples 60th Wedding Anniversary. The event was to be held at the Leon R.L.D.S. Church.
The Unity Club held their annual Christmas potluck dinner and gift exchange in the home of Nancy Elson. After the Christmas program, the members wrapped gifts donated by Leon merchants to be given to residents of Westview Acres and Leon Care Center.
75 YEARS AGO (December 15, 1949)
Church rededicated – The Methodist Church at Davis City, damaged by fire, was entirely restored and again serving the congregation. The church was rededicated in an all-day meeting. The Rev. Swick, the district superintendent, was the speaker in the morning. A dinner at noon was followed by an additional service. Mrs. Pearl Grimes read a history of the church and the Rev. Clarence Moore of New Market, a former pastor of the Leon and Davis City churches, conducted the rededication service. In behalf of the V.F.W., Mrs. Vernon Hill presented the church with a flag which the Rev. John McCallum of the Leon church accepted for the Davis City congregation.
Awards went to twenty-five girls –Keeping personal expense account records was one of the special activities that broadens the training girls may have in 4-H girls’ work. The county cash award had been annually sponsored by the Graham department
store of Leon. The blue, red and white group recognition went to the following girls: Blue awards, Evah Mae Sullivan, Lillian Rydel, Marilyn Lewis, Carol Simpson, Jean McCaull, Jo Ann Bemis, Donna Warren, Mary Lou Gittinger; red awards: Joy Ann Bemis, Sandra Thurlow, Olive Nordstrum, Rheta Thurlow, Kathryn Cowles, Willetta Nordstrum, Linda Lewis, Vaeniece Blakesley, Kay Hacker, Joy Ann Crees; white awards: Deanne Williams, Roberta Scott, Portia Thompson, Deloris Wiley, Marilyn Bunch and Judith Ann Rhodes.
Moved to new home – Steven V. Carter, attorney, his wife and their two sons moved to their new home on North Church Street. The brick house had French Normandy lines throughout the house including the front entrance. The Carters still had work to complete on a few of the upstairs rooms.
Marriage license –Harold Milton Smith and Thelma Evans, both of Decatur.
In honor of Emma Main of Leon, who celebrated her birthday, the family gathered at the home of Mr. and Mrs. R.L. Spicer and held a family gathering with a potluck dinner. The guests included: Mr. and Mrs. W.D. Frost, Leon; Mr. and Mrs. C.P. Christiansen, Dorothy and Lois, Garden Grove; Mr. and Mrs. Warren Sams, Mr. and Mrs. Willard Sams and children, Mr. and Mrs. Russell Edgington, Rosetta and girlfriend, all of Lamoni; Myrtle Maynard, Leon;
Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Main, John, James, Ella May Richard, Lineville; Mr. and Mrs. Fred Dewey, Glidden; James Main, Des Moines; Robert Main, Lake City. Mrs. Pearl Grimes was hostess to the New Century Club in her home that was decorated with Christmas greens, poinsettias and pine cones. Una Scott,
president, welcomed three new members: Lena Parker, Herma Longacre and Mabel Tharp. In behalf of the club, Linda Henderson presented each member with a Christmas corsage. The hostess was assisted by Betty Reynolds and Hattie Vandel.
100 YEARS AGO (December 18, 1924) Was injured – Francis Adair, son of Mr. and Mrs. Cal Adair, was injured in an accident which occurred at his home in east Leon. He was running to the house and as it was rather dark, he did not see a clothes line and ran into it. A little later, Roy Hatch, son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Hatch, was passing by and saw Francis lying there. He picked him up, carried him into the house and a doctor was called. Narrow escape from burning – Mrs. J.K. Curry, daughter of T.R. (continued on page 11)
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in-house GE SIGNA™
1.5T MRI machine is now operational, and will soon be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Vascular Surgery.
Dr. Edwin Wehling,
DO, is our General and Vascular surgeon who offers a range of surgical services, including same day emergency procedures, and inpatient services with advanced technologies, close to home. We have two integrated surgical suites, and a fully equipped endoscopy suite which are available and allow timely scheduling for patient and surgeon convenience. Dr. Wehling performs multiple onsite vascular procedures including: 1) Diagnosis and treatment of all vascular disease – arterial and venous. 2) Endovascular, minimal invasive, stent,
“roto-rooter,” and balloon angioplasty of all vessels. 3) Surgical bypass for blocked blood vessels. 4) All hemodialysis access – vascular fistula and peritoneal. 5) Venous ablation and pulebectomy for varicose veins. Vein Clinic. In his vein clinic, Dr. Mehta uses minimally-invasive surgical techniques to alleviate discomfort, improve the appearance of veins such as varicose veins, enhance circulation, or address health concerns that may indicate another condition. If you have any of the following symptoms, you may benefit from a consultation with Dr. Mehta to discuss your options to address a vein condition: swelling of the legs and ankles, restless legs, leg aching, cramping in the legs, a feeling of heaviness in the legs, discoloration or sores on the leg, leg discomfort that increase after long periods of sitting or standing, varicose or spider veins, swollen or tender veins on the hands or feet, swollen or tender veins on the chest or breast, or abnormal veins visible on the face. For exceptional cardiology care, close
to home, call us at 641446-2285 to schedule an appointment in our DCH Outpatient Clinic. Depending on your insurance, you likely do not need a referral to see Dr. Mehta, Dr. Cruz, Dr. Wehling, or many of our other providers.
Leon Noel
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attendees who were able to make it enjoyed visiting with Santa, the Christmas make and takes, reindeer games, vendors and the fuzzy petting zoo.
During the busy day of activities, many enjoyed 1 of the 300 delicious holiday meals. There were also 150 goodie bags given to the youngsters as they awaited to get their picture taken with Santa.
The festive morning was provided by the Central-Trail FFA, co-sponsored by donations from the Leon Chamber of Commerce, The Maschhoffs, Timber Ridge Country Market, Leon JournalReporter, BTC Bank of Lamoni, Hardware Hank, The Cupcake Lady, Leon Casey’s, Leon Hy-Vee, and Gilbert’s Leon True Value, and the extra elves Kala Leeper, Tasha Thomas and Cassie Martin.
Scenes of Leon Noel can be found on page 17.
Decorated Tree and Window Winners
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a toy soldier at 200 N Main Street, 2nd place was Decatur County Conservation located at 202 N Main Street (in Destination Ink) and 3rd place was awarded to Chapter W
Tuesday, Dec. 24 – Chili, crackers, cinnamon roll, apple slices
Decorated Window Winners
PEO located at 204 N Main Street (in old HyVee Pharmacy). The 18 Christmas trees that are lighting up Main Street in Leon are still available for viewing through the end of December.
The trees were decorated by American Family Insurance, Assembly of God, Decatur County Museum, Don's Floral, Farmers Bank, First Interstate Bank, Leon Post Office, Main
Street Brickhouse, Sally's Nutrition, SCIT Theatre and Decatur County Sheriff’s Office and other organizations located in the business windows are Decatur County Conservation and Honey Tree Chiropractic located in Destination
Aftershock Youth group located in the old Leon Hy-Vee Pharmacy.
(Subject to Change)
by 9:00 a.m. for next day - 446-2289 and leave a message.
Wednesday, Dec. 25 – Ham, mashed potatoes/gravy, green beans, dinner roll, cherry pie
Eat at the Community Center or have it delivered. If interested, call 641-446-2289 and leave message.
Food, fun, family and friends...that’s what we wish for you this holiday. Thanks for doing business with us. We look forward to serving you again.
3rd place: First Interstate Bank at 111 N Main Street.
2nd place: Don's Floral at 313 N Main Street.
1st place: Cassie Martin with CM Esthetics, LLC; Logan Miller; and Nancy Tuttle, with Simple Life Massage; located at 1204 NW Church Street.
Ink, Leon Bible Church and the Decatur County Wranglers 4H Club located in Heffron Chiropractic, and FCCLA, PEO and St. Brendan’s Catholic
Lindsey recorded a double-double with 11 rebounds
16 points against SEW.
Second Quarter Run Leads to Home Win
By Ryan Stonebraker
A big second quarter run by the Central Decatur girls’ basketball team helped lead to a 46-19 win for the Cardinals over SEW last Tuesday. The victory set the Cardinals record at 3-1 overall and 2-1 in the POI. The Cardinals have won two games in a row since a 51-38 loss to Wayne on December 3. SEW snapped a two-game losing streak with a 45-18 win over East Union before falling to the Cardinals. The two teams play at SEW on January 21.
“It was good to get a win, especially winning a home conference game. Our kids were excited to get the win,” said CD head girls coach Calieb Kistler.
The game started interestingly with each team scoring nine points. It was in the second quarter that the Cardinals took command of the ball game. There, the Cardinals used a 15-2 run to take a 13-point lead, 24-11 at halftime. The Cardinals extended their lead to 33-11 going to the final quarter. In the final quarter, CD outscored SEW 13-8.
“We felt good at
halftime after the second quarter we had. I thought that we controlled the pace of the game well. We came out after halftime and took control of the game,” said Kistler. CD shot well in the game with a nearly 44-percent clip in the game. The Cardinals dominated in the rebound department in the game with 33 to the Warhawks 14. The Cardinals had seven offensive rebounds in the game. Breegan Lindsey led with 11 rebounds while Cortlynn Cook had 5 and Soiyer Smith had 4. Makenna Perkins led in assists and steals with 6 and 4. Lindsey led the Cardinals in scoring with 16 points to complete a doubledouble in the game.
SEW shot 20percent for the game, making only nine shots in the field. Warhawks were led in scoring by Jessica Lillig and Madison Olsasky with 6 points each.
CENTRAL DECA-
TUR (46): Smith 1-5, 1-2, 3; M. Perkins 3-7, 2-4, 8; Addy Schreck 1-6, 1-2, 3; Lindsey 8-11, 0-0, 16; Abigail Leahy 2-4, 0-0, 4; Aubri Perkins 1-1, 0-0, 2; Cook 0-7, 2-2, 2; Landi
Leeper 0-0, 0-0, 0; Taylor Leahy 2-3, 0-0, 4; Morgan Buckingham 2-2, 0-0, 4. Totals: 2046, 6-10, 46. 3-Pt. FG: 0-3 (Schreck 0-3). Rebounds: 33 (Lindsey 11, Cook 5, Smith 4, M. Perkins 3, Schreck 3, Leeper 3, Buckingham 2, T. Leahy 1, A. Leahy 1). Assists: 14 (M. Perkins 6, Smith 4, A. Leahy 2, Leeper 2). Steals: 16 (M. Perkins 4, A. Leahy 4, T. Leahy 2, Lindsey 2, Smith 1, A. Perkins 1, Leeper 1, Cook 1). Blocked Shots: 3 (Lindsey 1, Cook 1, Leeper 1).
Total Fouls: 6. Fouled Out: none.
This week the Cards had a home game on Tuesday against East Union and travel to Lenox Friday before Christmas break.
7 Days Until Christmas
Cardinals Drop Below .500 For
By Ryan Stonebraker
For the first time this season, the Central Decatur Cardinals have fallen under the .500 mark for the season. This comes after a 73-43 home loss to SEW in Pride of Iowa Conference play. The Cardinals fell to 1-2 with the loss in their only game they played last week. The Warhawks improved to 4-1 and have won three games in a row and three games against the Cardinals in a row.
“We started kind of rough giving up too many offensive rebounds. We were able to settle down after the first few minutes and keep it close at half where we were down by 10,” said CD head coach Curtis Boothe.
“SEW’s depth and their ability to get rebounds were the difference. We need to be much more aggressive,” said Boothe.
In a high-scoring first quarter, CD trailed by five points, 21 to 16 after the first quarter. SEW would build on their lead, extending it to 32-22 at halftime. Another big scoring quarter in the third saw SEW outscore the Cardinals 22-15 while taking a 54-37 lead to the final quarter. The Warhawks held a 37 to 22 rebound advantage in the game over the Cardinals.
CD struggled shooting in the game with just under a 30percent field goal percent for the game. The Cardinals made five three-pointers and shot well from the freethrow line, 10-for-12. The Cardinals were led by Nash Dykes with 11 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals. Blake Boyd scored 9 points and had 4 rebounds while Asher Norman had 8 points and 4 rebounds. Paxon Applegate nearly had a double-double with 9 rebounds and 7 points, but had foul trouble the whole game. Three players led SEW in double figures. Cam Seuferer led with 22 points and 17 rebounds. Lucas Dirkx scored 19 points and had 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals. Brogan Ewing chipped in 14 points. The Warhawks made eight three-pointers and more free throws, 13, than the Cardinals shot (12). SEW also shot well for the game; making 48-percent of their shots.
CENTRAL DECA-
First Time
TUR (43): Dykes 4-16, 2-2, 11; Gavin Smith 2-7, 2-2, 6; Norman 3-6, 1-1, 8; Applegate 2-6, 3-5, 7; Boyd 3-12, 0-0, 9; Brody Hamilton 0-1, 0-0, 0; Macson Lindsey 0-0, 0-0, 0; Coby Martin 0-0, 2-2, 2. Totals: 1448, 10-12, 43. 3-Pt. FG: 5-19 (Boyd 3-8, Dykes 1-6, Norman 1-2, Smith 0-2, Applegate 0-1). Rebounds: 22 (Applegate 9, Boyd 4, Norman 4, Smith 3, Hamilton 2).
Assists: 7 (Dykes 3, Hamilton 3, Norman 1). Steals: 6 (Hamilton 2, Norman 2, Dykes 2).
Blocked Shots: none. Total Fouls: 15. Fouled Out: Applegate. This week the Cards had a home game on Tuesday, against East Union, host Mormon Trail Thursday for boys’ only JV and Varsity games and travel to Lenox Friday before Christmas break.
Cardinals Place Third at Norwalk Invitational
By Ryan Stonebraker
(continued on page 7)
The Central Decatur girl’s wrestling team traveled to Norwalk last week for a 7-team wrestling tournament in one of their last meets before Christmas break. There, the Cardinals placed fourth and collected a pair of individual champions at the meet. Shiann Boyd and Josie Hill each captured individual titles at the meet at the 105 and 120 weight classes. The Shiann Bryd picked up a pair of pins, one in 1:23 and another in 1:21, and an 18-2 tech fall victory at Norwalk.
Paxon Applegate recorded 9 rebounds and 7 points against SEW.
Cardinals Sweep Wrestling Dual Foes
Cord Hamilton (144) grabbed a pair of pins last week as the Cardinals swept their competition.
By Ryan Stonebraker
The Central Decatur wrestling team had a great week in what turned out to be a one even week. The Cardinals picked up three dual wins last week, beating East Union, Moravia, and SEW/Melcher-Dallas on the same night. Icy weather forced the cancellation of the annual home Dan Christensen Invitational that was scheduled for last Friday. The Cardinals will have a pair of meets this week with another dual meet on Tuesday, December 17 with Pleasantville, AC/ GC, and Earlham before traveling to Wayne High School for the 2024 POI meet Friday. The Cardinals improved to 5-1 in six duals this season to date with three victories last week. The Cardinals beat East Union 42-38, Moravia 54-29, and SEW/Melcher-Dallas 54-29. Against Moravia, the Cardinals won nine matches in the dual. Moravia won only four matches. The Cardinals got forfeit wins by Grant Oesch at 132, Mason Allen at 165, Cutter Frisbie at 215, and Krey Hunt at 120. The Cardinals won the first three matches of the dual with a forfeit and pins from Kacyn Watson at 138 and Cord Hamilton at 144 to give CD an 18-0 lead. Moravia cut the lead to 18-11 after winning two
matches, but then CD took command of the dual, winning the next four matches. Two wins were forfeits while Lane Leeper and Eian Furman each won by pin at 175 and 190. The wins gave the Cardinals a lead of 42-11. Braeden Thomas would win by pin at 113 and the Cardinals would get another forfeit before the final of 54-29. Against SEW/ Mecher-Dallas, the Cardinals won eight matches and all were contested matches. The Cardinals needed to win the final two matches in the dual to claim the 10-point, 4636 win. Those last two match wins came from Ayden Fowlkes with a pin at 106 and Thomas with a pin at 113. The Cardinals lost five of seven weight classes from 150-285. CD got wins from Hunt by major decision at 120, and Oesch, Watson, Hamilton, Allen, and Leeper all by pin in the dual. Against East Union, CD needed to win the final match of the dual to claim the 42-38 win. East Union won seven matches and CD won seven matches. The Cardinals won five weights by forfeit. Winning by forfeit were Hamilton at 144, Allen at 165, E. Furman at 190, Frisbie at 215 and Hunt at 120. Hunt’s win at 120 was the last match winning difference in the dual. There were eight
contested matches in the dual. CD would win two of those. Luke Buckingham would win by pin at 126 and Fowlkes would win by pin at 106.
CD 54, Moravia 29
132: Oesch (CD) over (For.); 138: Watson (CD) over Aiden Kelley (Fall 2:58); 144: Hamilton (CD) over Gavin Rebenack (Fall 1:46); 150: William Kok over Q. Furman (CD) (TF 17-1 4:32); 157: Isaac Messamaker over Hesselberg (CD) (Fall 0:16); 165: Allen (CD) over (For.); 175: Leeper (CD) over Mason Messamaker (Fall 1:29); 190: E. Furman (CD) over Kennick Eastlick (Fall 0:34); 215: Frisbie (CD) over (For.); 285: Tucker Selix over (CD) (For.); 106: Clayton McDonald over Fowlkes (CD) (Fall 0:45); 113: Thomas (CD) over Max McCoy (Fall 1:00); 120: Hunt (CD) over (For.); 126: Luke Long over L. Buckingham (CD) (Fall 2:00).
CD 46, SEW/ Melcher-Dallas 36 120: Hunt (CD) over Raiden Jimenez (MD 13-0); 126: Spencer Lovell over L. Buckingham (CD) (Fall 4:46); 132: Oesch (CD) over Sam Leibach (Fall 3:38); 138: Watson (CD) over Noah Scott (Fall 1:05); 144: Hamilton (CD) over Conlan Miller (Fall 2:48); 150: Brody Crow over Q. Furman (CD) (Fall 0:51); 157: Levi Halterman over Hesselberg (CD) (Fall 0:48); 165: Allen (CD)
On Wednedsay morning, December 11, the Leon Fire Department was called to the home of Jonas Gingerich on NW 13 Drive in Leon for a garage fire. Upon arrival, the firemen could see flames in the garage through a window. They quickly made access to the building and dosed the flames. The exactcause of the fire was undetermined. The fire, smoke and water damage was contained to the garage area. Also assisting at the scene were local police officers and the Decatur County Ambulance. (photo by Mary Lindsey)
over Tucker Branson (Fall 2:54); 175: Leeper (CD) over Ian Hammond (Fall 0:57); 190: Tucker Dierking over E. Furman (CD) (Fall 0:47); 215: Taren Dierking over Frisbie (CD) (Fall 3:10); 285: Brody Kosman over (CD) (For.); 106: Fowlkes (CD) over Trace Mann (Fall 0:25); 113: Thomas (CD) over Sawyer Lovell (Fall 3:09).
CD 42, East Union 38 126: Buckingham (CD) over Ty Tallmon (Fall 4:48); 132: Silas Hayes over Oesch (CD) (TF 17-1 4:19); 138: Joseph Hayes over Watson (CD) (Fall 4:00); 144: Hamilton (CD) over (For.); 150: Quinten Albrechtsen over Quinten Furman (CD) (Dec 15-8); 157: Noah Driskill over Drew Hesselberg (CD) (Fall 1:22); 165: Allen (CD) over (For.); 175: Terrian Islas over Lane Leeper (CD) (Fall 1:41); 190: Furman (CD) over (For.); 215: Frisbie (CD) over (For.); 285: Kayson Harper over (CD) (For.); 106: Fowlkes (CD) over Max Dukes (Fall 1:52); 113: Justice Norman over Thomas (CD) (Fall 1:40); 120: Hunt (CD) over (For.)
Girls Wrestling
(continued from page 6)
Pella Little Dutch won the tournament with a score of 156 points followed by Creston in second place at 129.5 and MSM in third place with 89 points.
The Cardinals sent five wrestlers to the event and had five place winners. The Cardinals had a pair of champions, and another reach the finals for a second-place finish, as well as a pair of third place finishers.
The two champions were Byrd at 105 and J. Hill at 120. Byrd went 3-0 in the round-robin format weight class. Bryd picked up a pair of pins, one in 1:23 and another in 1:21, and an 18-2 tech fall victory. Hill won a match in her round-robin format weight class. Hill won the weight class by pinning Emma McGraw from Pella in 1:58. Alison Leonard placed second at 155 after reaching the fi-
nals. Leonard collected one pin at the meet with a 16-second pin over Mylie Parker from MSM. Emma Hill and Keaton Simmerman each placed third at 125 and 235. Hill won by a tech fall over Isabell Hay from Clark in the quarterfinals. Hill lost to Alainah Galanakis from Creston in the semifinals. In the third-place match, Hill pinned Riley Bailey from Interstate-35 in 1:35 to place third. Simmerman placed third at the 235-pound weight class. After getting a bye in the quarterfinals, Simmerman lost in the semifinals. Simmerman would win the third-place match, pinning Sophia Parker from Pella in 1:27 to claim third.
The Cardinals are back on the mat this week at the Girl’s Pride of Iowa Conference meet at Wayne High School in Corydon this Saturday.
Steve and Kelly and Crew
(File Photo)
PUBLIC NOTICES
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER
LEON WATER SUPPLY Has Levels of Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Above Drinking Water Standards
Our water system recently violated a drinking water standard. Although this is not an emergency, as our customers, you have a right to know what happened, what you should do, and what we are doing to correct this situation.
We routinely monitor for the presence of drinking water contaminants. Testing results we received on November 15, 2024 show that our system exceeds the standard or maximum contaminant level (MCL), for Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5). The standard for Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) is 0.060 mg/L. The average level of total haloacetic acids over the last year was 0.075 mg/L.
What should I do?
• You DO NOT need to use an alternative (e.g., bottled) water supply. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor.
What does this mean?
This is not an immediate risk. If it had been, you would have been notified immediately. However, some people who drink water containing haloacetic acids in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
What happened? What is being done?
Leon Water Supply has taken the following actions in attempt to prevent exceeding the MCL for haloacetic acids: We are in the middle of a project involving our engineering firm and the Iowa DNR to change the disinfection at the Leon Water Plant. Once implemented, this new disinfection strategy is likely to reduce the amount of Haloacetic Acids produced within the Leon Water Plant.
In the interim, the Leon Water Department plans on flushing the water mains to bring fresher water to our customers this fall.
For more information, please contact Leon City Hall at 641/446-6221 between the following hours: 8:00 a.m. –4:30 p.m. Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
This notice is being sent to you by LEON WATER SUPPLY PWSID#: 2742076 Date distributed: 12/13/2024 1t46 December 18, 2024
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING
WATER
LEON WATER SUPPLY Has Levels of Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Above Drinking Water Standards
Our water system recently violated a drinking water standard. Although this is not an emergency, as our customers, you have a right to know what happened, what you should do, and what we are doing to correct this situation. We routinely monitor for the presence of drinking water contaminants. Testing results we received on November 15, 2024 show that our system exceeds the standard or maximum contaminant level (MCL), for Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5). The standard for Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) is 0.060 mg/L. The average level of total haloacetic acids over the last year was 0.073 mg/L.
What should I do?
• You DO NOT need to use an alternative (e.g., bottled) water supply. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor.
What does this mean?
This is not an immediate risk. If it had been, you would have been notified immediately. However, some people who drink water containing haloacetic acids in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
What happened? What is being done?
Leon Water Supply has taken the following actions in attempt to prevent exceeding the MCL for haloacetic acids: We are in the middle of a project involving our engineering firm and the Iowa DNR to change the disinfection at the Leon Water Plant. Once implemented, this new disinfection strategy is likely to reduce the amount of Haloacetic Acids produced within the Leon Water Plant. In the interim, the Leon Water Department plans on flushing the water mains to bring fresher water to our customers this fall. For more information, please contact Leon City Hall at 641/446-6221 between the following hours: 8:00 a.m. –4:30 p.m. Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
This notice is being sent to you by LEON WATER SUPPLY PWSID#: 2742076 Date distributed: 12/13/2024 1t46 December 18, 2024
NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, OF APPONTMENT OF EXECUTORS, AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The Iowa District Court for Decatur County Case No. ESPR005234 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF RUBY L. SMITH Deceased
To All Persons Interested in the Estate of RUBY L. SMITH, Deceased, who died on or about February 12, 2024: You are hereby notified that on December 5, 2024, the Last Will and Testament of Ruby L. Smith, deceased, bearing date of July 29, 2016 , was admitted to probate in the above named court and that Mark Smith and Dan Smith have been appointed Executors 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
CENTRAL DECATUR
COMMUNITY
SCHOOL
Minutes for December 11, 2024 Central Decatur Board of Education Meeting
The Central Decatur Community School Board of Education met in regular session in the High School TAP Room 1122 on Wednesday, December 11, 2024.
Board members present: Sean Saxton, Amber Swartz, Cassy Allen, Andrew Sullivan, and Nick Tharp.
Board members absent: None
Others in attendance: Mark Patience, Bonnie Clark, Laci Erke, Micheala Lane, Amy Whittington, Dan Johnson, Chris Coffelt, Becky Broich and one guest.
Board President Swartz called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE:
• The public hearing on the Flexibility Account Resolution was held. No written or public comment was given or received.
CONSENSUS ITEMS AND REPORTS:
The following consent items were approved:
● The agenda for December 11, 2024.
● Minutes of the previous meeting on November 20, 2024.
● Financial reports for the following funds for November 2024: General, Management, Physical Plant and Equipment Levy, Capital Projects, Bond and Interest, Partial-Self Insurance Fund, Activity, Scholarship, and Lunch and a correction for the October 2024 General Fund financial report.
● Summary list of bills for December: General Fund
$149,380.09; Activity Fund
$26,897.29; Lunch Fund
$26,876.68; Capital Projects Fund $70,168.19; PPEL Fund
$2,246.24; Bond & Interest Fund $24,331.25; Management Fund $16,141.50.
● Two open enrollment applications that met qualifying criteria due to a change in residence were approved for a Kindergarten and sophomore student from the Clarke CSD to attend CD, beginning immediately.
● The fundraising request to sell yearbook ads was approved.
Motion to approve all items listed in Consensus Items and Reports listed above by Saxton, second by Allen. Motion carried unanimously.
LEARNING LINK:
• Mark Patience, District Technology Coordinator, provided an update to the Board on the Safety & Security Project. The current status includes the installation of 43 cameras, which offer a total of 80 views, along with 20 Halo sensors, 3 intercom systems for main entry doors, 18 door access controls, and 28 door position sensors. Staff have started receiving their access cards, and the system is expected to be fully operational shortly after the second semester begins. Additionally, 24 Clear Touch interactive displays have been set up in classrooms. Mark also discussed his work schedule, which involves balancing responsibilities between the Central Decatur and Lamoni districts, as well as shared details about upcoming goals and projects.
ACTION ITEMS:
Tim Casey as Assistant Boys Track Coach. Motion by Sullivan, second by Tharp. Motion carried unanimously.
o The Board discussed the possibility of offering an early retirement incentive, but ultimately decided that there was no need to offer the incentive this year. Motion by Sullivan, second by Tharp. Motion carried unanimously.
o The Board reviewed the participation in the early notification stipend from 2022-2023 and need for such notification, based on this review, approved the decision to not offer the early notification stipend for this year. Motion by Allen, second by Tharp. Motion carried unanimously.
• Board Policy:
o The Board approved the second reading of 604.09E1-Home School Assistance Policy. Motion by Allen, second by Saxton. Motion carried unanimously.
o The Board approved the following board policy updates: 401.01; 503.01; 503.01R1; 503.02; 605.3R1; and 701.05R1. These updates were legislative or minor changes which can be approved at one meeting. The Board also approved the first reading of 503.08R1-Regulation for Discipline of Students Who Make Threats of Violence or Cause Incidents of Violence. Motion by Allen, second by Tharp. Motion carried unanimously.
INFORMATION ITEMS:
● Board Business:
o Congratulations to Amber Swartz for receiving an Individual Achievement Award through IASB Annual Board Awards program. This award is given to individuals who complete a minimum of 15 hours of learning in one year to improve their knowledge and skills by attending IASB-led learning events. Amber also shared her experience attending sessions at the IASB Annual Convention on November 21.
o The Board reviewed the spring semester of the 2024-25 board calendar including future topics and work to be done.
● Upcoming Dates:
a. December 18:
Joint Board Session with Lamoni Board of Education @ 7:30 p.m. – Lamoni High School
b. January 8: Board of Education Regular Meeting @ 7:30 p.m. - High School Tap Room 1122
c. January 28: IASB Day on the Hill
d. February 12: Board of Education Regular Meeting @ 7:30 p.m. - High School Tap Room 1122. A work session will also be held. Sullivan moved the meeting adjourn at 9:02 p.m.
Bills for Approval
December 11, 2024
Capital Projects Fund Bond & Interes Fund Monthly Transfer for Sales Tax Revenue Bond Principal & Interest Payment
$50,242.05
Boyd Construction Softball batting cage - dirtwork
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 date of 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 December 4, 2024. /s/ Mark Smith Executor of the Estate 25350 180th Street Leon, IA 50144
/s/ Dan Smith Executor of Estate 19036 235th Street Leon, IA 50144
Verle W. Norris ICIS#: 12631 Attorney for the Executors Law Office of Verle W. Norris 201 East 1st Street P.O. Box 279 Leon, IA 50144
Date of second publication: December 25, 2024. 2t46 Dec. 18 & 25, 2024
If you have news please call the JournalReporter at 446-4151
● Amy Whittington, Dan Johnson, Laci Erke, Micheala Lane, and Bonnie Clark provided an overview of the community achievement report, a newly required report of the Iowa Department of Education Universal Desk Audit, as well as looked at specific student achievement data for grades 4-12. It provides a snapshot of school performance, but may not tell the entire story about performance of students in that school. The Board approved the community achievement report, which will be posted on the District website. Motion by Sullivan, second by Tharp. Motion carried unanimously.
● The Board approved the resolution directing expenditures of the School Flexibility Fund. This resolution authorizes the District to transfer $72,500 of Teacher Leadership and Compensation (TLC) funds to the Flexibility Fund for salary/benefits to hire a Teacher Learning Facilitator to provide professional development to staff to improve teaching and learning through a more intentional effort on analyzing student data, supporting evidenced based teaching practices and identify priority learning standards and targets. Motion by Allen, second by Tharp. Motion carried unanimously.
● Superintendent Coffelt updated the Board on the work and timeline with Denovo Constructions Solutions to complete a Facility Needs Assessment. A work session will be held in February to review the assessment. No action was necessary.
● Personnel: o The Board approved the resignation from
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CITY OF LEON Regular
6:00 pm
Mayor Bob Frey called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. Council members present were Jonathan Erb, Trevor Brown, and Lisa Moffett. Tonya Lindsey, and Jerry Parsons were absent. Also in attendance was Public Works Department Director Connor Christensen, Fire Chief Doug Moffett, School Resource Officer Shaun Kloster, Steve Bettin, and Loring Miller.
Motion by T Brown seconded by L Moffett to approve the agenda. All ayes, motion carried.
Motion by J Erb seconded by T Brown to approve the consent agenda. All ayes, motion carried.
Loring Miller was present at the council meeting to speak about subjects not on the meeting agenda.
Mr. Miller wanted to speak to the council regarding the Leon Rotary Club’s desire to build a new fire station as a project for the Leon Rotary Club’s centennial anniversary. He stated that Rotary International suggest that local clubs do large service projects to celebrate the club’s 100 years of existence. The club has completed the first phase of the its centennial project by remodeling the 4-H building at the Decatur County Fairgrounds. The club is interested, for phase two, of its centennial project in either constructing a new fire station or expansion of the current fire department building. One consideration could be that, if the fire department were to do an expansion, that city hall may need to be relocated. He wanted to know the council’s thoughts on moving city hall to the Leon Community Center. Council Member Erb said that after the first of the of the year we wouldn’t need the space in city hall for the police offices and the evidence room.
Administrator Sheetz filled in Council Member Erb about the addendum to the 28E agreement with the sheriff’s office, which states that the sheriff’s office can use the evidence room space in city hall.
Public Works Director Christensen, Mr. Bettin, and Mr. Miller discussed the logistics of building an addition to the Fire Station and building offices and a council room at the community center. Mr. Bettin reminded the council of the agreement between the Leon American Legion and the City to ensure that the Leon American Legion has space at the community center.
Administrator Sheetz asked Mr. Miller about the funding source for any construction that would be needed at the community center. He wanted to know if the funding would come from Rotary or the City. Mr. Miller stated that the Rotary committee for additional fire station space had not discussed that detail. Without any strong objections from the council members present, and the item not being on the council meeting agenda, Mr. Miller was given tacit approval to continue investigating the options, including an option that includes the relocation of city hall offices.
Motion by T Brown seconded by L Moffett to approve the Leon American Legion Request for a Building at the City Farm, allowing Public Works Director Christensen and Mr. Bettin to find a suitable site for the building that the Leon American Legion has purchased for Memorial Day Flags. All ayes, motion carried. Motion by J Erb seconded by T Brown to approve the Payment of $5,208.32 to Bowman Body Shop for the Repair of the Public Works Department 2022 Chevrolet Silverado Pickup. All ayes, motion carried. Motion by L Moffett seconded by J Erb to approve the Payment of $18,750.00 to gWorks for the Annual Subscription for the City’s Financial Software. All ayes, motion carried. Motion by J Erb seconded by L Moffett to approve RESOLUTION 2024-46: A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF COSTS INCURRED FOR THE ABATEMENT OF A NUISANCE. All ayes, motion carried. Motion by T Brown seconded by L Moffett to approve RESOLUTION 2024-47: A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF COSTS INCURRED FOR THE ABATEMENT OF A NUISANCE. All ayes, motion carried. Motion by J Erb seconded by L Moffett to approve RESOLUTION 2024-48: A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE CERTIFICATION
OF COSTS INCURRED FOR THE ABATEMENT OF A NUISANCE. All ayes, motion carried. Motion by J Erb seconded by L Moffett to approve RESOLUTION 2024-49: A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF COSTS INCURRED FOR THE ABATEMENT OF A NUISANCE. All ayes, motion carried.
Motion by T Brown seconded by L Moffett to approve RESOLUTION 2024-50: A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF COSTS INCURRED FOR THE ABATEMENT OF A NUISANCE. All ayes, motion carried.
Motion by L Moffett seconded by J Erb to approve RESOLUTION 2024-51: A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF COSTS INCURRED FOR THE ABATEMENT OF A NUISANCE. All ayes, motion carried.
Motion by L Moffett seconded by T Brown to approve RESOLUTION 2024-52: A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF COSTS INCURRED FOR THE ABATEMENT OF A NUISANCE. All ayes, motion carried.
Motion by J Erb seconded by T Brown to approve RESOLUTION 2024-53: A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF COSTS INCURRED FOR THE ABATEMENT OF A NUISANCE. All ayes, motion carried.
Motion by J Erb seconded by T Brown to approve RESOLUTION 2024-54: A RESOLUTION APPROVING
AN ANNUAL RETENTION BONUS FOR FULL-TIME HOURLY EMPLOYEES. All ayes, motion carried. Motion by T Brown seconded by J Erb to approve RESOLUTION 2024-55: A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE TRANSFER OF $97,000.00 FROM THE SEWER FUND TO THE SEWER SINKING FUND AND PROVIDING FOR THE REPAYMENT OF SEWER DEBT. All ayes, motion carried.
Motion by T Brown seconded by J Erb to approve RESOLUTION 2024-56: A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE TRANSFER OF $59,400.00 FROM THE WATER FUND TO THE WATER SINKING FUND AND PROVIDING FOR THE REPAYMENT OF WATER DEBT. All ayes, motion carried.
Motion by L Moffett seconded by T Brown to approve RESOLUTION 2024-57: A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE TRANSFER OF $291.00 FROM THE OPERATIONS FUND CHECKING ACCOUNT TO THE CEMETERY PERPETUAL CARE FUND SAVINGS ACCOUNT.
All ayes, motion carried.
Motion by T Brown seconded by J Erb to approve the Signing and Submission of General Accounting Expenditure (GAX) #4 for the CDBG Downtown Façade Grant. All ayes, motion carried.
Motion by T Brown seconded by L Moffett to adjourn at 7:33 pm. All ayes, motion carried.
<These minutes are subject to approval at the next regularly scheduled council meeting.>
SIGNED: Bob Frey Mayor ATTEST:Kyle Sheetz City Admin/Clerk 1t46 December 18, 2024
DECATUR COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
December 9, 2024
The Decatur County Board of Supervisors met in regular session on Monday, December 9, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. in the Supervisors office. Present: Ward Graham, Doug Tharp and County Auditor Charlene Hoover. By phone: Steve Fulkerson. Also present during the day: Anne Akers, Ed Cumings, Bonita Cumings, Stephanie Daughton, Ryan Haggerty, Jess Bear, Tracy Moore and Chris Lane. Rita Audlehelm arrived at 10:19 a.m. Unless otherwise noted, all motions carried unanimously. Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Motion by Tharp/Graham to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried. Motion by Tharp/Fulkerson to approve the minutes of December 2, 2024 Regular Session. Motion carried. County Engineer Justin Savage reported crews are continuing with hauling rock and blading. A culvert has been replaced North of Grand River and work will begin on culverts South of Grand River and South of Decatur. He is looking into bids on tractors. Fulkerson inquired on the availability of tire chains for all maintainers. Tharp reported the Decatur County Secondary Roads department received an award for their reduction in workman’s comp. claims. They were also commended for their cleanliness and organization of their shop during a recent walkthrough. Ed Cumings asked about the maintenance agreement for Pleasanton. Savage responded he is working on it.
Ryan Haggerty of Haggerty Windows and Siding presented what his company can offer for the window replacement project.
Nicole Falconer attended by zoom to present the Lexipro program. Base policies will be made available for the Sheriff to adjust to make applicable to Decatur County. This will provide ongoing training for officers, jailers and dispatchers. Participation will be required and the program tracks individual log ins. Chris Lane and Jess Bear presented ‘thesheriffapp” and the benefits it will have to the County.
Motion by Tharp/Fulkerson to approve the implementation of a one year agreement for Lexipro and 3 year agreement for thesheriffapp using Opioid funds for the initial startup in the amount of $29,190. Motion carried.
Auditor Hoover presented a concern the State Auditors have with the tracking of Capital Assets and who was approving the additions/ deletions from the inventory. She developed a form to be implemented after gaining approval from the Lead Auditor. The board requested a signature line be included for the Board of Supervisor in addition to the department head. The form will be completed by the department head and submitted to the County Auditor’s office for inputting into the Capital Asset Inventory spreadsheet. Motion by Fulkerson/ Tharp for all department heads to implement the new document as amended. Motion carried.
Motion by Tharp/Fulkerson to accept resignation of Kelly Yeggy, Judicial Mental Health Advocate effective December 31, 2024. Motion carried. Discussion for filling the Judicial Mental Health Advocate position was tabled until next week.
Tharp reported the county needs to give consideration to increasing the li-
sponded to an alarm at Dol-
ability limits per a discussion held during the Heartland Creative Risk meeting.
All supervisors will be attending the ISAC conference January 15th and 16th in Des Moines. No public comments were heard.
With no further business to come before the board, the meeting adjourned at 12:00 p.m. Minutes are unofficial until approved by the Board during the following week’s meeting.
SIGNED: C. Ward Graham, Chairman Board of Supervisors
ATTEST:Charlene Hoover Decatur County Auditor 1t46 December 18, 2024
Decatur County Sheriff's Report
Dec. 7 - 13, 2024
NOTICE: A CRIMINAL CHARGE IS MERELY AN ACCUSATION AND THE DEFENDANT IS PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL AND UNLESS PROVEN GUILTY.
12/7
Lamoni PD responded to a disturbance at Family Dollar in Lamoni.
SO arrested Amanda Carney of Van Wert for 5 counts of animal neglect.
SO arrested Daniel Wiler of Van Wert for driving under suspension and possession of drug paraphernalia.
SO and Lamoni PD responded to the hog barn fire on Pleasanton Rd.
12/8
SO responded to a suspicious person on NE Poplar St. in Leon. SO and Lamoni PD responded to a suspicious person at Kum & Go in Lamoni.
SO responded to a hit and run at the intersection of Hwy 2 and 320th Ave.
SO responded to a welfare check at Valley View Apartments in Leon.
SO responded to a dispute on E Line St. in Van Wert.
Lamoni PD responded to a suspicious person on E Vine St. in Decatur.
12/9
SO and Lamoni PD responded to an accident on southbound I-35 near the 6 mile marker. Leon PD responded to a welfare check on NE 7th St. in Leon.
Leon PD responded to breaking and entering on SE 2nd St. in Leon. SO and Leon PD responded to a welfare check on SE Vine St. in Leon.
SO and Leon PD responded to a fire on 194th Ave, south of Decatur.
12/10
SO and Lamoni PD re-
lar General in Lamoni.
SO responded to cows out on Hwy 2 at the Decatur and Ringgold County line. Leon PD responded to trespassing at Park View Apartments in Leon. Lamoni PD responded to criminal mischief on Lakeview Dr. in Lamoni.
12/11
SO and Leon PD responded to a fire on NW 13th Dr. in Leon.
12/12
Lamoni PD responded to a noise complaint on S Linden St. in Lamoni. SO responded to a suspicious person on W Vine St. in Decatur. SO arrested Wilzayvian Atkins of Lamoni for possession of marijuana 1st. 12/13 SO booked Patrick Milana of Kansas City, Missouri for contempt. Lamoni PD responded to theft at Family Dollar in Lamoni.
COURT CASES Rocket Mortgage, LLC FKA Quicken Loans, LLC plaintiff, vs. Parties in Possession, Shyanne Provost, and Steven L. Provost, defendants. Petition Filed. Hauge Associates, Inc. plaintiff, vs. William Cody Gene Hatfield, defendant. Petition Filed.
MAGISTRATE
Matthew James Ball, Fall River, KS, speeding over 55 zone (6 thru 10 over).
Total $162.26. Samuel Eugene Barnes, Jr., Knoxville, IA, driving while license is denied, suspended, canceled, or revoked. Total $1,140.42. Andy Seebo Bolay, Altoona, IA, speeding over 55 zone (1 thru 5 over). Total $113.50. Marlin Davis, Dallas, TX, speeding over 55 zone (1 thru 5 over). Total $113.50. Steve Michael Hicks, II, Cypress, TX, speeding 55 or under zone (6 thru 10 over).
Total $319.54. Linessa Hughes, Lamoni, IA, registration violation. Total $94.00. Napoleon J. Long, Fridley, MN, speeding over 55 zone (1 thru 5 over). Total $196.58. Juston Randy Meyer, Leon, IA, driving while license is denied, suspended, canceled, or revoked. Total $820.73. Haley Rana Seipel, Sheridan, MO, speeding 55 or under zone (1 thru 5 over). Total $113.50. Khadijah Verneal Shoola, Fitchburg, WI, speeding over 55 zone (6 thru 10 over).
Total $319.54. Enos D. Yoder, Lamoni, IA, speeding over 55 zone (16 thru 20 over). Total
(continued on page 11)
January 1
THE CLASSIFIEDS
CLASSIFIED
ADVERTISING RATES
CLASSIFIED AD
DEADLINE
Friday - 3:00 p.m.
Minimum $6.00 for 20 words or under, 25 cents per word over. Second or continuous insertion onehalf price.
WANT ADS must be paid before they are run.
NO EXCEPTIONS
Blind ad: 50 cents per word
Blind Ads: When the name of advertiser or phone number is not given in ad involving answering or handling inquiries by our office force, an additional charge of $5.00 to the above rate will be made.
Displayed classified ads with borders are $7.00 per inch.
In Memoriams will be basic charge of $20.00 minimum charge for up to 25 lines of one column type and 25 cents a line over 25. All poetry, 50 cents per line. Paid locals (20 words or less) $6.00.
Cards of Thanks: A charge of $6.00 is made on all cards of thanks of not over 50 words, including signatures. Cards of Thanks over 50 words will be charged at the rate of 25 cents a word over 50 words.
Obituaries - A charge of $55.00 for an obituary and picture with an obituary.
Engagement and wedding pictures: single column, $5; two column, $10.
Wedding details for publication in JournalReporter, 10 inches free. $5.00 per inch over.
Not responsible for photographs, clippings or other items left for publication
NOTICE
NOTICE: “All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination, based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or dis-crimination. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.”
WE WILL PICK UP junk cars, trucks, and machinery. Buckingham Auto Crushing Inc. Leon 446-3434. tf51c
FOR RENT
FOR RENT: Parkview Apartments Elderly Housing has 1 BR apartments, with stove, refrigerator and utilities furnished when available. Smoke Free. Please call 641446-4163 for more information on availability and application. Office hours are 7:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m. tf4c
FOR RENT: BWL Self-Storage Containers - 8' x 20' or 8' x 40'. Behind Hy-Vee in Leon. Call Cayle Buckingham, 641-414-4480. If no answer leave message. 35tfc
• Flat Roofs • Commercial and Residential We have quality and experience. COMMERICAL ROOF COATINGS Ivan Stoltzfus 641-446-4686
STATEWIDE
Miscellaneous
Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-855-954-5087 today to schedule a free quote. It's not just a generator. It's a power move.
Miscellaneous
Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. Plus 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855-913-1560
Miscellaneous
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If you have news please call the JournalReporter at 446-4151
7 Days Until Christmas
TWICE TOLD TALES
(continued from page 4)
Sanders of Leon, and her nineteen-year-old son Willis, had a narrow escape from death in a fire that destroyed their home in Peoria, Ill. Mrs. Curry and Willie, a Bradley student, were alone upstairs when the flames burst out. Unable to get down stairs because of the flames which lapped the stairway, they climbed out on a tin roof in their night clothes and waited until they were rescued by firemen. Adding a ghastly tint to the fight of the mother and her son marooned on the tin roof, were the wild screams of a great Angora cat locked in the basement of the burning house. No sooner had Willis and his mother gotten to the ground than Willis ran to the basement door, crashed the glass with his hand and rescued the cat. His right hand
was badly cut.
Marriage Licenses –George F. Randall, Osceola, and Irene Waugh, Woodburn; Charley Barth and Merl Cargill, both of Andover, Mo.
Mr. and Mrs. Otis Deisher, Floyd Fleming, Elizabeth Beavers, Nora Holden, Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Lane and Willard were Leon shippers. Mrs. Throckmorton and Clifford of Garden Grove were business visitors in LeRoy.
Mr. and Mrs. Vaughn Silvers of Chariton visited the weekend in the E.A. Silvers home.
Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Gamble visited in the C.L. Culver home.
Mr. and Mrs. Alma Poole and family were visitors at the Sherm Hullinger home.
It was reported that a bank at Mercer, Mo., one at Leon and one at Lamoni closed their doors. We hope, if the report was true, that the depositors will not lose anything.
Relatives in Weldon received word that Clarence Byerly and wife of Des Moines were the parents of twins, a son and daughter. The
firm of Evans and Scott in Weldon had taken in a new member in the form of a little son, who went to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Evans. Beulah and Robert Redman and Jennie McMurtrey were staying in town at the home of Mrs. Charles Alauson and attending high school.
THE COURTHOUSE REPORT
Magistrate
(continued from page 10)
$289.00. Chad Allan Sehlke, Davis City, IA, restrictions on taking game, deer and turkey. Total $4,230.50. Davariana Simone Wagner, Kansas City, MO, speeding over 55 zone (16 thru 20 over). Total $211.00. Robert John Loffredo, Shakopee, MN, speeding over 55 zone (6 thru 10 over). Total $126.50. Charles Calvin Spencer Towery, The Woodlands, TX, speeding over 55 zone (11 thru 15 over). Total $191.50.
Leon,
Colton James Weldon, Leon, IA, failure to maintain or use safety belts – adult. Total $146.00. Justin Lee Gross, Weatherby Lake, MO, speeding over 55 zone (6 thru 10 over). Total $126.50. Wesley Don Hilton, Coweta, OK, failure to maintain or use safety beltsadult.
Scenes from the Lighted Christmas Parade
Sheriff’s Santa Project
In collaboration with the local schools, churches and community members, the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office adopts up to 20 families with children within Decatur County to provide Christmas gifts and food items to make the holidays a little bit brighter.
Monetary donations, wrapping paper and the following food items will be accepted in lieu of toys: cans of green beans and corn, instant potatoes, gravy mixes, bread, cereal, Little Debbie’s, peanut butter, jelly and macaroni and cheese.
Donations will be accepted through December 23, 2024. Donations may be brought to the Sheriff’s Office or Decatur County Jail. Monetary donations should be made out to DCSO Auxiliary.
Will and Braden Mozingo of Red Oak, 2nd place (contributed photo)
Jessica Smith from Prescott, 3rd place
Merry Christmas!
The Christmas sea-
son sure did its darnedest to sneak up on folks this year; Tonya and myself included. I suppose with the way the calendar was this year helping "make" Thanksgiving later, there didn't seem to be much time to catch your breath before we were ushered into the Christmas season. And, in my opinion, the little white stuff that falls from the sky hasn't made any appearance in abundant form yet, which may also play a part in its just not feeling like Christmas yet.
But then, when you see the little ones eyes sparkle as they gaze upon the lighted trees and talk about Santa Claus and baby Jesus, it warms your heart that the season is upon us and we should reflect on what it truly means.
oOo
Despite some freezing precipitation Friday and Saturday, the annual Leon Noel and Christmas Celebrations still happened.
Children young and old enjoyed activities at the high school, including a visit from Santa Claus, not to mention several vendors that were selling their wares for last minute gift
ideas.
Following this, was a Christmas performance by the Community Theatre at SCIT Theatre. It was a fun time and the crowd became a part of the performance by singing Christmas songs.
Then, to cap the day off was the Lighted Christmas Parade. Several entries made their way up Main Street and around the square.
I commend all those involved with organizing these events. It takes everyone helping out to make it happen.
oOo
One night last week, little Alexander was "riding" around on his stick horse. Well he must have heard me tell of stories of his Great Grandpa riding (rather sliding) down the mountain side of Colorado while elk hunting because as I was sitting on the couch I heard familiar, thud, thud, crash. I knew right away what had happened. Alex and his trusty steed tried to make it down the basement stairs. His old horse wasn't as sure footed as he thought.
As I came to the top of the stairs, I saw Alex in a heap at the bottom looking up with eyes wide open... still clutching the reins of his horse.
He was fine and after a brief tear
session he said it scared him more than anything.
We still aren't sure if he tumbled, rolled, or what, but I told him, "when you go down the side of cliff with your horse, let him have reins." Ha!
Now I'm sure if I tried to ride the stick horse down the stairs in the manner Alex did, I probably wouldn't have bounced right back up.
oOo
Now comes my favorite, and I hope yours also, gift to everyone young and old. I take great pleasure in bringing to all of you one of Dad’s and the world’s most memorable articles ever published at this time of year... Is There a Santa Claus? It was from my great grandfather Will’s pen that the first local publication of this article appeared in 1947 and done so in honor of his twin sons William L. and Robert. He lead off the article like this: Some years ago the New York Sun received a communication from a little girl asking: “Is there a Santa Claus?” The letter was turned over to Francis Pharcelius Church, an editorial writer and coworker with the late L.P. Covington, cousin of the Journal-Reporter editor, on the Sun. Mr. Church wrote the following all in a day’s work, little dreaming that it would become one of the greatest
Your Business and Professional men and women wish to extend their best wishes for a happy holiday with their Christmas Greetings in this section.
editorials ever written. It has been printed and reprinted by the Sun and other papers many times. It is with great pleasure and honor that I continue this yearly tradition that Papa Bill and Dad carried on. I hope I have made them proud.
As always, Dad, I love you and Merry Christmas. Thank you for all you did! I am proud of our children and hope to think I've done a good job to your likings as a dad to your grandchildren and now I hope I can be the best grandpa to my little ones Alexander Robert and Alivia Margaret. You would have loved them to pieces.
Eight-year old Virginia O’Hanlon wrote a letter to the editor of New York’s Sun, and the quick response was printed as an unsigned editorial Sept. 21, 1897. The work of veteran newsman Francis Pharcelius Church has since become history’s most reprinted newspaper editorial, appearing in part or whole in dozens of languages in books, movies, and other editorials, and on posters and stamps.
Is there a Santa Claus?
We take pleasure in answering at once and thus prominently the communication below, expressing at the same time our great gratification that its faithful author is numbered among the friends of The Sun.
“Dear Editor: I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, ‘If you see it in THE SUN it’s so.’ Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?” VIRGINIA O’HANLON. 115 WEST NINETYFIFTH STREET.
VIRGINIA, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except [what] they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia,
whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole truth and knowledge.
Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no VIRGINIAS. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished. Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove?
Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn?
Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world. You may tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding. No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.
Merry Christmas to All!
Corey, Tonya, Maizee, Macson, Mary, Austin, Alexander, and Alivia and Bobette So Long!
7 Days Until Christmas
And so do you. Christmas will be here in a flash and I’m shooting you best wishes for a Merry Christmas! Simple and Sweet PHOTOGRAPHY
Maizee Lindsey
Macson (15), Alexander (4 1/2 yrs.), Mary (25), Alivia (2 yrs.), and Maizee (22).
A Story Told Long
Ago
2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)
3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you;
he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
What Rhymes with SLEIGH?
List
‘Twas the Night
Before Christmas
‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there; The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar plums danced in their heads, And Mama in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled down for a long winter’s nap — When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters, and threw up the
sash. The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow, Gave the luster of mid-day to objects below;
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,
With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name:
“Now! Dasher, now! Dancer, now! Prancer and Vixen, “On! Comet, on! Cupid, on Donder and Blitzen;
“To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall!
“Now dash away!
RENEE CASSITY
Office Manager
Michael Banks Agency
102 W. 1st Street - Leon 641-800-7126
PCassity@AmFam.com
Holiday Hours: Closing at 3:00 p.m. on December 24 and Closed Christmas Day. Open regular hours 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. December 31 and January 1.
Christmas and Happy New Year! 210 E. 1st - Leon 446-4600
Dash away! Dash away all!”
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky; So up to the housetop the coursers they flew, With the sleigh full of toys — and St. Nicholas too: And then in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around, Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound: He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys was flung on his back, And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack:
His eyes — how they twinkled! His dimples: how merry, His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry; His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow; The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face, and a little round belly
That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly: He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
Glow of the Holiday Season!
May the Christmas spirit touch you and your family and may it light your way now and forever!
Jackson Electric
Now in Stock, Our Best Wishes
In the spirit of the
to wish you a holiday filled with the best the season has to offer.
Justin McCaully – Randi Elliott- Cheryl Leonard-Alysha Van Laar- Diane Reasoner- John Henderson
HOLIDAY HOURS
All of our branches are closing at Noon, Tuesday, December 24th, Closed all day Wednesday, December 25th; and Wednesday Jan 1st
And I laughed when I saw him in spite of myself; A wink of his eye and a twist of his head Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread. He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk, And laying his finger aside of his nose
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose. He sprung to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew, like the down of a thistle: But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight — Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.
SOUTHERN IOWA BUILDING CENTER
Lamoni, Iowa
Tony, Linda, Kenny and Tim
The Stag wishes all of you a Merry
Thank you for your
Story Behind Silent Night
The words of Silent Night were written by a Priest called Fr. Joseph Mohr in Mariapfarr, Austria, in 1816 and the music was added in 1818, by his school teacher friend Franz Xaver Gruber, for the Christmas service at St. Nicholas church in Oberndorf, Austria.
Fr. Mohr asked Franz Gruber to compose the melody with a guitar arrangement. It was several years later that Franz Gru-
ber wrote an arrangement for the organ. Historians who have conducted research in recent years believe that Fr. Mohr wanted a new carol that he could play on his guitar. There is a legend associated with the carol that says, Fr. Mohr wanted the carol to be sung by the children of the village at the midnight Christmas Eve service, as a surprise for their parents. But in the middle of
practising, the organ broke and not a note would come from it! So the children had to learn the carol only accompanied by a guitar. They learnt the carol so well that they could sing it on its own without accompaniment. However, there are no records to indicate that a children’s choir was involved or that the organ was broken!
At Midnight Mass in 1818, Fr. Mohr and Franz Gruber sang
each of the six verses with the church choir repeating the last two lines of each verse. Mohr set down the guitar arrangement on paper around 1820 and that is the earliest manuscript that still exists. It is displayed in the Carolino Augusteum Museum in Salzburg. There are a number of manuscripts of various ‘Stille Nacht’ arrangement that were written by Franz Gruber in later years. The original words of the song were in German (and it was called ‘Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht’) and translated in to English went:
Silent night, holy night, Bethlehem sleeps, yet what light, Floats around the heavenly pair; Songs of angels fills the air.
Strains of heavenly peace.
It’s thought that the song might have traveled around the area with an organ repairman, Karl Mauracher, who could have taken an early arrangement with him in about 1820. Then two singing families (like the ‘Von Trappes’ in The Sound of Music) seem to have discovered the song and performed it as part of their concerts. In December 1832, the Strasser family performed it at a concert in Leipzig. It was first performed in the USA in 1839 by the Rainer family, who sang ‘Stille Nacht’ at the Alexander Hamilton Monument outside Trinity Church in New York City. During this time the tune changed to the one we know and sing today!
It was translated into English in 1863 by John Freeman Young. The carol was sung during the Christmas Truce in the First World War in December 1914 as it was a song that soldiers on both sides knew!
By the time that the carol was famous, Fr Mohr had died. Franz Gruber wrote to music authorities in Berlin saying that he had composed the tune, but no one believed him and it was thought that Haydn, Mozart or Beethoven had written it! But then the 1820 manuscript was found and in the top right corner Fr Mohr had written: ‘Melodie von Fr. Xav. Gruber.’.
It’s now one of the most, if the the most, recorded songs in the world!
make the best holidays. May yours be filled with many. Pretty Me Leon
As we gear up for another holiday season, we’d like to send you our best wishes for a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
As the world rejoices at this most sacred time of year, may your life ring with laughter and be filled with love and joy. Peace on earth and good will toward men.
It’s “Merry Christmas” All through the Town
“Merry Christmas!”
In these two familiar words, often heard and often repeated, there lives and glows the meaning of the first of all Christmases, on that Holy Night over two thousand years ago. As the happy day approaches, this community, like many hundreds of thousands of other towns and cities around the world, proclaims the spirit of the season in ringing bells and happy carols, in gleaming lights and festive decorations. Through all the celebrations - community, church, family - the simple words of greeting run like a
glowing thread, weaving together into one joyous whole all the many glorious things that Christmas stands for.
“Merry Christmas!”
The words remind that Christmas is traditionally a time of merriment, a time for family and friends to gather together.
“Merry Christmas!” the words remind that Christmas is, indeed, more than merry. The lights and the laughter, the fun and the feasting are but the surface symbols of all Christmas truly means. It is a time of giving and sharing, a time to remember others, not only family, friends and neighbors,
Leon Noel Annual Event
Thanks for All your Business in 2024
Mike’s Construction & Excavating, LLC
Mike and Juanita Yutzy 641-344-7220
Juanita Yutzy
641-342-6041
juanita.yutzy@fridayinsurance.net
but all mankind, and especially the less fortunate among us.
As gaily wrapped packages make their way to Christmas trees around our town, the gifts once again recall the spirit of giving that began with the gold, frankincense and myrrh of the Wise Men, and the fragrant evergreen trees represent the message of the Christ Child, the inspiration of life eternal.
“Merry Christmas,” we say, and with the words we seek to share our reverent wonder at the age-old story, our joy in ever-present blessings.
With nary a sound, Jesus arrived and turned our world upside down. May you know Him and take comfort in His love this season and always.
Christmas Show
Lasting Christmas by Garnett Ann Schultz
Christmas Tree Winners
How Celebrations Began “Merry Christmas”
“Merry Christmas!” The words are simple, familiar, even old-fashioned, yet they still contain a newness and freshness, a significance to thrill the heart of mankind.
Whence did they come, these familiar words? As a holy day
and a holiday, Christmas means both festive merrymaking and prayerful worship and both meanings are expressed in the traditional greeting, “Merry Christmas.” Christmas, commemorating the birth of Christ, derives its
name from the medieval “Christes Masse,” the mass of Christ. Yet, in the first centuries of the Christian church, there was no celebration of the birth of Christ, no Christmas. The December festivals of those days were pagan in naturethe Roman Saturnalia in Southern Europe, the Yuletide festival of the winter solstice in Northern Europe.
When, in the fifth century A.D., Christmas began to be celebrated on December 25, the old customs of the pagan festivals were connected with the Christmas feast. The merrymaking continued, but it gained a deeper meaning, as pagan traditions were hallowed by association with the Nativity. Thus Christmas became “Merry Christmas!”
3rd place: PEO located at 204 N Main Street, (old Hy-Vee Pharmacy).
1st place: Main Street Brick House at 200 N Main Street.
