Hometown Pride 2025

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ON THE COVER

Throughout his career, Jim Kersten, of Fort Dodge, has used his extensive relationships with local, state and national leaders to benefit the community. SEE STORY, PAGE 17D

Allers helps build the community through Allers Associates Architects divine design

By BILL SHEA bshea@messengernews.net

As Terry Allers travels around Fort Dodge, he almost always spots a building he has worked on.

Allers is an architect whose drawings are what the construction workers, electricians, plumbers and other contractors rely on to complete a renovation job or a new building.

He’s been at it for 45 years, working on everything from houses to churches. He has also served on the national board that sets the standards for training new architects.

“I really believe the Lord is guiding us all through this adventure of being an architect,” he said.

Designing building projects is far from the only thing that Allers spends his time on. Following the example set by his father, Dale Allers, he has worked to support his community by volunteering with the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance and serving on boards that guide organizations ranging from Main Street Fort Dodge to the YMCA.

He received the Catalyst Award from the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance in 2012. This year, he was named

the alliance’s Ambassador of the Year for consistently attending ribbon-cutting and ground-breaking ceremonies over the course of 23 years.

“I just enjoy seeing the new businesses and the businesses that are achieving a milestone,” he said.

His interest in building began when he was a young boy living in Keystone. He said his mother, Ruth Allers, used to let him and his brother, Ben, build with blocks in the living room. When he was a little bit older, he built a clubhouse. When the clubhouse had to be either moved or taken apart, he loaded it onto a wagon and moved it.

“That was my first experience with modular housing,” Allers said.

A trip to Disneyland inspired him to build a replica of some of its key features in his backyard.

Allers said he loved drawing and was decent in math, so he was drawn to architecture as a student at Iowa State University in Ames.

The very first project he designed was an addition to his home church, St. John Lutheran Church in Keystone.

He came to Fort Dodge in 1970 to work for the Griffith architectural firm, which has since closed.

In 1979, he went into business for himself, working at first from his home on the city’s north side.

That move began 45 years of his business, Allers

Associates Architects, now located downtown in the Wells Fargo Building.

The first project he designed after starting his own business was an education wing added to the west side of Good

Thoughtful DESIGN for You

We

Shepherd Lutheran Church on 21st Avenue North.

He and his firm have completed about 2,000 projects since then.

“We have a variety of building types we have worked with,” he said.

He is proud of the fact that his business has 107 “repeat clients” that have turned to Allers Associates Architects for more than one building project.

Allers represented seven Midwestern states on the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, which produces standards for architectural training. He was a member of the board for seven years before serving as its president in 2019-2020.

He was also honored by being named to the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects.

Away from work, he has been a member of the Sertoma Club for 44 years.

He served on the Fort Dodge Housing Agency Board for 26 years. He has also served on the boards of the Development Corporation of Greater Fort Dodge, Main Street Fort Dodge, YMCA, Trinity Regional Hospital Foundation and Citizens Community Credit Union.

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

TERRY ALLERS, of Allers Associates Architects, has spent a lifetime designing buildings. He and his firm have completed roughly 2,000 projects since he first opened for business in 1979.

Conrad taking the reins of Teener League baseball at Patterson Field Labor of Love

By ERIC PRATT epratt@messengernews.net

Neven Conrad calls it his labor of love.

The Fort Dodge lawyer has returned to his roots, embracing his newest volunteer venture as a cocaretaker and Teener League director at Patterson Field.

“The atmosphere there brings you back to a simpler time,” Conrad said. “The music, the lemon shake-ups, and the occasional chicken dance … all intertwined with America’s pastime. You cross through the green gates to the field, and life’s worries and cares dissolve.

“For a couple of hours, each individual in attendance travels back in time to their own nostalgic memories. Life is busier these days, and we need to slow down and take in those moments.”

Art Johnson, the long-time grounds and maintenance supervisor at the iconic southside complex who also became tournament and Teener League director following Patterson’s death in 2012, retired this past offseason. The 36-yearold Conrad, with the blessing of the Patterson family, the transitional guidance of Johnson and the support of the Fort Dodge Baseball Association, rolled up his

director, Pleasant Valley Awareness Committee member, and RAGBRAI — Fort Dodge executive committee member, among other roles.

“I always knew I wanted to come back,” said Conrad, who currently serves as the magistrate for Humboldt County with a law practice near downtown Fort Dodge. “This is the community where I grew up, and it’s always supported me. I recently had an individual I used to coach — who continues to further his education and growth — tell me that a speech I gave to graduating seniors on the impact of returning home and giving back to a community that has given us so much stuck with him through the years and was a motivator in his own personal decisions. It’s that ability to make connections and bring about those impacts that make this place our home.

sleeves and began working on a new era at the field alongside Mike Archibald.

“We’re just a team of people trying to make it happen this year,” said Conrad, who pointed to Johnson’s patience and advice throughout the process and Archibald “taking

the reins and doing a ton of legwork this summer.”

Conrad is no stranger to volunteer work. The 2007 St. Edmond graduate, who also attained degrees from Iowa Central Community College (2008), the University of Northern Iowa (2010) and JD

Drake Law School (2013), has worn many hats since his return to Fort Dodge: city council member, UnityPoint Health — Fort Dodge board of directors member, Fort Museum and Frontier Village board member, FDBA vice president and tournament

“Through the varying roles that I have been lucky enough to have throughout the years, what stands out the most about Fort Dodge is the people which make up our community. Whenever there is an individual in need, Fort Dodgers step up for each other. My wife and I are happy to

See CONRAD, Page 5D

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

NEVEN CONRAD, of Fort Dodge, sits on the edge of the iconic Patterson Field in Fort Dodge. Conrad is transitioning into being the Teener League baseball director, taking over for the retiring Art Johnson.

raise our five children here. It’s our hope that, by giving back to this community, we will create an even better Fort Dodge for our children to come home to and hopefully give back to as well.”

Conrad’s role at Patterson Field is a full-circle moment in a multitude of ways. He’s been a player, a coach, and even had a prior stint as the Teener League director in the summer of 2013 following Patterson’s death. Now he’s back and focused on creating opportunities for the next generation of young baseball players from the area.

Conrad learned from local baseball fixtures like Patterson, Johnson, Keith Martin and Keith Hillman. He is currently on the Fort Dodge Amateur Sports Board — a group started by Patterson to better organize the intentions and itinerary of the ballpark — with Tom Chalstrom, Rick Pederson and Mike Cormack.

Nick has dedicated his time and energy over the last 13-plus years to further build on the foundation of the Fort Dodge Baseball Association, growing the numbers to nearly 200 children, rebuilding the Bat Cave, and setting up the future long-term successes of both the St Edmond and Senior High baseball programs through his work and dedication with the FDBA.

“The atmosphere (at Patterson Field) brings you back to a simpler time. ... You cross through the green gates to the field, and life's worries and cares dissolve.”

“Looking back on my time in coaching and helping at Patterson Field, it’s a significant undertaking to keep the league running — let alone maintaining the fields,” Conrad said. “(Youth baseball volunteers at Patterson) have devoted countless hours away from their families to provide a fun, free environment for kids to play. They did all of this not for their own benefit, but to ensure that generations of children in and around our community had an opportunity to be kids and play baseball.” Conrad learned about the value of volunteering and stewardship at an early age.

“Terry is simply a rarity. I always joke that anonymous is synonymous with Terry, because he is involved in so much more than anyone could possibly know. Yet he does all of it without recognition. He shows that you can balance work and life while simultaneously engaging with various organizations in our community to make this town we call home a better place for all of its citizens. Terry already has a legacy of giving and service that our community will reap the benefits of for decades to come.”

— Neven Conrad

Conrad sees a lot of himself in the city he continues to call home. The perseverance and resilience of his community has resonated with him from the start.

“Fort Dodge is tough,” Conrad said. “This was a town on the verge of crumbling in the 1980s. We persevered through economic turmoil and have made conscientious decisions to promote growth and adapt to the rapidly changing dynamics of economics in rural Iowa.

EMPOWERING GOOD IN OUR Community.

“The foundation of my desire to get involved stems from my parents and their commitment to their community through service efforts,” Conrad said. “I can remember being involved in the Letter Carrier Food Drives going back to the early 1990s through around 2010.”

The inspiration to give back continued into adulthood, coming from Conrad’s peers and colleagues upon his return to Fort Dodge.

“I have specifically looked (to people like) Terry Moehnke and Nick Pederson.

“As a blue-collar town, Fort Dodgers are no strangers to putting in the work, whether a classic work day, working overnights, or even dedicating scarce free time toward volunteer efforts. While many not living here cling to (stereotypes) of Fort Dodge, those still in this community know the character of its citizens, they know the beauty of our art scene, they know the interconnectedness with our extensive trail systems and parks, they know the efforts to promote quality-of-life initiatives. We know what we are. We know where we have been. We know what we’re capable of — and we’re working to get there.”

At Koch Fertilizer, we’re proud to call Fort Dodge home. From empowering employees to volunteer locally to investing in career education and supporting first responders, we’re committed to making a positive di erence in the community. Because when Fort Dodge thrives, we all thrive.

‘fascinated by PoLitics’

By BILL SHEA bshea@messengernews.net

To graduate from college with a degree in political science, a student generally needs to complete 120 credits.

Nizel Garcia has already earned 75 college credits toward that degree and he hasn’t even started his senior year at St. Edmond Catholic School.

The Fort Dodge youth has combined a voracious appetite for reading and studying with a fascination with political science to position himself for a future law degree and a potential career in the nation’s capital.

He said his goal is to use his knowledge to help others.

“My ambition is to help as many people as I can,” he said.

Garcia said his interest in politics started when he was very young.

“I’ve always been fascinated by

Nizel Garcia wants to use his academic prowess to serve others

to college, though.

He said he writes for two hours every morning. That writing, he said, includes songs.

It also includes a self-published novel. It is called “Lixic, The Boy With The Amethyst Eyes.” Set during the Holocaust, it tells the story of a boy who is able to survive the Nazi slaughter of the Jews because of his Aryan features.

Garica said he was inspired to write it after taking a class on the Holocaust. He added that he wrote it in about three weeks.

In addition to writing, he also reads for four hours a day and works on his college classes.

About a year ago, he took up painting. He said he works with oil paints. His subjects include landscapes, architecture and abstract images.

What do his peers think of all his

Westside Church minister meets people where they are caLLed to do more

By MARK ADKINS

Doing more. It is something Fort Dodge’s Westside Church of Christ subscribes to.

The congregation is standing in the gap to coin a familiar phrase for those who are the first to protect individuals. Leading that charge is James Rogers, the church’s pulpit minister.

“When I first arrived, the mission component was very small, but it was there,” Rogers said. “They had been volunteering at the hospital with a sewn bears project for the children and their families and providing meals for the Beacon men’s mission.”

Like Rogers’ motto, they knew God was calling them to do more.

They are doing just that. A clothing store for individuals in need at any level, a small food pantry, individual and group Bible studies that are open to all interested, plus the services on Sunday and Wednesday, headline a congregation looking to grow at every step.

“We want the community to know about us,” Rogers said. “We are here. We want to welcome you on a Sunday or Wednesday … even a Bible study. It is true sometimes my schedule can be daunting,

but there is such a core here to help lead the way. It is wonderful.”

The church’s story of community volunteer success is much like his own: never stopping — always wanting to do more. His entire life has been centered around that fact. A Marine who served at El Toro Marine Corps Air Station on a flightline, he had to make a quick life transition in the early 1980s when health issues sidelined him.

“A brain tumor made me look at life differently,” he said. “I jumped into the Bible and became enthusiastic about the Word and God.”

The health problems continued to be severe to the point of being inoperable, according to some doctors he visited. Seizures followed.

Six years later, though, all that changed. He had a scan with a neurologist and there was no tumor.

“My doctor said, ‘I have never seen anything like this.

… It has gone,’” he said. “The military called it an unexplainable phenomenon.”

“I knew though,” he added. “It was the Lord.”

Rogers decided right there to move full-time to the study of the Word and become a preacher. Although he might have thought that would be the extent of it, it was not.

-Submitted photo

her directly, ‘If you do not want to be a preacher’s wife, we should just stop talking.’

“I will tell you there was no sign of angst from her,” he added. “I got to Idalou, and she came to my church with an Assembly of God affiliation on Wednesday in Dickens, and I attended services at the Church of Christ in Idalou on Sundays. The congregation I worked with was initially skeptical about me because of that. They would say, ‘You have a lot to learn about the two churches.’”

Rogers did not back down from that. He enrolled in Sunset International Bible Institute in nearby Lubbock, Texas, and the rest has been history.

A move to Texas was in the cards. He had an opportunity to be a men’s worship leader at a church in Oceanside, California, where he was residing, but that thought of wanting to do more would not stop. He landed in Dickens, Texas, a town of less than 300.

“Going from 1.3 million to 287 people was a bit of a culture shock,” he said. “I did not let it stop me, though. I plugged in quickly, becoming

an assistant pastor in Dickens. Yes, it was different than where I had been, but, again, the Lord was there telling me he wanted more.”

God’s plan developed a roadmap for his adult life.

Right before he moved to west Texas, he began chatting with a woman from that area.

“Tabetha and I chatted online for several months,” Rogers said. “I was not shy in being open with her as I asked

“I’ve been in the ministry for seven years now,” he said. “Tabetha has been a blessing in my life. We’ve both had to learn our roles, but it has made our marriage so strong. We are teachers at heart, too, as she is working with children at the consortium school.”

Rogers does not show any signs of stopping, either. He has moved his teachings into the world of social media, with two messages a week on Facebook.

“You have to meet people where they are,” he said. “There’s so much more out there to be done.”

JAMES ROGERS, pulpit minister at Westside Church of Christ, and his wife, Tabetha, work on a gingerbread house during Christmas activities last year.

Hooked on drama

By JOHN MCBRIDE

Lindey Krug was destined to be a part of the Fort Dodge Senior High School Speech and Drama Department.

Yes, her dad was a long-time teacher and coach, but a significant event as a young child drew her to the stage at the high school’s Little Theater.

As a young child, she was part of the cast of the musical production, “The King and I.” She played the youngest daughter of the King in the 1982 performance, then held at the high school.

“At the conclusion of the show, myself and another actor performed an entire scene between the King and Anna and the whole cast erupted in applause,” she said. “I think that was the moment I was truly hooked. From then, there was no looking back.”

She has been part of the Speech and Drama Department for the past 13 years. Four years ago, she was given the opportunity to direct the spring musical.

“Funny how things come full circle,” she said.

It was a long and winding road back to Fort Dodge Senior High, but once there, Krug has helped develop a strong program in both drama and speech. The drama and speech department has earned several awards under the guidance of Krug.

“We have been nominated for AllState every year since I started coaching

FDSH's Krug leads speech, drama students to new heights

-Submitted photo

LINDEY KRUG works with students while directing this year’s musical, “Anastasia.” Krug has been part of the Speech and Drama Department the past 13 years and took on a role with the musical performances four years ago.

here in both large group and individual speech,” she said. “On a more personal note, I was selected by my peers to serve as an officer for the northwest district for the Iowa High School Speech Association for a three-year term and most recently was asked to be on the convention committee.”

Krug has also added several other opportunities for students to perform. In her years at the high school, she’s added Poetry Out Loud, the Diversity Action Troupe, and a Short Film Festival.

“The most rewarding thing is seeing the growth of my students,” she said. “From the first read-through to the

After graduation, she went to the University of Iowa in Iowa City and pursued a degree in theater arts.

Hawkeye Community Theatre gave her an opportunity to direct for the very first time one of the summers she was home on break. From there, she got married and moved around a bit, ending up in Minnesota where she performed with the Highland Park Community Center Theater and the Lakeside Players.

Three years later, she moved back to Iowa where she began coaching speech and theater at Woodward-Granger schools.

“That is where I discovered my penchant for teaching,” Krug said. “I decided to go back to school and get my master’s in teaching. When I graduated, I took a job with Southeast Warren Jr./ Sr. High School where I assisted in directing their fall musical, coached the speech and drama team, and directed the spring play.”

final performance, they improve their communication skills and grow in confidence.”

“The biggest challenge we face is scheduling,” she added. “Our students are highly involved in fine arts, sports, academics, work, and church activities. Trying to get all of them to be available for rehearsal at the same time is a daunting task.”

As a performer herself, Krug has appeared locally for Comedia Musica Players, Hawkeye Community Theatre, Fort Dodge Senior High, and Creative Concepts; she also took dance, piano, and voice lessons.

At the end of her third year there, she heard that the theater director in Fort Dodge was retiring, so she applied and was offered the job. She’s been leading the Speech and Drama Department ever since.

As for the future, she has some lofty goals for her department. Krug would like to inventory all the school’s costumes and props, among other things.

“It would also be nice to win an all-state large group critics’ choice banner,” she said. “That would be akin to winning a state championship.”

Lindey Krug

Drees leads FDSH to musical excellence making connections

By JOHN MCBRIDE

For more than a decade, Matt Drees has directed successful musical productions at Fort Dodge Senior High School, including this year’s production of “Anastasia.” But his involvement in the performing arts at the high school goes well beyond just the spring performances.

Drees has been a member of the music faculty at the high school for 14 years.

He’s been the vocal/ executive director of the spring musical for the past 11 years.

This year’s production included a large ensemble cast, something Drees was hoping to offer to get more students involved.

“Seeing the students build a connection to the group and watching them be proud of the product they have created, for me, is the most rewarding part of my job,” said Drees. “Hearing them make comments about how well their performance went, how much fun they had, or hearing them singing their music outside of class or the musical is my favorite part.”

The musical performances by the high school haven’t just been impressive on stage. They’ve garnered several awards.

Drees said each of the past four musicals produced at Senior High has been awarded Most Outstanding Musical Production by the Iowa High School Musical Theatre Awards.

“The number of schools receiving this award for their production has varied from between 15 to 18, but this award essentially means that our production overall has been listed as those amongst the top 15 or so high school musical productions in the state for the entire school year. This is a huge honor for our program,” he said.

Additionally, A Cappella Choir, conducted by Drees, has received a Division 1 (Superior) rating, each of the past 12 years that he has been the

-Submitted photo

FORT DODGE SENIOR HIGH CHOIR DIRECTOR MATT DREES directs the pit orchestra during a rehearsal for this year’s musical, “Anastasia.” Drees has directed the past 12 musicals at the high school.

conductor (excluding 2020 when the festival was not held.)

“Having a panel of objective judges recognize the excellence demonstrated by our choral ensembles is something that means a lot to me, and is something that I am extremely proud of," he said.

In 2018, A Cappella was awarded a Gold rating at the WorldStrides Heritage Music Festival held in Chicago. A Cappella has also been named Grand Champion of the Onalaska Concert Choir Competition three times during his tenure at FDSH (2013, 2018, 2023).

Senior High also has had a large number (121) of students selected as a member of the Iowa All-State Chorus during his tenure at FDSH.

“These students represent about the top 2 percent of high school music students in the state, and it is always such a meaningful experience to see them all the way through their experience of preparing the music, performing the audition, being selected as a member of the ensemble, and participating in the festival with other students from around the state,” Drees added.

He said that students being involved

“Not only did I have the skills/ ability, but it just seemed to come a little bit easier for me than others. I realized that music really was my passion/calling, and with the gentle push and guidance of my high school choral director, I decided to pursue a degree in music education,” he said.

After high school, Drees attended Luther College in Decorah, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in vocal music education.

in so many activities offers the musical production a unique challenge.

“One of the largest challenges that we face regarding students participating in the musical is just managing their schedule with other activities. We have many students who are also involved in a spring sport,” he said. “Obviously, encouraging students to be involved in many different areas is always our message, but it creates some challenges once we are trying to put the entire show together. We do our best to plan for tech and dress rehearsals knowing who might be missing for a meet or game on that day.

“Additionally, outside of the musical, our students are also preparing music for our spring concert and the IHSMA Large Group Music Festival in the spring,” he added. “Typically, once our musical closes we have less than a week before those other public performances.”

Drees grew up in Iowa City and was very involved in music, including choir, band, chamber choir, musicals, and All-State. When choosing to pursue a degree in college, it was clear that music was his passion, he said.

“At Luther, I was fortunate enough to be a member of the Nordic Choir for three full school years. This experience allowed me to tour both domestically and internationally with a worldrenowned level choral ensemble. These experiences helped me truly understand just how meaningful and formative participation in a music ensemble can be,” he said. “The combination of my own experiences singing in choir and my course work instilled in me a passion for facilitating those same experiences and feeling of connection with future students.”

Drees also has big dreams for the musical department.

“Our musical productions, individual students, and choral excellence have all been recognized at a local and regional level,” he said. “The next step would be for an ensemble under my direction to be selected to perform at a regional or national convention of the American Choral Directors Association.”

“Personally, I would like to pursue and complete my master’s degree in vocal music or choral conducting while continuing to serve in my current role,” he added.

Drees and his wife, Bre, the athletic trainer for Dodger sports, have two children, Nora and Weston. His daughter was a member of the musical cast this year, playing the younger version of the lead.

“It was so special having Nora be a part of the musical this year,” Drees said. “She loved every minute of it, and it was such a joy to watch her on stage.”

Matt Drees

figHting back

By MARK ADKINS

Nik Myers has seen the signs so many times.

A young person enters his Southside Martial Arts building or even during after-school programs at Butler Elementary in Fort Dodge. They may be in a big class learning kickboxing or something along those lines. However, they do not engage much, tend to keep to themselves and do not say much.

“I recognize bullying signs quickly because that was me at a young age,” Myers said. “You think you might be able to take it, and it will go away. In most cases, it does not. I cannot stand it when I see someone in this situation,” he added. “I just want to help with some basic techniques, which can lead to more confidence for them when it occurs.”

Myers has also walked a mile in their shoes. He was bullied at a youthful age and did fight back. However, as he admits, it led him down a tough road of constant fighting.

“One day, a friend asked me, ‘Why do you fight so much?’” he reflected. “I told him because I was being bullied. He answered quickly,

Nik

OWNER NIK MYERS (front row, second from right) noted that all of his previous and current students have made his work “wonderful.” “I’m so proud of all of them,” he said.

‘It seems like you might be a bully now.’

“It opened my eyes,” he added. “My parents got me into wrestling, which helped channel those aggressions.”

Enjoying wrestling as a youth, he decided to move into

the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) as an adult. He fought professionally for a time with some success. However, he still wanted to reach and help young people who went through what he did.

“I decided to teach my skills,” Myers reflected. “I was not sure if I would have many people interested, but we have over 100 in many classes now. I reached out to some administrators in the school district, and they were

thrilled about an after-school program.”

He leads a boys and girls class at Butler Elementary and looks to expand it to other buildings and upper grades.

“The classes are straightforward,” Myers said. “We talk about situations when bullying occurs and then we work through some basic self-defense techniques. Once they understand how to defend themselves you can see the confidence in their eyes and body language,” he added.

Some individuals have taken his classes and then gone on to work with Myers to teach fellow students at Southside Martial Arts. They have even stepped into MMA competition locally with some success.

“I’m so proud of all of my students,” he said. “Whether it is learning to be confident in tricky situations to diffuse them or even wanting to learn more for a new sport opportunity, it does not matter. The smiles, the thank yous, and relationships I have been able to build are what it is all about.”

-Submitted photo

50 years of friendsHiP

By KADIN LUHMANN

Steve Ehrhardt first walked into Friendship Haven 50 years ago looking for an opportunity to work.

“I interviewed here in college to get a job as a junior accountant,” Ehrhardt said. “I got the job, and I’ve been at Friendship Haven ever since for 50 years.”

Ehrhardt credits his longevity at Friendship Haven to the lively work experience provided by the retirement community.

“Every day is different,” he said. “No two days are ever alike, so it’s challenging, but very beneficial.”

Ehrhardt currently works in the Life Enrichment Department, where he coordinates with residents to help them pursue their desired activities.

“I work with independent residents on anything they want to do on and off campus,” Ehrhardt said. “I also work with the Friendship Haven Travel Club, which is made up of community members that like to travel along with residents.”

He noted that the residents take part in numerous opportunities provided by Friendship Haven.

“They love campus bingo and we all go together once or twice a week,” Ehrhardt said. “We have church services every Sunday morning and we have Catholic Mass running Monday through Friday.”

Ehrhardt said that the most rewarding part of his job is being thanked by the residents and giving them the opportunity to pursue new ventures.

“The most rewarding thing is to hear a thank you from the residents,” Ehrhardt said. “Some of the residents and I are going on a cruise, and we’re doing nine countries in 10 days and we also travel a lot.”

Ehrhardt has prepared for the 75th anniversary of Friendship Haven this year by doing extensive research on the history of the retirement community.

“I’ve been looking at a lot of history

Friendship Haven employee reflects on five decades of service

STEVE EHRHARDT has worked for Friendship Haven for 50 years, and currently works in the Life Enrichment Department, where he helps residents pursue desired activities.

books, and we’ve been looking at pictures and getting an idea of things that have gone on over the years,”

Ehrhardt said.

Ehrhardt had the opportunity to work with Clarence Tompkins, the founder of Friendship Haven.

“I was one of the fortunate people that worked here with Dr. Clarence

“Everybody here is always welcome and friendly — from the residents to the employees. People just enjoy it when they’re here and we’ve had many interns that have come and become regular employees over the years.”

— Steve Ehrhardt Life Enrichment Department, Friendship Haven

Ehrhardt said. “He would always go out and get pies for us and then he would drop off pies to people. He was just very appreciative of all of the staff.”

Ehrhardt said that Friendship Haven has continued to be a welcoming place for residents and employees during his 50 years there.

“Time goes by so fast,” Ehrhardt said. “Everybody here is always welcome and friendly — from the residents to the employees. People just enjoy it when they’re here and we’ve had many interns that have come and become regular employees over the years.”

Tompkins, the founder, so I’ve always kind of known what his dream was, and we want to keep it going,” he said.

The research has given Ehrhardt the opportunity to reminisce on his fond memories of working with Tompkins.

“Dr. Tompkins would just stop by no matter what you were doing and say, ‘Thank you for coming to work,’”

Numerous long-time employees at Friendship Haven have moved there for their retirement, according to Ehrhardt.

“It’s kind of fun to see that employees I have worked with now live here,” he said. “They’re just right down the hall from you and it just reminds you of how things were and gives you so much encouragement.”

-Messenger photo by Kadin Luhmann

seeing HoPe

By LORI BERGLUND

Nici George sees hope where others see the train wreck

of substance use. Fortunately, she doesn’t give up easily.

“I see people can change, and I have hope,” said George, executive director of the Fort Dodge YWCA.

This isn’t just an ordinary Y. The Center for Life Empowerment at the Fort Dodge YWCA works to give women who suffer from the disease of substance use a chance in this world.

A Clare native, George is a 2003 graduate of St. Edmond Catholic School in Fort Dodge. She completed an associate’s degree at Iowa Central Community College before earning her bachelor’s degree in child, adult and family services from Iowa State University in Ames.

George began her career at Children and Families of Iowa in Fort Dodge. She eventually gained certification in counseling and became a counselor at the YWCA in 2012. She later moved to Missouri, where she counseled adolescents facing substance use challenges.

Nici George makes a difference for women in recovery at YWCA

into treatment,” she said.

But when just one person wins the battle and gets a new chance at life, it is all worthwhile.

On any given day, about 25 women and 10 to 12 children will be living at the YWCA building on First Avenue North.

“We are one of seven programs in Iowa that allow children to reside with their parents when they enter the recovery process from substance use,” George said.

Keeping moms and children together is not always possible, but when it can work, it often helps the mom in her recovery, according to George.

“We have found that moms are more successful in their recovery journey when they are able to maintain a relationship with their children,” she said.

Moms and their kids live together at the YWCA. Onsite child care is provided, because the moms stay very busy in treatment programs.

Helping women recover

George returned to Fort Dodge in 2018 as clinical director at the YWCA. She was named executive director in 2021. Whatever the position, her work has always been about helping people.

from substance use is not an easy road, but George knows what’s on the line. Substance use is all too often a fatal disease that, left untreated, can lead to death, not just by overdose, but from cancer,

liver disease, and a multitude of other causes.

George knows she won’t win every battle, but she still fights them, just the same.

“Not everybody is successful when they come

“Mom is required to be in programming for 50 hours every week, so it’s a lot,” George said.

And just like other moms

See GEORGE, Page 33D

-Messenger photo by Lori Berglund

NICI GEORGE, executive director of the Fort Dodge YWCA, sees hope for all the clients served in the substance use programs through the YWCA.

woman of service

By LORI BERGLUND

Blind dates usually come and go, but some can change two lives forever.

For Mary Lou Walker, accepting a blind date in August 1969 changed her life for the better. And she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Growing up in Lawrence, Massachusetts, Walker never imagined spending her life in the middle of Iowa. She had graduated from high school there only two years earlier, was attending business college, and working at a scientific supply company in her hometown.

Charlie Walker, an Iowa native, was serving in the U.S. Army, stationed at nearby Fort Devens. Walker had a car; his buddy had a girlfriend, but no car. It would be a double date, with Walker providing the wheels. In return, Charlie got a blind date with a young girl named Mary Lou — and it wasn’t long before the two were engaged.

Life moved fast. Charlie Walker was in Vietnam by Jan. 6, 1970. Mary Lou would wait at home in Massachusetts for his return.

She can still remember her very first visit to Iowa.

“Charlie was going to Vietnam and he was coming home for his two-week leave before he left,” she said.

She met her future in-laws and got her first taste of Iowa.

Despite the happiness that comes with a new engagement, it was also a time of uncertainty as Charlie Walker left for his deployment.

“His mother took me to the airport to go back home, and she took Charlie to the airport to do his duty in Vietnam,” she said.

As the years went by, duty would be a theme of their life together.

Thankfully, Charlie Walker arrived safely back home one year later. There’s something

about people who have seen war, and that is that they don’t often waste time. They make the most of each day. The couple married in December 1970, shortly after he returned to the United States.

“Ours was a rush marriage,” Charlie Walker has been known to say. “But not why you think. We planned on getting married at the end of January, but when they cut my tour short, I figured if we married by the end of December it would save a hundred dollars on our taxes.”

Mary Lou Walker only smiles when her husband tells those stories. She’s no doubt heard them all. The two have spent a lifetime working closely together.

Mary Lou Walker has usually been the silent, smiling face behind her affable husband. For a decade or more, she has been the maestro behind the scenes of the Brushy Creek Area Honor Flight — planning, organizing, and seeing to every detail for both the public board members and the veterans whom they serve.

“I am basically a very shy person,” she said. “It takes me awhile in a big group to feel comfortable enough to start speaking out and voicing my opinion.”

Through 55 years of marriage, she has worked for accountants, in bookkeeping for various companies, including The Messenger, and most notably for her husband’s law office in Fort Dodge. She is not one to sit still when there is work to be done.

Mary Lou Walker remembers in the 1980s when her husband was in his final year at Drake Law School. It was a busy time, as the entire Walker family was in school.

“When I went back to college, we were all in school; we had a kindergartner, a fourthgrader, Charlie was in law school, and I had just started at Iowa Central,” she said.

MARY LOU WALKER, OF FORT DODGE, has been the behind-the-scenes organizer for Brushy Creek Area Honor Flights for more than a decade. Walker says she has found the position rewarding and that she loves meeting the veterans.

-Messenger photo by Lori Berglund

Plautz sees bright future for young adults in FD goLden days aHead

By LORI BERGLUND

They are all “golden” — the men and women who three days every week congregate at the Golden Day Adult Day Program in downtown Fort Dodge.

Beth Plautz is too humble to take much credit for the program herself and quickly shines the light on fellow board members, staff and volunteers who make this program such a unique and engaging place for community members.

“We have three paid staff, and we have a wonderful group of volunteers,” Plautz said. “That really helps us out.”

Plautz was one of a team of community members who came together just a few years ago to create a day program for adults with special needs who might otherwise be facing long lives very much alone.

Many of the young adults who take part in Golden Day activities on a regular basis are big fans of “The Golden Girls.” Here in this place, they have found their own niche in the world, a wonderful group of friends to call their own, so Golden Day seems to be a most appropriate name.

The days here really are golden. Ask any of the regular participants.

“I’ve made lots of friends and I love the games,” said Morgan Cox. “It’s all fun here.”

Danielle Jessen has been coming since the program launched in 2022 and can’t imagine going back to a time where she didn’t have this program to look forward to.

“I like hanging out with my friends; I just like everybody here,” Jessen said.

Jessen’s mother, Angie Jessen, is equally grateful.

“Danielle just loves it,” Angie Jessen said. “While she’s here, I can

overall cost-saver, as it helps families keep their dependent adult children at home, and in the best possible quality of care.

“We have worked with Rep. Ann Meyer and she helped us get approval,” Plautz said. “She certainly sees the value of the program. She knows that Adam (Plautz’s son), if he had to go to a nursing home, it would be so much more expensive.

Adam Plautz is in his 20s, and Golden Day helps him enjoy the fullest quality of life.

“Adam has Angelman’s syndrome, which is the same as what the actor Colin Farrell’s son has,” Plautz said. He is non-verbal, but his smiles tell his mother that Golden Day is making a difference in his life.

“For me, this is just a total gamechanger,” Plautz said. “He has a place to go, and he loves all the people here. He loves the activities. It’s been phenomenal."

Happy to see a visitor, the friends at Golden Day gather around to say how much they enjoy the crafts, and having a chance to make something for their friends and family. They are happy to make new friends, and eagerly present gifts they have made, such as a friendship bracelet.

They also learn in the hours they spend at Golden Day. A recent favorite was a book about “The Golden Girls,” but they have also learned about the national parks, the states, and other fun topics in books tailor-made to be shared by such great friends.

go to work, or do whatever else I need to do, and I know that she’s not just sitting around.”

Jordan Potratz comes to the program three days every week and spends his off days looking forward to coming again.

“This is like my family,” Potratz said.

Ranging in age from 19 to 82, the golden folks here face such challenges in their lives as autism, Down

syndrome, spina bifida, cystic fibrosis, and dementia. The small budget of only about $70,000 is vitally dependent on Medicaid funding.

The process of gaining Medicaid certification took approximately 18 months, according to Plautz. That budget is miniscule compared to many forms of alternative care.

“About 90 percent of our funds come from Medicaid,” Plautz said. Even so, she agreed that it’s an

Plautz explained that Medicaid funding helps with the basics of the program, while local donations help enrich the activities.

“We got a grant from First Presbyterian Church and we’re excited because we’re going to get a Cricut machine and they can start making cards and more crafts,” she said.

The Fort Dodge group known as 100 Women Who Care has also been

-Submitted photo

BETH PLAUTZ GIVES A KISS to her son, Adam, who has Angelman's syndrome. Plautz says Adam's smiles tell her that the Golden Day Adult Day Program is making a difference in his life.

Beth Plautz

tHe rigHt cHoice

By BILL SHEA bshea@messengernews.net

Jim Kersten was a state senator with an apparently bright future in Iowa politics when he sat down to listen to the annual State of the Judiciary address one year.

Something said during that speech changed the trajectory of the Fort Dodge man’s career.

He recalled that the state Supreme Court justice giving the address said something that really hit home for him. That justice, he said, attributed so many of the problems in the state and nation to the breakdown of families.

Kersten pondered those words. Then the Republican lawmaker decided not to seek a second term in the state Senate. He set aside the potential for a long Senate career or even higher office to spend more time with his family in his hometown.

“It was a very tough decision,” Kersten said. “I just made the right choice for my family.”

And while he left the Senate, he did not lose his knack for working the political system to help Fort Dodge.

Kersten “has spent decades building extensive

Jim Kersten prioritizes Fort Dodge, makes lawmakers aware of local needs

external relations for Iowa Central Community College. There, he has helped the college get the support and funding for the Fuel Testing Lab and other major initiatives.

“His efforts have played a pivotal role in transforming Iowa Central into one of the most successful community colleges in the state,” Reeck said. “Among others, his most recent accomplishment includes assisting in the design and construction of the Iowa Fuel Testing Laboratory at Iowa Central, which serves as the only independent testing facility in the nation, a project that was made possible due to his perseverance and his ability to secure state funding.”

relationships across the local, state and national levels to advocate for policies and resources to benefit the greater Fort Dodge region, and has leveraged those deep connections and expertise to drive conversations that have brought millions of dollars in state and federal funding

for local initiatives,” Vickie Reeck, the former community and economic development manager for the city of Fort Dodge, said in February before presenting him with the Catalyst Award from the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance.

“These efforts have been

especially impactful in advancing infrastructure, workforce training programs, economic development initiatives and the growth of Iowa Central Community College,” Reeck added.

His most visible role has been as vice president of government affairs and

Kersten has been a member of several state panels, including the Board of Corrections, Governor’s 2020 Transportation Commission, Judicial Nominating Commission and the Iowa Lottery Board of Directors. He has also been a member of the Iowa Association of Community College Trustees. Closer to home, he has served on the Friendship Haven board, RinglandSmeltzer board, Sacred Heart

See KERSTEN, Page 21D

IOWA CENTRAL IS Triton Proud!

-Submitted photo

JIM KERSTEN AND HIS WIFE, LAURIE, enjoy spending time with their grandchildren.

Murphy Washington works to bring unity to community giving back

By KADIN LUHMANN

Murphy Washington was born and raised in Fort Dodge before leaving for college, attending Des Moines Area Community College and Iowa State University.

After graduating from Iowa State, Murphy returned to Fort Dodge to help Charles Clayton start Athletics For Education and Success, (AFES) a nonprofit organization that aims to provide young people in Webster County with success and a sense of belonging.

“We started out with some of the things we knew about athletics and then after that, it grew into family reunification, re-entry and for individuals to be successful in our community,” Washington said. “We look at how to help somebody have a better life, help people to establish routines and connect them to community resources.”

The success of AFES inspired Washington to pursue a career as the residential manager for the Fort Dodge Residential Correctional Facility.

“Charles was doing a lot of re-entry stuff and I wanted to do the same,” Washington added. “That’s what the facility is all about. He’s continued re-entry with adolescents, and mine has been working with adults.”

Washington had previously worked as a probation officer in Mason City, but moved back to Fort Dodge nearly three years ago to be closer to his family.

“As much as I have moved around, I know that this is

WASHINGTON, residential manager for the Fort Dodge Residential Correctional Facility, grew up in the Pleasant Valley neighborhood in Fort Dodge. Today, he gives back to the community through his work with the Pleasant Valley Awareness Committee. He has also worked with Athletics for Education and Success.

where I’m supposed to be,” Washington said. “I know that I need to contribute to my community and keep on watching it grow.”

Washington’s motivation for giving back to the community stems from his upbringing in the Pleasant Valley neighborhood.

“We had a great childhood growing up in the Pleasant Valley area,” Washington

said. “I want our children and the community to experience that.”

Last fall, the Pleasant Valley Awareness Committee and Washington hosted an event at H.C. Meriwether Park to bring the community together before the winter.

“My sister, Sherry, and the committee got the ball rolling on having an event before the weather got too bad,”

“We had a great childhood growing up in the Pleasant Valley area. I want our children and the community to experience that.”

—

Murphy Washington Pleasant Valley Awareness Committee

Washington said. “We had a car show and a parent and child free throw contest.”

The fall event at the park proved to be a success, as a Mother’s Day celebration followed.

“I went ahead and collaborated with people in the community for Mother’s Day, like Terry Cook, Charles Clayton and different vendors,” Washington said. “A

lot of people in the community purchased from the vendors and we had another free throw contest, so that one went great.”

The most recent event at H.C. Meriwether Park was a Juneteenth celebration. The event featured a car and bike show, a basketball tournament on the newly renovated courts and more vendors.

Washington said that the Juneteenth holiday symbolizes independence, making the celebration the most significant for the community.

The committee also plans to hold a Fourth of July celebration at the park and many other events in the future.

“These events are open to the community and some guy came up to me and said, ‘Hey, let’s have a Fourth of July event,’” Washington said. “If I can support any ideas people have, I’m going to go ahead and donate my time. Let’s get together and let’s just support each other and unify our community.”

-Messenger photo by Kadin Luhmann

MURPHY

making fort dodge Home

By KADIN LUHMANN

For the better part of three decades, Gery Cook has helped numerous people find their forever homes, but his work does not stop at closing deals.

Cook, a real estate agent for 38 years, has spent his spare time involving himself in charity and volunteer work.

“God has been good to me, so I just feel it’s important to give back,” Cook said. “It’s rewarding to see that you’re able to help people.”

Cook serves as the association executive for the Fort Dodge Board of Realtors. He works with realtors in Calhoun, Webster and Humboldt counties, giving him the opportunity to search for different organizations in order to help people.

Cook said he and a group of people partnered with the SALT Center at First Baptist Church in Fort Dodge to purchase gifts and provide meals to homeless individuals last Christmas.

In March, Cook raised more than $2,000 to donate to Meals from the Heartland in Humboldt.

“Several of us realtors got together and bagged the meals to donate,” Cook said. “I think it’s important that we reach out and we help our community, so I try to do that.”

Cook said that he has taken great pride in helping out with Meals from the Heartland for the past 12 years.

After growing up in Illinois, Cook moved to Fort Dodge at 12 years old. As an adult, Cook purchased a home and found a unique opportunity.

“Barb Johnson, who used to work for Dave Jones, I purchased a home from her,” Cook said. “I was sending her some referrals when she thought I would be good as a realtor, so she came and talked to me. I took the class and I’m starting my 38th year.”

Cook currently works at Regency Realtors as a realtor and broker and does not plan on retiring anytime soon.

“It’s rewarding to see that you’re able to help people find probably the biggest investment that they’re going to have,” Cook said. “I just enjoy

“God has been good to me, so I just feel it's important to give back. It's rewarding to see that you're able to help people.”

— Gery Cook Association executive, Fort Dodge Board of Realtors

working with people. I enjoy closing and seeing how happy they are, and I enjoy talking to them about things they should do to improve the home.”

In addition to his realty work, Cook takes part in political activism in Fort Dodge. Cook said that speaking up and engaging in City Council meetings is another way he gets involved in the community.

“I try to get as many people involved in order to move forward, even with our city,” Cook said. “I encourage my relatives to attend meetings and get involved.”

Fort Dodge city officials recently introduced a plan to convert North 15th Street from four lanes to three lanes.

Cook, who drives on the street every day, is working on a petition to stop the proposal.

The North 15th Street proposal is not the first time Cook has created a petition in Fort Dodge.

Cook said city officials once planned to change the zoning by the Rosedale Rapids aquatic center, but he and a group of around 90 people were able to sway the City Council vote by signing numerous petitions, making phone calls and expressing their concerns.

“Forty-six or 47 people spoke against it,” Cook said. “Even our councilman said, ‘Well, I’m against it, but I have to vote with the constituents,’ and he voted against it.”

Cook helps home buyers and his community

-Messenger photo by Kadin Luhmann

GERY COOK, of Fort Dodge, serves as the association executive for the Fort Dodge Board of Realtors. He said it's important to him to help the community by giving back.

Preservation Committee, Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance Legislative Committee, Webster County Development Corporation, Small Business Development Center Advisory Board, Mid Iowa Growth Partnership, Iowa Farm Bureau, Iowa Association of Business and Industry and the Iowa Rural Development Council.

For Kersten, the importance of getting involved in the community was instilled years ago by his parents, Dr. Herb and Cece Kersten.

“Since I was a young guy, I always had an interest in trying to help,” he said.

He said that during eighth grade, his social studies teacher required all of his students to read the newspaper. That got him interested in government.

In 1976, when Ronald Reagan, then the former governor of California, challenged President Gerald Ford for the Republican nomination for president, Kersten served as a junior delegate for Reagan. He was 16 at the time.

Several years later, he worked as an intern for the Iowa Development Board, as the state’s economic

“(Jim Kersten's) efforts have played a pivotal role in transforming Iowa Central into one of the most successful community colleges in the state.”

— Vickie Reeck

Former community and economic development manager for the city of Fort Dodge

development agency was then called. During that internship, he became friends with then Gov. Terry Branstad, a connection that remains strong to this day.

He later worked in Branstad’s office. It was Branstad who suggested that he run for the state Senate when it appeared that state Sen. Joe Coleman, D-Clare, wasn’t going to run again. Coleman did run for another term, but Kersten defeated him to win the seat.

After leaving the legislature, Kersten worked for First American Bank, then for Heartland Communications. He was the co-owner of a business called

Continued from Page 15D

Caring for a young family, and supporting everyone in their pursuit of education, it’s no wonder that Mary Lou Walker is a woman who knows how to balance a myriad of responsibilities.

As the behind-the-scenes organizer for Brushy Creek Area Honor Flights, she found a rewarding position uniquely suited to her skills, and her appreciation of those who serve. In addition to her husband, her two older brothers are also veterans. There’s no title for her job with the group — everyone just knows that she’s the go-to person to get things done. “I love meeting the veterans,” Mary Lou Walker said. “Most of the time I just see their names, but when they come to the orientation dinner, and especially when they check in for the morning of the flight, then I get to meet them.”

By the day of departure, she is very

Plautz

Continued from Page 16D

generous in their support of the Golden Day Adult Day program.

“The 100 Women Who Care is a wonderful group that meets quarterly,” Plautz said. “They each put in $100, and then end up with $10,000 to give. It’s gone on for years and it’s a wonderful group.”

For Plautz, the creation of a program such as Golden Day is just one step in helping build a better future for her son and all of the young adults like him in the community.

musichotbid.com, which provided a platform for buying and selling musical instruments.

He said Bob Paxton, a former president of Iowa Central Community College, recruited him to work for the school. Kersten will retire from Iowa Central this summer.

According to Kersten, the person who made all of his accomplishments possible is his wife, Laurie.

“I give a lot of credit to my wife,” he said. “She was just there day to day when I was traveling. It truly was a family support system.”

“The Honor Flight has really opened me up to community service. As soon as I get to retire, I'm sure I will be more active in other ways of serving.”

—Mary Jo Walker Brushy Creek Area Honor Flight volunteer/organizer

familiar with the names on the flight.

In many cases, she will have talked to them on the phone previously, gleaning additional information needed for the flight.

“My mother is still alive and she’s 90,” she said. “My husband’s mother lived to 94, so here’s Adam. When he started this he was 22. Is he going to be doing nothing for 70 years? We’re older parents, so we have to figure this out.”

Golden Day gives purpose and joy to those who come here — it’s what every parent wishes for on behalf of their children.

Angie Jessen is a devoted mom who sees the value of this program to improve the quality of life, not just for her daughter, but for so many more. As much as mother and daughter enjoy spending time together, Angie Jessen knows that young people need friends and interaction with people their own age.

“My daughter deserves to be out with other people and having fun,” Angie Jessen said. “It means the world to me to have this, and if it went away, I would be lost. The people here are family.”

“Sometimes, when I call them for additional information, I will ask them about their time in the service,” she said. “And because it’s someone outside of their family asking, they will blossom and give me just vivid details of their time in the service.”

She appreciates every one of their stories and is happy to listen and to give veterans a chance to open up, when perhaps they haven’t done much of that in the past.

For all of her work making the Honor Flights possible, Mary Lou Walker has flown only once as a guardian, assisting one of the veterans on the flight. It was a very moving time for her to see the memorials for herself and watch how the veterans reacted.

“The Korean Memorial was the one that

affected me the most,” she said. “I think it was because of the life-like statues. You could see real people.”

It was a different feeling as she walked the black granite wall of the Vietnam Memorial.

“The Vietnam Wall made me so cold,” she said. “All of those names … all of those names … it’s like, ‘How could we have done that to our men?’”

Along with board members for the Brushy Creek Area Honor Flight, Mary Lou Walker is also retiring from her critical, behind-the-scenes role. Like that long-ago blind date, her service with the Honor Flight has changed her life for the better.

“The Honor Flight has really opened me up to community service,” she said. “As soon I get to retire, I’m sure I will be more active in other ways of serving.”

Love for community

By KARCH SMITH

ALGONA — Museums give us pictures of the past, showing off the history of the area.

Don Heupel is a firm believer that museums need to not only stay open, but must be protected.

Heupel is the current president of the Kossuth County Museum of Agriculture and Motorsports at the Kossuth County Fairgrounds. This museum is home to the Kossuth County Racing Hall of Fame, one of the longest model train displays in the Midwest, and many other relics from Kossuth County’s historic past. Heupel works with a board and the curator to keep the museum running and thriving.

Heupel loves showing off his community’s past, but not even he can resist having special pieces that he holds closer to his heart.

Heupel said his favorite part about the museum is the model train display. A collection of “O-scale” trains owned and taken care of by Algona resident Arlen Benschoter.

“From what we know, it is one of the largest models in the Midwest,” Heupel said, “It’s cool to know that we can show off the work he (Benschoter) has done so it can get recognized.”

Heupel was enamored with Benschoter’s effort to keep this display up and running and said he could “watch it all day.”

Heupel is a hard worker and loves it when others are as well, but not many are able to keep up with him.

Heupel helps keep history alive in Kossuth County

Members of the board praised Heupel for all the work he does for the museum. Being the president, he is in charge of conducting board meetings, renting out the 95-seat facility room, and overseeing all of the museum’s operations.

Curator of the museum, Ron Lohman, said Heupel is detail-oriented in his work and brings “a feeling of happiness wherever he goes.”

Members of the board also love working with him because of the help he offers.

“Working with Don is really easy,” Lohman said.

“The way he helps me, he makes everything make sense.”

Heupel does his best to make sure that everything in the museum is running smoothly because of his love for his community and its history.

Heupel’s drive to run the museum comes from the great amount of pride he feels when he shows off his community’s history.

“I love showing off our great history,” Heupel said. “It makes me very proud.”

Heupel has a great love for his community, which

compels him to show the world.

He continues to work hard to maintain the museum, even as he struggles with a battle against cancer. Heupel has been receiving treatment, which makes it difficult for him to meet with people face to face.

But luckily for him, he has support. The board works hard to help make his life easier so he can focus on the fight. Heupel is going to fight and refuses to let cancer slow him down.

“I love showing off our great history. It makes me very proud.”

— Don Heupel President, Kossuth County Museum of Agriculture and Motorsports

-Photo courtesy of Kossuth County Advance, by Amy Frankl-Brandt

DON HEUPEL, president of the Kossuth County Museum of Agriculture and Motorsports at the Kossuth County Fairgrounds, third from left, believes that museums must be protected.

finding Home

By DANA BECKER dbecker@messengernews.net

BARNUM — The old saying “you can’t go home again” never rang true for Anne Condon.

Instead, Condon always knew she would eventually wind up back on familiar soil after being born and raised on a family farm just outside of Barnum that has been recognized as a Heritage Farm.

“It’s been in our family for over 150 years,” Condon said.

She attended school at Northwest Webster in Barnum before graduating from Iowa Central Community College and eventually the University of Northern Iowa. Wanting to see a more “city-like” environment, Condon ventured to uncharted territory.

“After my time at UNI was over, I headed to Des Moines looking forward to the action, night life and endless activities,” she said. “It didn’t take me long to figure out that the city was not for me. The traffic drove me crazy, and everywhere I went it just seemed crowded.

“I was still trying to convince myself I belonged down here when I started dating my future husband. He was born and raised in Clare, and I knew that his job as a farmer wasn’t coming to Des Moines, so as things got more serious, I happily started looking for jobs back closer to home.”

Over two decades, five children and two grandchildren later, Condon could not be happier with her path.

She serves as the Community Link for MidAmerican Energy between the company and cities of Barnum, Manson and Clare while also being the captain of the CARES group at work.

“I learned early on that being involved in your community is a way of taking pride in where you come from and is the only thing that will keep small communities alive and growing,” Condon said. “When I joined the fire department, my dad had already been a member for decades and both of my brothers were already volunteers as well.

“For quite a few years, we didn’t really have many new volunteers join, but we had quite a few that retired.

Condon: ‘People move to big cities, but people plant roots in small communities’

parties or scrolling through Instagram and seeing pictures that I’ve taken.

“Over the years, I’ve volunteered with many different organizations and committees through the school. If the school needed help with something, they always knew they could call and I would do what I could to help out. From chaperoning field trips, my favorite being a trip to Washington, D.C. with my youngest son and some of his classmates, to helping organize multiple benefits for members of the community. Most recently, I chaired a very successful MNW After Prom committee.”

Condon is also a past member of the Manson Northwest Webster school board and the Barnum city council. She was on a four-person committee that helped fundraise and plan the recent Barnum Sesquicentennial celebration that was held in 2024.

“What I think makes this community special might be exactly what other people don’t like about small town living,” she said. “My favorite thing is that everybody pretty much knows everybody. Sometimes it’s on a personal level and you not only know the person themselves, but you remember their parents and maybe even their grandparents. I have kids that work in this area who have had people they’ve never met approach them and say, ‘You must be a Condon,’ or ‘Is your mom Anne Condon?’ I think that is really neat and says a lot about how roots run deep in small towns.

That puts a lot of responsibility on a small number of people who also have full-time jobs and families at home.

Recently, the department had quite a few new members join and it’s been great.

“They are all fresh and eager and want to make the department the best that it can be. As cliche as it sounds, that generational cycle of volunteers and people wanting to be involved is vital to small communities. People move to big cities, but people plant roots in small communities.”

Condon is also a member of the St. Thomas Catholic Church in Manson

where she serves on the Women’s Guild, is a licensed EMT and has been a member of the Barnum Fire Department since 2005. She also takes sports photos for Manson Northwest Webster schools, which started out as just a hobby and way to preserve memories of her kids.

“It has expanded over the years to working with parents, the school and the local newspaper in Manson to provide not only action shots of multiple sports, but keepsake photos as well,” Condon said. “I’ve very much enjoyed getting to know a lot of MNW students through taking pictures, and I love going to grad

“Even if it isn’t on a personal level, in small towns and communities you at least know who people are. People that live in small communities like ours know that there is always someone you can call that will have your back or be there for you in a time of need. After my mom passed away, pretty much the entire community of Barnum helped keep an eye on my dad. He wasn’t a cook so he would go to Junkyard for lunch almost every day. If he didn’t show up, it was pretty typical that I would get a call from the restaurant checking that he was OK.

“I just don’t think people take care of each other like that in a bigger community.”

-Submitted photo

ANNE CONDON, who grew up near Barnum, has never regretted returning to the area to live and raise her family. Over the years, she has served in a variety of volunteer capacities within the local school, church and community, including being a licensed EMT and member of the Barnum Fire Department.

smaLL-town Living

By CHRIS JOHNSON cjohnson@messengernews.net

CLARE — If someone is in need of something in small-town Clare, the first call is to your neighbor.

years as an assistant manager and certified pharmacy tech.

Barb Passow has served as Clare mayor for 40 years

As of the last census, 150 people live in the rural town and neighbors are always ready and willing to lend a helping hand, whether it’s a simple water leak or someone needing something moved around their living room.

For Barb Passow, who has resided in Clare for over 40 years, she wouldn’t change a thing.

“I enjoy small-town living,” Passow said. “We like our little town.”

With her husband JR, they raised their three boys Donny, Danny and Doug.

“In a small town, you know your neighbors,” Passow said. “When you go on vacation, everyone watches everyone’s houses. You know your neighbor and you stay involved.

“There are a few women who are widowed, and you help when they need it. We’ll go over, or I’ll send the boys over to help with something.”

Passow, who has now been the mayor of the town for 24 years, has enjoyed the simple life and the friendships that go along within the community.

In her life, before and during being mayor, Passow worked at Becker Florist for over 27 years and started at Walgreens in 1994 and worked there for over 28

Before becoming the matriarch of the town, Passow was on the city council for six years, but when the mayor vacancy came up when her neighbor stepped down as mayor, she was on the ballot and assumed the seat.

Through her time as mayor, Passow has seen some changes in the town and has been a part of them.

“While I have been mayor, we built the community center, a new city shed and a new playground,” Passow said. “We’ve helped with almost anything. If someone has a water leak, or an alarm goes off at the electric plant, I’ll go take care of that.”

There have been times as well when neighbors have pitched in to help the whole town.

“Years ago when we had big rains and it flooded in Fort Dodge, we had a lot of rain in Clare,” Passow said. “We had a substantial amount of rain and the tiles didn’t hold; it was like we were living on an island. Washing machines were floating in basements.

“We grabbed a fire truck and went around town helping anyone that was having troubles.”

There haven't been a lot of changes in town, but recently the town lost its only church. The St. Matthew church was demolished in a controlled burn.

“We miss it,” Passow said. “It has definitely been a change of scenery. We were used to seeing the cross and steeple. The landscape has really changed. Now you can look out about half a mile away.”

Clare also has a city library,

CLARE MAYOR BARB PASSOW helps pick up trash during city cleanup days recently. Passow has been mayor of the town for over 40 years.

EMS and fire department in town.

“Our council members and city clerk are the best,” Passow said. “They do things that most people don’t or won’t do. They are just on it.”

Passow wouldn’t change a lot of things, but she knows Clare is the spot for her.

“I love our little small town, family and neighbors,” she said.

“In a small town, you know your neighbors. When you go on vacation, everyone watches everyone’s houses. You know your neighbor and you stay involved.”

— Barb Passow Clare mayor

-Submitted photo

Barb Passow

true Hometown Pride

By KELLI BLOOMQUIST

DAYTON —

Coming to the aid of community members isn’t just something that Danny Hansen preaches, but practices as well.

Hansen has served on the Dayton Rescue Squad for more than three decades, and earlier this year was part of the county advisory committee that helped to pass an essential service levy that will keep rural EMS squads going.

“When I started 35 years ago with Larry Hanson, Edna Will, Rose Chalgren, Carol DeGroot, and Jayson Heesch, it was just us,” said Hansen in February while discussing the future of the Rescue Squad. “It was tough back then, but money didn’t seem to be the issue. But now, there’s just no money. There’s no money to keep this stuff going.”

Even with slim budgets and a community in need of service, Hansen wasn’t deterred by the challenge as he sought out funding to fill the ambulance’s gas tank, to purchase medical supplies, and sought out innovative ways to keep the 52-year-old rescue squad going.

“We do what we need to do to keep the Rescue Squad going for the community,”

Hansen serves community as director of Dayton Rescue Squad

said Hansen. “This is important.”

While Hansen may sit in the director’s chair of the Dayton Rescue Squad, he’s not one to stand in the spotlight, instead

choosing to recognize the many hard-working members of the Dayton community.

“This recognition is really about the community,” said Hansen. “The support given to the rescue squad is the true definition of hometown pride. The support from the Community Club and the city government and the efforts of residents of past and present,

volunteers from EMS and fire, are the key. By the grace of God, we will continue to work and thrive in our hometown.”

-Messenger photo by Kelli Bloomquist

DANNY HANSEN, who has served on the Dayton Rescue Squad for more than three decades, says the “support given to the rescue squad is the true definition of hometown pride.”

Passion to serve

Eagle Grove optometrist Dr. Hauck believes in 'leading by example'

EBy CHRIS FULLERTON

AGLE GROVE — When speaking of hometown pride, the name Dr. Brandon Hauck comes up again and again among the townsfolk of Eagle Grove.

Born and bred in Iowa, Hauck is no stranger to small town life. Growing up in Humboldt, Hauck feels a deep seated pull to small town life. Hauck left Iowa to attend college in Memphis, Tennessee, but couldn't wait to get back after his four years away.

Hauck, an optometrist, bought Broadway Vision Source in 2020, and there has been no looking back.

Hauck’s dedication to service in his community is far reaching.

Hauck has been an avid supporter of the Special Olympics for many years. Now, as a leader in the community, he is able to offer free exams and free glasses to athletes

participating in the Iowa Special Olympics. Hauck expressed his delight in getting to know the athletes year after year and following their successes.

In the spirit of service, Hauck provides free exams to the children of Eagle Grove Elementary School in the hopes that students in need of sight correction will be identified.

Hauck also sits on the board for the Eagle Grove Chamber of Commerce. He feels that this is a worthwhile role that enables him to stay involved in the community. With an earnest interest in supporting local businesses and helping to create family friendly community events, he hopes his role “will make Eagle Grove a great place for kids to grow up.”

When asked what hometown pride means to him, Hauck said, “He believes in leading by example.” He said that he “feels lucky to serve in this welcoming, tight-knit community.”

Hauck’s office is located at 300 W. Broadway in Eagle Grove.

-Submitted photo

DR. BRANDON HAUCK screens a young patient in his clinic in Eagle Grove.

Brandon Hauck

Wolf fills key roles as mayor, firefighter in Fonda aLL in a day's work

By BRET HAYWORTH

FONDA — Don Wolf is the mayor of Fonda and has also been a member of the volunteer Fonda Fire Department for more than three decades.

On an early June Sunday, on a day many people aim to rejuvenate for the week ahead, duties with both those responsibilities arose. There was a task related to city business, followed by a need to extinguish a grass fire, where Wolf was one of about four firefighters who responded.

“We had a fire call this afternoon,” he said.

That’s the kind of thing that happens in a town of 650 people. Wolf noted that he likes living in a small town, as he’s done his entire life, but with a smaller pool of people, those that volunteer in community groups are vitally needed.

“We don’t have as many people,” he said. “Those (fewer) people are doing a lot to fill the gap.”

At age 18, Wolf began volunteering as a firefighter in Varina (and then later in Fonda) and also as a Knights of Columbus member, about the time he graduated from Storm Lake St. Mary’s Catholic High School and went off to Buena Vista University. He is still in both organizations to this day, for more than 30 years in each.

“I like to be involved in the community and help out,” Wolf said.

Those and his mayoral duties get wrapped around his job in a family business, where he works about 60 hours per week.

“I used to start work at 5 a.m., but I backed that back to 6 a.m.,” Wolf said.

He is the second oldest of four children raised by Mary and Ray Wolf, of tiny Varina. Don Wolf graduated from BVU in 1995 with a double major in math and computer science, then started full-time work in the business started by his father, Ray’s Plumbing and Heating.

That is also when he moved to

-Submitted photo

year terms, so now Wolf has served as mayor for nine terms and 18 years. He admits that being reelected as mayor again and again means people put value on the job he has done.

Wolf said there are a lot of challenges in Iowa small towns, in terms of having enough money to pay for all the needs of infrastructure for streets, water, parks and more. That’s gotten to be more of a challenge in a period of rising costs and tight tax revenues.

“Trying to fund everything in a small town is very difficult,” he said. “All town councils are in the same boat. You are kind of behind the eight ball. We have done very well with what we’ve been handed in money.”

Through the efforts of what Wolf described as a proactive city council, he pointed to recent projects to pave South Main Street, a major sewer project to address drainage problems, a rebuilt water plant, and the addition of park playground pieces.

The Fonda Fire Department, through some grants, has a relatively new fire truck.

Wolf added that a needed community group named Fonda Hometown Pride fills in gaps that the council can’t afford. That includes a new Fonda sign at the city’s edge, work in the city park, and the likely addition of a pickleball court in 2026.

Fonda. He’s had a lot of stability since then, living and working in the same places. He is one of three full-time employees at Ray’s, where he likes the daily diversity of work topics. One of the employees is brother Dean, while father Ray helps periodically in semiretirement.

Now at age 52, Don Wolf, with wife Krystal, is raising their daughter Lindsey, who will start college in

August, while son Cody will be in high school. He uses the birth of Lindsey to pinpoint the date he became mayor.

Close to the time she was born, Wolf heard on Election Day in November 2007 that people were going to write in his name for mayor. There was no long lead up.

“That was the first I heard of it,” he said.

The mayor position runs for two-

Wolf said he hears from people almost daily about his role as mayor. He said having the college math degree helps in working on city budgets.

“I just try to make our community better,” he said. “Sometimes not everything is popular. But I try to stand up for my community and to move us forward.”

There is another mayoral election this November in Fonda.

Will Wolf run again?

He thought about the question, and answered, “Probably.”

DON WOLF SERVES as mayor of Fonda and has been a volunteer firefighter there for more than three decades.

‘ready to make tHings HaPPen’

By KELLI BLOOMQUIST

GOWRIE — Community involvement has long been a significant focus for Kevin Black of Gowrie.

Black, who is the chief executive officer of Heartland Bank, is also involved with the Gowrie Development Commission (GDC), serving as a board representative for the GDC on the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance and the housing committee for the GDC.

“Being involved in the community allows me to be part of solving problems, addressing challenges, promoting growth while steering positive change and direction for Gowrie,” said Black.

In his roles with the GDC, Black has helped to address long-term planning for growth and investment in the Gowrie area, especially in providing affordable housing for current and future residents.

“Housing has been an area of focus for the past seven years,” said Black. “To address housing, the GDC, in cooperation with the city, set up an incentive program through a newly created TIF program. Twelve new homes have been built within the past six years, with some of the homeowners using the TIF incentive. Currently, the developer, Origin Hopes, has three newly constructed homes for sale. We are excited to continue using TIF financing to encourage other investments within Gowrie.”

Helping to welcome new residents

and keep long-time residents in Gowrie are updated and new amenities to town, including a new fire station, ambulance facility, swimming pool, golf course, and grocery store.

“Gowrie has amazing people who love their community and stand ready to make things happen,” said Black.

“We have so much to offer including a great school system, skating rink, a new bike and walking path for recreation, and Gowrie is a safe place to live.”

-Messenger photo by Julie Vinsand

WHILE KEVIN BLACK HAS SERVED as president and CEO of Heartland Bank, he’s also leading the way in bringing affordable housing options and growth opportunities to the Gowrie community.

PurPLe Heart Hero

Editor’s note: This story first appeared in the Nov. 8, 2024, edition of The Messenger.

By BILL SHEA bshea@messengernews.net

HUMBOLDT — Kurt Paeper’s tour of duty in South Vietnam turned out to be short and extremely painful.

When it was over he was awarded the Purple Heart twice. But that is a decoration no American soldier wants to receive because it is only given to troops who are killed or wounded in action.

The Army veteran was left with a limp as a result of wounds he suffered during an intense battle on Jan. 31, 1968, the day that the Viet Cong launched their Tet Offensive.

Today, he is one of the three Humboldt County Veterans Affairs commissioners. He also volunteers to take veterans to their medical appointments.

Long before Paeper ever thought about Vietnam or veterans affairs issues, he was growing up on a farm near Newell. He described the farm as a “quarter section” where his family raised corn, soybeans, cattle and hogs. He was a member of 4-H and FFA.

He graduated from Newell High School in 1964.

Along the way, he became the lead guitar player for a band called The Beach-Niks. The band recorded two albums. In 1965, it opened for Sonny and Cher at the Civic Auditorium in Omaha, Nebraska. Paeper recalled that his band was the opening act, and then accompanied Sonny and Cher while they performed.

The Beach-Niks were enshrined in the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.

But Paeper’s performing

U.S. ARMY VETERAN KURT PAEPER, of Humboldt, received the Purple Heart twice for wounds he suffered in 1967 and 1968 during the Vietnam War.

days ended around July 11, 1967. That was the day he was drafted into the Army.

He was sent to Fort Benning in Georgia for basic training.

“I did enough push-ups in Georgia that I think I lowered the sea level,” he said.

He was then sent to Fort Knox, Kentucky, for what was called armor intelligence training.

On Dec. 5, 1967, he arrived in Long Binh, South Vietnam, with a group of other soldiers.

“We were replacing someone who got killed, got wounded or had their year in Vietnam done and went home,” he said.

would take turns sleeping in it while doing perimeter guard duty at artillery bases.

Paeper was wounded the first time before his first month in South Vietnam was over. He recalled that his unit was escorting a convoy down Highway 1 on the night of Dec. 20, 1967, when it was attacked.

His carrier was hit on the side by a rocket-propelled grenade and the explosion threw him out of the machine. He landed in a roadside ditch with shrapnel wounds in both legs. He hunkered down in the ditch while a firefight erupted all around him. When it was over after about 10 or 15 minutes, he got in another armored personnel carrier.

A little over a month later, the Viet Cong launched their Tet Offensive. On Jan. 31, 1968, Paeper’s unit was at Fire Base Apple. At 3 a.m. that day the unit was ordered to go to Bien Hoa because the air base there was being overrun.

The cavalry soldiers set off down the road to Bien Hoa.

The newly arrived soldiers were loaded into trucks and taken to Bearcat Base. There, he was assigned to A Troop of the 3/5 Cavalry.

Despite its name, this cavalry unit did not have horses. It had armored personnel carriers, which were tracked vehicles like a tank. But instead of a big cannon like a tank, the carriers had a large .50-caliber machine gun and two smaller M-60 machine guns. Paeper’s job was to man an M-60 machine gun on a back corner of his carrier.

The carrier became a kind of home for him and the other crew members because they

Bien Hoa.

“It was a continual firefight then, back and forth,” he said. Before it was over, he was suffering from both gunshot and shrapnel wounds. He recalled thinking that one of his legs was going to come off as a fellow soldier he knew only as Weasel pulled him to safety. He was put in an armored personnel carrier with a bunch of other wounded soldiers that he said were placed “on top of each other like cord wood.”

He was taken first to a “MASH tent” and then to a hospital in Saigon. From his bed in that hospital, he could hear fighting from the Tet Offensive. Transfers to hospitals in Japan and finally, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, followed. He said he had to have his sciatic nerve sewn back together. His recovery involved being encased in a body cast with his leg bent at an odd angle.

He was medically discharged from the Army on Sept. 6, 1968.

Paeper recalled that Viet Cong had blown up a bridge along that road, and a tank crashed, killing the driver.

He said his carrier avoided a crash, went down the embankment, crossed the creek and went up the embankment on the other side to continue to

Today, Paeper wears a brace on one ankle and has very little feeling in his lower right leg. He returned to Iowa and got a job with Custom Farm Service in Bode. He later moved to that company’s facility in Pioneer and stayed there after Van Diest Supply Co. acquired the site. He is now retired.

-Messenger photo by Bill Shea

P L ant y our s eed

By KARCH SMITH

MANSON — Mike Biedenfeld, of Manson, has dedicated his life to service and faith.

Biedenfeld, a retired banker who worked in Fort Dodge, spends his free time helping Fort Dodge and the surrounding communities.

Biedenfeld serves as the lieutenant governor and secretary of the Fort Dodge Kiwanis Club, where he also plays a significant role in helping with the K-Kids and ticket taking at Iowa Central Community College sporting events to raise money for the club.

He also does a lot of volunteer work with Midwest Missions, of Jefferson. He has done many projects to help not only those in his community, but across the globe.

In an effort to support the firefighters in countries that are not able to get the equipment Iowa firefighters have, he helped collect old gear that was no longer being used from fire stations around the area and shipped it to Honduras.

“The firefighters there have the same love for the job as the ones here, they just are under-equipped,” Biedenfeld said, “We can support them; it’s just about getting the job done.” Midwest Missions also helps locals out with their projects. During one such project, he worked with a few high schoolers to help remove wood from the bleachers at the South Central Calhoun gymnasium so that it could be turned into desks.

“It’s great to see the youth volunteer,” Biedenfeld said when asked why he thought that project was so fun.

Biedenfeld also helps weave sleeping mats out of plastic bag material.

“My fingers aren’t very good for tying the knots, but I did what I could to help with the loom,” he said.

Those mats were taken to shelters across Fort Dodge, such as the SALT Center and Beacon of Hope.

Some of his work he prefers to do by himself — quieter work that makes a loud impact. He goes to Manson recycling bins, where he takes all the cardboard, cleans it, breaks it down, sorts it, then stacks it. Recycling trucks have gone from picking up once a week to once every two to three weeks, saving the city of Manson a lot of time and money. Although his actions are quiet, they have not gone unnoticed

Manson Mayor Dave Anderson had high praise for the work Biedenfeld has done. “What he does helps a ton,” the mayor said, “You don’t think a lot about that type of work, but it needs done, and he does it.”

Biedenfeld is driven to this work by his faith, and believes he is a servant to the community and needs to make a positive impact on his community.

“Jesus washed feet, so no type of work is below you,” he said. “Serving is a part of your faith.” Biedenfeld not only feels obligated to do this work, but he also loves doing it. When asked what his favorite part of volunteering is, Biedenfeld said emphatically, “Seeing the things you’re doing make a difference in the world.”

He added, “I don’t need to see their faces.” He does not need to know who he is helping; he just needs to know he is leaving his mark on the community.

Biedenfeld sees serving others as part of his faith

That same faith drives him to contribute as much as possible to his church, even ministering. When the regular minister was ill, Biedenfeld stepped up and ministered at both churches, commuting between the two on Sundays.

“I gave this speech that involved baseball cards I gave that I really believe helped the audience.” he said, “There was this old lady who came up to me and said that she still has the baseball card and thinks about this speech, and that was after eight months.”

Biedenfeld said that was one of his favorite speeches because of the longlasting impression.

Biedenfeld got into volunteering young and has worked with volunteers throughout his life. From 4-H and Scouts, to now, volunteers have made an immense impact on his life, and he tries to leave the same impact on the youth of today. Biedenfeld believes starting young is the key to volunteering throughout one’s life, saying one must, “Plant your seed,” and your love for helping others will grow.

-Submitted photo

MIKE BIEDENFELD, of Manson, enjoys volunteering whenever he can. He currently serves as the lieutenant governor and secretary of the Fort Dodge Kiwanis Club.

By BRET HAYWORTH

ROCKWELL CITY

— When an opportunity to join a newly formed community group was presented to Bailey Landgraf, she jumped right in like it was a pool.

“I want to make a mark, make a difference in this town,” Landgraf said. “These small towns right now are finding ways to draw people in. You can either die or you can build things. My family has roots here going back to the 1940s.”

The city pool was faltering mechanically, so the Rockwell City Council members asked a few people to join what became known as the Rockwell City Enhancement Committee to investigate what the pool needs were and determine how it could be refurbished.

“This was sparked because the pool needed attention,” said Landgraf, who is an elementary school teacher.

So now she is part of three entities working to boost Rockwell City, a town of 2,200 people. Those are the Chamber of Commerce, Rockwell City Revitalization and the Rockwell City Enhancement Committee.

In boosting Rockwell City, Landgraf is working

Her mark

committee regarding the pool.

A series of fundraisers poured forth by the end of the year, so a lot of money has been pinpointed for the pool, and some modernizations are already in place.

A pool is such a vital piece of recreation for towns that have them, Landgraf said, adding that they are a fun and safe place for young people to spend the summer months. Rockwell City also has a water aerobics time that more senior residents like to use.

Her children, Darby, 7, and Perri, 4, are among the frequent users of the pool, after graduating up from the kiddie pool to the other aspects the last two summers. The pool was built in the 1950s, and was renovated in the 1980s.

After a consultant looked at the pool, the most important needs became known.

“They don’t think the pool

needs a complete overhaul,” Landgraf said.

The pool heater had not worked for a few summers, so when sunlight wasn’t plentiful, the water would be chilly.

With sources of money coming from the fundraising, a grant, and some city council budget money, the new heater was installed in late May. A new pump will go to the baby pool, and there is also money in hand to paint the pool this fall after the swimming season is done.

Next in line ideally at the pool, Landgraf said, will be a water slide, at a projected cost of $40,000. A state grant is being sought for that.

“In a perfect world, we could add that next summer,” she added.

“I am excited for people to see the progress this summer, to see, ‘Hey, the money you

in a place she knows well, after being raised north of nearby Lytton, and attending school in Rockwell City in the district that merged to become part of South Central Calhoun by the time she graduated in 2012.

The Enhancement Committee was created in fall 2024, with two other members, Scott Porter and Barb Dettmann. The initiatives have come quickly from the

coming fuLL circLe

By BRET HAYWORTH

SAC CITY — As he moved through life, Sac City native Lance Wilhelm kept adding new career directions and geographic moves. Now in retirement, Wilhelm is back in Sac City and busy with a host of volunteer activities that aid the town of 2,000 people, plus Sac County and beyond.

“This is my ninth year back. I am retired, but I’m not doing a good job of being retired,” Wilhelm said.

Kay Christian, a Sac City Museum Board of Directors member, has seen his work up close, as Wilhelm is the board president.

“He retired from teaching and kind of took over the museum. We have grown and grown,” Christian said. “He jumped in with his whole body. There’s nothing he won’t do.”

Wilhelm grew up as the oldest of three sons raised by Marilyn and Keith Wilhelm, of Sac City. Brother Brent also lives in Sac City, while Kevin lives in the Des Moines area.

Wilhelm said growing up in the

1960s and 1970s was a great time to be a kid, biking around and feeling like “you had the run of the town.”

“Small town life was pretty ideal, you had freedom. We had things that a lot of other towns didn’t have,” Wilhelm said.

After graduating with the class of 1978 from Sac City High School, he went to Iowa State University in Ames, for the first of what would become three college degrees, including a doctorate in education and technology related topics. Wilhelm’s teaching career in Iowa began at West Liberty, which was followed by 10 years in Ogden. Then he became the first technology director in the Ankeny School District.

He then veered off to teach at Arizona State University through 2006. Back in Iowa, he had technology positions of five-year durations each in Ames and at the Heartland Area Education Agency.

Wilhelm moved back to Sac City in 2016, intending to retire and help

See WILHELM, Page 33D

Lance Wilhelm’s return to hometown benefits Sac City

-Submitted photo

LANCE WILHELM, LEFT, and Duane Carlson, right, reminisce about the victory bell that was rung after football victories by Sac City.

with his ailing father. But Sac Community Schools had some needs, so he worked three years in such positions as assistant athletic director. At the same time, he began volunteer roles, and now the number of organizations totals at least five.

The Sac County Museum famously houses The World’s Largest Popcorn Ball, as noted on a U.S. Highway 20 sign that draws people to the tune of about 10,000 visitors per year.

“The museum is where I spend the most time of the things I do,” Wilhelm said.

Covering about half a city block, the museum has its main building, plus about a dozen other adjacent buildings, as overseen by about 25 volunteers. A recent piece is the Marjo Building, named in honor of Marjo Hall, which has a lot of school memorabilia.

About 200 people financially contribute to the Sac City Museum on West Main Street.

“People will say this is the cleanest, freshest museum they have ever seen,” Wilhelm said.

Lots of bus groups of older people stop by, but he is gratified that a lot of young people like it, too. Wilhelm

described a child from Cleveland, Ohio, recently raving about the museum.

“A lot of young people are interested in history if you can present it well,” he said.

Wilhelm said his skills in helping community groups lie in communication and prioritizing next needs and working to carry them out with other people.

“You have to be a pretty good communicator to communicate your vision and to get buy-in from people. There is a certain amount of persistence, too,” he added.

Beyond the museum, Wilhelm also serves on the Sac City Arts Council, which has an ongoing project to ensure the former auditorium in the Sac City Middle School will have future uses.

“Exposing kids to culture is great,” he said, so he’s been glad that the council has brought in a steel drum band and a group of people from the University of Iowa Writers Workshop to help teach poetry and more.

Wilhelm is president of the Sac Community School District Educational Foundation, which gives out $20,000 annually in scholarships.

Additionally, he is a member of the Sac City Chamber of

Continued from Page 31D

helped us raise, look at the good it is doing,’” Landgraf said.

When she headed to college, Landgraf initially started with studying health care, but within a year switched to a teaching major. After graduating from Buena Vista University in Storm Lake in 2017, Landgraf has taught for eight years at South Central Calhoun. She started with five years as a fifth-grade instructor, and now has had three subsequent years teaching first grade.

Commerce, plus the 100 People Who Care About Sac County group. That is part of a series of 100 People Who Care About organizations nationally, and Wilhelm said that one delivers a lot of joy. Four times per year, the group invites charitable organizations to come and explain their needs, and a series of financial awards are announced on the spot to the most deserving projects.

The sixth organization that gets Wilhelm’s input is a Sac County Trails group, which is looking into ways to extend recreational trails to Lake View, where the 30-mile Sauk Rail Trail from Carroll ends. Other possibilities being discussed are trail links to Early, and perhaps to Auburn near Iowa Highway 175.

Additionally, the Sac County trails group members are in discussions with officials from four other counties, including Buena Vista and Clay counties, to extend the Iowa Great Lakes Trail from Dickinson County and Spencer.

Through all his efforts, Wilhelm is glad he’s helping boost the Sac City area.

“We are pretty collaborative here in Sac City,” he said.

Teaching runs in her family, as Landgraf’s mother, a grandmother and a few aunts were teachers.

“I’ve always had the love of helping people,” she said.

In her work with other groups, Landgraf is proud of the other community activities that happen in Rockwell City. That includes the annual festival, Sweet Corn Days, plus Live On The Square downtown on select Fridays, with live music and food, in events that will

Continued from Page 14D

who work 40 or more hours every week, moms in recovery are still responsible for their own kids.

“The moms feed their kids lunch, feed them dinner. They bathe them at night, so they are still in charge of their daily activities,” George said.

Taking responsibility becomes part of the treatment. As women progress through the program, they may have fewer hours of programming each week, but they will then be required to either find an outside job or volunteer position.

“We actually have multiple levels of care,” George said. “The first 30-ish days, they are pretty much restricted to the building. They don’t leave other than for appointments. After they have completed certain expectations, they move on to what we call a halfway house level, and that’s when they have to get a job.”

Even at that stage, they are still living at the YWCA, which provides structure during the recovery process. Just as a cancer patient needs time for treatment, patients in substance use need time for their treatment.

“We are at a minimum a 90day program,” George said. “We encourage longer because you didn’t get sick in 90 days, so we encourage a longer stay for treatment.”

happen on July 18, Aug. 1 and Aug. 22.

The Enhancement Committee will have food stands at the Live On The Square evenings to amass more money for the pool needs.

Landgraf is thinking of more initiatives that could come out of the Rockwell City Enhancement Committee. She said the winter months can be drudgery, so she is giving thought to some cold weather activities. She also would love to see more businesses come to town,

“I really see that people can change, and not everyone sees that. We have such a great program here. I would not be able to do it without the staff here.”

— Nici George Executive director, YWCA

Many of the women who come to the YWCA for help have little to nothing when they arrive.

“A large population of our women come from hospitals, jails, or are homeless, and they do not have adequate clothing, so we accept donations,” George said. “I really see that people can change, and not everyone sees that,” she said. “We have such a great program here. I would not be able to do it without the staff here. They are amazing. Twenty-fourhour programs are not easy, and I just have to give all the credit to the staff at the Y and our board of directors. They really give me the ability to do what I am able to do.”

particularly restaurants.

“Our town has so much potential,” Landgraf said. “We need to brainstorm things in new ways that can be beneficial to our community.”

She paused, then added, “You can have all the ideas in the world, but you need people to do them. I hope we (the Enhancement Committee) are the spark that helps things take off. It is time for a younger generation to help this town grow and expand. That is my hope.”

Klavers' tea tradition spans five generations time for tea

By CHRIS FULLERTON

WEBSTER CITY —

Butch Klaver remembers tea time as being a daily diversion in his home from a young age. Son of a German mother and grandmother, the tradition began long before his arrival.

As a child of 12, Klaver began working in the fields with his father. Every afternoon his mother would come out to the field to serve tea and homemade sweet treats. This, during a time before electricity or running water. Butch’s mother, Pearl, would have made her cakes and breads daily using a wood-burning stove.

His father was the last farmer in the region to institute the use of a tractor, meaning the work was done with a horse and plow.

Afternoon tea served as a time for the men to rest from the heavy work and for the family to socialize. Gossip was always on the menu as the farms were still connected to party lines with 12 families per line.

During the off season, a daily tea table would be set in the kitchen.

For modern readers, it may seem lavish — with porcelain cups, silver spoons, linen napkins and homecooked cakes — yet such a table would constitute the everyday in rural 1930s Iowa.

Tea time also extended to visits with Butch Klaver’s grandparents at their farm. He recalls his grandmother, born in the late 1880s, having difficulty speaking English. She preferred conversations in German.

Enter Kay.

Butch and Kay met in high school, and the rest, as they say, is history.

She recollects tea time at Butch’s home on the farm before marriage. Realizing how much he enjoyed it, she knew she would continue the tradition. When Butch was sent to Germany during the Korean War, from 1952 to 1954, she visited her mother-in-law on the farm frequently

BUTCH AND KAY KLAVER, of Webster City, grew up with the tradition of afternoon tea and have continued that tradition throughout their marriage. The couple still hosts tea time in their home with family members once or twice a week.

for tea, and she learned the tradition of gathering.

When Butch was away in Germany, Kay worked as a teacher. When he returned, they married and settled into life on a rented farm south of Duncombe. The house had electricity, but only a cistern pump in the kitchen for water. Undeterred, Kay established daily tea time, meeting Butch in the fields every afternoon after she finished her work at the elementary school. She taught a mixed-aged room of 48 kindergartners and first-graders.

She was 19 years old.

In 1955, they welcomed their first child and she left her profession; pregnant teachers were not allowed to teach in 1955.

continued.

Today, Kay and Butch have 125 descendants as a result of their marriage, and tea time is going stronger than ever. The Klavers have 26 grandchildren and 67 greatgrandchildren and these days their date book is full. Once or twice per week the Klavers host tea time for their family members.

The Klavers host one family at a time, usually five or six relatives, but they have had up to 15 people at a time in their apartment. Oftentimes, word spreads through the modern day party line of texting; one grandchild will tell another that it’s tea time at grandma’s.

Visits have become centered around tea time. Kay has a collection of tea sets, one made by her mother, Margaret, who crafted and fired the set in her own kiln.

The great-grandchildren will now request their favorite tea set, and the grandchildren will bring treats to share.

As the family grew, so did the tradition of tea time. Kay recreated the same magic for her new family as Pearl had done before her. Every day, year after year, the ritual gathering

The newest member of the family, Graham Jude, attended his first tea time recently at just 7 days old. Kay believes that tea time is the common thread that ties the family together year after year, generation after generation. The tea table is a place where everyone can sit and feel welcome as conversation flows as freely as the tea.

-Messenger photo by Chris Fullerton

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