Our Hometown • November 2023

OUR hometown Daily Freeman-Journal

HAMILTON COUNTY

The

November 2023

Why Webster City?

MEMBER FDIC

Thanksgiving

FOOD DRIVE

JOIN US IN OUR EFFORTS TO SUPPORT THE LESS FORTUNATE BY DONATING NONPERISHABLE FOOD AND HOUSEHOLD ESSENTIALS.

NOVEMBER 1-30, 2023 Donations can be dropped off at any of our 9 bank / agency locations Clarion | Eagle Grove | Fort Dodge | Humboldt | Jewell | Lake View Stanhope | Story City | Webster City Your donations will be made to food banks in several counties, including Hamilton, Humboldt, Sac, Story, Wright, and Webster.

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V.9 Issue 11 | November 2023

OUR hometown PUBLICATION INFORMATION

CONTRIBUTORS

EVERY ISSUE : 12 City Scene 14 Let’s Eat

EDITOR

JANE CURTIS

16 Landmarks

PUBLISHER

TERRY CHRISTENSEN

ADVERTISING

TREVOR CHRISTENSEN

18 Savvy Senior

GRAPHIC DESIGN

MICHELLE COLSHAN

STORY

MICHAEL ECKERS

PHOTOS

DAVID BORER

Direct inquiries to: 720 Second Street, Webster City, Iowa 50595 515-832-4350 Our Hometown is published monthly by The Daily Freeman-Journal, with all rights reserved, Copyright, 2023.

23 Parting Shot

FLOWER CART “Your Complete Florist” www.flocart.net

1-800-286-4630 832-4630 800 Second Street • Webster City, IA

NOVEMBER 2023 | OUR HOMETOWN

3

Why

Webster City

By Michael Eckers

ON THE COVER: Newcomers to Webster City pose in front of a log cabin at Wilson Brewer Historic Park, the site of the community’s beginnings. They are, front row from left, Christina holding Emberlin Parrott, and Aliya Streigle. Second row from left, Nathan, Jonathan, Tamiann and Dave Parrott.

ABOVE: The Parrott home it Webster City at Halloween.

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I’ve enjoyed writing a weekly column entitled Our Neighborhood for the Daily Freeman-Journal these past six months or so. Through these articles I’ve been able to study and learn so much about Webster City’s founding and history. The individuals that have been profiled represent a cross section of the multitude of people who lived, worked and built our community into the wonderful and vibrant place it is today.

The history of our city is a rich one of founding, settlement and organization, full of residents that came from diverse places, cultures and backgrounds. A short stroll through Graceland Cemetery, or any of the others in Hamilton County, will show one just how many different beginnings are in evidence.

The end result of all this variance, mixing and working together IS Webster City.

But what of today and tomorrow?

I don’t profess to have a crystal ball to gaze into, nor am I good (at all) at predicting much of anything. What I do have is an interest, and curiosity, in the “What ifs…”.

The historian in me genuinely dislikes changing history, but influencing the future is intriguing.

Emberlin Parrott explores Wilson Brewer Historic Park, above.

NOVEMBER 2023 | OUR HOMETOWN

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This article introduces several new residents of Webster City, their reasons for moving here, first impressions, and personal desires for this community moving ahead. These are a representation, a sampling; I believe we can listen, discuss, resonate, dismiss, whatever we feel … as long as we do so in a respectful, orderly way.

By our own history, we all should realize the similarities and differences we share; after all, if we all felt one way on things, wouldn’t we still be going by the name of Newcastle, a small town in a big county with Homer as the county seat? (Consider this a challenge to bone up on our history.)

I want to thank the people that came up with the idea for this article, with a special thanks to Robin Streigle at the Webster City Area Chamber of Commerce who contacted most of the participants. Thanks, too, for Jane Curtis, interim editor of the Daily FreemanJournal, for asking me to write it. It is not in my usual scope of projects. All of us have lived here in Webster City for less than two years.

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1. Why Webster City?

Several of us came to Webster City from a distance.

Dave and Tamiann Parrott, a retired professor and accountant wife from Hemet, California, moved here in 2022 from southern California to be near family. A son, Nathan, daughterin-law and grandchild had relocated here six months before to take a job with the railroad.

Mike (myself) and Diane Eckers, came via California, Minnesota and a full-time RV life.

They moved here in 2022 from Minnesota, to be near a daughter and granddaughter that

live in Hamilton County. Webster City is close enough to visit and is just far enough to require a phone call before the visit.

Ana Hendricks, from the East Coast, took a job in a nearby county and decided Webster City has the “small town vibe” she was looking for.

Aliya Streigle chose Webster City because she had grown up in Hamilton County, but further toward the south of it.

Ryan Sawyer, the current Veterans Service officer from Terrill, took a job here in 2023, having been raised in rural Iowa about 90 or so miles to the northwest.

NOVEMBER 2023 | OUR HOMETOWN

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2. How did you hear or learn about Webster City?

Aliya, having grown up in Hamilton County, was fairly familiar with Webster City.

Ryan was at an Iowa Works seminar in Spencer when a friend, from this area, told him of a job opening here in Webster City.

Nathan learned about our town by looking for housing online.

Ana used Google to get some basic info on Webster City, took an afternoon to look around and liked what we have here.

Dave’s story involves his son finding out “this was the place.” Dave and Tamiann actually found their home online, having read enough to feel Webster City would be a place for them as well.

Mike and Diane looked at areas within about 30 minutes of their daughter’s home in southern Hamilton County; they chose Webster City because of the range of services they were looking for, including medical, recreation and highway access. Being a county seat was also a big factor for them.

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3. What were your first impressions of Webster City?

4. What are your favorite things about Webster City?

Everyone was impressed with what Webster City has to offer, from well-kept houses and lawns, lots of business opportunities, a fair mix of restaurants, the beauty of the trees and “downtown” Second Street.

Ryan spoke of loving a commute of less than a mile, nearby amenities like Briggs Woods Park, and events like our Market Nights in the summer.

Ryan was a bit more specific. “They have two Casey’s!!” Even the wonderful Graceland Cemetery was mentioned (it’s my favorite as well).

Dave and Tamiann were impressed by Iowa in winter, seeing it for the first time in March of 2022. Dave says, “It was the most beautiful, serene state I had seen.”

Nathan relates that when he “first entered the downtown area, my wife (fiancée at the time) and I were instantly charmed and fell completely in love with the city.”

Ana loves to walk the trails and enjoys the feeling that everything she needs is close to home.

Aliya feels we are the perfect size, small enough to know almost everybody and big enough to support businesses.

Dave writes that Webster City is quaint, inviting and adorable! Our history, the people they’ve met, only having four traffic signals (!) and the stunningly different seasons.

Nathan enjoys the tightly-knit community, being a far cry from the disconnected chaos where they lived in California.

Mike and Diane appreciate the changing seasons, especially the splendor of the mature trees in the fall, walking along the Boone River, the variety of parks and the serenity of Graceland.

NOVEMBER 2023 | OUR HOMETOWN

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5. What are some volunteer opportunities or organizations you participate in and why is it important to you?

Mike has joined the American Legion here; as a veteran, he feels it offers a chance to get to know fellow vets and to help them and the community. Diane has joined the Town & Country Garden Club to meet like-minded friends and to be a part of the work they do in making Webster City so beautiful.

Ryan has taken a leadership role in the Boy Scouts here in Webster City and knows working with youth pays huge dividends for the community.

Dave has begun attending Rotary and volunteers as a tour guide at the Depot Museum in Wilson Brewer Historic Park. He also volunteers to help with the Chamber of Commerce.

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Aliya is a Church of Christ youth group leader, a Webster City High School cheerleading coach and an Ambassador for the Chamber of Commerce. She believes her involvement “aids in the betterment of the community and more so the upcoming generation.”

Ana is currently working on freeing up time from a very tight schedule to allow her to volunteer.

6. What is something you would like to see in Webster City that is currently not in town or could be improved upon?

Several business and recreation items were mentioned.

Something like a YMCA, perhaps a rock-climbing facility.

Improvements to the outdoor pool area.

A breakfast café.

Revitalizing some of the Second Street buildings with new businesses.

A Hamilton County Historical Society and facility.

Doing “something” with the old K-Mart building.

And a call for more residents volunteering their time and becoming involved.

The overall feeling was that, even without all these physical improvements, Webster City is still a wonderful place to live.

NOVEMBER 2023 | OUR HOMETOWN

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CITYSCENE SCENE CITY CITY SCENE SMART METERS. SMART UTILITIES

The City of Webster City is working to enhance our customer service by implementing Automated (or Advanced) Metering Infrastructure (AMI). AMI is a system of digital or “smart” meters, communication networks, and software that transfers electric and water usage information on a secure, wireless network to a database. This information is used to prepare billing, analyze trends, provide customers with usage information, and notify customers of outages and potential leaks.

WHAT IS A SMART METER?

Smart meters or digital meters, provide two-way communication between the meter and utilities through radio frequency (RF) waves, allowing accurate, timely meter readings, and the ability to turn on and off remotely.

WHAT IS RADIO FREQUENCY?

Radio frequency (RF) is a rate of oscillation in a range of around 3 kHz to 300 EHz, which corresponds to the frequency of radio waves, and the alternating currents which carry radio signals. Radio frequencies are used in non-wired communication devices such as transmitters, receivers, computers, televisions, mobile phones, and other common household items.

CITY SCENE

CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION PROCESS: * ELECTRIC

The Webster City Line Department staff will distribute information within 1-week prior to doing

CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION installation in your area.PROCESS: The City will also be providing area updates on the City’s website and Facebook * ELECTRICpages. The day of new electric meter installation, City staff will knock on your door to inform you that

your meter is being changed out. During the installation, the electricity will go out for a few minutes and The Webster City Line Department staff will distribute information within 1-week prior to doing installation in your area. The City then will resume normally. The resident does not need to be present during the installation process, will also be providing area updates on the City’s website and Facebook pages. The day of new electric meter installation, City staff unless the meter is located inside of the home. City staff will reach out directly to schedule will knock on your door to inform you that your meter is being changed out. During the installation, the electricity will go out for appointments for those individual locations. a few minutes and then will resume normally. The resident does not need to be present during the installation process, unless the meter is located inside of the home. City staff will reach out directly to schedule appointments for those individual locations.

* WATER

City of Webster City is working with HydroCorp, who is a subcontractor for Municipal Supply. HydroCorp * WATER will be handling the mass water meter changeout. HydroCorp will begin reaching out to customers late November and December 2023. The first attempt with be mailed a letter containing detailed scheduling City of Webster City is working with HydroCorp, who is a subcontractor for Municipal Supply. HydroCorp will be handling the mass information. Each postal notification will indicate a unique nine-character reference code that will be water meter changeout. HydroCorp will begin reaching out to customers late November and December 2023. The first attempt specific to the water customer’s account. This will allow the customers to access the HydroSoft I/O will be a mailed letter containing detailed scheduling information. Each postal notification will indicate a unique nine-character online scheduling portal and ensure appointments are set for specific customers or addresses. This reference code that will be specific to the water customer’s account. This will allow the customers to access the HydroSoft I/O online unique reference code populates the customer information when input, which ensures and mitigates scheduling portal and ensure appointments are set for specific customers or addresses. This unique reference code populates human error when scheduling. Installation appointments will be scheduled Monday – Thursday from the customer information when input, which ensures and mitigates human error when scheduling. Installation appointments 6:00AM to 6:00PM. HydroCorp has a full-time staff of dedicated Customer Service Representatives will be scheduled Monday – Thursday from 6:00AM to 6:00PM. HydroCorp has a full-time staff of dedicated Customer Service (CSR), who are trained and well versed, in the water industry. This allows for rapid responses, topnotch Representatives (CSR), who are trained and well versed, in the water industry. allows rapid responses, customer/contractor interactions, and a seamless process fromThis receipt of for scheduling notice, totopnotch customer/ contractor interactions, and a seamless process from receipt of scheduling notice, to completed installation and of anything the completed installation and anything the customer may need. This support phone number and hours customer mayoperation need. Thiswill support phone number and hours of operation will be listed within each customer notice. be listed within each customer notice. Upon arrival for installation, the HydroCorp FieldUpon arrival for installation, the HydroCorp Field Technicians will provide each customer withbusiness a toll-free emergency card. This card Technicians will provide each customer with a toll-free emergency card.

This cardbusiness will contain will contain the phone number to their 24/7 emergency call center.

The emergency call center will contact project the phone number to their 24/7 emergency call center. The emergency call center will contact projectpersonnel to resolve any customer issue, concern, question, orissue, leak, after installation, that a result HydroCorp’sthat workmanship. personnel to resolve any customer concern, question, orisleak, afterofinstallation, is a result of HydroCorp’s workmanship.

PRIVACY

Usage data transmitted across the network is encrypted using industry-standard processes and technologies. Private customer data is not transmitted to or from the meter. The information from smart metering cannot detect the presence of people in their homes. Meters can only measure energy and water use, not how it is being used.

SAFETY

All smart meters meet the federal standard for safety set by the Federal Communication Commission.

They operate at levels much lower than the maximum permissible exposure limits for RF. The meters emit RF only when they transmit data, which, in total, is typically less than one minute per day. A smart meter’s RF is significantly less than other common household devices. Links are provided below to learn more about FCC regulation, RF, and smart meters.

12 OUR HOMETOWN | NOVEMBER 2023

For frequently asked questions, please refer to https://webstercity.com/ami-project

NOVEMBER 2023 | OUR HOMETOWN

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LET’S EAT This classic dessert is a star on any table Some desserts have withstood the test of time despite changes in consumer preferences. For example, classic graham cracker crust cheesecake, pineapple upside-down cake, chocolate chip cookies, and many other desserts continue to be perennial favorites. Banana pudding is another dessert that tops all-time favorites lists. It is hard to beat the appeal of layers of sweet banana slices, vanilla cookies, pudding, and cream.

The following recipe for “Southern Banana Pudding” from Add a Pinch, an online recipe and meal planning resource, makes quite a tasty banana pudding that features a meringue topping. Serve it at holiday gatherings or any time you want a sweet treat.

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Southern Banana Pudding Serves 8

4 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 1⁄2 cups sugar Pinch kosher salt 3 large eggs, separated (you’ll need whites later for meringue) 3 cups milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 11-ounce package vanilla wafers, approximately 45 wafers 5 to 6 bananas 3 egg whites, reserved from above 1⁄8 teaspoon cream of tartar 1⁄4 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1.

Preheat oven to 325 F. Chill the bowl and beaters for making the meringue (if making).

2.

Combine flour, sugar and salt in a large, heavy saucepan.

1.

Whip the egg whites with an electric mixer set at high speed.

3.

Lightly beat egg yolks and combine with milk in a large bowl or measuring cup. Pour the egg and milk mixture into dry ingredients in heavy saucepan. Cook over low to medium heat, stirring constantly, until ingredients are thickened and smooth. Remove saucepan from heat and stir in vanilla.

2.

Allow egg whites to foam, add cream of tartar and then gradually add sugar one tablespoon at a time.

Continue whipping until sugar is well-dissolved. Add vanilla once stiff peaks have formed and whip until well-combined.

4.

To layer your banana pudding, begin by placing 1⁄3 of the vanilla wafers on the bottom of a 2-quart ovensafe glass bowl or baking dish.

3.

Spread the meringue over banana pudding, making sure to spread to the edges of the dish.

4.

Bake for about 25 minutes until the meringue is lightly browned.

5.

Slice bananas and place 1⁄3 on top of wafers.

6.

Pour one-third of custard over wafers and bananas.

7.

Repeat layering process two more times until all wafers, bananas, and custard have been used, ending with a final layer of the wafers.

For the meringue:

Banana pudding will keep covered in the refrigerator for up to three days.

NOVEMBER 2023 | OUR HOMETOWN

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LANDMARKS

DO YOU

How well know Hamilton County?

Look at these photos and see if you can identify these local landmarks.

Photo #1

WINNER-WINNER: 16 OUR HOMETOWN | NOVEMBER 2023

No Winner Clue: “Look up.”

Submit your entry

4 2 FREE MOVIE PASSES

Correct answers will be entered into a drawing for to the Webster Theater

Photo #2

Please include the name of the building icon on which the Landmark is located, your name & phone number.

Submit your entry jcurtis@freemanjournal.net or deliver to The Daily Freeman-Journal at 720 Second St., Webster City, IA NOVEMBER 2023 | OUR HOMETOWN

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SAVVY SENIOR

by Jim Miller

How Seniors Can Get Help Paying for Everyday Needs Dear Savvy Senior, What types of programs are available to help seniors struggling with their everyday bills, and how do I go about finding them? Since I lost my husband last year, my Social Security survivor benefit is barely enough to get by on.

Searching Senior

18 OUR HOMETOWN | NOVEMBER 2023

Dear Searching, I’m very sorry for your loss, but you’ll be happy to know that there are dozens of different financial assistance programs and government benefits that may be able to help you with your everyday costs.

To locate these types of programs, your best resource is BenefitsCheckUp.org. This is a free, confidential online screening tool designed for older adults and people with disabilities. It will help you find federal, state and local benefits programs that can assist with paying for food, utilities, health care, medications, housing and many other needs. This site – created by the National Council on Aging in 2001 – contains nearly 2,000 programs across the country.

To identify benefits, you’ll first need to type in your ZIP code and choose the types of benefits you’re interested in. Then you’ll need to answer a few questions regarding your personal and financial situation. Once completed, you’ll get a list of programs to choose from, followed by a personalized report that explains each program, and tells you where you can get help or how to apply.

If you need some assistance or you don’t have internet access, you can always speak with a benefits support specialist by calling 800-794-6559. You can also get help in-person at any of the 85 Benefit Enrollment Centers located across 41 states. See NCOA.org/article/meet-our-benefits-enrollmentcenters to search for a center in your area.

Types of Benefits Depending on your income level, location and circumstance, here are a few of the many different benefits you may be eligible for: Nutrition assistance: Programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can help pay for food at the grocery store. The average SNAP

Sendr you or seni ions t questo

?

benefit for 60-and-older households is around $105 per month. Some other nutrition programs that are available to seniors include the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program.

Utility assistance: There’s the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) that provides assistance in lowering home heating and cooling costs. And for broadband assistance, the Affordable Connectivity Program provides a $30 monthly subsidy that can be applied toward your home internet costs.

Health care and medicine: Medicare Savings Programs and Medicaid can help or completely pay for seniors’ out-of-pocket health care costs.

And for assistance with medications, there’s a lowincome subsidy program called ‘Extra Help’ that helps pay premiums, deductibles, and co-payments on Medicare (Part D) prescription drug coverage.

You can also search for prescription drug help through patient assistance programs or your state pharmaceutical assistance program at Medicare.gov.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Administered by the Social Security Administration, SSI (see ssa. gov/ssi) provides monthly payments to very lowincome seniors, age 65 and older, as well as to those who are blind and disabled. In 2023, SSI pays up to $914 per month for a single person and up to $1,371 for couples.

In addition to these benefits, there are dozens of other programs BenefitsCheckUp can help you identify, like housing assistance, property tax reduction, home weatherization assistance, tax relief, veteran’s benefits, senior transportation, caregiving support, free legal assistance, disability services, job training and more.

Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

NOVEMBER 2023 | OUR HOMETOWN

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&

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Parting SHOT NOVEMBER 2023 | OUR HOMETOWN

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Diabetic Education Program Van Diest Medical Center proudly offers a customized education program for those looking for the tools and resources to control their diabetes. This program, certified by the American Diabetes Association and the State of Iowa, allows patients to better understand the nature of their disease and the actions they can take to manage it.

Our diabetic education services include:

Diabetes Comprehensive Self-Management Gestational Diabetes Management Insulin Administration Instruction Individual Diabetes Self-Management

MEET THE EDUCATORS

Angela Ehlert

Kristi Zwiefel

Registered Nurse

Registered Dietitian

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when learning the basics of diabetes care. Our team can help guide you as you make lifestyle changes to manage your diabetes.

The Diabetes Education Program is offered through the Specialty Clinic at Van Diest Medical Center.

A physician referral is required.

CALL 515-832-7746, TO SCHEDULE A SESSION TODAY

2350 Hospital Drive Webster City, IA 50595

It is important to note that Medicare, Medicaid and most other insurance companies cover Diabetes Education.

515.832.9400 vandiestmc.org