CONTRIBUTING WRITERS tom tourville lori berglund hailey brueschke brandon brueschke
COPYRIGHT 2025
Twist & Shout is published monthly by ogden newspapers inc. All content and opinions expressed may not be those of the publishers.
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4-5: Pocahontas to mark 155 years
6: Palmer gets ready to party
: Fort Dodge Ford Cruise Night
Local Calendar
Good Eats
JULY 4: FOUR FOOLS | 6-8PM JULY 18: KRIS KARR | 6-8PM
JULY 6: BINGO | 3-5PM
SUPPORTING WEBSTER COUNTY ANIMAL PROTECTION
JULY 11: LIV MCNAIR | 6-8PM
HUNGRY BOYS FOOD TRUCK
JULY 20: BINGO | 3-5PM
SUPPORTING WEBSTER COUNTY ANIMAL PROTECTION
JULY 25: NEDD FREELEY FUNN BAND | 6-8PM
WONDERLAND FOOD TRUCK
All people ages 13-64 should be screened for HIV at least once in their lifetime.
All people ages 18 and over should be screened for hepatitis B at least once in their lifetime.
All people ages 18 and over should be screened for hepatitis C at least once in their lifetime.
Pregnant women should be screened for HIV, hepatitis B & hepatitis C during each pregnancy.
Scan the QR codes below to learn more about recommended screenings:
https://stophiviowa.org/testing Scan here for HIV screening information
https://cdc.gov/hepatitis-b/testing/ Scan here for hepatitis B screening information
https://cdc.gov/hepatitis-c/testing/ Scan here for hepatitis C screening information
Health screenings help to identify diseases and chronic conditions before symptoms occur. The CDC recommends:
Talk to your healthcare provider about getting screened! Unsure if you’ve had a screening? Ask them to check your records! Screenings are important because HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C don’t always have noticeable signs or symptoms. Some people should be tested more often —visit the web resources below to learn more!
POCAHONTAS TO MARK 155 YEARS
Heritage Days to be special celebration July 18-20
By HAILEY BRUESCHKE
POCAHONTAS - Heritage Days is the biggest celebration of the year in Pocahontas. It has summer activities to the max that include a parade, lots of yummy food, inflatables, a block party, live music, and fun activities for all ages.
This year, the event will be even bigger as it is incorporating Pocahontas’ 155th Celebration into the mix.
“This year Pocahontas is having our 155th celebration,” said Parker Aden, executive director of Pocahontas Chamber of Commerce. “It was originally supposed to be our sesquicentennial celebration in 2020, but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The 155th celebration has the bones of the Heritage Days celebration, but there will be special activities happening in honor of it being a milestone celebration.
The big summer celebration is happening July 18-20 and it is expected to draw people from across the nation to come back and enjoy their hometown for the weekend.
The schedule of activities for July 18 includes Med Spa Express Block Party, inflatables, an escape room, time capsule ceremony, and the Tank Anthony Band performing on Main Street.
155 CELEBRATING POCAHONTAS
JULY18TH - JULY 20TH,2025
On July 19 there will be music at Heritage Park featuring Kris Karr, face painting, balloon animals, farmers market,
Heritage Days parade, kiddie carnival, petting zoo, and the Bill Riley Talent Show.
The escape room allows guests to sign up for a half hour time slot on July 18 between 5 and 8 p.m. and July 19 between 4 p.m and 8 p.m. The cost is $5/person. Registration is online at www.pokychamber.com/ heritagedays.
July 20 will include an outdoor church service, Heritage Days Golf Tournament, a free movie, pedal pull, and more. See below for a full list of activities.
“Heritage Days is our town’s annual summer celebration, intended to be a big shindig for the community to enjoy,” Aden said. “It is a great weekend for friends and family to come back to Pocahontas and see what is new and what is the same. We hold it every year to celebrate the town.
It is especially exciting to celebrate 155 years of Pocahontas because you have seen rural towns across America declining over the last several decades, but Pocahontas is one that has held strong.”
“We have a full Main Street with a great variety of businesses, a fantastic grocery store, a wonderful hospital, plus so much more,” he added.
“Pocahontas is one of those towns that, based on our size, doesn’t necessarily make sense for how many nice amenities we have, but we take pride in our community. Our businesses support each other and activities in the community, and it is so exciting to finally get to do our sesquicentennial celebration to celebrate all of that.”
Most of the activities during the weekend are free. Everyone is welcome to attend. For updates regarding the celebration please visit www.pokychamber.com/ heritagedays or their Facebook page, Poky Chamber of Commerce. Guests will be able to find any changes to the schedule for the weekend on either webpage.
155TH CELEBRATION SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES
FRIDAY, JULY 19
MED SPA EXPRESS BLOCK PARTY
• 4 - 8 PM in front of Med Spa Express
• Coordinated by Med Spa Express Pickleball Tournament
• Pre-register to ensure your spot - limited space available! $5 per person.
Time Capsule Ceremony + Mural
Dedication
• 5:30 PM at Heritage Park
• Free Ice Cream Treats Sponsored by Thomas & Kuchel
PAC Theater Camp Musical
• 7 PM at Rialto Theatre Hypnotist - Lizzy
• 7 PM at the Fairgrounds
Tank Anthony Band Live on Main Street
• 8 - 11 PM - Side street at Odd Fellows
Sponsored by Beam Real Estate, Rittgers
Spine & Wellness, Webbink Insurance, New Way Ford, and City of Pocahontas
SATURDAY, JULY 19
PAINTED ROCK SCAVENGER HUNT
• All weekend long throughout the parks in Pocahontas. Take a selfie with one of the six rocks and upload it to the nearby QR code to be entered to win. 6 rocks total will be hidden, so 6 chances to enter per person. Grand Prize is a $50 gift card to your business of choice in town.
• Sponsored by Pocahontas County
Economic Development Commission
Catholic School 5K Color Run
• 7 AM Registration, 8 AM Start Time at American Legion Hall
• Coordinated by Pocahontas
Catholic School
Kolaches, Coffee & Quilted Goods
• 8 AM - 12 PM at Saints Peter & Paul
Catholic Church
• Fundraiser for Catholic Missionary
Society, Chris Cakes Breakfast
• 8:30 AM - 11 AM Under the Chamber
Tent by Heritage Park
• Free will donation!
Live Music at Heritage Park - Kris Karr
• 8:30 - 11:30 AM at Heritage Park
Sponsored by
Pocahontas Community Hospital
Face Painting & Balloon Animals
• 9 AM - 11 AM at Heritage Park
• Sponsored by Availa Bank and Pocahontas Chamber of Commerce
Storm Chaser Touch a Truck
• 9 AM - 11:30 AM on the street north of Pocahontas State Bank
• Featuring KCCI Channel 8 Storm Chaser
Sidewalk Chalk Drawings
• 9 AM - 11:30 AM near the tent
at Heritage Park
• Sponsored by New Impressions
Farmer’s Market at Heritage Park
• 9 AM - 11 AM at Heritage Park
Bob Cunningham Artist Talk
• 9:30 AM at Saints Peter
& Paul Catholic Church
• Purchase your tickets to win his Pocahontas landmark painting and support the Pocahontas Hometown Pride Committee!
Historical Presentation of the History of Pocahontas
• 10 AM at the Public Library
FFA Sweet Corn Eating Contest
• 11 AM at the Fairgrounds, 10:30 AM
Registration
Heritage Days Parade
• 11:30 AM on Main Street. Route runs to the north side of the high school.
• Special Parade Entries sponsored by Jeff Johnson Accounting and Pocahontas Chamber
Noon Meal by the Pocahontas Women’s Club
• 12 - 1:30 PM Under the Chamber Tent at Heritage Park
• Fundraiser by the Pocahontas Women’s Club
Bags Tournament
• Registration at 12 PM, Start Time at 1 PM
@ Street South of Slammer’s
• Coordinated by Tom Ries of Ries’s Water Service
Mule & Buggy Rides
• 1 - 2:30 PM, starting from the block west of the Courthouse
• Sponsored by Vonnahme Chiropractic + Powers Funeral Home
Make Your Own Kaleidoscope
• 1 - 3 PM at Courthouse Square. $15 to make your own and take it home!
• Coordinated by the Kaleidoscope Family Inflatables
• 1 - 4 PM at Courthouse Square
• Sponsored by Black Hills Energy Kiddie Carnival
• 1 - 4 PM at Courthouse Square
• $5 wristband to play all games an unlimited amount of times!
• Prizes sponsored by New Impressions Petting Zoo
• 1 - 4 PM at Courthouse Square
• Sponsored by Hudson’s Crew Tug of War Competition
• 1 - 4 PM at Courthouse Square
• Sponsored by Pocahontas County Conservation
All School Reunion + School Tours
• 1 - 4 PM at PAC High School Building
• Meet and Greet the new superintendent Mr. Boley!
• Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Club giving school tours + selling ice cream!
• Free “Poky” tote bag to first 100 attendees!
Robert Yeltman Live
• 2 - 4 PM at Aspen Leaf Coffee
• Sponsored by Aspen Leaf Coffee
Bill Riley Talent Show
• 3 PM at the Rialto Theatre
• Sprout & Senior Class Divisions. Must pre-register to perform - see info at top of page.
• Prizes provided courtesy of Pocahontas Community Chorus
• 9:45 PM, shooting from the Elbert Park Soccer Fields
• Sponsored by Pocahontas Area Rotary Club
SUNDAY, JULY 20
OUTDOOR CHURCH SERVICE
• 10 - 11 AM at Heritage Park
Heritage Days Golf Tournament
• 1 PM Shotgun Start at Pocahontas Golf Course, Teams of 4 + Cost to enter.
• Sponsored by Pocahontas State Bank & Pocahontas Chamber
Puzzle Competition
• 1 PM at Aspen Leaf Coffee
• 300 piece puzzle, compete in pairs of two. Cost to enter.
• Prize sponsored by Hopkins Insurance Free Movie - Trolls Band Together
• 2 PM at the Rialto Theatre
• Free admission for everyone! Sponsored by United Bank of Iowa
• First 75 Kids Trays FREE courtesy of Pocahontas Dental Associates
Pedal Pull
• 2 PM Registration, 3 PM Start at the Fairgrounds
PALMER GETS READY TO PARTY 125tH celebration
By HAILEY BRUESCHKE
anD all-class reunion is July 31- aug. 3
PALMER - Palmer is getting ready to host its 125th celebration from July 31 to Aug. 3.
The Palmer Celebration Committee has been working hard and holding fundraisers to make sure this celebration is the best it can be.
“Most of us have been working on the committee since the 100th year celebration and we are hoping it will be as fun as it was 25 years ago,” said Erin Peterson, member of the Palmer Celebration Committee. “We have been able to raise money through numerous fundraisers thanks to the community support and others who have supported our efforts.”
The celebration begins July 31 with a free meal from 5 to 7 p.m. sponsored by the Palmer Celebration Committee. During that time there will also be free ice cream sponsored by Hopkins Insurance. The opening ceremony begins at 7 p.m. with a beard contest and music by RK Welander.
On Aug. 1 there will be a kiddie parade at 6:30 p.m. with music by Scott Kirkhart beginning at 7 p.m., followed by the Jesse Wilson Band.
On Aug. 2 the celebration continues with a parade at 10:30 a.m. followed by kid’s games from noon to 5 p.m. and a foam party from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Expressions will perform at 1 p.m., and then there will be a Cave Band reunion from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m, and Section 7 Band to follow.
“We are expecting to have a lot of people who grew up in Palmer to come back home for the celebration because we are also holding an all-class reunion for everyone who has graduated from Palmer,” said Peterson
The All-Class Reunion is for former students, faculty, staff, and coaches. The reunion will begin at 3 p.m. Aug. 2.
By HAILEY BRUESCHKE
On Aug. 3, a community church service at St. Paul Lutheran Church will start the day, followed by the Show and Shine Classic Car and Truck Show.
Registration for the car show is from 10 a.m. to noon, with the car show being from noon to 3 p.m. There will also be music by DJ Allan James playing everyone’s favorite tunes.
For more information on the car show, contact Don Moritz at 515-571-8287 or Mark Nickels at 712-3582405.
During the four-day long celebration, guests can enjoy carnival rides by Scott Amusements each day.
“We are so excited to have Scott Amusements during our celebration,” said Peterson. “Robert and Russell Scott both graduated from Palmer so it will be fun to have them here and part of the celebration.”
Food trucks and a beer garden will also be available daily for guests’ enjoyment.
FORT DODGE FORD TOYOTA CRUISE NIGHT
By HAILEY BRUESCHKE
Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota is getting ready to host its second cruise night of 2025 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday,, July 11.
The car show is a continuation of the Ja-Mar Cruise Night that the dealership took over about four years ago when the development of Corridor Plaza made it impossible to hold it at the Ja-Mar Drive -In Restaurant.
After Jerry Jordison, the owner of Ja-Mar DriveIn Restaurant, announced that the cruise had ended after 40 years without even getting started that year, Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota decided it wasn’t something anyone wanted to see go away.
“I have been going to the Ja-Mar’s Cruise Night since I was a kid,” said Matt Johnson, co-owner of the dealership. “I wanted to continue the tradition as it is a great family, fun community event.”
The tradition continues as people will be able to walk around and see a variety of different vehicles including muscle cars, hot rods, and modern sports cars. Along with all the vehicles, guests can enjoy music by Mojo Productions as they walk around with friends and family.
There will also be food for purchase from the Feed Shack by Harley Ball and ice cream from The Dariette.
During the July event, a Hero of the Cruise award is presented, and Dr. Terry Moehnke will be honored this year.
“He has done so much for our veterans and our community, we are proud to be honoring him during the cruise,” said Johnson.
Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota will also be giving away American flags to the first 1,000 people.
“We hope to see everyone out at the cruise. It is a fun event for the family and a great way for us to celebrate the community and automobiles,” said Johnson.
For anyone who wants to register a vehicle, it can be done on the night of the cruise at the Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota parking lot, 2723 Fifth Ave S.
Good Eats &Drinks
Fast-FooD:
Burger King....................... 2814 5th Ave. S.
Casey’s Carry-Out Pizza 2007 N.15th St. 2206
Dining:
716 Main Humboldt
Amigos 280 N. 1st St.
Applebee’s 2810 5th Ave. S
Bloomers on Central 900 Central Ave.
Buffalo Wild Wings 2909 5th Ave. S.
CasaBlanca Steak House Hwy 169
Ardys Mae Coffee and Dessert 14 S. 14th St.
Chick-fil-A 2818 2nd Ave S.
Community Tap & Pizza 2026 5th Ave. S.
Peking Garden 510 5th Ave. S.
Hacienda Vieja 1518 3rd Ave. NW
Godfather’s Pizza ....................... 3232 1st Ave. S.
Ja-Mar Drive-In ............................. 329 S. 25th St.
Lizard Creek Ranch .................1762 Johnson Ave
The Stadium...............................2001 2nd Ave. N.
Lomitas Mexican Restaurant ...... 2223 5th Ave. S.
Mineral City............................... 2621 5th Ave. So.
Ninja Sushi Steak House .............. 407 S. 25th St.
Perkins 511 S. 32nd St.
Pizza Ranch 3311 5th Ave. S. 1317 Central Ave.
A Pinch of Love Cafe 850 S. 18th St.
Shiny Top Brewing 520 Central Ave. 2021 6th Ave. S. 2707 N. 15th St.
Tom Thumb Drive Inn 1412 A. St. 3521 5th Ave. S.
Tropical Smoothie 2813 1/2 5th Ave. S. 2002 N. 15th St.
Domino’s Pizza
Dunkin’
Drinks:
JULY 2
Pulse THE
S & H O U T !
JULY LOCAL EVENTS CALENDAR
FD Public Library’s Children’s Department - Webster County Conservation
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Join is for all things bugs and insects.
JULY 1-3
Sweet Treat Art Camp (Ages 6-9) @ Blanden Art Education Center
9:30 AM - 11:30 PM
Ages 6 - 9
$50 Member $60 Non-Member
JULY 3
Schoon Brothers
LIVE at Shiny Top Brewing
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
520 Central Avenue • Fort Dodge, IA
JULY 3
July Pre-4th Party!!! at O’Goodies Irish Pub
8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Jesse Wilson live
JULY 4
Vineyard Vibrations
Four Fools
8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Soldier Creek Winery
JULY 6
BINGO! at the Winery for Webster County Animal Protection
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Soldier Creek Winery
JULY 6
Karl King Band
Summer Concert Series for Webster County Animal Protection
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Oleson Park Bandshell
JULY 7
First Monday of the Month Vinyl
Night at Shiny Top Brewing
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Shiny Top Brewing
JULY 8
FD Public Library’s Children’s Department Bigger Bang Bubbles 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Fort Dodge Public Library
JULY 8
Marian Home & Village
Ribbon Cutting
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Marian Home & Village
JULY 9
Hawkeye Community Theatre presents “Chapter Two”
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Hawkeye Community Theatre
Tickets $10
JULY 10
Hawkeye Community Theatre presents “Chapter Two”
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Hawkeye Community Theatre
Tickets $10
WCCT presents “Little Shop of Horrors”
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Webster City Community Theatre
Tickets $15
Lola Blu
LIVE at Shiny Top Brewing
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Shiny Top Brewing
JULY 11
Glow Golf Night - Featuring The David Simmons Band
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Fort Frenzy
Hawkeye Community Theatre presents “Chapter Two”
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Hawkeye Community Theatre
Tickets $10
WCCT presents “Little Shop of Horrors”
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Webster City Community Theatre
Tickets $15
Elvis Tribute Show at Fort Frenzy’s Cardiff Center
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Fort Frenzy
JULY 12
Guided Blanden Tour at The Blanden Memorial Art Museum
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Blanden Art Education Center
224 South 8th Street • Fort Dodge, IA
Hawkeye Community Theatre presents “Chapter Two”
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Hawkeye Community Theatre
Tickets $10
Weinwandertag - A Sampling
Event @ Soldier Creek Winery
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Soldier Creek Winery
1584 Paragon Avenue • Fort Dodge, IA
JULY 12
WCCT presents “Little Shop of Horrors”
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Webster City Community Theatre
Tickets $15
The Funniest Night of Your Life at the Fort Dodge Opera House
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Opera House
1 Museum Road ª Fort Dodge, IA
JULY 13
WCCT presents “Little Shop of Horrors”
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Webster City Community Theatre
Tickets $15
Karl King Band
Summer Concert Series
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Oleson Park Bandshell
1400 Oleson Park Avenue • Fort Dodge, IA
JULY 14
Open Mic Night at River Hops Brewing
7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
River Hops Brewing
1014 Central Ave • Fort Dodge, IA
Music of the West African Kora at the Fort Dodge Public Library
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Fort Dodge Public Library
424 Central Ave. • Fort Dodge, IA 50501
JULY 15
Coffee & Connect Q3
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
TBD
Comic Book Camp at Blanden Art Education Center
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Blanden Art Education Center
224 South 8th Street • Fort Dodge, IA
FD Public Library’s
Children’s Department
Mikayla Oz, Magician
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Fort Dodge Public Library
424 Central Ave. • Fort Dodge, IA
JULY 17
Stage Door Productions presents “Moana, Jr”
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Center of Performing Arts
1 Triton Circle • Fort Dodge, IA
WCCT presents “Little Shop of Horrors”
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Webster City Community Theatre
Tickets $15
Logan Corbino LIVE at Shiny Top Brewing
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Shiny Top Brewing
520 Central Avenue • Fort Dodge, IA
JULY 18
Vineyard Vibrations
Kris Karr
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Soldier Creek Winery
1584 Paragon Avenue • Fort Dodge, IA
Stage Door Productions presents “Moana, Jr”
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Center of Performing Arts
1 Triton Circle • Fort Dodge, IA
WCCT presents “Little Shop of Horrors”
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Webster City Community Theatre
Tickets $15
JULY 19
WCCT presents “Little Shop of Horrors”
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Webster City Community Theatre
Tickets $15
The Blanden Collective
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Blanden Art Education Center
224 South 8th Street • Fort Dodge, IA
Stage Door Productions presents “Moana, Jr”
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Center of Performing Arts
1 Triton Circle • Fort Dodge, IA
Dragon Eyes with Model Magic Class at Blanden Art Education Center
2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Blanden Art Education Center
224 South 8th Street • Fort Dodge, IA
JULY 20
WCCT presents “Little Shop of Horrors”
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Webster City Community Theatre
Tickets $15
BINGO! at the Winery for Webster County Animal Protection
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Soldier Creek Winery
1584 Paragon Avenue • Fort Dodge, IA
Karl King Band
Summer Concert Series
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Oleson Park Bandshell
1400 Oleson Park Avenue • Fort Dodge, IA
JULY 21
Board Game Night at the Fort Dodge Public Library
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Fort Dodge Public Library
424 Central Ave. • Fort Dodge, IA 50501
JULY 24
After Hours Mini Golf in the Library
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Fort Dodge Public Library
424 Central Ave. • Fort Dodge, IA
Jesse Wilson LIVE at Shiny Top Brewing
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Shiny Top Brewing
520 Central Avenue • Fort Dodge, IA
JULY 25
Vineyard VibrationsNedd Freeley Funn Band + Weinie
Wonderland Food Truck
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Soldier Creek Winery
1584 Paragon Avenue • Fort Dodge, IA
JULY 26
Fort Funny - Comedy Night at River Hops Brewing
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
River Hops Brewing
1014 Central Ave • Fort Dodge, IA
JULY 27
Karl King Band
Summer Concert Series
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Oleson Park Bandshell
1400 Oleson Park Avenue • Fort Dodge, IA
JULY 31
Ryne Owen LIVE
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Shiny Top Brewing
520 Central Avenue • Fort Dodge, IA
shiningstar
Tell us about some of the cultural experiences you had growing up. (Speech, Singing, Theatre etc.)
Growing up I was always involved in church music, singing and playing trombone in the praise band. My parents took me to several musicals in Des Moines, and I also went to all of the Sonshine Singer ministries. I’m pretty sure I have almost every song memorized! I then went on and have participated in a variety of events, including musicals, plays, speech, band, and choir.
Micah Flaherty
Age: 18
Grade/School: 2025 Fort Dodge Senior High Graduate
Hometown: Fort Dodge, Iowa
Do you come from an “artys” family?
I definitely come from an artsy family! My grandma was the director of the Fort Dodge Civic Glee Club for several years before starting Sonshine Singers. She is also the director of our church choir, and plays trumpet in the praise band. My mom both sings and plays the piano, and leads the praise team at our church, First Covenant. Most Sundays we have 3 generations from our family helping with the music!
What is your earliest memory performing?
My earliest memory performing is singing “One Little Star” as a solo on Christmas Eve at our Church.
What do you most enjoy about performing?
I most enjoy performing with other people, and the sense of community I feel when we work together to create something beautiful. When I sing or play trombone in church I’m definitely not “performing”, but using my gifts God gave me to help draw people closer to Him. While I’m blessing others with my gift, they are blessing me.
What are 3 of your proudest moments during high school? (music/sports/etc)
Throughout high school I have been grateful to have had several great opportunities. One proud moment was being accepted into the All-State Choir both my junior and senior years. I was also proud to be one of the valedictorians for my class. Throughout high school, I took advanced courses both at the school and at Iowa Central Community College. Keeping my 4.0 was a lot of hard work, but it paid off! My academic success has also opened more doors for me at the University of Iowa. Of course, my most proud moments were playing tennis for the Dodgers and the Fort Dodge community. I qualified for state, and medaled, all 4 years of my high school career.
You’re stranded on a deserted island. What 3 things do you bring and why?
I would definitely bring snacks because I’m always hungry. I think I would also bring my music playlist to take my mind off being on a deserted island. Lastly, I’d bring my friends. If I’m going to be bored on a deserted island, I’m taking my friends! (I better bring LOTS of snacks!)
What activities/groups/ensembles were you involved with during your senior year?
I was involved in Dodger Senate, National Honor Society, Speech, A Cappella Choir, All-State Choir, FDSH Marching Band, Jazz Band, and Wind Ensemble. I was also involved in the chorus for the FDSH musical, Anastasia. I participated in the Student Athletic Advisory Committee, and was honored to be named to the Homecoming Court. In the community, I was involved in First Covenant Church’s choir and praise band.
What are your plans for fall?
My plans for this fall are to attend the University of Iowa and major in biomedical science. I also plan to play club tennis, and hopefully sing in a choir.
Who are some of your role models? Why?
Ryan Madden, Brock Adams, and my dad are some of my role models. These people have great leadership skills show what it means to be a true dodger.
Tell us one word that you would use to describe yourself. Focused.
What advice would you give to an incoming freshmen that is deciding whether or not they want to get involved in activities during high school?
Don’t be afraid to get involved and try new things! Being a part of a smaller community within the school helps you meet friends that share common interests. Most of my friends have been made or strengthened when I participated in music, sports, or leadership activities. Involvement in multiple different areas of activities will make you a wellrounded individual, and will also make you feel that you are part of a team!
By Tom Tourville
a look back LOOKING BACK AT THE JERMS
When you hear the name Jerms in terms of Kansas music, your mind goes to Topeka’s live music scene of the 1960’s.
Topeka’s Jerms featured three different phases for this talented group. The early garage years from 1963 to 1966 .The early Jerms specialized in Beatles and British invasion music. But, all the while, being heavily influenced by Kansas’s Blue Things. Their second phase that was still garage influenced, but more of a garage pop sound with a new female vocalist from 1966-1968. This saw the Jerms in their last and 3rd phase, with the band being fronted by two amazing black singers with the group now playing a more soulful style of music. That phase was from 1968 to 1972.
The Jerms were represented and managed by one of the top music minds in the Midwest, James Reardon who operated his successful booking agency, the James N. Reardon & Associates Agency out of Hays, Kansas. Reardon also operated his successful college music club, the Dark Horse Inn, that was also located in Hays. Readon had worked with John Brown at Mid Continent Productions in Lawrence, KS, while working and managing the Blue Things. No better place to learn the ropes than with John Brown and Mid Continent.
The band got its start in Topeka when a group of 15 year old kids got the music bug and wanted to start a band. The group consisted of Mike Doyle-drums, Galen Senogles (group leader)-guitar, Tom “Jake” Jacoby-bass and keyboards and Larry Burton-guitar. Burton would later go on to play with the Blue Things. During this period after Doyle left the Jerms, Russ Wilcox and Willie Lecox left Iowa’s Jolly Green Giants to join the band. Later Lecox would leave the Jerms to join America, “Horse With No Name ,” and stayed for 42 years with America.
While All the bands members were still in high school, all finished school while still touring with the Jerms. Jacoby and Senogles would work their way through college while playing the Jerms with both ending up with degrees.
Bob Johnson at Columbia Records contacted the band after hearing one of their demos. He liked the Jerms and offered them a recording contract. The father of Larry Burton wouldn’t sign the contract and Johnson went on to work with his other artists, the Byrds and Bob Dylan. We could only have guessed, what if.
The early years for the group found them touring a six state area including: Kansas, Oklahoma, Iowa, Minnesota and both Dakotas and all the while building a solid reputation as a band that could and would draw a large crowd and putting on strong and entertaining shows. Between touring schedules, the band would go back to their hometown of Topeka and record for Del Mar Records #521 “Since You Went Away/That’s All She Wrote”-1965, that included a picture sleeve, “Bald Headed Woman/Good Feelin’ Yea” Jerms Inc. Records #2079 also from 1965, and “(Turn On Your) Love Light/That Word” from 1966 on Topeka’s Casino Records #211.
In 1967 the group added Angela “Angel Stevens” Hay as their new featured lead singer. Angel was a dynamic singer and front person and really helped the band draw even larger crowds. At this time the band consisted of Hay, Doyle, Senogles, Leacox and Jacoby. The group started to work with West Coast recording artist Shaun Harris of the West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band fame. Because of this relationship the group recorded for Harris’s Shana Records #7195 with “Not At All/Who’s” from 1968.
By late 1968 Hay would leave the band and the group decided to change their sound to a more R&B and soul style with a decidedly harder edge. In addition, they brought in two new dynamic front men, John Neil (Vocals) and John Murry (vocals and
Hammond B-3) joining the Jerms from the legendary Kansas band, the Rising Suns after the break-up of that band. The group was added to Shelby Singleton’s SSI Records label and the band would release their two most successful record releases of their careers.
They were assigned to work with record producer, Dean Mathis who was a key member of the famous Newbeats of “Bread & Butter Fame.” In early 1969 they released “Green Door/I’m A Teardrop”on SSI’s Honor Brigade Records label. “Green Door” was a cover of the Jim Lowe’s “Green Door” from 1956 and “Nobody” backed by “Baby Baby Love,” also on Honor Brigade Records that also included a picture sleeve for foreign releases, with both records being produced by Mathis. During this period, the band was being guided through the world of recording in Nashville, TN by Reardon.
The group was invited to Des Moines, Iowa and was awarded with a National Ballroom Operators Association best band award. This was such an important award for a band to receive, as working the ballroom circuit was an instant big money maker for any group. This was hitting the big time for touring the Midwest and plains states.
During this period, they would be a part of the Nashville Marathon Pop Festival that included: Roy Orbison, Ballin’ Jack, Ten Wheel Drive, Bobby Bloom and a young Bruce Springstein. Also they would go to Albuquerque, NM and open for Three Dog Night.
This final Jerms group would stay together until 1972 when they called it quits for the band. At the end, Mike Doyle and Tom Jacoby would both go on` to play with Kansas’s legendary Blue Things, later to be called Fyre before they broke up. Galen Senogles became a producer/engineer at Pro-
ducers Workshop in LA and recorded Ringo Starr, Pink Floyd, Fleetwood Mac, Nilsson, and many others.
As one can see. the Jerms had a very successful music career playing throughout the Midwest and the Plains states. Now for playing in the Fort Dodge area. They did play at our area ballroom, the Star in Dakota City. By looking at routing schedules, it would appear they played the Star while coming North to play at Hatfield, Minnesota’s Hollyhock Ballroom in May of 1968.
Hopefully this look back on the Jerms helped bring back some great rock and roll memories. Did you see the Jerms at the Star Ballroom??
artistspot
Jacob Pedersen
Age: 33 • Hometown: Manson, IA
College: Buena Vista University, University of South Dakota
Profession: Vocal Music and Humanities Instructor at Iowa Central Community College
What role did music and the arts play in your childhood growing up?
Music was always something that I just did. From an early age, when we would drive anywhere with my grandma or mom, we would always listen to music in the car and sing along. Later on, my grandma wanted me to take piano lessons from Karen Bruns, so I started doing that. At Pomeroy-Palmer we had a wonderful art teacher who would also accompany for solo/ensemble festivals, and I remember going to the lunch room or listening outside the doors where she was practicing with a student or she would just play for whoever was sitting in the cafeteria; I always thought that I would end up doing that someday (and I do!). Jan Powers, who was the elementary music teacher for a time at Pomeroy would take me out of class to learn mallet percussion or sing something for an elementary show. Steve Brown, the Pomeroy band teacher, made me do my first solo in high
school and pushed me musically in both choir and band. Finally, Cassie Langstaff from Fort Dodge who taught at both Pomeroy-Palmer and Manson, made me realize that music could be a career choice for me.
What
is your earliest memory of music/ art?
The earliest memory of music would be sitting at the piano with my grandma and her teaching me some sons. She and my parents would always be amazed when I would hear a song, or a melody on the TV, and I’d go over to the piano and start “sounding it out”.
At what point did you decide that you wanted to pursue a career educating students in music?
My career could’ve gone two ways. My dad is an owner operator for a trucking business and I always enjoyed traveling with him and I could’ve seen myself working for/with him. I didn’t really have anyone pressuring me or guiding me into pursuing a career in music. There were no school counselors that were telling me I could do it, my classes in high school were very basic and not advanced levels, and I did music just because I enjoyed it. My junior English teacher, Sharon DeVore, was the first person that told me I could be successful at college and Cassie Langstaff was one of the people that said I could make music education a solid career choice. Dr. Paula Keeler, the vocal professor from Buena Vista University solidified my decision to be a music education major my senior year.
What was your college music experience like?
I was very fortunate to have three fantastic music educators in college. Dr. Paula Keeler and Dr. Merrin Guice-Gill for vocal music, Jerry Bertrand for instrumental music, and Dr. David Klee for Jazz Studies. Under their guidance, I was offered a lot of unique opportunities that a lot of students wouldn’t normally get at a larger school. I was able to conduct the concert choir and band, sing with the Jazz band, and play piano for a lot of performances. I was also active in the theatre department at BVU. I performed in several plays and musicals like 25th Annual Putnum
Bee and Little Shop of Horrors.
What was the biggest lesson you learned while teaching high school choir?
I spent 10 years at Odebolt Arthur Battle Creek Ida Grove High School. During that time I’ve had countless, memorable performances and student successes. A lot of young teachers think that once they hit the classroom that they will start instantly changing lives through music. The truth is you won’t change anything after just one year; you might not even see change after three years. If you want to make a difference and change lives, you have to stick it out for the long haul. You will make a difference in the lives of students through music eventually, but good things take time. There is no such thing as “the grass is always greener…”. You have to cultivate your own pasture.
Since you have relocated to Fort Dodge, what are you most looking forward to as far the music and arts scene goes?
I’ve been telling a lot of people, especially former classmates, that Fort Dodge is not the same since I was a kid/high schooler. There are so many opportunities for fine arts and music. When I took on the director of the Fort Dodge Choral Society, someone on the board asked me if I ever received a scholarship from them, and I had to reply that I had no clue the organization existed. Not only am I looking forward to great performances with FDCS, but I’m excited for the live music scene that local businesses have to offer. I taught with Neil Anders and Claudia Rihner (Coltrain), and I know they are regular performers in the area and fantastic musicians. So many good things are happening here musically!
Tell us about some of your music/arts related accomplishments.
I’m not much of a performer. I like to focus on teaching and encouraging other musicians. In college, one of my favorite performances was accompanying the BVU Choir for a Conversation with Condoleezza Rice (who is also an accomplished piano player), and conducting the OABCIG High School Choir at the Northwest Iowa Choral Directors’ Association Honor Choir at Dordt College. During COVID, I led a workshop on utilizing a “flipped” classroom for choir where students learned
County Spelling
parts outside of the class and record themselves using the app Flip. I’ve performed in a lot of musicals with BVU and Cherokee Community Theatre either taking a chorus role or smaller featured parts.
Who is your biggest role model and why?
There are so many people that have played a major impact in my education, upbringing, and life. To name one person would be an insult to the other people that have helped get me to this point. If I had to pick one single person, it would have to have been Cassie Langstaff. She pushed me and encouraged me musically that no other person did. She made me feel like I could be a professional performer or a great teacher, and she helped me discover my voice.
What are you most looking forward to as you step into your new Vocal Music role at Iowa Central Community College?
I’m looking forward to really bringing back the choral arts at Iowa Central. There are so many amazing composers and music that I want to share with the community and the students. I also am looking forward to building up the choir. At OABCIG, I had 120 students enrolled in choir; I would like even half of that number to be involved at ICCC.
How do you spend your free time?
I like playing games, going to movies, traveling around Iowa or neighboring states. I try to use my summers to recharge as much as possible and take my weekends slow and relaxing.
What would you tell one of your students considering music education as their college major?
I’ve had this happen before. Let the student discover the love of music and then open their eyes to the possibility of making it a career. A lot of students are so worried that they will be poor as a musician. Guess what? Everyone is in debt at some point in their lives. The question is: do you want to be miserable in debt or do something that is meaningful to you? You also can’t just love music, you also have to love education. If you focus only on the music side of things, you will limit yourself and what you can get out of kids/young singers. You have to really focus on those general education courses so you know how to tailor to your students’ needs.
JULY ACTIVITIES FOR KING BAND
The month of July, 2025 promises to be another exciting and fun one for the members of the Karl L. King Municipal Band. Conductor Dan Cassady has recently announced the following events scheduled to occur each Sunday evening during July. All concerts will be held at the Karl L. King Band Shell in Oleson Park, weather permitting. These concerts begin at 7:30 pm, and are free to the public, courtesy of the City of Fort Dodge.
On July 6th, the King Band will present a special concert of patriotic music honoring America’s Independence Day. From the musical history of the United States in “An American Spectacular!” to the exciting “Salute to American Jazz” and John Philip Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever”, these songs and several others are guaranteed to bring about a renewed sense of patriotism. There will be plenty of marches by Karl King, Edwin Franko Goldman, and Sousa to get your toes tapping! Our Trumpet Trio of Tim Miller from Humboldt, David Swaroff from Belmond and Amaia Walsh-Levi from Fort Dodge will perform an audience favorite, Leroy Anderson’s “Bugler’s Holiday”. Scott Johnston from Fort Dodge will narrate “Within These Hallowed Halls”, a glorious setting of two of America’s favorite hymns, “Amazing Grace” and “Battle Hymn of The Republic”.
The concert on July 13th promises even more surprises. Former Fort Dodge native Michael Short will return as a featured soloist with the Band. Michael Short was born and raised in Fort Dodge, Iowa, where he started playing the trombone in the fifth grade, then switched to tuba in the eighth grade. Before graduation from Fort Dodge Senior High School, he was playing tuba in the Karl King Band and was the recipient of the first Karl King Memorial Scholarship. He will perform Karl L. King’s “The Devil
and the Deep Blue Sea” with the Band, then join the Tuba section for the march, “Them Basses”. Former conductor W.B. Green’s exciting Spanish March, “La Roquina” is on the program as well.
The July 20th concert promises to have even more fun for all ages to enjoy as Nikole Nuttall, a teacher with the Alta-Aurelia schools, is featured as Clarinet soloist on the novelty selection “Immer Kleiner (Always Smaller)”. The anniversary of the Apollo 11 landing on the Moon will be celebrated with Karl King’s “Moonlight on the Nile Waltz” and King’s serenade “A Moonlight Melody”. Add a Frank Sinatra medley which includes the popular “Fly Me to the Moon” and it promises to be another great evening at the Band Shell.
The last concert on July 27th will be the 2025 season’s Grand Finale. Special guest Andrew Glover, president of the C.L. Barnhouse Co., publishers of band music in Oskaloosa IA, will make his annual visit to Fort Dodge to guest conduct the Band. Glover will direct Karl King’s serenade, “An Autumn Romance”, and his new arrangement of M.L. Lake’s “The Booster, (An American Absurdity Rag”). The music of Duke Ellington is on the program with highlights from the musical “Sophisticated Ladies”. Karl King’s most wellknown composition, “Barnum and Bailey’s Favorite March” is also on the program. The final concert each summer always ends in the traditional circus way with the playing of Karl King’s march, “Auld Lang Syne”, which means “for good times gone by”, as another season will draw to an exciting and fulfilling close.
