The
Ogden Reporter
DEDICATED TO MAINTAINING A VIBRANT COMMUNITY VOLUME 138
OGDEN, IOWA 50212 - WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2013
NUMBER 23
$1
A chilly Oktoberfest
A nice-sized crowd attended this year’s Oktoberfest Sunday afternoon despite cool, drizzly weather. Some of the fun activities included pony rides and pumpkin painting. (Pictured to the right). More photos next week.
Fire damages shop
A fire at 305 E Sycamore Street did severe damage to a shop building owned by Marilyn Good. Ogden fire and police responded to a call around 5:45 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1. The fire, thought to be electrical in nature, started near the front of the structure. Electrical equipment, along with several power tools and hand tools were destroyed in the blaze. -Photo provided
Invite community to “Lights On” open house at Ogden Kids Club October is the month to celebrate Afterschool Programs nationwide! The Youth & Shelter Services of Boone County Kids Club will be participating in the 14th annual national “Lights On Afterschool!” celebration. The event is from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 22, at Ogden Kids Club, Howe Elementary School. “We will be one of more than 5,000 sites across the nation that will help send the message that afterschool is key to children’s success, and that we must keep afterschool program’s lights on and the doors open. Families, school officials and community members are invited to help us support safe, stimulating afterschool programs,” Jana Rector, Ogden Kids Club site supervisor, said. This Lights On! event is an opportunity to learn more about the importance and benefits of your local Kids Club program. A variety of activities have been planned, including games and crafts. Everyone is welcome to join YSS of Boone County, the children and parents of Kids Club for supper and an evening full of activities. The YSS of Boone County Kids Club Afterschool Program is a qual-
ity afterschool program for children in grades kindergarten to sixth. It is a nonprofit program made possible through fees paid by parents and grant funding. Kids Club provides a safe learning environment, a relaxed, trusting atmosphere which fosters self-respect, a place for friendships to develop and grow, and contact with thoughtful, caring adults. For parents, the program provides the security of a safe, happy, and healthy place for their children to be while they are at work, a voice in determining the kind of care their children need and receive, and the support and advice from staff who enjoy working with children. YSS is a welcoming and inclusive agency that does not discriminate regardless of race, age, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, marital status, physical and/or mental disability, physical challenge, national origin, gender, gender orientation, sexual orientation, or ability to pay. “We look forward to having you join us for our ‘Lights On Afterschool!’ event. We hope that you will help us keep the lights on for afterschool so that we can inspire all our children toward a brighter future,” Rector said.
PHOTO BY KATHY PIERCE
Meeting addresses questions on quiet zone Ogden City administrators have been in discussion for two years about implementing a quiet zone. While most everyone agrees that the silencing of train horns in Ogden would benefit the community, it does not come without costs. Redesigning the four railroad crossings is an expensive venture. Then you have to also look at the inconvenience to local business persons. A public meeting was held Thursday, Oct. 3 at the City Hall to provide the public more information about the proposed project. City Administrator Donovan Olson reviewed what has been done up to this point and the current estimated costs. A copy of the engineering report from Bolton and Menk was available for viewing. After the overview, Olson fielded questions from the approximate 20 community members present. Questions addressed included: • Where are we at on the price? • Where will the money come from? • Are there ways to economize by doing some of the project at a later date? • What expenses will be born by the utilities and how will that affect current utility rates? • Does the project have to be approved by the Federal Railroad Administration? • Will it affect our property taxes? Is so, how much? • What are the inconveniences caused by the non-mountable medians? • Will First Street be widened? • Can this project be put on a ballot for voting? Discussion also took place about the petition circulated earlier. Those present were invited to leave comments in writing for the City Council to address at their next meeting.
Habitat for Humanity is seeking partner family Habitat for Humanity is pleased to announce plans to build a new house in Boone in 2014 and is actively seeking a partner family for that home. To assist potential families in understanding how the Habitat home ownership program works, along with providing help in completing an application, two free public information sessions have been scheduled in October. The dates and times are Saturday, Oct. 19 at 10 a.m. and Tuesday, Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. Both events will be held in the Habitat for Humanity office at 720 Story Street.
PHOTO BY JULIE HOLMBERG
Can drive is this Saturday Help support the Class of 2014 by donating your cans, plastic and/ or glass bottles that have return deposit on them. An OHS senior class can drive will be held this Saturday, Oct. 12. For your convenience, cans may be placed in the bin on main street. If you need assistance, call 2752289.
Save the date . . .
Joy riding . . .
Day care provider Janann Abels says her entourage may not stop traffic, but she notices drivers do slow down for a second look when she takes her charges out for a stroll. From left are Gabriel Gerzema, Sylus Rude, Case Peterson, Joslyn Britton, Aiden Gerzema. -Photo by Julie Holmberg
Formally Larry’s Fine Jewelry -Repair and Create Fine Jewelry -Buy, Sell, Trade, Pawn Gold & Silver and now FIREARMS ! -Watch, Clock, and Jewelry Repair New Products, Same Amazing Service!
The Boxholm - Grand Community School reunion is planned for May 24, 2014 at the “Old School House.” A buffet lunch will be served at 1 p.m. Tell your friends. Details will be published at a later date. For questions, call Dorothy Henrichs at 515-846-6356 or Sonja Sturtz at 515-987-4282.
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