THE FIREFIGHTING FIVE:
A family tradition of community service
By LIZ SKILLERN
The Page County Post
For nearly 33 years, Clarinda native Tim McKinnon has served his community as a firefighter.
But firefighting isn’t just Tim’s calling—it’s become a family tradition. His wife, Nancy, is a dispatcher for Page County Communications, and all three of their children have
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followed in his footsteps.
Their dedication has earned the family the nickname given by Tim’s grandmother, Doris McKinnon: “The Firefighting Five.”
Tim’s journey began when he was still in high school.
“I’ve lived in Clarinda my whole life,” he recalled. “College Springs had an Explorer program through their fire department, and a couple of buddies and I joined. We got to train with them, go on calls, and eventually, Clarinda let us start responding too.”
That early experience ignited a lifelong passion.
“I’m not really sure what made me do it,” Tim said with a laugh. “It was just something we started doing—and once I started, I couldn’t stop.”
Now, more than three decades later, his two sons, Noah and Tyler, serve alongside him on the Clarinda Fire Department, while his daughter, Emma, is studying fire science at DMACC in Ankeny.
Emma has already completed the Fire Academy, earned her Firefighter II certification, and is now pursuing fire investigation classes.
“She was one of just two girls in her class,” Tim said proudly. “She’s been on the Dean’s List the whole time.”
The McKinnons’ shared passion for public service extends beyond firefighting. Nancy began her career as an EMT after high school and has now spent more than a decade dispatching emergency calls.
“She’s the one who usually pages out the calls
FIGHTING FIRE WITH FIVE
The McKinnon family — Nancy, Tim, Noah, Emma, and Tyler (kneeling) — proudly stand in front of a Clarinda Fire Department truck. Dubbed “The Firefighting Five,” the McKinnons have made public service a family tradition, with all five serving in firefighting or emergency response roles.
and tells us where to go,” Tim said. “Earlier this spring, we had a grass fire and sent out three trucks— there were six of us total, and half of them were McKinnons. There was one
pride not only in his family but in preparing the next generation of firefighters.
“I make sure everyone gets the hours they need and knows what they’re doing,” he said. “We’ve
community support keeps their department strong.
“We have a city budgetbut donations make a big difference,” he noted. “Clarinda really backs us up.”
“Earlier this spring, we had a grass fire and sent out three trucks—there were six of us total, and half of them were McKinnons. There was one of us in each truck!” — Tim McKinnon Clarinda Fire Department
of us in each truck!”
That sense of teamwork was on display again during Clarinda Fire Department’s 150th Anniversary celebration on October 11. “My daughter came home from college, and all three of the kids helped out,” Tim said. “My boys and Emma were out back with a hose line letting kids and adults try it out, while I was running the truck pump. My wife was inside helping, too. It was really neat— everyone had a part.”
As the department’s training officer for more than 25 years, Tim takes
got a great group of guys, but like a lot of places, it’s getting harder to find young people to join.”
He’s hopeful that programs like Fire Prevention Week —which the Clarinda department visits local schools for every year—will spark interest among kids. “I don’t think I’ve missed a year yet,” Tim said. “Teaching fire safety early benefits the whole community. We’re lucky here—we don’t have many juvenile fires, and I think that’s because we start educating kids young.”
McKinnon says
After more than three decades, Tim can’t imagine stepping away.
“Sometimes I think I’m getting old and tired,” he admitted, “but then I think—I wouldn’t be able to go on calls or hang out at the station. It just becomes part of your life. You miss birthdays, you miss family events, but you do it because you love helping people.”
That love of service— and the family who shares it—make the McKinnons a true symbol of dedication. “Once you find something you love,” Tim said, “it’s hard to give it up.”
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PHOTO PROVIDED
CRHC welcomes Dr. Fildrin Ndimbo to the team
Clarinda Regional Health Center (CRHC) is happy to welcome Dr. Fildrin Ndimbo, MD, to our Family Medicine team. Dr. Ndimbo will be seeing patients of all ages and is excited to begin caring for families here in Clarinda and the surrounding communities.
CPALS: Reading counts
By LIZ SKILLERN
The
Readers can now enjoy e-books, audiobooks, graphic novels, and even speech-to-text pens. With so many options, it’s natural to wonder which format is best.
“The truth is—all reading counts,” said Tammy Schaapherder, Clarinda Community Literacy Coordinator at the Lied Public Library. “Research shows that whether we read with our eyes or listen with our ears, the same parts of the brain are activated. Our brains create meaning in the same way.” Schaapherder said graphic novels, often dismissed as “just comic books,” actually require readers to process both text and visuals, building strong comprehension skills.
“In today’s world, we’re constantly reading in different ways,” she added. “Recognizing that a variety of text formats serve different purposes helps create a more literate community.”
CPALS (Community Pathways to Access Literacy) encourages everyone to explore library apps like Blackstone, Libby, and Hoopla, which offer free access to audiobooks and e-books for library card holders. Or, Schaapherder said, “check out a graphic novel—you might discover a new favorite way to read.” Schaapherder will be available during the Clarinda Parent-Teacher Conferences on Oct. 23 to visit with parents and answer questions about reading formats and literacy support.
Dr. Ndimbo chose family medicine because of his passion for building longterm relationships with patients and supporting them through every stage of life. He completed his Family Medicine residency at Prisma Health Tuomey in Sumter, South Carolina, where he was recognized for his teamwork and dedication to patient care. His training has prepared him to provide a wide range of services, from routine check-ups and preventive care to helping patients manage ongoing health needs.
“I’m looking forward to being part of the Clarinda community,” Dr. Ndimbo said. “I truly enjoy getting to know my patients and working with families to
and
CLARINDA HIGH SCHOOL’S 2025 HOMECOMING COURT
Clarinda High School's 2025 Homecoming took place in early October, with Noah Harris and Carsen Wellhausen
(Right) crowned the 2025 Homecoming King and Queen during the Coronation and Pep Rally on Friday, Oct. 3.
Above: Front row (Mini Court Candidates): Carver Hill and Kinsley Davis. Second row: Morgan Manes, Taylor Rasmussen, Noah Harris, Carsen Wellhausen, Brayden Tillman, Maddie Cole. Third row: Ryan Wagoner, Jude Leopold, Josie Auffert, Maite Zaranton-Perez, Phillip Rauseo. Fourth row: Fisher Graves, Alyse Stroud, Miley Wagoner, Nolan Wagoner, Elijah Cox, Aylah Johnson.
PHOTO BY TESS NELSON
Community service is a vital aspect of creating thriving, supportive, and inclusive societies.
Recognizing those who go above and beyond in their efforts to help others is essential in encouraging continued service and inspiring others to contribute.
FALL FFA FUN
Several members of the Essex FFA Chapter participated in the NWMSU Fall FFA Contest in Maryville, Mo., on Oct. 2. Pictured are, from left, front row: Colt Nelson, Ava Gruber, Lydia Edwards, Piper Maher, Ryann Welchans, Paityn Vanatta, and Nic Roberts. Back row, from left: Essex FFA Chapter Sponsor Kaitlyn Brammer, Bella Simmons, Ella Sandahl, Aiyana Keasey, Taylor Juarez, Jesse Wityk-Johnson, Bentley Bowers, and Landyn Kimbro. Vanatta, Gruber, and Edwards competed in the livestock judging; Roberts, Wityk-Johnson, Kimbro, and Welchans competed in dairy cattle judging; Maher, Nelson, and Bowers competed in the novice FFA knowledge test; and Simmons, Keasey, Juarez, and Sandahl took the the advanced FFA knowledge test.
CRHC FROM PAGE 3
walk through the door.”
Chuck Nordyke, CEO of CRHC, shared: “Dr. Ndimbo brings both strong training and a genuine heart for patients. We’re thrilled to have him on our team, and we know our patients will quickly see his commitment to advancing exceptional care.”
Dr. Ndimbo welcomes patients of all ages—whether you’re coming in for a yearly physical, managing a chronic condition, or seeking care for an illness. He looks forward to building a trusted partnership with you and your family.
Dr. Ndimbo will begin seeing patients on October 21, 2025 at Clarinda Regional Health Center. To schedule an appointment, please call 712-542-8330.
To promote and inspire community engagement within our youth, the Essex Community Club (ECC) is starting an annual award to a graduating Essex senior who has given back to the community through volunteering. It will be called the ECC Community Service Award.
Winners of the award will receive $500, given to the senior during
commencement. All seniors are eligible to apply, whether they are going into the workforce or continuing their education.
The application will be available from the school office February 2, 2026. Applications are due back to the office March 31, 2026.
Members of the ECC Board will select a recipient from the returned applications at
the April meeting.
Engaging in service activities fosters a sense of purpose, belonging, and personal growth. By recognizing the dedication and impact of individuals and organizations, these awards inspire others to get involved and make a difference. The awards reminds us that service to others is a powerful force for positive change, and that each act of kindness, no matter how small, has the potential to transform lives. To learn more about the Essex Community Club Community Service Award, please contact Tess Nelson, Essex Community Club executive director, at director@essexiowa.com.
Dr. Fildrin Ndimbo, MD
2025 SHENANDOAH HOMECOMING COURT
The 2025 Shenandoah High School Homecoming Court included elementary attendants
O’Rourke and Bowen Burdorf; Junior representatives Graciela
2025 King Jacob
and
and
Shenandoah Homecoming week was “Out of This World”
By LIZ SKILLERN
Shenandoah High School’s 2025 Homecoming celebration truly lived up to its theme — “Out of This World.” The week of Oct. Sept. 28-Oct. 6 was packed with school spirit, creativity, and community pride as students, staff, and alumni joined in the festivities.
Student Council advisor Lindsey Lundgren said the energy and enthusiasm throughout the week were unmatched. “Homecoming week was truly ‘Out of This World!’ Every day brought something new — from
creative dress-up themes and fun PowerHour games to the parade, coronation, and a high-energy pep rally that brought the whole school together,” Lundgren said. “It was so rewarding to see students having fun, showing pride, and supporting each other throughout the week.” Lundgren praised the leadership and teamwork of the student body officers and student council, who spent weeks planning and coordinating every detail. “Behind the scenes, they really stepped up,” she added. “Whether they were setting up
decorations, connecting with community members, managing assemblies, or getting classmates excited to participate, they led by example every step of the way.”
Throughout the week, students enjoyed a wide variety of activities — including dress-up days, Powder Puff football and volleyball games, homeroom door decoration contests, window painting downtown, and class game competitions.
To kick off the week, the Athletic Department sponsored the popular Color Run, with T-shirts provided
The excitement built toward Friday’s pep rally, parade, and coronation, all leading
up to the big Homecoming dance. “What stood out most was their creativity, positivity, and ability to bring big ideas to life,” Lundgren said of the student
leaders. “Their hard work and leadership made this year’s Homecoming not just successful, but a true celebration of Mustang pride.”
PHOTO
LIZ SKILLERN
Cooper Weinrich and Violet Roberts; (L-R) Freshman representatives Ava
Silvestre
J.J. Martin; Senior candidates Mareen Bosley, Ayden Johnson, Abbie Dumler, Brody Burdorf;
McGargill
2025 Queen Ellie Cook; 2024 royalty Delaney Stuck and Jayden Dickerson; Seniors Callie Bebout and Logan Twyman; Sophomore representatives Susie Babe and Ryker Wolf.
The Page County Post
by Pella Corporation and a hot dog lunch sponsored by the Booster Club afterward.
SHENANDOAH HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND
The Shenandoah High School marching band, led by drum majorette Ali Hansen, stepped off to lead the ShenFest Parade.
SHENFEST 2025
PHOTOS AND TEXT BY LIZ SKILLERN
Shenandoah’s annual ShenFest brought the community together Sept. 27 with a full day of activities, food, and fun.
The festival featured longtime traditions like the Fireman’s Pancake Feed, farmers market, and parade, alongside newer attractions such as a softball tournament and Barre in the Park. Families enjoyed
bounce houses, games, live music, and downtown shopping, while KMA marked its 100th anniversary with building tours and free Falk’s Sisters Lemon Custard Ice Cream.
From tractors to classic cars, fun runs to pageants, ShenFest once again showcased the energy and pride of Shenandoah.
PANCAKE FEED
More than 600 people were served at the annual ShenFest pancake feed, hosted by KMA.
SHENFEST GRAND MARSHALS
Owners of KMA Radio, celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, served as Grand Marshals of the ShenFest Parade.
BAND
The Essex High School marching band displayed school pride as members carried the banner and performed in the ShenFest Parade.
SHENFEST ROYALTY
Junior Miss Shenandoah Rylie Wooten, Little Miss Shenandoah Macy Weston, and Miss Shenandoah Caroline Campbell proudly took their place in the convertible as they reigned over ShenFest Parade.
BEAVER BOTTOM
Beaver Bottom Family Farm, a new business at the Wabash Trace Cemetery Trail Head off Argus Road, rolled through the ShenFest Parade with a colorful float.
PELLA CORP FLOAT
Pella Corporation’s float, a bright house depicting their windows, was a bright spot in the ShenFest Parade.
Clarinda: 1200 S. 16th Street | Shenandoah: 500 S. Fremont Street | Red Oak: 1605 N. Broadway Street