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Blanchard • Braddyville • Clarinda • Coin • College Springs • Essex • Farragut • Imogene • Northboro • Shambaugh • Shenandoah • Yorktown
The Page County Post
VOL. 1 NO. 41 • 712-438-7438 • phil@pagecountypost.com • P.O. Box 122, Clarinda, Iowa, 51632 • Tuesday, December 23, 2025
The Page County Post
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Tuesday, December 23, 2025
To place your ad in the Page County Post just call Phil at 712-438-7438
SOUTHVIEW APARTMENTS Clarinda, Iowa Sends a Very
MERRY CHRISTMAS To All our Friends & Neighbors From our Tenants & Staff ! ********
OUR APARTMENTS ARE DESIGNED TO PROMOTE YOUR INDPENDENCE AND LIVING ENJOYMENT!
TOURS AVAILABLE! CALL: 712-370-4458
DEATH NOTICE
Norma Lawson, 97, of Clarinda, Iowa, passed away Monday, December 15, 2025, at Azria Health Clarinda, Iowa. Celebration of life funeral service was held Friday, December 19, 2025, at Nodaway Valley Funeral Home in Clarinda, Iowa, with Pastor Russ Clark officiating. Burial was at the Clarinda Cemetery. Visitation with luncheon at Nodaway Valley Funeral Home with the family followed the burial. Memorials are kindly suggested to the Clarinda Foundation. Memories can be shared with the family at www.nodawayvalleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to the Nodaway Valley Funeral Home of Clarinda. Norma Ruth (Barragar) Lawson was born on September 13, 1928, in rural Page County, Iowa. She was one of five daughters born to William H. Barragar and Hazel (Neville) Barragar. Norma was educated in the Clarinda Community Schools and later Norma Lawson graduated from the Clarinda High School. 1928-2025 Norma was united in marriage to Robert ‘Bob’ Milton Lawson, and this union was blessed with four children, Sheryl, Julia, Becky and the late Steven. Norma took pride tending to her home and raising her children. She worked with her husband, Bob, in Boyd’s Market and later with Bob and their son Steven in the family reality company -Lawson Real Estate - obtaining her real estate license. Norma was a member of the First Christian Church in Clarinda and was active with the Clarinda Garden Club. She enjoyed going to auctions and rummaging to find treasures as well as seeing all the available antiques. She took pride in her flower gardens and especially loved her roses. Norma was preceded in death by her parents, husband in 2002, son, Steven Robert Lawson, son-in-law LeRoy Messenger, sisters, Betty (Earl) Erickson, Shirley (Bob) Harbour and Billie Rice and brother-in-law Fred Altstadt. Surviving Norma are her daughters, Sheryl Messenger of Suprise, Arizona, Julia (John) Graham of La Quinta, California, and Becky (Al) Comer of Bedford; grandchildren, David (Colleen) Messenger, Michael (Kristina) Messenger, Matthew (Margaret) Messenger and Tony (Amy) Brownlee; great-grandchildren, Jacob (Becca) Messenger, Tyler (Josie) Messenger, Ainsley Messenger, Camden Messenger, Paige Messenger, Maxton Messenger, Monroe Messenger, Ellie Messenger, Hayden Messenger, Reese Brownlee and Isaac Brownlee; sister ‘Pinkie’ Celeste Arlene Altstadt of California; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.
FOR SALE
in Shenandoah, IA Turn-key upscale ladies consignment shop. In business nearly two years with currently 200 +/- consignees. Selling due to owner's ongoing health problems.
45,000.
$
Contact Jackie Travis @ 712-215-9027 or 712-581-9071
To say thank you will never be enough If it was a card, a memorial, flowers or a hug I will never forget the outpouring of care from Bobby’s (Sam) friends, co-workers &family. Pat Leece and his staff went above and beyond to make an impossible situation at least tolerable. The CCF Honor Guard, Rich Iske’s service, our Essex Fire/Rescue family and the last but not least my amazing crew at the locker who made sure I had time to breathe. The color guard salute would have made Sam so proud. I am so afraid I will forget someone or something, just know I am forever grateful for anything you may have done and all the prayers I have received.
— Thank you again Beckie Jones and family.
Mo Valley Tires Now Open in Shenandoah, Ia. 1870 A Avenue
Call Shane: 712-438-7688 Chad Porter, Owner 402-306-1597
24 Hour Roadside Assistance 24 Hour In-Field Service movalleytires@gmail.com
Classifieds 2011 Nissan Juke, blue, FOR HIRE low miles, clean car, $4,250, Lady will clean, cook, 712-789-2026 house-sit, people or animal care, 402-547-3712 2014 Jeep Patriot, silver, 4x4, 150k miles, $4,300, FOR RENT 2011 RAM 1500 Hemi, SLT, runs great! 712-789-2026 OR SALE with topper, 92,000 miles, Crystal Glassware and 218-639-0686 dishes, rent or buy, 402-5473712.
Oak coffee end table with one drawer and glass top, asking $40, 712-215-5206
FOR SALE Car cover for a 2021 Toyota Avalon, half price, never used, 712-246-9999
4 Brand New Trash Barrels with wheels, Rubber Neck, 32-gallon, never been used 712-246-5440
For Sale in Shenandoah, IA: Turn-key upscale ladies consignment shop. In business nearly two years with currently 200 +/- consignees. Selling due to owner's ongoing health problems. $45,000. Contact Jackie Travis @ 712-2159027 or 712-581-9071
Vintage Huffy Dr. Pepper Bike, boys 26-inch, 712246-5440
AUTOMOBILES 1990 Chevy 2500 4WD, long bed, rough, but solid engine, transmission and tires, 712-246-5016
APARTMENT FOR RENT One bedroom apartment for ages 55 and older and/or disabled. Utilities paid, small pets allowed.
Autumn Park Apartments 201 N. Blossom St., Shenandoah, IA Phone 712-246-4898
Tree Trimming • Removal • Stump Grinding Insured • Residential • Commercial • Free Estimates Red Oak 712-623-8118 Clarinda 712-542-8111 Serving all of Southwest Iowa
Ceramic lamp with floral design, shade included, $25, 712-215-5206 2 8x10 tarps, brand new in package, 712-246-5440
4 metal lawn chairs, 712246-5440
Professional decorative silver wooden frame, 6 inches wide. For 12X16 picture. Hangs horizontally ProForm electric fold-up or vertically. 712-202-6333 treadmill, L18, wide deck, Restored antique furniture $100, 712-246-9999. and weather vanes, Clarinda, Ping Golf Clubs: Irons, 3-9; 712-438-1940 Woods, Driver, 3, 4, 5, Call Disassembled complete set 402-981-5830 of numbered piano keys. 712-202-6333
Fresh Start Church 322 E. Grant, Clarinda
Bishop Troy Sawyers @ 712-471-2403 Fresh Start Church will be a Spirit-Filled Church, having the understanding that God’s Grace is like hitting a reset button for our lives. Come as you are – starting anew – finding a place where you belong, letting God take the broken pieces of your life; making them into a purpose once again. (God’s mercies are new every day – because His compassion fails not - let us be reminded—so our hope sustains). — Lamentations 3:21-23
PETS Purebred Great Dane puppies born Dec. 1. Still have 4 available. Both mom and dad are in the home. Have had genetic testing and 100% healthy. Puppies will have age appropriate vaccinations and dew claws removed. Taking deposits for special requests – 531-9990539 ask for Tiphany Classified ads run until the item sells. Please notify us when the item sells.
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
The Page County Post
3
For customers needing help outside regular hours, Mo Valley Tires also offers 24-hour roadside assistance and 24-hour in-field farm service.
The team can be reached at 402-306-1597 (Chad) or 712438-7688 (Shane), by email at movalleytires@gmail.com, or through their website at movalleytires.weebly.com.
Mo Valley Tires opens new Shenandoah location lizskillern2@gmail.com
remains the primary hub, dispatching additional help to Shenandoah when needed. “We’re small and familyowned, and we treat people that way,” Porter said. “If Shenandoah gets busy, I can send a truck or an extra hand down. We’re here to take care of people.” Hemenway said that their service has extended from I-29 to Mount Ayr, and from Highway 34 to the Missouri border. Porter said they routinely travel to farms and rural customers, offering onsite help for large ag tires and equipment. “We'll go where we’re needed,” Porter said. “That’s always been the heart of what we do.” Porter says the response from Shenandoah has already been positive, with customers reaching out even before the shop officially opened. “People have been great,” he said. “A lot of folks already knew us from the onfarm work this summer. Now they’re glad to have a place in town to come to.” As for the new Shenandoah
location, Porter says the mission is simple: “Provide good service, be honest with people, and build something that helps the community. That’s what it’s all about.”
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Clarinda, Iowa
From everyone at 123 S. 20th St. Clarinda, IA $ 86,000 4 Bed | 2 Bath Lot Size: 60x120
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1614 410th Ave. Shenandoah, IA $ 320,000 4 Bed | 2 Bath 2.61 Acres
Janell McIntyre • 712-246-1072 Kim Walker • 712-370-0805 Rhonda Byers • 712-215-0448 Andy Spiegel • 660-744-3685 Risa Graham • 712-303-0065 Mary Pelster • 712--246-1072
102 E. Valley St. Shenandoah, IA $ 129,500 3 Bed | 1 Bath Lot Size: 60x115
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COUPON
Mo Valley Tires, LLC, has officially opened a new location in Shenandoah, bringing expanded tire and repair services to customers across southwest Iowa. The shop, located at 1870 A Avenue, opened its doors Dec. 3 and is already drawing customers. For owner Chad Porter, the Shenandoah expansion was a natural step forward—one that grew out of increasing demand and a growing network of local connections. “I started coming down here in July doing mostly onfarm service,” Porter said. “The calls kept coming, and it just made sense to find a permanent spot.” A simple Facebook post asking about available shop space led to a message from local business owner Jon Stripe, and within weeks, plans were in motion. Porter says everything “fell into place fast,” allowing the Shenandoah shop to open officially fairly quickly.
The location is staffed by Shane Hemenway, an Essex resident and full-time technician who joined the company after previously working in a similar role. Hemenway’s father works for Porter at the Missouri Valley shop, helping form the connection between them. “Shane is a great fit here,” Porter said. “He knows the community, and it’s important to me that the people working in Shenandoah are also part of the area.” Mo Valley Tires offers a full range of services for both inshop and mobile customers, including tire sales, repair, rotation, spin balancing, and minor maintenance for vehicles of all sizes—from passenger cars to agricultural equipment. Porter built the company on the principles of personal service, flexibility, and community focus, starting with a single on-farm service truck before expanding into multiple employees and now two brick-and-mortar locations. The original shop in Missouri Valley
COUPON
BY LIZ SKILLERN
4
The Page County Post
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Tannenbaum Tea continues legacy of tradition and giving BY LIZ SKILLERN
lizskillern2@gmail.com
For more than three decades, the Tannenbaum Tea has marked the start of the holiday season in Shenandoah, bringing women together for fellowship, festive décor, and a shared commitment to giving back. The annual event, in its 36th year, once again filled the Elks Lodge with warmth and holiday spirit, even as a cold, snowy morning blanketed the community outside. Despite the weather, approximately 150 women attended this year’s Tea, many dressed in their holiday best and seated at beautifully decorated tables that displayed creativity A HOLIDAY TRADITION OF GIVING and seasonal charm. Laughter, conversation, and Members of the Turnbull Child Development Center board, staff, and the Tannenbaum Tea committee pose together during the annual familiar greetings filled the Tannenbaum Tea in Shenandoah. Pictured are Lacy Foutch, Kelsey Owens, Breanna Christensen, Stacey Lauman, Liz Skillern, Jaclyn Stevens, Stephanie Langner, Kris Sherman, Dani Maher, Ali McDonald, Stephanie Osborne and Ali Sherman, along with children Liv Owens See TEA, PAGE 7 and Addie Christensen. The Center was the recipient of funds from this year’s event.
Wassail Bowl Stag continues 74-year tradition BY LIZ SKILLERN
lizskillern2@gmail.com
For generations of Shenandoah men, the arrival of a familiar invitation each holiday season signals more than just a social gathering it marks participation in one of Iowa’s longest-running Christmas traditions. The Wassail Bowl Stag, hosted
by the Twelve O’Clock High Luncheon Club, continues to blend fellowship and generosity more than seven decades after it began. Founded in 1950 by a group of local businessmen - J.W. McManama, J.D. Rankin, Bob Tyson, Hale Greenleaf, Ridgeway Hutchison, Paul Nichols, Ben Brown and Gage Parker - the Wassail
Bowl Stag started as a simple Christmas get-together. Over time, it evolved into a meaningful tradition with a lasting charitable mission of supporting Shenandoah school nurses and the children they serve. That mission remains strong today. Gordon Sherman, who stepped into the role of appointment
74TH ANNUAL WASSAIL BOWL STAG
Committee members in their signature aprons stand behind the carving station during the Wassail Bowl. Pictured are Nick Bosley (Kitchen Police), Brian Maxine (Maître d’Hotel), Shane McHenry (Carver) and Gordon Sherman (Appointment Director), each filling a role that helps make the long-running community event both efficient and festive.
Tuesday, December 23, 2025 director, said the Wassail Bowl has now contributed approximately $115,000 to Shenandoah school nurses over its 74-year history. “In our 74 years, the Wassail Bowl has given the Shenandoah School nurse somewhere in the neighborhood of $115,000,” Sherman said. “We’re looking forward to 2026 for the 75th Wassail Bowl and hope to have a huge turnout for this pinnacle in our history.” Sherman’s connection to the event runs deep. His grandfather, J.D. Rankin, was one of the original founders. “I’m proud to continue this great Christmas tradition,” he added. This year’s event drew approximately 100 attendees,
with some longtime participants noting that winter weather likely kept several out-of-town guests away. Still, the spirit of the Wassail Bowl remained unchanged. Dennis Gates, who has attended the Wassail Bowl for more than five decades and served on the committee for 15 to 16 years, said the event’s strength lies in its people and its flexibility. “As a committee member, we do what is needed,” Gates explained. “We have aprons with names for roles ranging from appointment director to wine steward. When it started, I think everyone had a specific job, and now we fill in where needed and rotate responsibilities. Bob Larson and I have been at
The Page County Post
the check-in table for several years.” Gates first attended the Wassail Bowl 52 years ago, shortly after moving to Shenandoah. “As a teacher, it was suggested very strongly that I attend and meet the business
back just for the fellowship.” He added that the event serves as a living archive of local history. “A lot of history is gathered when visiting with people who have been in Shenandoah all their lives,” Gates said. “This year, I visited with
throughout the community. “I worked for three of the largest employers in town — the school, Eaton and Earl May,” he said, adding that those relationships helped strengthen the event’s ties across generations. The Wassail Bowl Stag
“In our 74 years, the Wassail Bowl has given the Shenandoah School nurse somewhere in the neighborhood of $115,000.” — Gordon Sherman Wassail Bowl Stag Appointment Director
and town people,” he said. “I’ve met a lot of new people and have enjoyed coming each year to catch up. You may only see some people once a year, and people who have moved away come
someone who enjoys coming for the same reason I do catching up with old friends and meeting new people.” Gates said he was invited to serve on the committee because of his connections
is widely recognized as one of the longest-running Christmas social traditions in Iowa. Writer Chuck Offenburger has written about the event several times, often marveling at its
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longevity. “When you really think about this, what if anything has lasted more than 70 years?” Offenburger once noted. “It’s amazing. I think it’s because there is no real agenda other than helping the school nurses.” As Shenandoah looks ahead to the 75th Wassail Bowl in 2026, organizers hope to celebrate not just a milestone anniversary, but a tradition rooted in generosity, fellowship, and community pride. Those interested in learning more about the Wassail Bowl Stag or being added to the attendance list can find the group on Facebook at Shenandoah Wassail Bowl Stag or email wassailbowl@gmail.com.
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The Page County Post
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Sinister Sidney partners with Fremont County deputies
BY LIZ SKILLERN
lizskillern2@gmail.com
Sinister Sidney may be known for its haunted attractions, but this holiday season the local haunt showed a different side - one rooted in giving back. This year marked the first-ever toy drive hosted by Sinister Sidney, held in partnership with the Fremont County Reserve Deputy Association to support the deputies’ longrunning Operation Santa program. The event, dubbed “Operation Krampus,” brought together volunteers, donors, and community members to collect toys and monetary donations for families in need throughout Fremont County. Kaisa Neal of Sinister Sidney said the event was truly a team effort. “It wasn’t just one person who made this happen,” Neal said. “Our media manager presented the idea, and our team jumped right in to get the ball rolling. We’re incredibly grateful for our volunteers and the work they put into this.” Operation Santa, organized by the Fremont
County Reserve Deputy Association, has long been a holiday tradition. Now in its 40th year, the program helps brighten the Christmas season for families by providing gifts for children and easing holiday stress for parents across Fremont County. Neal said partnering with Operation Santa allowed Sinister Sidney to stay involved in the community during its off-season. “Yes, we’re a haunted house, and we don’t do off-season events like some haunts,” she said. “But we wanted to show that Sinister Sidney can still be part of the community yearround. We’re still here, and we wanted to do something meaningful.” While this was the haunt’s first toy drive, Neal said the community response exceeded expectations. “It took a little pushing at first, but once word got out, it spread like wildfire,” she said. “For a first year event, we raised a really meaningful amount of toys and funds to present to the deputies’ association.” To encourage participation, Sinister Sidney offered a
SINISTER SIDNEY FOR OPERATION SANTA
PHOTO PROVIDED
(L-R) Laurie Ross, Mike Ross, Deputy Melgoza, and Kaisa Neal are pictured during Sinister Sidney’s firstever holiday toy drive, held in partnership with the Fremont County Reserve Deputy Association to support the annual Operation Santa program. raffle in which donors could enter by bringing toys. The prize included two Sinister Sidney season tickets for the 2025–26 season, but Neal said many attendees were motivated purely by the cause. “A lot of people weren’t even there for the raffle,” she said. “They just
wanted to donate. They saw the event for what it was and came to give and have fun with us.” The Fremont County Reserve Deputy Association will distribute the toys as part of its Operation Santa efforts, as it has done for decades. Members of the
Sinister Sidney team also plan to help deputies wrap gifts ahead of distribution. Sinister Sidney shared a message of gratitude following the event, thanking the community for showing up with “big hearts and brave holiday spirit” and helping turn a first-year
idea into a successful act of giving. Neal confirmed that Operation Krampus will return annually, becoming a new holiday tradition alongside Operation Santa. “You can definitely expect us to do this every year from here on out,” she said.
Bulletin Board
Get your business card on the Bulletin Board!
712-438-7438
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
TEA
FROM PAGE 4 room, reinforcing why the Tannenbaum Tea remains a beloved tradition. The Tannenbaum Tea, founded in 1989, was created as a women’s counterpart to
the men’s Wassail Bowl, offering a festive gathering while also supporting children in the community. From its very beginning, the Tea committed to donating a portion of each ticket to local organizations, a mission that has continued uninterrupted. Today, the Tannenbaum
The Page County Post Tea is organized by a volunteer committee that includes Stephanie Osborne, Kris Sherman, Liz Skillern, and Tami Sorensen, who continue the tradition of fellowship and giving. Since 1989 the Tannenbaum Tea has raised more than $70,000 for local
charities and organizations that benefit children. This year’s proceeds will be donated to Turnbull Child Development Center, furthering the event’s longstanding goal of supporting youth and families in Shenandoah. Committee member Kris Sherman expressed appreciation for the continued support of the community. “A special thank you to all the guests and decorators that have supported the Tea for 36 years,” Sherman said. “It is truly a community event where everyone enjoys good friendship and helps support children in the community.” The Tea continues to draw women of all ages, many of whom attend year after year. Mary Jo Tillman, a longtime attendee, shared what the event means to her. “This
event is the highlight of my year,” she said. “I get to see so many women I don’t see often. It sets the tone for the holiday.” This year’s Tea also carried a note of remembrance. Committee members and attendees paused to honor Sarah Parker, one of the original founders of the Tannenbaum Tea, who passed away unexpectedly in October. A memorial table recognized Parker’s role in shaping the Tea into the cherished tradition it is today. As a founding member, Parker helped transform a simple idea into an annual celebration that combined elegance, hospitality, and generosity. Known for warmly greeting guests, admiring each table’s decorations and ensuring every detail was just right, Parker’s presence had long
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been a defining part of the Tea. While her absence was deeply felt, committee members said her vision continues to guide the event - a welcoming gathering where women connect, traditions are shared, and children benefit from the generosity of the community. The Tannenbaum Tea remains open to all women of all ages, whether longtime attendees or first-time guests. Its enduring success is a reflection of Shenandoah’s strong sense of community and the commitment of volunteers who work yearround to ensure the tradition continues. As the Tea looks ahead to future years, organizers hope it will remain what it has always been - a joyful holiday gathering rooted in friendship and the spirit of giving.
420 S. 8th St., Clarinda, IA | 712.542.5500 www.clfab.com
8 The Page County Post
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Monday, Dec. 22ND thru Sunday, Dec. 28TH Clarinda: 1200 S. 16th Street | Shenandoah: 500 S. Fremont Street Red Oak: 1605 N. Broadway Street
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