Vision Shenandoah invites community to share ideas and shape the future
By LIZ SKILLERN
The Page County Post
Vision Shenandoah, a newly formed nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening Shenandoah and the surrounding area, is inviting all residents to participate in a series of Community Engagement Opportunities designed to gather ideas, spark conversation, and inspire collaboration.
The first event will be held Tuesday, May 6, 6-7 pm, at The Mill. It marks one of Vision Shenandoah’s first formal public activities and will introduce community members to the organization’s mission and its role within the Charles E. Lakin Foundation’s Revitalize Southwest Iowa Initiative.
That initiative, backed by a $165 million investment through the Community Foundation for Western Iowa, is focused on revitalizing Southwest Iowa by improving housing, childcare, and education across the region. The Lakin
Foundation’s vision is to create a vibrant, sustainable future where every child, family, and educator has the foundation to succeed.
In response to this ambitious opportunity, Vision Shenandoah was formed as a local 501(c) (3) nonprofit to help lead revitalization efforts here at home.
building community,” the meetings are designed to gather input on what matters most to residents. Vision Shenandoah’s guiding purpose is “envisioning the future, innovating solutions, transforming lives for a greater Shenandoah.”
of Directors and Executive Director
•The goal of engaging the community in shaping this exciting opportunity
•Information on the Vision Shenandoah survey, available in print or online at https://forms.gle/ psYZrYnTVf1fx2hq8.
“This is such an exciting time for Shenandoah and all of Southwest Iowa … We will now be able to do projects that we could only dream about. Come and help us build a great community for the future.”
Margaret Brady
Executive Director, Vision Shenandoah
One of the organization’s first actions is to connect with the community to understand Shenandoah’s most pressing needs — and most exciting hopes.
A second public engagement event is set for Thursday, May 8, from 1-2 p.m. at the Shenandoah Public Library Auditorium. Everyone is welcome, and all voices are valued.
Under the banner “Gathering the voices,
Discussion topics include economic development, housing, childcare and daycare needs, recreation, tourism, and community events.
Attendees will also learn about “Dream Teams,” small focus groups that will help carry forward ideas in specific areas of improvement.
The agenda includes:
•An overview of the Revitalize Southwest Iowa Initiative
•Introduction of the Vision Shenandoah Board
QUILT OF VALOR PRESENTED
Charles F. Vaile of Shenandoah
Charles F. Vaile was honored with a Quilt of Valor on Saturday, April 26, at his home in Shenandoah, Iowa.
Charles served in the United States Marine Corps, active duty from 1960 until 1964; and served from 1964 until 1966 in the Reserves. He spent three years at Camp Pendleton, CA., and one year at the Naval Weapons Station in Seal Beach, CA.
Charles is a Vietnam Active Duty Veteran, as well as,
a Cold War Veteran. In 1962 he served in the Cuban Missile Service. Upon his discharge, Charles held the rank of Corporal. In attendance to honor Charles was his wife Sharon, and to award this Quilt of Valor were Brenda Franks and Becky Streitenberger. Denise Bryant of the Page County Veterans Affairs was also present to award Charles with a Certificate of Appreciation and a book on Vietnam.
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Community members interested in a deeper role are invited to stay for a followup discussion immediately after the meeting.
Vision Shenandoah is committed to listening, learning, and leading with the community at the center of every decision.
Don’t miss this opportunity to help shape Shenandoah’s future.
“This is such an exciting time for Shenandoah and all of Southwest Iowa,” said Margaret Brady, Executive Director of Vision Shenandoah. “We will now be able to do projects that we could only dream about. Come and help us build a great community for the future.”
For more information, email executivedirector@ visionshenandoah.org, call 712-581-9004, or follow Vision Shenandoah on social media.
Charles F. Vaile
Lodge, who helped mark off five separate hunting areas by age group.
The Legion team filled 2,000 plastic eggs with candy and prizes, including $2 bills, 50-cent pieces, and dollar coins tucked into select eggs.
Another 40 sacks of candy were reserved to hand out personally—especially to any young participants who left their area looking a bit disappointed.
“We always have a few little ones who maybe didn’t get as many eggs, and our Color Guard goes around handing out extra candy,” Nance explained. “It helps keep the smiles going.”
The event follows a wellrehearsed routine: volunteers meet early on the Saturday before Easter to set up at Sportsman's Park, chosen for its level ground and ample space. Hunting areas are marked by ropes and custom signs, newly made this year by Signs & Shines in Shenandoah.
At exactly 10 am, after the presentation of the flags and
the traditional rifle salute by the Color Guard, the hunt begins. Volunteers cut the barrier tape and, within a minute, all the eggs vanish into excited baskets.
Age groups ranged from six months to fifth grade, separated into six categories to ensure a safe and fair scramble for every child.
“We’re proud to be one of the biggest hunts in Page County,” said Nance, noting the event used to be held at the Shenandoah Golf Course before relocating to the more accessible park about 20 years ago.
For the first time in many years, the event was fully funded by the American Legion, with a budget of about $400 covering candy and supplies. In the past, local banks had contributed to help fund the event.
Meanwhile, in Clarinda, the Chamber of Commerce and Kiwanis Club teamed up to host an energetic hunt at Clarinda City Park. With help from Iowa State University Extension and OutreachPage County, local 4-H clubs, and dozens of volunteers— including Andrea Muller in a cheerful Easter Bunny
BUCKETS OF SUCCESS
Shenandoah’s Sophia Clark, Jayda Meeks, and Madeline Logan show off their candy-filled buckets after a successful hunt.
COURTESY PHOTO
costume—the event was a hit. The park was sectioned off for kids ages 3 & under, 4–5, 6–7, and 8–10, and the hunt began all at once.
“We’re so grateful to all the businesses and individuals who donated eggs and candy,” organizers said in a statement.
“It was another successful event!”
In Essex, the Community Club hosted its Easter Egg Hunt at Anderson Park, also on April 19.
Members of the Community Club filled and hid the eggs and divided the children into three age groups: 3 and under, 4–6, and 7–10.
There were more than 75 kids joining in the fun. Bright spring weather helped make it a memorable afternoon for families.
HOPPY MOMENT IN ESSEX
COURTESY PHOTO
A young girl peeks through a wooden bunny cutout at Essex’s Easter celebration in Anderson Park.
SMC leads tornado disaster drill at Green Plains
By LIZ SKILLERN
The Page County Post
A simulated tornado strike at Green Plains ethanol plant brought emergency responders, hospital staff, and even high school students together for a large-scale disaster drill on April 24 — an event that Shenandoah Medical Center leaders say will enhance local preparedness and public safety.
The exercise, designed to test emergency protocols and inter-agency coordination, played out like a real emergency from start to finish.
The scenario began with a
tornado watch and escalated into a full response when a “tornado” reportedly hit the plant, injuring several workers and exposing them to unknown chemicals.
Ty Davison, EMS director, said the goal was to test both triage and hazmat response in an offsite disaster scenario.
“This was a great opportunity to get all of the emergency services across Page and Fremont counties to work together, communicate together, and then respond together,” Davison said.
“We wanted it to feel real, so dispatchers sent out alerts, first responders established command, and patients were treated on site before being
transported to the hospital for further treatment.”
Key agencies involved included Shenandoah Fire and Rescue, local EMS crews, law enforcement officers from multiple jurisdictions, dispatchers, and emergency management personnel from Page County. Fremont County EMA was invited but unavailable for the event.
SMC Emergency Management Coordinator and ER Department Manager Deanna Berning said the drill included a critical new component — hazmat decontamination — thanks to recently acquired equipment.
“Because Green Plains uses chemicals, we wanted to practice how to keep the hospital safe by decontaminating patients before they enter the facility,” Berning said.
“It’s essential we remove hazardous material at the scene or right outside the hospital to prevent exposure.”
Davison emphasized the importance of hands-on training. “A couple years ago, we included high school students, and it went really well. We were excited to do that again.”
Students from Shenandoah
See TORNADO, Page 7
Shenandoah High School students Ashlee Dinges, Brooklyn Maher, and Megan Bosley arrive on scene to participate in the tornado disaster drill, portraying emergency staff, a reporter and a victim’s family member in a realistic emergency scenario.
COURTESY PHOTO/TY DAVISON EMERGENCY RESPONSE
High School’s Introduction to Health class played the roles of victims, bystanders, reporters, and even family members.
The 19 students, led by instructor Linda Anderson, studied disaster protocols and learned moulage — special effects makeup used to simulate injuries.
“They pushed themselves out of their comfort zones to create an authentic disaster scenario,” Anderson said.
“This fostered empathy and gave them insight
into community response, medical careers, and the importance of teamwork in crisis.”
SHS freshman Brooklyn Maher helped apply moulage and later played the role of a reporter, interviewing responders on the scene.
“It made me realize how they categorize different injuries and how important communication is,” she said.
Davison noted that communication — often a weak spot in past drills — went smoothly this time thanks to clear coordination across agencies.
“Even when handheld radios failed at the hospital,
the team adapted and made sure critical information was shared,” he said.
Marketing specialist Haley Weis said SMC worked hard to communicate that the event was a drill, not a real emergency.
“We used social media to let people know what was going on,” she said.
“We don’t want to cause panic, but we do want the community to know we’re preparing for real emergencies.”
Weis added that drills like these build public confidence.
“We’ve had recent tornadoes in our area. When people see how seriously we take
preparedness, they know they’re in good hands.”
After the exercise, participants conducted a “hot wash” to evaluate their performance. External evaluators provided feedback to help SMC and its partners improve future response plans.
Berning pointed out that these efforts have real-world impact. “Last year, we had to evacuate a nursing home due to carbon monoxide exposure.
Because of past drills, we were ready.”
Davison said the lessons learned will help shape future trainings, guide equipment purchases, and reinforce SMC’s role in the Southwest Iowa Preparedness Partners Coalition.
“We’re constantly challenging ourselves,” Davison said. “We want our community to know that in any type of emergency, we’re ready.”
LIFE SAVERS
EMS personnel provide on-site aid to a simulated tornado victim during the April 24 drill, practicing critical skills in assessment, treatment, and coordination under pressure.
COURTESY PHOTO/TY DAVISON
