A LEGACY OF DEDICATION
Shelly Warner retires after 22 years at SCIA
By LIZ SKILLERN
The Page County Post
After 22 years of dedicated service, Shelly Warner, the marketing director of the Shenandoah Chamber and Industry Association (SCIA), is retiring. Warner's journey with SCIA began in November 2002, and over the years, she has become a cornerstone of the community, known for her tireless efforts in promoting local businesses and organizing community events.
Warner's career path was diverse, starting with a degree in mass communications and art from the University of South Dakota. She worked in various roles, including advertising, photography, and retail, before joining SCIA. Her extensive experience made her a perfect fit for the marketing director position, where she utilized her skills to benefit the community.
During her tenure, Warner played a pivotal role in numerous projects and events. She helped orchestrate the grand opening of Green Plains, initiated the Shenandoah Wabash Marathon, and contributed to the development of the Everly Brothers House.
Her efforts in promoting local businesses and
TIRELESS EFFORT
Shelly Warner, retiring marketing director of the Shenandoah Chamber and Industry Association, reflects on her 22 years of service and contributions to the community.
organizing events like the farmer's market and SnoDough have left a lasting impact on the community.
Reflecting on her time at SCIA, Warner expressed pride in the projects she helped bring to life and the relationships she built. "The best part is the people," she said. "I've made so many good friends and worked
with great supporters in the community."
As she steps into retirement, Warner plans to spend more time with her family and pursue personal interests. "My plans are to rest a little bit and maybe get back in shape and do a little more running. I feel like I don't have a lot of time for that now," Warner shared.
Kay Johnston 1940-2025
DEATH NOTICE
home in Clarinda.
A memorial service was held Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the Nodaway Valley Funeral Home in Clarinda, with Pastor Andy Rubenking officiating.
A visitation with her family was held prior to the service at Nodaway Valley Funeral Home.
Burial was to be held privately by her family at the Clarinda Cemetery. Memorials are kindly suggested to the Clarinda Methodist Church.
Memories can be shared with the family at www. nodawayvalleyfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Nodaway Valley Funeral Home of Clarinda.
Kay Annice (Scott) Johnston was born on July 3, 1940, in the Clarinda Municipal Hospital, the oldest daughter born to Harry and Gladys (Parker) Scott. She attended elementary school in Clarinda and graduated from the Clarinda High School with the class of 1958.
Kay married Rodney Eugene Johnston at the United Methodist Church in Clarinda on November 29, 1959. They celebrated 65 years of marriage together.
Kay has been a member of the Clarinda United Methodist Church, now Clarinda Methodist Church for over 72 years.
Kay was working at Lisle when she got married and later worked at Taylor Pharmacy. She also managed the rental properties they owned.
Kay enjoyed her family and time spent playing cards.
Kay and Rodney had two children, Pamela Hansen of Cedar Rapids and Tim Johnston of Phoenix. They survive as well as son-in-law Daniel Hansen of Cedar Rapids and two grandsons, Gregory Hansen of Cedar Rapids and Nicholas Hansen of Minneapolis. She is also survived by nieces, nephews and other extended relatives.
Preceding Kay in death were her parents, sister Elsie Herzberg and brother-in-law Larry Herzberg and an infant granddaughter.
Kay will be missed.
"Of course, I want to spend time with my granddaughter, my daughter, and other relatives in the area. I don't necessarily have to travel
See SHELLY, Page 5
Kay Johnston, 84, of Clarinda, Iowa, passed away May 21, 2025, at her
CORN, CULTURE, AND THE HEARTLAND Author Cynthia Clampitt shares How Corn Changed Everything
By LIZ SKILLERN
The Page County Post
For author, historian, and food scholar Cynthia Clampitt, it’s not a stretch to say that corn changed the word. In fact, it’s the title —
said during her presentation. “And it’s corn.” From a weedy grass with a rare “jumping gene” growing in ancient Mexico to one of the most vital staples of modern life, corn’s evolution mirrors
American life—from food to fuel, plastics to paint. “It’s better at converting sunlight to energy than any other plant on Earth,” Clampitt explained. “It grows so fast you can practically hear it in the field.”
'There’s only one story in the United States … Clampitt said during her presentation. … 'And it’s corn.'
which she describes in her book Midwest Maize: How Corn Shaped the U.S. Heartland
and thesis — of one of her most popular presentations: How Corn Changed Itself and Then Changed Everything Else.
Clampitt brought that fascinating program to the Clarinda Lied Public Library on May 17, weaving together thousands of years of agricultural evolution, Midwestern pride, and her own lifelong passion for food and history.
“There’s only one story in the United States,” Clampitt
the progress of civilization itself. Today, corn touches nearly every part of
Historian, Food Scholar
— Cynthia Clampitt Author,
Her talk touched on both the science and the symbolism of this crop,
“I can help you understand your current insurance better, and help you with claims questions … “My first
the world because I've already done that. There might be a few bucket list places in Iowa I want to hit that I've never been to."
Warner also expressed her gratitude to the many volunteers and sponsors who have supported her over the years. "I want to thank all the hundreds of volunteers and sponsors who have helped me with all the events I've organized. Their support has been invaluable," she added.
“Working with Gregg (Connell) and Kris (Sherman) has also been a wonderful experience. Gregg's knowledge about economic development and state programs has been invaluable, and Kris has been a great co-worker, especially as the co-chair of the Wabash Marathon," Warner said.
Warner's departure marks the end of an era for SCIA, but her impact will continue to be felt throughout the community.
To celebrate Warner's retirement and welcome new SCIA Marketing Director, Michelle Morelock, SCIA will host an Open House After Hours event on June 10 at 5 p.m. at the SCIA office, located at 619 W Sheridan Avenue. Refreshments and snacks will be served.
From Wild Boar to Baconfest and Destination Heartland: A Guide to Discovering the Midwest’s Remarkable Past. All three works highlight her commitment to exploring and celebrating Midwestern heritage.
Though Clampitt has traveled to 37 countries across six continents in pursuit of culture and cuisine, her focus in recent years has shifted closer to home. “People think the Midwest is dull or flyover country,” she said. “But the Midwest changed the world.”
The Clarinda visit came as part of a broader research trip for her next book, a follow-up to Destination Heartland. The upcoming volume will include Clarinda’s own Glenn Miller Birthplace Museum, which she made time to visit after Library Director Andrew Hoppmann reached out to invite her.
“I routed my trip through Clarinda,” Clampitt said. “I’d just finished a two-day conference in Des Moines, visited the German American and African American museums in Cedar Rapids, and was heading to Lincoln, Nebraska. Clarinda was right on the way—and I was so impressed with the town. Charming people and enthusiastic attendees.”
Clampitt has long believed in the power of storytelling to reach people who might not pick up a book. “Humans are often better
listeners than readers,” she said. “But once they hear the story, they want to know more.”
Her presentation brought in local attendees who purchased copies of Midwest Maize, which not only explores history but includes updated recipes from 18th- and 19th-century cookbooks. “People have always wanted to eat well,” Clampitt noted with a smile. “And corn has always been good food.”
Her newest lecture, Midwestern Food: Diversity and Abundance, explores how immigration shaped the region’s cuisine. “By 1880, twothirds of all foreign-born farmers in the U.S. lived in the Midwest,” she said. “They brought rye, wheat, pork traditions—everything. It made the Midwest one of the most diverse food regions in the country.”
In addition to speaking and writing, Clampitt manages several blogs, including Midwest Maize, World Fare, and Waltzing Australia. She is a member of the Society of Women Geographers, Culinary Historians of Chicago, the Agricultural History Society, and the Midwestern History Association.
So what’s next? Clampitt’s current book project—tentatively titled The Evolving Midwest—is set to take readers to more hidden historical gems throughout the region. And yes, Clarinda made the cut.
For more about Clampitt’s work, visit www.CynthiaClampitt.com or look for her books on Amazon and
FOOD SCHOLAR
Author and food historian Cynthia Clampitt speaks at the Lied Public Library during her presentation, “How Corn Changed Itself and Then Changed Everything Else,” on May 17.
through the University of Illinois Press. And if you like breathing?
“Thank a farmer,” Clampitt said. “Corn doesn’t just feed the world— it helps oxygenate it, too.”
PHOTO PROVIDED
Shenandoah freshmen earn Silver at State
By LIZ SKILLERN
The Page County Post
A team of Shenandoah High School freshmen made a strong showing at the state Food Science and Technology Career Development Event (CDE) in Ames on May 20, earning silver honors and placing 10th out of 23 teams.
Representing the DavisRodgers FFA chapter, team members Ashley Hardy, Alexis Laumann, Eden Hazen, Katie Rine, Millie O’Brien, and Molly Bowen showcased their skills and creativity in one of the most challenging and competitive events in agricultural education.
Katie Rine earned top individual honors in the
practicum portion of the contest, taking first place statewide. The practicum evaluates students on their hands-on application of food science principles. Throughout the competition, the team tackled a series of rigorous assessments, including product knowledge, problem solving, customer inquiry response, aroma identification, triangle testing, and food safety and quality evaluations. The event combines technical knowledge with real-world application, challenging students to think critically and work collaboratively.
As part of the event, the Shenandoah team also developed a new ready-to-
eat, nutritious cereal targeted at students aged 8 to 12. Their concept focused on convenience for busy families while incorporating both health and marketing appeal.
FFA advisor Sarah Martin praised the group’s dedication and performance. “These freshmen demonstrated incredible focus and teamwork,” they said. “Competing at the state level in food science is no easy task, and they represented our chapter with pride and professionalism.”
The event was hosted at Iowa State University and is part of FFA’s broader mission to prepare students for careers in agriculture and food science.
SILVER HONORS
PHOTO PROVIDED
Lexi Laumann, Katie Rine, Eden Hazen, and Ashley Hardy of the DavisRodgers FFA chapter earned silver ribbons at the state Food Science and Technology Career Development Event in Ames.
