Joan R. Hamilton 1932-2025
DEATH NOTICE
Joan R. Hamilton entered into eternal peace on Thursday morning, June 5, 2025 at Homestead in Shenandoah. Memorials are suggested to the Shenandoah United Methodist Church, Shenandoah Public Library or Aseracare Hospice. Funeral Services were held on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Shenandoah United Methodist Church at 10:30 a.m. Burial followed in the Rose Hill Cemetery. The family greeted friends at the funeral home on Tuesday evening, from 5:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. Joan was many things to many different people. Those who knew her and loved her will remember her as a friendly, helpful and caring person who always loved to be around people. Her students remember her affectionately as tough but fair, and as an excellent and caring teacher.
Joan was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Pete Hamilton, her parents, her in-laws, Pete and Mary Hamilton, a sister Marceline Jean Reese, and great-granddaughter Grace Elizabeth Price. She is survived by children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren Sonia Michels and partner John of Elgin, IL, John (Kara) Michels and Ronan of Indiana, Evan (Paola) Michels of Texas, Steve and wife Lee-Anne Hamilton of Gardner, KS, Erica (Chad) Price, Christian and Cameron, Amanda (Mark) Shore, Josie and Mason, Crystal (Jeff) Buckingham, Lauren and Jonathon, Stephanie Hamilton and Max Hamilton all of Kansas, Sandra Crowdes and partner Steve of Shenandoah, IA, Nathan (Sarah) Crowdes, Henry and Riley of Colorado, Zach (Courtney) Crowdes, Charlotte and Sawyer of Iowa and Shelly Hamilton of Shenandoah, IA; other relatives and friends.
365 Athletic Club to host grand opening
The Clarinda Chamber of Commerce and the Clarinda Ambassadors invite the community to the Ribbon Cutting for the new 24/7 Gym, 365 Athletic Club, located at 121 South 15th Street on Wednesday, July 2, at 3 p.m.
365 Athletic Club is a brand-new, fully equipped gym open 24/7/365. Following the ribbon cutting at 3 p.m. will be an open house running until 8 p.m. The gym will officially open to members on Thursday, July 3, at 8 a.m. Located in the heart of Clarinda, the facility offers strength training, cardio equipment, and personal
training, designed to meet the needs of beginners and serious lifters alike.
The founders—Jake Reid and Joe Kirsch, both Clarinda High School Class of 2014 alumni—say it was time the community had a larger, more modern facility built specifically for the people of Clarinda.
“Clarinda deserved something better,” said the owners in a joint statement.
“This town needed a large, modern space that felt welcoming for all levels of fitness.”
This marks the second successful business venture for Reid and Kirsch. After building and
recently selling a screen printing and embroidery business. Kirsch, a certified personal trainer with a deep background in fitness and construction, led the facility’s physical design and equipment layout. Reid, with experience in operations and technology, oversaw the backend infrastructure, making them a perfect match for building and running the gym.
During the open house, attendees can tour the facility, meet the team, enjoy light refreshments, and sign up for memberships. For more information, please message the 365 Athletic Club Facebook Page.
Clarinda chosen for statewide
‘Choose Iowa’
Food Pilot
Program focuses on providing fresh, local foods
By LIZ SKILLERN
The Page County Post
Clarinda Community School District is one of 33 schools or school districts across Iowa selected to participate in the new Choose Iowa Food Purchasing Program for Schools, a pilot initiative designed to bring more locally grown and produced foods into school cafeterias.
The one-year pilot, announced by Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig on May 29, connects school food service programs with Choose Iowa members — farmers, food hubs, and small businesses across the state — who grow and produce food locally.
Clarinda was awarded up to $1,000 in funding through the program, which requires a one-to-one match from the school district for a total of $2,000 dedicated to local food purchases.
“This pilot program will bring in at least $1,000 more worth of food from an outside local source, and we’ll use that throughout all four of our school buildings,” said Julia Harris, food service director for Clarinda Schools. “It’s still early in the process, but we’re excited about the potential.”
While specific vendors and products won’t be finalized until later this summer, Harris said she’s excited to explore what’s available through Choose Iowa vendors when purchasing opens in August.
“We haven’t selected what foods we’ll be bringing in yet, but I’m hoping for things like locally grown fruits and vegetables, maybe even meats or dairy products.
Last year, we received another grant that let us offer cheese curds, different meats, and spices. That variety makes a big difference,” she said.
Harris, who creates the school menus for the district, sees the program as an opportunity to expand not only the nutritional value of the meals, but also the students’ experiences.
“The students will benefit from food that is fresher and of higher nutritional value,” she explained. “They’ll also get to try
things they wouldn’t normally be exposed to if we were only purchasing through our regular suppliers.”
Although the Choose Iowa pilot program is currently funded for only one year, Harris hopes the initiative continues.
“I’d love to see it grow,” she said. “But there are concerns—some grant funding is being slashed at the federal level. We’re lucky to have received an equipment assistance grant previously, and we’re just waiting to see what happens going forward.”
'The students will benefit from food that is fresher and of higher nutritional value … 'They’ll also get to try things they wouldn’t normally be exposed to if we were only purchasing through our regular suppliers.”
— Julia Harris
Food Service Director
Clarinda Community Schools
Still, Harris remains optimistic and says the support helps her program stretch their resources further while enriching what they can serve.
“It really opens up the variety of foods we can offer,” she said. “I’m looking forward to trying new things and seeing how the students respond.”
The Choose Iowa Food Purchasing Program for Schools was created during the 2024 legislative session.
It is an extension of the larger Choose Iowa initiative led by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship to support and promote Iowa-grown and Iowa-made products.
For more information on the Choose Iowa program, including how producers can become members, visit ChooseIowa. com.
By ELAINE ARMSTRONG Special Contributor to The Page County Post
When the Clarinda Kiwanis Club met June 4 during the noon hour at J’s Pizza and Steakhouse, determining a theme for this year’s lighted Christmas parade was on the agenda.
Way too early, one might think, but now is when businesses and organizations begin asking so they can plan for their floats.
Suggestions will be voted on at the next meeting July 16.
Officially, Kiwanis is a global organization of member-volunteers who are dedicated to improving the world, one child and one community at a time.
Clarinda area members meet the 1st and 3rd Wednesday noon of each month at J’s.
Anyone interested is welcome to attend and participate.
In addition to the Lighted Holiday Parade, they join the Chamber of Commerce in sponsoring the Easter Egg Hunt.
In the spring, area 3rd graders get new bike helmets and a safety talk.
The newly refurbished Kiwanis Park in the southwest part of town, with its large dinosaur play piece, is a busy place most summer days.
The club also helps sponsor Braddyville baseball, the Halloween Ghost Walk and a preschool class.
Clarindan Rick Finch is the current Lieutenant Governor serving six clubs including Council Bluffs Downtown, Atlantic, Glenwood, Red Oak, Hamburg and Clarinda. In May Clarinda members elected officers to take over Oct. 1: Chelsea Ewigman president, Rick Finch vice president, Elaine Armstrong secretary and Teal Driscoll treasurer. The club’s program June 4 was presented by Mitch Holmes, Sales Manager at Highway 71 Trailer Superstore, a new business owned by Novae at the south edge of Clarinda. What was a cornfield only a few months ago is now a rocked sales lot containing over 200 trailers of various sizes and styles.
work of
SCIA hosts open house, celebrates a farewell and a new beginning
By LIZ SKILLERN The Page County Post
The Shenandoah Chamber and Industry Association (SCIA) hosted a special Open House After Hours on June 10, to celebrate the retirement of longtime marketing director Shelly Warner and introduce her successor, Michelle Morelock.
The event, held at the SCIA office at 619 W. Sheridan Avenue, drew more than 40 guests for an evening of refreshments, camaraderie, and heartfelt appreciation.
Executive Vice President Gregg Connell welcomed attendees and reflected on Warner’s incredible 23-year tenure. “Shelly has been here for 23 years — I’ve been here 22 — and I could not have worked with a more professional or kinder
PAGE COUNTY POST PHOTO/LIZ SKILLERN NEW FACE AT SCIA
Michelle Morelock, the new marketing director for the Shenandoah Chamber and Industry Association, is eager to connect with local businesses and continue the
promoting the Shenandoah community.
SCIA Executive Vice President Gregg Connell speaks to guests during the Chamber's Open House After Hours event on June 10, as outgoing marketing director Shelly Warner and incoming director Michelle Morelock look on.
person,” Connell said. “No matter what was going on, she always had a smile in the office and for anyone who walked through the door.”
Warner, visibly moved by the turnout and warm wishes, spoke fondly of her time at the Chamber.
“It’s been great to work with Gregg and Kris (Sherman), but also with the whole community,” she said. “It’s the people that make this work so meaningful. Most of it is fun, and I’ve been telling Michelle that — these are fun events.
It’s rewarding to know the Chamber helps businesses succeed.
I want to thank everyone who has ever sponsored, volunteered, or participated in a Chamber activity. Having an organization that supports and promotes local business is so important.”
Connell noted that Morelock was the clear choice among six candidates interviewed for the position. “There was no question — Michelle was the one,” he said. “She’s been working closely with Shelly and picking things up quickly.
I think this will be a super smooth transition.”
Morelock, who officially stepped into the role earlier this month, shared her enthusiasm for the opportunity. “I’m looking forward to getting to know all the people I don’t already know and continuing what Shelly started,” she said. “It’s an honor to be part of
something that supports and promotes Shenandoah’s businesses.”
Originally from Shenandoah, Morelock returned to the area after college.
She and her husband farm in southwest Iowa and have two adult sons.
After years of working from home and staying active as a volunteer in several organizations, she saw the SCIA position as a meaningful next step.
“I’ve watched the changes in our downtown and community over the years, and I’m excited to be more involved and hopefully make a difference,” she said in a follow-up interview. “I look forward to hearing ideas from business owners and helping them promote what they offer.”
Morelock’s top goals include strengthening communication with business owners, encouraging collaboration, and supporting growth across Shenandoah.
She also acknowledges the challenge of stepping into large-scale event planning, something Warner handled with seasoned expertise.
“Shelly has a wealth of knowledge and does so much behind the scenes,” Morelock said. “I’m incredibly grateful she’s offered to help with some of the big events this year to ensure a smooth transition.”
As Shenandoah looks to the future, SCIA is entering a new chapter — one built on decades of dedicated service and continued community connection.
The Page County Post is delivered to every home in Page County, Iowa, every Tuesday
Rock ’n Roll music, new archive displays at Everly Brothers Heritage Day, June 19
Shenandoah annually observes Everly Brothers Family Heritage Day commemorating Everly Brothers Family History in Shenandoah.
This year, on Thursday June 19, the celebration features Everly Brothers music and other hits from the 1950s and 60s by Richie Lee & the Fabulous 50’s.
Also unveiled will be newly acquired displays of family artifacts from their youthful years in Shenandoah.
Those attending the Everly Brothers Heritage Day events and those visiting the Everly Brothers Childhood Home will be guided by new Iowa Department of Transportation directional signs on Highway 59 going up this spring.
Several of the Everly historical items will be displayed at the Depot Restaurant, Everly Brothers Childhood Home, and Greater Shenandoah Historical Museum at 800 W. Sheridan Ave.
Items acquired by the Shenandoah Everly Brothers Foundation include childhood toys, scrapbooks, paintings, a 1940s childhood scrapbook, their Mother Margaret’s cowboy costume from their time on Shenandoah radio stations, song writing notes, song copywrite certificates, Shenandoah school items, and more.
Thanks to a Greater Shenandoah Foundation grant visitors can enjoy a free outdoor concert at 6 p.m. at the Depot Restaurant, 101 Railroad St., under the big yellow striped tent.
Since the age of 7 Richie Lee, a Des Moines native, has been winning awards for his nostalgic 50s and 60s style of rock music.
He learned to play the drums at age 11 and the guitar at age 12.
He has performed at every major rock n roll venue in Iowa and traveled the U.S. to play with the Drifters and perform in Elvis tributes.
In 2007 he was inducted into the Iowa Rock n Roll Music Association and in 2010 received the IRRMA Spirit Award. has played at the Winter Dance Party at the Surf Ballroom.
His music features many from the early rock era including the Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly.
He has been on a mission since his youth to bring back the 50s, 60s sound for kids to hear and keep rock ‘n roll alive. Learn more at www. richieleeproductions.com.
Everly Brothers Family t-shirts will be available for $20 at the concert or at Shenandoah Chamber & Industry Association anytime, 619 W. Sheridan Ave.
The shirt is a tribute to these rock n’ roll pioneers that got their start in Shenandoah.
It features a family publicity photo from their radio days at KMA and KFNF.
They are dressed in their cowboy attire, the uniform of that time for performances and the live radio stage.
Don and Phil spent their formative years in Shenandoah and learned the value of hard
work, performing, and musicianship that was an integral part of their success.
Shenandoah was home to Ike and Margret Everly and their boys Don and Phil from 1945 to 1953.
They sang and played guitar on live radio for Earl May on KMA and Henry Field on KFNF.
In 1945 the Everly family moved to Shenandoah to accept a job at KMA radio station to perform live.
From these humble beginnings in Shenandoah the Everly Brothers rose to world fame.
Their father Ike instilled in his sons his love for music.
At the ages of 8 and 6, sons Don and Phil began to perform on their parents live on the Shenandoah radio shows.
On weekends the family sang together, traveling the area as the Everly Family.
They stayed in Shenandoah until early high school.
The family moved to Tennessee in 1953 and transitioned into a duo act.
After decades of success in 1986 The Everly Brothers were among the first 10 artists inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
That same year they returned to their boyhood home Shenandoah and played to a crowd of 8,500 in a homecoming concert with parade, street dedication, and class reunion.
Those interested can learn more about the Everly’s history by visiting the preserved childhood home to view the documentary movie shown there and at Greater Shenandoah Historical Museum at 800 W. Sheridan Ave.
The Mission of Shenandoah Everly Brothers Foundation is to honor and remember the Everly Brothers, preserving their Shenandoah history and keeping their music alive with events and concerts held annually.
Don and Phil also established an Everly Family Scholarship in Shenandoah in 1986 with the proceeds from their Shenandoah Homecoming concert.
Beginning with $25,000 from the Shenandoah concert and several other Iowa performances, it has been helping students in Shenandoah ever since.
They wanted to help Shenandoah kids with interest and dreams but need a little financial help to get
there.
Tens of thousands have been gifted to 6th, 7th, and 8th graders to help with music instrument rental and other music equipment, athletic equipment or fees, vocal and band fees, art or drama camps, private music or vocal lessons, academic tutoring, and more.
Parents can learn
more by contacting Bill Hillman, President of the Shenandoah Everly Brothers Foundation.
For more information about Everly Brothers Family Heritage Day activities contact Shenandoah Chamber & Industry Association at 712-2463455, chamber@sciaiowa. com, www.sciaiowa.com.
Classifieds
Email phil@pagecountypost.com
to place your classified ad.
Classified word ads are FREE for the first 10 words $5 for each additional 10 words.
Deadline is Thursday at Noon.
AUTOS
2000 Beige, Buick LeSabre Starts/runs good. New battery. 712-215-0794
FURNITURE
Nice dual reclining brown sofa. New mechanisms. Always covered. 712-2150794
GARAGE SALE
Gigantic garage sale at 2074 Juniper, Clarinda, June 18-20. Hunting clothes and etc., furniture, antiques, and collectibles, toys, clothing, tools, books – Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 8 AM to 4 PM.
Everything must go sale at 807 Page, Shenandoah, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., June 19th, 20th, and 21st.
SMALL ENGINE EQUIPMENT
20" Reartine Cub Cadet tiller, 208cc engine. Very good. 712-542-3870.
Classified specifications:
The Page County Post will run your classified word ad. Just email your wording to phil@pagecountypost.com.
If your ad is 10 words or
less, it will run for FREE. For ads that are 11-20 words, the price will be $5. For ads that are 21-30 words, the price will be $10, 31-40 is $15, and so on.
What can you advertise?
Pretty much anything cars, motorcycles, boats, lawn mowers, weed eaters, chain saws, all types of power tools, rental property, land for sale, even homes for sale, horses, bulls, mules, sheep, chickens — anything you want to turn into cash, you can advertise it in the classifieds.
If you're wondering whether or not you should try to sell your item in the classifieds, the answer is, "Yes!"
Your ad will be delivered to every mailbox in Page County.
That represents 6,775 homes and about 15,000 people who might be interested in what you have to offer.
The deadline to submit your classified ads is Thursday at noon to be included in the following Tuesday's issue of The Page County Post.
GOLF FROM PAGE
5
everything from registration and course activities to serving meals and cleanup.
Following the tournament, golfers and volunteers gathered at Elm Street Grill for a reception to celebrate the day’s success.
Funds raised from the event will go to the SMC Foundation’s Internal Grant Program, which provides "wishlist items" to hospital departments. In recent years, the program has funded patient goodie bags for the Cancer Center, transportation assistance for patients facing travel barriers, a child-friendly medication flavoring machine in the pharmacy, and protective gear for EMS personnel. Additionally, proceeds help support the Foundation’s scholarship program for graduating high school seniors pursuing healthcare careers in the region.
Weiss also extended a heartfelt thanks to the SMC Foundation Board. "All but one of our board members were there either golfing or volunteering—and the one who couldn’t make it was busy taking care of patients. That says a lot about our team and our mission."
With perfect weather and a strong mix of local and out-of-town teams, the tournament was not just a fundraiser, but a celebration of community and healthcare.
A shout-out to those who work for a living
By PHIL COBB
The Page County Post
After one of the longest waits
I can remember, winter/spring is finally over and the hot days of summer are finally here.
Sure, there's a couple more days before the official start of summer, but we all know Memorial Day is the unofficial kickoff of what should be summertime in the Midwest.
I call it winter/spring because it's just so hard to tell the difference a lot of times.
Personally, I crave the warmer days — hot even — but I will say my stamina for working outside when the thermometer is 90+ and the humidity feels like it, too, has decreased at an alarming rate in recent years. You will very rarely hear me complain about a hot day — maybe a humid one — but not a hot one.
I absolutely hate winter. I'm fine at the beginning, when the temps drop down in the 30s — 20s even, but get any lower than that and I'm out. Then, as December turns into January and February, my tolerance for even the 40s and 50s gets thin.
Actually, if it was just a number on a thermometer, I think I would mostly be okay, but throw in the wind — especially this past winter/ spring, mix that with gray, overcast days, and tack that on to a 40 degree day in March or even April and it's all I can do to make it to June.
All that being said, I'm a guy who can duck inside pretty much whenever I want. If I'm cold, the heat of my office, my pickup, my home, is never far away. And on days like this when you feel like you're constantly wiping sweat from your brow and the heat from your car seat is making your back sweat and stick to your shirt, my air
conditioner is right there, and offers relief almost instantly.
Here's where I'm going with this:
I want to show a little appreciation for the many people among us who can't escape the weather during the course of their workday.
I know a lot of guys who will tell you that they prefer winter to summer, and I can pretty much guess why most of the time.
Guys and gals who work outside for a living will almost always tell you they would rather the temperature be 10 than 100.
I can totally see their point, and have no problem understanding why.
Because, when it's 10 degrees and you are dressed appropriately, it's actually pretty comfortable if you are working and can stay moving.
But when it's 100, and the humidity is what it is around here in the summer, there's no escaping it.
When it's cold, the harder you work, the warmer you get.
Unfortunately, the same is true for the summer.
So, I'm always quick to sing the praises of summer, but I never forget to be mindful of those who earn their living from working outside.
I often half joke that I'm glad I don't have a real job where I have to work for a living.
But, I'm thankful for the people who do, who make my life and my job possible, so thank you — you know who you are.
A big number of the people I've been referring to in this column, so far, are the same people who put their faith in this publication by purchasing ads and making this all possible.
The following is a list of all the establishments that have jumped on board during the first 16 weeks of this experiment. I can't stress enough the
ALL HANDS ON DECK
THE BIG GUN
importance of our readers supporting these places of business and other organizations, not just for the continued success of The Page County Post, but also for the advancement of these small towns we all love so much.
Thank you for doing so. Here they are: 3D Tech Inc., 4Ton Dirtworks, Akin Building Center, Al Hughes Auctions, American Senior Benefits, Antique John's, Championship Motors, CL Fabrication, Clarinda Community School, Clarinda Lied Center, Clarinda Regional Health Center, Coin Fire & Rescue, Coin Public Library, Collins Auctions, Conception Abbey, Concrete Expressions, D&D Treasures, Ding's Honk n Holler, Easter's True Value, El Sarape Mexican Restaurant, Elizabeth Davison Farm Bureau, Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Essex School, Friends of the Shenandoah Library, Gee Building Systems, H&H Trailers - Novae, Hazel's Gowns, Hineline Home Furnishings, Hoskins Exteriors, Hy-Vee, Lied Public Library, Mark Edwards Masonry, MV Auctions, McIntyre Real Estate, McNeilly Garage Door, Nebel Auctions, Nishnabotna Water Defenders, Nodaway Valley Funeral Home, Page County Fair Board, Premier Healthcare of Shenandoah, Quality Barncraft, S&S Appliance & Mattress, Select Motors, Serenity Studio, Shenandoah Chamber & Industry, Shenandoah Historical Museum, Shenandoah Medical Center, Shenandoah Public Library, Sheridan Decorating, Shore Motor Company, Snodderley Lumber, Sorensen Auto Plaza, St. Mary's Ladies Guild, The Depot Restaurant, The Mill, V&L's Countryside Outlet, Van Scyock Auctions, Vetter Equipment, Walker-MerrickBillings Funeral Home, and Weil's Clothing.
Programs and Services:
*Behavioral Health Intervention Services for children
*Outpatient Mental Health therapy and counseling for all ages
*Positive Family - Home Visiting Program for families with children 0-5
*Dinosaur School for preschoolers
*Foster After Care for children exiting the Foster Care System
*Kindness Closet (open Mon and Wed 9-12)
PHOTO PROVIDED
Shenandoah Medical Center Foundation board members Craig Harris, Judi Wischik, Dennis Grebert, and Dennis Christiansen pause for a photo during the annual Foundation Golf Tournament. The board played an active role in the event, with nearly every member either golfing or volunteering.
United Group Insurance representatives
Alissa McGinnis and Nick Bosley, (Elks Lodge manager Cole Haynes (center) stand by their booth on the course, where they sponsored the popular golf cannon at hole 11 during the SMC Foundation Golf Tournament.
PHOTO PROVIDED
Clarinda: 1200 S. 16th Street | Shenandoah: 500 S. Fremont Street | Red Oak: 1605 N. Broadway Street