KMA Radio named Grand Marshal for ShenFest Parade, marking 100 years
By LIZ SKILLERN
The Page County Post
When the ShenFest parade steps off on Saturday, Sept. 27, a Shenandoah institution will be leading the way.
KMA Radio, celebrating its 100th year of broadcasting in 2025, has been chosen as
the Grand Marshal for this year’s parade.
For Nancy Maher, one of the owners of KMA, the milestone is both exciting and humbling.
“Reaching this 100-year milestone is due to great leadership, committed staff, a
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great product, our advertisers, and loyal listeners,” Maher said. “It’s very exciting to be celebrating the 100th anniversary of such an iconic station.”
KMA’s roots run deep in Shenandoah. Founded in 1925, the station quickly grew to national prominence. Maher pointed to two defining moments in its history: the founding itself—making KMA one of the first radio stations in the country—and the recognition of its founder, Earl May, who was once
voted the most popular broadcaster in America, receiving more than 500,000 votes nationwide.
Over the decades, KMA has remained true to its Midwest roots. Programs on gardening, homemaking, farming, local news, and sports helped the station stay relevant and connected to its audience. But perhaps one of KMA’s proudest legacies is the musical talent it nurtured.
“The success of local talent discovered at KMA radio, such as the Everly Brothers, Blackwood Brothers, Charley
Haden, and numerous other musicians who became nationally known, is one of our favorite stories to share,”
Maher said.
Being chosen as the Grand Marshal of ShenFest is, to Maher, more than just recognition for today’s staff.
“The honor signifies the important contribution
KMA has made to our local community,” she said.
“Those of us in the parade are representing the hundreds of people that worked and are responsible for the 100-year success of KMA.”
Looking forward, Maher said KMA’s ownership is dedicated to preserving the traditions established by its founders while embracing new opportunities.
“The station is proud of its past and excited about its future,” she said.
As Shenandoah gathers to celebrate during ShenFest, the sight of KMA Radio leading the parade will serve as a reminder of the station’s century-long bond with the community—and its enduring role as “the voice of Southwest Iowa.”
A CENTURY OF RADIO
Owners of KMAland Broadcasting LLC, which purchased KMA 960 and KMA-FM 99.1 in 2019, include Jake and Pam McGargill of rural Imogene, James and Melonie Doyle of rural Randolph, Bill and Pam Ditmars of Shenandoah, Gregg Connell and Nancy Maher of Shenandoah, and Judy Wischik of Shenandoah.
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GARAGE SALE
Garage Sale — September 18, 19, and 20, 1000 7th Ave., Shenandoah.
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100 Years of KMA Radio
A century of Shenandoah broadcasting
• 1925 – KMA Radio is founded in Shenandoah, becoming one of the first radio stations in the United States.
• 1920s–30s – Popular gardening and homemaker programs take root, connecting KMA with Midwest families.
• 1930s – KMA founder Earl May is voted Most Popular Broadcaster in America, earning more than 500,000 votes nationwide.
• 1940s–50s – KMA helps launch the careers of musical legends, including the Everly Brothers, the Blackwood Brothers, and jazz bassist Charlie Haden.
• 1950s–70s – The station expands coverage of local farm programs, sports, and community news, cementing its reputation as “the voice of Southwest Iowa.”
• 2000s–2020s – KMA embraces digital platforms while continuing to serve its audience with local news, sports, and entertainment.
• 2025 – KMA celebrates its 100th anniversary and is named Grand Marshal of the ShenFest parade.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Clarinda Foundation seeks vocalists
The Clarinda Foundation is seeking vocalists to join the Clarinda Sings Chorus.
Anyone interested in joining the Clarinda Sings Chorus can join practices every Thursday at 7 p.m., starting Oct. 2 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Clarinda.
The chorus will perform at the 30th Annual Clarinda Sings Concert on Sunday, Nov. 23, at the Clarinda High School Auditorium.
Those interested can call or email the Clarinda Foundation for more information: 712-542-4412 or clarindafoundation@ clarindafoundation.com.
Clarinda Senior Center sponsoring shots
The Clarinda Senior Center is sponsoring a flu and Covid shot clinic 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 25, at the Lied Center in Clarinda.
Travis Hunter of Hy-Vee Pharmacy will be administering the vaccinations. Vaccine information forms can be picked up at the Lied Center. Vaccinations are planned to be given shortly after arrival.
PHOTO PROVIDED
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
QUILT OF VALOR PRESENTED Marlan Tiemann of Shenandoah
Marlan L. Tiemann was awarded a Quilt of Valor at his home in rural Shenandoah, Wednesday, Aug. 5.
Marlan served in the United State Army from April 3, 1956 until Feb. 8, 1958.
Marlan took basic training at Fort Carson, Colorado. He was in the 8th Infantry Division HQ-HQ Co., 28th Infantry Regiment.
Marlan spent two years active duty (15 months in Germany), two years active reserves, and two years
standby reserves. Upon leaving the military, Marlan held the rank of Corporal.
Friends gathered to honor Marlan when he was presented with his Quilt of Valor. To present his quilt were Carol York, Brenda Franks, and Becky Streitenberger.
Also present was Denise Bryant of the Page County Veterans Affairs to present Marlan with a Certificate of Appreciation for his service to his country.
SW Iowa Band Jamboree
The Southwest Iowa Band Jamboree, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 4, marks the 70th year of the festival.
The event is sponsored by the Clarinda Chamber of Commerce, the Clarinda Community Schools, and the City of Clarinda.
This year’s festival will welcome 45 high school and middle school bands from Iowa, Missouri, and Nebraska, bringing more than 2,000 students to Clarinda for the daylong celebration.
Katy Ridge serves as Chair of the 2025 Band Jamboree, with Julie Murren as Vice Chairperson.
The parade begins at 9 a.m. around the downtown square.
Afternoon field activities at the Clarinda High School Football Stadium will begin with a flag-raising ceremony by the American Legion Sergy Post No. 98 at 12:45 p.m.
A highlight of this year’s 70th anniversary celebration is a special field exhibition by the University of Iowa Hawkeye Marching Band, also at 12:45 p.m.
Parade award presentations will follow at 1:10 p.m., after which the Clarinda High School Band will perform an exhibition show leading into the afternoon field competition.
Spectator admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students. School activity tickets will not be accepted.
A total of 35 awards will be presented. Parade awards include:
High School: 1st–4th
place in each class
Middle School: 1st–3rd place in each class Field competition awards include:
High School: 1st & 2nd place in each class
Special awards include the Glenn Miller Birthplace Society Overall Trophy for the top band across both parade and field performances, and the Richard “Dick” Mowery Memorial Traveling Trophy presented to the top overall band.
The 2025 Parade Judges are:
Marty Aldrich – Lead Adjudicator, Retired Band Director, Lewis Central & Clarinda Community Schools (Council Bluffs, IA)
Connor Tipping –Assistant Director of Bands, Ames High School (Altoona, IA)
Jim Vowels – Director of Bands, Waverly-Shell Rock (Waverly, IA)
The Field Competition Judges are:
Marty Aldrich –Marching & Maneuvering General Effect
Connor Tipping – Music Execution
Jim Vowels – Music General Effect
Pam DeBoer – Retired Band Director, Ottumwa Community Schools (Ottumwa, IA) – Color Guard
Ethan Bryson Undergraduate Performance Student, Concordia University (Seward, NE) –Percussion
Parker Worden –Director of Bands, Graceland
University (Kansas City, Missouri) – Marching & Maneuvering Execution
Zach Evans – Director of Choral Activities, Clarinda Community School District (Clarinda, IA) – Technical Judge
Marlan Tiemann
Keeping history alive: Elinor Sharp’s legacy with
For generations, the Morning Star School served as a cornerstone of education and community life in Walnut Township. Today, thanks in large part to the dedication of 98-year-old
Elinor Sharp, the one-room schoolhouse continues to tell its story to new audiences in Shenandoah.
The school, also known as Bright School, was built in the 1880s and originally
stood west of Shenandoah. It closed in 1948, later serving as a township community center and polling place, before being moved to Sportsman Park in 1992 for preservation. That’s when Sharp stepped in.
“I just kind of became the go-to person,” Sharp said with a smile. “Once it was moved here, people began donating desks, books, and even old phonographs. We worked together to make it feel like a real school again.”
A lifelong teacher herself, Sharp began teaching in country schools at the age of 18 after completing “normal training” in high school. She taught in several small schools before joining Shenandoah Community Schools in 1952, where she spent 37 years teaching third grade. “In those days, the teacher was everything— janitor, nurse, cook, and sometimes even playground partner,” she recalled. “We were like one big family.”
Sharp has spent more than 30 years helping care for Morning Star School,
Morning Star School
guiding visitors through its history, sharing stories of one-room school life, and even putting on programs for students. She loves reminding people that many
traditions thought of as modern are actually quite old. “They talk like recycling is new—it isn’t,” she laughed. “Our lunch pails were often old lard buckets
or syrup buckets. I still have one to show.”
Her storytelling brings history to life. She recalls hot
See SHARP, Page 7
WEALTH OF MEMORIES
Elinor Sharp, former teacher at the country school, located at Sportsman’s Park, stands in front of the historic building. Sharp will share her memories during a program at the Sept. 20 open house.
CRHC welcomes Dr. Jose Hinojosa, Family Medicine
Clarinda Regional Health Center (CRHC) is excited to welcome Dr. Jose Hinojosa, a Family Medicine physician, to the CRHC Medical Clinic team. Dr. Hinojosa brings more than 30 years of experience caring for patients of all ages and will begin seeing patients in Clarinda soon.
Dr. Hinojosa completed his medical degree at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and his residency in Family Practice at the University of Texas Health Science
Center in McAllen, Texas. He also holds a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration from Grand Canyon University. Over his career, he has served in multiple leadership roles including Medical Director, Chief of Staff, and Physician Credentialing Director, while remaining passionate about providing patient-centered primary care.
“I’m looking forward to getting to know the people of Clarinda and surrounding
communities,” said Dr. Hinojosa. “My goal is to provide the kind of care that helps patients feel heard, supported, and confident in their health.”
CRHC President & CEO Chuck Nordyke shared, “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Hinojosa to Clarinda Regional Health Center.
His extensive background in family medicine and leadership, combined with his dedication to patient care, will be a tremendous benefit
to the patients and families we serve. He reflects our mission of Advancing Exceptional Care close to home.” At CRHC, Dr. Hinojosa will offer a full range of family medicine services including wellness visits, preventive care, chronic disease management, and care for everyday illnesses and injuries. Appointments with Dr. Hinojosa can be scheduled by calling the CRHC Medical Clinic at 712-542-8330.
PHOTO PROVIDED
CLASS OF 1985
Clarinda High School Class Members of 1985 would like to thank two Clarinda businesses for opening their establishments for our 40th Class Reunion.
It was so much fun to gather Friday, Aug. 29 when Dave Nowakowski welcomed us at Frontier Lanes. Then on Saturday, Christy Coverdell catered our brunch and our evening meal at the Garrison House — two wonderful and comfortable places to sit and share memories.
We also want to thank Vice Principal Eli Bales who gave us a super tour of the high school Saturday afternoon, Aug. 30. It certainly doesn’t look like it did 40 years ago.
Submitted by Kelly Terrell Hunter and Krista Hunter Bailey
SHARP
FROM PAGE 5
lunches heated on a potbelly stove, Christmas decorations strung from popcorn (only to be eaten by mice before Monday morning), and even teachers joining in baseball games with students during recess.
Though the school has no heat or running water and is only open during the summer months, it remains a living museum of rural education. Field trips from area schools once filled its benches, and Sharp hopes younger generations continue to appreciate what it represents.
“It’s been so gratifying,” Sharp said. “I’ve enjoyed every one of my 40-plus
years of teaching, and now I get to keep sharing those stories. That’s what makes it worthwhile.”
The Morning Star School is overseen by the Shenandoah Historical Museum and is open seasonally for visitors. On September 20, Sharp will present a special program sharing stories from her years in education and the history of country schools in southwest Iowa.
For Sharp, the work is simple but meaningful: preserving the past while inspiring the future. “It’s important we remember how it all started,” she said. “Because those little schools taught us more than just lessons—they taught us community.”
Morning Star School
Open House
The public is invited to step back in time during an open house at the historic Morning Star School, located at Sportsman Park in Shenandoah, on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 1–4 p.m. At 2:00 p.m., longtime educator and school caretaker Elinor Sharp will present a special program, sharing memories from her teaching days and stories of one-room school life in southwest Iowa. Visitors will also have the chance to tour the restored building, complete with original desks, books, and artifacts donated by the community. The event is hosted by the Shenandoah Historical Museum.
Clarinda: 1200 S. 16th Street | Shenandoah: 500 S. Fremont Street | Red Oak: 1605 N. Broadway Street