News
TOUGH LOSS:
• Iron Track Challenge
The Iron Track Challenge at Q Pond and The Loft on Clay, 1400 W. Clay St., begins 8 a.m. Saturday with registration at The Loft on Clay. The obstacle course 5K first heat starts at 9 a.m.
Clarke gives up late leads in 3-1 loss to Southeast Warren page 1B
www.osceolaiowa.com
155 YEARS • NO. 39
OSCEOLA, IOWA 50213
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2015
SINGLE COPY PRICE: 75¢
Buddy Benches Pontier paves the way for new friendship program at Clarke elementary school By AMY HANSEN
OST news editor ahansen@osceolaiowa.com
OST photo by IAN RICHARDSON
Mustangs crowned:
Jade Lecy, left, and Garrison Antoine stand at midfield after being named 2015 Murray homecoming queen and king Friday during halftime of Murray’s homecoming football game versus the Adair-Casey Bombers. After either trailing or being tied for the majority of the game, the Mustangs scored 14 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to win 36-28. For more on the game, see page 1B.
Osceola’s young professionals
Two years ago, Cole Pontier found an article in Scholastic magazine about a boy who took it upon himself to a Buddy Bench project for his school. If you’re unfamiliar with a Buddy Bench, this is how it works. A student will sit on the bench if they feel lonely or too afraid to ask someone to play at recess. When other students see someone on the bench, they can go over and talk to that person and ask them if they want to play. Or if someone is having a bad day, they might sit on the bench just so they have someone to talk to. “I guess, to help the other kids, and new friends, and not be as sad because they are all lonely,” Cole said. Cole showed the article to his mother Jamie and said it would be a great way to take the pressure off of walking up to groups of people during recess. As a fifth-grader, Cole was also looking for a way to improve his social skills and be able to reach out to new people in class. Now, there are two Buddy Benches at Clarke Community Elementary School, one in each playground area. Hard work Even though the cement benches might seem like they just arrived there one day, it has been a lot of work for Cole, 12, who is currently in seventh grade. He met with Clarke Elementary Principal Jill Kiger, Clarke Community School Board and school custodians to get his project going. He even made a presentation board as a 4-H project for the Clarke County Fair about his goals for his program and the work he has done. It was chosen to go to the Iowa State Fair. Cole also gave a speech in front of the school board, as well as the entire student
“It’s been really exciting for me to watch him grow. From what I remember him in kindergarten when he first started there to now, it’s just amazing how much he’s changed and how proud I am.” — Jamie Pontier
Cole Pontier’s mother
body, to talk about the benefits of having the benches at the school. He said it was scary, but only for a little bit. “Eventually, as I kept reading, I didn’t really notice anything,” Cole said. Personal growth As a mother, Jamie said she could not be more proud of her son and how he’s thinking beyond himself. “It’s been really exciting for me to watch him grow,” she said. “From what I remember him in kindergarten when he first started there to now, it’s just amazing how much he’s changed and how proud I am.” For the cement benches, the plan changed a few times, but Cole was able to get his extended family to help out with the project, and the benches came free of charge. However, Cole’s plan didn’t just stop with the construction of the benches. He wanted to make sure they got used. “His concern was somebody would sit on the bench and nobody would go over and Please see BUDDY BENCHES, Page 4
Meet Kasi Jones: Mosaic in South Central Iowa’s new community relations manager By AMY HANSEN
OST news editor • ahansen@osceolaiowa.com
While Kasi Jones may be new to her job at Mosaic in South Central Iowa, her face is a familiar one around town. Osceola-native Jones was recently announced as Mosaic’s community relations manager. She graduated from Clarke Community High School in 2005 and Iowa State University with a marketing degree. Mosaic in South Central Iowa partners with people with intellectual disabilities to provide a meaningful life in a caring communiSINGLE COPY PRICE: 75¢
Copyright 2015
ty, giving a voice to their needs. “I’ve b e e n looking for something that Jones brings value to my work day or my career,” Jones said. “Or, something that I feel like I can … I’m changing people’s lives. I’m helping them out. I’m doing something that makes their lives more meaningful and beneficial. It really helps to be motivated for your job and what you’re doing daily.” What it entails
Jones’ job will focus on Mosaic’s “Discover the Possibilities Tours,” developing relationships with the Osceola and Chariton communities to network volunteers and be the new editor of the Mosaic in South Central Iowa Facebook page. Jones said she will be letting the community know more about Mosaic and what it offers their clients. She will also try to find more opportunities for clients to participate in the Clarke County area. According to Jones, Please see JONES, Page 4
Index Church Directory....... 3B Classifieds................ 6-7 Editorial.........................4 Neighbors.................. 4B
Obituary........................3 Public Notices..............7 Record..........................2 Sports................... 1B-2B
OST photo by AMY HANSEN
Cole Pontier stands by a Buddy Bench at Clarke Community Elementary School.
Weather Your Local Weather Thu
10/1
64/41
More sun than clouds. Highs in the mid 60s and lows in the low 40s.
Fri
10/2
62/42
Mix of sun and clouds. Highs in the low 60s and lows in the low 40s.
Sat
10/3
58/45
Mostly cloudy. Highs in the upper 50s and lows in the mid 40s.
Don’t Forget Farmers market
Clarke County Farmers Market is planned 8 a.m. to noon Saturday on the courthouse lawn.
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