OST-12-15-2016 by Shaw Media

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A light in the storm By HILARY FERRAND OST news editor hferrand@osceolaiowa.com

A vigil held Saturday, Dec. 10, for the three teenagers who lost their lives in an accident the previous weekend drew a large crowd and inspired friends and family staying outside the area to light candles and turn on porch lights in the teens’ honor. While wintery weather conditions sent snow and slick roads to the area around Osceola, the square filled with locals wanting to pay their respects to the families of the late Lauren Barker, 16, Elania Critz, 16, and Jesse Robinson, 19. “It was blistering cold, and the number of people who came out in support of those kids was tremen-

dous,” said Superintendent Steve Seid at a school board meeting Monday night. After a prayer led by the Rev. Chuck DeVos, family and friends shared memories of the teens. “Sketchbooks were put together to commemorate each person who lost their lives,” DeVos said. “People were invited to come up and write a note. The books are being delivered to the families.” A benefit was also held 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday at Eagles Lounge for Robinson and his family. “We would like to thank George Hutton of Smoking Guns BBQ in Truro for providing the food, all the businesses that donated, Kasi Heggins for being the driving force behind the benefit, also Kati Silliman,

Kate Peterson and Robin Romp for helping pull everything together and helping with the event and, most importantly, everyone that came out to show their support for the family,” said Rob Silliman, a Robinson family friend. The day following the discovery of the accident, counselors and local religious leaders met in the Clarke Middle School/High School library to offer grief counseling to students and teachers. The late Barker, Critz and Robinson were Photo courtesy of LUANN BOBOLZ attending, or had recently Pictured are residents gathered in the courthouse courtyard during Saturday night’s vigil. attended, Clarke. A memorial service for flowers, the family requests 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 19, may be directed to her famBarker is set for 11 a.m. memorial contributions be at Kale Funeral Home ily. Services for Robinson Saturday, Dec. 17, at Kale given to the Clarke County with interment at Maple Funeral Home, 301 S. Main Animal Shelter in the hopes Hill Cemetery in Osceola. have yet to be announced. St. The family will be pres- of building a city dog park. The family will be present Donations for the families Memorial services for to greet friends from 2 to can be directed to Kale Fuent to greet friends from 5 Elania Critz will be held 4 p.m. Sunday. Memorials neral Home. to 7 p.m. Friday. In lieu of

‘Tis the season of music and giving The Clarke Middle School and High School Choirs, under the direction of Ann March, will present a winter vocal concert 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20, in the Clarke Auditorium. The public is welcome to attend; admission is free. The concert will last approximately one hour. The show will feature holiday favorites including “Winter Wonderland,” “Jazzy St. Nick,” “Hey, Mr. Santa,” “Do You Hear What I Hear?” “Sleigh Ride” and “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.” Rachel McCoy, of McCoy Music Studio, will be the accompanist. The concert will also feature a new piano. The Clarke Community Arts Council (CCAC) recently purchased and donated a 1920s 6-foot Baldwin L grand piano to the school, fulfilling a goal the council has had since the auditorium was built. “Everything just fell into place for the purchase of this piano,” March said. “Our piano tuner, Rob Espenschied, told me about this piano that was for sale.

Locals weigh in on Reynolds as Iowa’s first female governor By HILARY FERRAND

“I heard that and thought it was so cool it was someone from here in Clarke County,” said Ruby Fogwell. “A while ago, she was at I-35 School District talking to the students. I’m looking forward to seeing what she’s going to do for Iowa.” Reynolds is known for being approachable and willing to go out of her way to help rural communities w h e n possible. Reynolds Before joining the governor’s office, she spent two years in the Iowa Senate and 14 years in the Clarke County Treasurer’s office. “I worked with Kim for 14 years as her deputy. She was an incredible mentor,”

OST news editor hferrand@osceolaiowa.com

OST photo by HILARY FERRAND

Pictured are Ann Diehl, president of CCAC, sitting at the new grand piano donated to the high school’s music department, and Ann March, vocal director, standing.

I did my research, went and played it, talked to the arts council and our superintendent. Everyone was very supportive. This piano is a nice size for our auditorium. It will enhance our performances and open the door to invite other guest artists,

like Simon Estes last year, to our community.” The Clarke County Organization of Philanthropic Service (CCOPS) was also involved in this project. The focus of the group this year is the fine arts. March wrote a grant on behalf of the

council and CCOPS donated $1,000 to purchase a water-proof piano blanket to protect the piano and a piano dolly to make the hefty instrument easier to move backstage. PIANO | 2

President-elect Donald Trump wants an ambassador to China who is capable of making the most of the country’s economic partnerships. Nominating Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad was a common-sense choice. Trump’s transition team cited Brandstad’s decades-long friendship with Chinese President Xi Jingping in their announcement last week. The governor accepted the nomination Wednesday, Dec. 7, and will be moving on to Washington, D.C., upon Congress approval. That puts Republican Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, Osceola resident and St. Charles native, in place to become Iowa’s first female governor, and some locals couldn’t be happier.

REYNOLDS | 2

Legionnaires present awards to flag essay finalists By HILARY FERRAND

“It keeps things fair.”

OST news editor hferrand@osceolaiowa.com

“Even though Betsy Ross sewed the first flag, she did not get any credit during her lifetime,” said Addilyn Danley, while reading from her winning speech Friday, Dec. 9, in the old gym of the Clarke Community Elementary School. Danley took first place, selected from among 12 finalists for the American Legion of Iowa’s Fifth Grade Flag Essay Contest. Her entry will be submitted at the district level. The winner will be eligible for state consideration at the Mid-Winter Conference in February 2017. Brenda Hernandez won

Blind judging, numbering entries instead of labeling them with the children’s names, ensures no favoritism takes place during judging. second place and Dana Halsband placed third. The annual contest challenges elementary students to learn more about the United States flag and flag etiquette. Fifth-grade reading teacher Brittany Vidales helped the children with their essays and chose the 12 finalists forwarded to American Legion Davis Pence Post No. 69. “When we get the 12, we don’t have any names, so that takes favoritism out of it. After we get it picked,

we get the names. It keeps things fair,” said Steve Niebur, who presented the awards along with fellow Legionnaires Eric Barr, John Sharp, Dave Gorsline and Les VanHeeswyck. Even the parents aren’t given the winners’ names. The school contacts their families and encourages them to come to the presentation. The American Legion OST photo by HILARY FERRAND promotes patriotism, good Pictured, in front from left, are Brenda Hernandez, Dana Halsband, Addilyn Danley and citizenship and community Jenni and Caleb Danley, and in back are Isidro and Brenda Hernandez, Eric Barr, Steve Niebur, John Sharp, Dave Gorsline, Les VanHeeswyck and Brittany Vidales. service. O s c e o l a I o w a L o c a l We a t h e r F o r e c a s t s a n d C o n d i t i o n s - We a t h e r F o r Yo u . c o m

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