THE NEWSPAPER THAT SERVES ALL DECATUR COUNTY
20 PAGES (2 sections) USPS 310-140
LEON, IOWA 50144, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2018 P.O. Box 580, 111 NW. 2nd, Leon, IA 50144
1st place: John and Jane Chaillie at 800 NW Church Street
E-mail: JRNEWS@GRM.NET VOLUME 89 - NUMBER 46
2nd place: Jerry Cunningham at 205 SE 9th Street
Festive Lighting Display Winners Announced 3rd place: Davey and Jane Redman at 103 NW 14th Street
Gov. Reynolds names Readout as 1 of 16 members to first Governor’s Teachers Cabinet Gov. Kim Reynolds announced last Tuesday, December 11, the names of all 16 members of her first Governor’s Teachers Cabinet, which is being convened to give teachers a more prominent voice in education policy decisions. In August, she announced the names of the first seven members and sought additional nominations from the public by Oct. 15. Iowans submitted the names of 46 candidates for
consideration. Joni Readout, Instructional Coach at Central Decatur JuniorSenior High School, is 1 of the 16 members of the Governor’s Teachers Cabinet, who represent a mix of content expertise, grade levels, and rural and urban communities. Readout was also the 2017-18 Milken Educator Award Winner. “I am honored and have a sense of pride to be one of the 16 teachers on
Christmas Church Services St. Brendan’s Catholic Church, Leon - Christmas Eve Mass on Monday, Dec. 24, at 4:30 p.m. Calvary Baptist, Leon - Christmas Eve Candlelight Service December 24 at 5:00 p.m. Weldon Christian Church - Christmas Eve Service, Dec. 24 at 7:00 p.m. Town & Country Parish United Methodist Churches Christmas Eve Services December 24 Leon - 5:00 p.m. Family Candlelight and 11:00 p.m. Candlelight Services. Van Wert - 6:15 p.m., Candlelight Service. High Point - 7:30 p.m. Program and Candlelight Service. *as reported
the Governor’s Teaching Cabinet,” stated Readout. “Governor Reynolds is an advocate for education and I am excited to have a voice at the table in providing stories, suggestions and questions to impact education policy in our state. I know that the quality of the teacher is the most important impact on a child’s education, therefore, the opportunity to bridge the gap between policies at the state level and education within our classrooms is a challenge for which I am excited to be a part.” “The cabinet will meet with Governor Reynolds, Lietuenant Governor Gregg and Director of Education Ryan Wise quarterly. We will provide advice from the field about ways in which policy can impact education. Our first meeting is January 4, 2019. The diverse group of 16 educators span the state and have a wide variety of skills and expertise to bring to the table and help to strengthen the connection between what is happening in our classrooms and schools and the policies set forth by legislatures.” “Teachers are the most important influence inside schools and play a critical role in keeping our students, communities and state competitive,” Gov. Reynolds said. “I look forward to having in-depth conversations with teachers about how to increase student (continued on page 3)
Brammer Joins Leon Police Department With the swearing in of Taylor Brammer, on December 14, the Leon Police Department is now in full force. Brammer joins Police Chief Jason Weir and Officer Bryson Durrow. Both Durrow and Brammer are CD graduates. Brammer graduated in 2011 and was a state wrestling qualifier. At age 17, he joined the Iowa National Guard currently serving seven years. In 2017-18, Taylor was deployed for one tour in Iraq. In his spare time, Brammer enjoys powerlifting, the outdoors, and plans to be an active member of the Leon community.
The Leon Lions Club along with the Leon Chamber of Commerce, sponsored their annual home Christmas lighting contest. Sign-up was not required. The judges traveled around the City of Leon last Friday, December 14, checking out the interesting and festive displays. The home of John and Jane Chaillie was chosen as 1st, Jerry Cunningham received 2nd and the Davey and Jane Redman residence was named 3rd. Honorable mention went to the residences of Bob Hamilton and Charlene Hoover.
Community Choir to Perform “Listen to the Sounds of the Season” December 22 and 23 The Decatur County Community Choir will be presenting “Listen to the Sounds of the Season” a celebration of Christmas on Saturday, December 22 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 23 at 3:00 p.m. Both performances will be held at Loving Chapel
United Methodist Church located at the 4-way stop in Leon. Members of the choir include: sopranos – Tiffani Evans, Laura Allen, Mary Lindsey, Jackie Hatfield and Lori Jones; altos – Jan Chambers,
Early Copy Requested The Leon JournalReporter is requesting early copy for the December 26 and January 2 issues. The deadline will be Thursday, December 20 and December 27 at 4:00 p.m. for those two issues.
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County Farm Bureau Honored For Excellence
Deanna Brennecke was presented Decatur County’s Farm Bureau County Recognition Award at the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) Annual Meeting in Des Moines Dec. 3-5. IFBF Vice President Joe Heinrich made the presentation to Brennecke. Decatur County Farm Bureau received an outstanding designation for its 2018 programs which help further the story of agriculture to new audiences through many areas including policy development, policy implementation, communications, and strengthening the county Farm Bureau.
Santa Claus Overnight Guest Next Monday night or early Tuesday morning, Leon will have a special visitor. He is known all over the world as a traveler carrying good tidings to all people. He is known in different forms all over the world, such as Chris Kringle, a priest on horseback, or just famous old Santa Claus. This jolly fellow will arrive not by car, bus, or plane, but by reindeer and sleigh. He is following a tight schedule, and doesn’t have time to stop and chat. He has made pre-season appearances all over the United States checking up on good little boys and girls. He is not imaginative, he lives in everyone’s hearts. He brings gifts through the true thoughts of us all. The Christ Child received gifts on his very first birthday, and to this day his Spirit lives on. People have said that we have lost the true meaning of Christmas. As old Scrooge said, “Bah Humbug.” The true meaning of Christmas will always be with everyone. Santa Claus is not escaping the true meaning of Christmas. As we give gifts, we give the true meaning that goes along with it. This jolly fellow will visit us in his typical red and white outfit and his little bells. As you venture to bed on Christmas Eve, you will meet this old gentleman in your dreams. And when you wake up on Christmas morning, you will find that the Christmas spirit still lives in the hearts of all, through the belief and faith in this little old man in red and white, and a little child lying in a manger.
MERRY CHRISTMAS To All of You From all of Us at the J-R