March 2015

Wed
18
Mar

Clermont City Council approves purchase of fire truck

Clermont City Council approves purchase of fire truck

 

 

 

Megan Mohlis
Contributing Writer

 

Monday night brought some exciting news for the city of Clermont, first of which was the approval for the purchase of a fire truck. According to Randy Wiedenhoff, councilmember and Clermont fire chief, the Clermont Fire Department has been in search of a truck for some time in order to haul equipment that is currently being left behind during fire calls.

                  “We’ve got water rescue gear, we’ve got a grain bin tube, and we have high-angle rope and rescue stuff that sits on our floor,” shared Councilmember and fellow fireman Bruce Lehmann.

                 “If you happen to go to a scene and they don’t tell us exactly what’s going on, then we don’t have that gear with us and somebody’s got to go back and get it. This way, we can take it with us, and this also has a way of getting at least four, maybe even six or seven, more people out to a fire scene,” continued Wiedenhoff.

                 With several of the firemen having ventured to Omaha to see the truck in person last week, the pros and cons were discussed with firsthand knowledge of the vehicle. In the end it was decided that with the funds already set aside, it would be a positive purchase for the Clermont community. With that, Wiedenhoff moved to buy the 1991 International Rescue Unit for $20,000; the motion was agreed upon unanimously.

Wed
18
Mar

'Music in the Park' among Elgin area events

 

A segment from “Les Miserables” featuring Mallory Marlatt and Larry Popenhagen was performed during the 2014 Elgin Homecoming performance of “It’s Broadway, Baby!” Marlatt will direct and host the initial a rehearsal Sunday for the tentatively titled “Music in the Park,” which will be performed in Elgin in June 2015. (File photo)

 

'Music in the Park' among Elgin area events

 

 

Mike Van Sickle
Contributing Writer

 

 

Another troupe of area musical artists is being gathered for another entertaining event in Elgin during the coming summer. The 2015 performance comes on the heels of last year’s Elgin Homecoming program, “It’s Broadway, Baby!”

Tentatively titled “Music in the Park,” the Friday, June 26, and Sunday, June 28, production is being directed by Mallory Marlatt. This summer’s musical will include additional Broadway hits, children songs, and other popular music.

“This year’s program was not only scheduled due to the community’s participation and support of last year’s performance, this year’s event will coincide with other area activities this coming June,” noted Marlatt.

Wed
18
Mar

Marcus Espey

Marcus Espey

 

 

Marcus Espey, 56, of Fayette, died Sunday, March 15, 2015, at his home in Fayette. Services are pending at Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Fayette. Please check www.beckermilnesrettig.com for further information or call (563)-578-3451.

Wed
18
Mar

'Keep Calm,' Watermelon Days planning is underway

'Keep Calm,' Watermelon Days planning is underway

 

 

 

"Keep Calm and Eat Watermelon" has been selected by the Watermelon Days Committee as the theme for the 2015 celebration in Fayette.

At the same time, the committee has announced it’s requesting the community’s help in designing buttons for the annual event. Adults and youth with a Fayette address and all Upper Iowa University students are encouraged to submit a design to the committee by Wednesday, April 1. 

Submitted designs are to include a watermelon graphic, the 2015 celebration dates, the words "Watermelon Days," and its theme, "Keep Calm and Eat Watermelon."  

Entries are to be e-mailed to fayettewatermelondays@gmail.com or be dropped off at First State Bank in Fayette.   

The winning designer will receive $50 in Fayette Bucks.

Wed
18
Mar

Heart of a Hero

 

Denice Vandersee (center)  of Fayette is being recognized as one of this year’s Everyday Heroes of the Tri-States area. Vandersee is one of 14 people who were nominated by their peers and chosen to receive recognition for their community service. The North Fayette Valley paraeducator is pictured with (l-r) Jason Greco, Destiny Quario, Dakota Cooley, and John Gerdemann, just a few of the many Special Olympic student athletes she has taught and coached through the years. (Jerry Wadian photo)

 

Heart of a Hero

 

 

Megan Mohlis
Contributing Writer

 

 

Shirley Ungerer of Fayette was listening to the KWWL news when she first heard about Everyday Heroes of the Tri-States. Upon doing a little research, she found that for the past 12 years KWWL, the American Red Cross, and Dubuque radio stations have been holding a yearly celebration to recognize those who have been noted by their peers to go above and beyond in service to others. For her, there was no one more worthy of this recognition than Denice Vandersee.

“I wrote in about how she is very active in Special Olympics and does almost all of it in her free time. Then I mentioned how she helps out with Girl Scouts and goes camping with us and how she already has so many jobs, but does all that in her extra time,” Ungerer mentioned of the nomination letter.

Wed
18
Mar

Ann Durnan

Ann Durnan

 

 

Ann Marie Durnan, 44, of Arlington, Iowa died on Sunday, March 15, 2015 at her home.

 

Funeral Service: 10:30 A.M. Friday, March 20, 2015 at the Calvary Bible Church in Volga, Iowa.

Visitation: 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. Thursday, March 19, 2015 at the Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home in Arlington, Iowa and after 9:30 A.M. on Friday at the church.

Inurnment: At a later date at the Wadena Cemetery, Wadena, Iowa.

 

Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com

 

Wed
18
Mar

Karol Helgerson

Karol Helgerson

 

 

Karol Ann Helgerson, 71, of West Union, Iowa passed away suddenly doing what she loved most, caring for people, on March 8th 2015.

A funeral service was held at 4 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at Marion Lutheran Church in Gunder.

  Burial followed in the church cemetery.

Karol Ann, the daughter of Gilbert & Bessie (Larson) Loftsgard was born on February 4th 1944 at home.

She was baptized on April 4th 1944 & confirmed on May 26th 1958 at Marion Lutheran Church in Gunder Iowa.

She attended Country School until the 8th grade & then attended Valley High School.

Wed
18
Mar

LaVerle (Knapp) Dake

LaVerle (Knapp) Dake

 

 

Auburn native LaVerle Maxine (Knapp) Dake of Cedar Rapids, also formerly of Arlington, died Saturday, March 14, 2015.

A memorial service is being held at 1 p.m. today (Wednesday) at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services in Cedar Rapids.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home.

Wed
18
Mar

Kenneth White

Kenneth White

 

 

Kenneth, A. White died Wednesday, March 11, 2015, surrounded by his family at Maple Crest Manor in Fayette.

Funeral services were held Saturday, March 15, at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Cresco.

Burial with Military Rites was in Oak Lawn Cemetery, Cresco.

  Kenneth was born October 31, 1914 in Brooks Iowa to Alfred and Eva (Hardesty) White. At a young age his parents moved the family to rural Howard County, near Cresco. From there, Ken grew to adulthood alongside his three brothers and little sister. Ken helped with the family farm operation before venturing out on his own. 

Ken served in the US Army during WWII spending time in New Guinea, the Philippines and Puerto Rico. He climbed to the rank of sergeant and was considered an “expert machine gunner”.

Wed
18
Mar

George Wander

George Wander

 

 

George John Wander, 93, of Postville, Iowa died Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at the Good Samaritan Center, Postville, Iowa.

George was born on the family farm in Castalia, Bloomfield Township of Winneshiek County, Iowa on June 20, 1921 to John and Christina (Michel) Wander.

He was baptized at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Ossian, Iowa.

He received his education in the area schools.

George was drafted into service for World War II in 1942, receiving his honorable discharge in January 1946. He spent most of his service time in South Pacific regions of New Guinea and Borneo. After returning from service George helped his father on the farm.

George was united in marriage with Caroline Mueller on August 20, 1946 at West Clermont Lutheran Church by Pastor A. O. Nesset. To this union, two daughters were born, Suzanne and Debra.

Pages

Comment Here