Mary Ann Schaer

Mary Ann Schaer, 82, of Elgin, Iowa died Monday, July 6, 2020 at Good Samaritan Society in West Union, Iowa.  Mary Ann was born October 5, 1937 to Fred and Maude (Montgomery) Schaer in Elgin, Iowa. She graduated from Elgin High School in 1955, where she played bass drum in the high school band.

For fifty years, Mary Ann worked as a Bank Teller at Elgin State Bank, retiring in 2005. She was a member of the First Baptist Church where she played church organ, was financial secretary, taught Sunday School, and belonged to Tabitha Circle for many years. Mary Ann was active in the Elgin Betterment Club. She enjoyed traveling with her sister, Martha. Music was a big part of her life; she played piano and organ.

Dean Winkie

Dean Winkie, 81, of Randalia, Iowa died Monday, July 6, 2020 at Good Samaritan Society, West Union, Iowa.  Dean was born August 25, 1938 to Emmett and Clara (Soride) Winkie in Decorah, Iowa. He attended country school outside of Waukon, Iowa and one year at Waukon High School. Dean proudly served in the United States Army.

Dean was united in marriage with Geraldine Franks on June 21, 1974. He worked as a Vacuum Salesman for over twenty years. Dean enjoyed fishing, collecting barbed wire and Campbell memorabilia and growing Indian Corn.

Surviving Dean are his wife, Geraldine Winkie of Randalia, Iowa; son, Jeff Winkie of Randalia, Iowa; two children, Marvin and Tammy; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emmett and Clara Winkie; brother, Dirk Winkie; and an infant sister.

Private Services will be held at a later date.

West Union city administrator Nick McIntyre, and West Union city clerk, Amie Johansen survey the golf course recently purchased by the city.  The plan, going forward, is to use the land to develop walking trails connecting the city of West Union to Echo Valley Park, a campground area, as well as bring the sport of golf back to West Union.  (Megan Molseed photo) 

West Union looking for help naming new recreational area

By Megan Molseed
mmolseed@thefayettecountyunion.com

When the city of West Union saw the opportunity to purchase the local golf course for an amazing price, city officials knew it was a deal they did not want to pass up. 

“The trails were the main idea behind all of this,” said West Union city administrator, Nick McIntyre of the decision to purchase the local attraction.  

“Our goal is not to make money out here, necessarily,” McIntyre continued as he took a look around the sprawling greens of the course that sits just to the west of Echo Valley Park.  “We want to draw people to the community, to bring people to the area so they can visit the wonderful businesses we have in town.” 

Additionally, the city is looking for some help naming its new purchase.