Elgin native Glen Christen recently had his romantic Western “Marshals Storm” published by Green Ivy Press. The 1964 Valley graduate will have the two sequels “Sisters Storm” and “Brothers Storm” published in the near future. 

Former Elgin native writes 'romantic Western'

By Chris Deback
cdeback@thefayettecountyunion.com

“Marshals Storm” written by Elgin native Glen Christen isn’t your typical Western book.

The fictional series is set in 1890s Colorado, where the main character, 18-year-old Sue Mason, an orphan who inherited her father’s ranch at 16, has had her cattle stolen by cattle rustler Snake Carson.

Larrabee Foundation is topic of contention

By Chris Deback
cdeback@thefayettecountyunion.com

The Larrabee Foundation continues to be a topic of contention for the Clermont City Council after its most recent meeting on Monday, Sept. 19.

Everett Rowland, the Larrabee Foundation president, sent a letter to the council informing it that the Foundation didn’t receive a Historical Resource Development Program grant and would be abandoning the elevator project. He noted that the Foundation still has approximately $15,000 in grant money that could be used to build a main-floor bathroom or renovate the existing basement bathroom.

The Valley “C” Store, formerly owned by Viafield, is now a Casey’s General Store after the company took possession of the store last week. All Valley “C” Store employees, including (l-r) Vickie Chicken, Lisa LaBrec, store manager Henrietta Dalarosa, and Lorna Chapman, were retained by Casey’s. Chris DeBack photo

Casey's opens in Clermont

By Chris Deback
cdeback@thefayettecountyunion.com

In early August, Casey’s General Store purchased the Valley “C” Store in Clermont from Viafield.

Council hears opinion on ordinance voting, update on Big Rock

Janell Bradley

Contributing Writer

Fayette City Council members who own rental property learned on Monday night that they can vote to approve or vote down a proposed housing ordinance.

The council has been considering adoption of a rental housing ordinance for more than a year. Now that a proposed ordinance has been prepared, the council questioned whether councilmembers owning rental property themselves have a conflict of interest in voting for or against adoption of the code.

In her 11^th year of teaching Just For Kix in West Union, Katrina Schmitt (left) has been able to teach hundreds of local kids how to perform. During one of her weekly classes, Schmitt checks hand placement and form for Wee Kix (second and third grade) dancers Lily Holthaus, Gracelyn Kent, and Emily Herman (l-r). (Zakary Kriener photo)

A decade of doing it for 'Kix'

Zakary Kriener

News Writer
zkriener@fayettepublishing.com

For West Union’s Katrina Schmitt, it’s more than making sure the lines are straight and the kicks are high.

Getting underway with her 11^th year of teaching Just For Kix this year, Schmitt has dedicated countless hours to the dance organization, doing it all from teaching a weekly class to helping lead fundraising efforts for performances.

“I got started with the organization in 2001,” shared the mother of two, who are both members of Just For Kix. “I took a break from instructing in 2003, but got back onboard in 2008.”

Sheryl Struthers invites Fayette County residents to experience what pioneer cemeteries are all about during this year’s Fayette County Tourism Council Mystery Tour, which will start at noon Sunday, Sept. 25.Chris DeBack photo

Pioneer cemeteries to be featured on Mystery Tour

By Chris Deback
cdeback@thefayettecountyunion.com

Those participating in the Fayette County Tourism Council’s Mystery Tour on Sunday, Sept. 25, will be in for a spooky surprise.

This year, the Tourism Council is featuring five pioneer cemeteries across Fayette County, which has been a suggestion for many years. Last year, the council featured different bridges across Fayette County.

The Big Rock Country Club Board of Directors looking forward to seeing you Sunday includes (front, l to r) Ron Ahrens, Anne Sellers and Jon Grimes; (back) Wayne Crouch, Glenn Beauchamp, and Jerry Miller. (Janell Bradley photo)

Big Rock CC to celebrate 50th

Janell Bradley

Contributing Writer

A celebration this weekend will commemorate Big Rock Country Club’s 50^th anniversary.

On Sunday, Sept. 25, the club will host a two-person, best-shot tournament with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. A social for both members and nonmembers will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the clubhouse. Tickets are $5 each, which includes a meal and drink ticket and entitles each entrant a chance at the door prize drawing. The grand prize is a set of golf clubs and bag, donated by Ron Ahrens.

The Zweibohmer family, including (front, l-r) Montanah, Alyssa, Adrianna; (back) Annette and Mark, recently worked together to bring an idea to honor local veterans come to fruition. Using pieces from an old Harvestore silo, Mark created a giant 10-foot by 5-foot flag on his garage. Over Labor Day weekend, the family welcomed nearly 90 Ossian vets to their home to sign the flag, which will be donated to a local benefit auction in the future. (Zakary Kriener photo)

Showing their pride

Zakary Kriener

News Writer
zkriener@fayettepublishing.com

Laine and Kenny Aeschliman (back, l-r) were asked to be King and Queen of Wadena Days while their son Chase (front, center) was asked to be grand marshal. Pictured with their other two sons, Brock (left) and Lincoln, the Aeschlimans graciously accepted. Chris DeBack photos

Aeschlimans honored as royalty of Wadena

By Chris Deback
cdeback@thefayettecountyunion.com

The Aeschlimans will be the royalty of Wadena, at the very least, for a day.

The Wadena Days Committee has selected Chase, 12, as the grand marshal and his mother and father, Laine and Kenny, as King and Queen of the annual celebration to be held Sept. 17-18.

“I am excited,” Laine said with a smile. “It kind of surprised me, but I was excited when Kenny said that Chase was going to be the grand marshal.”

Fayette Mayor Andrew Wenthe (right) congratulates Councilman Kris McGrane on accepting the position of city clerk/administrator at Tuesday night’s (Sept. 6) meeting in Fayette. McGrane was chosen from a field of approximately 25-30 applicants. He will begin working with current City Administrator Christie Dennis on Sept. 30. Dennis intends to retire on Oct. 28. (Janell Bradley photo) 

Councilman Kris McGrane named Fayette City Clerk

Janell Bradley

Contributing Writer

The Fayette City Council agreed to hire one of its own as Fayette’s new city clerk/administrator, with City Councilman Kris McGrane to start working with current City Administrator Christie Dennis on Sept. 30.

In making the recommendation at a meeting Tuesday, Sept. 6, Mayor Andrew Wenthe said McGrane has great experience with city government from his employment as a dispatcher with the Oelwein Police Department. Wenthe went on to cite McGrane’s strong IT skills (he helped update the City’s website), commitment to community and proven ability as a quick learner.