Dec. 9, 2015 GOWRIE, WEBSTER COUNTY, IOWA VOL. 125 NO. 49

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Pictured are wreath raffle winners that were present during the drawing on Saturday at Macke Gowrie. Over 45 wreaths were donated with proceeds going to the Gowrie Fire Department’s new fire station.

Santa stopped for a visit at Security Savings Bank on Saturday, Dec. 5.

Gowrie Golf Course offering reduced rates for Christmas season Gowrie Municipal Golf Course is offering re-duced new memberships during the Christmas Season! If you were not a member in 2015 you may pur-chase a 2016 membership for the 2015 rate. Rates will slightly increase for 2016 so get this deal while you can! This offer is good only from Dec. 1 to Dec. 24. This makes a great Christmas Gift! The 2015 rates which new members can enjoy for their 2016 membership are $300.00 for a single mem-bership, $400.00 for a family member, or $90.00 for a student membership. Send a check made out to the City of Gowrie for the membership desired. The address is City of Gowrie, P. O. Box 168, Gowrie, IA 51543. Please include the following information with your membership fee. Please provide the full name of all members on the membership. Also include your address, phone number, and e-mail address. Cart shed rental agreements have not been fi-nalized yet so if you are interested in renting a cart shed please contact the City Clerk’s Office at a later date.

Friday and Saturday were busy days around Gowrie with many festive events! On Saturday Swan-son Florists had an open house, the United Methodist Church supplied goodies and coffee, the Library had an open house and included a carriage ride fundraiser for the Gowrie Police Department. The Women’s Club sponsored the tour of homes decorated for the holidays, Santa visited Security Savings Bank, Macke Gowrie hosted an open house and winners were drawn for the Wreath Raffle. Thank you to everyone participating and attending these fun Christmas events! Shortly after 1:00 pm the winners were drawn for wreaths on display. The raffle is sponsored by Macke Gowrie, the Gowrie Development Commission and Xi Eta Sigma Sorority. The display at Macke Gowrie fea-tured 45 unique wreaths. Donors and winners included:

Holiday wreath raffle winners named

Wreath raffle continued on page 11...

Allie Marquart and her mother greated everyone with popcorn and a smile who came to visit Santa at Security Savings Bank Saturday, Dec. 5.

By Iowa State University... Katie Jaeschke of Gowrie has been named the fall 2015 Graduating Student of the Year by the Iowa State University College of Human Sciences. She is graduating magna cum laude with a bach-elor’s degree in family and consumer sciences educa-tion and studies, as well as her teacher licensure. Despite changing majors at the end of her first year, she is gradu-ating a semester early with honors. Outside of school, she served for three years as leadership development coordinator for the Iowa As-sociation of Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America. In this role, she designed and organized leader-

Katie Jaeschke, Gowire named 2015 Student of the year

ship development events and represented the statewide organization at national conferences. Within the college, she served as a College of Human Sciences ambassador and a student representative on the search committee for a new chair of the Depart-ment of Human Development and Family Studies. After convocation, Jaeschke will teach family and consumer sciences in Cedar Falls. “Now my goal is to become a mentor, leading my students to make wise choices and pursue meaningful lives, in the same way that people at Iowa State have done for me,” Jaeschke said. She is the daughter of Ron and Sharon Jaeschke and graduated from Prairie Valley High School.

Katie Jaeschke continued on page 2...

Dec. 9, 2015 2 THE GOWRIE NEWSTHE GOWRIE NEWS

Wednesday, 9 • Farnhamville Fire Dept., 7:30 p.m. at the fire station. • Gowrie Parks Board, 6:45 p.m. at the civic center. • Gowrie Municipal Utilities Board, 6:30 p.m. at the light plantThursday, Dec 10 • Gowrie Jaycees, 7:30 p.m. at Marv’s.Friday, Dec 11 • GDC, 12:00 p.m. at the WCCTA conference roomSunday, Dec 13 • GYC board, 5:00 p.m. at the skating rink.Monday, Dec 14 • Farnhamville City Council, 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. • Harcourt TOPS, 8:00 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church Harcourt.Tuesday, Dec 15 • Gowrie Library Board, 7:00 p.m. • Gowrie Pool Board, 7:00 p.m. at the library.Wednesday, Dec 16 • Prairie Valley School Board, 6:00 p.m.

To have the date and time of your organization’s meeting listed here, call the Gowrie News at 352-3325 or email us at gnews@wccta.net

Katie Jaeschke of Gowrie has been named the fall 2015 Graduating Student of the Year by the Iowa State Uni-versity College of Human Sciences.

Christmas Bake Shoppe hosted by Southeast Valley students Once again the Southeast Valley High School Food Applications Class is doing their annual Christmas Goodies Bake Shoppe. Let the students help you out with your holiday baking. The students are making quick breads, cookie and candy trays, along with single bag goodies of puppy chow, caramel corn, and fudge. Orders are due to the high school by Monday, Dec. 14 and orders will be delivered on Monday, Dec. 21st. If you have any questions, please call the high school.

Zach Graves is getting ready to stir up some cookies for the Southeast Valley High School Food Applications Class.

Wael Sanduka recently presented Gowrie Fire Chief Greg Benson a check donation for the fun-draiser of a new Fire Station being built in Gowrie. The Fire Station is near completion and will be a great addition to the community for emergency responders. POET Gowrie has continued to partner and support the local volunteer fire department through onsite training and emergency mock drills.

POET Gowrie continues to support Gowrie Volunteer Fire Department...

Gowrie United Methodist Church’s weekly events On Sunday, Dec 13 the Sunday School Christ-mas Program will be Following worship. The Commu-nity Christmas concert will be at Zion Lutheran Church at 7:00 p.m. Saturday, Dec 12 at 4 p.m. will begin Christmas Caroling.

Historic Opportunity...Dear Editor, FC and West Central are offering our members an historic opportunity to grow and improve our coopera-tives. To be stronger for our members so we can build better, faster assets for you sooner; to maintain strength in your equity structures through diversification; and to provide better services by improving productivity. As a West Central board member, I believe a strong cooperative will benefit all member-owners. To-gether, we can offer global access while maintaining local control and ownership. The equity is solid for both mem-berships in this merger. The next generation of owners will benefit from improved facilities as we strategically channel capital. The current equity holders will continue to receive patronage and stock revolvement. As your farming operations grow around this cooperative, we have to improve and change. WE cannot just keep pace; we have to be ahead and ready when you are. Merging two strong cooperatives offers our members power in numbers and continues local ownership and ser-vice. After months of review and in-depth research, our farmer Boards unanimously recommend this merger to our members. Our recommendation is now your deci-sion. If you would like more information about our recommendation, I urge you to attend an informational meeting, visit our website wccgrow15.com, visit with your location staff or give me a call to discuss. Now is the time to position or cooperatives for the future. WE ask that when you return your ballot, you vote yes for the merger of FC and West Central. Every member matters. Please vote.

Sincerely,Jim Carlson, Gowrie, Iowa

Saturday, Dec. 5 Santa, Mrs. Clause, Rudolf, and Santa’s elves were at the Gowrie Public Library with the Gowrie Police Chief, Patrick Monaghan; and reserve officers, John Garretson, and Will Fevold. Photo by Mary Ann Young.

Jaguar JH girls teams played at Newell Fonda Thursday nightBy Coach Butrick It was a tough first game for the 7th grade who dropped a 54-11 contest to a very physical and talented Mustang team. The Jaguars had trouble handling Newell Fon-da’s full court pressure and tended to rush things and get taken out of there game however as easy as it would have been for the girls to throw in the towel they continued to battle after every loose ball and did not back down all night and as a coach that is all you can ask. There is plenty of room for improvement and we know we need to do a better job protecting the ball and not letting a team rush us into mistakes however this is a great bunch of girls with great attitudes that will continue to improve throughout the season. The 8th grade dropped a 37-27 contest to an-other very physical Mustang squad. Delaney Conrad and Jaynie Ferrari who went down with an ankle injury in the second quarter each led the way with 6 pts each. It was tough to buy a hoop tonight however the Jags did a great job handling Mustang pressure and locked down well on D. The Jags received great wing play from the duo of Viatris Scott and Mackenzie Crampton and solid point

JH Girls Basketball continued on page 3...

Jaeschke will be recognized for her achieve-ments at the college’s convocation celebration at 3 p.m. Dec. 18 at C.Y. Stephens Auditorium on the Iowa State University campus. Iowa State University’s fall 2015 commencement ceremony will be held at 1:30 p.m. Dec. 19 at Hilton Coliseum.

Katie Jaeschke...continued on page 2...

Dec. 9, 2015 3THE GOWRIE NEWSTHE GOWRIE NEWS

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SMCH Clinic

Wednesday, Dec. 9 - Chicken & Noodle Casserole, Green Beans,Plums, Oatmeal-Raisin Bar, OJThursday, Dec. 10 - COOK’S CHOICEFriday, Dec. 11 - Swiss Style Gr. Beef, Squash, Scalloped Cabbage, Blushing Pears, Tomato JuiceMonday, Dec. 14 - Chili or Beef Barley, Corn Bread, Tangy Coleslaw, Straw-berries, OJTuesday, Dec. 15 - Ham Loaf, Sweet Potatoes, Calico Corn, Mixed Fruit, Raspberry LemonadeWednesday, Dec. 16 - Spaghetti, Broccoli, Apricots, French Bread

The family of Wilmer Fevold would like to express our thanks for all the prayers, memorials, food, and cards sent to us. Special thanks to Pastor Rollefson for all his visits and concern, Pastor Davis for his visits, Andrea Minikis and Robert Patton for their part in the service. Thanks also to the staff of the Gowrie Care Center and Hospice for theirexcellent care. All was much appreciated.

~ Sincerely, Margaret, John, Mark, Ruth, Chris, Tim, Paul, Nathan and their families

Card of Thanks!

50 Years Ago... Mr. and Mrs. Walter Engquist were Thanks-giving Day quests in the Glen Nordstrom home in Day-ton. Mr. and Mrs. Bill Lingwall and Mrs. Esther Johnson spent Thanksgiving in the Elmer Swanson home in Muscatine. They also visited Mrs.. Johnson’s Cousins in Port Byron, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Dale Gallentine, Mr. and Mrs. Everett Peterson attended the Ice Follies in Des Moines on Sunday afternoon. They were luncheon guests in the Maynard Peterson home in Urbandale. Rosalie Peterson of Des Moines spent the Thanksgiving week-end in thehome of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Peterson. Mr. and Mrs. Glen Peterson and Gary spent Thanksgiving in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Fred-rickson at Bondurant. Mr. and Mrs. Hilmer Carlson were dinner guests in the home of Mrs. Amy Olson at Albert City on Friday. Mrs. Larry Olson and sons of Cedar Rapids, who had been visiting there, returned home with them and spent the weekend here with relatives. Visitors in the Paul Gustafson home Friday afternoon were Mr. and Mrs. Peter Jessen of Redfield, Minnesota. Friday evening guests were Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Gustafson of Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Franklin Johnson and daughters, Becky and Karen were visitors Thursday and Friday with Mr. Johnson’s parents at Sanborn. Mr. and Mrs. Roy J. Carlson and Mr. and Mrs. Rial Carlson and sons were visitors Thursday and Friday in the Ray Hejny home in St. Paul, Minn. Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Liljegren attended a family Thanksgiving dinner at the Paul Liljegren home in Jefferson Thursday. Mr. and Mrs. Reuben Peterson and Sherry and Mickey of Harcourt, with Mrs. Eunice Johnson were Thanksgiving Day dinner guests at the Elmer Peterson home. Sherry and Mickey remained in Gowrie for the weekend.

40 Years Ago... Martin Telleen of Gowrie and Gordon Martin-son, Harcourt, were named the top winners in the third annual Master Growers Contest sponsored by the Prairie High Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter. Both Telleen and Martinson as well as other win-ners in the contest were honored at an Awards dinner held at the Gowrie Golf & Country Club last Thursday night. Mr. and Mrs. Duane Johnson entertained Sun-day honoring their son David’s 16th birthday. Present were Miss Mary Ellen Johnson of Des Moines, Mrs. Edna White of Gowrie, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Johnson and family and Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Caldwell and Carrie of Paton. Mr. and Mrs. Carl Johnson and Mrs.. Edna White attended the 50th Wedding Anniversary Open House for Mr. and Mrs. Guy Barnum on Sunday afternoon at the Gowrie Methodist church. Mr. and Mrs. Glen Hogan of Panora were Fri-day visitors with Ruth Ault.

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Custom decorated wedding cakesSizes, flavors galore!

Candy, bars, cookies, cupcakes!

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Saturday, Dec. 5 adults and children enjoy a carriage ride which benefited the Gowrie Police Depart-ment. Photo by Mary Ann Young.

Historic Opportunity...Dear Editor, FC and West Central are offering our members an historic opportunity to grow and improve our coopera-tives. To be stronger for our members so we can build better, faster assets for you sooner; to maintain strength in your equity structures through diversification; and to provide better services by improving productivity. As a West Central board member, I believe a strong cooperative will benefit all member-owners. To-gether, we can offer global access while maintaining local control and ownership. The equity is solid for both mem-berships in this merger. The next generation of owners will benefit from improved facilities as we strategically channel capital. The current equity holders will continue to receive patronage and stock revolvement. As your farming operations grow around this cooperative, we have to improve and change. WE cannot just keep pace; we have to be ahead and ready when you are. Merging two strong cooperatives offers our members power in numbers and continues local ownership and ser-vice. After months of review and in-depth research, our farmer Boards unanimously recommend this merger to our members. Our recommendation is now your deci-sion. If you would like more information about our recommendation, I urge you to attend an informational meeting, visit our website wccgrow15.com, visit with your location staff or give me a call to discuss. Now is the time to position or cooperatives for the future. WE ask that when you return your ballot, you vote yes for the merger of FC and West Central. Every member matters. Please vote.

Sincerely,Jim Carlson, Gowrie, Iowa

guard play from Cassie Bergland. The Jags recieved quality bench minutes from Maggie Anderlik, Haylee Kraft, Taegan Long and Jayden Rowley. It was a hard fought game by two solid teams. The 8th grade is another bunch of girls with great attiutdes and will continue to improve throughout the season.

JH Girls Basketball... continued from page 2...

By Ashley Coffman The Southeast Valley Girls’ Basketball team got their first win against West Bend-Mallard on Friday, De-cember 4. The Jaguars won by 11 with a final score of 38-27. Once again, the Jaguars played good defense. They used their defense to take control of the game. Josie Breitsprecher led the Jaguars with 10 points. Cassie Zinnel and Freshman, Morgan Castenson, each had 7 points. Castenson shot 100% for the night. Emma Graves produced six points and Erica Rittgers added five points. Kearsten Hainzinger made two free throws for 2 points and Aaliyah Scott made 1 free throw for 1 point. Graves led the way in rebounding with nine re-bounds. Scott pulled down six rebounds while Hainz-inger and Rittgers both grabbed five rebounds. Southeast Valley had 10 assists. Breitsprecher dished out four as-sists while Zinnel had three.

Jaguars girl cagers defeat West Bend-M 38-27Lose to Ogden in season opener. . .

The Jaguars are back in action on December 8, at St. Edmond’s and December 11, at Roland-Story.Versus Ogden The Jaguars started the season with a tough loss to Ogden with a score of 43-54. Southeast Valley start-ed the game with a rough first quarter, only scoring two points. They played great defense, but couldn’t make up the deficit. The Jaguars were led by Erica Rittgers in scor-ing. Rittgers had 12 points. Josie Breitsprecher was also in double figures with 11 points. Cassie Zinnel added 6 points off of two three point baskets. Aaliyah Scott and Emma Graves both added 5 points and Kearsten Hainzinger and Karissa Hiesterman each had 2 points. Southeast Valley was led in rebound-ing by Graves. She pulled down 11 rebounds. Rittgers grabbed 9 rebounds while Breitsprecher had 6. Scott added 5 rebounds. Breitsprecher did a great job taking care of the ball with four assists and 0 turnovers.

Dec. 9, 2015 4 THE GOWRIE NEWSTHE GOWRIE NEWS

EVERY VOTE MATTERS:

THE DECISION IS YOURS

WCC019-Print Ad #3: Vote Message • Size: 4.75” x 9” • Black/White • 11.19.15

WEST CENTRAL® COOPERATIVE AND FARMERS COOPERATIVE COMPANY

The member-elected boards of West Central and FC have unanimously approved the proposed merger — and now it’s up to you, our member-owners, to cast your ballots.

As member-owners, you govern your cooperative. That’s why your vote is critical. Your needs, your preferences and your vision will guide our future. Our recommendation is now your decision.

This landmark vote will impact the future of farming in our trade territory. Make sure you help make this decision, which will affect you today and tomorrow.

For more information on the voting process, visit WCCgrow15.com or FCgrow15.com.

PLEASE VOTE!

Carefully follow the voting instructions inside your ballot package. And don’t forget to sign your ballot!

EVERY MEMBER MATTERS.

WCCgrow15.com | FCgrow15.com

Southeast valley girls JVclaimed first victoryBy Coach Sorenson Southeast Valley girls Junior Varsity invaded the Ogden gym, Monday, No-vember 23rd. The Jaguars JV eluded the Bulldogs 31-26, claiming their first win of the 2015-2016 basketball season. Sammy Alps scored her first high school career basket to lead the Jaguars first quarter attack. Alps finished the contest with 4 points. Kasey Lundberg ignited a spark for the Jaguars in the second quarter, draining a huge 3-pointer, Lundberg finished her high school debut with 5 points. Shelby Cummins and Morgan Castenson continued the Jaguar 2nd quarter attack. Cummins began her high school highlights with 5 points, including 3 of 4 from the free-throw line. Castenson contributed 6 points to round our her first high school basketball game. The Jags entered half-time trailing 12-14. The start of the second half unleashed teamwork and aggressive defense, from within the young Jaguar rouster. Southeast Valley held the Bulldogs to just 2, third quarter points. Mady Jaeschke powered the second half take over. Jaeschke made her high school transition onto the court by leading the Jaguar offense with a solid 7 points. Including a smooth 3-pointer from the top of the key to put SV ahead. The Jaguars never looked back. Outscoring Ogden 19-12 in the second half. Lani Nelson helped seal the victory while collecting her first high school stats. Nelson ended the contest with 3 points. Savanah Seehusen started her high school point total by connecting at the charity stripe. Seehusen finished with 1 point. The Jags JV displayed numerous team efforts throughout their first game. Their potential will only increase and gain momentum throughout the season. Every team member stepped onto the court and contributed positively. The fun has just begun!

Twin City business magnatehas passion for Dayton, county On Tuesday, Dec. 1, after visiting with family in Wisconsin during Thanksgiving, I drove to the Twin Cities to meet with Jim Nelson and his staff at ACR Homes. Jim, who spent most of his boyhood in Dayton, has become a highly successful entrepreneur in the Twin Cities. His firm, ACR Homes, was voted the Business of the Year and Number One workplace in the Twin Cities in 2014 as judged by employees. The top 100 were published in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Nelson had sought my input and advice on his company’s latest newsletter for staff members, The Water Cooler. “In the past we’ve had various company newsletters and they seem to do fine for a year or two,” he explained. “But invariably these publications have floundered. We want to produce a print publication that will have enduring success.” There are dozens, hundreds, perhaps thousands of experienced and skilled journalists in the Twin Cities. Why then is Nelson seeking my advice, the owner/publisher of two small weekly newspapers? As brilliant as his mind works, Nelson today dwells on the past and he has a fasci-nation, high regard, and allegiance to his roots which are in Dayton and in Webster County. “For most of our lives we are driven and motivated to create a good future for ourselves,” he said. “But at a cer-tain point our minds revert back to our past.” And so Nelson, who still masterminds a highly successful firm in the Twin Cities, also has a fondness for Dayton, and our surrounding

towns. For several months we (Jim and I) have been try-ing to schedule this meeting, but several conflicts seemed to always arise. This time a snowstorm swept over the Twin Cities on Monday, Nov. 30, but the next day the freeways were fine and I drove to ACR Homes in Roseville, arriving about 11 a.m. Jim’s secretary/office manager Heidi brought us some coffee as I talked with Jim in his office. Gerti, Jim’s poodle, was content to lay on the floor and watch. A few people came into the office including Paul Nelson, Jim’s son. Paul heads the firm’s real estate division and commutes each day from his home in New Richmond, Wisconsin. Ironically, I had been staying with my sister Kimberly, her husband Paul and children in New Richmond during the Thanksgiving holiday. We talked, I met a few staff people, and then I ac-companied Jim to lunch at the Venetian Inn. The popular Italian restaurant has a long history of independent owner-ship. After returning to the office Jim requested that I read past company publications for staff members. I did that for about an hour and I was able to learn more about the firm. ACR Homes provides residential support services for people with physical and/or developmental disabilities, as well as care for the elderly including memory care through their affiliated companies Arthur’s Residential Care and ACR At Home. ACR Homes has more than 50 homes serving more than 200 people. It is a huge company with 1,100 people employed. They render unique, top quality care. At 2:30 staff members arrived for the publication conference. Jim positioned himself at the head of the con-ference table and he moderated the discussion. He had me seated at the end of the conference table and then six staff members, three on each side, were seated. Jim made a few brief remarks and then asked for my thoughts. I made some comments, some fundamentals I thought were important for print publications. Hunter, a young but very capable staff person, elo-quently stated his ideas. Two staff members had been with the firm with 27 and 28 years respectfully. Hunter, perhaps in his late twenties, represented a more youthful element.

The staff members presented several good ideas for making the publication interesting and informative. At precisely 3:30 Jim Nelson concluded the meet-ing. There had been a very good exchange of ideas. At 3:45 Heidi walked into the office to remind Jim that he had a meeting set for 4 p.m. with Yohan. “That’s right,” Jim said. He looked at me and said, “You need to stay for this discussion.” Yohan is a Lutheran minister in the Twin Cities. Jim and Yohan were meeting to critique the book The Worm at the Core. This is an award winning and National Science Foundation-funded work that “infuses existential thought into modern psychological science, using state-of-the-art methods to explore terrain long thought to be beyond the scope of scientific scrutiny.” Naturally Jim gave me a copy of the book. But I assure you that the depth of this book is beyond my compre-hension. I am currently reading one of the books by Charles Stanley, the evangelist. At precisely 5 p.m. Jim concluded the discussion. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to their thoughts and I think they probably adjusted their commentary for my benefit. They explained things well so that I could understand the material. Jim called his wife Dorothy and asked if she would like to join us for dinner. She had other plans so Jim and I ventured out to dine. It was a newer supper club that Jim had been patronizing. Once again Jim and I sat down and talked. The discussion was mostly all things Dayton and Webster Coun-

Jim and Dorothy Nelson

My Local Slant continued on page 11...

All advertising needs to be submitted byFridays @ Noon!!

Shelby Cummins drives around the defense Friday evening while playing West Bend Mallard. Photo by Lisa Peterson.

Aaliyah Scott comes up with the jump ball Friday evening against West Bend Mallard. Photo by Lisa Peterson.

Dec. 9, 2015 5THE GOWRIE NEWSTHE GOWRIE NEWS

Down Memory LaneB Y S A R A D O W N S

What ever happened to the good old days? I am remembering seasons past, way past. Thanksgiving was the culmination of another year’s field work and its yields. It was a day of celebrating that with thanks and gatherings of families and friends and good food, much from the labors of our own (or our parents’ and grandpar-ents’) hands. There was no television and the radio was off limits so no football. As always and still is, the women folk were in and around the kitchen getting in each oth-er’s way, gossiping and catching up on “the news”. They had to shoo children out from under foot and away from the goodies. Even with all that banter and confusion soon a most wonderful, table overloading meal was served. After the meal of course the women folk re-turned to the kitchen to clean up, do dishes and put left overs in smaller receptacles, some of which would be nibbled on the rest of the afternoon. Most had overloaded with the main meal to enjoy the pumpkin, pecan, apple pies and other desserts so they would be enjoyed later. While this was going on, weather permitting, the older kids may have gone outside to run off some of the meal and if there was a father willing to do so he could take the little ones out too. This gave the women a freer range to get the “redding up” done a bit faster and hopefully, get to enjoy some “talkin’” time with the families before someone asked when they were going to get pie. In the meantime some of the men/boys had dozed off and wom-en envied them. There was no rushing as most families lived closer around and would not be in a hurry to leave. The thick as Sunday’s paper with all its enticing ads had not appeared in mailboxes or on doorsteps as it had yet to exist. There was little talk of Christmas shopping though plans might be made or suggested as to a family gath-ering at or near Christmas. Some had the tradition of drawing names for a small gift exchange. There was no open as soon as we dare on Thanksgiving day or midnight madness or Black Friday with its 5:00 a.m. blockbuster special to the first 50 people. There was no all night (or earlier). camping out and rotation of people to save our spot. There was just thanks for a day of relaxation, enjoy-ment and bounty and most of all family. Now the TV stations, one in particular, started showing their Christmas Specials two or three weeks be-fore Thanksgiving. It was a bit odd to see them (most of which had been on again and again over the years) when the temps outside were ranging in the high 50’s to low 60’s and the grass was still green. Has anyone besides me noticed that there are a number of those movies (all old, old ones) that feature a younger person as Santa’s son who is to this year take over the job? In addition they are all falling in love with a regular young lady and have to convince her she can still love him as Santa Claus and come and live at the North Pole and be Mrs. Claus. It’s a Wonderful Life, to my knowledge, hasn’t made its annual appearance yet but surely it will. The Wizard of Oz was on the other evening, back to back – twice that is. I called my youngest daughter to tell her that her favorite movie was on. She knew immediately I was talking about The Wizard. When she was a little tyke the older ones always

Always thankful...wanted to watch but she was scared to death of some of the “creatures” and would run and hide in the boys’ room as far away as she could get. When she became a mommy herself she still didn’t like it and wouldn’t even turn it on for her three girls. I don’t know if they have ever did seen it. I’ll have to ask them some time. This year, as in recent years and probably years to come, we have been inundated with ads from all sources about what to buy for Christmas. The stores are vying against the online sales which seem to be overtak-ing the retail establishments. On Thanksgiving morning, 2015, as I type this another promo came on the TV be-hind me blaring “OUR STORES OPEN AT 5:00 A.M.!” My plans, be picked up by my grandson and his family to go to his parents’ home (my son) for a nice get to-gether and meal, hope and pray the rain stays gentle and the temp warm enough to keep from freezing and for us all to have good sense to come home early to avoid that event that has been promised our area. N OW, I will plan to do a little Christmas decorating, put my little tree in the window, help with Church decorating (some of which is already done) on Saturday and then I’ll work on completing the small Christmas gifts for my many great grandchildren. I just pray for the stamina to accomplish all this and still keep up with the necessary daily tasks. No matter what age we are and what era and customs we grew up in, we all have our memories. Of course, I think my times were better – for me they were. No doubt each generation will recall their Thanksgiv-ings and Christmases and to them they will be “the best”. As I have told you before, wherever and whatever your memories are, treasure them. They are something you can claim and no one can take them from you.

Southeast Valley Schedule of Events

Week of Dec 9th to Dec 16th

Wednesday, Dec 9Early Dismissal 12:20pmTeacher In-serviceThursday, Dec 10Postponed TBD - PVES Elementary TK thru 2nd Grade Concert4:00 p.m. (H) JH Boys BB vs.Glidden-Ralston4:00 p.m.(A) JH Girls BB @ Glidden6:00 p.m. (A) B JV-Var Wres GAME - Mutli-Team6:00 p.m. (H) B JV Bask GAME - Fort Dodge @ Southeast ValleyFriday, Dec 114:00 p.m. (H) JH Boys BB vs. Ogden4:30 p.m. JH Girls BB @ Ogden4:30 p.m. (A) B&G JV Bask GAME - Southeast Valley @ Roland-Story5:00 p.m. (A) B JV Wres SAYDEL JV IN - B JV Wres5:00 p.m. (A) B JV-Var Wres MVAO INVITATIONAL @ MAPLETON6:00 p.m. (A) B & G JVR Bask GAME - Southeast Valley @ Roland-Story6:00 p.m. (A) B&G V Bask GAME - Southeast Valley @ Roland-StoryMonday, Dec 144:00 p.m. (A) B&G JV Bask GAME - Southeast Valley @ West Bend-Mallard4:00 p.m. (A) JH Boys BB @ Pocahontas4:00 p.m. (H) JH Girls BB vs. PAC6:00 p.m. (A) B&G V Bask GAME - Southeast Valley @ West Bend-MallardTuesday, Dec 154:30 p.m. (H) B&G JV Bask GAME - Manson NW Webster @ Southeast Valley6:00 p.m. (H) B JVR Bask GAME - Manson NW Webster @ Southeast Valley6:00 p.m. (H) B&G V Bask GAME - Manson NW Webster @ Southeast ValleyWednesday, Dec 166:00 p.m. Little Jags Booster Club Mtg.

*Schedule is pulled from the SV website for your convenience*www.southeastvalley.org

***Schedules are subject to change at anytime***

Birthdays9-Dec Madyson Jaeschke August Lanning10-Dec Lois Carlson, Blake Kaufman Jacob Seil, Kenny Skoglund Christopher Tasler, Valerie Thomas11-Dec Lisa Crouse, Declan McGuire Lance Taylor, Alicia Thomas12-Dec Jerry Vote13-Dec Jason Klein14-Dec Jordan Lane, Derek Wooters15-Dec Raymond Board Michaela Carlson, Michael Geisler GriffinVote,MikeShaw

Anniversaries13-Dec Rick and Maureen Brand.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATERElevated Fluoride Levels Detected

does not contain more than 4.0 mg/l of fluoride, but we’re required to notify you when we discover that the fluoride levels in your drinking water exceed 2.0 mg/l because of this cosmetic dental problem. For more information, please call Chuck Angstrom at Gowrie Municipal Utilities at 352-3065. Some home water treatment units are also avail-able to remove fluoride from drinking water. In Iowa, home water treatment units are regulated under 641- Chapter 14, with the water treatment unit registration program administered by the Iowa Department of Pub-lic Health’s environmental health division. In addi-tion, you may call the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) International, at 1-877-867-3435. Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail. This notice is being sent to you by GOWRIE MUNICIPAL UTILITIES PWSID#: 9436095 Date Issued: December 9, 2015

This is an alert about your drinking water and a cos-metic dental problem that might affect children under nine years of age. At low levels, fluoride, which occurs naturally in the ground waters, can help prevent cavi-ties, but children drinking water containing more than 2.0 milligrams per liter (mg/l) of fluoride may develop cosmetic discoloration of their permanent teeth (dental fluorosis). The drinking water provided by your public water system Gowrie Municipal Utilities has a fluoride concentration of 2.33 mg/l. Dental fluorosis in its moderate or severe forms may result in a brown staining and/or pitting of the permanent teeth. This problem occurs only in devel-oping teeth, before they erupt from the gums. Children under nine should be provided with alternative sources of drinking water or water that has been treated to re-move the fluoride to avoid the possibility of staining and pitting of their permanent teeth. You may also want to contact your dentist about proper use by young chil-dren of fluoride-containing products. Older children and adults may safely drink the water. Drinking water containing more than 4.0 mg/l of fluoride (the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s drinking water standard) can increase your risk of developing bone disease. Your drinking water

Our Saviours Lutheran Church’s schedule of events for the week On Wednesday, Dec 9 at 6:00 p.m. Confirma-tion will be in the Fellowship Hall. Thursday, Dec 10 at 2:00 p.m. Women of the Word will meet in the Fellowship Hall. Chimes Practice will be at 6:15 p.m. and Choir Practice at 7:00 p.m. On Saturday, Dec 12 at 9:00 a.m. Men’s Group will meet in the Fireside Room. Scarlet Cord Worship & Prayer will be at Gowrie Care Center at 6:00 p.m. The Sunday School Christmas Program “The Reason for the Season” will be at 9:30 a.m. with light refreshments following. We ‘R’O.C.K. will met at the church at 6:00 p.m. A free movie night “Christmas with a Capital C” will begin at 7:00 p.m. Please bring a lawn chair or a folding chair will be provided. On Monday, Dec 14 Sewing day will begin at 9:00 a.m. At 6:30 p.m. a Council Meeting will take place in the Fireside Room. On Wednesday, Dec 16 Confirmation Class will be held in the Fellowship Hall at 6:00 p.m.

Community Christmas concert plannedZion Lutheran Church events... Wednesday, Dec 9 Confirmation Class and Vesper Ringers will each meet at 7:00 p.m. On Thursday, Dec 10 Project Day will be at 1:30 p.m. and GCC Devotions will meet at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, Dec 13 Choir Rehearsal will be at 9:15 a.m., Sunday School Christmas Program Practice at 9:30 a.m., Sunday School Christmas Program will begin at 10:30 a.m., Community Christmas Choir Rehearsal at 1:00 p.m., and the Community Christmas Concert will begin at 7:00 p.m. On Tuesday, Dec 15 the GCC taped service will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, Dec 16 Beginner & Sonshine Bells will be at 4:00 p.m. Confirmation class, Vesper Ringers, and Zion WEBS will be at 7:00 p.m.

The staff members presented several good ideas for making the publication interesting and informative. At precisely 3:30 Jim Nelson concluded the meet-ing. There had been a very good exchange of ideas. At 3:45 Heidi walked into the office to remind Jim that he had a meeting set for 4 p.m. with Yohan. “That’s right,” Jim said. He looked at me and said, “You need to stay for this discussion.” Yohan is a Lutheran minister in the Twin Cities. Jim and Yohan were meeting to critique the book The Worm at the Core. This is an award winning and National Science Foundation-funded work that “infuses existential thought into modern psychological science, using state-of-the-art methods to explore terrain long thought to be beyond the scope of scientific scrutiny.” Naturally Jim gave me a copy of the book. But I assure you that the depth of this book is beyond my compre-hension. I am currently reading one of the books by Charles Stanley, the evangelist. At precisely 5 p.m. Jim concluded the discussion. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to their thoughts and I think they probably adjusted their commentary for my benefit. They explained things well so that I could understand the material. Jim called his wife Dorothy and asked if she would like to join us for dinner. She had other plans so Jim and I ventured out to dine. It was a newer supper club that Jim had been patronizing. Once again Jim and I sat down and talked. The discussion was mostly all things Dayton and Webster Coun-

Dec. 9, 2015 6 THE GOWRIE NEWSTHE GOWRIE NEWS

BERRY HEARING AID & AUDIOLOGY CENTERS Fort Dodge’s Oldest Established Hearing Aid Center

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At Berry Hearing Aid & Audiology Centers, we believe that our job isn’t finished until our patients’ lives are improved. Our staff of professionals have many years of experience in bringing the best possible hearing care to the Fort Dodge area. We will work with you to find the hearing solution that best fits your individual needs and budget. Call us today and you will see that visiting Berry Hearing Aid & Audiology Centers, is the best way to take the first step toward improved hearing.

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573-7821 or 1-800-728-7821 • 9 N 18th St. Fort Dodge

At Berry Hearing Aid & Audiology Centers, we believe that our job isn’t finished until our patients’ lives are improved. Our staff of professionals have many years of experience in bringing the best possible hearing care to the Fort Dodge area. We will work with you to find the hearing solution that best fits your individual needs and budget. Call us today and you will see that visiting Berry Hearing Aid & Audiology Centers, is the best way to take the first step toward improved hearing.

1949-2013 C ELEBRATING 64 Y EARS

with offices in Humboldt, Manson, Pocahontas and Lake City

Celebrating 65 Years1949-2014

At Berry Hearing Aid & Audiology Centers, we believe that our job isn’t finished until our patients’ lives are improved. Our staff of professionals have many years of experience in bringing the best possible hearing care to the Fort Dodge area. We will work with you to find the hearing solution that best fits your individual

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with offices in Humboldt, Manson, Pocahontas and Lake City

By Jill Viles Part two of two-part series. “It’s always been my greatest joy to play for military personnel and civilians overseas,” Bob Patton stated. “We bring a glimpse of home to them.” Bob recalls a heavy security presence while serving with the Singing Sergeants. Security had to check out everything including band equipment. He re-calls with humor the sight of security agents scrutinizing the performers before a White House event juxtaposed against the site of thousands of unsearched parents and children running across the White House lawn in search of Easter eggs. In his earliest deployments, he describes the sad-ness of witnessing the return homecoming of those who died for their country. He recalls waiting on the tarmac at the Dover, Delaware airport as arriving military planes delivered caskets of fallen heroes to American soil. Following this, he and other members of the Singing Sergeants would embark on tours. The longest assignment he recalls was a seven week tour. He insists they were never in a war zone, but were close to some. Additionally, most of the work was performing for civil-ians on American soil. The Singing Sergeants were made up of a di-verse group of singers including a nuclear physicist and a physician. When Bob Patton joined, the group was made up of 28 men including seven first tenors, seven second tenors, seven baritones, and seven bass singers. Initially the group included only men, but by 1973, pressure was building to include women as well. It took a while to integrate the group however because

there wasn’t as much urgency among women to join as they didn’t need to avoid the draft. “Baritones [like me] are usually the jerk…the one you want to throw fruit at,” he suggests as he de-scribes participation in some of his favorite operas. “But that’s the fun in doing this. You can make the character come alive.” As Bob neared completion of his eighth year with the Singing Sergeants, he candidly admits he con-sidered leaving the group. He explains singers have a particular temperament, and they perform at their best only when they are truly willing. However, at this time a new conductor joined group, and he truly changed Pat-ton’s life. As he puts it, “His hands were like gold.” That conductor, Dr. Craig Jessop, would eventually direct the Mormon Tabernacle Choir for thirteen years. The realities of war were unable to escape as Bob describes gazing upon a beach in Guam and witness-ing the sight of Japanese turret guns still positioned at the ready for attack. Bob’s relatives all survived except for one of his father’s brothers who was killed in Germany about a month before Hitler’s bunker fell. It was this brother who had been destined to take over the Gowrie News. In terms of describing his most memorable per-formances, he recalls singing at Rockefellar Center offer-ing a celebration of Old America songs. He heard a rumor that Aaron Copland was in the audience, and following the performance, he felt a tap on his shoulder and turned to face Copland. “Absolutely wonderful!” the famous composer bellowed. He also had the honor of performing for five U.S. Presidents.

Another truly in-spiring moment for Bob occurred as he was in-vited to sing a rendition of “Bring Him Home,” from Les Miserables. This performance was granted to the first ever gather-ing of families of P.O.Ws and M.I.As. Before they sang the song, the lights were darkened and a single candle lit. For the next five minutes the flame was passed so that each griev-ing family had a chance to see their candle lit in honor of their loved one. “I had my cry later,” he explains. “This isn’t Hollywood. This isn’t a movie. These are real people who are hurt-ing, and that’s a respon-sibility I will always take seriously.” Another very memorable event occurred after he completed a per-formance of Gershwin and Porter music from the 1930’s for a women’s group. He remembers a woman, with tears rolling down her face, approach-

Bob Patton sings at Rockefeller Center;performs with USAF Singing SergeantsPerforms Gerswin and Porter. . .

ing him after the performance. “I wanted you to know that was my husband’s and my favorite song,” she remarked regarding the per-formance of “Embraceable You.” She told Bob her hus-band had died two weeks earlier, and the music had truly brought him back to her. “When words fail, music speaks,” explains Pat-ton quoting the words of Hans Christian Anderson to summarize the experience. “The warranty is running out on some parts of my body, but my vocal chords are OK, so I want to keep going as long as I can,” He remarks. Bob has previously given voice lessons, though he says he doesn’t typically find new clients through ad-vertising, but rather through word of mouth. I can give ideas, but I’m not around regularly,” he says. Patton explains he loves to perform each summer at a fine arts camp in Michigan. The intense musical immersion in-spires 7,000 students each summer. He explains that a sight of young person uncov-ering a passion for music is a joy to behold. “It brings things back to you. It merges you back into your craft. It’s a win-win on both sides.” He has mixed feelings regarding music competi-tions on television, such as The Voice. “Who the hell are they to judge?” he ponders. “I’m not saying that these shows are bad. I just don’t go out of my way to watch them.” He explains he’d rather select his own music to listen to and inspire him. Surprisingly he does turn to You Tube at times for inspiration. “It’s interesting to see a new take on a song,” Bob suggests. “The main thing is that I want to make music magical,” he says. “This composer, he [or she] gave us this gift, and I am here to develop this inspiration and transform the music from the page.” Though Bob enjoys some opera, he candidly ad-mits he doesn’t enjoy some of it. “Seriously, someone who listen to Wagner all day—that person should really be checked out.” The decision was made in 1986 that Bob would take over the paper in 1991 as he would have achieved twenty years in the military at this point. One of his favorite accomplishments was the creation of a 100 year anniversary issue of the Gowrie

Bob Patton continued on page 12...“It Pays to Advertise!”

Bob Patton is performing with the Karl King Band.

Bob Patton

Dec. 9, 2015 7THE GOWRIE NEWSTHE GOWRIE NEWS

A December To Remember Santa’s elves are working extra hard this year

to help bring Christmas joy…….. You will see HB employees wearing jeans or donning an ugly Christmas sweater/tie. All for a good cause you will see. Visit our Facebook page the week of Dec. 21st and

tell us who has the ugliest sweater/tie! With each FB like Heartland Bank will donate $1 to our cause.

With these events we are raising money for a December to remember all nice and bright.

Giving back to our communities is our plight. Southeast Valley Dance Team brings home state trophy... The Southeast Valley dance team receives a division 1 rating and won 4th place overall in class VIII Pom. The team performed in Des Moines at Wells Fargo Arena on Thursday, Dec. 3. All teams must receive a division 1 rating to make it into the top 5. This year's 2015 Southeast Valley State Team inclues Erica Rittgers, Natalie Lambert, Erica Nordin, Brandi Dorsey, Meryl Moeller, Shelby Hofbauer, Kearsten Hainzinger, Anna Hanson, Bailey Miller, Regina Cook, Karissa Hiesterman, Kanyon Pepples and Lexee Nelson. Coached by: Vicky Vinchattle and Tiffany DeCastro.

Pictured from L to R are, Linkin, six and Tripp, three, sons of Dallas and Mindy Roper; Jacie Hanlon, three months, daughter of Michael and Ashley Hanlon; Beau Lenning, two, son of Dave and Kari Lenning.

Tomorrow's Leaders

Kensington Club met at SMCH for program Tuesday, Dec. 1 Tuesday, December 1, the women of Kensing-ton Club traveled to Lake City’s Stewart Memorial Com-munity Hospital for lunch in the cafeteria. Lunch was followed by a program on how mem-bers could make small, mindful changes in their food choices and improve overall health. Maurine Thieszen, community dietician, provided information with tips and suggestions for reading resources.

The Kensington Club met Tuesday, Dec. 1 at SMCH. Pictured standing left to right: Co-hostess Judi Tjepkes, guest speaker Maurine Thieszen and co-hostess Almeda Gordon.

Heartland Bank announces $15,000 in funding to homebuyers Heartland Bank was recently awarded $15,000 Homeownership Fund grant by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines. The grant program, which is part of the FHLB Des Moines Strong Communities Fund, pro-vides housing assistance to communities in the Bank’s district. Through the Homeownership Fund, hardwork-ing individuals and families who are unable to cover up-front costs can make their dreams of homeownership a reality. The program assists qualified families with the down payment, closing costs or rehabilitation of the property. By participating in the program Heartland Bank will be able to distrib-ute awards of up to $2,500 to each eligible home buyer. If you are looking to purchase a home, contact one of Heartland Bank’s ex-perienced mortgage lenders for details.

SV dance team is taking donations for Community pantry The Southeast Valley Dance Team is collecting items for the community pantry. They have two collec-tion boxes. One box is at Vicky’s Dance Academy and one is in the commons at Southeast Valley High School. Please help out our community during this holiday sea-son.

“It Pays to Advertise!”

Dec. 9, 2015 8 THE GOWRIE NEWSTHE GOWRIE NEWS

HOLY TRINITY LUTHERAN, FARNHAMVILLE 8:30 a.m. Sunday School; 9:30 a.m. WorshipFIRST UNITED CHURCH, FARNHAMVILLE9:00 a.m. Sunday Worship, Fellowhip Coffee FollowingOUR SAVIOUR'S LUTHERAN, CALLENDER9:15 a.m. Sunday Worhip; 10:30 a.m. Sunday SchoolUNITED METHODIST CHURCH, GOWRIE9:00 a.m. Sunday School; 10:15 a.m. WorshipZION LUTHERAN CHURCH, GOWRIE 9:30 a.m. Sunday School; 10:30 a.m. Worship FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH, HARCOURT9:00 a.m. Worship; 10:00 a.m. FellowhipEVANGELICAL COVENANT CHURCH, HARCOURT8:30 a.m. Worship; 9:40 a.m. Sunday SchoolUNITED METHODIST CHURCH, HARCOURT9:00 a.m. WorshipUNITED METHODIST CHURCH, SOMERS 10:30 a.m. WorshipFULTON LUTHERAN CHURCH, ROELYN9:15 a.m. WorshipOUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL, MOORLAND10:00 a.m. MassEVANGELICAL COVENANT CHURCH, LANYON10:00 a.m. Worship; 11:00 a.m. Sunday School

CHURCHWorship Schedule

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Clarice (Carlson) Burkgren grew up in Gowrie and her husband Robert grew up in Dayton. Both Graduated from their respective schools in 1953 and were married in 1957. She and her husband now live in La Porte City and have lived there for over 50 years. Robert was a teacher their for 30 years while Clarice taught for 7 years and subbed for 13 additional years. They both have continued to read their hometown papers. Robert’s the Dayton Review and Clarice’s The Gowrie News. They enjoy reading their own paper and then discussing the various articles. They still have close ties to both their commu-nities. They return yearly for the Gowrie’s 4th of July parade and have rarely missed any Alumni banquets in both communities. Clarice’s Dad was well known county super-visor in the 1950’s and even now she has only to men-tion her dad as “Cash” Carlson and most people will know her family. This is Clarice’s story as told by her about a very special Christmas that will forever stand out in her mind. My intense interest in trains began around 1940 when in my kindergarten class had a model train (made up of an engine, coal car and caboose) which became a centerpiece of our classroom as we studied various kinds of transportation. It was big enough to hold an engineer, the brakeman and in the caboose 3 or 4 passengers could be seated. We also had a two-passenger airplane with a working propeller as part of our study. I probably didn’t get to enthused about an airplane as I didn’t travel by air until well into my 60’s. As part of the unit on Trains the class rode the train on its westward journey one day to Farnhamville. A school bus returned us to school. But my love for trains didn’t end there. My home was located on an acreage that had a Chicago and Northwestern railroad track bordering on our land that was basically an east-west route. There was a daily freight train, as well as a pas-senger train that traveled twice daily through town. It was the afternoon freight train that I took a special liking. I would leave anything I was doing and run to the fence to wave at the crew. They would wave and blow the loud horn and occasionally really scare me when they released a blast of steam (but I loved it)! I had a lantern to wave if it was after dark when they made their run past my house. My Mom promised to wave the lantern if I had to be in bed before their night run. I never missed a day it seemed, because in those days one didn’t go far from home. Once in a while I would go with my Dad when he went to the local elevator for his afternoon “gossip/coffee session” with the men. If the train was coming in soon I’d go to the train station and talk to the depot agent working there. When the train arrived I got to visit with the con-ductor in the caboose. Sometimes I even got to ride in the engine as the engineer and brakeman switched cars or watch the fireman fill the coal car so they would have plenty of coal and water (for steam) to “fire up” the train on the rest of their journey. Occasionally the train crew checked with my Dad and I was allowed to ride either in the engine or the caboose to the next town (in this case it was Harcourt) and my Dad would drive over to bring me back home. Their stop in Gowrie was always in the late af-ternoon and often I got to join them in the caboose as they ate their supper. Food was often delivered by the Depot

Agent from a cafe in town. Christmas Eve was coming and I suddenly won-dered were the train crew would be for their Christmas Eve dinner. Cafes close early in small towns on Christ-mas Eve! I had an idea! My Mom could prepare a Christ-mas Eve Dinner and Dad and I would take it to meet the train on Christmas Eve! Dad checked with the depot agent and with the train crew, and everything was made ready. On December 24th my Mom fixed a roast chick-en, mashed potatoes, gravy, dressing, scalloped corn, Jell-O salad, and pie. That afternoon when the train pulled into the station Dad and I were there waiting. They enjoyed the meal in the caboose. It made me very happy, but little did I know or realize that I really was only delaying them in getting them home to their families on Christmas Eve. Imagine my surprise though, when on Christmas morning the depot agent from in town came to our house with a present for me! A beautiful doll and a card signed by every member of the train crew: Ralph Wood, engineer; Hugh O. Clay, fireman; L. P. Baker, conductor; Francis Ryan and J. M. Crandall, brakemen. The card envelop read Miss Clarice Carlson; also Mom and Dad Carlson; Thanks a million; from The Train and Engine Crew. Seventy-five years later I have the card! I couldn’t have had a happier Christmas, along with a very special new doll. This love of trains gained in kindergarten con-tinued with the train crew for at least 3 more years, in-cluding the Christmas Eve Dinner until we moved out to a farm east of Gowrie. By then, some of the original crew had also left. This one particular Christmas is still in my memory, each and every time we drive by the house just north of the railroad tracks on the east edge of Gowrie... my hometown.

Christmas Eve Dinner for a Train CrewMemories of a young girl growing up in Gowrie...

The kindergarten train that started Clarice (Carl-son) Burkgren’s love for trains. Clarice is seated in the ca-boose, second child from the left.

Clarice talks with her friends by one of her be-loved trains. Clarice is near the front facing, away from the train.

First United Church Program Wednesday, Dec. 16 in Farnhamville On Wednesday, Dec. 16 there will be the Lunch Bunch Christmas Program beginning at 5:45 p.m. in Farnhamville. Everyone is invited to this event. Supper will follow the program. Cookie or Bars are needed for the supper fol-lowing The Lunch Bunch Christmas Program. Please do-nate some for this event.

Eighth grade Jag boys lose two games The Southeast Valley 8th grade boys opened their season with a hard fought game and lost 52 – 28. Newell-Fonda had an 11-10 lead after the first quarter. The Jaguars just could not get the ball in the bas-ket in the second quarter and trailed 29-14 going into the half time break. The Jags played a pretty even 3rd quarter and trailed 37-21. The Mustangs left Burnside with a 52-28 vic-tory over the Jaguars. Scoring for the Jags were Ross Halligan (4), Mason Goodwin (3), Hunter Kruse (2), Carter Lane (5), Chase Swieter (8), and Jared Kastendieck (6). The Jaguars are now 0-1 on the season and host Woodward-Granger on December 4th in Burnside.Woodward Granger defeats Southeast Valley The Southeast Valley 8th grade boys played their second game in as many nights and lost 59-36. Much like game one it was a close first quarter with the Jags down 10-8. The Jags shooting went a little cold in the second quarter and trailed going into halftime by 10 at 26-16. The Hawks were able to extend their lead through the third and fourth quarters and while the Jag-uars played tough all night they were not able to get enough stops on the defensive end of the floor. “I am happy with the effort from the boys and once all the little things start clicking we will get the vic-tories” said Coach Anderson. Score for the Jags were Hunter Kruse (9), Carter Lane (8), Quinton Clancy (3), Lincoln Miller (2), Chase Swieter (12), and Jared Kastendieck (2). The Jaguars are now 0-2 on the season and host Manson Northwest Webster on December 7th in Burnside.

Dec. 9, 2015 9THE GOWRIE NEWSTHE GOWRIE NEWS

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Christmas Eve Dinner for a Train CrewMemories of a young girl growing up in Gowrie...

Senior Conner Conrad goes in strong for a layup against West Bend-Mallard. Photo by Marcie Boerner.

Senior Josh Carlson drives past the defense dur-ing the win against West Bend-Mallard Friday night. Photo by Lisa Peterson.

Lanyon Covenant church events for December On Wednesday, Dec 9 at 6:00 p.m. A.C.T.I.O.N. Christmas Play practice and Bible Study will take place. Saturday, Dec 12 a women’s Christmas cookie exchange will be held at the church at 9:00 a.m. Sunday, Dec 20 is when this year’s Annual Christmas program and birthday party for Jesus will be held. The children will be performing, and there will be a special fellowship time following the service. The Christmas Eve Candlelight Service will be held on Thursday, Dec 24 at 5:00 p.m.

By Coach Miller The 2015-2016 Jaguar Wrestling Team opened their season at home with a couple of hard fought de-feats. In the first dual, The Jags were defeated by Manson NW 39-18. In the second dual, the Crusaders of Coon Rapids- Bayard won on on criteria after closing the dual in a 36-36 tie. A winner was finally declared on criteria H, most match points scored in the first period. 106 lbs Co-ledon Bethel and 138 lbs Trey Lawrence went 2-0 for the night. 113 lbs Coltan Klingson, 160 lbs. Kyler Jondle, 170 lbs. Kaelan Lundberg, 220 lbs. Bryce Scott, and HWT. Tony Crampton went 1-1. 120 lbs. Evan McCrady, 145 lbs. Carter Fluck-iger, 152 lbs. Ivan Hudson, and 182 lbs. Zeke Miller wrestled hard finishing 0-2 for the night. “It was good to get the season started and see where the guys are at. We’re awfully young with only two Seniors, two Juniors, two Sophomores and five Freshman in the line up. Manson matched up well with us as well as Coon Rapids, but our young guys hung in there and battled but did make some positioning mistakes as most incoming freshman commit in their 1st varsity dual.”Gilbert duals On Saturday December 5, the Jags traveled to Gilbert to participate in the Gilbert duals. The grapplers had a busy day wrestling five matches against the host team Gilbert, SH-BCLUW, AG-WSR, Iowa Fall-Alden, and Belmond-Klemme. The Jags were down a few guys from the line up but overall wrestled really well against some decent competition which doesn’t reflect on final team scores. In the first dual the Jags lost to Gilbert 45-28, in the second dual Iowa Falls-Alden won 45-28, in the third dual SH-BCLUW edged the Jags 39-36, the fourth dual Belmond-Klemme won 54-24, and in the final dual the

Jags pulled out a 36-28 win against AGWSR, finishing in fifth place. Individually, Trey Lawrence had a great day of wrestling going 5-0, Freshman Kyler Jondle continues to impress going 4-1, as well as fellow freshman Carter Fluckinger finished 4-1. Coledon Bethel, Colton Kling-son, Kaelan Lundberg, Zeke Miller, and Tony Crampton went 3-2, while Evan McCrady finished 1-4. “Head to Head the coaching staff was really pleased with the progress the boys made from Tuesday night to Saturday. Having Bryce and Ivan out of the line up hurt the Jags team wise especially when we’re wrestling against teams with pretty much full lineups. “I thought the boys wrestled aggressively on their feet taking shots. Our top and bottom work is pro-gressing. We won head to head matches in all of our duals with the exception of Belmond-Klemme, but giving up five weight classes definitely hurt us when each forfeit is worth six points for the other team.”

Trey Lawrence, two freshmen lead Jaguarwrestlers; Jags beat AGSWR in dual meet

Jaguars JV Boysdefeats WBM 59-25Record now 2-0. . . The Jaguars JV Boys Basketball team defeated West-Bend Mallard by the score of 59-25 on Thursday of last week. Leading the scoring for the Southeast Valley Boys JV team was Keenan Ferry with 11 and Ryan Gus-tafson with 8 and Tommy Lennon chipped in 8. The JV record is now 2-0.

Jaguar boys routWest Bend-Mallard82-45 in season openerHot shooting, great defense. . .By Glenn Schreiber The Southeast Valley Jaguars decisively defeat-ed West Bend Mallard Friday night, Dec. 4, at Southeast Valley High School gym in Gowrie in their first game of the season. The Jaguars were in command from the start as they led 31-6 after the first quarter and 51-25 at the half. Two seniors and one junior were scoring lead-ers. Senior Conner Conrad scored 29 points to lead all scorers and Logan Boerner and Dakota Jaeschke, a senior and junior respectively, had 17 apiece. Conrad was 7-9 in three point shooting and 10-16 overall. Boerner was a perfect 7-7 in shooting, includ-ing 2-2 from three point range. And Jaeschke was 7-10 in shooting. The overall team shooting percentage was an amazing 58.4%. Jaeschke led the team in rebounds with nine and Conrad had five. Conrad had seven steals. Other Jaguars contributing in points were: Caleb Jondle, 6; Cade King, 4; Keegan Goodwin, 4; Myles Da-vis, 2; Aaron Swieter, 2; and Alex Pliner, 1. Other players having rebounds were: Alex Plin-er, 4; Swieter, 3; Davis, 3; and King, 3; Boerner, 2; and Keegan Goodwin, 2; Nolan Brand, one. “The team played with confidence which led them to good shooting and good shot selection,” said coach Steve Gutshall. “We ran the ball well and we played great de-fense,” said the coach. Conrad led in assists with 4 followed by King, 3; Boerner, 3; Jondle, 3; Goodwin, 2. Caleb Jondle was a perfect 2-2 from the free throw line.

The JVR Boys Basketball team was defeated by Alta-Aurelia by the score of 42-30. Leading the scoring for the Jaguars was Nyles Johnson with 8, JJ and Zach Graves each added 6. The JVR Jaguars record is 0-1. The JV Boys beat Alta-Aurelia by the score of 59-53. Leading scorers for the JV team were Kaleb Jondle with 20, Keegan Goodwin 12, Nolan Johnson 8, Sam Berglund 7. The JV record is now 1-0.

Southeast Valley boys defeats Alta-Aurelia 42-30

Dec. 9, 2015 10 THE GOWRIE NEWSTHE GOWRIE NEWS

PRAIRIE VALLEY SCHOOLBOARD OF DIRECTORS

CITY OFCALLENDERNotice of Intent by Appointment

Notice is hereby given that the City Council of Callender, Iowa intends to fill the vacancy in the council position formerly held by Don Weston by appointment pursuant to Iowa Code 372.13(2) at a special meeting 12/21/2015 at 5:30 p.m. City Hall 415 Thomas Street, Callender, IA. The appointee shall serve until the next regular city election to be held in November 2016. The electors of the City of Callender have a right to file a petition requiring that the vacancy be filled by Special Election. Such a petition for a special election must be filed with the city clerk within 14 days after the publication of this Notice, or within 14 days after the appointment is made. The petition must be signed by the lesser of: 200 eligible electors, or 15% of the voters who voted for candidates for the office of City Council at the last regular election.

CITY OFFARNHAMVILLE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE SUBMITTAL OF A SDBG HOUSING APPLICATION

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 508 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987, as amended, the Farnhamville City Council will hold a public hearing on December 28, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. at Farnhamville City Hall, 335 Hardin St., Farnhamville, Iowa 50538. The purpose of the hearing will be to discuss the submittal of a Community Development Block Grant application to request funding to rehabilitate six or more homes. The project is being hunded in part through a Community Development Block Grant provided by the Iowa Economic Development Authority and the City of Farnhamville, If you have questions concerning the project or if you require special accommodations to attend the hearing such as handicapped accessibility or translation services, you may contact the City Clerk at (515) 544-3619.

CITY OFFARNHAMVILLE

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The city of Farnhamville is seeking proposals to provide technical services for a Community Development Block Grant program, which the City is applying for to rehibilitate six (6) owner- occupied housing units. Interested firms/individuals shall submit proposals to City Clerk, City of Farnhamville, 335 Hardin St. Farnhamville, IA 50538, by 12:00 p.m. on December 18, 2015. For a copy of the RFP, please contact Emily Bendickson, City Clerk at (515) 544-3619. The City of Farnhamville is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

BILLS PRESENTED November 18, 2015 A&M Products Football Medals Football $59.60 Ackerson, Kim Travel District $550.40 HUDL Program Boys Basketball $360.00 Agile Sports HUDL Program Girls Basketball $360.00 Airgas Supplies HS $329.27 Amazon Supplies HS $1,426.92 Title 1 EL $40.27 Supplies Technology $72.78 Nurse Supplies District $20.99 Supplies Fruit Shack $39.72 Arnold Motor Supplies Parts Transportation $41.88 Ben Reinekem Dance Fundraiser Products, Dance Fundraiser $1,794.00 Black Hills Energy Utilities HS $348.02 BLI Lighting Supplies HS Maintenance $370.40 Britney Geisler Supplies Musical $83.92 Budget Lighting Supplies HS $24.95 Buena Vista College Art Day Registation - Resale, HS $120.00 Calhoun County ECA Utilities EL $5,255.04 Casey's Supplies Transportation $44.49 CDW-G Adapter Technology $119.52 Cedar Valley Fundraising, FFA Fundraiser FFA $2,784.00 Central Iowa Distributing Supplies EL Maintenance $1,488.60 Supplies HS Maintenance $861.80 Central Iowa Water Supplies HS Maintenance $133.00 Central Plains FFA Supplies Nutrition $732.00 CH McGuiness Co., Boiler Coil Replacement, Capital Projects $17,500.00 City of Callender Utilities Bus Barn $194.78 Clayton Ridge CSD OE Tuition District $1,591.50 Coca-Cola resale Elementary $99.60 Coke Vending Machines Student Council $399.36 Dean Foods Supplies Nutrition $3,647.31 Deb Snyder Supplies Musical $322.86 DECA Registration - Convention, DECA $1,344.00 Deckers Basketballs Boys Basketball $429.60 Basketballs Girls Basketball $217.80 Resale Football $2,962.48 Uniform Pants Baseball $310.00 Wrestling Scorebooks / tape, Wrestling $160.65 Kicking Tee Football $135.00 Des Moines Register Subscription HS / EL $54.00 Digity Radio Advertising District $494.00 Doors, Inc FOB Door Repairs Capital Projects $442.00 Drees, Backed up sewer line EL Capital Projects $266.00 Repairs Nutrition $457.35 Earthgrain Supplies Nutrition $819.06 Engquist Supplies HS Maintenance $271.40 GK Services Supplies HS Maintenance $328.12 Supplies Transportation $75.82 Gopher Sports P.E. Supplies HS $690.94 Gowrie Municipal Utilities HS $6,578.40 Gowrie News Publishing District $50.00

PRAIRIE VALLEY COMMUNITY SCHOOLSBOARD OF DIRECTORS

SOUTHEAST VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL LIBRARY REGULAR BOARD MEETING

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 20156:30 P.M.

The Prairie Valley Community School District held it’s regular board meeting on Wednesday, November 18, 2015, in the Southeast Valley High School Library. President Shannon Miller called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Present: Shannon Miller, Heidi McGuire, Gary Welter, Jim Carlson, Kathy Carlson, John Field, Joe Harrison; Absent: None Also Present: Lois Irwin, Lisa Willardson, Jim Duncan, 3 public members. Moved by Field, seconded by Harrison to approve the agenda with the addition of the DECA request to go out of state for the Regional Convention.Ayes: Miller, Welter, McGuire, J. Carlson, K. Carlson, Field, HarrisonNays: None, Motion Carried: 7-0 Moved by Welter, seconded by McGuire to approve the minutes as presented.Ayes: Miller, Welter, McGuire, J. Carlson, K. Carlson, Field, HarrisonNays: None, Motion Carried: 7-0 Kathy Carlson reported on the Public Relations Committees first meeting. Joe Harrison, Kathy Carlson and Lois Irwin attended. Dustin Hector, Alan Wickline and Sean Stewart attended from SWG. It was a

CITY OF GOWRIESPECIAL MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 2, 2015

A Special Gowrie City Council meeting was held on December 2, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. at the Gowrie Civic/Community Center with Mayor Dave Stokesbary in the chair and the following Council members answering roll call: Jackson, Harrison, and Peterson Absent: Willardson and Redman The purpose of the meeting was due to a request of a hearing from Kevin Sayles. After a discussion of the issue of his property council decide to postpone making a decision until January’s Council Meeting. Sayles did agree to allow Webster County Health Department to enter his home to be inspected after Christmas. Motion: Moved by Harrison, second by Jackson to approve 90 day probation raises to Chief of Police, Patrick Monaghan, of 50 cents, and to City Clerk, Danielle Clancy, of 25 cents to begin next pay period. Roll call: unanimous. An Addendum will be wrote up to add to Lease Agreement between City of Gowrie and Shai Phaisan concerning snow plowing the parking lot, and the payment of inventory left at the clubhouse. Jeff Peterson will be loaning the Police Department cash drawer money for the carriage rides to be held Saturday, December 5, 2015.Motion: Moved by Harrison, second by Peterson to hire Andy Pebbles for the Reserve Officer position with starting wage of $9.00 per hour. Roll call: unanimous. Harrison moved to adjourn at 6:58 p.m., second by Jackson. Motion carried-unanimous. _____________________________________Danielle Clancy, City Clerk Dave Stokesbary, Mayor

Notice of DissolutionNOTICE OF DISSOLUTION

OFGROSS ELECRIC, INCORPORATED

The shareholders of Gross Electric, Incorporated, an Iowa corporation, voted unanimously to dissolve the corporation effective December 31, 2015. Articles of Dissolution will be filed with the Iowa Secretary of State. Any person having any claim against Gross Electric, Incorporated shall present the claim in writing to Gross Electric, Incorporated, c/o George E. Gross, 1571 Nelson Avenue, Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501. Any claim against Gross Electric, Incorporated shall be barred unless a proceeding to enforce the claim is commenced within three years after publication of this notice.

December 1, 2015

Gross Electric, Incorporated

By: George E. Gross, President

good meeting. Sean Stewart was elected chair of the committee. Goal of committee is to strengthen relationships with the community and between the schools. They have some ideas they are working on to focus on promoting this goal. This will be an ongoing effort that will hopefully include a student media team that includes the High School and Middle Schools and information booklets about our different communitites. Moved by McGuire, seconded by K. Carlson to approve the bills as presented.Ayes: Miller, Welter, McGuire, J. Carlson, K. Carlson, Field, HarrisonNays: None, Motion Carried: 7-0 A presentation was given by Jeff Kruse and Travis Nuss about the PLC (Professional Leadership Communities) Conference they attended over the summer and what is being done to incorporate PLCs in the district. PLCs are designed so that educators meet regularly, share expertise, and work collaboratively to improve teaching skills and the academic performance of students. They handed out information about the PLCs. They felt the conference was really good and were excited about what they learned, and where it will lead. Challenges regarding time were discussed. Moved by Welter, seconded by McGuire to approve the financials as presented.Ayes: Miller, Welter, McGuire, J. Carlson, K. Carlson, Field, HarrisonNays: None, Motion Carried: 7-0 A discussion was had regarding the Instructional Support Levy and Physical Plant and Equipment Levy and the percentages that will go to Income Surtax and Property Tax. More information will follow and additional discussions will be held. On December 2nd there will be a facilities committee meeting. Conversations will be regarding the direction of the district and it’s facilities. The results of the district wide needs assessment survey were reviewed. The results are available in the district office. The Iowa School Board Association Convention will be held Thursday, November 18th in Des Moines. Board Members attending are Heidi McGuire, Jim Carlson and Kathy Carlson. A conversation was had regarding the possibility of offering Early Retirement this fiscal year. Board members discussed their thoughts, concerns and opinions on the Early Retirement benefit. What are the districts needs for the next year, and will cuts need to be made. Information was requested from J. Carlson about what cuts might be needed next year to remain in a positive motion financially. The conversation will continue at the December Board meeting. Moved by J. Carlson, seconded by Welter to approve the DECA group attending the Regional Convention in Kansas City. Ayes: Miller, Welter, McGuire, J. Carlson, K. Carlson, Field, HarrisonNays: None, Motion Carried: 7-0 Jim Henrich was not able to attend, but submitted the following report for the High School: Dr. Ryan Wise, Director of the Department of Education, visited the district on November 10th. He met with students in the FCS room and enjoyed a meal prepared by the students in Ms. Vogel’s class. He also met with teachers to discuss the TLC process. The visit went very well, and Dr. Wise was impressed with the students and our whole grade sharing agreement. The student council hosted an awesome Veteran’s Day assembly on the 11th. There were around 15 veterans in attendance, along with Drew DeHaes, Brigadier General of the Iowa National Guard also spoke to the crowd. The speaker we had on October 28th from the Gateway to Discovery was excellent. She honestly and openly described the troubles she has faced because of substance abuse. Many of the students embraced her after the assembly, the message really hit home with them. The administrative team met with local clergy in October. Once again we will be doing some 5th quarter activities after basketball games. This is designed to give kids a safe, fun night of activities along with food and other games. Four students and Mrs. Lizer will be attending the National DECA conference in Kansas City the weekend of November 20th. This is a business conference for teachers and students. Just want to wish the boards a Happy Thanksgiving. Also, thank you for the support you have given both districts and helping make this sharing agreement work so well. Jim Duncan reported the following on the Elementary School:Administrators met on Nov. 2nd concerning EWalk walk through observations. These are observations that will collect data to help track progress on instruction and goals. We have met with Berryhill Mental Health Services which is supplying some counseling services on a very limited basis within Southeast Valley Schools. This is only with prior parent approval, etc. Three teachers and myself travelled to SVHS for a 20 minute round table discussion with Dept of Ed Director, Ryan Wise on November 10th. Our main topics of discussion were : Teacher Leadership, Early Literacy and FAST reading screenings, and PV Elementary’s unique MTSS system that we initiated this year where students receive differentiated instructional support based on their needs for specific goals. They do this with reduced student numbers and increased teacher numbers. For Veteran’s Day our students did many activities in their rooms. One thing that every class did was to perform a mini concert with patriotic songs. Each classroom could then watch the min-concerts via digital technology using our school network. On Monday (16th), elementary teachers from both elementary schools attended professional development on using technology for collaborative learning in the morning, then learned about using MAP assessment data, and also had some time to collaborate with SV elementary teachers on goals. The first trimester is ending tomorrow (19th). Report cards are being sent home. The PTA postponed their meeting to Monday, Nov. 30th. Two teachers attended a computer coding class to use in the Makerspace and TAG classes. PV Elementary recently celebrated our school’s students’ good behavior. Students were mixed with older or younger students to create “Thankful Turkeys” to display what they are thankful for. Our summer reading teachers attended a workshop. The teachers reported that our elementary was recognized as the only school attending the workshop or that AEA had heard of that sent out a survey to parents about the summer reading program. Our results were extremely positive and parents and students liked the program. Moved by McGuire, seconded by K. Carlson to adjourn.Ayes: Miller, Welter, McGuire, J. Carlson, K. Carlson, Field, HarrisonNays: None, Motion Carried: 7-0 Meeting adjourned at 8:37 p.m.

Grahm Tires Parts / Tires Transportation $199.93 Graphic Edge Resale Cross Country $1,252.04 Great Amercian Opportunities, Resale Class 2017 $4,971.50 GTM Sportswear Dance Reslae Dance $560.74 Hanlon, Kerry Supplies HS Maintenance $17.11 Hanson, Brian Travel District $382.00 Hanson, Tamara Supplies HS $99.68 Headley, Illeigh Accompanist Musical $500.00 Henrich, Jim Travel HS $48.80 Hewlett-Packard Laptop Repairs Technology $379.96 IASB Background Check fees, District $70.00 ICGA Annual Dues All Athletics $75.00 IHSAA Cheerleading Certificates, Comp Cheer $30.00 Football Certificates Football $30.00 Scoresheets Boys Baksetball $60.00 In Your Ear FFA Winter Dance FFA $350.00 Iowa Association of Student Council, Registration - Convention Student Council $560.00 Iowa Athletic Field Winterization HS $178.00 Iowa Division of Labor Services, Boiler Inspection, EL $200.00 Iowa FFA Association, Affiliation Dues - State and National, FFA $1,175.00 Iowa Lakes Jazz Band Entry Fee HS Band $145.00 Jamboree Supplies, EL - PTA Reimbursement $85.92 Supplies FCS $293.76 Supplies Nutrition $81.55 Supplies Fruit Shack $7.09 Jerry Valentine Consulting, Prof Devet. / Split with SWG, District $3,500.00 JMC Web-Hosting HS $660.00 Web-Hosting EL $420.00 John Garretson Security Football Game, Football $50.00 Johnson Controls HS Controls Service, Capital Projects $1,591.31 Boiler Room Heat Exchanger- replaced Capital Projects $1,219.41 Johnson, Kyle Travel District $79.20 Johnson, Vicki Travel District $79.20 Josten's Yearbook Deposit Yearbook $5,715.95 Kabel Insurance Services District $270.00 Keck Supplies Nutrition $1,804.41 Knowledge Matters, Inc., Virtual Business program- Perkins, HS- Perkins$1,428.00 Lehigh Valley Telephone Utilities Bus Barn $74.84 DTS Technology $125.00 Lohrville Locker Supplies Concessions $410.03 Martin Brothers FCS HS $310.61 Supplies Nutrition $14,536.59 Supplies Fruit Shack $174.99 Supplies Nutrition $2,482.76 Supplies Juice Shack $114.41 Supplies FCS $17.95 Menards Supplies HS Maintenance $149.12 Preschool Doors EL Maintenance $147.98 Messenger Advertising District $120.00 Mid State Plumbing, EL Plumbing Cleanout / repairs, Capital Projects$4,562.86 HS Kitchen mini split, Capital Projects $6,614.00 Mid West Technology Products, Supplies - Perkins, HS Shop - Perkins $1,368.00 Supplies HS $917.50 Midstate Plumbing, Toilet Repair - Auto Flush EL, Capital Projects $787.00 Condensation Leak Repair - Practice Gym, Capital Projects $500.00 Midwest Computer Products, Projector PPEL $554.00 Midwest Technology Supplies Perkins Shop - Perkins $95.50 Supplies Shop $172.00 Mindy DeBaun, State Competition Hotel Comp Cheer $470.40 Stunt Music Comp Cheer $215.00 Mintex FFA Fundraiser FFA $11,485.25 Modern Sound, Speakers for Football Field Capital Projects $2,840.00 Napa Auto Supply Supplies / Parts Transportation $431.77 Parts Sped Transportation $101.26 Supplies HS Maintenance $77.96 Supplies EL Maintenance $35.18 Omaha Stage Equipment, Curtains Capital Projects $9,999.00 Patrick Monaghan Security Football Game, Football $50.00 Pautsch, Terry, DOT Physical Reimbursement, Transportation $80.00 Peanut Products Company, FFA Fundraiser FFA $1,141.96 Peterson, Shelly Travel EL $8.80 Prairie Lakes Area Education Agency, Check & Connect Manuals, HS $90.00 Prairie Valley Activity Account, DECA Registration for Advisor - Perkins HS Perkins $432.00 PV Concessions Supplies Comp Cheer $134.00 Pyramid School Products, Supplies - Special Ed, EL $585.00 REI Hardrive for Bus Camera Transportation $73.75 Ricoh Docmall Technology $78.92 Supplies Technology $563.24 Copier Lease PPEL $2,515.00 Supplies Technology $53.41 Rieman Music Supplies / Repairs HS Band $33.04 Roper Repair Repairs Capital Projects $671.85 SAI Membership EL $746.00 Student Activities Conf, HS $105.00 Scholastic Book Fair - Resale EL $3,040.07 School Specialty Supplies District $94.72 Schumacher Elevator Maintenance HS Maintenance $197.98 Shine On, Resale - Football playoffs - split Football $1,945.00 Resale - Football playoffs - split FCCLA $1,945.00 Resale Student Council $2,643.50 Siouxland Scale Service Powercord for Scale(adjusted amount) Wrestling $76.52 Snappy Popcorn FFA Fundraiser FFA $888.00 Something Unique Resale - Staff Order HS Misc $2,453.60 Sound and Service, HS Gym Sound System, Capital Projects $8,878.86 SV Comp Cheer, Cleaning Football Field, All Athletics $375.00 SV Wrestling Cheer, percent for working, Concessions $319.00 Southeast Webster Grand CSD, OE Tuition District $12,732.00 Stage Accents, Choir Uniforms (Music Boosters/SWG/PV split) HS Vocal $3,864.79 Star Energy Gas Transportation $840.62 Diesel Transportation $2,849.58 Preschool Transportation $302.99 Gas Special Ed Transportation $333.36 Diesel Special Ed Transportation $390.31 Steve Kehoe, Travel/Supplies - National FFA Conv, FFA $134.27 Swanson Florist Roses - Senior Night, All Athletics $162.50 Swaroff, Dave Travel HS $16.00 TCB Sanitation Utilities HS $345.00 Tony Vincent Consulting Prof Development / Split with SWG, District $2,850.00 Traster, Coleen Adult Ed Instructor District $360.00 Trophies Plus Football Plaquess Football $86.48 Athletic / Academic Letters All Athletics $2,513.24 United All Stars Resale Comp Cheer $963.00 US Postal Service Postage District $11.55 Verizon Cellulars District $669.19 Visa Ice Cream Freezer Nutrition $657.25 Costco - Resale Dance Fundraiser $346.36 Subway - Performance Meal, Musical $263.76 BSN Sport - Supply Baseball $46.78 Travel - Job Corp Field Trip, HS $44.38 Annual Fee District $25.00 Supplies - Vocal HS $151.76 Flowers - Brd Mber District $71.80 Supplies - DVD District $75.00 ISDTA - Convention Transportation $234.00 ISDTA - Membership, Transportation $110.00 B&H Photo - Photography Supplies, HS $156.48 Apple - Ipad Adapters to projector, Technology $367.01 Annual Fee District $25.00 WalMart Nurse Supplies Nurse $128.90 Walmart Makeup Musical $51.10 Web-Cal Coop Tele. Telephones District $183.05 Telephones EL $396.13 Telephones HS $1,062.98 DTS Technology $375.00 Will Fevold Security Football Game, Football $50.00 Xenia Utilities EL $676.20

Dec. 9, 2015 11THE GOWRIE NEWSTHE GOWRIE NEWS

Prairie Valley Elementary - Mrs. Blunks 1st Grade Class

ty. He would ask me about certain things that sometimes dated back 60 years or so. Frequently I had to admit I didn’t know. “You’ll have to ask Chuck (Danielson)about that,” Jim recommended several times. We also discussed some local and national issues, along with the presidential race. On one controversial sub-ject I pressed him a bit to get his opinion. Always controlled, Nelson divulged his opinion without hesitation. Nelson can communicate so well in a concise manner. After dinner we walked out to Jim’s vehicle. He gave Gerti a treat for waiting. Earlier he had warmed the seat electronically and had placed a blanket down for Gerti’s comfort. Jim drove us to a high school girls basketball game. Two of his granddaughters were playing for New Life Acad-emy, a private Christian school. We arrived to watch practice and then an announc-er welcomed everyone and began the evening with a prayer. It was so nice to experience that. St. Paul Humboldt, their opponent, dominated the game in the first quarter. It appeared that New Life Acad-emy was overmatched. Hannah Nelson is a starting 5-10 junior center for New Life Academy. We patiently watched as slowly Han-nah and the Eagles made a comeback. It became an exciting game and the teams were tied 34-34 at the half. Hannah led the team in scoring and rebounds and the Eagles soared ahead in the second half. It was exhilarat-ing to see the team play so well. Nadia Nelson, a 5-6 sopho-more, came off the bench to contribute also. The Eagles won in convincing fashion. Immedi-ately after the game both team formed a circle at half-court, arms interlocked, and said a prayer. A beaming Jim Nelson walked to his granddaughters and shared a special moment with them. It was getting late and I stayed overnight with the Nelsons. Jim parked his vehicle in the underground park-

ing garages of his high story, upscale condominium building. I was the only car parked outside in front. As I entered the building I read a notice that said: “Cars parked outside will be towed away if there is a two inch snowfall” or more. For-tunately, it didn’t snow that night. The Nelsons have a very spacious, beautifully dec-orated home. I visited with Jim and Dorothy. At precisely 10 p.m. we all went to bed. I had a nice, comfortable room with a large bath-room for myself. Jim is up every morning at 5 a.m. and we had early morning coffee. Later we had breakfast at Perkins. Jim has a personal book project and he was sched-uled to meet with Dick Liljegren this past weekend in Day-ton. Jim, who comes back to Webster County and Dayton many weekends in the summer and fall, is looking at some real estate in our area. Obviously price is never a problem for Jim, but he has reviewed similar property in our area and in Fort Dodge. “Right now this property is listed too high,” he said. I said goodbye to Jim and a few staff people at ACR Homes and then started my drive back to Iowa. Jim reads the E-ediiton of the Dayton Review on-line and confers with his former classmates like Chuck Danielson to stay updated on Dayton. It is conceivable that Jim could make an investment and/or investments in the Dayton-Gowrie, southern Webster County area.

My Local Slant...continued from page 4...

Wreath raffle winners...continued from front page...

1. Macke Gowrie – Gus Macke; 2. Country & Town Insurance – Jim Frahm; 3. Rock-Judisch Vision – Dee Tasler; 4. Gowrie News – Carolyn Sandgren; 5. McCrary Rost Clinic and Community Pharmacy – Gary Boerner; 6. Gowrie Women’s Club – Barb Langner; 7. Palmer-Swank Funeral Home – Kyla Mohr; 8. Colleen Palmer Piano Studio – Shelly Nelson; 9. Kensington Club – Marsha Farnham; 10. Security Savings Bank – Almeda Gordon; 11. Central Plains FFA – Kathleen Johnson; 12.

Xi Eta Sigma – Judy Warrick; 13. Xi Eta Sigma – Jean Larson; 14. Dr. Anne Arklie – Linda Carlson; 15. Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance – Renee Lane; 16. Heart-land Bank – Mindy Swieter; 17. Webster-Calhoun Co-operative Telephone Association – Rhonda Strutzenburg; 18. Mrs. Hanna Cat Pack – Naomi Long; 19. Mr. Kehoe Cat Pack – Mallory Strutzenberg; 20. Mr. Nuss Cat Pack – Lauri Telleen; 21. Mrs. Geisler Cat Pack – Judith Seil; 22. Mrs. Christian Cat Pack – Tamara Hanson; 23. Mrs. Rippentrop Cat Pack – Berna Tucker; 24. Mr. Swieter Cat Pack – Lori Vazoel; 25. Ms. Vogel Cat Pack – Louise Vogel; 26. Mrs. Jaeschke Cat Pack – Mike Swieter; 27. Mr. Blunk Cat Pack – Zach Thompson; 28. Mr. Conrad Cat Pack – Grant Farnham; 29. Mrs. Peterson Cat Pack – Darlene Nyren; 30. Mrs. Dosland Cat Pack – Donita Johanson; 31. Mr. Bruns Cat Pack – Karlynn Behrens; 32. Ms. Lizer Cat Pack – Russel Behrens; 33. Mr. Kruse Cat Pack – Elaine Fevold; 34. Mrs. Schill Cat Pack – Chase Swieter; 35. Mr. Bachel Cat Pack – Cecilia Redman; 36. Mrs. Nellis Cat Pack – Sam Johnson; 37. Mr. Zigrang Cat Pack – Aaron Swieter; 38. Swanson Florist – Vicki Anderson; 39. Gowrie Groundbreakers 4-H Club – Juan-ita Borland; 40. Kim Design – Terry Schamel; 41. Mrs. Stewart Cat Pack – Dale Miller; 42. Marcia Anderson and Heather Anderson – Ray Norine; 43. Gowrie Fire Depart-ment – Betty Peterson; 44. Marv’s Market Street Grill & Bar – Chris Behrens; 45. Schamel Construction – Jeff Strutzenberg The “People’s Choice” wreath with the most tickets deposited in their box was donated by Swanson Florists. The wreath featured traditional greenery, burlap ribbon, pinecones and berries with gold accents of trees and reindeer. Additional donations were provided by Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association, Palmer-Swank Funeral Home, and POET.

~ Email your news to gnews@wccta.net ~

Dec. 9, 2015 12 THE GOWRIE NEWSTHE GOWRIE NEWS

News. Currently, Bob Patton resides in Gowrie, but he frequently travels to the East Coast and throughout the Midwest where he is invited to participate in performanc-es. For a news story in the Gowrie News and our website, candidatess are asked to contact Jill Viles at 515.250.6229 or jillviles74@gmail.com.

Bob Patton... continued from page 6...

Spirit award winners... Spirit award winners at the annual Webster County Recognition & Awards Banquet on Nov. 29 were: sitting from left to right are Sylvia Hess, Washington Winners, Junior 4-H Spirit Award; Morgan Farnham, Gowrie Groundbreakers, Intermediate 4-H Spirit Award; Alexander Dohrn, Badger Builders, Junior 4-H Spirit Award ; Erin Eldridge, Johnson Jaguars,Intermediate 4-H Spirit Award. Standing from left to right are Pierce Woodruff, Gowrie Groundbreakers, Junior 4-H Spirit Award ; Matt Ross, Gowrie Groundbreakers, Senior 4-H Spirit Award; Dart Dohrn, Badger Builders, Senior

Savannah Seehu-sen looks for an open team mate friday evening against West-Bend Mallard. Photo by Lisa Peterson.

Bob Patton

“It Pays to Advertise!”

On Saturday, Dec. 5, the Southeast Valley Jazz band competed in the NCIBA District Jazz Festival. The SV Jazz placed 1st, followed by South Central Calhoun in 2nd (last year’s state champions!), St. Edmond in 3rd, and Manson NW Webster in 4th.

Southeast Valley Jazz band placed first at NCIBA District Jazz Festival

This qualified SV Jazz for the Jazz Championships, which will be held on April 5, 2016 in Des Moines. Those receiv-ing Outstanding Solo-ist Awards were: Liam McDermott - trombone, Katrina Nelson - clarinet, Allison Carlon - alto sax, Fernando Salazar - drum set, Hannah Peterson - So-prano Sax, Miranda Keith - vibes, Miranda Keith - multi-percussion, Jack Mumper - guitar, Jack Mumper - bass guitar.

4-H Spirit Award; Mercedes Loehr, C/C Sidekicks Senior 4-H Spirit Award; and Alexis Stuhrenberg, Washington Winners, Intermediate 4-H Spirit Award.

The Southeast Valley Jazz Band had an outstanding performance Saturday, Dec. 5 placing them first at the NCIB District Jazz Festival.