YOUR COMMUNITY WEEKLY
STORY COUNTY
INSIDE: REAL ESTATE WEEKLY • COMMUNITY NEWS VOLUME 9, ISSUE 45 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017
Judge Story’s Theatrical Troupe presents ‘Let’s Murder Marsha’ Judge Story’s Theatrical Troupe is proud to announce their February 2017 production “Let’s Murder Marsha.” This dinner theater production is a play by Monk Ferris. Set in present day Manhattan, “Let’s Murder Marsha” is a delightful play that illustrates the perils of overhearing another person’s conversation. Marsha, a happy
housewife, is hopelessly addicted to reading murder mysteries. One day, she hears her loving husband discussing a birthday surprise with an interior decorator. However, to Marsha, it sounds like they are planning to kill her! This is a terrific show for family audiences who like their comedy broad, See PLAY page 7
The cast of “Let’s Murder Marsha” is front row, from left, Sam Barnes, Whitney Olthoff and Joe Ferrell; and back row, from left, Nicole Galliart, Bailey Quarnstrom, Lacie Moore and Mary Sirna. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Page 2 • Story County Sun • Wednesday, February 8, 2017
STORY
PEOPLE
COUNTY
The Story County Sun is published weekly on Wednesdays by GateHouse Media, at 317 Fifth St., Ames, IA, 50010. (515) 233-3299 Mary Beth Scott, sales manager, (515) 663-6951, MScott@amestrib.com. Ali Eernisse, RE Weekly, (515) 663-6956, AEernisse@amestrib.com. Megan Wolff, content coordinator, (515) 663-6920, news@midiowasun.com.
Publisher: Scott Anderson Advertising Director: John Greving
© Copyright 2017
The two FIRST Tech Challenge teams based in Nevada (The Robot Corps and Nevada Nerds Anonymous) took part in the league championship on Jan. 8 at Ankeny. Of the 21 teams that competed, only eight — including the two Nevada teams — went to the super qualifiers on Feb. 4. The team, from left, coach Kay Morris, Jacob Bleecher, John Runneals, Rease Morris, Gavin Pawlovich, Jonathan Struthers, Jorge Patino, Ayden Dooley and mentor David Runneals. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Story County Sun • Wednesday, February 8, 2017 • Page 3
PEOPLE
Nick Stole uses a hand plane on his project.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Roland-Story agriculture shop class learns about using hand tools Agriculture shop class students at Roland-Story have been involved in their first week of the semester on learning and using skill sets that involve the use of hand tools. In their first project, they are using a series of hand tools to gain experiences in tool usage, safety,
problem-solving, decisionmaking and communication skills. According to Brad Taylor, agriculture instructor, “This project is one in which the students are learning and using multiple skill sets that are utilized in the wood shop profession.”
So far, they have used different hand saws, chisels, wood braces, hand planes and perfected their ability to measure. The purpose of the activity is to expose students to various hand tools and how to use them safely and effectively while producing a quality project.
facebook.com/AmesTribune twitter.com/AmesTribNews
AMES TRIBUNE
amestrib.com
Page 4 • Story County Sun • Wednesday, February 8, 2017
Story County Sun • Wednesday, February 8, 2017 • Page 5
PEOPLE
Ames High School competes in DECA District competition Ames High School students took top honors in several categories at the DECA District Competition held this month. Ames High School business teacher Vicki Hales said the opportunities that these events provide are valuable as students learn how to work under pressure, meet deadlines, be accountable and reliable and gain experience interviewing or presenting to a judge. “Overall they are gaining professionalism and employability skills which are incredibly important,” Hales said. Each student took a 50-question exam in the area of their event, then completed a role-play scenario with a judge. Following are the Ames High students that placed in the top 10 in their event: Placing in the top 5: Philip Ma — First in Retail Merchandising Iluda Ko — Second in Automotive Services Aravind Narayana Bhatla — Third in Automotive Services Lydia Spurgeon — Third in Accounting Applications Susanna Mkhitaryan — 5th in Apparels and
Accessories Marketing Kijune Kim — Fifth in Principles of Business Management and Administration Scott Junck and Jackson Fox — Fifth in Hospitality Team Event Placing in the top 10: Ben Facio — Accounting Applications Andrew Grandgenett — Accounting Applications Elizabeth Andrews — Apparels and Accessories Marketing Max White — Automotive Services Tyler Postma — Food Services Sam Stuve — Food Services Alex Haislip — Retail Merchandising Misho Mahrous — Principles of Marketing Students are now preparing for DECA State Career Development Conference, Feb. 26-27, 2017, where they will compete against all Iowa DECA students in the event of their choice from among more than 50 event options to qualify for the International Competitive event, which takes place in Anaheim, Calif., at the end of April.
STORY COUNTY SUN CALL 233-3299 TO ADVERTISE
Story City Library Director Kolleen Taylor-Berven accepts a donation from state Sen. Herman Quirmbach of two sets of the Code of Iowa 2015. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Quirmbach donates volumes of state code to Story City library Bertha Bartlett Public Library in Story City recently received an update to its copies of the Code of Iowa. State Sen. Herman Quirmbach, D-Ames, recently donated two sevenvolume sets of the 2015 code to the library, replacing the 2011 set, which was the most recent in the library’s
collection. One set will go the the library’s main branch in Story City. The other volume will go the library’s other branch in Gilbert, according to a news release. State lawmakers must work with the most current copes of state code,
meaning two sets are printing for every new Legislature. “The 2015 Code is still a very useful resource for students and the lay public. I’m glad that a couple of our ‘gently used’ sets can continue to be of use to two of our fine local public libraries,” Quirmbach said.
Page 6 • Story County Sun • Wednesday, February 8, 2017
PEOPLE
Greg Artz, of Key Cooperative, Zach Shadlow, Lindsey Larson, Madison Friest, Mitch Shorkey, Zach Taylor, Max Halstead, Brayden Lester and James Leonard of Key Cooperative. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Roland-Story ag students participate in Bushels for Ag program
STORY COUNTY SUN CALL 233-3299 TO ADVERTISE
Members of the RolandStory High School agriculture department will be involved in the upcoming months with a program sponsored by Key Cooperative called “Bushels for Ag.” This program was established to help students better understand the concepts involved with marketing. Key Cooperative provided the agriculture department with 100 bushels of corn and 40 bushels of soybeans.
According to Brad Taylor, high school agriculture instructor, “This is a great hands-on learning opportunity for the students. “Every single student in our ag business class will be involved with marketing concepts. This activity should open their eyes to the amount of financial risk that the farming community faces on a daily basis.” The students in the agribusiness class will be
learning about financials and the need for making business decisions based upon accurate financial information. These students will be making the decisions on when and how much to market based upon the marketing plan they will be developing. In addition, these same students will be learning more about the concepts of marketing — cash markets and futures marketing later in the semester.
Story County Sun • Wednesday, February 8, 2017 • Page 7
PEOPLE
PLAY: Sunday’s show a matinee
Continued from page 1
Rachel Dakarian, left, Wheatsfield Co-op board president, and Linda Johnson, right), Wheatsfield general manager present Marlene Ehresman, executive director of the Iowa Wildlife Center, with a check for funds raised as part of the store’s December Co-op Nickel Program. Funds are raised via bag refunds, extra change and Give Back Thursday. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
fast and nonstop. With rehearsals underway, old and new troupe members have been working together to bring this show to life. If you were able to attend JSTT’s Curtains over the summer you may recognize Sam Barnes (Tobias), Joe Ferrell (Virgil), Mary Sirna (Persis), Nicole Galliart (Lynette), and Whitney Olthoff (Ben). The troupe is pleased to welcome new and returning actors Lacie Moore (Bianca) and Bailey Quarnstrom (Marsha) to this project. JSTT will perform “Let’s Murder Marsha” on Friday, Feb. 17 through
Sunday, Feb. 19 at Grand Viking Hall, 504 Broad St. (above City Hall) in Story City. On Friday and Saturday, dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. followed by the show at 7:30 p.m. The Sunday matinee will be show only, and will start at 2 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. for the evening performances, and at 1:30 p.m. for the Sunday matinee. Dinner theater tickets for Friday and Saturday are $25 per person and Sunday matinee tickets are $15 per person. The dinner will be catered by Story City’s own Guys with Grills. Dinner theater tickets must be purchased by Feb. 10, to allow for meal
planning. Show-only tickets may be purchased up to the day of performance at the door. Tickets may be purchased in person at The Greater Chamber Connection (GCC) Office from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., MondayFriday at 524 Broad St., Story City, Iowa. You may also order tickets over the phone by calling the GCC Office at (515) 733-4214. If you have questions, or need special arrangements to purchase tickets, please email the troupe at judgestorytroupe@gmail. com. The cast and crew have been having a wonderful time putting together the show and look forward to sharing it with you.
Page 8 • Story County Sun • Wednesday, February 8, 2017
PEOPLE
Roland-Story hort students learn about ‘pop bottle topiary’ Roland-Story students in the horticulture class have been studying and learning about soil media’s used in plant production of horticultural plants. One of their activities is called “pop bottle topiary,” in which they planted seeds in a pop bottle and then developed out of wire various
shapes to train the plants to grow. According to Brad Taylor, horticulture instructor, “This was a fun activity that our student teacher, Ms. Schwickerath, had the students do which allowed them to put into practice skill sets they were learning in the class.”
Dining
Michael Schiermeister, Grant Berends and Tristan Balmer during class. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Story County Sun • Wednesday, February 8, 2017 • Page 17
PEOPLE
Nevada High School ag student Madison Abraham gets ready to weld. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Nevada High School Ag Mechanics students Morgan Dakarian and Chloe Davis getting ready to weld, while Tanner Lyon in background checks out equipment.
Nevada High School ag student Alyssa Meinecke holds her piece of steel with a completed T weld on ¼” steel..
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Nevada ag students discover, learn welding Forty-eight students in two of Mr. Kevin Cooper’s ag classes at Nevada High School have been discovering and learning to weld in the ag mechanics welding lab. The students used the
Miller MIG welders and started with beads and then assorted weld joints. “My first block class is natural resources, and they were very curious and enthusiastic to experience welding,” said Cooper,
Nevada High School ag student Samantha Black proudly holds up her welding performance. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Nevada High School’s ag ed instructor and FFA advisor. The 7:30 to 9 a.m. DMACC welding class assisted with the lesson, led by instructor Dustin Johns. The high school ag mechanics class invested
several days developing their welding competency with graded welding assignments. “The ag mechanics students need to have skill in welding, if they pursue a technical career with
machine service, it will require welding,” Cooper said. Several of the students were surprised at how clean the welding lab environment is, but this can be credited to a capacious and
highly efficient Miller weld fume extractor unit. It was just a year ago that the Nevada High School ag mechanics lab was expanded and an adjacent new welding lab was added.
Page 18 • Story County Sun • Wednesday, February 8, 2017
PEOPLE
Roland-Story students learn about vital signs Roland-Story biology students have been studying and learning about the concepts involved with human and animal health in their recent unit of study. One of their activities was entitled “vital signs” in which each student were researching
vital signs of animals and making comparisons to humans. Ultimately, they are learning skill sets that will allow them to identify signs of illness and eventually diagnose the illness and make recommendations on treatments.
According to Brad Taylor, biology instructor, “This unit has had the students focus on health of animals and people while looking at the various vectors associated with diseases and illnesses and what can be done to limit their impacts.”
STORY COUNTY SUN CALL 233-3299 TO ADVERTISE Jon Sansgaard takes his temperature as one of the vital signs used during an examination. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Story County Sun • Wednesday, February 8, 2017 • Page 19
PEOPLE
Caitlyn Brice, Madisyn Forget and Angela Beyer also competed in the contest and are preparing to evaluate a breeding swine class. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Wyatt Bunn, Dylan McKinley and Quinn Olson as they evaluate and make decisions over a keep-cull class of swine. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Roland-Story veterinary sciences class competes in contest Thirty-eight RolandStory students in the veterinary science class recently competed in the Iowa Pork Congress livestock judging
contest held at the Livestock Pavilion at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. According to Brad Taylor, vet science
instructor, “this is a great opportunity for our students to put to practice some of the skill sets they have been learning in the
classroom that revolve market classes of hogs, around genetics and animal as well as take a general selection.” knowledge test over the Students were required to evaluate breeding and
swine industry, and make decision on keep/cull classes.
Page 20 • Story County Sun • Wednesday, February 8, 2017
Story County Sun • Wednesday, February 8, 2017 • Page 21
CENTRAL IOWA RSVP Iowa Senior Medicare Patrol Is in need of volunteers to work with Story County Seniors to prevent Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse. Volunteers will increase public awareness about both the economic and health-related consequences, teaching beneficiaries how to prevent, detect, and report fraud. Complete training provided. For more information, call Tom at (515) 292-8890.
Ames Public Library Adult Literacy Tutors. We are looking for volunteers who wish to make a positive impact on local adults’ lives by tutoring them one to two hours per
week. Volunteer tutors must commit to at least one year of tutoring and six hours of free, annual professional development in the field. Tutors must be able to work effectively with students from diverse backgrounds, recognize and adapt to the needs of students, learn independently, and abide by the program’s guidelines of professional conduct at all times. Teaching/tutoring experience is not necessary but would be helpful. For more information, call Tom at (515) 292-8890.
Speak UP! Speak UP! is an intergenerational public speaking course conducted within the language arts curriculum at elementary schools. Volunteers needed to assist with Speak UP! Beginning the end of March, these
45-minute classes meet once each week for eight weeks. Complete training provided. It’s tons of fun. For more information, call Tom at (515) 292-8890.
Reiman Gardens The Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing is a 2,500square foot free flight butterfly exhibit. Volunteers are needed to help with monitoring the space to ensure that regulations are followed and the butterflies are contained within the exhibit. Butterfly Wing Docents will interact directly with the public answering questions about the butterflies and plants in the exhibit. Two-hour shifts, available between 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays and weekends, year-round. Full training provided. For more
information, call Tom at (515) 292-8890.
Story County Medical Center Needs volunteer Ambassadors to welcome and escort patients and visitors to various areas in the hospital (South Campus). You should have a friendly, welcoming attitude and the desire to help in a variety of ways. This opportunity requires walking much of the shift and the ability to push a wheelchair. Variety of shifts available from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, call Tom at (515) 292-8890.
Story County Tip Hotline The first three hours after a child goes missing are crucial to finding him or her alive. A surge of information about the incident can come in, and you can be trained to assist dispatchers in taking these tips. Every hour counts. Play a vital role and become a trained tip hotline volunteer. To register today for a training at the sheriff’s office, please call Teal at (515) 292-8890.
Mary Greeley Medical Center Volunteers needed to help staff the information
desks. There are various days and shifts available. Volunteers direct visitors to patient rooms and other areas of the medical center, and answer a multitude of questions. Main contact is with patients and visitors. Skills: Computer skills (Microsoft Outlook), telephone etiquette, customer service. For more information, call Tom at (515) 292-8890.
Page 22 • Story County Sun • Wednesday, February 8, 2017
ST. CECILIA SCHOOL
St. Cecilia School activities enhance learning St. Cecilia School is committed to enriching the lives of its students and their families in and out of the classroom. As fall turned to winter, activities continued to draw the school community together for fellowship and learning. On Oct. 4, Deacon Ron Smith helped the students celebrate the annual Blessing of the Animals on the north lawn of the education center. Family pets including dogs, cats, hamsters, several stuffed animals and a hedgehog received blessings. Also in October, the
Ames Fire Department came in to talk to the students about Fire Prevention and Safety. The students loved this assembly and had good questions for the firemen. St. Cecilia is grateful to the Ames Fire Department for sharing its time to help students and their families stay safe. In November, the fourth-graders presented their Museum of the Saints to St. Cecilia patrons. After researching a saint of their choice, each created a piece of art to depict that saint. They wrote and recorded a report sharing about the saint’s life and
calling. After making the recordings, they attached them to a QR code, and as visitors arrived at each piece of art, they were greeted by their student docents and could scan the QR codes using an electronic device for an interactive experience. The museum was attended by students, friends, and family members. Students had access to many after-school opportunities throughout the semester, including Chess Club, After School Art Classes, Foreign Language, STEM and First Lego League. In partnership with families, Saint Cecilia School creates a Catholic Christian community that stimulates individual academic excellence while promoting cultural and spiritual
Many family pets attended the Blessing of the Animals at St. Cecilia School on Oct. 4. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
awareness in a disciplined, safe environment.
For more information, please visit www.stcecilia
paris.org/school-home or call (515) 232- 5290.
STORY COUNTY SUN CALL 233-3299 TO ADVERTISE
Story County Sun • Wednesday, February 8, 2017 • Page 23
PEOPLE Ballard Clothes Pantry thanks holiday donors Thank you to everyone who made this year’s Wishing Tree Project such a success. We were able to assist more than 80 families and children in the Ballard School District with Christmas wishes. Thanks to the kindness and generosity of students, teachers, local businesses, families and anonymous donors, the pantry helped provide gifts for nearly 200 students in the Ballard District this year. A special thank you to Michel’s Corporation for its generosity at Christmas to assist with the Wishing Tree and its generosity to provide school supplies to students throughout the school year as well. Another thank you goes out to the local Kiwanis Club for sponsoring the first Shop With A Cop here at Ballard. Ten students in the mentoring program, along with their mentors and local law enforcement, spent a
COMMUNITY CALENDAR Saturday morning shopping for their parents/guardians. Each student was given $50 to purchase the gifts. They were treated to pizza before they shopped and then met back at the high school to wrap gifts. Continued thanks go out to those in civic groups and community members who support our local families and students through monetary donations and volunteering throughout the year. Ballard Community Schools Clothes Pantry is open to the public and hours are 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to noon on Saturdays and 1 to 3 p.m. on Sundays. Appointments to the pantry can be made by contacting Jeriann McLaughlin, Ballard High School, (515) 597-2971, Ext. 2190, or (515) 291-3543 evenings. Email is jmclaughlin@ ballard.k12.ia.us
Feb. 11
Children’s book author meeting: The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators is holding a meeting at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11, at Ames Public Library. It for all who are interested in writing children’s books. Author Daniel Bernstrom will visit at 10:30 a.m. Amnesty International: Amnesty International will meet from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday Feb. 11, in the Dale Ross Board Room, Ames Public Library. We will discuss human rights issues and write letters on behalf of individuals whose rights have been violated. Bring a laptop or write letters by hand. Writing supplies, a printer, and refreshments are provided. No dues. Contact info: (515) 290-5827, msand@
isunet.net. Story County Legislative “Wake-up”: Hear from your legislators, ask questions and discuss issues affecting you and your community at this Story County Legislative Wake-Up starting with refreshments and social time at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11 in the Community Room at Gilbert City Hall, 105 SE Second St. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Ames and Story County Orchid Fest: Join Reiman Gardens for Orchid Fest on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 11 and 12. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. Exotic orchids in a variety of species and colors will be on display and available for purchase both days, plus an information booth on the care of growing of orchids. Admission to the Gardens is $8 adults, $7
seniors, $4 for children, kids under 3, members and ISU students are free.
Feb. 12
Valentines “Friendship Skate”: Get two for one admission, plus $3 skate rentals from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 12, at the Ames/ISU Ice Arena, 1507 Gateway Hills Park Drive.
Feb. 13
AWC meeting: The Ames Woman’s Club February general meeting will be at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 13 at the clubhouse, 106 S. Dakota Ave. The program will be “Why a Habitat for Human-
ity Store?” Speaker will be Nathan Thraikill, manager of the Habitat for Humanity ReStore. For more information, call 292-4259. Sons of Norway: The February Sons of Norway event will be at 6 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 13, at the Community Center, 503 Elm Ave., Story City. A catered dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. The program will be the documentary film “The Hjemkomst of Robert Asp: A Dream. A Ship. A Tale to Tell.” Cost is $7 for members and $10 for guests. It is open to all interested in Scandinavian heritage and culture. Guests are always welcome. For reservations, call Shirley Frandson (515) 733-4482 or Ingrid Place (515) 292-7513 by Thursday, Feb. 9.
Page 24 • Story County Sun • Wednesday, February 8, 2017