Y O U R C O M M U N I T Y W E E K LY
STORY COUNTY
INSIDE: REAL ESTATE WEEKLY • COMMUNITY NEWS VOLU M E 9, I S S U E 3 9 • W E DN E S DAY, DE C E M B E R 2 8 , 2 016
Roland-Story ag mechanics students design birdhouses Roland-Story agriculture mechanics students have finished the semester with project work entitled “birdhouse needed.” The premise of the unit which comes from the STEM based curriculum of CASE (Curriculum for Agriculture Science Education) was all about the need of proper planning. The activities that the students worked through in the final two weeks were based on becoming proficient in measurements, conversion
of fractions, drawing to scale sizes, diagramming plans and developing step-by-step plans. During this unit, students learned the basics of English and metric measurement, solve proportions, calculate scale, draw three-view project plans and develop steps for completing a plan. They then completed the unit by researching, designing, drawing, planning and estimating cost for a birdhouse which they constructed out of cardboard on the semester test day.
Several of the students in the Roland-Story agriculture mechanics class pose with their final project: a birdhouse. From left, Ryan Streit, Caleb Schlatter, Calvin Bright, Taylor Blythe, Ben Miller, Conner Spainhower and Nick Myers. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Page 2 • Story County Sun • Wednesday, December 28, 2016
STORY 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 2016
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Dec. 31
New Year’s Eve Gala: Everyone is to the Red Friars New Year’s Eve Gala with the High Society Big Band from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 31, at Moose Lodge, 644 W. 190th St. The gala includes a prime rib dinner and dancing along with a cash bar, hors d’oeuvres and champagne. Cost is $65 per person for the dinner and dance and $25 per person for dancing only. Dinner reservations required. Contact David Hoffman, (515) 292-2660, or Louis Banitt (515) 232-1122 or reservations or information. New Year’s Eve Bash: Enjoy live music from the Burnin’ Sensations, dancing, games, hors d’oeuvres, cash bar and champagne toast at midnight. The bash begins at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec.
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31, at Gateway Hotel, 2100 Green Hills Drive. Cost is $30 for pre-registration, $35 at the door. Register at amesjaycees.com. Discounted hotel rooms available. Mention the Jaycee NYE Bash.
Jan. 4
E.S.L program registration: DMACC E.S.L. (noncredit) program registration will be at 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan 4 at DMACC Hunziker, 1420 S. Bell Ave., Ames. We offer both daytime and evening ESL classes for free. Textbook fee. For more, call (515) 290-4775 or amundel@dmacc.edu. Drumming group: “Drum Up Spirit!” Drumming Circle at Unity Church of Ames is changing the meeting times to the First Wednesday of each month beginning Jan. 4. They will meet from 6 to 6:45 p.m. at the church sanctuary, 226 Ninth St.
Jan. 5
SCARC meeting: The Story County Amateur Radio Club will meet at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 5, in the North Conference Rooms A and B on the first floor of Mary Greeley Medical Center. Skip Walter, AD0H, will provide the presentation, entitled “Introduction to Amateur Radio Contesting.” Parking is available near the north entrance. Free and open to the public. Cyclone Club Luncheon: The luncheon is open to the public and allows an opportunity to ask questions, meet Iowa State head coaches and win prize drawings. Featured speaker is volleyball head coach Christy JohnsonLynch; emceed by John Walters. An optional lunch, catered by Hy-Vee, available for $12. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 5, at the Alumni Center, Reiman Ballroom.
Quinn Olson and Caitlin Brice examine the DNA they extracted from strawberries. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Roland-Story ag ed students learn how to use microscopes All 40 agriculture education I students in Roland-Story’s ag I class have learned and demonstrated how to correctly make wet mount slides. This is a skill they will use throughout the rest of this semester and in the second-semester class on veterinary science. According to Brad Taylor, class instructor, “This activity was a
part of our lesson over sciences in agricultrue and it was developed so that the students can observe cells under the microscope and identify visible differences. This was a lesson on learning about cells, their components and eventually leading us to better understand modern genetic and inheritance practices.”
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Story County Sun • Wednesday, December 28, 2016 • Page 3
John Russell, market president for Bankers Trust of Ames, presents a $1,000 check to Jennifer Garst, executive director, Story County Community Foundation (SCCF). Russell said the gift is “to support the mission of SCCF to facilitate and promote private giving through the establishment of endowments and to award grants for the betterment of Story County.” CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Daniel Conis, Madelyn Arthur, Andrea Williams and Davey Schank extracted DNA from strawberries and are preparing slides to examine the DNA. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Roland-Story agriculture students extract DNA Roland-Story agriculture education students have been studying the aspect of science that is utilized in the agriculture industry in recent weeks. The students have
learned that cells are the building blocks of life and provide a foundation for studies in agriculture. Three important biological aspects related to the cell were introduced to students during this
lesson that build their basic knowledge of the importance of cells. The three areas introduced in this lesson include cell parts and function, DNA and genetic inheritance.
Page 4 • Story County Sun • Wednesday, December 28, 2016
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Students Quinn Olson and Dylan Brandner collaborate together to determine pH values of various solutions. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Roland-Story agriculture education class learns about pH The Roland-Story agriculture education classes has been studying about pH — how it is measured and how to correct it if needed. All students had been given instruction on using the LabQuest Interface devices with pH sensors. The students were then able to use this technology in their lab to conduct pH
tests on a series of different substances. With the knowledge the students learn, it will allow them to work later this spring in the FFA garden to modify the soils if the pH is not in the acceptable range for various vegetable plants. According to agriculture instructor Brad Taylor, “This activity was
developed so that students would be able to see and use a practical application of learning about pH. “With agriculture being the No. 1 industry in the state, there is a definite need to educate students about various career options and what some of the jobs are within that industry.”
Story County Sun • Wednesday, December 28, 2016 • Page 5
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Ames High School Business Collaborative gives students soft skills employers seek
Dorothy Timmons, seated, was surprised with a 100th birthday celebration at the P.E.O. chapter KC Christmas luncheon on Dec. 6. Standing, from left, Debbie Mahlstede Snook, Josie Timmons Josif, Nancy Timmons Eisinger and Susie Kaldor Heaton. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Ames P.E.O. member celebrates 100th birthday Dorothy Timmons was surprised with a 100th birthday celebration by her P.E.O. chapter, her daughters and guests at their annual P.E.O. Chapter KC Christmas luncheon on Tuesday, Dec. 6. She was initiated into P.E.O. Chapter KC, Ames, in 1951 and is a 65-year member. Dorothy is a second-generation P.E.O. as her mother was initiated into Chapter B in Amarillo, Texas, in 1937. Dorothy is an accomplished watercolor artist and is known in the area for her “birch tree” paintings,
landscapes, and flowers. Attending the birthday celebration were two of Dorothy’s daughters, third-generation family P.E.O.’s, who were initiated into Ames’ Chapter KC: Nancy Timmons Eisinger, former Minnesota P.E.O. state president, from Fergus Falls, Minn., and Josie Timmons Josif from Palatine, Ill. Friends Susie Kaldor Heaton, of Waterloo, and Debbie Mahlstede Snook, of Cedar Rapids, who also were initiated into Ames’ P.E.O. Chapters KC and HN, respectively, attended the event.
As a junior in high school, Stephen McKown imagined that a boss’s expectations in the realm of employment would be similar to what his teachers at school expect. “Your boss would be like a teacher who assigns projects that you complete and you move on to the next project. One thing after another,” he said. As a student in the Ames High School Business Engagement Collaborative, however, McKown is working beyond the classroom to understand the skills and attributes employers need and expect. Vicki Hales, the Ames High School business teacher who designed the program in cooperation with Alison Doyle, Marketing Director of the Iowa State University Research Park, said businesses are looking for new employees who come ready with employability skills. “Those soft skills are hard to teach in the classroom,” she said.
The Collaborative provides high school students experience working with businesses to gain skills in entrepreneurship, communication and project management. Iowa State University Research Park provides space in its new, state of the art building, and mentorship and guidance from Doyle, at no charge to the District. “We see this as a way to expose students to a variety of possible career paths, company brands and provide a true experiential learning experience. It’s a win win for our students and our companies.” Doyle said ISURP was motivated to implement the program because its tenant companies are increasingly looking further back into a student’s educational process to begin recruiting talent. They also want students to be more prepared when they enter the workforce with soft skills. Hales said students learn the value of showing up on time, learning how to speak
in a professional manner to someone they don’t know, how to collaborate in and communicate with a group, and how to understand someone else’s perspective, for example. “Having students learn in an authentic business setting, working on projects throughout the community helps them naturally acquire and enhance those skills,” she said. The students receive mentoring so they understand the business expectations and hone their work until it’s top notch,” Hales said. “By the time the businesses see a project
proposal, it’s a good product and not the first draft.” Students in the Business Engagement Collaborative receive both Ames High and DMACC credit upon successful completion of this course. “Their grade for the class, however is based on an assessment of their soft skills, which are the competencies required to be met for DMACC credit,” Hales said. “More important than their grade, this program helps students become better employees for our local businesses, and that comes back to benefit our community.”
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Page 6 • Story County Sun • Wednesday, December 28, 2016
Nevada High School agriculture education instructor Kevin Cooper begins to disassemble a Stihl chainsaw engine as Rich Green, of Knox County High School, Mo., looks on. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Nevada High School ag ed student and FFA member Grace Francis removes a broken tierod on the FFA John Deere 480 forklift. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Cooper, Nevada ag ed instructor, completes Stihl workshop Kevin Cooper, Nevada High School agriculture education teacher and FFA advisor, completed a two-day workshop conducted by Stihl USA on Dec. 2 and 3 at the ISU 450 farm.
The workshop included engine theory, ignition, carburetors, new technology and emissions, fuels and oils, special tools, engine checks, troubleshooting procedures and engine failure analysis.
In addition to the class time, Cooper completed the Stihl online training that included nine modules and test to earn the bronze training certificate. Twenty high school teachers from across the
U.S. attended the training. The teachers attending were from Montana, Minnesota, Tennessee, Alabama, Wisconsin, Missouri and Wisconsin. Cooper also registered with the AEA for license
renewal credit. The workshop was planned and hosted by the ISU ag education department faculty including Ryan Anderson, Michael Retallick, and graduate teaching assistant Trent Wells.
Upon completion of the class on Saturday, Cooper headed to Nevada High School ag mechanics lab to work with students on repairing tie rods on the FFA John Deere 480 forklift.
STORY COUNTY SUN CALL 233-3299 TO ADVERTISE
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Story County Sun • Wednesday, December 28, 2016 • Page 11
The Rotary Club of Ames generously contributed $5,160 to YSS in December to support families participating in the organization’s Family Development and Self-Sufficiency (FaDDS), Healthy Futures and Stork’s Nest programs. More than 100 families received totes this holiday season filled with basic household supplies and personal hygiene items. The Rotary Club has supported this activity since 2012. From left, Susan Sheirholz, John Sheirholz, April Ranck, Peg Ragner and Andrew Allen CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
STORY COUNTY SUN CALL 233-3299 TO ADVERTISE Eighty Roland-Story FFA members attended the annual noon Christmas party held on Wednesday, Dec. 14 in the Agriculture Education classroom. The party was planned and coordinated by the Chapter FFA Officers. The members enjoyed a meal from Hickory Park. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Dining
Page 12 • Story County Sun • Wednesday, December 28, 2016
PEOPLE Brandon Burns, of Story City, graduated with a bachelor of science degree in recreation and sport management from Coastal Carolina University.
Rachel L. Woods, of Collins, graduated with the master of science degree from University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Nevada agriculture education students and FFA members prepare mixed boxes of fruit. From left, Sydney Handsaker, Abbie Lindsey, Amanda Harter and Kenzie Dunson. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Nevada FFA top fruit salespersons, front row, from left, Ryanne Barker, Thomas Crawford, Jack Henry, Chloe Davis, Chance Steffes and Carter Melton; back row, from left, Nicole Dewell, Samantha Black, Megan Mumm, Grace Francis, Jacob Larson, Kennedy Steffes and Alexis Black. Not pictured: Kevin Cooper, Nevada agriculture education instructor and FFA advisor. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Nevada FFA fruit sales exceed $30,000
STORY COUNTY SUN CALL 233-3299 TO ADVERTISE
Nevada High School FFA members sold, mixed and delivered $30,565 in fruit, cheese, sausage and snacks sold to community customers. In 2015, Nevada FFA set a new record at $31,426. “I am very proud of the students, parents and the customers that support this fundraiser” said Kevin Cooper, Nevada FFA advisor. The chapter also purchased bulk fruit and re-packaged into specialized mixed boxes for variety preferences. Customers could choose from 31 different fruit packages, 22 cheese and meats and 18 different candy items. The chapter unloaded the product with the JD 480 heavy-duty all-terrain forklift that Van Wall Equipment donated to the chapter in the fall of 2013. Chance and Kennedy Steffes were the top sellers with $1,694 in sales. Filicity Robinson was second with $1,247 in sales, and Jacob Larson was third with
Nevada FFA sisters Kylie and Kaitlyn Cook have their arms full with the popular clementine oranges. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
$1,156 in sales. All students were provided with a lesson in basic product introduction and how to close a sale. The wholesale product invoices totaled $18,974,
therefore providing the FFA chapter with a net profit of $11,591. Money from this fundraiser will be used to help pay for the annual FFA banquet, career
development contest, leadership conferences and FFA jackets. These funds will also help pay for other Nevada FFA chapter-sponsored activities.
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Story County Sun • Wednesday, December 28, 2016 • Page 13
Kevin Cooper, Nevada High School ag ed instructor and FFA advisor, welds a washer, then a nut to the resistant oil plug on the Fevold Allis Chalmers WD. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
The Tim and Phyllis Fevold family with the Allis Chalmers tractor that son, Erik, restored in the Nevada High School agriculture mechanics lab. From left, Erik, Luke, Phyllis and Tim Fevold. The Fevolds presented Nevada FFA with a check for $1,000. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Repair to Nevada FFA tractor went above and beyond the call
What is left of the oil plug, but with a washer and nut welded to it.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
When Erik Fevold restored his late grandfather’s Allis Chalmers model WD tractor in the Nevada High School agriculture mechanics lab, he replaced rims, battery, manifold, carburetor and many other parts on the tractor, which then was sandblasted and painted. One last repair to the tractor was to change the oil. However, the oil plug
did not want to come out, it was too tight or rusted in. After heating, tapping and a few other attempts, the students were not able to get the plug out. Then, Kevin Cooper, Nevada High School ag ed instructor and FFA advisor, decided to weld a nut onto
the oil plug, but two of those attempts failed. Then a washer was welded to the oil plug, and a nut was welded to the washer, success, it worked, whoop, whoop! “Some things you just won’t find in the textbooks” Cooper said to his students.
Page 14 • Story County Sun • Wednesday, December 28, 2016
VOLUNTEER CENTER OF STORY COUNTY The Volunteer Center of Story County connects people of all ages with volunteer opportunities, promotes volunteering and recognizes volunteers. Visit www. vcstory.org for additional information, to volunteer, or to list volunteer needs. Or call (515) 268-5323, email volunteer@vcstory.org or visit from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 110 Crystal St., Ames, Iowa 50010. The Volunteer Center of Story County will be closed on Friday, Dec. 23, and Monday, Dec. 26, for the Christmas holiday.
ADOPTAFAMILY
HOLIDAY GIFT COLLECTION
FRONT DESK HOST AND HOSTESS
Iowa Department YSS Ames Historical Three days — major Of Human gift collection/drop off Society days for our Holiday Services Giving Program (sponsorThe Ames Historical The Department of Human Services is currently in need of individuals to help make this holiday season special for local families in need. Your company, family, or organization can make a difference by purchasing gifts for those who need help this year. Let’s make this holiday season extra special.
a-family). We need volunteers to ensure collect gifts, thank donors, give them donation receipts, help us move gifts when it gets full and sort/organize gifts by family code for pickup (if needed).
Society is looking for volunteers to operate the front desk on Wednesdays with shift of 1 to 3 p.m. and 3 to 5 p.m. Thursdays with shifts of 1 to 3 p.m. and 3 to 5 p.m., Fridays with shifts of 1 to 3 p.m. and 3 to 5 p.m., and Saturdays with shifts of 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. The front desk volunteer is in charge of meeting and greeting patrons,answering the phone,and assisting patron’s needs including but not limited to: donations, research needs, and brief tours.
OUTREACH & PUBLIC RELATIONS
KHOI community radio KHOI is seeking volunteers to assist with Outreach and Public Relations. The tasks include: Marketing — writing, editing, newsletter, mailings, flyers, brochures and other promotional materials, email blasts, web
site content, social networking, Membership — database management, on-air pitching, phone banks, Event and speaking engagements.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
University Community Childcare If you are looking for an opportunity to volunteer in the community and have experience in fundraising, graphic design, and finance, please consider volunteering to serve on the Board. However, no special skills are required to serve on the board beyond a desire to support human services in your community. As a private, nonprofit corporation, University Community Childcare is governed by a board of directors with membership consisting of parents with children attending the center, the program advisor from the Iowa State University Department of Residence and members of the community at-large.
SCIENCE, SCIENCE!
Community housing initiatives Science, Science! is an enrichment activity for preschool and school age children at Eastwood of Ames. We explore the various areas of science by helping the children conduct fun experiments. This activity engages all participants to be active learners. Science, Science occurs the first and third Thursdays of the month.
MARKETING SPECIALIST
Worldly Goods Worldly Goods is looking for someone to assist the store manager in helping to market our fair trade store. We need someone with creative ideas and useful tried and true techniques. Social media interest is a plus.
FOOD PANTRY/FAMILY DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT
Mid-Iowa Community Action Volunteers at MICA’s Family Development office primarily help with the food pantry — everything from receiving and tracking donations to sorting and packing them into food boxes ready for different sized families to pick up. Some volunteers also help at the front desk with answering the phone, greeting visitors, scheduling appointments, giving out food boxes, and helping connect families with the appropriate staff person for their question. Volunteers come in at a regular time on an ongoing basis — usually an hour or so per week on the same day/time, but some volunteers come multiple days per week.
CLOTHING DONATION LEAD ASSISTANT
Overflow Thrift Store This team is dedicated to working on the clothing donations that come to the store. Clothing sorters work independently to sort good, sellable clothing from items that cannot be sold due to damage, stains, etc. Volunteers sort, price, clean, steam, hand and get clothing ready for sale.
Story County Sun • Wednesday, December 28, 2016 • Page 15
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The October Co-op nickel recipient was Ames Animal Shelter. Presenting the check, from left, Rachel Dakarian, Wheatsfield board president; Ron Edwards, Animal Control supervisor; Linda Johnson, Wheatsfield general manager. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO The November Co-op nickel recipient was Good Neighbor Emergency Assistance. Presenting the check, from left, Rachel Dakarian, Wheatsfield Board president; Michael Fritz, Good Neighbor Emergency assistance director; Linda Johnson, Wheatsfield general manager. Good Neighbor Emergency Assistance provides rental and utility assistance, healthy food vouchers and gas vouchers for those in need. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
STORY COUNTY SUN CALL 233-3299 TO ADVERTISE
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Page 16 • Story County Sun • Wednesday, December 28, 2016
CENTRAL IOWA RSVP Story County Sheriff’s Office
The Ames DK Chapter of T.T.T. met for its December meeting and Christmas party at the home of Marcia Skrdla on Dec. 13. Lunch was served by co-hostess Faye Abel. After the meeting, gifts were exchanged. The women all brought food and money to donate to MICA and the Bethesda Community Food Pantry. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Do you have a knack for computers? Do you have a desire to assist local law enforcement? The sheriff’s office has a major project in which they need volunteers’ help to scan confidential files. Morning and afternoon shifts are
available weekdays. Training is provided, and volunteers can expect to have a background clearance check completed. To learn more, call Teal at (515) 292-8890.
Emergency Residence Project Volunteers needed to assist with various
operations of the shelter. Answer the phone, process requests for assistance, sort donations, provide information and referrals, etc. The Ames Emergency Residence Project provides emergency shelter for men, women, and families. For more information, call Tom at (515) 292-8890.