OUR hometown E A STHERVILLE
REA
October 2015
NO GREENHORNS HERE Greig siblings qualify for 2015 American Royal Invitational Youth Rodeo
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E U S S I IN THIS FEATURE ARTICLES
On The Cover
5
5
COVER STORY
No Greenhorns Here by David Swartz
8 14 16 22
Chew on This by David Swartz EXCEL! with Estherville by Amber Hovey A Passion for Estherville by Amber Hovey A Whole New World by Steve Weisman
Contributors
Bubba Greig, 14-year-old bull and bronc rider from Estherville
MANAGING EDITOR - David Swartz WRITERS: Amber Hovey, David Swartz, Steve Weisman GENERAL MANAGER - Glen Caron ADVERTISING - Dar Isaackson, Colt Hample, LouAnn Dietel ART DIRECTORS - David Swartz, Mistie Wilson, LeeAnn Egel
DIRECT INQURIES TO: 10 N. Seventh Street Estherville, Iowa 51334
362-2622
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Dr. Katie Carter
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1119 Central Ave. Estherville
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Dave Seylar is passionate about his hometown of October 2015 ß OUR HOMETOWN ßß 3
e k i H t h g i Fr
If You r e t n E Be o T e r Da d! Scare
H ALLOWEEN N IGHT October 31
7-9:30 pm Fort Defiance State Park Enter Hike At Old Ranger Station
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4 ßß OUR HOMETOWN ß October 2015
Want to Volunteer? Call 362-3541
NO GREENHORNS HERE
“I’d done it a little bit before, but about the time I was a freshman in high school is when I realized it (barrel racing) was my passion.”
—Taylor Greig mutton busting. Only 10 kids are selected in each event for junior and senior com‐ petition. Grades also play a small part in the selection. Both have put in the time and spend a lot of their weekends and days in either preparing for com‐ petition or competing in rodeos throughout Iowa and elsewhere. Throughout the spring and fall portions of the rodeo season, the Greigs spend many of their Saturdays and Sundays within the high school rodeo circuit. The schedule gets even more intense in the summer. “In July, I think we were home for about seven days,” said Taylor.
BY DAVID SWARTZ MANAGING EDITOR
B
eing a rodeo family isn’t for everyone, but the Greig siblings, Taylor and Bubba enjoy the compe‐ tition. Now a senior and fresh‐ man, respectively, at Estherville Lincoln Central High School, the duo both qualified for the American Royal Invitational Youth Rodeo to be held Sept. 24‐25. Taylor Greig has qualified to compete in barrel racing and Bubba Greig has qualified to com‐ pete in bareback bronc riding, saddle bronc riding and bull rid‐ ing. This four‐day event features top student‐athletes competing in events such as bull riding, bar‐ rel racing and the crowd favorite,
October 2015 ß OUR HOMETOWN ßß 5
Taylor Greig Now 17, Taylor actually started bull riding when she was around 11 or 12. She decided that was too risky and she made the switch exclusively to barrel racing. “I’d done it a little bit before, but about the time I was a freshman in high school is when I realized it was my passion,” she said. Most recently Taylor was named the 2015 Iowa Rodeo Cowboy’s Association Rookie Cowgirl and No. 4 barrel racer in the association based on money earned
this year. That distinction requires a lot of work to compete at that level. “I practice nearly every night when I get home and split that time with rop‐ ing,” she said. She says many of the other girls who compete, practice just as much. “Chex” was the name of her first horse, which she used in races until midway through her sophomore year. “Bartlette” is her cur‐ rent horse’s name. “You really connect with the horse and understand
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them well after spending hours with them,” she said. Taylor said one of the rea‐ sons she has done so well is her horses’ consistency. Many of those she com‐ petes against are similar in talent levels. Every once in a while, horse and rider pair will have a phenome‐ nal day where everything goes right. But if you hit a barrel, you’re not likely to win. “One thing about my horse is she does not like to hit barrels,” said Taylor. A few times, Taylor has steered the horse into the
barrels and Bartlette avoid‐ ed them. “She’s a very athletic ani‐ mal,” said Taylor. “The ground is different at every arena and she’s good about keeping her feet no matter what the ground might be like—soft or wet and sticky.” After Taylor leaves high school, she plans to contin‐ ue competing in a rodeos. “I plan to make a career in ag business. There’s a bar‐ rel horse trainer that I plan to work with her and even‐ tually start training barrel horse racers myself.”
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Clayton ‘Bubba’ Greig Very few people call Bubba by his given name. The now 14‐year‐old has been riding bulls since he was seven. “I’ve loved it since I was lit‐ tle and it runs in my blood,” he said. “I like going places and all the opportunities the rodeo gives me.” Bubba enjoys the chal‐ lenge of all three events October 2015 ß OUR HOMETOWN ßß 7
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8 ßß OUR HOMETOWN ß October 2015
“If you catch the bull’s timing, it’s more of a dance—otherwise it’s more like a fist fight.” —Bubba Greig
that he will compete in. He describes bareback riding as a “fist fight. You’re just going as hard as you can for eight sec‐ onds,” he said. In the saddle bronc riding, he describes it as “more of dance. It’s being in time with the horse,” he said. Meanwhile, bull riding can be a combination of the two. “If you catch the bull’s timing, it’s more of a dance—otherwise it’s more like a fist fight,” he said. All three events are a “luck of the draw” on how well you can do at any event. “The score is based on the bull and the rider,” Bubba said. “If you have a bull that doesn’t buck, you’ll have a low score
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and not win.” Earlier this year, Bubba placed ninth in the nation in bull rid‐ ing at the National Junior High Rodeo Finals in June. To get to that level, Bubba said he works out with weights and does other exercises to stay in shape. He also works out on practice bulls (barrels) three‐to‐ five times a week. “A lot of it is mental and visual‐ izing it,” he said. The wear and tear starts to take its toll after awhile, but Bubba plans to continue compe‐ tition into his 40s. “Most people get beat up by the time they’re around 40‐45,” he said.
Clair Iverson Jay Iverson
If you have a bull that doesn’t buck, you’ll have a low score and not win.
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We Buy, Sell & Trade Daily
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” —Bubba Greig
www.carzcentral.net • 827 W. Central Ave., Estherville
October 2015 ß OUR HOMETOWN ßß 9
SNA P SHOTS Photos by Estherville News staff
10 ßß OUR HOMETOWN ß October 2015
STORE HOURS Mon.-Sat. 8 AM-9PM Closed Sundays & Holidays
1108 CENTRAL AVE.
MEAT DEPARTMENT
362-7305
ESTHERVILLE
GROCERY DEPARTMENT
362-5284
ELC Football Game Night
At Fareway our goal is to save you more money on your total grocery order by matching all local competitors sale prices and accepting their coupons,whether it’s a 1-day, 3-day or 7-day ad. Plus you get U.S.D.A. Choice meats, fresh produce and carry-out service to your car!
October 2015 ß OUR HOMETOWN ßß 11
w e h this
C on
recent‐ ly, I decided to take the family out for By David Swartz some great food at the MANAGING EDITOR Elks Lodge. It was my pending all my life turn to cook. As we were in Estherville, I driving up the hill on the have experienced west side of town the great food of the towards the restaurant, I Elks Lodge at many a was looking forward to banquet and reception. I some great food and try‐ am sure I don't have to ing to decide what I was tell anyone about the going to have. But I also great food and buffets couldn't help but think that the Estherville Elks of what great adventure Lodge is famous for. was coming with my But now Thursday family of six going to a evenings the Elks Lodge restaurant for an has family dining with evening meal. menu ordering. So As we JANE’S FAMOUS TACOS EVERY WEEK walked in and AND DIFFERENT SPECIALTY BURGERS EACH WEEK found our ALSO CHECK OUT OUR OTHER TASTY MENU ITEMS place we • CARRY OUT IS AVAILBLE • couldn't help EVENT RENTAL AVAILABLE CALL FOR DETAILS but appreci‐ ate the friendly atmosphere Hwy 9 West, Estherville and people. OPEN THURSDAYS
S
Elks Lodge 362-2575
5-8 P.M.
12 ßß OUR HOMETOWN ß October 2015
The staff was very eager to help and their easy to follow menu had something for everyone in my family. The six of us gave the menu a fairly good test and the variety of menu items made everyone very happy. We enjoyed some cheese balls as an appetizer before our meal as we anxiously waited for our meals to arrive. When the food came, everyone's eyes popped. The food looked great and the portions were very generous. I tried the Swiss cheeseburger, my wife tried the pork ten‐ derloin and children tried their mini taco appetizer and chicken strips. Everything that we ordered came with their great french fries. At the end of the meal they were very happy to bring boxes for the leftovers and the whole family left with an anxious excite‐
ment of our next meal at the Elks. The customer service was also exceptional and the price was very affordable. The Elk's Lodge is a very nice restaurant and has an excellent venue for any ban‐ quet or reception that you may have planned.
BUY 1 GET 1 FREE
5‐8 p.m. with carry‐out available. The restau‐ rant’s revenues sup‐ port the causes of the Elks Lodge, which focuses on youth and veterans. Those who wish to reserve the Elks Lodge for weekend events may call Judi at 712‐ 362‐2575.
1/3 LB. TEX MEX BACON THICKBURGER.
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Judi Hoffman and her staff are very willing to help you plan your next event. They are famous for their great accommodations and excellent food and service. Dining is Thursday nights from
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Expires 11-29-15
October 2015 ß OUR HOMETOWN ßß 13
EXCEL! With
Estherville By Amber Hovey Staff Writer
EXCEL! is just one organiza‐ tion within Estherville that works hard for the improve‐ ment and betterment of the community. The organiza‐ tion is made of community members dedicated to mak‐ ing Estherville the best place to work, shop and play and it is thanks to this organization that communi‐ ty members can enjoy the small town living with the activity of a big city.
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Steve’s
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362‐4667
The organization is broken down into multi‐ ple committees in order to cover each aspect of the community from arts and culture to beautification to hous‐ ing. EXCEL! also donates large amounts of money to local proj‐ ects and non‐profit organizations. It is in part of their hard work that Estherville is blos‐ soming into the great place it is. One project EXCEL! has been active in over the past couple years is the Façade Grant, in which the organization matches up to $5,000 if businesses revamp their fronts. Such businesses as Forsyth Law, Estherville News, Cutting Edge, American Muscle, the Style Loft and Duitsman Plumbing are just a few of the businesses that have taken advantage of the grant in order to beauti‐ fy their store front as well as the community. Along with the Façade Grant is the Secondary Window Grant in which EXCEL! matches the money a business spends, limit depends on the number of win‐ dows, on renovating the building’s second floor windows. Other improvements done in part of the organization include the
Elements of a Good Life banners, Christmas dec‐ orations, the lights on the swinging bridge, the downtown lights and the flowers and planters downtown. They have contributed to the local fair, rodeo, the animal shelter, the renovation of the old JC Penny building and the recent retail contest. Future projects that EXCEL! is part of include the redoing of the library square corners, a one‐mile stretch of bike trail along the river, a new subdivision of
affordable housing and the new aquatic center that is coming to Estherville. There are many things, big and small, that EXCEL! does for the community in order to make it a wonderful place to live. As the town progresses and improves, sustainability strengthens and com‐ merce grows. It is because of this that Estherville has become a family friendly com‐ munity, jam‐packed with something for the whole family to do!
Trophies
Engraving Invitations Awards
“IF YOU’RE NOT HAPPY, WE’RE NOT HAPPY. AND, IF WE’RE NOT HAPPY - YOU’LL NEVER SEE IT.”
ESTHERVILLE PRINTING COMPANY
620 Central Ave. Estherville, IA • 362-4803 • www.esthervilleprinting.com October 2015 ß OUR HOMETOWN ßß 15
A PASSION FOR
Estherville DAVE SEYLAR,
does his part to better his hometown for future generations
“Children can play in the yard or in the neighborhood. They can walk to school and walk to the playground and I think that’s worth a lot.” —Dave Seylar
16 ßß OUR HOMETOWN ß October 2015
to original location of his business and his proudest accomplish‐ ment, Dave’s Brownhouse Kitchens began in what is still known today as the Brownhouse, the brown brick house that sits next to the Estherville Lincoln Schools. Built in 1903, the Brownhouse was named after the last name of the original owners. After sitting empty for several years, Seylar bought the house and took on the challenge of restoring the home. “It looked not too neat,” said Seylar. “And the inside was a mess.” The house was paint‐ ed a robin’s egg blue with electric blue trim and a white roof with brown brick around the foundation said Seylar. It took him 12 years to renovate the home.
SERVPRO SYSTEM SERVICES
D
ave Seylar is just one exam‐ ple of the many dedicated com‐ munity members help‐ ing to make Estherville a better place. Son of a former Estherville Police Chief, Seylar left Estherville to attend Iowa State University, however college did not keep him from coming back and making Estherville his life long home. Graduating with a degree in what is today called Industrial Science and Technology as well as taking multiple archi‐ tectural classes, Seylar came back and worked as an assistant manag‐ er and manager for several lumberyards before deciding to make it on his own. He began by renovat‐ ing homes in Estherville and then in 1989, Seylar opened Dave’s Brownhouse Kitchens. Named after
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October 2015 ß OUR HOMETOWN ßß 17
Since I wasn’t going to have children, I thought I would try to make a difference by working in my community and church.
“
”
Answer to crossword on Page 21
15541
18 ßß OUR HOMETOWN ß October 2015
He would end up selling the home and moving his busi‐ ness to one other location before settling where he is now. Then in 1999, Seylar built his first home, which was for his mother and ended up being a two‐unit townhouse. “There hadn’t been a lot of houses built since the Morrell plant closed,” said Seylar. From there, Seylar began building condominiums for mostly the senior popula‐ tion, however, there is no age limit. Since he’s started building new housing, Seylar has gone on to build about 26 units over the years. What is unique about these condos is that Seylar cus‐ tomizes each condo to the buyer’s wants, needs and price range by selling the condos prior to building. He provides multiple floor plans and a myriad of wood, cabi‐ net and countertop styles and the condos are one floor and handicap accessible. “It fills a niche that wasn’t available in town,” said Seylar as many of the Estherville homes were built in the 80’s and 90’s and do no provide the space for easy senior living. If that is not enough to keep Seylar busy, he is also prominent community mem‐ ber active in his church and in a number of organizations including Many Voices Choir, Friends of Fort Defiance, City Council, Rotary, Excel! and the RWC board.
“It’s good for the community to get people involved because then they have an invested interest in what’s going on. If you are on some of these boards you can affect change or know why something is being done in such a way.” “Since I wasn’t going to have children, I thought I would try to make a differ‐ ence by working in my com‐ munity and church,” said Seylar. The Estherville native has been in the Many Voices Choir for 20 plus years and has been on City Council and Estherville Rotary for about 10 years. He was on the com‐ mittee involved in imple‐
menting the planning of the new middle school and the first edition done to the Demoney school. He is on the EXCEL! Housing Committee and played an active role in the new hous‐ ing edition by Windsor Manor and the renovation of the former Sieverts building. “It’s good for the communi‐ ty to get people involved because then they have an
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712-362-2411 October 2015 ß OUR HOMETOWN ßß 19
invested interest in what’s going on,” said Seylar in regards to the need for more of the community to get involved in these organi‐ zations. “If you are on some of these boards you can affect change or know why something is being done in such a way.” “I would encourage people to leave their comfort zone and join some of these things,” continued Seylar. One great aspect Seylar mentioned about the com‐ munity was the safety it pro‐ vides kids. “Children can play in the yard or in the neighborhood. They can walk to school and
“We have nice (school) facilities with the schools and teachers. It is a small enough district that you don’t feel lost in a crowd but is big enough to be able to offer a variety of classes.” walk to the playground and I think that’s worth a lot,” said Seylar. “We have nice facilities with the schools and teach‐ ers,” continued Seylar. “It is a small enough district that you don’t feel lost in a crowd but is big enough to be able to offer a variety of classes.”
While just one member of the Estherville community, Seylar has made a big impact through his work as well as his involvement in many of the town’s organizations. He is a great example of the dedicated community mem‐ bers that strive to make Estherville a great place for current and new residents.
“FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE”….
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Answer elsewhere in this publication.
Give Stacie a call at 712-362-5126
We Feature: * Breakfast: Monday Thru Saturday 6:30-9:30 a.m. * Lunch: Monday Thru Friday 11-1 p.m. * Tuesdays: 4-7 p.m. $2 Tacos, $2 Beer ( Excludes 1st Tuesday of the month) * Wednesday Night: Auxiliary Meal 5-6:30 p.m. * Friday Night: Meals served from 5-8 p.m. * Saturday Night: 5-Close Meal specials each week
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By Steve Weisman Insurance & Real Estate
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A full service agency with an experienced and qualified staff for all your insurance and real estate needs. www.blumandleonard.com • www.blumandleonardrealestate.com 22 ßß OUR HOMETOWN ß October 2015
We have one of the most beauti‐ ful and quiet, yet underused recre‐ ation areas right at our fingertips: the West Fork of the Des Moines River. It is one of over 19,000 miles of interior rivers and streams in the state of Iowa. Enter the river at one of its many accesses and push off into the river, and you can easily forget the busy world outside the river’s banks. The incredibly serene and beauti‐ ful world inside its banks of the river is a totally different world than what we see as we pass by on the road from the outside. Soon it becomes only you and the sights and sounds of nature to keep you company! Deer, waterfowl, pheasants, songbirds, birds of prey...awe‐ some!
A little background First, we need to understand the dynamics of our inland streams and rivers. Their levels vary with
the time of the year and are greatly influenced by rain, snowfall and runoff. Huge rains and heavy snowpack will change a gently flowing stream into an out‐of‐the‐ bank fury that can destroy objects in its path. At the same time, during late sum‐ mer when rainfall is less prevalent, the stream might even dry up in spots so that portaging is required to get from one “dry” spot to flow‐ ing water. So, it is a good idea to know what the current water levels are like, if there have been recent rains north of where you will be on the water and what the weather forecast is for the time you will be on the water.
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Let’s say you want to learn more about floating the West Fork of the Des Moines River. Simply type in the Emmet County Conservation Board website (www.emmetcounty‐ conservation.com) and you can see links to two really good access areas: the North Trailhead Access located 4 miles north of Estherville on Highway 4 and 2 1/2 miles west on county road A‐17, and the Peterson Access, which is located 1/4 mile east of Wallingford on county road A‐ 34. Click on them, and you will go right to a site with a short slide show to help you see what is available at each access area. Equipment is minimal. Although some people do use a small jon boat or semi‐v boat and maybe even a small outboard motor or electric motor to move upstream or to more easily move down‐ stream, many people simply
2015 3rd Avenue North • Estherville, IA 51334 • Tel: 712.362.0171 www.windsor-manor.com Copyright © 2015 by Green Companies, Inc.
October 2015 ß OUR HOMETOWN ßß 23
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choose to go with a canoe or kayak to paddle and float the waters void of any motor noise.
Be Legal and Prepared Canoes and kayaks over 13 feet in length must have an Iowa Registration Certificate and decals affixed to the forward half of each side of the craft to be operated legally on public waters. All canoes and kayaks must have at least one United States Coast Guard approved wearable life jacket for each per‐ son on board. If the vessel is 16 feet or longer, one throwable PFD must also be on board. If you are going to be on the water between sunset and sunrise, some form of navigation lights is needed. However, for canoes and kayaks, a lantern or flash‐ light shining a white light will meet the requirement. Paddles for both are made of a variety of materials: aluminum, plastic and fiberglass. Other Equipment First, remember, this type of boating is way different than boating on a lake or large river. People in the canoe/kayak are very close to the water and you will most likely end up with water in the vessel, so some kind of bailing bucket and maybe even a sponge will help remove water. It is also a good idea to have waterproof containers to put any equipment (clothes, shoes, food) that you want to remain dry. A good nylon rope that can be tied to the bow or stern of the vessel is also impor‐ tant. Cushions or knee pads also are important equipment. The cush‐ ion can act as both a seat and a kneeler pad and also a throwable flotation device.
The author lifts a nice catfish on a late summer catfishing trip.
Float Plan
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Remember that a float trip is not like a boat ride on a lake. The float trip is going from point A to point B, all down‐ stream, so you need to have a vehicle waiting at the destina‐ tion point. Remember, too, that a mile is not a mile. Until you've tried it, it's hard to explain just how much mean‐ dering is really done. Thus, one mile on a road can mean way more on the water. Consider the time variable, too. You won't be going 60 miles per hour. So, a few mile trip may take you several hours. Bottom line? It’s a whole lot of fun. Oh, and the fishing can be incredible. The river is defi‐ nitely catfish waters, and I do mean a whole lot of them, along with walleyes and, of course, lots of carp. However, that’s a story for another arti‐ cle!
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