SPRING 2016 | NORTH IOWA MEDIA GROUP M I TCH EL L COU N T Y
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Mitchell County
PROGRESS #LIVE #WORK #PLAY Celebrating the services in and lifestyle of one of Iowa’s best places to live and work
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2 | SPRING 2016
MITCHELL COUNTY PROGRESS | NORTH IOWA MEDIA GROUP
ECONOMY: Mitchell County’s business and industrial diversity NUMBERS: The figures — employment by industry, historical is aided by strong local governments, dedicated volunteers wages, and benefits — tell a story of steady growth and a and business-friendly lenders. See Page 4 strong economy in Mitchell County. See Page 5
CENTER: The multi-use and multi-owned Cedar River Complex offers Mitchell County residents a unique facility for fitness and gatherings. And it’s almost paid off. See Page 8
SCREEN-TIME: Historic Watts Theatre maintains its 1950s charm but meets the demands of Mitchell County’s moviegoers — including digital projection and Dolby sound. See Page 9
HOMES: Agents say Mitchell County’s housing market was a lively mix of buyers, and that the low inventory of homes suggests a strong market with high quality. See Page 6
DAY TRIPS: No matter the season, Mitchell County has plenty to do on days off. We outline several one-day trip options that cover indoor and outdoor adventures. See Page 11
DUAL APPROACH: Schools in Osage and St. Ansgar are taking two tracks to attract students and bolster education in Mitchell County — new construction and work force development. See Page 14
FAMILY DEAL: Mitchell County families transition farm operations by working together, spreading out the work load, and implementing new and efficient processes. See Page 12
Mitchell County PROGRESS #LIVE #WORK #PLAY Wednesday, March 30 Sunday, April 3 A North Iowa Media Group, which includes the Mitchell County Press and the Mason City Globe Gazette, publication.
Circulation Department: 800-433-0560 getmyglobe@globegazette.com
Selling something? Classified Advertising 641-423-2274; 800-832-2274 classifieds@globegazette.com
Advertising Department
INSPIRED: Buoyed by the work of author Hamlin Garland and painter Atlanta Sampson, Mitchell County’s arts and cultural scene is diverse and thriving. See Page 16
Contacts North Iowa Editor David Mayberry david.mayberry@globegazette.com
Advertising Manager Greg Wilderman greg.wilderman@globegazette.com
Mitchell County Press Editor Jim Cross jim.cross@globegazette.com
Circulation Manager Jeff Binstock jeff.binstock@globegazette.com
Reporter Molly Montag molly.montag@globegazette.com
Financial Services Linda Halfman linda.halfman@globegazette.com
Reporter Courtney Fiorini courtney.fiorini@globegazette.com
Online Manager Olivia Stalker olivia.stalker@globegazette.com
Reporter Meredith Colias meredith.colias@globegazette.com
Marketing Manager Ruth Miller ruth.miller@globegazette.com
Reporter Mary Pieper mary.pieper@globegazette.com
Freelance writers: Steven Thompson, Chrystal Berche, Kristin Buehner, Elda Stone.
641-421-0546; 800-421-0546 advertising@globegazette.com
www.globegazette.com | www.globegazette.com/mcpress
BIG PICTURE: Kevin Kolbet sees a lot of good in Mitchell County and a lot of that is due to hard work, planning and avoiding turf battles when attracting new businesses. See Page 19
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SPRING 2016 | 3
NORTH IOWA MEDIA GROUP | MITCHELL COUNTY PROGRESS
‘Proud to be here’ ELDA STONE For the Globe Gazette
Valent BioSciences, or VBC, put Mitchell County on the global map when it built a plant in Osage, bringing new technology and skilled jobs to the area. The 130,000-square-foot facility, which opened in 2014, is the largest purpose-built biorational product facility in the world, according to VBC’s web site. Karen Richards, the plant manager, describes the facility as “a fermentation manRichards ufacturing plant that makes what we call biorational materials. These are components found in nature that we take and convert into very useful products.” The unusual nature of the industry makes it a prime example of diversification in the local economy of rural Iowa. “In our area, there is obviously a lot of farming and agriculture,” says Richards. “What we do is more technical, but still in support of agriculture. It’s definitely a marriage. We’re bringing technical jobs to the area, and also all the support services to support this plant.” VBC products have three major aims, according to Richards: To help feed the world. “Our products provide crop protection against pests that can impact crop growth,” she explains. To help wage the war on vector-borne disease. “Mosquitoes are vectors that can carry disease, for instance the Zita virus which has been in the news lately. We have product that can kill mosquitoes that carry disease.” To create greener forests. “In Canada, there’s a large forestry group that uses our product. It is used to kill pests that damage trees. If you look at their pictures of sprayed forest vs. non-sprayed, the impact is dynamic.” VBC is a wholly-owned subsid-
iary of Sumitomo Chemical Co. of Toyko, which purchased agricultural spin-offs of Abbott Laboratories and AbbVie. VBC products are marketed worldwide as having low risk to the environment, humans, and beneficial insect populations. As VBC’s home office in Libertyville, Illinois, began considering a new manufacturing facility, it was already acquainted with Mitchell County. “VBC has a long-time partner in A to Z Drying right across the street. Our slurry was being trucked from North Chicago to Osage before,” Richards says. “A to Z performs formulation, drying, and packaging of our products, so there is a proximity of manufacturing process now.” The State of Iowa and Mitchell County were very hospitable, offering economic incentives, according to Richards. As the new plant developed, Richards came on board from a previous job in Charles City. “This was an opportunity of a lifetime,” she said. “Not many green-field chemical plants are being built in the U.S.” VBC in Osage now has 100 employees. “Our original target was 89, but we had great growth opportunities in the business, so we enlarged that, and have a few more folks we’ll be hiring this year,” she said. About 10 employees came from outside Iowa, Richards says; most were recruited from within a twoto four-hour radius outside Osage. Many of the positions are filled by highly-skilled professionals. Staff includes biologists, microbiologists, engineers, and two PhDlevel entomologists, according to Richards. “I’ve lived in Iowa more than six years,” Richards says. “I think it makes a lot of sense for us. This is an area of the country that produces a lot of our ingredients; a major part is soy flour. And the products we manufacture are being consumed in the area.” There’s a strong cooperation
between VBC and the community, Richards says. “The plant has been very financially favorable for the area. During construction, we had about 400 contractors involved. The AmericInn on Highway 9 was built to help accommodate all the people involved in the construction.” “We use local businesses when VIPs come to town, like the restaurants. We work in partnership with Osage Municipal Utilities. Heartland Power built a substation for us. Mitchell County and City of Osage built and operate a treatment plant to handle waste,” Richards said. She also credited the work of Brenda Dryer, director of Mitchell County Economic Development. Richards says VBC further contributes to the community through collaboration with Osage and Charles City school districts, to encourage students’ interest in the STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). “Iowa State University CIRAS (Center for Industrial Research and Service) worked to give us PHOTO COURTESY OF VALENT BIOSCIENCES CORP. input: identifying suppliers, designing equipment, providing Entomologists maintain large insect colonies at Valent that are used in training,” she says. “North Iowa testing. Area Community College also has been outstanding. We received an educational grant from the state and worked with NIACC on that, developing training materials. When we were starting as a new plant, training was a critical part.” “The biggest thing is VBC is very proud of what we do and proud to be here,” Richards says. “I can’t say enough about our employees. The work ethic in Iowa is outstanding. Our people are extremely dedicated and want to improve. They have truly been a delight. “It’s an amazing place to work. We try to make sure the culture is maintained every day. This is family. That also aligns with our parent company’s expectations, which are very cognizant of the ARIAN SCHUESSLER, THE GLOBE GAZETTE impact on community and enviValent BioSciences opened in Osage in 2014. ronment.”
Time to grow? Mitchell County Regional Health Center looks at expansion MARY PIEPER mary.pieper@globegazette.com
OSAGE — The Mitchell County Regional Health Center, which is celebrating its 65th anniversary this year, is looking at expanding its facility and recruiting new physicians. The hospital’s board of directors has viewed design drawings for an expansion project that would provide more space for providers, said Shelly Russell, chief executive officer of MCRHC. Some of the doctors are sharing office space as well as patient exam rooms due to inadequate space, according to Russell. Furthermore, data from a recent market assessment indicates that Mitchell County is projected for growth, which translates to a need for additional physicians. Other goals of the building expansion plan, which has not been approved by the board yet, include making the registration area more private for patients,
expanding the physical therapy area and adding a canopy over the main entrance. MCRHC also is proposing the construction of a new parking lot at the corner of 10th Street and Pine Street on land already owned by the hospital. Taxpayer-levied funds have been set aside over the past few years for the building project. Dr. Mark Haganman has been working with Vicki Brandau, clinic manager, on physician-recruitment efforts. The short-term strategy is to recruit two new physicians, while the long-term strategy is to set up a resident rotation and a medical student rotation “that gives us exposure here locally to future physicians,” Russell said. Haganman has been visiting medical residencies throughout Iowa and talking to residents. Several physicians seeking jobs have made site visits to the area. Russell said they are looking at St. Ansgar, Osage and Riceville as potential sites for future employment. MCRHC also is planning to enhance senior services. A new program called Senior Life Solu-
ARIAN SCHUESSLER, THE GLOBE GAZETTE
Officials at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage are considering an expansion project and a program to recruit to physicians to the area. tions, designed to address emotional and behavioral health for those age 65 and older, will begin in August. Issues to be addressed through this program are grief, loneliness and dealing with loss. “We are pretty excited about that,” Russell said. The program will take place in the basement of the hospital, so “we will be making some changes in the building,” she said. Three to five new full-time po-
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sitions will be added to staff the program. Another addition coming to the hospital is three-dimensional digital mammography, which officials hope will be running by September or October. The new equipment can take multiple pictures of each breast from many different angles. The tube moves in an arc around the breast, and the images are taken during a seven-second exam. The equipment provides a clear,
3-D image throughout the breast, making cancer easier to detect in dense breast tissue, according to Russell. It not only makes the exam more comfortable for the patient, but also reduces trips back to the hospital for re-testing, she said. The hospital has budgeted $350,000 for the project. Fundraising for it kicked off in February. “There’s lots of great stuff going on,” Russell said.
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4 | SPRING 2016
MITCHELL COUNTY PROGRESS | NORTH IOWA MEDIA GROUP
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Valent BioSciences, Osage.
Keys to business success County’s strong manufacturing base bolsters development JIM CROSS jim.cross@globegazette.com
For the past 10 years, Mitchell County has boasted a strong economic climate, despite a weaker national economic picture. How has the county been able to maintain such a vibrant path? Strong diversification. M i tc h e l l County Economic Development Commission Director Brenda Dryer listed a number of Dryer factors contributing to the county’s strong economy. Some of those areas include: Strong diversification of both business and industry. Strong industrial sector. Supportive local governments who have worked hard to maintain low taxes and fees. Dedicated groups of volunteers in the communities not only in economic development and chamber groups, but park boards, hospital boards and school board. Outstanding banks who work hard to support growth in the county. “While other parts of the state and the north central Iowa region saw challenges, especially in 2008 and 2009, we were lucky. Our food-production facilities and the energy sector continued to grow,” said Dryer. “Because we have such a diversified business mix, we have continued to see growth at some industries while others have worked to hold employment levels during challenging times. The overall result has been a growth in manufacturing. “As we look ahead, I believe we need to react to opportunities in the supply chain/vendor relationship with our existing industries, work to support enhanced product production at our existing businesses, support value-added agriculture and work to attract additional bioscience and advanced manufacturing operations in Mitchell County.” Dryer listed several businesses in the county undergo increase or add substantial new capital investments in the past 10 years. Among them: Absolute Energy, Grain Millers, Inc., Wold Rim & Wheel and L.R. Falk Construction in St. Ansgar; Northern Country COOP and Farmers Feed & Grain in Stacyville; McNeilus Truck & Manufacturing in Riceville; and Fox River Mills, Artik OEM, A to Z Drying, TOPS, Osage Cooperative Elevator, Valent BioScienes
Corp. and Milkhouse Candles in Osage. In regards to biosciences, Dryer referenced the multi-million dollar Valent BioSciences facility which opened in 2014. Dryer said to land a large company, such as Valent, requires the right location and infrastructure. “As an organization, the MCEDC works with our county communities to understand what their capacity limits are,” said Dryer. “We cannot pursue projects where we are not able to meet their infrastructure requirements. “Finally, work force needs have to be considered. Mitchell County continues to have one of the lowest unemployment rates in Iowa. We must be careful we work to attract business and industry which pay at or above our existing average wages. We do not work to attract lower-wage positions into an already challenging work force-recruiting environment.” In addition to working to attract the attractive wages, partnerships have begun to develop between the industries and the school districts. “I am thrilled we have seen the relationships and partnerships with our schools grow over the past couple of years,” said Dryer. “The school districts in Mitchell County are each working on unique ways to expose their students to the oppor-
tunities we have in Mitchell County.” In the fall of 2015, the MCEDC sponsored a largescale career exposure event. Mitchell County High School students visited large businesses throughout the county and heard from business owners who came back to the county to start their own companies. “We have been working with Iowa Workforce Development to establish apprenticeship programs at a couple of Mitchell County industries,” said Dryer. “The school districts have identified the need not only to expose students to employment opportunities but the need to get parents involved, as well.” Osage Schools Superintendent Barb Schwamann said, “We are working closely with Valent BioSciences, RR Donnelly and Fox River Mills on Stem Best Grant and the project-based learning initiatives. We are also working to help fill employment needs in county by offering a welding class through NIACC, bringing back a CNA class and promoting what the employment needs are in the county. “Also, ‘In Works’ is a classroom-business partnership where every teacher will have a business partner, which will increase opportunities for working relationships and teaching about Mitchell County jobs and careers, and allowing
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SUBMITTED PHOTO
Grain Millers Inc., St. Ansgar. our businesses to see our classrooms and schools.” Dryer concluded by saying, “Most projects take time to develop, but after years in the business, I know good
projects always start with strong relationships, many which are developed over time. “The MCEDC’s motto is ‘Your Partners Making
Projects Happen.’ We take this motto very seriously, believing we have been an effective facilitator and catalyst to the overall economic growth in Mitchell County.”
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SPRING 2016 | 5
NORTH IOWA MEDIA GROUP | MITCHELL COUNTY PROGRESS
Mitchell County work force trends: 2004-14
Industrial make-up: The top three areas of industry in Mitchell County can be found in manufacturing, health care and wholesale and retail trades.
MCEDC/IOWA WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Employment Status: Mitchell County boasts a fairly low unemployment rate and a high rate of retirees in the past 10 years.
Median salaries (per year): Mitchell County salaries have continued to increase steadily in direct relation to the increase in median wages. This data, outlining work force trends for Mitchell County, was compiled by Mitchell County Economic Development and Iowa Workforce Development.
Median Wages (per hour): Mitchell County wages have continued to increase steadily, regardless of changes to current employment.
Current benefits: 10 years ago, paid vacation time was a major benefit in Mitchell County. Over the past years, health/medical insurance became the biggest interest in benefits.
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mitchell county progress | North iowa Media Group
Homes in high demand Mix of buyers, sellers results in low inventory of Mitchell County homes MOLLY MONTAG molly.montag@globegazette.com
OSAGE — Ryan and Melissa Hocken knew they were home as soon as they walked into a character-filled house near downtown Osage last year. The light. The location. It was just right. “We only looked at two,” Melissa Hocken said, laughing. “We were easy to sell to.” Although they may have selected a home faster than most, the Hockens were not alone in buying their first homes in Mitchell County in 2015. Real estate agents say the county housing market was a lively mix of first-time home buyers, families moving back into town and residents who sold their existing homes to buy bigger homes. “Everything was selling. Everything from acreages to two stories, newer houses to older houses,” said real estate agent Lisa Pollard, of Main Street Realty in Osage. “Actually, our inventory is pretty low right now, because we sold so many properties last year that we’re needing some new listings for this year.” Pollard, who sold the Hockens their home, said people seemed to be attracted to Mitchell County for a variety of reasons. It wasn’t just one employer or lifestyle drawing people in. Mitchell County’s population has remained steady in recent years, with 10,779 residents in 2014, the most recent Census numbers available. That’s three more residents than in 2010. Three people isn’t many, but the state of Iowa lost 60,000 residents during that same period. Other North Iowa counties also lost population as well. “We just have a good draw here in the area, a good school system,” Pollard said. “There’s just a lot to offer here in this area for families and individuals.” Melissa Hocken grew up in
ARIAN SCHUESSLER, The Globe Gazette
Ryan and Melissa Hocken and daughter Aubrey, 4, are pictured in the living room of a home they bought in Osage last year. Experts say many firsttime homebuyers, such as the Hockens, were buying in Mitchell County last year. Osage. She moved back to take a job as a counselor at Riceville Community Schools. Originally from the Waterloo area, Ryan Hocken now operates his own construction business in Osage. A portion of that business is renovating homes. It’s kept him busy. In fact, he’s renovating the home of Georgia and Gary Knudsen, the sellers of his current home. Gary Knudsen was Melissa Hocken’s high school guidance counselor. “After we bought their house (and) shortly after I started remodeling their new place, so I got to know them pretty well and spend a lot of time with them,” Ryan said. “So that worked out pretty neat. We bought a house from them, and I started working on theirs and got a pretty good friendship.” In addition to renovating, people also built new after selling a Mitchell County home. “(Selling) allows those folks to go out and custom build new,” said Kevin Kolbet, of Kolbet Realtors in Osage. “We see that going
on around the county, which is a really healthy sign.” In addition, Osage has the distinction of quite a bit of fill-in building, he said. Rather than only building in new areas, people are clearing existing lots and building homes in established neighborhoods. Those lots are attractive because water, sewer and other infrastructure is already in place, Kolbet said. “If you put a new home where the older home was, it has a way of reinvigorating the whole neighborhood,” he said. Employment opportunities at the schools and local businesses played a key factor in drawing people back to Mitchell County. However, Pollard and fellow Osage realtor Kevin Kolbet say it isn’t one particular business that’s drawing people to the county. “We have some really nice employment opportunities that have allowed new people to come into Osage, and people that are already here in Osage might be moving up in the market in housing,” Kolbet
Acreages in high demand fuel is low, it’s a non-issue.”
Looking for a good acreage in Mitchell County? You’re not alone.
Real estate agent Lisa Pollard, of Main Realty, expects even more acreages to sell as the weather continues to get warmer.
“Last year we had an absolute run on acreages,” said Kevin Kolbet, of Kolbet Realtors in Osage. He chalked it up to low interest rates and low fuel prices. When the price of gas goes down, driving to town for milk or to pick the kids up from sports practice isn’t as cost-prohibitive. “If the price of fuel is high, then you might second-guess living a little bit further out,” he said. “If the price of said. “That frees up their homes for new people coming in or firsttime homebuyers.” Inventory is down a little bit but there are good choices across the county, although acreages continue to be in particularly high demand, he said. Kevin sees an underserved portion of the market in town homes. Demand is high, and there aren’t many available options for people looking to downsize and stay
“It seems like there was quite a demand for it last year and we sold several of them,” she said. “We don’t have many listed right now, but I think with the springtime, the early springtime weather, I think they’ll sell soon, the ones that we have left.” —Molly Montag
in the county, he said. “The ones that we have had been really popular, but right now I would say the choices there would be slim to none—not just in Osage, but across the county,” he said. Pollard thinks the future is bright in 2016. “I think we’ll see a lot of what happened last year again this year,” she said. “I think it’ll be pretty close to the same.”
Shopping • Dinning • Nature • Events • Recreation
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June 10
To Be Announced Band:
June 24
5:30-10p.m
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HWY 9 Band:
July 8
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July 22 August 12
Kids Night
Please consider being a sponsor for an Osage Friday Night Out! Contact the Chamber for details!
Summer TreaSure FeST (Junk FeST) June 4th 9am-4pm Main Street
FarmerS markeT 114 S. 7th Street 8am-Noon • June 4th • July 2nd • August 6th
indePendenCe day 4th OF July Parade Parade Begins at 10am
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July 16th
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808 Main Street • Osage, lowa 50461 641-732-3163 00 1
SPRING 2016 | 7
NORTH IOWA MEDIA GROUP | MITCHELL COUNTY PROGRESS
Mitchell County Your Partner Making Progress Happen EDUCATION
Mitchell County is home to 3 progressive public school districts. Osage Community School District, St. Ansgar Community School District and Riceville Community School District compiling a total student population of 1,900 students with over a 93% graduation rate. Each district is known for it’s quality education program and expansive list of extracurricular activities including sports, arts, sciences, etc. These schools work together to help build a better future for Mitchell County! Early Childhood education begins with 4 community based daycares spread across the county, as well as early childhood preschool programs in each district. COME JOIN US and you will experience the difference our education programs entail!
GREAT JOBS AVAILABLE Our employers are HIRING! Our current unemployment is at a 10 year low of 2.5%. We have great jobs available at all skill levels including professional opportunities and entry level positions with TWO 2-year tech training colleges just across the Mitchell County Boarder. Weare areproud proudtotosay saywe wehave havegreat greatemployers employersthroughout throughoutthe thecounty! county! Border. We For a list of available positions available in Mitchell County visit our website at www..mitchellcountyia.com. For recent listings Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter! COME JOIN US and see why Mitchell County is a great place to work and conduct business. MITCHELL COUNTY JOBS @MITCHELLCTYJOBS
HEALTHCARE
In March 2015, Mitchell County was named THE Healthiest county in Iowa (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation & University of Wisconsin). This is in part due to our continuum of care available right here! The Mitchell County Regional Health Center, a critical access hospital and clinic, is located at the heart of Mitchell County and includes the two satellite clinic locations in Riceville & St. Ansgar. We have options for home health care, including Mitchell County Home Health Care & Public Health, and our numerous long term care options located throughout Mitchell County. For more information on Mitchell County HHC&PH visit their website at www.mchhcph.com. COME JOIN US to find out for yourself why Mitchell County is the healthiest in the state!
RECREATION
Mitchell County offers some of the best indoor & outdoor recreation available anywhere in Iowa. We definitely have something for everyone! Golf on one of our three 9 or 18-hole golf courses; swim at one of our zero-entry swimming pools available both outdoors at the St. Ansgar Aquatic Center or indoors at the Cedar River Complex. The CRC is also home to an indoor track, sport courts, gym, auditorium, museum and event center. If you enjoy the outdoors, we are home to the westernmost trout streams in Iowa, beautiful river bluff & rich woodlands, wetlands & prairie. We have over 25 miles of trails for hiking and biking and numerous horseback riding trails along the Cedar River. While you are here, enjoy camping in one of our 7 campgrounds or rent one of the cabins, all managed by the Mitchell County Conservation Board. Like them on Facebook at Mitchell County Conservation Board to learn more about these fun activities and to attend upcoming events! We hope you COME JOIN US to experience the abundant recreation opportunities in Mitchell County!
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Mitchell County is home to affordable housing and cost of living. The Median house value for Mitchell County is $105,300 while the Iowa Median is above $126,000. Cost of Living in Mitchell County is 13.5% LESS than the US Average! With our vibrant housing market, quaint and safe neighborhoods it’s a great place to Buy or Build a new home. Building a new home in Mitchell County may be more affordable than you think, with in-fill lot incentives and a home buyer assistance program, you may qualify for additional assistance (subject to income guidelines and other criteria). COME JOIN US and see for yourself why Mitchell County is a great place to live and raise a family!
Come Join Us...
Mitchell County Economic Development Commission 212 S. 5th Street | PO Box 306 | Osage, IA 50461 641.732.4790 | mcedc@osage.net www.mitchellcountyia.com
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8 | spring 2016
mitchell county progress | North iowa Media Group
ARIAN SCHUESSLER, The Globe Gazette
Beth Blumberg, director of the Cedar River Complex in Osage, stands in the indoor aquatic center portion of the complex. She said she believes the complex, which opened in 2010 and also includes a gym and exercise equipment, is one of the factors leading to Mitchell County’s high placing on the county health rankings list.
Focus of activity Cedar River Center nears $0 balance, offers range of events COURTNEY FIORINI courtney.fiorini@globegazette.com
The Cedar River Center complex is almost paid off. “We owe, at the end of the year, $233,000,” Director Beth Blumberg said. “And we have $675,000 in pledges yet to come in, so that will help pay it off.” The CRC project cost $18.5 million, and six years later, the balance will be paid off. According to Blumberg, no tax dollars were used to build the facility, just fundraising and grants. “There’s a lot of naysayers who didn’t think it would happen or they though that tax money was going to have to come in and save it,” Blumberg said. Blumberg thinks the center is thriving, with more
than 2,000 members from 28 different zip codes. “What a vital part of Mitchell County this has become,” Blumberg said. “It’s pretty impressive that they come from that far.” Six entities own the complex: the City of Osage, Mitchell County Agriculture Society, Mitchell County Historical Society, Osage Municipal Utilities, the school board and education foundation. The Cedar River Center is comprised of the Wellness Center, Aquatic Center, Mitchell County Historical Museum, Krapek Family Fine Arts Center, and the Event Center. The Wellness Center features racquetball court, classroom, fitness floor and sports court. The 11,000-square-foot sports court on the first floor has everything from basketball hoops to pickle ball courts. Above the court on the fitness floor, there’s an elevated track for walking, jogging or running.
Established in 1892
The CRC Fitness Floor has multiple workout machines including treadmills, bikes, and circuit training machines among others with benches, dumbbells and more. The Indoor Aquatic Center can be used by swimmers of all ages and those just looking to have fun. A 100-foot “lazy river” can be used for relaxation or fitness training. The three-lane lap pool reaches a depth of 12.6 feet, while the kiddie pool features a zero depth entry, sprinklers and a slide. The Mitchell County Historical Museum is on the first floor, operated by the Historical Society, and houses more than 10,000
items. The Krapek Family Fine Arts Center auditorium seats 600 guests. “The school uses the auditorium for all their concerts and plays,” Blumberg said. The Events Center and the Mitchell County Fairgrounds can be used for weddings, anniversaries, farms shows and more. “We do a lot of weddings; this year we have 28 weddings scheduled,” Blumberg said. The CRC schedules multiple programs, classes and events every day. “Most of the space in the CRC can be rented,” Blumberg said. “It’s really a community hub.”
ARIAN SCHUESSLER, The Globe Gazette
The Cedar River Complex in Osage is co-owned by the city of Osage, Mitchell County Agriculture Society, Mitchell County Historical Society, Osage Municipal Utilities, the school board and education foundation.
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Established in 1874
900 Heritage Dr. Osage, IA 50461 641-732-5811 rrd.com
Farmers Mutual Insurance Assn. 708 Chase St. Osage, IA 50461 641-732-3778
Established in 1899
Established in 1930 1740 Hwy 18 West Clear Lake, IA 50428
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Established in 1933 2010 357th St. Osage, IA 50461 641-732-4258
Established in 1945 216 Mechanic St. Osage, IA 50461 641-732-3768
PO Box 150, 628 Main Street Osage, Iowa 50461-0150 641-732-3763
Established in 1936
808 Main Street Osage, IA 50461 641-732-3163
Established in 1946
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Established in 1952 Roy’s Body Shop, Inc.
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Established in 1939 Craig E. EisEnman 1429 Main St. Osage, IA 50461 732-5313
Under Present Management Since 1999
Established in 1946
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608 Main St. Osage, IA 50461 641-732-5823
Established in 1957
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616 N. 8th Street, Osage, IA 50461 641-732-6000 641-732-6100 www.mcrhc.com www.mcrhc.com
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35223 Lancer Ave. Osage, IA 50461 641-732-4004
Established in 1963
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Tony’s Body Shop 524 Main St. Osage, IA 50461 641-732-3540
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FAITH LUTHERAN HOME CAMPUS 914 Davidson Dr. Osage, IA 50461 641-732-5511
OSAGEVETERINARY CLINIC,P.C. 1602 Main Street Osage, IA 50461 641-732-3671
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3787 Red Ball Rd. Osage, IA 50461 641-732-5044 00 1
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NORTH IOWA MEDIA GROUP | MITCHELL COUNTY PROGRESS
Main Street movie magic Watts Theatre maintains charm while meeting film demands COURTNEY FIORINI courtney.fiorini@globegazette.com
The Watts Theatre is a recognizable feature on Osage’s Main Street. The neon lights with the chrome, pink and teal facade stick out among the more subdued buildings on the street. “A lot of people will come in and say, ‘Gosh, I haven’t been here since I was a kid and not a lot has changed,’” owner Tracy Walk said. The Watts Theatre first opened in 1950, owned by Jim Watts and his family. At the time, the theater could seat 580 movie-goers and the building featured an apartment upstairs where the Watts family lived, according to Walk. The apartment features a viewing room that looks out into the theater. Walk said the apartment is a great place to stay when it snows because then she and her husband, Mark, can both still get to work. “We live in the country, but this place has everything we need, too,” Walk said. Over the years, the theater had been closed, repaired and remodeled. According to Walk, Paul and Gloria Bunge purchased and restored the building to its 1950s charm in the 1990s. “They put brand new seating in, updated the projection equipment and sound system,” Walk said. Mark and Tracy purchased the theater from Robert Williams and his children in 2006. “Mark has always wanted to buy it, and he loves movies,” Walk said. “He didn’t want to see it close; he wanted the town to still have something.”
ARIAN SCHUESSLER, THE GLOBE GAZETTE
The historic Watts Theatre is shown in Osage’s Main Street. The movie theater hosts one screening each night at 7 on its one digital screen. The one-screen theater has one showing per night at 7. “There are not very many one-screen theaters left,” Walk said. “Most of them are multiplexes.” The theater has a booking agent to schedule films and work with Hollywood to bring the most popular films as soon as possible. “We have had some national openings, especially with kids movies,” Walk said. “We don’t do very many R-rated movies because we find that we don’t get very many people
The theater is now digital and featured upgraded Dolby sound. “We get a lot of people coming from out of town, and they really like it because it’s different, it doesn’t look modern,”
Established in 1977 Terry & Cory Scharper Osage, IA 50461 641-732-3630
Walk said. “It has modern sound and picture. The theater itself is more retro.” For children in local schools who meet their reading goals, the teachers choose a film and the
students go on a field trip to the theater as a reward, one of a few events that the theater hosts. “Out-of-town schools are now contacting us to do the same thing for their schools,” Walk said.
Established in 1977
535 Main St. Osage, IA 50461 641-732-5208
Established in 1977
Established in 1979
Established in 1982
1429 EAST MAIN PO BOX 245 OSAGE, IA 50461 • 641-732-3337
1520 Main St. Osage, IA 50461 641-732-4261
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Established in 1982
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Adams Painting & Drywall 1635 370th St Osage, IA 50461 641-732-4770
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HOME TOWN CONNECTIONS 725 Main St. Osage, IA 50461 641-732-3466
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coming to them in a small town.” If an R-rated movie is popular, they will show it. Recently the theater showed “Deadpool,” “Revenant” and “London Has Fallen.”
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ou” ing Y
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Established in 1989 PO Box 399 605 Grain Millers Drive St.Ansgar, IA 50472 641-713-4801 www.grainmillers.com
Established in 2002
139 W. Main St. Osage, IA 50461 641-732-4665
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533 Main St. Osage, IA 50461 641-732-5546
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10 | SPRING 2016
MITCHELL COUNTY PROGRESS | NORTH IOWA MEDIA GROUP
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NORTH IOWA MEDIA GROUP | MITCHELL COUNTY PROGRESS
CHRYSTAL BERCHE PHOTOS, FOR THE PRESS-NEWS
The sun sets behind a few of the many wind turbines located across the Mitchell County countryside.
Several Amish and Mennonite farmsteads in Mitchell County offer fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers and baked goods to visitors.
Four seasons of fun No matter the time of year, Mitchell County offers easy-to-find outings CHRYSTAL BERCHE For The Press-News
Plan a day trip through Mitchell County; it doesn’t matter what time of year, there’s always something to see and do. Before you leave, pack a picnic basket, and maybe a fishing pole and some night-crawlers. Turn the music on and roll down the windows, and don’t forget there is far more to see than what can be found on the blacktop roads. Bird and flower enthusiasts should bring their handbooks, and a camera is a must. Pick a starting point, and keep a close eye out for horses, buggies and bikes.
Spring
In the spring, the prairies are in bloom, the wetlands are teeming with new life, and all over Mitchell County garage and rummage sales are starting. Cruise from one corner of the county to the other and to visit the swap meets and greenhouses, many of which will lead you down winding gravel roads and a surprise or two. In Toeterville, the little sign leading onto Main Street declares it to be the place “where friendships
grow.” Drive north past the sign to find the Atlanta Sampson Museum at the end of the street, and view her paintings and learn about her life. History has always been a vital part of Mitchell County, and history buffs can plan an entire trip around visiting the tiny heritage museums and historical societies. Many old buildings still stand, with their histories preserved in coffee shops and libraries. As you wind your way from town to town, follow the brown forestry service signs to the state parks and public access areas. The banks of the Little Cedar are a popular afternoon spot.
Summer
Festivals are common in Mitchell County during the summer, and a trip through any one of the towns might lead you to new activities, demonstrations and food. From black smith work to weaving, leather work to homemade soap displays, Mitchell County festivals are as much about education and participation as they are about displaying goods and wares. In the evening, drive to one of the many parks and enjoy a barbecue by the river at one of the many fire pits and grills. Watch a sunset from the riverbank and fish. Walk or bike along the many miles of trails and see the blue herons circling above the treetops and the deer nibbling grass in the fields.
Fall
Fall in Mitchell County is one of the most beautiful times of year with the vibrant foliage and the harvest in full swing. The farm stands are full of fresh fruits and vegetables, and a trip up to the winery just outside St. Ansgar will net you the perfect bottle to complement your luncheon spread. Otranto Park, located north, is located along the river. While you’re there, read about the history of Old Otranto and the dam that once spanned the river. Now a community center, the beautiful old church on the corner is one of the oldest in the county, and right across from it, the vine-covered schoolhouse still stands.
The Cedar Valley Memories Power Show is a summer weekend event which includes demonstrations of some of the largest steam engine farming equipment in the world. It is located at Cedar Valley Memories adjacent to the Milton R. Owen Nature Center, west of Osage.
Winter
A winter road trip through Mitchell County is truly a spectacular thing to behold. From the early morning, fogs cling to the roads and fields before slowly lifting to reveal frost-covered trees. Wind your way through Riceville at just the right time to enjoy the Christmas Tea at the Trailhead hosted by the Wapsi-Great Western Line Trail. In Osage, visitors can catch a horse-drawn carriage ride and see Santa on Main Street. St. Ansgar hosts Christmas carolers, a Santa’s workshop and a recipe walk. The dam located at Mitchell is shown in this undated photo. Adjacent to Sledding, hunting and ice fishing the dam is Interstate Park, one of the many tranquil camping locations in Mitchell County. are also widely available.
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MITCHELL COUNTY PROGRESS | NORTH IOWA MEDIA GROUP
Hand off the management Mitchell County farmers pass the baton in operations
Market trends
STEVEN THOMPSON For The Press-News
Agriculture depends more on the strength of farm families than on current economics. If farm families solely considered economic gain, many would have abandoned the noble profession long ago. The strength of Mitchell County agriculture is strongly tied to the generational baton-passing of farm operations.
Grain plan
Dean and Cindy Sponheim, who live in southwestern Mitchell County, have incorporated their son, Josh, into their grain operation. Their crop o p e ra t i o n is suppleDean mented by Sponheim a Pioneer Seed dealership, custom strip tilling and a cover crop enterprise. Dean began farming in 1978, and today he and Josh use an innovative strip crop process where they alternate eight rows of corn with eight rows of soybeans. The Sponheims have used the process for six years, and report it can boost corn yields 15 percent, with an offsetting 1 percent decline in soybean yields. “This type of strip-cropping provides more sunlight for corn plants,” Dean said. “It works great and really bumps up yields.” Sponheim’s strip tilling begins in the fall when the tillage machine chops debris, injects fertilizer into the soil, and leaves a 4-inch brim, where the seeds are then planted the following spring. Dean said profits over conventional corn plots can reach $125 per acre. “Our soil is getting healthier, too,” he said. “Other methods of tillage interrupt earthworm channels, destroy soil structure and leave soils more susceptible to water and wind erosion.”
Feed to save
Scott Niess, who serves as a director on the Iowa Beef Industry Council, feeds several hundred cattle each year. He starts feeders weighing about 650 pounds, which are Niess then marketed at 1,400 pounds. The cattle are fed a blended ration of earlage, high-moisture corn, distiller grain from a nearby ethanol plant, and some hay. Niess, of Osage, emphasized a good balance of minerals and vitamins is also necessary for today’s larger-framed cattle. “Ethanol feed by-products help to cheapen the cattle rations,” he said. Because animals need
JIM CROSS PHOTOS, PRESS-NEWS
Ross and Myron Kuper operate a custom-hog feeding operation north Osage.
Scott Niess, who serves as a director on the Iowa Beef Industry Council, feeds several hundred cattle each year. varying amounts of energy in their rations as they mature, Niess has hired a Cargill nutritionist who helps balance cattle rations. “We are doing a better job of tracking and managing our cattle,” he said. Niess said the recent plunge in cattle prices was due to increased cost of beef in the store, a stronger dollar, more imported beef and cattle being marketed at higher weights. “The price of beef has come down somewhat in stores, which will increase demand”, he said. “I believe Mitchell County has some of the most positive and aggressive feeders in the state of Iowa,” said Niess. “They are updating their facilities, and learning more about the industry. I think the biggest advantage in Mitchell County is father-son operations.”
Changing operation
Myron Kuper and his son Ross formed a custom-hog feeding operation north of Osage in 2005. Pigs arrive at Kupers’ farm weighting 10 pounds and are placed in heated hog houses. The piglets are fed pellets for the first two weeks and are then placed on a ground
feed ration. The hogs are finished out at 300 pounds. “We provide our own buildings, the Myron Kuper labor, move the manure, and are paid a rental rate for doing it,” said Ross. Adding the manure to the KuRoss Kuper pers’ farm ground can be beneficial when fertilizer costs are high, but when nitrogen costs are lowered, the investment in handling the animal waste swallows profits. Along with handling the waste, the Kupers must also file waste management plans to meet environmental regulations. The current trend in hog production throughout the county has slowly been transforming from the traditional farrow to finish operation to custom feeding. “Concentrating farrowing on one site and finishing on another site cuts down on diseases. The advantage is you are part of a special-
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ized operation,” said Myron. “Everything is more streamlined and more efficient,” added Ross.
All in the dairy family
“We start milking at 4:30 in the morning,” said Shawn Sonberg as he continued to tend to his milking units. Shawn and his wife Becky, and Aaron Gerdts, a junior at St. Ansgar High School,
were busy milking the 100-plus cow herd in their 16-stall milking parlor. The Son- Jim Sonberg bergs, a second-generation dairy operation, was initially started by S h a w n ’s parents, Jim and Donna. Shawn Jim had Sonberg lived on a dairy farm until he was 9 years old. After moving to town, he realized he wanted to someday return to the farm, “because I missed it,” said Jim. After graduating high school, marrying and working as a farm hand, the Sonbergs began building a dairy herd. Their son Shawn, who had helped since age 8, grew into the dairy partnership. Today, the Sonberg operation is a family enterprise. Shawn and wife Becky milk mornings, and Shawn and his mother Donna milk afternoons. Ron takes care
Though commodity markets have slipped, Mitchell County farmers are enduring the economic setbacks through hard work and ingenuity. Ann Johanns, an Iowa State extension program specialist, said, “Agriculture is a wonderful area to be in long-term, Johanns but now is a time of correcting.” According to Iowa State University Extension Office, Mitchell County’s average soybean yield for 2015 was 60 bushels per acre and average corn yield was 202 bushels per acre. Those yields were second-best among 11 North Iowa counties in the North Central District. Mitchell County’s average soybean yield has risen seven bushels per acre over the past 10 years, and corn yields have increased 31 bushels over the same period. Oat yields for 2014 came in at 87.1 bushels per acre. The January 2015, USDA National Agriculture Statistics Service report indicates Mitchell County’s collective beef cow herd stood at 6,200 head, and dairy cows numbered 2,500 head. The total cattle numbers in the county reached 63,000 head, which more than doubles surrounding counties’ numbers. —Steven Thompson
of the feeding and other parts of the operation. The families alternate Sunday chores, so everyone can have some down time. The Sonbergs’ heifers are calved at 2. The cows are milked 10 months out of the year. The herd is fed an unconventional blended ration of high-moisture silage, cracked high-moisture corn, cotton seed meal and roasted soybeans. The cows are artificially inseminated so the operation can maintain a closed herd. This also restricts diseases and provides a greater selection of sires. Shawn said the dairy operation, “Keeps me busy and out of trouble.” “We have a different lifestyle, but I don’t let that bother me, because I get to see the grandchildren every day,” said Jim.
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North iowa Media Group | mitchell county progress
SUBMITTED PHOTOs
Juliet (Govern) O’Keefe (in the tea cup) in a high school production of “Alice in Wonderland.”
Juliet (Govern) and Tommy O’Keefe with their two young daughters.
‘Lucky to grow up here’
Mitchell County natives find their way home as adults JIM CROSS jim.cross@globegazette.com
There is something to be said about being from Mitchell County. For some, it means growing up and moving to another part of the county, another part of Iowa or another part of the world. H o w ever, there is a large number of Mitchell County residents who spend a short time Steinberg away but return to live here because they find Derek and Jessica Balsley and their 4-year-old daughter, Nora. Mitchell County a place to come home. ball fans may remember seeing Jackson on the To serve the football helping the Saints win a state championship. community While at St. Ansgar, he also From an early age, Jack- participated in many other son Steinberg, 22, knew academic and extra-curhe wanted to be a police ricular activities. officer. However, he never Jackson said he believed expected he would find he was well prepared for his life-long career goal college, thanks to all of his met right here in Mitchell high school experiences. County. He went on to play football “Although most of my for Morningside College as family has careers in the their center. medical field, I knew I “After moving away wanted to serve and protect from the community, I those in need,” he said. “I came to realize how lucky I loved the ‘thrill’ of the job, was to grow up in Mitchell and my parents supported County,” he said. “We have the idea, even though they great schools, communities know it can be dangerous.” and support in everything Jackson was recently we do. Another big factor, hired as the newest dep- for myself, was all of my uty sheriff for the Mitchell family stayed around the County Sheriff’s Depart- community and county.” ment. Jackson said, even though The son of Dave and he has only been gone from Elaine Steinberg, he is a Mitchell County for a short 2012 graduate of St. Ans- time, he has noticed some gar High School and 2015 positive changes. “The county and St. AnGraduate of Morningside College. sgar are growing,” he said. During his time at St. “We have opportunities for Jessica (Schwab) Balsley and Derek Balsley during a musical Ansgar High School, foot- young people, like myself, production at Osage Community Schools.
to come back and have good jobs. Our economic development is attractive to people looking for a great and safe place to live and raise a family. “As a young person, with a degree, it is eye-opening to the quality of job which our county has to offer. Not only with jobs but the support you have when coming back to the community is phenomenal. I’m happy and excited for the future living in such a great place.” Jackson concluded by saying, “Living in a small town, people are always waving when you meet them on the street or stop to talk to you when you see
each other out in the community. There is something about the feel of a small town.”
To raise a family
Derek and Jessica (Schwab) Balsley, ages 31 and 32, moved back to Osage and Mitchell County in 2012 to raise a family, after spending five years living and working in the Ankeny area. The couple has a 4-year-old daughter, Nora. The couple are the founders of The Art of Education, an online global business supporting the world of art education. Please see Natives, Page C15
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14 | SPRING 2016
MITCHELL COUNTY PROGRESS | NORTH IOWA MEDIA GROUP
Dual approach to
EDUCATION Schools plan new buildings, train to attract future students MEREDITH COLIAS meredith.colias@globegazette.com
In Mitchell County, as schools look forward to their future, both Osage and St. Ansgar are in different stages of major construction projects for school buildings. Both hope each will be an attractive draw for future students, as the majority of area districts continue to struggle with a gradual decades-old declining enrollment trend. As the county also grapples with a skilled labor shortage, Osage has begun to offer a dual-credit welding class through NIACC at its high school. Since it began in January, about a dozen students – both adults and high school students – are learning basic techniques such as stick welding and pig welding. The need to prepare a skilled work force, or offer a viable career option to folks that may not want to attend college was a priority, said Superintendent Barb Schwamman.
Larry Grein, an Osage industrial arts teacher, is currently taking the class, with plans to eventually teach it. “The intent here is to kind of make it more accessible to people in the area that can get access to welding equipment,” he said. “Even if they don’t get into welding, it gives them a skill that they can do with confidence.” Osage is also looking at major renovations to Lincoln Elementary and its middle school and high school buildings. The plans presented for Lincoln Elementary include the addition of a new full-size gymnasium, an addition of two preschool rooms, which would also serve as the building’s tornado-safe room and the remodeling of the current gymnasium into a larger music classroom. Other remodeling would take place in the administrative office area. At the middle school and high school building, a major focus will be more space for middle school students at the west end of the building and high school students and the east end, with shared space in the middle. Major additions and renovations could include a second competitive gymnasium, music
ARIAN SCHUESSLER, THE GLOBE GAZETTE
In 2015, St. Ansgar voters approved the sale of $14.16 million in general obligation bonds for a new addition, a new high school gymnasium, parking space and football field.
ARIAN SCHUESSLER, THE GLOBE GAZETTE
Next fall, St. Ansgar elementary students will move into a new addition currently under construction at the middle school and high school building. suite, new office space including new secure entrances to the building, new cafeteria/kitchen space and along with reconfigured driveways and parking. Architects told a committee considering options in February that preliminary costs could total as much as $18.5 million for the entire project. An additional $2 million will be needed to upgrade heating and cooling systems in the district’s buildings. The project could be funded through a combination of cash/ grants, local options sales tax funds, Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (or PPEL) funds and general obligation school bonds. The plans are in preliminary stages and would require school board approval. Next fall, St. Ansgar elementary students will move into a new addition currently under construction at the middle school and high school building. In 2015, voters approved the sale of $14.16 million in general obligation bonds for the addition, a new high school gymnasium, parking space and football field. The new addition, attached to its middle school, will house pre-kindergarten through fifth grade and would replace the current 1928 elementary building. Superintendent Jody Gray said
Nonprofit helps Riceville schools with extra funds RICEVILLE — In Riceville, a nonprofit has emerged in recent years to help its schools fill funding gaps. Four years ago, when the district was looking at a budget deficit, an alumni club began looking at the possibility of raising funds for the school. That organization was eventually established as a nonprofit called Riceville First. “As a foundation, we were asked to be the middle man to raise funds and secure them under a tax-free situation,” said organizer Kevin Byrnes. The organization has raised just over $600,000 in four years through various fundraisers, auctions and donations, Byrnes said. Money can be used to shore the district’s general fund. Byrnes said. It has also been used annually to award classroom grants, purchase classroom supplies, math and science curriculum, and to cover the cost of an athletic scoreboard, said Riceville principal Cory Schumann. “To have that ability to turn to them and say, ‘Can you help us out at this time,’ is really reassuring,” rather than looking at staff cuts, Schumann said. With enrollment at Riceville currently about 320 students, Byrnes said the driving force behind his organization’s creation was the desire to help prevent the school system from dissolving or consolidating in the future. Riceville’s population is 500, evenly split between Mitchell and Howard counties. “As the town goes, the school goes, that’s a fact,” he said. “If the school were to dissolve, all of the kids in the same town probably wouldn’t go to the same school, and you would divide the community.” — Meredith Colias
the new building would provide more instruction space, particularly for younger grades and she expects the more compact design would help save on long-term utility costs.
“It’s nice to have things all in one place,” she said. Bonds would be repaid from a mix of proceeds from the 1-cent sales tax for schools and property taxes.
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SPRING 2016 | 15
NORTH IOWA MEDIA GROUP | MITCHELL COUNTY PROGRESS
Mitchell County: A healthy place to grow CHRYSTAL BERCHE For The Press-News
The growth and well-being of a society has a direct impact on the quality of life of those who live within it, and what are communities but small societies? Mitchell County has long been a place filled with strong social and community ties, a love of life and fellowship that extends down every winding country road. From the days of barn dances and cards played around the pot-bellied stoves of smalltown general stores, the people of Mitchell County have not only worked hard, but lived life to the fullest. Activity is the spice of life and with something for all ages, the people of Mitchell County have a long enjoyed a wonderfully high quality of living. From the birth of a new baby, mothers have gathered to socialize with one another, discussing the challenges and joys of raising new lives, but these gatherings aren’t just for the adults, they are the start of something wondrous and new for the little ones who learn to crawl, creep and talk together. In towns all over the county, librarians host toddler reading programs, magician shows, small animal presentations, puppet shows, pirate plays and princess teas, inviting parents and children to come together for activities, stories, and little snacks. Their summer reading programs get the youngest members of the community interested in reading early, and the warm, welcoming environments formed in the public libraries are colorfully bright and appealing. Clover Kids, Brownies and Cub Scout groups begin teaching the foundations of teamwork, while allowing chil-
Natives From C13
“I always knew we would eventually want to move back to Osage to be closer to our families,” said Jessica. “We waited for the right time. We wanted our kids to attend the same school we did. We wanted our kids to be able to stop over to their grandparents’ houses on any given evening and steal a cookie out of the cookie jar.” The two were high school sweethearts; Derek graduated in 2001 and Jessica in 2003. “Because we were able to dabble in a variety of different types of activities growing up, it made us very well-rounded people,” said Jessica. “The leadership skills learned from exposure to so many different activities has translated to many different parts of our lives.” After graduation, they each found their way to Luther College and eventually marriage in 2007. Before moving back, Derek was a marketing communications and brand manager with Kreg Tool Company and Jessica was an art teacher with the Ankeny Community Schools. “When you leave and come back, there are definitely some adjustments,”
CHRYSTAL BERCHE, FOR THE PRESS-NEWS
The Blue Belle Inn Bed and Breakfast in St. Ansgar. The owners host regular murder mystery dinners at the Inn. dren to expand their knowledge of agriculture, crafts and the environment. Along with fuel for the mind, Mitchell County communities sponsor a wide array of activities to nourish the body, too; youth sports are available throughout the county, with schools and day cares providing a wide array of after-school activities as well. There are many other outdoor activities to be enjoyed as well. From geocaching to learning how to tap trees for maple syrup, sledding the rolling hills to learning to identify animal tracks, every season holds something special. A typical day might take a group
said Jessica. “The pace of life is so much slower than the Des Moines area. I remember the first few months, I would constantly check my blind spot for cars when driving. I quickly reminded myself I wasn’t driving on the highway in rush-hour traffic. “Osage has changed quite a bit, but it’s very positive. Main Street is hopping, the Cedar River Complex is now here, and the school system is high quality.” If she had the chance to speak with someone about returning to Mitchell County, Jessica said she would encourage them to return. “The cost of living is low and the quality of life is high,” she said. “I would encourage people to be creative about their jobs and think outside the box. Create what doesn’t exist.”
To live rural in global society In the fall of 2011, Juliet (Govern) O’Keefe, 34, and her husband, Tommy, 34, decided to move their family from the landscape of Germany to Riceville, where Juliet grew up. Having spent seven years of active duty in the U.S. Army, and “while it was fun moving around while we were younger,” said Tommy. “We wanted more
stability in our lives. We both have lots of family and friends between Riceville and the Twin Cities, where I’m from.” The couple and their two young daughters live in Riceville. Juliet has now taken a leave of absence from business consulting. “What started out as a brief leave has turned into an extended one, as I saw my family thrive when given my full attention,” she said. Tommy works in an Information Security Operations Center at the Mayo Clinic Rochester and is also an Army Reservist in the Cyber Command with the rank of major. Juliet said growing up in Riceville was “wholesome and grounding and some say, having grown up in the Riceville has made me ‘authentic,’ as some have told me. “Maybe it’s because in a rural setting: what is the point of being something you’re not? You can’t hide anything. This perspective can be very refreshing in the professional world, and I was more-happy and better rewarded when I stayed true to being a hard-working Iowa girl.” Tommy added, “Choosing to live in rural Iowa can be challenging. Prior to leaving Europe, we were
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of friends from a skate park to a basketball court, up to the top of the slide to spinning on the merry-go-round. They might pause for a brief swim at their town pool before taking a ride up a bike trail, and stopping to throw a football or chase fireflies before heading home for dinner. As a child grows, so grows his or her view of what the community has to offer. For some, it’s more sports, for others it’s farming and agriculture, joining the 4-H council or Future Farmers of America. Mitchell County schools offer kids the chance to take part in choir and band, learn welding or woodworking, expand on a love
of art and music, take part in plays and community service. One only has to look out into the crowd at any community event and see an audience of all ages turned out to lend their support. It is through that same support that youth grow and discover themselves, learn skills and trades, determine if and where they are going to go off to colleges and trade schools, and what goals and aspirations suit them best. It is also the community that is there to welcome them with open arms when they return to join the work force or start businesses of their own. By laying a strong foundation in the early lives of their children, the residents of Mitchell County instill in them how special their community is and what a great place it is to raise a family. When a job force is thriving like it is in Mitchell County, this adds to the quality of life of those who live within its communities. As those newly returned workers grow and form relationships, they are often married in the same churches where they were baptized. They begin to take part in the VFWs and Legion halls, community suppers, teas and breakfast events, in a new capacity. And as their elders begin to slow down, they slowly move to take on more roles in committees and government, doing their part to keep the community going. But for those who are reaching their golden years, there is still a great deal to be involved in. Local senior centers offer a new gathering place, one of cards, coffee, bingo and conversation. The library bookmobile continues spreading the love of reading that was started in their youth by
both recruited for positions which were all located out East or in Florida and Texas. We knew we wanted to be in the Midwest because of family. This took active and aggressive career maneuvers on both our parts. “To this day, we get
bringing the books to them now, and there are still miles and miles of trails for those who love to keep active. Around the county, the tennis courts and golf courses are filled with those enjoying their retirement years. They gather together for book clubs and writing groups, and in the early morning hours fill the local coffee houses and cafes with their stories and laughter. Classic cars or tractors are lovingly restored to pristine condition, quilting circles gather, and mushroom hunters find themselves with a wealth of free time. Retirement in Mitchell County doesn’t mean inactivity, in fact, it often means the chance to do things that have sat on the back burner for too long. Along with strong social ties, emphasis on physical health and well-being has long been stressed in Mitchell County. Adding to the parks and trails are the pools and fitness centers, the community hospital and clinic, local dentist offices, chiropractic services and physical therapy that allow residents to cut down on the amount of time they have to travel for their health needs. In towns that once boasted several general stores, small grocery stores still provide for the town’s needs. Farm stands filled to the bursting with fresh produce and baked goods allow even those without a backyard garden to enjoy the freshness that grows from the county’s soil. In a place where gatherings and festivals mean music, food, laughter and conversation, Mitchell County has been able to maintain an almost timeless feeling of community and fellowship that assures its residents of the highest quality of life.
pulled out of the area to fulfill professional demands. But the goodness that exists in Riceville, will cause us always to have a footprint here.” Juliet concluded with the following thoughts, “Does your grocer allow your toddler to ride her
two-wheel glider through the store while shopping? Mine does. Do your city employees, postmaster, priest know you by your name? Mine do. I can always travel to get my fill of thrill. But small towns offer a centering of the soul at a top-notch value.”
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16 | SPRING 2016
MITCHELL COUNTY PROGRESS | NORTH IOWA MEDIA GROUP
Inspired by Garland and Sampson, Mitchell County arts scene thrives KRISTIN BUEHNER For the Globe Gazette
The county that produced Pulitzer-prize winning author Hamlin Garland and New York Citytrained painter Atlanta Sampson continues to emphasize the arts making possible a high quality of cultural life. “We built the Cedar River Complex that highlights the arts,” said Jeff Kirkpatrick, Osage instrumental music director since 1987. “We have a Mitchell County Fine Arts Council to promote the arts in all Mitchell County school districts. Parents of the Osage school district give lots of support. They want us to do excellent things and support all the things that we do.” Painter Atlanta Sampson, who was born in 1896 and raised on a farm north of Toeterville, never gave up on her dream of having a one-woman show in New York City and achieved it at the age of 91. Her journey to the highest levels of the American art world took a lifetime to achieve, but Sampson demonstrated the heights to which talent, training and perseverance could take her. Mitchell County’s current visual artists work in mediums such as digital photography, oil painting, feather painting, pottery, watercolor painting, pencil drawing, woodcarving, jewelry making and basket weaving. Meredith Macdonald, 72, an accomplished basket weaver, demonstrates and teaches her craft and studies continually. She has learned various styles of basket weaving from instructors throughout the United States using natural materials such as grasses and tree barks. The materials used and style of basket reflect the parts of the world in which it has its roots, said Macdonald, who maintains homes in Osage and Virginia Beach, Virginia. Loren Stene, 68, a woodcarver who divides his time between St.
ARIAN SCHUESSLER, THE GLOBE GAZETTE
The Cedar River Complex Auditorium seats 600 people.
“We’ve had really fine teachers in vocal and instrumental music.” Mary Swenson, retired Osage vocal music director Ansgar and Arizona, specializes in Intarsia art, a form of wood laying in which pieces cut from varying
colors and grains of wood are fitted together to make a picture. In the past four years, he has created 98 pictures of subjects ranging from cowboys and Indians to a reproduction of “The Last Supper.” His artwork is often displayed at fairs and is for sale. The musical arts have also been important and residents pride themselves on quality music programs in the schools. “We’ve had really fine teachers in vocal and instrumental music,” said retired Osage vocal music director Mary Swenson. They have built on a solid foundation in mu-
sic established in the elementary schools, she said. A master works concert is held annually, featuring the joint choirs of the Osage, Riceville and St. Ansgar school districts, Jeff Kirkpatrick said. Recent dedications of the county courthouse and veterans memorial featured all three Mitchell County high school bands. In addition, the Mitchell County Concert Association, formed in the 1980s, has sponsored various local concerts performed by visiting professional musicians,
Swenson said. The Mitchell County Fine Arts Council, Swenson said, sponsors diverse cultural programming for Mitchell County school students: In 2015, painter, sculptor and children’s book author Chad Elliott visited the elementary schools for a participatory learning experience. A Shakespearean theater group, contracted through the National Players Project of Maryland, will visit all three school districts in April presenting workshops for students and performing a modern take on Shakespeare.
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North iowa Media Group | mitchell county progress
spring 2016 | 17
Heritage is the theme of Mitchell County’s museums KRISTIN BUEHNER For the Globe Gazette
The people of Mitchell County have honored their proud heritage through the preservation of numerous displays and structures that bear witness to its history. Most of the county’s historical sites and collections are maintained by the Mitchell County Historical Society. First and foremost is the Mitchell County Historical Society Museum, located in the Cedar River Complex in Osage. Others are:
Cedar Valley Memories Museum 18791 Iowa Highway 9, Osage It houses antique steam engines, antique farm implements and tools. On the grounds is also a schoolhouse and the Chicago-Great Western depot. A steam engine power show is held annually the second weekend in August.
Fort Severson North of Carpenter in rural Newburg Township Built in 1867 of native limestone as a protection against the Indians, it is a two-story blockhouse fitted with two-feet thick walls, portholes through which guns and rifles could be shot and The Mitchell County Historical Society Museum is located in the Cedar River Complex in Osage. larger openings to accommodate St. Ansgar Heritage terville artist Atlanta Sampson. Gatling machine guns. Although and blacksmith shop. never used as a fort, the structure Association and Museum Cedar Valley Seminary later served as a stagecoach stable Union No. 1 School and 126 W. Fourth St., and inn along the stage line from log cabin Sixth and Mechanic Northwood to St. Ansgar. The fort St. Ansgar streets, Osage was abandoned in the 1870s with Mitchell County the coming of the railroad. Built in 1869, the Seminary Established in 1998, the muFairgrounds, Osage seum houses artifacts from St. once served as Osage’s high The one-room schoolhouse, Ansgar history, including a mil- school. Listed on the National Docken cabin last used in 1946-47, was moved itary display, high school class Register of Historic Places, the Southwest of Osage in from Union Township in 1961. pictures and a collection of St. impressive Italianate structure the former community The cabin, built in Mitchell Ansgar Enterprise newspaper was saved from demolition by a grassroots fundraising effort Township in 1854 by Gilbert Gil- articles and obituaries. of Merona bertson, was donated in 1965. within the past year. It is scheduled to be moved in June to a The cabin was built in 1857 by Unionhurst Gallery/ B. Bergsager, but is named for the Walnut Grove School Atlanta Sampson Museum permanent location in Osage. Docken family, who purchased it 3272 Foothill Ave. Plans are for the structure to be 4689 Hickory Ave., in 1858. T. Tiedman and Gunhild restored and to eventually house Also known as Cedar No. 7, the Toeterville cultural displays and to serve as a Docken raised 11 children who venue for conferences and other were born from 1859 to 1886. One school was built at the turn of of their sons, Gabriel, later con- the century on the banks of Rock The museum is a place to see functions. Pulitzer-prize winverted the cabin to a workshop Creek in Meroa. and purchase paintings by Toe- ning author Hamlin Garland,
ARIAN SCHUESSLER, The Globe Gazette
who was raised on a farm northeast of Osage, attended high school at the Cedar Valley Seminary. In 1922, he won the Pulitzer prize for biography for his novel “A Daughter of the Middle Border.”
Stacyville Memory Museum 105 W. Main St., Stacyville The museum contains historical photographs, memorabilia, quilts, area history books, farm and home implements and 95 years worth of Stacyville newspapers. City council minutes dating from 1900 are also preserved.
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18 | spring 2016
mitchell county progress | North iowa Media Group
Options for the elderly Mitchell County residents find the comforts of home when not living at home
Kirchgatter
Shell
STEVEN THOMPSON For The Press-News
When home indepen dence becomes questionable, seniors can find Mitchell County care facilities which will meet their needs. Ila Lincoln became a resident of Apple Valley, located on the south edge of Osage, last fall after some health issues challenged her lifestyle in an upstairs apartment. After a conference with her children, she moved to Apple Valley. “I thought before I came here it would be a drag,” said Lincoln, “But there is something to do here all the time. I like the atmosphere, and everyone is congenial. I’ve got a beautiful flower bed outside my window, and I can’t wait till spring comes.” The Stacyville Community Nursing Home provides 34 beds for skilled and intermediate patients and 18 units for residential care clients, who are able to take care of most of their own
Boynton
STEVEN THOMPSON, For The Press-News
Melba Leidall, Agnes Gilbert, Donna Fredericks and Maxine Andersen enjoying a friendly game of dominoes in the dining room at Faith Lutheran Home Independent Living in Osage. needs. “We qualify for the Veteran’s Choice Program, so veterans can come here for therapy instead of traveling a distance to receive treatment,” said Administrator Sandy Chilson. Over a period of time, 52 percent of Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center patients received
therapy and returned to their former residences. “We like to think of ourselves as more than a nursing home. We want patients to come here and focus on getting back to their own homes,” said Administrator Blair Boynton. Steve Shell, Administrator of the Good Samaritan Home in St. Ansgar, said
one of the features of the facility is providing all private rooms. “We have a pretty good mix of people who need help,” said Shell. Five years ago, 92-yearold Louise Kirchgatter became a long-term resident. “It’s so clean and nice here, and it’s such a pretty place. I like to go play bingo
on Tuesday, and I like to go to social hour,” she said. The Faith Lutheran Home Campus in Osage provides a unique three-phase facility which offers independent living, assisted living, and skilled- and long-term care for its 99 residents. Clients have the option to move from one facility to another as needs arise.
Lincoln
Residents from all three facilities can receive therapy and join in all campus activities. Melba Leidall and her late husband Francis became residents of Evergreen Independent Living facility four-and-a-half years ago. When her husband was in the long-term care unit, Melba traveled back and forth from her apartment to visit him. Later Melba needed to be in the skilledcare unit; after her recovery, she then returned to her own apartment. “I have been a caregiver,” said Melba, “Now, I love to have someone do my cooking and cleaning and take care of me.”
Make the most of home setting Mitchell County groups offer service to keep elderly in home longer STEVEN THOMPSON For The Press-News
The 2010 Census of Mitchell County proves residents of Mitchell County are getting older. Statistics suggest 21.7 percent are over age 65, and 4.4 percent are 85 years or older. The elderly population in the county is nearly 50 percent higher than the state’s average. Despite having an aging population, Mitchell County has the services and facilities to adequately care for its older generation, according to officials. Mitchell County’s services include six care facilities, senior transportation, health care and safety providers for the most vulnerable residents. Two major themes surface when speaking with senior providers. Their first goal is keeping their clients independent for as long as possible, then encouraging clients to take the next steps toward assisted care, when future situations jeopardize safety or well-being. Care facility managers repeatedly state the current system of caring for
the aging is designed around therapy and rehabilitation, so clients can return to their former residences, Burdett unless safety issues arise. This trend differs from past aging care models where the elderly were encouraged to enter a care facility much earlier. Mitchell County providers help facilitate aging independence through many services. Mitchell County Transit provides rides for those who have no transportation. Drivers cover all of the county, and provide rides for health care, hair appointments, laundry and grocery shopping. Julie Sheahan, administrator of the program, emphasized, “Riders need to make appointments one or two weeks in advance,” because the three-bus system serves all the citizens in the county. LaVonne Wolf, Administrator of Mitchell County Home Health Care and Public Health, said, “Knowing the comfort of home, we will all want to stay there as long as we can.” The organization’s nursing staff and home care aides provide many services to achieve their goal. Nurses draw blood, cathe-
ter manage, do diabetic care, help with exercises, give p os t - s u rgery injections and IV Beaver therapy, and wound care. Homemaking services assist with bathing, hair and skin care, meal planning and prepaWolf ration, light housekeeping, exercises and rehabilitation therapy. “We do a little bit of everything which they can do in a facility, but we do it in their homes,” Wolf said. Kara Naig, of the Mitchell County Regional Health Center, said the local EMS service is introducing a new program for those who experience a total knee or hip replacement. “Patients can have home evaluations done at no cost, to determine if their home provides a safe environment for recovery,” she said. “The assessments will inform patients and family of the safety features that are needed for a post-op patient.” “There is no regular program to check on the elderly in our county,” commented Mitchell County Sheriff Greg Beaver, “but if we are
requested to make a welfare check by a worried citizen or family member, we do.” Renee’s Loving Care also brings a unique service to our area. Renee Burdett’s company, founded in 2009, now has 14 employees serving the elderly. “I do all I can to keep people in their homes, as long as
it’s safe,” said Burdett. Some of the company’s services are personal care, fixing meals, helping with medications, laundry, light housekeeping, and changing bedding. Respite care is also available for families who need temporary relief from continual care of a family member.
A major service of the firm is transporting clients to medical and other appointments, and even accompanying clients to weddings and funerals. “I actually took a woman to California for a wedding and spent two days there, which was priceless,” said Burdett.
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SPRING 2016 | 19
NORTH IOWA MEDIA GROUP | MITCHELL COUNTY PROGRESS
Beyond the turf battles Kolbet takes big-picture role in developing Mitchell County ELDA STONE For the Globe Gazette
A strong economy in Mitchell County doesn’t just happen by accident. It takes a lot of volunteer hours, intense cooperation between segments of government and industry, and long-range planning, says Kevin Kolbet, who owns Kolbet Realtors in Osage. Kolbet’s many volunteer roles include serving as president of the Osage Development Corp. and president of the Osage Economic Betterment Co. “We’re proud of our heritage, and we have some of the best farmland and producers. Farming is our life blood,” Kolbet says. “However, to keep young people here and diversify the economy, we also need to diversify our industry base. We need to attract companies that can use skills originally fostered in farm families: work ethic, good education, good basic skills, and problem solving. Along with being in the center of the country, in the Central Time Zone, with good transportation — that all lends well to attracting business.” Kolbet was one of many people involved in attracting Valent BioSciences to build a state-of-the-art biorational manufacturing plant in Osage. “We competed against Brazil,” he says. “Getting them here was largely due to the extreme amount of cooperation between all levels of government, service providers, and local landowners.” VBC attracted a substantial construction force to build the plant, Kolbet says. “It also was a challenge being able to house all those folks that transitioned into permanent employees,” he said. “The company attracted young, very educated, skilled people into the community. Hopefully, that will lead to more and more young families coming here.” Kolbet looks forward to the future. “We think their growth potential is very bright. They have enough property and infrastructure,” he says. “Look at them worldwide. They have a presence that puts all of us on the map.” The future of Osage and Mitchell County does not just depend on any one company, however. “We pin our recent growth not just on Valent but on the profitability and success of all our industry,” Kolbet says. He points out several other unique industries at work in Mitchell County:
ARIAN SCHUESSLER PHOTOS, THE GLOBE GAZETTE
TOP: Kevin Kolbet, who owns Kolbet Realtors in Osage, is the president of the Osage Development Corp. and president of the Osage Economic Betterment Co. BOTTOM: Downtown Osage
Fox River Mills: “They are very atypical. It’s a hosiery knitting manufacturer you’d find more likely in the East.” Osage Manufacturing: “They make replacement windows mostly for the commercial segment of business trade, big facilities, including sound attenuated windows.” Kolbet says buildings within a radius of the Minneapolis airport have these windows, because they meet standards for noise abatement. RR Donnelley and Tops Business Forms: Donnelley prints custom forms that serve business and government. “They have plants throughout the country,” Kolbet says. “We encouraged them to land a second plant here, Tops,
which makes generic forms in large quantities.” Artik Oem: “This Canadian-based company wanted a presence in the U.S. They manufacture flooring for transit buses. To qualify for contracts here, most of the components needed to be made in the U.S. We were fortunate enough to get in that discussion. We incubated them in a leased space. Then the Osage Economic Betterment Co. formed to purchase the real estate they were leasing, to allow them to stay and expand.” A to Z Drying Co.: “They had a modest presence here as a custom dryer. Then they became the dryer for VBC’s predecessor in Chicago. VBC used to ship product to Osage for drying. Obvi-
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ously, it was in everybody’s best interest if the actual product was made here,” Kolbet says. He believes various parties in Mitchell County function well together in pursuit of economic diversity. “None of these things could happen without extreme cooperation between levels of government: city council, board of supervisors, state, economic development people, and utility people,” he said. Kolbet points out, “In some localities, there are turf issues. Those have to be set aside. The broad picture is well known here. What is good for Mitchell County is good for Osage and for North Iowa, and all our schools, churches, and
other businesses. A narrow vision might get in the way and allow less chance of success.” Kolbet gives special credit to Brenda Dryer, Mitchell County Economic
Development Director, for coordinating between many local projects. The ODC also has a key role in attracting new business. Kolbet said it “acts as sort of a buffer between levels of government. It can be a catalyst for things that someone in elected public office can’t do, or because the nature of being a serving city council member means having more hoops to jump through than a project time allows.” Also, ODC is a 501©(3) charitable organization, so it could attract some philanthropic funds. Although donations have not happened yet, Kolbet says, this makes it possible. “Any revenues generated stay in the pool and can be used for additional economic development,” he said. “There is no private, for-profit motive. All is for the betterment of the community, to continue to attract and maintain jobs in local community.” It’s important today to have what the state of Iowa calls “shovel-ready sites,” according to Kolbet. “Long-range planning is done on a regular, systematic basis. We have a longterm plan for the future regarding water, streets, curb and gutter, and storm sewers,” he said. “If we don’t have that in place, chances for additional economic development is slim. If you have to chase infrastructure, that’s not going to work. You have to be prepared.” But it’s not all about property and streets, he says. “We also have quality of life. You’re not going to be able to attract industry or people to work here if you don’t have these things.” Kolbet lists things that enhance the quality of life in Mitchell County: the Cedar River Complex, a recreation center attracting residents of all ages; quality schools and churches; a thriving Main Street in Osage; Mitchell County Regional Hospital; good restaurants; and the Watts Theatre. “This is a complete package that you have to be diligent to work on maintaining and expanding,” he said.
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