Hometown Pride 2022

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Email: Fiber@FortDodgeFiber.com Or visit: FortDodgeFiber.com

819 1st Ave S., Fort Dodge, IA 50501

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FIRST STEP TA K E T H E

Samantha Reeves gave her father, Terry Wingerson, the gift of life

T O D AY !

Register

June 26, 2022

essenger THE

Timeless Memories

Kallin Johnson Monument Company has been designing memorials for the loved ones of our clients for over 100 years.

It is our obligation and passion to produce a personal design that reflects the person that lived as well as those who remain.

Since 1921

Hours: Mon-Fri 8-5 • Sat 9-Noon By appointment as needed

ytinummoC ruo ot dettimmoC

1914 N. 15th St., Fort Dodge, IA 50501 • Phone: 515-576-7233 Toll Free: 1-888-455-4367 • www.kjgems.com

Matt Bemrich, Mayor I David Fierke, City Manager www.fortdodgeiowa.org 819 1st Avenue South I (515) 576-4551 Looking for answers to FAQs? Need to report a concern or request a pick up?

TEXT "HI" TO (515) 408-9888 TO GET STARTED

FORT DODGE • 130 NORTH 29TH STREET • 515-955-2265

WE’RE DEDICATED TO BRINGING BETTER BANKING TO YOU! WE’RE AVAILA BANK- ALWAYS AVAILABLE FOR YOU!

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Contact: Serving Iowa Since 1953

69

www.fdwater.com • 515-576-6481 • 612 S. 32nd St., Fort Dodge

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The Fort Museum and Frontier Village brings history to life as it recalls Fort Dodge’s beginnings as an Army Post in 1850. Come and explore artifacts that predate 1850 through 1950. Join us for various fun, family oriented events throughout the year!

NOW OSPunE: N!

WedPM 10:00 AM - 7:00

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Everyone deserves a good book and there is a book for everyone here!

9 North 11th Street • Fort Dodge, IA 50501 + (515) 230 - 2663 • thegreendragonbookshop@gmail.com

Iowa’s Premiere Destination Store of Choice!

Let us help you celebrate the good things in life at home, at work, or wherever you gather with family & friends

www.thegreendragonbookshop.com Check out our Facebook page for updates!

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Serving Iowa Since 1953

69

FORT DODGE • 130 NORTH 29TH STREET • 515-955-2265

WE’RE DEDICATED TO BRINGING BETTER BANKING TO YOU! WE’RE AVAILA BANK- ALWAYS AVAILABLE FOR YOU!

WE’RE AVAILABLE FOR FORT DODGE!

Phone: 515.227.5351 Address: 326 S 25th St. Email: happy@nextedgefd.com Website: www.nextedgefd.com

Contact: HOURS: MON. 9AM-7PM TUES-THURS. 9AM-6PM • FRI. 9AM-5:30PM SAT. 9AM-5PM • SUN. NOON-4PM

www.mikosandmatt.com

www.fdwater.com • 515-576-6481 • 612 S. 32nd St., Fort Dodge

FURNITURE THAT LASTS • SERVICE YOU CAN COUNT ON EAST ON HIGHWAY BUSINESS 20 ACROSS FROM MENARDS • FORT DODGE • 515-576-7241 *MINIMUM PURCHASE REQUIRED

12 MONTH FINANCING AVAILABLE

Water Softeners Bottled Water Reverse Osmosis

Filtration Salt Delivery and So Much More...

“Refreshingly Pu Since 1949

re” After School Program and Summer Camp TO CARDIO & WEIGHT LIFTING AND RECOVERY EQUIPMENT!

Best Furniture Store

24/7 ACCESS

Sales • SERVICE • Rentals

The Fort Museum and Frontier Village brings history to life as it recalls Fort Dodge’s beginnings as an Army Post in 1850. Come and explore artifacts that predate 1850 through 1950. Join us for various fun, family oriented events throughout the year!

NOW OPEN!

Wed- Sun: PM 10:00 AM - 7:00

Rentals-Tents/Tables/Chairs * Bday Party Decor-Themed & Vintage Tableware Supplies * Bulk Food/Candy/Wine * Costumes-Rental or Purchase * Baby Shower/Baptism/Communion/Announcements * Wedding Room * Licensed Sports Items/Gifts * School Spirit & Wearables * Retirement * Scrapbooking * Balloons * Teacher Area

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From new to old, let the story unfold Brenda Eckard

Doreen Coppinger

Melanie Myott

Lynsey Simpson

Everyone deserves a good book and there is a book for everyone here!

9 North 11th Street • Fort Dodge, IA 50501 + (515) 230 - 2663 • thegreendragonbookshop@gmail.com

Iowa’s Premiere Destination Store of Choice!

Let us help you celebrate the good things in life at home, at work, or wherever you gather with family & friends

www.thegreendragonbookshop.com Check out our Facebook page for updates!

1919 1st Avenue North, Fort Dodge, IA 50501 (515)576-5544 * www.partyproiowa.com

The Frontier Opera House Available to Rent for ++ + • Weddings • Company Parties & Training • Funerals Class Reunions • Concerts

Bingo Monday & Thursday Evenings 1 Museum Road • Fort Dodge, IA 50501 515-573-4231 • www.fortmuseumfv.com

If you’re looking for a low-riskproduct If you’re If you’re Ifwith you’re looking looking guaranteed looking forfor a low-riskproduct afor return, low-riskproduct a low-riskproduct a Multi-Year with with guaran with guarg Guaranteed Annuity (MYGA) mayGuaranteed be Guaranteed right Guaranteed forAnnuity you.

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4.05% *

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Payroll & Bookkeeping Services

Did you know GreenState is consistently ranked in the Top 1% Nationally for returning profits with better rates & lower fees?

That means one of the Top financial institutions in the country, is right here in Fort Dodge.

Call 515-955-0607 to find out if a MYGA is right for you.

1207 Central Avenue 515-955-0401

www.fortdodgecpas.com 714 14th Ave., N., Fort Dodge

Call 515-955-0607

Call 515-955-0607 to find out if a MYGA515-955-060 is right for yo

Guarantees provided by annuities are subject to the financial strength of the Individual, Farm, Trust & Business issuing insurance company; not guaranteed by any bank or the FDIC. Excess withdrawals made Tax Planning & Preparation during the withdrawal charge period may result in charges.

GUARANTEED FOR 5 YEARS!

515-955-4805

Guarantees provided by annuities are subje issuing insurance issuing insurance company; not guaranteed by any bank or t during the withd during the withdrawal charge period may result in charges.

GUARANTEED FOR 5 YEARS!

* 0.60% endingGUARANTEED balance payable at the end of guarantee period if no withdrawals FOR 5 YEARS!

Kole Petersen Brock Norton Balleigh Ashbrook* Effective Yield to Surrender of 4.17% Retirement & Financial Planningother than Required Minimum Distributions.

Business Consulting & Acquisition Services

Rewards Checking • CDs & IRAs • Money Markets Insurance • Home / Auto Loans • Credit Cards Investments & Trust Services • Business Loans

*

* 0.60% ending balance payable the end o otherat than Requi Eddie Doyle Minimum Distributions. Effective Yield other than Required

Central Financial Group 515-955-0607

Jim Flaherty

Grant Heddinger

Cole Jaeschke

Patrick O’Rourke*

301 S. 25th St. | Fort Dodge | 515-955-0607 | cfgfortdodge.com

lwcornwell@frontiernet.net • crfrideres@frontiernet.net jjmaher@frontiernet.net

Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC Royal Alliance Associates, Inc 1s separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of Royal Alliance Associates, Inc *Baileigh Ashbrook and Patrick O’Rourke are Registered Assistants

Questions?

Email: Fiber@FortDodgeFiber.com Or visit: FortDodgeFiber.com

819 1st Ave S., Fort Dodge, IA 50501

Fort Dodge residents and business owners can register their home or business addresses for installations of fiber service lines at no cost to you and no commitment to services!

FOLLOW US!

FIRST STEP TA K E T H E

Samantha Reeves gave her father, Terry Wingerson, the gift of life

T O D AY !

Register

June 26, 2022

essenger THE

Timeless Memories

Kallin Johnson Monument Company has been designing memorials for the loved ones of our clients for over 100 years.

It is our obligation and passion to produce a personal design that reflects the person that lived as well as those who remain.

Since 1921

Hours: Mon-Fri 8-5 • Sat 9-Noon By appointment as needed 1914 N. 15th St., Fort Dodge, IA 50501 • Phone: 515-576-7233 Toll Free: 1-888-455-4367 • www.kjgems.com

Committed to our Community Matt Bemrich, Mayor I David Fierke, City Manager www.fortdodgeiowa.org 819 1st Avenue South I (515) 576-4551 Looking for answers to FAQs? Need to report a concern or request a pick up?

TEXT "HI" TO (515) 408-9888 TO GET STARTED

www.messengernews.net

2 Terry Wingerson Samantha Reeves Fort Dodge 3

Craig Schlienz Fort Dodge

4

Brady O’Brien Fort Dodge

6 Pride in the Heartland Truck Show Clarion

The Messenger/Fort Dodge, Iowa

Saturday, June 25, 2022 | Sunday, June 26, 2022

Hometown Pride 2022

14

Tammy Alstott Fort Dodge

28

Dylan Rose Webster City

16

Bessie Hendricks Lake City

30

Bobbi Dallman Fort Dodge

19

Jeff Moeller Badger

32

Cole Bockelmann Humboldt

20

Denise Heimgartner Manson

36

Steve Kehoe Gowrie

22

Audi Crooks Algona

37

Linette Nelson Troy Schroeder Fort Dodge

8

David Barwin Fort Dodge

23

Ismael Cardenas Fort Dodge

38

10

Missy Ewing Otho

24

Joan Wagner Rockwell City

Jared Wingert Fort Dodge

39

Sherry Leksell Eagle Grove

26

Luke Hainzinger Dayton

Josh Porter Fort Dodge

40

Dylan Samuelson Paul Samuelson Fort Dodge

12

ON THE COVER Fathers and daughters can have a special bond, but even more when they share an organ. Read how Samantha Reeves' generosity saved her father's life.

SEE STORY, PAGE 2

Proudly Serving Fort Dodge For The Past 57 Years • BEER • WINE • PRODUCE • WALBURGERS • CHINESE

1

• BAKERY • DELI • STARBUCKS COFFEE • DONUTS • LIQUOR STORE

Fort Dodge

See What Unfolds THE

essenger www.messengernews.net

2

Saturday, June 25, 2022 | Sunday, June 26, 2022

The Messenger/Fort Dodge, Iowa

www.messengernews.net

Daughter saves father’s life with kidney donation

By JOHN McBRIDE

editor@messengernews.net

Seven years after a life-changing event, Terry Wingerson and his daughter Samantha Reeves are still having life-changing moments, but in a much different way.

In 2015, Wingerson got to the point where he needed a kidney transplant to save his life. His daughter was a near-perfect match so in the fall of 2015, she donated one of her kidneys.

Fortunately their story had a happy ending and it led to the pair speaking and mentoring others who are considering donating an organ.

“Usually there are 100,000 people across the United States that are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant and there just aren’t that many donors or viable donors,” said Reeves. “Prior to this process, I knew what organ donation was. I was an organ donor on my license. But I didn’t truly understand the impact that it would have, not only on the recipient but also on everyone around that person. I kept thinking about my mom, if she wouldn’t have my dad any more. Or my kids growing up without their grandfather.

“Being able to share our story and talk about the process, if we can change one person’s mind and help them become an organ donor, it could save the life of somebody in the future and have that same impact on their family,” she added.

Since the transplant, Wingerson and Reeves have spoken to several different groups, including an audience of about 700 people at the University of Iowa in Iowa

Medical Primary and preventative care for all ages Acute appointments daily

Fort Dodge “If we can change one person’s mind and help them become an organ donor, it could save the life of somebody in the future and have that same impact on their family.”

SAMANTHA REEVES Organ donor City. They also participated in the National Transplant Games of America four years ago in Salt Lake City, where all the competitors were either donors or recipients.

“It was only one week, but I think I did more laughing and crying than I did in my whole life,” said Wingerson. “You hear stories of what people have done for others. Just to hear those stories, it touches you.”

Wingerson also earned a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records that week as part of the largest gathering of organ donors in one location.

“It’s crazy. I never thought I would be involved in something like that,” said Wingerson.

Reeves didn’t hesitate to offer to be a donor when she found out she was a match for her dad, but she said it’s a process that requires a lot of thought and reflection.

“As the donor, I would say you have to make sure you’re mak-

Dental Comprehensive dental examinations and treatment

-Messenger photo by John McBride

TERRY WINGERSON, of Fort Dodge, sits beside his daughter Samantha Reeves, who donated a kidney to save his life in 2015.

Now the pair share their story with others, in hopes of encouraging more people to become organ donors.

ing this decision for yourself and you’re not making it for somebody else. I knew in my heart this is what I wanted to do. I do know other individuals who have donated and it did not go well. Maybe the recipient doesn’t have a relationship with them any more and that can be very hard mentally for the individual who donated.”

Reeves said she and her father have also mentored quite a few individuals, even some from out of state, who have considered donating.

“We got done speaking in Iowa City and we had several people come up and talk to us and said they were going to make changes and become a donor,” Wingerson

Behavioral Psychiatric medication management and therapy services

said. “We’ve had that happen in Iowa City and in Des Moines.

When somebody comes up to us and talks to us and we’ve touched them with our story, it makes me feel it’s worth it to get up and talk about it.”

Reeves said the world of organ donation actually isn’t talked about a lot. Incredibly, she’s one of three Iowa Central Community College staff members who are also living donors. “I don’t think it’s talked about enough. People don’t spread the word enough about being a living donor and donating after life,” Reeves said.

She said the fact that her father was told he would be on a waiting list for three to five years for a

kidney was a big motivator to see if she would be a match.

“Seeing how fast his health declined was a big factor,” she said.

“We didn’t even know if he would make it to his transplant.”

Reeves said it’s also important to share your wishes about organ donation with your family members. She said a lot of people don’t realize that if someone dies, even if they are listed as an organ donor, their next of kin makes the final decision.

“People can take a look at the Iowa Donor Network website to get informed and have an understanding of what organ donation really means. And if you make that decision to be a donor, also share that with family and friends so they are aware of it,” she said.

Now almost seven years removed from the surgery, both Wingerson and Reeves live normal lives with very few restrictions. Wingerson takes rejection medicine twice a day and once a month he needs an infusion. He also has to avoid grapefruit or anything with grapefruit in it.

“I’m actually in better health now than I was prior,” said Wingerson. “I had kidney disease for 28 years prior to my kidney failure. But once I got Samantha’s kidney in me, I was like, holy cow, I really feel good.”

In 2021, Reeves and Wingerson were honored with a plaque at the Fort Dodge driver’s license office. The DOT hopes it encourages others to become organ donors.

“That was a really cool honor,” Reeves said. “We didn’t start his process for something like that.

We just like that we can share about this and spread the word.”

Open to all,

regardless of insurance status.

OF FORT DODGE We accept most insurance and 126 North 10th Street have a sliding fee scale for Call Today! 515-576-6500 those who qualify.

Visit us online at chcfd.com

www.messengernews.net

The Messenger/Fort Dodge, Iowa

Saturday, June 25, 2022 | Sunday, June 26, 2022

3

Schlienz: FD community ‘a great place to be’ St. Edmond grad donates countless hours to Shellabration and more

By DANA BECKER sports@messengernews.net

Craig Schlienz was born and raised in Fort Dodge. And when the opportunity to return home came around, he quickly jumped at the chance.

Schlienz, a senior loan officer at Availa Bank, has been involved in community support for nearly two decades now.

“To me, our community is a great place to be and a vibrant community where people are involved and give back,” Schlienz said. “So many things go on in our town that people take for granted and that wouldn’t happen without a tremendous amount of people putting in volunteer hours.”

A 1996 graduate of St. Edmond Catholic School, Schlienz attended Iowa Central before graduating from the University of Iowa in 2000. He spent a couple of years in Iowa City and Des Moines before receiving a job offer in Fort Dodge.

“It was a tremendous opportunity to both get back home and get into the banking field,” he said.

“My wife, Jamie, and her family are from the Badger area so we knew we always wanted to move back home.”

One of the many ways Schlienz has found a way to give back is by being part of Shellabration. He serves on the board. The group recently hosted Bret Michaels for the 20th anniversary.

“A lot of people have the misconception that the artist we have for the show that year is the per-

Fort Dodge “To me, our community is a great place to be and a vibrant community where people are involved and give back. So many things go on in our town that people take for granted and that wouldn’t happen without a tremendous amount of people putting in volunteer hours.”

CRAIG SCHLIENZ Senior loan officer, Availa Bank son we wanted, the date we wanted and that’s how it went down,” Schlienz said. “That is not at all how it goes down — ever. Being on the board and serving opens your eyes to the process of how it all works.

“I would say we put out eight to 10 offers to different artists with different dates and a wide-open range that we shoot for. It takes months and months just to confirm and find one that fits and works. It is a tremendous amount of work and those people who do the leg work, they put in enough for it to be a full-time job with zero pay.

14 Years in a row!

-Photo courtesy of Jenna Christensen

CRAIG SCHLIENZ is an active member in the Fort Dodge community, volunteering his time in several ways, including with Shellabration and Noon Kiwanis.

“But the benefit comes from seeing the enjoyment in 6,000 to 7,000 people coming out, having fun and watching the show. That is what I enjoy and why I keep doing it.”

Schlienz is also involved in Noon Kiwanis Club, is on the Fort Dodge Community Rec Center Board, the Holy Trinity Parish council and the St. Edmond finance committee, school parish finance committee and develop-

• Tommy Bahama • Cutter Buck • Savane

515-573-3161

ment foundation boards.

He also coaches various middle school level teams, including volleyball and basketball, and is an assistant with travel teams.

“When I moved back, Jerry Patterson called me at the bank and asked me to come to a Kiwanis meeting with him,” Schlienz said. “Dennis Johnson picked me up for the group, and I joined right then and have been a member for the last 17 years. That really start-

ed me off.

“I just really enjoy (volunteering). I enjoy the networking and the social aspect. I’ve made a lot of really good friends,” he said.

“But every year it becomes more and more of a challenge to get people to volunteer. I don’t know what the solution to that is, but I keep trying and asking. There are people out there willing to get involved; they just need to be asked.”

— Since 1891 —

Career to Casual, Big, Tall & Regular John Junkman

Jane Junkman

• Hrs: Mon.-Fri. 9-5; Sat. 9-3 • 312 S. 25th St., Fort Dodge

Gwen Ewing

Ann Wildt

4

Saturday, June 25, 2022 | Sunday, June 26, 2022

The Messenger/Fort Dodge, Iowa

www.messengernews.net

For the joy of music: O’Brien shares his gift to help others

By ERIC PRATT Brady O’Brien has a gift.

The recent St. Edmond graduate felt it at a very early age.

He would sit next to his mother, Katrina, and absorb everything as a budding piano virtuoso.

As the 18-year-old O’Brien sharpened his skills and reached an age of more independence, he had a choice to make: parlay his individual talents into a vehicle for future financial gain, or spread this passion to as many people and communities as possible through the sheer joy of music.

“I have many different sticks in the fire right now when it comes to what I want to do for the rest of my life,” O’Brien said.

“Many people will say that they are going to do music only, and while I would love to do that, it can be tough to just live on music alone.

“My long-term goals in music are to continue my nonprofit and use my music to help raise money for those who are doing good in our world, along with those in need. I also plan on continuing to write music and arrange shows.”

Last December, O’Brien hosted “A Very Merry Christmas” to a packed house at Decker Auditorium. In April, he held the Easter program, “A Cross and a Crown” at Trinity United Methodist Church — again, to a standing-room-only crowd.

On July 15, O’Brien’s next project — a private patriotic rock show called “One Nation Under God” — will raise money for the military at Veterans Memorial Park.

“Living in Fort Dodge has allowed me to meet some

-Submitted photo

by Jason Braunschweig

Fort Dodge

sports@messengernews.net

incredible people — not only in the music world, but just in everyday life,” O’Brien said.

“During my shows, when I get to see familiar faces, it amazes me to see how our community supports live music, the fine arts, and organizations doing great things. I feel very loved after each show because everyone from the community greets me after with big smiles and strong hugs.

“That’s why I love doing what I do; there is nothing better than seeing a smile on someone’s face because of the power of music.”

O’Brien’s spirit comes to life in front of 88 keys, pedals and the familiar frame of a piano.

“I first started playing when I was 5 (years old),” O’Brien said.

“I started lessons with Barbara Kondrath, and after she passed, I continued with Andrea Minikis.

“Growing up, I always saw my mom play piano for many different things: church, choirs at school, and so much more.

I began taking piano seriously because I wanted to be just like her and be able to sit down and play any song that I wanted.”

The reaction to those performances kept him coming back.

“Seeing people’s faces and hearing their comments ... I believe that music is very powerful, and I want to share that love of music with as many people as possible,” O’Brien said.

“Whenever I play for church, for a choir, or in one of my shows, it gives me so much adrenaline.

FORT DODGE’S BRADY O’BRIEN, a 2022 St. Edmond graduate, plays the piano during a concert.

That’s something that I love. I always want to try and make the best version of myself, which also motivates me to stay on this path of music.

“I have many inspirations that I consider to be my mentors.

I really look up to Lorie Line, because she creates outstanding shows that allow her to share her

music with people while keeping her love of God strong and present. I have been blessed to meet and take advice from Lorie.

Her words and music continue to stick with me and influence the way that I share my music.

Locally, I look up to my mom, because she continues to share her talents with so many people.”

O’Brien hasn’t limited his skill set to being proficient behind a piano. He also plays trombone, bass, keytar, and he’s “trying to work” on guitar.

His performances tend to be both memorable and inspirational, but O’Brien isn’t just about being a solo act.

“I have always enjoyed collaborating with other musicians from the area,” O’Brien said. “The reason why I choose to have a band behind me and vocalists in front is to keep people drawn in. In my shows, I love playing solo pieces, but I think people love seeing a variety of different musicians.

“I also love choosing different musicians for each show, because it keeps things new and fresh.

There is so much talent in Fort Dodge that needs to be shared with everyone.”

A break could come for O’Brien someday, but his focus has gravitated toward altruistic endeavors rather than finding ways to be discovered.

“In five years, I would like to see myself still living here in Fort Dodge but branching out to other cities and states to share my love of music,” O’Brien said. “I would love to continue my nonprofit and help as many people as possible, not only here in Fort Dodge but

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O’Brien

-Submitted photo

by Jason Braunschweig

Continued from Page 4A

in surrounding states.

“The mission statement for ‘Brady O’Brien Live’ (at www.bradyobrienlive.com) is, ‘Raising money for other nonprofits and families in our communities through our love of live music.’ I believe helping people is what we were put on this earth to do.”

O’Brien continues to dream big, but his goals remain simple — and local.

“At the end of my time, if I can leave a mark of influence on just one person, I will be happy,” O’Brien said. “I want to try and be a role model for younger people that share the same love of music and fine arts.

“I am continually learning so many traditions that I hope to pass on to the next generation one day.”

BRADY O’BRIEN of Fort Dodge, a recent St. Edmond High School graduate, performs at Trinity United Methodist Church during his Easter concert.

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The Messenger/Fort Dodge, Iowa

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Showing off big rigs for a good cause

By BILL SHEA

bshea@messengernews.net

CLARION — An event organized by volunteers lets people see lots of customized trucks while at the same time generating needed funds for the Clarion Fire Department, which is itself an all-volunteer unit.

It is called the Pride in the Heartland Truck Show.

In the last three years, it has generated $34,000 for the Fire Department.

This year’s event is set for July 23-24 on Main Street in Clarion.

The first show was held five years ago to mark the 50th anniversary of Ennis Corp., a trucking company based in Clarion.

That first show was so well-received that the organizers decided to keep doing it, according to Melinda Anderson, the vice president of Ennis Corp.

“We have fun with it,” she said.

“People love it,” she added.

“We have a great community.”

Showcasing the transportation industry is another reason why the show is held, according to Anderson.

She said one out of every 13 Iowans is employed in the transportation industry.

There is a group of about 12 to 15 people that meets every two weeks to plan the show.

The show generates money for the Fire Department in a couple of ways. Free will donations are accepted from

Clarion truck owners who want to enter their vehicles in the show.

Also, businesses and organizations that want to be sponsors of the show pay to get their names added to banners and signs.

Anderson said $15,000 has been received already for this year’s show.

She said the event is a “bobtail” truck show. That means that it features the tractor units of semis. Classic and customized rigs made by Kenworth, Peterbilt and other manufacturers line both sides of Main Street for the show.

The rigs are judged in various categories and trophies are awarded.

The show will get underway at 5 p.m. July 23 when trucks start arriving.

After dark, there will be a light show with all the lights on the big rigs turned on.

“They’re lit up like Christmas trees,” Anderson said. “It’s pretty to see.”

That night there will be a concert by the band Standing Hampton.

The show will continue from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 24.

Anderson said a lot of kids activities, including a scavenger hunt, are scheduled for that day to make the show family friendly.

-Submitted photos

THE PRIDE IN THE HEARTLAND TRUCK SHOW, pictured in the photos at right, has generated $34,0000 for the Clarion Fire Department over the last three years.

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The Messenger/Fort Dodge, Iowa

Helping others succeed

By JOHN MCBRIDE

Fort Dodge

editor@mesengernews.net

Early in his career at Iowa Central Community College, David Barwin was summoned to the office of one of the deans.

He was teaching, among other things, a class called “The College Experience” and the dean at the time wanted to know exactly what Barwin was teaching in those classes.

“Here I am in my first year, and I am getting called into the dean’s office. It felt like I was being sent to the principal’s office. He asked me what I was doing and I told him I was just following the curriculum. He says, ‘No, what are you doing?’

“He asked me again and I was getting a little frustrated. He said, ‘Let me back up. We never get good reviews from these classes and yours are coming back exceptional. The students loved the class. So, he asked again, what are you doing?’”

That encounter led Barwin to a faculty position and now he’s the program director of the Iowa Central Business Department.

Now 19 years into his career, he’s still as passionate as ever about working with students.

“To be able to have a job where I can impact student lives like that and they figure out what they want to do and they’re excited, that makes me really happy to be part of their success,” said Barwin.

Barwin and others in the department decided several years ago to change their mindset with students in the program. Instead of

lumping all the general education classes into the first year, they decided to immerse students in the business classes so they learn early on what it will take to be successful going forward.

Barwin attended a conference focusing on college students’ firstyear experience where he and others learned that many students were turned off by a heavy load of general education classes early on and they benefited from more classes focusing on their major.

“They said we are doing them a disservice by putting them in all this math and too many gen ed classes in their first year. For example, they said a student unsure of what area of business to focus on is going to struggle with stats or accounting or economics because they’re not seeing how that fits into what they want to do in business,” Barwin said. “So I took that back to our advisory committee and said let’s create a program where a student can come in and take just one or two gen ed classes and maybe a computer class and then we’ll give them all the business classes right up front: Marketing, Management, Intro to Business. Let’s give them those up front and they can take the more challenging classes that second year, know they have the confidence to be a good college student. It doesn’t matter if you are an A-plus student or a struggling student. If you have those classes

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David Barwin brings innovative programs to Iowa Central classes

under your belt early, then you understand how the others fit in the path you are going down.”

The new structure has been in place for three years now. Barwin said the best thing is the program can prepare students to enter the business world after earning an associate of applied science degree in business at Iowa Central or they can transfer to a four-year program of study.

He said it’s about a 60-40 split of students who decide to move into a four-year program. He said it’s actually tilted that way because some students come in with just a two-year plan in mind, but they discover they have the ability to further their education.

“As a freshman, I came in prepared for anything, but it has exceeded my expectations,” said Noah Susong, a third-year student from Waterloo. “What I really like about the business program is that Mr. Barwin allows us to get a feel for the business world.

When you are in his classes, you don’t just feel like you are there to be there; he does a great job of getting the entire class together and comfortable to share ideas with one another and work together as small groups and a larger group.

“Mr. Barwin does a great job of putting things into perspective.

He tells you the truth about the business world and is very transparent on what to expect is going to happen and how you are going to have to go through it.”

Barwin currently teaches Marketing Management, Intro to Business, Business Ethics, • • • • • • • •

Workplace Communications, Intro to Selling, Sales Management and Social Media Marketing.

Barwin admitted, though, he’s got a strong team of other staff members, and the college has really helped the Business Department grow as a program.

“The college is constantly keeping up with the changing times. As we’ve learned, it’s important to stay updated. I definitely appreciate the support of Dr. Ulrich (Iowa Central president) and everyone at the college and in my department. It’s definitely not a one-man job.”

Outside of teaching, Barwin has been involved in coaching both at Iowa Central and St. Edmond. He coached track and field at Iowa Central and golf.

He also coached basketball at St. Edmond. Now he spends much of his free time with his three children.

Barwin is originally from McDowell, Pennsylvania. He was a coach at Penn State Behrend in Erie, Pennsylvania, before coming here. He first taught Entrepreneur classes along with the College Experience class at Iowa Central.

In his time at Iowa Central, he has received the Teaching Excellence Award from the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development.

He has served as chair of the “Organizational Strategic Plan” and co-chairs the Strategic Enrollment Committee.

In addition, Barwin is a private business consultant operating Incognito Consulting for local small business owners.

“To be able to have a job where I can impact student lives like that and they figure out what they want to do and they’re excited, that makes me really happy to be part of their success.”

DAVID BARWIN Program director, Iowa Central Business Department

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The Messenger/Fort Dodge, Iowa

Making Otho a better place

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Ewing steps up to restart Otho Betterment Committee

By KELBY WINGERT kwingert@messengernews.net

OTHO — Growing up in nearby Coalville, Missy Ewing always enjoyed visiting family in Otho.

-Messenger photo

by Kelby Wingert

MISSY EWING, of Otho, was responsible for reactivating the Otho Betterment Committee.

The group has been involved in organizing several events, including a chili cook-off, trunk or treat and now, Market in the Park.

Otho She loved the city’s annual Fourth of July celebration, and she remembers going to other events in the town that were put on by the Otho Betterment Committee.

When Ewing moved to Otho about 10 years ago, the Otho Betterment Committee hadn’t been active in a while. A few years later, she decided to do something about that.

“My sister and I were talking one day and said it would be a good idea to get it started back up,” Ewing said. “So we just put a post out on Facebook and said if anybody’s interested, we’re going to meet at the community center, and it just went from there.”

Each fall, the Otho Betterment Committee hosts the annual Otho Chili Cook-Off in the city park.

The group also hosts events throughout the year like trunk or treat at Halloween and flapjacks with Frosty in the winter.

In the spring, the committee

organizes the citywide garage sale day. Starting this summer, the committee is hosting a bi-monthly Market in the Park — sort of Otho’s take on a farmer’s market.

In a time where people are always on the go, the Otho

Betterment Committee wants to help give Otho residents opportunities to socialize and get to know their neighbors, Ewing said.

“I think it brings the community together,” she said.

The biggest event of the year is always the fall Chili CookOff. This last year, there were seven chili cooks entered into the competition. There was also a Bloody Mary competition with five teams. Dozens of people from

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Otho and the surrounding area crowded into the park for a taste.

“What makes me happy is it’s nice to hear that it’s such a good event,” Ewing said. “We had a lot of fun.”

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Old door, new lessons

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Leksell teaches more than English, she teaches life skills

By HANS MADSEN EAGLE GROVE — The sturdy oak door in Sherry Leksell’s English room, the one with the ancient panes of glass that let her look out into the hallway, is probably original to the Eagle Grove High School’s construction.

They don’t make oak doors like that any more.

They don’t make too many teachers like the one on the classroom side of the door, either — a dedicated teacher who loves her students, spends hours making sure they learn and even teaches them something you might not always learn in English class — how to shake hands.

“I’m a second career teacher,” Leksell said. “Eight years ago, they closed the Northeast Hamilton middle school and high school, so I came here.”

She teaches sophomore, junior and senior English with her senior class being dual credit with Iowa Central Community College.

Her English classes reach out to all her students.

“A lot of times in English you teach old, dead white guys,” she said. “This year I created a multicultural unit. I want the faces in our hallways to see their faces in the stories we read; that was very important to me. If we're reading contemporary fiction, they’re more engaged.”

Another unit helps students learn how to get a job.

The students start with an application, then move on to write a resume. The unit also

Eagle Grove taught them how to handle the next part, the job interview.

“They learn how to shake a hand, how to tie a tie and practice non-verbal communication,” she said.

She enlisted members of the community to help conduct interviews. “I go out into the community and find adults that do the jobs they want to do,” she said. “Then we have an interview in front of the whole class and on film. They get the feeling, that real-life, high pressure.”

Some of this year’s adults included a tattoo artist, a coach and a construction superintendent.

“The construction guy had them measure a table with a tape during the interview,” she said.

No, the tattoo artist didn’t have the applicant tattoo anyone.

One student, who was interested in the auto industry, requested Elon Musk.

“I told him I don’t know if I can pull an Elon Musk,” she said.

“I did find him a Formula I car designer though. I try to break down the walls in a way where I can bring in the real world.”

Noah Rethman, 17, took her Advanced English class. His career goal is to become a pastry chef.

At the conclusion of the course, he went through a mock interview with Chef Michael Hurst, the director of the Iowa

-Messenger photos by Hans Madsen

LEFT: Eagle Grove English teacher Sherry Leksell poses with some of the books she’ll be using next year in class that reflect the diversity of the community.

ABOVE: Eagle Grove High School Advanced English student Noah Rethman demonstrates how he learned the proper way to shake hands during an interview from his teacher Sherry Leksell.

Central Community College Culinary Arts program.

“All the things we studied,” Rethman said, “it really helped with my confidence.”

He ended up using his newly found skills in the real world.

“I applied for a job at Rails,” he said. “I used those skills; I was able to get the job.”

Leksell describes herself as “tough but fair.”

“I’m old school,” she said. “I don’t allow cussing or cell phones in my room.”

She also runs several shifts of study table time for her students after school. It keeps her in the building working with students until around 8 p.m.

“My husband on the first day of school kissed me and said, ‘I’ll see you in May.’” she said. “I wanted to be the teacher I wanted.

I work 80 hours a week. I don’t resent it; I love it.”

She’s ready with some advice for anyone thinking of teaching or just starting out in the field.

“Have a sense of humor,

Congratulations

to all who have helped to make our community strong and vibrant once again.

Let’s keep that momentum going!

Best Wishes, Dr. Matt and Laura Maggio

be patient with them, and be yourself. Be consistent and have faith,” she said. “We teach in times that are difficult.”

She learns from the students, too. They have a major influence on her reading choices. She watches what the students are reading and then joins them.

“I’ll read their books,” she said.

“I just keep buying the books they read in class.”

She also tries to bring the books to life, particularly for those students who don’t translate words on a page into visual images in their imagination.

“I read from ‘(Of) Mice and Men’ out loud,” she said. “I do a really good Lennie.”

She’s not about to hang it up anytime soon, either.

“I’m going to be that teacher that comes in here with their walker,” she said.

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The Messenger/Fort Dodge, Iowa

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Alstott takes Pride in helping out Fort Dodge

By CHRIS JOHNSON cjohnson@messengernews.net

Tammy Alstott is just a phone call away if something is needed in the Fort Dodge athletic community.

In fact, Alstott’s phone is lit up with unseen calls and text messages, just so she can remember who she needs to get back to.

“I just go where I’m needed,’’ Alstott said. “I have helped on the coaching side and help at practices.

I just help wherever I can.”

Alstott has run an at-home daycare at her house for the past 26 years, all while carrying many other titles.

She has been president of Fort Dodge Pride for over 10 years, Alstott is also the president of the Fort Dodge Athletic Boosters Club (since 2010) and she has also run the Dodger Shack for more than 10 years.

“Everything is so rewarding and different in every aspect,’’ Alstott said. “With Pride, there are a lot of youngsters, so I would say the rewards are seeing so many little people get involved and find a love of something and sticking with it.

“It’s absolutely adorable to go somewhere and they know who I am and I’m not just someone behind it.”

The Fort Dodge Pride teams spend a lot of their time at the Softball Connection and Alstott has seen the young girls become varsity players.

“It’s crazy to see that the whole varsity team was involved in it, and I had my hand in it since they were little kids,’’ Alstott said.

“It’s an amazing program and I’m

FOOD

fortunate that it was led by great people that taught me well. It was started by amazing people.”

When she puts on the hat as president of the athletic boosters, it’s a different group that Alstott gets to work with.

“This is an older group of children in the community and I do more things within the community,’’ Alstott said. “This is where I do my socializing outside of my day job; that is very rewarding.”

With the booster club, there is a lot of work that isn’t seen on the field or in the locker room.

“I help coaches with needs and also in the weight room,’’ Alstott said. “I spend a lot of time behind the scenes, making sure that coaches get the things they need and helping with organization and paperwork. We’ve had a great group of officers that have run through the booster club.”

In her tenure, Alstott has been through four different activities directors (previously Tom Kinseth, Matt Elsbecker, Kevin Astor) and currently Josh Porter.

“I’ve been through four different activities directors and they all have done a great job,’’ Alstott said. “That is absolutely the most rewarding part — to be able to find ways to supply teams.”

Alstott’s favorite part of the FDSH Booster Club is picking the annual scholarship winner. “It’s the most rewarding part to give back,” she said.

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-Messenger photo by Chris Johnson

TAMMY ALSTOTT (CENTER), president of the Fort Dodge Pride, stands with a Pride 10U softball team at the Softball Connection. Alstott has been president for more than 10 years.

Alstott has played a huge part in clothing Dodger fans as well through the Dodger Shack.

When she started with the booster club, only a couple of people did clothing, and there was a couple of years where there was no clothing available, so she didn’t hesitate to be put in charge of Dodger clothing two years into her booster club stint.

“I found out the opportunity was there and jumped on it,” Alstott said. “My children were older and there wasn’t anything for little kids, so I started printing them and ironing them on and made something cute.

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“It was my opportunity to order all shapes and sizes from newborn to 5x and design some shirts.”

One year Alstott started a preHomecoming sale and it really took off.

“It was a phenomenal day and people were really hungry for it the next year,’’ Alstott said. “A year later it was bad weather and I didn’t want to set up in the rain and I wanted to have it set up all week.

So we set it up in my garage and we were very steadily busy. I was amazed. It took off and that was it.”

A temporary location of the Dodger Shack at the high school is open throughout the various

Drink Specials

seasons, and Alstott still sells clothes out of her garage.

“I hope to continue growing it and I am trying to get it online with our inventory,’’ Alstott said.

“We have a few things to figure out a few of the details for the online store. We have added a few things and we are able to take Venmo and credit cards.”

Alstott has a lot of things on her plate, but she is always seemingly adding more. But for her, it brings its own rewards.

“I’m happy to be a part of each and every group,’’ Alstott said.

“It’s very rewarding to me to help out.”

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114 years — and counting DARCY DOUGHERTY MAULSBY editor@messengernews.net

LAKE CITY — Age may be just a number, but now that Bessie Hendricks has turned 114, her numbers definitely deliver the wow factor. Born Nov. 7, 1907, the longtime Lake City resident is the oldest living Iowan. She’s the third oldest living person in America, notes her family. She’s also the 14th oldest living person in the world, according to the Gerontology Research Group’s data from October 2021.

Hendricks, who lives at Shady Oaks Care Center in Lake City, spent some time celebrating last November with her children, including Glenda, Joan and Leon.

The siblings also remembered their late brother Ron, as well as their sister Shirley Hunziker, who passed away in September 2021.

“Mom doesn’t really talk much anymore, but she was looking around and seemed to enjoy it when we were together,” said Glenda Hendricks, of Lake City.

When Hendricks turned 111, she said she was 18 when people asked how old she was.

Hendricks has always had a knack for not letting stress bother her, says her family. She has lived through the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, World War I, the Great Depression, World War II and now COVID-19. When she turned 110, she shared her best advice to live a long, healthy life: “Work hard.”

While Hendricks has achieved a milestone few people in the world ever reach, her beginnings were much the same as countless Iowans more than a century ago.

Hendricks was born on a farm in Carroll County a few miles southeast of Auburn on Nov. 7, 1907. She was welcomed by her parents, Hugh and Mattie (Clark) Sharkey, along with older siblings John, David, Laurence and Ethel. A younger sister, Anna, was born in 1910 after the

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Lake City farm wife is oldest Iowan, third oldest American

Lake City family had moved in 1908 to a 160-acre farm two miles east and one mile north of Lake City in Calhoun County.

At age 5, Hendricks began attending first grade at the country school across the road from the family’s farm. When she wasn’t in school, she helped with chores at home.

“We kids were always getting into mischief when the folks were gone to town,” Hendricks recalled in her memoirs, which she wrote in 1998-1999 while in her early 90s.

One day Hendricks and her siblings decided to make taffy candy.

“Oh yes, it was good, but we couldn’t eat it all, so we had to get rid of it before the folks came home,” Hendricks recalled. “So guess what? We took the taffy to the barn and fed it to one of the horses by the name of Fox. We sure had a laugh, watching him wallowing his tongue around that candy, but he got rid of it.”

By the time Hendricks entered seventh grade, the local country school was closed due to lack of pupils, so Hendricks attended Central School in Lake City.

A more profound life change would occur, however, when Hendricks’ mother passed away from illness on July 2, 1921.

Suddenly 13-year-old Hendricks had to assume many more household responsibilities.

She continued her education, however, and graduated from Lake City High School in May 1926. A little over 90 years later, she attended the all-school reunion in Lake City in the summer of 2016.

“She enjoyed it,” said Glenda Hendricks.

During her high school years, Hendricks completed a normal training course that allowed her to

-Submitted photos

BESSIE HENDRICKS, who turned 114 on Nov. 7, 2021, celebrates her birthday at Shady Oaks Care Center in Lake City with her three living children, including, from left, Joan Schaffer, Leon Hendricks and Glenda Hendricks, all of Lake City.

teach country school following her graduation. Starting in the fall of 1926, she taught country school in the Lake City area for four years.

Did she enjoy teaching school?

“Well, sure I did,” she said.

Just before she started her last year of teaching, Hendricks attended a dance in Lohrville one evening with a friend named Art Hendricks, who had an older brother named Paul. While she came to the dance with Art, she left with Paul, recalled her family.

After Paul and Bessie married on June 27, 1930, at the Woodlawn Christian Church in Lake City, the couple lived in the tiny Calhoun County town of Rands for nearly three years.

Paul Hendricks worked at the grain elevator and train depot, in addition to running a small store.

The couple’s daughters Shirley and Joan were born during this

time.

In March 1933, the young family moved to a farm east of Lake City that would be the Hendricks’ home place for the next 47 years. The family expanded to include Roland (Ron), Glenda and Leon.

“We worked hard on the farm,” said Bessie Hendricks, whose husband raised crops, hay, cattle and hogs, while she grew a large garden, canned up to 800 quarts of vegetables and fruit a year and served as a 4-H leader.

After Paul and Bessie Hendricks retired and held their farm sale in 1979, they moved to a home in Lake City in July 1980. The couple were one month shy of celebrating their 65th anniversary when Paul passed away on May 25, 1995.

“He was a wonderful man,” Hendricks said.

BESSIE HENDRICKS, of Lake City, graduated from Lake City High School in 1926, taught country school and married in 1930.

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Moeller goes ‘above and beyond’ for his community Volunteer firefighter receives Badger Firefighter of the Year Award

By CHRIS JOHNSON cjohnson@messengernews.net

BADGER — When Jeff Moeller joined the Badger Fire and Rescue Department, he wanted to continue the family legacy.

Moeller’s dad, John, was on the department from 1974 to 2000.

Each year the department chooses a Firefighter of the Year from the 21 members. This year, Jeff Moeller, who joined the force in 2019, was honored as the top volunteer.

“Jeff is one of those guys that is always willing to chip in and help,” said Badger Fire and Rescue Chief Jeff Brundige. “He goes above and beyond.”

On the night of recognition, Moeller knew he was nominated as the list was down to two firefighters.

When it was time to hand out the award, a surprise visitor took to the front of the room and announced his son as the winner.

“It was a lifetime event for me,” Jeff Moeller said. “It was something he (John Moeller) did for so many years.

“I think I finally made him proud.”

Brundige felt it was fitting for John Moeller to hand the award to his son.

“I called his mom and dad and thought it would be special for John to hand the award to Jeff,” Brundige said. “It was a pretty emotional night for both.”

Brundige, who has been the Badger chief for the past five years, remembers a moment when he knew how dedicated Jeff Moeller was.

“We recently remodeled our kitchen at the fire station that we started back in

Badger November,” Brundige said. “We put in a couple of hours here and there and then I put a deadline on it.

“We had a late night call and when we got back to the station after the call, Jeff was in the firehouse gluing down baseboards at 2 a.m.

“I asked him what he was doing and he said, ‘You want this done next week.’

“That just proved to me how dedicated he was to the department.”

When Jeff Moeller went through the training to become part of the Badger Fire and Rescue Department, he took it to heart.

“It’s such an honor to be a part of Badger Fire and Rescue,” Moeller said.

“I grew up in Badger and my dad was a volunteer for over 20 years.

“It’s a great opportunity and honor just to help and volunteer.”

Joining the Badger team meant some training for Jeff Moeller. He attended some meetings and went through Firefighter I training. His job includes going out on fire calls and emergency medical calls.

Jeff Moeller lives and stands by the true meaning of Badger’s department — volunteer.

“I’m always willing to help and show up when I’m needed,” he said. “It’s a volunteer department and I give my time to volunteer, that’s what it’s all about.”

-Submitted photo

JOHN MOELLER, left, hands the Badger Fire and Rescue Firefighter of the Year award to his son, Jeff Moeller.

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Paying it forward in Manson Heimgartner enjoys serving behind the scenes

By DEANNA MEYER

dmeyer@messengernews.net

MANSON — Denise Heimgartner could have chosen many career paths, but the one she’s chosen as an adult can’t be found specifically listed in the yellow pages or at a job fair.

Heimgartner Denise is a selfd e s c r i b e d Heimgartner “helper.”

Whether she’s taking calls in administration at K.C. Nielsen or working to improve the Manson community, Heimgartner is there to serve.

“I truly believe everybody’s been helped, it’s just whether you see it or not,” she said. “As an adult, I just want to be a helper.”

A true hometown girl, Heimgartner has lived in Manson since she was 5 years old. She graduated from Manson High School in 1978, attended Hamilton Business College in Mason City and returned to raise her family here.

“It’s a great place to raise kids,” she said. “It’s safe. You don’t have to worry about them. … There’s good morals here.”

Heimgartner, who recently served as the Manson Chamber president, can be found helping around the community in a myriad of ways, but she prefers to be a “behind-the-scenes person.”

“My ideal pastime would be just to be free to do projects in town that need to be done,” she said.

Recently, she organized a group of about six people

-Messenger photo by Deanna Meyer

Manson

DENISE HEIMGARTNER, of Manson, works to put stakes in the ground as support for a cattle panel. Heimgartner plans to plant flowers there to accent the Hidden Gems billboard on the wall above on Manson's main street.

to help clean out the former Foley’s clothing store. Owned by the city and turned over to the Manson Economic Development Committee, the building needed to be cleaned up and junk hauled away so it is ready for the next phase, whatever that entails.

Heimgartner joined the Manson Chamber about four years ago, serving as vice president for two years and president for one year.

She got involved because she wanted to do “something fun.”

“I needed an outlet,” she said.

One of the first projects she took on was organizing mini golf holes for Manson’s Greater Crater Days. The idea was to have each business donate and design a mini golf hole that represented their business.

Not sure what to expect, Heimgartner hoped to get at least 12 businesses involved, but wasn’t prepared for the overwhelming positive response.

She got 36.

“I was super surprised how supportive the businesses were,” she said. “It amazes me how creative the businesses were to come up with something that represented their business. It was awesome.”

This year, Heimgartner is serving on the Sesquicentennial Committee, which is planning activities for the town’s 150th in conjunction with Greater Crater Days. “With my Chamber connections, it’s a natural fit,” she said. “It’s a small group, but it’s a good group.”

Heimgartner is in charge of

door for customers to read as they walk in, and to her knowledge, she hasn’t repeated one yet.

Her husband, Don, is retired and serves on the Manson Fire Department. The couple’s children are grown and have moved away. In their free time, the couple enjoy going for motorcycle rides together.

Not one to sit idle, she is working to get a group together to deliver groceries to homebound residents.

“I will say, this community does support itself,” she said. “If someone has a hard time and there’s a benefit, people are supportive.”

Heimgartner recalled a tough time in her own life when the community came to her aid.

She was recently divorced with junior high age children when the family experienced a house fire. She hadn’t worked for the dealership very long, but the owner “closed the store down, left two people here and everyone came to help” – unsolicited.

“They were there for me and I didn’t ask. They were just there,” she said. “That’s why I live here.

“I guess I’m just paying ahead or paying it back, however you look at it.”

Heimgartner is always on the lookout for people willing to invest in the community by donating a little bit of time and energy.

“It’s amazing what a few willing people can accomplish when they work together.”

games. Among the activities planned are the return of mini golf, bags and “soccer pool” – which is playing the game of pool with a soccer ball.

Another project Heimgartner has worked on behind the scenes is the “Hidden Gems” billboards now gracing downtown.

“I really wanted to highlight what the businesses in town are,” she said. “There’s so much more to Manson than Main Street. So many people do things out of their home.”

So the Hidden Gems billboards were designed and feature 20 businesses that are run from the owners' homes.

Currently, Heimgartner is working to spruce up the area around the billboards. She is creating a cattle panel to serve as a trellis for flowers near one, and plans to plant pampas grass near

another.

In connection with the Chamber, Heimgartner is also helping to bring back welcome baskets for people who are new to Manson and purchase a home here. The baskets might include business cards for snow removal, lawn care or daycare, and other services people new to town may need.

Heimgartner has worked at the town’s John Deere dealership, K.C. Nielsen Ltd. (formerly known as Calhoun County Implement), for 25 years and refers to herself as “a point person.”

“Most everybody knows if they need something, they’ll call,” she said.

Heimgartner is known for putting a different quote or inspirational saying on a white board just inside the business’

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A role model on and off the court

Crooks is a household name and superstar to area youth

By CHRIS JOHNSON

sports@messengernews.net

ALGONA — Colin Schwab was playing basketball in his driveway one night when a familiar face pulled up in front of his house.

Rolling down her window, Bishop Garrigan High School senior-to-be Audi Crooks asked Colin if he wanted to go for a shake.

Crooks, who is the top recruit in the state of Iowa and the top50 in the nation, is not only one of the best basketball players, she’s also a strong role model in the Algona community.

“She drove by our house one night about 10 and my son was out playing basketball,’’ said Bishop Garrigan head coach Brandon Schwab. “She asks him if he wants to go to McDonald’s to get a shake.

“Nobody is asking her to do this stuff; she just loves to do things around the community.”

Crooks, the daughter of Fort Dodge graduate, the late Jimmie Crooks and Michelle (Vitzthum) Cook, splashed onto the stage as a freshman for the Golden Bears.

She has helped lead the Golden Bears to three state finals appearances and the school’s first state championship this past season.

Though her talents are known on the basketball court, it’s what she is doing off of it, whether she realizes it or not, that’s making the most impact.

“When we have home games and get done, there are usually four or five elementary kids that she is signing autographs for,’’ Schwab said. “She is good about being present.

“In her free time she is out there working with young post players and helping them work on

Algona “People call it a team, but I call it a family, both on and off the court. My teammates have pushed me and we operate as a unit and win as a unit.”

AUDI CROOKS Bishop Garrigan High School basketball player basketball.”

Outside of basketball, Crooks keeps busy in other athletic realms as well.

“She is involved in a lot of things, from swing choir to speech,’’ Schwab said. “She is also in track and has done volleyball and softball.

“She loves to hang around her friends as much as possible.”

On the court, Crooks has demonstrated her talents and has become a household name on the Iowa and national scene. Upon graduating from Bishop Garrigan, she has committed to play at Iowa State University in Ames.

The Bishop Garrigan junior was named the Class 1A Iowa Basketball Coaches Association player of the year, matching the one she won as a freshman. She was also the Gatorade Player of the Year in 2020.

Receiving such an award is a great achievement, but Crooks knows it’s not possible on her own.

“It’s definitely a huge honor to be recognized,’’ Crooks said.

“It’s a prestigious award that is handed out to such great athletes in the state.

“People call it a team, but I call it a family, both on and off the court. My teammates have pushed me and we operate as a unit and win as a unit.”

She has been a first-team allstate selection all three seasons and became the school’s alltime scoring leader with 1,845 points and is closing in on 1,000 rebounds (955). Crooks is averaging 22.5 points and 11.6 rebounds, along with 3.5 blocks per game. Her career field goal percentage is 71.1 percent.

Every time Crooks is asked about her accomplishments, it quickly turns to her team.

“My teammates are a big influence on me,’’ Crooks said.

“Knowing that the girls I play with trust me completely is a great feeling and I take pride in that.

“I also feel as if they hold me to a certain standard, and it constantly pushes me to do more and to never be satisfied.”

-Messenger photos

by Britt Kudla

ABOVE: Audi Crooks receives a rose from her cousins Emery Vitzthum and Hayden Vitzthum, of Michigan, after winning the Class 1A state championship this season.

LEFT: Audi Crooks gets a hug after Bishop Garrigan won the state championship this season.

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23

Creating a positive environment

Cardenas enjoys seeing boxers find their confidence “We get so many kids — shy, quiet kids — and they leave here and away, holding their shoulders out as a nice confident kid.”

By CHRIS JOHNSON

cjohnson@messengernews.net

Ismael Cardenas pours concrete all day and into the night for Castor Construction and when he’s done he heads quickly to the gym.

Fort Dodge

— ISMAEL CARDENAS Fort Dodge Boxing Club

He treks up the old wooden stairs and enters the second level of the building, turning into a gym that looks like it belongs in the “Rocky” movies.

“Sometimes I’ll pour 170 yards of concrete until 6:45 p.m. and then come up to the gym at 7 p.m.,’’ Cardenas said. “I tend to get tired at work, but when I come up to the gym and see the kids ready to work, it puts a smile on my face. We’ll get done and they say, ‘See you tomorrow coach.’ I enjoy training these kids.”

This is Cardenas’ spot — the Fort Dodge Boxing Club — where he trains local youth who are aspiring to be boxers, looking to get into better shape or just looking for a place to belong.

“We have some kids that don’t want to compete; they just come here for the environment, where everyone is treated the same,’’ Cardenas said. “Everyone is the same and they come here and

-Messenger photo by Chris Johnson

ISMAEL CARDENAS, boxing coach, spends some ring time with Jesus Castillo at the Fort Dodge Boxing Club.

work their tails off.

“It’s just something in this environment that kids want to be here. Some come here to lose weight and to meet their goals.”

This is where Cardenas shares his love and knowledge of boxing. Cardenas, who is known as “Smiley” to his friends and family, helped at the club under the late Bud Fair and ultimately

took over in 2015.

“My kids and Bud Fair — rest his soul — wanted me to come and help,” Cardenas said after Fair’s passing in 2020. “Bud was getting older and wasn’t able to do quite as much, so I kept coming in. When it got to be too much for him, I took over.

“He (Fair) always said, ‘Dedicate yourself to something

and stick with it. He really helped me and showed me a lot of tricks of the trade.”

Cardenas makes the boxing club a great environment where kids can come and feel like they belong and train for whatever their needs are.

“You can see it when they first get here that some of them struggle,’’ Cardenas said. “But

I tell them it will get easier and they keep on trucking, and when they do, you can see the smile on their face. I have had some kids come in here very angry and talk back to their parents, but once they get involved, they straighten out.

“We get so many kids —shy, quiet kids — and they leave here and away, holding their shoulders out as a nice confident kid and are very polite, saying, ‘Yes sir.’”

Cardenas, who is 48 years old, started boxing with his son in 2012.

“I started with my son in the garage in 2012,’’ Cardenas said.

“My other boys came in with Bud and worked on some stuff and then I came in and helped out.

“When we were kids, I was always around boxing. My dad was always around boxers, most of them in Mexico. We would always get into boxing matches and duke it out.”

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Moving forward in Rockwell City

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Wagner works with revitalization group to spruce up town, attract visitors

By DEANNA MEYER

dmeyer@messengernews.net

ROCKWELL CITY — “As he flew over / said the crow / Rockwell City / is a place to grow.”

If you’ve driven into Rockwell City from the north recently, you were likely greeted by this poem on a set of four roadside signs leading into town.

The poem’s sentiment is simple, but accurately represents how Joan Wagner feels about her hometown — a place she wants to see grow.

Born and raised in Rockwell City, Wagner is passionate about her community. She, along with a handful of other like-minded residents, have been working together since 2009 to improve the place they call home through a group known as Rockwell City Revitalization.

This community group was behind the addition of the sequential roadside signs, also known as Burma-Shave signs, which were a popular advertising gimmick the company used to promote its shaving cream from 1925 to 1964.

Rockwell City Revitalization was initially a branch of the local Chamber. Wagner has been a member since its inception, and today serves as president.

“We met and tried to come up with different things that could help the town, kind of spruce it up, revitalize it,” she said.

From the beginning, the group developed a vision for both physical amenities and community attractions that would benefit the town. Among the first projects the group would tackle was bringing a bandstand back to the City Square.

“There were a couple of people that were really passionate about it and pushed until we had enough money to do that one,” Wagner said. “We thought it was a place where we could have

Rockwell City events in the future.”

In the mid-1900s, a gazebo graced the Courthouse lawn, but Wagner said the original one couldn’t be recreated. So the group raised the money to build a new one, and it has since been the site of several outdoor concerts and events, including the Bill Riley talent show.

“During COVID, we had people bring their own lawn chairs and spread out,” she said of the summer concerts.

Sweet Corn Daze is another community event that evolved from those early meetings. The summer celebration has since been taken over by the Chamber.

Today’s Revitalization group consists of less than a dozen members whose mission is to “revitalize Rockwell City by leading the way to enhance our community, neighborhoods and quality of life.”

Over the years, several major projects have been completed due to the group’s efforts.

Among those is the Rainbow Bridge on the east side of town.

Closed in 1981, the bridge eventually became an eyesore.

“It was just overgrown; then we cleaned it up,” she said.

In addition, a family donated a picnic table and a plaque was made for the area.

“Now it’s a roadside park where people can fish off of the historic Rainbow Bridge,” Wagner said.

Other projects the group has supported include demolishing unsafe buildings on the City Square, getting billboards on U.S. Highway 20 directing people into town, and turning bare concrete into Gardens on Fourth, a small downtown park with benches, tables and flowers.

Kids’ Kingdom, a playground

-Messenger photos by Deanna Meyer

ABOVE: KIDS’ KINGDOM is a playground created by kids, for kids, located inside Rockwell City Park. Rockwell City Revitalization has assumed responsibility for the ongoing upkeep of Kids’ Kingdom.

LEFT: JOAN WAGNER, president of Rockwell City Revitalization, sits inside the band stand in the shadow of the Calhoun County Courthouse where she works as the county assessor. The band stand was the first project completed by Rockwell City Revitalization after the group formed in 2009.

inside the city park, is an ongoing project.

“We’ve kind of adopted Kids’ Kingdom,” Wagner said.

The group has had it power washed and sealed, and also makes sure equipment is repaired and up to date.

In the summer of 2021, the group revamped a tennis court into a pickleball court. With a new net and new court lines — which Wagner painted herself one Saturday morning using special stencils — the court was soon ready for use.

Of all the group’s projects, however, Wagner especially

enjoys the concerts at the gazebo.

“They’re relaxed, low-key.”

The concerts are free to the public and often draw people from outside Rockwell City.

Five concerts are planned for this summer.

“The bands that we have — they have followers,” she said.

“So certain people from out of town come when they find out that they’re playing.

“We started out with small local bands and now we’re actually paying for the talent. We get sponsorships, which helps cover the cost.”

Meanwhile, the group

has many other projects on tap. It’s considering adding a sand volleyball court near the swimming pool and is working on a new dog park, which will be located near the Calhoun County Museum.

Asked why she stays involved, Wagner said simply, “If we don’t do it, who’s going to?”

Wagner also serves as the Calhoun County assessor.

"I started in the office in 2000 and worked my way up," she said, becoming assessor in 2005.

In addition, she is a member of the church council at St. Paul Lutheran and Presbyterian Church and helps her husband farm.

Her passion for serving goes back to family. She and her husband, Kolby, have raised two children here, and now those children (Tyler and Faith) are grown and beginning to invest in the community themselves.

“It’s a good place to raise your kids,” she said, “and the things that we do help to keep Rockwell City moving.”

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The Messenger/Fort Dodge, Iowa

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Hainzinger lives his dream: ‘To drive the big red truck’

By HANS MADSEN DAYTON — Dayton Fire Chief Luke Hainzinger didn’t waste any time becoming a firefighter as soon as he was able to do so.

“I joined in 2013,” he said, “right after I turned 18.”

He was inspired by family and his friend Colin Murphy, who died in a drowning in 2016.

“My dad was on the Lehigh Fire Department for 16 years,” he said. “I heard them tell all the fire stories. I hung out with Colin Murphy; he was a big influence. We grew up a mile apart. Every kid dreams of driving the big red truck some day.”

Hainzinger is serving his second year as Dayton fire chief. He was assistant chief for two years prior to that.

He’ll never forget his first fire.

“It was a structure fire in Lehigh,” he said. “I rode with Earl Hanson, shaking like a leaf the whole way. When I hit the ground, Nick Dunbar helped me get my SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) on.”

While he still remembers all the technical details, the camaraderie and help from his brother firefighters are what he recalls most.

“Earl taught me a lot about the pumps and the trucks,” he said. “Earl taught me a lot.”

He’s also inspired by Jeremiah Johnson, who was chief when he joined the department.

“The camaraderie and the way he interacted with everyone … that’s the way I want to be

Dayton “It’s definitely a commitment, but it’s also definitely worth it.”

LUKE HAINZINGER Dayton fire chief someday, the way he led scenes, his command.” he said. “He took me under his wing.”

One of Hainzinger’s most memorable fires involved working with several other departments under trying conditions in the Carlson Recreation Area along the Des Moines River.

“You couldn’t get to it,” he said. “We had 10 departments from three counties. All those guys worked together, on foot, in the dark. That was a 12-hour fire.”

Hainzinger is expecting a son in August with his wife, Maureen. They haven’t purchased infant sized turnout gear, yet.

“She’s got some little fire boots for him, though,” he said.

He said that being a volunteer firefighter is much more involved than it sounds.

“It becomes a lifestyle,” he said. “You only volunteer the day you turn in your application.

After that, it’s a job.”

Besides the required training,

there’s something else needed.

“The willingness to commit,” he said. “You have to sacrifice now and then. We’ve all got full-time jobs on top of it.”

There’s also a human side to the fire they’re working to put out. Odds are, it’s somebody’s home.

“You have to remember, there’s a family standing on the street behind you.” he said.

That human side is also part of his job.

“I’m checking in with the family,” he said. “We ask them what can we get out. That’s somebody’s worst day.”

Hainzinger is working on getting a junior program up and running for 16 to 18 year olds with an interest in becoming firefighters. He said that once they hit their 18th birthday, they can do as he did and become full-fledged firefighters.

The Dayton Fire Department currently has a couple of empty turnout gear lockers.

“We’ve always got room for more,” he said.

So why do it?

“There’s a lot of camaraderie; it’s a good time,” he said. “It’s definitely a commitment, but it’s also definitely worth it.”

-Messenger photo

by Hans Madsen

DAYTON FIRE CHIEF LUKE HAINZINGER poses with this white chief’s helmet in the Dayton Fire Station.

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-Messenger photos by Hans Madsen

ABOVE: Dayton Fire Chief Luke Hainzinger takes the driver’s seat in the department’s 1924 fire truck.

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The Messenger/Fort Dodge, Iowa

D.A.R.E. is back

www.messengernews.net

Rose teaches students how to make good choices, respond to peer pressure, and more

By HANS MADSEN

editor@messengernews.net

WEBSTER CITY — ­ An observer driving by the Webster City Middle School could be forgiven for wondering if someone got in serious trouble when they see a Webster City Police Department vehicle parked out front several times a week.

It’s not there to deal with trouble, though.

Its driver, Senior Patrol Officer Dylan Rose, is there to help 96 fifth-grade students avoid trouble.

Rose is the school’s Drug Abuse Resistance Education officer. It’s his first year teaching the 10-week D.A.R.E. program and the first time the program is back in the school after a hiatus from the previous officer leaving and the COVID shutdowns.

Rose has been with the Webster City Police Department since July 2017 and began the D.A.R.E. classes in January 2022.

“I just got certified in September of 2021 to be a D.A.R.E. officer,” he said as he looked around the library while setting up for a recent session in the familiar hallways. “It’s nice to come back and see some of the teachers I had here rather than being a student.”

Rose said that D.A.R.E has changed in recent years to keep up with changes.

“Society is changing year after year,” he said. “Things are not the way they would have been when I was here 12 years ago.

It’s completely changed. They revamped it about seven years ago. It’s more focused on new information.”

Some of the current issues that are being seen in schools, such as vaping, didn’t even exist when the program was first written in the early 1980s. According to D.A.R.E’s website, the program

Webster City has also been changed to a more interactive program rather than a series of lectures. It’s also expanded beyond just drugs and alcohol.

“I teach them how to respond to peer pressure, how to respond to bullying, how to make the right decisions and be a good citizen,” Rose said. “It’s not just focused on the drugs. I teach them how to resist going into those bad decisions, how to say no. It’s important for the rest of their lives.”

Rose said the students have responded well to the program.

“The students have been fantastic,” he said. “It’s exceeded all of our expectations. We started from scratch.”

He said that both he and the students have gained from the experience.

“The first few weeks I might have three volunteers,” he said.

“Now I have hands all through class. They’re not afraid. Some of them have really come out of their shell.”

“I was never a public speaker,” he said. “It’s changed me as a person as well. The kids see me on the street and go, ‘Hey Officer Rose, how’s it going?’”

Rose said that the middle school teachers and administration have been very helpful in getting him set up, finding spots in the schedule and just being there with encouragement and help.

“I have the staff here that works with me and helps me with every need,” he said, “even pencils.”

As might be expected, the students are curious about Rose’s tools of the trade.

“They ask about the Taser, how

many people I’ve arrested and how fast does my squad car go,” he said.

Rose said it’s important the students see him as a person.

“You have to be human,” he said.

He works on building up trust between himself and the students, stressing that honesty with him and honesty with them is the way to go.

Middle School Assistant Principal Will Brock is happy to have D.A.R.E back in his school.

Part of him wanting D.A.R.E. back was the increase in the popularity of vaping.

“We saw an expansion with vaping and other things kids shouldn’t be doing,” Brock said.

“They didn’t know what they’re putting into their bodies.”

He wants his students to have

the program be a positive.

“The more times we can get a positive message to them, the more it will stick and they’ll do the right thing,” Brock said. “They’re making positive decisions and applying it to their own life. Rose is very much a positive role model for the students.”

Rose knows that not all of the 96 fifth-grade students enrolled in the program will spend the rest of their school career and life making every decision the right decision. It’s something he’s had to accept.

“You can’t stop all of them from making bad decisions,” Rose said. “But if I can help stop one, help curve their future in the right direction. If you can make a difference in one kid’s life, then you’re doing your job. That’s what’s important to me.”

-Messenger photos

by Hans Madsen

ABOVE: Webster City Police D.A.R.E Officer Dylan Rose talks to one of his groups of fifth-grade students at Webster City Middle School recently. The program has recently returned after a fouryear absence.

TOP PHOTO: One of the Webster City Middle School fifthgrade D.A.R.E participants looks over his course book.

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ICU nurse powers through pandemic Dallman's daughter inspires her to go into health care field

BY CHAD THOMPSON

editor@messengernews.net

Bobbi Dallman felt a strange connection with one of the first patients she treated for COVID-19 in the critical care unit.

“The first person I coded with COVID was the same age as me,” said Dallman, a 35-yearold registered nurse at UnityPoint Health — Trinity Regional Medical Center. “That really changed me. That was one of our first COVID patients (in 2020). She went into cardiac arrest several times and resulted in passing away. It was very difficult.”

Dallman has worked in health care since 2014. She’s been a team member at UnityPoint in the hospital since 2019.

Before the pandemic, treating patients was relatively easier.

The pace was different. There’s always been hectic days, Dallman said. But usually there would be a pause in the chaos. Now, those shifts are harder to come by.

“Before COVID, we would see people get better,” she said.

“Unfortunately, we don’t see that a lot with COVID. We do everything we can for them and unfortunately sometimes it’s just not enough. The hardest part is being there before and watching that successful outcome and now sometimes it doesn’t work. And that’s an adjustment. Even two years later, I feel like we still aren’t used to it.”

She’s seen the effect that the virus can have, even on relatively young and healthy people.

“We see this every day and know how damaging it can be,” Dallman said. “We have had very young patients come in who are healthy otherwise. It’s not just elderly or people who

Fort Dodge have a medical history. I just try to educate people with medical facts.”

Dallman’s reason for entering the profession can be seen around her neck. She wears a memorial locket necklace with her daughter’s ashes inside.

Her daughter, Keirstyn Swanson, passed away in 2012 from complications during her second open heart surgery. She was 4.

Swanson was born with a heart disease. As a result, Dallman stayed home with her and provided 24-hour care for years.

“That led me toward nursing school eventually,” Dallman said.

“She was very critical. I just knew I wanted to do my part to prevent that from happening to someone else’s family member.”

Dallman works the night shift.

She arrives at the hospital at 6:40 p.m. and doesn’t go home until 7:30 or 8 the next morning.

By the time she’s done, Dallman walks as many as 30,000 steps. She believes day shift nurses will walk more than that on certain days.

For each shift, Dallman starts by getting her assignment from the charge nurse. There’s typically two patients per nurse, but sometimes it’s three.

“Lately if we are short, it’s 3 to 1, but charge nurses do a great job of assigning manageable patients,” Dallman said.

Dallman conducts three assessments each shift on her patients — one every few hours.

“You completely assess the patient head to toe and a more

-Messenger file photo

BOBBI DALLMAN, an ICU registered nurse at UnityPoint Health — Trinity Regional Medical Center, shows her memorial necklace dedicated to her daughter. Her daughter, Keirstyn Swanson, passed away in 2012 at the age of 4. She’s the reason Dallman pursued a career in health care.

“The hardest part is leaving work at work and home at home, trying not to intertwine the two. I’m a very empathetic person and most of us are. When something happens here that doesn’t have the outcome we want, it’s hard not to take that home with us.”

— BOBBI DALLMAN ICU registered nurse focused assessment of why they are there,” she said. “We reround every hour — peek in on them.

Patients that can’t turn, we go in every two hours and turn them and answer any call lights.”

Dallman is the mother to four children. She shares custody of her 6-year-old daughter, Emersyn.

“On the weekends her dad has her, I am open to work because I

don’t have to worry about day care or my time with her,” Dallman said. “When I pick up extra shifts that’s something I have to look at.

If I don’t have day care, I’d rather be here helping.”

Sometimes work follows Dallman home.

“Trying to balance everything is a challenge,” she said. “Staying focused. The hardest part is

leaving work at work and home at home, trying not to intertwine the two. I’m a very empathetic person and most of us are. When something happens here that doesn’t have the outcome we want, it’s hard not to take that home with us.”

Yet Dallman is able to power through. And she credits that in large part to the culture created at UnityPoint.

Small gestures of gratitude make a world of a difference.

“Our teamwork, our cohesion as a team,” Dallman said. “Our bond over the last few years because we go through so much together. Our patients’ families when they give us gratification or send us baskets full of treats or goodies and calling several times to check up on families and tell us we are doing an amazing job.”

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The Messenger/Fort Dodge, Iowa

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Bockelmann motivated by public service New Humboldt administrator seeks to continue helping community grow

By KELBY WINGERT

kwingert@messengernews.net

HUMBOLDT — Cole Bockelmann has always wanted to serve his community.

“I’ve always been someone that’s motivated by public service, really intent on creating public value and to try to measure what we do by the differences we make in the community,” the new Humboldt city administrator said.

Bockelmann was hired last fall after former City Administrator Travis Goedken left to be the city manager in Decorah.

Bockelmann started in his new role in mid-January.

Bockelmann previously spent three years as the city administrator in Yutan, Nebraska, a town of about 1,000 just west of Omaha.

A native of Sergeant Bluff, Bockelmann was looking to move to a larger town, and had his eye on somewhere in Iowa.

“My wife and I have lived in Omaha for six years and we’re both from small town Iowa, so we wanted to get back and kind of have that quality of life over what a metropolitan city can offer,” he said.

Bockelmann’s wife, Shelby, is a family and consumer science teacher in Omaha. She rejoined him in Humboldt at the end of the school year.

Humboldt “Humboldt has done a good job with growth and development and I want to continue that.

Affordable housing and attracting talented workers to Humboldt are really important to me.”

COLE BOCKELMANN Humboldt city administrator

-Messenger file photo by Kelby Wingert

COLE BOCKELMANN joined the city of Humboldt as the new city manager in January 2022.

Bockelmann was a doublemajor in history and political science at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, and went on to earn his master’s degree in public administration at the University of NebraskaOmaha.

“I’ve always been really interested in public service,” he said.

As an undergraduate student, Bockelmann focused on the

federal level of government service, interning with thenCongresswoman Kristi Noem, and later at the State Department.

He felt the work wasn’t as rewarding as he was hoping.

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So then Bockelmann started looking at local government service and interned with the city

manager of Vermillion, South Dakota.

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Saturday, June 25, 2022 | Sunday, June 26, 2022

The Messenger/Fort Dodge, Iowa

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The Messenger/Fort Dodge, Iowa

Saturday, June 25, 2022 | Sunday, June 26, 2022

35

GOWRIE Independence Day The Gowrie Independence Day Celebration is one of the longest running patriotic events in the State of Iowa and at the centerpiece of this pride is American Legion Peterson Post #431.

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Saturday, June 25, 2022 | Sunday, June 26, 2022

The Messenger/Fort Dodge, Iowa

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Reaching the next generation of ag students FFA roots run deep for Southeast Valley's Steve Kehoe

By KELBY WINGERT

kwingert@messengernews.net

GOWRIE — Student agriculture clubs have changed quite a bit since Steve Kehoe joined the Future Farmers of America club at Prairie High School in Gowrie in the 1970s.

Gowrie For instance, today, the organization is known simply as FFA. It also has a wider variety of students involved.

Kehoe, the agriculture science teacher and FFA advisor at Southeast Valley High School, grew up on a farm in Webster County and graduated from the high school in Gowrie in 1978.

As a young kid and a teen, he was very active in 4-H and FFA. But the FFA Kehoe knew in high school is almost unrecognizable from the club he leads now.

“When I was in FFA, there may have been two or three girls in the program at all in our high school,” he said. “Whereas I would say half of the membership today are girls.”

Another main difference is that students interested in production agriculture like farming aren’t in the majority any more.

“They’re in here because of all the other job opportunities out there for agriculture,” Kehoe said. “It’s not just production any more; it’s the services.”

Growth in technology has created more and more opportunities in the agriculture industry than ever before, he said.

Some of what students do in FFA hasn’t changed much since Kehoe’s high school days — there’s still a lot of focus on record keeping, leadership skills, public speaking, supervised agricultural experience projects, conferences and conventions.

When Kehoe was in FFA, his supervised agricultural experience, or SAE, project was planting five acres

-Messenger file photo by Kelby Wingert

STEVE KEHOE, agriculture science teacher at Southeast Valley High School, talks to some of his FFA students. Kehoe, who has taught at Southeast Valley and advised FFA for many years, was involved in FFA when he was in high school in the 1970s.

of corn on his dad’s land. He planned the crop, planted the seeds, tended the growth and kept records of his work and the results.

Kehoe didn’t always intend to teach agriculture science to the next generations, or advise an FFA club. He went to college at Northwest Missouri State to study ag business.

It was a college advisor who recommended he teach for a few years before he went into ag banking or sales or something else.

“I thought I’d only be teaching for five years,” he said. “This is year 39.”

Right now, Kehoe is preparing his FFA students for upcoming leadership contests and introducing them to the opportunities a career in agriculture can offer them.

“The need for youth to go into these careers is essential, because agriculture is essential in producing food,” he said.

“There’s a lot of opportunities — more opportunities than when I was there.”

“The need for youth to go into these careers is essential, because agriculture is essential in producing food.”

STEVE KEHOE Agriculture science teacher, FFA advisor

www.messengernews.net

The Messenger/Fort Dodge, Iowa

Operation Warm It Forward

By KELBY WINGERT

37

Nelson, Schroeder work together to provide coats for the community

Fort Dodge

kwingert@messengernews.net

During harsh Iowa winters, a warm winter coat is a necessity.

However, not everyone has a cozy parka to keep out the icy air. For those who don’t have something to keep them warm during the winter, a couple of Fort Dodge community members bring the warmth to downtown Fort Dodge.

Operation Warm It Forward was started in 2017 by Linette Nelson and Troy Schroeder, of Fort Dodge. Nelson learned of another city that was doing a community coat drive and leaving coats on street poles around town for those in need to pick up at their convenience.

“Knowing Troy and his connection with the community and having a location right downtown, where it would be easy for people to see and to take part of, I connected with him to see if he wanted to partner up,” Nelson said.

Since then, every winter, the duo set up a coat rack outside of Schroeder’s Memories in Focus studio at 521 Central Ave. The coat rack stays outside 24/7 during the winter and anyone is invited to come up to take what they need.

With the coat rack sitting outside all the time, Schroeder just trusts that people taking the coats and warm clothing need them and their situation is no one’s business.

“Who am I to decide what they need?”

Schroeder asked.

Schroeder’s downtown photography studio made sense for a headquarters for the coat rack, Nelson said.

“If you go downtown a lot of times, you can see a lot of people out walking,” she said. “We really wanted to put it down there and really be able to help people where there was an identified need. We definitely know that being in Fort Dodge and just going out and about, you can

Saturday, June 25, 2022 | Sunday, June 26, 2022

see people are out in the cold without the correct winter wear on, and coats are not cheap.”

Nelson estimates that the coat rack has seen “well over 1,500” coats pass through it over the last couple years.

In addition to the coat rack, Operation Warm It Forward has a box for gloves, scarves and hats to be donated and available for those in need.

Having the coat rack outside and in downtown makes the coats accessible and the act of taking one anonymous, Nelson said. Some may feel they have barriers to other coats programs from other agencies and organizations in the community, like having to meet specific income requirements, or just feeling embarrassed to ask for a coat. Having this anonymous coat rack takes away those barriers.

Schroeder said that even though no one is required to see him or say anything when they take a coat, sometimes a person will stop in the studio to say thanks and chat with Schroeder. Sometimes they’ll tell him their stories about how they got to where they are and why they’re struggling, and Schroeder will try to steer them toward more community resources and organizations that can help.

In past years, when the project has had a surplus of coats, they’ve expanded to add other coat rack locations around town. The project even has its own Facebook Page, www.facebook.com/ operationwarmitforard, for updates and calls for donations.

“Fort Dodge has an outstanding way of helping people,” Schroeder said. “I’m pretty proud of Fort Dodge.”

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-Messenger photo by Kelby Wingert

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The Messenger/Fort Dodge, Iowa

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Wingert found his passion, calling at an early age

By DANA BECKER

-Submitted photo

sports@messengernews.net

For Jared Wingert, music and being there for people have always gone handin-hand.

JARED WINGERT, left, has turned his passion for music into a driving force as owner of Mojo Productions.

Fort Dodge

interacting with all those people and making them happy. For me, it was a winwin.

“Playing in a band is fun, but I played drums and was all the way in the back.

Being a DJ, I could control the way the night went. It’s nice being able to play all the requests, have a good time and enjoy interacting with people.”

Wingert continues to be out on the road on a weekly basis. But his prep work starts well before the actual event.

“When I do a wedding, that is the only thing I’m doing that day,” he said. “I don’t mow the lawn, straighten up the house or anything else. I get to bed early, get as much sleep as I can because I’m there for the couple all day. That’s their day and I am there to assist them any way I can.

“I don’t care if my house is on fire; it is them no matter what it is. It is their day. I have one chance to make it right and that is my mission for the day.”

Wingert has already taken on added roles in Britt, Fort Dodge and other towns.

“If there is an event we can help at, we’ll be there,” he said. “We want to give back to communities whenever we can and however we can.”

In the future, Wingert says he would like to own and operate his own wedding venue. He is currently having a new building built for Mojo Productions.

Wingert, a graduate of St. Edmond Catholic School, is the co-owner of Mojo Productions with his wife, Katie. Together, the two have become synonymous with providing music and DJ services around the state.

But for Wingert, it’s more than just his profession.

Recently, Wingert returned home to provide music for St. Edmond’s prom.

“They just weren’t getting what they wanted,” Wingert said. “I did the event for basically expenses to help out my old school. They voted me the best DJ and want me to come back.

“Stuff like that is where it is at. It’s why we have the kind of credibility that we do.

We interact. We don’t try to be anything that we aren’t; we put in our homework to make the crowd happy.”

Wingert’s first introduction to the music world came from his mother, who worked in radio.

“That took us down to Mount Pleasant and back around over the course of 10 years,” he said.

Wingert started up a band and worked as a DJ in Fort Dodge.

“I started working for Denny Wyatt,” Wingert said. “I wound up getting thrown in the DJ booth every Wednesday night.

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The Messenger/Fort Dodge, Iowa

Returning home

Saturday, June 25, 2022 | Sunday, June 26, 2022

After 15 years away, Porter returns as FDSH activities director

By CHRIS JOHNSON

sports@messengernews.net

When Josh Porter returned home to Fort Dodge, he wanted to be the example and set the standard.

Porter, who was a wrestling state champion his senior year in 1999 for the Dodgers, has just completed his first year as activities director at his alma mater.

The Dodger graduate has stood by his words. In a recent Facebook post, Fort Dodge softball coach Andi Adams applauded Porter for his efforts.

Fort Dodge With an umpire shortage, Porter went out and got his umpire license. In one day he umpired two freshman softball games and a JV game and then announced the baseball game at night. Adding to his list of getting things done, Porter drove a bus for an athletic event.

“I obviously appreciate the recognition, but I don’t do it for that. I just hate to see opportunities taken away for kids,’’ Porter said. “I want to be the example and set that tone and be a leader that puts his boots to the ground. I think as a leader you have to be a role model and talk the talk and walk the walk.

“If you expect your coaches to do it, then you have to. We have a lot of events here like our cross country invitational, the Don Miller Invitational, hosting postseason wrestling and basketball. Ryan O’Leary is a great attribute to the school, as well as he helps in any way he can. A lot of people don’t see all of the extra time and work that coaches and administrators put in.”

After graduating high school, the Dodger graduate spent 15 years in Clarinda as a coach and athletic director, but after the activities director job opened at Fort

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

FORT DODGE ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR JOSH PORTER works at a recent Dodger softball game.

Dodge, it was time to come home.

“For a long time I wanted to be back in Fort Dodge,’’ Porter said. “I thought if the right coaching job or administration job came along, I would come back.

“My wife isn’t from Fort Dodge, so it had to be the right opportunity. It didn’t shake out for a while, but when the AD job opened and my wife was ready — which was the most important piece — it worked.”

One of the main reasons Porter wanted to return to his old stomping grounds was the people of Fort Dodge.

“Honestly, it was more about the people than anything,’’ Porter said. “Once you’re from Fort Dodge and you grow up in Fort Dodge and move further away and tell people about it, you brag about it.

“Fort Dodge has received my family like

a family. My old friends and the ‘guys,’ those connections are still there and it’s like you never left, even being gone for 15 years.”

The role of an athletic director has changed and switched to activities director, and Porter loves the fact that he can gain new experiences mixed with the old.

“A ways back, all you were was an athletic director and then it changed to activities director across the country,” Porter said. “It’s a tough balance, but I’m someone who has a great appreciation for those activities. I learned the most by being in Clarinda. They have such strong band and theater programs and activities; it was a great opportunity.

“Being back in Fort Dodge, I learned about the activities and to stay balanced as I can. When I went to the musical, I didn’t realize the strong tradition and I watched it

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in a different avenue.”

Porter, who played football and baseball and wrestled at Fort Dodge, wants to uphold the tradition of the programs.

“There is something about being from Fort Dodge and the tradition,’’ Porter said.

“Fort Dodge has tough, hard-nosed kids, who may not always be the most athletic, but have a lot of heart. As a culture, we have accepted that and love that role.

“When I came back and saw the Fort Dodge vs. everybody shirts, I loved that.

I think back to the brutal schedule against Johnston and Waukee. We have become accustomed to that and take a lot of pride in that. We have to build off of that and get better and stay.”

On his list of short-term goals, Porter wants to make sure Fort Dodge is representing itself in a positive manner.

“We really want to make sure we are representing ourselves in the best way possible,’’ Porter said. “People in Fort Dodge are proud of Fort Dodge. We want to be put back on the map and working hard to be the best we can. We do a lot of things well and we don’t get enough appreciation for that.”

In the long term, Porter feels that Fort Dodge can be the town that comes up in conversations.

“We want to be the town everyone talks about in a positive light like other programs are talked about,’’ Porter said. “We want to be the school that everyone takes in what we do. Our coaches have great programs and we want to be the models.”

When the chance to come home came up, Porter and his family made the decision to come home, and in his return, Porter knew he made the right decision.

“My family loves it here. My biggest fear was that they wouldn’t,’’ Porter said.

“My wife (Sandy) enjoys her teaching job and my kids (Karson, 11; Knox, 9; Kruse 5) are involved in youth programs.

“I will never forget how the community, staff and kids have welcomed us.”

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Saturday, June 25, 2022 | Sunday, June 26, 2022

The Messenger/Fort Dodge, Iowa

www.messengernews.net

Serving Fort Dodge together

Son follows in father's footsteps on Fort Dodge Police Department

By KELBY WINGERT

kwingert@messengernews.net

Fort Dodge Police Officer Dylan Samuelson grew up around many members of law enforcement, listening to their stories from their time on the force. By age 10, he decided that he wanted to go into law enforcement, too.

Fort Dodge Well, it probably helped that his dad is Sgt. Paul Samuelson.

For the last two years, the two Samuelsons have served together in the Fort Dodge Police Department.

Paul Samuelson has been with the FDPD since 2015. He got his start in law enforcement in 1995 and spent the next 20 years with different agencies in central Iowa, including 10 years with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office.

When Paul Samuelson started his career in law enforcement, what he thought it was going to look like ended up being much different.

“When I first started off, it was always about being John Wayne and trying to catch those that are a menace to society and throwing them behind bars,” he said. “But as I’ve grown older, it’s more about being kind.

It’s more about realizing that

-Messenger photo by Kelby Wingert

FORT DODGE POLICE OFFICER DYLAN SAMUELSON and his father, Sgt. Paul Samuelson, serve together on the Fort Dodge Police Department.

everybody is fighting a battle and everybody has troubles and it’s up to us to reach out to those people and to help them.”

In 2018, Dylan Samuelson followed in his father’s footsteps and graduated from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. He worked with the Manson Police Department before joining the FDPD in 2020.

“I’ve always just been trying to help others and be an impact on the community, and hopefully some of the kids that don’t have someone to look up to, they can look up to us,” Dylan Samuelson said.

Though they don’t typically work the same shifts, Paul Samuelson said he still keeps an eye on Dylan’s work.

“Even though he’s my kid, I’m still a lot harder with him,” Paul Samuelson said.

He said he’ll sometimes look back at Dylan’s reports from his patrols to see how he’s doing, but for the most part he leaves the mentoring to Dylan’s supervisors in the department.

“We have to let his supervisors mold him and teach him all the

details,” Paul Samuelson said.

Dylan Samuelson said he likes that he has several mentors in uniform to turn to for advice.

“I can obviously ask my supervisors, but I can also ask him for guidance and about what he’s done in the past and what’s worked for him in the past,” Dylan Samuelson said.

The Samuelsons truly enjoy serving the citizens of Fort Dodge.

“We have the ability to impact the lives of others by helping them,” Paul Samuelson said. “Now, sometimes that's negative — we have to take people to jail or we have to tell them something that they don’t want to hear.”

A couple months ago, Dylan Samuelson was on patrol when he was flagged down by a woman who asked if he was Paul’s son. She then told him that a few years prior, Paul Samuelson had arrested her and she had just gotten out of prison from that arrest. She told him that the arrest was one of the best things that has happened to her.

“She’s trying to change her life around and she’s got a fulltime job and she’s learning from her mistakes,” Dylan Samuelson recalled.

At the end of the day, the message is clear.

“If you want to make a change, look around and help people,” Paul Samuelson said.

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Guarantees provided by annuities are subje issuing insurance issuing insurance company; not guaranteed by any bank or t during the withd during the withdrawal charge period may result in charges.

GUARANTEED FOR 5 YEARS!

* 0.60% endingGUARANTEED balance payable at the end of guarantee period if no withdrawals FOR 5 YEARS!

Kole Petersen Brock Norton Balleigh Ashbrook* Effective Yield to Surrender of 4.17% Retirement & Financial Planningother than Required Minimum Distributions.

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*

* 0.60% ending balance payable the end o otherat than Requi Eddie Doyle Minimum Distributions. Effective Yield other than Required

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lwcornwell@frontiernet.net • crfrideres@frontiernet.net jjmaher@frontiernet.net

Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC Royal Alliance Associates, Inc 1s separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of Royal Alliance Associates, Inc *Baileigh Ashbrook and Patrick O’Rourke are Registered Assistants

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69

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THE THE THE THE SECURITY SECURITY SECURITY SECURITY THE THE OF ATHE OF CD. OF OFAAACD. CD. CD. SECURITY GUARANTEEDGUARANTEED GUARANTEED RETURN. GUARANTEED RETURN. RETURN. RETURN. SECURITY SECURITY OF A CD. OF A CD. OF A CD. GUARANTEED RETURN.

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Guarantees provided by annuities are subject to the financial strength of the Individual, Farm, Trust & Business issuing insurance company; not guaranteed by any bank or the FDIC. Excess withdrawals made Tax Planning & Preparation during the withdrawal charge period may result in charges.

GUARANTEED FOR 5 YEARS!

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lwcornwell@frontiernet.net • crfrideres@frontiernet.net jjmaher@frontiernet.net

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Guarantees provided by annuities are subjec issuing insurance issuing insurance company; not guaranteed by any bank or th during the withdr during the withdrawal charge period may result in charges.

* GUARANTEED FOR 5 YEARS! * 0.60% ending balance payable at the end of

* 0.60% endingGUARANTEED balance payable at the end of guarantee period if no withdrawals FOR 5 YEARS! Kole Petersen Brock Norton Balleigh Ashbrook* other than Required Minimum Distributions.

Effective Yield to Surrender of 4.17%

515-955-4805

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Call 515-955-0607 to find out if a MYGA515-955-0607 is right for you

other than Requir

Eddie Doyle Minimum Distributions. Effective Yield other than Required

Central Financial Group 515-955-0607

Jim Flaherty

Grant Heddinger

Cole Jaeschke

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Patrick O’Rourke*

301 S. 25th St. | Fort Dodge | 515-955-0607 | cfgfortdodge.com Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC Royal Alliance Associates, Inc 1s separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of Royal Alliance Associates, Inc *Baileigh Ashbrook and Patrick O’Rourke are Registered Assistants

Questions?

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819 1st Ave S., Fort Dodge, IA 50501

Fort Dodge residents and business owners can register their home or business addresses for installations of fiber service lines at no cost to you and no commitment to services!

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FIRST STEP TA K E T H E

Samantha Reeves gave her father, Terry Wingerson, the gift of life

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June 26, 2022

essenger THE

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Since 1921

Hours: Mon-Fri 8-5 • Sat 9-Noon By appointment as needed

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1914 N. 15th St., Fort Dodge, IA 50501 • Phone: 515-576-7233 Toll Free: 1-888-455-4367 • www.kjgems.com

Matt Bemrich, Mayor I David Fierke, City Manager www.fortdodgeiowa.org 819 1st Avenue South I (515) 576-4551 Looking for answers to FAQs? Need to report a concern or request a pick up?

TEXT "HI" TO (515) 408-9888 TO GET STARTED