Twist and Shout • June 2023

Twist&Shout

PUBLISHER

terry christensen tchristensen@messengernews.net

HR/ACCOUNTING

melissa wendland mwendland@messengernews.net

DESIGN COORDINATOR

nick manwarren nmanwarren@messengernews.net

SALES DIRECTOR

leanne darr ldarr@messengernews.net

jody kayser jkayser@messengernews.net

brittney benson bbenson@messengernews.net

EDITOR

bill shea bshea@messengernews.net

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

tom tourville

lori berglund

COPYRIGHT 2023

Twist & Shout is published monthly by ogden newspapers inc. All content and opinions expressed may not be those of the publishers.

*All photos submitted to Twist & Shout become property of Twist & Shout. We are not responsible for their return.

Cemetery Walk

Some like to say that one cannot live in the past. True, of course. But others proudly proclaim that, no matter, the past lives within them.

They bring traces of the past, of history, forward with them into tomorrow. To learn from the people that walked this way before us, to recall their lives, is to cultivate an appreciation of history and to seek to draw wisdom for the future.

“Bringing the Past Alive” is the theme for the 20th Annual Oakland Cemetery Walk. A stroll through the cemetery on Friday, June 9, with historical portrayals on Sunday, June 11.

Rick Carl has been involved with the walk for many years and served on the board for the last 12 years. He has a passion for preserving the beauty of Oakland Cemetery, as well as helping to tell the stories of the people for whom this quiet space is their final resting place on earth.

The 20th Anniversary Cemetery Walk will feature a stroll through the grounds, as well as historical portrayals in the air-conditioned comfort of Friendship Haven’s Celebration Center.

Friday’s Cemetery Stroll

Board members lead the strolling tour, stopping at several gravestones and offering up information on the memorial stones and the people for whom those stones serve to commemorate a life. The presentation at each stone is about two minutes,

by lori berglund

offering a glimpse into the past of the people from all walks of life that helped build the community we know today.

“They are our forefathers, they might be the first doctor, the first lawyer, the first schoolteachers of Fort Dodge,” Carl said.

In most years, the tour features about 15 gravestones. However, because it is the 20th year of the Cemetery Walk, organizers have bumped that number up and hope to include as many as 50 stones on the Friday evening stroll, according to Carl.

“We’ll walk around and talk about 50 people,” he explained. “We’ll go right up to their headstones and tell the history.”

Due to the narrow roads, and to protect the cemetery grounds, the public is asked to park at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1436, 21st Ave. North, for the Friday evening stroll. Those wishing to attend should arrive in time to board DART buses for free transportation to Oakland Cemetery at 6:45 p.m. Free bus rides will be provided back to the church parking lot following the cemetery stroll.

Sunday’s Historical Portrayals

The weekend festivities continue on Sunday, June 11, with actor portrayals of several of those historical figures who were laid to rest at Oakland Cemetery. In recent years, the Sunday event had been held at Iowa Central Community College. Those wishing

marks 20th year of bringing history to life.

to attend should note that, due to a scheduling conflict, the event has been moved to Friendship Haven’s Celebration Center. Parking is available for this event at the Fort Museum.

The event will get underway at 2 p.m., with a full lineup of historical figures slated for representation. Here’s a look at the men and women of Fort Dodge’s past to be featured this year:

• Elbert Bagg, designed of Oakland Cemetery.

• Major William Williams, founder of Fort Dodge.

• Anna Abbie Wells Ringland, wife of George Ringland.

• Leander Blanden, Civil War general.

• Adelaine Morrison Swain, member of the Iowa Women’s Hall of Fame.

• Stillman Taylor Meservey, mayor and congressman.

• Jeanne Welles Ringland Smeltzer, wife of Charles Smeltzer.

• Mary Augustine Williams Duncombe, daughter of Major William Williams.

Carl has taken a particular interest in Meservey. Once considered to be the ‘richest man in Fort Dodge,’ a series of poor financial decisions led him to die penniless. He was so poor, in fact, that there was no money left from his estate for a headstone. Carl wanted to do something about that and approached local businesses to help. In his day, Meservey had served as secretary for U, S. Gypsum (USG). Carl approached officials at USG and they quickly opted in with financial support and together with a contribution from Kalin-Johnson Monuments, Meservey finally has a stone to mark his grave.

Only a general location was available for the actual gravesite, Carl used divining rods and was amazed at how this ancient method of locating a grave worked to find just the spot.

“As I got close, the two tips of the rods crossed, I stepped a few back a few feet and rods stopped. I came forward again, and the roads crossed again,” he recalled. Carl even organized a funeral for Meservey, locating a great niece who was still living at that time and attended the service, which was complete with a pastor and music.

Honoring the pass is clearly a passion for Carl.

“You go to other cemeteries, and you see flowers,” Carl noted. “The problem with Oakland Cemetery is that the people buried there don’t have any living relatives any more. There’s a few flowers around Memorial Day, but otherwise you don’t see much.”

Carl can be seen many days at Oakland Cemetery, cleaning stones and identifying those in need of repair for the Friends of Oakland Cemetery.

“Now that I’m retired, I can go out there about once a week and clean stones,” he said.

Friends of Oakland Cemetery sponsor a public cleanup day each fall, with volunteers coming out to spend several others carefully cleaning old stones. To see the transformation, Carl said, can be very rewarding.

“The stones look almost like they did when they were first up,” he said.

Cleaning and restoration of a cemetery founded in 1866 can be a never-ending task. Fortunately, the efforts are funded each year by a fun and history-filled event, the Annual Cemetery Walk at Oakland Cemetery.

Admission to the Friday evening stroll is just a free will donation. Tickets for the Sunday presentation are $7 each, and available at the door. All funds raised go to help the Friends of Oakland Cemetery continue its restoration work at the historical cemetery. With many grave stones a century or more in age, there is much work to be done to maintain the dignity of the cemetery and preserve its history for future generations.

The annual Cemetery Walk is supported by Friends of Oakland Cemetery, Fort Dodge Parks and Recreation, and the Ann Smeltzer Charitable Trust. Becker Florist, Visit Fort Dodge, the Fort Dodge Historic Preservation Commission, Fort Dodge Public Library, Webster County Historical Society, Webster County Genealogical Society, Judy Warnick Recovery Center Volunteers, Friendship Haven, The Messenger, Twist and Shout, Alpha Media, Party Productions and Masque Productions and MIDAS- DART Bus also received appreciation for their assistance in making the event possible.

We’ll walk around and talk about 50 people, We’ll go right up to their headstones and tell the history.

-Rick Carl

Webster City Community Theatre’s

“The Hills Are Alive” at WCCT this summer

The hubbub at Webster City Community Theater, 1001 Willson Avenue, has increased dramatically (pun intended) lately. The theater’s The Sound of Music production enters its final weeks of preparations before an eight-show run June 30-July 2 and July 5-9. Sunday matinees on July 2 and 9 are at 2pm. All other shows are at 7pm.

Tickets are $15 and will go on sale June 24. To reserve tickets, stop by the theatre box office weeknights 5pm-7pm, Saturdays 10am-noon, or one hour prior to showtime. Patrons can also call 515-832-4456 or order online at wcctboxoffice@gmail.com. Leave a message with your name (please spell), phone number, date of show, and number of tickets needed. Your order will be confirmed by phone or email.

An incredible number of hours go into putting a show together, way more than just those the 30-plus actors put into rehearsals. There are as many dedicated volunteers behind the stage as on it. The director, music director, and choreographer work with both the cast and crew.

Volunteers design, build and add artistry to the set to suggest the various locales in the story. Selecting, creating, and altering costumes is a challenge when a character like Maria has 5 costumes and 10 changes and the seven von Trapp children each have 5 changes! Then there are lights, music, and sound effects, props, publicity, intermission (think those cookies just show up?), box office, ushers, and makeup.

WHAT: THE SOUND OF MUSIC • DATE: JUNE 30-JULY 2 AND JULY 5-9. SUNDAY MATINEES ON JULY 2 AND 9 ARE AT 2PM.• TICKETS: $15

Director Wil Groves has announced the following cast list. He is assisted by Dane Barner as music director, Lindsay Henderson as choreographer, and assistant Angela Rottering.

Maria Rainer--Greta Nelson

Captain von Trapp--Dane Barner

Mother Abbess--Kerryn Oliver

Max Detweiler--Dean Evans

Elsa Schrader--Lindsay Henderson

Leisel--Karina Murray

Rolf--Jonathon Magdaleno

Friedrich--Max Anderson

Louisa--Alivia Hector

Kurt--Ben Barner

Brigitta--Florencia Bailey

Marta--Lauren Ehn

Gretl--Grace Barner

Frau Schmidt--Mary Sealine

Franz--Mark Andrew

Herr Zeller--David Borer

Baron Elberfeld--Pat Powers

Baroness Elberfeld--Katie Hildal

Admiral Schreiber--Alan Yungclas

Nuns, novices, postulants: Anne Blankenship, Jeanette Tempel, Susan Andrew, Mary Sealine, Katie Hildal, Barb Wollan, Dori Collogan, Jazmyne Harris, Payton Dodson, Liberty Gamble, Taylor Hejlik, Sarah Lindstrom, Kaitlyn VanDemark, Kyla VanDemark, Ash Timoco

Townspeople, soldiers: Bryce Hrnicek, Don Zompa, Joe Gail, Christine Hassebrock, Loween Getter

The Sound of Music is a Tony- and Oscar-winning musical with music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, and a book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. The original Broadway production opened in 1959 and was adapted as a film in 1965. It was the last musical written by Rodgers and Hammerstein.

It is based on the 1949 memoir of Maria von Trapp, “The Story of the Trapp Family Singers.” Set in Austria on the eve of the Anschluss in 1938, the musical tells the story of Maria, who takes a job as governess to a large family while she decides whether to become a nun. She falls in love with the children, and eventually their widowed father, Captain von Trapp. He is ordered to accept a commission in the German navy, but he opposes the Nazis. He and Maria decide on a plan to flee Austria with the children. Many songs from the musical have become standards, including “Do-ReMi”, “My Favorite Things”, “Edelweiss”, “Climb Ev’ry Mountain”, and the title song “The Sound of Music”.

JUNE 1

Leadership Fort Dodge Alumni

Beautification Day

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

We will be working with PICA for a day of cleanup/beautification to get our community looking great for Frontier Days.

Safe Communities Town Hall Meeting

6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

JUNE 2

Vineyard Vibrations: Salty View

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Soldier Creek Winery

JUNE 4

Karl L. King Municipal Band

7:30 PM

Oleson Park

preceded by an ice cream social served by the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, starting around 6:30 pm.

Bingo at the Winery!

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Soldier Creek Winery

LOCAL EVENTS CALENDAR

JUNE 5

Ribbon Cutting: Starbucks

4:00 PM

Join us and the Growth Alliance Ambassadors as we celebrate our new member, Starbucks!

JUNE 8

Leading Ladies: Self Defense Seminar

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Faiferlick Martial Arts

326 South 25th Street • Fort Dodge, Iowa

Acoustic Republic

ShinyTop Brewing

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

JUNE 9

20th Annual Oakland Cemetery Walk

6:45 PM

Stroll through the Oakland Cemetery

Vineyard Vibrations: Kriss Karr Band

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Soldier Creek Winery

JUNE 10

Blanden Memorial Art Festival

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Blanden Memorial Art Museum, 920 Third Ave. S.

JUNE 11

20th Annual Oakland Cemetery Walk

Historical Portrayals

2:00 PM

Oakland Cemetery

Sunday Vineyard Vibrations:

Jared Benson

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Soldier Creek Winery

JUNE 12

4-Gal Best Shot

9:00 AM • Fort Dodge Country Club

370 Country Club Drive • Fort Dodge, Iowa

ENTRY FEE: $50 per person includes cart $30 if no cart needed per person $10 Trail fee for usage of own Cart Lunch and prizes are included with entry fee.

JUNE 15

Third Thursday Get Fit Night Schedule Brown Shoe Fit

Jake Schrodt

ShinyTop Brewing

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

JUNE 16

Guitar and Grill-Out

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

The Community Orchard

2237 160th St. • Fort Dodge, IA

The Community Orchard (in Fort Dodge) invites everyone to come join us for a country music cookout! There will be food, drinks, and live music by Jessica McClintock.

Vineyard Vibrations: Hawk McIntyre

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Soldier Creek Winery

JUNE 17

Annual Pleasant Valley Awareness

Juneteenth Celebration

11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Food, Activities, Speakers, Recognitions. Music and love.

JUNE 18

Bingo at the Winery!

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Soldier Creek Winery

To become a member or let us know about an event contact:

JUNE

JUNE 22

Grunge Unplugged Iowa Tour

ShinyTop Brewing

6:30 PM

JUNE 23

Vineyard Vibrations: Neil & Rock

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Soldier Creek Winery

JUNE 24

Crash My Crater

Featuring Parmalee with special guest Matt Stell Manson, Iowa

Shred Event with First Interstate Bank

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM • First Interstate Bank 201 South 25th Street • Fort Dodge, IA

JUNE 25

Sunday Vineyard Vibrations: Tom Shadonix

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Soldier Creek Winery

JUNE 29

Prank Williams & the Broken Spokes

LIVE at Shiny Top Brewing

ShinyTop Brewing

7:00 PM

JUNE 30

Vineyard Vibrations: Ronley King Blues Band

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Soldier Creek Winery

JULY 7

Vineyard Vibrations: Salty View

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Soldier Creek Winery

2023

Webster County Fair

Saturday July 15th

Shellabration 2023

Featuring Collective

Soul with special guest Pablo Cruise

The Annual Pleasant Valley Awareness Juneteenth Celebration is Saturday June 17th - 11:00 a.m.

This year’s focus is to celebrate Juneteenth’s great history as well as love, peace and unity - stop the violence.

Growing up Pleasant Valley had a block party celebration once a year in the summer. Everyone looked forward to it, it was a great family, Community bonding time. This Year we plan to bring that style of celebration back.

Food, Activities, Speakers, Recognitions. Music and love. Starting with prayer, our roots and foundation.

The event begins at 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

a look back

By Tom Tourville

SAVING ONE MORE DANCE FOR FORT DODGE’S LARAMAR BALLROOM

The words, rock and roll are almost synonymous with Fort Dodge, Iowa. Fort Dodge has always been one of the real tried and true birthplaces for rock music in Iowa. The numbers that mean rock and roll in Fort Dodges are 710 1st. Of course, that is the address for the birthplace of music in Fort Dodge, the legendary Laramar, Pla Mor or Twilight Ballroom.

I know the building did not look very “legendary” as you drive by it right now, but wait, our dreams are about to return. My good friend, Tom Bethke of Fort Dodge, called me a few months ago and told me the Laramar had been sold again and the plans call for it to re-open. To be honest, I was not that optimistic when I heard him say that. There has been so many “re-openings” since the grand old lady had last operated with music in mind. He told me to have trust, as this time it was for real. So, I drove down to 710 1st Ave N where Fort Dodge’s rock and roll roots really began.

I was to meet Joe Tuel, one of the buildings new owners and Sadie Andersen who was working with Joe in sales and marketing. As I walked in the door new windows and moldings were being installed throughout the building, something was starting to feel right. I so wish I could put on paper what I saw and felt as I walked through the doors. My first thought was WOW! It was exciting to see the amount of time and effort that had already gone into the complete refurbishing of the Ballroom. The walls were about 70-80% done. The stage looked wonderful. There was still work happening all over the entire space, you could see what was coming and it is exciting.

The second thought that came to my mind was Buddy Holly, Dale & The Devonaires, West Minist’r, Johnny Cash, Conway Twitty, the Fabulous Flippers, the Rumbles Ltd, the Cleavettes, Tommy Tucker & The Esquires, Dee Jay & The Runaways, the Rogues, Terry “The Fort Dodge Flash” Klein, Notorious Noblemen, Ritchie Valens, Ivory, Saucy Jack. the Velaires, Buckeye, the Trashmen, the Pillers, Justin Davis, the Uniques, the Shades and the Box Tops. You get the idea; this space is hallowed ground in Fort Dodge and in Iowa in terms of rock and roll.

It was so much fun to sit with Joe and Sadie and talk about the all new renovated Laramar.

Plans call for it to offer live entertainment, including some “big names’ that fit the space and the Laramar can comfortably handle. Also, better known comedians, along with many special events. Sadie shared that the new space has been redesigned to specialize in weddings, including an exclusive suite for the new brides. It is going to be special.

They have solicited the help of Brady O’Brien to find and book possible artists and acts to play the Laramar. It was added, that potential artists need to make practical and financial sense. They are looking at rock, country and maybe even some polka styles of music, national artists, as well as local artists. Many things will be done to match potential customers tastes and likes. The new space is being developed to accommodate wedding receptions. A lot of work and planning will be given to the potential wedding business for the Laramar. In addition, other uses will include corporate and industry speakers, trade shows and more.

For the entertainers there will be a beautiful new “green room” that the artists can use to dress, tune their instruments and have a first-class private space before going on stage. There will be plenty of parking around the ballroom’s location. Even enough room for bus parking.

This new commercial development is being done via the partnership of Joe Tuel and Chris O’Brien, co-owners of Webster City Glass. In addition, another eight private partners have also joined the ownership team for the new Laramar. I asked both Tuel and Andersen whose idea was it to take on such a big project. It was the smile on Joe’s face and I knew I had found the visionary. I only had one question for Joe, “Why?”

Tuel told me he was driving by the old Laramar one day and saw the “For Sale” sign on the building. This occurred after he and Chris O’Brien were discussing possible development projects that they could take on and enjoy. Joe said he saw the Laramar and remembered all the great times and bands he had seen and heard there. After sharing the idea with O’Brien, they were both in on a project.

Of course, the big question is when will it be opening? Tuel told me they are planning a Grand Opening for June 22, 2023. They have invited Ritchie Valens’s sister; Connie Valens and she will be attendance for this amazing night. How can one not be excited about this, bringing back an all new Laramar renovated to meet the needs of today?

I finished my talk with Joe and Sadie and said THANKS to Joe for what he and his partner Chris O’Brien are doing to preserve the music history of Fort Dodge. They are now the caretakers of all the music we loved when we were kids. After writing about the ballroom for over thirty years, make sure to look me up at the grand opening. I will be the one smiling.

Good Eats &Drinks

dining:

FAST-FOOD:

Blanden Art Festival

by bill shea

The works of local artists, the sounds of local musicians and activities for the kids will all be part of the upcoming Blanden Art Festival.

The event will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 10 on the grounds of the Blanden Memorial Art Museum, 920 Third Ave. S.

A puppet show performed by Enlenspiegel Puppet Theatre of West Liberty will performed at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

The lineup of live music includes Jive for 5 performing at 9 a.m., Salty View’s Acoustic Review performing at 11:30 a.m. and the students of Gillette Music Academy performing at 2:30 p.m.

The event is free.

“There will be music, food, art work, you name it,” said Eric Anderson, the director of the museum. “It should be a really good time.”

“Stop by the art museum, spend some time at the festival on the grounds and then definitely come inside the museum to see the excellent exhibits,” he added.

Booths featuring the work of various artists will be set up on the lawn of the museum. There will also be a tent filled with activities for children.

The festival is sponsored by Kwik Trip, Casey’s General Store, The Messenger, Allers Associates Architects, Bemrich Electric and Telephone, Iowa H2O, Daniel Pharmacy, Shimkat Motor Co., Prestage, Mikos & Matt, Party Productions, the Fort Dodge Fine Arts Association and the city of Fort Dodge.

“

“

~ Eric Anderson

Stop by the art museum, spend some time at the festival on the grounds and then definitely come inside the museum to see the excellent exhibits

artistspot

Tyler Sandstrom

What are some of the best things about owning your own pottery studio?

I get to live where I work and create functional pottery that gets used every day all over the country. Best of all, I get to work alongside my lovely wife, Laura, and together we teach our three children to work smart & hard in whatever they choose to do with their God given talents.

What would you like people to know about From Miry Clay Pottery?

Fun fact: Our kilns have been fired over 1,480 times, and I go through 2,000 lbs. of clay every 7 - 8 months…which means I make a LOT of pots! Together, we create over 350 different functional stoneware vessels in 14 established glaze colors. Along with that, we also have fun making horsehair pottery and illuminated pierced vessels. Find out how versatile and amazing clay is by making a trip to Dayton and seeing our studio and gallery in an old bank building. Go to frommiryclaypottery.com for our hours and more info.

What advice would you give to an artist just starting out?

Be a hybrid artist: organized, business minded, and adaptable. Don’t waste your talent and always treat others better than yourself.

Growing up, did you grow up in an artistic household? If so, how?

I was brought up in an encouraging, creative, and hardworking family. My mother has a good eye with home décor and flower arrangements and my dad is very diligent worker. I was encouraged to develop and use my God given gifts. For me, this happened to be a creative mind that keeps at a task until it is done.

Tell us about your educational path.

I graduated high school and then did an apprenticeship with a master potter.

Do you remember the first pottery piece you made? What was it and what were your first impressions of creating pottery?

I do remember my first piece of pottery. It was a bowl type looking…thing. I thought making pottery on the wheel was super difficult and extremely fun.

What are some of the challenges in owning your own pottery studio?

Challenges abound when you have been a full-time, self-employed artist trying to sell art in rural Iowa since 2006. Most of the answers come by perseverance.

Some of those challenges are getting your story out and your product known, getting people to your storefront, and keeping up with demand.

Age: 41 • Hometown: Harcourt area • Current City: Dayton • Profession: Potter

to headline summer concert

Pablo Cruise to open for ‘90s group

by bill shea bshea@messengernews.net

A newer band playing in a traditional setting will highlight this year’s Shellabration concert set for July 15.

Collective Soul, a rock powerhouse from the 1990s, will be headlining a concert event that has been dominated by acts from the 1970s and 1980s.

And they will be playing at the Oleson Park Bandshell, where the Shellabration concerts began more than 25 years ago as a way to raise money to pay for restoring the historic structure.

For the last decade, the concerts have been held at Harlan and Hazel Rogers Sports Complex.

“We sometimes get asked, ‘Will you ever do another show at the bandshell and will you ever bring a ‘90s headliner?” said Ted Bodensteiner, vice president of Shellabration Inc., the volunteer group

which organizes the concerts. “This year’s event serves to answer both questions.”

Pablo Cruise, a soft rock band popular in the late 1970s that Bodensteiner said plays “summer chill music” will also perform that night.

“It’s long been a goal of mine to bring Pablo Cruise to Fort Dodge,” said Jim Reed, the president of Shellabration Inc. “I actually flew to Las Vegas to preview the artist at Boulder Station Casino when they first got back together in 2005.”

He said the lineup of Collective Soul and Pablo Cruise gives this year’s Shellabration show “the best of both worlds.”

Reed added that another band has been selected to perform as the night’s opening act. He said that band will be announced when the details are finalized.

Because the concert is scheduled for the week of the girls state softball tournament, it will be at the bandshell instead of the sports complex. The last Shellabration concert at the bandshell was on June 22, 2013, when Styx performed before about 5,600 people.

Tickets for the concert are available on ticketweb.com and some local stores.

star

Kinley Walker

What do you enjoy about dancing?

I love that there are different styles of dance. Hip-Hop is my favorite style because I can have fun on stage and show all my sass. Lyrical is my second favorite because I’m able to use my body to tell a story. I also enjoy that regardless of how my day has went, when I get to dance, I can forget about all the bad. There’s a lot that I enjoy about dance that I could talk about!

What is the most challenging part of dancing? This year I tried Pointe for the first time. I have found this to be the most challenging because I have to support all of my body weight on the tip of my feet.

Also, when learning new skills, you have to strengthen different parts of your body so that you can do it. Sometimes it feels like I’m asking my body to do something that seems impossible.

How are you involved in the arts? In both school and the community? Are you involved in art, music or theatre? What do you like about it?

I’m involved in my school choir and have also participated in three musicals in the community. I was in The Little Mermaid Jr., The Elf, & Shrek. I will also be taking part in the upcoming musical Madagascar with Stage Door Productions! I like that I am able to meet new friends and watch the older kids & adults. My favorite part is of course the dancing. Musical theatre is another style of dance that’s a lot of fun!

What is your proudest accomplishment?

My proudest accomplishment is my increase in confidence. I just finished my third year of dance, and feel like over these last three years I truly believe in myself and what I can accomplish. I am also very proud that I am able to be a Jr Coach at United All Stars. This year I was able to help coach 6 different teams of little ones. Knowing that I am able to be a positive role model for these kids makes me happy. I love working with the younger kids!

Who do you look up to?

I have so many people that I look up to for different reasons. I want to talk about Laila Taylor & I know this won’t come as a surprise to anyone. Laila is there for me in and out of the gym/studio. She gives me pep talks and helps me with my fast costume changes. She asked me to do a duet this year for her senior year, and I loved every second of dancing on stage with her. Laila also helps me with my tumbling tricks that I can incorporate into my dance routines.

Other are…Ella Sells, Reese Pederson, Samantha Smith and of course, Coach Emily Eastwood! I love all of you!

What do you see yourself doing in 25 years? In 25 years, I’d love to have either my own salon or dance studio with a few friends.

If you could take a trip anywhere in the world, where would you pick?

The Bahamas or somewhere warm & sunny!

Walk us through a day in the life of Kinley. After a 7hr day at school

I spend 4-5 hours at the dance studio between coaching, ballet, team classes and/or private dance and tumbling lessons. It can be a lot, but I love being at a United.

Parents: Ashley Utley & Leighton Walker School & Grade: 6th Grade at the Fort Dodge Middle School • Hometown: Fort Dodge

CRASH MY CRATER 2023

Outdoor Concert to Rock Downtown Manson, Iowa

The highly anticipated outdoor country concert event, “Crash My Crater 2023,” is set to electrify downtown Manson, Iowa, on Saturday, June 24, 2023. This year’s event promises an unforgettable evening of live music, featuring renowned Nashville group Parmalee, country music sensation Matt Stell and local acts Cory Waller & Emilee Johnson (of Cory Waller & The Wicked Things) and Trevor Hill.

Crash My Crater has become a beloved tradition in Manson, drawing music enthusiasts from near and far to experience a high-energy concert under the stars. This year’s lineup guarantees an exhilarating night of country-rock fusion that will have the crowd singing, dancing, and creating memories to last a lifetime.

The headlining act, Parmalee, known for their chart-topping hits and infectious energy, will bring their unique blend of country, rock, and pop to the stage. Audiences can expect an electrifying performance filled with their signature sound and crowd-favorite tracks.

Joining Parmalee is the rising star, Matt Stell, who has captivated audiences with his soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics. His chart-topping singles have resonated with fans worldwide, making him a must-see act on the country music scene.

Crash My Crater 2023 is more than just a concert; it’s a community celebration that happens during Manson’s Annual Crater Day weekend. The event will feature local food vendors, cold drinks, and fireworks .

Tickets for Crash My Crater 2023 can be purchased at select locations, including Hy-Vee Grocery in Fort Dodge, Iowa, and Shore Side Pub & Grub in Manson, Iowa. For convenience, tickets are also available for online purchase at crashmycrater2023. eventbrite.com.

“We are thrilled to bring Crash My Crater back to Manson for another incredible year,” said Jesse Grossnickle, the event organizer. “We’ve curated a lineup that promises an unforgettable night of music and entertainment. We can’t wait to see the community come together to celebrate and make memories.”

Crash My Crater 2023 will take place on Saturday, June 24, 2023, in downtown Manson, Iowa. The event will kick off at 5pm and promises to be an experience that music lovers won’t want to miss.

About Crash My Crater: Crash My Crater is an annual outdoor concert event held in downtown Manson, Iowa during Manson’s Crater Day weekend. The event showcases top-tier musical acts and provides a platform for the community to come together and enjoy live music. With its high-energy atmosphere and commitment to giving back, Crash My Crater has become a highlight of the summer entertainment calendar in Manson.

T King Band plans busy summer

he months of June and July will be busy and exciting ones for the Karl L. King Municipal Band of Fort Dodge IA. The band will be performing each Sunday evening, beginning June 4th through July 23rd, at the Karl L. King Band Shell in Oleson Park. The only exception will be the July 16th concert, which will need to move to a different site because of the Shellabration concert the night before.

Beginning his 21st season as Conductor of the King Band is Jerrold P. Jimmerson. Dan Cassady is the assistant conductor and Paul Bloomquist is the band’s announcer again, as he has for several years.

All concerts start at 7:30 pm, and there is no admission charge, courtesy of the City of Fort Dodge. The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church is also back this summer sponsoring an ice cream social prior to and during the concerts, featuring ice cream and baked goodies for sale. Persons attending these concerts are urged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets, since no seating is available.

On June 4th, the King Band will open their summer season with a concert of music to celebrate the Frontier Days event. Marches by Karl L. King and John Philip Sousa are included on the program. A wide variety of other selections are also included, ranging from the Franz von Suppe’s “Light Cavalry Overture” and Ferde Grofe’s “Mississippi Suite” to highlights from the musical “Oklahoma” and the movie soundtrack from “How The West Was Won”.

Sunday, June 11th will be the annual Flag Day Concert. Many well-known patriotic selections will be featured, including Leroy Anderson’s “The Phantom Regiment”, along with a medley of songs popular during World War II. Marches on the program include John Philip Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever”, Karl L. King’s “Loyal Americans”, and E.E. Bagley’s “National Emblem”. In addition, each branch of our Armed Forces will be recognized with the “Armed Forces Salute”, along with a patriotic narration to the American flag by Scott Johnston titled “Lest We Forget”. Long-time band member Paul Bloomquist will guest-conduct the band on two selections, Clare Grundman’s “Concord” and Bloomquist’s father’s march, “The Spinning Baton”, featuring twirler Hannah Jenson from Algona.

These summer concerts continue on Sunday, June 18th, when the King Band will perform a special Father’s Day Concert. Guest soloist will be David Lang from Independence IA on Euphonium. He will perform the famous solo “Napoli”, originally composed and performed by Herman Bellstedt with the John Philip Sousa Band. A wide variety of music will be featured, from Ambrose Thomas’ classic overture, “Raymond” to the “Highlights from Man of La Mancha”. Rounding out this concert will be marches by Karl King and Henry Fillmore and others to the popular sounds with the hits from the song-writing team of Burt Bacharach and Hal David.

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On Sunday, June 25th, the King Band will feature music with a circus flair. Marches from composers like Karl L. King and Russell Alexander to the classical music of Rossini’s “The Barber of Seville” and the exciting “Farandole” by Bizet will combine with the popular sounds of “Seventy-Six Trombones” and jazz from “New York, 1927”. Special guest conductor Andrew Glover, president of the C.L. Barnhouse Co. in Oskaloosa IA, will be on hand to premier one of his latest compositions,” “HappyGo-Lucky”, along with a recently discovered, unpublished manuscript by Karl King titled “The Rippling Waves”, a circus aerial waltz.

And that’s only the highlights from the first four concerts! There will be four more in July as well, starting with an Independence Day concert on July 2nd featuring Tschaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” and Leroy Anderson’s “Bugler’s Holiday”. Plan now to be in attendance at the Karl L. King Band Shell in Oleson Park each Sunday evening during June and July. In case of inclement weather occurring at the posted starting time, a concert may be cancelled.

For more information about Karl L. King or the Karl L. King Municipal Band, you can go to the band’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/karlkingband/, or to the band’s website at www.karlking.us.

OCTOBER 19TH

‘The Little Mermaid’ moviespot

By LINDSEY BAHR AP Film Writer

It’s not Rob Marshall’s fault that Disney’s latest live-action retread doesn’t really sing. “The Little Mermaid,” a somewhat drab undertaking with sparks of bioluminescence, suffers from the same fundamental issues that plagued “The Lion King,” “Aladdin” and “Beauty and the Beast.” Halle Bailey might be a lovely presence and possesses a superb voice that is distinctly different from Jodi Benson’s, but photorealistic fins, animals and environments do not make Disney fairy tales more enchanting on their own.

The essential problem is that the live-action films have prioritized nostalgia and familiarity over compelling visual storytelling. They try to recreate beats and shots from their animated predecessors, defiantly ignoring the possibility that certain musical sequences and choices were enchanting and vibrant because they were animated, not in spite of it.

There was, in the 1989 film, a sparkling awe to everything. The underwater castle. The mermaids. Eric’s ship. Even Ariel’s

2 out of 4 stars

bright red hair. Combined with the wonderful songs and lyrics by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, it’s not hard to understand why it helped fuel a Disney Animation renaissance.

Anyone who has gone through the recent Disney’s liveaction library would be right to approach “The Little Mermaid” with caution. Still, there’s excitement as the camera takes us underwater to give us our first glimpse of the mermaids — even after a somewhat ominous quote from Hans Christian Anderson that begins the movie (“But a mermaid has no tears, and therefore she suffers much more”). You can’t help but be hopeful. But the first mermaid that comes into focus doesn’t so much evoke wonder as it does a flashback of Ben Stiller’s merman in “Zoolander.” The technology is better, sure, but the result is about the same. Worse, as we spend more time with them, following Ariel’s multicultural sisters as they gather around their father King Triton (Javier Bardem), it’s hard to shake a distinctly uncanny valley feeling. It’s like gazing in on a roundtable of AI supermodels with fins.

The Little Mermaid

For all its pizazz, everything about this “Little Mermaid” is just more muted. Miranda’s new songs are odd, too, and don’t seem to fit. Prince Eric’s (Jonah Hauer-King) makes sense, maybe even Ariel’s in-her-head anthem after she gives her voice to Melissa McCarthy’s Ursula, but did Scuttle really need a song, too?

Speaking of Scuttle, the cute cartoons that stood in for Ariel’s seagull, crab and fish friends have been replaced with horrifyingly accurate depictions of said animals. Awkwafina’s comedy charms can only go so far while looking like an actual seagull who might be after your chips at the beach. Close-ups of its beady blue eyes are unsettling, though it was probably a good call to go blue over gold, which looks a bit demonic even in the cartoon. Sometimes it seems as though the editor is trying to minimize the unpleasantness by quickly cutting away from Scuttle. Flounder (Jacob Tremblay, who also voiced Luca) doesn’t have this problem as much, mainly because once they go out of the water he’s essentially hidden under the surface. Daveed Digg’s Sebastian gets off easy, looking the most pleasantly cartoonish. But then there’s that Jamaican accent that they decided to carry over (and this in a movie that adds a line about consent to “Kiss the Girl”).

Visibility is a problem for more than just Flounder, too. Sometimes “The Little Mermaid’s” underwater sequences just look too underwater. Things are cloudy and dull and hard to see, once again probably in the name of authenticity, but straining to see what Marshall and the scores of VFX teams have labored on for years is not a pleasant experience. This could be a projection issue — I wasn’t in an especially high-tech theater with color enhancing upgrades. But that also means anyone without access to things like Dolby Vision around the world will have this issue, too. When Sebastian brings out the most colorful fish he can find for the “Under the Sea” number, you even start to empathize with Ariel a little bit. It is the exact opposite of the “ Avatar: The Way of Water ” experience.

a Walt Disney Co. release in theaters Friday, is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association for “action/peril, some scary images.”

Running time: 135 minutes

This image released by Disney shows Halle Bailey as Ariel in “The Little Mermaid.” (Disney via AP)

20th Annual Bringing the Past Alive

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The Oakland Cemetery walk was started by Jerry and Marva Rowe 20 years ago. They went through the cemetery and documented all 7,000 plus people buried there. Including civil war soldiers; they corresponded with Washington to get the white headstones for the soldiers that are buried there.

Don’t miss this historical re-enactment event.