Then & Now

Changes at Harrison County Museum/Welcome Center began in 2009 with start of expansion In 2009, the Harrison County Museum/Welcome Center saw the beginning of a long-awaited expansion. When completed, the project will encompass the land owned by the Harrison County Conservation Board.

Plans call for a Lincoln Highway cabin court and a A room-sized map of the United States will show the path of the Lincoln Highway. model of a canopy gas station to be used as picnic shelters, a room size map of Iowa that visitors will Picnic shelters constructed to resemble a highway cabin be able to walk on show- court and canopy gas station are being constructed for vising the route of the itors use.

Lincoln Highway and observation Farmer’s Market. It began Loess Hills interpretive accessible deck, development of an June 17 and will be held bollards. They will be out door children’ s transfrom 3:30-6:30 p.m. every approximately four feet tall, circular metal sculp- portation play space and Thursday through Oct. 21.

An advisory committee tures lighted from within, construction of an elevatMember of “Your Bank for Today and Tomorrow” ed handicapped-accessible was set up to assist with that will depict different 712-647-3375 Earling Woodbine Harlan the development. They set Loess Hills prairie-related observation deck.

Another new area at the guidelines and the layout themes including common prairie plants, endangered facility completed in the for the market and will be species and prairie burns. last two years is the new planning several special When completed it will open shelter house or events that will be held on market also include both a “portal” that provides numerous Lincoln Highway and interpretive opportunities Thursdays throughout the These will Loess Hills audio-visual and visitor services 24- summer. hours a day to travelers include how to properly media presentation; 30 seat indoor A/V auditori- using the Loess Hills can and freeze produce, a um and an outdoor National Scenic Byway. vegetable grilling demonLincoln Highway surface The shelter was built by stration and a watermelon County seed spitting contest.

• Gifts of Faith • Carlton Cards demonstration area with Harrison The Welcome Center interpretation; develop- Conservation personnel • Wedding Gifts • Film & Dry Cleaning Drop Off ment of a one mile walk- with assistance from Farmers Market has also Dostal Construction of been certified under the ing trail with interpreta• Baby Gifts • Blood Pressure Checks 2010 Iowa Farmers tion through 14 acres of Lincoln, Neb. A new activity to be Market Senior Nutrition re-established Loess Hills • Everyday Gifts • Magazines prairie; construction of an added this summer will be and WIC Cash Value Welcome Center Voucher program. elevated handicapped a Linda Grimm, R.P.

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A DECADE OF DIFFERENCE

June 23, 2010

Persia Elevator back Pisgah determined to grow in service in 2004

Present at the original ribbon cutting for the re-opening of the elevator in 2004 were, from the left, Jay Schuster, co-owner, Fred Divelbess, employee, Rick Olsen, manager of the Persia station, Renee Anderson, Director Harrison County Development and the late John Coffelt, who was co-owner at the time.

In August of 2004 Persia once again had a place for area farmers to store their grain.

The Persia grain elevator had not offered corn and soybean storage for several years, but Hancock Elevator Inc.’s purchase of a Persia company changed that.

Rick Olsen, Persia mayor at the time and former livestock hauler, managed the facility. Hancock had purchased his trucking business, G.A. Olsen and Son, which allowed the Persia Elevator to offer several unique services.

In addition to having a place to buy, sell and store-

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grain, the business could also haul livestock and transport grain to other area elevators.

Fred Divilbess assisted Olsen in managing the Persia company.

The Persia elevator, formerly owned by Farm Services, only stored specialty beans and did not store corn and soybeans.

In the past farmers would wait until they had a truckload and hire someone to deliver their product, the opening of the elevator allowed farmers to haul their crops at any time.

In June of 2008, the Scoular Company purchased the Hancock Elevator.

Pisgah, nestled along the Soldier River in Harrison County, might be a small town, weighing in at 316 residents in the 2000 census, but the town fairs well on its own, continuously making improvements to their community.

The town, named by Mormons based off a hill christened as Mount Pisgah, contains but one square mile which is full of volunteers determined to make their community the best it can be.

One of the largest, recent changes includes continuous improvements to the community’s two parks.

In Brandon Clark Park, the improvements have continued over the past four years. In 2006, new teeter totters were added for the town’s younger population. Following in 2007, a slide was place in addition to the new teeter totters, improving that much more. The icing on the cake – or under it in this case – was the addition of new pea gravel placed under the old and new equipment alike, making the park more aesthetically pleasing and a safer place for Pisgah youth to play.

“Masonic Lodge 402 helped dispense all the pea rock,” Pisgah resident Joy Carson said. “It was such a blessing.”

Just this year, Pisgah received grant funds to renovate the Pisgah City Park’s shelter house. The shelter needed to be rewired and improvements made.

“It’s amazing how much difference it makes,” Carson said. “It was dim in there before. The new lights make a big differ-

Improvements in Brandon Clark park continue.

The shelter house is undergoing renovations. ence.”

Lori Bryceson and Bob Thompson volunteered their time to install a bocce ball court and horse shoe pits in the city park to make the park that much more enjoyable for residents.

A new addition yet to come in 2010 includes the renovation of the town’s baseball field, thanks to grant money from the Harrison County Community Foundation.

Town members have no trouble getting their hands dirty as they all chip in with volunteerism to install the equipment and make the improvements their beloved town needs.

Carson was also pleased to announce that over the past decade, the town has arranged for a mini bus to

come through the town the first and third Tuesday of the month to allow elderly residents an opportunity to travel to the city to pick up much needed supplies. Town and Country Arts, Harrison County’s arts council, annually utilizes the city park to bring Artists in the Park to the youth, being able to utilize the newly renovated park shell. Pisgah comes with a Reach Out Group that meets the fourth Thursday of every month, “And has been for years,” according to Carson.

Flowers are planted every year for the city too,” Carson said, proud of the beauty they bring to Pisgah. “We also hold annual events for families on Easter, Christmas and all the major holidays.”

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A DECADE OF DIFFERENCE

3

June 23, 2010

Building renovation work a town project in Dunlap

The outside of the building following remodeling.

A picture of the outside of the building prior to work being done.

It’s a recent change – but one that was most welcomed in Dunlap. The well researched Dunlap renovation event turned into a town project. The result – stunning.

Brad Gross, CPA, purchased his current office building at 613 Iowa Ave. in July of 2009.The building, originally built in 1892, was purchased due to its location and amount of space (5,000 square feet) to play host to the CPA’s office.

After purchasing the building, Gross was inspired to not just improve the building – but restore it to its former beauty.

“I was inspired by the historical listing and seeing some of the buildings in the Old Market area of Omaha,” Gross admitted.

“And I received suggestions from general contractors Crown View Development.”

And so it was decided.

After asking around, Gross dug in. He spent time in the local library, searching for information on the building. But sometimes it’s more informative to turn to the public – which is what he did.

“The people in town all started to bring in pictures,” Gross said.

Through the research, Gross discovered the building was originally built by the International Order of Odd Fellows and the upstairs portion of the building served as their lodge.

“They held their lodge meetings and held social events, fundraisers and parties upstairs,” Gross

said. “It was pretty standard in those days.”

Gross commented that the majority of the IOOF buildings were structured similarly – the upstairs serving for lodge purposes and social functions, and the downstairs portion being rented out.

“The lower level of the buildings served several purposes – barber shops, mercantile stores and more. One half of ours was the Dunlap Pharmacy and the other half was the Gamble Store, or a mercantile store that sold groceries, sugar and salt and whatever people needed in those days,” he said.

Between the general contractor’s advice, research and information supplied by those in town, Gross dug in. Literally, this time, performing a total

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demolition to the building.

“The total demo was done to take it to the original form outside and then we redesigned the offices inside,” he said.

The restructuring of the outside was a project in itself, Gross recalled.

“Our store front was changed sometime in the 1950’s or 1960’s. A more commercial front, standard to that time period was developed. But we wanted to restore it to it’s original form,” he said.

That included, “A lot of work, and a lot of fun” according to Gross.

“We had to hire architects and took some of the early 1900’s photos to them. They basically put it under a microscope and developed their blueprints off of that. And the contractors that were hired had to rebuild the entire store front,” he said.

The interior was a different story – but just as exciting. The lobby portion of the building that serves as the CPA office’s lobby, was restored back to its original beauty including 16 feet high ceilings. The ceiling is the original tin, restored, of course. The walls were taken all the back to brick prior to the drywalling and the floor, hard wood. The other half of the building was turned into offices for practicality reasons.

The reason for the painstakingly intricate restructuring of the outside was to qualify for the National Register of Historic Places due to the building’s social significance to Dunlap.

“The outside has to original. There’s a list of guidelines you have to follow.

You have to leave things in their original form,” Gross said. “There’s more leniency inside. You are allowed to put up drywall.”

Registering for the list is a three part process – Gross has already completed the first two and has submitted the paperwork for the third. His hope is to have the building listed by the end of summer or early in the fall.

The entire restoration project, including the research, took a mere six months. The physical renovations themselves, a mere four.

And Gross would do it all again.

“I wouldn’t change a thing,” he said. “It turned out better than I expected.”

Groundbreaking ceremony for the Dunlap Assisted Living Facility in 2006. Pictured, left to right: Mike McDaniel, CFO Care Initiatives; Dr. Harry Cohen, Alegent Health Medical Director; Curt Kline, Mayor of Dunlap; Katie Spellman, Administrator Dunlap Nursing and Rehab Center.

Dunlap Assisted Living Facility opened in 2007 Medical care in Dunlap has seen some changes in the past decade.

Dunlap Nursing and Rehab began as Dunlap Care Center, opening its doors on April 4, 1977.

The company has kept their doors open 24 hours a day seven days a week since with help from their owners, Care Initiatives, Inc., a not-for-profit organization based in Des Moines.

Talk of adding on an assisted living facility began in 2005.

After a little bit of talk and a lot of paperwork, funding was secured through grants and matching funds by the Dunlap NRC. “In order to expand the number of assisted livings in small communities around Iowa, Care Initiatives applied for Low Income Housing Tax Credits,” Administrator Katie Spellman said. “We were able to build four assisted living buildings in Dunlap, Lamoni, Odebolt and Panora.”

Spellman stressed that “low income” does not mean tenants have to be on state aid or qualify for the Medicaid program.

“Once an application

has been filled out, we are able to determine a potential tenants’ income based on actual income such as Social Security, IPERS, other income and their interest on their assets like checking accounts and land,” Spellman said.

Thanks to the Low Income Housing Tax Credits, the facility came to fruition in early in 2007, offering tenants apartments available based on income level.

The facility is able to offer a washer and dryer for tenants, as well as an activity room with a computer equipped with internet access. A lobby including a large television and fireplace allow tenants to relax. A dining room with a full kitchen offer tenants three, well rounded meals each day.

Individual rooms are equipped with their own miniature refrigerator, a sink and counter, microwave, bathroom including a handicapped accessible shower, cable television and individual heat and air conditioner.

The facility was built with 10 apartments, two of those being available for couples.

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A DECADE OF DIFFERENCE

4 June 23, 2010

New pool makes a splash Community Center built after years of fundraising with donations, grants Jim Wood Aquatic Center

The thought of a new pool for the city of Logan had been on the minds of city and pool officials for many years and after it was necessary to close the old pool due to repair requirements, work began in earnest to construct a new pool for the city.

Sept. 5, 2007 The swimming pool committee meets with project manager David Burbach and plans steam ahead for the facility.

Nov. 28, 2007 The third time was a charm for the design of the Jim Wood Aquatic Center.

The city council approved the conceptual drawing/site plan. The cost estimate was $2 million.

Jan. 16, 2008 The first council meeting of the year began on a high note as Gary Altwegg, representing the Wood Foundation, announced the Foundation would fund $50,000 a year for a 20 year period in addition to funds already given, contingent

upon the passage of a bond issue. This brought the Wood Foundation donation total to $1.5 million.

Jan. 30, 2008 The city council meets with representatives from Ruan Securities to discuss bonding options.

Feb. 26, 2008 Information was flowing at the public forum regarding the Jim Wood Aquatic Center and the proposed $1.5 million referendum set for April 8 to help finance the project. The project will include the pool vessel of 5,025 square feet of water surface, a 1,870 square feet bathhouse and a mechanical building.

April 8, 2008 The council set this date for the special election regarding financing the Jim Wood Aquatic Center, to borrow an amount not to exceed $1.5 million. There was no mistaking the message voters shouted loud and clear. They wanted a new pool. The landslide victory – 345 yes to 47 no votes

– was the largest margin of victory for a bond issue that Harrison County Auditor Susan Bonham could remember. It won 88 percent approval.

Aug. 20, 2008 The excitement of getting to point of opening bids for the pool was deflated – just a little – when one of the contracts being bid came in approximately 15 percent higher than expected.

Aug. 28, 2008 At a special council meeting, the council set a public hearing to discuss entering into a loan agreement for up to $400,000 to allow the project to move ahead.

Sept. 8, 2008 The first shovel full of dirt will soon be turned for the Jim Wood Aquatic Center. The Logan City Council approved bids for the project at the Sept. 8 meeting.

July 4, 2009 The Jim Wood Aquatic Center officially opened for business.

Logan Rooms open for business

The Logan Community Center/City Hall/Police Department that opened in 2000, grew out of large and small donations by members and former members of the Logan community.

From elderly residents donating an amount equal to the year they graduated, to the overwhelming generosity of Clinton and Charlene Keay, Jim Wood and Johnny Carson, the facility is a testament to all that is good in a small town.

The former community center was found to have serious structural problems.

Clinton and Charlene Keay got the ball rolling in 1997 when they gave the City of Logan $100,000 to purchase the former Lo-Ma Elementary site. That same year Jim and Helen Wood gave the city $50,000 to remodel the main building for a community center.

Committees were formed and fundraising began. A big boost in funding came from none other than Johnny Carson who

The former Logan Community Center. had ties to the community.

His grandfather, C.N. “Kit” Carson, served as mayor of Logan from 1944-46. He donated $150,000 to the project.

When bids for remodeling came in too high, or contractors would not bid due to too many unknown factors, officials decided the cost of a new building would be much less.

By November 1998, the council approved the low bid for demolition and gave tentative approval for a new 8,500 square feet structure. Besides housing

the community center that could seat up to 350, the building would include offices for the city, the police department, senior center, a kitchen and youth room.

Grants were received from the DNR, RACI grant, Iowa West, Peter Kiewit, Union Pacific and a total of $150,000 from Jim and Helen Wood, making a grand total of $658,700.

Alumni, citizens and businesses contributed another $188,110. No tax money was used to pay for the construction.

New park shelter takes shape

Jason, Jeremy and Jeff Meyer stand in front of the remodeled Logan Rooms which opened for business in 2009.

It took a year and 10 months, but Logan Rooms received its license Oct. 6, 2009 and opened for business.

Purchased Jan. 1, 2008

by Jeff and Jeremy Meyer of Logan, the motel and house underwent a complete remodel. Everything was gutted and no stone left unturned, Jeff said.

There are seven units in the motel. One has two queen beds, four with one queen bed and two with one double bed.

There are also four rooms available in the house for monthly rental. Each of the motel rooms includes a microwave and compact refrigerator as well as a flat screen TV.

According to Jeff Myer, they did most of the work themselves, including custom staining the woodwork, installing drywall, the roof, floors and the cement.

An open house was held Oct. 17, 2009 to give people the chance to tour the business.

The construction of a new park shelter was an effort between the City of Logan and the park board.

The design is modeled after a train depot that once stood in Logan. The city received a total of $7,750 in grants for the construction of the new structure, with the total cost approximately $85,000.

The shelter includes an enclosed kitchen area that includes a stove, refrigerator, three sinks, hot water and air conditioning. The windows open up and there are counters inside with sliding screens that go up for serving food.

The two open sides, approximately 225 square feet each, allow

for the placement of picnic tables. The shelter was first open for business during the 2008 Fouth of July celebration.

The shelter is available for rent by contacting the City of Logan.

Don MacMillan of DA Mac Builders was the contractor for the shelterhouse.

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A DECADE OF DIFFERENCEJune 23, 20105 Modale and Little Sioux both boast new sewer systems in past decade

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Modale’s 2007-2008 sewer system came with a total bill of $2,285,000 – and began with two, improperly working septic systems.

The ill-fated septic systems were reported to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources in August of 1999. The systems were discharging wastewater onto the ground. Two, separate, illegal discharges from septic systems into a drainage ditch were, in fact, documented. The City of Modale was instructed by the IDNR to eliminate the discharges and given the option to work with the County Sanitarian to upgrade the illegally discharging septic systems and inspect and upgrade others not up to code, or to construct a centralized sewage treatment system.

“Our position was that, because Modale is an incorporated city, the city should address the problem,” Iowa Departments of Natural Resource’s Kirk Mathis said. “One of the options to addressing failing septic systems within the city limits is for the city to decide to install a centralized sewer system.

If the city is not involved up front, then the city does not have the opportunity to make that decision.”

Initially, the city opted to upgrade the existing septic systems. However, Modale later voted to construct the centralized sewage treatment and collection system.

The city received more than one grant and loans to aid in the cost of the project including: USDA Rural Development Loan, $684,200; USDA Rural Development Grant, $1,270,800; Community Development Block Grant, $300,000; and $30,000 worth of other funding.

Contractors included General Excavating, Inc., Carroll, to construct the collection system and JJ Westhoff Construction Company, Inc., Lincoln, Neb., to construct the lagoon treatment system.

Construction began in 2007 and wrapped up in 2008, leaving Modale residents the responsibility to hook up to the new system.

Currently the lagoon system is anticipated to have a 25-30 year life span, although some last longer than that, according to Mathis, depending on how well it is operated and maintained.

The system currently services 115 residential customers and 15 businesses.

Little Sioux’s quest for a new sewer system took place over a number of years, with April 5, 2007 finally bid opening day.

No bids had originally been received on the one of the divisions of the project and had to be rebid. The low bid was from

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Congressman Steve King presents former Modale Mayor Rodney Erixson with a grant check in the amount of $1,270,800 from the USDA Rural Development in February of 2007.

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Joy Construction for $324,928 for the project.

The engineer’s estimate had been $353,400.

A long-awaited groundbreaking ceremony was held July 17 with Dee Fischer, USDA Rural Development Area Specialist present.

“We are very pleased to be a partner with Harrison County, Little Sioux and River Sioux on this project that will positively impact the quality of life for hundreds of rural residents in western Iowa,” Mark Reisinger, USDA

Rural Development State Director of Iowa, said.

Rural Development assisted with the project by providing Harrison County with a Water and Waste Disposal Loan of $758,000 along with a Water and Waste Disposal Grant totaling $1,434,000.

Sundquist Engineering served as the engineers for the project that provided 148 hookups in town.

The project was completed with service line hookups in December of 2008.

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A DECADE OF DIFFERENCE June 23, 2010 6

Magnolia Fire Department Mondamin boasts many adds to fleet in last decade new additions in last 10 years

JIMMY KING PARK SHELTER AND PLAYGROUND

The addtions to the Magnolia Fire Department’s fleet of vehicles over the past 10 years has come through grants, matching funds and donations.

The Magnolia Fire Department has seen several additions to its fleet over the past 10 years.

A first responder/fire ground support truck was purchased in 2001 for $9,700. Funds were procured through fundraising efforts and community donations as well as assistance from the City of Magnolia. The truck is used primarily for emergency medical response, but also provides additional breathing air, emergency lighting and additional tools for use in structural fires.

In 2004, a new American Lafrance pumper truck was purchased through a FEMA/Assistance to Firefighters grant with 10 percent matching funds being provided by the Wood Foundation. Total cost of this project was $156,907. This truck is used as the primary response for any structure fires within the Magnolia

area.

Another FEMA/AFG grant was obtained the following year for approximately $30,000 for the purchase of personal protective equipment and thermal imaging camera.

Matching funds were raised through department fundraisers and donations.

In 2005, a new brush truck was purchased for approximately $20,000 with the majority of funding from the Wood and Schildberg Foundations.

Additional materials and fabrication to complete the truck were donated by Vulcan Industries of Missouri Valley as well as contributions from the community.

Another FEMA/AFG grant was applied for and received in 2008. A Midwest Fire tanker truck was delivered in January of 2009 at a total cost of just over $160,000.

Matching funds for this project were provided by the Schildberg

Foundation.

In the summer of 2009, another brush truck was added to the fleet through a private donation. Work to complete this truck for service was done by department members and was placed in service in the fall of 2009.

These trucks replaced several trucks over the past 10 years that ranged in age from 35 to nearly 50 years old. Revised government standards have increased the safety of firefighting vehicles greatly in the past decade, leading to improved firefighter safety.

The Department consists of 18 active members, of which nine are currently Firefighter I certified. There are five licensed First Responders and one licensed EMT-B. In the past year, 14 members completed a 28-hour driver/emergency vehicle operator class through the Iowa Fire Service Training Bureau.

The park shelter was a gift to the community, donated by Jimmy King. The building was dedicated on the second annual Heritage Day in 2008. The play system was also donated

by Jimmy King and was dedicated on the third annual Heritage Day in 2009. The shelter is available for reservations year around and there is no charge. It operates on donations from patrons that use the facility. It has a 400 square feet meeting area and a full service kitchen. There is a 20-feet by 20-feet covered patio that opens to the playground. This is an excellent location for children’s birthday parties and family functions.

KEITH’S HALL This was a hot spot for roller skating, dancing and parties in the 1930’s, 1940’s and 1950’s.

Larry Stevens has restored the second floor as a museum, complete with a chair lift traveling to the 12-feet tall second floor. The restored hall and museum was scheduled to open June 19, Heritage Day 2010.

MONDAMIN HERITAGE DAY In 2007, a small group of individuals sponsored the first annual Heritage Day which included a parade and approximately three hours of activities. Over the past three years it has grown to an all-day event that concludes this year with a beer garden and dance. The organization committee consists of individuals from town and the surrounding community. It is low-cost family oriented entertainment with something for everyone. Children’s games and Outhouse Races are some of the entertainment. In 2009 the Iowa League of Cities honored Mondamin for its efforts to gain community involvement for the self-supporting event.

Mondamin was in competition with all towns in Iowa with populations under 5,000.

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A DECADE OF DIFFERENCEJune 23, 20107 Renovations and additions Watson Steam Train result of fundraising and grants at hospital a step into future

From groundbreaking ceremonies on March 24, 1957, and opening of Alegent Health Community Memorial Hospital June 8, 1958, the hospital has seen many changes and improvements, especially in the past decade.

In the past 10 years, the hospital has added many services and seen several facility improvements. In 2005, the facility went through an entire remodeling. It made it possible for Community Memorial to nurture the spirit of those they serve by offering a chapel for the first time.

Over the last eight years, CMH has stabilized the physician group and seen substantial growth in the Harrison County Clinics.

Today the hospital has 199 well-trained employees specializing in providing high quality care.

Technology is constantly being updated with a new, 16-slice CT scanner, picture archiving and communication system, allowing technicians to view x-rays on the computer, eliminating the need for conventional film.

Other additions include a Percussion Vest Respiratory System, E-Focus connection to Alegent Corporate ICU and a DEXA scanner.

The clinic locations in

A DEXA scanner is a recent addition to Alegent Health Community Memorial Hopsital in Missouri Valley.

The E-Focus connection allows doctors and other personnel at Community Memorial to be in touch with the Alegent Corporate ICU. Harrison County are conveniently located and staffed by professionals who work to prevent, diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions found in patients of all ages. A most recent addition is the implementation of an “after hours” clinic in

Missouri Valley, for all residents.

Future plans calls for implementation of a Digital Mammography Unit later this year and a new Woodbine clinic location and possibly a major renovation for the hospital itself.

Pool makes splash in 2000

The Missouri Valley Aquatic Center opened in 2000, after more than three years of fundraising.

At that time, not very many grants existed for pools, said City Clerk Rita Miller.

The $1.3 million facility was paid for through

donations, city contributions and lots of sponsorships with businesses matching money raised and a three-year pledge program, as well as a substantial amount from the Rand family.

The zero depth entrance aquatic center

facility consists of a bathhouse, a mechanical room, two slides and water features. Miller said they are always adding umbrellas and lounges.

The pool was constructed by Burbach Aquatic Company that also constructed Logan’s pool.

Water treatment facility a go

Missouri Valley’s new water treatment facility was completed in January 2008 with an open house held in August 2008.

The new facility was necessary due to the deterioration of the former facility and also the need for a larger plant to serve the city. The facility consists of a mechanical room, chemical room, four holding cells, storage and garages for all of the equipment.

Missouri Valley raised funds for the new $4.1 million plant through a bond

issue as well as some of the revenue through utility billing.

When you need Home Health Services ask for Sue with the Carroll Area Nursing Service.

Providing all your home health care needs throughout Harrison County

Sue Blackwell, RN, Carroll Area Nursing Staff Nurse with patient Harold Divelbess

Carroll Area Nursing Service 712-263-3078 or 800-920-2267 Visit us on the web at: www.canshomehealth.com “Quality Care with a Personal Touch”

The Watson Steam Train began steaming down the track in Missouri Valley in 2009 after years of hard work by several community members.

The original steam train that years ago was chugging around the track belonged to Mark Warner’s step father, John Watson and his wife Sharlotte. It was given to the City of Missouri Valley and the park board by the family.

“It hadn’t run since 2000,” Warner said. “We put a brand new boiler in it and all new piping.”

There are actually two

trains. Besides the original train, a second one was borrowed from a man in Chicago, who agreed to let the committee use it for five years.

A total of $552,000 was raised for the project. $225,000 from a Vision Iowa Grant, $175,000 from the Regional Planning Association, $10,000 from Loess Hills Alliance, $20,000 from the Harrison County Community Foundation, a total of $30,000 in Missouri Valley and county funding; $25,000 Missouri Valley Development; $61,000

420 E. Erie • Missouri Valley, IA PH: 712-642-4099 Toll Free: (877) 244-8208 Fax: 712-642-4199

from individuals, groups and fundraisers; $5,000 from the Wubbena Rand Endowment and $3,000 from the Rand/Missouri Valley Endowment.

The train includes 1,700 feet of track, a 34foot bridge and a 50-foot tunnel that creates a look of going through a mine.

Inside the 100-foot x 32foot train depot/museum, you will find a completing restored motor car and the Robert and Trish Rand collection of brass Union Pacific engine replicas.

The trains run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each weekend through October.

Lary Clark Broker Cell: 402-290-2312

Considering an Auction?

Call United Country Loess Hills Realty & Auction

Rod Foutch Associate Broker Cell: 402-290-2358

Lary Clark, Broker/Owner Rod Foutch, Associate Broker/Auctioneer Byron Menke, Associate Broker/Auctioneer Jennifer Neill, Sales Associate Sue Maiwald, Sales Associate Dennis Collier, Sales Associate

www.unitedcountry.com

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Lois Surber, Paul Marshall, Joe Book, Ralph Pauley, Jr., At Woodbine Municipal Gas Systems, service is more than a word, it’s our goal! Our customers are our neighbors––our friends, and like a good neighbor, we’re there when you need us.

Hometown natives serving the needs of hometown neighbors.

If your furnace or water heater is nearing the end of its useful life, think about upgrading to a higher efficiency model. Never run out of hot water again with the Rinnai Hot Water Heater. This tankless unit will reduce your energy costs.

If you install by the end of 2010 you are also eligible for an energy tax credit.

If you have questions or concerns please feel free to call our office at 647-2550.

WOODBINE MUNICIPAL GAS 517 Walker St., Woodbine

712-647-2550

A DECADE OF DIFFERENCE June 23, 2O1O 8

Woodbine school three phase New Woodbine library expansion stunning effort project began in 2000

It took five years to raise the funds and complete the project – but the results were stunning (and roomy) for the Woodbine Carnegie Library.

The library board was given the go-ahead for a scaled-back expansion in April of 2000. In a special meeting back in 2000, board members learned what the building committee knew four days earlier – the new addition would be considerably more than the $300,000 original estimate. In fact, it was A “before” picture of the Woodbine Library. almost double – with a cost estimate as much as $578,000 2000. The fund drive ended sidewalk and parking lot conaccording to Missouri Valley with an excess of $200,000 in struction.

After all the heartache and architect Rick Emswiller. A low donations with an additional estimate was around $368,308, $80,000 in grants and other headache had passed, hunexcluding furniture, including pledges, totaling nearly dreds of visitors turned out to asphalt shingles and other less $35,000 promised. Harold tour the expanded Carnegie Melby, a local contractor, was Library addition and renovatexpensive products.

In March of 2000, the the low bidder on the project ed children’s library in library had $330,000 in grants with a base bid of $328,000. November of 2001.

Today the Woodbine Public and cash, after a lengthy Although all looked to be in fundraising drive. The board order, the library fell short of Carnegie Library continues was still $30,000 short, so they funds, still, by $25,597 to pay moving in a forward direction, continued the fundraising for furniture and shelving for carrying everything from the addition and $20,000 to audio books, cake pans, efforts.

The library expansion pay Emswiller. The total cost games, movies and more to called for a more than 4,000 approved by the library board rent as well as a wide array of books. Computers with intersquare foot addition to house tallied $361,800.

In November of 2000, con- net access adorn both the an expanded adult section, updated children’s section, struction was still taking place. youth and adult libraries and computer stations, work room The water fountain, currently the checking out and in of and reading alcoves. Despite displayed by the new addition, books is done electronically being shy the funds, the board had to be relocated. Stumps through a scanner. Intergave the go ahead to bid the had to be removed – among library exchange is made simother road blocks. Fortunately, ple through the use of comproject.

A few months later, a the Woodbine City Council puters.

And the buildings are full. ground breaking ceremony agreed to help with the still linwas taking place June 14, gering debt as well as pay for a New and old.

Dollar General takes shape

It was a three phased project, beginning with talks in 2002, that transformed the Woodbine Community School building into what it is today.

The 42,500-square-foot addition provided the school with a commons area and improved heating and cooling, according to information released by the district office in 2005. A new media room, gymnasium, lockers and classrooms were incorporated into the project.

The project was overseen by management company Cost Planning Management International, Inc. of Des Moines. The school district held the contracts with subcontractors performing the work, but wasn’t responsible for the day-to-day management of the project. Rather, it was overseen by CPMI Project Manager John Efta from a battered and blueprint-strewn trailer parked behind the former administrative building on Normal Street.

The division of the labor become necessary because

Woodbine School construction April 6, 2005. the addition, designed by Omaha-based architects Bahr Vermeer Haecker, was built in phases and bid out individually. It amounted to a lot of companies and workers that needed to be kept together and brought up to speed.

Phase one of the Woodbine Community School project began in August of 2002, adding an ‘L’ shaped commons and administrative area, which included two classrooms and storage area.

Phase two was primarily concerned with the improvement of heating and air conditioning systems, affecting both existing areas of the complex, beginning in June of 2003.

Phase three included 32,500 square feet of gym and new, two-story area of classrooms, beginning in May 2004. The cost of the addition reported in earlier editions of the Twiner sat at $5.3 million.

The total was made up of a half million Harkin Grant, a $367,000 Community Development Block Grant and a $1 million Vision Iowa Grant, in addition to district funds provided by the Physical Plant and Equipment Levy. A bond issue passed by local voters in 2002 also supplied key support.The three-phase project wrapped up in late 2006, early 2007 leaving the school building as it currently stands today.

New playground equipment added In March of 2005, Tina Sullivan watched her three children play in the Woodbine City Park, while reminiscing of her own days spent on the Woodbine playground.

The worn out three-littlepigs-themed springing contraptions her daughter, then 3, was riding in 2005, Sullivan, 30 at the time, once enjoyed herself. Her son, 4 at the time, pumped his legs to swing higher on the animal-shaped swing – more memories Tina recalled, as well as the adjacent slide.

Tina was taking her children to the school’s playground – but since construction on the city park began in 2005, she began taking them to the park – but not without concern as she keeps a close eye on her children.

“It would be great to have new playground equipment,” she said in 2005, holding her then 1 year old. The equipment was in serious need of updating. There wasn’t even one, lone swing in the park.

The Woodbine Playground Committee was formed in March of 2005. Committee members Dencil Hammack and Noel Sherer even traveled to Dunlap, Logan, Harlan and other communities, where they videotaped and photographed playgrounds to share with the committee.

In May of 2005, the Woodbine Playground Committee made the decision to go with Landscape Structures for the new playground equipment. Safety issues were at hand regarding a 3-dimensional Spacenet, a

web-like structure meant for climbing – that came with a lofty price tag. Yet, aside from Woodbine, the closest Spacenet structure is located at a playground off West Center Road in Omaha, Neb. After many months of diligent work by the Woodbine Playground Committee and support of the community, the new playground became a reality. Volunteers were used for the installation of the new fangled play equipment June 1-3, 2006, with only moderate preassembly done to the equipment. On July 18, 2006, volunteers came together once again to complete the new recreational area, including painting the tornado slide, assembling timbers, installing swings and landscaping.

Rose Vista Assisted Living

The City of Woodbine began the southward annexation process in June of 2005. The annex proposal encompassed 16 tracts of property with the city paying all costs. Dennis Collier, who put in the Dollar General store south of Woodbine was excited for the change. Collier’s hope was to draw people to the store’s location directly on U.S. Highway 30. The Dollar General held its grand opening Aug. 6, 2005, hiring nine permanent employees and two managers. Six of the nine originally hired were from Woodbine, while others were from Dunlap, Logan and Little Sioux. The store is still in place today and doing well.

The July 11, 2001 edition of The Woodbine Twiner boasted a new, exciting development in Woodbine. Rose Vista Nursing Home was awarded a $550,000 Nursing Facility Conversion and Long Term Care Service Development Grant from the Department of Human Services, to help fund construction and renovation for a new assisted living facility in Woodbine.

The grant from the state of Iowa was part of $20 million awarded across the state. The grants made use of federal Medicaid dollars and were intended to reduce overall long term care costs for the state by providing lower cost, longterm care alternatives.

The proposed project carried a $950,000 price tag with the ground breaking held in December of 2001. It was scheduled to bring four to six new jobs to Woodbine in 2002.

When doors were officially opened with an open house on Oct. 13, 2002, four residents were already moved in, showing the need for the facility.

When it opened, Rose Vista Assisted Living, located directly west of Rose Vista Nursing Home, boasted 13 units for individuals wishing to make the transition from complete independence to assisted care.

Three one bedroom and nine studio units were ready

for occupancy, with residents sharing a large atrium/living room as well as kitchen and laundry facilities. Studio units were built approximately 370 square feet with one-bedroom apartments at 500 square feet.

All rooms included handicapped accessible restrooms, individual temperature controls, a small refrigerator and microwave as well as cable television capabilities. The large dining area was built to provide two meals per day for residents and space for a variety of activities.

Tenants were slated to spend between $1,850 and $2,250 per month for room board and services.

The footings of Natural Creation’s building were poured in September of 2001. By June of 2002, the doors were opened.

By October of the same year, the doors were officially opened.

Natural Creations began in 1987 in the garage of Jack and Jan Hinze, with daughter Amber Nelson playing an integral part in the company’s new building in 2002. By 2002, Dr. Jack Hinze remained with the company, but worked primarily as a consultant, leaving Nelson as the primary owner of the company.

When the Natural Creations opened the doors of its new facility in 2002, they were able to boast having more than 400 pharmacies across the country as customers, providing natural

remedies versus pharmaceutical alternatives.

The brick building was constructed over three lots and initially built by the Woodbine Community Betterment and Development under the direction of general contractor Todd Heistand. Natural Creations went from being a long-term renter to becoming an investor when WCBD was unable to provide all the funds for the project, including four, low to moderate income apartments on its second story using low income housing funds from the state to finance a portion of the project.

Natural Creations held their grand opening during the Sept. 28, 2002 Applefest,

showcasing their homeopathic and botanical solutions, as well as a gift center.

By 2007, more change found its way to the company, with primary owner Amber Nelson selling her share of the company to employee Bill Steppuhn.

Stepphun had once told his wife when they were first married, “Mark my words.

Someday I will own my own business.”

“Well, and it just turned out this way,” he said.Steppuhn still owns the business to date, with Nelson keeping good on her word, remaining a “good employee” and enjoying spending former office hours with her family.

Woodbine named one of 10 Main Street Communities Natural Creations expands Though Woodbine has seen some impressive changes over the past decade, some of the most impressive changes are very recent.

The Woodbine Main Street-Chamber formed in April 2008 and Woodbine was accepted in the Pilot Green program in the Summer of 2008. One advantage of being named as one of the 10 Main Street Iowa cities in western Iowa: Woodbine has access to state funds solely set aside for Main Street Communities.

As an aggressive community, Woodbine was able to tap into those funds, receiving two Challenge Grants back to back – the first, used for the façade renovations, tallying an impressive $40,000. The Challenge grant is a 50/50 matching grant with the remaining 50 percent funded by the City of Woodbine’s Downtown Revitalization Program Main Street fundraising, other grant sources for the Golden Age Center and building owners. Thanks to the help

of Main Street and Pilot Green resources, as well as the thrifty and efficient grant writers of the Woodbine Main Street-Chamber who landed the Challenge Grant, five buildings in the Main Street district (aka Walker Street) received major face lifts.

Five contiguous Main Street facades have been recently rehabilitated to a more historical look: Everything Ellen (comprised of two buildings), the former Unity High School building, the Golden Age Center, and the Corn Palace are currently sporting proud, ‘newly historic’ store fronts.

All of the façade renovations used Iowa Green Streets criteria including energy efficient windows and doors, mortar tuckpointing, some structural stabilization, and operable awnings. The professional architectural design services from Main Street Iowa proposed the color palate for the row of businesses to maximize compatibility.

Plans to utilize the sec-

ond Challenge Grant in the amount of $33,000 are already underway to restore the eyebrow gas station on Walker Street.

“The mission of the Main Street Iowa Program is to improve the social and economic well-being of Iowa’s communities by assisting selected communities to capitalize on the unique identity, assets and character of their historic, commercial district,” Woodbine’s Main Street-Chamber Co-Program Director Deb Sprecker said.

“Main Street is economic development within the context of historic preservation.”

“By improving our buildings and the appearance of our downtown, we can improve our ability to retain and assist current businesses and attract new ones as well as bring new people to our businesses,” Main StreetChamber Co-Program Director Darin Smith said.

The currently proposed on-going façade master plan is scheduled to take place over the next 18 months.

Woodbine Municipal Light & Power Woodbine Municipal Light & Power 517 Walker Woodbine, IA 712-647-2340 www.woodbineia.org

A DECADE OF DIFFERENCEJune 23, 20109 New Law Enforcement Religious Arts Museum facility a leap into the future marking 10 years in county

Following an order from the state inspector to remodel or close the old jail facility, the Harrison County Law Enforcement facility moved into a new building in June of 2000.

The new building, possible after the passage of a $1.9 million bond issue with a 79.2 percent approval, was built near the former jail site after the auction and removal of three homes on the surrounding lots.

The jail includes three cell pods. One with nine beds, one with four and the other five. Each pod has a shower stall and also a handicapped accessible shower stall. Each 50square foot cell includes a toilet/sink combination, and small table and chair, all bolted to the floor or wall. There is a camera located in each cell and cell block to monitor the areas.

Each pod includes natural lighting through frosted glass for the inmates, which was one of the state requirements.

The control room, manned 24-hours a day, houses all controls to the lights, water, release valves, cameras, audio and doors.

Another state requirement was that all inmates

have indoor and outdoor exercise facilities. The raised portion of the roof covers the indoor exercise area where a basketball hoop is installed. The outdoor recreation area is totally enclosed on all sides with razor wire along the tops of the brick walls. It is monitored at all times by jailers in the control room.

To help recoup some costs, inmates are housed from other counties when there is room.

Also housed in the building is the communication center that saw a tremendous improvement from its former location.

Prior to moving into the new office, the former communication center consisted of one monitor with the Iowa Online Warrant and Articles system. It was a secure site that employees needed to be trained on. Now the center includes several computers and monitors.

The department is also “tucked away” in the building and also has the ability to lock down if needed.

As technology changes, improvements continue constantly in the communication center and Harrison County Emergency Management,

Former Harrison County Law Enforcement Center. also found in the building.

“I expect in the next 10 years, technology to grow by leaps and bounds,” said Larry Oliver, Director of Harrison County Emergency Management.

Paul Lovell’s vision of a structure to house inspirational religious artifacts became a reality in 2000 when the Museum of Religious Arts opened its doors in October.

The 20,000 square foot structure, located just off U.S. Highway 30 between Logan and Missouri Valley, also is the home of the King of Kings exhibit. A ninescenery, life-size display depicting the last day’s of Christ.

The site also includes a chapel, built in the style of an old Spanish church, the Light of Love Theatre that seats up to 77, a “Wall of Popes,” a gift shop, and the Jesus Walking on the Water exhibit can be found outside.

Artifacts from the Catholic, Eastern Orthodox and Jewish traditions and many others are housed inside the museum.

CHECK OUT THIS SECTION

ONLINE!

www.woodbinetwiner.com m • www.heraldobserver.com

YOUR HOMETOWN AGENTS • Life & Health Insurance • Mutual Funds • Long Term Care • 401K Rollovers

Mike Carson 712-647-3268 • 877-647-3268 416 Walker St - Woodbine, IA

Lynn Clark

Securities offered through MTL Equity Products, Inc. 1200 Jorie Blvd., Oak Brook, IL 60523, 800-323-7320 Member FINRA & SIPC MTL Equity Products, Inc. and Carson-Clark are independently owned and operated.

“LOOK TO US” Dunlap 712-643-5442 Logan 712-644-3256 Modale 712-645-2255 Persia 712-488-2425 Pisgah 712-456-2291 Soldier 712-884-2255 Ute 712-885-2275 Member FDIC www.communitybankiowa.com

Logan Country Store 121 W. 7th Street 712-644-3104

Pizza-by-the-slice or whole pizzas

Perfection Learning and Perfection Press has comtinued to grow with the community, providing opportunities for our employees and quality products for our customers.

Founded in 1926 by school administrators William J. and Valborg C. Keay, Perfection Learning has grown from a small supplier of school business forms to a leading publisher of teacher and student curriculum materials for grades Pre K through 12. Dedicated to meeting the educational needs of a diverse and changing world, the company is now in its third generation of family ownership and proud to be a part of Logan.

We Are Here For You In 1962, Perfection Press was established to provide printing and binding services for Perfection Learning and the business has continued to grow.

Today, Perfection Press provides a wide range of printing and binding services. Perfection Pres provides a wide range of printing and binding services to its customers.' As technology in the printing industry changes rapidly, Perfection Press strives to stay among the leaders, producing top quality products.

1200 Industrial Road • Logan • 712-644-3761 www.perfection-press.com

1000 North 2nd Avenue • Logan • 712-644-2831 www.perfectionlearning.com

• Another facet of healthcare •Another level • Another setting A stepping stone between independent living & nursing home care Dunlap Assisted Living, LLC was built in 2006 and continues in 2010 to provide additional healthcare services to Harrison County.

To compliment our large, private bedrooms is our staff of professional, technical & support personnel

DUNLAP ASSISTED LIVING, LLC 1405 Harrison Road, Dunlap, Iowa 51529 • (712) 643-2133

• 24-Hour emergency nurse call system • 3 meals a day provided

• Weekly housekeeping & laundering of bed linens • Washer and dryer available for tenants • Beautiful dining room and lobby overlooking the lake