Cass County 4-H’ers and their families, volunteers and supporters gathered on Sunday, November 6^th to celebrate the 2021-2022 4-H year at the 2022 County Convention. 4-H leaders reaching milestones were recognized for their service.  Receiving ten-year recognition were Charity Mundorf of Griswold Clubsters, Melissa Johnson of Grove HOT, and Kristy Pellett of Pymosa. Serving as a leader in Cass County for 35 years in is Jerry McCrory of the Union Leaders 4-H Club.

The 4-H Alumni Award given to a 4-H alumni that has stayed active in supporting the local 4-H program, was presented to Delbert & Lana Westphalen. Delbert and Lana have been an active part of the 4-H program for many years. Delbert has served as a member of Endowment Committee. Lana was a longtime King and Queen Superintendent. Lana was a Club leader for many years and their kids were also active in the program. They have continued to support the 4-H program in countless other ways through the years.

Tom Robinson received the Honorary Member award as a non-4-H’er that offers support and assistance to the local 4-H program.  Tom is very supportive as he helps Washington GEM 4-H Club do a radio ad each year. He also volunteers his time at county fair to emcee the Clover Kid Animal Showcase and announce the golf cart races. He is very visible and supportive of 4-H all year long.  (Photos below and story info. courtesy Cass County ISU Extension)

Pictured Left to Right: Trista Swain, Brock Henderson, Kristy York (podium) Miraylie Stuart, Claire Pellett, Olivia Olson, Keira Olson, Rio Johnson, Lily Johnson, Maddy Anderson, Parker Brock, and Elizabeth Anderson.

The Distinguished Service Award was presented to the late Cindy Koll and Something for You. Her family accepted the award on her behalf. This award goes to a business, group or organization within the community that has provided outstanding service to the 4-H program. Cindy has been active in supporting Cass County 4-H and the county fair. She was a cashier at the food stand for multiple years. At the store, Something For You, she would always help 4-H members with their fabric selection and would allow them to come back to get assistance with their quilting if needed. Following her passing this 4-H year, her support will be greatly missed.

Members and leaders of all eleven 4-H clubs in Cass County were presented on stage to receive recognition for club activities throughout the year and project awards. Intermediates and Junior 4-H members who completed a record book could also apply for project awards. Leaders review and nominate youth for project awards and overall awards based on their record.

The following juniors and intermediates received awards, listed by club. Members with an asterisk (*) next to their name denotes a member whose overall record book received a star award, a high rating.

Pictured Left to Right, Back Row: Parker Brock, Elizabeth Anderson, Rio Johnson, Brock Henderson, Keira Olson, Lily Johnson. Front Row: Claire Pellett, Trista Swain, Olivia Olson, Miraylie Stuart, and Maddy Anderson.

Bear Grove Blazers: *Catherine DeBord– Beef, Food & Nutrition, Swine, Visual Arts, *Dylen Dreager– Swine, *Keagan Dreager– Swine, *Walker Gary– Mechanics, Photography, Poultry, Visual Arts, *Michael Hocamp, *Mya Hocamp– Pets, *Lynsie Kardell– Meat Goat, Swine, *Macie Kloewer– Rabbit, Visual Arts

*Maggie Kloewer– Rabbit, Visual Arts, *Sophia Retallic– Food & Nutrition, *Basilio Sekap– Rabbit, Poultry, and *Nolan Sunderman– Self-Determined.

Benton Franklin: *Brookelyn Steffen– Beef, Food & Nutrition, Swine, and *Brylee Steffen– Beef, Food & Nutrition, Sewing & Needle Arts, Swine, Visual Arts

 Cowpokes: *Kayedance Sturm– Horse and Pony

Grant Guys and Gals: *Kinsey Burg– Food & Nutrition. Photography, Visual Arts, *Macy Burg– Citizenship & Civic Engagement, Photography, Woodworking, *Ada Hansen– Beef, Clothing & Fashion, Food & Nutrition, *Isaac Hansen– Beef, Citizenship, Food & Nutrition, Visual Arts, *Jenna Jensen– Beef, Food & Nutrition, Health, Outdoor Adventures, Swine, *Emma Meyer- Sheep, *Kennedy Meyer- Sheep, *Leah Ohms- Beef, Child Development, Sheep, Sewing & Needle Arts, Photography, Visual Arts, and *Kylee Wessling- Clothing & Fashion, Photography, Rabbit, Woodworking

Griswold Clubsters: *Raylea Amos- Beef, Clothing, Visual Arts, and *Josie Millikan– Family & Consumer, Management, Personal Development

 Grove HOT: *Lily Johnson– Clothing & Fashion, Goat, Photography, Poultry, Sewing & Needle Arts, Claire Schroder– Poultry, Rabbit, Sewing & Needle Arts, Sheep

Pleasant Noble United: *Conlan Amos- Visual Arts

Pymosa: *Olivia Olson- Woodworking, and *Miraylie Stuart- Beef

Union Leaders: *Oliver Becker– Goat, Photography, Poultry, Sewing & Needle Arts, *Bay Erickson- Clothing, Food & Nutrition, Home Improvement, and *Bryson Lee- Food & Nutrition, Photography

Washington GEM: *Colton Anderson, *Maddy Anderson, *Jacquie Freund– Horticulture, *Grant Petty, and *Quincy Robinson

Senior project awards were also presented. High school members turn in their record book at the club level to be reviewed then leaders nominate youth’s project records to be reviewed again at the county level. These project records should be well organized, neat, and show evidence of solid Citizenship, Communication, and Leadership. Points received determines if platinum, gold, silver, or bronze award is given. Senior project awards are listed by clubs.

Bear Grove Blazers: Elizabeth Anderson – platinum for Photography; Carter Witzman – platinum for Swine; Bryan York – platinum for Food & Nutrition, Home Improvement, Horticulture, Photography, Sewing & Needle Arts, and Visual Arts

Benton Franklin: Brock Henderson – gold for Beef

Grove HOT: Parker Brock – gold for Food & Nutrition and silver for Communications; Conner Johnson – gold for Photography and Poultry;  Rio Johnson – platinum for Clothing & Fashion, Communications, Dog, Food & Nutrition, Home Improvement, Pets, Photography, Poultry, Sewing & Needle Arts, and Visual Arts

Pleasant Noble United: Kaily Swain – platinum for Rabbit and Swine; and Trista Swain – platinum for Goat, Rabbit, and Swine

Pymosa: Keira Olson – platinum for Leadership; Claire Pellett – platinum for Beef and Food & Nutrition, gold for Dog and Home Improvement

Union Leaders: Rachel Becker – gold for Beef and Goat

All Seniors who complete record books are reviewed at the club level as well as the county level. Records are rated on organization, orderly, neat appearance, as well as for spelling and grammar. Points received determines if platinum, gold, silver, or bronze is awarded for overall record keeping award winners by club:

Bear Grove Blazers:  Elizabeth Anderson – platinum, Mia Kloewer – gold, David Retallic – platinum, Carter Witzman – platinum,  Bryan York – platinum

Benton Franklin: Brock Henderson – platinum

Grove HOT: Parker Brock – gold, Conner Johnson – gold, Rio Johnson – platinum

Pleasant Noble United: Kailey Swain – platinum, Trista Swain – platinum

Pymosa: Dayna Dreager – gold, Keira Olson – platinum, Callee Pellett – gold, Carter Pellett – platinum, Claire Pellett – platinum

Union Leaders: Rachel Becker – platinum, Sydney Becker – silver, Tristan Becker -silver

 Bryan York of Bear Grove Blazers received an award for the overall senior record book.

Senior 4-H’ers could also apply for County-Level awards, which required a special application and information regarding their overall 4-H experiences. Those were awarded as follows: Maddy Anderson received Merit Award, Elizabeth Anderson received Achievement Award, Trista Swain received Citizenship Award, Rio Johnson received Leadership Award, Brock Henderson received Learning through Leadership Award, Bryan York received the Danforth “I Dare You” Award.

Members who were participated in activities were asked to stand to be recognized. Members stood who served on a county committee, attended State 4-H Conference, applied for State Project Awards, participated in Club Volleyball, attended the multi-county Speak Out for Agriculture bus trip, attended Officer training or a county workshop along. Members also stood if they participated in a summer or winter camp, or exhibited at the Iowa State Fair this past year.

The 2022 County Fair Herdsmanship Winners were announced. Each club received a certificate and $25 for their club per species they won. Cowpokes won Horse Herdsmanship. Grove HOT won Poultry Herdsmanship. Pleasant Noble United won Goat Herdsmanship. Pymosa won Rabbit and Beef Herdsmanship. Washington GEM won Sheep and Swine Herdsmanship.

Bear Grove Blazers was recognized for the top window display during  National 4-H Week, top community service project, and as the Banner Club winner this past 4-H program year.

Top Officer Books were reviewed and announced. Top Secretary Book was from Pymosa 4-H club, Top Treasurer Book was Pleasant Noble United and Top Historian’s book was Washington GEM.

The afternoon concluded with the installation of eleven senior level 4-H’ers onto the 2022-2023 4-H Youth Council. Members are, Elizabeth Anderson of Bear Grove Blazers, Maddy Anderson of Washington GEM, Parker Brock of Grove HOT, Brock Henderson of Benton Franklin, Lily Johnson of Grove HOT, Rio Johnson  of Grove HOT, Keira Olson of Pymosa, Olivia Olson  of Pymosa, Claire Pellett of Pymosa, Miraylie Stuart of Pymosa, and Trista Swain of Pleasant Noble United.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Cass County 4-H is hosting a Find Out Night for the community and current 4-H or Clover Kid members to learn more about what the program does! On Tuesday, November 15th from 5:30pm-7:30pm you can come and go as you please through the Cass County Community Building, 805 W 10th Street in Atlantic to learn more about 4-H! This event is free, and you don’t need to RSVP.

A short program overview will be presented at 6:00pm and 7:00pm. Throughout the event you will be able to stop at different tables to learn more and ask questions. Information will be provided on why 4-H is free in Cass County, the basics of what 4-H is, including what it stands for and the motto, project areas to get involved with, along with various programs, activities, and workshops we offer to the youth.

This is a no-pressure event to learn more about opportunities for youth K-12 in the community to get involved in. Get all of your questions answered about 4-H and Clover Kids in Cass County and find a club that best suits you! For more information about 4-H visit our website, www.extension.iastate.edu/cass or call the office 712-243-1132.

(Atlantic, Iowa) –  The Atlantic Chamber Ambassadors were hosted by Atlantic Motor Supply (NAPA) on Thursday, November 10th, 2022. The Ambassadors welcomed the new owner, Martin Murdock, and viewed the newly redesigned show room.

Marty Murdock is based out of Woodbine, Iowa where he lives with his wife Carrie, and four busy children. Much of his time is spent working between his seven NAPA stores in Missouri Valley, Avoca, Neola, Denison, Ida Grove, Glenwood, and as of June 1st, 2022, the Atlantic location. When asked what his favorite part of owning the auto parts store is, he says “the people.” Marty’s focus has always been customer service. “When your customer can shop anywhere, you have to give them a reason to buy from you.” The NAPA team prides themselves on going the extra mile and finding the parts that can’t be found and taking the time to walk the customer though a question or at-home project.

Photo provided by the Chamber

Atlantic Motor Supply has recently added over $300,000 in inventory and has rearranged the front show room to be easier for the customer to find what they need and get back to their project. Marty shared that the auto part industry, like many other industries, have had to evolve the way they do business and be pro-active to the customer’s needs. One example of enhancing the customer experience would be the addition of NAPA Online, which gives the customer the ability to order the part through the website and pick up the part in store and still take advantage of the knowledgeable staff. Atlantic Motor Supply in Atlantic is open Monday-Friday 7AM- 5:30PM and Saturday 7AM-1PM.

Atlantic Motor Supply (NAPA) is located at 318 Chestnut Street in Atlantic.

For more information, call 712-243-3565 or visit their website at http://www.napaonline.com

(Radio Iowa) – While many Iowa retailers are already offering holiday-themed bargains, the Black Friday shopping blitz is two weeks from today (Friday), followed immediately by Small Business Saturday. Jayne Armstrong, director of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Iowa District Office, says 97-percent of Iowa’s businesses are small businesses and it’s vital for our economic livelihood to support them all year, not just on November 26th.

“It’s always important because it really is a significant sales period for a lot of small businesses, particularly our retailers, as we go into the holiday season,” Armstrong says, “but we still have a lot of small businesses that are struggling.” The worst of the pandemic may be behind us, but it left significant scars for some merchants which continue to need the routine patronage of Iowa consumers. Armstrong says COVID taught many of us a lesson about how much we rely on the neighborhood mom-and-pop businesses.

“I really do think that America woke up,” Armstrong says. “When something’s not there that you’re used to and that a lot of people tend to take for granted, and then when we were shut down or businesses were struggling coming back, I think people kind of woke up to just how local all this is.” She notes, there’s an obvious advantage for consumers to “Be Loyal, Buy Local,” instead of shopping online, since when you find and buy an item at a brick-and-mortar store, there’s no worry about it being delayed or lost during the shipping process.

www.sba.gov

(Radio Iowa) – Iowa’s largest manufacturing employer is using this Veterans Day to announce a new partnership targeting those who’ve served. Quad Cities-based Deere & Company is signing an agreement with the U.S. Army Reserve Private Public Partnership Office. Deere says it will help service members and their families access career opportunities as they transition to civilian life.

A news release says the agreement enables Deere to provide active-duty soldiers, who are transitioning into the Reserves, meaningful education and skills that will make them top candidates for future potential employment. The new agreement builds upon the Department of Defense’s “SkillBridge” program, which helps to place active-duty military members in civilian jobs during their final six months of military service.

A labor department report says U-S Army Reserve members are facing unemployment rates two to three times the national average.

https://www.deere.com/MilitaryCSP

(Radio Iowa) – The new executive director of the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs gave the keynote speech during a cold, windy Veterans Day ceremony today (Friday) at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery near Van Meter. Todd Jacobus is a veteran, and says service members entered the military in different ways.

He says that the oath was to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.

Jacobus says that service makes our world a safer place.

Iowa Veterans Affairs Director Todd Jacobus

Jacobus says without Americans willing to volunteer for service, our diplomatic rulers would not be in a position to engage in the diplomacy required to prevent armed conflict.

Jacobus was appointed by the governor to lead the Veterans Affairs Department, and he is also the commandant of the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown. He is a retired Colonel of the United States Army and Iowa Army National Guard, serving 33 years and taking part in three overseas missions.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – A Judge presiding over the case of an Atlantic man facing multiple felony charges, has approved a continuation of the proceedings until January, 2023. 53-year-old Edward Allen Davenport had been set to go to trial on Nov. 29th. Davenport faces Class-D Felony charges that include Assault while participating in a felony, Willful Injury Causing Bodily Injury, and Going Armed with Intent, and a Class-B Felony charge of Burglary in the 1st Degree. A Pre-trial conference will now take place Jan. 9, 2023, at 9-a.m. in Atlantic, with trial on Jan. 24th at 9:30-a.m.

Authorities say at around 2:20-a.m. on Sept. 5, 2022, Atlantic Police were notified an assault had occurred at a residence in the 800 block of Walnut Street, in Atlantic. During an investigation, officers made contact with the victim, who stated they had been assaulted by being struck multiple times with an object.

The victim said shortly after she arrived home, there was a knock at the door. A man entered the residence and began assaulting the victim. An investigation determined the suspect was Edward Davenport. On Sept. 6th, Officers made contact with Davenport and arrested him in connection with the incident that occurred the previous day. He was being held in the Cass County Jail on a $60,000 cash-only bond.

Davenport was previously arrested August 21st on two felony drug charges, along with one aggravated misdemeanor and a serious misdemeanor drug charge. He plead not guilty to those charges and was released on a $25,000 bond the day he was arrested on the assault charges. In August 2021, as part of a plea agreement, Davenport plead guilty to an aggravated misdemeanor charge of Operating a Vehicle without owners consent. He was facing a felony charge of Theft in the 1st Degree.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Here’s a final reminder for you to get a kick start to your holiday shopping, by purchasing discounted AtlantiCash, presented by First Whitney Bank & Trust. The opportunity takes place this Saturday only at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce. “This has become one of our favorite events to host every year. AtlantiCash is money that has to be spent at local businesses in our community, so not only does it boost Local Option Sales Tax, but it also supports all of our incredible businesses who have so much to offer this holiday season. Last year, we sold $30,000 in about an hour so our goal this year is to sell $35,000,” Bailey Smith, Executive Director at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce said.

From 9 AM – 12 PM Saturday, November 12th only, AtlantiCash will be available in packs of $100 for $80, a 20% discount. Community members can purchase up to three packs. Payment must be made at time of purchase in the form of cash or check only. There is a first-come, first-purchased basis with only a limited amount of AtlantiCash available. “We wouldn’t be able to pull this promotion off without the help of our amazing sponsors. Their partnership helps us support local merchants and put money back into Atlantic,” mentioned Smith.

Discount AtlantiCash is brought to you by First Whitney Bank & Trust, Cappel’s Ace Hardware and the Atlantic Community Promotion Commission. The Holiday Open House will also be taking place Saturday beginning when retailers open. Businesses will be offering a holiday sneak peek as well as treats, giveaways and special promotions. Participating locations include: Aunt B’s, Brown’s Shoe Fit, Brymons Interiors, Cappel’s Ace Hardware, CoffeeGirl, Fareway, Hanson’s Fine Jewelry, Hy-Vee, Jazzercise, Randy’s Computers and SHIFT ATL.

Pick up your Christmas Brochure from area retail businesses, like the Chamber on Facebook or follow on Instagram to find dates and details to celebrate Christmas in Atlantic. You can find a complete list of activities and a printable version of the brochure at www.atlanticiowa.com. Capture the Christmas magic with #MyAtlanticIA and post to the Atlantic Area Chamber’s Facebook page or Instagram (AtlanticIowaFan). Contact the Atlantic Area Chamber with any questions at chamber@atlanticiowa.com or call 712.243.3017.

(Red Oak, Iowa) -Red Oak Mayor Shawnna Silvius has announced she recently received two letters of resignation from City Administrator Brad Wright, and City Clerk, Mary Bolton. Both are planning on retirement after a number of years serving the City. Brad Wright has been with the City of Red Oak for 21 years. His resignation in effective December 30^th. Mary Bolton has served in the Clerk’s Office for almost 39-years. Her last day is December 31^st.

Silvius says she looks forward to moving forward together with the council, department heads and staff; and working directly with the council to establish a plan of action, timeline and delegation of tasks to immediately begin the search to fill these positions while maintaining proficient business operations. Silvius stated “This is a great time to start fresh and focus on moving the community forward with positive momentum.”

Mayor Silvius has called a Special Meeting of the Red Oak City Council to be held Tuesday, November 15 at 3:30 p.m. at the Red Oak Fire Station located at 1904 North Broadway Street, Red Oak, Iowa to discuss how the Council will proceed moving forward. This meeting is open to the public. The Special Meeting Agenda will be published Monday morning.

(Elk Horn and Kimballton, Iowa) – Getting into the holiday spirit is easy in the Danish Villages (Of Elk Horn and Kimballton). Celebrated the weekend after Thanksgiving, the 44th Julefest offers visitors a way to kick start the Christmas season. For forty four years, this magical festival has warmed hearts and provided a way to celebrate all things Danish. Julefest promises an array of traditional Danish food and tasty treats such as pastries, wine, glögg, and pebbernødder. Search for unique Christmas presents and decorations at craft fairs, gift shops and specialty stores, in both towns.

Drink a glass of wine at Danish Countryside Vines and Wines and dine at Julefest sponsored restaurants such as The Kringle Man, Grace on Main and Norse Tavern and new this year come brunch with Santa Friday morning 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Elk Horn Fire station and enjoy the traditional ӕbleskiver and medisterpølse.  Make the most of a winter’s day – tour the 1848 Danish Windmill, enjoy the latest exhibits at the Museum of Danish America and go back in time at the 1908 Bedstemor’s House. 

Saturday morning cheer on the Naughty or Nisse 5 k Polar Runners from the Mermaid to the Windmill. Enjoy the annual Julefest Concert and dancing around the Christmas tree Saturday evening at the Elk Horn Lutheran Church. Relish in the festive atmosphere of the villages – both towns will be decorated for Christmas and the streets lined with Danish and American flags. Pick up a brochure with a map of the local merchants and happenings at any of the Danish Villages businesses. Schedules will be subject to change.

This year’s Julefest® celebration means the fabulous craft fairs are back! The Main Street Country Boutique will be at the Elk Horn Town Hall on Friday, November 25th from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, November 26th from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. There will be vendors and crafters from all over Iowa set up with their specialties. Some of the items offered at this craft fair will be woven rugs, homemade candies and baked goods, stockings, angels, snowmen, wooden furniture and items and much more. You’ll find something for everyone on your Christmas list or add to your own collections.

A Hometown Christmas, the annual boutique and quilt sale will once again occupy the Kimballton Town Hall on Friday, November 25th from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Folk artists will provide an array of homemade giftware and Jeanne’s famous candies and cookies and so much more. This is the place to start your own traditions! Take yourself to the country and visit Rustic Rooster/Two Chicks located 1 mile west of Kimballton on highway 44 and 1/4mile north. They are open Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. They will be featuring vintage Christmas such as antiques, Christmas décor and taking orders for your Christmas baking (call 515-229-0078). They invite you for cider and good cheer.

For more information about these or any events happening Thanksgiving weekend during the 44th Danish celebration of Julefest®, please call the Danish Windmill at 800-451-7960 or visit www.Danishvillages.com. A brochure with all vendors and events can be picked up from any local Elk Horn or Kimballton business. To visit the Danish Villages of Elk Horn and Kimballton, Iowa, take Exit 54 from Interstate 80 and drive six and nine miles north.