IN THIS ISSUE... CEMETERY WALK WITH FORT DODGE HISTORY J UNE 2012 Old Glory Flies Strong on the Des Moines River Tague Combines Art with Athletics Tague Combines Art with Athletics Teaching Learning Goals at Rabiner Teaching Learning Goals at Rabiner Hamilton Serves Her Faith and Foreign Countries Hamilton Serves Her Faith and Foreign Countries
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IN THIS ISSUE... CEMETERY WALK WITH FORT DODGE HISTORYJUNE 2012
Old GloryFlies Strong on the
Des Moines River
Tague Combines
Art with Athletics
Tague Combines
Art with Athletics
Teaching Learning Goals at RabinerTeaching Learning Goals at Rabiner
Hamilton Serves
Her Faith and
Foreign Countries
Hamilton Serves
Her Faith and
Foreign Countries
June 2012 (8pgs) covers 5/11/12 3:14 PM Page 1
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contentscontentsJUnE 2012
in EvEry issUE
dEparTmEnTs
4 Calendar17 Scene About Town26 New on the Shelf48 Parting Shot
LocaL coLor
1 1 Class Notes:Meet Robyn Caldwellby Hailey Brueschke
1 3 Volunteers Put on10thAnnual Oakland Cemetery Walkby Robert Wolf
2 7 Nancy Hamilton Leads St. OlafTeam to Nicarguaby Robert Wolf
FEaTUrE arTicLE
3 0 Old Glory Still Flies StrongOver Des Moines Riverby Meg Beshey
ThE good LiFE
3 5 Home Style:The Garden AdvenureSo It Growsby Meg Beshey
3 9 Culinary Corner:Put a Little Pepper Into Your Grillby Meg Beshey
4 4 Health Wise:A Concert to Rememberby Meg Beshey
4 6 Money Matters:Plan for the Expected –But Prepare for the Unexpectedcourtesy of Edward Jones
on ThE covErRon Newsum with flag flying over the Des Moines River
- Photo by Meg Beshey
Fort Dodge Today � June 2012� 1
2 � Fort Dodge Today � June 2012
From the News Editor It’s All Good …
Just the other day I was out 'n’ about driving around our town. I noticed how peo-
ple couldn’t help but be outside (when it wasn’t raining). That was so neat, to see
people take ownership of their yard by tackling that mowing job, cleaning their window
sills or gutters, or even planting flowers in that space in the front to make the house
look cheerier to those passing by, like myself. It worked. While noticing that I also
noticed people doing nice things for each other in very obvious ways, thus came the
new section in FD Today, “It’s a Good Thing.” Tell me in short words what you
observed and where in our community you saw this nice thing happening. You can
send this to [email protected] whenever you see something. Let others know!
Another aspect of the nicer weather is the ever-increasing population of walkers, runners and bik-
ers on our trails, as well as in the neighborhoods. The time they are spending using our spaces is
great to see. The new bike trails are seeing lots of action as I drive by, with all the families walking or
biking together. I cherished the image of the brave lady who had four youngsters with her on those
cute little mini bikes. I wondered how long she made it with that crew before one of them said, “I gotta
go potty.” You know it was going to happen, so just smile and pray for her every time she takes that
job on! Such devotion!
When I come home from a day of teaching, I want to just chill for a bit, but when the weather gets
nice, I too want to head outside to just do something. Lately it seems to be walking around collecting
branches that fell during recent wind gusts or gathering the beloved offerings of the dogs. It just feels
good to be outside to take it all in. One needs to be at peace with nature seriously if you are going to
truly enjoy the outside. This could come with the chirping of that robin or maybe the rustling of the
leaves just now coming into their own all around the community. Did you notice how they kind of have
a second rebirth of sorts? The first ones sprouted, blew off, new ones came on in stronger colors and
textures? I did. So should you.
In this issue we look at how our community is involved with others such as the traditional Oakland
Cemetery Walk or making others feel at home on the Iowa Central campus. Our beautiful American
flag in all its glory and the way it is honored is featured with the inside look on how we were blessed
with that Flag in the River. 'Tis the season, also, to get your grill going on, so I’m going to give you
ONE of the family recipes involving Dr. Pepper, the “family” pop in our house. Things just taste better
with a little Dr. Pepper on it. Well, to me they do. The garden is coming along with little baby sprouts
from the onions and I think the taters; hopefully Larry Rohrer can define what it is this month. So get
outside after reading this issue, discussing with others the stories we shared, and enjoy the outdoors
everyone. It's summertime!
editor’sspEak megmegbeshey
pUbLicaTion inFormaTion
Direct inquiries to: 713 Central Ave.
Fort Dodge, IA 50501
Advertising 574-4418Fax 573-2148
Editorial 576-7722www.messengernews.net
Volume 23 Issue 2If your address has changed since yourlast issue call (800) 622-6613 ext. 404.
The Fort Dodge Today Magazine is published monthly by The Messenger, with all rights reserved, Copyright, 2012.
Managing EditorBarbara
Wallace Hughes
Sales ManagerBecky O’Brien
Art DirectorReggie Cygan
PublisherLarry D. Bushman
Advertising DirectorDavid Jakeman
Circulation DirectorGrant Gibbons
News EditorMeg Beshey
June 28th & 29th
Weave Your PaintingTwo-Day Art Class for Children ages 6 to 8Instructor: Linda FlahertyFor children 6, 7 and 8 years old Dates and Times: Thursday & Friday – June 28 & 29
Class will meet 10:00 AM - 12:00 Noon bothdaysFee: Museum Members: $20
Non-Members: $25Come dressed to be messy, because there will belots of dripping and dabbing of the paint in this classas children work with acrylics in free-form randomstrokes on paper and on lengths of ribbon usingpaint brushes as well as other kinds of fun tools forapplying paint. The second day we’ll finish up byweaving and assembling some of these paintedpieces on color backing board for a finished colorfulartwork. All materials and a snack are included.Maximum enrollment, ten children.
July 11th, 12th & 13th
Painting, Drawing & Looking at Nature Three-Day Art Camp for Young People Ages 9 to 12Instructor: Linda FlahertyFor students ages 9 through 12Dates and Times:
Wed., Thurs. & Fri., July 11, 12 & 13Class will meet 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM all three
days Fee: Museum Members: $35
Non-Members: $40 For young art students who love painting and draw-ing, this art camp is designed to help you get startedwith some techniques to build your painting skills.We will learn some basics about different kinds ofpaints, get some pointers on how to create a soliddesign, and work our way through some steps to afinished piece. We’ll be working from nature andpaying attention to light and shadow in our paint-ings. The Blanden has paint shirts, but also pleasewear old clothes and shoes so you don’t have toworry about possible paint drips and spills. All mate-rials and a snack are included. Maximum enroll-ment, ten students.
megmegbesheycontributors
Amelia "Amy" Presler is an avidreader who just happens to workat the best place in town for booklovers–the Fort Dodge PublicLibrary. The best part of her job ismeeting the public and havingaccess to all the latest titles andsharing her love of books with oth-ers. When not reading, she enjoyscooking and baking, painting andspending time with her family andfriends. She is a native of FortDodge and is the youngest of 10children and has three of her own.She believes that you can judge abook by its cover (literally!) andavoids those that have hats,shoes, feet, fences, swords, gar-dens, cakes, tableware,Adirondack chairs and cats onthem.
Robert Wolf has lived in Fort Dodgesince 1964. He has written for FortDodge Today magazine since2002 and for The Messenger since1993. He’s the author of “Fossils ofIowa” and “Iowa’s State Parks.” Amember of the Author’s Guild, hishobbies include fossil collectingand photography.
Hailey Brueschke will be attendingIowa Central Community Collegenext year to attain her AssociateArts degree. From there she wouldlike to attend Iowa State Universityto major in journalism. Her goalafter college is to work for a majormagazine in a larger city. She likesto spend her free time reading,writing, and being with her friendsand family.
Fort Dodge Today � June 2012 � 3
Acree Chiropractic continues to be an exclusive Iowa provider of Class IV K-Laser Therapy. This is a drug free, non-invasive, painless treatment for...
Conveniently located across from Crossroads Mall M-F 8:30 - 6:00/ Sat by Appt.
Call 515-955-7724 Today A CREE C HIROPRACTIC C LINIC , P.L.C.
“I am amazed at how quickly my patients improve with this therapy”
Dr. Ben Acree
Another Patient Testimonial “In July of 2011 I began experienceing heel pain and was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. I went through physical therapy, pain meds, expensive shoes and inserts and none of these helped significantly. I was also concerned that I had gained weight because, as an avid walker, I was unable to walk any distance. I work in the medical field and am on my feet most of an 8 to 12 hour shift. My foot doctor suggested surgery, which was not an option for me. After trying massage, I was referred to Dr. Acree for laser therapy. I called right away to make an appointment. After a couple of adjustments and several K-Laser treatments, I feel so much better. I am now able to walk a mile and I’m working on two miles! I am still healing, but I feel the best I have felt in the past 9 months. I truly feel K-Laser Therapy is what helped me. Thank you Dr. Ben,” D.H - Fort Dodge
K-laser Therapy doesn’t cover up the problem, it stimulates and accelerates HEALING...
• Anti-Inflammatory- Increases the diameter of blood vessels and allows for lymphatic drainage.
Frontier Days“Rooted in our Past, Growing Our Future”“Rooted in our Past, Growing Our Future”
Entertainment
frontierdaysfortdodge.com
Scottey Rox Star Unplugged Fabulous Uniques Shadrick Smith
Buckskinner Rendezvous Miss Frontier Days
Teen Dance Craft Village
Saucy Jack
Friday Night
The Breakfast Club
Saturday Night
Entertainment , Drinks & Food under the B ig To p
Featuring:
Admission $ 5 for 3 days Souvenir Button, Admission all weekend
June 1-3, 2012 at the Fort Museum Fort Dodge, Iowa
Second & Fourth Saturday June thru September
www.fdmarketoncentral.com
Karaoke Spelling Bee
Little Miss & Mr Contest Hollingsworth Dancers
Non-Denominational Church Service
Annual Frontier Days Parade 10:00 am • Saturday
Central Ave
Fort Dodge Today � June 2012 � 9
It is obvious when you walk into Troy Waller AutoBody that you are not just a number. As yousoon as you walk in the door you are greeted witha “Hello” by the staff and “What can we do forYOU today?” This is unusual in this day and ageand it speaks highly of the type of business thatTroy Waller has worked hard to establish in thelast decade or two here in Fort Dodge.
We all know it is one of the prime spots you cango to in case of a fender bender. Don’t fear aboutthe process, the staff at Troy Waller Auto Bodywill work hard to make sure the process goessmoothly for you. As soon as you walk in, you willbe given information that is current, up to date and works around your schedule,not someone else’s timetable. Also, when you come in with a damaged vehicle, youneed to know that you will be dealing with I-CAR certified technicians. Each techni-cian has about 15 years of experience with the car repair market.
When you bring your vehicle to Troy Waller Auto Body, they will take photos of thevehicle and get you an estimate prepared promptly. Troy Waller noted, “We canemail and upload estimates and photos directly to your insurance company foryour convenience from the shop.” When a customer searches for an insurancequote on their damaged vehicle they need to know that they have the option totake it wherever they want and they only really need one quote, not the threecommonly told to customers. “There is no law stating that you need more than oneestimate, and you have the right to have your vehicle repaired at the shop of yourchoice.” stated Troy Waller.
The CSI, customersatisfaction index,score is over 98% atTroy Waller AutoBody and manypeople are repeatcustomers. Theycontinue to bringback repeat busi-ness throughout theyear because theyare treated rightand know they cantrust Troy Waller toget the job done.Troy considersevery customer tobe a fortunate rea-son why his busi-ness has lasted as
long as it has in this community. He appreciates each and every person that choos-es to come to his place of business.
Another service offered at Troy Waller that many may not be aware of is custompainting. Custom paint work is done on all types of vehicles and motor cycles aswell as full restorations. ”When a customer brings in an image they want on theirvehicle, Tony Smith will work up a composition drawing and various color “spray-outs” will be shown to the customer for approval before starting the process. It isrewarding to see the customer’s reaction to the work after completion…their satis-faction is visible on their faces. That means a lot to me as the business owner,”said Troy Waller.
One of the unique things about the custom paintwork that is done at Troy Waller Auto Body is the“green” techniques and materials they use in com-pleting their work. They use environmentallyfriendly products, including high performance auto-motive refinish coatings from PPG calledEnvirobase. This type of paint improves the airquality for the painters as well as the community, itreduces hazardous waste and the color matchesclosely with the original manufacturer’s paint tech-nology as well as having a lifetime limited warrantyon the work.
Other services available through Troy Waller Auto Body are their authorized ClubCar and Dixie Chopper products and services. They will tend to your golf cart at thegolf courses in the area, this service is free of charge, you just pay for the tune-up.For those that are not in the know, the Club Car is the top of the line when itcomes to golf carts. Right now is the season for those golf carts to be running overthe trimmed fairways on our courses, so why not be seen in the best? Club Carshave been around for over 50 years and help those in the golf industry, evenlarge event organizers, provide services at their facilities for their customers, or tojust be mobile and efficient at their business location. The #1 Club Car is thePrecedent and is available in two distinct models.
The Dixie Chopper is a hi-powered mowing machine that will custom cut your lawnlike nobody’s business. You’ve seen them around mowing the large propertyspaces with ease as if they were flying over it. When it comes to turns, this vehiclecan negotiate a turn with simplicity to get the job done right and efficiently. TheDixie Chopper comes in four main models and two of them have 2-3 variations tosuit your mowing needs the best.
Troy Waller Auto Body also has a full line of audio equipment and remote starters.They are the authorized dealer for CompuSTAR. Remote Starters have providedgreat business for Troy Waller Auto Body in recent years. The basic appointmentitself is a breeze when it comes time to get one installed in your car or as a gift toanother person. The installation takes just a few hours and you can even get aSmartphone “app” for your remote start. After the app is installed you can startyour car from your Smartphone while you stay warm inside or dry during an Iowathunderstorm.
For more information on your vehicle damage repairs, custom paint work, Club Caror Dixie Chopper products, do not hesitate to call Troy Waller at Troy Waller AutoBody, 508 32nd Street, Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501 (515)955-3365, or visitwww.troywallerautobody.com
a d v e r t o r i a l
featuring
Troy Waller Auto Body is located at508 32nd Street, Fort Dodge.
Sweeten up your ride with a custom paint job onyour auto at Troy Waller.
You’ll ride in style on your cycle from Troy Waller’s Custom Paint Shop.
10 � Fort Dodge Today � June 2012
You have your business, but graphic design is ours. Our staff of talented, experienced, professional designers and artists are some of the best in the area. We’ll create high-quality pieces for you that will stand up proudly against anything you could get from some expensive ad agency, and we’re right there in-house to control the quality from concept to delivery.
515.573.20021012 First Avenue North Fort Dodge, Iowa
Dentists do teeth.Lawyers do law.We do graphic design.
Come in and see what we do.
Dr. John Reis Voted
Best Audiologist 2010 and 2011
2400 5th Ave. S. Fort Dodge, IA 50501
Show Off Your Pet!
Cat’s Name: Cinnamon and Ginger
Breed: Tabby cats
Age: 4 months
Parent: Jean Truelsen
About Cinnamon and Ginger: The little ones
like to climb, view birds, sit in windows and
keep watch on the neighborhood.
Show Off Your Pet!Send us a photo of your pet(s) along with yourname, your pet’s name, breed (if known) andany brief comment you’d like to share about
your pet.
Mail photo and information to:Fort Dodge Today Magazine
My name is Robyn Caldwell. I am originally from Barnum.
What grades do you teach and at what school?
“I currently teach at the Rabiner Treatment Center in Fort
Dodge. My teaching duties include administering all the
required state tests, teaching rules and expectations for the
classroom as well as for Rabiner Treatment Center. I also
teach our clients social, communication and anger manage-
ment skills that they can apply to their life. By doing so, this
will help the students decrease the frequency of inappropri-
ately reacting to their feelings and bringing on more conse-
quences for themselves throughout the rest of their lives.”
What do you enjoy most about teaching?
“I love helping others, especially the troubled youth that are
here who have lost hope. I believe every child deserves a fair
chance at education regardless of their past decisions or other
life traumas preventing them from achieving that goal from
happening."
How long have you been working as a teacher?
“I have worked in the teaching role here at Rabiner
Treatment Center for about four years. Really, it is about five
years, if you count when I was a T.A., teacher’s assistant."
What makes you interested in teaching?
“I love the challenge of trying to reach every child in an effec-
tive manner through many teaching methods. I like the kines-
thetic, visual and audio learning styles the best. The children
are our future. To help those students as well as us, to have a
brighter future comes my love of teaching.”
Who inspired you when you were a student?
“As a student, I had never contemplated becoming a teacher.
My favorite teachers that I remember most was my second-
grade teacher, Mrs. Hanson, and my junior high math
teacher, Mrs. Johnson. It was my physical science and eco-
nomics professors in college that talked me into at least con-
templating becoming a teacher.”
What profession other than your own would you most
like to attempt?
“I think I would enjoy being a taxi driver if someone could
guarantee my safety. I would completely enjoy driving around
the big cities meeting a wide variety of people."
What are three things every teacher should own?
Headphones: to “shut out” the noise once in a while and self-
reflect. Eraser: as a symbol of being able to “erase” their mis-
takes and go on about their day. Magnifying glass: sometimes
we need to look deep to find a little bit of “sweet” in the chil-
dren we work with.
haileyhaileybrueschkecoLorlocal
Class NotesMeet Robyn Caldwell
photographs by Hailey Brueschke
Robyn Caldwell assists students from Rabiner TreatmentCenter.
Caldwell says she loves the challenge of trying to reachevery child in an effective manner through many teachingmethods.
12 � Fort Dodge Today � June 2012
coLorlocal haileyhaileybrueschke
ICCC Student SpotlightMarcus Tague
When Marcus Tague graduated fromhigh school at Manson Northwest-Webster, he decided to go to IowaCentral. He was not only being recruit-ed to play football at ICCC but chose itbecause of the student-teacher ratio.
“At Iowa Central, a student isn’t just anumber, but the teachers know yournames and are always willing to help,”Tague said.
Currently his major is undecided, buthe has kept his main focus on the artdepartment. He has always been cre-ative. “I love to draw and creatingthings on the computer. I’ve wanted todo something dealing with art ever sinceI was little,” he said. He is the type of
person who will drawwhatever comes to hismind and the artdepartment at IowaCentral gives him thatflexibility, he said.
When he graduates, hewill receive his associateof arts degree in liberalarts.
“The best part is that Ifinished most of mymain classes such asbiology, psychology,sociology and trigonom-etry where I couldreceive the help if Ineeded it,” he said. Now,when Tague transfers toanother school, he canfocus more on career-related classes.
One thing he wasinvolved in at IowaCentral was football. His
college experience was much easier forhim because of all the people he wasable to meet through football, he said.
“Right off the bat, before school start-ed, I had met about 160 guys who Iknew throughout the school year,”said Tague.
Because he was in football, all of hisclasses were in the morning and thusover by noon. The schedule gave him alot of downtime.
Football is Tague's favorite sport – he'shas been playing tackle football since hewas in sixth grade.
“There is no better team sport thanfootball. It is too fun,” he said.
To fill his downtime, Tague became astudent ambassador for Iowa Central.The new campus occupation allowedhim to give tours to new incomingstudents.
There are many things Tague lovesabout Iowa Central, he said, but one ofhis favorites is the personal closeness. “Iwas the guy who woke up five minutesbefore class, walked to the building, andstill made it on time,” said Tague. Healso loved how every first Monday ofthe month; the college has a movienight, which allows the students to see amovie at the Fort 8 for only $3.
For summer, his schedule is already laidout. Tague is will work construction forhis father. He will also lift weights fourtimes a week and condition three timesa week so he stays in shape for footballin the fall.
As for next year, he plans on transfer-ring to the University of Wisconsin-Stout to play football and major ingame design and development.
- Marcus Tague
❛❛
❛❛
At Iowa Central,a student isn’tjust a number...
Marcus Tague with his grandparents, Jeannine andMarlyn Johnson.
-photo submitted by Julie Tague
Fort Dodge Today � June 2012 � 13
photographs by Robert WolfrobertrobertwolfcoLorlocal
Continued on page 14
“A visit to Oakland Cemetery is a stroll
through Fort Dodge’s early history."
That's what Deann Haden-Luke, of
the Friends of the Oakland Cemetery,
thinks.
Every year since 2003, the Friends have
invited the public to step back in time
to meet some of the characters who
have been a part of Fort Dodge’s rich
history. They do this through the
Oakland Cemetery Walk, said
Haden-Luke.
Oakland Cemetery was established in
1866 and was placed on the National
Register of Historic Places in 2000, she
said.
“Presenters will be in period dress,
compliments of Masque Productions.
They will tell the story in first person as
though they actually are the historic
character.” Haden-Luke said.
The presenters each write their own
script. Small groups will be led from
presenter to presenter by a guide, who
is also in period dress. The program
traditionally runs about 80 minutes.
Jerry and Marva Rowe got the walk
started 10 years ago. Jerry Rowe is its
committee chairman.
“My wife and I started it. It was my
idea,” he said. They had learned about
a similar event in Elgin, Ill., and
obtained a video of it. They then
formed Friends of Oakland and invited
members of the Hawkeye Community
Theatre to see if the idea was even pos-
sible. Since then, Rowe helped Mason
City start a similar walk and Algona is
considering starting one as well.
“I get all the information. I do all the
research on all the characters. I select
the characters,” Rowe said.
Committee secretary Jo Douglas said
there are different sets of characters
each year.
“The only repeat we do is Egbert Bagg
or his wife. This year, we are doing
Bagg’s son. He was the man who
designed Oakland Cemetery and we
think that’s a good introduction as peo-
ple come into the cemetery. That’s
Volunteers put on10th annualOakland Cemetery Walk
❛❛
❛❛
I get alltheinforma-tion. I doall the research on allthe characters. I selectall the characters.
- Jerry Rowe
Oakland Cemetery was establishedin 1866 and placed on the NationalRegister of Historic Places in 2000.
John Bonner portrays Dr. Harley G.Ristine, a Civil War soldier.
14 � Fort Dodge Today � June 2012
volunt
eer
Continued from page 13
always the first presenter,” Douglas
said.
The characters are selected by the
availability of information. They also
try to have a variety of time periods
and people of different backgrounds.
The character’s location in the ceme-
tery plays a role too.
“We need to space it out so we can
move from one site to another without
walking great distances, yet the sites
are not too close together that there is
a problem hearing the presenters,”
Douglas said.
“It’s an experience that most people
who attend find enlightening and
entertaining,” she said. “We have got-
ten a lot of positive feedback from peo-
ple who have attended.”
Ted Hugghins portrays Webb Vincent
this year.
“Most of the time when people saw
him he had a book in his hand,”
Hugghins said. “He helped a lot of
people and touched a lot of lives.”
Vincent lived in Fort Dodge for 75
years and died at the age of 89.
Said Rowe: “People have to know
about the very people who contributed
to the things that we have in the com-
munity. I think it isn’t taught enough in
our local schools,” Rowe said.
The event also raises funds for the
upkeep of the cemetery.
Rowe said it takes about 25 people to
put on the event. The Walk is a joint
effort of the Friends of Oakland
Cemetery and Fort Dodge Parks,
Recreation, and Forestry Department.
For more information contact the
Department at 576-7237.
The characters:
• Egbert Bagg Jr., 1850-1915, por-
trayed by Kevin Rogers. He was the
son of Egbert Bagg, who designed
Oakland Cemetery. Educated at
Cornell University, he was a well-
known ornithologist and wrote several
articles and periodicals as well as the
book, “Birds of Oneida County.”
• Robert Durian, 1920-1982, portrayed
by Fred Kesten. He was a Navy Air
Corps torpedo bomber pilot and was
awarded two Navy Crosses and the
Distinguished Flying Cross.
• Anna Scott Meservey, 1850-1900,
portrayed by Susan Helling. She was
the wife of Mayor Stillman Meservey,
a prominent figure in the gypsum
industry.
• Samuel Rees, 1817-1897, portrayed
by Steve Kersten. He was a Fort
Dodge businessman, mayor and judge.
He came to this city at the opening of
the U.S. Land Office.
• Mack Hurlbut, 1870-1917, portrayed
by Jesse Helling. Hurlbut was a local
jeweler.
“Most of the time when people sawhim he had a book in his hand,”Ted Hugghins says of Webb Vincent.
Fred Kesten portrays Robert Durian,a Navy Corps torpedo bomber pilot.
Susan Ahlers-Leman portraysDr. Margaret K. Butler, a high schoolteacher and school physician.
Fort Dodge Today � June 2012 � 15
• Dr. Harley G. Ristine, 1838-1917,
portrayed by John Bonner. Ristine
served in the Civil War and was a long-
time Fort Dodge physician.
• Webb Vincent, 1841-1930, portrayed
by Ted Hugghins. A Civil War soldier,
Vincent was an active leader in the
gypsum industry.
• Elizabeth R. Butler, 1896-1984, por-
trayed by Cheryl Sherry. She was a
school administrator in Pennsylvania
and New York, and a sister to Dr.
Margaret K. Butler.
• Dr. Margaret K. Butler, 1889-1971,
portrayed by Susan Ahlers-Leman. She
was a high school teacher and school
physician. She served on the American
Committee for Devastated France and
was a sister to Elizabeth R. Butler. The
Butler sisters were daughters of promi-
nent Fort Dodge lawyer J.B. Butler, who
built the Butler House at the
corner of 12th Street and Fourth
Avenue South.
June 9, 1 to 3 p.m.Tours beginning every 10 minutes.
Parking is not permitted in thecemetery during Saturday’s walk.Participants can park at the GoodShepherd Lutheran Church, locatedat 1436 21st Ave. North. Shuttlebuses will leave the church park-ing lot every 10 to 15 minutes.
June 10, 3 p.m., a single indoorperformance in the Biosciences
and Health Science Auditorium atIowa Central Community College.
Tickets: $7 per person; children
under 10 admitted free. Tickets can
be purchased Saturday at the church
parking lot or Sunday in the
auditorium lobby.
CDs will be available at the sign-up
table for $10. CDs of past walks are
available through Dan Garst at
Party Productions by calling him at
576-5544.
10th Annual Oakland Cemetery Walk
VVootteedd BBeesstt Voted Best BBooddyy SShhoopp Body Shop
SScchheedduullee YYoouurr SSpprriinngg SScchheedduullee YYoouurr SSpprriinngg Schedule Your Spring GGoollff CCaarrtt SSeerrvviiccee NN OOWW !! GGoollff CCaarrtt SSeerrvviiccee NN OOWW !! Golf Cart Service N OW !
Authorized Local Club Car Dealer
• Custom painting • Accessories • New and used sales
• Free Pick Up and Delivery • Oil Change • Fuel Filter • Air Filter • Spark Plugs • Wash and Wax
aboutscEnE TownPhotos by CU photographersNicole Hagar, Susan Mooreand Kevin Conrad.
Taste of Home Cooking School/Ladies’ Night Out
Karen Da v i s t hanks e ve ryone fo r com ing tot he Tas te o f Home Cook ing School .
Jan Ca l l sen , Sammy Hanson (w inner o f Ja lapeno Poppe rBu rge rs ) , Sha ron Benson , Sue Newman and Kat ie O ’Han lon a tt he Tas te o f Home Cook ing School .
Mar i l yn Kuehnas t and Jenn i f e r Ber teat the Tas te of Home Cook ing School .
K r i s t i McLoud , w i nne r o f the Cake Pops .
18 � Fort Dodge Today � June 2012
aboutscEnE TownPhotos by CU photographersNicole Hagar, Susan Mooreand Kevin Conrad.
R i c ha rd Moel le r , J im Pa t ton and J i l l O l sen a t tend t he Rota ryC lub of No rt hern Iowa Spr i ng Con ference .
Ron Newsum , Pame la Kay and C la r i ce Thompson a re p resen t fo r t heRo ta ry C lub of No rt hern Iowa Spr i ng Con ference .
RotaryClub ofNorthern
IowaSpring
Conference
E l i zabeth Da ly and Sandra Dah lqu i s t a re i na t tendence fo r t he Rota ry C lub of Nor t hern I owaSpr i ng Con fe rence .
Fort Dodge Today � June 2012 � 19
Rotary Club of Northern Iowa Spring Conference
Pam Wal l , Bev in Wa l l , Jean Pres co t t and E lmer P rescot t i n f ron t o f theB landen Memo r i a l A r t Museum wh i le tou r i ng w i th t he Rota ry C lub o fNo rt hern Iowa a t the Sp r i ng Con ference i n For t Dodge.
K r i s Markham and M i ke Badcoc k tou ra reas o f For t Dodge w i t h the Ro ta ryC lub o f Nor t hern I owa a t t he Spr i ngCon fe rence i n For t Dodge.
Roger Nat te te l l s t he h i s to ry o f the V i ncen t House t o
tou r i ng member s o f the Ro tary C l ub o f No r t he rn Iowa.
D r . Je f f Fo reman andAnd rea M in ik i s per fo rm fort he tou r the Rota ry C l ubo f No r the rn Iowa ta kedu r i ng t he Spr ingConferen ce.
20 � Fort Dodge Today � June 2012
aboutscEnE Town
Taste of Hope as Vincent House
Ask ley M lodz i k and Les l ie
Ca ldwe l l a t Tas te o f Hope .
Denn i s Baugh , K im
McCa rv i l l e and Les l ie
Ca ldwe l l a t the Tas te o f H
ope .
Dr . Jo sh Mason , K im Mason , Em i l yMason and D r . Zach Mason a t theTas te o f Hope at t he V in cen t House .
M i che l le Huebsch , Canda ce T renary , Tena Hovey andShan i ka D i l la rd a t tend t he Tas te of Hope at t heV incen t House .
Tammy Sche ke r and Ke l l y Wagne ra t tend t he Tas te o f Hope at t heVincen t House .
Jo Se l t z , Mary Kay Dan ie l andAnge la C roonqu i s t a t Tas te ofHope .
Fort Dodge Today � June 2012 � 21
Miche l le and Nora Wal le r a t tended the Mo the r-Daugh ter Tea a t the V in cen t House .
La i la F ra her w i t hhe r g randmother ,Conn ieL ind-F raher ,a t t he Mo ther -Daugh ter Tea .
The Mother-Daughter Tea at Vincent House
Ter ry P i e r ce and motherJoyce Go for t h a t tend the
Mo the r-Daugh ter Tea .
Megon and Ty ran Pe te rman , As h lynnSu l l i van a nd Pau let te Soppe land po se fo ra photo a t t he Mother -Daugh te r Tea a tV in cen t House .
Hay lea andKod i Mabe att he V in cen tHouse Mo the r-Daugh te r Tea .
Susan Ah le rs -Leman and J i l l ian Leman a t t heMother -Daugh ter Tea .
22 � Fort Dodge Today � June 2012
aboutscEnE TownPhotos by CU photographersNicole Hagar, Susan Mooreand Kevin Conrad.
Market on Central Opening Meeting
Randy Barnhard t , who a long w i t h w i fe ,C la ra Barnhard t , own Ar t i c D ream.
R i ta P ie rs on, owner
o f Coca
Be l l i s imo , at tends the M
ar ke t
on Centra l open ing m
eet ing .
S ta r la B randt , owner o f C reat i ve Cook ies and Cakes byS ta r la , s i t s w i th K r i s Peed , owne r o f Mr s . Peed ’ s Sweet s , a tt he meet ing f o r vendor s cons ider i ng part i c ipa t ion i nMar ke t on Cen t ra l t h i s summer .
Eve l l ia So sa andZoam i Ca l le s-Sosa ,owner s o f CrookedC reek , a t tend t he
meet ing fo rvendor s par t i c ipa t i ng
in t he upcom ingMar ket on Cen t ra l
days .
Dav id Rodar te , owne r o fT res Am igos Mex i can
Res tau ran t a t tends t heMa rket on Cen t ra l mee t i ng .
Fort Dodge Today � June 2012 � 23
Vocal Trash performance at Decker Auditorium, ICCC
Sara and Maleah Sheede r a t tend t he Bu t le rB l as t f und ra i ser pe r f o rmance of Voca l T ras h .
A l i ce Schar f , Sammy and D i l l io n Sy s tma a reready fo r t he per fo rmance o f Voca l T ras h .
B rody B raman ,Ka thy McGu i re ,Ros ie Barone andChan ler B ramanawa i t thepe rfo rmance ofVoca l T ras h .
Dave G roat ,Sebr i na Ga le ,Lex i Rosa l ezand Me l i s saG roat a t theGem , M ine ra l
and Fo ss i lshow .
Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show at the Webster County Fairgrounds
Emma I r v i ng , Ka te I r v i ng and E l i se L i nne rman see a l lt he of fe r i ngs a t the Gem , Mi nera l and Fos s i l show .
24 � Fort Dodge Today � June 2012 Fort Dodge Today � June 2012 � 25
CCeenntteerr CCeenntteerr Center SSttaaggee SSttaaggee Stage
214 South 25th Street, Fort Dodge, IA • 515-576-3652
“Live Easier, Happier & Healthier!”
Pharmacy Hours: M-F 8-8; Sat 9-5; Sun 10-4
We now offer the Shingles Vaccinations.
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Service ALL Makes & Models of
Garage Doors & Operators
6 N ORTH 21st S TREET 955- DOOR (3667)
Overhead Door Company of Webster County The Genuine. The Original.
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8-5
KHI Financial SolutionsKHI Financial Solutions is a financial services brokerage firm dedicated to providingtheir customers with the highest quality products for the best obtainable value. Thisis accomplished by their professional team of people committed to providing superi-or service that is unmatched in their industry.
KHI Financial Solutions offers customers both employee sponsored and privatehealth insurance options. As a full service General Agency, KHI oversees more than300 independent agents across the state. While they may be most widely known forproviding Wellmark Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Iowa, KHI Financial Solutionsworks with all the primary insurance companies. This gives KHI the opportunity tooffer both commercial and private clients the best possible solution, tailored to theirneeds.
KHI wants people to know they are more than just a health insurance agency. Thecompany also provides life insurance, disability and long term care policies as well asa wide variety of financial services. KHI’s financial experts can assist with IRAs,mutual funds, annuities, unit investment trusts, money markets, estate strategies,executive benefits, 401(k) rollovers and more. Call to schedule an appointment withour advisors who will help you make the most of your money or visit our websitewww.khifinancialsolutions.com.
KHI Financial Solutions is committed to giving back to the community. Owners andstaff are involved in a number of local service groups. The office is involved withAmerican Cancer Society Relay for Life of Webster County, the American HeartAssociation, MDA, American Red Cross and a number of other events which direct-ly benefit the community. They have had six team members graduate from theChamber’s Leadership Class. Owner Brenda Lastine is the Past President of theFort Dodge Area Chamber of Commerce. Lastine is also involved with providingseminars designed to educate business owners about the changes involved with thehealth care reform.
It’s no wonder that KHI Financial Solutions earned the Chamber’s Small Businessof the Year award in 2009 and was nominated again in 2010. Also, KHI in-houseagents recently won the 2010 and 2011 Individual Top Producer award byWellmark Blue Cross & Blue Shield Iowa.
YYoouu’’llll BBee TTeemmpptteedd TToo UUssee IItt AAss YYoouurr FFrroonntt DDoooorr You’ll Be Tempted To Use It As Your Front Door
Service ALL Makes & Models of
Garage Doors & Operators
6 N ORTH 21st S TREET 955- DOOR (3667)
Overhead Door Company of Webster County The Genuine. The Original.
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8-5
KHI Financial SolutionsKHI Financial Solutions is a financial services brokerage firm dedicated to providingtheir customers with the highest quality products for the best obtainable value. Thisis accomplished by their professional team of people committed to providing superi-or service that is unmatched in their industry.
KHI Financial Solutions offers customers both employee sponsored and privatehealth insurance options. As a full service General Agency, KHI oversees more than300 independent agents across the state. While they may be most widely known forproviding Wellmark Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Iowa, KHI Financial Solutionsworks with all the primary insurance companies. This gives KHI the opportunity tooffer both commercial and private clients the best possible solution, tailored to theirneeds.
KHI wants people to know they are more than just a health insurance agency. Thecompany also provides life insurance, disability and long term care policies as well asa wide variety of financial services. KHI’s financial experts can assist with IRAs,mutual funds, annuities, unit investment trusts, money markets, estate strategies,executive benefits, 401(k) rollovers and more. Call to schedule an appointment withour advisors who will help you make the most of your money or visit our websitewww.khifinancialsolutions.com.
KHI Financial Solutions is committed to giving back to the community. Owners andstaff are involved in a number of local service groups. The office is involved withAmerican Cancer Society Relay for Life of Webster County, the American HeartAssociation, MDA, American Red Cross and a number of other events which direct-ly benefit the community. They have had six team members graduate from theChamber’s Leadership Class. Owner Brenda Lastine is the Past President of theFort Dodge Area Chamber of Commerce. Lastine is also involved with providingseminars designed to educate business owners about the changes involved with thehealth care reform.
It’s no wonder that KHI Financial Solutions earned the Chamber’s Small Businessof the Year award in 2009 and was nominated again in 2010. Also, KHI in-houseagents recently won the 2010 and 2011 Individual Top Producer award byWellmark Blue Cross & Blue Shield Iowa.
130 N. 25th Street • Fort Dodge, IA 50501 515-576-1800 • 800-657-8033 • www.khisolutions.com
BRENDA LASTINE
NIIKIA LACINA
KATIE NEKVINDA
NICOLE THURMAN
ANDY HEJLIK
LYNN SCHREDER
TRICIA HELMERS
JODI LAWMAN
MISTY BETHEL
MARY ULM
KORANN KENDALL
AUTHORIZED INDEPENDENT AGENTS FOR
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26 � Fort Dodge Today � June 2012
On the ShelfNEWprovided by amyamypresler
The Ten Best Books Coming to theFort Dodge Public Library in June 2012
Beautiful Ruins
by Jess Walter
Beginning in 1962 on the Italian coastlineand weaving back and forth between thattime and locale and present Los Angeles. A love story and the lives of several charac-ters intertwine in the latest from the authorof The Financial Lives of Poets.
Kingdom of Strangers
by Zoe Ferraris
In Saudi Arabia, a secret grave is unearthedrevealing several dead women. The investi-gator assigned to the case has his own prob-lems, though, when his mistress turns upmissing-this in a country where adultery ispunishable by death.
The Chaperone
by Laura Moriarty
Set in the year 1922. A fifteen-year-old
from Wichita on the brink of stardom, is
accompanied to New York City by a 36-
year-old woman who is neither who mother
nor friend. Both their lives are changed for-
ever after the trip
The Last Kind Words
by Tom PiccirilliBorn into a family of grifters, Terrier leaves
them and the life after his brother goes on a
killing spree that leaves several dead. Just
before his scheduled execution, the brother
reveals that one of the dead was not by his
hand and the killer is still at large, prompt-
ing Terrier to return home.
When Summer Dies
by Tom Wright
Young Jim and his cousin L.A. live with
their grandma. Jim has inherited the gift of
sight, and after him and L.A. discover the
body of a young girl, he realizes he has
been seeing her by his bedside.
The Age of Miracles
by Karen Thompson Walker
Apocalyptic events seen through the eyes of
a young teenage girl as her own life goes
through life changing moments.
The Bellwether Revivals
by Benjamin Wood
Outsider Cambridge student Oscar falls in
love with the charismatic Iris, who is seeming-
ly joined at the hip with the brilliant, but pos-
sibly psychologically disturbed brother Eden.
Gone Missing
by Linda CastilloRumspringa is the time when Amish teens
take a break from rules before committing
fully to their faith. In Castillo’s fourth book in
the Kate Burkholder series, a young member
of the community goes missing during this
rite of passage.
Gone Girl
by Gillian Flynn
Psychological thriller about a marriage gone
terribly wrong. Nick and Amy’s seemingly
perfect marriage comes under scrutiny after
Amy turns up missing on the morning of
their fifth wedding anniversary.
Heading Out to Wonderful
by Robert GoolrickThe much-anticipated second novel from the
author of A Reliable Wife. A handsome
stranger arrives in small town with a suitcase
full of money and soon becomes involved in
the townspeople’s lives, most notably, a five-
year –old and the beautiful young bride of the
town’s wealthiest man.
Fort Dodge Today � June 2012 � 27
photographs by Robert Wolf unless otherwise indicated.robertrobertwolfcolorlocal
Faith Matters:Nancy Hamilton Leads St. Olaf Team to Nicaragua
A team of volunteers from St. Olaf
Lutheran Church returned from its
10th mission trip to Nicaragua in
February. Among them was Nancy
Hamilton and Troy Martens.
Hamilton and Martens led the trip.
Martens, who is chief operating officer
at Trinity Regional Medical Center,
was responsible for the first St. Olaf
team organized after he went to
Nicaragua with other teams.
On the most recent trip, most of the 13
members were from the Fort Dodge
area, but they also included volunteers
from Nora Springs, Rockford and
Reinville, Minn.
“Not all the members belong to St.
Olaf Lutheran Church and not all of
them were Lutherans either,” Hamilton
said.
One team member arrived ahead of
the group to make the arrangements
for the humanitarian trip.
“I’ve gone six times” Hamilton said.
“It’s in northern Nicaragua. It is very
close to Honduras.”
They go to the same area of Nicaragua
each year, to villages around Somotillo.
“This year we went to seven villages
and did medical clinics at each village,”
Hamilton said.
This year was the first in which the
team put on a Bible school during the
medical clinics. At the Bible school they
did crafts too.
“We taught them the wave one day”
Hamilton said. They also taught stu-
dents how to make Jesus bracelets; each
color of a bead has a special meaning.
“We also had a construction team there
to rebuild this church,” she said.
Located in Mesitas, the metal and
wood building replaces one which had
fallen down due to termites. It is affili-
ated with The Church of New
Creation.
The team works with Save a
Generation, a ministry in Nicaragua.
The director of the organization,
Jimmy Herrera has been to Fort Dodge
and has stayed with the Hamiltons. St Olaf members and others went ona mission trip to Nicaragua inFebruary.
Nancy Hamilton purchased this painting in Nicaragua on her first mission trip.
Continued on page 28
28 � Fort Dodge Today � June 2012
“Our church foundation helps with some of the expenses for
the team plus money for the food, medicine and construc-
tion,” Hamilton said. Others in the church and community
donate towards the effort as well. The rest of the cost is born
by the team members. “We took a lot of stuff with us,”
Hamilton said.
The volunteers used to bring medicine along on the trips, but
now they send money to a local doctor to purchase the neces-
sary medicine for the clinics.
The team also gave away a variety of items to the locals. “We
gave buckets out in two or three villages.” People use the
buckets often for transporting water. “They don’t have water
available like we do,” Hamilton said.
They distributed school uniforms in some villages; students
are not allowed to attend school without uniforms. They also gave beans to each family and cloth shopping bags. “We gave
out quite a few of those,” said Hamilton. Other donated
items included hygiene kits, flip-flops and soccer balls.
In addition, each pastor got five machetes. The pastors decid-
ed which farmers needed them the most. “I guess that’s one
of the main tools that the farmers use there,” Hamilton said.
St. Olaf church members and others sponsor children in
Nicaragua and the team delivered gift packages for the
adopted families.
The official language is Spanish, so the group had nine inter-
preters with them.
“We got a chance one evening to go downtown to get ice
cream,” she said. “They had to eat the packaged ice cream
for safety reasons but it tasted good. Friday’s always are our
free time and this time we went down to Granada to Lake
Nicaragua and went on a boat ride on the lake.”
In the capital city of Managua, they ate at a Subway restau-
rant, and stayed in a Holiday Inn the first and last night of
their trip. During the bulk of the week of the missionary trip,
they stayed in a mission compound.
Hamilton has seen some improvements in the country in the
six years she has been going, she said. “The Pan-American
Highway is a lot better that it used to be. It used to be really
rough.” There are more vehicles in the capital, although most
people ride bicycles and there are a lot of animals along the
road. "We did hit a cow one day,” Hamilton confessed.
Sain t O laf L u theran C hu rch 239 N orth 11th Street
Fort D odge, IA 576-2103
� � � � � � � � W orship T im es:
9:00 am Sunday - Tradition al W orship F ellow ship C offee - B etw een Services
7:00 p m T hursday - M idw eek Service w w w .stolaffd.org
10:30 am Sunday - C on tem porary W orship
Students in Bible school were taught several crafts.-submitted photo
Nancy Hamilton brought back several souvenirs fromNicaragua.
Continued from page 27
Fort Dodge Today � June 2012 � 29
“There’s still a lot of people, of course,
that don’t have work, but I got the feel-
ing it has improved somewhat since we
started going there,” she said.
“One village did have a water tower
and they have water going to the hous-
es. That was one of the villages that
was really poor. It kind of surprised us.
They even had a store and they have a
little park that they are making,” she
said.
On this trip, they encountered a home-
less family along the road, something
they had not seen before. “We did give
them some of the donations that we
had and we did go to the store and
gave them some supplies to help them
out. I love the people down there. They
are so loving and so happy and they
don’t really have that much in material
possessions,” Hamilton said.
“Our church has been doing mission
trips for the last 12 years,” said the Rev.
David Grindberg. The teams go at least
once a year and sometimes twice.
Grindberg has gone on some of trips.
“We see that as part of our church’s
calling to reach out to others in need,”
he said.
The next mission trip will probably be
in February 2013 and it is open to any-
one. People wanting more information,
or wanting to sponsor a child, can con-
tact St. Olaf Lutheran Church at
576-2103.
A native of Buffalo Center, Nancy
Hamilton, 62, is married to Craig
Hamilton, a State Farm Insurance
agent. “That’s what brought us here.
We’ve been here a little over 37
years,” she said. They have been
married 41 years and have three
daughters and seven grandchildren.
He has gone on the mission trips
also; sometimes they go together.
Nancy Hamilton also serves on the
church’s social ministry committee,
on the advisory board for the Lord’s
Cupboard, and she is involved in the
Angel Tree project, which provides
gifts for children who had a parent
in prison. Hamilton also helps with
the Saturday Night Dinner Out at
First United Methodist Church,
serves on the church’s altar guild,
delivers communion to shut-ins, and
co-chairs the funeral committee
About Nancy Hamilton
Hamilton brought back a homemadescarf from Nicaragua.
The team came across this homeless family and offered assistance.- submitted photo
30 � Fort Dodge Today � June 2012
featurecover megmegbeshey photographs by Meg Beshey
On a misty, gray Saturday morning youwould not imagine that the Americanflag could look more majestic, but it did.It especially looked that way through theeyes of Ron Newsum, the “father” ofriver flag projects. When two flag waversget together and talk about Old Glory,well, it is just like two kids in a candystore really. All smiles. Proud ones.
Ron Newsum is more than happy to talkabout how this lifelong passion for theflag became a reality project for him. Hewas born just west of Fort Dodge andhas lived here all his life. He likes the FortDodge community for the friendliness hefinds in its people. Newsum said, “In amere five minutes, you find this common-ality with the people who live here.”
Because of this commonality, it was nosurprise to find out how the Old Gloryon the River project came about. Yousee, Ron Newsum was one of the co-founders/organizers with the DaybreakRotary’s Dragon Boat Races. He washelping get the first races ready along theDes Moines River when he was struck bythe beautiful setting of the river and thelonely pier in the middle of it. Hethought to himself how that would be agreat spot for a flag. It was.
“I let it go for awhile, but then pursuedthe idea. I visited with the late MayorWill Patterson and Dennis Plautz, who atthe time was director of the Departmentof Business Affairs and CommunityGrowth.”
At the time, the initial River Trail projectwas in discussion and they showedNewsum the concept of the cupola witha walking bridge.
A perfect place for a flag to fly over, don’t
you think?
When asked why he thought the flag
should go there of all places, Newsum
replied, “There was a need to put some-
thing there and a flag was perfect to
place on that spot.”
Every time he drove over the bridges on
either side of the pier he knew the proj-
ect had to get done. When the first esti-
mates were calculated, the cost was near
$1 million.
When Ron Newsum approached the city
again with his intentions, Patterson liked
his proposal. Then they worked with city
utilities on how to make it a reality. They
also worked with the Fort Dodge Fire
Department.
“In 2003, a 28-foot pole was mounted
with the intent of a smaller flag than
there is now," Ron recalls. “But, to me, it
just wasn’t enough for me visually. I’ve
been a flag-waver all my life. I needed it
to be bigger.”
So the project gained even more empha-
sis when he created postcards and fliers
and gave himself a timeline of two
months and two weeks to raise the
money for a much larger flag. His goal
was $15,000 initially and, shortly after-
wards, he received a $3,000 grant for
community effort projects.
"The pole itself was going to be near
$6,000 at a height of 77 feet long. About
7 feet was going to be embedded into the
pier," he explained.
The pier is 115 feet from either bank and
to find someone to core drill into that
pier was a major challenge. That’s where
Karen and Doug McGough from
McGough Construction came in handy.
They knew someone for the job. So on
Feb. 24, 2004, before the ice went out,
the drilling began and all was readied for
the flag to be installed into the pier.
“The flag itself came from Martin Flag
Co. and cost near $350. It was important
for me to utilize as much local business as
possible and soon an account was set up
at First American to hold the funds
raised,” Newsum said. The pole was
installed on May 3, 2004, the first flag
was 15 feet by 25 feet and was raised on
June 13, 2004 Flag Day.
It was no easy job. But for the many peo-
ple who were involved that day, it was a
first-time, patriotic experience.
Eventually this question arose: What to
do if the flag ever would need to be
replaced?
It has happened. Sometime after the first
Old GloryStill Flies StrongOver Des Moines River
A rock and plaque are in front of the flag view.
Fort Dodge Today � June 2012 � 31
flag was installed, Newsum noticed it was
missing. Inspection revealed that the rope
had been either cut or it had broken
apart. At another point, the floodlights
had to be replaced due to the flooding.
Staff from the Fort Dodge Fire
Department helped out with that one. In
fact, they help Newsum whenever there is
the need to fix or repair something for
the flag – and they do it with great
honor.
“They have always helped when it was
needed to replace the flag. Sometimes
they’ve had to reschedule the feat for a
calmer day or if they got called out while
down by the river,” said Newsum.
The large rock in front of the flag view
from the Sunkissed Meadows side came
from John F. Kennedy Memorial Park.
The city offered to help haul it to Kallin-
Johnson Monument Company. The com-
pany created its plaque and cleaned the
rock before the city then hauled the stone
to Sunkissed Meadows.
“The plaque thanks everyone involved
with this flag project, from those who
assisted to a $1 donation. It all was
important, in every way,” Newsum said.
“Not one government fund was involved;
it was all private dollars generated by this
community.”
One of the assists the project gets yearly
is a little TLC at the hands of PICA
members. They help maintain the plants
around the stone.
When the old flag has to be destroyed, he
takes it to the VFW to be disposed of
properly.
“It is beautiful to be seen and especially
as you cross over the bridges about mid-
way,” he said. Donations can still be
made to the Old Glory on the River
project at First American bank to help
with future flags as well as upkeep and
maintenance.
In the flag’s history of being on display,
Newsum said no events have ever really
focused solely on the flag. He suggested
that whenever the planned bike trail
along the river is installed perhaps some-
thing can involve the flag, since it will
hold such a visual presence along the
trail’s edge.
What makes Newsum the happiest about
his Old Glory on the River project? “Just
seeing it flying. It is stirring to your soul
to watch it unfurl in the wind. You never
get tired of watching it.”When Ron Newsum is not busy raising moneyfor the Flag on the River project, he helps outsenior citizens with the SHIIP program atTrinity Regional Medical Center. He volunteersand gives advice to seniors about the differentMedicare supplements so they can makeinformed choices.
He is married to Joan Newsum.
At 73, he is also involved with the BrushyCreek Area Honor Flight; the last flight heaided was in September 2011.
He is a charter member of Daybreak Rotaryand he devotedly meets with the group atIowa Central.
About Ron Newsum
Donations to support the Old Glory on the
River Project may be sent to:
Old Glory on the River
C/O First American Bank
PO BOx 798
Fort Dodge, IA 50501
Ron Newsum with the flag in which he wasinstrumental in creating a home for on theDes Moines River.
32 � Fort Dodge Today � June 2012
Fort Dodge Today � June 2012 � 33
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