The Montezuma Bravettes take down Lynnville-Sully, 3-1 (25-15, 15-25, 26-24, 25-17),in SICL action at Montezuma on Monday, Sept. 19. Montezuma is 2-2 in conference play and 7-10 overall. 

     Darrell Brand, a former teacher and administrator at Montezuma, pumps up the crowd at Braves Night with his popular breakdown routine during homecoming week activities on Thursday, Sept. 15.

     On Sept. 2, the Montezuma cheerleaders put on a Childhood Cancer Awareness event at the home football game. During the game, the Cheerleaders in Training (little cheerleaders) performed at halftime with the varsity cheerleaders while wearing gold tattoos on their cheeks and gold ribbons in their hair. There were 47 little cheerleaders who attended camp where they learned a routine, three cheers and two jumps. 
     Following their performance, the varsity cheerleaders went around the crowd for a "pass the bucket" and they raised more than $1000 for the Zach and Jenna Mateer family of Montezuma to help support any financial needs they may have during their two year old son, Perseus’s, fight against Leukemia. Perseus is pictured with his mother, Jenna, and the Montezuma cheerleaders.
     If you would like to donate to the cancer fund, contact Vanessa Hilton, special education teacher and cheer coach at Montezuma Community Schools. She can be reached at vhilton@montezuma.k12.ia.us. 

Nashville Country Music Star Eric Paslay will be performing at the Barnes City Race Track on Saturday, Sept. 24. Opening for Paslay will be local talent Tyler Richton and the High Bank Boys, Eli Alger, Lucas Beebe, Adam Keith and Montezuma’s own Cody Hicks. The show gets underway at 4 p.m. Submitted photo.

By J.O. Parker 

     Nashville Country Music Star Eric Paslay is coming to Barnes City this Saturday, Sept. 24.
    Also performing will be local talent Tyler Richton and the High Bank Boys, Eli Alger, Lucas Beebe, Adam Keith and Montezuma’s own Cody Hicks.
     The event, which is being sponsored by the Longhorn Saloon and owner Siraj Thomason, gets underway at the Barnes City Racetrack beginning at 4 p.m.
     “Hope to see everyone out there! What a way to celebrate our local talents and Eric Paslay in my tiny little town,” Thomason said.
  Tickets are general admission and are $25. They can be purchased at http://longhorn-saloon.ticketleap.com/eric-pasley/.
Parking and other info
      Handicap parking will be located next to the fence close to the stage. Regular parking will be on the east side of the track. The ticket gate will be funneled through the Barnes City Quonset and there will most likely be a shuttle.
     There will be a food truck and Pagliai’s Pizza will also be dishing up tasty pizza to concert attendees. Beverages will also be available.
       There is limited seating, so bring a lawn chair,” Thomason said. “Cash is king, so bring a lot of cash. There might be ATMs on site.”
      Thomason said he is promoting camping and if guests are interested in bringing their campers and staying, they are welcome, too. Campers will need to bring their own power source.
         “If you want a camping spot, give the Longhorn or me a call at 641-660-2059,” said Thomason.

     Belinda Gorsch, right, is shown with friend, neighbor and restaurant helper, Linda Lowinski, in front of BG’z in Deep River. The new carry out eatery opened in July and people in the area are raving about the hand-breaded tenderloins, grilled hamburgers, variety of sides and the soft serve ice cream. The new eatery is located at 101 3rd Street in Deep River.

By J.O. Parker
 
         BG’z Ice Cream and More, better known as the “The Little Blue Shack,” opened its doors on July 14 and folks in the area are raving about the homemade food and soft serve ice cream.
Located at 101 3rd Street in Deep River, the carry out eatery is owned and operated by long-time Deep River residents, Belinda and Ron Gorsch.
         The menu includes third-pound hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chili cheeseburgers, bacon cheeseburgers, all cooked on a grill, weather permitting. There is also hand-breaded chicken fingers and tenderloins, some say are the best around. There’s hot dogs, chili dogs and even breaded deep fried hot dogs on a stick.
Belinda often serves specials, such as a Philly cheese steak sandwich or Italian beef and she is looking to serve soup during the colder months.
      Sides include French fries, chili cheese fries, cheese balls, waffle fries, onion rings, mozzarella sticks, breaded mushrooms, mac-n-cheese and a sampler platter.
         Prices range from $5 - $9 on average, depending on the item, side or special.
         There’s also vanilla, chocolate and twist soft serve ice cream available for the sweet tooth.
        Belinda said the eatery grew out of barbecues and family and friend gatherings she and Ron often held on weekends at their Deep River home. One neighbor in particular, Belinda said, would say, “You need to open a restaurant.”
       Belinda decided to take a chance and it is paying off. She purchased a 12-foot by 24-foot portable building and added a porch, which is currently being used for an outdoor seating area, and people are supporting the venture.
         Plans are to extend the eatery with an 8-foot addition to provide more kitchen area. Belinda said with cooler weather on the horizon, she and Ron plan to enclose the outdoor seating area and add a heater for guests.
          Belinda’s good friend and neighbor, Linda Lowinski, and host of family and friends help her take orders, cook and clean up.
          “It is very much family-oriented,” said Belinda. “I enjoy the comments on Facebook. People’s opinions are appreciated.”
           “Once again, I want to thank everyone for the wonderful reception you have given us here at BG'z,” said Belinda in a Facebook post. “Your patience with us as we go through learning and organizing is so appreciated. All the praise and acceptance of all the food, especially the tenderloins, honestly makes me want to progress and move to other menu items, or specials that I can introduce to our great community of followers. I will in time, I promise.”
         “That is a $100 tenderloin in my opinion,” said Kerri Carl of Montezuma. “Hardly anybody makes a cracker breading on a tenderloin anymore. Belinda, you nailed it.”
         “Zimm and I had tenderloins, cheese balls and mushrooms,” said Deep River resident Ellen Zimmerman.       “All was yummy. So great to have this new business in town.”  
         “I love tenderloins and this is one of the best I have ever had,” said Kara Westphal. “I highly recommend it. The kiddos are all about the cheeseburgers and say they don't even need ketchup or mustard on them. Thank you Belinda and crew.”
          “Keep up the good work and we will be seeing you again,” noted one customer. 
          “Looking forward to another visit,” added another customer.
        “If you haven’t been to BG’z Ice Cream and More in Deep River, you need to give it a try,” said Patricia Massengale of Montezuma. “You will not go away hungry.”
The restaurant is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 3 – 8 p.m., Saturday from 2 – 9 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. It is closed on Monday and Thursday.
         Customers can order at the window, call in, text or place an order on Facebook. The restaurant number is 641-260-0963.

      Seven Montezuma Veterans will take part in the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, Oct. 18. While in D.C. on the whirlwind tour, the veterans will visit a number of memorials and tour the city. Pictured are, from left, front row: Dave Slaven, Jack Grife, Ron Urfer, and Bill Hedrick. Back row: Ron Hensel, Don Singleton, Larry Bergeson. Submitted photo.

By J.O. Parker
 
      They call themselves the “Magnificent Seven,” and for good reason.
   On Tuesday, Oct. 18, seven Montezuma veterans will board a plane in Cedar Rapids with their chaperones/guardians to take part in Flight 45 of the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight for a whirlwind one-day trip to Washington, D.C.
      The plane will depart around 6 a.m. and return around 8:30 p.m. The public is encourage to come to the Eastern Iowa Airport to participate in a “Welcome Home Celebration” following the veterans’ trip to D.C. Police and fire officials and a military band will reportedly be on hand to welcome the veterans home.
     Veterans from Montezuma taking part in the Honor Flight are: Dave Slaven, Jack Grife, Ron Urfer, Bill Hedrick, Ron Hensel, Don Singleton and Larry Bergeson. 
      These seven men and two late members of the Legion originally signed up for the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight four years ago. Due to COVID, previous honor flights were delayed. Since that time, veterans Dennis Johnston and Rae Van Roekel, both Montezuma, have passed away and will travel with their veteran comrades in spirit.
        While in D.C., the veterans will visit a number of memorials built in their honor including the World War II, Vietnam War and Korean War Memorials. Stops at the FDR, MLK and Lincoln Memorials are also part of the tour. Veterans will visit Arlington National Cemetery where they will witness the changing of the guard and take part in a special wreath dedication. Stops at the USMC and USAF Memorials are also planned along with a tour of the city where veterans will be able to see the Smithsonian, the US Capitol, White House and various other historical buildings.
        Since its founding, the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight has taken nearly 4,000 veterans and their guardians to see the memorials in Washington, D.C.
     “This is a trip of a lifetime for many,” noted organizers of the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight. “It is a very emotional day for these energetic men and women who sacrificed so much for the freedom and liberty of our county. Our goal is to make this a very memorable and personal experience for each of them.”
        “To me, it is an honor to be able to go,” said Larry Bergeson, a US Army Veteran who said his real heroes are the World War II veterans. “I am looking forward to the trip.”
        Bergeson served 22 years in the military and was a communication chief during the Vietnam War.
       “I am looking forward to it and spending the day with my granddaughter, Lauryn Kozak, who is 19-years-old, and is my chaperone/ guardian,” said Ron Hensel, commander of the Montezuma American Legion. “I will definitely have my father in mind. He was a World War II veteran who served in the Navy and was awarded a purple heart.”
      Hensel said he expects the trip to be very moving and emotional and said it is something every veteran should take part in.
      “I was drafted into the army in June of 1965, not yet 21-years-old, and was very fortunate that I did not have to serve my country in Vietnam. Those who did have my admiration. I personally knew two young men who served in Vietnam and did not come home. I will definitely look for their names on the Vietnam Memorial Wall.” 
     The Eastern Iowa Honor Flight is a 501(c)3 charity staffed by volunteers. All funds are raised through donations from various sources and other fundraising events.
        For more information on the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight or to make a donation, visit eihonorflight.org.

      The above Route 66 quilt is one of a number of items being raffled off at the first annual Montezuma American Legion Post 169 Car/Truck Show slated for Saturday, Sept. 24. Tickets for the quilt are available at Three Sisters in Montezuma at on the day of the show.

By J.O. Parker
 
     The first annual Montezuma American Legion Post 169 Car/Pickup Show is just around the corner and organizers are expecting a great turnout.
      Slated for Saturday, Sept. 24, owners of classic, muscle, antique, custom and newer cars and pickups are invited to showcase their vehicles on the Montezuma Square from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on that day.
      The family-friendly event is a fundraiser for the new American Legion Building in Montezuma.
      Vehicles owners will receive goody bags and a host of trophies will be awarded in a number of categories. A 50-50 drawing is also being held.
    Food trucks will be on hand as well as the Montezuma Methodist Church Women serving food. Denise Thompson, owner of Pink Truffle Bake Shop, will be serving cupcakes and cookies. Vivarium Coffee will be serving a variety of coffees and goodies during the show.
      A beautiful handmade “Window on Route 66” quilt by Bea Hensel of Montezuma will be raffled off. Tickets for the quilt raffle are available at Three Sisters in Montezuma.
       Also being raffled off is a Blackstone propane grill/griddle, courtesy of Hometown Hardware. Tickets are $5 and are now available at Hometown Hardware or Ron’s Barbershop in Montezuma. Tickets for both the quilt and grill/griddle will be available the day of the show.
       Door prizes being raffled off include LED lighted signs, LED black lighted signs, classic car domes, custom metal flags, a screwdriver set, gift certificates, Monte Bucks, home décor items and much more, all donated by local and area businesses.
      There is a $15 entry fee for car and pickup owners to display their vehicles. There is no charge to attend the show.
Trophies and awards will be handed out for the following classes:
Best of Show
Legion Award
Pre 70’s Chevy, 70’s and Up
Pre 70’s Ford, 70’s and Up
Pre 70’s GM, 70’s and Up
Pre Chrysler Product, 70’s and Up
Pre 80’s pickup trucks, 80’s and Up
Mustang, Camaro, GTO, Corvette, Mopar
Open class
Custom vehicles
      The City of Montezuma or the Montezuma American Legion will not be responsible for accidents or injuries. Contact person is Ron Hensel, 515-979-2705.

​      Rett Pargeon and Easton Hudnut, both of Montezuma, were part of an award winning baseball team based out of Oskaloosa this summer. After finishing the regular season with a record of 19-5, the team went 6-0 in the state tournament, which was hosted in Cedar Rapids. The team continued to play tough and became the 2022 13U A Elite Division USSSA Gold Bracket State Tournament Champions. To win the championship they beat the number 4 ranked team twice, along with the number 7 and 8 ranked teams. Hudnut was the winning pitcher for the championship game. Pargeon was catcher and outfield.
      “All of the boys were great to coach and really love the game. That made coaching them extremely fun,” said Coach Ryan Hudnut.

     All Systems are a Go as members of the 2022 Montezuma Homecoming Court gear up for a great week filled with memories and fun. Pictured are, from left: Colton Benson, Abby Pope, Masin Shearer, Mia Boulton, Marty Knox, Gavin Strong, Kalynn Wanders, Abby Cheney, Maguire DeJong, Kallie Robison, Madison Johannes and Owen Cook.
     A Homecoming King and Queen will be named during Braves Night on Thursday, Sept. 15 in the north gym beginning at 6:30 p.m. A Pep Rally is slated for 2:15 p.m. in the north gym on Friday, Sept. 16 followed by a parade at 2:45 p.m. The Braves play Melcher-Dallas at 7 p.m. that evening on Badger Gabriel Field.
    Photo by Liz VanGorp

      Houston Van Roekel, 55, celebrates with coach Cal Smith and his teammates after the Braves come-from-behind victory at BGM on Friday, Sept. 9. BGM jumped out to an early lead and was up 50-22 in the third quarter before the Braves defense turned on the afterburners and the offense took charge, scoring four touchdowns in the late going to win the game, 54-50 to improve to 3-1 on the season. The Braves return home on Sept. 16 for a Homecoming game against Melcher-Dallas at Badger-Gabriel Field. Game time is 7 p.m.

​By J.O. Parker
 
     When the Montezuma bus rolled into Brooklyn on Friday, Sept. 9, the BGM Bears had one thing on their minds – beat the Braves in an 8-man matchup between the two neighboring schools.
     The Bears last beat the Braves in 2015, and they were hungry for a victory. And it was looking that way, too!
    The Bears took control of the game early, moving the football downfield and scoring back-to-back touchdowns and a third score in the first period while Montezuma squeezed out one touchdown, giving the Bears the early 22-8 lead after one period.
       And it was more of the same in the second period. While Montezuma scored twice more, the Bears reeled off three more scores to go up 44-22 at the half.
      In the second half, the game took a turn and it wasn’t in BGM’s favor. Even though the Bears had a strong lead late in the third period, the Montezuma defense was slowly taking control of the game as both schools added a score each. At the end of three periods, the Bears were still in control at 50-30.
     It was Montezuma’s game from there on out as they reeled off four scores, taking the 54-50 lead with just more than a minute left in the game and BGM didn’t have an answer.
     “It truly was a tale of two halves,” said Montezuma Coach John Beck. “In the first half, we were playing hard but the ball just did not bounce our way.” 
     Beck said turnovers on offense and missed tackles on defense also played a role in the early Montezuma deficit.
   “We were able to get a few stops in the first half defensively and we had a big interception by Eli Bustamante with 17 seconds left in the half, setting the ball up around the 40-yard line,” added Coach Beck. “We ran a sweep to the outside, took a timeout and the next play Owen Cook hit Masin Shearer for the long touchdown. That seemed to help get momentum on our side.” 
     In the second half, the Braves got the ball and marched down the field. A bad snap led to a turn over. BGM then went down and scored and the Braves were down, 22-50, “but the boys never gave up,” Coach Beck said.
    “That is what I am so proud of, they just had the grit and perseverance to battle back,” added Coach Beck. “We were able to chip away at that score for the rest of the game. Our defense was huge for us in the second half. We were able to control the line of scrimmage for much of the third and fourth quarters. Kennen Roadcap, Tod Gieger, Marty Knox, and Landon Morrison did a great job handling a big line. We made some changes up front and moved Geiger inside to handle their big center and let the other guys use their speed on the outside to rally to the ball. Most of the time, Geiger was taking on multiple blockers on the inside and that allowed for our other guys to rally to the ball. Our linebackers and secondary continue to improve.” 
      “We were in a lot of good spots and were able to make some good plays on the ball,” Coach Beck went on to say. “Carter Michalek was a tackling machine and Bustamante made some big plays on the ball! The defense played lights out for the second half and that is what won us this game.”
       “I am obviously disappointed with how we lost that game…we played at such a high level for all but three plays in the first half and then played like we were behind in the second half when we were still up 20,” BGM Coach Jerod Burns said. “Credit to Montezuma for making the plays when they had to and getting the win.”
     BGM senior quarterback Jacob Maurer scored six touchdowns in the game, going 17/27 for 202 yards in the passing department while rolling off 265 yards on 36 attempts on the ground for three of the scores. BGM’s Dominic Coleman finished the game with 85 receiving yards on 4 plays, scoring one touchdown.
    On the other side of the ball, Montezuma’s Owen Cook went 14/30 in the passing department and five touchdowns while adding another score on the ground. Brett Plants finished the night with 98 yards on the ground on 14 carries and Garrett Watts finished the game with 4 touchdowns on six receptions and 172 yards.
    The Bears recovered three Montezuma fumbles and an interception while the Braves recovered one BGM fumble. The Bears had 234 passing yards to 270 by the Braves. BGM finished with 235 rushing yards to Montezuma’s 150 rushing yards.
   The Montezuma defense finished the game with 50.5 tackles to the Bears 39.5. Montezuma’s Carter Michalek led all tacklers with 11.5 while BGM’s Tate Martin finished the game with 8 tackles for a loss.