​       Ron “Curly” Albrecht as a Full Bird Colonel before retiring from the Iowa National Guard in 2012. Albrecht also served a tour of duty in Iraq in 2009. He was recently named Commander of the Montezuma American Legion Blakely-Stevens Post 169.

By J.O. Parker
 
         The Montezuma American Legion Blakely-Stevens Post 169 has named a new commander.
         Ron “Curly” Albrecht, a Vietnam and Iraq War Veteran, took the reins of the legion from Ron Hensel, who had served as commander since 2010.
         Hensel stepped down in May due to health issues.
        Albrecht’s military career began in 1971 when he and a buddy at Waverly Shell Rock High School decided they would join the Navy together as a way to see the world.
       Albrecht left for Vietnam in November 1972 and served in the Gulf of Tonkin on the aircraft carrier, the USS Ranger, where he worked as a yellow shirt on the flight deck as an enlisted sailor. The yellow shirt identifies sailors on the flight deck as an aircraft director.
       “Our average day in Vietnam on the aircraft carrier was about 17 hours either launching, recovering or prepping for the next launch,” said Albrecht in an earlier interview. “When I went to Vietnam, I weighed 185 pounds. When I came home, I weighed 145 pounds from the constant running on the flight deck.”
        Following the war, Albrecht was discharged from the Navy as an E3. He decided to return to college at the University of Northern Iowa where he earned a degree in education. He spent several years teaching art at the Denver Community School District in Iowa.
         It was during this time that Albrecht got the itch to return to the military and signed on with the Iowa National Guard in 1982 with the hope of going to Officer Training School.
        “Being a Navy man, the only way I could sign up for officer training was as a cook,” he said. “I was assured I would not have to cook, as long as I passed officer training.”
            Albrecht passed with flying colors.
       As a weekend warrior serving in the Iowa National Guard, Albrecht said his phone kept ringing as supervisors were always calling with a new assignment for him. He served as a commander in Dubuque, Davenport and Sioux City.
        Albrecht was then promoted to Colonel and was Commander at Camp Dodge of the Iowa Military Academy and Commander of the 2nd Brigade of the 34th Infantry Division. He also did a tour of duty in Iraq in 2009 as deputy chief of staff for an infantry division, all while serving as a weekend warrior.
           In addition to serving in the 2nd Brigade, Albrecht served as a company commander twice, and on three Brigade commands.
            While in the guard, Albrecht missed the birth of two of his sons, but was home when the third one was born to him and his wife, Janice.
         “Back when I came home from Vietnam, I had one of the welcomes that everyone has already told us about,” Albrecht said in an earlier interview. “I got spit on and all that stuff because in those days you wore a uniform when you came home. When I came home from Iraq, we flew into Maine and there were hundreds of people shaking our hands when we got off the plane.”
          As a leader of soldiers, Albrecht said there is value in listening to those he commands. He said no matter the rank, everyone has opinions and often times,  there’s a lot of good ideas down the ranks.
         “You have that atmosphere or that leadership environment where people can talk freely and give you their ideas.” he said.
           Albrecht said he learned that if a fox hole needed to be dug, that he would order it  done, but he would be right down there digging as well.
          In 2012, Albrecht learned from a military man who keeps service records that he was the last Iowan still serving that also served in Vietnam. Later that year, he retired as a full bird Colonel and was brevetted to a One-Star Brigadier General.
       He later spent time working for Northrop Grumman Corporation as a senior mentor trainer with the company.
         “I worked with Battalion Brigades and division staff as a mentor,” he said of his job.
        As commander of the Montezuma American Legion, Albrecht said his goals are to recruit new members and make sure the public knows that the Legion is there to serve them as they have helped us, too.
       Albrecht and Janice moved to Montezuma and Lake Ponderosa in 2010. In addition to three sons, the couple has five grandchildren.
       Albrecht is a lifetime member of the VFW and a lifetime member of the Amvets in Cedar Falls. He joined the Montezuma American Legion in 2011.
        When asked what he enjoys doing in his spare time, Albrecht said doing more traveling.
       “We enjoy going places where we want to go instead of the military telling us where to go,” he said with a smile.

​     Ron “Curly” Albrecht in 1972 as an E3 in the Navy. Albrecht’s military career began working on the flight deck of the USS Ranger in the Gulf of Tonkin during the Vietnam War. After the war, Albrecht taught art at Denver Community School before joining the Air National Guard.

     Emily James is all smiles as she drives a family-owned John Deere 50 in the annual Montezuma “Let Freedom Ring” parade on Saturday, July 4. Emily has been driving a tractor in the parade for 15 years. She is joined by Eli Bustamante, right, and Tayler Wickham at left. Everett Nekola, behind unseen, is also riding along.

 J.O. Parker
 
         It was a beautiful warm sunny day for a parade and Montezuma didn’t disappoint during the annual “Let Freedom Ring” Celebration on Saturday, July 4.
       The parade drew an estimated 70 entries while youngsters filled their bags with lots of candy thrown from the floats.
        After the parade, the town square remained active as families enjoyed a variety of foods and youngsters took advantage of the bouncy houses, dunk tank, greased pig and pie eating contests. A sprinkler at third and Liberty kept everyone cool and SUDS by Schnebbe foam machine was fun for all.
         There was even a window display contest this year for local businesses, which drew 19 entries.
Members of the Montezuma Lions Club cooked and served more than 800 chickens with all the fixings at the Memorial Hall. This year marked the 69th year for Montezuma Lions to host a chicken barbecue dinner. Club members climb out of bed early in the morning to fire up the charcoal grills located behind the county engineer’s office.
       There were also mobile vendors and businesses serving everything from tenderloins to mini donuts, kettle corn and pancakes along with other tasty drinks and treats. 
And the west side of the town square, a number of local and area vendors were selling their wares.
       Shortly after the parade, the Pioneer Cemetery Commission gave a presentation on the first woman ordained minister of the Christian Church at the Poweshiek County Historical Society.
          And live music was provided by Jonah Seymour.
         This year’s grand marshals were members of the Montezuma American Legion Post 169. And leading the pack was Ron Hensel, aka Ron the Barber, who just retired from cutting hair after 60 years due to health issues, 18 of those in Montezuma.
        Macy Taylor Richards, owner of “Be Brave Dance Studio” on the Montezuma Square, who had a float in the parade, said it was a great day for the whole town.
          “I seemed like there were so many people there and everyone was enjoying themselves,” said Richards.     “I loved being able to see people I haven’t seen in a long time. The community development did a wonderful job.”
          As the smell of chickens cooking over hot coals filled the air, down the block at Highway Brew, traffic was backed up into the street and folks stood three deep at the walkup window.
           “We were beyond busy from the moment we opened, but our team worked together to keep everything running as smoothly as possible,” said Tiffanny Taylor, the new owner of the coffee shop. “We had four people working—one keeping up with dishes and hauling ice, one taking orders at the register and at the window, and two making drinks.
         “Whenever we caught up inside, our order taker would head outside to take orders from customers in line to help keep traffic moving,” Taylor went on to say. “I’m incredibly proud of how our team handled it. Everyone jumped in wherever they were needed, and together we were able to keep the line moving while providing great service. We’re so grateful for the amazing support from our community and everyone who chose to celebrate their Fourth of July with Highway Brew.”
          Emily James, who carried a big smile while driving a family-owned John Deere tractor in the parade, said this was her 15th year to participate in the Fourth of July celebration. She always has several friends and family riding along with her. 
        “Each year it’s so amazing to see how our community comes together to celebrate such a meaningful day,” said James. “My grandpa, Lauren James, taught me how to drive the tractor when I was very young. When I turned 8, he finally decided it was time for me to be able to drive in the parade. I love being able to exchange a smile and a wave to our patriotic community. Driving a tractor may come off as hard or difficult to some but I hope it inspires young people to continue the culture and traditions our community has.”
        “First State Bank loves to be involved in community events especially the 4th of July Parade,” noted employee Becki Williams. “Walking down one of the main roads and seeing all of the kids look up to "Charlotte"(our First State Bank’s mascot) and smiling and waving at all of our community members really makes the parade even more special.”
          “I’m privilege to be able to march in the parade,” said Rodney Morse, an Air Force Veteran with 32 years of service, who carried the VFW flag. “As we rounded the corner at Third and Main, both sides of the street started clapping and I heard a few people thanking us for our service. It really touched my heart to know people cared and supported the military.”
         “It was a very good experience and a great crowd,” said Uwe Meyer, a Vietnam Veteran who served in the Army 101st Airborne. “We had a lot of people there and some of them I haven’t seen for a long time. It was quite an honor to have the legion recognized as grand marshals.”
         Daryl Pargeon, who was manning the Vannoy Chevrolet float in the parade, said it was one of the biggest parades he’s been involved with in 29 years.
        “From the Montezuma School stop sign and along the parade route to the westside of the square was full of people,” said Pargeon.
       He said the Montezuma Community Development did a great job getting people to town and keeping them there. 
       “The food trucks (some who sold out) did great and I bet there were 200 people at the greased pig contest. It was a great a day and great turnout.
        “Thank you to all our vendors and local businesses for helping make this day successful,” noted Courtney Sutfin with the MCD. “And lastly a huge thank you to our MCD members who helped today. We couldn’t do any of this without our volunteers.”

​       Montezuma’s Leah Urfer, who will be a senior in the fall, reached the 200 strikeout milestone in her prep career in a home game against Baxter on June 20. She has been playing softball for 10 years, including two years of T-ball. Urfer said reaching the 200 strikeout milestone shows how much she has grown in the last four years. Submitted photo.

J.O. Parker
 
            Two Montezuma athletes have reached milestones of 200 strikeouts in their prep careers.
            Luke Erselius, who is a 2026 Montezuma graduate, reached the 200 strikeout milestone in home game against Lynnville-Sully on Friday, June 26.
            And on the softball side, Leah Urfer, who will be a senior in the fall at Montezuma, reached the 200 strikeout milestone in a home game against Baxter on Saturday, June 20.
Luke Erselius
            Erselius, who has been playing baseball ever since he could pick up a baseball and bat, loves the game.
            He started playing T-ball and played little league, junior high and high school.
            He mostly pitches for the Braves, but on occasion this year played shortstop and first base.
            When asked what he enjoys the most about baseball, Erselius said the team aspect of the game.
          “I’ve been our captain for around three years,” he said. “I get to lead our players around as a player and help out the coaches a bit.”
           When asked about reaching the 200 strikeout milestone, Erselius said it’s kind of a big moment all the way from eighth grade until now.
            “Pitching has become one of my favorite things to do in sports,” said Erselius.
            As soon as the season wraps up, Erselius will be headed to Marine bootcamp in San Diego, Calif.
           It’s been his goal for years to be in the military and have a way to serve and give back to others in his community.
            His plans are to be a firefighter in the Marines.
          Josh Anderson, who has coached Luke the last six years, said he is a very humbled and level-headed young man. And he’s a hard worker.
            Anderson said the Erselius family has a batting cage in their machine shed, so he can get better at pitching. And his twin sister, Claire, has a basketball goal in the machine shed.
            “He’s one of the better kids that I have coached that has come through Montezuma,” noted Coach Anderson. “The most important thing about Luke is that he’s a great teammate. He’s a great kid that wants everyone to do well.”
            In addition to baseball, Erselius played football at Montezuma and has run track in the past.
Leah Urfer
            Urfer started playing T-ball and played through the ranks of little league, junior high and high school.
            Urfer mostly pitches, but on occasion has started at first and third base.
            When asked about playing softball, Urfer said she really enjoys the team aspect of the game.
            “If I don’t strike a girl out, my team is always there to cover for me,” she said.
            Urfer said hitting the 200 strikeout mark is a huge milestone for her.
            “It shows how much I have grown in the last four years,” she said.
            Following graduation from Montezuma in 2027, Urfer plans to attend Iowa State University to major in biochemistry with a minor in business or marketing on a pre-dental track. She wants to be an oral surgeon.
            She is also a queen candidate at this year’s Poweshiek County Fair.
            Megan Van Zante, the Bravettes assistant coach, said Leah has worked very hard this year.
            “Having had hip surgery her freshman year, she bounced back her sophomore year and this year has been her best so far,” said Van Zante. “She has been very consistent on the mound. Her strikeouts have gotten a lot more from last year.”
            In addition to softball, Urfer enjoys playing volleyball at Montezuma.

​       Montezuma’s Luke Erselius, who graduated in May, reached the 200 strikeout milestone in a home game against Lynnville-Sully on June 26. When asked what he enjoys the most about baseball, Erselius said the team aspect of the game. Erselius will be leaving for Marine bootcamp this month. Submitted photo.

J.O. Parker
 
       Two young ladies representing Montezuma and Deep River are seeking the title of the 2026 Poweshiek County Fair Queen
         The new queen will be will be crowned during the bull ride on Saturday, July 11.
         The candidates are: Lexi Urfer, Montezuma and Lindsey Henry, Deep River.
          Following is a brief overview of each candidate:
       Lindsey Henry – Lindsey, 18, the daughter of Gary and Sarah Henry, is a 2026 graduate of Montezuma High School.
         Her future plans are to attend Indian Hills Community College with a goal to earn a degree as a Business Office Specialist.
         Lindsey currently works at Vivarium Coffee in Montezuma and with her family farm operation, Henry Ag.
Her current school activities are dance studio, dance team, volleyball, basketball, FFA, shooting sports, 4 Bar H Club, National Honor Society and band. In addition, Lindsey shows Holstein dairy cows at the county fair and Holsteins, Guernsey and Ayrshires at the state fair.
        “At the 2025 Iowa State Fair, my Guernsey won grand champion Guernsey female in the open show,” said Lindsey.
       Her hobbies include spending time with friends and family, making pipe cleaner flowers, taking walks and cuddling with her dog. She also enjoys helping out around the farm.
      “I want to grow personally, build confidence and proudly represent Poweshiek County,” said Lindsey if she is named queen. “I enjoy being involved in my community through Montezuma Shooting Sports, meeting new people, and sharing my passion for agriculture. As the county fair queen, I would hope to be a positive role model who encourages younger kids to get involved in the fair and create memories that will last a lifetime.”
      Leah Urfer – Leah, 17, the daughter of Josh and Erica Urfer, will be a senior at Montezuma High School in the fall.
         Her future plans are to attend Iowa State University to major in biochemistry with a minor in business or marketing on a pre-dental track. She wants to be an oral surgeon.
          Leah was most recently employed as a helper teacher at Bear Creek Kids.
        Her current activities are church, community, softball, volleyball, FFA, 4-H, National Honor Society and high school student council.
          Her hobbies including spending time with family and friends as well as spending as much time outdoors with her animals.
           “I want to be the 2026 Poweshiek County Fair Queen because I believe that this fair has shaped me into who I am today,” said Leah. “The fair represents hard work, tradition and Poweshiek County as a whole and I’m am excited to have to chance to continue passing on those values. I can’t wait to get a chance to serve as a role model for young exhibitors just as other queen members have served as examples for me. Being able to promote the fair, help the exhibitors, and advocate for agriculture at the fair is exciting to me, but being challenged would make it even more rewarding.”
Little Miss Crowning
            Eight young girls are vying for the Little Miss Poweshiek County Fair Crowning, which will take place on Thursday, July 16 in the showring following the animal costume contest. Those participating are Brynslee Fisk, 8, daughter of Jameson and Kayla Fisk, Malcom; Jane Erickson, 7, daughter of Brady and Brianna Erickson, Brooklyn; Irelynn Robeson, 8, daughter of Wade and Jessica Robeson, Grinnell; Izabella (Izzy) Sieck,6, daughter of Curtis and Shanna Sieck, Grinnell; McKenzie Reid, 6, daughter of Jared and Megan Reid, Montezuma; Lilah Zell, 7, daughter of Todd and Erin Zell, Grinnell; Lyndee Roberts, 6, daughter of Trace and Cassie Roberts, Deep River; Emmarie Roberts, 8, daughter of Trace and Cassie Roberts, Deep River.

      The Deep River Fire Department Cornhole Tournament is slated for  July 11 with registration at noon. Throwing at 1 p.m. If not raining it will be at the ball field. If raining,  we will host this event at the fire station. There will be a 50/50 drawing as well. All proceeds going to upgrading equipment. Please share.