 Temple, Texas native and Nashville country music star, Eric Paslay, will be performing at the race track in Barnes City on Saturday, Sept. 24. Opening the show will be Tyler Richton and the High Bank Boys, Eli Alger, Lucas Beebe, Adam Keith and Cody Hicks. By J.O. Parker The biggest event to happen in Barnes City in long time is just around the corner. Mark your calendar for Saturday, Sept. 24. County artist Eric Paslay is coming to Barnes City and promoter, Siraj Thomason with the Longhorn Saloon, said Barnes City is the place to be. “This will be the first time a country star like Eric has performed in Barnes City and hopefully this will be an ongoing thing,” said Thomason. Joining Paslay will be local musicians Tyler Richton and the High Bank Boys, Eli Alger, Lucas Beebe, Adam Keith and Cody Hicks. Food trucks will be on hand and beer will be sold at the event. There will be plenty of parking in town. A meet and greet with Eric is also planned. “We urge everyone to come down and have a great time,” said Thomason. “I am pumped to hang out with a country star for the weekend, so he will be around Montezuma eating at restaurants and we might go out and play some golf.” Eric Paslay Bio Paslay delivers a powerful punch as a renowned Platinum-selling, Grammy-nominated hit songwriter, artist, and performer. He’s celebrated five No.1 hits, with four of those ranked among the “Top 100 Songs of the Decade” by Country Aircheck, including the No. 1 spot on that chart with “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” as recorded by Jake Owen. The Temple, Texas native has earned numerous songwriter award nominations including Grammy’s Best Country Song, ACM’s Song of the Year twice and the CMA Song of The Year as well as an artist Grammy nomination for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “The Driver”- a collaboration with friends, Charles Kelley and Dierks Bentley. In 2022, Eric continues to see success as a songwriter, having co-penned Keith Urban’s latest hit “Wild Hearts.” And his latest album, a compilation of reimagined versions of Eric’s biggest hits as a writer and artist, “Even If It Breaks Your Barefoot Friday Night”, is available now. A true artist’s artist, USA Today calls Paslay, “flat out-brilliant” and American Songwriter names him an influencer of country music. Tickets The concert gets underway at 4 p.m. at the Barnes City Race track. Tickets are general admission and are $25. They can be purchased at http://longhorn-saloon.ticketleap.com/eric-pasley/ “It’s great to bring something like this to our area,” noted Thomason. “I’m glad I have the opportunity to put something like this on for the community.”  Tyler Richton and the High Bank Boys  Eli Alger  Lucas Beebe  Adam Keith  Cody Hicks and his son, Jackson
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 Brenda Allen of Ames and formerly of Montezuma is shown with her, at left, brother Eric and his daughter, Willa, and at right, her parents, Roger and Nancy Allen, who she credits for her success in life and working with youth through the ISU Extension and Outreach. By J.O. Parker Brenda Allen credits her 4-H experience, her club leaders, her mentors and her parents for allowing her the opportunity to try new things, to grow and learn in life. Those experiences led Brenda to a 23-year career to date in extension and outreach work with youth. The Poweshiek County 4-H Program has named Brenda, a native of Montezuma, the 2022 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame inductee. A spokesperson with Poweshiek County Extension noted that Brenda has exemplified outstanding service and leadership in 4-H in a way that not only honors the county, it honors the State of Iowa and the National 4-H. Her 4-H involvement has been part of her whole life as it started with her attending 4-H events with her mother, Nancy, a former Poweshiek County 4-H agent and her father, Roger, a 4-H photography leader. The announcement of Brenda receiving the hall of fame honor came at the Poweshiek County Fair on Thursday, July 14. She will officially be honored at the Iowa State Fair on Sunday, Aug. 21 in the 4-H Building. “I feel very honored and touched that the Poweshiek County 4-H program thought of me,” said Brenda. “I definitely credit my 4-H experience to the leadership and communication skills in my work and everyday life.” Brenda was a member of the Jackson Busy Bees 4-H Club and has continued throughout her career with numerous leadership positions within 4-H and ISU Extension and Outreach in Ames. She currently serves as the professional development manager for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Ames. “One of Brenda’s first responsibilities when she was first hired by the Iowa 4-H program was to provide guidance to an elite group of 40 Iowa 4-H teenagers (Iowa 4-H Council) in their role to lead and implement the Iowa 4-H Conference (a conference that yearly attracts 800 – 1,000 teens from across the state),” noted Judith Levings, Ph.D., retired Iowa 4-H Assistant Director. “Brenda did a spectacular job at this – she had a knack that all of us (her colleagues) desired for working with adolescents, so much that she became widely viewed as the go-to “teen expert” with staff and faculty.” Chuck Morris, retired, Iowa Director of 4-H Youth Development, shared, “Brenda was an excellent adviser to the State 4-H Council members as well as being an excellent role model for them which created many lasting friendships. She is an intelligent and dedicated extension professional.” Kelli Tallman, ISU Extension and Outreach, Program Development and evaluation Director, shared, “Brend intentionally implements and supports positive youth development principles and practices such as being a caring adult to help foster youths’ sense of belonging, mastery, independence and generosity. She values young people as tomorrow’s leaders and today’s leaders with their own unique interest, abilities and strengths. I am grateful to call Brenda a positive youth development advocate, professional and friend.” Nancy Franz, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, ISU School of Education, said, “In Brenda’s time with 4-H as a member and IFYE exchange member, 4-H camp staff and 4-H staff state specialist, she deeply served others through youth development, volunteer development, leadership development and group facilitation. She is one of the best development and service leaders I’ve had the pleasure to work with and know.” Marcia Tarvin, Kathy Gorsuch, Gina Urfer and Linda Iverson, Jackson Busy Bees 4-H Club leaders stated, “Brenda was such a bright shining star when she became a member of the club and was an outstanding record keeper. We knew that she would go far in her life’s career.”  Brenda Allen of Ames and formerly of Montezuma was named the 2022 Poweshiek County 4-H Hall of Fame inductee at the Poweshiek County Fair on Thursday, July 14. She is joined by two of her four Jackson Busy Bees 4-H Club leaders, Kathy Gorsuch at left and Marcia Tarvin at right, following the announcement of her induction into the 4-H Hall of Fame.
 Next time you are in Montezuma, take a spin around the Poweshiek County Courthouse and stop and check out the new picture display stand at the Freedom Rock on the southeast corner of the square. The picture stand offers viewers descriptions of the pictures featured on the Freedom Rock. The picture stand was made possible due to a Don Young Memorial gift.
 Randy Johnson, a long-time member of the American Legion Post 296 of Deep River, delivers a speech at the Deep River Memorial Day services. Johnson was elected as the American Legion Department of Iowa Commander. The appointment was made at the American Legion of Iowa - 103rd Department Convention in Des Moines on July 10. By J.O. Parker
Randy Johnson, a long-time member of the American Legion Post 296 in Deep River, has been named the Department of Iowa Commander. The move came at the American Legion of Iowa - 103rd Department Convention in Des Moines on July 10. Johnson’s wife, Gail, and others were there to congratulate him on his appointment. “Thank you everybody for the kind words, phone calls, texts and emails,” noted Johnson of his appointment. “It's been quite the undertaking and I'm not sure being a Department of Iowa Commander for the greatest veteran service organization in world has completely sunk in yet.” Johnson said as American Legion Department of Iowa Commander, he and other department commanders around the country are asked to pick a project to work on while in office. His project/priority is to restore the Veteran Service Office (VSO), which is located in the Neal Smith Federal Building in Des Moines, back to its original five Veteran Service Officers by raising the awareness of the office and securing funds to support the work it does for veterans and communities all across Iowa. “Our VSO is funded 100 percent by The American Legion, Department of Iowa,” said Johnson. “Over recent years our funding for our VSO has decreased to the point that we're unable to rehire our service officers as they leave through natural attrition. The money just isn't there and it's severely affecting our bottom line.” He said the VSO answers questions, offers advice and educates veterans and groups on what benefits are available from federal, state, county and local resources. “They assist veterans in completing and filing benefit claims and represent all veterans and their families in VA hearings,” he said. “Our VSO is responsible for nearly 70 percent of the claims in Iowa. We provide these services free of charge.” Johnson said his decision to run for department commander wasn’t easy. Throughout the last three years, Johnson said he visited with fellow legionnaires, friends and family in making the decision to seek the office of department commander. “Those discussions helped me realize exactly what it was going to take to fill the shoes of the relatively few that’s gone before me,” he said. Johnson said a humble person might question their worthiness to hold the high office of The American Legion, Department of Iowa Commander, and that they might question whether or not they can live up to the expectations of our Legion family. “And we might privately question whether or not we’re making this monumental leap for all the right reasons,” noted Johnson. “Perhaps those reasons were the answers to my questions.” Johnson said the team we’ve put together believes we have the right people at the right time and we’re ready to advance to the sound of the gun, and we’re geared up for the fight. “Our American Legion does great things,” said Johnson. “Every one of my friends that knows what the Legion does understands it’s important work. And my immediate family knows firsthand it takes a special passion to commit to such an undertaking – because once committed, you’re in it. That passion and commitment will follow you to your grave.” If you would like to learn more about how to help the VSO, reach out to Johnson at commander@ialegion.org or contact the American Legion State Headquarters at 515-282-5068. “Every little bit helps,” noted Johnson. “It’s going to take a boat load of money to do it, but I am determined to make this happen.”  Owen Nekola, 2, waves to the crowd as he and his parents, Doug and Destiny, roll along the Montezuma “Let Freedom Ring” Parade route on a John Deere tractor on Saturday, July 2. The couple’s other son, Everett, was also in the parade riding with Ken James. By J.O. Parker Three young ladies representing Montezuma, Deep River and Chelsea are seeking the title of the 2022 Poweshiek County Fair Queen. The pageant is slated for Thursday, July 14 at 5 p.m. at the fairgrounds. The candidates are: Abby Cheney, Deep River; Sam Bos, Montezuma and Ireland Sebetka, Chelsea. Following is a brief overview of each candidate:  Abby Cheney – Abby, 17, the daughter of Tom and Michelle Cheney, will be entering her senior year at Montezuma High School this fall. Abby currently works at TLC Farms. Her current activities include studio dance, band, 4-H, National Honor Society, student council, dance team, basketball and shooting sports. Her hobbies and special interests include reading, dance and taking care of her animals. Her future plans are to attend college and major in business. When asked why she decided to run for queen, Abby said to be a role model for younger girls. “It would be an honor to represent our county and be a role model for younger girls,” she said.  Sam Bos – Sam, 16, will be entering her junior year at Montezuma High School this fall. She is the daughter of Travis and Jenny Bos. Sam spends her summers painting for Keith Little. Her current activities include volleyball, track, shooting sports, band, musicals/plays, attending church and being involved in 4-H and FFA. Her hobbies and special interests include helping her sisters when needed, photography, journaling, hanging out with friends, working with her sheep, chickens and snuggling her ducks. As for the future, Sam is still undecided. When asked why she decided to run for queen, she said to gain experience and be a good role model. “I enjoy helping with fair activities and would like to gain experience at the state fair because I think I am a good role model,” she said.  Ireland Sebetka – Ireland, 17, will be a senior at Grinnell High School this fall. She is the daughter of Adriane and Wesley Sebetka III. She is currently employed as a farm hand for Janicki Farms and as an intern at All Pets Veterinary Hospital in Grinnell. Her current activities include club and school sponsored volleyball, softball, FFA, 4-H, honor roll, 4-H County Council, Poweshiek County Fair Youth Entertainment Committee and as a server at Saint Patrick’s Church. Ireland’s hobbies and special interests include helping on her grandparent’s farm as well as repairing tractors and vehicles with her older brother, Wesley. “I also enjoy helping younger community members learn about agriculture, 4-H and FFA as well as coaching younger volleyball and softball players to help improve their skill levels,” she said. As for her future plans, Ireland is considering attending Dordt University to play volleyball and softball and get her minor in Ag Production and Management, then transfer to Iowa State University to earn a degree in Veterinary Science. When asked why she decided to run for county fair queen, Ireland said she would like to be the Poweshiek County Fair Queen because she would like to give back to the people who have made her fair experience one of a kind. “My goal is to show purpose, kindness, respect and much more to those who come to the fair,” she said. “I strive to make sure everyone has a good fair experience. I hope everyone who attends becomes more educated and would consider contributing to our fair or agriculture as a whole.” Little Miss Crowning
Eight young girls are vying for the Little Miss Crowning, which will take place during the queen contest intermission. Those participating are Tillie Roberts, daughter of Trace and Cassie Roberts; Kaylee Bushong, daughter of Lucas and Nichole Bushong; Haygen Lacaeyse, daughter of Alex and Lauren Lacaeyse; Malia Hay, daughter of Marlo and Sarah Hay; Ella Manatt, daughter of Adam and Jamin Manatt; Brielle Iverson, daughter of Chris and Cara Iverson; Hadley Criswell, daughter of Jeff and Tiffany Criswell; Brooke Hutchinson, daughter of Brandon Blom and Charity Hall. “Stars, Stripes & County Fair Nights” is the theme of the 2022 Poweshiek County Fair. The fair runs from Wednesday, July 13 – Monday, July 18.
There are a few notable changes this year in that the swine show will be held on Thursday, instead of its traditional spot on Monday. The rabbit show has also been moved to Thursday from its traditional spot on Sunday following the beef show. The horse show remains on Friday of the fair and the sheep and meat goat shows will continue on Saturday beginning at 8 a.m. And new this year will be a Supreme Showman Competition held on Sunday at 4 p.m. in the showring following the Clover Kids shows. The contest is for the best overall showman of the five animal species – beef, sheep, goats, swine and horses. There’s also a BBQ Cook Off Competition open to the public at 5 p.m. on Sunday. And this year’s Celebrity Livestock Show is slated for Saturday at 8 p.m. in the Showring Be sure and check the fair book for info and times on when animals being shown need to arrive and be checked in at the fairgrounds. Following is a current schedule: Wednesday, July 13 8 a.m. - 4-H/FFA Dog Agility Show – 30 minutes following Agility will be Obedience classes in the Showring 4 – 7 p.m. – Open Class entries accepted (please no early entries) 4 – 8 p.m. – Open Class judging 8 p.m. – Exhibit Building closes or following Open Class judging Thursday, July 14 7:45 a.m. – Flag Raising ceremony – Exhibit building patio 8 a.m. – 4-H/FFA Swine show – Piglet Show to follow 8 a.m. – Exhibit Building Opens 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Heritage Park Activities 1 p.m. – 4-H/FFA Poultry Show – Tent 2 p.m. – Games sponsored by The Fun Committee 3 p.m. – 4-H/FFA Rabbit Show – Tent 5 p.m. – Poweshiek County Fair Queen Pageant – Showring (Intermission – Crowning of Senior King & Queen and Little Miss Crowning) 7:30 p.m. – 4-H Fashion Show, Community Awards & Hall of Fame announcement 7:45 p.m. – Hop n’ Drop Poop Bingo 8 p.m. – Bill Riley Talent Show – Showring 8 p.m. – Exhibit Building Closes Friday, July 15 7:45 a.m. – Flag Raising ceremony – Exhibit building patio 8 a.m. – 4-H/FFA Horse Show – Halter classes. One half hour following Halter classes, Horse Performance judging will take place. Select Horse Games will follow. 10 a.m. – Skill-A-Thon 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Heritage Park activities 10:30 a.m. – Art On The Patio – Tilly Woodward & Library at the Fair On The Patio 2 p.m. – Games sponsored by The Fun Committee 3 – 5:30 p.m. – Poweshiek County Conservation Shooting Sports Trailer 5 p.m. – Animal Costume contest - Showring 5 – 7 p.m. – Key Cooperative sponsored dinner 5:30 – 7 p.m. – Ice Cream Sundae Fundraiser 7 p.m. – Kiddie Tractor Pull (Registration starts at 6:30 p.m.) 7:45 p.m. – Hop n’ Drop Poop Bingo 8 p.m. – Exhibit Building Closes Saturday, July 16 8 a.m. – 4-H/FFA Meat, Dairy and Other Goat Show followed by 4-H/FFA Sheep Show 8 a.m. – Exhibit Building Opens 1 p.m. – Farm Bureau Watermelon feed 2 p.m. – Games sponsored by The Fun Committee 2 – 3 p.m. – Scavenger Hunt – County Council 2 p.m. – Poweshiek County Tall Corn Contest (Stalk in place at 2 p.m., results at 3 p.m.) 3:30 p.m. – 4-H/FFA Horse Show select game classes 5 p.m. – Skid Steer Rodeo 7:45 – Hop n’ Drop Poop Bingo 8 p.m. – Celebrity Livestock show – Showring 8 p.m. – Exhibit Building Closes Sunday, July 17 8 a.m. - 4-H/FFA Beef Show. One half hour following Beef Show, 4-H/FFA Bottle Calf Show 1:30 p.m. – Clover Kids Rabbit & Cavy Show 2 p.m. – Clover Kids Bottle Lamb & Goat Show 2 p.m. – Games sponsored by The Fun Committee 2:30 p.m. – Clover Kids Poultry Show 3 p.m. – Clover Kids Bottle Calf Show 4:30 p.m. – Supreme Showman Competition 5 p.m. – BBQ Cook Off Competition (open to the pubic) 6 p.m. – All projects selling must be signed up 6 p.m. – Exhibit Building Closes 7 – 8:30 p.m. – Pool Party @ Grinnell Aquatic Center Monday, July 18 8 a.m. – Lowry Seed and Complete Ag sponsored Breakfast 8 – 10 a.m. – Barnyard Games sponsored by The Fun Committee 9 a.m. – Livestock Judging Contest sponsored by The Poweshiek County Fairboard - Showring 10 a.m. – All Exhibit Building exhibits released 12 p.m. – Livestock exhibits not selling released 5 p.m. – Farm Credit Services sponsored dinner 5:15 p.m. – Herdsmanship and Premier Exhibitor Awards presented 5:30 p.m. – Project Sale – Showring, Clerk: McIlrath Auctioneering. Sale Order: Non Livestock Projects, Swine, Beef, Goats, Sheep, Rabbits, Poultry and Bottle Calf 8 p.m. – All exhibits must be removed from exhibit building  Aliya Kriegel and son, Brooks, enjoy a nice summer evening with family on the Poweshiek County Courthouse Square during the Monte Booster Bash on Thursday, June 23. The Booster Bash brings family downtown for an evening of music, food and a car show. The event is held three times each summer with the next event on July 28 and Aug. 25 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.  Pictured are, from left: Lilly Shoemaker, Camryn Brennan, Lydia Singleton and Kaya Latcham with the Montezuma Speech and Drama production of Shrek, the Musical, Jr. Singleton received a Triple Threat honor for her role as Princess Fiona and Kaya Latcham, who played Donkey, earned a Special Recognition for Performance in a Principle Role. In addition, the entire cast and crew was recognized with an Outstanding Overall Technical & Creative Achievement honor. The honors were presented at the Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards on Saturday, June 18 at the Des Moines Civic Center where all four students performed. By J.O. Parker The Montezuma Speech and Musical production of Shrek the Musical, Jr. has been recognized with an overall honor and two individual honors from the Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards (IHSMTA). Lydia Singleton received a Triple Threat honor for her role as Princess Fiona and Kaya Latcham, who played Donkey, earned a Special Recognition for Performance in a Principle Role. In addition, the entire cast and crew was recognized with an Outstanding Overall Technical & Creative Achievement honor. The honors were presented at the Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards on Saturday, June 18 at the Des Moines Civic Center. An estimated 2,500 people were on hand to watch the productions and presentation of awards. Representing Montezuma at the awards was Singleton, Latcham, Lily Shoemaker and Camryn Brennan. As part of the day’s activities, all four students had an opportunity to work with a Broadway musical director and choreographer. Latcham, Brennan and Shoemaker all took part in an opening medley and Singleton took part in the Triple Threat Medley as well as being selected to perform a short solo from Shrek in a Showcase Medley. “It was so cool,” said Singleton of receiving the Triple Threat honor. “I would love to do it again. It was awesome to be around all of the other students passionate about musical theater.” “I think the most enjoyable part was getting to show off all of the hard work I put into the musical,” said Latcham. Brennan, who played Pig No. 1 and Duloc Dance Captain in the Shrek the Musical, Jr. production said it was a real cool experience. “I made a lot of friends,” she said. “It was a great experience working with the Broadway director and choreographer.” “I thought it was cool,” said Shoemaker, who played Pig No. 2 and a Duloc Dance Captain. “I always looked up to the students who got in the showcase in past years.” Kelly Kaup, who directed the Shrek performance, said it phenomenal that more than a year after starting rehearsals, the cast and crew’s hard work is still being celebrated. “To receive an Outstanding Overall Technical and Creative Achievement from the Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards is something to celebrate,” said Kaup. “It is the result of all of the hard work and hundreds of hours put in by the cast, crew and many amazing volunteers and parents. I am also incredibly proud of Lydia Singleton and Kaya Latcham for their personal achievements that they have been recognized for in Shrek. This year was the first year since 2019 that the IHSMTA were able to be celebrated in person. It was a fantastic way to celebrate our theater students in Iowa and an incredible opportunity for some of our students from Montezuma to participate. To be a part of the awards with my first production for Montezuma High School has been exhilarating and something I look forward to in the years to follow.” “I would like to thank to Kelly for encouraging us to get involved in this musical,” added Latcham. “ It has been a big part of my life.” In addition to Shrek the Musical, Jr., Montezuma students have earned a number of honors from the (IHSMTA) for the musicals Cinderella, Sound of Music, Annie and other performances. All four students, who will be entering their junior year in high school at Montezuma in the fall, are already hard at work in preparation for the production of “Little Shop of Horrors,” slated for November.  |
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