Kevin Gartman, a business teacher and cross country coach at Montezuma High School, fulfilled a life dream when he became a contest on Wheel of Fortune. Gartman taped the show in Culver City, Calif. on Jan. 23 with the episode airing on March 3. He won the show with $25,000, top prize, which included a trip to Panama. 

By J.O. Parker
 
       A Montezuma High School teacher and cross country coach recently enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime experience winning $25,000, which included a trip to Panama, in the process.
       Kevin Gartman, who has taught business courses and coached at Montezuma for 10-years, was recently a contestant on the popular Wheel of Fortune show, which aired nationally on March 3.
       Gartman said it all came about while watching the season final of The Floor in late spring or early summer last year. The Floor is a trivia show where 100 competitors duel in different topics to win a cash prize.
       “I thought to myself, I’d love to get on there,” said Gartman. “I applied for The Floor, and then thought to myself – hmm…I wonder what other shows I could try and apply for?”
       “There was certainly an element of "I'd love to find another source of cash" but also a "I'd love to prove to myself that I could go on there and do well,” said Gartman.
      Gartman has shared on social media in the past that having family dinners was really important growing up and his family often transitioned from the dinner table to the living room to watch Wheel of Fortune together.
         “Any time I would go visit my grandparents in northern Iowa or Wisconsin, watching game shows while spending time together was certainly a part of the fun, so there's a nostalgic element as well,” said Gartman. “I know my grandparents would be so excited right now, telling all of their friends all about it.”
         Gartman applied to be on Wheel of Fortune in the fall and a few weeks after submitting his contestant application, he had a Zoom interview that was a short, personality-driven interview designed to gauge energy and appeal on screen.
      “I then had two more puzzle-solving interviews after that, one solo and one with other contestants on the Zoom, where we'd solve either toss-up style puzzles as fast as we could (before others) or see how many of a series of puzzles we could solve in a set time,” noted Gartman. “A few days after those interviews were completed, I was informed that I was entered in the contestant pool for the next filming season, and that while there was no guarantee that I would be on - they would be pulling from the pool to fill all the slots.”
       In mid-December, Gartman received an email about the possibility of being a fit for the Jan. 23 film date, but not to book anything yet.
       About two weeks before that date, “I got the email saying I was finalized to be on the show and the filming date was set for Jan. 23,” he said.
       He and his wife, Kelli, an art teacher at BGM, flew to Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, Calif.
        The couple had to cover all their expenses from flights, hotel and ground transportation.
        “In my head going in, I knew around where my breakeven point would be (after taxes), so I was really working to hit that,” Gartman said. “A cool experience regardless, but you don't want to lose money trying to win money on a show. I was fortunate enough to end up profitable!”
        When asked what his favorite thing about being on the show was, Gartman said just like at home, when you solve the puzzle quickly and feel proud of yourself for having it click for you before others, it was that same sort of feeling – “I KNOW IT” but on steroids because you’re playing for real money.
       “There is nothing like choosing to intentionally spend $250 on a vowel in real life, even though it seems like throwaway money in the game - that's 250 real dollars,” recalled Gartman. “It was kind of a dream in that sense - like playing a game of Monopoly where the money is real, you have to make decisions in a hurry that have greater consequences than from the couch. I enjoyed that pressure, though my puzzled face may not have shown it.”
          Gartman said actual taping didn't take too much longer than what you see on TV.
“The commercial breaks you have at home are the same slots we would break during filming for them to switch out wedges on the wheel, take a sip of water, and get us back to our places,” noted Gartman.
        The day itself started at about 6:30 a.m. Gartman said the first order of business was meeting with the legal team. After that, he visited hair and makeup, went through a practice introduction, and practice round. He learned the specific rules on spinning the wheel and was informed of any unique parts of gameplay.
          "Six episodes were filmed that day,” said Gartman. “I was episode 2/6, with a lunch break after episode 3 around 2 p.m.. It was a full and fun day.”
          When asked about meeting Vanna and Ryan, Gartman said he knew it’s their job to put on a smiling face and be personable, but they truly did feel personable in the ways each interacted with me individually and with the audience.
       “Vanna had gotten married the weekend prior, and this was the first taping since the wedding, so there was lots of audience conversation about the wedding,” noted Gartman. 
         Ryan mentioned on air at the end of the show that Gartman doesn’t care for mustard or ketchup. Vanna joined in on the fun and the studio provided some sliders with mustard and ketchup dipping sauce and encouraged Gartman to try the condiments.
          He suffered through it and said it was OK.
        “Even after the show ended, I got to eat another set of sliders with them both once the camera cut off which was a cool experience that you don't often get to see, especially if you don't win the bonus round.”
         Gartman’s children, Coy, 3, and Clay, 1, were not able to make the trip to California. When asked about their thoughts, Gartman said Coy was excited to see me on there and enjoyed celebrating the victory – “I won,” he shouted.
         “He's not quite old enough to appreciate the fullness of the shoutout from Ryan on air, but he will someday,” said Gartman. “Clay, 1, was confused as to how I was on the TV and also in the room with him. He eventually gave up on that question and did his own thing.”
         Gartman said children have to be at least 8 years old to be in the audience, which is the age producers deem is old enough to sit quietly and not blurt out answers to ruin a round.
When asked about eating ketchup and mustard since the show airing, Gartman said he has neutral opinions on both condiments.
        “I didn't like either enough to need it on the food, but I wouldn't wipe it off either if it came put on,” he said. “They were both fine.”
          When asked if he’d do it again, Gartman said “Absolutely.”
         “They don't bring contestants back to participate again, but I think the show plays into my strengths and I wish it was like Jeopardy where the champion could return and keep playing until they lose,” said Gartman. “I think I would come.”
        “I've been very appreciative of how supportive Montezuma has been as a town - everyone has been so friendly and excited to support me, and I believe that regardless of how well I would have done. There's a small town perk in that, which I don't believe would be the case in bigger cities,” he said. “Thanks to all who have been so kind!”

        The Montezuma FFA Chapter 2025 - 26 Officers. Pictured, from left, front rowL Vivian Cook, Claire Erselius, Peyton Tindle, vice president; Brady Boulton, president; Luke Erselius, Broox Stockman. Back row: Gracie Wilson, Rylee Thompson, Leah Urfer and Rett Pargeon.

The 2025 - 26 Montezuma FFA Chapter.

      Montezuma High School DECA students had the chance to experience the Stock Market Challenge on Wednesday, Feb. 18. After hearing from professionals in the industry, students teamed up and got to experience managing a portfolio over a 60-minute (60 day) period. The students had a blast. Congrats to the team of Lily Ferry, left, Claire Erselius, middle, and Chloe Snook, right, for finishing as the top group of the Montezuma teams in attendance. The event was sponsored by Junior Achievement of Central Iowa.

        Pictured from left, Sophia Semprini, Vivian Cook, Olivia Latcham and Rylee Smith.

        Pictured from left, Peyton Tindle, Brady Boulton, Luke Erselius and Broox Stockman.

       Pictured from left, Cade Lowry, Linkyn Bru, Dayton Reif and Brody Saringer.

       Pictured from left, Alanna Hutchinson, Kady Schmidt, Molly Jones, Keegan Gunderson

Pictured from left, Nolan Hudnut, Brooks Wilson and Luke Benson.

       Congrats to Claire Erselius who finished with a first place medal for her role play, second place on her test and finished as State Runner-Up in the Apparel and Accessories Marketing category at the Virtual Simulation Competition.

       Congrats to Linkyn Bru, who finished with a second place medal for his role play in Food Marketing.

      Congrats to Emma Snook, who competed in MarketingCommunications, finishing fourth overall as a state finalist. 

​     Congratulations to the team of Lauryn Larmore and Sophia Semprini, who presented an integrated Marketing Campaign for Jolly Holiday Lights and Make-a-Wish Iowa. The team finished third overall as a state finalist.

       Congrats to Peyton Tindle who competed in the Principles of Finance and finishing fifth overall as a state finalist.

        Congrats to the Travel and Tourism team of Alanna Hutchinson and Kady Schmidt for placing first in their team role play and second overalls, qualifying for ICDC.

         Congratulations to Airé Diaz, competing in Entrepreneurship! Airé finished runner-up in role play 1, third place in role play 2, and finished 4th overall as a state finalist! We will anxiously wait to hear if Airé moves on to ICDC competition!

      A big congrats to Alexa Rose for competition in the Personal Financial Literacy category. Alexa finished second in her role play, third on her test, and finished as a state runner-up.

        Montezuma's Brady Boulton finished third his Human Resources Management exam and third overall, earning him a trip to ICDC in April.

      Congrats to the Montezuma DECA chapter MOM, Isaac Wedgewood for being recognized as Most Outstanding Member.

       Rett Pargeon competed in the Personal Financial Literacy category where he finished third in his role play and fourth overall as a state finalist. 

        Congrats to Tinsley Stowell for competing in Principles of Hospitality and Tourism, finishing third on her exam, fifth overall as a state finalist.

      Congrats to the Marketing Management Team of Vivian Cook and Rylee Thompson as they finished third overall and qualifying for ICDC.

       Montezuma's Luke Benson competed in the Sports and Entertainment Marketing Category where he finished first in his test and fifth overall. Joining him is Lily Moyer who competed in the Principles of Finance and finishing second inter role play and third overall, earning an automatic qualifier spot to ICDC.

​       Doug and Stacy Helm, owners of the English Valleys Bed and Breakfast north of Montezuma, are shown in their family room at the venue. The Helms purchased the ground, home and adjoining barn in May 2006 and have been offering a place for parties, celebrations, weddings, family gathers, hunting trips and more.

By J.O. Parker
 
        “Welcome,” said Stacy Helm as she greeted a family of five on a cold February Sunday afternoon.
       Her husband, Doug, stepped to the door, welcoming the family to the English Valleys Bed and Breakfast north of Montezuma.
       The family would be staying at the Bed and Breakfast for an extended amount of time for work-related business.
      And while Stacy was showing the family to their room, Doug answered a call from a customer who planned to stay at the Bed and Breakfast this coming spring.
         After visiting, Doug said he’d have Stacy give him a call to shore up business.
         Even though it was cold outside, it was business as usual for the Helms.
       The Helms have owned the English Valleys Bed and Breakfast at 4459 135th St. since May 2006. They purchased it from Jim and Sue Eichhorn, who turned the stately turn-of-the-century home into a bed and breakfast in the mid-1980s.
         After purchasing the farm, the Helms had the house raised and added a new basement. They had Frank and Harold Wheeler install new flooring and redid everything in the basement. Frank Wheeler had worked on the house when he got out of the military in 1946. He returned to work on it in 2006.
         Jim and Sue added a family room and new kitchen to the house in the 1980s. The family room includes a stunning rock fireplace using rocks from the nearby English River and surrounded by used brick pavers from Montezuma streets.
       The home features two bedrooms upstairs and three bedrooms in the basement. The basement rooms each have their own bathroom. The upstairs rooms share a bathroom. Behind the house is the signature feature of the B&B, it’s the big red barn, which was built in the 1920s. At that time, it was used like every barn in the country. Now, it’s a rentable facility for all types of parties and events.
       The barn also features a large deck on the east side with access via stairs and a handicap ramp installed by Tom Reed in 2011. On the lower floor of the barn loft is a kitchen along with two guest quarters – the bunkhouse which can sleep up to 10 and the Heritage Room which is perfect for 3-4 people.
       Outside the barn is an area for a campfire or a game of horseshoes. Eric Fynhart installed a rustic grain bin gazebo in 2025. The grain bin is special to Stacy because it was moved from her grandparent’s farm (Lyle and Arlene Sanders).
        Stacy used to cater events at the barn but opted to move in a different direction a few years ago.
      The barn loft is decorated with numerous antiques, old signs, saws, tools, old pots and pans and farm equipment. In addition, there is the old scoreboard from the former Montezuma Junior High School on display and one of the Montezuma Basketball Capitol signs on display that was given by Al Rabenold.
       The barn is used for graduation and birthday parties, anniversary events and wedding receptions, dances, family and class reunions, various parties and shopping events. On occasion, company functions and meetings are held in the old barn. Area schools have used the barn to hold prom. The barn can comfortably hold 125 people, but they once seated over 200 people for Joey and Blair Ahren’s wedding reception.
      Last summer, Doug said he and Stacy hosted a group of Argentinian farmers sponsored by Heartland Coop.
        “We’ve had guests at the bed and breakfast from Europe, Africa and Hawaii,” said Doug.
      And a special guest they had a few years ago was Daisy Duke’s stunt double from The Dukes of Hazard show. And last year, the barn was used for a townhall meeting for Iowa Democrat Rob Sands, who was in Montezuma to secure votes for the gubernatorial race.
        Fred Mims, a former athletic director at the University of Iowa, came pheasant hunting in 2012. He was a great storyteller of sports history of the Hawkeyes.
        The Helm’s host 4-6 outdoor weddings yearly.
When asked if it had ever rained during a wedding, Doug said only once did they have to move a wedding inside due to the weather.
         “They wanted to be married out by the pond, but with the rain, that didn’t happen,” said Doug.
       They also host upwards to 20 pheasant hunting groups in November and December, some who travel from across the country to spend a few days in Montezuma to hunt. Some of the hunters have been coming to Iowa since when the Eichhorn’s owned the bed and breakfast.
       When asked what led them to purchase the bed and breakfast and barn, Doug, who farms with his dad and family, said it had been on the market for a couple years.
        With all the family farming ground in the area, Doug said it made sense to add the bed and breakfast and 60-acres of farming ground to the Helm operation.
       Much of their business comes from long-term wind turbine workers, some who stay in their own campers at Quail Pointe Camping on the Helm property. The campground features eight camping sites with 50 and 30-amp electrical services, water and sewer.
      “We offer daily, weekly and long-term stay rates for campers,” noted info on the Bed and Breakfast grounds.
       Other long-time workers and guests traveling through Montezuma have an option to stay at the Monte Motel on Highway 63. Stacy purchased the motel in October 2024 and has completely remodeled the facility, adding new everything from a washer and dryer for guests to new furniture and a gathering place to visit or watch a game.
        When asked what they enjoy the most about the business, the Helms said meeting all the different kinds of people who visit the Bed and Breakfast or utilize the old barn.
       “Many of the hunters who stay year after year have become good friends,” said Doug.
      For more information, contact Doug and Stacy at [email protected], 641-623-3663 or on the internet at englishvalleybnb.com.

        The English Valleys Bed and Breakfast Big Red Barn features old antiques and decorative items. 

         Three Montezuma youth will be wrestling at the AAU Kids State Wrestling Tournament on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 28 - March 1 in Des Moines. Ryan Desrochers and Walker Sutfin will take to the mat beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28. Bo Plants will wrestle starting at 3:30 p.m., all in HALL A of the EMC Expo Center (formerly Hy-Vee Hall). Hall A is on Level 2 and is the old basement of Vets Auditorium. Desrochers, pictured at left, is in third grade and will wrestling in the 90-pound weight class. He placed fourth in District 6 on Feb. 8. Sutfin, middle, will compete in the A-110-pound class and is in fourth grade. He finished first in District 6 action on Feb. 8. Plants, right, a seventh grader, will compete in the 130-pound weight class. He placed second in District 6 action on Feb. 8 to advance.

      KayLynn Osborn enjoys a smile with her daughter, Amelia, at the annual Montezuma Fire Department Sweetheart Pancake Breakfast at the station on Sunday, Feb. 15. Joining KayLynn and Amelia was grandpa and grandma, Kevin and Kathy Osborn, and dad, Eric, pictured at left.

       The Montezuma PAC is excited to host Dan Kirk, The Juggler with The Yellow Shoes, in a fun morning assembly at Montezuma Elementary School on Tuesday, March 3. Kirk will be bringing his juggling and comedy routine to the elementary school.

      Lynnville-Sully's Dawson James finds himself wrapped up with Montezuma's Tommy Heemstra, no. 22, in a Class 1A District 7 Championship game at Lynnville-Sully on Tuesday, Feb. 24. The Hawks scored early and often to go up 13-2 in the first period, before Montezuma came back, shutting down the previously unbeaten Hawks to win the game, 62-56. The Braves move on to tackle Bellevue Marquette Catholic in Substate action at Iowa City High School on Saturday, Feb. 28. Game time is 6 p.m. The winner advances to state.