​     Kerri Carl, left, of Montezuma and Commander Ron Hensel shake hands as Kerri hands over the deed to the property given to the Montezuma American Legion Post 169 by the Carl family. The Carl grandkids (Kerri and brothers, Kevin and Scott) gave two acres from the Carl farmstead, which had been in the Cloyd and Frances Carl estate, on the east edge of Montezuma during a presentation on June 10. The post plans to build their new post home on the property in the future. The presentation took place on Wednesday afternoon Nov. 17 at the legion hall in Montezuma during a visit by American Legion National Vice Commander, Angel O. Narvaez, pictured at right.
   “The Blakely-Stevens Montezuma American Legion Post 169 is very grateful to the Carl grandkids for this gift of land,” noted Commander Hensel.

​    Ron Hensel, commander of the American Legion Blakley Stevens Post 169, presents a Good Citizenship Citation to Sawyer Tindle, the 2021 Montezuma Boys’ State representative. Sawyer shared his experience at the Boys’ State held at Camp Fort Dodge in June with those gathered at the Veterans Day supper and program in Montezuma on Thursday, Nov. 11.

​      Young Mr. Lane Downs is the proud owner of a new commemorative military Daisy Red Rider BB gun he won in an Auxiliary auction using his own money at the annual American Legion Morrison-Schrader Post 296 Veteran’s Day supper and program on Thursday, Nov. 11. The gun was donated by Randy Johnson, pictured next to Lane, American Legion Department Vice Commander and Deep River resident.

​     Montezuma senior Eddie Burgess makes a play during the Audubon game  on Friday, Oct. 29, the last of his prep career. Burgess plans to play football at Upper Iowa University in Fayette next fall. “It was a place that wanted me, and showed effort into my recruitment,” said Burgess. “All around it just felt like home and the right fit for me.”

​By J.O. Parker
 
     Montezuma’s Eddie Burgess has been a state leader much of his prep career. He has received numerous honors and has been interviewed and written about in papers across the state, all while helping lead the Braves to back-to-back 10-1 seasons in 8-man football. 
        When asked what drives him to go out and give his best in every game, Burgess is quick to point out that his success is the team’s success.
      “Without them (the team) I wouldn’t be who I am today and the player I am today,” said Burgess, a senior at Montezuma. “I give 100 percent every time I get to compete alongside my brothers. I give everything I have because I know they are giving everything they have for me.”
     You could write a book about the 6’ 4, 230-pound all-around athlete. In 2020, Burgess helped lead the Braves to the UNI-Dome, the first time since the 2006 season, and a semifinal finish in a record-breaking game, falling to St. Mary’s Remsen, 108-94. The Braves wrapped up the 2021 season with a quarterfinal finish, falling to Audubon, 64-14.
       Burgess also plays basketball and was part of the 2020-21 Braves team that won a Class 1A State Championship, the first in 31 years for the school. He also plays golf and swings a bat, leading both teams to the playoffs earlier this year.
       Outside of the basketball championship, when asked what a memorable moment during his prep career was, Burgess said playing football at the UNI-Dome.
       “Making it to the dome was a surreal experience and I wouldn’t give that experience up for the world,” he said. “It meant so much to my teammates and I. Knowing that we were 2-7 just two years prior made all the hard work worth it.”
The future
      As for the future, Burgess has decided to play football for the Division 11 Peacocks at Upper Iowa University in Fayette. Upper Iowa is part of the Northern Sun Conference and the only Division II university in Iowa.
        When asked what led him to Fayette, Burgess said Upper Iowa felt like home.
        “It was a place that wanted me, and showed effort into my recruitment,” said Burgess. “All around it just felt like home and the right fit for me.”
        Burgess said plans are for him to play the tight end position.
       “Things could change as I get on campus and we dive more into my abilities and where I help the team most,” said Burgess.
        Burgess received offers from South Dakota State and Minnesota State, Mankato, the latter being a Division II college in the North Sun Conference. He also talked with Iowa and visited UNI.
      For now, Burgess said he is undecided on a career path, but is veering towards teaching after college.
     “Eddie is a great kid who always puts the team first,” noted Braves Head Football Coach John Beck. “He is a leader in and out of season and did a great job of getting our young kids to buy into the out-of-season stuff (lifting and speed training). Eddie is an exceptional young man who continues to excel in the classroom and as a person. The team is so excited for him to continue his education and athletic career at Upper Iowa and cannot wait to see what he accomplished there.
       Burgess will sign a letter of intent to play football at Upper Iowa in Montezuma on Dec. 15.
    “I love Montezuma and the community,” Burgess said. “Wouldn’t want to spend my high school days anywhere else.”

​     Montezuma Braves Head Football Coach, John Beck, help lead the Braves to a 10-1 record and quarterfinal finish in the playoffs. Beck, who is in his first year as head coach, was named the Class 8P – District 7 All-District Coach of the Year.

By J.O. Parker
 
       Montezuma Braves Head Football Coach, John Beck, has been named the Coach of the Year following the release of the 2021 Class 8P – District 7 All-District Team honors.
      “It’s an honor to be recognized as the district coach of year,” noted Beck. “It is truly a byproduct of the effort the guys put in this year. We had a great group of kids and I am so blessed to be able to be a part of that.”
       Beck went on to thank the rest of the Montezuma coaching staff, Tim Burgess, Josh Kriegel, Cal Smith, Partner Maschmann and Brian Diaz, for their help and advice all year long.
“Having a great staff like we have just makes everything so much better,” added Beck.
Beck, who is in his first year as a head coach, led the 8-Man Braves to a 10-1 record and a quarterfinal finish in the playoffs.    
    Montezuma’s Eddie Burgess, who finished the season with 60 touchdowns and 9 interceptions, earned Offensive Most Valuable Player (MVP) honors for a second straight year, while Zach Bennett received Defensive Line Player of the Year honors for the Braves and Owen Cook was recognized with Kicker/Punter Player of the Year honors for the Braves.
     BGM’s Joe Irlbeck was recognized with Offensive Line Player of the Year honors and Baxter’s Cody Damman was named Defensive MVP for the 2021 season.
      Other area top players included BGM’s Jacob Maurer, who finished the season with 64 touchdowns and 2,272 all-purpose yards and BGM’s Jacob Moel, who finished the season with 1,035 receiving yards. 
       Following are the first, second and honorable mention players for the district:
Montezuma
First Team
DB – Connor Van Zee, Senior, Montezuma
DL – Tod Geiger, Sophomore, Montezuma
OL – Kennen Roadcap, Junior, Montezuma
WR – Masin Shearer, Junior, Montezuma
LB – Martavious Knox, Junior, Montezuma
Second Team
OL – Jack Brenner, Senior, Montezuma
OL – TJ Townsend, Senior, Montezuma
TE – Camden Michalek, Senior, Montezuma
Honorable Mention
DB – Eli Bustamante, Junior, Montezuma
LB – Brett Plants, Freshman, Montezuma
Baxter
First Team
RB/DL – Rory Heer, Senior, Baxter
OL/LB – Nate McMinamen, Senior, Baxter
TE/LB – Jake Travis, Junior, Baxter
OL/DL – Trice Clapper, Junior, Baxter
Second Team
WR/DB – Cael Shepley, Junior, Baxter
DL – Devin Fredregill, Junior, Baxter
LB – Grant Borts, Senior, Baxter
Honorable Mention
OL/DL – Aiden McFadden, Sophomore, Baxter
WR/DB – Treyton Travis, Sophomore, Baxter
BGM
First Team
QB – Jacob Maurer, Junior, BGM
WR – Jacob Moel, Senior, BGM
WR – Shamus Keller, Junior, BGM
Second Team
DL – LJ Henkle, Senior, BGM
OL – Connor Cooling, Junior, BGM
LB – Cooper Winter, Junior, BGM
Honorable Mention
FB – Mason Maschmann, Sophomore, BGM
LB – Logan Heishman, Junior, BGM
Grand View Christian
First Team
RB/LB – Caleb Foster-Krueger, Senior, GVC
TE/DE – Colin Woodbury, Junior, GVC
QB – Noah John, Sophomore, GVC
Second Team
DB – Kyle Curtis, Senior, GVC
RB/LB – Kaden Burger, Sophomore, GVC
Honorable Mention
DB – Eli Tarbell, Senior, GVC
LB – Trevor Swanson, Senior, GVC
Melcher-Dallas
First Team
FB/LB – Cole Metz, Senior, Melcher-Dallas
TE/S – Anthony Schneider, Senior, Melcher-Dallas
RB/S – Logan Godfrey, Junior, Melcher-Dallas
Second Team
TE/LB – Carlos Gonzalez, Freshman, Melcher-Dallas
OG/DE – Lucas Harrington, Junior, Melcher-Dallas
Honorable Mention
OG/DE – Scott Johnson, Senior, Melcher-Dallas
TE/LB – Max Enfield, Junior, Melcher-Dallas
Twin Cedars, who finished 1-7 and Woodward Academy, who finished 0-8, did not have any players receive special honors. 

​    Montezuma Volleyball Head Coach, Rylie Little, pumps up her team during second round playoff action at home against the North Mahaska Warhawks on Wednesday, Oct. 28. After losing the first two games, Montezuma stormed back to win the final three games and finish the series, 3-2. The Braves finished the season with 22-10 record and Coach Little was named the SICL Coach of the Year.

By J.O. Parker

      The Montezuma Bravettes Volleyball team finished the season strong with a 22-10 record in Class 1A – Region 6 action, and first year head coach, Rylie Little, was named Coach of the Year.
       “It is a great honor and I appreciate those who voted for me,” Little said. “I have worked extremely hard all season to produce nothing but the best for this team. I am proud of everything these girls have accomplished this season.”
      Two Montezuma Bravettes earned special accolades this season. Shanae Wetering, a senior, finished the season and her prep career with 500 career kills. Senior Katie Reynolds was also honored with the school’s career assist record.
     In addition, Wetering received first team all-conference honors while Reynolds earned second team setter honors. Korrinn Kehoe, a senior at Montezuma, received second team all-conference honors while Allyson Larmore, a senior, and Izzy Roorda, a sophomore, both with Montezuma, earned honorable mention honors.
        Kylee Holland, a junior at BGM, received honorable mention all-conference honors.
Following are all the SICL All-Conference honors:
Coach of the Year
Rylie Little, Montezuma
First Team Setter
Mandy Chizek, Junior, Belle Plaine
Kyra Lester, Senior, Colfax-Mingo
First Team Libero
Zoe Deucore, Senior, North Mahaska
First Team All-Conference
Grace Bean, Junior, Belle Plaine
Jacey Reineke, Sophomore, Belle Plaine
Morgan Van Dyke, Senior, Colfax-Mingo
Jaden Smith, Senior, Iowa Valley
Shanae Wetering, Senior, Montezuma
Layla Hargis, Senior, North Mahaska
Madelynn Hornback, Senior, Sigourney
Second Team Setter
Katie Reynolds, Senior, Montezuma
Second Team Libero (tie)
Carley Underwood, Junior, Colfax-Mingo
Madeline Shade, Senior, Iowa Valley
Second Team All-Conference (ties)
Abbie Miller, Senior, Belle Plaine
Caylee Cunningham, Junior, Colfax-Mingo
McKenzie Kempf, Sophomore, HLV
Macy McMann, Junior, Iowa Valley
Korrinn Kehoe, Senior, Montezuma
Kaitlyn Van Donselaar, Senior, North Mahaska
Raegan Rozenboom, Senior, Sigourney
Brookelyn Hemsley, Junior, Sigourney
Macy Schmidt, Junior, Tri-County
Honorable Mention
Rachel  Benton, Junior, Belle Plaine
Jacy Gates, Senior, Belle Plaine
Kylee Holland, Junior, BGM
McKayla Smith, Senior, Colfax-Mingo
Melany Vry, Senior, Colfax-Mingo
Kennedy Axmear, Sophomore, English Valleys
Delany Hall, Sophomore, English Valleys
Janessa Blomme, Sophomore, HLV
Hailey Jack, Sophomore, HLV
Aubrey Kriegel, Senior, Iowa Valley
Emma Werling, Senior, Iowa Valley
Mackenzie Jackson, Senior, Keota
Taylor Kindred, Senior, Keota
Aliya James, Senior, Lynnville-Sully
Lily Zylstra, Senior, Lynnville-Sully
Allyson Larmore, Senior, Montezuma
Izzy Roorda, Sophomore, Montezuma
Regan Grewe, Freshman, North Mahaska
Carlie Scholtus, Senior, North Mahaska
Emma Hammes, Sophomore, Sigourney
Amiya Smallwood, Sophomore, Sigourney
Peyton Icenbice, Junior, Tri-County
Lauren Molyneux, Junior, Tri-County
Golden Award
none

By J.O. Parker

     The Montezuma High School Drama Department presented, Shrek Jr., a musical story of an ogre named Shrek who lived in a faraway swamp, his wisecracking donkey and his journey to win princess Fiona’s love and vanquish Lord Farquaad.
    Performances where held in the Montezuma Auditorium on Saturday, Nov. 6 and 13 at 7 p.m. and on Sunday, Nov. 7 and 14 at 3 p.m.
    One day, Shrek finds his swamp invaded by banished fairytale misfits who have been cast off by Lord Farquaad, a tiny terror with big ambitions. When Shrek sets off with a wisecracking donkey to confront Farquaad, he's handed a task — if he rescues feisty princess Fiona, his swamp will be righted. Shrek tries to win Fiona’s love and vanquish Lord Farquaad, but a fairytale wouldn't be complete without a few twists and turns along the way.
    Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film and fantastic Broadway musical, beauty is found in the eye of the beholder. It's a "big bright beautiful world" as everyone's favorite ogre, Shrek, leads a cast of fairytale misfits on an adventure to rescue a princess and find true acceptance. Part romance and part twisted fairy tale, it is an irreverently fun show with a powerful message for the whole family.
    “Shrek Jr. is a fun show for the entire family,” said Kelly Kaup, musical director along with assistant director Liesel Roorda. “The humor of the storyline will entertain the oldest members of the family, while the costumes, fun songs and dances will thrill the youngest members and keep them captivated the entire time.”
    Kaup said the students have been working tirelessly all summer long to bring you a show that's full of hilarious moments and thoughtful lessons.
   “We knew at auditions, back in April, that we had something special with this cast,” said Kaup. “They have been a delight to work with and truly do their best at everything they put their minds to.”
Cast
    Storyteller 1 - Kailey Shaffer; Storyteller 2 - Kenna Johannes; Storyteller 3 - Emily James; Storyteller Chorus - Claire Erselius, Gracie Wilson, Letisia Wilson, Lily Ferry, Lindsey Henry and Lola Miller; Mama Ogre - Tia Shaffer; Papa Ogre - Zach Bennett; Little Ogre - Isaiah Wilson; Shrek - Marty Knox; Captain of the Guards - Eddie Burgess; Guards - Eli Bustamante and Owen Desrochers; Pinocchio - Laila Kercheval; Big Bad Wolf - Zach Bennett; Pig 1 - Camryn Brennan; Pig 2 - Lily Shoemaker; Pig 3 - Madison VanZee; Wicked Witch - Elaina Singleton; Peter Pan - Tia Shaffer; Ugly Duckling - Taylynn Breeden; Mama Bear - Faith Ferry; Papa Bear - Gavin Strong; Baby Bear - Sydnee Burgess; Fairy Godmother - Jade Benedict; Blind Mice - Zoe Roberts, Aja Kapayou and Sam Bos; Humpty Dumpty - Tayler Wickham; Mad Hatter - Maddy Fleming; Little Red Riding Hood - Linnea Gusic; Donkey - Kaya Latcham; Lord Farquaad -Peter Roberts; Duloc performers - Camryn Brennan, Elizabeth DeJong, Hayley Burnett, Izzy Roorda,  Lily Shoemaker, Madison VanZee, Shiressa Wetering and Tayler Wickham; Gingy - Kaleah Shoemaker; Young Fiona - Gracie Wilson; Teen Fiona - Addyson Probasco; Princess Fiona - Lydia Singleton; Puss in Boots -Wyatt Grimm; Knight 1 - Maddy Fleming; Knight 2 - Tia Shaffer; Knight 3 - Faith Ferry; Knight 4 - Taylynn Breeden; Dragon - Izzy Roorda; Pied Piper - Claire Erselius; Rooster - Cael Cheney; Deer - Addyson Probasco; Rabbit - Addilyn VerMeer; Grey Wolf - Jocelyn Nigg; Ram - Isaiah Wilson; Raccoon - Wyatt Grimm; Squirrel - Jayden Doll; Bear - Ethan Desrochers; Rat Tappers - Abbi Henkle, Analeece Kercheval, Hayley Burnett, Lindsey Henry and Vivian Cook; Bishop - Eli Bustamante and Dwarf - Jayden Doll.

By J.O. Parker
 
     Anything is possible with hard work mixed with determination and hope.
     Just ask Amanda Van Maanen, activity director, and staff at Montezuma Specialty Care.
    On June 11, a new van for residents use was delivered to the local care center. And it was made possible in part due to fundraising, donations and grants.
   “When I first started working at Montezuma Specialty Care in 2002, there were a couple things I wanted to accomplish,” said Van Maanen. “I thought to myself, ‘If my loved one was here, what would I want them to be able to do, see and enjoy?’”
     The first thing on that list was a new outdoor patio for the residents to enjoy. 
    “I didn’t want residents to just be confined to the inside of the building,” noted Van Maanen. “I wanted them to have quality of life.”
    The second and bigger goal was a new van.
    “I got the patio accomplished, so I moved on to my second goal of a van,” Van Maanen said. “I contacted home office and got approval to do fundraising.”
    Van Maanen and staff started fundraising in 2018 with a car show. Then churches started donating as did family members and local businesses.
    “A group of staff worked one night at Pizza Ranch for tips,” Van Maanen said. “We sold butter braids (pastries). That one was a big success.”
     “I brought my husband’s race car trailer to do an onsite pop can drive,” noted Van Maanen. “We filled it with cans to be recycled for money. And Brownell’s did a big donation, too.”
     Staff sold T-shirts and held bake sales, anything to make the dream of a new van possible. After two years of hard work, staff raised $20,000.
    The facility also applied for and was awarded a $7,500 grant through the Poweshiek County Alliance.
   Van Maanen and staff kept a fundraiser thermometer on the wall to show families and residents where they were at with reaching the goal of a new van.
   “We’re a small town community, so there was a lot of excitement around this,” said Van Maanen. “This all started because I wanted residents to be able to go out and enjoy outings and time with their family.”
    Before delivery, the new van was modified with a wheelchair lift and accessible seating for up to 10 residents at a time. Since its delivery in June, residents now have the opportunity to engage with the surrounding community.
    “The van is used to transport residents to personal shopping trips, physician appointments and community events,” said Tesha Rainey, Director of Communications for Care Initiatives, owner of Montezuma Specialty Care. “This year, residents were able to use the van to attend the Montezuma Booster Bash (monthly summer events).”
    “This all started because I wanted residents to be able to go out and enjoy outings and time with their family,” Van Maanen said.
    “As an operator you hope that all of your employees are as servant hearted and dedicated to the residents as Amanda is,” said Andrew Wagg, MBA, LNHA, ALMC and Regional Director of Operations, “She manages multiple responsibilities with ease while consistently putting the residents first.  I am proud she is on my team.”

The Braves played their hearts out but came up a short in Class 1A quarterfinal game against the Audubon Wheelers on Friday, Oct. 29 at Badger-Gabriel Field. Above, Eddie Burgess grasps his father, Tim's, hand at the close of the game.