BGM Elementary hosting Veterans Day event
The BGM Elementary and Secondary Schools will honor local veterans on Monday, Nov. 11 at 1:30 p.m. in the high school auditorium. Please invite veterans you know to this special program. The public is invited, too! Light refreshments will be provided following the program in the secondary cafeteria. Brooklyn Ruritan Club hosting Veterans Day supper with special guest speaker, Capt. William “Hawk” Albracht The Brooklyn Ruritan Club is hosting an appreciation supper honoring area veterans and active service military families on Wednesday, Nov. 13 with a meet and greet at 6 p.m. followed by the meal at 6:30 p.m. at the Michael J. Manatt Community Center. This year’s guest speaker is Capt. William “Hawk” Albracht, a highly decorated Vietnam veteran and retired Secret Service agent. During a White House career spanning 25 years, Albracht protected six American Presidents and numerous foreign dignitaries. Following his retirement from the Secret Service, Albracht managed Executive Security Operations for the Ford Motor Company before returning to his hometown to open a security consulting business. He penned a book, with co-author Capt. Marvin J. Wolf (retired), about his Vietnam experience holding Firebase Kate against enormous odds. The book, “Abandoned in Hell: The Fight for Vietnam’s Firebase Kate,” has received acclaim from a number of military and civilian reviewers, and was made into a documentary. In current time, Albracht’s focus is on motivational speaking, security and management consulting. For information, call 641-522-4464 or after 6 p.m. call 641-990-4304. Deep River American Legion Post 296 family hosting supper The Morrison-Scharader American Legion Post 296 and family invites you to attend the annual Veterans Day Supper and program on Monday, Nov. 11 at 5:30 p.m. in the Deep River Community Center. The program includes a free dinner, a recognition ceremony, girls and boys state speeches and a silent and live action of donated items to raise funds to send girls to the girls state program. Grinnell Veterans Day Ceremony to be held at Elks Lodge The Grinnell American Legion and VFW are hosting a Veteran’s Day ceremony on Monday, Nov. 11 at 10:30 a.m. at the Elks Lodge. Grinnell Hy-Vee serving free breakfast to veterans on Nov. 11 In honor of Veterans Day, Hy-Vee stores will host a free dine-in breakfast on Monday, Nov. 11, from 6 – 10 a.m. for all veterans and active-duty military members. Additionally, veterans and service members will receive 15 percent off grocery purchases all day on Nov. 11. Our Veterans Day Breakfast is just one of the many ways we honor our country's heroes. Pizza Ranch hosting free buffet to veterans on Nov. 11 The Grinnell Pizza Ranch appreciates the sacrifices and dedication of our veterans and current military personnel. To honor your service, we’re offering an exclusive Veterans Day buffet special. All veterans and current military personnel can get a free buffet on Monday, Nov. 11 during regular buffet hours. Grinnell Middle School Veterans Day Assembly All community Veterans are invited to attend the eighth annual Grinnell Middle School Veterans Day Assembly on Monday, Nov. 11 at 2 p.m. at 132 East St. South, Grinnell. Join us for a time of celebration and reflection featuring the music of the Grinnell Middle School bands and choirs. Veterans from each branch of the military will be recognized at the event. The program includes a middle school teacher reflecting on the meaning of Veteran’s Day and Navy veteran Jim Wawick will address those gathered at the program. A reception will follow in the GMS Library. Veterans are welcome to bring a guest. No RSVP is necessary. Montezuma Schools hosting Veterans Day event In honor of all veterans, a Montezuma Community Schools Veterans Day Assembly will be held on Monday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. in the north gym. The program is being presented with assistance of the Poweshiek County Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8876 and Auxiliary and the Montezuma America Legion Post 169 and Auxiliary and the Deep River American Legion Post 296 and Auxiliary. Harold Wheeler will present a Veterans Tribute at the program. Montezuma American Legion hosting Veterans Day meal The Montezuma American Legion Post 169 and Auxiliary along with the VFW will be holding their annual Veterans Day Supper in the Montezuma Memorial Hall on Monday, Nov. 11 at 6 p.m. to honor all veterans. Ham and potatoes will be furnished and attendees are asked to bring a dish to share and their own table service. The guest speaker is Michael Williams, author of “The Boys of Milo,” a book about young men from Milo who were called to serve during the Vietnam era. Excerpts from his book have been read on WHO radio’s “Our American Stories” by Lee Habeeb, a national radio show telling the story of America to Americans. The book features a story on Montezuma’s Ron Hensel, formerly of Milo and current commander of the American Legion.
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The Montezuma Braves are headed to Lenox for the 8 man state football quarterfinals! The game will kickoff at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7. Tickets will need to be purchased online using this link: http://www.iahsaa.org/tickets/. Get ready to roadtrip over to Southwest Iowa and cheer on the Braves this week!
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The Montezuma Drama Department presents the musical, “Beauty and the Beast” during four performances, Nov. 9, 10 and 16 and 17.
The Saturday shows are slated for 7 p.m. and the Sunday shows are slated for 3 p.m. Snacks will be made available during intermission by the Fine Arts Boosters and Montezuma Floral will be on site to allow families to purchase flowers for their actors, actresses and crew members. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students and are available in advance at Montezuma State Bank and at the door. The musical is under the direction of Kelly Kaup and Liesl Roorda is the musical producer. Show Synopsis The beloved fairytale of “Beauty and the Beast” recounts the story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self. But time is running out. If those lessons aren’t learned soon, the Beast and his household will be doomed for all eternity. Cast Talen Holland - Narrator/Bookseller; Hayley Burnett - Enchantress/Maurice; Easton Hudnut - Young Prince/Villager; Owen Desrochers – Beast; Addyson Probasco – Belle; Abbi Henkle - Villager/Wolf/Napkin; Alanna Hutchinson - Villager/Fork; Brielle Haughey - Marie/Fork; Cael Cheney - Tavern Master/Gargoyle; Carrie-Ann Maxwell - Flower Seller/Gargoyle; Dayton Reif - Baker/Monsieur D’Arque; Ella McGrane -Shepherdess/Plate; Ella Pierce - Laundry Lady/Fork; Grace Burnett - Sausage Curl Lady/Fork; Jacob Meyer - Candlemaker/Candlestick; Lexi Coder - Villager/Plate; Lydia Kramer - Villager/Fork; Nolan Hudnut -Villager/Candlestick; Tinsley Stowell - Villager/Napkin; Addi Ver Meer - Silly Girl; Letisia Wilson - Silly Girl; Lola Miller - Silly Girl; Ryanne Williams - Silly Girl; Marley Stowell - Silly Girl; Bryn Fantazia – Lefou; Ethan Desrochers – Gaston; Jayden Doll – Lumiere; Mya Smothers – Cogsworth; Isaiah Wilson – Chip; Gracie Wilson - Mrs. Potts; Taylor Wilcox – Babette; Tayler Wickham - Madame De La Grande Buche; Addilynn Ross – Wolf; Brea Cheney - Wolf/Napkin; Karley Eichenberger – Wolf; Lily Bushong - Wolf/Napkin; Adalyn Hoskins - Fork/Grand Piano; Alyssa Bos - Napkin/Broom; Amber Hindman – Plate; Annie Mathes -Fork/Footstool; Ava DeWeese - Fork/Vase of Flowers; Eli Ahrens – Candlestick; Hope Tish – Plate; Karlie Mostek – Plate; Makena Stewart – Plate; and Will Rempp – Candlestick. Sound - Carson VanDerHart and Madilyn Icenbice; Stage Crew - Airé Diaz, Aubree DeJoode, Bo Plants, Bryley Garber, Gertie Lally, Jordan O’Hallaran, Madelyn Longfellow and Storie Pitts; Set Construction - Pat Montag, Taylor Wilcox, Addyson Probasco, Chevelle Reilly, Shiressa Wetering, Ava Pargeon, Emily Jo James, Sydney Nicholson, Lacie Longfellow, Solaris Kasper and Kaylin Lang; Lighting Design - Olivia Burnett; Lighting - Elise Mathes, Larry Daniels and Olivia Burnett. John Beck, middle, head coach of the Montezuma Braves, lifts his hat to the Bedford Bulldogs at the end of the game while coach Justin Richards joins in during the awards presentation of the round of 16, 8-man state playoff football game at Montezuma on Friday, Nov. 1. The Bulldogs were up by three points with under two minutes left in the game and their sights set on the win when Montezuma took over the ball. There was some Montezuma magic in the air as the Braves drove down the field, scoring with 10-seconds left to win, 32-28. The win advances Montezuma to the quarterfinals of 8-man state playoff football at Lenox on Thursday, Nov. 7. Game time is 7 p.m. "That's a heck of a team," said Beck of the Bulldogs as the Braves celebrated the come-from-behind win.
Members of the Montezuma FFA Agriculture Communications team were named national champions at the 2024 National FFA Convention and Expo, Oct. 23-26 in Indianapolis. Team members are, from left: Peyton Tindle, alternate; Broox Stockman, Luke Erselius, Claire Erselius and Brady Boulton. By J.O. Parker The Montezuma FFA Chapter Agriculture Communication Career Development Event (CDE) team brought home national championship honors from the 97th National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis. Team members included Brady Boulton, Claire Erselius, Luke Erselius, Broox Stockman and alternate Peyton Tindle. The team’s success earned them a gold emblem rating and each team member was recognized as gold emblem individuals. The National FFA Agricultural Communications CDE is a competitive event that tests students' skills in all areas of the agricultural communications field and evaluates how well they can apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations. Participants attend a simulated news conference and use the information gathered to complete individual practicums in writing, electronic media and design. Prior to the event, students compile media plans related to innovative agricultural practices, management techniques and marketing tools. Each team then creates a 15-minute presentation based on their proposal. Members also compete in an editing exercise and a general communications quiz. This year’s convention was held Oct. 23 – 26. The national championship honor was one of three top five finishes in the nation for the Montezuma FFA Chapter. The Farm and Agribusiness Management Career Development Event (CDE) captured third place honors and a gold rating at this year’s convention. And the Montezuma FFA Conduct of Meetings team finished in fifth place and earned a gold rating at nationals. Farm and Agribusiness Management team members included Bryson Stockman, who finished third individually in the nation; along with Ellen Cook, Madison Cheney and Krista Cheney. The National FFA Farm and Agribusiness Management CDE is designed to test the ability of students to apply economic principles and concepts in analyzing farm and ranch business management decisions. Participants respond to questions concerning economic principles in farm business management as well as a problem-solving analysis section. Each team in the event has competed with other chapters in their state for the privilege of participating in the national event. The Montezuma FFA Conduct of Meetings team included Vivian Cook, Leah Urfer, Sydnee Burgess, Rett Pargeon, Gracie Wilson, Rylee Thompson, Easton Hudnut, Letisia Wilson and AJ Kercheval. Participants of the Conduct of Meetings Leadership Development Event (LDE) are 7th, 8th, and 9th graders who conduct an orderly and efficient chapter meeting using parliamentary procedures. Members also answered questions based upon the team presentation of parliamentary procedure and completed a written exam. Members of the Montezuma FFA Farm and Agribusiness Management team finished third in the nation at the 2024 National FFA Convention and Expo, Oct. 23-26 in Indianapolis. Team members are, from left: Ellen Cook, Madison Cheney, Bryson Stockman, who finished third individually in the nation, and Krista Cheney. Members of the Montezuma FFA Farm and Agribusiness Management team finished third in the nation at the 2024 National FFA Convention and Expo, Oct. 23-26 in Indianapolis. Team members are, from left: Ellen Cook, Madison Cheney, Bryson Stockman, who finished third individually in the nation, and Krista Cheney.
Stacy Helm, left, the new owner of the Monte Motel at 309 N. Front St., is shown with her daughter, Shelby Teumer, who is serving as the motel manager. Future plans are to add one additional room, remodel all rooms, replace the flooring, add a new heating and air conditioning unit, add a laundry, a commons area and outdoor grilling area. The original four rooms of the motel were built by Stacy’s grandfather, Lyle Sanders, and opened in 1951. Sanders helped build the motel in exchange for a house and 80-acres of land in southern Poweshiek County. By J.O. Parker
A long-standing Montezuma overnight destination has a new name and new owner with ties to its early founding. Stacy Helm, owner of the English Valley B&B with her husband, Doug, announced in early October that she had purchased the former Cozy Country Inn at 309 N. Front St., renaming it The Monte Motel. The transition marks a new chapter for the property, with a renewed focus on providing quality accommodations for extended-stay workers, outdoor enthusiasts and traveling guests passing through town. Drawing on her success operating the English Valley B&B, Stacy’s passion for hospitality ensures that both short-term and long-term guests will find a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere at The Monte Motel. “Our goal is to make The Monte Motel feel like a home away from home,” noted Stacy. “We’ve been fortunate to serve a wide range of guests (at our B&B and campground north of Montezuma), including wind turbine workers, pipeline crews, deer, pheasant, and turkey hunters, as well as traveling medical professionals. We’re dedicated to continuing this tradition of service and care at the Monte Motel.” Since purchasing the nine-room motel, Stacy purchased new mattresses for each room from Todd and Jennifer Schuur at Montezuma Floral. “We also collected many old headboards and footboards, including her grandparent’s headboard, and are using them as headboards in the rooms attached directly to the walls,” Stacy said. “We are using quality 1950s, 60s and 70s dressers and end tables I purchased at area resale shops to keep with the vibe.” Stacy said she updated and replaced all pillows and bedding, towels and shower curtains in each room. Vacuums, tools, light bulbs, extension cords and all hardware for the motel was purchased at Hometown Hardware in Montezuma. Future remodel plans Plans are currently in the works to do a full remodel of the motel including a new heating and cooling system, refurbished bathrooms and new flooring installed by Ellis Home Interiors in each room. “After the remodel, there will be 10 total rooms,” said Stacy. Also planned for long-term guests is a new full-access kitchen and commons area and on-site laundry. “We also plan to create an outdoor covered patio with seating as well as an open air patio for grilling with seating,” said Stacy. “For fun, I’m leaving the old phones in the rooms. They are old push button phones with chords, and they work with free local calls.” “There will be a variety of rooms,” Stacy said. “We will offer king sized beds, queen sized beds and rooms with two full sized beds or rooms with a queen and full sized bed.” Included in the remodel is the installation of new Roku smart televisions. “Guests will be able to pre-order a breakfast basket to have in their rooms if they wish,” said Stacy. Stacy’s daughter, Shelby Teumer, is helping manage the motel. The motel also features a security system and a convenient self-check in for all guests when needed. Free wi-fi is also available at the motel. When asked what motived her to purchase the motel, Stacy said she needed more long-term space for her guests at the bed and breakfast, so she decided to ask the owners (who were not managing the motel) if they were interested in selling. On Sept. 6, Doug reached out to the owners and a deal was negotiated and finalized within a month. Thanks to a crew of friends and family who gave the motel a good scrubbing, Stacy welcomed her first guest on Oct. 2. Family ties Stacy said the motel holds a special place in her heart. Her grandfather, Lyle Sanders, helped build the motel for the Edgar Gilbert family in 1951. It started out as a four-room unit with additional rooms added later to make it L-shaped. “The motel was a unique project where farm ground was traded for labor,” said Stacy. “The Gilberts offered Grandpa Lyle an 80-acre farm south of Montezuma, near the Mahaska County line. That farm included a house and pear tree.” “My grandparents later moved the house to an adjacent farm that they had acquired, and that’s where I grew up,” added Stacy. “This was the beginning of the Sanders farming operation, which was passed down to my parents, Larry Sanders and Linda (Sanders) Dodds, and now continues with my brother, Loren Sanders and me.” Stacy said the original farm, which she calls the Sanders Pear Tree Farm, is still thriving today – and the pear tree still bears fruit. “It feels like I’ve come full circle now, owning both sides of that 1950s transaction,” she said. For more information, visit www.montemotel.comor call 641-623-3663 or 641-623-5505 to inquire about nightly and weekly rates and booking. The Montezuma Dance Team will be hosting our Community Showcase on Sunday, Nov. 3 at 3 p.m. in the Montezuma Schools North Gym! This is open to anybody and everybody who would like to come support the dance team or the Be Brave Dancers, who some will be performing their competition routines! Come hang out with us.
The Montezuma Braves get one more home game on Badger-Gabriel Field!! They will host Bedford in the second round of the state football playoffs on Friday, Nov. 1 at 7pm. Tickets will need to be purchased via Hometown tickets just like this past week. Let’s come out in BIG numbers and cheer on our Braves!!
Family members of Montezuma's kicker, Alex Becerril, number 31, show their support from the sidelines at the playoff game against Winfield-Mount Union on Friday, Oct. 25. Becerril went 7-9 in the PAT category for the night with one blocked kick, helping lead the Braves to a 61-54 win. The Braves will play Bedford in round 2 of the playoffs on Friday, Nov. 1 at home. Game time is 7 p.m.
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