Montezuma’s ‘Go Bravettes & Braves’ 1973 pink, blue and white tilt cab truck was a fixture at state basketball games in the 1990s. The truck featured blue truck lights around the ‘Go Bravettes & Braves’ that where powered by a generator. Rick Warden of Montezuma, who worked at Vannoys at the time, helped paint the truck and also drove it to Des Moines during state tournament games and parked it on the northwest corner of Veteran’s Memorial parking lot. Originally, the front of the truck over the cab featured the words, ‘Basketball Capitol of Iowa, Montezuma.’ It was changed when the 1990 team won the state tournament. Photo courtsey of Doug and Deb Ver Meer at Vannoy Chevrolet.

By J.O. Parker 
         Montezuma has a long history of basketball success and memories.
        One of those memories is the pink, blue and white painted 1973 Vannoy Chevrolet tilt cab box truck. 
    “We drove the truck to the state tournaments and parked it in the northwest corner of Veteran’s Auditorium parking lot,” recalled Doug Ver Meer, owner of the local Chevrolet dealership. 
         Ver Meer said painting the truck came about on a whim. 
        “One day we decided to paint the truck pink,” recalled Ver Meer. “We then decided to paint ‘Go Bravettes & Braves’ and ‘The Heartbeat of Montezuma,’ on the sides of the truck.”
         The word Heartbeat was painted pink and the rest of the words were painted blue. 
         “We had blue lights on the Go Bravettes & Braves,” recalled Ver Meer. 
         The dealership used blue colored truck lights. 
         The truck cab was painted pink. 
        “It took a long time to put the lights on and paint it,” said Rick Warden of Montezuma, who worked as a mechanic at Vannoys and helped with the truck project. 
         The lights were powered with a generator. 
     Originally, the front of the truck box over the cab featured the words, ‘Basketball Capital of Iowa, Montezuma.’
       When the 1990 Montezuma Boys team won the Class 1A basketball championship, the words on the front of the truck were changed to, ‘1-A Champs 90’.” 
       Warden recalled one time when the truck got stuck in gear and broke down in the Veteran’s Auditorium parking lot. 
        “I had to unload all the kids riding in the cab with me and tilt the cab and work on the transmission in the parking lot,” he said. “It was cold outside.” 
       Ver Meer said he bought a bunch of pink hats one year and anyone who went to the games at Veteran’s Auditorium got one. 
        The hats had, “Heartbeat of Montezuma and the Vannoy Chevrolet emblem on them.” 
        “We had a lot of fun,” Ver Meer said of those early days. 
     “It was a lot of fun,” added Warden. “That truck was old and worn out, but we made it to Veteran’s Auditorium several times.” 
        Ver Meer said they kept the truck on the lot and later sold it. 
        “I’ve been on the lookout for it ever since,” said Ver Meer. “I heard it might be in Tama County.”

        The Montezuma Bravettes’s 2024-25 basketball season came to an end on Wednesday, March 5 in a tough, 69-31, loss to the Algona Bishop-Garringan Golden Bears at the IGHSAU State Basketball Tournament. The Bravettes finished the season with a 19-6 overall record and first place finish in the SICL. Pictured are, from left, front row: Mya Smothers, Rylee Thompson, Claire Erselius, Shiressa Wetering, Ellen Cook, Vivian Cook, Alexa Rose. Back row: Ryanne Williams, Sydnee Burgess, Khloe Krouse, Leticia Wilson, Sophia Semprini, Lindsey Henry and Lauryn Larmore.

By J.O. Parker
 
        Losing at state basketball is tough to swallow.
        Getting there is even tougher.
       And for Montezuma, this year marked their sixth trip to the girls’ state basketball tournament in the past eight years. All-totaled, the Bravettes have taken their game to Des Moines 17 times.
        The Bravettes struggled in most phases of the Class 1A quarterfinal state basketball game on Wednesday, March 5 at Wells Fargo Arena to a deep Algona Bishop-Garrigan Golden Bears team, falling 69-31.
       Montezuma output was the lowest of the season. The Bravettes had been averaging 58.2 points per game throughout the regular season and playoffs.
        Coach Janel Burgess said following the game that she thought the team did compete in some capacity.
      “But you just can’t turn the ball over the way we did,” she said. “We just kept baiting ourselves to the sidelines and ultimately you can’t commit the turnovers.”
        “You can’t go and shoot 29 percent from the field and only 6 percent from the three-point line,” Burgess added. “We only had one (three pointer in the game). Which anybody who plays Montezuma knows you got to keep us off the three point line because if we get settled in, we’re in pretty good shape.
      “Defensively, I thought we knew what we needed to do. But you can’t give up second chance opportunities and transition buckets off of turnovers. And you got to look at points in the paint, 28, 26 off of turnovers. I mean, boom, that’s just it. That hurts.”
         Seniors Shiressa Wetering and Ellen Cook were top scorers in the game. Wetering finished with 11 points and 6 rebounds while Cook finished with 9 points and 5 rebounds.
         Burgess was quick to praise the team, saying these kids played and they developed throughout the year.
“They played for each other,” said Burgess. “They played for a purpose bigger than just themselves. To be able to finish here (at state) is a wonderful accomplishment. We played a really unique schedule that was hard for us and I thought we had to overcome some of that adversary of mind over matter. But really proud of just these two seniors and what our youthfulness did as we grew throughout the year. We need to develop. We need to get deeper as a team. We can’t be five deep or six deep. I mean, we need to be able to compete. You can see where the game is changing. It’s a full court game at this point in time and we have not adjusted to that for a variety of reasons. I think we can in the future but we weren’t quite ready for that yet.”
        And as for the future, Sydney Burgess, Vivian Cook, Claire Erselius and Lauren Larmore and the rest of the bench will be back wearing a blue and white uniform next season.
       “We are going to have to find two or three kids who are ready to put in some time to get themselves better because we have skills that we have to get better,” noted Burgess.
        The Bravettes wrapped up the 2024-25 campaign with a 19-6 overall record and first place finish in SICL Conference play.
        The only conference loss came early in the season to North Mahaska. The team’s other losses came at the hands of bigger 2A schools, Pella Christian, Maquoketa Valley, PCM and Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont.
Maquoketa Valley, Eddyville- Blakesburg-Fremont and North Mahaska all made state appearances.
       And as for seniors Wetering and Cook, the future is looking bright. Cook will be attending Drake University in the fall where she will run cross country and track. She plans to major in biology on the pre-dental track.
Wetering will be hitting the books in the fall at UNI.
       When asked about the season, Wetering said it definitely wasn’t how we wanted it to go.
      “But it was a really fun ride,” she said. “It’s just great to be back here (at state). It was such a blessing for everyone who came out here to support us.”
       When asked what advice she gives to the younger team members, Wetering said to give it your all.
      “Keep being your best and work hard every day at practice,” she said.
Cook said the community support has been amazing.
     “All those people who drove up today in the weather just shows it all,” said Cook. “I have just enjoyed having our community by us every step of the way.”

      Montezuma's Trey Shearer, a senior at Truman State University in Kirksville, Mo., and another Bulldog player, chase after a loose ball in a game against Maryville University on Feb. 20. Shearer and company won the game, 92-78.

By J.O. Parker
 
      Montezuma’s Trey Shearer could fill an office wall with all of his basketball accolades and sports honors, including leading the Braves to a Class 1A state basketball championship in 2021, his senior year in high school.
       But for Shearer, the biggest honor has been the family support along the way.
    From youth basketball to AAU, junior high, varsity, travel ball and college basketball at Truman State University, Shearer said his family has been a guiding light and his biggest fans.
     His parents, J.R. and Kara, and other family members travel the 2.5 hours from Montezuma to Kirksville, Mo., sometimes twice weekly, to support Shearer and his Bulldog teammates. They have also attended away games in Ohio, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, South Dakota, Illinois and across Missouri.
      “I have been extremely lucky to have the family support that I have received from my parents, my brother, and other family since being at Truman State,” noted Shearer. “My parents have only missed a handful of my college games, and they do everything they can to come and support the team. My parents have made so many sacrifices to help me be successful, and I cannot thank them enough for that.”
      “We are so unbelievably proud of Trey and his teammates on everything they have accomplished over the years,” said J.R. “From traveling all over the country for AAU basketball, watching Montezuma win a high school championship, and then on to college has been a dream come true for all of us. 
      “Playing collegiate sports while maintaining grades and keeping up on your schedule is a full-time job and very difficult,” J.R. went on to say. “Trey has worked so hard to accomplish his goals throughout all levels of sports. It's actually hard to believe sometimes. In his four years at Truman, he has attained his undergrad in business administration and will earn his masters in organizational leadership in May, while holding close to a 4.0 GPA and playing more than 100 collegiate basketball games. It's been a heck of a ride for sure, and we're so grateful that we were able to be a part of it.”
      Shearer capped off his four-year career on the hardwood at Truman State University in a first round loss to Upper Iowa University on March 6 at the GLVC (Great Lakes Valley Conference) tournament held at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Mo.
     And for the future, Shearer plans to return to Iowa and find a job in business, management or a leadership role in an organization.
      “I would also like to get into some form of coaching once I am graduated as well,” he said.
     When asked what he has enjoyed the most about his basketball career at Truman State, Shearer said, his teammates.
    “Every year I have been here, the team is always close, and everyone genuinely gets along great,” noted Shearer. “My teammates have made my time here extra special.”
     Some highlights at Truman State his senior year included hitting the game winning three pointer against Northeastern State in November.
      He finished the year with 68 three-point baskets made and scored 20 points against Findlay University and chipped in 21 points in a win over the University of Indianapolis late in the season. Sharer had other games with 15, 16 and 17 points scored. He appeared in 27 of 29 games this season and was a starter in all 27 games. He averaged 31.3 minutes of playing time per game.
     His freshman year, Shearer appeared in 23 games, starting in 6. He averaged 14.5 minutes and 3.7 points per game, with his season high being 12 points against Missouri Southern State.
     He played in 28 games his sophomore season, starting in 26 and averaging 27.4 minutes per game. He scored double-digits 8 times and received Academic All-Conference honors.
     His junior campaign, Shearer was Truman’s leading scorer with 12.8 points per game and was the top three-point shooter with 64 made baskets. He earned second team all-GLVC honors and scored in double figures in 18 games with more than 20 points in four contests. His single game high was 28 against Upper Iowa. Shearer was a College Sports Communicators Academic All-District selection and named to the Academic All-GLVC team that year.
      Shearer played basketball, football and golf at Montezuma where he started varsity all four years of his prep career. On the hardwood, Shearer averaged 25 points, 5 assists and 5 rebounds per game. He was named All State three times, All Conference four times and won a state championship in basketball in 2021.     He was a two time All State in football and a member of the National Honor Society.
       When asked about the time he spends in the gym and weight room during the regular season, Shearer said around 12 hours in the gym each week and around two hours in the weight room.
       “In the fall, before the full regular season kicks off, we spend more hours lifting,” said Shearer. “Those 12 hours in the gym consist of practices, film sessions, and two games each week.”
      As for game rituals, Shearer said he didn’t have any specific pre-game rituals, but he does like to eat at Subway before a game.
       “I have eaten Subway before games since I was a freshman in high school,” he said.
       As for the game of basketball, Shearer said he has always loved the sport.
      “I love competing and trying to get better every day, and basketball has always been my favorite sport to play,” he said.
      When asked for his thoughts on playing multiple sports at Montezuma and how it helped him in college, Shearer said playing sports like football and track made him stronger, quicker and helped him prepare for the next level.
       “I think every student athlete should play multiple sports and take advantage of those opportunities when they are given them,” he said.
      When asked what it meant to be coached by Jeff Horner and staff, Shearer said he is grateful that they gave him an opportunity to come to Truman State and allowed him to play basketball. 
       “I have learned so much about the sport, but also about life, since joining the team,” he said.

       The Montezuma Sons of American Legion joined forces and served up a delicious pancake breakfast with sausage, eggs, and a variety of drinks to area residents on Sunday, March 4 at the Montezuma Memorial Hall. Pictured are, from left, front row: Roger Schroeder, Mike Phillips, Ron Hensel, Harold Wheeler, Caleb Latcham, Gordon Alexander. Back row: Tom Tish, Ron Urfer, Brian Watts, Kevin Osborn, Ron Huth, Tom Kriegel, Casey Dezwarte, Mark Philips and Kevin Carl. Not pictured was Mike Mahaffey.

        Montezuma firefighter and pancake cooker, Andy McCulley, serves two pancakes to Ron Willrich during the annual Montezuma Sweetheart Breakfast held on a cold Sunday, Feb. 16. The annual event is a fundraiser for the volunteer department.

Tara Thomas - Faith and Four Letter Words

​By J.O. Parker
 
        Tara Thomas and Amanda Goodman are bringing their speaking series, “Faith and Four Letter Words,” to the Malcom American Legion Hall on Wednesday, April 16.
      Through humor and raw honesty, Thomas and Goodman want to empower other women to find their voice and never apologize for using it.
        The event is being hosted by Katy Calkins of Brooklyn.
This is a ticketed event. All attendees need to purchase a ticket to attend. Tickets are $35 each and can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/.../faith-four-letter-words... 
        Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. to shop from local, women-owned businesses. Cash bar will be available and a loose meat sandwich meal with sides will be available to purchase for supper. The meal benefits the Malcom American Legion. Tara and Amanda will take the stage promptly at 6 p.m. and will wrap up at 8 p.m. 
      The duo of Thomas and Goodman have what they call a “unicorn friendship.” One's departure from the boys' club was led by faith, the other was led by four-letter words.
       Thomas is the communications director for Waterloo Pubic Schools. For nearly 20 years prior, she was a television news anchor and reporter for KWWL in Waterloo and stations in Yakima, Wash., and Mason City. Her baby steps blog chronicling her family’s ups and downs became a popular way for eastern Iowa viewers to connect with her.
        Goodman is the executive director of Family & Children’s Council, an agency devoted to preventing child abuse. Because of her outspoken determination to keep every child safe, she was recently named Child Advocate of the Year. Goodman is an Emmy Award winning journalist who worked in television news for nearly two decades in four different states. She started writing a popular blog that pulls the rug out on community issues, motherhood, and being a woman constantly under the microscope.

Amanda Goodman - Faith and Four Letter Words

​     Richard "Rich" Hicks, 88, of Denver, died Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the Denver Sunset Home in Denver.    
     Rich was born August 3, 1936, in Grinnell, Iowa, the son of Clifford and Byrdie (Byers) Hicks. In 1955, he entered the United States Army where he served on the east coast at the Nike Missile Base, Chesapeake Bay, Maryland. While on leave he married Beverly Johnston in Montezuma, Iowa, on October 16, 1955. He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1957.  He graduated from Iowa State University in 1964 with a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. He then went to work for Rockwell Collins, Schumacher Elevator and retired from John Deere in 1998.
     Rich was a longtime member of Saint Paul United Church of Christ in Denver where he sang in the church choir. He was a member of the Acker-Matthias Legion Post #653 in Denver for many years. Rich served on the Hawkeye Community College Advisory Council for Engineering. He loved to tinker with all sorts of electronic gadgets and could often be found fixing or inventing things. He loved the outdoors, especially fishing, boating and camping. He was famous for his story telling, pranking his grandsons and being extra sweet to his granddaughters. His greatest joy in life came from his family, he especially liked attending and supporting his grandchildren at their events.
     Rich is survived by his wife, Beverly, four children; Brenda (Keith) Heidemann of Denver, Nancy (Craig) Smolley of Wyoming, MN, Tom (Tammy) Hicks of Denver and Kari (Brent) Matthias of Indianola, 12 grandchildren: Shane (Jessie) Heidemann, Jason Heidemann, Jeremy (Bethany) Heidemann, Stacey Larsen, Erica (Bryce) Siemback, Danielle Hicks, Joseph Hicks, Reece Harrenstein, Brenden Matthias, Kali Matthias, Kira Matthias and Keela Matthias, ten great grandchildren, one sister, Harriett Norem of Iowa Falls and a sister-in-law, Lee Hicks of Port St. Lucie, FL. He is preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Stanley Hicks.
     Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Saint Paul United Church of Christ in Denver. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 28, at the church with a visitation one hour prior. The service will be livestreamed on the Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home YouTube page. Burial with military rites will be held in the Fairview Cemetery in Denver by the Acker-Matthias American Legion Post #653. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family for a later designation. Online condolences may be left at kaisercorson.com.
     Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home in Denver is in charge of arrangements. 319-352-1187

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