Grinnell Community Theatre is proud to present HELP! A Trio of Comedic One-Acts. Directed by Alexis Steele along with assistant director Alicia Stanley, HELP! A Trio of Comedic One-Acts will be presented at the Loft Theatre at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, July 14 and 15, and 2 p.m. Sunday, July 16. Tickets now on sale. You can buy them available at the Grinnell Arts Center, online at grinnellarts.org, or at the door.
0 Comments
Get your Funny Money tickets today!! Pick your seats, purchase your tickets, and kick back knowing your favorite view is reserved just for you! Only $15 for students or $20 for adults.
Friday, July 21 (7PM): https://FunnyMoneyFriday.eventbrite.com Saturday, July 22 (7PM): https://FunnyMoneySaturday.eventbrite.com Sunday, July 23 (2PM): https://FunnyMoneySunday.eventbrite.com Jordan Ranfeld of Malcom reacts to being named the 2023 Poweshiek County Fair Queen during the Extreme Bull Riding event at the county fairgrounds on Saturday, July 8. Ireland Sebetka, the 2022 Poweshiek County Fair Queen, approaches to hand Jordan her queen sash, crown and bouquet of roses while her mother, Sara Hibbard-Ranfeld, shares in the moment. Jordan Ranfeld, center, the 2023 Poweshiek County Fair Queen, is joined by her court. From left, Lexi Kephart, Megan Mauss, Anna Johnson, first runner up; and the 2022 Poweshiek County Fair Queen, Ireland Sebetka. Ranfeld also received Miss Congeniality honors. Jordan Ranfeld, the 2023 Poweshiek County Fair Queen, is joined by Ireland Sebetka, the 2022 Poweshiek County Fair Queen, following the crowning ceremony. Jordan Ranfeld, the 2023 Poweshiek County Fair Queen, is joined by her mother, Sara Hibbard-Ranfeld, following the crowning ceremony on Saturday, July 8.
By J.O. Parker
Four young ladies representing Brooklyn, Grinnell and Malcom are seeking the title of the 2023 Poweshiek County Fair Queen. New this year, the fair queen judging will be done in Heritage Park on Saturday, July 8 and is closed to the public. The new queen will be will be crowned during the bull ride intermission later that evening. The candidates are: Anna Johnson, Brooklyn; Lexi Kephart, Grinnell; Megan Mauss, Grinnell and Jordan Ranfeld, Malcom. Following is a brief overview of each candidate: Anna Johnson – Anna, 16, the daughter of Robert and Krystal Johnson, will be entering her senior year in the fall. Anna lives in Brooklyn and is homeschooled. Anna works at Brooklyn Vet Clinic. Her activities are teaching Taekwondo, helping with after school 4-H Cover Kids programing and participating in Nature Club. She is also president of her 4-H Club. Her hobbies and special interests are playing the piano and spending time with her animals. Her future plans are to attend vet tech/veterinarian school. When asked why she decided to run for queen, Anna said to be a role model to young kids and encourage them to try something new. “It is OK to step out of our comfort zone sometimes and try something new,” she said. Lexi Kephart – Lexi, 15, is the daughter of Steve Kephart and Emina Omanovic-Kephart of Grinnell. Lexi will be a junior at Grinnell High School in the fall. She is employed as a housekeeper and breakfast attendant at County Inn & Suites in Grinnell. Her current activities are FFA, high school wrestling, and participating in rabbit and cavy shows through the ARBA (American Rabbit Breeders Association) and ACBA (American Cavy Breeders Association). Lexi’s hobbies and special interests include horseback riding, mentoring other youth rabbit and cavy breeders, welding, working on vehicles, showing horses, cavies and rabbits as well as breeding them and participating in public speaking events through FFA. As for her future, Lexi plans to attend trade school and learn pipe welding. She also wants to become a rabbit and horse judge and possibly relocate to Wyoming. When asked why she would like to be the 2023 county fair queen, Lexi said she wants to show young girls that you don’t have to be a certain way to win. “And wearing a dress for a short amount of time can offer lifelong opportunities,” she said. Megan Mauss – Megan, 20, is the daughter of Dan and Nicole Mauss of rural Grinnell. She is a 2021 graduate of Grinnell High School. Megan works at WinMor Farms in Grinnell. Her activities include FFA, participating in the Iowa Swine Jackpot Series, serving as a Junior Board member and attending St. Mary’s Catholic Church. She is also a member of the National Junior Swine Association. Her hobbies include hanging out with friends/family, and showing her pigs. Her future plans are to pursue a career in the swine industry and also help future youth showman. When asked why she decided to run for queen, Megan said being a role model for others. “I would love to represent at the state level, and be a positive role model to the kids in our county and throughout the state. Jordan Ranfeld – Jordan, 17, is the daughter of Shawn Ranfeld, Deep River, and Sara Hibbard-Ranfeld, Malcom. Jordan will be entering her senior year at Montezuma High School in the fall. She is currently working for her dad and at a local care facility. Her activities include basketball, softball, volleyball, FFA and showing cattle. Her hobbies and special interests are helping on the farm, playing sports, being with friends, gardening, planting and working in the FFA Greenhouse and playing card games with family. Jordan’s future plans are to become an ultrasound technician, return home and help on the farm and raise a family. When asked why she decided to run for queen, Jordan said for the leadership role aspect of being queen. “I believe it’s a great learning opportunity for me and I would be a great role model for others.” Little Miss Crowning Six young girls are vying for the Little Miss Crowning, which will take place on Thursday, July 13 in the showring following the animal costume contest. Those participating are Emma Asberry, 6, daughter of Bailey and Josh Asberry, Grinnell; Abigail Bradshaw, 7, daughter of Kati and Kevin Bradshaw, Deep River; Tillie Roberts, 7, daughter of Trace and Cassie Roberts, Deep River; Hallie Puls, 7, daughter of Marie and Harley Puls, Grinnell; Malia Hay, 8, daughter of Marlo and Sarah Hay, Lynnville and Kaylee Bushong, 8, daughter of Lucas and Nichole Bushong, Montezuma. Des Moines based RetroSpect will kick off their set at 11:45 a.m. on Thursday, July 27. This five-piece Iowa favorite is a celebration of Pop, Rock and R&B music from the 70's and 80's. RetroSpect’s setlist is designed to make you sway, dance and sing along! Live music will take the Central Park Stage beginning at 10 a.m. with Too Many String Band. The RAGBRAI Grinnell Committee is excited to announce the entertainment lineup for Thursday, July 27. Grinnell is the final pass through community on Day 5 of the 2023 RAGBRAI route. Riders will be hosted in Grinnell’s Central Park during their stop. Live music will take place on the stage in Central Park starting at 10 a.m. with Too Many String Band. A Grinnell institution, the Too Many String Band performs a medley of folk classics and originals. The eclectic mix of musicians includes a cross-section of Grinnellians, from college professors to insurance professionals, who all come together for a love of music and community. From 11 - 11:30 a.m. Turlach Ur Pipe Band will start their first of two performances for the day. With a roster of more than 30 pipers and drummers, Turlach Ur is the largest pipe band in Iowa. They perform all over the Midwest and even as far as Los Angeles, Chicago and even Glasgow, Scotland. Turlach Ur Pipe Band will perform a second set at 2 p.m. Des Moines based RetroSpect will kick off their set at 11:45 a.m. This five piece Iowa favorite is a celebration of Pop, Rock and R&B music from the 70's and 80's. RetroSpect’s setlist is designed to make you sway, dance and sing along! Starting at 1 p.m. Jake Simon will hit the stage. Jake is a Grinnell native who has been touring the Midwest for years as an up-and-coming country music artist. From his first top 40 hit on Music Row Country Breakout chart "I Still Think About You", to his newest single "If It Was Still Summer," Jake's music is the perfect soundtrack to a summer afternoon. Wrapping up the afternoon from 3 - 4:30 PM is a local legend and area favorite - Whiplash! Performing classic rock hits from the '80's and '90's, this band will have riders ready to rock the last part of the ride to Tama. All start times are subject to change. Grinnellians and area residents are invited downtown to join in on the RAGBRAI festivities. More information about parking for residents interested in attending will be forthcoming. Stay up to date on all of the announcements and plans for RAGBRAI Grinnell via the official website www.ragbraigrinnell.com and by following on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ragbraigrinnell or on Instagram @ragbraigrinnell. More announcements will be made as plans and details are finalized. The Grinnell RAGBRAI festivities are sponsored by Bayer Crop Science, Claude & Dolly Ahrens Foundation, Grinnell Mutual, McClure, Re/Max Partners Realty, and First Interstate Bank, UnityPoint Health - Grinnell. The Grinnell RAGBRAI Committee is co-chaired by Jennifer Cogley, Katy Wells and Rachael Kinnick. Committee members include: Ashley Rozendaal, Austin Jones, Brian Paul, Carl Eggermont, Craig Cooper, Hannah O'Polka, Heather Cox, James Kaup, Jen Adams, Jess Dawson, John Cox, Jordan Allsup, Kendra Vincent, Laura Ferguson, Laura Manatt, Marissa Pronschinske, Matt Karjahlati, Matt Moyer, Michael McClelland, Mollie O'Dell, Monica St. Angelo, Patrick Duffey, Rachel Hansen, Sarah Smith, Steve Langerud, Susie Pickhardt, Tammy Jones, Tim Ellsworth, and Trent Arment. Grinnellians are encouraged to reach out to any committee member to learn more and get involved. Starting at 1 p.m. Jake Simon will hit the stage. Jake is a Grinnell native who has been touring the Midwest for years as an up-and-coming country music artist. From his first top 40 hit on Music Row Country Breakout chart "I Still Think About You", to his newest single "If It Was Still Summer," Jake's music is the perfect soundtrack to a summer afternoon. Wrapping up the afternoon from 3 - 4:30 PM is a local legend and area favorite - Whiplash! Performing classic rock hits from the '80's and '90's, this band will have riders ready to rock the last part of the ride to Tama.
One of the three tractors sits among a pile of scrap metal from the fire that destroyed an agriculture building at Bear Creek Dairy north of Brooklyn on Tuesday, June 27. Nine fire departments and other emergency personal were on the scene most of the night fighting the fire. By J.O. Parker Jan and Dorine Boelen, owners of Bear Creek Dairy north of Brooklyn, are counting their blessings following a fire late last month that destroyed an agriculture building and other equipment on their property. The fire was reported at around 9:10 p.m. on Tuesday, June 27. Bear Creek Dairy is located at 1582 370th Ave., Brooklyn. The Brooklyn Fire Department began immediately requesting mutual aid from neighboring departments. The fire was contained to a 180-foot by 120-foot building. No other buildings were damaged in the fire. Helping Brooklyn fight the fire were fire departments from Chelsea, Victor, Hartwick, Deep River, Malcom, Montezuma, Searsboro and Grinnell. Also on the scene were East Poweshiek Ambulance, Poweshiek County Emergency Management, Poweshiek County Sheriff’s Office, Seaton Construction of Deep River, who provided an excavator to assist with operations and TIP/REC who provided assistance with power. It was reported that emergency personnel were on the scene most of the night, many returning home in time to leave for their day jobs. One firefighter was transported, treated and released with minor injuries. No other injuries or damages to civilians or animals was reported. The building and contents were a complete loss and early estimates set the damage at more than one million dollars. Dorine said the building housed hay, straw, three tractors, including a late 60s Volvo BM tractor, two grain wagons, other agriculture equipment, tools, spare parts and supplies. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined. “We are forever grateful for the fire departments and emergency responders who came from everywhere,” said Dorine. “The outpouring and the support and prayers of the community is unbelievable.” Dorine said area residents provided snacks, food and water for the emergency personnel during the fire. Others have provided hay, straw and support since the fire. Plans are to replace the building, along with the tractors and other agriculture equipment. The Boelen family has operated the dairy farm since 2009. It was first constructed in 2006. The dairy milks 1,700 cows three times daily and is in operation with two shifts 23-hours a day. Sixteen full-time workers are employed at the dairy along with a host of summer helpers. The dairy produces three bulk tanks of milk daily, which is purchased by Prairie Farms Dairy. “There’s a silver lining in everything,” said Dorine. “No one was hurt and we didn’t lose any animals. We are so thankful for everyone’s help.” Burnt tool boxes and other equipment remain following a fire that destroyed an agriculture building and equipment at Bear Creek Dairy north of Brooklyn on Tuesday, June 27. Nine fire departments and other emergency personal were on the scene most of the night fighting the fire. Damaged equipment waits to be loaded into dumpsters and hauled to the scrapyard following a fire on Tuesday, June 27 that destroyed an agriculture building at Bear Creek Dairy north of Brooklyn. Nine fire departments and other emergency personal were on the scene most of the night fighting the fire.
By J.O. Parker
Nekiah Halsted, RN, a UnityPoint Health-Grinnell Regional Medical Center float nurse team member, has been recognized with The DAISY Award. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care that nurses provide patients and families every day. Halsted, who was working in the intensive care unit at GRMC, was surprised with an award presentation by her manager, team members and the patient who nominated her during Nurses’ Week, May 6 – 12. “I am over the moon to have received the Daisy Award,” said Halsted. “It means that I have provided outstanding care for a patient or their family, and I am honored to know that the patient who nominated me felt I was worthy of such an award. I spend my work days just loving and caring for my patients, and know that being a nurse was my calling. I could never see myself doing anything else.” Halsted is an 18-year veteran of the nursing profession who has been at Grinnell since January 2022. She was originally an employee of a travel company, but most recently joined the UPH Enterprise Float Pool. “I am a UPH employee but this position allows me to have set assignments throughout different regions, building my knowledge within communities of Unity Point,” noted Halsted. “I have loved my time here at Grinnell, they have an amazing establishment, and truly care for their employees, their patients and their families.” An excerpt from the patient nomination reads, "During my stay at GRMC, Halsted was my caregiver, voice of reason, communicator and patient advisor. Halsted was one of the best around-the-clock, finest nurses I had by my bedside, giving complete comfort and wonderful kindness. To me, Halsted is a guardian angel.” “Seeing the patient who nominated me and my team members standing there was surreal,” noted Halsted. “It truly inspired me and reminded me that what I do really matters. There will never be enough thank you’s for how grateful I am to GRMC and UnityPoint Health for giving me the opportunity to follow my passion in caring for others.” When asked what led her to entering the nursing field, Nurse Halsted said she had already previously been attending school, and had actually received her AA Degree in General Education. “At the time, I was a single mother of two daughters, and decided that I would like to go back to school to earn my nursing degree,” she said. “My family is quite a medical family, and I for sure have my mom to thank for my love of nursing. She was an outstanding nurse, who took such good care of her residents. She was an inspiration.” “Halsted has been a huge asset to our GRMC team,” said Laura Juel, Vice President of Nursing & Clinical Services, RN, MSN, NEA-BC. “As a floating team member of UnityPoint Health, we are thankful that she has the skills, values and passion to serve our patients and communities in the way they deserve.” Currently, Grinnell is the only hospital where Halsted has worked as a float nurse. Prior to that, she spent 16 years in Marshalltown. She is a graduate of the nursing program at Marshalltown Community College. Halsted has lived in Marshalltown most of her life. She is a mother of six children, ages 23, 21, 18, 14, eight and four. “We are constantly on the go,” Halsted said of her and her family. “We love to go to the pool, baseball games, go the park, and do anything that entails us spending time together. I always say some day we will have just one day that we can stay home, and not have to go anywhere! Then of course, maybe that would be a boring day.” Once she finishes her assignment in Grinnell, Halsted will be going to Des Moines for her next assignment. “I would just like the town of Grinnell to know what a gem of a hospital they have in their community, and that I have been blessed to be given this chance to spend my work days here,” said Halsted. The DAISY Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes by members of his family. Barnes died in 1999 at the age of 33 from complications of an auto-immune disease. DAISY is an acronym for “diseases attacking the immune system.” “The Best Week in Poweshiek” is the theme of the 2023 Poweshiek County Fair. The fair opens on Saturday, July 8 with conference judging followed that evening with the annual Extreme Bull Riding event.
And new this year, the 2023 Poweshiek County Fair Queen will be crowned during the bull ride intermission. The main portion of the fair gets underway on Tuesday, July 11 with open class judging from 4 – 8 p.m. New additions this year include POWERshiek Farm Tractor Pull and Barn Yard Games on Wednesday, July 12; Dirt Dog Digger Excavator Contest for 21 and over on Thursday, July 13; and Fire Fighter Games on Friday, July 14 Supreme Showman Competition returns for a second year at 1 p.m. on Sunday, July 16. The contest is for the best overall showman of the five animal species – beef, sheep, goats, swine and horses. Be sure and check the updated Fair schedule at poweshiekcountyfair.org for info and times on when animals being shown need to arrive and be checked in at the fairgrounds. Following is a current schedule: Saturday, July 8 9 a.m. - Bottle Calf and Bottle Lamb Conference Judging – Exhibit building; Bake Sale/Food Projects 9 – 11 a.m. – Pets Division Judging 9 a.m. – Noon – Horticulture Conference Judging 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Conference Judging of Static Exhibits (exhibits should arrive no later than 1:30 p.m.) 9 a.m. – Clover Kids arrive for judging 2 p.m. – Fair Queen Contest Judging – Heritage Park Buildings (closed to the public) 5 p.m. – Bull Ride Gates and Concessions Open 7 p.m. – Extreme Bull Riding Event Bull Ride Intermission – Crowning of the 2023 Poweshiek County Fair Queen Tuesday, July 11 4 – 6 p.m. – Bucket of Junk Projects accepted 4 – 7 p.m. – Non-Livestock Open Class Entries accepted (please no early entries) 4 – 8 p.m. – Non-Livestock Open Class Entries judged Wednesday, July 12 – Fair Sponsors Day 7 – 9 a.m. – Farm Bureau Sponsored Exhibitor and Family Breakfast 8 a.m. - 4-H/FFA Dog Agility Show – 30 minutes following Agility will be Obedience classes in the Showring 9 – 11 a.m. – Farm Safety Activity 1 p.m. – Clover Kids Rabbit Show followed by 4-H/FFA Rabbit Show – Tent 2 p.m. - Games sponsored by the Fun Committee 2 – 3 p.m. – Community First Credit Union Kiddie Train – free rides west of the Exhibit Building 4 p.m. – Clover Kids Poultry Show followed by the 4-H/FFA Poultry Show – Showring 6 p.m. - POWERshiek Farm Tractor Pull – North End of Fairgrounds 8 p.m. – Barn Yard Games – Horse Arena Thursday, July 13 – Health Care Workers Day 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. 9 a.m. – Skill-A-Thon – Poweshiek County Extension 9 – 11 a.m. – Farm Safety Activity 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Heritage Park activities 1 p.m. – Scavenger Hunt – Poweshiek County 4-H Youth Council 2 p.m. – Games sponsored by the Fun Committee 2 – 5 p.m. – Poweshiek County Conservation Shooting Sports Trailer 5 p.m. – Animal Costume Contest – Showring Following Costume Contest – Crowning of Senior King and Queen and three Little Misses, followed by Joke Telling Contest 6 p.m. – Dirt Dog Digger Excavator Contest – North of Exhibit Building (21 plus to participate 7:30 p.m. – Fashion Show, Community Awards and Hall of Fame announcements 8 p.m. – Bill Riley Talent Show - Showring Friday, July 14 – Fire Fighters/EMS/Law Enforcement Day 8 a.m. – 4-H/FFA Swine Show followed by the Piglet Show 9 – 11 a.m. – Farm Safety Activity 10:30 a.m.- Noon - Art On the Patio with Tilly Woodward and Library At the Fair on the Patio 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Heritage Park activities 2 p.m. – Horse Show Select Game Classes 2 p.m. – Games sponsored by the Fun Committee 5 – 7 p.m. – Key Cooperative Sponsored Dinner (for exhibitors & immediate family) 5 – 7 p.m. – Ice Cream Social (on the patio) – Poweshiek County 4-H Youth Council 6 p.m. – Fire Fighter Games – North End of Fairgrounds 7 p.m. – Kiddie Tractor Pull (Registration starts at 6 p.m.) – Showring - Poweshiek County 4-H Youth Council 7 – 8:30 p.m. – Pool Party at Grinnell Aquatic Center Saturday, July 15 – Teachers Day 8 a.m. – Clover Kids Sheep Show followed by 4-H/FFA Sheep Show and 4-H/FFA Meat, Dairy and Other Goat Show 9 – 11 a.m. – Farm Safety Activity 1 p.m. – Farm Bureau Watermelon Feed 2 p.m. – Games sponsored by The Fun Committee 2 p.m. – Poweshiek County Tall Corn Contest (Stalk in place at 2 p.m., results at 3 p.m.) 4 p.m. – Clover Kids Bottle Calf Show followed by 4-H/FFA Beef and Bottle Calf Show Sunday, July 16 – Military & Veterans Day 8 a.m. – Lowry Seed and Complete Ag sponsored breakfast (for exhibitors and immediate family) 9 a.m. – Livestock Judging Contest sponsored by the Poweshiek County Fairboard 12 p.m. – Parade of Grand Champions and Iowa State Fair Project Selections – Showring Following Parade – Presentation of Farm Bureau Showmanship Awards – Showring 1 p.m. – Supreme Showmanship Competition – Showring 5 p.m. – Farm Credit Services Sponsored Dinner (for auction buyers and sellers) 5:45 p.m. – Herdsmanship and Premier Exhibitor Awards Presented – Showring 6 p.m. – Project Sale – Showring (Sale order Club/Chapter Decorated Wheelbarrows, Non-Livestock Projects, Rabbit, Poultry, Goat, Sheep, Swine and Beef/Bottle Calf Kierra Douglas, 11, of Brooklyn shows off some of the handmade crafts she creates through her business, Kierra’s Krafts & Kandles, during the Brooklyn Flag Festival. Kierra, who will be in the sixth grade at BGM in the fall, has been making the crafts for about a year and the money she makes from selling her crafts helps pay for dance competitions at Studio 6 Dance Company. By J.O. Parker Brooklyn’s Kierra Douglas, 11, loves to dance. She’s also quite creative, which led to Kierra starting her own company, Kierra’s Krafts & Kandles. Her products include scented candles, pillows, earrings, scrunchies, magnets, pencil holders, girls’ gift cases, tissue holders, table decorations and much more. The daughter of Quentin and Stephanie Douglas, Kierra started the business to earn money for competition dancing. “She wanted to help pay for her dance competitions,” said her dad, Quentin. She started the business a year ago and sells her goods at area craft shows. She had a booth at the Brooklyn Flag Festival Vendor Show and drew lots of traffic. Kierra’s mom, Stephanie, said she makes all the crafts herself, including sewing the overstuffed pillows, unless she needs help. Kierra, who will be in the sixth grade at BGM in the fall, has been involved in dance for eight years at Studio 6 Dance Company in Brooklyn. Her favorite dances are hip hop, jazz, ballet, clogging and acro. “When asked about her company, Kierra smiled and said, “I get to make money to be in dance.” If interested in purchasing any of Kierra’s handmade products, call 641- 522-4193. Kierra Douglas, 11, owner of Kierra’s Krafts & Kandles, offers a wide variety of handmade items including magnets, earrings, scented candles and table decorations. A handmade Santa Claus hat by Kierra Douglas, 11, owner of Kierra’s Krafts & Kandles, can be used for a door, wall or table decoration. Kierra Douglas, 11, offers a wide variety of earrings that she makes and sells to earn money for entering dance competitions. She started her craft business about a year ago.
Dr. Janet M. Stutz, retiring Grinnell-Newburg Community Schools Superintendent By J.O. Parker
Dr. Janet M. Stutz, the Grinnell-Newburg Community School District Superintendent of Schools, announced earlier this month her plans to retire. “After seven wonderful years serving the Grinnell-Newburg Community School District, I have made the decision with the support and care of our Grinnell School Board to part ways this summer and join my husband in retirement,” Dr. Stutz noted in a Facebook post. “I have enjoyed my time here and I am so proud of all of our students' accomplishments because of our dedicated staff.” Dr. Stutz has worked in education for nearly 39 years. She served as a teacher, assistant principal, athletic director, principal, assistant superintendent for teaching and learning, and superintendent at several area districts in the State of Illinois before coming to Grinnell in June 2016. Dr. Stutz said the first order of business when she took the district reins was rightsizing the district budget to live within its means. That included a reduction of $900,000 in the general funds, which included shuffling staff and offering early retirement options for teachers who qualified. Dr. Stutz said under her tenure the district also increased partnerships within the Grinnell community to provide different learning opportunities for students. “We now have 21 different partnerships including Drake Library, Grinnell College, LINK program, SLICK program and culture opportunities at the Grinnell Area Arts Council,” noted Dr. Stutz. Dr. Stutz added that the Grinnell district has also been working hard with local trade providers to give students an opportunity to gain hands-on specific skill sets in the areas of HVAC, electrical work and similar trades. And she said a program was put into place to encourage students to enter the para educator field and go on to become teachers. She said the biggest challenge of her time in Grinnell was navigating COVID-19. “That was probably the most challenging time for anyone in education,” said Dr. Stutz. “We were one of the trailblazers to keep kids learning. We didn’t see the major learning loss like districts in other states saw. Our students were able to recover pretty quickly.” She noted that Grinnell was a leader in navigating safety measures for the students during COVID. “Working with our team and the Iowa Department of Public Health, we offered vaccine clinics for students and their families,” she said. In retirement, Dr. Stutz is moving to Madison, Wis. to be close to her grandchildren. She also plans to offer consulting work, travel and finish writing her first book. “I am most certain after some time, I will embark on a new journey,” she said. “I have to be honest, I may not miss the early 4 a.m. weather decisions, but I will miss the Grinnell families, staff, community partners and friends.” Dr. Stutz’ last day is June 30. She will stay with the district to give the school board time to select an interim superintendent during July. “I will assist during the summer to ensure a successful transition,” noted Dr. Stutz. “My heart will always hold a special place for the Tiger family. I have truly enjoyed Grinnell.” |
Archives
May 2024
Categories |