Mark your calendar for open auditions for dancers ages 5 plus in Grinnell for "The Nutcracker" on Sunday, Aug. 17,
      Whether this is your tiny dancer's first stage performance or you have a budding Fritz or Clara at home, dancers in this production will rehearse and train alongside Ballet Des Moines' professional dancers and be part of a quintessential holiday tradition.
      Where: Grinnell College Bear Recreation Center Dance Studio
     When: Sunday, Aug. 17
     Time: Beginning at 10 a.m.; see link below for details
   For detailed information including audition schedule, registration and production details, visit the Ballet Des Moines' audition webpage at: https://www.balletdesmoines.org/grinnell-nutcracker-auditions.

       Attention actors and actresses!
       Auditions are coming up for "A Body of Water," directed by Zach Bey.
      Drop in to the Loft Theater Saturday, Aug, 2 between 10 a.m. and noon or Sunday, Aug. 3 between 5 and 7 p.m. to audition.
      Rehearsals will begin Aug. 7 and the show will perform Oct. 3-5 and 9-11.
      For more information, visit www.grinnellarts.org

      Jane Luetje and her husband, Rod, of North English pose for a photo at the American Family Field, home of the Milwaukee Brewers earlier this year. Luetje sang the National Anthem to more than 25,000 baseball fans to start the game. She also sang the National Anthem at the Minnesota Twins game last year.

​By J.O. Parker
 
         Jane Luetje of North English loves to sing, especially the National Anthem.
      Her singing talents have led to her singing at Minnesota Twins and Milwaukee Brewers baseball games.
      She’s sang the National Anthem at University of Iowa basketball, wrestling, volleyball, baseball and softball games and at a Drake University basketball game.
     The Iowa Heartlanders hockey games, the College World Series in Omaha, Omaha Stormchasers games, the Iowa Cubs are also on her long-list of arenas, ballparks and venues she’s opened games with the National Anthem.
         “I have also sang at rodeos, the Awards for Distinguished Veterans at the University of Iowa, and minor league soccer games,” she said. “And finally, one of my favorites is the Iowa State Fair.”
         And most recently on July 11, Luetje sang the National Anthem at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, home of the WNBA’s Indiana Fever.
         The team that Iowa’s Caitlin Clark calls home.
       “I probably have been singing since I was five years old,” said Luetje, who teaches English at English Valleys High School. “It started in elementary and I had a solo in an elementary concert and I just went from there. I would sing in church, at Bill Riley Talent Search Shows growing up where I made it to the state fair a couple times. I was in the choir in high school and in college and just sang whenever I could.”
         Singing the National Anthem in big arenas didn’t happen overnight.
         For Luetje, it started at home at English Valleys ballgames many years ago and just grew from there.
        About five years ago, she started singing at Iowa Hawkeye sporting events.
       Her first big ball game was at the Minnesota Twins baseball game last summer and this summer she sang the National Anthem at a Milwaukee Brewers baseball game.
       Both games had an attendance of 25,000 fans. And she said A-Rod was at the Twins game when she sang.
       And the icing on the cake was singing at the Indiana Fever game.
       At the Fever game, Luetje was sporting her newly purchased electric anthem shoes, as she calls them. She found them on Amazon.
      “It was such a memorable moment,” she said of singing the National Anthem in her debut shoes at the Fever game. 
     “I call them my electric anthem shoes,” she said. “I had a lot of great compliments on them.”
     After the game, Luetje said she really wanted to find Caitlin and see if she would trade shoes. 
   “My electric anthem shoes for her basketball shoes,” Luetje said with a smile. “Unfortunately, it didn’t happen.”
       When asked about her experience singing at the Fever game, Luetje said the adjectives she uses describe her experience would be euphoric and electrifying.
       “The atmosphere downtown is unbelievable,” she said. “People are so kind, friendly, and talkative…. So many Caitlin shirts and Iowa shirts and Fever shirts. Toddlers through grandparents sporting fever jerseys, businesses are buzzing. It was incredible downtown.” 
      “Before you even get into the arena, there are activities going on for families from face painting to sign creation to photo ops to shooting some hoops on the basketball court outside,” she said. 
       "Once you walk in, it’s all Fever based,” she added. “If you haven’t got the fever before you get there, you will definitely have it when you get inside!”
          Luetje said her husband, Rob, was with her when she was taken down through a tunnel to a where she had her own dressing room and then taken to the floor of the arena.
       “There we watched the warm-ups of both teams,” she said. “Everyone was so professional and so kind. Everyone working has a purpose and it went like clockwork.”
      Luetje said the music was loud, the fans were engaged and the atmosphere was electrifying.
         “I sang from the middle of the floor with more than 17,000 fans around me,” Luetje said. “It was exhilarating to see the entire Fever team in front of me as I sang the anthem. However, the Atlanta Dream walked off the floor before I sang the anthem and returned shortly after I was finished. That’s OK because we kicked their butts…”
           The Fever won, 99 - 82.
           When asked how she gets noticed, Luetje said she sends out audition tapes or videos of her singing the National Anthem to venues all over and “I look for them year-round.”
          “Sometimes it’s word-of-mouth, sometimes people have seen me on the news before as Scott Saville with KCRG did two stories on me,” she said. “I love singing and will sing almost anywhere.”
           When asked how she was able to sing at the Fever game, Luetje said she sent the team an email last year and it was received very well.
        “I was on the list for cancellations but never got an opportunity,” said Luetje. “I told them (the Fever organization) that I needed at least 24 to 48 hour’s notice and that’s kind of difficult.”
        Luetje said this year she got in contact with the person she talked to last year, and  things came to fruition from there.
          “On April 25,  I found out the date I would sing,” she said. “That same day I found out the date to sing for the Brewers - ironically on that date, it was six months from the day my father passed. I think he had a little something to do with it. They came in within an hour of each other.”
          When asked if she has any pre-game rituals before singing in front of big crowd, Luetje said she always takes her husband with her because he’s her biggest supporter. 
        “I take a deep breath, I find the right note, I say “come on Dad. Let’s do this,” said Luetje. “They announce me, and I sing.”
       “And a new ritual that I will start doing is wearing my electric anthem shoes every time I sing if it’s appropriate, I love them,” added Luetje.
      As for the future, Luetje said while in Indianapolis, she and Rob visited the Indianapolis Speedway.
       “I would really like to sing  there and at Ground Zero in New York City,” she said. “I would love to sing at a NASCAR race and I would love to sing at the Big Ten basketball tournament. I would also like to sing at a Chicago Cubs and a St. Louis Cardinals game.”
       Luetje, who will retire from teaching at the end of the 2025 – 26 school year, said she is living proof that dreams can come true at any age.
       “Keep pushing forward to make them happen,” she said. “I didn’t start this journey until a few years ago and so many opportunities have been given to me. If you love something do it… I love to sing and what better way than to sing and honor our country at the same time. My husband and I are big sports fans and it is our time to spend with each other and make memories. I’ve taken my children to events and shared stories with my family. I will continue to do this as long as I can.”

​       Jane Luetje is shown by the National Anthem dressing room before singing the National Anthem at the Indiana Fever game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on July 11. The Fever won the game, 99-82, over the Atlanta Dream. Luetje, who lives in North English and has been singing all her life, started singing the National Anthem at ball games and sporting events about five years ago. She has sang at Minnesota Twins and Milwaukee Brewers baseball games, Iowa Hawkeye sporting events, the College World Series in Omaha and at the Iowa State Fair.

​       Jane Luetje of North English sports her new electric anthem shoes she wore for the first time at the Indiana Fever game on July 11. She plans to continue wearing them when singing the National Anthem at future games.

​       Jane Luetje of North English is shown with Iowa women’s basketball players, from left, Monica Czinano, Caitlin Clark and Kate Martin. Martin currently plays basketball for the Golden State Valkyries. 

​     Michelle Papendick is shown at the finish line of her six-day MS Run the US she participated in from June 13 – 18. Papendick, who works at Grinnell Mutual, ran the 12th segment of the cross-country ultra-run from Lincoln, Neb. to Casey, Iowa in support of people with MS (multiple sclerosis). She ran nearly 25 miles a day for six days. “I was running for those living with MS, people who face challenges every single day that most of us can’t imagine,” she said.

By J.O. Parker
 
        Running for a cause is something that Michelle Papendick has taken to heart.
        Papendick, a Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Controller, recently participated in the MS Run the US, an ultra-relay run held annually to raise awareness and funds for multiple sclerosis (MS) research, while also supporting individuals living with disabilities caused by MS.
       MS Run the US is a nonprofit founded in 2009 by ultrarunner Ashley Schneider in honor of her mother, who was diagnosed with MS.
      The organization began with Ashley’s solo run across America in 2010 and has evolved into the longest annual relay run in the United States, covering 3,260 miles from Santa Monica, Calif., to New York City between April and August.
      “Each year, a team of specially selected runners completes the relay in segments, with each runner covering approximately 150 miles over six consecutive days while raising a minimum of $10,000,” said Papendick.
       Papendick was able to reach and exceed her fundraising goal thanks in part to a $5,000 matching contribution from the Grinnell Mutual Group (GMG) Foundation. To date, she has raised a total of $12,757.76 for MS research.
      “I’m so grateful,” noted Papendick of the support she has received. “I really believe in smaller organizations where you can see exactly where the money goes.”
      Papendick said the funds go directly to helping individuals living with MS, supporting needs such as mobility aids, home modifications, and critical research initiatives aimed at improving quality of life and finding a cure.
        “Through the power of endurance, storytelling, and community, MS Run the US inspires action and hope in the fight against MS,” she said.
         Papendick is one of 21 runners, five of whom are living with MS, who are participating in the cross-country run this year. She ran the 12th segment of the relay from Lincoln, Neb., to Casey, Iowa, from June 13 to 18.
        For Papendick, getting a spot on the team wasn’t a simple matter of signing up.
      “I applied late, right at the end of their selection process,” she said. “I didn’t hear anything and assumed I hadn’t been chosen. Then out of the blue, Ashley (Schneider) reached out and said someone had dropped out due to injury. She interviewed me, and I got in!”
      To prepare for the run, Papendick participated in a structured training plan, which began with a 10-week “playground” base-building phase, followed by a 16-week intense training block.
      “Due to a segment switch, my training ended up being slightly shortened,” she said. “I had a five-week base period followed by the full 16-week build.”
     The 16-week training started with 30 – 40 miles per week, gradually increasing by 5 – 10 miles each week, peaking around 71 – 75 miles.
     “That meant I was often logging 25 – 40 miles over the weekend,” she said. “It was a significant time commitment, especially since the training emphasized slower, endurance-paced runs. Of course, this paid off as I was able to do around a marathon a day for six days successfully.”
    “In addition to the mileage, learning how to fuel properly was a key part of my preparation,” added Papendick. “As someone who wasn’t an ultrarunner before, this was new to me. Each week, I practiced fueling strategies during my long runs to make sure I could sustain the high mileage during my segment.”
       Papendick covered nearly 25 miles each of the six days, beginning as early as 4:30 a.m. Her route took her on gravel roads, backroads, two-lane highways, across bridges, and on sidewalks and neighborhood streets.
      “The route we take is meaningful; it's the same path Ashley ran back in 2010 when MS Run the US first began,” said Papendick. “My segment started on the MoPac Trail (near Lincoln, Neb.) on Day 1, then shifted to gravel roads on Day 2. Day 3 was a mix of sidewalks and neighborhood streets as I made my way toward Highway 6. From there, I stayed on Highway 6, also known as White Pole Road, all the way into the town of Casey.”
        To beat the heat of the day, Papendick started her daily segments early in the morning.
“I was up and going by 3:30 a.m.,” she said. “I had a bagel for breakfast, and it was off to the starting point.”
     Depending on the location of the nightly campground, it took Papendick and the crew about 30 to 40 minutes to reach the starting point.
      “From there I had a routine of running four miles to each crew stop until about mile 16, then I would switch and go three miles to a crew stop until we got to 25 miles,” she said. “At mile 25, I would assess the heat and see if it would be worth going another mile or stopping for the day.”
        The crew stops were meant to be short, 5-minute windows to hydrate and eat.
      “The crew’s job is to provide help with everything from hydration and fueling to moral support and logistics,” noted Papendick.
       When asked what kept her motivated and going, Papendick said it was knowing why she was participating in this relay.
       “I was running for those living with MS, people who face challenges every single day that most of us can’t imagine,” she said. “When the heat got tough or the miles felt long, I reminded myself that this discomfort was temporary, but the impact made is lasting. The support from the crew, my family, and messages from friends and fellow teammates, all of it fueled me forward.”
       She was also running for her own family. Her grandfather lived with MS most of his life. She said the disease took away his strength and abilities at a young age and that he was in a care facility by the time she was born.
      “I remember the visits and how each year he continued to decline...his passing left a lasting impression on me,” said Papendick. “Since then, I've also seen friends and colleagues struggle with the daily realities of living with MS.”
         She said several of her grandfather’s siblings had MS as well.
        “The doctors say it’s not hereditary, but in my family, three out of five siblings ended up with MS. It’s obviously close to home for me.”
       Papendick took four pairs of shoes on the run, which had varying mileage on them, in hopes that she wouldn’t have any shoe issues.
         “It worked as all of them held up, some I liked running in better than others,” she said.
Papendick said her favorite part of the run was being out on the open road and discovering new places.
        “The Iowa countryside is stunning, and sometimes when you’re driving by, you don’t get to appreciate the beauty and peacefulness around you fully,” she said. “Running allowed me to slow down and truly take it all in.”
         She said each day brought emotional challenges and gave her purpose.
        “Some of the most memorable moments include connecting with people along the route and sharing the mission of MS Run the US, being surprised by supporters who showed up to cheer me on, and spending long stretches on the highway with truck drivers honking in support,” she said. “It reminded me of why I was out there. I wasn’t just running for miles; I was running for a purpose.”
        She said her favorite landmark on the run was on Day 3, as she crossed from Nebraska into Iowa over the Veterans Memorial Bridge.
       “My son was running with me at the time and sharing that moment with him made it especially meaningful,” said Papendick. “It was fun experiencing that part of the journey together.”
          Her son ran 12 miles on Day 3 and then another seven miles on Day 5.
        “I also arranged for my running bestie to join me at the end of Day 4 for around 11 miles, since other segment runners had warned me that it was the toughest day,” said Papendick. “Having familiar faces (and family) out there made a big difference and gave me something to look forward to each day.”
          And on Day 6, her mother traveled from Virginia to Iowa to support her daughter as she finished the 148-mile run.
            “Their support made a huge difference, both practically and emotionally, it truly was a team effort,” she said.
        Papendick said she didn’t participate in the run for herself; she was running it for everyone who deals with MS every day.
            “If I can help raise money and awareness even just a little, I’ll have made a difference,” she said.
          Papendick has been married for more than 20 years to John. The couple, who live in Pella, have three college-age children – two attending Iowa State and one at DMACC.
        “Our home is full with three cats and one dog, which keeps things lively,” she said. “Outside of running, I volunteer at the ARL of Iowa, where I help with feline care and spend time in the Kitten Nursery. It’s a rewarding way to give back and combine my love for animals with community involvement.”
          Papendick said the family dog and two of their three cats are rescues, which makes them extra special to her family.
           “We also recently welcomed an outdoor cat named O’Malley, who used to belong to our neighbors before they moved away,” she said. “They tried to rehome him, but O’Malley made his way back to our neighborhood and has been living with us ever since.”
            When asked if she would participate in the run again, Papendick said that if there was an opportunity to help the organization by running a portion of a Community Segment, she would do it.
        “That said, I believe it's important to give new applicants the chance to run a full segment,” said Papendick. “It's such an incredible experience, and I truly believe everyone should have the opportunity to do it at least once. I’d love to encourage others to step up and apply for the 2026 relay team.  It’s a journey you’ll never forget.”

​       Michelle Papendick and a friend forge the hills along Highway 6 in western Iowa on Day 4 of the six-day MS Run the US that she participated in from June 13 – 18 in support of those with MS (multiple sclerosis). Papendick is one of 21 runners participating in this year’s run from Santa Monica, Calif. to New York City. The run started on April 1 and will finish on Aug. 16. Papendick ran 148-miles in her six-day segment from Lincoln, Neb. to Casey, Iowa.

​        Michelle Papendick poses for a photo next to the Casey, Iowa town sign at the end of her 148-mile MS Run the US that she participated in from June 13 – 18. She ran the race in support of her grandfather, who lived with MS most of his life. She said the disease took away his strength and abilities at a young age and that he was in a care facility by the time she was born.

​      Jerry and Jane Axmear, middle, were named the Senior King and Queen at the 2025 Poweshiek County Fair on Thursday, July 17. The Malcom couple and long-time supporters of the county fair are joined by their family, from left: Brody and Josie (daughter) Beck and their children, Jay, Nora and Ivey. At right are: Gabrielle and Jake (son) and their children, Mila, Maguire and Micah Axmear.

       Seven Poweshiek County 4-H and FFA Grand Champion winners will participate in the 2025 Best of the Best Showdown on Saturday, July 26 at the Iowa County Fairgrounds in Marengo. Introductions get underway at 10 a.m. with the show following at 11 a.m. Pictured, from left, front row: Zane Iverson, Grand Champion Supreme Breeding Female; Anthony Wolfe, Grand Champion Market Hog; Brock Mortvedt, Grand Champion Market Lamb and Grand Champion Market Goat. Back row: Aden Wolfe, Supreme Champion Breeding Gilt; Gavin Fisk, Grand Champion Market Beef; Dayton Mortvedt, Grand Champion Breeding Doe and Kaylia Fuchs, Grand Champion Breeding Ewe. Submitted photo.

By J.O. Parker
 
        Poweshiek County will be well represented at the 2025 Best of the Best competition on Saturday, July 26 at the Iowa County Fairgrounds in Marengo.
      Seven area 4-H and FFA Grand Champion winners in swine, meat goat, beef and sheep from the 2025 Poweshiek County Fair will go against champions  from Benton, Buchanan, Cedar, Clinton, Delaware, Dubuque, Iowa, Jones, Keokuk, Linn, Scott and Tama counties.
      Grand introductions start at 10 a.m. with the show immediately following at 11 a.m. Show order – Breeding Heifers, Breeding Goat Does, Breeding Gilts, Breeding Sheep, Market Goats, Market Hogs, Market Lambs and Market Beef.
          The Best of the Best was started in 2016 by Rob and Mary Vetech of Marengo, who direct the event and serve on the showdown committee.
         “The whole goal for this is to keep the county fairs relevant,” said Mary. “Our young people have lots of choice of activities and the Best of the Best keeps them motivated to participate in county fairs.”
           All 13 counties that participate in the Best of the Best have a member on the event committee.
         “Together, we (the Best of the Best committee) organize and rally troops and keep our young people a priority.”
       There are 10 regional showdowns across the state of Iowa and the Best of the Best is the largest showdown in the state.
        “Out of our 13 counties, our grand champions from the Best of the Best will compete in the All-Iowa Showdown in Oskaloosa on Sunday, Aug. 3 at 1 p.m. at the Southern Iowa Fairgrounds,” noted Mary.  
           The Iowa County Fairgrounds is located at 800 East Marion St., Marengo.
           Representing Poweshiek County are:
Swine
            Anthony Wolfe, Grand Champion Market Hog, Sheridan 4-H Club.
            Aden Wolfe, Supreme Champion Breeding Gilt, Grinnell FFA.
Sheep
            Brock Mortvedt, Grand Champion Market Lamb, Sheridan 4-H Club.
            Dayton Mortvedt, Grand Champion Breeding Doe, Sugar Creek 4-H Club.
Beef
            Zane Iverson, Grand Champion Supreme Breeding Female, Grinnell FFA
            Gavin Fisk, Grand Champion Market Beef, Sugar Creek 4-H Club.
Meat Goat 
            Kaylia Fuchs, Grand Champion Breeding Ewe, Poweshiek Pioneers 4-H Club.
            Brock Mortvedt, Grand Champion Market Goat, Sheridan 4-H.