A bullfighter stares down a big bull during the Extreme Bull Riding event at the Poweshiek County Fairgrounds on Saturday, July 12. This is the 11th year that the Poweshiek County Fairboard has hosted the bull riding event at the start of the fair.

​       Gracie Kaufman, third from left, was crowned the 2025 Poweshiek County Fair Queen at the Extreme Bull Riding event at the fairgrounds on Saturday, July 12. She is joined, from left, by her parents, Chelse and James Kaufman, and right, Dasha LaRue, the 2025 Poweshiek County Fair Queen Runner Up and her parents, Ashley and Nick LaRue.

       Gracie Kaufman was crowned the 2025 Poweshiek County Fair Queen at the Extreme Bull Riding event at the fairgrounds on Saturday, July 12. She reined over the Poweshiek County Fair held July 12 & July 15 - 20.

​      Gracie Kaufman, center, was crowned the 2025 Poweshiek County Fair Queen at the Extreme Bull Riding event at the fairgrounds on Saturday, July 12. Joining her at right is Dasha LaRue, who was named runner up. At left is the 2024 Poweshiek County Fair Queen, Anna Johnson.

      Jeff and Amy Blanchard were awarded $15,000 for their first place finish at Entrefest in Cedar Rapids on June 12 – 13. Their winning project, Recap Books, provides a simple and safe way to preserve social media memories in a keepsake book. Jeff, a professor at Grinnell College, wrote the computer code to create a program that takes social media data and places it in book format. The Grinnell couple took part in the Entrefest competition after participating in the University of Iowa’s Venture School at the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (Iowa JPEC) in Des Moines. Submitted photo.

​By J.O. Parker
 
        A Grinnell couple was recently awarded $15,000 for their entrepreneurial business project, Recap Books.
      Jeff and Amy Blanchard received the first place prize for their book project at the University of Iowa’s Venture School Launch Day on June 12. The event was held at the Olympic Southside Theater in Cedar Rapids.
Their winning project, Recap Books, provides a simple and safe way to preserve social media memories in a keepsake book.
     “It is a complete book of your social media timeline, including every photo, caption and description organized in chronological order,” said Amy of Recap Books.
       The idea for the book project came about last year when Amy, who has always enjoyed posting photos on social media as a way to keep in touch with family, started looking for a way to get the photos and captions back.
        She started researching and figured out how to capture and save her data.
        “It wasn’t in a useable format however,” she said of the data.
       She shared her idea with Jeff, a computational mathematics professor at Grinnell College, and asked him for help with her project.
      Jeff, who has written computer code in the past, started digging into Amy’s project and found a  way to make it work.
       “I wrote software that will transfer the social media data so it can be turned into a book,” said Jeff.
       “The software lays out the book,” added Jeff. “It figures out how to best layout the pictures on the page.”
     It took Jeff four months to make the initial version of the software. That led to the couple starting a website, recapbooks.com, in October 2024..
       The idea was to be able to help others save their social media data.
     “It is something that people may not have thought about,” said Amy. “There is value in preserving their social media data.”
     The book project led the couple to sign up and participate in the University of Iowa’s Venture School sponsored by the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (Iowa JPEC) as part of the Des Moines cohort.
     “The statewide training program focuses on real-world experimentation, customer discovery, and Lean LaunchPad methodologies,” noted information on the schooling.
       “It has a mission to support enterprise and entrepreneurship,” said Amy.
       It is a seven week intensive business course held at various locations and times across the state.
      Attending the venture school opened the door for the Blanchards to attend Entrefest in Cedar Rapids, June 12 – 13.
      “Every graduate of the venture school is able to apply for Entrefest but only 10 are selected to compete,” noted Amy.
      It was at Entrefest that the couple was able to pitch their book project to judges and conference attendees.
      The pitch project starts with 10 teams that are narrowed to five semifinalist teams, which included the Grinnell couple. The five finalists then give a five minute pitch about their project to the whole conference.
      “We then presented our book project to (a panel of) judges, who had five minutes to ask questions,” said Amy.
       Amy said the judges picked their book project as the first place winners and top prize of $15,000.
       The couple said the money will be used to help their new business venture grow.
Saving your memories
      The couple said the idea behind the business is to help people learn how to preserve their social media data and save it in a useable book format.
       Jeff said the first step in creating a book is to visit the couple’s website, recapbooks.com, and learn how to gather their social media data. The website provides a “how-to” section on gathering social media data.
     “We have a free tutorial on our website page,” said Jeff. “This works for gathering data on Facebook and Instagram.”
       There are several levels that interested parties can purchase.
      Prices start at $99 for an express recap. This option allows customers to receive an eBook of their social media data.
       Many customers then choose to create an actual book of social media data.
     “Depending on how you engage with social media, you may need one book or a multiple volume set,” noted the couple’s website. “Each volume typically holds 350 pages. Recap helps create the best layout for your memories. Processing your many years of social media, laying them out in your books, publishing an eBook, and printing your personalized case wrapped hardcover book with premium color printed on 80# white coated paper costs approximately $99 per hardcover book volume.”
       Visit recapbooks.com to learn more about the process and available options.
     Amy says having her social media memories in a book volume, brings her and her family endless joy to look at and reminisce and share with the kids.
      “Our children really love it,” she said.

​       David Blanchard Talbott, a 1950 graduate of Grinnell High School and jet fighter pilot during the Korean and Vietnam wars, boards a jet during his service in the U.S. Air Force. The cremated remains of Talbott was buried next to his wife and a daughter in Hazelwood Cemetery on Saturday, July 5. Submitted photo. 

By J.O. Parker
 
        David Blanchard Talbott was a hometown boy who grew up in Grinnell and went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force, where he saw action as a jet fighter pilot in the Korean and Vietnam wars.
       He was known for becoming one of the first fighter pilots in the U.S. Air Force and once, while doing a maneuver over Grinnell, broke formation and did loops over the city and then went back in formation.
       “I remember standing in the front of my house on 10th Avenue when he did the fly over,” recalled Jack Matthews, a friend of the Talbott family. “He came very, very low and I thought the world had come to an end. He then went straight up into the sky and disappeared.”
        The cremated remains of Talbott, who died on Oct. 31, 2019 in Santa Barbara, Calif., were laid to rest next to his wife, Jo Ann Ivah Christensen, and their daughter, Diana Jo, who died from drowning at the age of 3, in a graveside service at Hazelwood cemetery on Saturday, July 5.
          He was 88 at the time of his death.
       Present at the service was his son, David Eugene Talbott, of Desert Hot Springs, Calif., and his three children, Andrew Tyler “Mountain” Talbott, Clarksville, Tenn.; daughter, Jacquelyn Talbott, and son, David Alexander Talbott, both of San Diego.
           A niece and her husband from Wichita, Kan., were in attendance as was General Keith Acheson, retired USAF Fighter Pilot and member of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA).
           Also present at the service was Cliff Strovers, 92, a classmate of Talbott at Grinnell, who shared stories about him that the grandchildren had heard through the years.
            Strovers said he found out about the funeral for Talbott by accident.
           “I was talking to a coffee friend who is part of the honor guard with the American Legion,” Strovers said. “I went out to the cemetery and that is where I met the son and grandchildren.”
            Strovers said he visited briefly with the family and spoke highly of his classmate. 
            He said Talbott was a popular student at Grinnell and was a very smart guy.
“He (my grandfather’s classmate) collaborated all the stories I heard growing up,” said grandson, David. “Hearing the memories was heartfelt.”
            The service was under the direction of Chaplin Dan “Mac-O” MacGregor of Shelby with the CVMA. The Patriot Guard Riders, under the direction of Dean DeKoter, coordinated the law enforcement escort and vehicle escort.
            Eight members of the PGR and six members of the CVMA were present at the service.
The Grinnell American Legion Post 53 Honor Guard provided the three volley salute with the Sons of the American Legion. 
           MacGregor was asked by the family to lead the service. He met with family members a couple days before the service and put together the eulogy.
            “He was a colorful man,” said MacGregor of Talbott. “I was honored and humbled to be asked to speak at his service.”
          “We were able to bring a hometown hero back to his hometown,” said his son, David, following the service.
      Talbott was laid to rest with all his medals from his military service. They included: Air Force Accommodation Medal with Three Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Vietnam Service Medal with One Bronze Service Star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, United Nations Service Medal (Korean War) and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters. In addition, a medal presented to him by President Barack Obama for serving 10,000 hours with the Red Cross Disaster Relief Services was included.
“And a shot of whiskey,” said his son, David.
           David said with the onset of Covid and various other issues at the time of his father’s death in late 2019, the family decided to put the burial in Iowa on hold.
            About two years ago, David and family, none of who had ever been in Iowa, started talking about how to honor his dad and the children’s grandfather and grandmother and close out this chapter of their lives.
           In June 2024, Andrew attended a Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association gathering in Rochester, Minn. He decided to stop in Grinnell and meet with military personal and Watts Family Monuments in Montezuma to purchase a grave marker.
“It took a lot of planning and coordination,” said Andrew.
            “There was a lot of moving parts and it came together flawlessly,” added David.
            Talbott was born in Grinnell on March 17, 1931, the son of David E. and Mary Frazier Talbott.
          As a kid, he worked with his father and brother, Gene, at the Talbott and Olds Grain and Feed in Grinnell.
          David said his father comes from a long-line of Talbott family members who lived and worked in the early days in Grinnell and nearby Brooklyn. This included Dr. Eugene Finch Talbott, a long-time doctor in Grinnell.
            After graduating from Grinnell High School in 1950, Talbott joined the U.S. Air Force on Sept. 16, 1953.
            He completed his basic training at Spencer Air Base in Moultrie, Ga. and attended basic flying school at Bryan Air Force Base near Bryan, Texas. His advance jet schooling came in Las Vegas, where he received his wings on Oct. 15, 1953.
           He spent a number of years serving at Air Force bases around the country from Montana to Florida and Texas.
         “We were usually stationed at air forces bases for 16 months before moving to another base,” said David.
            At one point in his military career, Talbott served as an F-86 Sabre jet pilot in the 67th Fighter Rambler Squadron on the Island of Okinawa off the southern tip of Japan.
            It was in Montana that he met his wife, Jo Ann.
          The couple was married on Dec. 25, 1953, while Talbott was active in the service. The couple had four children, Diana, Kathryn, David and Gabrielle.
        Jo Ann had a deep love for the arts and a talent for lifting up those around her, whether through creativity, compassion, or a listening ear.
          Talbott retired from the military at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel on Feb. 29, 1972, before dedicating his life to volunteer service.
            His son, David, said it was good to give his father and mother’s story closure.
         When asked his thoughts, Andrew, who is currently in the U.S. Army, said he has been involved in a number of military funeral services as part of the Patriot Riders, saying it’s very different when it is his own family.
           “It’s good to be able to honor my family like I do for other families,” said Andrew, as he reflected on the day’s activities.
           “The real kicker,” said David, who was born in Texas, “I got all my three kids to work on something good together.”
          And in closing his military service and life on this earth, Talbott and Jo Ann were remembered best by a song from Billy Swan that captured their spirit - "It would do me good, to do you good; so let me help."

       David Talbott, second from left, is joined by his three children, from left: son, David Alexander Talbott, San Diego, Calif., daughter, Jacquelyn Talbott, San Diego, Calif., and son, Andrew Tyler “Mountain” Talbott, Clarksville, Tenn. The family came to Grinnell to hold a burial service for the late David Eugene Talbott, David’s father and the grandfather of his three children. Talbott, who grew up in Grinnell, graduated from Grinnell High School in 1950 and went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean and Vietnam wars. His service to the country earned him a number of medals and honors. Talbott died on Oct. 31, 2019 in Santa Barbara, Calif. and was cremated. His remains were buried on Saturday, July 5 during a graveside service at Hazelwood Cemetery. He is buried next to his wife, Jo Ann Ivah Christensen, and daughter, Diana Jo, who died from drowning at age 3.

​      A volunteer with the Malcom Fire Department sprays youngsters as the truck rolls north on Broad Street during the Grinnell Fourth of July Parade on Friday, July 4.

​By J.O. Parker
 
     Upwards to 100 Grinnell businesses, organizations and churches along with area communities were represented at the annual Fourth of July Parade on a warm, yet comfortable Friday, July 4 early evening.
Both sides of the parade route from Davis School along Broad Street and 10th Avenue, were lined with folks of all ages dressed in festive clothing and kids with candy bags awaiting to be filled.
        All were there for one reason, to celebrate our freedoms and our nation’s 249th birthday.
       Grand Marshal this year was Ann Igoe, a long-time volunteer with the Grinnell Historical Society, who rode in a vehicle driven by Frank Shults. A second vehicle holding several more historical society board members followed in the parade.
      “Being named parade marshal and riding in the Fourth of July parade along with the rest of our team (historical society board) was the perfect way to wrap up our (museum) project,” said Igoe.
        The parade featured an assortment of floats from fire trucks to tractors and farming equipment, a big ear of corn, decorated golf carts and ATVs, trucks and trailers loaded with kids squirting water guns, cheerleaders and ballplayers, a church furniture outreach, a fire truck spraying parade attendees, martial arts students, local veterans, politicians, decorated semi trucks and horses.
       One of the most popular floats was made using a toilet and driven by JP Drain Cleaning & Plumbing owner, Todd Pollock, of Grinnell.
       The motorized toilet float was built many years ago by Kevin McAlexander, owner of Hawkeye Lock & Security and former owner of Advantage Plumbing, Heating and Cooling.
         “Jason Pollock (JP Plumbing and Drain Cleaning) was our employee at the time and Todd, his son, and now co-worker at JP Plumbing and Drain Cleaning,” said Jennifer Sue McAlexander, wife of Kevin. “Jason and Todd restored the relic and customized it to their brand, upgraded it with a bubble machine, and used it in the parade.”
         Nicole Kiefer of Baxter and formerly of Grinnell said the motorized toilet was her favorite float in the parade.
           “It was a great day and beautiful weather,” she said.
         The McAlexanders, who were parade marshals in 2023, were joined at the parade by friends, some of their children and their two-year-old grandson.
        “I appreciate each parade entry,” added McAlexander. “As someone who has participated in parades many times, I understand the hours of preparation work that goes into preparing for a parade - washing vehicle, planning decorations, and miles of walking in the hot sun!”
          “Speaking of candy,” added Jennifer. “My grandson brought along his Halloween bucket and it was full to the rim with candy and other treats from the parade floats. I think that the parade was three suckers in length.”
            Jennifer said the grand marshal role was very deserving.
          “I appreciate the work of Ann and the many, many volunteers who worked hard to bring the historical museum to fruition,” she added. “I encourage people to visit (the museum) and not just go once but many times as things in the museum will continue to evolve.”
         Kent Reed, founder of American Brawn Solace Center in Grinnell, said he and his family have enjoyed Grinnell’s Fourth of July Parade since moving to town in July 2001.
        Reed said he has always been proud of the number of float entries in the parade and the number of happy and friendly people who enjoy the parade along with his family, some who live in Des Moines and Ankeny.
       “This year was amazing as the group joining my wife and I included our daughter, her husband and grandsons of two and four, his two brothers, their wives and their mother along with two more grandchildren,” said Reed.
           The families enjoy getting together and each year collecting lots of candy as part of the day’s festivities.
          “My favorite float to watch for is C&K Transfer,” said Reed “Every year they present a super creative and labor intense way to pay tribute to OUR AMERICA on the sides of one of their trailers. Team C&K, we love and appreciate what you do!! GO AMERICA!”
           "The Fourth of July is one of my favorite days of the year, and there’s no better place to spend it than in Grinnell,” said Sarah Pohlson Smith. “The parade is such a great representation of what makes Grinnell special — neighbors lining the streets, kids waving flags and the whole community coming together.”
         “I love celebrating the day surrounded by family, friends, and the energy of this amazing town,” added Smith. “This year was especially meaningful as the community came together to celebrate the opening of the Grinnell Historical Museum. Seeing Ann Igoe and the museum’s dedicated board members — including my talented mom, Debby Pohlson — honored as grand marshals was a wonderful start to the parade."
        “It was a great and fun parade,” said Blake Druvenga of Grinnell. “The kids enjoyed getting wet and staying cool.”
         “It’s fun and had more floats than last year,” said William Schalmo. “All the floats were decorated nicely.”
          The Fourth of July Parade and related activities are sponsored by the Grinnell Chamber of Commerce.

​       The Iowa Gallivant, known also as Jay Jay Goodwin of Iowa City,  joins members of the Brooklyn Ruritans in serving hot dogs and hamburgers during the family activities at Landes Park on Saturday, June 14. The Iowa Gallivant travels around the state eating various foods at mom and pop eateries and films his adventures on social media.

By J.O. Parker

        Hundreds turned out for the 2025 Brooklyn Flag Festival and 175th birthday celebration, June 12 – 15.
      The four-day event included many favorites and some new family-friendly activities such as “Brooklyn’s Got Talent”, hot dog and pie eating contests, flag raising with three volley salute, meal on the Brooklyn Museum Lawn served by the Sons of the American Legion and the “175 Years of Brooklyn” play held at the Brooklyn Opera House.
        The play was written by Josh Gerard, a Brooklyn minister, librarian and playwright and featured a large cast made up of local community theater actor and actresses. The play told the story of the early founders of Brooklyn, how the town got its name, how it almost burned down multiple times and much more.
       “Doing the play “175 Years of Brooklyn“ was so special, noted Gerard. “Everyone loved seeing our history come to life. A lot of people told me they learned something, and still have the musical numbers stuck in their heads. I will always remember the laughter throughout each performance. A shout out to the huge cast and crew who gave so much of their time to make it happen. I think they saw it the same way I did, as a love letter to our town.” 
       And other favorites included the Kiwanis Chicken Dinner, races at the Brooklyn Raceway, a town parade, kids’ inflatables and games in Landes Park, BGM Hall of Pride showcase at the school, Ecumenical service and the annual Ruritan Car Show on Sunday.
       On hand both Saturday and Sunday was the Iowa Gallivant (better known as Jay Jay Goodwin), an Iowa City-based food critic who travels the state eating at mom and pop eateries and sharing videos on social media.
     On Saturday evening, a concert sponsored by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce was held at the Southside Ballfield featuring The Pork Tornados with special guest and local favorite, Tyler Richton and the High Bank Boys.
      The Brooklyn Flag Festival Parade started at Mills and E. Des Moines streets, turning south on Jackson Street and ending at the Casey’s. The parade featured fire engines from Brooklyn, Malcom, Hartwick and Grinnell along with military personal from across the county and beyond. Some were tasked with carrying a large American Flag in the parade.
        Also on hand was Brent Westemeyer, an amateur historian from Johnson, Iowa marching in the parade in World War II period clothing. 
        It was Westemeyer who discovered that the number two man of the six Marine flag barriers who carried the flag to the top of Mount Suribachi on Feb. 23, 1945 during the Battle of Iwo Jima was actually Harold “Pie” Keller of Brooklyn.
     Westemeyer spent more than a half dozen years researching photos, reading historical books and accounts of Iwo Jima and pouring over a Bill Genaust’s film from the Battle of Iwo Jima to correctly identify “Pie.”
       A bronze statue of “Pie” stands at the Brooklyn Flag Display.
      There were all types of business floats including a hospital, swimming pool company, bank, buffalo ranch and much more from around the area.
       After the parade, families made their way to Landes Park for a fun day playing on a variety of inflatables, games, Bingo and enjoying good food served by the Brooklyn Ruritans and various food trucks on hand.
      “This year’s events were extra special as it was the 175th celebration,” said Angela Albers. “Our community and surrounding communities came together to have the biggest parade Brooklyn has ever seen! When I walked to the park, I honestly was speechless seeing the number of people there. So many fun, free activities for kids and adults. This is definitely one of our favorite events of the year. A big thank you to each and every one who organized the four days of events.”
      “I wasn’t raised in Brooklyn, but I noticed that the town prides themselves on the true heritage of Brooklyn,” noted Becki Williams, who had horses in the parade. “All the hard work and dedication they do every year shows that they are a very family driven and a close community. You don't see a lot of small town providing food, entertainment for adults and kids and having a great flag ceremony and honoring our wonderful state we live in.”
      On Sunday, an ecumenical service, which was under the direction of Gerard, was held, bringing area residents of all faiths together to celebrate and give glory to God.
       “I remember a time the churches all got together for an ecumenical service,” noted Gerard. “Each had a role to play. Each brought something different to the table, but we were all united in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I wanted to see if we could make that happen again. When I reached out, First Presbyterian Church, Grace United Methodist, Madison Church of Christ, and New Beginnings all said they were in. We planned best we could, and then let God do the rest. It was a very special service that saw many people from Brooklyn worshiping and serving together. Truly an example of heaven on earth.”
      “Brooklyn’s 175th committee really came together and outdid themselves planning this year’s Flag Festival celebration,” said Franci McClenthan. “There were so many activities, something for all ages to enjoy.”
“We had a fabulous time at Flag Days,” said Charity Wilkerson. “The town outdid itself. It was wonderful having so many free activities for the kids to enjoy and delicious food to choose from.”

      Don't forget about this great event happening on Saturday, July 12. Less than a week to purchase advance tickets and the weather looks like it's going to be wonderful.
     Advance tickets are available on our website (poweshiekcountyfair.org) for $15 ($20 at the gate). That gets you into the Bull Ride and the After Party with Throwback Jack. There will be adult beverages available as well as a food stand and the ice cream shack. The 2025 Poweshiek County Fair Queen will also be crowned during intermission.

      Bernard the Mechanical Bull returns to the 11th Annual Extreme Bull Riding Events on Saturday, July 12. This year Bernard is being sponsored by Plate & Company, P.C. of Grinnell. Their sponsorship means you won’t have to pay to try your hand at bull riding!!!