Susie Edelen, the 2026 Poweshiek County 4-H Hall of Fame inductee, middle with flowers, is shown with her family, from left: Shawn Edelen holding Zadie Edelen, Aly Edelen holding Masyn Edelen, Easton Edelen, Aubree Edelen, Susie Edelen, Don Edelen, Tanner Huls, Sheena Huls, Justin Huls, Trenten Huls and Shane Edelen. Submitted photo.

J.O. Parker
 
       Susie Edelen of Grinnell, a former 4-H’er and long-time supporter and champion of 4-H youth, has been named to the Poweshiek County 4-H Hall of Fame.
       She will be inducted into the 4-H Hall of Fame on Sunday, Aug. 23 at the 4-H Building on the Iowa State Fairgrounds. There are two induction ceremonies to provide a quality experience for the inductees and their supporters. The first ceremony, for counties Adair through Jasper, begins at 1:30 p.m. The second ceremony, for counties Jefferson through Wright, begins at 3:30 p.m.
The Poweshiek County Extension Council nominated Edelen to receive the honor.
       Edelen’s lifelong involvement in Poweshiek County 4-H began at age 2 when she attended club meetings with her mom, a 4-H leader of the Madison Mischiefs 4-H Club in Brooklyn, a position she held for 30 years. She was a club member from 1968-1975.
          Her mom also served on the Poweshiek County Extension Council.
Edelen later served as a 4-H club leader from 1996–2003, helped establish the Ag Olympics at the Poweshiek County Fair, and co-created the Crazy Grannies Kitchen.
      Susie shares that 4-H has blessed her throughout her life, and she hopes she has made a meaningful difference in the lives of others. 
        Cheryl Hanssen, a lifelong friend and fellow 4-H leader who served alongside Susie for many years, said this about her friend. 
         “Susie is a dear, lifelong friend, and over the years we've shared more memories than I could ever count,” said Hanssen. “If there's one thing I've always admired about her, is her servant's heart. She has spent her life giving back through her dedication to her community, her church, and, of course, the Poweshiek County Fair. 
        “Back in the early '90s, Susie and I teamed up as leaders of the Sheridan 4-H Club. Before long, our club had grown so much that we actually had to cap enrollment. From the outside, we probably looked like a highly competitive, successful club—and we were—but we also knew how to have a whole lot of fun. 
      “Our goal was never just to raise blue-ribbon winners. We wanted to help raise good people. We expected our kids to cheer each other on during the victories and pick each other up after the disappointments. Susie led by example, pouring her heart into every single member. She was always a straight shooter. You always knew where you stood with her. She had high expectations, but she was also the first one there with a pep talk, a hug, or just the encouragement someone needed. 
      “Together, we tried to build a club that lived out the 4-H pledge—hard-working, service-minded, goal-oriented, and full of strong character. We were blessed with incredible kids and supportive families, and one of the greatest joys has been watching those young members grow up and eventually bring their own children back to 4-H. The friendships and traditions we helped create have lasted for generations.”
       Hanssen recalled the time that she and Susie decided to play a prank on one of the fair’s biggest jokesters.
        “We somehow got our hands on the leftover carcass from someone's grilled chicken dinner,” noted Hanssen. “Our target happened to have several prize-winning show chickens. Under the cover of darkness, we snuck over to their camper and hung that chicken carcass from the awning right outside their door. Attached was a note that read: 
         "Sorry about your show chicken—it made a premium dinner for us tonight!" 
          Needless to say, we got a pretty good laugh out of it...and thankfully, so did everyone else.”
          Edelen and her husband, Donnie, met at the Poweshiek County Fair in 1973 and where married in 1978.
         In the nearly 50 years since, the couple has remained active in 4-H with their three children and six grandchildren. They have also had a positive impact on the lives of area youth and fair families for years.
         In 2019, Edelen and family took over the county fair kitchen and named it Crazy Grannies Kitchen. Edelen and crew have been serving tasty food at family-friendly prices ever since.
       “It is an honor to be inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame this year,” noted Edelen.” I guess being in 4-H is just in my DNA. Volunteering has been something I give credit to my mom for.”
         “Thank you to my family for being there and supporting me,” added Edelen. “Thank you to Cheryl Hanssen for the surprise write up that was read. We did have a lot of fun together being leaders. When they called me and told me the extension council had voted for me to be inducted, I asked, Well isn’t that for old people? Well, I guess I need to accept the fact that I am getting older.”

​         Seven Poweshiek County 4-H and FFA Grand Champion winners will participate in the 2026 Best of the Best Showdown on Saturday, Aug. 1 at the Iowa County Fairgrounds in Marengo. Introductions get underway at 10:30  a.m. with the show following at 11 a.m. Pictured, from left: Brock Mortvedt, Grand Champion Breeding Doe; Dayton Mortvedt, Grand Champion Market Goat and Grand Champion Market Lamb; Kaylia Fuchs, Grand Champion Breeding Ewe; Brylee Fisk, Grand Champion Supreme Breeding Female; Emma Norman, Grand Champion Market Beef; Anna Slagle, Grand Champion Market Hog, Anthony Wolfe, Supreme Champion Breeding Gilt. Submitted photo.

By J.O. Parker
 
      Poweshiek County will be well represented at the 2026 Best of the Best competition on Saturday, Aug. 1 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 2026 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 10:30 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 choices 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,” noted Mary. “We are looking forward to year 11 and thankful for all the support for young people and all of our fairs.”
       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. 9 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
            Anna Slagle, Grand Champion Market Hog, Sheridan 4-H Club.
            Anthony Wolfe, Supreme Champion Breeding Gilt, Sheridan 4-H Club.
Sheep
            Dayton Mortvedt, Grand Champion Market Lamb, Sugar Creek 4-H Club.
            Brock Mortvedt, Grand Champion Breeding Doe, Sugar Creek 4-H Club.
Beef
            Brylee Fisk, Grand Champion Supreme Breeding Female, Deep River Helping Hands 4-H Club.
            Emma Norman, Grand Champion Market Beef, Sugar Creek 4-H Club.
Meat Goat 
            Kaylia Fuchs, Grand Champion Breeding Ewe, Poweshiek Pioneers 4-H Club.
            Dayton Mortvedt, Grand Champion Market Goat, Sugar Creek 4-H Club.

     The Grinnell Police Department is proud to announce that Captain Dan Johnson and Mental Health Liaison Faith Repp have earned the prestigious FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Award.
      The Trilogy Award is presented to law enforcement and public safety professionals who successfully complete all three core components of the FBI-LEEDA Leadership Institute series: the Supervisor Leadership Institute, Command Leadership Institute, and Executive Leadership Institute.
    This milestone represents an extraordinary commitment to advanced leadership development, professional excellence, and community-focused service.
        Please join the department in congratulating Captain Johnson and Faith Repp on this incredible achievement!

      In honor of National Farmers Market Week, Aug. 2 - 8, the Grinnell Farmers Market is looking for the weirdest shaped, largest, or the funniest looking fruit or vegetable for a contest on Thursday, Aug. 6. Community members are encouraged to submit their own vegetables and fruit that fit under one or all of the three categories mentioned above. 
      The community is encourage to come vote for their favorite produce item in one of the above mentioned categories. Line up begins at 2:30 p.m., voting opens at 3:15 p.m., and winners announced at 5:30 p.m.. Competition and voting are open to the general public.

​     Please join us at Central Park for this year's National Night Out event on Aug. 4, It'll be the perfect chance to come out, say hello, and connect with the dedicated teams keeping our community safe.
     You'll meet members from the Grinnell Police & Fire Department, Poweshiek County Sheriff's Office, Poweshiek Emergency Management, and the Iowa State Patrol.
    Be sure to bring your appetite because the Grinnell Optimist Club is back and serving up their famous free ice cream! We'll also have local food trucks on-site with delicious options available.
     Bring your family, catch up with neighbors, and celebrate our community. We can’t wait to see you there!

​        Kris and Kayla Seitz of Brooklyn, owners of Pool Tex, enjoy a nice summer day during a break in installing swimming pools. The couple started the business at their rural Brooklyn home four years ago. They offer both above ground and in-ground pools. Submitted photo.

J.O. Parker
 
       A Brooklyn swimming pool business is making a big splash in the area.
       Pool Tex, a home-based business owned by Kris and Kayla Seitz, specializes in the sales, installation and service of both above, in-ground and semi-inground swimming pools.
      The company was founded in Brooklyn four years ago after the Seitz family moved from the Quad Cities to enjoy a more rural small-town lifestyle.
       Kris is a graduate of Edcouch-Elsa High School in Edcouch, Texas and Kayla is a BGM graduate. The couple met in their early college years while Kayla was at Cornell College in Mt. Vernon and Kris at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids.
      At the time, Kayla was working as a Regional Manager for Von Maur, where her job was catching shoplifters, which ultimately lead the couple to Davenport.
       Kris worked for QCA Pools and Spas for more than 10 years (15 years overall in the pool business) in the Quad Cities and Kayla was the Von Maur Distribution Center Manager.
      “As our three kids grew older, we decided to relocate back to Brooklyn and it has been the best decision we ever made,” said Kayla. “You can’t beat an amazing, small community with a wonderful school district.”
         Kayla said Kris found his passion for building pools while working at QCA Pools and Spas.
       “After learning there was a desire for pools in our rural area, we started Pool Tex and it has also been one of the best decisions we ever made,” noted Kayla.
         The company currently operates the business from their home in Brooklyn. 
         “Although we don’t have a retail store, customers stop by for chemicals, parts and water samples,” said Kayla.
        For customers inquiring about swimming pools, Kayla said the couple schedules a time to meet with them at their residence in the evenings.
       “This allows us to see their yard, check grade, spray out options and go over the many options there are with pools,” she said.
Brand offerings
         Pool Tex has partnered with Only Alpha Pool Products for inground pools. Kayla said the company offers superior customer service, quick turn around and above all else, quality.
       “Through them, we are able to offer both steel and composite walls,” added Kayla of the company products. “Although both will last 50 – 60 plus years, composite will never rust and is just as tough as steel if not stronger. In addition, their liner detail and quality is also top notch.” 
     “It’s funny because people will send us photos of fiberglass swimming pools going down the interstate on a semitruck and they think it’s ours. It is not,” Kayla said with a smile. “We will not do fiberglass pools.”
        “This means that you will never have to worry about your pool freezing or heaving in the winter,” said Kayla. “In a rough, cold Iowa winter, fiberglass pools can pop out of the concrete. This will not happen with our pools as our pools have a bracing system on them and concrete footings.”
         She said Kris has seen these pools 50 plus years old and they are still in the same place as the day they were built.
        “Sure, you have to replace the liner (this is sometimes a good thing - trends change!) but as long as you maintain your chemicals, it’s typically 8-12 (sometimes even 15 years) years before needing to do so,” Kayla said.
       Another benefit to the inground pools Pool Tex offers is that the pool can be customized to fit the customer’s needs.
     “The majority of the time, customers choose a rectangle pool; however, we can do any shape including custom shapes,” noted Kayla. “In addition, customers choose the size, depth, steps, tanning ledges, benches, barstools, islands, etc. It’s amazing what can be done.”
         Kayla said this year, in-grounds have been extremely popular.
         “This year, we have sizes from 16’x32’ to 24’x50’,” she said.
         In addition, Pool Tex offers APC brand pool covers.
     “There are many pool covers out there, but nothing like APC,” said Kayla. “They’re expensive; however, they are ASTM certified and in nearly all cities we build, they constitute as a barrier which ultimately means the customer would not need a fence to be within code. Not only is safety a huge benefit of an automatic pool cover but they also keep debris out of the pool and hold in chemicals and heat.”
       Pool Tex also offers Trevi above ground swimming pools. “We offer both a 52” and 54” wall in a variety of sizes including: 18’, 21’, 24’, 27’ and the enormous 30’ round,” said Kayla. “We do not do oval pools. Again, in a tough Iowa winter, the long sides of these pools can freeze and heave. It doesn’t mean every oval will. We just want to ensure we build pools that are going to last without unnecessary issues.”
        She said the most popular above ground pool is the 54”x24’ dark wall.
Repairs, Service, cost and Installation
       The business also offers repair services.
      “We service our customers,” noted Kayla. “We feel it is very important, especially as we grow, to take care of those who have supported our business. We are just a quick call away and do what we can as fast as we can to service their needs.”
      “With a tight schedule, we try to assist others as much as we can,” added Kayla. “For example, we have had folks call needing a liner on a pool we didn’t install. We have provided them a liner and walked them through every step to install it themselves. Believe it or not, people are very thankful for this. We try wherever we can to help when we can but our customers come first.”
       The business sells and installs pool heaters, along with basic chemicals to make it more convenient for folks.
     “We have a water testing machine that gives customers a report showing step by step how to balance their water,” Kayla said. “This has been popular.”
         When asked about installation, Kayla said an above ground pool can be installed in a day.
         “We then go back the next day or when the pool is full to install the filter system,” said Kayla. 
      “For in-grounds, it really depends,” added Kayla. “This year, all the rain has been a struggle. If everything goes well (weather, timely inspections, etc.), it takes about two weeks.”
        Pool Tex offers financing options for its customers through HFS.
       “We have had a handful of customers use them,” said Kayla. “From those customers, we have heard great reviews. Once the loan is approved, funds are sent directly to the customer and it’s a relatively quick process.”
        As far as cost, customers purchasing an above ground pool can pay anywhere from approximately $8,000 - $12,000 installed.
     This includes the whole package: Pool/Liner, Armour Shield/Sticky Cove (under liner), Hayward Pump and Sand Filter System, Winter Cover, Solar Cover, A-Frame Ladder, Maintenance Kit, Tax and Install.
        For in-grounds, price varies so much depending on autocover, size, options, etc.
      “We have the engineering team at Only Alpha Pool Products design each in-ground pool and quote it from there,” said Kayla.
Coverage area
      For above ground pools, the company typically stays within a 45-mile radius. For in-ground pools, Kayla said the company has built pools as far south as Moravia, and will soon be building as far north as Parkersburg.
      “East to West, we service from Iowa City to Des Moines,” said Kayla. “More locally, we have built pools in Brooklyn, Grinnell, Montezuma, Lynnville, New Sharon, Williamsburg, Malcom, Gilman, Belle Plaine, Victor, Marengo, etc.”
Product warranties and more
      All the company’s work is warranted. In addition, the manufactures for both the pool and mechanics carry warranties as well.
        When asked what the company enjoys the most about their business, Kayla said there is no better feeing than happy customers.
        “We thoroughly enjoy seeing pictures of our customers and their family/friends enjoying the pools we have built,” said Kayla. “A swimming pool is an investment. The memories that are made for many, many years to come in the pool are priceless. We often hear from potential customers that they were referred to us. This too makes our hearts full.”
         When asked what customers should look for when purchasing a pool, Kayla said always make sure the pool you are thinking of buying is right for the climate you live in. Make sure the contractor has experience and is knowledgeable with the products they sell. Another tip is to make sure the company is licensed/insured, especially with in-ground pools.
         “Most importantly,” Kayla said, “Don’t believe everything you read on the internet - talk to us, talk to a professional.”
       Kayla said Pool Tex is growing quickly and it wouldn’t be possible without their community and customers.
       “We don’t really advertise much, said Kayla. “It has been word of mouth and it’s hard to express how much we appreciate it.”
         Kayla said the business wouldn’t be able to build pools without the company crew. 
       “We have both full-time and local students helping,” she said. “Building pools isn’t easy; it’s hard work most days. Our crew will tell you that floor day (on an in-ground) is the worst. It’s very labor intensive. They will also tell you that seeing the final project is rewarding. We are so thankful for these guys.”
Family
         The couple has three children. They are:
        Meredith, 16 - will be a BGM Junior next year. She helps test water and run things to the jobsites when needed. Meredith also works at Center Ground and Brooklyn Grocery in Brooklyn.
        Chyles, 14 - will be a BGM Sophomore. She has helped build some above ground pools in the past but stays busy with summer sports and painting for Keith Little Painting in the summer. 
       Kye, 8 - will be a BGM third grader next year. He absolutely loves helping on the jobsite when he can. 
Contact info
     Pool Tex can be reached at 563-210-5379, or via email at pooltexguy@gmail, or through the company website: pooltexia.com or on Facebook at Pool Tex.

​        A beautiful composite deck and fencing surrounds a large above ground swimming pools installed recently by Pool Tex of Brooklyn. The company offers both a 52” and 54” wall in a variety of sizes including: 18’, 21’, 24’, 27’ and the enormous 30’ round size.

​       An employee with Pool Tex installs the liner of an in-ground pool earlier this year. According to the couple, floor day, as it is called, is a very labor intensive process.

​        Pool Tex employees install a large above ground swimming pool this summer.

J.O. Parker

Editor’s note: My goal in doing this article was to recognize area soldiers who died in combat during the Vietnam War. I checked numerous databases for this information. I understand that families who had a veteran serve in Vietnam and return home and who later passed away are not listed in my story. It is not my intention to disrespect any soldier who served in any war or during peacetime or their family. Please feel free to add a tribute to your loved one in the comments of this story. I would be honored to pay tribute to them as well.

       There are eight veterans with Poweshiek County and area ties listed on the Wall that Heals, a three-quarter size replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C, coming to Brooklyn next week.
Three are from Grinnell, two from Montezuma, one from Deep River, one from Victor and one from Barnes City.
         The Wall that Heals will arrive in Brooklyn on Tuesday, July 28 by motorcycle escort. The mobile exhibit honors the more than 3 million Americans who served in the Vietnam War and bears the engraved names of the 58,281 service members who died or remain missing in action.
          The replica is 375 feet in length and stands 7.5 feet high at its tallest point. Visitors have the opportunity to experience The Wall rising above them as they walk towards the apex, a key feature of the design of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C.
          The Wall that Heals is a program of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (WMF), founders of the Wall.
       On Veterans Day 1996, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (WMF) unveiled a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., designed to travel to communities through the United States. Since its dedication, The Wall That Heals has been displayed in more than 800 communities throughout the nation, spreading the Memorial’s healing legacy to millions.
         The Wall that Heals will be on display, July 30 – Aug. 2 at the BGM football field. The display is free and open to the public 24-hours per day. It will close at 2 p.m. on Aug. 2 with a closing ceremony at 1:45 p.m.
         A memorial program to honor those who served in Vietnam, returned home and since passed will also be taking place during the week. The soldier’s name, picture and short history will be part of an educatioal display at the Wall that Heals.
Schedule of events:
      Tuesday, July 28 - The Wall that Heals arrives in Brooklyn at approximately 3 – 3:30 p.m. with a motorcycle escort. The escort will leave the Iowa Speedway with kickstands up at 2 p.m. and travel Highway 6 through Newton, Kellogg and Grinnell. Due to road construction on Highway 6, the escort will go north through Kellogg, then east on Highway F27 on the north side of Rock Creek and back down on Highway T38 to Highway 6.
          The escort, which is under the direction of Gary and Marsha Hash and Caleb “Cub” Schaffner, will then turn south on Highway 63 and east on Old Highway 6 into Brooklyn, before turning north on Jackson Street to the high school.
           “It is with great pride that our community of Brooklyn has the opportunity to honor those that served in the Vietnam War. While this project has been a tremendous amount of work, the committee along with local businesses and organizations have stepped up to make this manageable and will be an event remembered for a long time,” noted Thomas May, a member of the Wall that Heals Committee.
Wednesday, July 29 - Set up of the Wall that Heals starts at 8:30 a.m. with volunteer orientation at 6 p.m.
           Thursday, July 30 – Exhibit opens at 2 p.m. and will remain open 24-hours a day for visitors to stop, reflect and to enjoy; A Welcome Home Ceremony is slated for 6 p.m. at the football field. Keynote speaker will be Vietnam Veteran Capt. William "Hawk" Albracht, author of “Abandoned in Hell.”
         Friday, July 31 – Light the Night Orange will be held in remembrance of those affected by Agent Orange at 9 p.m.
       Saturday, Aug. 1 – The Iowa Military Veterans Band comprised of 60 members will be performing at the MJM Community Center from 1 – 2 p.m. at 105 Jackson St. This is a free event open to the public that you won’t want to miss. Bring your friends and family.
            Sunday, Aug. 2 – Closing Ceremony at 1:45 p.m.
Following is an overview of each soldier including hometown and panel they are on:
 
Kenneth Keith Hutton (Deep River) – Panel 41E – Line 10
TSGT – E6 - Air Force – Regular
His tour began on Sept. 20, 1967 and he died on Feb. 24, 1968 in Gia Dinh Province, South Vietnam. Hostile, ground casualty artillery, rocket or mortar. His body was recovered.
 
Michael Terry Boat (Grinnell) – Panel 19W – Line 91
SP5 – EF – Army – Regular – 1st AVN BDE
His tour began on Sept. 21, 1968 and he died on Aug. 22, 1969 in Binh Long Province, South Vietnam. Non-hostile, helicopter – crew – Air loss, crash on land. His body was recovered.
 
Brett Grant Revis (Grinnell) – Panel 18W – Line 43
PFC – E3 – Army – Selective Service – 199th Light Infantry Brigade.
His tour began on July 26, 1969 and he died on Sept. 5, 1969 in Bien Hoa Province, South Vietnam. Hostile, ground casualty with multiple fragmentation wounds. His body was recovered.
 
Jerry Eugene Tew (Grinnell) – Panel 02W – Line 55
PFC - E3 – Army – Selective Service – USSARV
His tour began on July 19, 1971 and he died on Oct. 29, 1971 in Khanh Hoa Province, South Vietnam. Non-hostile, ground casualty intentional homicide. His body was recovered.
 
Ailey Berdean Hurley (Montezuma) – Panel 19E – Line 82
PFC – E3 – Army – Selective Service – 1st Cav Division (AMBL)
His tour began on April 2, 1967 and he died on May 10, 1967 in Binh Dinh Province, South Vietnam. Hostile ground casualty gun, small arms fire. His body was recovered.
 
Donald Wayne Thompson (Montezuma) – Panel 31E – Line 26
CPL – E4 – Army – Selective Service - 25th Infantry Division.
His tour began on Sept. 10, 1967 and he died on Dec. 2, 1967 in Binh Duong Province, South Vietnam. Hostile, died while missing, ground casualty with multiple fragmentation wounds. His body was recovered.
 
Kenneth Harry Heitmann (Victor) – Panel 12W – Line 42
SGT – E5 – Army – Regular – 196th Light Infantry Brigade
His tour began on Feb. 5, 1970 and he died on March 25, 1970 in Quang Tin Province, South Vietnam. Hostile, ground casualty gun, small arms fire. His body was recovered.
 
Dennis Clark Hamilton (Barnes City) – Panel 33E – Line 49
CWO – W3 – Army – Reserve 1st AVN BDE
His tour began on Jan. 5, 1968 and he died on Jan. 8, 1979 (incident date, Jan. 5, 1968) in LZ, Laos. Hostile, died while missing, helicopter – pilot. Air loss or crash over land. Body was not recovered, but found later.

       The Wall that Heals coming to Brooklyn, July 28 – Aug. 2, is headed up by a committee. Pictured are, from left, front row: Gary Hash, Rusty Clayton, Marsha Hash, Sandy Prior, Thom May. Back row: Tom Ryan, Pat Tarpey, Larry Massengale, Russ Schuck, Don Lastkovka, Dave Hostetler, Shelly Dunnick, Caleb “Cubby” Schaffner, and Quinton Douglas. Not pictured are Sally May and Ralph Marrero. Submitted photo.

       Suds of Love is a free laundry night for the Grinnell community — no strings attached.
     Bring your laundry to Maytag Laundry & Tanning, 805 West St. in Grinnell, on the last Wednesday of the month from 4 – 7 .m. Laundry soap is provided.
Upcoming dates:
       July 29
      August 26 — Care Kit Night
      September 30
      October 28
      November 18 — Care Kit Night *early due to Thanksgiving*
      December 30
      January 27, 2027
     All are welcome. Come as you are, bring what you need washed, and let us take care of the rest.
     Please share with anyone who could use a little extra support this month.

      Hands that Help, Inc. invited the public to join them for a great cause!
    Mark your calendars for Sunday, Aug. 9, from 5 – 7 p.m. and come out to the Eagles in Grinnell, for the organizations Silent Auction!
       Enjoy a free-will donation meal (menu to be announced) while you browse and bid on a variety of auction items.
      Every dollar raised will go toward the continued expansion of the Hands That Help Clothes Closet, helping provide clothing and support to individuals and families in our community.
      Bring your family, invite your friends, and help us make a difference. We hope to see you there!
      Together, we can lend a helping hand.
      Can you help?
    "We're currently accepting donations for our Aug. 9 Silent Auction," noted a Hands that Help fundraising organizer. "If you'd like to contribute an item, basket, gift certificate, or other donation, please text your name or your business name to 641-990-2961 so we can add you to our donor list."
       Thank you for your generosity and support!