By J.O. Parker BGM Community Schools welcomed five new teachers and a new high school principal for the 2024–25 school year. Following is brief overview of each new teacher and the new principal. Name: Shane Ehresman Shane Ehresman is the new 7-12 principal at BGM. Ehresman brings 27-years of experience to his new position that included the following positions: • Assistant Professor and Director of Distance Learning in the education division at William Penn University in Oskaloosa, a position he held for three years. • Superintendent of the Lynnville-Sully Community School District for 11-years. • Five years as high school principal in the Washington Community School District. • 10-years as the high school associate principal/activities director and social studies teacher at the Marion Independent School District. • Social studies teacher for one year at Forreston Community School District in Forreston, Ill. Ehresman has completed doctoral coursework in Education Administration at Western Illinois University; earned a Specialist (Ed.S) Degree and Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from the University of Iowa; a Master’s of Arts in Teaching Degree (MAT) from Coe College; and a Bachelor of Special Studies Degree from Cornell College. Ehresman has been recognized by the Ray Center at Drake University for an Iowa Character Counts Award; Iowa Administrator of the Year Award by the Iowa High School Press Association (IHSPA), and Iowa Assistant Principal of the Year Award by School Administrators of Iowa (SAI). He has also served on advisory committees for the Iowa High School Athletic Association. “I am excited about returning to public education after working at William Penn University for three years,” noted Ehresman. “The BGM Community School District has an excellent reputation and I am humbled and honored to have been selected as the next 7-12 principal.” Name: Jamie McClenathan Jamie McClenathan is BGM’s newest Begindergarten teacher. McClenathan is a gradute of Carlinville High School in Carlinville, Ill. She holds a Bachelors of Arts in Communication Studies from Eastern Illinois University and a Bachelors of Arts in Elementary Education from Buena Vista University. When asked why she become a teacher, McClenathan said initially the thought of being a teacher was to be closer to her own kids. “Although after being able to observe so many wonderful teachers, I was inspired to continue on my educational journey so that I could be one of those inspirational teachers that is shaping the future,” she said. When ask to share something she’s learn from a student, McClenathan said how to persevere over the difficult things in life and keep a smile on your face. McClenathan said her favorite subject in high school was history. When asked what advice she would give to her students, McClenathan said one thing we say in our class is that we just haven’t figured it out yet. “It is a phrase I’ve heard from a lot of other teachers, and it works great for five-year-olds who know some things but there’s a lot they don’t know yet just to give them that hope that we will get there eventually,” she said. When asked to describe her teaching style, McClenathan said her focus is on student engagement and an exchange of student and teacher led instructions. When asked what she is looking forward to most this school year, McClenathan said she is really looking forward to just getting into the grove of things and figuring out the best way to give these young children the greatest start they can have in their education experience. And when asked about what she wished she had known at age 5, McClenathan said that it will all work out, and education is important. In her free time, McClenathan enjoys spending time with her family, running and reading. McClenathan has been married for 14 years to her husband, Matt. The couple has four wonderful children, Gwen, 12, Zeke, 10, Leo, 8, and Ana, 6. “We also have a Shelter dog, Kinnick, who is 14 years old and a dog named Lambeau that passed away a few years ago,” she said. Name: Emily Daugherty Emily Daugherty is the new secondary special education teacher at BGM this school year. She graduated from a class of 19 students at Moulton-Udell High School in Moulton. She attended Indian Hills Community College in Centerville and Graceland University as a non-traditional student where she majored in Elementary Education with a concentration in special education and reading. In her new job, Daugherty is teaching social-emotional skills, executive functioning skills along with supporting students in all academic areas. When asked why she became a teacher, Daugherty said to help students enjoy learning. “I still strive to instill in my students that the mistakes we make are not a dead end, but simply part of the process that leads to progress,” she said. “We don’t practice to reach perfection, we practice to gain growth.” When asked what she has learned from a student, Daugherty said to be brave and step out of her comfort zone. In high school, Daugherty’s favorite class was band. “I played several instruments (clarinet, bass clarinet, flute, piano) in a variety of ensembles,” she said. When asked what advice would she give to students, Daugherty said life isn’t about finding yourself, it’s about creating yourself. “It also doesn’t matter where you came from, only where you are going,” said Daugherty. “These two concepts are what we should focus on, not others’ perceptions or judgements.” When asked to describe her teaching style, Daugherty said she is a laid back rule follower. When asked what she is looking forward to most this school year, Daugherty said she is looking forward to making new friends and becoming part of a new community. And when she what she wishes she had known when she was her students’ age, Daugherty said it is Ok to mess up. “Mistakes are part of the learning process,” she said. “There is also no such thing as ‘perfect’ because we continually reflect, learn and grow.” In her spare time, Daugherty likes to do anything art oriented. “I have started creating commissioned pet portraits in a variety of mediums and have thoroughly enjoyed it,” she said. Daugherty has a ‘Plus 1” of almost three years. She has two children that are grown and on their own. Her daughter, Beth, 23, lives in Oskaloosa with her family, and her son, Myles, 29, lives in Ottumwa with his wife and furbaby. She has two fur babies herself; a 14-year-old Muli-pooh named Charlie, and a 5-year-old rescued Frenchie named Jolie. Name: Kelsey Kleine Kelsey Kleine is the new iJAG (Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduate) Career Education Specialist at BGM. She is a graduate of Pella Community High School and holds a Business Management degree from Central College. Kleine said the iJag course work is geared toward students in 8th – 12th grades. She is currently teaching an exploratory course each quarter to 8th grade students, where they are introduced to iJAG, will discuss leadership and help students develop communication and durable skills, and lay the foundation for a positive and supportive classroom community to be built. She is also teaching iJAG classes to 9th – 12th grade students. “Through our curriculum for 9th-10th graders, students will explore topics including communication, teamwork, and leadership,” said Kleine. “They will examine their personal interests, values, and goals. They will also explore how iJAG and the Career Association can help them to grow their skills and pursue their interests. These topics will be explored in the form of engaging mini-lessons and exploratory, hands-on activities such as interactive investigations, class discussions, team challenges, and mini-projects. The curriculum for 11-12th graders will expand on the curriculum for 9th-10th graders. Students will be introduced to the ideas of seeing themselves as leaders and their classmates as collaborative teammates.” When asked why she became a teacher, Kleine said not being a traditional teacher, she holds an accreditation through the BOEE (Board of Educational Examiners). “I chose to enter into the school setting, because I have a passion for people,” she said. “I want to see students succeed far beyond the four walls of school.” When asked what is something she’s learned from a student, Kleine said this is her first year teaching, but she is already learning from her students. “So far, I have learned that students have strong abilities to problem solve utilizing technology,” she said. “A simple example came when I was talking with my 7th grade students in home room about carrying out an activity that they wanted to do. We needed a game die. I was quick to say that I didn’t have one for the activity. Students quickly chimed in and encouraged me to pull up an electronic game die. I did just that, and we were able to complete the activity as a class.” In high school, Kleine said her favorite class was an elective that was simply called Business Class. “There were multiple classes that fell under that class, and I took all of those classes,” she said. When asked to describe her teaching style, Kleine said her goal is to provide structure, guidance, and boundaries but ultimately let students have voice and choice in her classroom. “I work to facilitate project-based learning experiences,” she said. When asked what advice she would give to her students, Kleine said she would encourage them to apply themselves now. “School might seem like a drag, but so many skills can be learned and sharpened through truly being engaged in classes,” noted Kleine. In her free time, Kleine enjoys spending time with family and friends. “My free time is spent with family and friends,” she said. “I love to spend time playing with my two-year-old son. As a family, we enjoy spending time with both extended family and friends.” Kleine is married to, Nyle, and the couple has a two-year-old son, Ryker. They also have two dogs, Hope (Mini Aussie Doodle) and Indy (Dachshund and Yorkie mix). Kleine said she feels blessed to be welcomed into the BGM School District, and her hope is to make a positive impact with those she has the privilege to interact with. Name: Lydia Fariss Lydia Fariss is the new high school business teacher at BGM and neighboring HLV. Fariss is a graduate of Ankeny Centennial High School and the University of Iowa, where she majored in Enterprise Leadership. When asked why she become a teacher, Fariss heard there was a shortage of Career and Technical Education teachers across the United States post-pandemic. “I didn't want the next generation to not have the same opportunities that I had,” she said. When asked to share something she’s learned from a student, Fariss said her students have taught her how to be a more understanding adult. “I've grown as a person from being around them,” said Fariss. Her favorite class in high school was chemistry. And surprisingly, she enjoyed all of her business classes. When asked what advice would she give to her students, Fariss said you don’t have to be good at something, but you do have to be teachable. As far as her teaching style, Fariss said she enjoys being organized and predictable. “I love my routines, structure and color coordination,” she said. When asked what she is looking forward to the most this school year, Fariss said getting to know the students in her classes better and growing the business program at both schools. When asked what she wishes she had known when she was her student’s age, Fariss said that life changes constantly. “New opportunities are abundant,” said Fariss. “Make a plan, but be prepared for change and pivot when needed.” When asked what she enjoys in her free time, Fariss said with a two-year-old and eight-month-old, she doesn’t get too much free time. When she does, she enjoys crocheting. Name: Sara McCue The new 5 – 12 band director at BGM is Sara McCue. A graduate of Twin Cedars High School near Bussey, McCue holds a Bachelor of Music from Hope College in Holland, Mich, a Masters in Music Education from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, and all of the coursework and most of an internship completed for an equivalency degree in Music Therapy from the University of Iowa. “I am dual certified in music education and general elementary education,” said McCue. When asked what she became a teacher, McCue said she didn’t originally plan to be a teacher, but found herself taking all the music education classes, that led her to enter the teaching field. “I found that I just love teaching music, and wanted to show students the world through music and music experiences,” she said. When asked what is something she had learned from a student, McCue said many things through the years. “The most important thing I've learned over the years is that giving students a space to be themselves matters and is something they will take with them as adults,’ she said. “For example - there was a group of kids who were getting in trouble for breakdancing outside of the school. I gave them my classroom as a space, as long as they weren't in trouble in any of their classes. I learned a lot about breakdancing, and they worked hard to stay out of trouble. There was a time when I let a student rock band play for their peers - members of that band have sent me copies of their recorded albums.” When asked what her favorite class was in high school, McCue said band and choir where her favorites. “But, my senior English class was the one where I learned the most life skills,” said McCue. “I still use recipes from my advanced foods class, I still have the flower arrangement I made in horticulture class, and I still have the nightstand I made in woodshop.” When asked what advice would she give to her students, McCue said to build good practicing habits when they are young, and play as often as they can, for as many people as you can. “Music can take you so many places,” she said. When asked to describe her teaching style, McCue said she’s had to be very organized over the years, so my classes are structured with set routines. “I have high expectations, but I like to have fun, too,’ noted McCue. “I definitely find ways to engage students in the subject matter.” As for this school year, McCue is looking forward to getting to know her students and making music with them. When asked what she wishes he had known when she was her student’s age, McCue said the world is so much bigger than the confines of a school building or the boundaries of a school district. “Take advantage of every opportunity offered to you and find your way beyond the boundaries,” she noted. When asked what she enjoys in her free time, McCue said making sure her kids get to all of their activities. “They are very busy with cheerleading, band, choir, tennis, fencing, hockey, music lessons, 4-H, and several other clubs,” she said. “I also co-direct the Grinnell Children's Choir, teach at the Grinnell School of Music, and sing in a Sweet Adeline’s choir. I help my dad manage our family farm as well.” McCue is married to Daniel. The couple has two daughters, Slane, a 10th grader at Grinnell, Hanna, an eighth grader at Grinnell and a son, Seeger, a sixth grader at Grinnell.
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The Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting their 3rd New Resident Welcome, presented by UnityPoint Health - Grinnell, and invites those who have relocated to Grinnell in the past 12-18 months to attend. On Thursday, Sept. 26 from 4 - 6 p.m. new residents and their families are invited to join at Central Park near the pavilion.
The New Resident Welcome is an opportunity for those new to the area to learn more about Grinnell, find ways to get involved and to enjoy one of our beautiful community parks. Vendors representing a variety of businesses and organizations from the Grinnell community will be present to share information and answer questions new residents may have. Attendees will also enjoy a free meal, courtesy of HyVee-Grinnell. The event is free to attend; however, RSVP’s are requested by visiting www.grinnellchamber.org/en/events/new resident welcome or by calling the chamber office at 641-236-6555. “The past two events have been successful in helping our new community members feel a connection to place. The chamber staff and participating organizations have really enjoyed meeting our new residents at this event and see their excitement grow for our community,” noted Marissa Ylagan with the Chamber. If your business or organization is interested in participating in this event, reach out to the Chamber office to learn more. The New Resident Welcome, presented by UnityPoint Health - Grinnell, is hosted by the Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Community Greetings - Grinnell, and is sponsored by Grinnell Mutual, Grinnell College and HyVee-Grinnell. Poweshiek County Public health encourages all individuals six months of age and older to get a yearly flu vaccine. Multiple Influenza vaccination clinics will take place throughout Poweshiek County during October. Various vaccines are available at these clinics including Fluzone High-Dose for adults over 65 and the FluLaval flu vaccine for all. The Moderna COVID-19 booster vaccine will also be available at the flu clinics for individuals 12 years and older per request while supplies last.
“The flu vaccine is a key component in reducing the severity of Influenza,” noted Brooke Holder, RN, BSN, Public Health Manager. “Other ways to reduce spreading respiratory illnesses are covering your coughs and/or sneezes, washing your hands often with warm water and soap, disinfecting regularly touched surfaces and staying home when sick. It is important to remember that every flu season is different and can affect people differently. It is important to protect yourself and your loved ones.” Attendees need to bring a copy of their insurance or Medicare card to the flu vaccine clinics. For individuals 19 and older without insurance the cost per flu vaccine is $30 for the FluLaval and $65 for the Fluzone High-Dose. Hand sanitizer will be provided. Clinic attendees are asked to arrive at 3 p.m. to allow the public health team ample time to set-up after schools are dismissed and the clinic starts. Schedule of Public Health Influenza Vaccination Clinics – No appointments necessary:
Celebration of Edith Renfrow Smith in Chicago April 26, 2023. (Photo by Justin Hayworth/Grinnell College) Dedication to take place on Saturday, Sept. 28, at noon
On Sept. 28, Grinnell College will dedicate Renfrow Hall to Mrs. Edith Renfrow Smith ’37, DHL ’19 and her inspiring life of achievement, service, and generosity. Renfrow Hall, located at 1033 Broad St. in downtown Grinnell, will serve as a new home for students committed to building a stronger, more engaged community. The dedication ceremony will celebrate not only the opening of this unique space but will also honor the remarkable legacy of Mrs. Edith Renfrow Smith, for whom the building is named. Mrs. Renfrow Smith, who celebrated her 110th birthday in July — is Grinnell College’s first Black woman graduate, its oldest living alum, and a Grinnell High School graduate and Hall of Fame inductee. Her legacy of service, coalition-building, advocacy, and aspiration has inspired generations. This dedication weekend will be an opportunity to uplift and celebrate her lifelong commitment to community and equality. Dedication Ceremony Details:
Mrs. Edith Renfrow Smith Born in 1914, Mrs. Edith Renfrow Smith grew up in one of the oldest Black families in Grinnell. As the fifth of six children, she was instilled with a deep commitment to education, community, and equality. These values guided her through Grinnell College, where she majored in psychology and became the first Black woman to graduate from the College in 1937. Following her graduation, Mrs. Renfrow Smith moved to Chicago, where she became a pillar of her community, raised two daughters, and enjoyed a distinguished career as a public school elementary teacher. Even after her retirement in 1976, she continued to serve others through volunteer work, earning induction into the Chicago Senior Citizens Hall of Fame in 2009. Grinnell College recognized her lifetime of service with an honorary doctorate in 2019, awarded with a standing ovation. Renfrow Hall will feature a permanent display honoring Mrs. Renfrow Smith’s life and contributions. This tribute will ensure that current and future generations of Grinnellians, community members, and visitors will be inspired by her story and continue to uphold her values. Team Renfrow Dr. Tamara Beauboeuf-Lafontant, professor, Louise R. Noun Chair in Gender, Women’s and Sexuality Studies, founded Team Renfrow in the summer of 2021 with the mission of bringing needed visibility and recognition to Mrs. Edith Renfrow Smith ’37, Grinnell College’s first Black alumna. The team, comprising faculty, students, alumni, and community members—including Dr. Dan Kaiser, emeritus professor of history; Monique McLay Shore ’90; Stuart Yeager ’82; Feven Getachew ’24; Evie Caperton ’25; Libby Eggert ’25; Hemlock Stanier ’25; and Valeriya Woodard ’25—has worked and continues to uncover and share the rich history of the Renfrow family and Black Grinnellians, making significant contributions to public history. Their collective efforts will culminate in several events over the weekend that highlight Mrs. Renfrow Smith’s legacy. Dedication Weekend Events Friday, Sept. 27 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Rooted in Resilience: Celebrating the Legacy of Mrs. Edith Renfrow Smith Joe Rosenfield ’25 Center, Smith Gallery The gallery presents a photo timeline of Mrs. Edith Renfrow Smith’s life and achievements. Most of the photos are from her family, serving as evidence of their commitment to preserving their Black history. 10 a.m. Welcome Parade The parade route will allow people to line the streets to welcome Mrs. Renfrow Smith and her family to Grinnell to kick off the Renfrow Hall Dedication Weekend of events. The Renfrow family will lead the parade as it heads north on East Street to the Grinnell Middle School. From there, it will turn left on Hamilton Avenue and continue to Davis Elementary. The parade will then head north on Broad Street, passing by Mrs. Renfrow Smith’s namesake Renfrow Hall, continuing north on Broad Street to Eighth Avenue, and turning right to reach its final destination, the Joe Rosenfield ’25 Center. 12 – 4 p.m.— Renfrow Sisters Mural Installation A live installation of a temporary mural, Renfrow Sisters, created by Iowa artist Isaac Campbell will take place. The Wheat Paste mural, which honors Edith Renfrow Smith and her sisters, will be installed on First Interstate Bank in Grinnell, 1030 Broad St. The Grinnell Area Arts Council, in collaboration with Monique McLay Shore ’90 and Iowa artist Isaac Campbell. 7:30 p.m. — The Soul Sensations in Central Park Dessert and dancing under the stars in Central Park will feature the musical talents of Dr. Randy Morgan ’65 and the Soul Sensations, a group that specializes in old school rhythm and blues music from the 1960s to today’s hits. Saturday, Sept. 28 8 – 11:30 a.m. — Explore Renfrow Hall and the Renfrow Smith Family Legacy Morning | Various Locations: Before the dedication ceremony, visit Renfrow Hall or one of several exhibitions on campus and the community to learn more about this incredible woman and her family, who are being honored with the naming of this beautiful building. Noon — Renfrow Hall Dedication Ceremony This joyful, community-focused gathering will feature words of hope and appreciation from community and College leadership as well as inspiring music from the Young, Gifted, and Black Gospel choir. Food and refreshments will be available. Book Reading | 2 p.m. | Drake Community Library, 930 Park St. Join author Monique McLay Shore ’90 for a reading of No One is Better Than You: Edith Renfrow Smith and the Power of a Mother’s Words (2024), a children’s book that brings Mrs. Renfrow Smith’s inspiring story to young readers. Hazelwood Cemetery Walks: African Americans of Early Grinnell | 3 p.m. A shuttle will depart from Drake Community Library for a cemetery walk at Hazelwood Cemetery, focusing on the stories of African Americans in early Grinnell, including four with direct ties to Mrs. Edith Renfrow Smith. Please note that this event requires walking between gravesites and standing throughout. About Renfrow Hall Renfrow Hall represents a groundbreaking approach to education, living, and community engagement in the 21st century. Situated at the nexus between Grinnell College and the town of Grinnell, this mixed-use facility is designed to foster shared experiences and collaboration between the College and the broader community. Renfrow Hall will be a national model for civic engagement and college-community partnerships, demonstrating the power of collaboration in a rural setting. Over the past two years, Build A Better Grinnell has been listening to you—our community—and gathering your ideas, hopes, and visions. Now, it’s time to come together and share the results of this participatory assessment and engage in planning the next steps for our town’s future.
Join your neighbors in celebrating what we’ve accomplished so far and be a part of the exciting work ahead. No RSVP required. Refreshments to be provided! Community Info Session & Celebration Date: Tuesday, Sept. 24 Time: 6 – 8 p.m. Location: Drake Community Library See the Facebook event here: http://www.facebook.com/events/2430905240438739 For more information about the project, visit: buildabettergrinnell.org by Ryan Stonebraker
BROOKLYN - For the second straight week, the BGM Bear football team captured a lopsided non-district victory after a 70-0 win at home over Twin Cedars. The win saw the Bears record improve to 2-1 with two wins in a row. The Bears will be back on the field on Friday, Sept. 20 when they travel to Belle Plaine. The Plainsmen will come into the game after traveling to Moravia. “We started the game well and got to a fast start. We were able to put them in the rearview mirror early and not let them hang around. They (Twin Cedars) have some tradition and they have a new coach. They have some young talent and they will be better in future years,” said BGM coach Jerod Burns. BGM took command of the game with 37 points in the first quarter. Leading 37-0 going to the second quarter, the Bears added 20 points to take a 57-0 halftime lead. BGM scored 7 points in the third quarter and 6 points in the fourth quarter to get the game score to its final score of 70-0. The Bears offense had 551 yards of total offense in the game with 245 passing and 306 rushing yards. Both season highs to date. Beau Burns nearly had a perfect passing game, going 10-for-12 on attempts with 245 yards passing and five touchdowns. Rushing, Burns had 12 carries for 201 yards and four touchdowns. Robby Tometich rushed for 41 yards and Landon Hasseet rushed for 36 yards. Nathan Findlay and Aiden Krebill each rushed for their first varsity carries this season. Findlay had 20 yards on six carries and Krebill 10 yards on two carries. Four different Bears caught a touchdown pass in the game. Tate Martin led Bear receivers with four receptions for 44 yards and two touchdowns. Findlay, Dakota Heishman, and Tucker Wright all had touchdown catches in the game. Twin Cedars had 13 yards of total offense with 28 passing yards and negative 15 rushing yards. The total is the best game that the Bears defense has had with yards given up this season. The Bears had 15.5 tackles for loss in the game led by Tate Martin with 5. Martin also had two of the three-team sacks in the game. The Bears recovered two fumbles with Tate Martin and Landen Cooling each collecting one. Two Bears had interceptions in the game. They were from Brooks Davis and Cristian Martinez who combined for 22 return yards in the game. The Bears remain the top team in overall touchdowns scored in all classes of Iowa High School football with 34 team touchdowns in two weeks. Right behind the Bears is rival Montezuma with 28 touchdowns and fellow SICL teams Iowa Valley (27) and Belle Plaine (24). We have a bye week this week and we need more snaps. It was good to get field time for us. It was good to see us be efficient on offense. Burns said the Bears will have a normal week this week with maybe an off day in there too. “We are going to go through a normal week, maybe move back a day. It will be different not playing on Friday. We will have to be ready for Belle Plaine. They are physical and a hard-nosed running football team. They also have good athletes on both sides of the football,” said Burns. Belle Plaine is 3-0 going into this week’s game with Moravia. The Plainsmen have only passed for 79 yards in three games between senior Ty Alcott and junior Aidan Timm. The Plainesmen have rushed for 864 yards with 20 rushing touchdowns. Alcott leads with 396 yards on 46 carries and 7 touchdowns. Wade Sankot also has rushed for seven touchdowns. Defensively, Ty Alcott leads in tackles with 22.5 and Wade Sankot has 17 tackles. As a team Belle Plaine had recovered four fumbles and they have five interceptions as a team. The Terry and Linda Lowry family of rural Searsboro were the recipients of the 2024 Jim Urfer Spirt of Farming honor presented by Grinnell Lions Club representatives during Ag Appreciation Day on Thursday, Aug. 29. The Lowry family is shown with representatives of the Grinnell Lions Club following the presentation in Grinnell’s Central Park. Submitted photo. By J.O. Parker
The Grinnell Lions presented the Jim Urfer Spirit of Farming Award to a rural Searsboro family during Ag Appreciation Day on Thursday, Aug. 29. The honor was presented to Terry and Linda Lowry and family for their dedication to ag business and community involvement during the annual Ag Appreciation Day celebration in Grinnell’s Central Park. Terry and Linda, along with their two sons, Brian and his wife, Carrie, and Jason and his wife, Jennifer, and the couple’s nine grandchildren, are all involved in the family farming operation. Terry and Linda and their two boys farm around 1,200 acres of row crops and raise about 50 cow calf pairs among the families. In past years, the Lowry’s raised farrow to finish hogs, but are not involved in that operation these days outside of a few 4-H projects. In past years, Terry said he and his brother, Gary, farmed together to conserve on machinery investments. Today, the couple’s sons crop farm with Terry. Gary and Terry continue to share hay making equipment. Terry has appreciated working with his brother’s family and working alongside their neighbors, local bankers and the agri-business community through the years. “The sense of community out in the country is what makes farming so rewarding,” said Terry. In addition, the couple’s nine grandchildren, who range in age from 1 – 17, are also involved in the farming operation through their 4-H and FFA projects. “They are involved in 4-H livestock projects and the older ones have some ownership of beef cattle, sheep and chickens,” said Terry. “They buy show pigs for 4-H projects. They are just learning and getting their feet wet. They are learning the farming business through their projects.” Through the years, Terry has been active in Farm Bureau, Searsboro Manor board, Lynnville-Sully School committees, Grinnell Christian Church and Poweshiek Pork Producers. He is a member of the Iowa Cattleman’s Association. Terry, who was born and raised in Searsboro, is an Iowa State University graduate with a degree in Ag Education. He was a vocational Ag teacher and FFA Advisor at Lynnville-Sully from 1972 – 1975, at which time he began farming full-time. Terry was quick to say that every good farmer has a supportive wife and Linda is the best. The couple met at the Sullivan Jewel Box Bank in Grinnell, 50 years ago in June. “My mom worked at the bank and Linda, who was from rural Brooklyn, was a teller,” recalled Terry. The couple recently celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary. Linda, a native of rural Brooklyn, has remained involved in the family farming operation. She also grew and canned lots of produce to feed their growing family and currently volunteers her time at their local church, Grinnell Christian. In the past, Linda has volunteered at Lynnville-Sully Community Schools and at Birthright in Grinnell. The couple is proud of both of their sons and their commitment to farming and serving others. Brian serves on the Key Cooperative Board of Directors and Jason is owner of Lowry Land Services, where he offers land surveying and has a real estate license. The couple is proud that both sons and their families are involved in their churches. When asked what this honor means to his family, Terry said it shows the strength of neighborhoods and small communities. “We’ve been blessed to have a good working family and good neighbor relationships and good landlords,” said Terry. “We appreciate the honor, but a lot of other people are deserving of it, too.” Terry said he is thankful for Curt Lang, former owner of the Grinnell John Deere dealership, and the late Jim Urfer, former owner of the local International dealership in Grinnell. Terry is grateful for their vision to hold the Ag Appreciation Day where local farm families and their contribution to the local community are appreciated. “I’m grateful that the Grinnell Lions are continuing the Ag Appreciation Day because a lot of local people enjoy watching the old tractor parade and meeting and visiting with area farmers,” Terry said. “We have been blessed to be a part of the farming community.” |
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