BGM's Beau Burns scores 10 touchdowns (eight through the air and two on the ground) in a home win over the MSTM Blue Devils on Friday, Sept. 26. BGM holds a 3-2 record heading into an away game at Earlham on Friday, Oct. 3. Game time is 7 p.m.

      The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Poweshiek County office will relocate from Montezuma to Grinnell during the last quarter of 2025. The move is expected to happen in Mid-November. The relocation will provide additional space for indoor and outdoor programming and foster a new partnership with New Century FS – Grinnell, a local agricultural cooperative.
       “Our Montezuma office has served us well,” said Tanya Michener, ISU Extension and Outreach regional director. “It’s a wonderful community with dedicated volunteers and partners who have supported our mission over the years.”
     The opportunity for relocation emerged when New Century FS consolidated and moved some of its operations, making office space available in its complex near the Poweshiek County Fairgrounds. The new location at 1017 Ogan Ave. will allow the Poweshiek County office to broaden its programming. Increased indoor space will support a range of activities, while outdoor areas will open doors to new, hands-on learning experiences.
     “We’re excited to grow our 4-H youth programming and expand adult offerings such as workshops, courses and community events,” said Michener. “These programs span agriculture and natural resources, food and nutrition, families and youth, yard and garden, and community leadership.”

​     Randy and AJ Schnebbe, owners of RS Welding Studio in rural Victor, showcase a metal creation Randy recently made at the business during the Homegrown Grace, Meet on the Farm, event on Saturday, Sept. 13. The couple started the Homegrown Grace, Meet on the Farm, event in 2021. The event draws nearly 60 vendors and is held twice a year in the spring and fall.

By J.O. Parker
 
      What started as an Amish lawn furniture business 25 plus years ago has turned into one of the premier farmer’s market craft events in the Central Iowa area.
       Homegrown Grace, Meet on the Farm, is held twice yearly in rural Victor. The event draws upwards to 60 vendors selling all kinds of homemade wares from jewelry to baked goods, fresh vegetables, artwork, flowers, meats, sewing creations, kid-made goods, leather items, greeting cards, beauty items, soaps, beeswax lotions, candles, a sawmill and home décor goods.
        Randy and AJ Schnebbe host the event at their farm and the home of RS Welding Studio at 2026 B Ave. in rural Victor (I-80 Exit 205).
         Vendors are located in the various outbuildings and even the garage at the Schnebbe farm. An estimated 900 guests visit the twice-yearly event.
         The most recent Homegrown Grace held on Saturday, Sept. 13 also drew a half dozen food vendors, live music provided by Nick Stika and Tom Nugent and a kids’ fun zone, which included the Schnebbe’s newest toy, a SUDS Foam Machine.
         “That is a Randy deal,” said AJ with a chuckle.
         SUDS opened its doors in May and is available for everything from birthday parties to town celebrations.
      Also on the farm is the couple’s agribusiness gift shop featuring the many products that Randy and company create at the welding studio along with many homemade goods and gift items from local vendors.
       The store is also home to the Whistle Stop Coffee and Bar and the Chicken Coop, a tea room where customers can meet and have lunch prepared by AJ and assistant Patti Henning. The Chicken Coop caters to groups of two to 24.
          AJ is also the proud owner of Got Dough, an edible cookie dough business.
The early days
          As with any new business venture, Homegrown Grace started with an idea and grew from there.
It all started prior to 1999, when Randy started selling hay to an Amish family from the Jessup area near Waterloo.
        The family made handcrafted lawn furniture and Randy stuck a deal with them and started selling it at the Des Moines Farmers’ Market.
        He even opened a storefront in Victor (Amish Creations) where he sold a variety of Amish-made indoor and outdoor furniture for a season.
         Randy had the owner of the local flower shop call him when he had the occasional customer.
        That same year, in November, Randy and AJ (Amy Jo), a farm girl from Kansas, were married.
       In the summer of 2000, RS Lawn Furniture was born and in 2001, Randy and AJ started incorporating yard art made in Mexico in their offerings. They also changed the name of the business to RS Lawn Furniture & More. 
      In 2003, while attending a show in Cedar Rapids, the couple met Ben and Donna Haddox from South Coffeyville, Okla., and a partnership was born.
        “Ben started teaching me how to design and make the yard art,” Randy said.
        The duo worked together welding products, Ben in Oklahoma and Randy in Iowa.
        “We started with a large rock and metal ant and branched into other artwork including creatures, critters, windmills, pumpkins, seasonal metal work and flower pot holders,” said Randy.
      In 2008, the couple added the Cedar Rapids Farmers’ Market to their list of places to sell their metal artwork and other products.
      In 2009, Randy and AJ changed the name of the business to RS Welding Studio. A new building was constructed on the farm, a major improvement from the old machine shed.
         In 2012, the couple purchased a CNC plasma table. AJ filled out a host of forms to get the studio licensed with Iowa, Iowa State, UNI, Drake and AJ’s beloved Kansas State Wildcats to make college products.
       Randy said he and AJ will forever be grateful for the relationship they had with Ben and Donna, who retired from the metal art business in 2012.
     Two years later in July 2014, welder Emily Riedel joined RS Welding and in June 2015, welder Haley Voigtman joined the business.
         Today, the trio makes about 40 critters and around 300 additional products.
Covid brings change
      Fast forward to 2020 and Covid. It was a challenging time for everyone, including home-based vendors who closed down their tents at farmers’ markets in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids.
       In 2021, Randy said the Des Moines Farmers’ Market reopened, but opted out of offering fresh prepared foods, music and crafts.
        With no place to go, the Schnebbe’s decided to start their own farmers’ market in Victor.
       In May 2021, Randy and AJ held their first scaled-back version of Homegrown Grace. They held the event monthly from May to September in both 2021 and 2022.
       In 2023, the couple switched the event to once in the spring and once in the fall. They continue to operate and grow the business under that twice-yearly format.
      Outside of the Homegrown Grace event, Randy farms and AJ keeps the Whistle Stop Coffee and Bar, the Chicken Coop and Got Dough business open and running.
      The couple also travels around the Midwest selling their metal art work. Next month, the couple will be in Illinois, with stops in Arkansas and Nebraska on the calendar.
       “We take 150 different items to the shows,” said AJ.
      “It is an amazing event that Randy and AJ put on,” said Chloe Zittergruen, owner of 140th Street Blooms based in nearby Keswick.
    The business specializes in locally grown seasonal cut flowers, pre-made bouquets, bouquet bars, arrangements, and u-picks.
    “I’m thankful that the Schnebbe’s provide this opportunity for local small businesses to have local community engagement and support,” added Zittergruen, an Iowa State University student and current Iowa FFA State President.
      Deanna Steffen, a Grinnell-based crafter, was at the event selling her hand crocheted necklaces, handmade bracelets, wallets and I-Watch bands through her business, Rustic Cowgurl. This is Steffen’s fourth time to showcase her items at Hometown Grace.
       “I like how they have a variety of vendors,” Steffen said of the event. “I enjoy the people who come and see me every time I am here.”
      Sisters, Clara and Hanna Daniels, owners of Living Bread Bakery, sold out of their sourdough bread offerings at this year’s Homegrown Grace event.
         This is the second year the sisters have sold their homemade bread at the market. The young duo is part of the Homegrown Kids vendors.
         Last year, AJ had T-shirts made for all the kid vendors selling their goods at the market.
         All proceeds from the sale of the sourdough bread go toward summer camp for the Daniels girls at East Iowa Bible Camp.
       When asked about the event, Clara said she likes watching all the people that attend the Homegrown Grace event.
          “They are all so happy buying things,” she said.
         Tamra Pfannkuch of Williamsburg is owner of Wild Rayne Mercantile. The business specializes in home fragrance and self-care items.
          This is the third time that Pfannkuch has had a booth at Homegrown Grace.
          “I love it because it has lots of local products,” said Pfannkuch. “The booth space is affordable and there is a wide variety of products, including a kids area. It has something for everyone to do.”
        Tamara Fry-Pietsch, owner of TFP Creativity in Sigourney was offering crochet sea life and chickens, as well as the same items with a holiday theme.
          “The ghost and pumpkin and octopuses stole the show,” Fry-Pietsch said.
         “I thought the event was great,” added Fry-Pietsch. “It had a really nice vibe and it was fun to be a part of it.”
        Daneen Schafbuch, who was working at the Whistle Stop Coffee and Bar at Saturday’s event, was also offering fresh flowers from her New Day Flower Farm in rural Brooklyn.
         “It’s a way to celebrate local vendors,” she said of Homegrown Grace.
          Brooklyn Wells, owner of Mayed by B, located in Guernsey, had a nice selection of handcrafted earrings made from polymer clay.
           This is Wells second year to offer her products at Homegrown Grace.
         Makayla Allen, a resident of Runnells and sophomore at Southeast Polk High School, was selling beeswax lotion bars. Her parents raise the bees and she uses the wax to make the lotion bars.
         “It’s a lot fun,” said Allen, who makes the lotion bars at part of her FFA Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE). “There are a lot of nice people here. Everyone is friendly.”    
           Other vendors at this fall’s Homegrown Grace included Montross Family Meats, Uniquely Yours, A Stitch in Time, Jenna’s Custom Glow, Western Edge Jewelry, Grandma Lisa Kitchen, Blended Elegance, Haines Cattle & Leather, Western Edge Jewelry, Sharon’s Card Creations, The Cookie Crumb, Potholders by Fred, Diamond Trail Designs, Inspirations Art Studio and many more.
         The RS Welding Studio Retail Store is open year round, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m. to Noon at the Cedar Rapids Farmers’ Market.
            The Whistle Stop is open Thursday and Friday from 6:30 a.m. – Noon and Saturday, 8 a.m. – Noon.
   For more information, call RS Welding Studio at 1-800-617-9464 or email them at [email protected].
            Check out their website at rsweldingstudio.com or on Facebook at RS Welding Studio.

      Breakfast + Fire Safety = Sunday Win!
Join us Sunday, October 5 from 8 a.m. – Noon at the Grinnell Fireman’s Breakfast and step inside the Fire Safety Trailer!
     What to expect:
     • Learn how to crawl low under “smoke” and find safe exits
     • Practice calling 9-1-1 and knowing what to say
     • Build a family escape plan and meeting spot
     • Kid-friendly, hands-on demos
     Bring the whole crew, grab breakfast, and give your family the confidence to act fast in an emergency. Free, fun, and unforgettable.

UPDATE - UPDATE - UPDATE
       The location for weigh-ins on Thursday will now be in the High School training room. Signs will be posted giving directions if you enter from the Elementary cafeteria. The training room is located down the locker room hallway by the south gym.
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     Think you're ready to take on a challenge? The BGM Wrestling team is hosting a fun weight loss competition to get the season rolling, and we want you to join us!
     This is your chance to get a head start on your fitness goals while supporting a great cause. Half of all proceeds will go directly to the wrestling program, and the other half will create a prize pool for the top competitors. That's right—the more people who sign up, the more money there is to win!
      Ready to get started?
      Here's how to enter:
      Fill out the attached form.
      Bring your form and entry fee of $50 (cash or check) to one of our two weigh-in dates: Thursday, Sept. 25: 4 - 7 p.m. in the HS Locker Rooms (before the home volleyball game) or Friday, Sept. 26: 5  7 p.m. in the HS Wrestling Room (before the home football game)
      We'll be judging the competition based on body weight percentage lost, so everyone has a fair shot!
Have questions? Don't hesitate to reach out to Wyatt Bauman. We can't wait to see you there!

By ​J.O. Parker
 
           The BGM Board of Education met in regular session on Wednesday, Sept. 9.
       Following a closed session, the board approved the open enrollment application for Sophia Petsche, grade 11, from BGM to Belle Plaine. Also approved was an open enrollment application for Duncan Smith, a Begindergarten (BK), from Grinnell to BGM.
        The board approved employment offers for Brad Dolmage, Volunteer Set Construction; Beth Byers and Emily Daugherty, Co-Speech Coaches; and Jade Henning, Volunteer Cheer Coach.
       The board discussed preliminary infrastructure plans for 2026. Projects include revamping the high school library with new carpet and furniture. Also discussed were future updates to the wrestling room along with continued improvements to the elementary playground.
         Elementary Principal Mary Sherwood reported that the district welcomed 13 new students in grades K-6, while nine student moved out of the district.
         “Our preschool enrollment currently stands at 39,” Principal Sherwood said.
         It was stated that a 3-year-old student is scheduled to begin in January.
      Current class sizes are: Begindergarten, 12; Kindergarten, 23; First grade, 38; Second grade, 34; Third grade, 33; Fourth grade, 42; Fifth grade, 36; and Sixth grade, 52.
        Principal Sherwood said that the elementary students kicked off the school year with a Back-to-School Open House. This year, families enjoyed ice cream bars generously donated by Bear Creek Dairy.
        District-wide fall screening assessments in reading and math began on Sept. 8. It was also reported that sixth grade students attended the School of the Wild at Diamond Lake during the week of Sept. 8.
        It was also reported that the Partners in Education (PIE) group has already met several times and is off to an enthusiastic and productive start.
      “They have many exciting plans for supporting our students and staff throughout the year,” noted Principal Sherwood. “One major initiative under discussion is the development of an inclusive playground area.”
      This area would include a an Inclusive Whirl, an inclusive seesaw, three freestanding sensory activity panels, a 20’ x 20’ x 8’ single-post pyramid cantilever and playground turf to cover the area.
        It was also noted that the PIE group is exploring options for adding shade structures to the playground.
Principal Sherwood reported that Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance and Manatts had a school supply drive from their employees and donated that to BGM School before classes started. Compass Memorial also donated some money they collected from their employees to be used for school supplies as well.
     Principal Sherwood said the Brooklyn Kiwanis gave a $1,000 donation to divide between elementary teachers to spend for a few little extras they want for their classroom.
      BGM High School Principal Shane Ehresman reported the following enrollment numbers to the board. Current class sizes are: Seventh grade, 33; Eighth grade, 44; Ninth grade, 38; 10th grade, 46; 11th grade, 41; and 12th grade, 47.
        It was reported that Principal Ehresman and Joe Tafta hosted an optional senior class meeting to kick off the year and hear their thoughts and ideas.
     “The meeting was an opportunity for seniors to share their expectations for a truly memorable and successful year,” noted Ehresman.
       Principal Ehresman noted that a 7 – 12 grade BGM Facebook page began on May 21. Many videos, photos, student/family information updates and scores have been posted on the page.
        “To date, there are 510 Facebook followers and since the week of Aug. 30, there have been more than 35,000 total views.
        Joe Tafta has been instrumental in setting up the Facebook page and Jeremy Mize will be sending online surveys to students, families and staff to solicit feedback on ways to improve the Facebook page.
       It was reported that Angie Radcliffe has organized the following activities for students in the upcoming months:
         Sept. 23 – 11th grade trip to the Marshalltown Community College Fair
         Oct. 9 – 10th grade field trip to the Pella College Fair
         Oct. 14 – Ninth grade campus visit to the University of Northern Iowa
        Recently teachers were divided into four groups during an early dismissal to discuss subjects including building leadership, daily schedules, technology and writing.
        Another area of growth is college course offerings. Principal Ehresman reported that 51 BGM students are take college courses, including three on-site college classes and three Iowa Valley on-site classes: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Auto Academy 1 and Auto Academy 2.
       The board closed the meeting with a discussion about an issue raised regarding the school being cashless. Last year, the district went to a credit card and online ticketing system for attending events.
       Board member Sammy Kuntz noted that a recent post on the BGM Facebook page had some contradictory information regarding this issue.
        He was asking for clarification about this and the concession stand that allows cash or credit cards this year.
         It was noted that the district is not cashless, but that method of payment is preferred. It was also noted that BGM passes are the way to go for those who attend school activities and events.

      BGM Bears Head Football Coach Jerod Burns, right, gives his son, Beau, advice during a home game against the Class A 7th ranked Madrid Tigers in a non-district game at home on Friday, Sept. 12. The Tigers won the game, 53-27. Both teams currently hold 2-1 records on the season.

       Members of the Grinnell FFA State Livestock Judging State Championship Team are, from left, Maggie Dayton, Aden Wolfe, Kolton Kline and Tristan Graff. Joining the team at right is Grinnell FFA Advisor Ashley Wolfe. The livestock judging team finished first at state and has advance to national in Indianapolis, Oct. 29 - Nov. 1.

​    The Grinnell FFA Chapter was named the Championship Team in the 2025 Iowa FFA Livestock Career Development Event (CDE) held at Iowa State University on Aug. 23. Members of the first place team included: Kolton Kline, Tristan Graff, Maggie Dayton and Aden Wolfe. The team’s FFA Advisor and Agriculture Education Instructor is Ashley Wolfe. The team also won a top gold rating honor and will represent Iowa at the National Livestock competition in Indianapolis, Oct. 29 – Nov. 1.
    The FFA Livestock Evaluation Career Development Event provides an opportunity for FFA members to display their agricultural knowledge and skills in the area of Livestock Evaluation. Activities include: placing breeding and market classes of beef, swine, sheep and goats; keep/cull and oral reasons classes. There were 163 FFA members who participated in this year’s state competition representing 51 chapters.
      Wolfe finished fourth in Swine and 10th in Beef and 10th in Goats. Graff finished seventh in Sheep.