BGM High School freshman and juniors take on the sophomores and seniors in a game of powder puff on Sunday, Sept. 24. 

      The Poweshiek County Sheriff's Department and members of the Brooklyn American Legion Honor Guard lead the 2023 BGM Homecoming Parade on Wednesday, Sept. 27.

     Grinnell Lions Club members present the Jim Urfer Spirit of Farming Award to the John Mann Family of rural Malcom at the Grinnell Ag Appreciation Day Celebration on Aug. 31. ​

​By J.O. Parker
 
      The Grinnell Lions presented the Jim Urfer Spirit of Farming Award to a Malcom family with roots that date back to the early 1900s.
   The John Mann family of rural Malcom was recognized with the honor at the 2023 Grinnell Lions Ag Appreciation Day on Thursday, Aug. 31
     The Mann farm is a fifth generation Century family farm located southwest of Malcom.   
Hambry and Elise Mann purchased and homesteaded the farm in 1912. The farmhouse, which still stands today, was built in 1896.
    “I have a picture of Hambry and Elise Mann when they bought this farm,” recalled Mary Lou Mann, wife of the late Eugene Mann, of the family patriarchs.
    “They farmed 240 acres with horses,” she added.
    Their son, Alvin, continued farming and his son, Eugene, carried on the Mann family tradition. Mary Lou, 90, still lives in the family farm house and remains active in the farming operation.
    Mary Lou said Eugene was born in the downstairs bedroom and passed away in March 2015 in the same bedroom.
    A picture of the Mann house when it was built in 1896 hangs above the farmhouse fireplace.
Today, the original 240 acre farm has grown to nearly 1,000 acres and is operated by Eugene and Mary Lou’s son, John Mann and his two sons, Matt and Adam. In addition to growing grain, the family runs a sizable cow/calf herd.
    John is a long-time member of the Poweshiek County Soil and Water Committee. And Matt has ownership in Iowa Land Sales, a farm management and realty company.
     “In my opinion, the Mann family are outstanding farmers and neighbors,” said one nominee
     Another added, “In today’s “every man for himself,” environment the Mann’s continue to be the neighbors I remember as a kid, helping neighbors and lending equipment if needed.”
     “I have dealt with Matt on many issues and have always enjoyed working with him,” said another nominee.
     “I am very proud and humbled to receive this honor on behalf of our family,” said Mary Lou.
   “It is a sincere honor to receive this award, our family is grateful and fortunate to be able to farm in     Poweshiek County,” said Matt. “We are proud of our family farm and look forward to continue growing the farm for many years to come.”

     Brian Van Roekel, right, location manager of Van Wall Equipment in Grinnell, is joined by Chad Latcham and Sierra Kaufman along with Grinnell Lions Club members at the presentation of the Ag Business of the Year at Grinnell Ag Appreciation Day on Thursday, Aug. 31.

By J.O. Parker
 
       Van Wall Equipment of Grinnell has a proud history as a John Deere dealer dating back to 1944 when the first dealership, known as Wall Implement, was opened on Main Street in Woodward.
       Since that time, Van Wall Equipment has grown into one of the largest John Deere dealership groups in the country with more than 600 employees and 31 John Deere locations spanning four states in the Midwest, including Iowa, Illinois, Kansas and Nebraska.
       Van Wall is proud to sell and service a wide range of John Deere equipment including products specialized for agriculture, golf and turf, light construction, commercial and lawn and garden applications. Additionally, the company’s precision agriculture and solar energy teams deliver a breadth of complementary products and services to improve the profitability and competitiveness of its customers.
    The company’s diversified dealership group also includes three additional locations that, together with some of the company’s John Deere locations, provide the foundation for the Van Wall Powersports division. Van Wall Powersports provides sales and service across a wide range of brands including Polaris, Honda, Yamaha, Indian Motorcycles and BMW Motorcycles.
      Van Wall Equipment purchased the Grinnell location in 2014, becoming the seventh John Deere dealership to be in Grinnell. There are approximately 25 employees at the Grinnell location. Currently, the Grinnell location has grown to a $30-million annual business.
     As a family-owned business, Van Wall Equipment supports the core values of honesty, integrity, courtesy, respect and safety to exceed their customer’s expectations while supporting the community the business serves. The company strives to provide the products and services that will consistently make Van Wall Equipment the clear first choice.
    This commitment to selling good products, providing service, meeting customer’s expectations and supporting the Grinnell community, has led to Van Wall Equipment being recognized as the 2023 Ag Business of the Year. Company representatives were presented a plaque at the Grinnell Lions Ag Appreciation Day on Thursday, Aug. 31.
     “We can’t get to where we are today without loyal customers and excellent employees,” said Brian Van Roekel, location manager. “Our employees put a lot of time in behind the scenes.

      Join us for David Zollo & The Body Electric, along with opener, Jake Kemble and Kick on Saturday, Nov. 11. Learn more about Dave Zollo and the band at http;//davezollo.com.
      Prior to the show, Lynnville's Smokin' J's BBQ food truck will be available onsite. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m.
      Get your tickets at: https://DavidzolloBrooklyn.eventbrite.com

      Where are all of our Elvis fans at? You won't want to miss the chance to see World Champion, Victor Trevino Jr.,  at the Brooklyn Opera House on Nov. 4 - 5.
      Join us for a dinner show on Saturday, Nov. 4th at 7 p. m. and a show without dinner on Sunday, Nov, 5 at 2 p.m.
      Tix: https://www.brooklynoperahouse.com/events

    Hunger is a Factor. "Fill the Tractor" food drive begins!!! Please bring donated items any time this week, Oct. 2 - 6, to Room 80 at the high school, to the Homecoming Parade or to the gate of the Homecoming game. PLEASE HELP FILL THE TRACTOR!