The Grinnell-Jasper League of Women Voters will host two candidate forums ahead of the upcoming election, both held at Drake Community Library:
        City Council and Mayoral Candidates: Oct. 28 at 7 p.m.
        School Board candidates: Oct. 30 at 7 p.m.
       These forums are open to the public and are a great way to learn more about the candidates in the Nov. 4 election.
      City staff will also be on hand to share information about the renewal of the Local Option Sales Tax, which you can find out more about here: https://www.grinnelliowa.gov/436/LOST

​        Some of the funds being raised for the Mollie Tibbetts Memorial Fund is used for group art projects for children coming to the child psychiatry unit at the University of Iowa. The goal is to raised $1 million endowment. The funds are designated to support a child psychologist training program at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Submitted photo.

​By J.O. Parker
 
        Mollie Tibbetts’ legacy of loving and helping others, especially young children, lives on today thanks in part to a fund in her name at the University of Iowa.
         Established in 2018, The Mollie Tibbetts Memorial Fund has raised more than $600,000 toward a goal of a $1 million endowment. The funds are designated to support a child psychologist training program at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
      “She (Mollie) was interested in child psychology as a career,” said Hanna Stevens, director of child psychiatry at the University of Iowa. “She was a psychology major at the University of Iowa at the time (of her death).”
          Stevens said the program will provide a student who has just obtained their psychology doctorate with a stipend to live on while they train in child psychology postdoctoral work for one year, learning to do therapy and testing to address mental health problems.
        Laura Calderwood, Mollie’s mom, established the memorial fund in her daughter’s honor using funds she had received from all across the United States following Mollie’s untimely death.
      Calderwood wanted the funds to be used to identify mental health issues in children at an early age. Calderwood said she had learned of an incident at Iowa State University where a student golfer was killed on the golf course by an individual with mental health issues and she asked herself, “why can’t something be done about this?”
        She decided to reach out to the University of Iowa psychiatry unit and donated the money to establish the memorial fund. 
        In addition to the original seed money, some of the funds are raised from the Mollie Tibbetts Memorial Run held the last Sunday in September. The run was started by Brandie Flathers of Brooklyn in September 2018 and has been held every year since.
       The run is just one of a number of funding sources raising money for the memorial program endowment.
      “The fund has received contributions from many individuals who are moved by her legacy,” noted Stevens, who has participated in the memorial run six of seven years. “The fund has been highlighted during One Day for Iowa (a fundraising event at the University of Iowa) for several years and that has led to many contributions.”
       Businesses inspired by Mollie's spirit have also contributed. For example, Stevens said Scooter's Coffee in Cedar Rapids and The Public House in Davenport, to name just two, have contributed to the fund. 
     “And we have had alumni pledge support for the fund in their planned giving to the University,” said Stevens. “Individuals and business leaders have described how moved they are that the fund not only celebrates Mollie’s life but also raises awareness about the importance of mental health.”
        Some of the funds raised have been used for projects inspired by Mollie’s love of art and music. Since the beginning, Calderwood and other members of Mollie’s family have been involved in considering which projects to fund and in hearing about their successes, in meetings with University of Iowa child psychologists, psychiatrists, and other mental health staff. There have been over 20 different projects funded over the years.
      “The fund provides music for our music therapy program at the hospital,” said Stevens. “And we’ve gone into middle schools to teach using music for mental health issues.”
       Stevens said funds have also been used for group art projects for children coming to their clinic.
      One of Mollie’s biggest advocates and supporters is her cousin, Morgan Collum, a third grade teacher at BGM.
       “The hardest part of this fund is that its existence means Mollie is not with us,” said Collum. “But for those who knew her, her legacy of a full heart and generosity is clear. Helping others is a vital way to deal with grief, and by supporting families through her fund, we ensure Mollie’s spirt continues its work. This is a beautiful tribute.”
       “After the devastation we faced in 2018, this fund allows our community to unite, support those in need, and honor the beautiful soul we love and miss deeply every day,” noted Collum.
       “Mollie Tibbetts was an outstanding young woman whose accomplishments were made very public only by her tragic death,” said Barb Baker of Grinnell. “As a mother, runner, and community member, I run in Mollie's memorial run each September to honor and celebrate the vibrancy she modeled. The generous amount of funds donated to the University of Iowa  Health Care in her memory will preserve her legacy and directly benefit her passion -- helping young people who are dealing with mental health issues and their families.”
       “It’s great to see the community come out and remember Mollie,” said Ryan Hopwood, a friend who participated in the Mollie Tibbetts Memorial Run.
      “It’s humbling to see how the community supports the Tibbetts family,” added Shamus Keller, a run participant and BGM graduate.
         Kaitlin Warner, a friend of the Tibbetts and Calderwood families from Chicago, participated in this year’s run for the first time. 
        “I’m honored to be here and learning about Mollie and her story,” said Warner. 
        John Holdefer, physical education and health teacher and cross country coach at BGM, said Mollie’s run is such an amazing event.
        “Participating in this run is a way to bring positiveness to a very tragic event,” said Holdefer. “This is why I encourage my cross country kids and the community to come support it.”
         “I’m glad the run is still continuing on in honor of Mollie,” said Joey Irlbeck.
         Scott Tibbetts, Mollie’s brother who is in his second year of medical school at the University of Iowa, said he is honored by the outpouring and support for Mollie. 
         “I’m glad to see people and friends doing something Mollie loved, even though I don’t like running.”

         Grinnell’s Hometown Heroes was named the winner of the 2025 Iowa Pork Producers Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Contest. Iowa Pork Producer Association members are shown with restaurant staff during the winning presentation on Friday, Oct. 17. Pictured from left are: Paul Durr, executive chef and director of operations; Jason Christensen, IPPA Committee Member; Grace Evans, IPPA Committee Member:  Alex Philips, general manager of Hometown Heroes and The Periodic Table, Todd Reding, CFO and chef at Prairie Hospitality Group; Kalyn Durr, director of marketing; Phil Carey, IPPA Tenderloin Judge; Shannon Reding, director of front of house operations and general manager of Prairie Canary and Linda Madison, IPPA Tenderloin Judge. The resturant opened in 2019.

By J.O. Parker
 
    Grinnell’s Hometown Heroes sports-grill-style restaurant has been busier than normal since the announcement last week that the eatery was named the winner of the 2025 Iowa’s Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Contest.
      Representatives with the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) were on hand at the restaurant on Friday, Oct. 17 to enjoy homemade pork tenderloins and present the top award to business partners Paul and Kayln Durr along with Shannon and Todd Reding.
         Hometown Heroes is located at 908 Main St., Grinnell.
        Kelsey Sutter with the IPPA and marketing program director of the annual Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Contest made the announcement before a packed crowd at the eatery.
      “Our contest starts in the spring with public nominations,” noted Sutter. “There were more than 400 restaurants nominated this year.”
        “We are just thrilled,” said Kayln of the eateries popular tenderloin referred to as “The Blindside.” “This is the first time we were nominated and we won it.”
      Phil Carey, retired chef and culinary instructor and one of the judges in the 2025 contest, praised the winning tenderloin in strong terms: “Hometown Heroes was one of the first ones that we judged, and as we (the judging panel) left, we agree that this one would be hard to beat. The pork was tender and juicy; it was evenly pounded and well-seasoned… the pork was the star of the show. It was made complete by being served hot on a toasted bun. It's a great sandwich!”
      Opened in 2019, Hometown Heroes blends comfort food with hometown spirit. Paul serves as executive chef and director of operations, with Kalyn overseeing marketing. Alex Phillips is the general manager handling day-to-day operations. The restaurant is part of the Prairie Hospitality Group, which also owns Prairie Canary, a farm-to-table establishment in Grinnell and the Periodic Table located in Hotel Grinnell.
      "The Blindside [tenderloin] has been a favorite of mine since Hometown Heroes first opened their doors," noted Rachael Kinnick, President & CEO of the Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce. "It's wonderful to see the restaurant recognized by the Iowa Pork Producers as having the 2025 Iowa's Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin, and we are excited to help welcome visitors from all across the state of Iowa as they give it a try!"
      More than just a place to eat, Hometown Heroes is designed with the local community in mind. Inside, one wall is dedicated to athletes from nearby high schools and colleges who now represent the region on bigger stages. Other walls pay tribute to first responders, military service members, and those who have served the community in various “hero” roles. The restaurant is casual and energetic with a menu that leans toward bar/family comfort food: wings, burgers, sandwiches, and of course, the now celebrated pork tenderloin.
         Hometown Heroes received a $500 cash prize, a plaque and a banner to showcase their achievement.
The 2025 runner-up is The 1854 in Gilbertville. They'll receive a $250 prize along with a plaque from the IPPA. Other outstanding finalists being recognized, and receiving top-five plaques, in alphabetical order are: Dexfield Diner & Pub, Redfield; Sugar’s Lounge & Diner, Council Bluffs; and Walker’s, Salix. The Dairy Sweet in Dunlap was the 2024 winner, making it the first restaurant to win the title twice.
      This tenderloin contest celebrates Iowa restaurants that feature hand-breaded or battered pork tenderloin as a staple on their menu. To qualify, establishments must be open year-round. Winners are unveiled every October in honor of National Pork Month, which pays tribute to the hard work and dedication of America’s pork producers.
        “We are excited for everyone who hasn’t tasted our tenderloin to try it because they are going to love it,” said Kayln.

​       Kelsey Sutter, marketing program director of the Iowa Pork Producers Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Contest, makes the announcement before a packed restaurant crowd that Grinnell’s Hometown Heroes was named the winner of the 2025 Iowa Pork Producers Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Contest. More than 400 Iowa restaurants were nominated for this year’s contest.

​By J.O. Parker
 
       The Iowa Department of Education recently released 2025 Iowa School Performance Profiles (ISSP) for the 2024–25 school year and BGM was in the top tier of state ratings.
       Shane Ehresman, secondary principal at BGM, shared the good news at the school’s October Board of Education meeting held on Wednesday, Oct. 8.
     School ISSP rating categories are: Exceptional, High Performing, Commendable, Acceptable, Needs Improvement and Priority.
         BGM 7-12 graders received a rating of High Performing with a score of 654.06 out of 900  (top 18 percent of all 1,276 Iowa schools).
       The highest rating ever at BGM 7-12 was Acceptable. Last year, 7-12 BGM was rated Priority based on spring 2024 Iowa Statewide Assessment of student progress (ISAS) scores. The ISSP is based primarily on spring 2025 ISASP scores.
        Ehresman noted that the Secondary Building Leadership Team (BLT) approved 2025-26 priorities. The BLT team wrote goals based on teacher feedback and BLT team member discussions. The goals are as follows:
       • Focus on Iowa Department of Education 21st Century Skills (civic literacy, employability skills, financial literacy, health literacy and technology literacy)
        • Course offerings
        • School culture
        • Review AEA Special Education Evaluation Final Report (January 2026)
    BLT team members are Carrie Dolmage, Lisa Kirby, John Yates, Jeff Holden, Ashley Kriegel, Amber Heishman, Tracey Gerard, Angie Radcliffe and Ehresman.
       BGM Elementary Principal Mary Sherwood noted that the music department is excited to once again bring the Des Moines Metro Opera’s education troupe, Opera Iowa, to BGM in April 2026.
This marks the troupe’s third visit to the BGM district in recent years. They previously performed Rusalka, the Littlest Mermaid in 2022, followed by Sid the Serpent and an evening performance of Beauty and the Beast in 2024.
       Sherwood noted that all students in Pre K – 6, along with select JH/SH students, will attend the daytime opera performance before lunch. In the afternoon, the Opera Iowa team will conduct the masterclass with JH/HS choir students. Additionally, there will be a community evening performance of Cinderella by Borths/Rossini/Massenet.
      “We are thrilled to share that this opportunity is being fully funded by a generous donation from the Grinnell Mutual Group Foundation,” noted Sherwood. “We are incredibly grateful for their support in bringing this experience to BGM students and families.”
        On Oct. 2, BGM celebrated the school’s amazing custodians with a Superhero-themed door display at the elementary school and provided them with treats.
      “Our custodial staff consistently keeps our facilities in excellent condition and we are so grateful for all they do all year round,” noted Sherwood.
       It was also noted that elementary students were taking part in Fire Prevention Week activities including a fire drill, preschool field trip to the fire station, a K-3 assembly  and fire truck rides and a grades 4-6 assembly.
     Sherwood noted that Red Ribbon Week with various activities focused on making healthy, drug-free choices would be observed later this month. Guest speakers, themed events and dress up days are planned to reinforce these important messages.
        Parent-teacher conferences will be held on Oct. 29 – 30, alongside the school’s Fall Book Fair.
      “We appreciate our PIE (Partners in Education) group who will once again provide food for staff during the conference evenings,” said Sherwood.
       Sherwood noted that Halloween celebrations will take place on Thursday, Oct. 30. Students in Preschool through second grade have been invited to participate in a costume parade at Brooklyn Community Estates.
Other business
        In other business, the board approved an open enrollment request for Coralynn Puls from Grinnell.
    Also approved was the resignation of Brenda Day as assistant volleyball coach. Jawny Massengale, a volunteer assistant volleyball coach, was offered a paid position as assistant volleyball coach. The board also approved Laura Manatt as a volunteer assistant basketball coach.
       The next school board is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m.

       Now it it's 112th year, Goodfellows will again be purchasing a complete holiday meal for those who are disadvantaged, needy, and hurting in Poweshiek County. This will include every family that signs up and qualifies for the Christmas Share program. Holiday meals will include a 6 pound ham, potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, corn, carrots, celery, baking mix, gravy mix, stuffing mix, Jello, apples, oranges, dinner rolls and a dessert.
      “Our local grocery stores are again packaging the meals which will be ready on the Christmas Share distribution date,” said Pam Montgomery, Goodfellows Chair. “As funds allow, extra food will be purchased for children over the winter break as many rely on school lunches for a regular meal source.  Last year, we were able to provide toaster pastries, microwave popcorn, canned ravioli, canned spaghetti, cereal, oatmeal, peanut butter, crackers, mac & cheese cups, chicken noodle soup, vegetable beef soup, fruit snacks, granola bars, and ramen noodles and we hope to continue providing this extra kid friendly type food at the same level this year.”
         The first of the kids food packages will be distributed the day gifts and meals are distributed, then the kid food will be scheduled weekly over the winter break and distributed through MICA.
         “Because our meals feed a family of 5-6 people, we will be adding extra dinner items to those families with more than five in the household,” said Montgomery. “Food prices continue to increase, but we are hopeful we can do as much as we have in the past if not more as many are struggling right now. And, we never know exactly how many will be signing up and that too can be an adjusting factor to our program.”
         Anyone wanting to contribute to purchasing meals or food for children can send gifts to Goodfellows, P. O. Box 229, Grinnell, IA 50112. Food donations are accepted and can be coordinated by emailing [email protected].
        “We have already filled our volunteer needs for this year, but if anyone wants to help in other ways, they should absolutely feel free to reach out,” noted Montgomery.
Sign up qualifiers
         Sign Up will be Monday, Oct. 27 - Friday, Oct. 31 from 10 a.m. - 12 noon at the Drake Community Library, 930 Park St., Grinnell.  The sign up qualifiers are unchanged  this year and will include:
      

1.  A photo ID 
2.  A utility bill for proof of residency
3.  One of the following documents - A current subsidized rent receipt, 2025 LIHEAP approval letter or appointment information, Current SNAP Decision Notice - SNAP cards will not be accepted or Current DHS Decision Letter
4. If signing up children, birth certificates are required
5. Proof of residency is required for anyone over 18

 
        Letters have been forwarded to potential family sponsors but if you would like to take part and purchase gifts for a family or individual, you can email [email protected], or call (641) 888-6227. If anyone would like to donate rather than shop for gifts, please send your donation to Christmas Share at the Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation, P. O. Box 344, Grinnell, IA 50112. Gift drop off day will be Monday, Dec. 8 and the gifts, food, and meals will be distributed on Saturday, Dec. 13. Gifts to either of these programs are tax deductible.
Sign up schedule  
      We do have a suggested sign-up schedule for those wanting to take part in the program, but it is recommended and not mandatory. We do put a schedule out to help avoid long lines and wait times, but if people have conflicts we do tell them to come when they can so they don't miss out.  That schedule is: 
           Monday, October 27 - Last Names Starting with the Letter A-G
           Tuesday, October 28 - Last Names Starting with the Letter H-M
           Wednesday, October 29 - Last Names Starting with the Letter N-Q
           Thursday, October 30 - Last Names Starting with the Letter R-T
            Friday, October 31 - Last Names Starting with the Letter U-Z
       Christmas Share and the Goodfellow programs are under the direction of Pam Montgomery, Goodfellows Chair, P.O. Box 229, Grinnell, IA 50112. Pam can be reached at [email protected]. 

       A Brooklyn Firefighters in full fire gear gives high fives and handshakes to elementary students during the second of two programs hosted by the Malcom and Brooklyn Fire Departments on Thursday, Oct. 9. The younger students in grades Kindergarten through Third grade then all participated in a "Stop, Drop and Roll" routine followed by fire truck rides around town.

        Area youngsters enjoy having their picture taken at the end of the Grinnell Homecoming Parade on Thursday, Oct. 9. The event included a pep rally, annual Dogs for Dollars Fundraiser and Homecoming King and Queen crowning.

      The annual Grinnell Fire Department Pancake Breakfast held at the fire station on Sunday, Oct. 5 was a huge success.
      “We had a fantastic turnout and support from the community,” said Patrick Duffey, assistant chief and EMS director. “This is an event we look forward to all year, and we were able to include more fire prevention activities for kids this year.”
      A host of fire department volunteers and officials cooked and served 1,329 guests, who enjoyed pancakes, bacon, sausage, eggs and an assortment of drinks.
     “Overall, I believe we served more than 450 pounds of sausage, 86 pounds of bacon, and used nearly 130 pounds of pancake mix,” noted Duffey.
     Pictured above, Scott Sieck, back, and son, Curtis, grill pork sausages during the Grinnell Fire Department Breakfast.