​     Pastor George and Terry Salnave, middle, pose for a photo with their family during a retirement luncheon celebration on Sunday, Oct. 23. The couple is retiring from the pulpit after 48 years with 37 of those years being at the Montezuma First Presbyterian Evangelical Church. “I have enjoyed fulfilling God’s call for me (and Terry) to be here at the First Presbyterian Evangelical Church,” he said. “Montezuma was a great place to raise my children.”

By J.O. Parker
 
      An estimated 225 Montezuma residents, family and church members and domination representatives filled the pews at First Presbyterian Evangelical Church on Sunday, Oct. 23 in honor of Dr. George Salnave and his wife, Terry.
        The couple is retiring after 48 years in church ministry, 37 of those years in Montezuma.
      The service was filled with current and past church members sharing thoughts on the impact that the Salnave’s have had on their lives and their service to the community.
     Following the two plus hour service, those present filed into the Family Center for a luncheon of sandwiches and three varieties of soup, along with more than an hour of fellowship and family photos. The luncheon was planned and served by many of the women in the church.
        “They did a tremendous job of feeding and serving all the people who attended,” said Pastor Salnave. “I was surprised to have my sister, Susan, and her husband, Leigh, come from North Carolina to help me celebrate.”
        Those in attendance also included the Salnave’s three children and five grandchildren who shared in the celebration.
       “It was a tremendous honor for me to have three representatives from Rivers and Lakes Presbytery (the church domination) participating in the service,” said Pastor Salnave. “I particularly enjoyed having five past youth pastors present with some of them speaking. And the music was excellent.”
        The Salnave’s came to Montezuma in 1986, thanks to the efforts of the late Delores Lundy, who was on the pastor search committee at the time. She reached out to her brother’s wife, who managed a Christian Camp in California, where they saw many pastors, to see if they could suggest a candidate to minister and lead the church.
       "They suggested me and Delores called me on Sept. 17, 1985 to see if I might be interested in interviewing for this position,” noted Pastor Salnave. “The rest is history.”
        At the time, Pastor Salnave was serving as an associate pastor in Santa Rosa, Calif., a position he held for 11 years.
      During his tenure, Pastor Salnave was instrumental in building the Family Center, a church and community center with a kitchen, gym, fitness center and racquetball court. He also was the leading force in establishing the Montezuma Food Pantry and Clothing Closet.
       “The Clothing Closet has grown over time to be a valuable ministry to help people provide proper seasonal clothing,” he said. “The Food Pantry is an excellent ministry to feed people in Poweshiek County. Each month, 12,000 to 14,000 pounds of food is given out. Many people are unaware that there is a food storage and so our pantry has an even more important role to play in our county.”
         He added that the Family Center has been the church’s ministry to the Montezuma Community for more than 35 years.
     “We have appreciated the support of the community to help update it as it provides recreational opportunities,” said Pastor Salnave. “I believe the church has and will continue to invite people into a saving relationship with Christ through its community outreach.”
       Pastor Salnave has also served as the Salvation Army Unit 261 Bell Ringing Chairman and Director for a number of years. For every dollar donated to the Salvation Army, 90 cents stays in Poweshiek County.
       Pastor Salnave has also served as President of the Montezuma Ministerial Association and radio pastor of KUDV radio station. And for a number of years, he served with Linda Hamilton as emcee of the Montezuma      
     “Let Freedom Ring” Celebration on July 4. Pastor George and Terry were grand marshals of the 2022 parade.
     “I have or currently served in Rivers and Lakes Presbytery as Chaplain, the Ministerial Committee, the Mission Committee and Moderator,” he said.
       In addition, Terry, directed the church preschool for 18 years and also worked as a paraprofessional at the Montezuma Community Schools for 20-years. And she has also been a partner in her husband’s ministry.
        In past years, Pastor Salnave also served as a volunteer coach of the Montezuma High School golf teams.
When asked, Pastor Salnave said he has preached approximately 1,700 sermons. He didn’t know how many weddings (or funerals) he has been a part of during his time in Montezuma.
       When asked what are one or two of his most precious memories of his time in Montezuma, Pastor Salnave said, “Generally, ministering to a various number of people who have committed their lives to Jesus.”
      “I was happy to be instrumental in leading the church into the Evangelical Presbyterian Church,” he said.
       As for retirement, Pastor George said he and Terry are looking forward to having a lot of one-on-one time.
     “I look forward to spending time with my children and my grandchildren, traveling to visit friends of past ministries and playing golf,” Pastor Salnave said. “I also look forward to my chaplain role in the Rivers and Lakes Presbytery and being involved on some level in the churches that my children attend.”
      Pastor Salnave and Terry will minister at the church through Christmas Day.
    “I have enjoyed fulfilling God’s call for me (and Terry) to be here at the First Presbyterian Evangelical Church,” he said. “Montezuma was a great place to raise my children.”

    The Montezuma High School Drama Department presents, “Little Shop of Horrors,” in the Montezuma Auditorium with two shows remaining on Saturday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. and on Sunday, Nov. 13 at 3 p.m.

     Members of the Montezuma FFA Farm and Agribusiness Management team were named national champions at the 2022 National FFA Convention last month in Indianapolis. Team members are, from left, Maguire DeJong, Mia Boulton, Madison Johannes and Colton Benson. Benson, Johannes, Boulton and DeJong finished first, fourth, eighth and 12th place respectively. The team’s success earned them a gold emblem rating. This is the second year that the Montezuma FFA Chapter has been named national champions in the farm and Agribusiness Management CDE. Submitted photo.

By J.O. Parker
 
      The Montezuma FFA Chapter brought home a national championship and overall first place individual for a second straight year in the Farm and Agribusiness Management Career Development Event (CDE) at the 2022 National FFA Convention.
     Also earning top honors was the Montezuma FFA Marketing Plan Team who brought home a fourth place national finish and the Ag Communications Team who wrapped up the national convention with a sixth place finish.
      The National FFA Convention was held Oct. 26 – 29 in Indianapolis.
The Farm and Agribusiness Management team is comprised of Colton Benson, Maguire DeJong, Madison Johannes and Mia Boulton.
     Benson, Johannes, Boulton and DeJong finished first, fourth, eighth and 12th place respectively. The team’s success earned them a gold emblem rating.
    The National FFA Farm and Agribusiness Management CDE is designed to test the ability of students to apply economic principles and concepts in analyzing farm and ranch business management decisions. Participants respond to questions concerning economic principles in farm business management as well as a problem-solving analysis section.
    The Montezuma FFA Marketing Plan Team brought home a fourth place finish, the best in school and chapter history, at the national convention. The team is comprised of Owen Cook, Abby Pope and Kallie Robison. Bryson Stockman was an alternate on the team. The team’s success earned them a gold emblem rating.
     Members of the marketing team were asked to develop marketing skills through the development and presentation of a plan that promotes a current or proposed product, supply or service. The Montezuma team’s project focused on FFA Advisor Rick Swenson’s show pig business, Hilltop Farms.
     The Montezuma FFA Agricultural Communications CDE team brought home a sixth place finish at nationals. The team consists of Camryn Brennan, Alivia Cline, Makenna Johannes and Madison Van Zee.
       The National FFA Agricultural Communications CDE is a competitive event that tests students' skills in all areas of the agricultural communications field and evaluates how well they can apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations. Participants attend a simulated news conference and use the information gathered to complete individual practicums in writing, electronic media and design. Prior to the event, students compile media plans related to innovative agricultural practices, management techniques and marketing tools. Each team then creates a 15-minute presentation based on their proposal. Members also compete in an editing exercise and a general communications quiz.
       “These kids dedicated a lot of time and effort to their competitions over the summer and their hard work paid off. I am extremely proud of what they were able to accomplish last week at Nationals,” said Montezuma FFA Advisor Hannah Garland.

​      Members of the Montezuma FFA Marketing Plan Team placed fourth at the 2022 National FFA Convention last month in Indianapolis. Team members are, from left, Kallie Robison, Owen Cook, Bryson Stockman, an alternate on the team; and Abby Pope. Members of the marketing team were asked to develop marketing skills through the development and presentation of a plan that promotes a current or proposed product, supply or service. The Montezuma team’s project focused on FFA Advisor Rick Swenson’s show pig business, Hilltop Farms. Submitted photo.

      Members of the Montezuma FFA Agricultural Communications team placed sixth at the 2022 National FFA Convention last month in Indianapolis. Team members are, from left, Makenna Johannes, Alivia Cline, Madison Van Zee and Camryn Brennan. The National FFA Agricultural Communications CDE is a competitive event that tests students' skills in all areas of the agricultural communications field and evaluates how well they can apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations. Submitted photo.

     The Montezuma Braves faced a tough WACO team in the semifinals of the 2022 Football Playoffs at WACO on Thursday, Nov. 3, falling to the Warriors, 52-7. After scoring the first touchdown in the game, the Braves gave it their all, but couldn't overcome the number 2 ranked team in Class 8-Man football. It was the final game for six Montezuma seniors: Masin Shearer, Owen Cook, Brady Ogan, Eli Bustamante, Martavious Knox and Kennen Roadcap. The Braves won the conference championship and finished their season with a 9-3 record.

     It didn't look good in the early going for the Montezuma Braves as they were in a hole and down 30-7 late in the first period of a second round playoff battle against Easton Valley on Friday, Oct. 28 at home. The Braves offense and defense came together in the second quarter, put it into high gear, and fought their way back, scoring 53 points, while holding the River Hawks to 8 points (one touchdown and a safety) in three quarters to win the game, 60-38. The Braves had three fumble recoveries in the game and found a way to stop the River Hawks no. 7, Charlie Simpson, who scored all of the team's points. The Braves travel to WACO on Thursday, Nov. 3 for third round playoff action against the no. 2 ranked Warriors. The winner goes to the UNI-Dome. Game time is 7 p.m. Above, Braves Assistant Coach Partner Maschmann pumps up the players at the end-of-the-game huddle.

​By J.O. Parker
 
      The Montezuma High School Drama Department presents, “Little Shop of Horrors,” in the Montezuma Auditorium on Saturday, Nov. 5 and 12 at 7 p.m. and on Sunday, Nov. 6 and 13 at 3 p.m.
Show Synopsis
        In the early 1960’s, the meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names “Audrey II”- after his coworker crush. This foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore promises unending fame and fortune to the down and out Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it, BLOOD. Over the course of a few weeks, and narrated brilliantly by a “Greek Chorus”- like group of street urchins, Seymour discovers Audrey II's out of this world origins and intent towards global domination!
        A deviously delicious Broadway and Hollywood sci-fi smash musical, has devoured the hearts of theatre-goers for more than 30 years. Howard Ashman and Alan Menken (Disney's The Little Mermaid, Beauty And The Beast and Aladdin) are the creative geniuses behind what has become one of the most popular shows in the world.
       This show may be a bit scary for very young audiences. It also deals with adult themes with some mild language.
          Executive Producer is Liesl Roorda, Director is Kelly Kaup, and Set Design is Brian Nolton.
         “If you've seen the movie musical and not the stage version, you're in for a few surprises,” noted Kaup. “It will both thrill you and make you laugh with music that will stick in your head for weeks.”
          This show throws in many elements that are new to the students, including working with puppets.
      “The students have been putting in countless hours of rehearsal time into music, choreography and memorizing lines,” said Kaup. “The harmonies are sounding amazing. The group numbers are so fun and we have been fortunate to have great attitudes and so much fun and laughter during rehearsals. You will find yourself rooting for the underdog, Seymour, played wonderfully by Kaya Latcham. Lydia Singleton as Audrey will win your hearts. Marty Knox as the voice of Audrey II is strong and methodical with just the right touch of R&B.”
Cast (In Order of Appearance)
        Voice Over - Marty Knox; Crystal - Lily Shoemaker; Chiffon - Isabella Roorda; Ronnette - Camryn Brennan; Do Wop Girl (Rhonda) - Addyson Probasco; Little Shop of Horrors Chorus - Addilyn Ver Meer, Claire Erselius, Emily Jo James, Gracie Wilson, Haylee Walters, Lily Ferry, Lola Miller, Ryanne Williams, Tayler Wickham, Zoe Roberts; Mr. Mushnik - Faith Ferry; Seymour - Kaya Latcham; Audrey - Lydia Singleton; Skid Row Chorus - Bryn Fantazia, Brooks Wilson, Ella McGrane, Ethan Desrochers, Grace Burnett, Hayley Burnett, Isaiah Wilson, Jayden Doll, Jocelyn Nigg, Owen Desrochers, Talen Holland, Wyatt Grimm; Customer #1 - Zoe Roberts; Da Doo & Suppertime Chorus - Claire Erselius, Gracie Wilson, Hayley Burnett, Letisia Wilson, Lily Ferry, Lola Miller, Tayler Wickham; Interviewer - Emily Jo James; Orin Scrivello D.D.S. - Owen Deshroshers; Audrey II - Marty Knox; Audrey II Puppeteer Act 1 - Makenna Johannes; Audrey II Puppeteer Act 2 - Max Anderson; Customer #2 - Haylee Walters; Bernstein - Owen Desrochers; Mrs. Luce - Gracie Wilson; Skip Snip - Jayden Doll; Patrick Martin - Laila Kercheval; Finale Chorus - Abbi Henkle, Brielle Haughey, Bryn Fantazia, Emily Jo James, Emma Snook, Haylee Walters, Jacob Meyer, Laila Kercheval, Mallory Warden, Marley Stowell, Tinsley Stowell, Wyatt Grimm, Wyllie Walters.
Tickets
          Tickets are on sale now at the Montezuma State Bank. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students. They will be available at the door as long as seats are available. Please enter the school using the breezeway doors on the east side of the circle drive.

       It’s time to dig out your spooky costumes and grab a bag for treats and head on down to your favorite town, or all the towns, for some frightening family fun. Following is a list of Trick-or-Treat and Trunk-or-Treat events around Poweshiek County:
 
Brooklyn
       Trick-or-Treat Night is Monday, Oct. 31, 5 – 7 p.m.
 
Deep River
       Trick-or-Treat Night is Monday, Oct. 31, 5 – 7 p.m.
 
Grinnell
      Trick-or-Treat Night around town, Monday, Oct. 31, 6 – 8 p.m.
 
Montezuma
      Montezuma is hosting two events on Monday, Oct. 31, 5 – 6:30 p.m.
     Trunk-or-Treat on the Montezuma Square and Trick-or-Treat around town. Anyone inviting trick or treaters to their home should leave a light on.
 
Victor
         Trick-or-Treat Night is Monday, Oct. 31, 5 – 7 p.m.

J.O. Parker
 
        Jason Roudabush, incumbent, Jeff Tindle, and Paul Pohlson, are seeking to fill two seats on the Poweshiek County Board of Supervisors in the Nov. 8 election.
        The Poweshiek County CR interviewed each candidate. Following are their responses:
Why are you running or seeking re-election to the Poweshiek County Board of Supervisors?
         Roudabush: I am seeking re-election because I like helping people. I was born and raised in Poweshiek County and I take great pride in this county and I want to be able to continue working hard for this county.
       Tindle: My years of experience as a county resident, small business operator and taxpayer give me a unique perspective on how to manage the county.
        Pohlson: I chose to run for the Poweshiek County Supervisors because I believe in giving my time and talents to keep the county moving forward. We have had great people who are doing a great job. I just want to add what I can to keep the county moving forward in a positive direction.
In your opinion, what are the top two or three priorities in Poweshiek County?
      Pohlson: I think we need to continue to keep the confinements (CAFOs) out of the county. I think we need to continue to offer medical ambulance services to all parts of the county. 
        Roudabush: Keeping the budget balanced. Maintaining and taking care of the roads and protecting our quality of life.
        Tindle: I think we need to improve the roads and I think we need to attract citizens and businesses to the county.
If elected, how best and in what way would you tackle these priorities?
        Tindle: Due to inflation, the cost to operate the county has increased greatly. From a budget perspective, it is going to be challenging.
            Pohlson: I would keep my attention to the above mentioned issues.
         Roudabush: We have been able to balance the budget the last four years and lower the county tax levees. I plan to keep doing that. On the roads, make sure problems are addressed in a timely manner and use money efficiently to maintain the roads. Quality of life, keep working on mental health services, finish a countywide radio system for the fire, ambulances and sheriff to keep everyone safe in emergencies. We just finished installing the early warning system across the county in the event of a storm.
What are your strong points and how can you use them to better serve county residents?
            Roudabush: I am a small business owner who works with the public every day and listens to them. I work hard at everything I do.
             Tindle: I am good at studying problems and finding solutions.
            Pohlson: I bring 30 years of experience working with the county’s insurance program. Because of that, I think I know the county very well and will continue to listen to our residents.
If elected, what does the position of supervisor mean to you?
            Pohlson: I would be honored to serve the people of Poweshiek County and will make sure living in Poweshiek County continues to be a good place to live and raise a family and run your businesses.
             Roudabush: Supervisors are the stewards of the county and represent the county on many boards. I have had the honor to have the opportunity to do that.
             Tindle: I would be the representative of the taxpayers of the county who elected me and I consider that an honor. 
What are Poweshiek County’s strong points?
             Tindle: Centrally located. We have the benefit of having the railroad and Interstate going through our county. That puts us in a strong position to attract businesses. I think that our county has been fiscally responsible in the past. 
            Pohlson: The quality of life is very good here. We have great schools that need more funding. We are fortunate to have a hospital in our county. We do need more mental health services in the county.
          Roudabush: Great county employees and strong businesses and companies in the county. We are centrally located with the interstate running through the county and hard-working people who live here.
What can be done to bring new businesses to our county?
            Roudabush: We need to keep moving forward, updating internet with fiber optics and working with cities, towns and companies on opportunities to help them grow.
              Tindle: We need to work to sell the county to businesses looking to expand or re-locate here.
          Pohlson: To bring more people into our county, we need good schools, access to healthcare and continue having a safe living environment and a strong law enforcement presence. We have to support our law enforcement.
Background
            Pohlson: I have worked in the insurance and investment business for 40 years. My wife and I have been married 50 years and reside in Grinnell. We have a son and daughter.
            Tindle: I am a life-long Montezuma farmer who now owns and farms the family century farm. I have been married for 21 years and have three boys.
            Roudabush: I am a life-long Brooklyn resident and owner of Roudabush Electronics and Appliances, Twin Oaks Apartments and the Brooklyn Laundromat, all Brooklyn. I have been married 27 years and have four children.

Jason Roudabush, Brooklyn - Incumbent

Jeff Tindle, Montezuma

Paul Pohlson, Grinnell

             The Montezuma High School Class of 1967 held their class reunion at the Montezuma Country Club on Saturday, Sept. 17. Those pictured are, from left, front row: Esther (Thompson) Van Zante, Pella; Bev (Arnaman) Hatcher, Grinnell; Debbie (Septer) Johnson, Springfield, Ill.; Ellen (Maxwell) Zimmerman, Deep River; Karen (Davis) Johnson, Marathon; Janet (Goeke) Bartley, Goshen, Ind.; Sue (Braley) Cheney, Grinnell; Jane (Sanders) Vargason, Montezuma and Brigitte (Meyer) Van Roekel, Montezuma.
    Second row: Lynn Baustian, Brooklyn; Andy Bogard, Grinnell; Rick Bryan, Oskaloosa; Kim Criswell,Cheyenne, Wyo.; Carl Poe, Kalona; Stephen Drafahl, Montezuma; Caroline (Kinzebach) Shook, Grinnell; John Fitzsimmons, Ames; Joel Grier, Monroe; Mike LaKose, Grabill, Ind.; Stanley Johnston, Gun Barrel City, Texas; Eileen (Trinkle) Thompson, Sigourney; Bruce Dieleman, Des Moines; Sheryl (Gorsch) Allen, West Des Moines; Rod Enderson, White House, Tenn.; Patsy (Whisenand) Wilson, Iowa City; Carol (Meyer) Shores, Altoona; Russ Cox, Montezuma; Barb (Loftin) Brotherson, Henderson, Colo. and Sarah (Morrow) Sheets, Montezuma.  Not Pictured, but attending, Diane Galbraith, Montezuma.

​      Entries by Sauced, a Montezuma eatery, and the Montezuma Public Library tied for third place with each receiving $25 in Monte Bucks.