Olivia Latcham of rural Montezuma was named the 2023 Iowa People's Choice Miss United States Agriculture at the Miss Agriculture Pageant in Enterprise, Ala. in early July.

​      Olivia Latcham, daughter of Curtis and Amanda Latcham of rural Montezuma, was named the 2023 Iowa People’s Choice Miss United States Agriculture and the 2023 Iowa Miss Agriculture Advocacy Ambassador in the fall.
     During the week of July 4, Olivia travelled to Enterprise, Ala., where she represented Iowa in the national competition. While there, Olivia participated in an interview, fun fashion, on stage introduction and formal wear. For Olivia's fun fashion, she was asked to wear something that represented her state. She, of course, was dressed in an outfit that resembled corn. During the competition, Olivia competed against 22 other teen title holders from all over the United States and was in the top four for photogenic. Olivia's platform for this journey was to advocate for family owned farms.
     Olivia is a fifth generation farmer on both sides of her family. She lives on an acreage south of Grinnell where her family raises sheep. She wants people to know that family owned farms also help feed the world and they instill a work ethic for the younger generation.
      Olivia is in FFA and 4-H and actively shows sheep, among many other activities. She started the 8th grade this fall in Montezuma.

​      The light rain didn’t stop the dunk tank from being a popular spot for area youngsters trying their hand at dunking their friends at the Montezuma Booster Bash on Thursday, July 27.

     Debbie Tindle Parker, Montezuma author of the Hope Series - "The Auctioneer," "Moving On," and her latest release, "Attempting Redemption." Debbie is also co-author with her husband, J.O., of "Family Tradition - An ABC Photo Album of the Iowa State Fair," and "Family Reunion - Midwest Old Threshers." A book signing is slated for Thursday, Aug 3 at Star Lanes in Montezuma from 5 - 7 p.m.

By J.O. Parker
 
     Our Front Porch Books and Montezuma author Debbie Tindle Parker announce the release of “Attempting Redemption,” book three in the Hope Series.
   “Attempting Redemption,” a 247-page romantic suspense, follows in the footsteps of Parker’s first two books, “The Auctioneer,” released in February 2018, and “Moving On,” released in May 2020.
      The book is available on Amazon in paperback and eBook versions.
     A book  signing and release event is slated for Thursday, Aug. 3 at Star Lanes in Montezuma from 5 – 7 p.m.
      The series delves into the lives of the fine folks of Hope, Iowa, and “Attempting Redemption” takes readers into the life of Jessica Bailey Donahue who is trying to leave her “bad girl” ways behind.
     She’s completed alcohol rehab and is excelling at her first ever job. She’s participating in the everyday lives of her children, even though her ex-husband has full custody of them. But just below the surface bubble a lifetime of self-doubt and her unsupportive mother makes taking a drink seem like a good idea. But she fights the urge because of her children.
    Everything changes on a dime when a misunderstanding leads her ex-husband to demand that Jessica takes a step back from the children. With the change in her routine, Jessica has less desire to stay away from the bottle. But she finds an unexpected ally in her boss. Jessica is barely holding on when she realizes her boss has been lying to her. She spirals out of control and wants to flee Hope. Then she stumbled into the path of crazy man, Carl, who has revenge on his mind. Will Jessica be able to save herself? And what other secrets are lurking in her small town that could rock Jessica’s world right down to the foundation?
    Hope, Iowa is a small town full of everyday people. Like most small towns, people in Hope usually know your personal business, sometimes better than you do. But they also are the first to bring a casserole and offer a shoulder to cry on when tragedy strikes. Some people have secrets they are desperately trying to hide while others’ lives are an open book. Some are longing for the day when they can break out of their small-town chains and others are hopeful to return home. Join our journey as we tag along and learn about the lives of the fine folks of Hope, Iowa.
   “I love writing and bringing the characters to life,” said Parker. “I truly appreciate the enthusiasm for my books and hope my readers will enjoy “Attempting Redemption” just as much.”
About the author
   Parker is a graduate of Montezuma High School and holds a BA in English and Communications from Central College, Pella. She and her husband live in rural Montezuma. Together, they have published two Iowa photography books and also host the annual All-Iowa Writers’ Conference, which takes place in September.
    Parker is currently working on book four, “Accidental Reveal,” in the Hope Series with a planned fall 2023 release date. Plans are also in the works to release “Mister Christmas,” a small town Christmas novella, in October 2023.

     A book signing for "Attempting Redemption," and all of Parker's books, is slated for Thursday, Aug. 3 at Star Lanes in Montezuma from 5 - 7 p.m.

​     The Montezuma Fire and Ambulance is excited to announce the department’s first annual 5K National Firefighter Suicide Prevention Awareness run.
     Lace up your running shoes on Sunday, Sept. 24 and met at the Montezuma Community Schools north parking lot at 1 p.m. The run will travel through town and end with one lap around the school track. All proceeds will be donated to the National Firefighter Suicide Prevention Awareness fund in memory of Briar Awtry, a firefighter from neighboring Barnes City. Please join us for a run or walk to help spread suicide awareness. 
    Paper copies of the registration form can be picked up from the fire station or ask a fire department member for a copy. Cost is $25 per participant, including a T-shirt if registered before September 1st. Forms can be dropped off at the City office during business hours or the night drop after hours, as well as be mailed to PO Box 314, Montezuma IA 50171. 
     Amos Flava’ Food Truck, one of Briar's favorites, will be at the school from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Come get some BBQ lunch before the race.

​     American Legion Auxiliary Hawkeye Girls State attendees from Montezuma and Deep River take part in the Deep River Fun Days Parade on Saturday, July 8. Pictured are, from left: Laila Kercheval, Jaidyn Rugg and Jordan Ranfeld. Girls State was held June 18 – 23 at Drake University in Des Moines.

​       The Morrison-Schrader American Legion Post 296 recently held elections, naming a new commander and filling various offices. Carl Purvis, fourth from left (in red shirt) was named the post’s new commander by Iowa Department Commander Randy Johnson, standing at left of Carl. All other positions were filled by incumbent members. They are, from left: Steve Shaffer, Vice Commander Membership and 5th District Vice Commander; David Maxwell, Past Commander and present Judge Advocate; Randy Johnson, Iowa Department Commander and past Post and 5th District Commander; Carl Purvis, new Post 296 Commander and Past Post Sergeant at Arms; Gary Quinlan, new 5th District Commander and Post Finance Officer; Ed Evans, Adjutant; Richard Cheney, most recent Post Commander; and Steve Cranston, past Post 296 Commander and current Post Service Officer. Historian Dennis Bruns was not available for photo.

     Roger Iverson is joined by his great nephew, Heath Ross, on left, and grandson, Arthur Schroeder and Caleb Oliver as he rolls along Main Street on his John Deere tractor during the Montezuma “Let Freedom Ring” Celebration Parade on Saturday, July 1.

     A member of the Imani Milele Children's Choir from Uganda, Africa praises God during an almost two-hour concert at Community Hope Church in Montezuma on Sunday, June 11. The choir travels around the United States sharing the love of God in song and to raise awareness of the plight of the millions of orphans and vulnerable children in Uganda.