Elementary Art Show. Laurens Women s Club Donates to 5th Grade Field Trip. Laurens, Iowa. Local News. Our Town, Our Paper! Vol. 12 No. 3.

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1 The Paper Vol. 12 No. 3 Our Town, Our Paper! Laurens, Iowa May 23, 2018 Local News Laurens Women s Club Donates to 5th Grade Field Trip Laurens-Marathon 5th Grade teacher, Julie Hjerleid, is pictured receiving a $300 check from the Laurens Women s Club, presented by Sue Wenell, treasurer, for their field trip to es Moines. Because fifth grade is when owa history is taught, this trip goes to various places in Des Moines that are of historical interest, like the capitol building, the historical building, the Hy-Vee Hall, and various other statues and monuments. Biggest Little Paper In Town! Elementary Art Show This ca dinal was created with simple shapes by first grade student Kable Graff. A t teacher Katie Wenell taught the students to "splatter paint" in order to show the snow. The e's more snow in the work of second grade student Austin Brent. Wenell describes it as " a monochromatic color scheme... using tints and shades of blue with yellow as a pop of color." Copyright My Laurens, Inc., 2010 All Rights Reserved. 1

2 Local News Charger Pride/FIT Exercise Studio 3K/5K Color-A-Thon When: July 14 th during Laurens Summer Celebration Registration 7:30 a.m. Start Time 8:00 a.m. Where: FIT Exercise Studio All Donations/Proceeds go to Charger Pride The donations Charger Pride received last year have helped in paying for the PBIS parties of a movie at the Rialto Theater in Pocahontas and bowling at Laurens Lounge & Lanes. Charger Pride is fully funding the 8th grade graduation and offering a free yearbook for each Laurens-Marathon family. We have purchased several common core curriculum items for different classrooms, learning websites, alternative seating, supplies for 100th day of school activities, physical education equipment, sheet music, art supplies, new books for the school library and classrooms, and so much more. Together with your donations, we can continue to support our Laurens-Marathon students and staff. Our Town Our Paper! 2

3 Local News & Advertising Bellinghausen Challenge Did you know that swimming is the only sport which can save a child's life? Drowning is still one of the most common causes of accidental death in children, so being able to swim is an essential life-saving skill. Children need the chance to learn to swim. Laurens needs a pool! Swim lessons can t be taught on a splash pad. Make the most of your money by donating to the Laurens Pool Project NOW while the Bellinghausen Challenge is in effect. Th Bellinghausen family will triple your donation by giving $2 for every $1 you give! Your $100 becomes $300; your $1,000 becomes $3,000; your $10,000 becomes $30,000!!! Follow our Facebook page for more updates! Drop your donation off at City all or send to: City of Laurens, 272 North 3rd Street, Laurens, IA For online donations, go to residents-of-laurens #.vroam9qm6g4.facebook HOME IMPROVEMENT, INC. In business since 1937 We might have worked for your grandparents. We will be here to work for your grandchildren. FREE ESTIMATES Roofing Siding Gutter All Storm Damage 429 1st Ave S Fort Dodge rojohns.com Biggest Little Paper In Town! 3

4 At the Library At the Library with Glenda Mulder May 23, 2018 Did you know librarians like 3 day weekends, too? The Library will be closed Saturday, the 26th through Monday, the 28th for Memorial Day. Stock up now so you don t run out of Library materials over your long weekend! Because of the holiday, Book Club will meet Tuesday, May 29 at 7 p.m. Our Book Club choice for May is T he Art of Mending by Elizabeth Berg. I ve heard good things about it and I m looking forward to reading a book by this popular author. I hope it s a fast read, because I haven t been able to put my hands on a copy to read yet! A few of the new novels we ve received recently include: The Outsider by Stephen King, Beach House Reunion by Mary Alice Monroe, Warlight by Michael Ondaatje and The Mars Room by Rachel Kushner. Jeri, our Children s Librarian, is working on plans for the kids summer reading. The theme this ear is Libraries Rock! Our kick-off will be on Wednesday, June 13th at 1 o clock. We will continue through the summer every Wednesday at 1, except July 4th! A program we are looking forward to will be a special day and time Friday, June 15th at 10 a.m. we will host Fonziba Drums. This is in conjunction with Pocahontas County Libraries, and sponsored by a Pocahontas County Foundation grant. More information on all of this as it comes closer, but get the dates on your calendar! Another date to mark on your calendar is June 7 at 1 o clock. We will have an author talk and book signing with Ayrshire s Robin Allen. Laurens people might know her better as Meredith Allen s Mom. Robin recently published a book, The House on Godwit and this is our opportunity to hear about it and to get a copy, if you wish. Last week we hosted a Library Director s Roundtable with the discussion topic being human resources. We branched off f om there, covering library job descriptions, performance evaluation process, and staff education policies. bout a dozen area library directors attended the program. Our discussion leader was Bonnie McKewon, our area rep from the State Library of Iowa. What a great way to network with area librarians, while compiling a few continuing education credits! COMING EVENTS Tot Time Every Monday at 10 a.m. CLOSED for Memorial Day May Book Club TUESDAY, May 29 at 7 p.m. Take it Tuesday - 1st Tuesday 6:30 p.m. The House on Godwit Author Talk & Book Signing with Robin Allen Thursda, June 7 at 1 p.m. The Paper Published weekly by My Laurens, Inc. 112 Walnut St. Laurens, IA Phone: (712) Fax: (712) Website: publisher@mylaurens.com Publisher: Rodney Johnson Editor: Amanda Tendal Rights to Use Content: The Paper, its content, archived materials, and our websites, are provided solely for your personal, non-commercial use. The Paper, its content, our websites and all the materials available on our websites are the property of My Laurens, Inc., and are protected by applicable copyright, trademark, and intellectual property laws. You may download, print or transmit The Paper for your personal, non-commercial use. Any commercial use of copyrighted materials requires prior authorization from My Laurens, Inc. Unless explicitly authorized by My Laurens, Inc., you may not modify copy, create derivative works, reproduce, republish, transmit, sell, or distribute in any manner or medium (including by or other electronic means) any material from The Paper or our websites for commercial purposes. You may not use The Paper or materials available on our websites, in a manner that constitutes an infringement of our intellectual property rights/copyrights or that has not been authorized by My Laurens, Inc. For information about requesting permission to reproduce or distribute materials from The Paper, please contact My Laurens, Inc. at (712) or publisher@mylaurens.com. Our Town Our Paper! 4

5 Announcements 90th Birthday Wishes 90 th Birthday Dorothy Sandvig, of Laurens, will celebrate her 90 th birthday on Saturday, May 26. Cards may be sent to her at 305 Nelson St., Laurens, IA Her family includes Ron and Sue Sandvig, Crofton, NE; Dennis Sandvig, and Al and The esa Sandvig, all of Laurens; and Charlie and Carolyn Sandvig, of Fort Dodge. She has 13 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. Babysitting Clinic ISU Extension and Outreach Pocahontas County will be holding a Babysitting Clinic for 5th 6th graders. The Babysitting Clinic will be held Friday, June 8 from 9 a.m. 2 p.m. at the Pocahontas County Extension and Outreach Office (305 North Main St.). Participants will learn the basics of CPR, home safety, money management and how to make a healthy snack. They will finish the day discussing the ages and stages of young children. Participants will be provided a pizza lunch. Register early by calling , class size is limited to 20 participants. For questions, please contact Program Coordinator, Holly Frerk, at hfrerk@ iastate.edu. Make it rain Birthday Wishes for Dorothy! She s celebrating 90 amazing years on May 30! Send your cards to: Dorothy Runneberg, 208 South 1st St., Laurens, IA Pictured here with her 4 lovely granddaughters, Erin, Anne, Jennifer and Maggie. Biggest Little Paper In Town! 5

6 Announcements Summer Ball Help Needed I have the following concession stand dates and times open: Tuesday, May 22 7:15 P.M. Thursday, May 24 5:30 P.M. Thursday, June 7 5:30 P.M. Monday, June 11 5:30 P.M. Wednesday, June 13 5:30 P.M. Thursday, June 14 5:30 P.M. I need umpires and people to run the scoreboard for all home boys and girls peewee games. Thursday, May 17 th 7:30 P.M. (Girls) Monday, May 21 6:00 P.M. (Boys) Tuesday, May 22 7:30 P.M. (Girls) Thursday, May 24 th 7:30 P.M. (Girls) Thursday, May 31 st 7:30 P.M. (Girls) Monday, June 4 th 7:30 P.M. (Boys) Thursday, June 7 th 6:00 P.M. (Boys-Minors) Tuesday, June 12 th 7:30 P.M. (Girls) Wednesday, June 13 th 6:00 P.M. (Boys) Thursday, June 14 th 7:30 P.M. (Girls) Please contact Allison Price at if you are able to help. Our Town Our Paper! 6

7 Local News & Advertising 4-H Makes Big Impact on Wenell Family Written by Jeri Wenell, Laurens When I think of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, my mind automatically defers to the branch that I am most familiar with, 4H. Our family has had the 4H blood running in our veins for a long time, beginning with my father-in-law, who served as a 4H leader for several years. My husband was a 4H member through his high school years and later a 4H leader. All three of our sons were members through high school and still look for opportunities to be connected and help with the 4H program. I didn t grow up in 4H like they did, but I have counted it a privilege to have helped my sons and then to take the reins as a 4H Leader, now for a second time. We have been blessed by opportunities on many different levels of 4H. Our sons were able to be involved in 4H at the local level through their club, the regional level serving on area councils with other 4Hers and the state level serving on the State Council planning the annual State 4H Conference. We were also able to entertain four different international 4H members from Denmark, France, Costa Rica and Germany. All of these opportunities have enriched our lives and provided many connections. Many of these connections and friendships are still going strong today. My family has gained so many life skills by participating in 4H. They learned How to set goals, Plan projects and events Complete projects Interviewing skills. How to speak in public. How to work within a group to achieve goals The impo tance of giving back to the community My husband has also served on the Pocahontas County Extension Council for two diffe ent terms. I am currently serving on the 4H Youth Committee. Both my husband and I have been able to see the many outstanding 4H youth across the state as we evaluated and interviewed many of them for state awards and committees. We count it an honor and a privilege to be connected with the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. I am sure that it will continue to enhance the lives of countless youth and adults in the years ahead. HAVELOCK AMVETS MEMORIAL DAY LUNCHEON Monday, May a.m. -1 p.m. HAVELOCK AMVETS HALL HAMBURGER/PORK PATTIES, POTATO SALAD, BAKED BEANS, BARS, LEMONADE/WATER/COFFEE FREE WILL DONATION Biggest Little Paper In Town! 7

8 Local News Order of Events for Memorial Day 2018 * Start Time - 9:00 a.m. Monday, May 28, 2018 * Welcome - Patricia Bailey Welcome - Patricia Bailey * The Star Spangled Banner played by the L-M Middle School Band - Directed by Sabrina Booth * Opening Prayer - Pastor Scott Baker of Bethany Lutheran * Pledge of Allegiance - By Everyone * Marches of the Armed Forces played by the L-M Middle School Band * Speaker - Pastor Scott Baker * Reading of the Honor Roll - Patricia Bailey - Members of our Local Boy Scouts will place the wreaths * Closing Prayer - Pastor Scott Baker * The color guard is made up of members of our local VFW and American Legion FW and American Legion * Taps will be done by Shawn Oxenrider and Emily Harrold Our Town Our Paper! 8

9 Local News Laurens Summer Ball Home Games Thursday, May 24 th 6PM Girls Coach Pitch/7:30PM Girls Peewee Thursday, May 31st 6PM Girls Coach Pitch/7:30PM Girls Peewee Monday, June 4th 6PM Boys Coach Pitch/7:30PM Boys Peewee Thursday, June 7th 6PM Boys Minors (Little League) Monday, June 11 th 6PM Boys Coach Pitch Tuesday, June 12 th 6PM Girls Coach Pitch/7:30PM Girls Peewee Wednesday, June 13 th 6PM Boys Peewee Thursday, June 14 th 6PM Girls Coach Pitch/7:30PM Girls Peewee Biggest Little Paper In Town! 9

10 Church This Week at Bethany Lutheran Pastor Scott Baker Sunday: May 27, 2018 The Holy Trinity TIME CHANGE 9:00 AM ~ Worship 10:00 AM ~ Coffee ellowship Usher & Greeter: Bill & Pat Alexander 4:00 PM ~ Laurens Care Center NO Youth Group Monday: May 28, :00 AM ~ Memorial Day Program Worship, Love, Accept~ Together in Christ s Name This Week at First Christian Pastor Rev. Rita Cordell Friday, May 25 7:00 p.m. - AA This Week at Laurens United Methodist Church Pastor Ed Frank Wed., May 23rd: Book 9 a.m. Fri., May 25th: Men s Bible 7 a.m. Sun., May 27th: Adult Sunday 9:00 a.m. Fellowship 9:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m. Wed., May 30th: UMW NEW circle 7 p.m. in Fellowship Hall Resurrection of Our Lord Catholic Church Pocahontas, IA -- Pastor: Very Rev. Craig Collison, VF MASS TIMES: Daily Mass as scheduled in the weekly bulletin Saturday at 5:00 PM Sunday at 8:30 AM Confessions: Saturday 4:15 pm at Resurrection Office: 16 SW 2nd Street, Pocahontas Office Phone: Residence Phone: colly@ncn.net Pastoral Care: Sister Renae Hohensee, Sunday, May 27 9:30 a.m. - Worship (Note time) Our Town Our Paper! 10

11 Local News & Advertising Bridal Shower 8th Grade Graduation! Be crazy.be stupid.be silly.be whatever.because life is too short to be anything but happy. Laurens-Marathon school May 31 7:00 pm The e will be a bridal shower for Kara Clausen, bride elect of Tanner Youngberg, on Saturday, June 9th at 2 PM. Kara is the daughter of Kent and Deb Clausen of Albert City and Tanner is the son of Shel and Marianne Youngberg of Pocahontas. The sh wer will be held at the Evangelical Covenant Church in Albert City, Iowa. Sponsored by Charger Pride Biggest Little Paper In Town! 11

12 Extension News 4-H Sewing Workshop 4-H ers had the opportunity to construct a soup bowl cover that holds a hot bowl from the microwave. Bonnie Wood, Quilting on Main, provided instruction along with her many volunteers to help the children sew their project. They learned that you must have all cotton, including cotton thread when making microwave cloth items to be used in a microwave. If you have a child in 4th through 12th grade that would like to participate in the many different youth activities this summer, contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Pocahontas County office at or lzeman@iastate.edu Agronomy Class for Women to be held in Buena Vista County Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is pleased to partner with the USDA-NRCS, the Buena Vista and Pocahontas County Farm Bureau and the Jane Hartsock assists Kendall Evans and Nichole Buena Vista and Pocahontas Soil and Water Conservation Districts to bring Panbecker. Agronomy in the Field to Buena Vista County. Agronomy in the Field is a multi-session, hands-on workshop being offe ed to women landowners, farmers, conservationists and other women who are interested in learning more about agronomy. This series of workshops will be held monthly at the Margo and Ron Sievers farm located at: th St., Rembrandt, IA Session dates include June 20, July 25, August 7 & September 5. All sessions will start promptly at 5:45 p.m. and conclude by 7:15 p.m. The sessions are open to all women and there is no charge, but we do ask that you contact Holly Frerk with the Pocahontas County Extension Office at to register so we can guarantee enough materials. The goals of this series are to strengthen agronomic skills for women that allow for better decision-making, provide a better understanding of inputs for crop production, see and understand different conservation practices and increase confidence in communication with spouse, farming partner, ag retailer or tenant. We plan to cover topics on planting conditions, crop growth and development, replant considerations, weed, disease and insect identification, pest management principles, scouting techniques and additional practices and topics as they come up, said Angie Rieck-Hinz, ISU Extension Field Agronomist. This series is designed to be hands-on and conducted in the field to see ealtime conditions. Each session will be approximately minutes in length; you do not need to commit for the entire season to attend. Sessions will occur rain or shine. Directions to the site: From the intersection of Hwy 3 and Hwy 71, go north on Hwy 71 two miles to 510th St or C29. Turn left and go west approximately 1.75 miles. The farm is 1134 and located on the south side of the oad. Agronomy in the Field is sponsored by ISU Extension and Outreach, Bonnie demonstrates a hand stich to Zoe Kerns and Abby Minkler. Pocahontas County Extension, the USDA-NRCS, the Farm Bureau of Buena Vista and Pocahontas Counties and the Soil and Water Conservation Districts of Buena Vista and Pocahontas Counties. Our Town Our Paper! 12

13 Extension News New Law Will Offer More Healthcare Options for Iowans Priced out of Individual Market Law allows Iowa Farm Bureau to offer health benefit plans to members In April 2018, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed a new law that is designed to address the mounting difficulties faced y many Iowans seeking to purchase health insurance on the individual market. Specificall, this law will provide two new healthcare benefit options for small employers and sole proprietors, the groups most impacted by Iowa s healthcare crisis. An in-depth analysis of the new law SF 2349 can be found in the May issue of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach s Acreage Living Newsletter. It is written by Kristine Tidgren, director of the Iowa State Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation. The law c eates Iowa Code , which allows Iowa Farm Bureau to offer n w health benefit plan to its members. These plans a e deemed to not be insurance and therefore would be exempt from Affo dable Care Act requirements and Iowa Insurance Division regulation. The plans would be self-funded and subject to third-party administration by Wellmark Blue Cross & Blue Shield. Because the legislation provides little detail, much remains unknown about what these health benefit plan would comprise. The Legislati e Services Agency estimates the plans would cost roughly $5,000 per year per family. This is in contrast to an average of $17,000 per year per family for those ineligible for subsidies who purchased insurance on the individual market in Iowa has a large problem impacting those who have to buy health insurance on the individual market, Tidgren said. This includes many farmers in the state, as well as employees of small businesses that are not large enough to offer health insurance. Many of these Iowans do not have access to affo dable health insurance options. The new law gives people who have been priced out of the market a place to purchase insurance where otherwise they would have no access. While Tidgren stresses that the law isn t perfect, it does provide an affo dable option to farmers and other self-employed workers in Iowa. This is t necessarily the best solution, but it is a workable one, Tidgren said. Critics of the law point out that these insurance policies won t have all the protections of the Affo dable Care Act, and that people with preexisting conditions might not be accepted. Lawmakers have acknowledged those possibilities, but are presenting this as a stopgap measure pending a larger fix y the federal government. Updates to SF 2349, as well as information on other legal issues and topics that affect the agriculture industry in Iowa, can be found through the Iowa State University Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation. Biggest Little Paper In Town! 13

14 City Council Minutes May 7th, 2018 The Laurens City Council met in regular session at the Municipal Building at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, May 7th, Mayor Rod Johnson called the meeting to order at 5:08 p.m. Present were Council members, Jean Swanson, Aaron Christenson,, Julie Potter, City Manager Hilary Reed, City Clerk Joan Hoben, Public Works Director Julian Johnsen, City Attorney Ann Beneke, and Police Chief Tom Shaw. Rich Newgard and John Jamison were absent. Potter moved to approve the consent agenda, with the minutes from the April 16 th, 2018 meeting, and the list of claims. Swanson seconded. All ayes; motion carried. CLAIMS 05/07/2018 A&M SERVICES, INC MOPS, RAGS, RUGS ACCO WATER PLT CHEMICALS 2, AIRGAS NORTH CENTRAL MEDIAL SUPPLIES ALLIANT ENERGY MONTHLY GAS FEE ALPHA WIRELESS COMM REPAIRS ON PAGERS AUTO BODY CLINIC REPAIRS ON POLICE CAR 1, FIDELITY LIFE MAY EYE CARE INSURANCE BOMGAARS DIESEL FLUID CONNECTIONS, INC GROUP INSURANCE COUNSEL COPIER CONTRACT DEE JACKSON/ JACKSON MOTORS SNOW REMOVAL DELTA DENTAL DENTAL INSURANCE ED M FELD EQUIP CO INC. BUNKER GEAR 1, FIRE SVC. TRAINING BUREAU STATE FIRE SCHOOL FUCHS CONSTRUCTION CONCRETE WORK 3RD/OLIVE 5, GALLS POLICE SUPPLIES GRAHAM TIRE SPENCER POLICE CAR TIRES ICMA RETIREMENT IRS FED/FICA TAX 6, IPERS IPERS 4, IPERS / PD PROTECTED IPERS 2, JOHN DEERE FINANCIAL FIRE TRUCK 350,360,361,390 1, LMPC DAMAGES TO LIGHT POLE 3, LMU MONTHLY UTILITES 6, LAURENS SUN LEGALS MET ANALYSIS MARTIN MARIETTA MATERIALS STREET REPAIRS NORTH LAKE TRUCK REPAIR DUMP TRUCK REPAIRS OVERHEAD DOOR SALES & SVC. RECYCLE BUILDING POC CO ECONOMIC DEV. 2ND HALF PCEDC CONTRIBUTION 6, POC COMMUNITY HOSPITAL AMBULANCE SUPPLIES POCAHONTAS EQUIPMENT MOWER REPAIRS PRIME BENEFIT SYSTEMS GROUP INSURANCE PRINCIPAL LIFE GROUP GROUP LIFE INSURANCE PRO COOPERATIVE MONTHLY FUEL 2, R & D INDUSTRIES TECH SUPPORT SANTANDER LEASING, LLC PUMPER MONTHLY PAYMENT 1, SHAMROCK RECYCLING CURBSIDE RECYCLING 1, SIEPKER AUTO REPAIR POLICE CAR REPAIRS SIMMERING-CORY INC 512 SMITH STREET CONTRACT 3, STAPLES OFFICE SUPPLIES TREASURER STATE OF IA JAN, FEB, MAR SALES TAX 13, USA BLUE BOOK SHOP SUPPLIES USPS BILLING POSTAGE VERIZON WIRELESS CELL PHONE WELLMARK APRIL GROUP INSURANCE 9, ZIEGLER INC. REPAIRS EQUIPMENT 6, TOTAL 91, Our Town Our Paper! 14

15 City Council Minutes PAYROLL 4/23/ GENERAL 4, ROAD USE TAX 1, WATER 2, SEWER 2, GARBAGE 2, BY FUND TOTAL 13, GENERAL 5, PAID TOTAL 109, GENERAL 35, ROAD USE TAX 22, EMPLOYEE BENEFITS 5, SISTER CITY 3, WATER 23, SEWER 8, GARBAGE 10, TOTAL BY FUND 109, REVENUES GENERAL 128, POLICE SPECIAL 4.00 ROAD USE TAX 6, EMPLOYEE BENEFITS 60, EMERGENCY LEVY 3, LOCAL OPTION 6, TIF 41, CEMETERY RESTRICTED POOL RESTRICTED DEBT SERVICE 70, CAPITAL EQUIPMENT 6, OWNER OCCUPIED HOUSING 3, WATER 40, SEWER 29, GARBAGE 20, STORM WATER 2, TOTAL 422, Don Aschenbrenner was present to explain the rooftop heat pump. It is seventeen years old and is no longer working. Swanson moved to order the new rooftop heat pump. Christenson seconded. All ayes; motion carried. Discussion was held on the snow ordinance. Previously, it was discussed to remove the dates from the current ordinance; however, upon further investigation, the dates will remain in the ordinance, and when a snow event occurs after the April 1, the mayor can declare a snow emergency. Potter motioned to approve resolution Setting the Date for Update Public Hearing. Swanson seconded. Roll call vote: Ayes: Potter, Christenson, Swanson. Nays: none. Absent: Jamison, Newgard. A discussion was held on Residential Improvements. The council instructed Reed to investigate moving forward with this process. Potter moved to adjourn at 5:40 p.m. Swanson seconded. All ayes. Motion carried. Rod Johnson, Mayor Hilary Reed, City Clerk Biggest Little Paper In Town! 15