Sterling Weeda, Director of Popcorn Operations at Schlessman Seed Company, has traveled across the globe in his role with the business. His home office is located in downtown Ida Grove. Weeda gave a brief description of the company.
“Schlessman Seed Company was formed in 1905,” he said. “It’s still a family-owned company based out of Milan, Ohio. We breed and produce hybrid popcorn seed. We also produce field corn seed, soybeans, wheat, and open-pollinated sweet corns.”
Weeda explained how he got his start with the business.
Lisa Hopkins started working at the library in January of 2008. She has given 15 plus years at the Ida Grove Library. When asked why she wanted to work here, she stated that she is a life-long library-user, she loves to read, and she needed a job and was lucky enough to get this one, she says. The library is lucky enough to have her. She is definitely a positive influence for the patrons. Her favorite books are “Happily Ever After” books, but she does read in all genres. Hopkins has some thoughts to share.
Pastor Neil Wehmas, Associate Pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ida Grove, keeps busy with his job duties and his involvement in the community. His Associate Pastor title will change, depending upon a September congregational voters meeting, as Pastor Richard Salcido retired at the end of July.
“I’ll be Associate Pastor until the end of September,” he explained, “then I’ll be either Sole Pastor or Senior Pastor.”
Wehmas talked about some of his duties as pastor at St. Paul Lutheran.
Reece Johnson of Odebolt has accomplished quite the feat of golfing in all 50 states. Johnson is 80 years old and just finished the last three states (Maryland, Delaware and Rhode Island) of his golfing journey. He only started golfing when he was 50 years old. It started when he and his wife Rose went to Florida and stopped at different courses on the way. They decided they had better start recording their courses they played on.
Johnson tells of some of the courses he played on. Johnson says,
Gobbies in Odebolt put on an awesome fundraiser to benefit Mat Rats Wrestling Club. There was a DJ and a meal and raffles. Many attended this well-deserved event.
Odebolt Specialty Care had quite the Bazaar on Aug. 24. The heat brought the works inside. A meal and raffle items were set up in the assisted living part while the band played in the dining room of the nursing home. Next of Kin played some pleasant country and easy listening music to the crowd of residents and community members. Smiles were abundant on the faces of the residents as they clapped happily for the music. Next of Kin consists of four band members playing guitars and keyboard. The band members were family thus the name.
The regular meeting of the Ida County Historical Society was held at the Ida Grove Public Library Aug. 24 at 7 p.m. with members Steve Wilkins, Morris Hurd, Judy Uhl, Jim Holst, Ann Holst, Emily Hoaglund, Jean Crawford, Jackie Netherton, Ray Netherton, Nancy Ford present along with Mary Morgan, guest from the Ida County Courier. Morris Hurd presented his treasurer's report. There were some talks on how to raise money. Hurd explained that they need to be asking now while the work is being done because people are more apt to donate before rather than later.
Tammy Neubauer of Ida County was inducted into the 2023 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the 4-H Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fair on Sunday, Aug. 20. Ninety-one Iowa counties participated this year and selected 127 inductees for their outstanding service and dedication to 4-H. Inductees or their surviving family members were presented a certificate by the Iowa 4-H Foundation President, David Bolte, and Interim State 4-H Program Leader, Mitchell Hoyer, as they were introduced on stage.
The Ida Grove Farmers' Market held their First Annual Summer on 2nd last Thursday. There were lots of vendors, local community members being dunked in the dunk tank, Neil Anders playing his guitar and much more.
It was painted by Dave Fuller of Parker, South Dakota. It took him about 10 days to complete the mural and painting in the gym. He told me that he would often work late at night, and rest during the day. He took a couple of days off in the middle of the project to recharge his batteries. Dave presented us with some options that he put together, and we were able to modify his designs and settled upon this one. We are very excited to show off the new look in the gym this fall.
