The 13th Annual Ridge View FFA Banquet on April 1 was a well-organized top-notch event. A seamless ceremony followed the banquet, which showed some great future leaders. As explained in the program handed out for the evening, the FFA vision is this: FFA provides the next generation of leaders who will change the world. Also stated is the FFA Mission: FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.
The Battle Creek Fire Department is happy to announce they received some new gear provided by the Ida County Betterment. The fire department also is excited that they have acquired a new tanker, which they were able to do so through a grant through USDA, local donations and fundraising. They have already put it to use with some controlled fires they have attended to.
Shelby Bengford, Activity Director at Odebolt Specialty Care Nursing Home in Odebolt, has a passion to please. Cheryl Segebart, Nurse at OSC says,
“Shelby is a good person. She does so much for the residents, staff, and families here.”
Bengford has worked for OSC for 9 years. She started out working as a CNA, then she took over the kitchen for about 4 years, and then when her family was considering adoption, she needed a better schedule with the kids. So, Bengford took on the Activity Director position and it was a good move for all. Bengford says,
Jared Schmidt, owner of Schmidt Insurance in Battle Creek, is excited to let people know the services his business can provide. Schmidt summarized some of those services.
The OABCIG FFA banquet and awards ceremony offered a chance to celebrate. Awards were given for the FFA Degree recipients, Local Proficiency awards and more. At the end of the ceremony, Jerry Chizek was thanked by the students for coming out of retirement to help them through this year. The students were greatly appreciative. The event was adjourned 3-4 times before the students remembered another part of their program, but the ceremony succeeded nonetheless.
Letters From Home/50 states tour, won the hearts of many on Tuesday night, March 28. Erinn Dearth and Dan Beckmann touched hearts with laughter and tears as they sang and danced through the war eras. They honored veterans in the audience with hugs and handshakes during one performance. Yet, other performances throughout the event involved the audience. One man was smacked with kisses from Erinn Dearth’s bright red lips leaving imprints of her lips all over his face. Another performance had audience members in a pretend car honking and laughing with their black hats on.
OABCIG Solo/Ensemble showcases talent at the King Theatre on March 31. Directors for the event were Jacob Welper and Jacob Pedersen. Accompanists on the piano for the acts were April Wells, Carol Sadler, Kay Bloyer, and Jacob Pedersen.
Much talent occupied the stage this evening from singers in groups, duets, and solos in vocals and instruments. The students were all smiles as they cheered each other on for each act. When one might need their confidence built, their peers were there for them giving hoorays of support. The students performed wonderfully.
The Passion Play at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ida Grove on March 29 told the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection. High School students acted out the parts as a narrator told the story. The beautiful voices of the choir sang familiar hymns setting the tone of solacement.
OABCIG Elementary Spring Concert was held March 30. Director Neil Anders started the evening out with his 5th Grade band. They played an Irish Folk Song and an American Spiritual among others. Then Linda Johnson leads her Children’s Choir to the stage as they sing with strong, loud voices “It’s a Hard Knock Life” and “Old King Cole.” Neil Anders and Linda Johnson recognized the 5th graders with a pin and certificates for ice cream at The Bolt in Odebolt.
Mary Lou Redenius provides a place of comfort to travelers who have family in the hospital, or come for holidays, class reunions, or work. Her guesthouse has served the community well. It all started when Redenius worked for a doctor who was starting to provide treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. The families had to come for treatments spanning over five to ten days. They were looking for a more homey place to stay rather than a hotel. Redenius had inherited half this house from her aunt. Her aunt’s brother owned the other half, which Redenius eventually bought.
