Celebrating North Iowa-area engagements, weddings, anniversaries and birthdays
We’re excited to celebrate your achievements.
The family of Jim Fountas wishes to extend our sincere gratitude to all our family & friends for all the expressions of sympathy. A special thank you to Mercy One Hospice of North Iowa and Good Shepherd for excellent care.
Dolly Wyke of Britt, Iowa, will celebrate her 90th birthday on Friday, October 18, with a card shower. Cards may be sent to her at Westview Care Center, P.O. Box 366, Britt, IA 50423.
Ray and Gloria (Rasmussen) Callow. of Mason City, were married October 18, 1969, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. The couple’s children are Alan Callow and Jamie Koehler, both from Mason City. They have 6 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Cards and wishes can be sent to 684 Ninth St. SE, Mason City, Iowa 50401
We appreciate and are so thankful for the greetings, cards, and gifts we received to help us celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary. We are blessed by friends and family.
Thank you.
Twylah (Thomsen) and Mark Kragel
We would like to say thank you for all the lovely anniversary wishes received on our 65th. Friends are special, and we feel blessed to have heard from so many. Having our children and their families with us made even more beautiful memories for us to cherish.
Sincerely,
LeRoy and Leila Young
MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center has hired Brooke Stewart to become part of the MercyOne North Iowa Neurology Care team.
Stewart received her undergraduate degree from Mount Carmel College of Nursing and her Master's of Science degree in nursing from Allen College in Waterloo. She has worked as a registered nurse in several areas, such as critical care, surgery and neurology at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center.
Stewart’s clinical interest is in neurology. She will see patients in conjunction with Dr. Yarahmadi, focusing on general neurology including the treatment of headaches, seizures and strokes.
Avalon Center has hired Leah Wilhite, a licensed mental health counselor, for its office located at 9 Second St. NW in Mason City, Iowa.
Wilhite has worked in the mental health field for the past 18 years and will be providing outpatient counseling to children, adolescents, adults and families.
Glen Oaks, One Vision has hired Kimberly Boyd as outreach and resident services coordinator for their new TimberCrest Apartments.
Boyd will work on marketing and outreach for the independent living community. Glen Oaks Community is home to TimberCrest Apartments, a 48-unit complex with one- and two-bedroom layouts, and to the Terraces, townhomes featuring two- and three-bedroom options for purchase.
TimberCrest apartments include full access to the Kinney Lindstrom Community Center with pool, therapy spa, gym, and fitness area.
Boyd comes to One Vision with five years’ experience working in senior living and over 30 years in management.
Glen Oaks Community is scheduled to open in October 2019.
Francis Lauer has added a Rapid Rehousing program to its lineup of services for young adults experiencing homelessness in Cerro Gordo County.
Rapid Rehousing assists young adults ages 18 to 24 that are living on the streets or living in an emergency shelter. This Housing First Model helps them gain stable housing while receiving help from a housing advocate.
“When we look at the data relating to the homeless populations, Cerro Gordo County is reported as havingthe highest overall homeless rate in north central Iowa, according to The Institute for Community Alliances,” said Lisa Pelz, Rapid Rehousing Advocate at Francis Lauer. “Data provided by the US Agency of Homelessness shows that there are more than 200 unaccompanied, homeless young adults throughout Iowa between the ages of 18 and 24.”
Pelz says the number of homeless young adults may actually be higher, as many cases of homelessness are not documented. Community partners she has spoken with agree there is a need in the north Iowa area, she said.
“Our goal is to help this population obtain housing, and also to work with individuals to maintain housing through individualized case management addressing specific needs.”
Young adults, through regular meetings with a housing advocate, will receive assistance finding a job, improving life skills and financial acumen. They will be connected to community resources empowering them to achieve long-term housing stability.
Individuals will receive rental assistance on a sliding scale as they work to obtain stable employment at a livable wage and achieve overall self-sufficiency. The housing advocate helps individuals learn about Iowa landlord/tenant rights, understand their lease agreements, and assist in obtaining vital documents required to apply for community resources. Once the individual is able to navigate the community and needed resources, the advocate will gradually minimize supports as the client becomes self-sufficient.
Francis Lauer, a YSS organization, has served youth and families in northern Iowa since 1968. Since merging with YSS in 2016, its programs have expanded to include both inpatient and outpatient services. Inpatient services include a youth emergency shelter, a crisis stabilization program, and youth addiction treatment. Outpatient services have expanded to youth and adults of all ages, and include a day program, school-based services, Rapid Rehousing, Iowa Aftercare Services, medication management, and counseling for mental health, behavioral health, and substance abuse.
For more information about Rapid Rehousing, contact Lisa Pelz, Rapid Rehousing Advocate, at (641) 423-7362 Ext. 5209 or email LPelz@yss.org. To learn about other programs available at YSS, visit www.yss.org.
The Mason City Noon Lions Club annual chili supper is fast approaching and is looking for sponsors.
The Tailgate Chili Supper Fundraiser will be held Oct. 25 at the last home game of the Mason City Mohawk's football season.
The fundraiser supports local services the Lions provide, including vision screenings for preschoolers, providing eye exams, eye glasses and hearing aids for adults who cannot afford them; helping students attend Camp Hertko Hollow for diabetes education, and sponsoring a Mason City High School student at a leadership camp.
Last year, the Noon Lions Club screened over 500 preschoolers at schools and daycare centers as a result of the funds raised at its annual chili fest.
Sponsorship donations can be sent to: Mason City Noon Lions Club, c/o Bill Gansemer, co-chair; 239 S. Delaware Ave., Mason City, IA 50401.
The Cerro Gordo County Conservation Board and Lime Creek Nature Center Foundation are sponsoring their annual Halloween Hike from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Lime Creek Nature Center.
Groups of hikers will be led through the trails of Lime Creek on a 40-minute hike, encountering various creatures along the way. The hike will not be scary, but an educational experience for the whole family. Refreshments will be served following the hike. Children 10 years old and under are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes and are welcome to participate in a costume contest that will be held in conjunction with the hike.
Reservations are required and the fee is $3 per person. Call 423-5309 to make reservations or for more information.
Thanks to everyone for your cards, flowers and any expression of sympathy to our family in the silent death of our precious son, Huxton Lee.
Dustin and Kaitlyn McMurray and families
Leroy Cassmann of Hampton, Iowa, is turning 100 on October 14, 2019. Birthday wishes and cards may be sent to him at 700 Second St. SE, Hampton, IA 50441.
Thank you to all who helped me celebrate my birthday and to all who sent cards.
Lucy Walters
Thanks to my children for the birthday party on my 80th birthday. Thanks to relative and friends for the cards and gifts and their time and travel. Thanks so much!
Marie Wieck
We want to thank everyone who sent cards and gifts for our 50th anniversary. A big thank you to our three daughters – Dena Peterson, Sandy Tisor (Chris) and Amy Halverson (Nate) for giving us the best anniversary dinner and after party. Also, our seven grandchildren and their spouses, and our three great grandchildren. Also, to Alice Jordi Jr. and Dawn Ellison for the surprise of coming from Chicago.
Thank you so much,
Tom and Luci Tisor
Elaine Wiebrand, of Mason City, Iowa, will be 85 on October 12. Cards and wishes may be sent to her at 1101 Fourth St. SW, Mason City, IA 50401. She would appreciate it – Thanks.
Lime Creek to host annual Halloween Hike
The Cerro Gordo County Conservation Board and Lime Creek Nature Center Foundation are sponsoring their annual Halloween Hike from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Lime Creek Nature Center.
Groups of hikers will be led through the trails of Lime Creek on a 40-minute hike, encountering various creatures along the way. The hike will not be scary, but an educational experience for the whole family. Refreshments will be served following the hike. Children 10 years old and under are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes and are welcome to participate in a costume contest that will be held in conjunction with the hike.
Reservations are required and the fee is $3 per person. Call 423-5309 to make reservations or for more information.
Caring Pregnancy Center to host annual fall reception
The Caring Pregnancy Center of Mason City will host the center’s annual Fall Reception from 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. on Nov. 2 at The Bridge next to Grace Evangelical Free Church, 440 N. Illinois, Mason City.
The theme this year is “The Adventure of a Lifetime.” Learn more about partnering with the Caring Pregnancy Center to help provide for the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of those in the community facing an unexpected pregnancy.
The featured speaker for the evening will be Mary Lou Zubel, a retired educator who volunteers as a tutor in after-school programs.
Other highlights of the evening will include an update on the building project, testimony from clients, fellowship, music and worship. Appetizers and coffee will be served.
This is a free event, but you must register to reserve your seat. For more information on the event or to register, visit www.cpcmasoncity.org/special-events.html, or call 641-424-2237.
Derryberry new associate director at NIVC, North Iowa Transition Center
John Derryberry has been named new associate director with NIVC Services and North Iowa Transition Center.
Derryberry did his undergraduate work at the University of Grand View in Des Moines and received his master’s degree in public policy from the University of Northern Iowa. Derryberry brings 16 years of experience working in the mental health and service field.
Most recently, Derryberry was the executive director for Family Promise of Linn County. He spearheaded an effort to assist homeless refugee families alongside local homeless families in the Cedar Rapids area.
Derryberry is also a regional public speaker on mental and emotional health awareness.
NIACC’s Lifelong Learning Institute to hold free class on Mental Health First Aid
The Lifelong Learning Institute at North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) will hold a class discussing “Mental Health First Aid” on Tuesday and Wednesday, from 10 a.m.-noon, in the Muse Norris Conference Center on the NIACC campus.
Robert Lincoln will be the instructor of this free class.
During Session One you will learn from an expert, using an evidence-based curriculum, about reducing the stigma of mental illness and facilitating earlier treatment. Session Two gives the opportunity to learn about how Cerro Gordo County Social Services helps persons experiencing complex life-changing challenges by using a systemic approach to providing mental health safety net services.
Lincoln is the chief executive officer for a 22-county region in North Iowa established to serve individuals with disabilities. He established the first Iowa consolidated disability services region in 2009, launching the first START Team (specialized mental health intervention for individuals with intellectual disability and mental illness) in Iowa 2015, and launching the first Crisis Stabilization Center in Iowa in 2012.
Noon Lions Club seeks sponsors for its annual Tailgate Chili Supper Fundraiser
The Mason City Noon Lions Club annual chili supper is fast approaching and is looking for sponsors.
The Tailgate Chili Supper Fundraiser will be held Oct. 25 at the last home game of the Mason City Mohawk’s football season.
The fundraiser supports local services the Lions provide, including vision screenings for preschoolers, providing eye exams, eye glasses and hearing aids for adults who cannot afford them; helping students attend Camp Hertko Hollow for diabetes education, and sponsoring a Mason City High School student at a leadership camp.
Last year, the Noon Lions Club screened over 500 preschoolers at schools and daycare centers as a result of the funds raised at its annual chili fest.
Sponsorship donations can be sent to: Mason City Noon Lions Club, c/o Bill Gansemer, co-chair; 239 S. Delaware Ave., Mason City, IA 50401.
Healthy Living Clinics for 55-plus offered by county
CG Public Heath offers Healthy Living Clinics to county residents age 55 and older. There is no charge. However, contributions are encouraged in order to keep the clinic running. Blood pressure clinics are also available free of charge.
The Healthy Living Clinic is an annual health screening and does not replace a physician’s care. To make an appointment, Cerro Gordo County residents may call CG Public Health: (641) 421-9316 or Toll Free: 1-888-264-2581 ext. 9316.
Healthy Living
Clinics schedule
Oct. 7 — St. John’s Episcopal Church, 120 1st St. NE, Mason City
Oct. 14 — United Methodist Church, 508 2nd Ave. North, Clear Lake
Oct. 16 — Mason City Senior Activity Center, 326 4th St. NE
Oct. 23 — Rockwell Community Center, 114 3rd Street North
Oct. 30 — IOOF Home & Comm. Therapy Ctr, 1037 19th St. SW, Mason City
Blood Pressure Clinics
Oct. 8 — 8:15-9 a.m., First Citizens Bank Heritage Club Movie, Cinema West
4710 4th Street SW, Mason City
Oct. 10 — 10:30-11:30 a.m., Mason City Senior Activity Center, 326 4th St. NE
Oct. 15 — 9:30-10 a.m., Plymouth City Hall, 616 Broad St.
Oct. 21 — Noon, Rockwell Community Center, 114 3rd Street North
Oct. 29 — 10:30-11:30 a.m., Clear Lake Senior Center, 105 South 4th St.
Healthy Living Clinic and Blood Pressure Clinic schedules are also posted on the CG Public Health website.
Hampton’s monthly Country Hoedown coming Monday
The October Hampton Old Time Country Hoedown will be held from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. on Monday at the Windsor Theatre in downtown Hampton.
The Hoedown is a music jam open to all levels of musicians and music lovers and is held on the first Monday of each month. The theater seats are ideal for the audience to sit and enjoy some good old time country, bluegrass, and gospel songs.
Admission is a free will donation. All proceeds are given to the Windsor Theatre. Concessions will also be open. Contact event organizer Don Wrolson 641-425-0909 with any questions.
John Derryberry has been named new associate director with NIVC Services and North Iowa Transition Center.
Derryberry did his undergraduate work at the University of Grand View in Des Moines and received his master's degree in public policy from the University of Northern Iowa. Derryberry brings 16 years of experience working in the mental health and service field.
Most recently, Derryberry was the executive director for Family Promise of Linn County. He spearheaded an effort to assist homeless refugee families alongside local homeless families in the Cedar Rapids area.
Derryberry is also a regional public speaker on mental and emotional health awareness.
The Lifelong Learning Institute at North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) will hold a class discussing “Mental Health First Aid” on Tuesday and Wednesday, from 10 a.m.-noon, in the Muse Norris Conference Center on the NIACC campus.
Robert Lincoln will be the instructor of this free class.
During Session One you will learn from an expert, using an evidence-based curriculum, about reducing the stigma of mental illness and facilitating earlier treatment. Session Two gives the opportunity to learn about how Cerro Gordo County Social Services helps persons experiencing complex life-changing challenges by using a systemic approach to providing mental health safety net services.
Lincoln is the chief executive officer for a 22-county region in North Iowa established to serve individuals with disabilities. He established the first Iowa consolidated disability services region in 2009, launching the first START Team (specialized mental health intervention for individuals with intellectual disability and mental illness) in Iowa 2015, and launching the first Crisis Stabilization Center in Iowa 2012.
The Caring Pregnancy Center of Mason City will host the center’s annual Fall Reception from 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. on Nov. 2 at The Bridge next to Grace Evangelical Free Church, 440 N. Illinois, Mason City.
The theme this year is “The Adventure of a Lifetime.” Learn more about partnering with the Caring Pregnancy Center to help provide for the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of those in the community facing an unexpected pregnancy.
The featured speaker for the evening will be Mary Lou Zubel, a retired educator who volunteers as a tutor in after-school programs.
Other highlights of the evening will include an update on the building project, testimony from clients, fellowship, music and worship. Appetizers and coffee will be served.
This is a free event, but you must register to reserve your seat. For more information on the event or to register, visit www.cpcmasoncity.org/special-events.html, or call 641-424-2237.
The October Hampton Old Time Country Hoedown will be held from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. on Monday at the Windsor Theatre in downtown Hampton.
The Hoedown is a music jam open to all levels of musicians and music lovers and is held on the first Monday of each month. The theater seats are ideal for the audience to sit and enjoy some good old time country, bluegrass, and gospel songs.
Admission is a free will donation. All proceeds are given to the Windsor Theatre. Concessions will also be open. Contact event organizer Don Wrolson 641-425-0909 with any questions.
CG Public Heath offers Healthy Living Clinics to county residents age 55 and older. There is no charge. However, contributions are encouraged in order to keep the clinic running. Blood pressure clinics are also available free of charge.
The Healthy Living Clinic is an annual health screening and does not replace a physician’s care. To make an appointment, Cerro Gordo County residents may call CG Public Health: (641) 421-9316 or Toll Free: 1-888-264-2581 ext. 9316.
Healthy Living Clinics schedule
Oct. 7 -- St. John’s Episcopal Church, 120 1st St. NE, Mason City
Oct. 14 -- United Methodist Church, 508 2nd Ave. North, Clear Lake
Oct. 16 -- Mason City Senior Activity Center, 326 4th St. NE
Oct. 23 -- Rockwell Community Center, 114 3rd Street North
Oct. 30 -- IOOF Home & Comm. Therapy Ctr, 1037 19th St. SW, Mason City
Blood Pressure Clinics
Oct. 8 -- 8:15-9 a.m., First Citizens Bank Heritage Club Movie, Cinema West
4710 4th Street SW, Mason City
Oct. 10 -- 10:30-11:30 a.m., Mason City Senior Activity Center, 326 4th St. NE
Oct. 15 -- 9:30-10 a.m., Plymouth City Hall, 616 Broad St.
Oct. 21 -- Noon, Rockwell Community Center, 114 3rd Street North
Oct. 29 -- 10:30-11:30 a.m., Clear Lake Senior Center, 105 South 4th St.
Healthy Living Clinic and Blood Pressure Clinic schedules are also posted on the CG Public Health website.
Dee Onken, AVP retail banking officer at First Citizens Bank in Osage, was honored by the Iowa Bankers Association for more than 50 years of service.
The award was presented to Onken during the IBA Annual Convention on Sept. 24 in Des Moines. Onken was one of 12 recognized statewide for reaching the 50-year service milestone.
Onken began her banking career in 1968 as a bookkeeper when she was a senior in high school. In 50 years in banking she has served as a bookkeeper, teller, loan assistant and in retail.
First Citizens Bank is a community bank with nine locations in eight communities in North Iowa and Mora, Minnesota. Visit www.myfcb.bank or call 800-423-1602 for more information.
Former Congressman Jim Leach will facilitate a discussion, “What is Precedented and Unprecedented in Contemporary Politics,” at NIACC on Thursday.
The program will examine a series of contemporary events through the lens of historic precedent – both good and bad – bringing new perspectives to age-old issues. And what about the aspects of today's international politics for which the lessons of history may not apply? When challenges lack the perspective that history can reveal, dangers to the national interest inevitably increase.
Leach served as the 9th Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities before accepting an appointment as the inaugural University of Iowa Chair in Public Affairs and Visiting Professor of Law in the College of Law.
Before the NEH, Leach was a professor at the Woodrow Wilson School at Princeton and interim director of the Institute of Politics and lecturer at the Harvard Kennedy School. He served 30 as a representative in Congress where he chaired the Banking and Financial Services Committee, the Subcommittee on Asian and Pacific Affairs, the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, the bi-cameral Arms Control and Foreign Policy Caucus, and the Humanities Caucus.
Leach served as president of the largest international association of legislators (Parliamentarians for Global Action) and as chairman of two moderate Republican organizations: the Ripon Society and the Republican Mainstream Committee.
He also served on the board of a series of non-profit organizations, including the Century Foundation, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, the Kettering Foundation, the Stanley Foundation, Pro Publica and Common Cause which he briefly chaired. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the Council on Foreign Relations, and formerly served as a trustee of Princeton University
The program begins at 7 p.m. in the North Iowa Community Auditorium on the NIACC campus and is free.
The event is sponsored by the Lifelong Learning Institute and First Citizens Bank.
North Iowa Area Community College's Family STEM Festival will be held from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at NIACC, 500 College Dr., Mason City.
Activities will promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education and is free.
The goals of the festival are to promote, inspire and engage youth in STEM activities and to introduce children and parents to STEM careers in their local communities. Exhibits will feature interactive STEM activities for children and their families. Attendees can travel the solar system in a planetarium, ride a virtual roller coaster, conduct science experiments, and look inside the human body.
The event is sponsored by North Iowa Area Community College, the Central Rivers AEA, the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
U.S. Air Force Airman Garrett S. Heagel graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, in San Antonio, Texas.
Heagel completed an eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Heagel is the son of Julie and Scott Heagel of Manly, Iowa. He is the brother of Kaylee Heagel of Manly.
Heagal is a 2019 graduate of Central Springs High School, Manly.
Mason City student Chaise Michael Knutson graduated after the spring 2019 session at South Dakota State University.
He received a bachelor of science degree.
Knutson completed all requirements for a degree and/or certificate program and those requirements have been verified by the appropriate college.
I want to thank those who wished me congratulations, in person, with cards, and by social media on my 80th birthday.
Dana Schulke
The family of Carolyn Jean Parks wishes to extend our sincere gratitude to each and every one of you during this difficult time.
We have been blessed with compassion, kindness and caring with all the calling, cards, phone calls, food, flowers and visits.
Our heartfelt thanks to MercyOne - North Iowa, MercyOne - North Iowa Hospice, neighbors and friends.
Dorothy E Yanney
Darlene Ann Brown
Trent (Jill) Parks
Todd (Michelle) Parks
Chase Parks
Cameron Parks
Alexa Parks
Mikayla Parks
