Celebrating North Iowa-area engagements, weddings, anniversaries and birthdays
We’re excited to celebrate your achievements.
Lichtsinn RV in Forest City announces the promotion of two employees.
Janelle Gilbertson has been promoted to fixed operations administration manager. With this newly created position, Janelle will provide leadership, development, and management to administrative support roles within the department. She has been employed at Lichtsinn RV since 2016.
Gilbertson was previously employed at Winnebago Industries where she worked in the engineering department and assisted in creating operator manuals, maintained drawings, modeled components and assisted bill of materials with documentation.
Jordan Weiland has been promoted to senior lead in the RV Finishing and Quality Control department.
Weiland will lead the finishing and quality control team in unit scheduling, quality improvements and standards. He will provide daily direction within the department.
Weiland is a graduate of West Hancock High School and attended Dordt University in Sioux Center, Iowa, studying psychology and playing football.
Congratulations Michelle and Devin Blohm
Thank you from S.A.L.T. (Seniors and Law Enforcement Together)
Happy Birthday Art White
Happy Anniversary Mike & Wendy Hegtvedt
Thank you from Karen Petersen
Happy Birthday Arvid Matson
Prayer to St. Expedite for Quick Help
Select vocal music students from Mason City Community Schools submitted auditions for the 2021 ICDA OPUS Honor Choir.
More than 3,500 students from across Iowa tried out for the 360 positions that were available in the ensemble. The ICDA OPUS Honor Choir was held in CY Stephens Auditorium on the Iowa State University campus on Nov. 18.
Eight Mason City School District students have been selected for this distinguished honor. They are: Piper Aronsen, fifth grade, alto; Savannah Davis, ninth grade, alto; Anya Frenchick, sixth grade, soprano; Janae Hansen, ninth grade, soprano; Zion Ondoma, seventh grade, tenor; Michael Solberg-Maas, eighth grade, bass; Jamie Tinajero, seventh grade, bass; and Ethan True, eighth grade, bass.
Jane Fischer and Associates is collecting aluminum pop tabs to help raise money for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Iowa.
The funds generated from recycling the tabs help offset the House's expenses, such as utilities bills.
You can drop off tabs at the Realtor's office at 1002 E. State St., or call 641-424-4663 to have them picked up.
State government’s upgraded web portal, GovConnectIowa, is now available for Iowa business owners and business tax filers, according to the Iowa Department of Revenue.
The state is modernizing technology and processes to better serve Iowa taxpayers — resulting in this new and secure online portal. The effort is a partnership of the departments of Revenue and Inspections and Appeals, Iowa Lottery Authority and the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division to provide enhanced user-friendly tools are accessible from anywhere, at any time.
The state revenue department is mailing letters to existing tax permit holders with instructions on how to access their tax accounts in GovConnectIowa. Before receiving the letter, business owners with existing tax permits can begin using GovConnectIowa’s Quick File and Quick Pay features or they can get additional information at https://tax.iowa.gov/modernization.
Mason City attorney Tim LaPointe was elected to the board of governors of the Iowa Association for Justice.
New officers and board members were during its annual convention on Nov. 4-5 in Des Moines. IAJ’s newly installed leaders will serve the 2021-22 term.
IAJ also honored its 2021 award winners and collected more than $10,000 for the Food Bank of Iowa as part of its Justice In Deed initiative.
Justice In Deed connects trial lawyers with community organizations across Iowa to help meet critical needs.
Headquartered in West Des Moines, the Iowa Association for Justice is an organization of more than 650 Iowa trial attorneys who serve the legal profession and the public through efforts to strengthen justice systems, promote injury prevention, and foster the transparency of information.
The Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Nominating Committee met recently and nominated five people for three year terms on the board, as well as appointing a chair.
Each candidate has agreed to serve through December 2024 if elected: Mark Dodd, One Vision; Aaron Donaldson, Lake Theatre; Denni Sue Erickson, Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel; Lon Gretillat, 1120 Properties; and Kent Beatty, CL Tel.
Any member in good standing may nominate additional candidates by obtaining the candidate's written agreement to serve and the original signature of 10 members in good standing. All nominating petitions must be returned to the chamber office no later than 5 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 18.
If no additional nominations are received, nominations will be closed and the board, at its December meeting, shall declare the slate of five candidates elected. In the event that other nominations are submitted by the membership, ballots will be emailed to the primary representative for each chamber member. The five candidates who receive the greatest number of votes shall be certified by the Board of Directors at its regularly scheduled December board meeting as elected.
The following members are the committee's nominees for board chair: Carrie Tysdahl, American Solutions for Business.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact the Chamber office 641-357-2159.
Newman Catholic High School recently released its 1st quarter honor roll.
The following students were honored:
4.0
SENIORS: Emmett Casey, Hui Mei Chen, Natasha Cornell, Matthew Henrich, Peter Knipper, Maggie McBride, Seth Pistek, Kylee Sullivan.
JUNIORS: Elisabeth Carlsson, Ryan Kelly.
SOPHOMORES: Rylei Brick, Kenna Hemann, Hannah Hensley, Angela Knipper, Liz Kruckenberg, Celine Matthews, Ella Petree, Tressa Sehi, Hadley Shatek.
3.5 – 3.9
SENIORS: Sarah Anderegg, Jonathan Andersen, Baileigh Berding, Olivia Black, Elijah Brinkley, Timothy Castle, Henry Determan, Madelyn Elwood, Anna Floden, Holden Hensley, James Jennings, Olivia Johnson, Erik Manness, Leah Martinez, Dylan Prestholt, Avery Steenblock, Bennett Suntken, Molly Theilen, Emma Weiner.
JUNIORS: Ryan Armour, Andrew Arthur, Max Burt, Grace Gabriel, Reese Hemann, Macy Kellar, Marie Manternach, Leah O’Connell, Jonathon Olsen, Sawyer Pham, Rayna Retterath, Aaron Schutt, Elijah Steidl, Doug Taylor, Nick Udelhofen, Sage Wagner, Holden Willrett, Jack Willrett.
SOPHOMORES: Sydney Andersen, Tyler Bleile, Jaxon Bothwell, Abigail Brinkley, Noah Carson, Olivia Crimmins, Anayeli Erreguin, Andrew Fitzsimmons, Kael Hanig, Joshua Hanson, Grace Hehr, Thomas Hubbard, Aaron Klatt, Sophie Malek, Rachel Olsen, Mya Pajer, Aubree Sellers, Sidney Squier, Liam Stockberger, Piper Stubbe, Micah Torkelson, Noah VandeWeerd, Caleb VanLaere, Jayce Weiner.
FRESHMEN: Colin Bleile, Anna Clark, Austin Cornell, Lucia Hadacek, Avah Hanig, Adam Henrich, Audrey Jaspersen, Annora Lewerke, Mazie Marquis, Noah O’Connell, Addison Ostrander, Blythe Peterson, Noah Ruiz, Ben Schutt, Zach Sheldon, Sam Steidl.
3.0 – 3.49
SENIORS: Tarren Cunningham, Gabriel Haubrich, Scott Heinselman, Nash Holmgaard, Jack Maznio.
JUNIORS: Raya Bennett, Logan Lursen, Peter Miller, Emily Opstvedt, Ellie Scholl.
SOPHOMORES: Emma Arends, Mattie Chambers, Zackary Ecuimates, Kellen Kantaris, David Muniz, Olivia Warner.
FRESHMEN: Jase Anderson, Danielle Bolz, Geoffrey Brass, Leah Brown, Taylor Brown, Jonathan Cink, Reis Egger, Treyton Elwood, Paige Johnson, Avery Kelly, Gage Petersen, Jade Quam, Madison Steenblock, Abigail Swanson.
The Cerro Gordo County Veterans Affairs Commission coordinated its first “Cakes of Honor” outreach event. The program is to honor the veterans, dependents of veterans, family members and caretakers in Cerro Gordo County nursing homes, and assisted living the week of Veteran’s Day. Those who may not be able to commemorate Veteran’s Day outside of the facilities have not been forgotten.
On Nov. 10, full sheet cakes from Mason City Hy-Vee West were delivered to 11 facilities located in Cerro Gordo County.
The Clear Lake facilities included: Apple Valley Assisted Living, Courtyard Independent and Assisted Living and Apartments, and Oakwood Care Center. The Rockwell facility included: Rockwell Community Nursing Home. The Mason City facilities included: Kentucky Ridge Assisted Living, Heritage Care & Rehabilitation Center, Homestead Assisted Living, IOOF Home & Community Therapy Center, Good Shepherd Health Center Inc, Cornerstone Assisted, and Country Meadow Place.
The facilities were all very appreciative of the deliveries, and some were able to incorporate the cakes into their Veteran’s Day programs.
We must not forget to include all generations of veterans no matter where their residence may be," said Maria Deike, Cerro Gordo County's VA director. "Thank you for your service. We appreciate our nursing homes and assisted living administrators, dietary directors, nurses, nurse aids, event activity and life enrichment coordinators. We would like to recognize you for all that you do daily for our veterans and residents in your facilities. This is a very small thank you.”
North Iowa Area Community College’s is offering a new 4-week nurse aide training program.
Start the 75-hour training program on Dec. 20, complete the training by Jan. 14, take the state certification exam, and then start employment as a certified nurse assistant (CNA).
This four-week nurse aide training is free for Iowa residents. NIACC has programs that can assist with tuition/books, uniforms, testing fees, and transportation costs. Navigators assist students by monitoring progress, problem solving, and finding employment after training.
To learn more about the training option and the free support, contact Pathway Navigators – Melanie 641.422.4078 or Angela 641.422.4312. Navigators will walk you through the application process. Applications will be taken until the class is full or until Nov. 30, whichever comes first.
For more information about this or other nurse aide training options at NIACC visit https://www.niacc.edu/health/nurse-aide/. Interested in other short-term training options and supports/assistance available to help you with your goals? Visit https://www.niacc.edu/continuing-education/tuition-assistance-programs/.
North Iowa Area Community College, founded in 1918, is a nationally-recognized, two-year college located in central North Iowa.
Stellar Industries, an employee-owned and operated manufacturer of hydraulic truck mounted equipment and trailers, has hired Sam Jefson as its new communications and events specialist. Jefson will be responsible for internal and external communications, content creation, trade show management and community outreach.
Jefson brings experience in both internal and external communications from Winnebago Industries. In his new role, he will put his experience to use strengthening Stellar’s relationships with both its customers and other industry professionals.
Jefson resides in Forest City, Iowa, with his wife, Jessica, and three children Lane, Tate, and Sawyer.
Stellar Industries was founded in 1990 in Garner, Iowa, and has since expanded operations to four U.S. locations. Stellar is an employee-owned and operated manufacturer of truck-mounted equipment and specialty trailers.
Happy Birthday Elva Magnuson
Congratulations Ana Canchola
Thank you from Glenn and Marie Borchardt
Happy Birthday Mavis Floy
Congratulations Brandon & Jennifer Umscheid
Thank you from the Family of Carol Madson
Prayer to St Expedite
Congratulations Segreda Ferrera & Timothy Lapointe
Happy Anniversary John & Vicky McCloskey
Thank you from Tom and Tracy Madden
Happy Anniversary Dean and Janice Hauge
Happy Birthday Cyndy Groff
Thank you from Carl & Dollie Olson
Happy Birthday Gary Fox
Friday, Nov. 5, is the deadline to RSVP for the Cerro Gordo County Community Foundation’s (CGCCF) nonprofit agency fundholder workshop.
The workshop will discuss the benefits of establishing a nonprofit agency fund and will highlight strategies, examples and resources for how to grow this type of fund. A panel of representatives from local nonprofit agencies who have endowment funds established with the CGCCF will share tips and the impact these funds are having on their nonprofits’ missions. Workshop attendees will also hear from Laurie Everhardt, director of development for the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, host foundation for the CGCCF.
Individuals may RSVP online at www.cfneia.org/fundholdersworkshop. The workshop will be held from 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. on Nov. 15 at the North Iowa Regional Commerce Center, 9 N Federal Avenue, Mason City.
The workshop is free, open to the public and lunch will be provided. For more information about this event, please contact Tim Coffey, CGCCF governing committee member, at tscoffey67@gmail.com or 319-461-1697.
The Cerro Gordo County Community Foundation is a local organization making grants to organizations creating a stronger and more vibrant quality of life in Cerro Gordo County and helps people establish permanent funds for the causes they care about in their community.
Dr. Steve Schulz, president of North Iowa Area Community College, will serve as the speaker at CEO Conversations to be held from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 4 at the North Iowa Regional Commerce Center.
The series is offered by the Chamber’s Program Committee.
CEO Conversations is a quarterly educational opportunity held during the lunch hour, led by well-recognized and experienced business leaders from the region. The program is intended for participants with a desire to advance their career by interacting with accomplished professionals. Sessions are limited to 20 guests to encourage candid conversations.
Schulz began his duties as president of North Iowa Area Community College on Dec. 1, 2013. Before NIACC, Schulz served as the provost at the Des Moines Area Community College's Carroll campus. From 2004 to 2006, he was the 2 + 2 Coordinator at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls and also spent four years as the superintendent of the Carroll Community School District.
Schulz received a bachelor’s degree in history from Wartburg College in Waverly, a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Northern Iowa, an education specialist degree from Drake University in Des Moines, and a Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy studies from Iowa State University. He currently serves on the North Iowa Corridor EDC board and just completed his second term on the Mason City Chamber of Commerce's Board of Directors.
Tickets for CEO Conversations are $20 each for employees of Chamber member businesses, and $30 for nonmembers. Registration is available online at masoncityia.com or by contacting Noah Harris (nharris@masoncityia.com) at the Chamber for more information. Registration is limited. The CEO Conversations Series is sponsored by First Citizens Bank.
A merger of three companies that came together in 2019 will now operate under a single name.
Agri-Management Services and Affiliates was formed in 2019 due a merger and acquisition between three companies: Agri-Management Services, Aspen Grove Investments and Growthland Realty and Appraisal. Due to the variety of services provided by the three companies, each name was used in the appropriate capacity for the service provided. After operating under these umbrellas for nearly three years, the company is consolidating under the name Growthland.
No change to the ownership of the company has occurred and it will continue to provide the same services in the geographical areas served.
One Vision announced a new slate of board members and elected officers at their Annual Meeting & 50th Anniversary Celebration, held Oct. 19 with 140 people in attendance.
“We are so pleased to have Kara Naig Trettin take on the role of One Vision’s board president,” said Jennifer Pinske, chief development officer with the nonprofit. “She brings non-profit and foundation experience and knowledge to the organization and has learned about our mission and vision through her relationships with employees and time as a board member.
Members of the One Vision Board of Directors are: Kara Naig Trettin, president, St. Ansgar; Dennis Muyskens, VP/treasurer, Mason City; Steve Schulz, secretary, Mason City; Jay LeFevre, past president, Clear Lake; Donn Ashland, parent, Garner; Doug Gee, Clear Lake; Aimee Kern, Clear Lake; John Lander, Mason City; Paul Manternach, Clear Lake; Mike Momberg, Clear Lake; Dennis Plautz, Fort Dodge.
One Vision Charitable Foundation introduced new board members Marc Younge and Sara Lindquist at its quarterly meeting on Oct. 26. Lindquist is new to the area and has experience as a senior sales rep and foundation work. Marc has been on the One Vision Board of Directors and investment committee in the past.
The mission of the One Vision Charitable Foundation is organized for the benefit of, to perform the functions of, or to carry out the purposes of One Vision, an Iowa nonprofit corporation in service to individuals with disabilities.
Members of the One Vision Charitable Foundation Board are: Jay LeFevre, president, Clear Lake; Dennis Muyskens, vice president, Mason City; Matt Ritter, treasurer, Clear Lake; Steve Schulz, secretary, Mason City; Matt Berry, Clear Lake; Mark Dodd, Mason City; Mark Feustel, Mason City; Kent Hall, Clear Lake; Dawn J. Johnson, Forest City; Sara Lindquist, Mason City; Vickie Snyder, Clear Lake; David Steffens, Lake Mills and Marc Younge, Ventura.
One Vision, a nonprofit organization, provides services to more than 400 exceptional individuals with disabilities. Based in Clear Lake, One Vision supports people of all ages throughout North Iowa including Clear Lake, Mason City, Fort Dodge, Garner, Humboldt, Eagle Grove, Webster City, Lake Mills and more.
Each year, the Iowa Mortgage Association recognizes the top mortgage producers in the state of Iowa. The awards are typically held in the spring, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic they were held virtually in October.
Clear Lake Bank and Trust Mortgage Lender Cheryl Kurtzleben was recognized in the Iowa Mortgage Association President’s Club, which is the top category of awards presented. Clear Lake Bank & Trust lender Joy Olson was also recognized and named to the Iowa Mortgage Association Winner’s Circle.
To qualify for the President’s Club, a lender must originate a minimum of $25 million or 180 units of residential loan volume in 2020. To qualify for the Winner’s Circle, a lender must originate a minimum of $18 million or 120 units of residential loan volume in 2020.
Founded in 1934, Clear Lake Bank and Trust Company is a locally owned, full-service bank with four offices in Clear Lake, Garner, and Mason City.
Renae Aukes has recently joined Lichtsinn RV in Forest City, Iowa, as an RV sales consultant.
Aukes is a graduate of North Iowa High School and attended Iowa Lakes Community College in Estherville, Iowa, where she graduated with an associate degree. Aukes continued her education at Minnesota State University, in Mankato, Minnesota, receiving her bachelor’s degree for elementary education.
Aukes was most recently employed by Hy-Vee, where she served in many management roles over the past 23 years.
Lichtsinn RV in Forest City is Iowa's largest RV dealer and is one mile down the road from the Winnebago factory.
