Issue # 134 April, May, June 2024
LOCAL COUPLE HONORED
The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers recognized local farmers Craig and Judy Albert with the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award. Craig and Judy were presented with the award on Friday, March 22, 2024 at a ceremony and luncheon at their farm, Valley Green Farms. Award was presented by the Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Naig. Craig and Judy were the 180th recipient
of the award.
The were also presented with a Burr Oak tree, Iowa’s state tree, by John Frazier of Frazier’s nursery, Vinton, Iowa.
The award was created in 2003 and is named in memory of Gary Wergin, long-time WHO Radio farm broadcaster. Wergin created the award and began honoring farmers shortly before his death, and it is presented by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and Iowa Ag Radio Network with support from CSIF. Promoting good neighbor-to-neighbor relations is a key component of the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers’ approach to responsible livestock production. Bob with WHO “The Big Show” was on hand to broadcast live.
To showcase the example set by Iowa livestock farmers who go above and beyond as environmental and animal stewards, and valuable members of their communities, CSIF sponsors the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award, presented monthly to an Iowa farm family.
Craig and Judy were nominated by their Pioneer dealer, Bob Hanson, Vinton.
The Alberts prepare and serve a “Family and Friends” Thanksgiving dinner each year on Thanksgiving Day. They collect non-perishable food items and monetary donations at the dinner, which they later distribute to families and organization in the Brandon Community.
Craig and Judy are the parents of Jordan, Jackie(Shawn) Aberle and grandparents to Carson, Gretchen and Kaydence Aberle. The whole family is involved one way or another in the daily operation of their farm. Their operation includes grain farming, hay, and raising cattle, cow/calf and feeder cattle. Being good stewards of the land, the Alberts practice conservation farming.
BRANDON AREA COMMUNITY CLUB NEWS:
BRANDON DAYS- Space Adventures
Aug 2,3, 2024:
This year’s Brandon days celebration theme is “Space Adventures ”. Think space ships, Star Wars, space aliens, The Jetsons, Star Trek etc.
Events that we are planning included bags tournament for adults and kids, big ball tournament, horseshoe tournament, pedal tractor pull, waterball fights for kids, facepainting, balloon creations, afternoon entertainment, supper, and an auction.
The raffle will feature prizes of $500, $300, $100 and several smaller prizes.
NEW CONCESSION STAND FUNDRAISING PROJECT:
The concession stand is nearly complete with the exception of the outside landscaping. We are still short of funds to complete these final projects. Donations can be sent to the Brandon Area Community Club, P.O. Box 163, Brandon, Iowa. 52210
The BACC and the City of Brandon thank each and every donor that has contributed to this fund.
We are proud of our community and the support we receive on these improvement projects.
BACC MEETINGS
Brandon Area Community Club meetings are held on the THIRD Monday of each Month at 7 pm at the Brandon Area Community Center. BACC welcomes all adults to join our community club.
EASTER EGG HUNT
BACC held its annual Easter Egg Hunt on Good Friday, March 29 2024. We had a large turnout of kids. Thank you to Theresa Stacy and her crew for organizing this event.
COWBOY BREAKFAST:
This year’s Cowboy breakfast will be Sunday, September 15, 2024 at the Brandon Area Community
Center .We will serve from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Menu consists of scrambled eggs, pancakes, fried potatoes,
ham, sausage, sausage gravy and homemade biscuits. Orange juice and coffee will be served.
Bags (Corn hole) Tournaments
Final Tournament for the year was to be held on April 14th at 4:30 p.m. at Brandon Area Community Center. $5 per person. Adults 18 and over. Bring your own refreshments and a snack to share.
DONATIONS TO THE BRANDON BEE
Thank you to the following people for their generous donations to the publication of this newsletter;
Roger and Pam Bistline, Craig and Judy Albert.
DEADLINE:
The deadline for the July, August, September issue of the Brandon Bee is due by June 15, 2024
Editors’ note: Please submit your information to the Brandon Bee to Denise: dndlehman@msn.com or 1684 332nd Street., Rowley, IA 52329. Complete issues of the Brandon Bee II will now be published on the Brandon Area Community Club’s website at www.bacciowa.com.
BRANDON GARDEN CLUB
The Brandon Garden Club met recently at the home of Karol Smith. We made plans for the coming
year’s activities. We plan to visit some nurseries this spring and discussed the many possibilities.
We will make our final plans at our April meeting. We are all ready to work in our flower and vegetable gardens. We meet on the 4th Monday of each month at Karol’s home beginning at 6:30. We invite anyone interested in gardening to join our group. You can contact Karol for further information at 319-290-0101.
MOBILE FOOD PANTRY
The Brandon Mobile Food Pantry is held on the 4th Wednesday of each month. The upcoming dates
are: April 24, May 22 and June 26. It is held at the Brandon Community Center parking lot and distribution of food is from 4:30 until 5:30. Please remain in your car and the food will be put in your car for you. Please bring boxes back from previous food pantry visits and have room for the food in your car. Thank you.
Mobile food pantry is open to families in NE Iowa who have a need to supplement their grocery
budget. No cost is involved but you need to supply your name, address, and household size.
Information gathered is used to keep a tally of the number served in the communities and the
event of any recall on food items. The mobile pantry is a service of the Northeast Iowa Food Bank.
Thank you to the volunteers that help with this project. If you would like to volunteer or have any questions about the food pantry, please contact Darlys Rogers at 319-474-2368.
BRANDON HISTORICAL SOCIETY: Linda Clark
The Brandon Jefferson Township Historical Society met at the home of Karol Smith in March.
We will be installing the last 3 doors in the building and putting on the trim board around the west side of the bank building. The next big project we will be working on installing the plumbing for the bathroom. While we raise the money for this project we will be starting to clean up the items that have been donated to us and move them to the west side of the building. It is so exciting to be moving forward and getting one step closer to opening the bank for all the people interested in history of Brandon and surrounding are.
We want to thank all of the people who have supported us with coming to our fundraising activities and have donated money as well.
If you would like to join us for our meetings we would be happy to welcome you on the 2nd Tuesdays of the month. Membership in the Society is open to anyone with an interest in local heritage
Donations can be sent to: Brandon Historical Society
PO Box 34 502 Main St.
Brandon, IA 52210
.
BRANDON CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST~ Pastor Lenny Powers
306 East Street
319-474-2159 or 319-929-5604
Worship at 10:00 am. Handicap accessible.
FUNDRAISER FOR LOCAL WOMAN
On February 9th, 2024, Angela Collier was diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. While this diagnosis was out of left field, her and her family are taking it one day at a time.
Thankfully, Chris works from home, so he can take Angie to her treatments and take care of her at home as well. Unfortunately, Angie is unable to work at Texas Roadhouse right now due to her immune system being compromised. So, a fundraiser for Angie will be held. That will help with medical bills, travel, and other expenses. Whatever is left over will go to Lymphoma research and gift cards for other cancer patients.
The Fundraiser will be held on April 20th, 2024, at Phat’s Pub & Grub.
203 East Street, Brandon, Iowa 52210
12:30 pm Bags tournament $15 entry fee- Check in at noon
l Please register ahead of April 20th
l Sign up sheets will be at Phats, Post office and AP Castings (formerly Denton’s).
l You may register the day of the event at noon as well.
l Draw for partners.
l Prizes for 1st through 3rd places
Other events happening
l DJ- Hypnotic 1-4 pm
l Door Prizes
l Silent Auction
l Other games
l Food for Purchase
All proceeds will go toward the cause. If you are unable to attend but would like to make a monetary donation, please send to Angie Collier, P.O. Box 121, Brandon, Iowa 52210
Please keep Angie and her family in your thoughts and prayers!!
CONNIE’S QUILTERS
The quilters meet on Mondays at Connie’s home at 204 Main Street at 1 pm. Please join them for a fun relaxing day. They use donated materials and design their own quilts. Thank you for all the donated fabric. Quilters of all abilities are encouraged to join the group. They welcome donations of material. All quilts are donated to people to enjoy.
If you are interested in joining the group, please contact Connie Landgrabe at 319-540-0587 to obtain details on the meetings.
LOCAL PORK PRODUCER HONORED
Matt Thoma was recently awarded the Master Pork Producer of the Year Award March 23, 2024 by the Buchanan County Pork Council at their annual banquet. The following article was used to introduce Matt at the banquet and his history as a pork producer. Congratulations Matt on a well deserved recognition:
2023 Buchanan County Master Pork Producer – Matt Thoma
This year’s Master Pork Producer is someone who has had pigs in his life since day one. When asked when he first got interested in pigs he replied, “It’s all I have ever known. Dad had pigs and as soon as I could go out to the barns with him, I did.”
In 1991, he bought his first gilts and rented hog facilities. In 1995, he built his first hog facility, a nursery, as the acreage he bought the year prior already had a hog barn on it. He stopped farrowing in 1999 and in 2002, his brother Joe asked him if he wanted to rent the neighbor’s hog barns with him, which he did, and the rest is history.
In the years since then, he has built hog barns, is a co-owner of County Line Feed Mill and County Line Livestock. He and his wife have ownership in Grassland Pork, Skyline Pork and Wholestone. He is the President of Grassland Pork and has been since it began in 2009.
He has been involved with various community activities throughout his life within his church and children’s schools, including being a member of the St. Athanasius’s Endowment Committee, is a Jesup Lions Club member who continually volunteers his time and equipment for the annual Jesup Lions Tractor Pull, and a longtime member of the Buchanan County Pork Producers.
Of all the various activities, boards, committees, and organizations he is a part of, he will tell you without a doubt that his family is his greatest accomplishment. All 5 of his children – Jake, Amber, Jamie, Matti and Pete – and his wife Michelle have all spent “quality time” with him in the barns going along to help with chores, kick up the new piglets or assist in sorting loads. He has also been able to share his love of farming to his two sons and work beside them, which continues the farming legacy to the 5th generation of Thoma’s.
LOCAL UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
Buchanan County Fair is July 16- 21, 2024. Concerts include Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry on Thursday July 18, 2024. Walker Hayes on Friday, July 19, 2024. More information on the Buchanan County Fair Facebook page.
Jesup Farmers Days is June 20-22, 2024. Theme is “Footprints Through Time”.
Rowley Days is July 26-28, 2024.
PORK LOIN SUPPER
The Brandon Fire Department and First Responders will be have a Grilled Pork Loin Supper Fundraiser on Saturday, April 13, 2024. They will be serving from 4:30 to 7:30 pm at the Brandon Area Community Center. FREEWILL OFFERING. Please come and support the Emergency Services. All proceeds will be used for equipment and training. Carry-outs available.
The Brandon Fire Department is looking for anyone interested in joining the department. Membership is open to anyone that lives in the city of Brandon or a rural resident within the Brandon Fire District.
Candidates must be 18 years of age or older. If interested Gary Albert 319-240-5363
BRANDON FIRE DEPT NEWS
The Brandon Fire Department held their appreciation supper on February 25, 2024. A celebration of Paul Rogers retirement from the department was held. Paul was with the Brandon Fire Department for 55 years. Deb Bistline was also honored for her 25 years of service in the department.
PAUL ROGERS RETIRES FROM BFD AFTER 55 YEARS
In 1964 Paul and Darlys moved to rural Brandon. Paul worked for Ray Miller on his dairy farm.
After a few years we moved to our present home and he found work elsewhere. Paul joined the
Brandon Fire Department in 1968,
Paul tried to make it to all the fires and emergency calls. In his early career as a Brandon Fireman
there were no pagers or radios, all firefighters had a fire phone in their homes, so if you weren’t
one of the first ones to answer the fire phone, you might miss the address of the fire or emergency
and would have to go to the fire station for the address. After we got the pagers and radios this was
no longer an issue.
In the early days, they didn’t have much for gear and the then Fire Chief, Earl Bearbower would tell
his men, “Fire gets too hot, get out of the kitchen”. The fire gear is much improved now and as are
the gear and trucks. The implementation of 911 emergency services made a big difference in getting
to the location of the call. We always need to give the address, town and county where the
emergency is located.
In addition to attending all fire and emergency calls Paul participated in the contests that were held at
the Firemen’s Convention. During the summer before the conventions biweekly practices were held on Main Street in Brandon. The families and friends would come and watch the practices and
cheer for their favorite team or contestant.
Paul said he has no regrets on being a Fireman for 55 years, “I have met a lot of nice people and
fellow firefighters through the 55 years”. Some of the emergencies that he responded to were
rough ones. The ones with not only material loss but the loss of someone’s loved ones were
extremely hard and you never forget those calls. They used to have a lot of machinery fires, combine
fires, and hay fires. Being a fireman has been a challenging yet rewarding career,
Paul hopes that the Brandon Fire Department continues to improve their services with new
equipment and life saving devices. He stated we have a great department.
Thank you, Paul for an outstanding career as a Brandon Firefighter. I wish to thank all of the Brandon’s Firefighters and EMT’s for their dedication and outstanding service.
BRANDON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH~ Pastor Luke Evans
507 Main Street
10:00 am. Worship service begins at 10:00 am. Handicap accessible.
Pastor’s contact information:
Rev. Luke Evans
P.O. Box 125
Brandon, Iowa 52210
712-898-4834 pastorlukeevans@gmail.com
BRANDON METHODIST MEN- Chicken BBQ fundraiser
The Brandon Methodist Men’s BBQ Chicken Dinner will be on Saturday, June 1, 2024 serving from 4-7 p.m. Dine In or Carry outs is available. This year’s menu will be BBQ Chicken hindquarters, potato salad, baked beans, dinner roll and desserts.
BASH
Final BASH for this school year will be held on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. BASH is held from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. Family is invited to join us at 5:30 p.m. for a light supper and program for everyone.
The program is going to be about service animals. This is open to parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles etc.
BRANDON METHODIST YOUTH
Youth members recently met and voted to share some of their funds with a few local charities. They were pleased to donate $100 each to the Brandon Cemetery Association, Brandon EMS, and Brandon Fire Department.
On Palm Sunday, the youth acted out a skit called Parade for a King during the church service. The performance highlighted the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem from the viewpoint of four reporters sharing their color commentary. It was a fun way to remind everyone how Jesus rode into town on a donkey's colt with people spreading their coats and palm branches onto the road.
If you know of someone who would like to join us, please call Rachel at 319-551-4794 or Dawnye at 319-334-0163.
UMW PANCAKE BREAKFAST AND BAKESALE
Brandon United Methodist Church’s Annual Pancake Breakfast and Bake sale was held on Saturday, March 30th. Breakfast was eggs, sausage, pancakes, ham, juice, milk and coffee. Thank you to everyone that came out and supported our breakfast and bakesale.
INGATHERING GIFT BASKETS
The Mary Circle women’s group has several gift baskets prepared for auction. They will be available to bid on at the Brandon Methodist Church entry now until April 17th. Please stop by during the Easter Breakfast and Bake Sale and place your bid.
Family Mystery Supper
The Brandon Methodist Women’s Family Mystery Supper was held on Wednesday, March 20, 2024
at 6:30 pm. Forty people enjoyed a four course meal and the mystery menu.
If you have never been to a Mystery supper, I will explain. Each person is given a menu. On the left hand side are 12 items listed (this year’s menu was in Chinese). On the right hand side of the menu there is 4 courses listed with 3 items for each course. You choose 3 items for each course. You give your menu to a server and they bring you the first course. Your first course may be a napkin, egg roll and your drink. You are required to turn in all items after each course. Next course may be your soup, fork, bread.
It is a fun night and it was enjoyed by all.
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LIME CREEK FISH AND GAME CLUB
THANK YOU to all that were able to support the Lime Creek Fish and Game Club’s 55th annual fish fry on March 23, 2023. This year was certainly a success with 350 meals served. 70 of these were to go orders!
This year we provided our community with:
400 lbs of fish
75 lbs of coleslaw
120 lbs of potatoes were used for potato salad
And 14 gallons of baked beans
A special thank you to the many Scouts and 4H’ers that helped.
We thank the community for supporting our organization so we can give back to the community supporting conservation and environmental causes.
BIRTHS
Courtney and Matt Templeton, Cedar Rapids, are the proud parents of a baby boy, Sutton Matthew Templeton, born at 1:54 p.m. on Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids. Sutton weighed 7 pounds, 2 ounces and was 20 inches long. He was welcomed home by big brothers, Hudson, age 7, and Britton, age 3. Sutton’s grandparents are Mike and Beth Little, Brandon, Julie Baldwin and Robby Clodfelter, and Steve and Ruth Templeton, all of Eagle River, Alaska. Great grandparents are Marlene Steinbeck, Independence, and Leona Baldwin, Anchorage, Alaska.
Elijah James Berry was born March 21, 2024.Elijah parents are Jesse and Tara (Clark) Berry . He joins big sister Rylee. Grandparents are Rod and Cindy Clark, Brandon, and Ray and Teresa Berry, Evansdale. Elijah was born at early at 23 weeks gestation and is in the University of Iowa NICU. Tara and Jesse greatly appreciate all of the love and prayers they have received. (Editor’s note: I have included information on the Go Fund Me and savings account that have been established for Elijah and his family)
A Go Fund Me account was created by Tara’s sister Wendi Kafer with all donations going to Elijah, Tara and Jesse. Please search on Facebook for Wendi’s account and you will see the whole story and be able to donate there. Here is a link to the page also: https://gofund.me/eebc9991.
An account has also been opened at CFCCU in Evansdale. It is under Teresa Berry and Elijah’s names.
COLLEGE GRADUATES
Karoline Lindaman graduated from Hawkeye Community College with her Associate Degree in December 2023. She is currently living in Florida, participating in the Disney College Program. She will return to Iowa in August. Karoline will attend the University of Iowa, majoring in Early Elementary Education. Karoline is the daughter of John and Mary Beth Lindaman, Brandon and the granddaughter of Karol (and the late Chuck) Smith, Brandon.
Ashlee Thomas will graduate from Hawkeye Community College with her Associate Degree on May 3, 2024. Ashlee plans to transfer to the University of Northern Iowa and major in Business Analytics. Ashlee is the daughter of Brian (Buddy) and Kelly Thomas. Grandparents are Charlie Cox and the late LaVonn Webster-Westcott.
Matti Thomsen graduated from Capri College, Cedar Rapids, in December 2023. She is now employed at Boho Body and Hair in Independence. Matti is the daughter of Matt and Michelle Thoma. Her grandparents are Peg and the late Linn Bearbower, Jim and Mary Thoma and Marcia and Allen Thomsen.
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES-- Congratulations to these graduates and best wishes in your future endeavors
Alexis H Collier, daughter of Chris & Angie Collier, Brandon IA, will graduate from Independence High School on May 19, 2024. Her grandparents are Mark and Lisa Johnson and Sandra Thougan. Alexis has been active Choir, Jazz Choir and a varsity cheerleader in her high school career. She plans on attending Hawkeye Community College and study graphic design. Alexis will celebrate with a graduation party, which will be held the week after graduation, invites will go out. If you wish to send a graduation greeting, cards can be sent to Alexis Collier, P.O. Box 121, Brandon, Iowa 52210
Cole Krueger, son of Jason and Krista Krueger, Brandon, IA, will graduate on May 19, 2024 from Jesup Community School. Cole’s grandparents are, Karen and Nyal Dage, Independence, Lynn and Karen Sterk, Oxford Junction, IA and the late Larry Krueger, Elgin, IA. Cole’s future plans are to enter the work force.
Addyson Layne Palmer, will be graduating from Independence Jr/Sr High School. Graduation is on May 19, 2024 . Addyson plans to take a year or 2 off from school, to work and travel either around the country or maybe even the world. Her parents are Bethany Carman and Don Palmer. Grandparents Susan and Ray Carman, and Roger and the late LaVonne Palmer. Siblings are Jaydyn, Bradon, and Gabbi. Addyson will be having a graduation party June 30th at the BACC.
Lainey James Neblock, will graduate from Independence High School on May 19, 2024. Lainey graduated early and is working at Pillars of Cedar Valley in Waterloo. She plan on working towards her CNA and eventually wants to get into phlebotomy. Parents are Matt and Ashley Osborne, Brandon. Grandparents are Randy Johnson of Brandon, John Snyder of Independence, Beth Phillips of Cedar Rapids, Carol Osborne of Independence, Les and Cathy Osborne of Walford.
Mikala Bearbower, Brandon, will graduate from Center Point-Urbana High School on May 26, 2024. Mikala is currently working on her getting her CNA with plans to continue her education in the Nursing Field. Her parents are Eric Bearbower and Amber Boyles. Mikala’s grandparents are Peggy and the late Linn Bearbower, Mike and Trudi Pillard and William and Mary Bash.
Karsyn Nichol, daughter of Jeremy and Karen Nichol, Independence formerly of Brandon, will graduate from Independence High School on May 19, 2024. Karsyn plans to attend Mt. Mercy College in Cedar Rapids and study early education. Karsyn was signed with the Cheerleading team at Mt. Mercy. Karsyn has studied dance and cheer since she was 3 years old and has won numerous awards throughout the years. She is the granddaughter of Scott and Joyce Anderson, Brandon. Karsyn Has one sibling, Kenedy Armell, Brandon.
Isabella Johnson will graduate from Independence High School on May 19, 2024. Daughter of Andrew and Amanda Johnson, Granddaughter of Donna Roepke and Ken and Sandy Johnson. Isabella plans to go to University of Northern Iowa to double major in Criminology and Psychology to pursue a career with the FBI. Isabella is a National Honor Society Member, Silver Cord Volunteer Hours Recipient, Girl Scout Award Honoree, former President of Town and Kountry Kids 4H Club, and two time All State Archery Recipient.
Hunter McBride, will graduate from Independence High School on May 19, 2024. Hunter is the son of Melissa and Benjamin McBride. Grandparents are John and Joyce McBride of Waterloo, Iowa and Dale and Sandy Rogers of Brandon, Iowa. Hunter is an avid athlete, involved throughout high school in baseball and track. He is also a member of the building trades class that has been hard at work building a home in Independence. Hunter intends to pursue a career in construction and has a bright future ahead of him. We are all very proud of him and can’t wait to see what the future has in store for him.(Mom and Dad)
Maria Svoboda,daughter of Ryan and Kristen Svoboda, is graduating in May from the Marion Homeschool Assistance Program. She plans to attend a local college for nursing. Maria’s grandparents are Rex and Phyllis McKee, and Raymond and Patricia Svoboda.
STATE ARCHERY
The Independence Mustang Archers had a banner weekend at the Iowa Archery in Schools- NASP State Archery Tournament held in Des Moines, Iowa on March 2 and 3, 2024. All three teams brought home hardware. The High School team placed 3rd, the Middle School Team placed 2nd and the Elementary team placed 2nd. Many local youth placed well. Coaches are Travis Mestad, Dave Harms, Chris Luloff, Jess Luloff, David Gissell, Bo Peyton, Derrick Hess, Travis Shellhorn, James Bumgarner.
Evan Miller, 7th grade, son of Wyatt and Amanda Miller, participated in the Iowa State Archery Tournament in Des Moines on March 2 and 3, 2024. Evan shot a 292 and was STATE CHAMPION in bullseye for Iowa Middle School, 1st in 7th grade boys. Evan qualified for Nationals in May in Louisville, Kentucky. Evan is a member of the Independence Middle School Team which took 2nd place in the tournament. Evan also participated in 3D shoot and scored 280. Evan’s grandparents are Beth Carlson, Jim and Sally Leider.
Memphis Peyton, 6th grade, participated in the Iowa State Archery Tournament in Des Moines on March 2 and 3, 2024. Memphis scored 275 pts in bullseye . He also participated in 3D scoring 261. Memphis is a member of the Independence Middle School Team which took 2nd place in the bullseye tournament .The middle school team qualified for Nationals being held in May in Louisville, Kentucky. Memphis is the son of Brian (Bo) and Hilary Peyton. He is grandson of Doug and Denise Lehman, Rowley and Karen and Wyatt Parkinson, Hazelton and (the late Pat Peyton).
Blake Halligan, 7th grade, participated in the Iowa State Archery Tournament in Des Moines on March 2 and 3, 2024. Blake scored 257 pts in bullseye . Blake is a member of the Independence Middle School Team which took 2nd place in the bullseye tournament .The middle school team qualified for Nationals being held in May in Louisville, Kentucky. Blake’s parents are Tim and Jenny Halligan, Brandon. Grandparents are DC and Angie Halligan and Dennis and Chris Palmer all of Brandon.
STATE ARCHERY continued
Raelynn Gilliam, 7th grade, participated in the Iowa State Archery Tournament in Des Moines on Sunday, March 2 and 3, 2024. Raelynn scored 273 in bulleyes and 269 in 3D. She is a member of the Independence Middle School team which took 2nd place in bullseye tournament. The team qualified for Nationals being held in May in Louisville, Kentucky. Raelynn is the daughter of Michael Gilliam and granddaughter of Oriel Lee Huxman.
Elizabeth Bumgarner, 7th grade, participated in the Iowa State Archery Tournament in Des Moines on March 2 and 3, 2024. Elizabeth scored 244 pts in bullseye . She also participated in 3D scoring 258. Elizabeth is a member of the Independence Middle School Team which took 2nd place in the bullseye tournament .The middle school team qualified for Nationals being held in May in Louisville, Kentucky.Elizabeth is the daughter of James Bumgarner and Kayla Norman. Grandparents are John and Kaila Bumgarner, Brandon, John and Denise Hockey, Gilbertville and Karen Norman, Independence.
Phillip Johnson, 8th grade, participated in the Iowa State Archery Tournament in Des Moines on March 2, 2024. . He participated in 3D scoring 254. Phillip is a member of the Independence Middle School Team. The middle school team qualified for Nationals being held in May in Louisville, Kentucky. Phillip’s parents are Andrew and Amanda Johnson. Grandparents are Donna Roepke , Independence, Ken and Sandy Johnson , Independence.
Isabella Johnson, 12th grade, participated in the Iowa State Archery Tournament in Des Moines on March 2 and 3, 2024. Isabella scored 287 pts in bullseye. Isabella earned 6th place. She also participated in 3D scoring 281. Isabella is a member of the Independence High School Team which took 3rd place in the bullseye tournament .The High school team qualified for Nationals being held in May in Louisville, Kentucky. Isabella's parents are Andrew and Amanda Johnson. Grandparents are Donna Roepke, Independence and Ken and Sandy Johnson, Independence.
Brooklyn Banghart, 10th grade, participated in the Iowa State Archery Tournament in Des Moines on March 3, 2024. Brooklyn scored 286 pts in bullseye. Brooklyn earned 11th place. Brooklyn is a member of the Independence High School Team which took 3rd place in the bullseye tournament .The High school team qualified for Nationals being held in May in Louisville, Kentucky.
Alen Hillard, 10th grade, participated in the Iowa State Archery Tournament in Des Moines on March 2 and 3, 2024. Alen scored 258 pts in bullseye. Alen also participated in 3D scoring 245. Alen is a member of the Independence High School Team which took 3rd place in the bullseye tournament .The High school team qualified for Nationals being held in May in Louisville, Kentucky.
Autumn Albert, 6th grade, participated in the Iowa State Archery Tournament in Des Moines on March 2 and 3, 2024. Autumn scored 283 pts in bullseye earning her 4th place at the State Tournament, Autumn is a member of the Independence Middle School Team which took 2nd place in the bullseye tournament .The middle school team qualified for Nationals being held in May in Louisville, Kentucky. Autumn had a stellar year winning 2 tournaments and earned 2nd in two tournaments and 3rd and 5th each in a tournament. Her parents are Derek and Melyssa Albert. Her grand parents are Chuck and Diana Lee and Dan and Anne Lawless
Cooper Smith, 5th grade, participated in the Iowa State Archery Tournament in Des Moines on March 3, 2024. Cooper scored 259 pts in bullseye. Cooper is a member of the Independence Elementary School Team which took 2nd place in the bullseye tournament .The Elementary school team qualified for Nationals being held in May in Louisville, Kentucky. He is the son of Theresa and Tracy Smith.
JESUP ARCHERY
Kamden Long, 4th Grade Jesup Elementary shot his Personal Best Score 263, of the season, at the State Archery Tournament in Des Moines on Saturday March 2nd. Parents are John & Brooke Long of Jesup. Grandparents are Darrell & Kim Brunko of Brandon, & Jim & Martha Long of Vinton.
MEMORIAL DAY SERVICES AT BRANDON CEMETERY
Memorial Day/Military Program at the Brandon Cemetery on Monday, May 27, 2024. The program begins at 9 am sharp provided by the Jesup American Legion.
We recently added a new driveway at the cemetery and there is a need for more flags to be displayed.
Our new fundraising campaign will be for 60 American flags, concrete, iron ground posts, flag poles and wood for the veteran’s name plates.
We need your help to make this project happen! Please send monetary donations to:
Brandon Cemetery Association
2342 Benton Buchanan Road
Brandon, Iowa 52210
Thank you for your continued support.
For information on the cemetery, follow BRANDON CEMETERY on Facebook or call Denise Albert Cue at 319-464-7577.
MEMORIAL DAY
Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Unofficially, it marks the beginning of the summer season.
Memorial Day, as Decoration Day gradually came to be known, originally honored only those lost while fighting in the Civil War. But during World War I the United States found itself embroiled in another major conflict, and the holiday evolved to commemorate American military personnel who died in all wars, including World War II, The Vietnam War, The Korean War and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
For decades, Memorial Day continued to be observed on May 30, the date General Logan had selected for the first Decoration Day. But in 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May in order to create a three-day weekend for federal employees. The change went into effect in 1971. The same law also declared Memorial Day a federal holiday.
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION WEEK IS APRIL 21-27, 2024
I thank each of you for taking time from your busy lives to volunteer for our community. If you haven’t had an opportunity to volunteer but our interested in lending a helping hand, whether you have an hour to spare or more, all of the organizations welcome new members with new ideas. I have listed the contact person to inquire about each group or organization below:
Brandon Area Community Club Doug Lehman 319-404-8471
Garden Club Darlys Rogers 319-474-2368
Historical Society Dale Priebe 319-981-9181
Connie’s Quilters Connie Langrabe 319-540-0587
First Responders Kelly Thomas 319-361-0031
Brandon Volunteer Fire Dept Gary Albert 319-929-4508
Lime Creek Fish and Game Club Chuck (Diana) Lee 319-269-0620
Bear Creek Church Denny Donley 319-560-5599
Brandon Methodist Church Rev Luke Evans 712-898-4834
Brandon Church of Christ Rev Lenny Powers 319-474-2159
Brandon Cemetery Denise Cue 319-464-7577
Brandon Area Mobile Food Pantry Darlys Rogers 319-474-2368
CARING PAGES
(Editor’s note: This page is meant to keep people updated with information on our friends and neighbors who are in need of a pick me up. Please, if you are inclined, brighten these people’s day with a card or a note.)
Pat Rogers, formerly of Brandon, is now residing at West Village in Independence. Please send her a note or card to brighten her day.
Pat Rogers
ABCM West Care Center
1610 3rd Street NE
Independence, IA 50644
Donna Roepke, formerly of Brandon area, is now residing at Prairie Hills Senior Living. It would be nice for her to receive cards or notes from her Brandon Area friends.
Donna Roepke
Prairie Hills Senior Living
505 Enterprise Drive SW
Independence, IA 50644
Marlene Steinbeck, formerly of Brandon, is now residing at Lexington Estates in Independence.
She would be pleased to receive cards and notes to brighten her day.
Marlene Steinbeck
Lexington Estates
1600 1st St East
Independence, Iowa 50644
Samantha McKinley, wife of Cliff McKinley, rural Walker is doing well on her road to recovery.
Samantha and Cliff have three children, Ruger, Sage, and Landry. We really appreciate your help and support.
Samantha McKinley
3384 King Ave
Walker, Iowa 52352
Brian Larson, husband of Sarah, Jesup, formerly of Brandon. Brian and Sarah have two children Lexie and Alana. Brian’s parents are Deb Larson, rural Brandon and Rick Larson, Brandon.
Brian Larson
13134 Dubuque Road
Jesup, Iowa 50648
CARING PAGES continued
Rex Stephens, of Rural Brandon, is experiencing continued health issues. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Rex would enjoy some notes and cards.
Rex Stephens
2666 50th Street
Brandon, Iowa 52210
Sharon Noe, formerly of Brandon, is now residing at Windhaven Assisted Living. Please send her a note or card to brighten her day.
Sharon Noe
Windhaven Assisted Living
5500 South Main Street #44
Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613
Michelle Erger, is experiencing a health crisis and is need of a new kidney Please brighten her day with a note of encouragement. Michelle is still in URGENT need of a kidney donor. Please contact her if you are interested in helping her out.
Michelle Erger
308 Main Street
Brandon, Iowa 52210
Ross Wiley, is currently residing at the Lutheran home for some skilled nursing care. Brighten his day with a note or card.
Ross Wiley
Lutheran Home
1301 2nd Ave
Vinton, Iowa 52349
Beth Little, is facing some medical issues. Please take time to brighten her day with a note or card.
Beth Little
508 Cedar Street
Brandon, Iowa 52210
Angie Collier, was recently diagnosed with cancer and is currently undergoing treatments. Please brighten her day with a card or note.
Angie Collier
Box 121
Brandon, Iowa 52210
Bill Mitchell, has been undergoing dialysis for a few years, he is in URGENT need of a kidney donor.
Eligible donors can be 25-65 years of age. Please contact Bill for information on being his donor.
Bill Mitchell
3174 Daniel Ave
Brandon, Iowa 52210
Berniece Clark, formerly of Brandon, is now residing at Virginia Gay Nursing and Rehab. Brighten her day with a note or card.
Berniece Clark
Virginia Gay Nursing and Rehab
Room 224
502 North 9th Avenue
Vinton, IA 52329
OBITUARIES:
Linda Grace Sommerfelt, 70, of Pearland, Texas passed away January 31, 2024, in Houston, Texas. Linda was a caring daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was born May 7, 1953, in Pasadena, Texas to parents, George Harris Kingsbery and Kitty Montgomery.
Linda had many talents and interests including dancing, modeling, and even at one point performing as a Derrick Doll with the Houston Oilers. Professionally, she had an illustrious sales career. She also loved fishing and writing poems. Linda was a wonderful cook and cherished time with her family, especially her grandchildren who affectionately called her “Meme.” Linda is preceded in death by her father, George Harris Kingsbery; sisters, Karen Kingsbery Carouthers, Carol Kingsbery Wolf; brothers, Mitchell Montgomery and Randy Montgomery.
She is survived by her husband, Brian Sommerfelt of 33 years; children, Jason Kelly and wife Jennifer, Justin Wallace and wife Meriam, Jarrett Wallace, Lindsay Watts and husband Tyler, Bryce Sommerfelt and wife Melissa and Breanna Sommerfelt; parents, Don and Kitty Montgomery; sister, Donna Richardson and husband Dave; brother, Monty Montgomery and wife Sue; grandchildren, Jordan Kelly, Jace Kelly, Jett Kelly, Shelby Wallace, Luke Wallace, Mya Taylor, Chelsey Dodson, Katie Watts, Kaleighe Sommerfelt, Brycen Sommerfelt, Kolton Sommerfelt, Keely Sommerfelt, and Kolby Sommerfelt; great grandchildren, Audrey Dodson, Harleigh Dodson, Liam Dodson, Lakin Wiliams, Hudson Williams, Kenslee Wallace; along with many nieces and nephews.
Celebration of life services were held Thursday, February 8, 2024, at the Bella Vita Club House located in Pearland, Texas 77581. Pastor Micker McCormick officiating along with guest speaker, Kerri Reeves.
Gerald “Jerry” McCullough, age 81 of Livermore, passed away on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at the Titonka Care Center. A Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, January 27th at the American Legion in Livermore. Services have been entrusted to Lentz Funeral Home of Livermore.
Gerald Dean McCullough, the son of Clarence “Buck” and Mabel (Porth) McCullough, was born on February 11, 1942 in Fonda, Iowa. He graduated from Twin Rivers High School in Bode, Iowa in 1959. On July 31, 1960, he was united in marriage to Donna Holmes at the United Methodist Church in Livermore. He worked numerous jobs over the years including the Livermore Elevator, Jerry’s Service Station, and W&H Co-op, where he retired. Jerry loved working in his garage, fixing his kid’s and his messes up and his lawn mowers.
Left to cherish Jerry’s memory are his wife of 63 years, Donna; children, Brian (Christy) McCullough of Livermore, Jeff (Cathy) McCullough of Humboldt, Dave McCullough of Coralville, Nette (Matt) Kellner of Livermore, Cheryl May of Humboldt, and Jody (Jeff) Baker of Spirit Lake; a lot of grandkids; a lot more great grandkids; and a few great great grandkids. Local survivor is Samantha (Cliff) McKinley and their children, Ruger, Sage and Landry. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donna’s parents; sister, Beverly; and son, Kevin.
Randy P. Primmer-Farber, age 67, passed away on Friday, January 5, 2024, at University Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.
A private family graveside service will be held at Bear Creek Cemetery near Brandon.
Randy was born on September 2, 1956, in Vinton. Randy and Robert Farber began their 41-year relationship in 1982. Randy and Bob were united in marriage on February 14, 2013, in Waterloo.
Randy was known nationally and internationally as a breeder of Persian show cats. Through the years he has bred over 130 grand champions, as well as many national winning cats. Randy also enjoyed gardening and tending to his flowers and plants.
He is survived by his husband Robert; 2 brothers, Rick (Susie) Primmer of Walker, Jimmy (Tracie) Walker of Brandon; sister, Robyn Stander of Vinton; 3 nephews; 1 niece; 2 great-nephews; and 2 great-nieces.
Dorothy Van Ree, 81, of Independence, IA, passed away on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at ABCM Rehabilitation Center – West Campus in Independence, IA. following a short illness.
Dorothy was born on September 16, 1942, in La Porte City, IA. She grew up on a farm outside of La Porte and attended the La Porte City Schools graduating high school in 1961. She met the love of her life, James D. Van Ree, while attending church in Independence. They were married on June 20, 1964, and made their home in Independence, IA. They raised their four children together and taught them what it meant to be good people. Once their kids were raised, she enjoyed traveling to Branson, Missouri with her husband, brother-in-law Richard and sister-in-law Jacky.
Before getting married, Dorothy worked for the telephone company in Independence. Once her first son was born, she stopped working and became a stay at home mom where she took care of her kids and once her kids were in school babysat for a local family. In 1981, Dorothy started working as a Psychiatric Aide at the Mental Health Institute in Independence, IA. She made many friends, and more stories while working there. In 2001, she finally retired after twenty and a half years of good work.
Dorothy was a member of the First Baptist Church in Independence. Later in life, she attended Grace Evangelical and Hope Wesleyan both in Independence. Over the years she served on several church boards, taught Sunday schools, and volunteered as the Vacation Bible School Coordinator for many years. She also had an active social life. She enjoyed bowling on a Tuesday couple league along with a Thursday morning and Thursday evening women’s league. For many years, she was the secretary for the Bantum bowling league. Dorothy was a member and held several positions on the board of the Independence Women's Bowling League for several decades. In 2003, Dorothy was inducted into the Independence Bowling Hall of Fame. Besides bowling, Dorothy enjoyed playing cards, square dancing, sewing, crocheting and quilting, making several blankets and quilts for her kids, grandchildren, and friends. She was an avid reader and loved reading Christian fiction or books about the Amish.
She is survived by her children; Jeff (Amber) Van Ree, Brandon, IA, Cindy (Steve) Zimmerly, Independence, IA, Todd (Kellie) Van Ree, Vinton, IA, and Jason (Mindy) Van Ree, Vinton, IA, eleven grandchildren, Three brothers, Lawrence (Phyllis) Noe, Independence, IA, John (Carol) Noe, Brandon,IA, Bruce Noe, Inner Grove Heights, MN, One sister Donna Weltzin, LaPorte City, IA a sister-in-law, Sharon Noe, Cedar Falls, IA, and many nieces and nephews.Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents, Elbertus and Manta Noe, her husband, James Van Ree, four sisters; Wanda Noe, Eleanor Vogt, Marvel Fulton, and Bonnie Noe, and one brother, Arnold Noe.
A Celebration of Life was held on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at Hope Wesleyan Church in Independence, IA. Inurnment will be held at Mt. Hope Cemetery. The Reiff Family Center – Funeral Home & Crematory in Independence, IA is assisting the family with arrangements.
John Murray Kulhavy, age 74, died Sunday, December 24, 2023 at the Vinton Lutheran Home.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, January 3, 2023 at Wesley United Methodist Church in Vinton, with Rev. Brian Channel officiating. Interme
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