The annual Ida County Conservation Christmas Bird Count took place last Sunday, Dec. 21.
The event, created by the Audubon Society, has been taking place since 1900.
“This is the 126th year,” said Ida County Naturalist Danielle Bennett. “It takes place all over the country and beyond.”
Between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5, groups interested in participating pick a day and a central location; the count takes place within a 15-mile radius circle during a 24-hour period.
Students at Galva-Holstein Lower Elementary in Holstein had an opportunity to shop at the annual Santa Store on Monday, Dec. 15.
Each child had the opportunity to purchase a maximum of five gifts for family members; each gift cost just $1.
The Santa Store is a program of the Holstein Chamber of Commerce.
It has taken place at Galva-Holstein Lower Elementary for the last 15 years.
Elf on the Shelf, a member of the Odebolt Betterment Committee (OBC), made visits all around town during the early part of December.
Elf on the Shelf was assisted in his journey around Odebolt by Renee Bengford, who is also a member of OBC.
Bengford took the Elf to businesses, daycares, doctors’ offices, nursing homes, the school, and to the Odebolt Christmas Party.
Daniel Dotzler, President & CEO of United Bank of Iowa, has announced the presentation of its first Strong Connection Award to Marcia Cates, Vice President Marketing, in recognition of her exceptional commitment to making a lasting difference in her community.
Rebecca Burns with Ida County Public Health briefed the board on Horn Memorial Hospital’s announcement it was closing down home health and hospice services.
Burns said Friday, Dec. 12, would be the last day for the service.
“And there’s actually been nobody in the office the last two weeks,” said Burns. “The patients have been moved to other agencies.”
It’s a move that is causing some concern for Burns.
Nina McMillen is a sophomore at MVAO/COU High School in Mapleton – and she also owns a business in Battle Creek.
“Cinderella’s Closet is a consignment store for all things formal and prom-related; all dresses, jewelry, shoes, and accessories,” Nina said.
Her shop is located at 651 1st Street in the former ISI building.
Josh Alesch will serve as board president for OABCIG, and Stephanie Konradi will serve as vice president.
OABCIG had its organizational meeting Dec. 8.
Oaths of office were administered to Konradi for District 2, Erin Marth for District 3 and Alesch for At-Large. Ryan Goodman for District 4 and Dathan Loger for District 6 took their oaths after the regular meeting.
Jamie Whitmer has been elected as board president, while Grant Aschinger is vice president.
The Galva-Holstein board of education saw its organizational meeting Dec. 8.
In addition to electing a president and vice president, the board saw Tyler Vohs take the oath of office.
Natalie Kliegl was appointed as board secretary and board treasurer.
Ella Boysen, a junior at OABCIG High School, is the 2025 Class 5 State Dance Solo Champion.
She competed against 70 dancers from across the state in the state solo qualifying competition at the end of October and made the top 10.
More than 900 competitors across 14 categories converged on the Casey’s Center and EMC Convention Center in Des Moines on Dec. 3-5 for the state championships.
Staff members from the Ida County Courier and Holstein Advance were the guest speakers at Thursday’s Holstein Chamber of Commerce meeting.
Chamber welcomed newspaper staff as they presented on promotion.
A Good Ad versus a Bad Ad was Seuntjens’ primary focus as she briefed Chamber on how to engage in promotion.
Seuntjens is an award-winning designer who has received multiple recognitions.
