THE REVIEWS ARE IN

     I, the Kornerman, should start by clarifying, for the benefit of our "out-of-state" viewers, that good old Vern Condon is 87 now AND yes, he's still on the job each day, barking out directions or, as always, doing much of the work himself, but at a different location. His service is now part of a Shell station on Mamie Eisenhower Avenue just a bit south of Goeppinger Field. I guess he is determined to hit the 90 mark.
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    Well (everytime I say or think about that word, I think of President Reagan. Wasn't that one of his well-used intro words?
    Well, to say that folks came out of the woodwork after that latest column, is an understatement. It drew the most response we've had in quite some time and we'll happily share some of it.
     Boone's Joyce Rouse wrote, "I totally agree on the content of the Boone News. Sports and obituaries are the most read. There are so many people who work, live and volunteer in the community that I would love to hear more about. Thanks for your Korner."
    Richard McKay of Boone wrote, "I like your idea of bringing back past articles you had authored in the BNR. I, undoubtedly, read the original, but a refresher was great to read again. Vern's name recently came up in my regular coffee group with fellow retired railroaders and we all agreed he is a good businessman and great guy. Thanks and keep those stories coming."
    Sue Woolsoncroft of Nevada wrote,"your idea on more Boone coverage of people and events is very good since Boone is my hometown. I'd like to see George Eckstein featured sometime. Thanks for your dedication."
    Tom Peterson, BHS-67, wrote, "Great idea. I have several memories of Vern Condon from when I worked for him. Best boss I ever had. I also remember Miss Hall (Rose). She was a really good math teacher."
     Gary Knox, Eldora. United HS-grad wrote, "you hit the nail on the head. Your example is exactly the way a local newspaper should feature Boone happenings and people. One year after moving to Eldora, the local paper featured me on the front page with photos of my wood carvings. The Iowa Falls paper does the same thing, featuring people of interest, small business owners, healthcare workers etc. Sounds like the BNR could learn a few things from the Iowa Falls newspaper."
     Ron Hopkins, Washington State, BSH-59 wrote, "enjoyed your column and the "old" BNR story on Vern Condon. I  thought I remembered him from the DX station at Fourth and Story in the mid-50's. I  even thought I remembered his move to a site on 22nd street  in the late 50's or early 60's. Enjoying the Korner and hope to visit Boone in the next few months."
     Kathleen Wheelock of Boone wrote, "I wholeheartedly agree with you. We need more human interest and community stories like there used to be. I loved your posting of Vern. He's always been awesome, a legend here in Boone. I think everyone would be very interested in your reposting of some of your old BNR articles. Your Korner is a blessing to us all. Thank you for all you do to keep our family of Booneites together, wherever we are now."
     Loren Frazier, BHS-58, wrote, "for the sake of the folks that still get and read the BNR, I hope you hit a nerve. Maybe the editor or publisher will remember that BNR actually says BOONE News Republican. I truly enjoyed the article about Vern Condon and hope you continue with similar articles. You know, your blog thrives on old stories from viewers so old stories from you really fit the Korner format well. And, maybe they will spark the memory of readers who will then submit some of their old stories."
     The Kornerman says, "I hope so."
     FROM THE EDITOR: Now please, don't think we are wanting to change the entire purpose of the Korner. The idea is that these "old, repeat" stories are "fillers" for slower Korner times. We don't intend to rely on them as a weekly feature. As always, we still want to feature YOUR stories/memories and comments on a twice weekly basis.
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     BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Dr. Robert Lee McNair, 79, Boone. Earned BA and MA degrees from the University of Missouri and a PhD from Iowa State University. He served in the National Guard or Reserve for 25 years. Taught at several schools in midwest states and served DMACC in Boone for 18 years prior to retirement in 2000. He and wife Pat were married in 1965 and had two children. Pat passed away in 2003. Lee then married Ramona Fisher in 2005 and she passed away in 2016. Daughter Lisa Miller is a Boone resident. Son David lives in North Liberty..........Judith "Judy" Martz, 73, Boone. Her parents were John and Constance Spurgeon. BHS-62. Judy married Jonathan "Jack" Martz in 1962. She worked for the Boone schools as a secretary from 1983-2003. Boone area survivors include a son, Jeff, of Boone and a daughter, Jill Canavan, of Ogden. Two other sons also survive..........William "Bill" Porter, 94, Ogden. U.S. Navy vet who attended Ogden schools. He married Arlene and they had five children. Bill worked for Northern Natural Gas Co. Boone area survivors include his children, Kathy Allen and Kris Peppels of Boone, as well as two other boys and a girl. His sisters, Julia Meyers of Ogden and Jeanne Majoros, of Ames also survive as does a brother, Max, of Ogden. Other area survivors include sisters in law, Jeanie Porter of Boone and Etta Mae Daniels of Pilot Mound, and a brother-in-law, Art Allen, of Boone.
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     Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson Street, Boone, Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number is 515-432-1530. To email your stories/memories/comments and SUPPORT......
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.