SPECIAL MENTION

     For the old Kornerman, this is hard to write, very hard, gut wrenching. I really don't even know how or where to start.

     Look? People, many fine people, die every single day and I know that.  Most have been hard-working, family-oriented folks who spend extra time contributing, in various ways, to their community. Others, for some particular fashion, have just not been treated well by society or have not treated themselves in a positive way.  AND, I certainly don't want to disrespect or disparage any of these people in any way. Their stories, good or bad, are all worthy of publication.

    However, today, I feel compelled to note, specificially, the recent deaths of just two of our citizens. I knew them both, one particularly well. I was well aware of their talents and their contributions to our community and both were members of Augustana Lutheran Church, the church we proudly attend. So, I simply could not pass the news of the deaths of  Bill Martin and Everett Johnson without special, personal mention.

    Dr. William "Bill" Martin Jr.. You learn a lot about his wonderful work as a clinical psychologist at the Boone County Hospital by perusing the numerous tributes to him on the Schroeder Memorial web site. My heavens, the many lives he positively touched and even saved. Then, many would remember even more his musical talent......whether it be keyboard work or that fabulous trumpet playing. He offered those talents in many ways, at church, as a popular area "small group" music member and as a featured soloist for the Boone Municipal Band. His, was certainly a life well-lived and "given" to so many in both his work and play.

    Everett Johnson. Again, we, perhaps, first think of his music. Music. It was a major part of his life......as an outstanding vocalist at church, funerals and numerous other occasions. But even his regular work days were devoted to this passion. Successfully pointing high school students to an appreciation of music during his days at Sheldon High School and then, during a long and successful career as the Executive Director of the Iowa High School Music Association. When you're asked to lead ALL the high school music students in the state of Iowa toward a better appreciation of music, you know you're held in the highest esteem by Iowa's school administrators. But, there was even more to Everett Johnson than just music and I may even miss some of his numerous offerings. Off-hand, I think of his dedication to our own high school as a fan, volunteer worker and member of the school board. He was still serving the community, at the time of his passing, as a member of the Boone Park Board. A big Atlanta Braves baseball fan, Ev coached that sport for several years while at Sheldon High School.The Kornerman worked many years in the same building with Everett and witnessed on a daily basis, his boundless energy and relentless work ethic.

     In closing, I can only say that our community has taken an extra big hit with the loss of two extraordinarily talented men who will be mighty tough to replace.

K-----K

    ONWARD! 

    If you "outsiders" have visited "home" lately, you have certainly noticed a trend southward, toward Highway 30. In that direction, new businesses have been built, others have relocated and there are indications, new housing is considering more movement in that direction.

    Now, the same trend is developing in an eastern direction, fueled by the possibility of construction of a new elementary school to replace the current and very old Page and Lincoln facilities.

    Earlier this month, the Boone Community School Board voted to approve a contract to purchase property in the eastern part of the city, west, just beyond Airport Road. For just under 2-million dollars, 66.5 acres of land, owned by Goeppinger Enterprises, was agreed to.

    Before going much further, let's make this abundantly clear. Board President Dr. Brian Mehlhaus said the board already has the funds available for the land purchase AND under the district's time frame for paying the current debt, there would be NO increase in tax asking for the new building.

    The Board has received a petition with more than 700 signatures, asking for a bond referendum to cover the cost of the new facility itself.

    The Board's resolution calls for a $23-million dollar Bond Referendum to be voted on by patrons on March 2, 2021.

     Groundbreaking could potentially take place in the late fall of 2021. Steel and concrete would go up in early 2022, with the school being occupied with its first class of students in April of 2023. 

     Keep in mind that this proposal has a big effect on city operations as well. New roads, utilities etc. will be required, which means financing for those projects will also be required.

     Its not beyond belief that this proposed new school in southeast Boone will also draw additional housing projects in that area of town.

K-----K

     BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Louise Onken, 50, Boone. Ballard HS-88. ISU. Was a vet assistant at Helping Hands Vet Clinic in Boone. Survivors include her mother, Judy Denato, of Ames, her step-mother, Becky Aspengren, of Boone, a sister, step-sisters and aunts. Her father, Norm Lyon, is deceased.........Reta Bruene, 80, Grimes. Married Donald Bruene in 1957 and the couple farmed near Traer until 1980. They moved to Toledo in 1980 and to Boone in 1989. In Boone, Donald managed the Big Bear store and Reta worked in food service at the Boone County Hospital for 22 years. In 2017, they moved to Grimes. Survivors include her husband, a daughter, son, daughter-in-law and sister............Margaret Thede Gustafson, 91, Boone. BHS-48. Married Charles Gustafson in 1947. Was a volunteer at the Boone and Scenic Valley. Survivors include a sister, Chris Alexander, of Boone and grandchildren........John McMahon, 78, Newton. Born in Boone. BHS-61. Navy vet. Was a police officer in Boone. Moved to northwest Iowa and worked in insurance, as a Reserve Deputy, Magistrate Judge and Civil Defense Director. Moved to Wyoming and was a Municipal Judge, Sheriff and Chief of Police. In 1991, returned to Iowa and worked for Grinnell Mutual Insurance as Director of Special Investigations. Married Gail Geery in 2007 and retired in 2009. In retirement, worked at Bass Pro, HyVee and at the Jasper County Sheriff's office. Survivors include his wife, son, daughter and grandchildren..........James Fulton, 73, Madrid. Formerly of Slater. Nevada HS. Army vet. Married Cheryl Hudson in 1971 and the couple lived in the Madrid/Slater area. Was an Environmental Specialist for the State of Iowa for 20 years, prior to retirement in 2010. Survivors include his wife, a daughter, Christin Catron, of Madrid, a son, brother and sister.........Everett Johnson, 82, Boone. A 1960 Dana College graduate, he met his wife, June, there and they married. Taught at Exira and Sheldon before moving to Boone in 1978 to become the Executive Director of the Iowa High School Music Association. In 2003, he became the first musician/music educator ever inducted into the National Federation of High School Associations Hall of Fame. Was well known in the area as a vocalist and community leader, with special attention given as a volunteer at Boone High School events. Also served on the Boone School Board and was still serving as a member of the Boone Park Board at the time of his passing. Survivors include his wife, June, and three sons, including Tim Johnson of Boone, a brother and sister.

K-----K

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