Wednesday, July 6, 2022

A NEW SCENIC VALLEY ADD-ON

   To the locals, this is probably "old news." But, to the many out-of-town, out-of-state Korner viewers, it should be "good new news" that their old central Iowa home town, Boone, Iowa, still "makes the map," nationwide, on occasion.

   Rail Explorers, featuring pedal-assisted railbikes, recently announced the launch of the Rail Explorers: Boone, Iowa Division at the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad as of July 21, 2022.

   So? Take that, you cities and states that think you're bigger and better. This Boone Iowa location will be their first location in the Midwest and just the fifth location in the Rail Explorers portfolio. Those other locations are Las Vegas; Cooperstown, NY; the Catskills, NY and Newport, Rhode Island. That's pretty good company to keep.

   These custom-built explorers are the latest development in pedal powered rail technology, and are the global leader in safety, design, and ease of operation. They are the founders of the railbike industry in the USA and pioneered this unique and exciting way to experience the magic of the railroad.

   The Boone division will utilize a custom-built electric motor on each railbike. This makes the ride truly effortless, ensuring the experience is enjoyable for all ages and abilities. A Quad bike, for up to four riders, and a tandem, for two riders, are available and some can be seen, displayed right now, at the Scenic Valley headquarters, 123 10th street.

   So, rather than standing still, the Scenic Valley is "going with a positive flow" and adding to its offerings, a new and unique way of viewing the beautiful Des Moines Valley on this 12.4 round trip tour.

   In addition, a portion of every Rail Explorers ticket sale will benefit the Scenic Valley AND over 35 jobs, including three full time positions in its first year, will be created.

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   RESPONSES? YES.

   A few viewers sent comments about our most recent edition regarding the accumulation of "stuff."

   Loren Frazier, BHS-58, wrote, "I think many of our generation are finding the same thing that you wrote about. Kids don't want any of our collection of old "stuff." Pat and I have already thrown out a lot and we've given things to the Salvation Army and Goodwill. Its sad in one way but we accept it and enjoy looking at the various items and thinking of the many good times we had."

   Dick Longworth, BHS-53, noted, "all of us, of this age, face this problem. The material you mentioned is different because it deals with a history of a certain place, a town we called home. This has real historical value and needs a proper permanent home. But where? Larry Adams may have an idea or it seems to me that this is what the Boone Historical Society is for. Then, there's the Iowa Historical Society which must have archives of every Iowa town or the libraries at Iowa State or SUI."

   John Kueck, BHS-61 wrote, "the younger set are more facebook prone and twice, I have had members speak up for some of my old memorabilia."

   John Hinz, BHS-64 added, "I have in my possession at least one Scroll from my late mother-in-law who was born in ce 1913." 

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   SHORT, SINGLE ADDITIONS

   (1) Lester Ross, BHS-67, is a proud grandpa. He told us his grandson, Colton Ross, fired a no-hitter to beat the Ankeny Little League all-stars recently. Colton's dad, Nathan, is the Boone coach. Those Boone L.L. All-Stars played yesterday (Tuesday) and will play tommorrow (Thursday) right here in Boonetown and Lester asks for some good support. (2) Vern Modeland, BHS-50, says, "podcasting is the biggest threat I see now. How do we ever put a real and profitable source of news, that is really news, back together? Sites, such as your blog are our only hope for the future of any true "news."" (3) Andy Anderson, BHS-62, is seeking any news, whatsoever, regarding former BHS teachers, Ms. Overby and Jim Sanders. He thought Ms. Overby came from Mississippi and eventually changed her name and moved to France. She taught English. Sanders taught math. The '62 class is having their 60th reunion, August 17-19, and they're looking for a former teacher from that class. (4) In his most recent letter to the Korner, Fred Groat, BHS-62, was reminded of a book written by Jan Thatcher (Kassulke). "Jan was a classmate, a good friend and a friendly academic rival. Jan was, in my opinion, hands down, the smartest and best student in our class. She became a medical doctor and wrote quite a book, published in 2011, that is right up the kornerman's alley. Lots of good Boone and sports connections."

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   BOONE CONNECTED/AREA DEATHS

   Robert Joseph Moritz, 90, Boone/Eastern Star. Born in Storm Lake. SLHS-50. Married Betty Lou Jacobson in 1955. The couple lived in Storm Lake until moving to Algona in 1963. In 1970, they moved to Humboldt and came to Boone in 1980. Starting in 1958, served over 39 years in the National Guard, receiving many medals, awards and commendations. A proud Catholic, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, movies and was a collector of guns, coins and stamps. Betty died in 2002. Survivors include a daughter and a sister. Services in Boone.

   Leonard Dean Sternquist, 88, Boone. Had been in Community Living Center in Des Moines in recent weeks. Born in Boone. BHS-51. Married Patricia Lynette Rinehart in Boone in 1956. Worked with his father at Sternquist Garage and became the owner of the garage when he returned from service time during the Korean War in the early to mid-50's. The couple taught Sunday School for many years at the First United Methodist Church. An accomplished musician, he played guitar with the Blue Notes and later, the piano with the Maple Street 7, West Des Moines Dixie Land Band and at Shakey's Pizza Parlor in Ames. For many years, the couple taught, competed and enjoyed the international style of ballroom dancing. Survivors include his wife, Patricia, of Boone, two daughters, Susan Moorman and Laura Sternquist, and two brothers, Don and David Sternquist. Private services in Boone.

    Mathew (Mat) Strable, 43, Urbandale. Formerly of Boone. BHS-97. Survivors include a son, Brandon Strable, of Boone.

   Joan Reinart, 74, Boone. Formerly of Carroll. Born in Carroll. Westside AR-WE-VA HS-65. Attended trade school in Omaha. Married Alvin Reinart in 1983 and the couple resided in Carroll. Alvin died in 2020. Joan worked at St. Anthony Hospital Lab and at Tony's Restaurant. She struggled with health issues much of her life. Survivors include her husband, Ryan Hart, of Boone, a daughter, three siblings and three brothers and sisters-in-law. Services in Carroll.

   Darrell D. Erickson, 89, Boone/Eastern Star. The family lived in Ogden until 1945 when they moved to a farm east of Luther. Napier HS-52. Worked at ISU and entered the Army in 1953. Married Marilyn Rosene Erickson in 1955 in Luther. During winter quarters, Darrell utilized the G.I. bill, attending ISU. In 1998, the couple moved to the farm where Marilyn grew up, two miles west of Luther. For 30 years, the couple spent the winters in Harlingen, TX. Darrell was active in the local co-op, the Boone County Fair Board, Farm Bureau Board of Directors and the Madrid Lions Club.The couple covered the nation in their motor home. Survivors include his wife, Marilyn, son Denny, brothers Dar and Chuck Erickson, sister Sharon Pohl, brother-in-law Bill Shreve and sister-in-law, Dino Rosene. Services will be held at a later date.

   Elizabeth Boswell, 78, Vancouver, WA. Grew up in Boone but in 1957, prior to the start of her eighth grade year, the family moved to Des Moines.

   Clarice Delores Lundberg, 89, Dayton/Eastern Star. Services in Dayton.

   Frances "Fran" Minot Skank, 85, Ames. Survivors include a son, James Alma Skank Minot, of Madrid. Services in Ames.

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   Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson, Boone, Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number is 515-432-1530. Leave a message. To email your stories/memories/comments/death notices.....
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.

   

   

  

 

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