To some, I'm probably borderline obnoxious with my persistent, undying devotion to this wonderful state, Iowa, that I've occupied since birth. More specifically, Boone Iowa, but my loyalty to my longtime hometown has already appeared in numerous editions of the Korner. Hopefully, with more to come.
So, today......its simply Iowa, the state.
What a wonderful surprise. Scanning the internet this morning I caught a Fox News segment called, "Biking Across America." It was a lifestyle report featuring a Bob Barnes, a former Uber driver, and the banner line read, "NY man cycling to all 50 states reveals why Iowa is "best-kept secret.""
The purpose of his journey is to raise awareness regarding the importance of donating blood. Many times across America, including his Iowa visit, he stopped for personal donations.
The story, written by Ann Schmidt, features numerous great pictures of Iowa scenes.
Schmidt writes, "while he was riding throught the Hawkeye State, Barnes discovered a small Dutch town called Pella, which he called, "a happy accident." "I just stumbled on it," Barnes said. "A lot of times, people will give me a heads-up about places to ride through. I didn't get a single message about Pella, so that was interesting. Pella was awesome. It was, honestly, like being in an amusement park." He said he loved, "the fact that its the United State of America and you can just stumble onto these towns like this. I'm starting to feel proud again."
Schmidt adds, "later, when Barnes was in a small town called Victor (population 875 in 2020), he thought he spotted a campground, so he knocked on a nearby door. The man who answered, told him it wasn't a campground but that Barnes could just stay in his neighbor's yard, since she was, apparently, in Nebraska at the time. "Nobody'll bother you" the man told him, as Barnes recalled.
Barnes set up his tent and had no issues that night. "That was another great moment," he said laughing.
"Once I rolled into Iowa, you just feel the positive energy," he said. "I didn't know anything about Iowa. I had no stereotypes or preconceived notions. 'They're very caring. Everybody's upbeat," he added. "It was an awesome experience, along with the beautiful scenery."
He concluded, "I love the fact that its the United State of America and you can just stumble onto these towns like this."
Alright, you out-of-staters, I know, you're saying "ya, but you Iowans aren't minus problems either." Agreed, and we can have a good argument about those pros and cons. HOWEVER, I'd be surprised if this story didn't make you wince, at what you're missing, at least slightly.
K-----K
Vern Modeland, BHS-50, responded to our recent discussion, the disposal of lifelong collected items. He wrote, "This seemingly pervasive preoccupation with the stuff of life brings a need to share. Wisest of my three granddaughters once shared with me that they refer to their mother's house as "Mom's Museum," as a reason for avoiding visits. It's full of two much dust, rust or but, "don't touch," she observed. What is there of life to really preserve? Only memories. My suggestion to others, as my granddaughter asked me to do, share them on some permanent recording device such as one she is sending me for "a narrative of growing up where and when and how." It's something they'll never have in any other form. Just a thought."
K-----K
BOONE CONNECTED/AREA DEATHS
Jerald (Jerry) Custer Crise, 88, Boone. Born in Altoona. Attended Des Moines schools. Married Betty Fromm in Des Moines in 1953. The couple moved from Colfax to Boone in 1975 when Jerry was helping wire the Vet Med at ISU. He was an electrician for several companies, most recently Nelson Electric of Ames. Retired in 1996. A choir member at church, he loved NASCAR, gospel radio and was a Boy Scout leader for 10 plus years. He also operated a model train. Survivors include his wife, Betty, and six adult children, including Cinda Eckard, Mary Lou Carlson and Justin Crise of Boone. Services at Rose Hill near Luther.
James (Jim) Nebbe, 83, Ogden.
Nell Mae Borrusch, 90, Boone/Eastern Star. No services at this time.
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