CORRESPONDENTS ARE ALIVE AND HELPFUL

       I'm reminded of a great song and lyric...."that's what friends are for."

       I thought I, the Kornerman, was up to date on that recent Boone County Newspaper story but, NOT TRUE. I, mistakenly thought the "goose was cooked."

      There's more forward information available and its because of a Korner friend that I'm forced to admit failure......I never knew until she sent me a copy of a publication "Unfinished Business," that detailed continuation plans were underway for the Ogden Reporter and Madrid News Register. Those publications were just two of eighteen smaller town newspapers, located in 15 Iowa counties, who were given notices of closure by their owner, Mid America Publishing.

       So, full disclosure. Through the follow-up work of the Korner reader and mentioned publication, we have the latest news regarding this story and its good news for several of those communities involved and their patrons. 

       The Ogden Reporter and Madrid Register News have been purchased by Central Iowa Publishing, owned by Dustin and Taylor Teays, who actually live in Bayard and also publish the Scranton Journal and Bayard News Gazette.

       The couple stresses the fact that even though they are not Ogden or Madrid residents, "we will be present, we will show up, and tell your stories."

        The Hampton Chronicle will now be a partner of Parkersburg radio stations. In Eagle Grove and Clarion, the Eagle Grove Eagle, Wright County Monitor, Ida County Courier and Holstein Advance have been purchased by Jerry Wiseman and Kristin Grabinoski. Grabinoski also publishes the Armstrong Journal, Bancroft Register, Swea City Herald Press and Ringsted Dispatch, while partnering with Wiseman on the Humboldt Independent. 

        The Garner Leader and Clear Lake Mirror-Reporter were acquired by Enterprise Media, a Charles City based publishing company, founded by Christopher and Kristin Hall. That couple also owns and operates the Kossuth County Advance, New Hampton Tribune, Greene Recorder, Nashua Reporter, Spencer Reporter, Dickinson County News and the Decorah Leader, in addition to the Charles City Press.

       Nelson Media Company, owned by Chris Nelson, has purchased the Lake City Graphic Advocate, Winnebago County Tribune, Parkersburg Eclipse News Review, Butler County Tribune, Clarksville Star and Grundy Register.

       The Leader in Dayton was purchased by Justine Hemmestad and her husband Shawn a couple years ago but then, Mid America's announcement forced change. The Leader has shifted to a digital focus, while maintaining some mail subscriptions and selling copies at drop-off points. 

       Just like all the others, though the formats have changed, their mission remains the same; to provide reliable, relevant and community centered journalism. 

       That's great to hear. 

K-----K

        In recent years, sports jargon has added "five star, four star etc. and generational" to its vocabulary.        There's much more to this story, of course, but, basically, earning a top rating is like earning a golden ticket. It means the top nation's evaluators believe the athlete involved has all the tools needed, with no limit to future stardom. And, all those evaluators have their own method of determining the impending value of the athlete, although there can be and are many individual disagreements.

        If those top players can prove they belong by going on to productive, successful careers, they may  be given one final accolade........being tabbed a generational talent. Which means they've maintained a strong performance and influence over a very long period of time.

        All this got me, the Kornerman, thinking of all the local talent that I've observed in eighty years or so that might just qualify in one of these top "star" categories.

        One of the latest I've noticed is Jevyn Severson of Madrid, who has earned four-star recogntion as a sophomore. An all around athlete, Jevyn was a starter on those great, recent Tiger basketball teams, including the 2025 undefeated State championship team.

        However, Jevyn is earning the most praise in football, where, as a sophomore, he has received 29 official Division 1 offers.. According to one rating service, he is the number one player and number two tight end prospect in Iowa and 63rd best in the nation.

         Speaking of Madrid, I remember Dick Jensen, who became the starting center for Coach Ralph Miller's 1969-70 University of Iowa basketball team, one of the best teams in Hawkeye history. In all honesty, I'm not sure in those times, there was "star" recognition but certainly he must have been a five star recruit.

          When I think of Boone High I'm sure Mike Enich from the 1940's, Roger Dutton from the 60's and the father-son team of Marty and Chad Rinehart were all qualifiers for at least four stars if not five. Can't ignore Connie Ablett and Jackie Parrish, two terrific Toreador basketball guards, who were both first team all-staters two consecutive years either. Rita Peterson was an outstanding Grand Community guard and, of course, Jim Goodrich, out at United community, certainly earned top basketball recognition. He must have been a five star.

          I apologize, in advance, because I know I will miss mentioning some local athletes that, in their time, received four-star or, perhaps, even five-star recognition. 

K-----K

          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........https://kelleyskorner1@blogspot.com 

          

 

        

      

  

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Emma M. Mosier, 88, Boone/Madrid Home. Born in Jefferson. Emma loved wordsearch puzzles, plastic canvas art, baking and old TV shows like Murder She Wrote and Matlock. Four children survive, Craig (Pat) Elsberry, Roy and Vicki Elsberry all of Boone and Leonard Elsberry. A brother also survives. A COL is planned.     

        Robert Max "Bob" Malone, 87, Perry. Born in Indiana. Franklin HS. Married Sandra Louise McVay in 1962. The couple lived in Luther, Webster City, Carroll, Woodward and finally, Perry. Bob was a baker at the Woodward Resource Center for 30 years. Retired in 1997. For 15 years, he was a Woodward volunteer fireman. He loved Elvis and bore a striking resemblance to the King himself. He enjoyed westerns and classic movies, was a man of few words, but his quiet humor and infectious smile left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. Two daughters survive, as do several grandchildren. Services in Madrid.      

       Kevin Lew Bennett, 72, Boone. BHS-71. Kevin was a proud union man, working many years at Bridgestone Firestone. He was also a big sports fan, especially following the Iowa Hawkeyes. He loved playing softball, fishing, pottery and DVD's. He is survived by his daughter, Marci (Brian) Johnson. A graveside service is planned at Linwood Park Cemetery 

CORRECTION

     In our recent post, "The Truth and Nothing but...." we were in error regarding some information about the Manriquez boys. We had mentioned that Michael, Jim and John were all deceased....NOT TRUE.

     We now know that John Manriquez, BHS-56, is alive and in Rogersville, Alabama while Michael, BHS-69, is alive and in Virginia.

     So sorry about the error and happy to report better news.

 MDK 

AN IMPORTANT PIECE OF IOWA TELEVISION HISTORY

       In all honesty, I, the Kornerman, am not a frequent viewer of channel five, WOI-TV, aka weareiowa, television AND that's a d.... shame. It deserves better.

       Late comedian Rodney Dangerfield lived his very successful life bemoaning the fact he "didn't get any respect." In many ways, channel five could demand the same. In the first years of its 75-year history, WOI-TV was a real, local television frontrunner but as time has passed, its become more of an afterthought. Sometimes, life just isn't fair. 

       However, through the years, channel five has dealt with innumerable changes in varied ownerships plus constant changes in personnel and branding, much to the chagrin of potential viewers.

       Just this year, the Nexstar Broadcasting group merged with Tegna to secure ownership of a station threesome, WOI, WHO and KCWI. What started at birth as an Iowa State College asset (yes) was eventually obtained by Citadel, then by Nexstar and now by Tegna. Not exactly a road to stability. 

       I hope this edition of the Korner provides some heartfelt but gleeful emotion from older readers and for the younger crowd, an opening  to some State of Iowa television history they are very much unaware of.

       I'm sure, by now, that younger group is, at least, aware of the fact television, in general, was a complete no-no prior to the 1950's. 

       But on February 21, 1950, this crazy dream of watching a live event, locally, or from a distance, appearing on a screen in a nearby store, or even a living room, began this delightful existence in Iowa. Anybody else remember crowding the street in front of Reedholm's Hardware on Story to witness this history, despite its various inconsistent frailties?

        On that date, WOI-television, snowy picture and all, appeared on those screens but on channel four, not five. 

         AND, that was actually Iowa's second ever television offering, following WOC-TV, now KWQC-TV of Davenport. However, WOI-TV was the first television station owned and operated by an educational institution, Iowa State College in Ames, and just the 100th in the entire of U.S.A.. WHO-TV followed in 1954 and KRNT, now KCCI, of Des Moines, in 1955.

         Unlike those other central Iowa newcomers, WHO and KCCI, WOI was, from the get-go, noted for its educational programming, even including courses for college credit and a daily educational program for elementary students.

         When exploring the programming history of WOI-TV, oftentimes, a "the house with the Magic Window" program immediately draws the most attention. This children's program featured hand crafting activities and all things children. It was considered a safe place for central Iowa kids and boasts a history few can match.

          From 1951-1994.....THAT'S 43 YEARS.......that program aired........the longest running children's television program in American history and for all but the first three years, it was hosted by Betty Lou Varnum. Another of the more well known shows featured early on WOI-TV  was American Bandstand hosted by Dick Clark. Remember?

          Believe it or not, I, the Kornerman, am an alum of WOI-TV. Here's the story.

          I was discharged from service with the U.S. Army in 1956 and started classes at Iowa State College/University. I can't remember exactly how it developed but, somehow, I landed, at least a part-time job, at WOI-TV. I imagine the fact I had previous KWBG radio announcing experience might have had a bearing on that hiring decision.

           My job was extremely vital and important to the station........not. Very late at night,  along with a microphone, I was "stuffed" into a sound proof booth.....which boasted a seating capacity of one and, in those magic moments between television shows, I uttered those famous words......"This is WOI-TV, channel five, Ames."

           THAT WAS IT. My entire WOI-TV experience.  No Emmy nomination was forthcoming.

           Channel five has been a valuable "starting point" for too many to mention personalities who have become successful at other central Iowa stations. I quickly think of Erin Kiernan, Andy Fales and Samantha Mesa, all who started at WOI-TV but then moved to other area stations.

K-----K

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

           

            

 

         

         

        

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Marie C. Sundquist Peterson, 72, Marshalltown/Vets Home since 2018. Born in Boone. BHS-72. Married Darrell Peterson in Boone in 1979. Darrell passed in 2019. Marie was a waitress before becoming a cook at Westhaven in Boone until retirement. She loved Bingo, cooking and baking. A sister, Birdie Lee, survives. A Boone survivor is her brother-in-law, David (Cindi) Peterson. A private service at Veteran's Cemetery in Van Meter.

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

        Charlene Kruse Brice, 80, Boone. Born in Boone. Ogden HS-63. Married Edward Brice in Boone in 1966. Earned a Bachelor of Education degree at the University of Missouri, St. Louis and taught in St. Louis for a few years before returning to Iowa where she served the Woodward Resource Center for 25 years. She had also taken classes to earn a Master's Degree in special education. Charlene loved cooking, traveling, horses and following ISU and Iowa basketball teams. Three daughters survive, Jennifer of Boone, Kathleen and Julie. Services in Boone.   

        Sandy Kay Augustine, 72, Nevada. Survivors include a son, Nathan (Jenn) Herink, of Boone. No services are planned. 

       Dr. Bernard DePree Mouw, 80, Des Moines. Former member of the Iowa Arboretum Board of Directors.

        Esther Mary Burton Toepfer, 94, Perry/Mount Vernon. Born in Boone County. Parents were Jess and Emma Burton. Services in Perry and Van Meter.

         Helen Marie Fischer Zook, 96, Perry. Survivors include a grandson, Corey (Angie) Zook, of Madrid.  

THE TRUTH AND NOTHING BUT.......

       Dare I say this? 

      Nobody..... has been more BOONE than I.....EVER. For close to 80 years, I, through the spoken word, printer's ink or a micophone have, consistently and almost always positively, touted the many virtues of this community and its inhabitants that have been so important to my life and to others.

       WHOA! .....No regrets. I've said it and I'm glad..... Reminds me of Dizzy Dean's most famous quote. Many years ago, a baseball Hall of Fame pitcher and long time baseball broadcaster, Dean, who's syntax often drew laughter as well as criticism, uttered his true feelings when questioned about his boasting.

        Dean said, "It ain't bragging when you did it.......and I did it." 

        Well, I the Kornerman, still enjoy, at this stage, telling great stories about current great community contributors, as well as those who provided memories that still survive. I did it......and will continue until.

        And, we've got a few things to share today.

K-----K

        First, a salute to a former resident who continues to make a name for herself in the art world.

        Jo Ann Hendricks, BHS-67, has a studio and gallery in St. Paul, MN and this very weekend, she is showing her drawings via the Saint Paul Spring Art Crawl at her home base on Water Street in Saint Paul.

        Her success has been echoed by financial success and numerous sales, even to overseas clients. 

        Jo Ann was honored last year by being selected as a juror for the Minnesota State Fair Fine Art Competition, drawing and pastel, but she indicates her art time and energy "go forward" by setting up exhibitions for this year and beyond, taking part in various art crawls and entering a select Call for Arts.

         She admits, "I'm always thinking about what to do next as an artist." She adds that she's always available for Art Crawls or by appointment. To contact her....joannhendricks.studio@gmail.com.

         I have to add great memories of Jo Ann's parents and entire family. Her mother, Dorthea, working at Herald Drug on the north side, and her dad, Chuck, heavily involved in their kids athletic endeavors.

K-----K

        Jerry Manriquez, BSH-57, lost his wife, Joanna Lacey Manriquez, BSH-56, recently and the Manriquez family is certainly remembered by Boone residents past and present.

        One of the earlier memories, of course, is the fact that their famous pizza was one of the first such delicacies available to our community. Yes, in the area the Kornerman spent his earliest years, around 17th and Carroll, folks remember, right on that northeast corner, the Manriquez home, is where pizza's were made and sold right out the door.

         And, who could ever forget the dancing Manriquez twins, Jim and John, both, BHS-56,who were so locked up in their dance routine than one false move could bring them both down. Were they really tied to each other? 

         Now, only Jerry survives. Jim, John and Michael, BHS-69, are all gone.

K-----K

         Looking ahead, the Boone County Historical Society is planning some events in September that Toreador football fans should enjoy.

         It just so happens that the BHS football team of 1976 won the conference championship with a record of 8-1.

         In addition to that victory alone, its the 50th anniversary of that Merle Harris coached squad. As a result, class members are working hard to have a community celebration.

         So far, plans include an introduction of team members at a Toreador game, September 25. Then, on September 26, the Boone County Historical Society will begin an Open House exhibit that will be in operation from after Labor Day through the end of the month.

          More details will come as that time draws closer. 

         Especially for the benefit of those "outside" visitors, the Pufferbilly celebration this year is from September 18-20.

K-----K

         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........https://kelleyskorner1@blogspot.com