THEN AND NOW

       So, what's on the mind of a 91-year old on a beautiful Sunday morning in my favorite city, Boone Iowa? 

        Just read that today marks the 92nd birthday for Frankie Valli, the lead singer of the Four Seasons......."Can't take my eyes off of you" fame. Great news Frankie. You're an inspiration.  Keep on "pumpin out" that great music. And, I didn't realize that long time country singer Gary Morris, 78, wrote that beautiful song, "Wind beneath my wings."

        The news is not so great concerning country star Alan Jackson, who, at only 68, is no longer hitting the road due to Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, which effects mobility and balance. And its his famous song, "Remember When" that fits right into the main subject of this offering.

         Remember when? Yup....I got caught tripping down memory lane last night. Couldn't hide an eruption of great hilarity which resulted in wife Jo's question...."What in the world are you laughing about?"

         Truth is...it was 8:45 p.m., a usual bedtime these days, and I was thinking of those many young years past when that was about the time we youngsters, mainly teenagers, got ready to go.......SOMEWHERE.

          I, the Kornerman, grew up around 17th and Crawford with many more friends south of me than north. So, I'd start WALKING south and seemed to meet with kids from all different directions all along the way to the downtown area.

          By the time we'd hit Eighth and Story, there might be a dozen or more in our mixed group. Obviously, none of us had access to a vehicle and we weren't looking for trouble. Just the opposite really, good conversation and, perhaps, a trip to Boyd's for a shake or a coke at the Bon Appetite.

         Weapons? You have to be kidding unless you consider closed fists as weapons. Still, it was admittedly a bit unusual for a young group to gather on a downtown street corner at that time. They may not have even been called, but it wouldn't be unusual for some cops to drop by to see if everything was O.K.. They'd seen this same scene many times before.

          Then too, this oldster has never quite grasped this newer education format......open campus, that kind of thing. At times, I see young people, backpacks and all, walking or biking toward school like at 9 a.m. or even later? And, its not unusual to see similar sights at maybe 2 or 3 p.m. heading away from school.

           I'll be honest, I can't recall whether in my day, the late 40's, early 50's, what, if any food option there, was from the school. If so, I never participated. I remember some of the students who bused in from the rural area or ever some others "brown bagging" at noontime in the bleachers above the old gym.

          All during junior and senior high, my main option was.......walking straight down Crawford Street from 17th to school at 8th......nine blocks. Had to be there at 8 a.m., left for lunch at home at noon, back to school at 1 p.m. and in the classroom until 4 p.m.......before activity involvement.

          I can't imagine the hundreds of times I made that trip. If walking is the best exercise, I must have been in the best condition of my life. Wish I could say the same today.

          Oh yes.....there's the railroad which I failed to mention. Even with the back and forth, I had thirty minutes to consume the wonderful lunch my terrific mother prepared but a possible hindrance was the good old Chicago and Northwestern. I'm sure I'm not the only person who can remember many instances when  we north siders had close calls "beating" those trains as we made our way to school.

          At my age, I confess......there are many things that my memory has lost. However, there are some that are still available and pop up now and then........and usually prompt a good laugh or two, like last night. And, that's pretty good medicine.

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......kttps:/kelleyskorner1@blogspot.com. 

           

            

           

            

 

           

           

          

          

 

             

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

        Dr. W. Robert Taylor, 93, Boone/Rochester, MN. Born in Akron IA. LeMars Central HS-49. Nebraska State Teacher's College, earned a Bachelors Degree from Wayne State in 1958 and a Master's Degree from Colorado State College in 1961. A PhD in Psychology was also earned from the University of Northern Colorado in 1980. U.S. Army vet. Robert taught in Nebraska high schools and colleges in Nebraska and Tennessee before settling in Boone and teaching at Des Moines Area Community College. In retirement, Robert traveled the country, spending time in Boone and Rochester. Nieces survive and their will be a graveside service in rural LeMars.

A CONSIDERATE NEIGHBOR

       Here I am, the Kornerman,........in unsettled waters.......AGAIN. Trying to tell a story that involves a subject I have very limited knowledge of.

       In complete honesty, I'm zilch when it comes to printed cartoons.....those ones that still appear in many of the countries newspapers. I've never had a real interest in the "funnies," except on occasions when Jo sees one she thinks I should look at.

       Yet, the subject of this Korner is Alley Oop. Wikipedia describes it as a comic strip created by V.T. Hamlin in 1932, featuring a caveman who travels to different historical periods from the Stone Age to modern times. 

        Questions are, no doubt, being asked, Why? Why take a deep dive into this subject? Its a good Boone connection that's why. Plus, it shows the kind of respect we Boone residents show our friends, neighbors and acquaintances. 

         I'm sure lots of Boone folks remember long time residents Rolland "Brodie" Mosman and his wife, Delores "Dee" Mosman. Brodie was best known as a mechanical whiz who owned and operated Brodie's Truck Service on Knezevich Road, east end of town for 22 years. The ladies we're sure, remember Dee, who managed Fashion Crossroads on Story Street in downtown Boone for nine years until that store closed.

         In retirement, the Mosman's spent 35 years in Mountain View, Arkansas. Due to health issues, the couple moved back "home" to Boone in 2017 to be closer to family. Brodie passed in October of 2022.

         But, let's cut to the main reason for this story. 

         In Arkansas, Bill, a neighbor of the Mosman's, mentioned that in Florida, he had become acquainted with the Alley Oop cartoonist. It was obvious he had become enamored with him and his cartoons. So much so that Dee started, as a gift for him, a daily routine of cutting Alley Oop out of the newspaper and pasting it on pages of one of those three-ring binders.

         Dee started this in 1991 and it grew and grew as a huge gift to their friend. She said, "he was really thrilled to receive it." After Bill passed, she discontinued the routine. But, by then, at five cartoons per page, that binder exceeded any normal limit, Dee has it in her possession but doesn't know what to do with it. A friend told her, "maybe Mo Kelley would have an interest in it." 

         So..........anybody have an idea for a nice, permanent resting place for Dee's many years of kindness,  philanthropy and laughs?

K-----K

          I knew it would happen. In fact, you may recall, in the last edition, I pre-apologized for probably missing some area athletes who deserved five star ratings but were not mentioned. 

          How could I possibly miss two of the sure-bets? Not many better than Toreador pitcher Jack Mustapha and Boone High football treasure John Hendricks?

           Please accept old age as an excuse.

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

       Abigail Jane Martin Doerder, 43, Boone. Born in Boone. BHS-2001. Earned a B.S. degree in social work from Iowa State in 2006 and a Master's degree in social work from the State University of Iowa in 2009. Had worked as a Therapist for Innovative Counseling. Survivors include three children, Ely, Paizley and Hadley Doerder, two brothers, Aaron and Joel, and a special friend, Marcus Marine. Services in Boone.       

       Lee Richard "Rick" Whitten, 66, Ogden/Eastern Star. Passed of a recent brain aneurysm. Born in Arizona. He loved his family, his pond, feeding his family, gardening, astrology, RAGBRAI and music. Survivors include his long time partner, Shari Swedlund, two children, Jennifer and Johnathan, and three siblings. A COL will be held.       

       John E. Fosenburg Jr., 90, Des Moines/University Park Nursing Rehab. Born in Moran, IA. Grew up in California. Berkeley HS. Oakland Jr. College. Army vet. Married Rozanne M. Christensen in Ogden in 1960. The couple settled in Des Moines where John worked for Burlington Truck Line and Pella Windows until retirement in 1997. He enjoyed ballroom dancing, traveling, Broadway shows, Branson and car shows. A sister survives. Private family graveside services in Ogden. 

       Camilla Sue McCain, 69, Bouton/Madrid Home. Worked at Woodward Resource Center. Survivors include a niece, Sarah McCain, of Boone. Private burial in Woodward.

       Thomas Charles Younggren, 84, Richmond, VA. Born in Boone. His parents were James and Eleanor Younggren. Services in Florida.

        Robert "Bob" Dean Garland, 72, Hutchinson, KS. Born in Ames. AHS-72. Worked in Boone as a Project Coordinator for the George Rolfes company. 

        Ella Marie Pennington, 99, Perry. Born in Peoples Township, Boone County. Served on the Boone County Extension Council. Services in Perry.

BOONE/AREACONNECTED DEATHS

       Donna K. Carter Westerman, 75, Colony, KS. Born in Boone. Her parents were Donald and Kate Carter.

       Elaine Ann Burt Marsh, 78, Boone/Eastern Star. Formerly of Grimes. Born in Boone. Her parents were John Robert and Betty Louise Grimm Burt. Ogden HS-65. AIB in Des Moines. Married Franklin Marsh in Ogden in 1978. Lived in rural Dallas County until moving to Grimes. Elaine worked for Northwestern Bell until retirement. Three siblings survive, including John Burt of Pilot Mound. Services in Grimes. 

       Nelma Jean Godfrey Vest, 85, Oklahoma City, OK. Born in Boone. BHS-60. Married T. Aaron Vest in 1962. The couple's three oldest children were born in Boone. The family moved to Columbia, MO in 1968 but then relocated to Nevada, IA where they owned a bar for three years. In 1975, they sold the bar and purchased a KFC in Cherokee. The couple closed that restaurant and moved to Munich, Germany in 1985. Aaron had accepted a position as a Burger King store manager with the Army and Air Force Exchange service. That move marked the beginning of Nelma's own 20-year career with AAFES. In 1994, the couple were transferred to Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma and in 1997, Aaron passed away. Nelma retired from AAFES in 2005. Survivors include two brothers, Darrell and Steven, and children, Thomas, Theresa, Aaronnett, Noreen and Patrick. Services were held in Oklahoma.

     John G. Wells, 82, Boone. Passed away in Dubuque.

      Myrtle Mary McGrath Robinson, 93, Victor, IA. Born in Boone. Her parents were Earl and Myrtle McGrath.

      Thomas Elwin Grimes, 96, Detroit. Born in Monticello. BHS-47. His father was Superintendent of Boone Schools. Boone Junior College. Cornell College and Columbia University. He loved athletics and music. Tom worked for Ford Motors for 35 years until retirement. He was an active tennis player until age 90. Survivors include his wife and her daughter, his ex-wife, a son and a daughter.

       Georgia Moore Wilson, 95, Delevan, MN. Born in Boone. Her parents were George and Velma Moore.

       Sharon Lynn Richmond Mockerman, 87, Nehawka, Ne. Born in Boone. Her parents were Leonard and Lois Richmond.

       Delia Rovena Larson Dittmer, 88, Jackson, MO. Born in Boone. BHS-55. Married Clarence Dittmer in Boone in 1954. The couple lived in various Iowa, Illinois and Florida communities but moved to Jackson in 1973. Delia worked at a Holiday Inn for many years. She enjoyed traveling, golfing, gardening and the Cardinals. Four children survive. Services were held in Missouri. 

             

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