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 

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.