Storm Lake, Iowa · Thursday, March 11, 2010
[Masthead] Heavy Snow ~ 34°F  
Alta News

Holy Land (02/26/10)
Walking where Jesus walked, lived, taught, performed miracles and where he was crucified and raised from the dead provided a life-changing and never-to-be-forgotten experience for 15 Alta and Schaller persons who took part in a Holy Land Experience earlier this month...
Recommendations made to school board for sports sharing with Aurelia (02/26/10)
Alta's School Athletic Director Terri Zimmerman made recommendations to the Alta School Board Monday for fall sport's sharing which she and Aurelia's Athletic Director Grant Peckenschneider have discussed with high school principals Tom Ryherd and Ann Sandine...
Students present, 'It's Great to be Crazy' on Roxy stage (02/26/10)
Most experience at some point in their lives the feeling that they are going insane. But John Maxwell thinks he has passed that point successfully; he is on the precipice of a promotion; he has a wonderful wife and family, and he is on the verge of attaining social and professional status. Then life reaches out and taps him on the shoulder...
Ag Partners makes donation to Alta Fire & Rescue (02/26/10)
Alta Fire & Rescue is the recipient of a financial donation from LocalMotion -- a company-wide donation program offered by Ag Partners, LLC. The grant will be used in the construction of a new fire station, specifically for the meeting and training area of the station. Adam Nielsen, Customer Service Representative, recently presented the grant to Fire Chief Gary Molgaard...
Night at the opera: Kayla Schmitz discovered love of music in Alta Schools; now pursuing her own music career (02/19/10)
Kayla Schmitz loves to sing. When she was a student at Alta Schools, she was a part of the choir and she shared her distinctive singing voice during the fall musicals and as a member of the choir. Now a senior at Wartburg College, Kayla, the daughter of David and Julie Schmitz, has continued to go on stage and sing...
Artwork by five Alta students accepted for Youth Art Month 2010; on display in Des Moines (02/19/10)
Five Alta Elementary and Middle School Students have had artwork selected for the 2010 Youth Art Month Exhibit. They include: Rachel Wienhold (Kindergarten) -- Kandinsky Dot Painting; Abigail Marcos (1st Grade) -- Chalk Goblin; Garrett Bauer (1st Grade) -- Chalk Goblin; Sierra Hill (1st Grade) -- Chalk Goblin and Bryce Radke (Sixth Grade) -- Patterned Figures Painting...
Please help out the speech students (02/19/10)
The Alta High School Speech Spectacular was unable to be held Sunday due to the weather. This event will not be rescheduled due to other conflicting events and basketball tournaments. Proceeds from this event are normally used to offset some of the costs of providing a memorable and well-deserved trip to those speech students earning All-State honors; the Large Group All-State festival will take place Saturday at Ames and three groups have been asked to be a part of the event...
Sign up for Kindergarten/Jr. Kindergarten Round-up now (02/19/10)
Kindergarten Round-Up will be held on Friday, April 9 and Jr. Kindergarten Round-Up will be held Friday, April 16. Your child must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 15 to be eligible for kindergarten or jr. kindergarten. Please call the elementary school at 200-1400 to register your child for either of these programs...
Local teen completes Regional 4-H Ambassador Training (02/19/10)
Rachel Arnts of Buena Vista County was recently named a Regional 4-H Ambassador and took part in an Ambassador Orientation Program held last month in Storm Lake, Iowa. The Regional 4-H Ambassador project is a new effort to recognize 4-H youth for their excellence in 4-H project and program work, citizenship and leadership, and to provide those outstanding teens with additional 4-H opportunities at the regional and county levels...
Pastor's Corner: Beyond Valentine: The ultimate love story (02/19/10)
This week some will begin to observe that ecclesiastical season called Lent. For a portion that means Mardi Gras followed by six weeks of self denial in some form. Others will gather each Wednesday for special religious observances. The ultimate destination is Easter -- the journey revisits the final events of Jesus' ministry, traditionally beginning with his being tempted by Satan in the forty day wilderness experience...
Author Mark Cahill presents 'How to Share Your Faith' at Summit Church March 14 (02/19/10)
"What I love to do most," says popular conference speaker and author Mark Cahill, "is to share my faith." He brings that passion to his audiences, his books, and his everyday life. And he will help equip and encourage you to share your faith in Christ with others...
Trinity Church Capitol Fund Drive efforts successful; handicap accessible entrance project will begin in the spring (02/19/10)
The Capitol Fund Drive efforts to support the addition of a new entrance at Trinity Lutheran Church have been successful and construction for the project should begin this spring. The goal was to raise the matching funds to what was already in the Handicapped Accessible Project account and memorials to $135,000. ...
Public hearing set on city budget; tax askings increase (02/12/10)
The Alta City Council has put together a proposed budget for the fiscal year 2011 that calls for 7 1/2 percent increase in tax askings. A public hearing has been set for March 1 at 6 p.m. for comments. The estimated tax levy rate per $1,000 valuation is proposed to be $7.940, as compared to $7.60 last year and the estimated tax levy rate per $1,000 valuation on agriculture land is proposed to be $3, which remains the same as last year...
Speech students earn All-State honors (02/12/10)
Alta High School Large Group Speech students competed at state contests in LeMars Feb. 6. Three of the groups were selected for the highest honor - All-State - to be held Feb. 20 at the Iowa State Center in Ames. Groups earning top ratings (I) at State (All-State selections marked with *) were:...
Notes from Your Alta Library (02/12/10)
Here we are in February, that little month in the middle of this seemingly endless snowy winter. When I googled February, Wikepedia told me the name February comes from the Roman word "februa" which is a Roman festival of purification held each year on February 15. I'm sure that must have some special significance, but I feel my brain is totally mesmerized by all the snow that is everywhere and I just can't fathom it...
4-H Notes (02/12/10)
The regular meeting of the Maple Valley Ag 4-H club was held on February 6th, 2010 at the Alta Elementary gym. The meeting was called to order by president Stacie Glienke at 7 p.m. The pledge of allegiance was led by Luke Arnts. Roll Call was answered by 17 members and many parents. The secretary's and treasurer's report were given and approved. February birthday's were: Luke Arnts, Jason Hinkeldey, Jenny Carlson, Valarie Hernandez, and Amanda Dunsten...
Free tax services provided by Alta Horizons (02/12/10)
Free tax services will be provided by Horizons through the Alta VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program) for anyone who has earned $49,000 or less in 2009. You may eligible for up to $5,657 in Earned Income Tax Credit. E-file for fast refund available...
Heating assistance available to qualifying Alta households (02/12/10)
Need help with your heating bill? The 2009-2010 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has been established to help qualifying low-income Iowa homeowners and renters pay for a portion of their primary heating costs for the winter heating season...
Pink Out! (02/04/10)
Alta Cheerleaders host event to raise awareness for breast cancer; proceeds donated to BVRMC to provide assistance to those battling cancer.
Speech students to compete at State on Saturday (02/04/10)
Alta High School Large Group Speech students competed at district contests in Spencer Jan. 23, bringing home 13 I ratings. These groups will advance to State competiton at LeMars High School this Saturday. Five groups earned ratings of II. Groups earning top ratings were:...
Pastor's Corner: Let the breaks draw you to God (02/04/10)
How busy our days can get. How filled every hour seems to be, with so many other things waiting to be added to the list. Then something traumatic occurs, everything stops. Blizzards hit. Ice storms come. Roads are closed. Things shut down. Schools are canceled. All of a sudden there's a breather. You have to stop. And life becomes a little clearer. The fog lifts. The haze briefly burns off. You actually have time to think about what really matters. What's important rises to the top...
FFA to host pancake breakfast Feb. 14 (02/04/10)
The Alta FFA will host an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast Sunday, Feb. 14, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Alta Community Center. Cost is $5 for adults or $12 for families. Pre-schoolers eat free. Free will donations will be accepted. All proceeds will be used for senior scholarships...
Football sharing agreement approved by Alta/Aurelia School Boards; contract begins for the 2010-11 year (02/01/10)
The Alta School Board approved the junior high and high school football sharing contract with Aurelia last week at a special board meeting. Aurelia's board approved the contract at a Jan. 11 meeting, pending the explanation of one minor detail pertaining to insurance. Attorneys from both districts have examined the contract...
School board develops strong goals with help of facilitator/retired superintendent Les Douma (02/01/10)
By LORRI GLAWE Pilot Tribune Staff The Alta School Board took part in a very insightful meeting last week in which they worked hard to identify district needs, from their prospective, and develop immediate goals and goals for next school year, with the help of Les Douma...
Godfather's Pizza helps with PTO fundraiser (02/01/10)
On Wednesday, Feb. 3, head over to Godfather's Pizza in Storm Lake and enjoy supper while supporting the Alta School Parent Teacher Organization. This special fundraiser will be held from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Godfather's will donate 10 percent of all receipts during that time (eat in or carry out) to PTO, who will inturn invest them back into the school...
Sweetheart supper planned (02/01/10)
The Alta Veterans of Foreign War and Ladies Auxilairy are hosting their annual Veteran's Sweetheart Supper for all members on Wednesday, Feb. 10 at the Alta Community Center. The meal will be served at 6:30 p.m.; cost is $9 per person. Entertainment by Touch of Broadway will follow the meal at 7:30 p.m...
Driver's Ed fee increases (02/01/10)
The Alta School Board approved a $5 increase for students participating in driver's education classes for this year. Cost of the classes will now be $215. "It has always been our goal to make this program self-supporting," said Supt. Dr. Fred Maharry. He told the board that the slight increase is all that will be needed to make that happen this year...
Buena Vista University Storm Lake campus fall Dean's List (02/01/10)
Three Alta students from Buena Vista University has been named to the Dean's List for the 2009 fall semester. Students named to the Dean's List must have a minimum grade point average of 3.5 for the semester, based on a 4.0 grade point system, and must have taken at least 12 hours of coursework...
Winter Kids for Christ club learns 'God, You Reign!' (02/01/10)
Calling all kids ages four through those entering the sixth grade! Kids For Christ at Summit Church in Alta begins on Wednesday, Feb. 3 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and runs for eight weeks, through March 24. KFC features fun games, songs, Bible stories, crafts, and more - plus a supper at 6 p.m. for earlybirds...
Mohr named new program director at WEL- Life (01/14/10)
WEL-Life at Alta and Lantis Enterprises is pleased to announce that Steven Mohr has joined WEL-Life at Alta as the Program Director. Steven will be responsible for the continuous care analysis and performance measurements, with particular emphasis on customer satisfaction. With valuable health care industry experience, Steven is more than capable to take on the leadership role at WEL-Life at Alta...
Alta school board looks ahead; refinancing to benefit taxpayers $228,000 (01/14/10)
The Alta School Board will soon begin planning its budget for the next school year. With state funding cut way back, Superintendent Dr. Fred Maharry said, "There is no question the budget is going to be very, very challenging." Supt. Maharry told the board Monday that he has been reviewing reductions that can be made and will ask for input from staff and board members in the near future...
Hanover Historical Village continues to improve (01/14/10)
The Hanover Historical Society had another profitable year, it was shared at the annual meeting on Sunday. The August festival brought out some 800 visitors to the historical village. The event, which featured polka music to dance and listen to from two popular bands, tours of the historical buildings, children's events, demonstrations, food and a great deal of fun and fellowship brought in a profit of $2,776.12...
Notes from your Alta Library (01/14/10)
Happy New Year, 2010. How do we talk about this new year? Do we say "twenty-ten? Or two thousand ten? Or two-oh-one-oh? Or even 2K10? I have heard all of these forms -- and I suppose the common usage will finally determine the "correct" one. We'll wait and see...
So, are you winterized? (01/14/10)
Growing up like I did in the Midwest, I think that I have learned just a little bit about the meaning of cold and winter. You'd think that as long as I have lived around this stuff, I'd be used to it by now. Not so. Sometimes I think I can barely stand the cold. ...
Alta Library to upgrade technology with Virginia Crocker Trust Fund (01/13/10)
Alta Library looks to improved technology in 2010. The Alta Library Board gave the Alta Community School District a sort of Christmas present this past December. Thanks to a generous donation from Virginia Crocker's estate, the Alta Community Library Board of Trustees proposed in 2008 to upgrade the school's library software program. ...
Alta student voices her opinion on nutrition as part of Governor's committee (01/07/10)
Alta High School senior Jenna Harms has some great concerns about what youth are eating at her school as well as around the state. Jenna is a member of the State of Iowa Youth Advisory Council where she has been appointed to the position of chair of the nutrition committee. ...
Residents speak out against proposed parking ordinance (01/07/10)
Richard "Curly" Morris was sworn in as the new mayor of Alta during Monday's meeting of the city council. His first meeting on the job was a lengthy one. Proposed changes to the 2008 city ordinance No. 1147 relating to the parking of special vehicles, including motor homes and recreational vehicles, on private or city right of way has brought a great deal of controversy among members of the community. Several people took the opportunity to speak out about the issue, given five minutes each...
Hanover Historical Society annual meeting is Sunday (01/07/10)
Richard Krosch, Pierson, will give a presentation of original stories and poems relating to life in the Midwest at the annual meeting of the Hanover Historical Society which will be held Sunday, Jan. 10, at 2 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, rural Alta. Mr. Krosch is a story teller who writes his own poetry about everyday activities--past and present-- often with a humorous twist...
Siouxland Community Blood Bank thanks you (01/07/10)
The following HEROES registered to donate blood at The Alta Community Center on Dec. 31: Loren Fahr, Bruce Frederick, Nancy Frederick, Greg Galvin, Christopher Hogge, Marilyn Huseman, Henry Kuhn, Lidia Lopez, Steven Marshall, Jeanne Meyer, Gretchen Miller, Neil Patten, Kevin Pingel, David Schmitz, Donald Sliefert, Patricia Wall, Dennis Weber...
4-H Scholarship opportunities (01/07/10)
Almost $100,000 in scholarships will be awarded to Iowa 4-H members through the Iowa 4-H Foundation Scholarship Programs. Packets are available at the extension office or online at www.extension.iastate.edu/4H/teens/schol... There are scholarships available to incoming freshmen, as well as returning students...
Design Elements and Principles of Art workshop Jan. 14 (01/07/10)
Iowa State University Extension is sponsoring a Design Elements and Principles of Art Workshop for 4-H youth, leaders and adult volunteers on Thursday, Jan. 14, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. What are the latest trends in home decorating? What do design elements and art principles have to do with 4-H? This exciting workshop will begin at "Elements" in Storm Lake where we'll see first-hand what's new in home decorating colors, styles and accessories. ...
Financial aid presentation is Jan. 25 (01/07/10)
A financial aid presentation by the Iowa College Access Network will be held Monday, Jan. 25 at 6 p.m. in the Alta elementary multi-purpose room. This is an excellent opportunity for parents and students to understand the entire process of filing for financial assistance as well as learn about more scholarships that might be available...
A visit to King's Pointe (12/31/09)
The after school program - Cyclone Academy - made a visit to King's Pointe on an early out from school and spent the entire afternoon swimming. Great fun when there is snow outside! Runae Brake and Shelley Barker, coordinators of the program, accompanied the children...
Successful food drive (12/31/09)
Alta Municipal Utilities and the City of Alta are pleased to announce the donations for the 3rd Annual Food Drive have exceeded the goal of 3,000 pounds. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that contributed or assisted in making this goal a reality...
Alta Drill Team earns second place in Iowa State Dance and Drill Team Competition (12/17/09)
The Alta Drill Team, under the direction of Kayla Anderson, earned a second place trophy at the Iowa State Dance and Drill Team Competition held recently at Des Moines for their hoopla routine in the small school division. In the picture are the girls following their competition - First row - Shelby Meyer, Bekka Webber, Collean Smith, Kolbie Boom, Steph Peterson, Geneva Heschke, and Ariel Turnquist. ...
Alta School Board continues to keep eye on funding; looks to outside source for goal setting (12/17/09)
The Alta School Board Monday night approved the preliminary official statement for refinancing the existing 2002 middle school bonds. This step will save district taxpayers at least $170,000 which is very good news. The board is looking seriously at ways to save the district any money that it can. With the recent news that the district would receive a cut of 10 percent in their expected state funds, tightening of the belt is necessary...
Eat some soup, donate to Toys for Tots Saturday (12/17/09)
Gary and Debbie Emery of Midwest Motorcycle Apparel, located at 115 Main Street, Alta, will host a chili/soup cook-off on Saturday and gather new toys for the Toys for Tots program. You are invited to participate. Chili/soup will be available for $1 per bowl or $5. Join in the fun, enjoy tasting the entries and help bring smiles to the children this Christmas. Any new toy donations will be appreciated...
There's still time to help Zailin Linke and family have a Merry Christmas (12/17/09)
Heritage Bank of Alta wants Zailin Linke and his family to have an extra special Christmas this year - and your help is needed. The magnificent Angel Tree sitting in the lobby of the bank is decorated with angel ornaments; you are welcome to select an angel off the tree if you bring a gift for the family...
'Stoneback Brass' will present Christmas concert Sunday at Summit Church (12/17/09)
Celebrate the Christmas season with renowned triplet trumpeting trio! You've never heard the thrilling and inspiring sounds of Christmas quite like this - a stellar performance of the Stoneback Brass, featuring the Stoneback Sisters - coming to Summit Church in Alta on Sunday, Dec. 20 at 6 p.m...
Sivinski earns Northwest Iowa Honor Band honors (12/17/09)
Nikole Sivinski, daughter of Joel and Penny Sivinski, has been selected for the third year into the Northwest Iowa Honor Band. She is a junior flute player at Alta High School. Nikole is a very active participant in band. This is her third year of making the high school. ...
Third Annual 'No Hungry Neighbors' will help feed Alta (12/10/09)
Alta Municipal Utilities and the City of Alta are sponsoring their third annual food drive to serve the needy people in the community. The winter season is fast approaching and it brings additional hardships with it. During the past year, volunteers at the Lord's Cupboard have witnessed an increase in the number of people needing assistance. That number will continue to grow. Together the community can make a difference in the lives of the needy...
Chili/soup cook off, Toys for Tots events being planned at Alta's Midwest Motorcycle Apparel (12/10/09)
Gary and Debbie Emery of Midwest Motorcycle Apparel, located at 115 Main Street, Alta, are all geared up for the holidays. Dec. 19 they will host a chili/soup cook off with prizes being awarded for first, second and third places. Going along with this event, they are holding a toy drive for toys for Tots. Anyone wishing to enter the chili/soup cook off will pay an entry fee of $5 and bring a new toy for the specially-made toy box located in the store...
Angels watching over Zailin (12/10/09)
Heritage Bank of Alta wants Zailin Linke and his family to have an extra special Christmas this year - and your help is needed. The magnificent Angel Tree sitting in the lobby of the bank is decorated with angel ornaments; you are welcome to select an angel off the tree if you bring a gift for the family...
Council approves purchase of new city truck, revamped parking ordinance (12/10/09)
Street Superintendent Brad Pedersen presented four bids for a new pickup during last week's Alta City Council meeting and stated they all meet the specifications requested. Bid comparisons were made and following review, it was decided to accept the low bid of $23,839 from Rasmussen Ford in Storm Lake. The truck currently being used will be retained and continue to be used when needed. The truck should be delivered in eight to 12 weeks...
Maple Valley Ag 4-H announces coloring contest/bike winners (12/10/09)
Maple Valley Ag 4-H Club announced the winners of the 2009 Pumpkin Hollow Coloring Contest and winners two bikes. Thanks to the over 360 area youth who participated in the seventh annual coloring contest! Thanks to Walmart for sponsoring the girl winner. Presenting the bike were Walmart representative Lajuanna Hanson and Maple Valley Ag members Caylee Witzke, Rachael Arnts, Stacie Glienke and Walmart representative Allen Bland. /...
Notes from Your Alta Library (12/10/09)
At last we have reached December -- the last month of 2009. The ending of the year is a good time for us to finish our history lesson and get our Library into its present site. To put things in perspective, we need to back up a bit. We ended in 1991, with the Library's move to the Community Building. ...
For ninth year, Alta student pays tribute to local veterans (12/03/09)
For the last nine years Shelby Meyer has made a point to honor "her" veterans. When she first started she would make individual gifts such as pins or Christmas ornaments. As she got older and busier she started writing annual editorials to remind people of Veteran's Day and not to forget "her heroes". ...
Voice of Democracy essay winner recognized (12/03/09)
Sarah Freese, daughter of Dave and Kate Freese, was recently recognized by the Alta VFW and Ladies Auxiliary as the local winner in the Voice of Democracy writing contest. The writing will now compete at the district level. This year's theme was, "Does America Still Have Heroes?"...
City wants junk/inoperable cars out of site (12/03/09)
The agreement with Alta Body Shop for towing junk vehicles and equipment from property was approved Monday by the Alta City Council after several months of discussion and signed by Rick Meyer. The property owners with junked or inoperable vehicles will be fined and if no action is taken to abate, the vehicle will be towed from the property to Alta Body Shop for $55 and will be stored for 30 days prior to disposal. ...
Third Annual 'No Hungry Neighbors' will help feed Alta (12/03/09)
Alta Municipal Utilities and the City of Alta are sponsoring their third annual food drive to serve the needy people in the community. The winter season is fast approaching and it brings additional hardships with it. During the past year, volunteers at the Lord's Cupboard have witnessed an increase in the number of people needing assistance. That number will continue to grow. Together the community can make a difference in the lives of the needy...
Chili/soup cook off, Toys for Tots events being planned at Alta's Midwest Motorcycle Apparel (12/03/09)
Gary and Debbie Emery of Midwest Motorcycle Apparel, located at 115 Main Street, Alta, are all geared up for the holidays. Dec. 19 they will host a chili/soup cook off with prizes being awarded for first, second and third places. Going along with this event, they are holding a toy drive for toys for Tots. Anyone wishing to enter the chili/soup cook off will pay an entry fee of $5 and bring a new toy for the specially-made toy box located in the store...
German Feast provided good food; proceeds and Thrivent contributions benefit worthwhile causes (12/03/09)
This fall's German Feast at St. John Lutheran Church in Hanover, was another success. Thanks again to all those who attended the German Feast dinner. Proceeds this year went to the Alex Hermstad family, the Lord's Cupboard and the church parsonage project. Thanks to Thrivent Financial for Lutherans for supplementing funds raised...
Students will present holiday concerts (12/03/09)
Please join the Alta Music Department as they present three concerts this December. Please come share in the spirit of the season, enjoy some music, and support our music students! All concerts are free and open to the public...
Alta man heals slowly after stricken with mysterious disorder, benefit Dec. 5 at SL United Methodist (12/01/09)
This Thanksgiving Dennis Spooner and his wife Ruth are extra thankful for life and family. They had a house full for Thanksgiving with about a dozen people coming. It's easy to get busy and take these things for granted, the couple say. On July 30, Dennis, Alta, began experiencing flu like symptoms, and he began shaking. Since he is a diabetic he thought it was low blood sugar so he called his wife...
Alta receives grant from Department of Natural Resources (11/19/09)
AMES -- The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forestry Bureau, in cooperation with U.S. Forest Service - State and Private Forestry, has awarded $232,389 in 50 percent cost-share grants to 102 rural Iowa fire departments, including Alta, to help protect Iowan's and their property from wildfires. The grants offer valuable funding assistance for wildfire suppression equipment, personal protective equipment, and communications equipment...
Council approves community center rental fee increase (11/19/09)
The City of Alta is hoping that a gate arm could soon be put in place at the railroad crossing on West Highway. The cost of the device runs close to $180,000. The city has applied for funding from the Iowa Department of Transportation. The railroad has agreed that if the funding is received that they would pay 5 percent of the cost; the city would also be responsible for 5 percent, which could total between $7,500 and $9,000...
Conversations continue to be positive with Aurelia; contract for football sharing must be finalized Dec. 1 (11/19/09)
Conversations between the Alta and Aurelia School Boards, athletic directors and administrators are in full swing as the districts consider all options for sharing. Decisions on sharing football need to be finalized by Dec. 1 and information turned in to the Iowa Athletic Association for scheduling to take place for the next season...
Alta music makers (11/19/09)
Just as promised, Alta Band Director Katie Lorenzen sported the old Alta High School band unifirm - even the tall hat and plumb - for an entire day at school after the community generously donated $5,638.50 during the first annual "Just Donate" night Oct. 20. Lorenzen vowed to wear the entire uniform if $5,000 was raised through the student door-to-door collections...
Stevicks performs in recital at Morningside (11/19/09)
SIOUX CITY - Morningside College sophomore Jaimie Stevicks, daughter of B.J. and Susan Stevicks of Alta, performed in a vocal recital on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at Morningside in Eppley Auditorium. Stevicks is a 2008 graduate of Alta Junior-Senior High School...
Maple Valley Ag 4-H Notes (11/19/09)
The regular meeting for the Maple Valley Ag 4-H club was held Nov 7 at the Valley Lanes bowling alley in Sioux Rapids. Roll call was answered by 25 members, guests and parents. The meeting was called to order by president Stacie Glienke, Grace Meier led the pledge of allegiance. The secretary's and treasurer's reports were given and approved. Bills: patch rent and patch advertising, club bowling were approved. Birthday's for Nov were Kelsey Brake, Josh Larson, and Cassidy Boom...
Midwest Motorcylce Apparel hosts special holiday events (11/19/09)
Midwest Motorcycle Apparel in Alta are doing some special events for the holidays. First of all, with Halloween approaching, they will be open Halloween night for all trick or treaters, young and old (adults, too) to hand out treats and provide a place to warm up, if mother nature chooses to not cooperate...
Glen Bauer revisits Washington as part of Honor Flight (11/12/09)
Glen Bauer was one of 350 Iowa World War II veterans that had the great opportunity to take part in the Honor Flight, which carried them to Washington D.C. to view the WWII memorial and visit many of the other memorials. His reaction to the one-day trip?...
Double salute for Brashears; both served during WWII (11/12/09)
Leroy and Dorothy Brashears deserve a double salute; both are veterans and proudly served their country during World War II. Is was one of the greatest experiences they have had in their lives - especially since that is where they met and married; on Feb. 9, they will celebrate their 65th anniversary...
Fun at the Alta Library (11/12/09)
The Alta Library recently held two fun events for the kids - a Super Hero night and Where the Wild Things Are night. The library will have Toddle Time (for infant to 3-year-olds) this Saturday at 10 a.m. "Going Wild for Books" will be held during story time Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 5:30 p.m. /Photos by Laura Turnquist and Lorri Glawe...
Alta City Council addresses concerns circulated by write-in candidate (11/12/09)
The Alta City Council Monday discussed in length the recent write-in candidate letter that was drawn up and distributed to all homes in the community by Richard "Curly" Morris, who was named as mayor following the canvas of votes by the Buena Vista County Supervisors...
Morris to serve as Alta's next mayor (11/12/09)
With the new year, Alta will have a new mayor. Richard "Curly" Morris was officially named as mayor Tuesday by the Buena Vista County Supervisors after the canvas of write-in votes. Morris received 181 votes; Tom French, who has served as the mayor for the past four years, received 136 votes in the recent election...
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Thanks for supporting the D.A.R.E. program (11/05/09)
To the Editor: The Alta Ladies Auxiliary VFW sponsored the pancake breakfast Oct. 11 with all proceeds going to Alta's D.A.R.E. program. Thanks to the residents of the community and the D.A.R.E. students themselves. It was a success. The generosity of all who contributed foods, time and dollars is very much appreciated. This is truly a community event...
Weaver LLC Realtors® is new full real estate company (11/05/09)
Weaver LLC Realtors®, a new real estate business in Alta, is now open to the public. Weaver LLC Realtors® is a full service real estate company that serves Alta, Storm Lake, Aurelia, Newell, Schaller and the surrounding areas. "We believe our business model is very unique and unlike any other in our area," said Georgia Weaver, owner of the business. ...
Jammin' for Zalin (11/05/09)
Jammin' for Zalin! - a fundraiser for an Alta family - is being planned for Saturday, Nov. 14 at the Marathon Community Center with four of the area's favorite classic rock cover bands, Zalin Linke, 2-year-old son of A.J. and Libby Linke of Alta, was recently diagnosed with Pontine Glioma, a malignant, inoperable cancerous tumor on the back of the brain. He is currently receiving radiation treatments...
Cinderella At the Roxy (11/05/09)
Alta High School will present Rodgers & Hammerstein's musical production of "Cinderella" on the Roxy Theatre Stage this weekend. The timeless enchantment of a magical fairy tale is reborn with the Rodgers & Hammerstein hallmarks of originality, charm and elegance. As adapted for the stage, with great warmth and more than a touch of hilarity, the hearts of children and adults alike still soar when the slipper fits...
Team Mork: Community comes together for a family (10/29/09)
They came out in groups to support Tracy and Tom Mork and their family Saturday to run and walk, play basketball and volleyball, make bids at the auction, eat and visit with each other. Smiles warmed the entire day. Tracy, a 20-year teacher at Alta Community School, is going through some challenging medical problems; family and friends - many of them - organized the event...
Harvest blessings (10/29/09)
Church of Christ recently took part in a harvest celebration while at the same time helped families in Alta who use the Lord's Cupboard. Members of the church volunteered to grow pumpkins - unique ones at that (including Galeux d'Eysines - orange warty pumpkin, Jarrahdale - blue grey pumpkin) so as not to be in competition with the Maple Valley Ag pumpkin patch. ...
Midwest Motorcylce Apparel have special holiday events (10/29/09)
Midwest Motorcycle Apparel in Alta are doing some special events for the holidays. First of all, with Halloween approaching, they will be open Halloween night for all trick or treaters, young and old (adults, too) to hand out treats and provide a place to warm up, if mother nature chooses to not cooperate...
Faith in action: UM Church skips worship, members volunteer time in the community (10/29/09)
Alta United Methodist Church canceled Sunday service on Oct. 11 to put their faith into action. And the city and citizens of the Alta community are glad they did. More than 85 volunteers showed up. Volunteers ranged from 12 to above 90. They cleaned out behind buildings on Main Street, did yard and tree work for senior citizens, created cards for members and friends who are ill and homebound. ...
On the ballot - City council members and mayor vying for positions again in upcoming election (10/22/09)
Dr. Brian Walsh Eight years. (Two terms) We have projects going on, like the sewer project and the new fire station, that I would like to see complete before I am done. We are still working on basic things, like cleaning up the city. I would like to see more housing and people moving into town. Continue working on codes and compliance is also one of my goals...
Alta FFA fruit sales in progress (10/22/09)
The Alta FFA members have started their annual fruit sale fund raising project. The members will be taking orders through November 11. If you have not been contacted by a member, you can call one of the following numbers: 712-299-7140, 712-229-7979, or 712-730-2527...
AHS to present 'Cinderella' on Roxy stage (10/22/09)
Alta High School will present Rodgers & Hammerstein's musical production of "Cinderella" on the Roxy Theatre Stage next month. The timeless enchantment of a magical fairy tale is reborn with the Rodgers & Hammerstein hallmarks of originality, charm and elegance. ...
Helping one another - 'The Olive Branch' community service outreach ministry opens for everyone (10/22/09)
"The Olive Branch" community service ministry at 111 Main Street in downtown Alta provides a new way for area residents to find inexpensive or free clothing, toys, and household items. "It's a great way for all of us to help one another in practical ways, meeting needs of our neighbors," explain Lorie Stanton and Joyce Rydstrom, who serve with a team of area people aiming to help one another by being the hands and feet of Jesus Christ...
Alta School Board discusses library upgrades, new CORE curriculum (10/15/09)
Joan Curbow of the Alta Library Board addressed the Alta School Board Monday about updating the library software system. The issue has been brought up before as the current provider will no longer be available. Curbow commented that they wish to have something done soon. They have some funds available to them from the Virginia Crocker estate. Their desire is to have the card catalog placed on the web which would be a great service to the community...
Team Mork Day set for Oct. 24 (10/15/09)
The Alta community is preparing for a new event, known as Team Mork. Friends and family are coming together to fight for team member Tracy Mork who is battling with some challenging medical problems. A Team Mork Day is being planned for Saturday, Oct. 24. Teammembers will be hosting a day full of activity, fun and food...
Notes from Your Alta Library (10/08/09)
Fall has really arrived. The leaves are changing to gold and red and falling to the ground. The cicadas sing their loud melody to warn us of the impending frost, and even the squirrels are busily trying to bury their winter supply of nuts and seeds in my flower pots. October is usually a beautiful, but very busy month that culminates with Halloween. We could talk about that holiday, but I imagine you have been waiting with bated breath for the next chapter in the history of Your Library...
Stomp to the music (10/08/09)
The Alta High School Band has found a new use for garbage cans this fall - they make music on them. Under the direction of Katie Lorenzen, the musicians have worked hard in producing a stomp-themed song using several large plastic and metal trash cans and lids as drums. Brooms have become a part of the music as well; who knew that hitting the wooden handles with drum sticks could make music rather than noise!...
Derek Wall and Kendra Koth announce engagement (10/08/09)
Brad and Darla Koth, Alta, and Ted and Judy Wall, Schaller, are proud to announce the engagement and upcoming wedding of their children, Kendra Koth and Derek Wall. The couple will be married Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009 at Summit Evangelical Free Church, 1000 S. Main St., Alta, at 4 p.m...
'Just Donate' Night to benefit Alta School Music Dept. - Donations will be collected Oct 20 (10/08/09)
Another school year is upon us and the Alta Music Boosters need your support! Help us kick off our 1st annual "Just Donate" Night and become a member of the Alta "Note"ables by making a donation! All donations are tax deductible and earn 100% profit for the Alta Music Boosters! All Alta "Note"ables will be listed in every concert program of the year. ...
AHS foreign exchange student take part in prestigious World Food Prize Global Youth Institute (10/08/09)
Sunday Sara Ishaya, a 16 year-old from Bauchi State, Nigeria, who is studying at Alta High School this year, has been selected to be a part of the World Food Prize Global Youth Institute to be held in Des Moines, Oct. 15-17. He is one of 80 students from across the state and one of six of the Iowa Resource for International Service (IRIS) exchange students selected, based on an essay he wrote and submitted which addressed food security issues in the country of Guinea Bassau (a country in western Africa).. ...
Citizen concerned over vacant property, lack of sidewalks (10/08/09)
Georgia Weaver addressed the Alta City Council Monday about some concerns she has with an empty house in the community that has become a magnet for trouble. The home at 301 Buena Vista has been the victim of gang graffiti; the structure has broken windows and doors leading into the basement and into the house. Items have also been removed from inside...
Public Power week celebrates importance of local utilities (10/08/09)
Alta Municipal Utilities is a proud member of the American Public Power Association. The week of Oct. 4 has been designated as Public Power Week. This year will mark the 23rd anniversary as a countrywide program to celebrate the importance of public power to local citizens and other key state and federal officials...
Community rallies for Mork family - Team Mork Day set for Oct. 24 (10/08/09)
The Alta community is preparing for a new event, known as Team Mork. Friends and family are coming together to fight for team member Tracy Mork who is battling with some challenging medical problems. Tracy is a 20-year teaching veteran of the Alta Community School system. Currently Tracy is teaching computer instruction for grades K-8...
Alta United Methodist Church cancels Sunday service to serve community (10/01/09)
The church has left the building and on Sunday, Oct. 11, its community will be glad they did! Alta United Methodist Church, a 150-member congregation, is putting its faith in action by canceling regular Sunday service to practice very purposeful acts of kindness throughout the community. ...
Kiwanis present dictionaries to third graders (10/01/09)
Alta Kiwanis members recently presented student dictionaries to 40 third grade students in the classes of Mrs. Henningsen and Mrs. Langner at the Alta Elementary School. The dictionaries were provided free to the students by the Alta Kiwanis and this is the first year for the Alta Kiwanis to participate in the Dictionary Project...
School facilities committee at 'fork in the road' as the consider options (10/01/09)
If only there was a crystal ball that could be used to determine what the future holds for the Alta School District, it would make planning a whole lot easier. A special meeting was held Monday with the Alta School Board in which the facilities options were discussed...
Team Mork comes together for family (09/28/09)
The Alta community is preparing for a new event, known as Team Mork. Friends and family are coming together to fight for team member Tracy Mork. Tracy is a 20-teaching veteran of the Alta Community School system. Currently Tracy is teaching computer instruction for grades K-8. Tracy is a graduate of Storm Lake High School and Buena Vista University and has a masters in Computer Technology from Morningside University...
Waters, Anderson to marry in Alta Sept. 26 (09/28/09)
Katie Waters and Marcus Anderson will be married Sept. 26, 2009 in Alta. Katie is the daughter of Greg and Debbie Waters, Bondurant. Marc is the son of Tim and JoDee Anderson, Alta. Katie and Marc are graduates of Iowa State University. Katie is employed as an underwriter at Wells Fargo Financial. Marc is completing his Master of Arts in Anthropology at Iowa State University...
Maple Valley 4-H Club News (09/28/09)
The regular meeting of the Maple Valley Ag 4-H club was held on Sept 5, 2009 at the Alta Elementary gym the meeting was called to order by vice president Shelby Meyer at 6 p.m. Hosts for the family new member potluck were Cole Drenth, Joshua Neumann, and Camryn Mork. The pledge of allegiance was led by Ange Rehnstrom...
Bid accepted for new fire station; work to begin this fall (09/28/09)
The new fire station became more of a reality this week. Bids were looked at from eight contractors. The lowest bid, $527,200, turned in by Haselhoff Construction of Cherokee, was accepted. Bids ranged all the way up to $652,000. Alta Fire Chief Gary "Mo" Molgaard was pleased with the number of bidders and was extremely glad the accepted bid was lower than the $605,000 estimated cost for the project...
Benefit for Blaine (09/28/09)
Over 200 family and friends, and even those concerned with baby Blaine Flink, attended the fundraiser Saturday night at the Alta Community Center. Blaine, the 11-month-old son of Travis and Vicki Flink, Aurelia, has been diagnosed with Hydrocephalus, a build up of fluid inside the skull, often referred to as 'water on the brain...