Progress - Quality of Life

PROGRESS UPDATEQUALITY OF LIFE2012

March 21, 2012 • Volume 1

The Valley News • Wednesday, March 21, 2012PAGE2C

Rapp Park is idyllic naturespot not far from Shenandoah

CAMP...Rapp Park has numerous camp sites available.

Brenda J Loewe, LUTCFFARM BUREAU AGENT

301 MAPLE, SHENANDOAH712-246-3406

610 CLAY STREET, SIDNEY712-374-2620

120321-44225

27 Y27 Years of Professional Lawncareears of Professional Lawncare

5 step program for fertilization, weed and insect control.

Bluegrass sod sales and installation

Seeding and Aeration

Irrigation systems installed

Talprid - mole irradication

Invisible pet fences

�

CALL FORFREE ESTIMATES!

Serving all of SW Iowa & NW Missouri

“Let our experts build you a plan for a better looking lawn.”

LAWN WORLDShenandoah, IA • 1-712-246-1316 • 1-800-332-7711

�

�

�

�

�

1203

21-4

4197

By TESS GRUBER NELSONStaff Writer

Formerly known as the Sand Pitts,Rapp Park and Recreation Area is abeautiful, tranquil 204-acre park,with approximately 100 acres ofwater, located less then five minutesaway from Shenandoah.

The site was named after Cy andCarolyn Rapp, whose trust boardmembers decided to pay off the$200,000 note from the IowaNational Heritage Foundation for thepark’s purchase.

Rapp is home to a variety ofwildlife, including deer, beaver, andducks just to name a few. One of themost apparent in the early spring isthe migrating geese that land by thethousands at the park to rest.

Over the past three years, CharlieSpencer, Page County conservationboard member, said many improve-ments have been made to the park tomake it more user-friendly.

Spencer said a couple years agoBill Annan volunteered 10 hours ofhis time and took his backhoe andsloped the banks along the west andsouth sides of the main lake.

“The area was being undercut bywave-backing and it was a real con-cern the earth could give way andcave in,” Spencer recalled. “Aftersloping the banks, riprap (rubble androck) was placed to stabilize the

area.”Additionally, a group of volunteers

from M.A.Y. Mentoring came outand walked about 300 yards – 20 footwide – and picked up every rock.

“It saved us 28-man hours of hav-ing to do it ourselves,” said Spencer.“Now they can go in there and mowthe area that wasn’t previouslymowed because the rock tore up themower.”

A graveled road has been con-structed linking the park from oneentrance to another. Furthermore,under no circumstances, saidSpencer, are people to drive in thegrass of the park, thus the reasonthere is a graveled roadway.

There are 12 pull-through campersites, which are roughly 75- feet longand 25-feet wide. The distancebetween campsites, equipped withfire-rings is twice the distance apartthan at state campsites, Spencer said.There are also more primitive sitesfor camping.

On top of that, Spencer said onlyelectric trolling motors or oar-drivenboats are allowed.

As for activities available at RappPark, Spencer said there are plenty ofplaces to fish, including a handicapaccessible dock, as well as plenty offish to catch.

“State Fisheries did a survey andsaid there’s plenty of crappie, bluegill

and bass,” said Spencer. “There’s alsosome catfish out there.”

The park is also a great place tobird watch, added Spencer, withgeese, herons, eagles, and even a pel-ican or two.

This spring, Spencer said twobenches will be placed at the park,one donated by the Ed BrambleFamily and the other by the JimHavick Family.

A shelter will also be constructed,courtesy of the Nebel Family.

Spencer added he and his wife,Connie, plan to implement a butterflygarden, in honor of their daughter,Jennifer, this year as well.

“We’re also planning to have wild-flowers along the northeast entrance,on the west side of Highway 48,”Spencer added.

However, the largest project slatedfor 2012 is getting electricity run intothe park.

“We lack about $10,000 of a$50,000 project.”

MidAmerican Energy has run elec-tric poles into the area with onlymeter sockets and wiring for the padsleft. However, money to finish theproject has simply run out for now.

Nevertheless, when they do pipe inthe electric lines, Spencer said theywill place the water lines in as well.

UNITED FARMERSMERCANTILE COOP

LUMBER & HARDWARE203 West Oak

Red Oak, Iowa 51566712-623-2575

120321-43244

see RAPP, Page 3C

By JASON GLENNStaff Writer

Though no community isentirely free of crime,Shenandoah is, on balance,about as safe and secure aplace to call home as mostanywhere in the country.The town consistently regis-ter between one-half andone-third the number of vio-lent and property crimes asthe national average and, in2010, recorded a 10-yearlow in both categories.

With eight officers,including Chief KrisGrebert, the ShenandoahPolice Department isequipped to patrol thestreets and respond to calls24 hours a day, 365 days ayear, a round-the-clockresource for which manysmall towns lack the man-power and resources.Grebert said he thinks theforce represents a good mixof experienced and youngerofficers, with plenty ofopportunities for the veter-ans to pass on acquired wis-dom and practical advice toimprove the level of publicservice.

“I believe safety in Shenis getting better by the day,”Grebert said. “The officerswe have on staff are veryprofessional in the way theydo their job and are wantingto make sure that the quali-ty of life for the citizens ofShenandoah is the best itcan be.”

Grebert, a native ofEssex, said there are bothgood and bad aspects topolicing a small communi-ty, one of the main beingthat when you’re on the joband, for instance, pull yourbest friend over for speed-ing, you have to treat him orher as if you’d never metbefore.

“I think the challengesand the opportunities arebasically the same thing –everybody knows every-body else,” Grebert said.“It’s a good thing in that ifyou see somebody gettinginto somebody else’s vehi-

cle or house that you knowdoesn’t belong there, youcan call it in right away andwe can put a stop to it. Onthe downside is you have tomake sure that if you seeJoe jaywalking across thestreet and give him a ticket,you have to give Billy one,too.”

As far as working toimprove the services offeredby the SPD, Grebert said hewould love to see thedepartment grow to 10 offi-cers, like the similarly sizedcity of Clarinda’s. Having alarger force, he said, wouldallow Shenandoah officersmore time and resources forinvestigation, give themgreater latitude for gettinginvolved in the community,and still have some downtime to recharge.

Beyond that, Grebert saidin the future he wants hisofficers to have more oppor-tunities for continued edu-cation and a bit more budg-et room for training. Gettingout beyond the city limits tosee how other departmentsoperate, he noted, could beone of the best ways tomake Shenandoah evensafer.

“I want them to learnmore and more aspects ofthe job, not only frommyself and my assistantchief, but I want them tolearn from other agencies.There are better ways ofdoing stuff, there are newerways to do stuff. I wantthem to learn and they canbring that back to us,”Grebert said. “The morethey get out and learn, thebetter off they’re going to befor the community.”

SPD working tomake Shenandoahsafer every day

Kris Grebert

You Can Now See Us Online!www.swiweeklytimes.com

The Valley News • Wednesday, March 21, 2012 PAGE3C

Wabash Trace working on Shen footprint

Relax....Come kick off your shoes & grab a glass of wine

1204

11-4

5355800 West Ferguson Road

712-246-3009www.wabashwinecompany.com

Relax....Come kick off your shoes & grab a glass of wine

www.unitedgroupia.com • www.fremont-page.com 120321-44200

UNITED GROUP REAL ESTATEWhether you are buying or selling,

Let US work for YOU!

• Residential

• Acreages

• Farm

• Commercial

• Licensed in IowaJoan Schebaum

712-215-1955Howard Killion

712-246-81421206 West Sheridan Avenue, Shenandoah, Iowa 51601 • Phone: 712-246-4200 or 800-467-5426

204 South Broadway, Red Oak, Iowa 51566 • Phone: 712-623-5555 or 800-315-5556

620 W. Sheridan Avenue • Shenandoah, IA 51601Phone: 712-246-3000 • shenandoahinnandsuites.com

Family owned and operated, Shenandoah Inn & Suites offers comfortable, stylish rooms for

business travelers, families and anyone looking for a place to stay.

Owners Paul and Percilla Lattin have spentmore than 25 years in the hotel industry and

have built this hotel with guests’ needs in mind.

1204

04-4

5346

• 42 Rooms• Fitness Room• Elevator

Hotel Details• Business Center with Computer• Wireless Internet Access• Wired Internet Access

INN & SUITES

RAPPContinued from Page 2C

we won’t have to retrench.”Once the electricity has

been implemented, treeswill be planted for addition-al shade.

“It’d do us no good toplant trees now when wedon’t know where the elec-tricity will go.”

Lastly, Spencer saidSouthwest Iowa NatureTrails board member, BillHillman, is checking intowhether it’d be possible torun a couple bicycle trailsout there and back alongwith Wabash Trace NatureTrail.

With good fishing andbirding, along with peace-fulness, Rapp Park is aquick way to get away fromit all and relax – improvinganyone’s quality of life.

Donations to help pipeelectricity into the park, orfor other projects, can bemailed to the Page CountyConservation Board, 112 E.Main, Clarinda, Iowa,51632. Spencer asked thecheck be made out to theConservation Board.Donations can also bedropped off at SpencerGrocery in Shenandoah.Donations are tax-deductible.


For more than two decades, the Wabash Trace has beenthe premier nature trail in the region, a national showpiecefor the Rails to Trails program, and a tremendous way tointroduce hikers and bikers to the pastoral beauty and wel-coming communities of southwest Iowa. Though themajority of the work on the Trace is in maintenance –clearing limbs, mowing banks, keeping the trail smoothand ridable – in the last year big steps have been taken towiden the Trace’s footprint in Shenandoah.

The most visible so far has been a new trailhead kioskwith maps of the area and local attractions that standsalong the trail at the northern entrance to town. The 10-foot-tall by 14-foot-wide all-cedar kiosk was unveiled inOctober. Located roughly behind the Park Playhouse onthe east side of the trail, the structure was conceived,designed and built by members of Pella Corporation’sAmbassador’s Committee.

On the side heading north out of town, the kiosk fea-tures the trail map and information about local plants andanimals, as well as a history of the Wabash Trace. On theside heading into town, a map of Shenandoah and infor-mation about local attractions and history are prominent-ly displayed.

Committee team leader Diane Carpenter said the com-mittee decided earlier this year that they wanted to under-take a community betterment project at the Trace andhave it utilize and showcase the skills and talents of thevarious team members.

“They wanted to have information that would educatepeople about the area,” Carpenter said. “They also want-ed to excite them about what the possibilities are down thetrail and invite them to explore.”

Just steps down the trail from the kiosk, also inSportsmans Park, an even larger project is set to begin thisyear. Twenty years ago, Southwest Iowa Nature Trails,

Inc. (SWINT), the private, non-profit organization thatmaintains and develops the Trace, bought an old railwaystation in Shenandoah and moved it to the park with theidea of eventually making it into something special.Former SWINT President Bill Danforth said this is theyear they start to make that vision a reality.

“One of the biggest things is our efforts to try to reno-vate the old Wabash Station in Sportsmans Park and try todevelop that into a visitors center for people who want touse the Wabash Trace,” Danforth said. “That will be oneof our big focuses this year and probably for severalyears.”

Danforth said while the station may look good from adistance, it is currently just “a shell, which holds only his-tory” and needs extensive work before it’s ready to beoccupied. He said they have secured almost $69,000 ingrant money for the project but that it will probably goquickly once work begins and more resources, includinggrants, donations and contributions of “sweat equity”from volunteers will have to be sought as progress ismade.

Once it’s done, Danforth said the station will be trans-formed into a visitors’ center that might display the workof local artists, offer information for trail users, act as agathering center and even house a retail occupant like aquilt maker or local craftsman.

Danforth said having that type of facility would onlyadd to the local allure and economic impact of the WabashTrace, which seems to see more and more traffic everyyear, something the people who envisioned it decades agoand then made it a reality, always knew would happen.

“We never doubted it, but at the same time it is gainingmore popularity and, if you think about it, the WabashTrace really spawned all the trails in the CouncilBluffs/Omaha area,” Danforth said. “We were the motherof all these trails. The popularity of the Wabash Trace iswhat inspired other people to do the same thing.”

RESTORE...The old Wabash Depot along the Wabash Trace in Shenandoah.


With more than 100acres divided between 20parks; Shenandoah offersplenty of room to run, jumpand play. According toShenandoah Parks andRecreation Director MikeLaughlin, it’s a city ordi-

nance that allows citizensand guests plenty of parksto choose from.

“Whenever a subdivisionwas built, a green spacewas added as well,” saidLaughlin. “It has beenamended here and there indifferent situations but forthe most part each time thecity expanded, a park wasadded.”

Located on the northeastpart of Shenandoah alongFerguson Road, WaubonsiePark is bordered by theWabash Trace and FourMile Creek. WaubonsiePark, roughly 15-acres,offers picnic tables, base-ball diamond, sand volley-ball court, playgroundequipment and a publicrestroom.

The park most people are

familiar with is SportsmansPark, also located on northside of the city alongFerguson Road. SportsmanPark is the second largestpark of 28 acres and con-tains the most recreationalfacilities including theWilson Aquatic Center,Park Playhouse for theSouthwest Iowa TheatreGroup, little league fields,tennis courts, public rest-rooms, baseball and soft-ball fields, horse arena andpicnic pavilion.

To the east ofSportsmans Park sitsWilson Park, a 4.5 acregreen space, located wherethere once was a junkyard.

“The addition of WilsonPark certainly makes thatpart of town look muchbetter than it once did,”

said Laughlin.In the center of

Shenandoah sits PriestPark, located in betweenElm Street and MapleStreet. Priest Park containsa lit basketball court, play-ground equipment andplenty of open green space.

Gee Park, near MustangField, is mostly used forcookouts. It also includes aflower bed maintained bythe Shenandoah Home andGarden Club, and sitsacross the road from theWelch tennis courts.

Disk golf, a large pavil-ion, public restrooms andplayground equipment canbe found at McComb Park,located along Anna Croseand Mitchell Street; while

Downtown Shenandoah • 712.246.4129 Monday - Friday 9:30 - 5:30 • Saturday 9:00 - 1:00

Downtown Shenandoah27 Years in Business

Offering Screen Printing,

Digital Printing, Embroidery,

Custom and Stock Transfers,

Lettering Specialists

Friendly & QualityService

“Sportswear for all Ages”In stock - 6 months to 5XL

“Coldestt Beerr inn Town”

Sincee 1950

• Liquor & Packaged Beer

• Wine & Wine Coolers

• Snacks & Pop

• Bait and Fishing Tackle

• Hunting & Fishing Licenses

• Hunting Supplies

• Archery Equipment

• Guns & Ammunition

• Reloading & Muzzle Loading Supplies

Corner of Sheridan & BurnettHours: Monday-Saturday 8-10, Closed Sunday

712-246-4462

5 & 8 lb bags of ice - “We Never Run Out!”

All Under One Roof!

~ Stihl Chainsaws

~ String Trimmers

~ Pole Saws

~ Leaf Blowers

120312-44239

We’re Committed to the Future

of Southwest Iowa Through

Conservation and Recreation

FUN... Gottsch Park in Shenandoah is a nice place to relax or play.

Shenandoah boasts more than 15 parks

see PARKS, Page 4C


The problem with build-ing up your biceps and ton-ing your glutes on the latestfitness equipment in a clean,state-of-the-art workoutfacility is that it usuallycosts an arm and a leg. Butthrough a unique public andprivate partnership, theShenandoah Fitness Center,located at 111 N. Elm St.,has managed to trim notonly the town’s collectivewaistline but also the cost ofgetting in shape.

Opened seven years agothrough the joint efforts ofEaton Corporation and theCity of Shenandoah, thecenter has gone throughextensive remodeling andconstant upgrading tobecome a first class, fullfeature cardio and weighttraining facility that costs aslittle as $10 a month forarea residents.

But that doesn’t mean it’sa finished product.

In the cardio section,which already featuredtreadmills, ellipticalmachines and their seated“octane” cousins, the centerhas recently added a newStairmaster Stepmill unitand in the weight section, tocomplement the alreadyimpressive array of equip-ment there are new barbellsand kettle balls with more tocome.

“Within the last month,we’ve added several newpieces of equipment andhave about another $12,000worth of new equipment

still coming, so we’re mak-ing changes all the time,”Parks and RecreationDirector Mike Laughlinsaid.

In addition to the newequipment, Laughlin said inthe last year the center hasexpanded its slate of fitnessclasses held in the refur-bished basement rooms. Togo with the always popularJazzercise and spinningclasses, the center beganoffering Zumba about eightmonths ago and updated itsschedule to include moremorning options. And forthose who have a specificworkout not offered,Laughlin said they can uti-lize another room in thebasement that has a flatscreen TV and DVD playermounted to the wall.

“They can bring in theirown DVDs, slip it in and dotheir workout downstairs ona padded floor with mirrorsand the TV right there, soit’s kind of a unique situa-tion,” he said.

Laughlin said a goodpartnership between thecity, Jazzercise instructorSandy Hansen and Eatons,who brought the idea to thecity in the first place and putup half of the initial fund-ing, has allowed the centerto remain an affordable $15a month ever since itopened. In December andJanuary, during the annualHoliday Special, it getseven cheaper, with a yearlymembership available forjust $120, or $10 per month.

Perhaps one of the most

Shenandoah FitnessCenter balances

see FITNESS, Page 6C


J & R FurnitureYour Hometown Home Furnishings Headquarters Since 1953

Monday - Friday 9-5, Saturday 9-12, Sunday Closed, Evenings by Appointment

1203

21-4

41961215 West Nishna • Shenandoah (on the south edge of town)

712-246-3640 or 1-800-569-5752

• Wide selection of vitamins &nutritional supplements

• Complete line of name brand and generic over-the-counter products

• Full line of diabetic supplies

• First aid & other medical supplies

• Free delivery to Shenandoah, Essex, Farragut & Imogene

TheraputicTheraputic ShoesShoes

& Inserts& Inserts

“For those suffering from diabetes

and other chronic conditions”

• Proper fitting to alleviate or prevent complications and

deformities•Now taking fitting

appointments

Covered By Medicare

Enhancing YEnhancing Your Quality of Lifeour Quality of Life

GEORGE JAy DRUG CO.Dependable Druggists

612 W. Sheridan Avenue•Shenandoah, Iowa • 712-246-2635Hours: Monday - Saturday 8:30am - 5:30pm • Visit us online at: www.jaydrug.com

1203

21-4

4215

Order on-line prescriptions

at healthmart.com

FREE DELIVERY

SHENANDOAH MEDICAL CENTER300 Pershing Avenue, Shenandoah, IA 51601 • 712-246-1230

www.shenandoahmedcenter.com 120321-43231

Meet Dr. Santosh Kumar MD, FAGE, Hospitalist

Shenandoah Medical Center is pleased to wel-come Dr. Santosh Kumar as our new hospitalist.What is a hospitalist? A hospitalist is a medical doc-tor who specializes in the care of hospitalizedpatients. Dr. Kumar provides continuity of care forpatients admitted to the hospital. He directs patientcare during your hospital stay and keeps in communi-cation with your family physician. His “office” is thehospital.

The patient’s family physician is contacted whensomeone is admitted to the hospital. Dr. Kumar keepstheir physician informed of the patient’s condition and

progress. Some family physicians will stop in and visit the patient as well.Patients will continue to see their family physician as always after they

have been released from the hospital. If the patient does not have a familyphysician, Dr. Kumar will help them get one. In some cases, if the patientcannot get an appointment to see their regular physician right away, Dr.Kumar may have the patient come and see him for an initial follow-up.

There are many benefits and advantages to having a hospitalist direct andcoordinate care for patients who are in the hospital. Dr. Kumar is available tocare for patients when they are admitted, regardless of the time of day ornight. Without patients to see in the outpatient clinic, he can focus his fullattention on hospital patients. He can closely monitor changes in their condi-tion and follow their response to prescribed treatments.

Dr. Kumar coordinates care among the different specialists and depart-ments that are involved in the care and treatment of hospitalized patients.Having a hospitalist on staff has enabled Shenandoah Medical Center to admitpatients with a greater severity of illness who otherwise may have been trans-ferred to another facility.

Dr. Kumar communicates with the nursing staff and designated familymembers regarding each patient’s progress. A new electronic medical recordssystem further facilitates timely and efficient patient care.

In case you are wondering, Dr. Kumar is available and provides patientcare on weekends and during the night as needed, the same as he does onweekdays.

However, Dr. Kumar does not take care of women who are in the hospitalto deliver a baby. The obstetric doctors handle deliveries and care for momand baby after delivery.

Dr. Kumar provides backup emergency room coverage if another physi-cian cannot be here during their regularly scheduled hours or if we have anoverflow of ER patients and need an additional physician.

Dr. Kumar received his medical degree from Creighton UniversityMedical Center. He completed his residency and internship at CreightonUniversity. He also received a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery(MBBS) from Kasturba Medical College in Mangalore, Karnataka, India.

PARKSContinued from Page 3C

Anna Crose Heights Park, primarily agreen space, parallels Johnson Run, acreek, and Southview Circle.

Gottsch Park has playground equipmentand a Garden Club planting. It sits in a tri-angle shape at the intersection of Crescentand West Streets.

With a picnic table, benches and play-ground equipment, Nicholson Park can befound at the intersection of Matthew andEdgar Streets toward the southeast part ofShenandoah; then there’s Garfield Park,located at the corner of Center Street andClarinda Avenue, also offers playgroundequipment and a picnic table.

Shenwood Park, located in theShenwood subdivision, Mayridge Park,

found along Mayridge Drive and HunterPark, at the corner of Lake and CollegeStreets, are smaller parks in town but stilloffer tranquility and plenty of green space.

Murphy Park, also a lesser-known park, asmall greenspace, is located at the junctionof Clarinda Avenue, Center Street andCrescent Street.

Two parks also serve as war memorials.Memorial Park, at the intersection ofNishna Road, Anne Crose and Maple andBogarts Park at the intersection of ClarindaAvenue and Thomas Avenue.

Cherry Hills Park serves as the city’sarboretum park. It is located toward thesouthwest part of town, along Nishna Road,and has plenty of newly planted and maturetrees.

The newest parks in Shenandoah isLloyd Park and Everly Park. LloydMemorial Park and is dedicated to thememory of Dennis Lloyd, an up and com-ing photographer killed in an automobileaccident. Located at the corner of WestThomas and Elm Street, where the oldSentinel newspaper office once stood,Lloyd park is a quiet little greenspace witha nice gazebo real close to downtown.

Named after famed rock and rollers Phil

and Don Everly, who once calledShenandoah home, Everly Park is locatedjust to the west of the Greater ShenandoahMuseum. The park houses the childhoodhome of the dazzling duo, known for suchgreat songs as, “Wake up Little Suzie” and“Cathy’s Clown.”

Shenandoah’s largest park is Manti Park.Although not located within city limits, it isthe responsibility of the city for its mainte-nance. Manti includes 41 acres that is uti-lized by camping, picnicking, bird watch-ing and hiking. It is located one mile southand one mile west of the intersection ofHighway 59 and Highway 2. Manti wasstarted in 1852 by Mormon families thatsettled into the area. When the railroadcame through this part of the country, itstracks ran through Shenandoah instead ofManti causing the community to slowlyfade away.

“It certainly is unusual to have so manyparks,” said Laughlin. “But it’s a great drawto the community. It’s nice to know everytwo or three blocks there’s a park to relaxor play in.”

Each park is maintained by ShenandoahPark and Recreation employees. TheShenandoah Home and Garden Club assistsin the maintenance of several parks.


Living in Page and Fremont Counties, attimes, can seem mundane and boring.However, for the most part, the citizens thatreside here live a better quality of lifebecause of the rural setting.

Not only that, but it appears the peoplethat make up these two counties, our neigh-bors, co-workers, and friends, help makethis area one of the best places to live.

Shenandoah resident Tom Beavers wasborn and raised in Page County, and haslived in Shenandoah since 1960. He saidthroughout that time, he has witnessed theresiliency of southwest Iowans time andtime again, and that we are indeed fortunateto live here.

“We are fortunate to have relatively lowun-employment, pretty fair factory produc-tion, a somewhat lower cost of living, com-pared to the big cities, and an attitude,” saidBeavers. “This attitude comes from peopleworking hard to make their community abetter place in which to live. Take a look atShenandoah. We do not live on an inter-state highway, we are apart from rapidgrowth areas, we are not a

County Seat town, and we do not have alarge corporate base in which to draw from.With all of, what would appear to be disad-vantages, our attitude comes to the front.People with attitudes build businesses, takepart in community affairs such as schoolboards and city councils, take part in civicaffairs, support local businesses instead of

buying out of town, maintain a can do atti-tude with everything”

Shenandoah Medical Center’s ChiefMedical Officer, Dr. Jerry Schaaf agreeswith Beavers. A physician in theShenandoah area for more than 35 years,Schaaf said a rural life is a good life.

“Certainly I think people are safer herethan in a big city. Certainly there are drugshere, but there’s not nearly available to theextent that they are in a big city,” said

Schaaf. Schaaf added it’s nice that in this part of

the country, you know your neighbors, andyour neighbors know you – you look outfor one another.

“The intimacy of a very open life, wherepeople take care of each other. I do not feelat all confined living here,” said Schaaf.“There’s a community sort of spirit that youdon’t get in a big city. When someone is ill,people are there willing to help, and there’s

a willingness to be involved.”On top of that, Schaaf noted there are

excellent school systems here, as well asmedical facilities, where the close relation-ship between doctor and patients is anasset.

“I really do think we have the best ofboth worlds here. It’s a place where chil-dren can grow and prosper, a safe commu-nity with a lot of people that are veryinvolved in doing things that are right andbest for the community,” said Schaaf.“Then, if you want to go to the ballet or anart gallery, Omaha, Kansas City or Lincolnare only a few hours away.”

Page County Supervisor ElaineArmstrong of Clarinda said residing inPage County, she has the essential servicesshe needs, lots of opportunities to help oth-ers, and freedom in places to worship.

“The fitness centers in Clarinda andShenandoah, excellent schools, new med-ical centers, well-run public libraries, cityand county services keep us in essentials,while our museums, theatre groups, sports,social and service organizations enhanceour lives,” said Armstrong. “We have sever-al good employers and Iowa Western cen-ters to help with work readiness. Peoplewho say there is nothing to do here need tolook around.”

The same can be said for life in FremontCounty, replied Donna Walker, who recent-ly retired from numerous years as anadministrative assistant with the SidneyCommunity School District.

Call Today For All Your Fertilizer, Seed & Crop Protection Needs!

501 N Adams St �� Westboro, MO 64498 � (660) 984-5432

2838 Hackberry Avenue � Coin, IA 51636 � (712) 583-3214

Crop Production Services provides not only the products you

require - fertilizer, seed and crop protection products - we also

offer many valuable agronomic services farmers need to succeed.

1204

04-4

2726

Quality of life is better in Page, Fremont County

GAME... Zach Miller, Dustin Lembrick, Tyler Powell, and Jacob Sederburg play basketball.

see LIVING, Page 5C

The Valley News • Wednesday,March 21, 2012 PAGE5C

1203

21-4

3806

Secure his dreams . . .Make sure all his dreams and wishescome true. Invest in life insurance fromAuto-Owners, the “No Problem”People.®

Call or visit us today!

SUMPINSURANCE, INC.

Clarinda712-542-5555

Shenandoah712-246-5550

www.sumpins.com

Come Be Our Guest!American Legion

Country Club• 18 Hole Golf Course

• Semi-Private

• Golf equipment atcompetitive prices

• Friday Night Social with limited menu

Excellent Banquet Facility

Call for opentounament schedule

1800 S. Elm St. • Shenandoah, Iowa712-246-3308 • shenandoahiowagolf.com 12

0321

-441

95

The Future Starts Here.We’ll help build, grow and manage your investment portfolio,

based on your specific savings goals. And as life changes, we’ll

change too. Your success is our business.

Invest Well

Turn to us for:• Client Portfolio Management• Retirement Planning• Education Planning• Portfolio Review and Analysis

Start planning, today.address • website

InvestmentRepresentative

photo here

For a consultation, contact:NameTitlePhoneEmail

For a consultation, contact:

Brian Johnson

Financial Advisor

712-246-1311

Mobile: 712-215-0323

We’ll help build, grow and manage your investment portfoliobased on your specific savings goals. And as life changes,your portfolio can shift with it. Your success is our business.

www.bankiowabanks.com

today.

120321-44117

Securities offered through IBA Securities, a division of Broker Dealer Financial Services Corp., member FINRA/SIPC.Securities and insurance products are not FDIC insured, nor are they deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by thebank, Broker Dealer Financial Services Corp. or any other federal government agency. The purchase of such productsinvolves risk including the possible loss of principal. Securities may not be suitable for all investors.

120321-44220

in downtown Shenandoah

Forty years ago this coming July, Bernie and Linda Veak opened their gift shop in

the first of four locations the Emporium has occupied in downtown Shenandoah. In

those 40 years, the Emporium has become a mainstay on Sheridan Avenue featuring

gifts and decor from primitive American to contemporary

sophistication, all with courtesy and a sense of value and

style.

Forty years ago, the style of decorating and gift giving was

often referred to as being in a “Mediterranean” or “Spanish”

theme. Anything with owls was hot too! Coffee mugs,

incense burners, any type of owl. They all sold.

Forty years later, styles have changed. “Tuscan” is the

new style and Bernie has just ordered new owl decor.

Full Circle...

And if you’ve heard we’d like to retire,it’s true. Linda would like to lay in the

sun and Bernie... well... he says he’s “going fishing”. But he doesn’t fish!

Fifty years really isn’t that far away!

Thee Emporiumm Celebratess 40th

Anniversary

COMMUNITYFITNESS CENTER

Located at 113 N. Elm St. • Shenandoah, IAFor membership information, contact

City Hall at 246-1213 or the Parks and Recreation office at 246-34091203

21-4

5438

COMMUNITYFITNESS CENTER

Monthly membership:$15/month for adults 18 years old and over

$10/month for 7th grade to 17 yrs old(minors must be accompanied by adult)

Come join the Fitness explosion at theShenanodoah Community Fitness Center

• OPEN 24/7• CARDIO• CIRCUIT TRAINING• FREE WEIGHTS • CORE TRAINING• SPINNERS

• TV’s & STEREO • SECURITY CAMERAS• STATE OF THE ART

LIFE-FITNESS ANDHAMMER-STRENGTH EQUIPMENT!!!!

Treadmills, Ellipticals & Recumbents

• Comfort

• Mountain

• Road Bikes

1203

21-4

4210

Full line of Trek & Specialized Bicycles Skateboards • Sporting GoodsBicycle & Fitness Repair • 300 South 11th, Nebraska City, NE • 402-873-7509

FORR FUNN && FITNESSFORR FUNN && FITNESSSpecialized & Trek Authorized Dealer

Check out our new & improved website!

www.thurmansbikeandsport.com

Special Pricing on FitnessEquipment

FREEDELIVERY

within 75 milesof our store

LIVINGContinued from Page 4C

“The quality of life isgood. We may not receivethe high wages as in othercommunities. We do, how-ever, reap lower

taxes most of the time.We have quality education,homelike shops, friendlyneighbors and faith lovingchurches,” remarked Walker.“I have been speaking to adear friend in Chicago andwas amazed to learn thatfunerals are very different,no visitation for family orluncheons afterwards verycold and not caring. I maybe a little biased since smalltowns have been my wholelife, but I can

not vision living any-where else.”

Sidney resident LarryBarnard agrees with Walker.

”The quality of life inFremont County is great.The school system is excel-lent, infrastructure wellmaintained and servicesadequate. It’s a great placefor retired people and thoseraising little ones,” saidBarnard.

However, it may beShenandoah resident JennyGoodell, who is the PublicAffairs Director forMidwest Region FamilyStations, Inc. that summed itup best.

“We have very friendlyfriends and neighbors, theland is beautiful with itsrolling hills and expanses ofabundant farmland, andthere are growing opportuni-ties for those who want tolive, work, and raise theirfamilies here,” said Goodell.


If the past, as they say, isnot even truly past, thenthe future of southwestIowa recreation could fol-low a trail first navigatedmore than 200 years ago.

For almost three years,the Iowa Department ofTransportation has beenworking with consultantsto develop a plan for theLewis and Clark Multi-Use Trail, an ambitiouspathway that would stretchfrom the Missouri stateline to South Dakota, con-necting communities alongthe original route of theCorps of Discovery ontheir historic 1804-06transcontinental journey.

Milly Ortiz-Pagan,IDOT project manager forthe Lewis and Clark Trail,said the project reached animportant early milestoneon March 13 when therecently completed imple-mentation report wasdelivered to the IowaT r a n s p o r t a t i o nCommission, who willhear a presentation on thereport at their April meet-ing. Ortiz said the reportwas also being sent to allthe communities, countiesand conservation boardsalong the route and wouldbe posted on the IDOTwebsite in the next coupleof weeks. After that, shesaid, they will begin meet-ing with steering commit-tees representing the towns

and communities to dis-cuss plans for implementa-tion and the types of routesdescribed in the report.

“There is one that iscalled a “Today Route,”which is something that, ata minimum cost, the com-munities will be able to goahead and “sign” becauseit’s mostly on-road. Thenthere is the “ExplorersRoute,” which is a combi-nation of the Today Routeplus other areas wherebicyclists can go andexplore the area like Lewisand Clark did,” she said.“The third is called“Loops,” which are notbasically part of the align-ment, but more like aregional plan where com-munities that are a little bitfarther away from the mainroute can connect to theroute.”

Ortiz-Pagan said thereport was designed to be aworking document, allow-ing communities to see notonly policies and projec-tions, but also how theproject will look and whatwill be expected on thelocal level. She said typi-cally in these projects, thetowns and communitiesare expected to begindevelopment on the localroutes and that grants areusually available.

Traveling throughFremont County, the pro-posed route would mainlylay on county roads butwould include the towns of

Lewis and Clark pathway coming soon

see TRAIL, Page 6C

6/6 Zoom


Shenandoah is a progressive, bustling community full of gardens, entrepreneurs, industry,opportunity, and friendly people. Its unique shops and restaurants, outdoor recreation,

live and movie entertainment, high quality healthcare, beautiful schools and safety make the lifestyle in Shenandoah unsurpassed!

Shenandoah Chamber & Industry Association100 S. Maple, Shenandoah • 712-246-3455 • www.shenandoahiowa.net 12

0321

-441

78

City with Energy

“Unique Atmosphere,Great Food”

Thee Depott Restaurantt andd Breww PubShenandoah,, Iowa

Thee Depott Restaurantt andd Breww PubShenandoah,, Iowa

1203

21-4

4216

Open Daily at 6:00am for Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerDowntown Shenandoah • 712-246-4444 • depotdeli.com

Open Daily at 6:00am for Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerDowntown Shenandoah • 712-246-4444 • depotdeli.com

An Extra Spirit of CareSome people describe Fair Oaks Residential Care Center as neighbors taking care of neighbors. We provide peace ofmind with an extra touch of friendship along with nutritious meals, rehabilitation therapy, security and activities.

If you need some help with daily living, Fair Oaks Residential Care Center offers a hand with dressing, bathing and taking medicine, plus providing delicious hot meals, activities, transportation and a caring community. Call JoElla Travisfor a tour.

1203

21-4

4176

The assistance you need, the freedom you want.

FAIR OAKSRESIDENTIAL CARE CENTER1201 South Walnut Street • Shenandoah, Iowa 51601

Immediate Openings Available

712-246-2055E.O.E.

Family owned-community committed • Vaughn & Joan Livingston, owners

712-246-2912 • www.hackettlivingston.com

A Gift to Those You LoveWe can help answer your

questions on choosinga funeral plan.

Hackett–Livingston Funeral Home& Monument Company 12

0321

-442

44

“We keep America running.”

See the NAPA Parts Experts forthe best service and automotive

advice in the Clarinda area!

JB PARTS& SUPPLY

1207 W Ferguson RoadShenandoah, Iowa 51601

Phone 712-246-3599

*Here Yesterday * Here Today * Here TomorrowTo Serve our Small Town Communities

1000 S. 8th St., Clarinda, (712) 542-3322

Lawn & GardenHome Electronics

HardwareMajor Appliances

Fitness Equipment

1203

21-4

5066

MURPHY’SINSURANCE & REAL ESTATE

Call us for all your Home, Auto,Farm, Crop & Hail Insurance Needs!

PO Box 128 • Coin, Iowa 51636(712) 583-3279 • (712) 583-3333 FAX

Pet Adoption Days!

120321-44224

SPRINGG ISS INN THEE AIRSPRINGG ISS INN THEE AIR

208 Rye St. • Shenandoah • 712-246-1326

• Ride & Drive Demo Days

• Fish Days

• Spring Plants

• Fencing Supplies

• Chemicals

• Sprayers


The natural beauty of Waubonsie State Park,with its trail system that winds along stunningLoess Hill ridges and through verdant, wildlife-rich hollows, is a majestic constant in southwestIowa, drawing thousands of visitors from nearand far to the area on a regular basis. But start-ing with the acquisition of the former Wa-Shawtee Girl Scout camp in 2005, the park hasundergone a transformation in the level of com-fort it can offer visitors coming for more thanjust a day hike.

A few years after adding the adjacent proper-ty, the park began refurbishing the camp’s cab-ins and buildings and grew its roster of dedicat-ed fans to new heights.

“The cabins have definitely raised the interesthere. Now they can come and actually stay for anumber of nights,” said Park Manager KevinThorne. “Typically, for us, it’s been springtimeand the fall where we’re full every weekend inthe campground as long as those leaves are on.Now, with the cabins, our summer attendancehas picked up so it’s kind of rounding it out forus.”

With eight cabins currently available, fromthe rustic camping cabins to the modern familycabins, Waubonsie has affordable and comfort-able options for anywhere from two to 12 guestsand is in the process of renovating even more.

Thorne said they are in a kind of “Phase two” ofthe effort right now, with the camp’s old naturecenter undergoing a $500,000 renovation to beconverted into a lodge.

Additionally, Thorne said, the park is workingon an improved ramp at the lake also located onthe former Girl Scout property, which will allowvisitors easier access for canoeing and row boat-ing during their stay.

Nightly rates for the cabins range from $28for the small camping cabins with bunk beds to$95 for the largest, fully equipped family cabin,which has three queen size beds in differentrooms, two bathrooms and a full kitchen. Many

of the most popular times of the year, especiallyduring the fall when the changing leaves are attheir peak, fill up quickly, Thorne said, butreservations can be made easily online.

Maintaining a balance between the unspoiledsplendor of Waubonsie’s natural setting andimproving the amenities available to guests iskey to preserving it as one of the most popularjewels of southwest Iowa, Thorne said. Andsomething that serves not only its distant visi-tors but also its proud neighbors.

“The more things we can add down here, thebetter it’s going to be for us and for the commu-nity, too,” he said.

Waubonsie Park refurbishing more cabins TRAILContinued from Page 5C

Bartlett, Thurman andHamburg and would pres-ent an opportunity forSidney to be connectedthrough one of the “loop”routes, Ortiz-Pagan said.Though there is a goodamount of work involvedon the local level, she saidprojects like this havebeen a boon not only torecreational enthusiasts,but also to the communi-ties that embrace them.

“We have seen thattrails bring a lot of eco-nomic development,especially to smallertowns. I know everybodywants the RAGBRAIroute to go through theirtowns. So this will besomething that will bringpeople to the smallertowns and communities,”Ortiz-Pagan said. “Wealways talk about all thetrails in central Iowa andin other places of thestate, so it is rewarding tosee the cities in westernIowa are interested insomething of this magni-tude.”

To find more informa-tion and see the Lewisand Clark Trail report inthe next couple of weeks,go towww.iowadot.gov/lewisclarktrail.

FITNESSContinued from Page 3C

impressive features of the fitness center, though, is that it is accessible witha key card 24 hours a day, 365 days a year but has no regular staff on thepayroll. Though equipped with nine security cameras and seven emer-

gency pull switches for safety, members are the ones who keep everythingclean and in order.

“In that respect, this is very, very unique and the fact that it’s worked sowell is a feather in our cap as far as the city goes and the public for polic-ing it themselves,” Laughlin said.

Memberships for the Shenandoah Fitness Center are sold at City Hall.

Documents

Progress - Quality of Life