The minis softball tournament was held in mid June, ending their season. But, before the final out, the incoming 2nd and 3rd graders from the MVAO school district faced each other as opposing teams in the championship. This is their stories.
MVAO NORTH
    The MVAO North team, made up of kids from Danbury, Anthon, Mapleton, and Battle Creek and coached by Kallie and Ross Baldwin, Colt Baldwin, and Robin Golden started their tournament against Sloan1. The ladies won the game 3-0, advancing to the semifinals. This put them on the same diamond as the MVAO South team. It was a great, competitive game with the North team taking the 5-3 win and putting them in the championship. Now, being a double elimination game, the other team in the championship was, MVAO South. It was a hot day, but the ladies played hard once again, ending the regulation game in a 1-1 tie. The sixth inning ended the game, this time with South walking it off, giving both teams a loss. However still a double elimination game, they were to play one last game to declare a true winner. The teams got together to discuss this situation. Do they really need to play 3 games against the same team when it's too hot out? They opted to call it a tie for the championship with the future schoolmates.
    "Our team improved throughout the season, and we are so very proud of how hard they worked," exclaimed Coach Kallie Baldwin.
MVAO SOUTH
    "It's pretty impressive that out of the all the teams in the league the top finishers were both from our school district," commented Coach Jennifer Hanson. Hanson along with Makayla Goslar assisted Head Coach Makenzie Smith.
    The MVAO South team made up of players from Mapleton and Castana started their tournament with wins to River Valley and then Westwood. A loss to MVAO North, put them in the consolation bracket and a fight to climb back up to the championship bracket. They held their heads high and knocked Westwood out of the tournament with their second win against them in the weekend. This put them back in the championship game and against MVAO North. During the championship game, both teams were definitely tired but fought hard taking the game into extra innings with South winning by 1. However, being MVAO North's first loss, they were to play one more game to declare the definitive winner. The coaches discussed the situation and decided to call a tie on the day instead of playing the tie breaker.
    "I'm very proud of both teams and can't wait to see what an exciting future is ahead when these little athletes officially join forces in high school," exclaimed Coach Hanson. "The Ram softball future is definitely bright!"
    Congratulations to both teams.

    Want to learn a little about pizza and make your own treat? Personal pizzas will be created and enjoyed at Cord Memorial Library in Danbury on Thursday, July 17th at 2pm. The special guest, Terah will explain where the ingredients for pizza come from and then you can make yourself a pizza to enjoy!
    All ages are welcome to attend. There is no cost to participate.

    Cord Memorial Library continues their special visitors throughout the summer. Recently they have had a variety of animals visit with their human handlers. On June 26th the crew made their own bees and learned the importance of bees. The group learned how they pollinate. They then created stick bees and pollinated flowers with flour. The adults chose to sit out the activity.
    Following the pollination the group learned how easy it is to make lip balm and took home their new lip product. This was a well-enjoyed project.
    Photo provided by Cord Memorial Library. Thank you!

    Garage Sales will be held next weekend, July 18 and 19. Sx sales are on the list. If you want to join it, please contact Lynn at 712-893-2001 or review@danbury-iacom.
    The map can be found in this issue. Please plan to do some garage shopping and get some great deals!