The final weekend of Summer turned out to be the perfect weekend of the year, or at least a very, very nice weekend. The temperature was perfect and the smiles were plentiful for Corn Days.
    The weekend began with the corn contest which had a great showing. A mini golf tournament was very well received as were Tug a Tractor contests for people of all ages. A mechanical bull stayed bucking with people hoping to stay on. A kiddie cornhole contest gave the younger kids a chance to play along with the adults. Happy D Klown spent hours making balloon creations for kids of all ages. He ended the day with a magic show. The White Horse Mounted Patrol returned from last year, but this year they also held a small patriotic show before the parade. The Norsefyre acrobats showed their athletic skills on the apparatus. Country Soul N Roll filled the evening sky with a variety of music. Large crowds enjoyed the weather Friday and Saturday, sticking around until the events ended each night. Sunday was much more lowkey with breakfast and lunch served by the Knights of Columbus, the softball tournament, and Euchre.
    Saturday afternoon the Gem City royalty were crowned. Mia Uhl, daughter of Randi and Chad Uhl was crowned the queen while Emily Grell, daughter of Anna and Jamey Grell was the princess. JT Fitzpatrick, son of Darlene and Matt Fitzpatrick was crowned the king while Cade Schmidt, son of Tiffany and Dylan Schmidt was named the prince. Congratulations, all!
    In this issue are many pictures from Corn Days. Enjoy!

    An hour after Corn Days ended, MVAOCOU's Homecoming began. The weeklong celebration kicked off with the community bbq at the football field. With tummies full, Ram supporters filled the football stand to witness the crowning of the Homecoming royalty. Mya Boyle, daughter of Mindy and Duane Boyle of Danbury received the tiara as queen while Jerrell Dean-Byas, son of Shana Dean and Arthur Byas of Mapleton received the king's crown. Congratulations!
    We will give them the front page spotlight next week, the Homecoming issue. This issue is dedicated to Corn Days.

    Homecoming's activities culminate in Friday night activities at the athletic complex. From 5:00 until 7:00 before the big game, all are invited to attend the MVAO School Foundation's annual tailgate. Staley's chicken will be the center of attention at the $15 supper. Cornhole, giant Jenga, football toss, bounce houses, mini golf, and more will also be set up on the softball field.
    Advanced tickets are encouraged but not required. Advanced tickets may be purchased from any junior or senior students or at any bank in Danbury, Mapleton, and Anthon.

    The deadline to file papers for city council has come and gone, and the lack of anyone wanting to become council or mayor and the lack of the current council members Kendra Dougherty and Kathy Scholl and mayor Brock Boyle filing papers for re-election, their replacements will be determined by a write-in election.
    The election is slated for Tuesday, November 4th.

    The Mapleton Zone LWML fall rally will be hosted by St. Matthew Lutheran Church LWML, Mapleton on Saturday, September 27th. A lift is available on the East side of the church. Registration and brunch will begin at 9:00 am
    The program is entitled "Make a Joyful Noise Unto the Lord." The St. Paul Lutheran Church Bell choir in Ida Grove will perform. Also, snapshots from the LWML National convention, June 2025 in Omaha, NE, will be available to view.

    Monona County Extension was looking for ways to increase 4-H'ers participation at the County Fair while also increasing the members' knowledge and skills in a project area. After exploring competitions offered in other states, the Sewing Challenge was created. The Sewing Challenge involves 4-H'ers sewing an item that will be given to a group of people in the community. The item and the community group are determined by the county 4-H program. 4-H'ers can either use the pattern available at the Extension Office or use one of their choosing.
    For the 2025 Sewing Challenge, Cancer turbans were decided and would be given to Burgess Health Center in Onawa. A project workshop was held before the fair, and 25 turbans were made for this event. Kathy Braidich from Frazeysburg, Ohio has an organization called "The Turban Project" and was contacted. Cut out turbans were provided to Monona County by this organization to sew and provide turbans for the hospital patients. Jill Hausman, 4-H volunteer, made 32 more from the materials for a total of 57 Cancer Turbans donated.
    Nancy McGrain, 4-H Youth Coordinator delivered them to the hospital and Kelly, a cancer patient was getting treatment and was very happy and appreciative to get some of the turbans for her own use.
    4-H'ers made a difference showing compassion and skills!
    To the left, Nurse Diane Persinger stands with cancer patient Kelly sporting one of the newly made turbans
    Photo submitted by Monona County Extension and Outreach. Thank you!

    The time to file papers for the MVAO District School Board election has passed. Two of the three who were up for re-election have filed papers seeking that honor.
    Dale Wimmer and Jana Hamann are running for re-election in districts 3 and 5. No one else turned in papers to run in either District 3 or 5.
    In District 1, Rob Paulsen submitted paperwork to run for the seat. Karen Kennedy, who has held the seat for several years, has chosen not to run again.