"Do you want to know about my cows," young Tucker Schmidt asked the judges. The son of Tiffany and Dylan Schmidt of rural Battle Creek then proceeded to tell the panel responsible for choosing the winner of Swimming With the Sharks about his Red Angus cattle, not his dad's cattle, his cattle.
    "He totally won it for me," exclaimed his mom, Tiffany.
    Swimming With the Sharks, in its 14th year, is a competition through Briar Cliff University that allows local entrepreneurs to share their business plans for the chance to win funds to invest in their business. A total of $5,000 was given out with Schmidt Beef Co winning the top prize. Tiffany said that the money will eventually go for a walk-in freezer.
    Schmidt Beef Co, established in 2022, raises Red Angus cattle, has them butchered by USDA approved lockers, and sells the beef. The business began with sales to family and close friends, a half-beef here, a quarter-beef there. Word got out, and friends of family and other friends were asking if the Schmidts could save them halves or quarters of beef. The couple along with Dylan's parents Tracey and Deron Schmidt also of Battle Creek turned this friendly venture into a business. Dylan and and Deron (and Tucker) raise the cattle, and Tiffany and Tracey take care of the sales. Also part of the family venture are the Schmidts' other children, Cade and Taytum.
    "This is my way of helping on the farm, off the farm," commented Tiffany who works for her brother-in-law, Austin Bettin at Premiere System Roofing, Inc. in Danbury.
    Tiffany, a Briar Cliff grad, heard about Swimming with the Sharks which is hosted by BCU through the college's Facebook page. She also knows someone who had won it with her boutique, and Tiffany thought that perhaps they should try for the prize. She created a Power Point presentation, explaining what they do and why they needed the prize. Deron also spoke, explaining the cattle part of the business. And then, Tucker took the microphone, telling about his cattle and showing them his cattle toys. At that point, Tiffany felt that, perhaps, they could beat out these other 5 businesses.
    "I was really nervous, but they liked my toy cows and they wanted me to show them a baby calf being born," stated Tucker concerning his part of the presentation.
    "There were some other great pitches, many local Sioux City businesses and then there was us, a small town family farm, and we weren't sure how much knowledge or care the judges would have about what we do. I was ecstatic (when we won). When Tucker started talking and took the microphone and walked over to the judge's table, I thought, 'We've got this'. They loved it," said Tiffany.
    Schmidt Beef Co can ship to all 50 states and currently ships to 18 different states. Their goal is to expand to more states. They currently have a Mother's Day sale going on. Their information may be found at www.schmidtbeefco.com or on Facebook by searching for Schmidt Beef Co. They may also be contacted at (712) 840-9700 or schmidtbeefco@gmail.com.

    Little league practices are beginning for this year's season. Soon the teams will be taking to the ballfields to year the umps holler, "Play ball!"
    The Danbury Little League committee is asking for help in cleaning up the ballpark this Sunday, April 28th beginning at 1:00 p.m. Please bring whatever you have to help rake leaves, pull weeds, pick up sticks, etc.
    As of now there is a chance for storms on Sunday. If storms dampen the spirits of those who are willing to help, the clean up will be held on Sunday, May 5th at 1:00.
    Please consider helping with the clean up.

    The students in the MVAO Elementary, Mapleton Center were given the challenge to raise money for the American Heart Association. The children took on the challenge. Not only did they crush the amount raised last year, they also crushed the previous best year recorded. Also, the amount they raised this year was more than last year's $2,636 and the previous best ($5,597 in 2018) combined. This year the kids raised $9,485.80! Well done!
    The students celebrated their feat on April 5th. The top 20 fundraising students took on the elementary school staff in a friendly game of dodgeball. The fun then went outside where the top 10 students had the opportunity to throw jello at Mr. Corey Dose, PE teacher and coordinator of the fundraiser for the American Heart Association.
    "I couldn't be prouder of the students and the effort they put into raising money for a great cause," stated Dose.
    A photo of the top 10 fundraising students can be found inside this Review.
    To the left, students take turns throwing jello at Mr. Dose.
    Photo submitted by Mr. Dose. Thanks, Corey!