Under the Water Tower Lovilia News

January 14, 2014 Ava arrived weighing 7 pounds 5 ounces and measuring 20 1/4 inches. Her happy parents are Sarah and Justin Lang.
Grandparents are David and Linda Kraber of Lovilia and Diane Beal and Rick Lang. Lovilia great grandmother is Marilyn Kraber. Everyone is fine and will be welcomed home today. Welcome Ava and congratulations to all on this blessing of joy!!

New grandchild to Jim Ballalatak

Jim and Deb Ballalatak are grandparents to a little girl born Oct. 14, 2013. The mother is their daughter, Kristin, and dad is Ryan Kirk.    She is named, Brinley Rai Kirk.  Congrats to all and welcome to our world, Brinley!

Lovilia Blood Donations

Lovilia had 13 blood donors on Dec. 16, 2013 at the Lovilia Community Building.  They can always use new donors as the need is there for blood everyday.  Call Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center or local coordinator, Fred Kraber to sign up.

Abbey Helmon on Penn President’s List

Abbey earned  grades of 3.9 or better on a 4.0 grade scale to be on the list at William Penn University in Oskaloosa, Iowa and complete at least 12 credit hours for the semester just ended.  Abbey is from Lovilia and we congratulate you for your hard work and honor award.

County Government News

Michael Beary, a Monroe County Supervisor from Lovilia, was elected at their December meeting to be chairman of the board for the year 2014.

Jeremiah Selby was appointed assistant county engineer at the same meeting.  Jeremiah grew up in Lovilia through grade school and then his parents, Kirby and Pam (Barnes) Selby moved to Albia.  Jeremiah graduated with a degree in engineering from the University of Iowa at Ames, Iowa.  He and his wife and children live in Albia.

We wish them both well in serving the community in 2014.

Long time Family Doctor Dies

Dr. Don Orelup, age 86, died in Missouri Jan.4, 2014.  He practiced medicine in Albia for 42 years until he retired in 1996.  A memorial service was held in Missouri and his ashes will be buried in Albia later.  He treated my kids through ear aches, broken arms, stitches, and the usual childhood ills and I remember his gentleness with them and will always appreciate that.  I am sure many of you have memories of his care over the years.  May you rest in peace.

Gordons Celebrate 65 Years of Marriage

Darwin and Bonnie Gordon were married January 16, 1949.  The family will celebrate the anniversary together. They would welcome greeting cards at 2406 North E Avenue, Lovilia, Iowa 50150.

They have four children, eight grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren.  There are two daughters:  Dianne Cardenzana of Olathe, Kansas, and Pam Kurimski (Mark) of rural Lovilia.  The two sons are:  Richard “Rick” Gordon of Knoxville and Ardie Gordon of Waterloo.

Best wishes to you all and a joyful celebration for all!

Daniel David Papich

Daniel was born Aug. 5, 1936 to Elna G. (Lucas) and David E. Papich.  He was raised and went to school in Lovilia graduating in the class of 1954.  He belonged to St. Peter’s Catholic church.

Danny worked  at the VA Hospital in Knoxville and then moved to Des Moines where he worked  at Firestone Tire and Rubber Company  and retired in 1995.

He married Bette Rae Hannam in April 18, 1964.  They have four children:  Diana, Maria, Dave and Tom.

He was proud of his Croatian heritage and was a Croatian lodge member for 45 years.

Danny died Dec. 2, 2013 in the aftermath of a stroke.

A funeral mass was Dec. 7th at Christ the King Catholic Church and burial at Glendale Cemetery.

He is survived by his wife, children, ten grandchildren, and his brother Mick and sisters, JoAnne, Marlene, Connie, and Mary Jo.

May he rest in peace.

Jack Reed

Thomas Jack Reed was born Aug. 21, 1927 in Monroe County to James and Eleanor (Reid)Reed.  He grew up in Lovilia and graduated with the class of 1945.

He worked construction and then at Maytag where he retired after 31 1/2 years of service.

He married Betty Cline Rodgers in 1977 and they lived in Missouri where he worked at a security guard for many years.  They returned to Iowa in 1991 to be near family.

He died Dec. 8th at the nursing home at the age of 86. He is survived by his children:  Craig, Steve and Mark of Bussey and a daughter Sue of Florida and his sister Jeanette Coop of albia.  Also Betty’s children, Ron and Connie as well as 12 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.

Services were at  Bybee and Davis funeral home in Knoxville.

Burial was in the Gullion Cemetery in Attica.

May he rest in peace.

Lawrence “Larry” Ralph Johnson

Larry Johnson of Albia died Dec. 11th in Albia.  He was born May 8, 1936 and later married Doris Summers in 1957. They have two children, Dan of Roland, Iowa and Cathy Jo Crall of Albia.

Funeral mass was at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albia and burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Albia.

He is a familiar face to many Lovilia folks who shopped in Albia Hyvee where he worked 46 years from his high school days until retirement.  He will also be remembered by many for his band called Larry Johnson and the Roadrunners.  Two local men played with this band, David Beary on drums and Tom Slofkosky on bass guitar.

Ilene Sandra Pottorff

Ilene died at home Dec. 15, 2013.  She was born in Lovilia June 21, 1934 to Earl and Thelma (Ferguson) Smith.

Ilene was educated in Lovilia school and graduated with the class of 1952.  She married Norman “Bud” Pottorff Aug. 26, 1952.  Ilene was a homemaker and raised three children:  Steve, Victoria, and Sharon.  She was a member of the United Methodist Church of Lovilia.  Her children and grandchildren survive her .

Funeral service were held at the Lovilia United Methodist Church and burial was at Woodlawn Cemetery in Lovilia.

May she rest in peace.

Two Lovilia Youth Win a Trip to a State Tournament

Makenna Ross , daughter of Kenny and Anna Ross,  and Savannah Stalzer, daughter of Brad and Mindy Stalzer, are on the winning team.  Both girls are six graders at Albia school and are on a FIRST(For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) team challenge.

They entered a regional contest at Indian Hills Comm. College in Ottumwa Dec. 7th with 36 other teams.  Their team scored high in technical design and overall performance which sends them to the state tournament at Iowa State University on Jan. 18th. Congratulations, good luck, have fun, and learn from the challenge!

Albia Dance team Does well at State Contest

Albia high school dance team was in the state contest in pom routine, Hip Hop, Co-ed team and got high scores.  Breanna Ross, daughter of Kenny and Anna Ross, is a member of the team.  Congratulations Breanna and hope you had fun!

Merrill Baker who served in the Korean war donated $28,000 for the purpose of helping build the monument to veterans in Albia just west of the hwy 5/34 intersection. This monument is to honor all veterans who served this country in all wars and in peace-time. Merrill is from Lovilia and his wife is Helen and they have five children. The boys are Jeff, Kevin and Brian. The girls are Kim and JoLinda. This is a gift the whole community can appreciate.

Mikayla Vandenberg Earns FFA American Degree

This is the highest award a person can receive in FFA (Future Farmers of America).  She was very active in community service, high school FFA offices and fundraisers, and worked in lawn mowing service, HyVee, and the swimming pool.   She is now in college at Univ. of Northern Iowa studying for a career in education.  Her parents are Russ and Becky Vandenberg who live between Lovilia and Albia on hwy 5.  Congrats to you, Mikayla!

Cheyenne See on FFA Horse Judging Team

Cheyenne was on a team with Jarrod Kromray and Garrett Nelson. They placed 41st out of 64 teams.  The contest was held at Kirkwood Comm. College in Cedar Rapids. Hope you enjoyed the day and learned a lot!

Marty Major and Roberta Farrington Donate Their Quilt Creations

Marty and Roberta donated the quilts to Monroe County Hospital and Clinics to be used by patients who need them in the ambulance or in the emergency department.  If you meet these ladies, you will know they give generously of their time and talents.  Thanks so much!

Dr. Kenneth Gillette Died Oct. 27, 2013

Dr. Gillette, was married to Barbara Ross who was the daughter of Bob and Catherine Ross(both now deceased)  As you will recall Catherine Carr Ross wrote with Eleanora Sofranko the Lovilia History Book and the St. Peter’s Catholic Church History Book.

Dr. Gillette was born in Minnesota and he grew up there and earned a Ph.D. in veterinary medicine in 1954 from the Univ. of Minnesota.  He then furthered his education by adding a master’s degree in Microbiology and then a Ph.D. in Virology from Purdue Univ. in Indiana in 1965.

Starting in 1970 he worked in Ames, Iowa with the National Animal Disease Center doing research, retiring from there in 1987.

He wrote many studies on animal and plant diseases and also held a patent with Purdue Univ. for a medical supplement for beef cattle.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara, and his nieces, nephews, and friends.

A mass of Christian burial was held Nov.2, 2013 at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Ames.  May he rest in peace.

Michelle Manser Earns a Spot at State Cross Country Meet

Michelle of Lovilia, who is only a sophomore, is only the second girl from Albia high school to go to state two years in a row. Tara Scieszinski did it a few years ago.

She finished the race in 16 minutes and 24 seconds.  There were 130 girls running and Michelle finished in 46th.

Cole Kurimski Earns a Spot at State Cross Country Meet

The state meet was held at Fort Dodge at the Lakeside Municipal Golf Course on Saturday, Nov.2, 2013. The whole boys team made it to state and ran well and Cole ran well as an individual.  (I misplaced his time ran and apologize for that)  He is a sophomore from rural Lovilia and we expect more good runs from him in the next two years.

Congrats to Michelle and Cole and we look forward to following your races next season!

Albia High School Football team going to State Tournament

This team is the a first team in Albia to have an unbeaten season.  Some of the players have Lovilia roots and talent:  Hunter Weldon,  Ryan Romanco, Ryan Sarver, Luke Sarver, Tyler Maddison, Josiah Harris, Kevin Little, Case Scieszinski, Hunter Mc  Aninch.  One cheerleader is a Lovilia girl:  Breanna Ross.  The team will be playing this Saturday at the Univ. of Northern Iowa in the dome.

Win or lose, congratulations on your successful season!  Have fun at state!

John Kurimski died Nov. 4, 2013

John Andrew Kurimski was born June 23, 1937 to Andrew and Anna Kurimski of Lovilia.  He was the youngest of six children.  He married Carleen Walljasper July 15, 1961 at St. Paul, Iowa.

John worked 40 years for J. I. Case Co., retiring in 1997.  He was a member of the Catholic Church, K of C, and St. Vincent De Paul.  His hobbies were fishing, golfing, and just enjoying the out of doors.

He has a daughter Renee of Florida, and a son Jay of Solon, Iowa and three grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his brother Steve and sisters Mary and Margaret.

Memorial mass for John was Nov. 9, 2013 at SS. Mary and Patrick Church in West Burlington, Iowa.  Burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery at a later day.  Memorials have been established to St. Vincent De Paul Food Pantry and SS.Mary and Patrick Catholic Church.  May be rest in peace.

November City Election

Pat Gilbert was elected mayor with 46 votes.  He ran unopposed this year.

Brian Brown with 37 votes was elected to Lovilia city council for one of the two council seats that were up for election.

Pam Spaur with 35 votes was reelected to the council.

John Bain with 25 votes also ran for the council.

Thanks to all for volunteering to serve your community.

Bob Beary Farms Sale Tuesday, Nov. 26 at 11:00 A.M.

For sale is land and several pieces of machinery.  For buyers information go to www.sullivanauctioneers.com.

Do you ever wonder?

Do tea company employees take coffee breaks?

What hair color do they put on the driver’s licenses of bald men?

I wonder………………………………………….!!

Hunter McAninch is playing on the Albia football team and is getting accolades for being a great lineman.  Keep up the good work.  Congrats!

Michelle Manser continues to lead the girl’s cross country team in race after race.  Michelle was also the overall women’s winner in the the Albia Restoration Day run finishing with a time of 21:45.

Cole Kurimski has improved this year and moved up from junior varsity to varsity during the season and his times just keep improving.  Way to go you runners!!

Lovilia kids doing well at Albia High School sports!

80th Birthday

Happy Birthday for the 80th time to Harold Hastings for his special day on Sept. 6, 2013.  Hope you had a wonderful day!!

Joseph Lenger died Aug. 31, 2013

Joe was born Jan 2, 1942 to Albert and Kathryn (Flahive) Lenger at home near Bussey.  He served in the Army during the Vietnam War.  When he returned home he worked at Maytag until retiring in 1992.  He was a member of the Catholic Church, American Legion, and the Knights of Columbus.

He is survived by his daughter, Kimberly, and family of Newton.  His surviving siblings are:  Jim of Bussey; Theresa of North Liberty; and Marge Comer of Norwalk, Iowa.

Burial was in St. Peter’s Cemetery, Lovilia with military rites.  A memorial has been established to St. Mary’s in Albia or St. Peter’s in Lovilia.

Volleyball Coach with Lovilia Roots

Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont girls volleyball team is coached by former Lovilian, Gladys Genskow.  She is the daughter of Fred and Goldie Kraber. Her team is ranked recently as #6 in the 2A size schools.

50th Wedding Anniversaries

July 27 was the day Richard and Sheila (Crall) Sager were wed in 1963.  They have three children and three plus grandchildren.

They were married at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at Weller, Iowa.

August 24 in 1963 at the same church, Jim and Shirley (Hull) Beary were married.  They have five children:  Bev, Mary Lou, Pat, Steve, and Debbie.  They also have 15 grandchildren.

Many blessings to both couples!

New Baby

Jerry and Tonya Findley of Lovilia are the parents of a baby boy, Kolton Lee, born July 19, 2013.  He is the grandson of Rick Anderson (Ottumwa), Melia Denham (Oskaloosa) and David and Loraine Findley (Lovilia).  Welcome to your bundle of joy!

Third Annual Josh Jam

August 24 was the Josh Jam to remember Josh Wuebker and to raise scholarship money for a high school senior given in Josh’s name.  There was food, games, and several bands played into the night as family and friends remembered their good times with Josh.

Williams Excels at Golf

Dave Williams of Lovilia teamed up with Ray Gardner and won the Men’s League at the Albia Golf and Country Club championship and he also won the designation of Senior League Champion.  Congrats Dave!

Lovilia Class of 1953 Celebrated 60th Reunion

Attending from Lovilia were Ben Pettyjohn, Claudine Gullion Ross, and Sheila Barnes Lundstrom.  Out of Knoxville came Jack Sterling, from Mt. Vernon, Ia. came Janet Williams White, and from Runnells came Janis Gist Robbins and finally from Exira, Ia. came Shirley Edinger Juhl.  Out of state attendees were Katherine Owens Stevens of Santa Maria, Cal. and Rosemary Waters Ostby of Northglenn, Col.

Firemen’s supper fundraiser Oct. 9

Firemen will be serving at 5pm at the community building and then have a parade of fire trucks.  Everyone is welcome to come!

St. Peter’s Catholic Church Fall Dinner Oct. 13

Mass is at 10:30 a.m.

Dinner is served from 11am-1pm.  Menu is roast beef, ham, mashed potatoes, homemade noodles, cole slaw, green beans, veg tray, many desserts to choose from and beverages.  Adult meal cost is $8.

There will be games for kids and a country store with baked goods and homemade noodles, etc. for sale.

Auction items will be sold starting at 1pm.

Silent auction bids will be taken for a beautiful handquilted quilt donated by Sharon Stoffer.

Raffle tickets are for sale by church members too.  So buy a $2 ticket for a chance to win cash prizes.  Do not have to be present to win.

Everyone is invited to attend and enjoy the festivities.

Trick or Treat Night will be Oct. 31 in Lovilia

The city has set the night to treat from 6pm-8pm on Oct. 31.  So kids get your costumes created and your treat bag ready to go!  The custom is if you want the little goblins to come to your door, you should turn on your porch light.  If you don’t want them, don’t turn on a light.  We hope all will have a safe fun night!

2013 Albia High School trap shooting team competed at a state trap shoot championship in June. Three young men with Lovilia ties were on the junior varsity team. Hunter McAninch hit 172 out of 200 targets. His parents are Kirk and Susan (Wynn) McAninch of rural Lovilia. His local grandparents are Jerry and Camilla Wynn.
Case Scieszinski hit 175 out of 200. His mom is Julie (Gansman) Scieszinski who grew up in Lovilia at her grandmother’s house, Stephana (Papich) Larson.
Ryan Romanco hit 159 out of 200 targets. His dad is Kelly Romanco of the Albia area and his grandparents are Tom and Donna Romanco of Lovilia.

Members of the Albia Track Team  Went to State Track Meet

Luke Sarver and Ryan Sarver sons of Mary (Flahive) Sarver and grandsons of Joe and Wanda Flahive were part of the 4×800 meter relay. Running with them was Tanner Wynn, son of David Wynn and grandson of Jerry and Camilla Wynn.

The Sarvers also ran in the 4×100 relay, the 4×200 relay and the 4×400 relay.  All these people live in Albia but Jerry and Camilla but have Lovilia roots.

Michelle Manser of Lovilia ran in 4×800 meter relay.  She is the daughter of Harold and Brandi Manser.

Softball all-stars in the 11-12 year old age team from Lovilia

Makenna Ross, daughter of Ken and Anna Ross is on the team along with Stacie Etcher. Laura Etcher and Scott Etcher are two of the four team coaches.  They competed in the state tournament in Des Moines July 10-14.

Team Wins a State Title

The team was the Albia Blue USSSA10AA.  Blake Chance was on the team and his dad, Mitch Chance was a coach.  Blake’s grandfather is Steve Chance of Lovilia.

Also on the team was Nathaniel Wynn, son of Marc Wynn who was also coaching. Nathaniel’s grandparents are Jerry and Camilla Wynn.

Congrats to all these athletes!

Lovilia Lions T-Ball Team

The Lovilia mascot of years ago was revived to serve the t-ball team.  Coaches this year were William and Sadie Dykstra, Melissa Hood, and Lindy Ellis.  Members of the team out to learn the game were:  Aliyah Hood, Landrie Carlson, Conner Cook, Aiden Aldridge, Payton Smith, Bridget McIntyre, Kyra Taft, Preston Nichols, Carson Rankin, Carson Dykstra, Titus Smith, Jocelyn Nichols, Hannah Smith, Angelina Rodriguez.

This is the only team left in Lovilia and it is fun to have them. Go Lions!

Chamberlain Graduates at William Penn

Jennifer Chamberlain, daughter of Calvin and Pam Chamberlain, graduated from William Penn Univ. in Oskaloosa, Iowa with her bachelor’s degree in Business Management.  She is making her home in Lovilia. Congratulations!

60th Wedding Anniversary

Ernest and Loretta Beary Corso celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on June 23.  They were married in 1953 at St. Mary’s Church in Weller, Iowa.  They have seven children and 16 grandchildren and one great grandchild.  They live south of Albia. Congratulations!

New Lovilia Baby Arrives July 10

Adalyn Marie Pettyjohn was born July 10, 2013 to Nikolas Pettyjohn and Alexis Sheely. Grandparents are Janis and Jeremy Aldridge and Chris Pettyjohn.  Great Grandparents are Ben and Charlotte Pettyjohn.  Great great grandmother is Janis Summers.  Welcome to our world little one!

Weller Picnic July 20

The crowd was somewhat smaller than in years past but all enjoyed the great picnic food, the Irish music and country music, and most of all the visiting with all the old friends of days past.  Bob Crumley, who grew up in Lovilia, and Tom Welsh of Lovilia helped supply the music that all enjoyed.  Jim McGinn and friends and relatives did a lot of the prep work.  So thanks to all who helped make it a fun day!

Lovilia Headstart Registration Time

This Pre-school is free for eligible families. This includes persons with disabilities.  This is for children who are 3 or 4 years old by Sept. 15, 2013.

To sign up call Lovilia 641-946-8125 for an appointment.  To be eligible bring the following to your appointment:

1. proof of income for the past 12 months

2.  copy of your child’s birth certificate

3.  proof of residency

4. copy of your child’s immunization record

David succumbed to cancer at age 66. His birth was Sept. 24, 1946 to Vernon and Darlene (Atkins) Steckelberg in Carroll, Iowa. David earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and a master’s degree in marine biology from Utah State University. He served 8 years in the US Air Force. In 1979 on May 26th he married Dixie Lee Kendall of Lovilia. She died in 2003. He was a chemist for Ajinomoto at Eddyville, Iowa and retired from there in 2010.

Local survivors are his step children: Clyde and Brian Williams of Albia and Lynn Anne DesPlanque of Lovilia. Burial was at Marysville cemetery.  May he rest in peace.

Clarence Baayen dies June 23, 2013

He was 90 years old when he died. His parents were Arthur J. and Bessie (Gray) Baayen and he was born on Oct. 16, 1922 in West Cliff, Colorado.  He used the nickname “Dutch” and graduated from Albia High School with the class of 1941.  He joined the US Army air force and served in WWII.  His wife was Marjorie Van Dorin whom he married June 24, 1945 in Des Moines, Iowa.  She passed away in 2002 after 56 years of marriage.

He owned Baayen grocery in South Des Moines, Iowa and later sold it and entered the real estate business until he retired.  The last several years he has lived in Lovilia.  He leaves behind a daughter in Des Moines and two children in Colorado.  May he rest in peace.

Cheryl Ann Allison dies June 29, 2013

Cheryl age 64 passed away due to cancer.  Cheryl was born on September 3, 1948 in Knoxville, Iowa to Ralph and Darlene (Courtney) Kirtley.  She married Ronnie Allison on November 26, 1965 in Lovilia.  They were blessed with two daughters, Angela and Sarah.

Cheryl served the Lovilia community for many years as a first responder for the Lovilia Fire and Rescue.

She is survived by her husband Ronnie of Lovilia and her two married daughters and four grandchildren.  She has one sister, Cindy Carlson of Knoxville and Cindy’s family.  May she rest in peace.

Dennis Comstock dies July 5, 2013

Dennis died of cancer at the age of 64.  Born Nov.1, 1948 to Robert and Lorraine (Tice) Comstock in his grandmother’s home in Albia.  He graduated from Albia H.S. in the class of 1966.  Dennis enlisted in the US Army and served six years and was honorably discharged in 1976.  He worked in several factories and retired from 3M.  He married Cinda Stocker in 1995.  He is survived by six children:  Jessica, Deseree, Jenisha, Dara, Cade and Melisa.  He also adopted three children.  Dennis has 7 living siblings and 5 deceased siblings.  Living in Lovilia are his sister Barbara and brothers Jeff and Milo.

As per Dennis’ wishes he was cremated and memorial services were at his home south of Albia with military rites provided by Albia, Lovilia, and Melrose.  May he rest in peace.

Lovilia Student Makes the Dean’s List

Andrew Kurimski, son of Mark and Pam Kurimski, made the spring dean’s list at the University of Northern Iowa, at Cedar Falls.  Congratulations on the excellent grades.  We are proud of your efforts!

In 2014 a Hydroelectric Plant Will Be Built at Red Rock

Breaking news in the Des Moines Register tells us the plant will be built at a cost of $260 million dollars.  Who is paying the bill?  A group of municipal utilities from four states (Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, and North Dakota) working together to build this plant will be selling bonds to cover the cost.  Expected electricity output is enough to serve 18,000 homes. Expected construction work is to be completed by 2016 and the plant is automated to the point that only two employees will be needed to run the plant.

Only the hydroelectric plant at Keokuk will be larger in the state of Iowa.  The CEO of the group says the plant is expected to be on line for 60-80 years producing renewable energy that is not a carbon footprint maker.

A model of the proposed plant is on display at the reservoir’s visitors center at Lake Red Rock located on the south side of the dam.

This will be a significant change for the area.  We will all be interested to see the stages of construction unfold.

St. Peter’s Cemetery Donation

In June Mr. Irvin Massick of Knoxville made a generous donation of $500 in memory of the Bodnar and Massick families to the St. Peter’s cemetery perpetual care fund.  The parish thanks him for his generous gift.

Ed Kamerick Will be Ordained a Deacon in the Catholic Church

We will celebrate his ordination on Sunday, July 14, 2013 at St. Patrick’s Melrose.  Mass will be at 10:30 a. m. in Melrose with an open house and reception following.  We congratulate Ed and his perseverance through several years of education to prepare for this day.  He is married to the former Jane Hollinrake who grew up just west of Lovilia.  He will be helping most likely in the Monroe County Catholic churches and perhaps in Centerville also.  He will be a great addition to serve along with our priests.

Weller Picnic on Saturday, July 20, 2013

Everyone is welcome whether you have Weller roots or not.  Lunch is served starting at 11:30 a. m.  The menu is expected to be:  pork loin, brats, side dishes, and beverages (soda, iced tea, or lemonade).  There will be some live music both country and Irish.  Raffle prizes.  Please bring your own lawn chairs and personal coolers are fine.  People expected to come to celebrate from 11 a. m. to 5 p.m.  Good folk and good times!

Notice to Lovilia Residents:
Consumer Confidence Report (Water quality report) will not be mailed. The report may be viewed online at http://iowaccr.org/Lovilia

Copies are available at City Hall ,1613 E Avenue South or Lovilia Water Department at 606 West 17th Street as reported by Leonard Geery, Water Superintendent of City of Lovilia, Iowa.

June 9th, Sunday, the reunion was held at the Lovilia Community building in downtown Lovilia just below the water tower.

Between the meal count and the registration desk count it was determined that about 175 alumni with spouses  or other relatives attended this year.

In 1963 Ellie Sofranko and others planned the first all school reunion.  Over 900 graduates were mailed invitations.  For the 2013 reunion 380 letters were sent.

A noon meal of pulled pork or steamed hamburger sandwiches, cole slaw, potato salad, cookies, and beverages was served to the guests by the Lovilia Community Betterment committee.  Many Lovilia bakers donated a wide variety of delicious homemade cookies for the meal.

Sandy Winegardner opened the program by welcoming everyone and introducing the 2013 alumni committee.  Committee members were:

Marilyn Sterling Vandenberg, class of 1951

Ruth Bunch Belzer, class of 1951

Ilene Smith Pottorff , class of 1952

Kae Wells Morgan , class of 1957

Margaret Crumley Vittetoe, class of 1957

Gayle Baker Hastings, class of 1958

Mary Lou Sims Bingamon, class of 1958

These women help plan the reunion, keep the address list of alumni updated, and save obituaries of those alumni who have died since the previous reunion.

Bob Crumley was master of ceremonies and introduced the 2013 class honorees.  From the class of 1933, Kathryn Welsh Ballalatak, was honored and her son, Dean, read Kathryn’s memories of school and growing up in rural Lovilia.

Betty Henderson Baker, class of 1943, was honored and her story was read by her brother, Larry Henderson.

Gerald Sofranko, class of 1948, wrote specifically about Lovilia men who we honor for their military service and his words were read by Bob Crumley.

Alumni who could not attend due to health reasons sent letters which were read.

Bonneitta Martin Sonnenburg, class of 1935, letter read by Ruth Belzer.  She lives at The Village in Indianola, Iowa.

Wendell Nedderman, class of 1939, who lives in Arlington, Texas sent a letter ready by Bob Crumley.

Lowell Findley, class of 1954, currently residing in Dolores, Colorado sent a letter read by Fred Kraber.

Beverly Tucker Sampson, class of 1957, who lives in Alexandria, Virginia sent a letter read by Sandy Winegardner.

It was enjoyable to hear of Lovilia’s earlier days and what these graduates have experienced in their colorful lives.

Some alumni traveled miles upon miles to join the reunion guests.  Listed are some of those travelers:

Katherine Peach Owens Stevens, class of 1953, California

Charles Williams, class of 1958, Arizona

Jeanne Barnes Long, class of 1960, Minnesota

Jr. Monk, class of 1960, Georgia

Kenneth Nedderman, class of 1941, Texas

Lorena Gardner Blanchard, class of 1941, Colorado

Jack Clark, class of 1949, California

Ted Ferguson, class of 1958, Missouri

Rosemary Waters Ostby, class of 1953, Colorado

Larry Henderson,class of 1955, Florida

David Johnson, class of 1949, Illinois

In closing the program, Bob Crumley, read the names of the 68 Lovilia graduates who had passed away since the June 2008 reunion.  We hold their memories dear and pray they rest in peace.

The next all school reunion will be held in five years in June 2018.  Hope to see you there!

Marion Durbala was born in Albia on March 8, 1934 to Frank and Margaret (Bins) Durbala. His youth was spent on a farm with his family west of Lovilia. After graduating from Albia High School he spent two years int the U.S. Army. He continued his education at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa where he earned an accounting degree. His working years in accounting were all in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
Marion was an avid golfer, bridge player, and history buff.
He has two sisters, one brother, and two in-laws surviving him as well as three children and five grandchildren. One sister, Jean( Joe) Hollinrake is a local resident of rural Lovilia

Mr. Durbala died May 18, 2013 in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
A graveside service was held May 24 at St. Peter’s Cemetery (Catholic) in Lovilia.

Storm Damage to Local Home

We have been having frequent rains and thunderstorms here in the last few weeks.  Ilene Pottoroff had a large tree split and half came down on her house’s roof causing real damage.  A tree trimming company cleaned up the tree the next day.  Tarps still cover the roof until repair work can be done.  She was not bodily harmed and we are thankful for that.

United Methodist Church of Lovilia Update

New shingles were recently nailed on the church roof by a local roofing company who made quick work of it even though it is a very steep roof.  Looks very nice and should give many years of service.

Update to Lovilia Community Building

The building was painted this week by Josh Chance’s painting firm.  It was white with dark brown trim and is now tan with deep tan trim. The new sign is over the awning now which says Lovilia Community Building.  The sign was done in the old school colors of purple and gold and a lion’s head is on the sign to honor the old school mascot. The inside big room and hall had recently received a new coat of paint and the floors are waxed and shiny clean.

All is ready for the all Lovilia School reunion which will be held Sunday, June 9th at the freshened up building.  We can be proud of our community meeting place.  Thanks to the Comm. Betterment Committee and all who helped with planning and arrangements and labor.

June 8 Recycling Promotion in Lovilia

Lovilia was chosen for the pilot site for recycling promotion in Monroe County.  With cooperation between the city of Lovilia and Monroe County Supervisors the lot was cleaned and prepared on the  corner of North E Avenue and 19th Street. Special thanks to the Monroe County Supervisors for moving road graders to the old county home site so the Lovilia space could be used for the recycling trailer.  Also, special thanks to city works director, Leonard Geery, for removing the trees, having the locator check the lot, and arranging for grading out the lot , as well as weeding and mowing the lot.   Placed there today was a trailer that will be left there seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day for persons to leave their recycling items.

We are very excited to have the benefit of doing this daily as before we had only one Saturday a month for two hours and then the trailer returned to Albia. This was a very small window of opportunity for people to bring items to recycle.

Susan Beary and David Beary of Lovilia, Monroe County coordinators for recycling are thrilled to expand the opportunity in Lovilia and so are local citizens who said , ”  This is going to be awesome!”

From 8-10am Saturday, June 8th, householders who brought items to the trailer were shown where to put them according to type: tin cans, plastic, glass jars, newspapers, magazines, books, mixed paper, bags of shredded paper and cardboard.

Thank you gifts for recycling were handed out to each householder of a cloth green shopping bag, green bracelet and washable tattoos for kids, and Casey’s store helped our promotion by giving coupons for donuts/cookies.

Twenty-six household participated.  Twenty were long time faithful recyclers and six were new to it in Lovilia.  We are grateful for everyone who participates and who continues to do so month after month to help our environment.

Door hangers were passed out to every home this past week to educate everyone about the new trailer and its location and use.  Also, ads were placed on Albia radio and one news interview.

Susan wants to thank Sara Bixby the director at the landfill at Tracy that is used by Monroe County and three other counties.  Sara helped with the promotion, education materials, and the funding for the promotion.  We could not have done it with out her.  Thanks, Sara!

Thank you to Casey’s for the treats to thank people for recycling. Those coupons brought big smiles.

Wind Power to Boom in Iowa

Good news for Iowans.  MidAmerican Energy has announced they plan to spend nearly 2 billion dollars by 2015  in Iowa.  This will translate to about 656 new wind turbines.  The location for the turbines is yet to be chosen.  The company said no new utility rate hikes will be needed as federal wind tax credits will off fset the cost over the  next 30 years.  Gov. Branstad said no state tax credits or incentives will be offered for the project.

When completed this wind “farm” will produce 40% of all electricity now used by customers in Iowa is the company projection.

These wind turbines are so high tech now.  Not at all like grandpa’s.

Turbines latest version is connected to the internet where it monitors constantly: weather, grid system info., supply/demand patterns and then use that data to adjust electronics and  turbine blade positions constantly. This along with changes in tower size, etc. created the newer models that  are able to be as much as 25% more efficient.

Can you even imagine power production in 20 years?  This is very exciting  news.