Christina Kjar Hansen of Kjar Photography marks her 20th year in business. So, how it all began twenty years ago, Hansen was going to UNI starting off as a music major and decided she would rather not have a career in that. She was more interested in an art major with emphasis in photography. After college, she moved back to her hometown of Ida Grove. Hansen was at a wedding, when Don Knop, a local photographer asked her what she was doing now. Story short, she ended up coming to visit him about a job.
Bingo Night at the Holstein Memorial Hall on Tuesday, Feb. 7 was the place to be, drawing quite the crowd of regulars and newcomers like me. I made my way throughout the hall meeting people who were having a great time. First stop, I was greeted by friendly faces, two of which were Brian McCrory and Craig Fox. They looked like they were having a good time giving each other hec and laughing with the crowd. Their job was handing out the bingo cards.
The Holstein City Council conducted its regular meeting at City Hall on Monday, Feb. 6. Council members in attendance were Regennitter, Schimmer, Stevenson, Wiese, and Voss, as well as Mayor Breyfogle. Breyfogle reported on meetings attended in December.
Director Niemeier updated the Council on public works. Much of their work has been plowing and moving snow. He also reported that the pump and well pipe were replaced in Well #1.
Director Schmunk provided his Parks and Recreation report on current activities at the Community Center.
It all started in September of 1981, when John Tiefenthaler began working for a gentleman named Bob Baggenestos. Tiefenthaler learned the job and liked what he did and wanted more. In January of 1991, Teifenthaler took over the business. The business was moved to its current location in 2004, which has turned into a business of 20 employees, many family. Tiefenthaler says his younger family members want to someday run the business and keep it going, so that is the plan. He explains how he started out.
Burdette Conover, Legion member of Holstein, tells proudly of the Avenue of Flags. Conover explains that it all came about when a boy scout came up with the idea to hang flags for veterans in the mini park. That boy scout was Michael Parrott. Parrott was asked what happens when you have more veterans than flagpoles, he said he would double them up. Conover said the Legion could not have that so the plan was to hang flagpoles on South Kiel St., the area just north of Highway 20. That plan has grown to over 500 flags.
The Holstein City Council conducted a Special Meeting at City Hall on Monday, Jan. 30. Council members in attendance were Regennitter, Stevenson, Voss, Wiese, as well as Mayor Breyfogle. The council discussed the garbage contract with Holstein Sanitation. Billie Carnine discussed the current contract with the council which has not been updated since 2018.
The Ida County Board of Supervisors met on Feb. 1 at the courthouse. Board members in attendance were Chair Creston Schubert and Devlun Whiteing.
The board decided to allow all elected officials except for Supervisors to optionally have county-paid family health insurance benefits, effective July 1.
The supervisors authorized the Chair to sign the Wellness PTO Policy for 2023.
Bret Warnke was approved as a member of the Compensation Commission for Eminent Domain Proceedings until Jan. 3, 2024.
The Galva City Council met in special session on Jan. 30. Council members in attendance were Freese, Hustedt, Langel, and Wuebker, as well as Mayor Wanberg.
The council agreed to spend up to $7,000 for a reconditioned sander and a used pickup truck to put it in. City Clerk and Treasurer Brandt informed the council that the first water meter beacons have stopped communicating and we need to get all the new ones installed as soon as possible.
