Holstein Advance

Holstein Advance We are the hometown news source for Holstein, Iowa. - The Holstein Advance is our newspaper published every Wednesday with a circulation of 270.

We have subscribers in Ida County and the surrounding area.

• The Holstein Advance is owned and operated by Mid-America Publishing & Printing Corporation, based in Hampton, Iowa.

• The corporate headquarters is located at 9 2nd Street NW, Hampton, Iowa 50441. The company's mailing address is P.O. Box 29, Hampton, Iowa 50441.

11/15/2025

If anyone has any northern lights photos taken in Holstein and Galva, please share below for a chance to be featured in the Advance, or email [email protected]

Emergency Services building nearer to completion: The weather has allowed for additional work to be completed at the new...
11/14/2025

Emergency Services building nearer to completion: The weather has allowed for additional work to be completed at the new Ida County Emergency Services building in Ida Grove. Ladwig Construction has completed the concrete work.

Photo by Brent Harm / The Holstein Advance

Wind project public hearing plannedThe Ida County Board of Adjustments will have a public hearing Monday, Nov. 17 at 5 p...
11/14/2025

Wind project public hearing planned

The Ida County Board of Adjustments will have a public hearing Monday, Nov. 17 at 5 p.m. for a conditional use permit under the Ida County Wind Energy Regulations.
The hearing is set to take place in the engineer’s office.
Residents and property owners in Battle, Logan, and Corwin townships are affected.

Spirits, Stogies & Stuff 25th Anniversary: Jeff and Brenda Cronin, owners of Spirits, Stogies & Stuff in Holstein, celeb...
11/14/2025

Spirits, Stogies & Stuff 25th Anniversary: Jeff and Brenda Cronin, owners of Spirits, Stogies & Stuff in Holstein, celebrated the 25-year anniversary of the business on Sunday. The Cronins hosted an open house at the Holstein Country Club, featuring good food, family, friends and football.

Photos by Brent Harm / The Holstein Advance

A-Wop Bop A-Loo Bop at Ridge View By: Dan MundtThe Holstein Advance The Ridge View music and theater departments put on...
11/13/2025

A-Wop Bop A-Loo Bop at Ridge View

By: Dan Mundt
The Holstein Advance

The Ridge View music and theater departments put on a production of “A-Wop Bop A-Loo Bop” at the Rosemary Clausen Center for Performing Arts on Friday and Saturday nights last weekend.
The Ridge View Fall Musical was co-directed by Kris Kistenmacher and Mary Oakley-McAreavy.
The production is a musical by Mark Beymer and John Jacobson.
The story, set in the 1950s, follows a group of teenagers who are disappointed when the local radio station stops playing rock and roll.
The musical featured a selection of authentic tunes from the era, including “The Locomotion,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “Runaway” and others.
The production had a cast of 31 students, as well as additional students working behind the scenes with teachers and community volunteers.

Caption: Addy Tesch as Ruby and Alex Pribble as Gary sing “Up On the Roof.” Photo by Dan Mundt

Sheriff eyes drone program By: Mike HohenbrinkMid-America Publishing A drone program is being looked at to supplement t...
11/13/2025

Sheriff eyes drone program

By: Mike Hohenbrink
Mid-America Publishing

A drone program is being looked at to supplement the Ida County Sheriff’s Office.
Such drones can aid in a variety of efforts, from helping to locate a missing child who wandered away from home to helping to track down an injured person who has called 911 but who does not know his or her location.
Drones can also be used for other purposes, including finding a suspect who is seeking to avoid law enforcement.
The sheriff’s office is in the process of getting the program off the ground.
“We have ordered the outdoor drone,” said Sheriff Wade Harriman. “Still testing a few indoor drones.”
The program is among activity at the sheriff’s office, including the hiring of a new deputy, Kale Ladwig, who is planned to begin the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy for the winter session.
The hire goes along with a move in the sheriff’s office to get away from the old Reserve program and instead focus on hiring both part-time and full-time staff, utilizing fully certified officers.
This means the office will not have to have a full-time deputy out whenever a Reserve officer is working.

Legion Steak Fry By: Dan MundtThe Holstein Advance Holstein Dessel Schmidt American Legion Post No. 225 conducted their...
11/13/2025

Legion Steak Fry

By: Dan Mundt
The Holstein Advance

Holstein Dessel Schmidt American Legion Post No. 225 conducted their annual steak fry on Saturday, Nov. 8.
The event was a fundraiser featuring a raffle, and a silent auction.
Cold weather and snow earlier in the day didn’t keep the crowds away.
The Ida County Cattlemen’s Association set up behind the building to grill the steaks for the meal.
The Logan Hotshots 4-H club students served the meal.

Caption: A cold wind and the remnants of snow earlier in the day on Saturday didn’t keep people from showing up to the steak fry. Photo by Dan Mundt

Holstein Council hears about ordinance enforcement, new pickleball courts By: Mike HohenbrinkMid-America Publishing Hol...
11/13/2025

Holstein Council hears about ordinance enforcement, new pickleball courts

By: Mike Hohenbrink
Mid-America Publishing

Holstein City Council heard from a resident about ordinance enforcement and heard an update on new pickleball courts.
During the Nov. 3 meeting, Austin Thevenot was at council to speak about property on S. Kiel as he presented a concern to council about ordinance enforcement.
“So, give us time to explain what we’re doing,” said Thevenot.
Thevenot said he recently had had construction equipment in his yard.
“I’m working on my house,” said Thevenot.
“So, for the citation I got seems a little ridiculous,” said Thevenot.
He requested that for ordinance enforcement an effort be made to ask before ticketing to allow for a chance to bring out the full story, for example for mitigating circumstances to be presented.
“I’m by myself,” said Thevenot. “I’m a single Dad. I do the best I can.”
Thevenot was upset at the size of the fine at $1,000.
“I’m not a millionaire,” said Thevenot.
Consensus was to make something work for meeting with the Nuisance Committee and Thevenot.
Water/Wastewater Group Leader Tom Grafft with ISG was on hand as well during the council meeting.
“Obviously, you’ve got a very large waste water treatment project underway,” said Grafft. “As your sewer pipes continue to age and deteriorate, that contributes to infiltration and inflow.”
According to Grafft, this I&I allows clean water to come into the system, especially during a heavy rain.
Earlier this year, the city had to deal with that issue by doing a bypass.
Grafft said the typical response is undertake an analysis including hiring a company to come and extensively video the system in the pipes themselves. Based on that, a plan can be developed. He offered a tentative cost estimate from $30,000 to $40,000.
Grafft also presented on a Road Improvement Plan proposal and Benning Drive Stormwater.
Council approved the plans.
Development of property at 313 Railroad St. the city acquired through abandonment was discussed. The city administrator was asked to look into some development options and report back to council. One idea discussed was Low-to- Moderate Income housing.
Council also returned to a proposal for new pickle ball courts. This had previously been brought to council’s attention.
A gap with the asphalt would need to be addressed.
Council requested additional information.

GOP Top Office Seekers Speak in Holstein Nov. 24 The area’s biggest Republican candidate forum of the year will be hoste...
11/12/2025

GOP Top Office Seekers Speak in Holstein Nov. 24

The area’s biggest Republican candidate forum of the year will be hosted in one of the state’s smallest counties, by the Ida County GOP, in Holstein on Monday, Nov. 24, at the Cobblestone Event Center on U.S. Hwy. 20. All Republican candidates for governor and U.S. Congress–District 4, vying for their respective Republican Primary nominations on June 2, 2026, are invited to speak at the forum.
Those candidates are (in alphabetical order) – Governor: Iowa Rep. Eddie Andrews, Iowa Sen. Mike Bousselot, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, Zach Lahn, Brad Sherman, Adam Steen. U.S. House of Representatives representing Iowa District 4 (which includes Ida County): Douglas Jensen, Chris McGowan, Ryan Rhodes, Christian Schlaefer, Iowa Rep. Matt Windschitl.
Early bird tickets are available only until Nov. 15 for just $15. Contact: [email protected] to pre-pay (cash or check) for your early-bird spot. After Nov. 15, all tickets are available at the door for $25 per person. Doors open at 5 p.m. and supper, featuring a ribeye steak sandwich grilled by the Ida County Cattlemen, will begin serving at 5:15 p.m.
Iowa’s top elections executive, Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate, has confirmed as emcee for the evening. “I am thrilled to be attending this event hosted by my friends at the Ida County GOP,” said Secretary Pate. “To have such a prestigious event in rural Iowa is a fantastic way to spotlight one of Iowa’s reddest and most productive agricultural areas, and further, one of Iowa’s most active small county central committees. We are on the path to seeing an extremely competitive 2026 election with open races for Governor, Senator, and several Congressional seats. As your Secretary of State, I promise to keep these upcoming elections safe, secure, and fair, so you can cast your vote knowing we have your back. Thank you to Ida County for stepping up and putting in the work it takes to put on an event like this.”
Ida County GOP Chair Teresa Paulsrud, of Danbury, emphasized the importance of being able to see all these candidates in one room on the same evening to compare priorities and policies. “This is a rare opportunity for voters in our area to drive a short distance to hear what all these candidates have to say about why they want to represent us in Des Moines and Washington, D.C.,” said Paulsrud.
Governor Kim Reynolds’ and U.S. Senator Joni Ernst’s announcements earlier this year that they will not run for re-election in 2026, triggered a chain reaction of Republicans throwing their hats in the ring for offices including Governor, U.S. Senate, and U.S. House of Representatives for the second and fourth districts.
“With both the Governor and one of our U.S. Senators announcing earlier this year that they are not seeking re- election, the field broke wide open,” said Lori Leonard Reyman, of Holstein, who serves as PR Chair for Ida County Republicans and for the State and National Federations of Republican Women. “Even though the GOP Primary is seven months away, campaigning is already at full speed as candidates seek those seats with no incumbents in the race.”

Pianomania! at Rosemary Clausen Center By: Dan MundtThe Holstein Advance Piano virtuoso Jared Freiburg will bring his u...
11/12/2025

Pianomania! at Rosemary Clausen Center

By: Dan Mundt
The Holstein Advance

Piano virtuoso Jared Freiburg will bring his unique blend of 1950s-era music to the Rosemary Clausen Center in Holstein this Saturday, Nov. 15.
Freiburg is a West Des Moines native and a 2015 graduate of West Des Moines Valley High School.
He began playing piano when he was five years old.
“It started with my grandmother giving me tips and tricks and teaching me a little song here or there,” Freiburg said.
“I liked the guitar and I even played a little violin when I was in elementary school, but piano for me just seemed to be the most exciting instrument. It was loud and I was good at it.”
He took lessons from a local piano teacher but didn’t play piano for any school functions.
“I was in choir throughout middle school and high school, which is where I learned how to sing,” he said.
He performed in the school’s show and jazz choirs and theater programs, and participated in Iowa High School Speech Association contests.
“I was involved in a lot of different elective art and after-school music programs and theater programs,” Freiburg said. “Without really realizing it, I was getting some confidence to perform and be an entertainer.”

“Pianomania!” will take over the stage at the Rosemary Clausen Center at 7 p.m. this Saturday.
Call 712-368-4849 for ticket availability.

Caption: Upright bassist Michael Sinclair and percussionist Jamie Pittle will join Freiburg on the stage. Photo submitted

Read the full story here -->
https://www.holsteinadvance.com/content/pianomania-rosemary-clausen-center

Ida County 4-H’ers recognized at annual awards program By: Brent HarmSports Editor Local 4-H’ers received recognition o...
11/12/2025

Ida County 4-H’ers recognized at annual awards program

By: Brent Harm
Sports Editor

Local 4-H’ers received recognition on Sunday, Nov. 2 at the annual Ida County 4-H awards program at Lohff-Schumann Community Center in Holstein.
4-H rookies were recognized for completing their first year of membership include: Henley Collins, Jacob Dannull, Caleb Friedrichsen, Greta Friedrichsen, Lane Friedrichsen, Tucker Greenwald, Bentley Groves, Aleece Hoffman, Addyson Melby, Jaxson Melby, Ellie Spaulding, and Parker Walsh.
First-time record book recognition went to Averlee Collins, Emerson Collins, Henley Collins, Jacob Dannull, Caleb Friedrichsen, Greta Friedrichsen, Tucker Greenwald, Aleece Hoffman, Olivia Lampman, Payton Lampman, Addyson Melby, Jaxson Melby, Addyson Rydberg, and Ellie Spaulding.
Completed record book recognition went to: Beau Butcher, Kelby Butcher, David Campbell, Ethan Dutler, Tyler Dutler, Levi Else, Avery Ernst, Brynn Ernst, Atlee Forbes, Owen Forbes, Blake Friedrichsen, Jonathan Friedrichsen, Laura Friedrichsen, Tyler Friedrichsen, Vivian Friedrichsen, Anna Hoffman, Ella Hoffman, Espe Hoffman, Haley Johnson, Whitney Johnson, Zachariah Johnson, Nicole Madsen, Nina McMillen, Aiden Miller, Jenna Miller, Allison Moore, Daniel Morales, Sofia Morales, Brynn Nedved, Deacon Parson, Lincoln Rasmus, and Kynleigh Rohlk.

Caption: Leader of the Year: 4-H leader Peggy Gebers was recognized for her 25 years of service at the 4-H awards day on Sunday, Nov. 2. Gebers was touched by the recognition as she retires from her role as 4-H leader after helping so many area youth. Photo by Brent Harm

Read the full story here -->
https://www.holsteinadvance.com/content/ida-county-4-h%E2%80%99ers-recognized-annual-awards-program-1

Quilts of Valor By: Dan MundtThe Holstein Advance “Quilts of Valor” were presented to four veterans during the Holstein...
11/12/2025

Quilts of Valor

By: Dan Mundt
The Holstein Advance

“Quilts of Valor” were presented to four veterans during the Holstein American Legion annual steak fry on Saturday, Nov. 8.
Family members of the veterans made the actual presentations.
Jonathan Friedrichsen, grandson of recipient Don Friedrichsen, conducted the presentation.
Jonathan noted the first Quilt of Valor was made in 2003 by a quilter named Catherine Roberts to honor her son who was deployed in Iraq.
Other quilters heard about the idea of making quilts for veterans, and by this year, more than 425,000 documented Quilts of Valor have been created and donated by generous quilters to be awarded to deserving veterans throughout the United States, he said.
“Each quilt is an expression of gratitude, meant to thank the service member for his or her support, sacrifice, and valor in serving our nation,” Jonathan said.
He noted that all four of the recipients on Saturday are active members of the community.
“After being discharged from military service, they returned to Holstein to raise their families and continue to serve their churches, community groups, and volunteer organizations,” Jonathan said.
Don Friedrichsen was the first recipient of the evening.
Don served in the United States Marine Corps from September 1969 until May 1971 and attained the rank of E-4.
After returning to Holstein, he served on the board of the Galva-Holstein Schools from 1994 to 2018, and was the board president for several years and was a member of the Iowa Association of School Boards.
He was also an integral part of the Ida County Fair, where he served for several years as a swine superintendent.
Don was inducted into the 4-H Hall of Fame in 2004.

Caption: Quilts of Valor: From left, Don Friedrichsen, Marine Corps; Dennis Henderson, Air Force; Dennis “Bloss” Breyfogle, Navy; and Tammy Kathryn Heilman Schumacher, Army. Each received a “Quilt of Valor” for their service to the nation. Photo by Dan Mundt

Read the full story here -->
https://www.holsteinadvance.com/content/quilts-valor

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Welcome to the Holstein Advance

The Holstein Advance is owned and operated by Mid-America Publishing Corporation, based in Hampton, Iowa. The Advance is a weekly publication published on Wednesday. We cover news, sports, obituaries and events from the communities of Holstein and Galva. The Reminder is a weekly shopper publication published every Tuesday and is distributed FREE to 5,800 homes in the area. It goes to EVERY home in Ida Grove, Battle Creek, Arthur, Odebolt, Galva, Holstein, Cushing, Danbury, Schleswig and Kiron.

We are a member of the Green Saver Association. The Green Saver is a supplemental shopper that is inserted into 11 weekly newspapers across Northwest Iowa, boosting advertising circulation by 20,100. Green Saver newspapers include: Pocahontas Record Democrat, Storm Lake Times, The Sac Sun - Sac City, Odebolt Chronicle, Ida County Courier, Lake View Resort, Mapleton Press, Schaller Herald, Schleswig Leader, The B.V. County Journal - Newell and the Vail Observer.

Our offices are in the process of moving, so a new address will be posted here when the move is completed. Our office can currently be reached by calling 712-364-3131, Monday through Friday, 8 am to noon, and 1pm to 5pm. We are closed for the noon hour. You can email the staff at [email protected].

Mid-America Publishing also provides commercial web printing services for several shoppers, newspapers, and other organizations. Commercial job printing services are also provided for individuals and businesses throughout the company's trade area.