Ida County Courier

11/07/2025

11/06/2025

Red Ribbon Week at Holstein:
“Ghazi” waits for instruction: Ida County Sheriff Deputy Kirk Kinnaman and K-9 “Ghazi” talked to the elementary students in Holstein. Ghazi demonstrated his drug-detecting abilities as part of Red Ribbon Week, a nationwide campaign to help families and communities with alcohol and drug prevention.

Photo by Brent Harm / Ida County Courier

11/06/2025

Programs in honor of Veterans Day

Monday, Nov. 10
Galva-Holstein Veterans Day program, 9 a.m. at Galva building.

Tuesday, Nov. 11
OABCIG Veterans Day Assembly, Ida Grove Elementary at 2:15 p.m.
Ridge View High School, Veterans Day program at 10:30 a.m. in the Rosemary Clausen Center.
Ridge View Middle School, Veterans Day program at 1 p.m. in Schaller.

11/06/2025

Horn Memorial Hospital closing Home Health and Hospice Services

Horn Memorial Hospital (HMH) has announced the closure of its Home Health and Hospice services, effective Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. The hospital will begin transferring current patients to other local providers starting Nov. 3, 2025. This decision follows a careful evaluation of operational challenges and the evolving healthcare landscape.

“We are deeply grateful for the trust our patients and families have placed in us,” said Glen Winekauf, CEO. “Our top priority is ensuring that every patient continues to receive uninterrupted care during this transition.”

The decision was based on several factors: declining patient use of the services, increased local competition, rising costs and regulatory requirements, reduced reimbursement for Home Health services starting Jan. 1, 2026, and financial challenges specific to Critical Access Hospitals.

HMH staff will assist patients and families with selecting new providers and securely transferring medical records. For more information or assistance, contact 712-364-7227 or [email protected]

11/06/2025

Battle Creek Post Office solution sought

By: Michael Hohenbrink
Mid-America Publishing

Battle Creek City Council is hoping that a solution can be enacted for the post office.

Meeting Oct. 14, council heard from Fire Chief Corey Tarr that a test involving sandbagging and water had been undertaken.

Coming up, Blacktop Services is going to come to put in a berm on the city’s property that is on the alley’s north side stretching from the post office’s back corner over to an electrical pole.

Council approved renting a planer as well as a skid loader for additional planing with the alley.

Both will be rented from Ziegler, with the city clerk instructed to set up an account at Ziegler.

Tarr also reported that a generator is in place for the fire department. Electrical work is being awaited. The project is grant and donation funded.

Jenni Sohm, who is now serving as Battle Creek Ambulance Service Director, was present at the meeting and introduced.

With hydrant flushing recently, some issues were identified, council heard.

The city saw 44 of its 46 hydrants opened and flushed.

Unfortunately, two hydrants were unable to be opened, and of the opened hydrants, two were unable to be fully shut off, meaning four hydrants are not fully in service.

Council approved having those four identified hydrants replaced.

Caption: City crews have been working on the alley by the Battle Creek Post Office. City of Battle Creek photo

11/06/2025

Supervisors hear building update

By: Michael Hohenbrink
Mid-America Publishing

Things are moving forward with the Ida County Emergency Services building, but the project remains behind schedule.

EMS Director Corey Trucke was on hand and gave an update on the EMS building.

With recent rainfall and the prospect of winter’s hazards, Trucke was asked about a wash bay for vehicles in the new EMS building.

No specific separate bays are planned, but facilities exist.

“Where they’re going to sit, you can wash them,” said Trucke.

Drains and a sand trap should make for an effective place to clean up, according to Trucke.

Supervisor Creston Schubert asked if the new building was nearly finished.

“So, I was just in there this morning,” said Trucke. “They got permission from the electrical inspector yesterday to turn the power on.”

Some concrete work remains as well as a bit more electrical.

The board gave approval to some expenses as the building gets close to completion include $23,112.06 for office elements and $11,950 for Brenner’s for appliances such as washer and dryer as well as a TV for crew quarters and one for the training room.

While progress is being made, though, things are not completely done.

“The building is behind schedule,” said Trucke.

He told the board he had sought out an opinion from the county attorney on work, seeking to expedite matters.

“I think…my role is protecting the county and the EMS council,” said Trucke. “That’s kind of where we’re at.”

Trucke pointed to two bids, one for Ladwig Construction for $17,075 and one from Rehse Construction for $26,000.

Tyler Rehse, with Rehse Construction, attended the meeting along with legal counsel.

Iowa Code 26.9, mandating contracts “must be awarded to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder” was explicitly referenced.

“You are allowed to reject the lowest bid if it’s not responsive,” said Rehse.

The board heard from interested parties.

“I understand there are some concerns there, I do,” said Schubert. “When I see a $9,000 difference, and the county attorney has given her opinion, as a supervisor, as far as the taxpayers are concerned, I don’t think they’d be very happy if I took the higher bid.”

Schubert said the lower bid would have to stand.

“I don’t think in good faith I could go any way else,” said Schubert.

The board voted to approve the lowest bid.

Caption: Ida County EMS/Ida Grove Ambulance building. File photo

11/05/2025

Holstein Pumpkin Parade:
The sidewalks were full of all kinds of characters, including the Scooby-Doo gang.

Photo by Dan Mundt / Ida County Courier

*See additional photos in this week's Courier.

11/05/2025

Ida Grove Halloween Walk: Thursday night was a perfect night for the Downtown Halloween Walk in Ida Grove. Lots of kids and adults gathered at Godbersen Park and then headed out to trick-or-treat in the business district. Kids went trick-or-treating around town after the Halloween Walk.

Photo by Dan Mundt / Ida County Courier

*See additional photos in this week's Courier

11/05/2025

OABCIG presents Fall Vocal Concert

By: Brent Harm
Sports Editor

The OABCIG High School Concert Choir performed several tunes Monday night, Oct. 27 at the Fall Vocal Concert in the high school auditorium.

Devin Gann kicked things off with his rendition of the old Dean Martin classic “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head.” Devin had the distinct sound of an old-style crooner as he carried the tune.

The Concert Choir then took the stage and performed “Seven Bridges Road,” a harmony by songwriter Stephen T. Young and arranged by Kirby Shaw. The song was made famous by American rock band the Eagles.

With the accompaniment of Jed Wulf on the guitar, the choir belted out “I’m Buildin’ Me a Home”, a traditional spiritual arranged by Anthony Trecek-King.

The vocal students then wrapped up the performance with a catchy tune called “Connected” by Brian Tate.

The OABCIG Concert Choir is under the direction of Mr. Emmett White.

Upcoming events for the vocal students include “Footloose: The Musical” on Friday, Nov. 14 and Saturday, Nov. 15, as well as the High School Winter Concert on Monday, Dec. 15, all shows at 7 p.m.

Caption: Seven Bridges Road: The OABCIG Concert Choir, with the accompaniment of Jed Wulf on the guitar, performed the Eagles classic harmony “Seven Bridges Road” at the Fall Vocal Concert. Photo by Brent Harm

11/05/2025

9-Hole Superintendent: Mike Ray, Ida Grove Golf & Country Club

Mike Ray, of Ida Grove Golf & Country Club, is this year’s IGA 9-Hole Superintendent of the Year.

Ray’s dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence have made him an invaluable asset not only to Ida Grove Golf & Country Club but to the broader Iowa golf community. Known for his willingness to lend a hand, share advice, and collaborate with fellow superintendents, Mike exemplifies the spirit of service and professionalism that this award celebrates.

“Mike truly checks all the boxes for this award,” said Holstein Country Club Superintendent Aaron Nedved. “He’s the first person to offer help when others need it, and he brings a wealth of knowledge, humility, and passion to every project he takes on. There’s no one more deserving.”

Under Ray’s leadership, Ida Grove Golf & Country Club has continued to thrive. He oversees a vibrant youth golf program with nearly 100 participants and manages numerous leagues — all while maintaining the course at an exceptional level. His work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to balance maintenance duties with community engagement make him a standout in the industry.

“We’re really proud of Mike,” said Ida Grove Golf & Country Club board president Hank Jessen. “We’re happy with the mentoring he does for our youth, all the work he does to keep the golf course looking good, and all his help in making its leagues and events successful.”

Caption: Mike Ray, of Ida Grove Golf & Country Club, is this year’s IGA 9-Hole Superintendent of the Year. Photo by Brent Harm

Read the full story here -->
https://www.idacountycourier.com/content/9-hole-superintendent-mike-ray-ida-grove-golf-country-club

11/05/2025

The Bliss Bar in Ida Grove is the place to be for skin and beauty care

By: Brent Harm
Sports Editor

Allison Christiansen, owner of The Bliss Bar spa in downtown Ida Grove, is ready to help people with their skincare needs. Allison opened the business in July, and explained some of the services and products she offers.

“I do facials, chemical peels, lash lift and tints, and brow lamination and tints,” said Christiansen. “I also offer facial waxing. Anything to do with the face I can wax, whether it’s eyebrows, chin, cheeks, or nose. I carry and sell Sanitas skincare products, a company based out of Colorado.”

The Bliss Bar is located a couple doors down from Edward Jones, on Main Street at the four-way stop intersection. The spa shares an office with Brentwood Roofing.

Allison, a Des Moines native, shared what brought her to Ida Grove.

“I met Connor Christiansen from Ida Grove, moved here and got married,” she explained. “I’m a city girl at heart, and now I live on a farm. I don’t mind the small town, though; it’s nice. Connor does construction out of Odebolt and is the boys golf coach.”

Caption: The Bliss Bar studio: Main Street in downtown Ida Grove is the site for the “The Bliss Bar,” a skincare and beauty studio owned by Allison Christiansen. Photo by Brent Harm

Read the full story here -->
https://www.idacountycourier.com/content/bliss-bar-ida-grove-place-be-skin-and-beauty-care