Progress 2015 Supplement to The Oskaloosa Herald, Thursday, March 26 Montage tells Oskaloosa’s story The Oskaloosa Montage on display in Penn Central Mall tells the history of Oskaloosa from the late 19th century through the 1980s. Local artists Marv Smith and Tom Stone created the Montage in 1985. It is a collection of photographs, building caps and artifacts that tells the community’s story. The genesis of the Montage came as the Penn Central Mall was under construction. As the first wall of the mall was built, Joe Crookham and Jeanie Bieri, who helped develop the mall, decided that something was needed to add interest to the bricks. Smith and Stone began collecting photos and artifacts of Oskaloosa’s past and began preserving items from buildings where the mall now stands. Chuck and Emily Russell donated many photos and artifacts to the Montage. In all, 76 individuals, organizations and businesses donated items to the Montage. Among the items included are neon signs, street lamps that once stood in front of the Courthouse, a barber pole, a neon YWCA sign and a photo of the day President “Teddy” Roosevelt came to dedicate the building. Photos record how William Penn University, Oskaloosa schools, hospitals, fire stations and businesses have served the community over the years, creating the strong foundations and traditions that continue today. Emily Russell who, along with her late husband Chuck, donated many of the Montage pictures and artifacts said, “It became a running joke in our family that year to have Chuck say ‘Mary and Tom have been here again and took things out of our barn.’” Smith and Stone began building a three- dimensional model of the wall in their sign shop and began developing a Montage model using miniatures. Community members began stopping by the shop and began contributing to the collection. “People were excited about the project and were generous with old photos and information about the community,” said Stone. “We had more photos than we could use.” It took about a year to plan and build the Montage. The completed Montage measured 80 feet long, 14 feet high and 6 feet deep and housed 356 articles, photos and artifacts. Stone was responsible for restoration of old building caps, and in some cases recreated parts that were missing. Smith added electrical elements and neon lighting. The Montage was first unveiled in April 1986. It was on display until 1998, at a time when the Penn Central Mall was not locally owned, to make room for a new merchant who wanted to use the space as a store display. Fortunately, the full Montage collection was preserved and archived. When Musco purchased the Mall in 2010, restoration of the Montage was defined as a priority, so the community can continue to enjoy both its artistry and lessons in history. The Montage was unveiled again on June 14, 2014, in time for Art on the Square. “Chuck was really tickled to see his photos and artifacts used as part of the Montage,” said Emily Russell. “If he were here today he would be so pleased to see the Montage being restored for others to enjoy.”
Transcript
Progress 2015Supplement to The Oskaloosa Herald, Thursday, March 26
Montage tells Oskaloosa’s storyThe Oskaloosa Montage on display in
Penn Central Mall tells the history ofOskaloosa from the late 19th centurythrough the 1980s.
Local artists Marv Smith and Tom Stonecreated the Montage in 1985. It is acollection of photographs, building capsand artifacts that tells the community’s story.The genesis of the Montage came as thePenn Central Mall was under construction.As the first wall of the mall was built, JoeCrookham and Jeanie Bieri, who helpeddevelop the mall, decided that somethingwas needed to add interest to the bricks.
Smith and Stone began collectingphotos and artifacts of Oskaloosa’s past andbegan preserving items from buildingswhere the mall now stands. Chuck andEmily Russell donated many photos andartifacts to the Montage. In all, 76individuals, organizations and businessesdonated items to the Montage.
Among the items included are neonsigns, street lamps that once stood in front ofthe Courthouse, a barber pole, a neonYWCA sign and a photo of the dayPresident “Teddy” Roosevelt came to
dedicate the building. Photos record howWilliam Penn University, Oskaloosaschools, hospitals, fire stations andbusinesses have served the community overthe years, creating the strong foundationsand traditions that continue today.
Emily Russell who, along with her latehusband Chuck, donated many of theMontage pictures and artifacts said, “Itbecame a running joke in our family thatyear to have Chuck say ‘Mary and Tom havebeen here again and took things out of ourbarn.’”
Smith and Stone began building a three-dimensional model of the wall in their signshop and began developing a Montagemodel using miniatures.Community members began stopping by theshop and began contributing to thecollection. “People were excited about theproject and were generous with old photosand information about the community,” saidStone. “We had more photos than we coulduse.”
It took about a year to plan and build theMontage. The completed Montage measured80 feet long, 14 feet high and 6 feet deep
and housed 356 articles, photos and artifacts.Stone was responsible for restoration of oldbuilding caps, and in some cases recreatedparts that were missing. Smith addedelectrical elements and neon lighting.
The Montage was first unveiled in April1986.
It was on display until 1998, at a timewhen the Penn Central Mall was not locallyowned, to make room for a new merchantwho wanted to use the space as a storedisplay.
Fortunately, the full Montage collectionwas preserved and archived.
When Musco purchased the Mall in2010, restoration of the Montage wasdefined as a priority, so the community cancontinue to enjoy both its artistry andlessons in history.
The Montage was unveiled again onJune 14, 2014, in time for Art on the Square.“Chuck was really tickled to see his photosand artifacts used as part of the Montage,”said Emily Russell. “If he were here todayhe would be so pleased to see the Montagebeing restored for others to enjoy.”
M i d W e s t O n e Insurance Services, Inc. Oskaloosa has been named a Leading Partner by EMC Insurance Companies, which means the agency is one of the highest-perform-ing EMC agencies in the country. This designa-tion places the agency in the top 20 percent of all EMC agencies nationally.
The Leading Partner award is based on key indicators including retention, profitability and growth, which are reviewed over a three-year period.
EMC developed its s ignature Agency Performance Value (APV) tool in 2005 to measure an agency’s performance against all other EMC agencies nationally. Agencies are
evaluated on loss ratio, premium volume, policy and premium growth, policy and premium retention, and the posi-tion of EMC within the agency.
About MidWestOne Insurance Services, Inc.
M i d W e s t O n e Insurance Services, Inc. is a full service inde-pendent insurance agen-cy, offering quality home, auto, health, life and business insurance with locations in Oskaloosa, Pel la , Melbourne, Conrad and Waterloo/Cedar Falls, Iowa. For more infor-mation about the agen-cy, visit www.midwe-stoneinsurance.com.
About EMCEMC Insurance
Companies is among the top 50 insurance organi-zations in the country
based on net written premium, with assets of $4 billion and more than 2,100 employees. The company was organized in 1911 to write work-ers’ compensation pro-tection in Iowa. Today, EMC provides property and casualty insurance products and services throughout the United States and writes rein-surance contracts world-wide. Operating under the trade name EMC Insurance Companies, Employers Mutual Casualty Company and one or more of its affili-ated companies is licensed in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. For more i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t www.emcins.com and w w w. C o u n t o n E M C .com.
2 Thursday, March 26, 2015 Progress 2015
PROGRESS
Oskaloosa
Food
Products
www.oskyfoods.com546 9th Avenue East
Oskaloosa, Iowa 52577641-673-3486
®
MidWestOne Insurance Services, Inc. Recognized for Outstanding Performance
Margaret RatcliffPresident
Ed ButlerCPCU, CAIP
Lisa AldersonCIC, CAIP
Angie StanleyCIC
Merri Chris HawkerCommercial Customer
Service Agent
Maggie JohnstonCPA
Amanda LemkeCustomer Service Agent
Greeted by the store dog Scooter and a cheery staff, 804 Décor offers a charming and heartwarm-ing store for shopping located at 804 South Market Street. Filled with many flavors of home decorating, the large space overflows with home décor that inspires all styles and tastes of decorating.
Nanette Cunningham and along with the sup-port of her husband, Chuck, a native of Oskaloosa and owner of Cunningham Inc., wanted to bring Oskaloosa some-thing it didn’t have before. Motivated by her years of experience with interior decorating and a long-time dream, Nanette channeled her passion into opening a store that offers Oskaloosa resi-dents a comfortable shop-ping space that features products for any occa-sion, gender and age.
“It’s been a long time dream for me,” Nanette commented.
They opened the doors on January 16, 2013, and have received great response from Oskaloosa and several surrounding communities since. Nanette has been an inte-
rior designer for 20 years, and has put her decorat-ing passion into a busi-ness that provides décor for all different styles along with seasonal décor, gifts, bath and body and much more.
“I felt the need to bring my passion to the need of Oskaloosa,” Nanette commented on the differ-ent decorating pieces found inside her store.
Nanette loves presen-tation and the store shows it. You won’t walk in and see store shelves clut-tered with items to pur-chase; instead the store is decorated like a home with the décor pieces placed around the store, sectioned by the different styles. The price points are reasonable and their goal is to keep things “fresh and reasonable.” All of the products are different and unique.
There’s a broad range of tastes — formal, infor-mal, old or new. You can find unique decorations for gardening hobbyists, children, different styles of home décor and sea-sonal décor. The store also has a broad range of accessories of bath and body products, jewelry, scarves and hats. The
store features a unique line of candles, Pickwick & Company, and Nanette always has one burning, creating a home-sweet-home atmosphere to the store.
“My mission at 804 Décor is to create a store that is a place where peo-ple can come and feel comfortable and inspired,” Nanette said.
804 Décor also pro-vides gift certificates for the man whose looking for that perfect gift and will even gift wrap it for you. The store makes cus-tom gift baskets, catered for any taste and occa-sion. You can also find excellent wedding gifts and can purchase items for an upcoming wedding or event. Nanette keeps a running list of favorites for couples with upcom-ing weddings, baby show-ers or other events.
Future plans are to hopefully expand into the upstairs.
You can find 804 Décor on Facebook and their store doors are open Tuesday-Wednesday and Friday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
804 Décor: A store for everyone If you need some con-
crete work done — whether it's a grain bin pad or basement floor — give Concrete Works a call.
Howard Gordon Jr. and his nephew, Matt Scanlon, started Concrete Works in late 2012, out of Gordon's home. Between the two of them, Concrete Works has 50 years of experi-ence.
"I've been doing con-crete work for 30 years,"
Gordon said. "Matt has 20 years of experience."
"We do all types of concrete work," Gordon said. "We are insured and bonded."
They do flat work, basement and garage floors, patios and drive-ways and grain bin pads, Gordon said.
Concrete Works has its own skid loader, so they can do skid loader work too, Gordon added.
If you need your drive rocked, Concrete Works
can handle that too.If you need some con-
crete work done, Concrete Works' hours are from "early morning to late at night" Monday through Saturday. You can call Gordon at (641) 660-2245 or Scanlon at (641) 660-3454. References are available by request.
Concrete Works has the experience to get the job done right
For the latest headlines 24/7, go to www.oskaloosa.com
By DR. BOB
STOUFFERPrincipal, Oskaloosa
Christian School
Have you ever felt as though someone were looking down at you as a result of the education choice your make for your child/ren? To be frank, I used to have a bias when I was a public high school teacher, associate princi-pal, and principal. I always wondered why families were sending their children to the local Catholic high school. I didn't understand their choice. In fact, I am embarrassed to admit that I didn't WANT to under-stand these families. I was mad. "What's wrong with the public schools?!" I would ask angrily.
Well, my perspective has changed dramatically? I now have 15 years of experience with Christian schools and home school-ing families, and I now absolutely respect every parent's choice for the education of their chil-dren. And I wish we would expend more ener-gy supporting and encour-aging our friends, family members, and neighbors when it comes to the choice of education. America is a free country. We are free to choose. And, although my bias is definitely in favor of Christ-centered, biblical-ly-directed education, I no longer hold any ill will toward those families who choose public schooling or home schooling.
I do have one qualifier, though. No matter your choice of education for
your student/s, you MUST stay substantially involved in their education. You MUST NOT fall asleep at the switch. You have one opportunity with each of your children to get their schooling right. YOU have the primary responsi-bility for the education of your child/ren. And, if faith is central to the way you live your life, YOU have the primary responsi-bility for the spiritual for-mation of each child. Too many parents abdicate the responsibilities for educa-tion and spiritual forma-tion to others, and I chal-lenge you not to be among that portion of the American population.
IF YOU CHOOSE HOME SCHOOLING, you must throw your heart, mind, and soul into teaching your own chil-dren well. Home school-ing is not for everyone. You really must have a "calling" to this type of education. What joy home school must bring to teachers and learners alike! The world is your oyster! You are under no constraints of "schedule" or "seat time." All educa-tion is individualized. Students can move at paces which accommo-date their unique learning styles and time necessary to demonstrate competen-cies. High-quality home schooling is characterized by rigorous standards and dedicated educators. I have often counseled par-ents who are on-the-fence between Christian school-ing and home schooling to pursue the latter.
IF YOU CHOOSE PUBLIC SCHOOLING,
you must not do so simply because you went to pub-lic schools. You must explore all of your options and decide what is best for each child. To decide for public schools simply because you do not want to afford the additional financial cost of a Christian schooling, or to avoid the additional com-mitment to daily instruc-tion of your child/ren involved with home schooling, are not good reasons for choosing pub-lic schools. Christian parents who choose public schools for their students must be prominently involved in their educa-tion. I was a high school English teacher. I had a worldview. My world-view might not have been consistent with the world-views of the students in that classroom when I presented my ideas to them. The culture is in a competition for the minds and hearts of our children. Choose wisely.
IF YOU CHOOSE C H R I S T I A N SCHOOLING, the type of education for which I constantly advocate, you will be blessed with an entire staff who are dedi-cated to God, your chil-dren, and to YOU as a family. We at Oskaloosa Christian are not trying to supplant you as a teacher or discipler of your own children. We at Oskaloosa Christian lock arms with you. The worldview of every sin-gle Oskaloosa Christian employee is Christian, so you can have confidence that the people who are working daily with your
children are presenting ideas which are consistent with your worldview. Again, the parent of a Christian school student MUST NOT abdicate responsibility for educa-tion or spiritual forma-tion. All parents must stay involved with their children's education.
So, let's quit looking askance at people for the educational choices they make for their students. But let's also take our choice VERY seriously. According to my Christian belief system, I will one
day stand before God to be accountable for the decisions I made about my daughters' education, and I want to hear the words, "Well done, you good and faithful servant! Well done!" I invite your serious consideration of the your educational choices, and I also hope you will give Oskaloosa Christian a fair opportu-nity among all of your options. If you are inter-ested in a high-quality Christ-centered educa-tion, Pre-School through Grade 8, with small class
sizes and strong Christian teachers, please visit our website (www.oskaloosa-christian.net), call (641-672-2174), or visit (726 N. E Street). Oskaloosa Christian is seeking to equip a godly generation who will positively influ-ence their homes, neigh-borhoods, churches, workplaces, cities, states, and the world for Jesus Christ!
Home School, Public School, or Christian School for Your Children?
Progress 2015 Thursday, March 26, 2015 3
PROGRESS
An Evening with
Sponsored by the Chief Mahaska #505 Questers for the
benefit of the Mahaska County Historical Society
McKim Tractor Service can take care of your every farm machinery need – whether it’s equipment to till your fields or to mow your lawn.
Located at 2718 Lincoln Avenue in Oskaloosa, McKim Tractor is owned by Robert and Joyce McKim. The McKims opened their dealership at that location in 1978 and have proudly served Mahaska County ever since. Business hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.
McKim Tractor carries a variety of name-brand farm equipment. They
offer Massey Ferguson small and large tractors, Gleaner combines, Hesston hay equipment and Sunflower tillage machines. They also carry Rhino cutters, Buhler-Allied and Westendorf loaders, Simplicity and Ferris lawn and garden equipment and Unverferth wagons.
The dealership’s service department has a farm equipment shop and a lawn and garden shop.
McKim Tractor has a highly-skilled staff to serve your every need. Robert (Bob) handles lawn and garden sales while Joyce works in the office.
McKim’s farm equipment technicians are Rodger McKim and Jeff Drije. Curt Roozeboom and Terry Farmer are in the parts department and the farm equipment sales include Darrel Van Veldhuizen and Thadd Johnson. Ken McNaul, Ron Hughes and Nick McNaul are the lawn and garden technicians. Connor McRoberts and Nathan Arendt are the farm equipment shop. Linda DeRonde joins Joyce in the office for bookkeeping duties.
McKim Tractor Service is a member of the Iowa-Nebraska Farm Equipment Dealers Association.
McKim Tractor marks 36 years in business
Over 40 years ago, Michael Theobald, Richard Donohue, and Tom Thompson, decided to take their passion for people and numbers and embark on a journey in the small towns of Fairfield and Oskaloosa, Iowa. They opened their very own public accounting firm and listened to the needs of the
community. Serving cli-ents of all businesses and backgrounds, Theobald, Donohue, and Thompson decided to expand their business throughout Southeast Iowa, in order to help more people with their tax planning and accounting needs.
Today, our firm is known as TD&T CPAs and
Advisors, P.C., and we have grown to 9 offices throughout Iowa and have over 100 dedicated employees.
We have two new part-ners — Josh Buckingham in the Oskaloosa office and Mark Lechtenberg in the Centerville office.
Our firm is uniquely positioned to be that home-
town resource and advisor with specialty capabilities to help with complex busi-ness situations. We under-stand that questions are a natural part of our busi-ness, which is why we do our best to not only answer questions, but to make sure our clients understand how we get to the solution.
TD&T continually stays
current with new technol-ogy. This summer we will be implementing new soft-ware designed to better serve our clients.
TD&T’s mission is to not only serve its clients but also to take care of their employees. The company recently became an Oskaloosa Blue Zones designated worksite
where employees are encouraged to live a healthier lifestyle. In addi-tion, TD&T team mem-bers are actively involved in various community organizations.
We love getting to know people and learning how we can help them, which is why we invite you to Grow With Us.
4 Thursday, March 26, 2015 Progress 2015
PROGRESS
As one of the largest Iowa-based banks and top Ag Lenders in the state, Bank Iowa strives to make its communities better places to live and work. Helping individuals and businesses reach their financial goals and sup-porting and giving back to its communities are just a few examples of how Bank Iowa strives to make a difference.
What sets Bank Iowa apart is offering the prod-ucts and services of a large financial institution while operating as a com-munity bank where deci-sions are made locally and customers receive person-al service. With a focus on building strong, long-last-ing relationships, Bank Iowa is committed to being the bank of choice for its customers.
Bank Iowa's high-lights from 2014 include:
Became a certified Blue Zones Project Worksite to demonstrate the bank's commitment to this community-wide ini-tiative and creating a healthier work environ-ment
Redesigned the Bank
Iowa website (bankiowa-banks.com) using the lat-est technology to provide a consistent look regard-less of whether being viewed on a smartphone, tablet or computer as well as added the ability to apply online for a con-sumer loan
Launched $ensible Checking, an account that pays cash back for debit card purchases, and Prestige Checking, an account with extra perks for customers age 55 and older
Introduced the Bank Iowa Spirit of Chandy Scholarship to show our commitment to our area youth
Reached 100% partici-pation for United Way for the eleventh-straight year
Continued to grow the annual Bank Iowa Easter Egg Hunt, partnering with several local businesses for another successful community event
Received a 5-Star rat-ing for financial strength by BauerFinancial, Inc., the nation's leading bank-rating firm
In 2015, Bank Iowa will continue to add new
products and services to help customers simplify their lives through added convenience and accessi-bility. Bank Iowa's mobile banking app has been enhanced with mobile deposit - a service allow-ing checks to be deposited
via a smartphone or tablet. Sphere, Bank Iowa's new financial management tool launching in 2015, will provide customers with a new way to visual-ize and interact with their money, while giving them the ability to manage all
of their financial accounts from one centralized place.
Bank Iowa is honored to serve customers throughout this great state. To experience what community banking backed by Iowa values is
all about, stop by your local Bank Iowa today!
Live Iowa. Work Iowa. Bank Iowa.
Bank Iowa: Iowa-Based with Iowa Values
Photo provided
Bank Iowa hosts an Easter Egg hunt each year for the public to enjoy.
We are TD&T CPAs and Advisors, P.C.
From its beginning in 1962, Van Gorp Used Auto Parts has provided economical parts for consumers. Marion Van Gorp started the compa-ny in Pella. Early opera-tions consisted of metal salvage, where they would literally cut up cars with axes and haul the scrap to Des Moines to sell.
Shortly thereafter, they bought two used cars to piece together to make one good used car. Upon discovering that there were several left over parts, a business of selling used parts began. The business continued to grow until legal trou-bles hastened the reloca-
tion to Oskaloosa.In 1950, Dirk and Jr.
ended up in court with the city of Pella. Apparently, the city didn’t find a salvage yard to be the sort of business they would want located there. In July of 1965, the com-pany moved to its pres-ent location south of Oskaloosa. At that time the site was just a large hilly area of little value with no buildings.
The Van Gorps were instrumental in develop-ment of the auto salvage industry in Iowa. They helped to set up the “hoot and holler” line, a system to locate parts of other yards throughout
the state. Initially this system was a phone line and has now evolved into a computerized nation wide system.
Van Gorp Used Auto Parts has grown from two part-time employees and one full-time employee in 1965 to 5 full-time employees involved with recycling hundreds of cars per year.
The company is a member of Iowa Auto Recyc le rs , Auto Recyclers of America and QRP. These organi-zations have plans to continually improve the functions of salvage yards to be more green friendly.
Van Gorp Used Auto Parts: Recycling cars for 53 years
Securities and advisory services offered through SagePoint Financial, Inc.,
member FINRA/SIPC. Robert Auld Investments is not affiliated with
SagePoint or registered as a broker dealer or investment advisor.
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Josh Archer
On March 13, 2015, locally owned and oper-ated Work Systems Rehab & Fitness changed its name to Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy. While some may consider announcing a change of
this significance on Friday the 13th a bad omen, Kinetic Edge looks forward to the opportuni-ties this new names brings.
“Over the past 16 years we have grown into a unique practice,” stated Clinic Manager Carol Kelderman, PT, DPT. “For some time, we’ve known our original name resonated with our work injury clients but failed to connect with others we serve. Kinetic Edge rep-resents the vision we have
for our clients and embod-ies our passion for move-ment.”
This organization has become known for their expertise in physical ther-apy, occupational therapy, athletic training, sports medicine, human perfor-mance, medical fitness, and worksite wellness. During their recent rebranding process, movement was identified as the common denomi-nator in all these services which led to their new name, Kinetic Edge.
Their new look also reflects their goal for helping people live healthy, happy, and hope-filled lives.
“Our solutions may not always be quick fixes, but they do provide a long term result that help peo-ple thrive and excel,” commented Cory Horstmann, PT, DPT. “What many people don’t realize is that physical therapy can be utilized with or without a referral, so the choice is really up to you.”
The friendly and knowledgeable move-ment experts at Kinetic Edge use cutting edge, evidence-based treat-ments to help their clients thrive and excel. In addi-tion, their team consis-tently schedules clients with the same providers for one-on-one sessions.
“At Kinetic Edge, we’re starting a move-ment and inviting others to join in,” said Kelderman. “This move-ment is both literal and figurative. Movement
helps people feel and function better physically, but this movement is also about not being compla-cent with your current reality.”
In addition to physical therapy services, Kinetic Edge in Oskaloosa offers occupational therapy, ath-letic training, ASTYM treatments, and pediatric therapy services. Kinetic Edge has five offices across Southeast Iowa, including offices in Pella, Newton, Des Moines, and Ames.
Work Systems Rehab & Fitness changes their name Join the
movement at Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy
For automotive mainte-nance and repairs, Wymore Automotive can do just about everything from fix the air condi-tioner to working on com-puter systems.
Wymore Automotive has been in business and located at 308 Sixth Ave. W. since 1977.
"We do general auto work except tires and alignment," says owner Mike Wymore. The staff at Wymore Automotive
works on all domestic and most foreign cars and trucks.
Mike and his son Ben have worked together for over 15 years. They are recently joined by Chance Shipman.
With seven work bays available, their goal is minimal turnaround time for your service and repair needs.
Wymore Automotive has the latest electronic test equipment to handle
today's complex on-board computer system. While Wymore Automotive can do complex computer work, Mike Wymore's business philosophy is simple — provide fair, honest service with a small town work ethic. Wymore Automotive work hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and closed Saturday, or can be reached at (641) 673-3017.
Auto repairs done with pride for 38 years
The Southern Iowa Fairgrounds is gearing up for another busy season. The Speedway will begin racing on April 1st with the 3rd Annual Frostbuster. This will be the fourth year with IMCA Racing at the speedway. Last year the car count was up and they are looking forward to another exciting season. A new promotion this year is letting more kids in for free!! Any child 12 and under will be getting in FREE every week. The speedway made this effort to try and bring more families out to the speedway. Several spon-sors have joined the bandwagon to help pro-mote the speedway throughout the season. Make sure to go to the speedway web site at www.oskyspeedway.com for the racing schedule and a list of the 2015 sponsors.
The Southern Iowa Fair will be held July 13 – 18. The board is work-ing on the schedule at this time. They are so excited for what is in store for the upcoming fair. The new main event will be Evans United Shows coming as a new carnival! With
average of their rides costing $300,000 - $600,000 it is sure to give the Southern Iowa Fair’s midway a facelift. Not to mention lots of food, rides, and games for all ages! Other events planned are the King/Queen Pageant on Monday night. Also on Monday night will be the Bill Riley Talent Show. Tuesday will be our fam-ily night and opening night of the carnival with possible wristband hours. More promotions for family night will be announced. We will also be having a free con-cert with the bands Quarter Inch Jack and Phoenix. Wednesday night will be the familiar race night at the speed-way with Modifieds, Stock Cars, Hobby Stocks, Sport Modifieds, and Compacts. Thursday we will be bringing in the Twin States Tractor Pull in the Grandstand. Friday the fairgrounds will be hosting a Veterans Day on the grounds. More to be announced with this! Friday night we are bring-ing back figure 8 races for the fourth year! It always draws a big crowd and provides lots of
excitement! Saturday night is going to be an exciting night with a rodeo in the Grandstands including the all popular mutton busting! We are going to end the fair on Saturday night with a fireworks show! Sunday night the fairgrounds will be hosting the Gospel Concert and Sunday and Monday we will have Harness Races. Of course the fair wouldn’t be com-plete without all the FFA and 4-H Exhibits, Kids Contest, and Great Food.
Some new attractions this year will be The Great American Duck Races. This is a traveling show for all ages where you can race full size mallard ducks! Another great attraction will be a chainsaw carver, making 4 carvings a day. Another fun and new attraction will be Kids Zone! This will be a place where there are all kinds of FREE activities for the kids to do during the day!
The Fair board and community is very excit-ed about the 2015 season. Make sure to check out the website at www.southerniowafair.com for all events!
New and exciting Southern Iowa Fair
The Herald is on Facebook
Penn College was founded in 1873 in Oskaloosa Iowa, named after famous Quaker entrepreneur and philos-opher, William Penn. Basing the college cur-riculum and culture on the Quaker principles of equality and peace-mak-ing, classrooms were integrated from the beginning, with men and women taking the same classes and learning side-by-side. Even in its early years, Penn was recognized for its accom-plishments and diversity, with the first graduate in 1875 being a woman.
In 1902, the first African-American grad-uated from the institu-tion — a young woman named Georg ia Blackburn. One of the first noticeable differ-ences between Penn and other higher education institutions of the time was the integrated class-room environments. While many schools remained segregated in many aspects of their academics and student life, Penn had combined
classrooms and athletic teams, crossing cultural, race, and gender barriers at the time.
Though the original campus burned down in 1916, faculty, staff, and students of the school were determined to con-tinue its teachings. The campus was rebuilt three blocks north, on donated land, where it sits today, on the north side of Oskaloosa, Iowa. In 1933, the name was changed to William Penn College, and in 2000, it became William Penn University. Despite the change of location and name, William Penn has continued to offer excel-lent educational options to its students, as well as the opportunity to be a part of one of the most diverse campuses in the state.
Dedicated to this heri-tage of diversity, William Penn University is proud of its richly diverse and unique past. Each year, Penn plays host to stu-dents not only from a wide variety of different states, but from a sizable
list of countries from around the world. In the fall of 2014, Penn wel-comed 69 students from 20 different countries, including Brazil, Egypt, Norway, and Rwanda. These students come from many diverse back-grounds — culturally, economically, geographi-cally, politically, and spiritually — sharing their experiences with others and making friends with those repre-senting entirely different ways of life. These expe-riences are ones that not all colleges can claim, and are an important fac-tor in both educational and personal growth at William Penn University.
President John Ottosson, class of 1984 and Penn’s 27th presi-dent, has had personal experience with Penn’s unique atmosphere. Having emigrated with his family from Sweden when he was just three years old, President Ottosson knows firsthand what Penn offers to peo-ple from different walks of life. He believes that
everyone at Penn brings their own values, and he has learned a great deal through his time with the school. “[There is] toler-ance and acceptance of people from all back-grounds. As I have met and talked with students and alumni throughout my time here, that theme continues to echo. Penn gave me a chance — gave me a belief that I could succeed.”
The vision of Penn’s founders, the Quaker Society of Friends, has become a longstanding reality that continues to sculpt the lives of the hundreds of students that step onto the cam-pus. There is a feeling of acceptance and belonging that stretches across the barriers of culture and language. Despite the challenges facing higher education today, William Penn is determined to be a face of perseverance. “Our mission is divine,” says President Ottosson. “The experiences we’ve had must continue — the vision of our found-
ers and those that have supported us throughout the years must thrive.”
Progress 2015 Thursday, March 26, 2015 7
PROGRESS
Our Heritage: Diversity, Understanding, Success
Photo provided
Diversity has always been the heritage of William Penn, as shown in these two photos from 1945 and 2014.
Leading Edge Builders, the new leader in post frame construc-tions, has been in busi-ness for over a year now and is having great suc-cess. Leading Edge Builders has completed many projects in the first year, including buildings in Oskaloosa, New Sharon, Knoxville,
Des Moines, Norwalk, Adel, Mitchellville, Marion and Melbourne.
Lead ing Edge Builders customers have been extremely happy with their buildings. LEB has a commitment to providing customers with outstanding quality and service, in fact one customer made mention
of the structural integri-ty of his building, "There is more lumber in your buildings than there is in your compet-itors" - N Vogt, Melbourne, IA. Another customer commented, "Your foreman and crew knew exactly what they were doing and they were a pleasure to work
with. Great building!" - J Judge, Norwalk, IA.
2015 looks to be just as busy for Leading Edge Builders with sev-eral projects slated for spring and summer con-struction.
Leading Edge Builders listens to their customers and strives to build them the building
of their dreams while meeting their budget requirements. This has been the goal since opening the doors last February.
If you are in the mar-ket for a new building or just an update to an exis t ing bui lding, Leading Edge Builders is the perfect company
to make that happen. Please visit our website at www.tlebia.com , stop by the office locat-ed at 2356 Highway 23 South in Oskaloosa or call 800-622-8324. You can also follow Leading Edge Builders on Facebook and Twitter.
Leading Edge Builders provdes outstanding quality, service
8 Thursday, March 26, 2015 Progress 2015
PROGRESS
H. Craig Coen, O.D.Molly J. Walker, O.D.Daniel J. Foster, O.D.
Garden & Associates, Ltd., a local engineering and land surveying firm with offices in Oskaloosa and Creston, is now in their 67th year of working throughout most of Eastern and Southern Iowa. The Oskaloosa office is located in the professional office com-plex at the Heartland Square Mall, but their business dealings reach all across Iowa to over 150 different Iowa cities and counties. Their staff works primarily with mid-size towns in Iowa assisting in their efforts to establish and/or maintain water and wastewater utilities, streets and high-ways, and create new res-
idential and commercial developments.
As engineers, Garden & Associates helps iden-tify solutions to challeng-es, or ways to capitalize on opportunities, occur-ring in towns and in rural areas. Typically, their engineers first provide assistance to clients by preparing conceptual plans and identifying pos-sible project costs; then proceed to completing project designs; and final-ly oversee construction of the improvements. This engineering process from start to finish can occur in less than 1 year, or on some projects will take up to 5 years to complete, depending on the com-
plexity of the needed improvement.
Garden & Associates has earned a reputation not only for the quality of their work, but also for their honesty, integrity, and a sincere dedication to helping to improve communities in Iowa. President Bob Nielsen leads the company along with partners; Mark Fincel-Vice President, Jack Pope and Brad Uitermarkt.
Garden & Associates currently has a staff which includes: seven (7) pro-fessional engineers, one (1) engineering intern and three (3) professional land surveyors; in addi-tion to, many skilled and
experienced technicians. They are proud of their talented staff; most of which are native to the area and have chosen to practice their profession and raise a family where they grew up. Some key staff members were recruited to the Oskaloosa area and have found the community and company to be an excellent place to live and base their career.
Additions to the Garden & Associates staff during this past year include: Erin Van Roekel, P.E., David Wilcox III, E.I., Jeff Linsted, survey technician, and Aaron Laird, engineering tech-nician, all in the Oskaloosa office. Chad
Starlin, engineering tech-nician, joined the firm in the Creston office. Garden & Associates is continually searching for civil engineers and land surveyors who want to utilize their talents serv-ing the needs of Iowans, and who desire to live in the Oskaloosa or Creston area.
Some current local projects include: civil engineering work for the Oskaloosa Fire Station Addition, construction staking for the Red Rock Hydroelectric Project, and design work for an Oskaloosa sidewalk proj-ect. They also are work-ing with the many neigh-boring cities and regional
utilities on a variety of water, wastewater, and street projects. The regional utilities which Garden & Associates works with provide water to rural residents and businesses in nearly half of the State of Iowa; in many cases those region-al utilities provide sani-tary sewer utility to resi-dents and businesses located within numerous cities.
For more information about Garden & Associates, Ltd., includ-ing a current listing of services, please visit their website at www.garde-nassociates.net or call them at 672-2526.
Garden & Associates serving the region for 67 years
Growth, stability and community are at the core of the Great Southern Bank story.
Great Southern Bank was founded in 1923, with a $5,000 invest-ment, four employees and 936 customers, and began serving the Oskaloosa community in 2014 after acquiring the former Valley Bank. The Great Southern banking center in Oskaloosa is located at 509 A Avenue West.
Headquartered in Springfield, Mo., the Company operates 112 offices in eight states, including 108 retail banking centers in Iowa , Missour i , Arkansas, Kansas, M i n n e s o t a a n d Nebraska, three com-mercial loan offices in Dallas, Texas, Tulsa, Okla., and Overland Park, Kansas, and a home loan office in Springfield, Mo.
The Bank offers one-
stop shopping with a comprehensive lineup of financial services to help meet customer needs and goals. Customers can choose from a wide variety of checking accounts, sav-ings accounts and lend-ing options. With the understanding that con-venient access to bank-ing services is a top pri-ority, customers can access their accounts when, where and how they prefer, whether it’s
through one of its many banking centers, an ATM, by telephone or online banking servic-es.
Great Southern Bank’s mission is to build winning relation-ships with its custom-ers, associates, share-holders and communi-ties. Each day, Great Southern Bank associ-ates work hard helping young families realize the dream of home own-ership, helping a busi-
ness owner expand their business, or providing the right product or ser-vice to help an individ-ual save for a future goal.
The Bank also part-ners with the communi-ty to help make it a bet-ter and more prosperous place to live. Last but not least, they keep the interests of their share-holders in mind in every decision they make while also maintaining their commitment to
provide a superior long-term return on their investment.
To learn more about Great Southern Bank, call (641) 673-6367, v i s i t w w w.G r e a t S o u t h e r n B a n k .com or stop by and see what they have to offer. Member FDIC.
Great Southern Bank builds winning relationships with community
Progress 2015 Thursday, March 26, 2015 9
PROGRESS
Fred’s Muffler Shop
Open Monday through Friday 8-5www.fredsmufflershop.com
We Provide a Wide Range of ProductsIncluding Hardwood Mulch, Cypress Mulch, Radiant Color Enhanced Mulches, Pine Bark Mulches, Cocoa Shell Mulch, Aromatic Cedar Mulch, Western Red Cedar Mulch, Utility Mulch, Top Soil, Potting Soil, Soil Conditioners, Playground Surfacing, Livestock Bedding and Compost.
Supplying Satisfied Customers Since 1984!Our products are derived from recycling valued woods from our natural resources. All of our products are safe and environmentally sound. We process and bag material at our Oskaloosa, Iowa corporate home as well as, other locations throughout our coverage area. We deliver throughout the Midwest and surrounding states. We have product available in Bag and Bulk and make deliveries with our own fleet of trucks as well as, use common carriers in order to provide timely deliveries to our valued customers.
Hammer Medical Supply located at 113 High Ave E. is a one stop store for all your adult and pediatric medical supplies.
Hammer Medical Supply rents and sells all types of medical equipment such as bathroom aids, wheelchairs, home oxygen, CPAPS, lift chairs and scooters. Many items are available on a monthly basis.
Hammer Medical carries a wide line of walkers, rolla-tors, crutches, canes and other mobility aids. Hammer Medical places a high value on customer service. For example the organizations displays its quality customer service through ensuring the experience of its employees. Hammer Medical has eight employees. They are Judy Van Veldhuizen; LPN, man-ager, Kristen Fox, LPN, assistant manager; Sarah Hockey-Lanphier registered respiratory therapist; Ashley Vander Meiden and Christine Clark, customer service representatives; Myron Thompson, Ben Seibert, and TJ Brom, deliv-ery service technicians, George Rust rehab service tech and Jamie Snodgrass Rehab Service technician manager and Assistive Technology Professional.
In addition to the number of in -store products and services they provide, Hammer Medical does in
home assessments for mobility and home mod equipment. They also do in home equipment set-up and educate their customers on how to use their new equip-ment.
Their overall goals are convenience for the custom-er and providing all the nor-mal health care needs of a hospital, at home including the newest technology in power wheel chairs, stair lifts, and minivators for homes, schools and church-es.
Hammer Medical Supply has a Home Division which includes a bathroom modifi-cation, stair glide and porch lifts, ramps and patient lift systems such as ceiling lifts.
Hammer Medical pro-vides services not only to Mahaska County, but they also provide services to Marion, Monroe, Powshiek, and Keokuk counties.
Some of the challenges they are facing as an indus-try are Medicare cuts and insurance restraints. The staff at Hammer Medical check with insurance com-panies on customer and product coverage before arranging final purchases. They file claims and do prior authorizations whenever
necessary.Van Veldhuizen believes
the success of Hammer Medical Supply stems from the positive work relation-
ship between community physicians and customers. They also work with several Hospice organizations in the area.
Mahaska County and the surrounding commu-nities are great communi-ties to work with, Van Veldhuizen said. The phy-sicians and therapists are very easy to work with. We are grateful for every one of our referrals and we are pleased to provide services to each of our
customers.Hammer Medical
Supply is a member of Mames and Vgm, Dme associations. Hammer Medical Supply also works very closely with the State of Iowa and sev-eral legislators and sena-tors to vote on health issues to get better health care. Hammer Medical Supply began as a phar-macy in Des Moines. in 1872. They have expand-ed to home medical
equipment in 1965. The Oskaloosa store stems from the home medical side of the business. The Oskaloosa Hammer has been in Oskaloosa for 29 years.
The corporate offices for Hammer Medical are located in Des Moines. There are eight branch offices in Iowa. They are located in Oskaloosa, Ottumwa, Creston, Chariton, Newton, Marshalitown, Urbandale,
and Coralville. You will find every member of the Hammer Medical staff to be
knowledgeable and accessible. At Hammer there is commitment to per-sonal service and that is the most important aspect of their business. For more information you can call them at (641) 672-2501. You can also find more information on their web site at www.hammermedi-cal.com.
You have a choice — choose Hammer
Photo provided
Hammer Medical Supply is a one-stop store for all your adulty and pediatric medical sup-plies.
If your car or truck isn’t running just right, you can take it to Howard’s Auto Repair on South Market Street or they can come out and make a house call.
Howard Gordon Jr. start-ed Howard’s Auto Repair in November 2013 and his shop is located at 1603 S. Market St.
Gordon and his employ-ees Mark Nelson and Ken Sieren do all aspects of auto
repairs on engines and transmissions on cars and trucks. They also work on vehicle air conditioners, brakes and struts.
“We can work on small tractors too,” Gordon said.
The Howard’s Auto Repair staff can have four vehicles in the shop at any one time. In the future, Gordon said he would like to add another work bay.
“We’ve got all of the lat-
est diagnostic tools,” Gordon said.
If your vehicle doesn’t start, don’t worry, Gordon and his staff can do “house calls” and tow the vehicle to the shop on a trailer.
The business hours for Howard’s Auto Repair are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday and Saturday by appointment. You can call Howard’s Auto Repair at (641) 673-3310.
Howard’s Auto Repair gets vehicles running in no time
The shop is located at 221 High Avenue East, Oskaloosa, located across from the Law Enforcement Center. The business carries all types of gifts from new to old to hand-painted items. Merchandise consists of Dutch Heritage Lace, wood shelves, birdhous-es, cypress knees, unpainted duck decoys, wheelbarrows, jewelry, fine furniture, wash tubs,
milk bottles and minia-tures, including a doll-house in the window.
From rolling pins that turn into ears of corn, Oskaloosa bricks into painted scenes, picket fences into birdhouses and welcome signs, glass blocks with painted tulips, there is always something new and old and unusual coming in.
Just look up and see the geese a flying and the
birds a signing in the morning. The snow has to end. Garden time is close and so are better times. Come in and see us!
K & K Crafts and sup-plies is open 8:30 am to 5:00 pm through the week and is closed on Monday afternoons. Saturday 8:30 am to noon. Closed on Sunday. Phone number is (641) 673-3175.
K & K Crafts & Supplies offers old and new items
For the latest headlines 24/7, go to www.oskaloosa.com
The Moppe Shoppe recently added the type of establishment to The Moppe Shoppe blade sign on the outside of their building on the recommendation of Roger Brooks, the brand expert for Oskaloosa. The Moppe Shoppe which is
housed in the former Powers Funeral Home building, for-merly had a sign that simply read The Moppe Shoppe. Upon Brooks recommenda-tion "HAIR SALON" was added to the bottom of the blade sign to let residents and guests of Oskaloosa know
what type of establishment was housed inside the build-ing.
The Moppe Shoppe is located at 302 First Ave East and has served the Oskaloosa area for over 35 years. Gail Morris and Deb DeBoef own the salon with stylsits Whitney Tremmel and Makayla Slings round-ing out their staff. Whitney is a cosmetologist who spe-cializes in makeup, hairstyl-ing, colors and military hair-cuts. Makayla is a recent graduate of La'James in Cedar Falls. Makayla spe-cializes in Reflexology, which is a massage for your hands and feet using differ-ent methods. Makayla also enjoys haircuts, colors, shel-lac nails, perms, eyebrow and lip waxing, manis, pedis, makeup and updos.
The Moppe Shoppe has been recently updated and is handicap accessible, with an awning over the entrance to keep rain and snow at bay. Deb and Gail have worked as hairstylists for 35 years and bring experience, exper-tise and creativity to their work.
If you want the latest in styles and styling products for use at home, call The Moppe Shoppe at 641-673-
7286 or stop in. The Moppe Shoppe staff works flexible hours from 8:30-5 Monday through Saturday, and eve-
ning hours by appointment.
10 Thursday, March 26, 2015 Progress 2015
PROGRESS
ANDERSON’S
COUNTRY STORE
“Anderson Store, we can provide so much more”
Hawkeye Real Estate & Property Management once again has dominated the market as the 2014 sales volume leader! “Hawkeye’s market share was 40% with a total sales volume of $22.3 million,” said Chris Roach, Broker for the firm. “In addition to that, two Hawkeye agents placed in the top two in Oskaloosa sales volume rankings for the year.”
Placing first was Lori Oaks with a sales volume of just over $5.5 million or 10.42% of the total Oskaloosa MLS (Multiple Listing Service) volume. When asked what she attributes her very busy year to Lori remarked, “Quality listings that were competitively priced along with low interest rates. But most of all, I believe it’s the loyalty of my cli-ents and their trust in me to provide the needed expertise to maneuver through challenges for a successful real estate transaction.”
Connie Burke achieved an impressive second place sales volume of just over $5.2 million, which translates into 9.76% of the total Oskaloosa MLS volume. “I have been sell-ing real estate for several years now and have learned to listen carefully to my clients to better
understand what they are trying to accomplish,” said Connie. “I take pride in making people feel comfortable and gaining their trust in my ability to make their real estate transaction a positive and profitable one.”
Hawkeye’s continued success, according to Chris, can be attributed to a dedicated group of real estate professionals that are very connected with the community and its residents. He also added that the firm is committed to providing excellent customer service by hav-ing full-time support staff trained and ready to help whether clients stop by or call during regular busi-ness hours.
“I believe it is for both of these reasons that our clients regularly have a positive real estate experi-ence and in turn tell oth-ers. It’s this commitment to our clients that has resulted in another suc-cessful year,” summed up Chris.
Looking toward what will be new in 2015. Hawkeye Real Estate will soon have an attractively updated, mobile-friendly website to be unveiled within the next few weeks. “We are excited to have a great new look!” stated Chris. “In addition to searching for listings,
users will now be able to easily find agent informa-tion along with other help-ful tools to make for a more successful experi-ence. In addition, avail-able rentals properties with pictures and amenity information will also be easy to access.”
Hawkeye will continue to be very involved in the community in 2015. Both employees and agents are active in community
events participating in such things as the MCRF annual bowling fundrais-er, YMCA mini-putt annual fundraiser, Relay for Life, Day of Caring, Chamber Golf Outing, Friday After Five, Art on the Square, Sweet Corn Serenade, Halloween Trick or Treat Parade, Lighted Christmas Parade and Window Display, to name just a few.
In addition to being the
leader in real estate sales, Hawkeye continues to provide residential and commercial property management services to several property owners in Oskaloosa, Pella, and Knoxville. Currently, they oversee management of over 220 units in the area. Furthermore, tenant locating and screening services are also available (for landlords who don’t want to hassle with it
themselves).Hawkeye Real Estate
& Property Management is located on the north-east corner of the square in downtown Oskaloosa at 121 High Avenue East. Hours are 8-5:30 Monday thru Friday with weekend hours by appointment. Stop by or call them at (641)673-8424 or visit their web-site at Hawkeye-re.com.
Hawkeye Real Estate makes good in 2014
Photo provided
Hawkeye Real Estate is ready to assist you with your residential, commercial and property management needs.
The Moppe Shoppe follows recommendations of brand expert Roger Brooks
The communication needs of residents and busi-nesses in Oskaloosa were the driving force to create Mahaska Communication Group. And they still are, according to Frank Hansen, MCG General Manager.
“The Internet, specifical-ly super fast broadband Internet, is required for cus-tomers and businesses today. We recognized that fact in 2000 when MCG was initially formed and we still know it is true today. Communication services are the lifeblood of commu-nities, and we are proud to deliver them to the Oskaloosa area,” stated Hansen.
“Beyond the Fiber to the Home technology we deliv-er, we believe in employing world class experts who live and work right here in Oskaloosa. Our 38 person staff are experts in their areas of service and we all take seriously our mission, to bring first class technolo-gy to customers with ser-vice that they cannot receive anywhere else.”
MCG provides ultra high speed Internet, Digital TV, and voice services to cus-tomers in and near Oskaloosa, as well as part of Indianola. While it doesn’t matter to most customers how they receive their ser-vice, more may start to care in the coming years, as bandwidth requirements continue to grow for resi-dents and businesses alike, according to Steve Burnett, MCG’s Marketing and Sales Manager.
“The Fiber to the Home network allows us to bring ultra fast Internet to homes and businesses. We all have many devices, which we connect to the Internet in some way, and each one uses bandwidth. Use of bandwidth has skyrocketed in the past few years, and
that trend is expected to continue dramatically in the coming years. That is why we have fiber to your home and business and why we were one of the first in Iowa to offer 1 Gigabit Internet – that is 1000 Mb. We are transitioning our whole community to Gigabit in the next two years,” con-cluded Burnett. “Our cur-rent offerings are still sig-nificantly better than most Iowa communities can receive, but our vision is to provide our community with the technology it needs to grow and innovate.”
Through its partnerships with William Penn University, Oskaloosa High School, and other commu-nity organizations, MCG delivers exclusive video programming, which includes local sports, gov-ernment meetings, church services, and other content of importance to communi-ties in Mahaska County. Customers who have Digital TV services from MCG have access to this content at no extra charge. Video production is a collabora-tion between MCG’s video production department, stu-dents participating in a video production class at the High School and William Penn students in advanced media classes.
In addition, MCG loves to be involved in the com-munity, and two events are highlights of the year: an electronics recycling event and a nighttime charity golf tournament.
The electronics recycling event, called eCycle, is held in conjunction with Earth Day. This year it will be held Saturday, April 18th from 8am-noon in the park-ing lot south of HyVee. Last year over 30,000 lbs. of electronics were recycled during the event, saving those who participated over
$4,000 in recycling fees. The Hospice Charity
Golf Tournament, co-spon-sored by Mahaska County Hospice and MCG, helped raise over $20,000 last year to support Hospice Serenity House in Mahaska County. The unique feature of the golf tournament is that it is held at night and MUSCO Sports Lighting, MCG’s parent company, lights the golf course. This year’s event will be held Friday, May 22nd. Be watchful for volunteer opportunities for this event.
In addition, MCG part-ners with the Oskaloosa Public, Oskaloosa Christian, Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont and North Mahaska School Districts to provide Internet service at a substantially
reduced rate to the faculty and student body. The com-pany also provides Internet service free of charge to the local City and County Government offices.
“We are putting our community and our resi-dents in a position to be successful and to be inno-vative. Many things drive economic development and communications connectiv-ity is one of them. Our com-munity has tools any busi-ness needs to start, grow
and expand and in the pro-cess create jobs,” said Hansen.
“We are proud to offer residential and business cus-tomers the best Internet, TV and voice services in the state of Iowa at very reason-able prices. We want to serve every customer in our community, so if you have an interest in getting better products than you have now – give our office a call. We were founded on a commit-ment to Oskaloosa and we
take that seriously every day.”
Hansen is excited about the role his company will play in Oskaloosa’s future. “We’re proud to be a part of a growing community, and as a local company, we’re working hard to support the Oskaloosa area and the peo-ple living here. After all, we live here, too.”
You can learn more about MCG by visiting their website at www.mahaska.org.
Progress 2015 Thursday, March 26, 2015 11
PROGRESS
Harold, Dorothy, David
State-of-the-art computer diagnostics equipment
Action Car Clinic
124 South First Street | 222 First Avenue EastOskaloosa | 641.673.8303 | MidWestOne.com
Member FDIC
MidWestOne Academy
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Visit MidWestOne.com to learn more!
MCG provides Ultra Fast Internet and more with local experts
Photo provided
A recent facebook post by one of our cutomer's says it all about our customer service team, "Can't say enough good things! From checking out the website, to my initial call, the install, and use — not a single complaint. All such a pleasant and painless process!"
Photo provided
You can count on our team of local experts to ensure your service is always working. Left to right: Brett Allison, Brandon Hunt, Brandon Kneedler, Kyle Mitterer, Seane San, Tyler Weiss.
12 Thursday, March 26, 2015 Progress 2015
PROGRESS
THE SUCCESSFUL GROWTH OF OUR COMPANY IS A DIRECT RESULT OF OUR VALUED
TEAM MEMBERS. THANK YOU TO OUR HARD-WORKING, DEVOTED TEAM MEMBERS.
For investors, 2014 was a good year: Markets were calm, and U.S. stock and bond returns were above average. Now, in early 2015, the Dow Jones Industrial Average hovers near 17,800, a gain of more than 170 percent in about six years. And in 2014, U.S. stocks rose nearly 14 percent. Please remember, past performance does not guarantee future results.
“Of course, we’re cer-tainly not predicting these same types of returns over the next few years,” said Austin Norris. “And already in 2015, we’ve seen market volatility, some of which is due to the steep decline in oil prices. But at Edward Jones, we stress the importance of staying invested in all types of markets - good, bad or in-between. We believe that investors should buy quality investments, hold them for the long term and make adjustments, as needed, in response to changes in their lives.”
Many share Norris’ enthusiasm for Edward Jones, as reflected by the number of accolades the firm consistently receives.
Edward Jones ranked
No. 4 on FORTUNE magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” 2014 list. This is the firm’s 15th year on the prestigious list. Edward Jones also ranked No. 2 for large-sized compa-nies.
The firm’s 15 FORTUNE rankings also include top 10 finishes for 11 years, consecutive No. 1 rankings in 2002 and 2003 and consecutive No. 2 rankings in 2009 and 2010.
Locally, Edward Jones has been ranked No. 1 ranking in Iowa by The Des Moines Register.
The firm’s Oskaloosa financial advisors say their clients appreciate the personalized, face-to-face investment advice that Edward Jones offers to help them achieve such financial goals as sending children to college and retiring in comfort. Branches are located where clients live and work, making it conve-nient to meet regularly with their financial advi-sor.
In 2015 and beyond, Edward Jones remains committed to helping individual investors stay focused on their long-
term financial goals, despite market swings and discouraging head-lines.
The Edward Jones financial advisors in Oskaloosa include: Alan Fender, Austin Norris, Michael Busch and Jennifer Main.
Edward Jones, a Fortune 500 company,
provides financial servic-es for individual investors in the United States and, through its affiliate, in Canada. Every aspect of the firm’s business, from the types of investment options offered to the location of branch offic-es, is designed to cater to individual investors in the communities in which
they live and work. The firm’s 14,000-plus finan-cial advisors work direct-ly with nearly 7 million clients. Edward Jones, which ranked No. 4 on FORTUNE magazine’s 100 Best Companies to Work For in 2104, is headquartered in St. Louis. FORTUNE and Time Inc. are not affiliat-
ed with and do not endorse products or ser-vices of Edward Jones. The Edward Jones web-site is located at www.edwardjones.com, and its recruiting website is www.careers .edward-jones.com. Member SIPC.
Edward Jones: Investors’ patience is often rewarded
Photo provided
The Edward Jones Oskaloosa staff includes: Vicky Collette, Alan Fender, Jennifer Main, Jill Keller, Julie Mitrisin, Austin Norris, Jennifer Cohrt, Michael Busch, Jan Dugger, Heather Dickinson.
The Herald salutes the business community with Progress 2015
