Remsen Bell

After spending twenty-two years at Remsen St. Mary's Schools, Administrative Assistant and Lunch Coordinator, LeAnn Wiederholt, has decided it's time to retire. “My husband retired from his position as Transportation Director at Cherokee Schools, and I thought that this would be a good time for me to join him. Plus, it is time.” stated Wiederholt...

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Annual Memorial Day Program presented by the Remsen VFW and American Legion did not take place this year, but the members of the VFW and American Legion still made sure to honor those who have fallen by putting up the flags on the Washington St. Boulevard for Memorial Day, which was Monday, May 25...

When Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds started announcing restrictions on businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Remsen Chamber of Commerce came together to figure out a way to help support local businesses and the small community of Remsen in a safe manner during this tough time...

According to a post made on Thursday, May 28 from MMCRU School Officials on the MMCRU Royals Facebook page, “Due to a conflict with War Eagle Conference baseball and softball games, the date for prom has been moved ahead one day to Wednesday, June 24 at the Marcus Fairgrounds. As before, a decision based on public health recommendations will be made on Friday, June 12 if prom can safely take place. Thank you and stay safe.”...

RSM staff, students and parents received some updated information about the high school summer athletic season. On Friday, May 22, an update from Patty Lansink, HS Principal; and Kim Phillips, Lead Teacher, was posted on the school’s website (www.rsmschools.org) and stated the following:...

RSM School held their Rosary and Awards Day honoring the Senior Class of 2020 virtually with a presentation on Wednesday, May 13 through Facebook Live. Kim Phillips, Lead Teacher, started the presentation, “Welcome to our virtual Remsen St. Mary’s Awards Day for our Seniors. ...

The MMCRU Senior Scholarship/Awards Night took place virtually this year. On Tuesday, May 12, 2020, starting at 6:30 p.m., a video presentation was posted on the MMCRU Royals Facebook page where family, friends, and community members could see all the scholarships and awards the Class of 2020 received...

MARCUS — The addresses given at MMCRU’s high school commencement ceremony held Sunday evening weren’t greeted with thunderous applause. Instead, they were met with loud honking from the 40 or so cars parked in the school’s south parking lot. The sound was a good feeling for Valedictorian Kaitlyn Goth who said looking out into the parking lot full of cars was much less nerve-wracking than trying to speak to a packed crowd...

Remsen St. Mary's High School seniors were honored on Sunday, May 17, the original date of their Graduation Ceremony, with lawn signs. These signs had the seniors’ pictures and names on them and were placed at the high school. While the graduation date has moved to June 21, high school officials still wanted to honor the senior class and make sure the students knew that they haven't been forgotten...

Mark Brighton, MMCRU Middle School physical education teacher, did not intend to retire this year, but plans changed after a medical diagnosis back in October 2019. He explained, “The plan was not to retire this year, but the plan started to change in October when I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. It just got hard to keep up with the kids because of the onset of Parkinson’s.”...

Scott Allen was sworn in as the new police chief in Remsen at the City Council Meeting on Wednesday, May 13, 2020. Allen takes over the reins from previous police chief Mike Sparr, who retired on May 11, 2020.

Sarah DeBoer is the new Administrative Assistant for Klein Realty & Auction Company in Remsen. Jim Klein stated, “Sarah brings many new ideas, skills and creativity to the firm. If you wish to reach out to her, you may do so at 712-786-2870 or jaklein@midlands.net. Sarah is anxious to share her talents for Klein Realty & Auction Group and the Iowa Auction Group along with working on her Realtor’s license. Welcome Sarah!”...

Kris Irwin, second grade teacher at MMCRU - Marcus Elementary, has decided it’s time to retire. When asked why now, she stated, “Our daughters and their families live across the country and I would like greater flexibility to visit them. Irwin’s plans include spending more time with her husband and visiting their children. She is also looking forward to “not having to rush out the door early every morning and being able to do a lot more reading and a bit more walking.”...

Keeping a promise to his family, Mike Sparr, Remsen Chief of Police, retired on May 11, 2020, after 30 years of service to the Remsen Police Department. Sparr stated, “I promised my family when I reached my 30 years, I would retire to spend more quality time with them.”...

“Retirement is great!” These are the words of wisdom from Bev Bacan as she embarks on a new journey in life after spending 26 years as an Administrative Assistant at Klein Realty & Auction Co. “Bev wore many hats during her tenure and did it with a great dedication and support. Thank you Bev, and congratulations on your well deserved retirement!” stated Jim Klein...

On Wednesday, May 6, and Saturday, May 9, a group of Remsen residents cleaned and cared for the Remsen Community Cemetery and St. Mary's Cemetery. Thirty volunteers of all ages cleaned the grounds, filled grave sites where needed, seeded and fertilized, preparing the cemeteries for Memorial weekend and the years ahead. Great job, Great group, Great community. The Remsen Catholic Order of Foresters thanks all who helped out...

According to Ted Nothem, “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we regret to inform you that the annual Memorial Day program at Remsen and Oyens, sponsored by the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, will NOT be held this year and is cancelled. Flags that were suppose to be dedicated at this year's program will be dedicated at next year's program. The Avenue of Flags will only be displayed on the Washington Street Boulevard this year.”...

DES MOINES — Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds delivered a message to the class of 2020 at her Friday, May 15, press conference. “Iowa’s high school seniors won’t be defined by what wasn’t,” Reynolds said. “I believe that you’ll be recognized instead for your resilience in the face of adversity and your tenacity to navigate through even the most unlikely circumstances and those qualities will get you far in life. ...

DES MOINES — Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds announced the updates to her state public health emergency declaration with the new proclamation lifting more restrictions than the previous mandate which was set to expire at the end of the day on May 15. The new edict goes into effect at 5 a.m., Friday, May 15...

MMCRU High School will hold their commencement exercises on Sun., May 17, 2020. This year’s ceremony will have a unique format in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. It will be a ‘drive-in’ graduation in the high school parking lot in Marcus, beginning at 2 p.m. Seniors will still be able to ‘walk across the stage’...

MMCRU Administration sent out the following press release and posted on the MMCRU Royals Facebook Page on Thursday, May 7: “MMCRU Parents and Students, all educational activities for the 2019-20 school year will end on Friday, May 22, prior to the Memorial Day weekend. ...

St. Mary’s Naming of the Gym Auction took place on Friday, May 1, starting at 7 p.m. This year’s auction was conducted electronically by auctioneer Jim Klein. Bidders called in, and the auction was broadcast live on Facebook. At the end of the bidding, the Paula and Gib Schroeder Family came out on top with their winning bid of $5,700...

Cheryl Fischer, Transitional Kindergarten teacher at MMCRU - Remsen Elementary, has decided that after being in the teaching profession for 40 years, now seems like the right time to retire. When asked if she has any plans for retirement, Fischer stated, “Nothing specific but looking forward to opportunities to volunteer.”...

The Remsen Bell-Enterprise will be closed on Monday, May 25 due to the Memorial Day holiday. The deadline for advertising submissions and news for the May 28 Bell will be Thur., May 21 at 3:00 p.m. Have a great Memorial Day weekend!

Retirement is going to be about spending time with family and attending many concerts for MMCRU PK-4 Vocal Music teacher, Joan Wilberding. When deciding to retire this year, Wilberding stated, “Age wise, it is time.” She has some plans already for retirement, “My husband and I want to have time to spend with our children and grandchildren and possibly winter in a little more temperate climate. I also have a huge house that needs to be gone through and down sized.”...