Local News
Gowrie 4-H installs Storybook Walk along Gowrie’s Freedom Trail
Members of the Gowrie Groundbreakers 4-H Club met to install story signs along the Freedom Trail in Gowrie on the morning of September 12th. Club members voted at their January 2026 meeting to partner with the Gowrie Public Library and apply for the 4-H Pioneer Grant to help install the Storybook Walk. Members also voted to purchase two of the 15 story signs for the trail with money raised in their annual wreath fundraiser. Club members Tyler Wanat and Kenley Spece presented the idea to the Gowrie City Council at their January 2026 meeting. They received permission to go forward with the project after agreeing to make sure the signs were landscaped around to ensure ease of mowing and maintenance. Read More...
Southeast Valley Embraces New Technology with Painting Robot
Technology continues to change the way people work, and the Southeast Valley School District is embracing those advancements with the addition of a state-of-the-art painting robot.
The district purchased the robot in the fall of 2025 as a way to save labor, reduce costs, improve accuracy, and make a variety of painting projects around the district more efficient.
The robot operates using GPS technology and geo points. Before a project begins, Maintenance Director Jason Slinker collects specific GPS coordinates that allow the robot to map out exactly where paint needs to be applied. For example, when painting a baseball or softball field, geo points are collected at home plate, first base, third base, and the foul poles. On a football field, points are gathered using the goal posts and other field landmarks.
Once the geo points are collected and entered into the mapping software, the robot creates a path and follows it with impressive precision. Obstacles such as light poles can also be mapped into the system, ensuring the robot safely navigates around them while painting. Read More...
Dreamweaver Stables and Rescue Ranch: Providing a Path to Safety for Families and Their Animals
Dreamweaver Stables and Rescue Ranch: Providing a Path to Safety for Families and Their Animals BOXHOLM, IOWA — For many families facing a crisis, leaving an unsafe situation can be difficult enough. For those with beloved pets or larger animals, that decision can become even more complicated when there is nowhere safe for their animals to go.
That is the need behind Dreamweaver Stables and Rescue Ranch, a developing nonprofit organization in rural Iowa working to create a confidential, safe refuge where families experiencing domestic violence or another family crisis can temporarily place their animals while they seek safety and stability. Read more...
Obituary
Roger K. Brandes, 90
Ina “Tumi” Kaltume Breeden, 87
Ina “Tumi” Kaltume Breeden, 87
Gowrie - Roger K. Brandes, 90, passed away Monday, September 14, 2026, at Regency Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Jefferson.
Roger was born on December 6, 1935 in Hancock, Iowa at his family farm. He attended country school until 8th grade and graduated from Oakland High School.
He served six years in the Nebraska Air National Guard, six months of which were on active duty.
He married Linda Hunter on November 26, 1961 at the Gowrie Methodist Church. They lived in Omaha, Oakland IA, and then came back to Gowrie in 1975, where he farmed until he retired.
Roger will be remembered for his kindness, humbleness, generosity, and dedication to family. He enjoyed woodworking, fishing, and traveling. Through the years he was involved in Kiwanis, Gowrie Swimming Pool Board, Stephen Ministries, Peterson Post #431 American Legion, and the Gowrie United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Brandes. His children: Nathan (Brenda) Brandes Gowrie, Tim (Alexis) Brandes Lisle, IL, Lora (Charles) Carman Ringgold, GA. Grandchildren: Chelsey (Glen) Worrel, Anna (Ryan) Cottington, Lily Brandes, Natalie Carman, and Charlie Carman. Great grandchildren: Brantley Worrel, Lesley Worrel, Laci Cottington, and Cade Cottington. Sisters: Sheryl Brandes and Deanna (John) Van Eps.
He was preceded in death by his parents Chester and Edna Brandes, a sister and brother-in-law Joyce and Richard Williams.
Memorial services were held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at United Methodist Church in Gowrie, with Pastor Susan Rohden who officiated. Military Rites followed the service at the church, presented by American Legion Peterson Post #431 of Gowrie. There was a visitation from 9:30 AM until the time of the service on Saturday. A private family burial were held at Gowrie Township Cemetery. Laufersweiler, Palmer & Sons Funeral Home of Gowrie is serving the family.
Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.
Ina “Tumi” Kaltume Breeden, 87
Ina “Tumi” Kaltume Breeden, 87
Ina “Tumi” Kaltume Breeden, 87
Ina “Tumi” Kaltume Breeden, 87
Ina “Tumi” Kaltume Breeden, 87, of Gowrie, Iowa, passed away peacefully in her home on September 16, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
Ina was born on April 26, 1939, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to Charlie and Minnie Bodady. She graduated from Fort Dodge High School, where she was an athletic captain. Ina drove the school bus for Prairie Valley Community Schools for 17 years. She was dedicated to the Bobby L’s Premium BBQ Sauce business that the family built.
On June 22, 1957, Ina was united in marriage to Robert Breeden in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Together, they shared 69 years of marriage, building a life filled with faith, family, laughter, and love.
Ina’s life was defined by her deep faith in Jesus Christ, her devotion to her family, and her unwavering strength through life’s joys and challenges. She read her Bible every day and was a true prayer warrior, faithfully praying for her family and the people she loved. Her great laughter and love for life brought joy to those around her.
Ina had many talents and interests. She loved singing, painting, and playing the piano and guitar. She especially loved Christmas and the joy and traditions that came with the season. Above all, she treasured her family and was especially proud of and delighted by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Ina is survived by her husband, Robert Breeden; their children, Rob Breeden, Rick (Chris) Breeden, Sam Breeden, Ed (Sarah) Breeden, Joe (Linda) Breeden, Katie (Chris) Pliner, and Krisi (Andy) Lautner; her grandchildren, Matt Breeden, Amye (Travis) Shivers, Shawna Heikens, Dylan Breeden, Isaiah Breeden, Cortney Breeden, Allie (Kyree) Sampson, Trent (Brittani) Breeden, Haylee (Will) White, Brady Pliner, Alex (Emma) Pliner, Ethan Pliner, Brooke (Klae) Robeson, and John (Lindsay) Lautner; 16 great-grandchildren; and her brother, Allen Bodady.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Minnie Bodady; her granddaughters, Kimberly Breeden and Kelsey Breeden; and her sisters, Elizabeth Dewey and Mariam Robbins.
Ina leaves behind a legacy of faith which included witnessing to others of Christs love and salvation; love, laughter, strength, and devotion to family. Her prayers, music, laughter, and love will continue to live on in the many lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished by her family and all who knew her.
Private family services were held on Monday, September 21, 2026, at Laufersweiler Palmer & Sons Funeral Home in Gowrie. Pastor Dale Harlow officiated. Burial followed at the Gowrie Township Cemetery.
Flowers may be sent to Laufersweiler Palmer and Sons Funeral Home in Gowrie, Iowa, in Ina’s memory.
Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.
Lois J LeValley, 84
Ina “Tumi” Kaltume Breeden, 87
Lois J LeValley, 84
Lois J LeValley, 84, of Phoenix, Arizona died peacefully on Wednesday, September 9th, at MorningStar Assisted Living in Peoria. Services will be held at MorningStar at Golden Ridge (6735 W Golden Ln, Peoria, AZ) on Sunday, October 18th, at 2 PM. Ms. LeValley chose to donate her organs to medical research.
Lois Jean Barnum was born on November 24, 1941, in Fort Dodge, IA to LeVerne and Mabel (Anderson) Barnum. Lois grew up in Gowrie, IA, graduating from Gowrie HS in 1959. In 1961, she married James LeValley of Dayton, IA during their junior year at the University of Iowa where she earned her bachelor’s degree and teaching credential in elementary education. Lois was a professional educator until her husband finished law school. During this time in Iowa City, their daughter Darci and son Jason were born.
In 1966, the family moved to Phoenix. Lois continued her professional education at Arizona State University, completing graduate work in the field of Library Science, earning that additional endorsement for her teaching credential. She continued teaching in support of Jim’s career in the Phoenix area. She and Jim divorced in 1981.
Following that, Lois worked in the travel industry for some of the leading Phoenix area travel agencies, specializing in cruise and tour bookings for a select clientele. After the internet replaced travel agencies, Lois worked in several medical front offices before her retirement. Her midwestern values of strong work ethic, tenacity, honesty, compassion, fidelity, and dedication served her well and she instilled those traits in her children. Lois also had a great sense of humor.
Through the years, Lois served in leadership positions with the Maricopa County Bar Association Auxiliary, Upward Foundation Auxiliary, Arizona Women in Travel, Pacific Area Travel Association, Beginning Experience, the Phoenix chapter of the Lois Club, the Phoenix Children’s Theater Auxiliary, Star Starters, Bunny Brunch, and other service and social organizations.
She had a long-time interest in Phoenix Suns basketball, Jazz in Arizona, jazz concerts throughout the southwest, Phoenix Theater, Arizona Theater Company, the Cedars Ladies lunch group, various bridge and bingo groups and other activities. Lois was a member of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran church. Other interests included Scrabble and other board games, television game shows, mystery shows, independent and foreign cinema, word puzzles and scrambles, traveling, anything Christmas, and reading the daily newspaper from cover to cover.
She especially enjoyed Brazil, France, Greece, Spain, Mexico, Tahiti, and the non-US Caribbean. She loved her shorter trips to California and Colorado to visit her daughter and son-in-law (Brad) and her three grandchildren (Taylor, Zack, and Ryan), Taylor’s husband Collin, and her great-granddaughter Zephyr, as well as Tucson to visit her son Jason. She took much pride in all their accomplishments.
She was fortunate to have enjoyed a 21-year relationship with Michél (Moufy) Moufarrege who passed away in 2009. Others who preceded her in death were her parents and her brother, Dennis Barnum in 2014 and her sister-in-law Carol Barnum in 2021 (all of Gowrie, IA). Besides her children and grandchildren, she is survived by several nieces and a nephew.
Memorial gifts can be made to the organization that supported her grandson Zack and supports other physically challenged athletes through the gift of education--SwimwithMike.org
Sports
Jaguars Battle Hills and Rain at ACGC Invitational
By Coach Peterson
The middle school cross country team competed in cool, drizzly conditions this week at the ACGC Invitational at Guthrie Center on a true cross country course featuring hills, grass, and a variety of challenging terrain. “It was a challenging course, but a fun course, and everyone stood up to the challenge. Now they have a story to tell,” said Coach Danny Lee.
Seventh-grader Ava Eaton had an especially strong performance, setting a personal record. Eaton stated, “The hills are hard, but the finish line is worth it. I started cross country because I love running. Being the first Jaguar to cross the finish line, I felt pretty good about myself, and it definitely helped my confidence. If you don’t think you can do it, if you keep trying and believe in yourself, you will be able to do it.” Her effort was a great example of the progress that can come from consistent practice and determination. Returning eighth-grader Eli Bird also logged a PR, shaving off over 90 seconds. Bird said, “The hills are the worst part, but I persevered through them, chasing the people in front of me.” Read More...
Middle School Jaguars Battle Kuemper on the Volleyball Court
By Coach Hilton
The Southeast Valley middle school volleyball teams took on Kuemper in their latest match. Both the 7th and 8th grade girls faced a tough opponent and continued to gain valuable experience on the court.
The 7th grade girls finished 2–2, with Team B earning two strong victories, 21–12 and 21–17. Team A battled through two tough games, falling 2–21 and 10–21.
The 8th grade girls finished 0–6, continuing to compete and work through a challenging night. Despite the tough scores, the girls continued to encourage each other and fight for every point.
Every match is an opportunity to learn, make adjustments, and grow. We’re proud of the girls for continuing to work hard, support their teammates, and keep pushing forward! Read More...