Nevada Iowa Journal

Colo-Nesco says good-bye to respected principal

wynne — Thu, 17 May 2012 17:30:29 +0000

[caption id="attachment_21495" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Photo by Lauri Dodd Andy Ward surrounds himself with a small group of Colo-Nesco High School students. Ward has worked with many, many students during his 30-year career in education."][/caption] By Marlys Barker Forty years ago, Andrew Ward was celebrating his graduation from Ames High School. This year, Ward is celebrating another life transition - his retirement from a 30-year career in teaching and school administration. For the past 16 years, Ward – who most call “Andy” – has served the Colo-Nesco School District. Ward was the middle school principal in Zearing for 15 years, and finished out this past year as the principal of students in grades 7-12. “Most of all, I have appreciated the support and willingness to work together that our (Colo-Nesco) parents demonstrate day in and day out,” he said. He said his greatest joy in serving the Colo-Nesco district as an administrator has been working with the students, parents and faculty. Born in Virginia, Ward’s family moved to the south side of Des Moines when he was in elementary school. He attended school in Des Moines up to the fifth grade, when his family moved to Ames, where Ward’s mother, Barbara Ward, became a high school English teacher and yearbook sponsor for many years. “I grew up living the life of the English department and going to all kinds of school events,” he said. “Our lives revolved around school, and all the sports and other activities that go with being a student and son of a teacher.” Ward said he remembers being surrounded by reading, art, story telling, play acting and playing sports. “In my mother’s house, doing our homework before we did our chores was a given. My friends that came over always remarked, even to this day, about how interesting life was at our house, because my mother could talk to anyone and was a scholar on so many topics.” Ward said he learned many great lessons from his mother about life, people and teaching. “She was definitely an advocate for the ‘underdog,’ and I have maintained that way of thinking and acting throughout my professional life.” Ward started out his career as a teacher in two rural districts in Iowa – South Clay and Dumont. He followed those jobs with his first principalship at Sac City. Next was a high school principal job at Anamosa and an associate middle school principal position at Saydel, before coming to Colo-Nesco. “When I went from being a teacher to becoming a principal, (my mother) was a little dismayed,” Ward said. “But she quickly got over it when she saw that the lessons she had taught me about dealing with people were demonstrated in my habits (as a principal).” As he was beginning his career in administration, Ward said a wise man told him, “Lead as if you have no authority at all,” and, Ward said, he has tried to remember that no one can know everything. “I became quite fond of asking, ‘What do you think should happen?’ My strength as a listener became very well developed throughout my career as a principal.” In terms of working with students, Ward said he’s tried to impart to them words that were first said by President Abraham Lincoln, “Whatever you are, be a good one.” “I hope I have shown students that a desire to learn leads a person to embrace challenges, persist in the face of setbacks, know that effort through practice is the way to mastery, that we must learn from criticism and find our life lessons and inspiration in the success of others.” Ward also often ended his announcements on the intercom by giving students this bit of advice: “And remember to tell your family you love them.” In turn, students have taught him a few things. “I have learned so much from working with young people,” he said. “Students want to be listened to in a respectful way. Students have great insight when it comes to knowing that a teacher cares about them, and they will work hard for that person. Young people have not changed as much as some would say. I believe the society we live in has changed, and therefore, how young people interact with the world has changed with them. Our young people are good, strong individuals, who will live up to their potential.” Ward lives in Ames with his wife, Joni; his daughter, Megan; his son, Ryan; and his grandson, Kael. “We all live together, and that makes life very interesting,” he said. He hopes retirement can allow him to be more available to his family and spend more evenings with them. But he doesn’t plan to give up education altogether. “I plan on doing consultant work… I am a state-certified trainer in Second Chance Reading, and the AEAs (area education associations) need help in building and maintaining this excellent program that gets struggling readers back on track.” Ward said the decision to retire from Colo-Nesco right now was a difficult one. “Life is all about the journey,” he said. “I still want to contribute to education, but in a different role.” Colo-Nesco educator Linda Michels, who has worked with Ward for 15 years, thanked Ward for all his years of service at Colo-Nesco and said that Ward is “one of the best principals I have ever worked with, and a great man.” “He has always been about the students. He has always looked and researched what is best for kids, and challenged his staff, parents and community to make it happen - ‘for the kids.’ He has always been open to new ideas that would enhance our students’ experiences, once again, ‘for the kids.’” “I became a better teacher under Andy’s guidance,” Michels said, “and Colo-Nesco has been very fortunate to have Andy Ward as part of the Colo-Nesco team.”

Teaching was ‘the better choice’

wynne — Thu, 17 May 2012 17:29:30 +0000

By Nathan Cook [caption id="attachment_21491" align="alignright" width="225" caption="Photo by Nathan Cook Jim Shelledy shows off a mechanism from the inside of a SawStop table saw. Shelledy has been an industrial arts teacher with the Nevada school district for 35 years, and will be retiring at the end of this school year."][/caption] Very few know exactly what they want to do with their lives from an early age. That was not the case though for Jim Shelledy, who will be retiring at the end of this school year after 35 years as a shop teacher for the Nevada district. “When I was a freshman in high school, I loved my industrial arts classes. I knew I either wanted to be a shop teacher or a farmer,” Shelledy said. Shelledy said his father, who made his living as a farmer, discouraged him from pursuing farming. “As I look back, that was probably for the best,” he said. “By the time I got a college education and would have been starting farming, it was right about the late ‘70s to early ‘80s, when things went south. I think I made the better choice,” he said with a laugh. The last 35 years have provided Shelledy with a long career in industrial arts, and in those years he’s seen a lot of changes to the industry. Shelledy said he felt that computerized equipment had presented the largest change over the years. “When I first started, there wasn’t a computer tied to a single machine - I didn’t even really know what a computer was. Now we’ve gone from doing everything with hand-operated machines to having so many computer-controlled machines,” he said. Keeping up with the changes in computerized machinery took a lot of training and trial and error, but Shelledy said it has also improved the industry as well. Previous to computers, making a mistake meant scrapping a part and starting over, but now that’s not necessarily the case. “If you catch the mistake at the computer before you make the part, it helps,” he said. Shelledy said he has also seen a change in the program itself. While he said he feels that interest in the program has remained high, the district has cut three shop teachers to one. “I feel like we’re filling a real need that’s out there in the world of production and material processing,” he said. “If a student is going on to be something like an engineer, if they understand how things go together that’s a big help to them. If you don’t understand what a machine will do, it’s pretty hard to tell the technician to build something that can’t be built.” Even with the cuts in staffing, Shelledy recognizes how fortunate Nevada’s industrial arts program has been. “We’ve got one of the more complete metal shops in the county. Ballard may come close to us, but they don’t have some of the equipment we do,” he said. Some of the good fortune has come by way of grants and private donations to the program. Shelledy said that the program has received grants from the Tope Foundation, and they’ve had various companies and individuals donate everything from tools to lumber. While the content of his classes varies a lot, from the basics of lumber processing to computer drafting software, Shelledy said one of the most important things he teaches all his students first is shop safety. “Part of it has to be a trust issue. You have to trust that you did a good enough job up front that the students know the consequences of messing around. I don’t want to be an authoritative disciplinarian, but they’ve got to understand that those machines can hurt you,” he said. Right now he’s guiding 33 students, 20 in manufacturing and 13 in drafting, and helping to give them skills they may need beyond high school. “We’re not going to teach someone to be a journeyman machinist, but we’re going to give them the tools to get started. This program is a good jumping point,” he said. The program, he said, has helped some students move into degrees and careers in industrial arts, though he still hopes that some day one of his students will become a shop teacher. “I’ve always wanted to have a student follow me in teaching, but I’m proud that I’ve had students go into the industry,” he said. Of course, over the last 35 years there’s been much more to Shelledy’s career than just teaching shop - he also taught drivers’ education for the district, and worked as an EMT for the Boone County Hospital. “I have a degree from UNI in industrial arts and driver and traffic safety,” Shelledy said. “I taught driver’s education for the first seven years with the district,” he said. Eventually, Shelledy said, his then-wife convinced him to take an EMT training course. “The class wasn’t going to be held unless it had one more person, so the night it started she called me and said, ‘come on up, you’re taking the class,”’ he said. That last-minute decision led to him receiving further training and part-time job at Boone County Hospital, which he kept throughout his career. “EMS is so different than teaching. You’re still working with people, which is one of the things I like to do, but it’s different. A lot of the time you’re seeing people in very bad need.” About five years ago, Shelledy did decide to take up his duties as a drivers’ education instructor. “Dave Kruse was looking for someone to do something behind the wheel with the kids again, so I said I would do it. I decided it was kind of fun, so I stuck with it,” he said. Now, with his retirement quickly approaching, Shelledy said he has a lot of things he’s looking forward to. “I’ve got a tractor sitting at home that I want to restore. I own a little bit of land in southeast Iowa and I want to go down and help put in crops in and take them out,” he said. Shelledy has also been active in the Methodist church in Nevada, but said he would like the opportunity to do some mission work. “I would like to get involved in some building projects—I think that’s more where my talent is at,” he said.

First grade – the only grade for this Nevada teacher

wynne — Thu, 17 May 2012 17:26:39 +0000

[caption id="attachment_21487" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Photo by Marlys Barker Shelley Ludeman, back row in center, poses with her current group of first-graders at Central Elementary. Ludeman has spent her entire teaching career at Nevada."][/caption] By Marlys Barker You might say the Nevada School District is in her blood! Retiring first-grade teacher Shelley Ludeman has not only taught in the district for 37 years, she also attended school in the district from her elementary years through her high school graduation – “just a few years ago,” she laughs, and she also volunteered in a Nevada first-grade classroom when she was a student at Nevada High School. Born at Story County Hospital in Nevada, Ludeman grew up in a large, close-knit family, first on a farm north of Nevada (attending school at Fernald until it closed, then at Milford), and later on a farm just south of Nevada. “As fate (or luck) would have it, I’m still in the area,” she said. After her graduation from high school, Ludeman attended what was then known as “the teachers’ college,” the University of Northern Iowa. “I always enjoyed working with children, and I knew I didn’t want to be a nurse or a secretary. I had some special uncles who were teachers, which definitely influenced me,” she said. And her time volunteering in a first-grade classroom, “sealed the deal” on her pursuit of a teaching career. Ludeman has been a teacher for 38 years total. She worked one year as director of the Edith Hale Day Care Center in Nevada before landing her job with the school district. And for all of her 37 years with the school, she has taught first grade, a grade where Ludeman said she’s enjoyed watching kids become immersed in the world of books and reading, and a grade where kids are truly excited about learning. As a teacher, she said, her greatest joy has been working with her students. “Every day is different, and it certainly never gets boring. Each year is a new beginning, a new challenge, with a new group of students, and each year you reach an ending and you feel a sense of closure and accomplishment.” Just as she’s taught her students, Ludeman said her students have also taught her, and one of the most important lessons she’s received is to appreciate the little things. “Kids can get so excited about the little things. I’ve learned that I, too, need to pay attention and find enjoyment in some of those small things in life. It’s O.K. to slow down and not have to hurry up all the time…and to be flexible.” When it comes to the Nevada School District, Ludeman has nothing but good things to say. “I believe our school has a great reputation. It’s always been a progressive, forward-thinking district. To use an old cliché, it’s been on the cutting edge in education. We have beautiful facilities of which we can be very proud.” Ludeman appreciates how the community of Nevada, as a whole, has been so supportive of the school. “I love Nevada with its small-town feel. I’m so lucky to be able to claim it as my hometown and to still call it home,” she said. The biggest changes and challenges in education over the years have been in technology and the level of involvement from the state and federal governments, Ludeman said. With technology, Ludeman said she’s gone from the age of ditto machines – “those copies smelled so good!” – and old-school projectors to document cameras/projectors, Smartboards and the latest iMacs in the computer labs. “It’s a different world,” she said, and in more than just technology. “Families and kids today have many different needs,” she added. Her retirement years may see Ludeman making trips back to her “school family” on occasion to substitute teach, but for the most part, she plans to get plenty of relaxation. “I’m definitely looking forward to more relaxing evenings without the company of my schoolbag,” she said. “With teaching comes the feeling that you are never done; there is always something more you could or should be doing.” Along with relaxing, she plans to tackle some home projects, travel and become the number-one backup babysitter for her grandson. Ludeman, and her late husband, who was known to all as “Ludy,” had two children, a son Keanan, who lives in Des Moines with his wife Vanessa; and a daughter, Kylie, who lives with her husband Josh and son Quentin, who is almost 2, in Grimes. Ludeman also mentions that she has a large extended family in the area that she loves spending time with. “It has truly been a privilege to teach in the Nevada Community School District. I’ve been so blessed to work with very incredible, very dedicated people at all levels,” she said. “The future of Nevada is in excellent hands. I love my school family – they’ve been a huge part of my life. I’ve also enjoyed getting to know and partner with so many supportive families over the years, many of them for a second generation. I feel so fortunate to have had such a fulfilling career in education - a career I have loved.”

Nevada public safety officials sworn in at last council meeting

wynne — Thu, 17 May 2012 17:24:59 +0000

By Nathan Cook Ric Martinez, who had taken the position of acting police chief when Mike Tupper left his position with the city, was sworn in as the police chief - Continue reading...

Celebrating endowment

wynne — Thu, 17 May 2012 17:22:55 +0000

By Lynn Scarlett Dan Saftig spoke at the United Way of Story County (UWSC) Endowment Celebration on Monday, April 9, to help celebrate the success of the Endowment. Mr. Saftig - Continue reading...

The cat now responds …

wynne — Thu, 17 May 2012 17:22:19 +0000

To the editor: (Submitted as a response to last week’s Slices of Life column about the dog’s point of view.) Well, I’m the head of the household. They call me - Continue reading...

Things worth mentioning

wynne — Thu, 17 May 2012 17:21:36 +0000

Wow! Beautiful weather this week, the kind that puts me into a cheerful spirit. So, with that cheerful spirit that I’m having, I wanted to take note of a few - Continue reading...

Don’t take ‘Dark Shadows’ too seriously

wynne — Thu, 17 May 2012 17:20:43 +0000

DARK SHADOWS (PG-13) – Starring Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Eva Green, Jackie Earle Haley, Bella Heathcote, Michelle Pfeiffer, Thomas McDonell, Chloe Grace Moretz, Gulliver McGrath and Jonny Lee Miller. - Continue reading...

DeWayne Wilkening

wynne — Thu, 17 May 2012 17:16:52 +0000

DeWayne Vernon Wilkening was called home by his Lord Jesus on Saturday, May 12, 2012. He was at his home of 49 years in Nevada, surrounded by his family. DeWayne, 87 was a life-long Nevada resident, born in Nevada on May 25, 1924 to Verne H. and Mildred (King) Wilkening. DeWayne graduated from Nevada High School in 1942 and was an exceptional athlete, competing in baseball and basketball. His 1942 Cub basketball team was the last Nevada team to earn their way to the Iowa High School State tournament, finishing third. He was elected to the Nevada High School Hall of Fame in 2005. He was active in athletics throughout his life, playing for the Nevada Red Sox baseball team and later playing fast pitch softball for several years. He also enjoyed bowling, golfing, and gardening. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard and served honorably during W.W. II from 1943 until 1946. He saw duty on both coasts, and on a troop transport shuttling troops from San Francisco to the Philippines. He married his high school sweetheart, Vivian A. Hankins in San Francisco on April 30, 1945. They were married for 67 years and have seven children, 28 grandchildren, and 36 great-grandchildren. Their children are Barry (Donna) Wilkening of Lead, SD, Stacie (Keith) Severson of Littleton, CO, Brad (Kay) Wilkening of Storm Lake, Shelley (Jim) Thomsen of Ankeny, Bret (Lisa) Wilkening of Polk City, Shawn (Shawn) Wilkening of Ankeny, and Brian (Ann) Wilkening of Maxwell. DeWayne has a brother Bob (Shirley) Wilkening of Northglenn, CO and a sister, Marcia Patterson of Longview, TX. He was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter-in-law, Leslie Wilkening. DeWayne and Vivian both joined the First United Methodist Church on Easter Sunday in 1941 and have been active members ever since. DeWayne began working for the Reuben H. Donnelley Corporation in Nevada in 1950 and became a bindery department supervisor. “Doc” retired from Donnelley’s in 1990 after 40 years of service. He was a charter member of the Nevada Kiwanis Club, and was active in the VFW and American Legion. DeWayne delighted in spending time visiting with his kids and grandkids and their families. He was a man of quiet strength, gentle, kind, humble, and quick to smile. He is loved deeply and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Our loss is tempered by the knowledge that he is with his Lord and Savior. Funeral services were held Wednesday, May 16, 2012 in the First United Methodist Church, 1036 7th Street in Nevada with Deacon Brenda Hobson officiating. Burial, with military rites, followed in the Nevada Municipal Cemetery. Memorials may be directed in loving memory of DeWayne to the Care Initiatives Hospice or the First United Methodist Church. Chet Ryan Mortuary was entrusted with the care of DeWayne and his family.

Jean Marie Werner

wynne — Thu, 17 May 2012 17:15:12 +0000

Jean Marie Werner, 80, of Fort Dodge, passed away Friday, May 11, 2012, at The Tompkins Memorial Health Center in Fort Dodge. Memorial services will be Saturday, May 26, 2012 at 1:30 PM at the Celebration Center, Friendship Haven in Fort Dodge. A visitation for family and friends will be begin at 12:30 PM Saturday until the time of services on May 26 at the Celebration Center. The Gunderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Fort Dodge are in charge of arrangements. Jean is survived by her husband, Bill; a daughter, Ann (Stephen) Butler of Richmond, VA and a son, Tom (Ellen) Werner of Midlothian, VA; five grandchildren, Raisa Wingen, Rose Werner, Stefan Wingen, Billy Werner, and Nicolai Wingen; two brothers, Dr. Don (Carole) Wood of Eagle River, WI and David Wood of Sussex, WI; and was loved by her many nieces, nephews and cousins. Jean is preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Norman Wood. Jean Marie Wood, the daughter of France and Helen (Lintz) Wood, was born September 28, 1931 in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. On December 28, 1954, Jean married Bill Werner in Savanna, IL. After their marriage the couple made Iowa City their home where Bill was attending school. They lived in several cities around the U.S. before moving to Fort Dodge in 1964. They lived in Fort Dodge for 16 years before moving to Nevada, IA where they lived for 23 years. In 2003, they moved back to Fort Dodge. Jean loved to read, play bridge, and go golfing. In her retirement years, she loved to go to Dauphin Island in Alabama. On December 28 of this year, Jean and Bill would have celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary. Jean was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Fort Dodge where she also served as a Deacon. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta, P.E.O. where she served as P.E.O President and held several offices. Memorials made be left to the discretion of the family.