The Danbury Fire Department spent Sunday morning making pancakes. They weren't just wimpy little pancakes. They were giant pancakes. As a matter of fact, they were bigger than Firefighter Erik Bailey's head. Truth be told, they were bigger than other people's heads, too, but Erik happened to be standing there for comparison, much to his chagrin.
    The annual Fall breakfast was warmly received on a nippy morning. A long line developed just after the doors opened at 8:00 on Sunday morning. By the time they served their last customer, they tallied over 150 tummies filled with pancakes, eggs, and sausages.
    "It takes a lot of scrambled eggs," exclaimed Janelle Clausen who was helping her husband, Mark with the prep work in the fire station's kitchen. Janelle's last batch of scrambled eggs marked 24 dozen eggs cracked for the fluffy yellow food with 45 minutes left to serve people. Along with eggs, the department used 4 large bags of pancake mix and 30 pounds of sausage.
    "We have good support from the community and from the area," added Mark Clausen who was in charge of the brunch.
    The hungry feasters indeed helped make sure the firemen didn't have leftovers, including pancakes which were definitely filling in more ways than one. With a single pancake filling the plate and measuring 1/2" in thickness, the supporters had a tall order to eat up the breakfast food.
    "They were the biggest pancakes we've made in a long time," commented firefighter Mike Gaspers. "People ate the heck out of them."
    The firemen appreciate the support of all who visited the station to enjoy a big breakfast.

    Last Tuesday and Wednesday nights, the sky was the focus for people across the nation. Geomagnetic storms brought the northern lights to much of the U.S. this week, painting the sky in vibrant colors.
    Adam Weber sent this photo of the sky on Tuesday. Thanks, Adam!

    The MVAOCOU Dance Team will be participating in the state competition next week. To give them some support financially and mentally, the team and their families are holding a pasta dinner on Sunday beginning at 5:00 at the high school. Enjoy Lasagna or Alfredo Bake with salad, breadsticks and dessert for a free will donation.
    Following the meal, the team will perform their state routines.
    Please consider attending and wishing them good performance.

    Who doesn't like food, fun, and turkeys?
    The McNiff Post #389 in Anthon will be holding their annual feather party on Monday beginning at 7:00 at the Anthon Legion Hall. Play Euchre and spin the wheel to win frozen turkeys. Food and beverages will be available. There will also be cash drawings.
    Please consider supporting the legion in Anthon.

    ONAWA, Iowa – if you drive through the Interstate 29 Exit 112 and on the Iowa 175 bridge over I-29 west of Onawa you need to be aware of closures that will affect your trip, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation's Sioux City construction office.
    The Iowa 175 bridge over I-29 was hit by an oversized, overweight load. The Iowa DOT has the Iowa 175 bridge as well as portions of I-29 in the area closed while we perform an inspection and cleanup work associated with the bridge hit.
    Once the inspection and associated work is complete, Iowa 175 over I-29 will be down to a single lane of alternating traffic using a temporary signal. The timing of this is currently unknown.
    This structure has been hit before and is posted for low clearance. Repairs have been made previously as well. The structure is anticipated to be replaced in 2026.

    MVAOCOU High School took a hiatus from dramatic performances, but this year they are back. Over the weekend, the drama club performed "The Royal Application Ruckus." The play was well received and is just the beginning for this year's Drama Club.
    "Ars Gratia Artis," responded Mrs. Tara Redenius, the Drama Club director as to why it's important for drama. This Latin phrase means Art for Art's Sake. "For me, drama is the art of doing art. These kids have enormous talent, and I am glad they have a chance to showcase their talents."
    MVAOCOU's Drama Club had last performed a play in April of 2021. The drama kids were enthusiastic to bring the plays back, using this Fall program as a springboard for a bigger performance in the Spring.
    "Mr. Thelander was a huge proponent for getting a Drama Club started again," commented Redenius. "It is important for him students have a variety of activities in which they can participate."
    This variety of activities does cause issues at times. The group was challenged with fitting in practices as the students are involved with family, sports, quiz bowl, band, choir, and other events. Luckily, it all turned out well in the end.
    With their first program under their belt, the club can focus on contests and their Spring program, a murder mystery.
    We will print a picture of the entire cast when we receive the names.