The state large group speech contest was held on February 7th. These district contest winners were now facing the judges again and hoping for a chance to earn an all-state berth with their large group entries. In order to earn all-state honors, an entry needed to earn a I rating from all three judges. Well, our area was blessed to have three students earn all-state honors.
    Kristen Shea, daughter of Nicole and Sean Shea of Danbury not only earned one honor, but she and her Siouxland Christian teammates earned all-state honors in both of her large group entries, one in One-Act Play and one in Choral Reading. Kristen was not new to all-state. As a matter of fact, she has earned all-state honors in her three years in large group speech.
    "Being a 3-year performer, I know that All-State isn't guaranteed, but I was confident in our piece," commented Shea. "In my opinion, the all-state festival was just as fun and enjoyable as last year."
    Unlike Kristen, MVAOCOU students Ada Gee (daughter of Kellie and Jeff Gee of Mapleton) and Jenna Rosener (daughter of Angie and John Rosener of Mapleton) were in their first year of large group speech. Their Radio Broadcasting entry earned a trip to state, but it also earned all-state honors. They created a radio broadcast set in August of 1936, which consisted of national and local news, weather, and an advertisement. The judges complimented their delivery, historical details, and selection of music and sound for opening, transitions, and closing.
    "I thought Jenna and I had a really solid broadcast put together, but I didn't want to expect an all-state nomination," commented Gee. "Since this was my first year of group speech, I just hoped to make it to regular state! I thought the 1930's theme really made us stick out, and it gave me hope that we'd go far!"
    "Since Ada and I received straight ones from the three judges at state, I knew there was a possibility that we would be nominated for All-State," commented Rosener. "I was still shocked though when they told us that we were not only chosen to attend, but to even perform. We were only one of sixteen radio broadcasting groups chosen to perform for the whole state of Iowa."
    Ada learned that their broadcast was named to all-state while she was supporting her peers at a basketball game.
    "I was really excited when I found out we made it," she exclaimed. "I was at a basketball game with my friends when the notification popped up, so it was a nice surprise. I started to plan my outfit right away because I was that eager to go. 😂"
    The ladies both agreed that it was indeed an experience in which they were happy to participate.
    "The whole All-State experience was very intriguing," said Ada. "There were so many different people there from small to large schools. They did an opening ceremony where they presented all different types of speech and introduced the critics, also during the opening ceremony they had a special segment on geese being the leader of the pack. With this they started honking and flapping their arms like wings, it was quite the sight to see. Overall, it was an awesome experience, and I wish I would've gotten the opportunity sooner! It's always great to see so many different people together to celebrate something they're passionate about!"
    "I was not expecting to make it to All-State. I wanted to try something new so I gave group speech a chance. It sounded like a great opportunity to broaden my horizons. After seeing all of the people in attendance and listening to the speaker list all the schools represented, it made me realize how big of a deal this really was," added Jenna. "I'm very thankful that I was given this opportunity and for the support of my coaches."
    Congratulations to the ladies.

    The Woodbury County Board of Supervisors will be hosting a Town Hall meeting on March 5th in Anthon. Beginning at 430PM supervisors, county staff, and other elected officials will be doing a tour of select businesses on Main Street Anthon to see a snapshot of the recent economic development activity that is helping Anthon continue to grow and prosper. Then, beginning at 530PM the meeting will commence at the Anthon Events Center. An agenda of topics will be posted the week of the event on the Woodbury County website.
    Citizens are cordially invited to attend and participate. See you March 5th!
Mark Nelson,
Chairman Board of Supervisors

    On February 19, 1976, Danbury Ambulance Service opened its doors. Dick Anderson, Jean and Pat Barry, Steve Bauer, Dennis and Bonnie Boyle, Mary Cameron, David and Linda Colbert, DeVilda and Roger Collins, Carolyn Flammang, Terry Krayenhagen, Art and Pam Paulsrud, Brad Pithan, Jim Twitchell, Karen Waderich, Pat Welte, Rosie Wenger, and Lois Wolterman became the first EMTs for the new volunteer service. Rosie Wenger, Pat Welte, and Denny Boyle had the honor of being the first EMTs to break in the new ambulance. The three rushed Al Rosauer to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Sioux City for tests.
    Fifty years later, the Danbury Ambulance Service is still up and running. We are blessed to have, ten EMTs, six drivers, and three drivers-in-training on our roster.
    Many things have changed in the past 50 years. Procedures and protocols have been revised to keep up with changing medical needs. Technology has improved the equipment used by prehospital and hospital staff. While prehospital care has changed, some things remain the same. EMTs still need to attend classes to recertify their license. Blood pressure and pulse readings are still important factors to monitor in each patient. Patients still need the care of EMTs.
    According to Paramedic Bob Welte, who boasts 40 years on the DAS staff, Danbury was the first community in the county to have a paging system. Those on call would pick up the pager at Colbert's Market. When there was an emergency, patients would call the designated number, and the pager would be sounded. This worked well. Eventually, the county adopted a paging system, and Danbury's original system went by the wayside.
    Danbury Ambulance Service is proud to start their 51st year of serving Danbury and helping area departments when needed. The current certified personnel, Paramedic Bob Welte; EMTs Lynn Buth, Darlene Fitzpatrick, Sierra Francavilla, Julie Hamann, Heather McNamara, Molly Petersen, Lana Peterson, and Sherry Welte; drivers Garrett Dose, Megan Doty, Bryan Flanigan, Michael Sexton, Megan Thompson (also currently an EMT student), and Adam Weber; and drivers-in-training James Oberreuter, Noah Oberreuter, and Chad Kreger are appreciative of everyone for their support throughout the past 50 years. They are ready to help you when you need them.
    Photos of the current DAS members can be found in this week's Review.

    Want a nice cold beer or other beverage on a Monday evening? Want to meet friends in Danbury for a nice cold beer or other beverage on a Monday evening? Dana Hall can help you out.
    Lately, a sign on Schrank's Bar & Grill has stated that it will be closed on Mondays. To fill the void, Dana Hall's bar will be open from 4:00 until 8:00 on Mondays beginning on March 9th. Please consider supporting Dana Hall.

    The Danbury Fire Department will be providing food and entertainment at their annual men's stag on Monday at Dana Hall.
    Hors d'oerves will be served starting at 5:30 p.m. The "World Famous" Ribeye steak meal will be served starting around 6:30. The men will be able to enjoy the stag into the night.
    The cost is $70 per person. Tickets may be purchased from any firefighter or at the door. They may also be purchased at either bank in Danbury or at BlueJay Boutique or Schrank's Bar & Grill.