Back in December of last year, I received letters from three Van Horne fifth-graders, as part of a school project – each telling me what they thought was needed to make our town better. I wrote them back, thanked them for their suggestions and invited each to come to a council meeting to be recognized for their ideas.

One brave and confident girl came to a meeting and addressed the council on how to make the city park better. One of her ideas was a Gaga Ball Pit. We did our research – found it was very popular – and with some money earmarked for park improvements by an anonymous donor at year-end, we ordered it. It’s now in the park and you can’t miss it – because it’s a new addition, and it’s where all the kids are playing. A big thanks to Jared and Mike for building it in just a couple days.

A fairly constant reminder in this newsletter over the last 10 years has been regarding the dumping of non-brush items at the brush dump. The council recently approved the purchase of cameras to help enforce these rules. They’re now up and running.

Lastly, the Sons of the Legion Sandwich Supper is back this Monday, Aug. 15. I hope you see you there!

“The child who is not embraced by his village will burn it down to feel its warmth.” – African proverb

Aug. 20: Van Horne Fire Department rib-eye/pork chop supper fundraiser, 5-7 p.m.

Aug. 30: Senior citizen luncheon at the community center, noon

Sept. 5: Garage sales, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Thank you to the residents of Van Horne and surrounding area for your continual support of our can and bottle project. Profits of the project are returned to the community as we support the library and the rec department activities.

Would you like a bargain when you buy garbage bags? We sell them – 100 bags for $25 – 30 gallon capacity, very durable. We will give you another bargain when you attend one of our breakfasts. The sale then is $20. You may call the Wiebke’s (228-8348) or Larry and Lou Albers (521-1510) to order and they will be happy to deliver them.

Garage sales are set for Saturday, Sept. 10, from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Time to start cleaning out those closets and storage areas. Sign-up sheets available at city hall or the bank.

Water bills can now be paid online at: https://allpaid.com/web/allpaid/payments/#/payment/a002ur/info or you may go to www.allpaid.com and search for City of Van Horne.

The Van Horne Fire Department will host its annual rib-eye steak and pork chop supper fundraiser on Saturday, Aug. 20. Serving is from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Van Horne Emergency Response Station.

The meal includes choice of pork chop or rib-eye steak, salad bar, baked potato, sweet corn, drinks and dessert. Meals will be delivered in town only for those who are elderly or disabled.

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From staff reports Aug. 9, 2022 2:05 pm

Jim Magdefrau/Special to The Star Press Union

The Southeast Iowa Union, an employee-owned source for local, and state news coverage for Washington, Mt. Pleasant and Fairfield Iowa.