September 2019

    DES MOINES — For the third time in four years, the Grundy Center High School Dance Team has brought first-place hardware home from the state dance championships.
    Last Thursday the girls placed first in the Class IV Pom Division to take their second straight state cpom hampionship while also placing third in the Small School Military Division for the second year in a row. Team members include Sydney Hogle, Ally Jansen, Piper Johanns, Emilee Johnson, Dalyn Maxson, Chelsea McNeil, Kate Ross, Megan Salo and Alexa Strickler.

    GRUNDY CENTER — Steve VanderPol’s long reign as Grundy Center Secondary Principal is coming to an end. Last Wednesday the Grundy Center Community School District Board of Directors approved VanderPol’s request for early retirement during a special meeting.
    VanderPol is in his 19th year as principal at the building. In his letter requesting early retirement, he called his position a “dream job.”
    “(My wife) Barb and I were blessed to raise our three girls in Grundy Center, the place they still call home,” he wrote.

    GRUNDY CENTER — Every good leader has a protégé ... a person they hope will be able to step in for them when the time comes.
    That time came a year ago at Jesco Industries in Grundy Center, and the result has been nothing less than outstanding. Jason Monaghan purchased Jesco from his former boss John Schlemmer nearly a year ago. Late last week, Monaghan brought him back to say “Thanks.”
    “I think the people of Grundy Center kind of owe him a thank you for being the businessman over here fixed everything from your lawn mower to your ...”