Okay, loyal readers. Time to dust off the political commentary again. And I’m not even going to make any further reference in this column to an unnamed right-wing wacko radio personality who was sent packing by the NFL in his attempt to buy a team.
But as is our custom in this country, even with the next state and federal election more than a year away, there’s no lack of confirmed candidates and those who are considering running for office.
On Friday, former Gov. Terry Branstad announced his retirement from the presidency of Des Moines University and his intention to tour the state and gauge whether he should run for a fifth term as governor. He would join a crowded Republican field of up to a half-dozen candidates. But most of them seem to have tired old ideas that might not work.
I supported Chet Culver when he ran for election. But he’s had a real tough couple of years and I have my suspicions that he might be in over his head in this job. Branstad’s announcement is interesting. I may not have always agreed with what he did while in office, but I voted for him, several times. Iowa is a small state, by comparison with some of our neighbors. If you are in the right place at the right time, you can sometimes have a quiet conversation with an elected official, even a sitting governor or a U.S. senator or congressman.
When Terry Branstad was our governor, I was privileged to have a one-on-one conversation with him a few times when I was still in Independence. In fact, we shared breakfast when he was still the lieutenant governor and running for the top spot. I found him to be a very sincere individual who would not dodge the tough issues.
As we move closer to the 2010 governor’s race, pay close attention to what the candidates say. Look for the candidates who appear to be secure enough in their own beliefs to buck the party line if need be, whether it is a Republican or Democrat.
Sen. Chuck Grassley seems to be poised to run for yet another term. I’ve had several opportunities to speak with him and he is also a sincere, down-to-earth individual. I suspect that not only is he one of the smartest senators we have when it comes to fiscal matters, he might be one of the hardest workers in Congress.
The Democrats have been frantically searching for a “secret weapon” to run against him, someone that might have good name recognition and not just some state legislator or local businessman from Des Moines. I caught a news report this week that suggested that the “secret weapon” could be former Iowa First Lady Christie Vilsack.
When asked about this report, she didn’t seem surprised and didn’t offer a direct answer, while leaving the door open to consider it. Earlier in this decade, when her husband, Tom, was our governor, she proved to be a real friend of the Belle Plaine Library and a frequent visitor to our elementary schools with her literacy campaign.
I would like to believe that Sen. Grassley appears to be against a lot of the spending proposals because he wants to sound a warning and knows that such things as health care reform might still succeed without his support. But I’m getting concerned that saying “no” is getting easier for him every day in an era when we need a disciplined, but progressive Congress.
Vilsack vs. Grassley could be an interesting race.
And finally, one more thought on the national political scene. When we elected President Obama last fall, a lot of us really believed that he would serve for eight enlightened years, freeing us from the stranglehold of the past. This is a prediction
I hope doesn’t come true. But at this point, it would not surprise me if he decided not to seek a second term, regardless of how successful he is in achieving meaningful health care reform, or fixing the financial mess or making progress in our war in Afghanistan.
Our president appears to be in great physical, mental and emotional condition. But he might sit down with his wife early in 2012 and they might both decide that the toll on their health and their family is just too much. I dearly hope this isn’t the case. Even the most ardent critics, at least those that truly love their country, would hope and pray he and our other national leaders could solve these huge problems.
Unfortunately, because of the world situation and our own cutthroat political climate, we might be entering an era of one-term presidents.

Last Friday was not only special because of the many happy memories of the homecoming festivities, but because the Plainsmen pulled off a well played game against the Wapello Indians; having defeated them in a close score of 38 to 36. Great job Plainsmen!
Homecoming this year was a huge success with a lot of activities held during the week. The theme for this year’s homecoming was “the 80’s,” which was a lot of fun and celebrated by all students and staff.
One of the activities was dress up days. Monday was dress like your favorite teacher day, Tuesday was hippie day, Wednesday was 80’s day, Thursday was class colors day, and Friday was blue and gold day. Many students took advantage of these fun days and dressed up.
On Thursday, Belle Plaine Schools had the homecoming parade on Main Street at 6:30 p.m. Thankfully, the rain stopped so that the parade could be enjoyed. Each BPHS class decorated a float, which was displayed and judged during the parade. The seniors won 1st place for their float. The juniors won second place for their float, in third we had the freshmen, and 4th place went to the sophomores. From the parade, students, staff, parents, and community members journeyed back to the high school to enjoy the pep rally that was put on by the cheerleaders at 7:00 p.m.
The support at the pep rally was wonderful and the credit should be given to the cheerleaders for setting up the pep assembly, and also the parents for their skit.
Brian Crow and Taylor Schafbuch were crowned Belle Plaine’s 2009 Homecoming King and Queen. The senior attendants were John Long and Bree Nerison.
On Friday afternoon, the students and staff at the high school enjoyed the Shin-dig. It was a chilly afternoon, but everyone still got outside to enjoy the sunny day. Everyone participated in a 30 minute walk that was encouraged by Win with Wellness members. The Win with Wellness members also provided a flag football and volleyball tournament and the bean bag game. Music was provided by Brad Allen, which allowed students the opportunity to sit and visit with each other. The Athletic Boosters provided hotdogs and burgers, which Mr. Phelps and Mr. Tegeler cooked for the students. The Student Council provided the kids with a soda, a bag of chips, and candy. They also provided the students with the homecoming dance, which was held from 10:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m.
Thanks to all who helped make the Shin-dig and homecoming festivities a success this year. Thanks for all of your hard work and for the great time!

Community Members and Local Businesses that helped support BP Homecoming 2009 with monetary donations. Thanks again for all your support.

Elite Sports, Alcott Chiropractic, Kathryn & James Daily, The Office, Drahos Shoe Store, Annette’s Styling Hutch, Connie’s Hairvana,The Hair Hut, Storm Realty, His and Hers Styling, BP Chiropractic, Perfect Petals, D & M Car Wash, Oasis Tavern, Weeda Realty, Grand Central Station, Country Foods, Belle Plaine Nursery, Countryside Vet Clinic, Cory’s Truck & Tire, East Side Body Shop, Larry & Duronda Schlue, BP Dental, Heartland CO-OP, Drahn Insurance, BP Athletic Boosters, Ma’s Kitchen, Carquest, Grieder’s Standard, Subway, GCI Building Supply, BP Nursery, Friedman Farm Supply, Main Street Video, Star Press Union, Chelsea Savings Bank, Midwest One Bank

By Tucker Gerard

The Juniors of Belle Plaine High school attended a college fair on October 2, 2009. The college fair was held in Marshalltown at the Marshalltown Community College Gym.
A college fair is where different colleges from around the state or even nation go to meet with college-bound seniors. The students are then given the opportunity to ask questions about their college. Hopefully, the information they are provided with will help them make the decision of if you want to go to that college or find another one of interest.
The juniors are preparing to go on to college or into the working world. As seniors each one should apply to colleges, go on college visits, take classes that deal with their area of interest, fill out scholarships, and get good grades. Juniors need to be thinking about what they will be doing as seniors as well as what is important right now like grades, volunteering, participating in extracurricular activities, and attendance.
The college fair at MCC was a great way to see many colleges all in one location and to help prepare the juniors for big decisions that they have to make.

COLLEGE PLANNING NIGHT:  Thanks to the juniors and seniors and their parent(s) that attended College Planning Night on Tuesday, October 6^th.  Valuable information was shared about applying to college, playing for college, and being successful in college.  The presentation featured Brit from the Iowa College Access Network.  The ICAN professionals provide FREE services to students in Iowa.  We really would like to see MORE students and parents at these sessions—you can never be too prepared for your future!  Check the school calendar for more upcoming ICAN presentations.  Their expertise can benefit EVERY student!

CAPRI COLLEGE CAREER FAIR is being held on October 28^th from 12:00-3:00 p.m.  You’re also invited to the Runway Show at 4:00.  See Miss Daily for more information.  This can count as one of your college visits!

COLLEGE APPLICATIONS:    Ideally, college applications are submitted by Thanksgiving.  Once you’re accepted to the college(s) of your choice, find out what scholarships they’re offering incoming freshmen.  For example, Iowa State University has 198 separate scholarships listed for incoming freshmen!

OUR SCHOOL ROCKS! WE’RE DRUG FREE!!  We’ll be celebrating Red Ribbon Week the week of October 26^th through 30^th.  Please watch future bulletins and your elementary student’s Wednesday envelope for more detailed information about our celebration.  The kick-off to the week includes a variety of local celebrities and high school role models who will be donating one hour to ROCK THE HALLS of BP Schools.  Rockers range from Fire Chief Russ Spading to Physician Assistant Deb Mescher to Plainsman Athlete Brian Crow.  Our non-stop rockin’ will remind students to TAKE A STAND against drug as our guests have a seat in a rocking chair.

JOB SHADOWS ARE HEATING UP:  Several BPHS students have recently been placed in some great job shadowing experiences compliments of the Work Place Learning Connection.  The Plainsmen have witnessed a variety of professionals ranging from doctors at the University of Iowa College of Medicine to expert mechanics at Automotive Technology Day.  Please help remind your students to complete their thank you note and evaluation form as a follow-up to their experience.  Watch your mail and/or e-mail for more exciting opportunities.

NEED A HOLIDAY/WEEKEND PART-TIME JOB?  Consider attending the “Fall Into Retail Job Fair” on Tuesday, October 20^th from 5:30-7:30 p.m.  All of the 35 employers represented are hiring!  Go to the Iowa Workforce Development Office at 800 7^th St SE.

FOUR PLAINSMEN SHARED THEIR EXPERTISE AT BPJH:  Seniors, Shelby Markham, Brandon Viall, and Nichole Tatge and Freshmen Melissa Stull and Zach Clement ventured to Mr. DeGraff’s class to share their knowledge about life at BPHS.  They provided great advice on academic planning, social success, and student/teacher relationships.  Great job, Shelby, Nichole, Melissa, and Zach!

CONGRATS TO THE 14 PLAINSMEN WHO TOOK THE PSAT:  They dedicated their morning on Wednesday, October 14^th to pouring their knowledge into this standardized assessment.  We’d like to thank Kristi at the Belle Plaine Library for allowing us to administer the test in the Henry B. and Patricia Tippie Room.  It was a great setting for testing success!

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY:  Check out www.anycollege.com.  There are random drawings for scholarships every three months!

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY:  Between 75 and 85 scholarships will be given to graduating seniors from the Pearl Hull Falk Trust.  Each recipient must be of the Protestant faith, a resident of the State of Iowa, and going to attend the University of Iowa.  All applicants must submit application materials by May 1^st.  See Miss Daily for application materials.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY:  If you have a GPA or 2.5 or higher, work at least 15 hours a week outside of school, and plan on going to college, go to http://www.haveityourwayfoundation.org/burger_king_scholars_program.html for your chance to become a Burger King Scholar!  Applications are due February 1st!

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY:  Seniors who have a GPA of 3.0 and above are invited to apply to be a Coca-Cola Scholar.  Go to https://www.coca-colascholars.org for the application that’s due October 31st!

As Belle Plaine players and fans were getting ready for their longest road trip of the season to Keosauqua for the eighth game of the regular season, there was speculation where the Plainsmen would be playing next year. Every two years, the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) realigns football districts and 2010 will be a year for possible changes.
Changes in enrollments are one of the big reasons for such frequent alignments. There are five classes for 11-man football in the state, plus several schools who play eight-man football. Those schools with 700 or more students in grades 9,10 and 11 are designated 4A schools. There are exceptions made for predominately 4A conferences that may also include schools of 3A size. This season it appears that Cedar Rapids Xavier, a Mississippi Valley Conference school, is the lone 3A school playing in a Class 4A district.
Below that 700 student plateau, the next 64 schools are 3A teams, the next 64 are 2A and the next 64 are 1A schools, the remaining schools playing 11-man football in Class A. But several of those smallest schools, with 115 students or fewer, opt to play 8-man football. Some schools also go together to field one team, such as Sigourney and Keota.
The bad news for local fans who would like to cut down on their travel budget and still follow the Plainsmen is that it appears that Belle Plaine would still be on the edge of nearly every district scenario. This year, Belle Plaine is on the northwest edge of a district that stretches as far as Durant to the east and Van Buren to the south.
In 2006-07, Iowa City Regina, Montezuma and BGM were members of the same district as the Plainsmen. Before that, in 2004-05, the alignment was similar, except Cardinal of Eldon was in the district instead of Van Buren.
The last time Belle Plaine was in a totally different district was in 2002 and 2003, when the Plainsmen were in District Three with Eldora-New Providence, BCLUW, Dike-New Hartford, East Marshall, Gladbrook-Reinbeck, Grundy Center and Colo-Nesco.
The association will look at enrollment numbers that area being reported this fall to determine what changes may be needed in the district alignments. Some of Belle Plaine’s former opponents are now classified as 2A or A teams. If there are wholesale changes in 2010 and enrollments remain steady, it would appear that Belle Plaine could be put together with teams now in two other districts. In District Three, three of the teams, South Winneshiek, Turkey Valley and Nashua-Plainfield are members of the Upper Iowa Conference. They are joined by Denver, Aplington-Parkersburg, Gladbrook-Reinbeck, Grundy Center and BCLUW.
Five of the teams currently in District Four are members of the Tri-Rivers Conference, including Alburnett, North Linn, Maquoketa Valley, Starmont and Edgewood-Colesburg. They are joined by Clayton Ridge (Guttenburg), Northeast of Goose Lake and Bellevue. Teams currently in District Five include West Branch, Eddyville-Blakesburg, Wapello, Durant, Pekin, Iowa Valley and Van Buren, as well as the Plainsmen.
There’s an outside chance that Belle Plaine could be thrown in with some schools now in District Six. But at least three of those teams are west of Interstate 35 and at least three are located along Highwa 2, about a dozen miles north of the Missouri border.
According to the most recent posted enrollment figures from the IHSAA, it would appear that Eddyville-Blakesburg, South Winn, Maquoketa Valley, Pekin, Clayton Ridge and Denver could move up to Class 2A.
The association traditionally announces the new district alignments in February or March, which leaves several months for more hot stove speculation.

Mark Anderson, a project archaeologist, will present a program entitled, “A New World at Your Feet: 13,000 years of Human Prehistory in the Belle Plaine Vicinity” at the Belle Plaine Museum on Sunday, beginning at 2 p.m. He will specifically be sharing information on the native American artifacts found on the Stammer farm east of Belle Plaine.

Anderson described his program this way: “Just about everyone knows what an ‘arrowhead’ looks like and that it was made by some Native American in the past. That past is usually associated with contact by Euro-American explorers and settlers some 300- 500 years ago. What most people don’t know is that those ‘arrowheads’ tell far more about our prehistoric past than is seen at first glance.

“The Belle Plaine Historical Society, as most others across the state, holds a collection of prehistoric stone tools from those little ‘arrowheads’ to knife blades, dart points, spear tips, scrapers, drills, gravers, and numerous other tools. Some of these were in use when our Euro-American ancestors arrived but most are hundreds and thousands of years old. They represent the existence of humanity across the landscape of Iowa from the end of the last Ice Age to the modern era. This presentation will use that stone tool collection to frame some 13,000 years of human occupation of the Belle Plaine vicinity.”