Sioux City Journal from Sioux City, Iowa • 4

I on the effectiveness of the Aug. 29, The Sioux City Council is Siouxland Tuesday Flood control awaiting the findings done 2000 A4 Perry Creek Flood Control Project. Page A13 Board candidates disagree on $9.5 million school bonds The five candidates for Sioux City school board appeared to disagree most over whether they would support issuing $9.5 million in revenue bonds to help finance school construction. During a joint appearance Monday at the Downtown Rotary Club, the candidates were asked if they, supported a proposal being considered by the citizens Finance Oversight Committee to issue the debt. Last December, the district borrowed $10 million in revenue bonds to help pay for the new West Middie School and Hayworth Middle School.

The money will be repaid out of revenues from the 1 percent local option sales tax. Nancy Mounts, Flora Lee, Doug Batcheller and Lynn Richardson indicat- By Lynn Zerschling Journal staff writer ed they favored issuing more bonds, while Caroline Conkey voiced reservations about doing so. Voters will elect three candidates in the Sept. 12 election. Mounts, a retired teacher, said issuing the $9.5 million in debt would accelerate the building projects and help reduce inflationary costs.

Because some smaller populated counties in Iowa may lobby the Legislature to change how the revenues from the tax are distributed, Mounts said Woodbury County could lose money if that were to happen. By issuing the debt now, the district could protect part of its investment over the 10-year life of the tax. Lee, a social worker who is board president, said she voted to issue $20 million in debt last fall, as recommended by the Finance Oversight Committee and Superintendent Larry Williams. However, the board voted 4-3 to only issue half that amount. Lee said she would vote to issue the $9.5 million bonds so construction on other projects could proceed.

Batcheller, a businessman, said it will take about $30 million to finish building West Middle School and Hayworth Middle School. If the district wants to proceed with other building projects, he said additional money will have to be borrowed. Richardson, a chemical engineer, said he favored issuing the $20 million in bonds last fall and definitely would vote to borrow the $9.5 million if it came up this year. He said the district needs to proceed with constructing elementary schools. Conkey, a board member who works in her family's business, noted that she had voted against issuing $20 million in revenue bonds last fall.

She said it was her view that when voters were asked to approve the 1 percent local option sales Student will repeat mission trip CHEROKEE, Iowa Ashley Weede of Cherokee says this has been the most exciting summer of her life. Weede, 15, served two facilities for orphaned children in May Pen, Jamaica. As a team member for the Caribbean Lifetime Missions organization, Weede is no longer the timid novice she was in January when she began preparations for her first adventure. Today, she is an official representative for the CLM organization, and she is presently reaching out to recruit other people to join her for a return trip to May Pen next August. Every day she corresponds with e-mail friends regarding updated information about team requirements.

In addition to filing immigration forms, each team member must provide a current physical health report, receive a recommendation from any interdenominational church and pay $2,000 to cover all personal traveling expenses. Weede must secure a minimum of 10 volunteers to form her own team, having one adult for every five young people. "I'm getting organized right now by writing down all kinds of helpful tips that I have had to learn on my own," says Weede. Her collection of colorful keepsakes, photographs and videotapes bring her message to life, and speaking engagements are numerous. A free educational program at the Sanford Museum and Planetarium in Cherokee on Sunday afternoon, Dec.

3, will be particularly interesting because Weede plans to prepare a buffet of her favorite Jamaican foods. Retracing her footsteps to May Pen should be more relaxing the second time around. Since no missionaries had By Connie Hankens Journal correspondent Ashley Weede, 15, of Cherokee, wears a dress she purchased during a Caribbean Lifetime Missions trip to Jamaica where she served at two facilities for orphaned children. (Photo by Connie Hankens) served in the May Pen location drive to collect clean, used T- for five years, Weede's team shirts in 1 good repair eventually members worked to establish a yielded more than 200 shirts trust with the people. which Weede would give to thought I was going to go phaned Jamaicans.

to Jamaica and teach the people "Those shirts are still comso much, but the Jamaican peo- ing in plus duffel bags full of ple have shown me more than I good used toys for my next could have ever shown them," she says. says Weede. The remaining balance of First came the apprehension $1,300 was provided by friends of fulfilling basic requirements and family. and seeking community sup- Travel occupied much of the port. Weede's congregation at missionaries' time.

On June 16, St. Paul's United Methodist Weede flew from Minneapolis Church in Cherokee gave a to Montego Bay, Jamaica, freewill offering of $700 on where she joined 17 other team Jan. 30 when she presented a members from West Virginia, sermon based upon her upcom- Tennessee, and Connecticut. ing ministry. On that Sunday, a "I was the only Iowan.

One WIT forum will discuss how political system works People interested in finding out more about how politics work are invited to attend a political forum at noon Sept. 14 at Western Iowa Tech Community College in the large lecture hall, room 920, building A. The forum will launch WITCC's 2000-2001 "Wit and Wisdom" on campus lecture series. House Majority Leader Christopher Rants, R-Sioux City, and Assistant Senate Minority Leader Steve Hansen, D- Sioux City, with Dr. Robert Rice, chairman of the Woodbury County Republican Party and Rick Mullin, Woodbury County Democratic Party chairman, will discuss political careers and how the political process works, including how students and other members of the public can be involved.

The lecture series is organized by Dr. Rudy Daniels, assistant dean for special projects. The nonpartisan session will explain the benefits and opportunities of the political process, he said. The forum is free and open to the public. Prostate cancer screening scheduled for Sept.

19-20 An annual prostate cancer screening for Siouxland men is 7 to 9 p.m. Sept. 19 and 20 at Siouxland Regional Cancer Center, 230 Nebraska St. The screening process, which includes a Prostate Specific Antigen blood test and an exam, is intended for men ages 50 and older, or ages 40 and older if there is a family history of prostate cancer or if they are of African-American descent. Cost of the screening is $15.

This screening is not applicable for men who have had a prostate examination within tax in 1998, backers of the measure said it would be "cash as you go." She said she doesn't know if she would vote for borrowing the $9.5 million or not. Regarding why there is money to build a new practice field on the West High School campus, but why there wasn't money to hire another string teacher, all five candidates pointed out that the track built as part of West Middle School. The cost will be paid for out of revenues from that 1 percent local option sales tax. The candidates said the string teacher issue came up after the budget was set after the state came up with more money for some district programs. Nevertheless, the candidates agreed that hiring new teachers should go through the regular budget process and could be considered for next year.

Regarding what their top priorities for the year would be: Mounts said to improve academic achievement by all students, to make sure finances are in order and to give teachers the staff development they need. Lee said to educate children, achieve financial responsibility and foster a positive working environment for staff. Batcheller said to make sure each child develops to his fullest potential, to foster staff enthusiasm and to have consensus building by board members. Conkey said to start construction of a grade school, to have a Reading Recovery program in every grade school and do conduct exit surveys of graduating seniors. Richardson said to rotate school board meetings to all schools to encourage a and allow more parental involvement in decision-making, to start construction on a new grade school and to improve reading and comprehension scores.

Siouxland TowA 314 AMI young girl had both her mother and father on the Some of the work done by the missionary team included painting the entire interior and exterior of the orphanage, and painting the exterior of three dormitories at a state-funded boys' home. At both locations, music and singing were the most successful communicative methods. "We were kept too busy to get homesick. My dad, Larry, wanted me to call home every night around 9 p.m. One night my mom, Diana, and I talked for about an hour.

If I called from Jamaica, the cost was $4 per minute compared to having my family call me from Iowa at $2 per minute. My dad about flipped when he got the final bill of $500, but I think he thinks I'm worth it." The last day in Jamaica was a celebration on the beach of Ocho Rios. Although the average temperature was about 104 degrees, the dry heat felt like a pleasant day of 88 degrees for an Iowan who was used to high humidity. The team cut loose and had a chance to enjoy themselves as tourists. "As a going-home present to myself, I chose the brightest dress I could find which was a hot orange cotton with bright yellow leaf prints.

I saw a lady actually taking big leaves, dipping them into yellow paint and applying them to the dress. I also had a native make me a pair of leather woven thongs, which only took about 10 minutes. I even had my hair braided in ragout so that I would look cool when I stepped off the plane to greet my parents." When asked what was the response by her peer group to the Jamaican adventure, Weede replied, "Some people think it was interesting, some think that it was a nice thing for me to do, and others think I am just plain crazy." Rockin' Bluesfest 2000 shifts to auditorium The "Rockin' Bluesfest 2000 Festival" featuring Lynyrd Skynyrd, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Walter Trout, has been moved from Lewis Clark Park to the Sioux City Municipal Auditorium. The relocation was announced Monday by festival producers. Doors at the festival, presented by Security National Bank, will open at 5:30 p.m.

Friday with Walter Trout taking the stage at 6:30 p.m. followed by Kenny Wayne Shepherd and then Lynyrd Skynyrd. Tickets are $27.50 in advance and are available at the Auditorium Box Office and all Ticketmaster locations by calling (712) 252-3434. Reserved seats are available in the auditorium, and tickets from Lewis and Clark Park can be exchanged for these seats. The festival is being moved due to production difficulties.

Any ticket questions should be directed to the Auditorium Box Office at (712) 279-4850. Tickets will be $30 on the day of the show. Lynyrd Skynyrd is best known for hit single, "Freebird," and has released approximately 20 records. Kenny Wayne Shepherd was nominated for a Grammy in 1999 and has toured with the Rolling Stones, the Eagles and B.B. King, to name a few.

He last performed in Sioux City with King in 1996. Walter Trout has performed many times at the Blues Cellar in Sioux City. sports Sherman By Lynn Zerschling Journal staff writer Directors presented him with its Service Award in 1983. In 1995, he was the honorary referee for the Sioux City Relays and, in 1997, he was presented the Iowa Football Coaches Association Distinguished Service Award. In 1998, he served as the honorary referee at the Heelan High School-East High School football game.

Sherman was the voice of the Morningside College Chiefs from 1950-65. He took over the Briar Cliff College basketball play-by-play chores in 1975 and continued broadcasting the games through the 1996-97 season. He was born in Sioux City Nov. 13, 1921, the son of Phillip and Minnie (Epstein) Sherman. He graduated in 1940 from Central High School, and later the University, of U.S.

Nebraska. He Marine Corps during World War II. In a 1998 interview with Terry Hersom, sports editor of The Sioux City Journal, Sherman said, "I was always interested in sports. In the Marine Corps, I was the sports editor of a paper in Sioux City sports broadcasting pioneer and well-known sports personality Gene Sherman died Sunday night in South Sioux City following a lengthy illness with cancer. He was 78.

In March 1999, he was inducted into the Greater Siouxland Athletic Association Hall of Fame. In the induction ceremony, businessman Rudy Salem said, "Half a century of sportscasting is the enduring legacy created by Gene Sherman, a Sioux City native whose love for his hometown led him to a memorable career in radio and television, honoring the community's high school and college sports teams. "In his early years of broadcasting, he was the voice of the Sioux City Soos baseball team. Today, Sherman is known widely as the longtime sports director for KMNS Radio and also KCAU-TV. "His dedication and loyalty to the youth of Siouxland have brought him many honors over the years, including the Iowa Sportscaster of the Year Award in 1982, the North Central Conference Honor Award, the distinguished service award from the Iowa High School Athletic Directors Association and the B'Nai B'rith Sportsman of the Year Award in 1980." In 1978, Sherman was named the honorary referee for the 40th Holstein Relays.

In 1980, he was named Iowa Sportscaster of the Year. The Iowa High School Athletic Association honored him with its Media Award in 1982, while the Iowa High School Athletic Directors presented him legend dies Gene Sherman Camp LeJeune, N.C., and I traveled with an All-American basketball team." After his discharge from the Marines in 1946, Sherman returned to the University of Nebraska to finish his studies, graduating the following year with a degree in business administration. He went to work for his older brother, Fred, at Midwest Paper and Specialty Co. in Sioux City. After his brother died of a heart attack at 38, Sherman said he was not sure what he was going to do.

A friend, Sheldon Singer, had taken a job as the first program director at radio station KCOM, which signed on the air in 1949. Sherman tagged along and helped Singer broadcast Sioux City Soos baseball games. Not long after, Sherman went to work full-time for the station, which became KMNS. He started broadcasting on television in 1956 as the host of a weekly bowling show. He joined the station full-time in 1959, and was named sports director at KCAU in 1961.

Sherman, who was known as "Coach," retired in 1985. He also broadcast sports for KTIV until 1994. In that 1998 interview, Sherman told Hersom, "I didn't do it for money. I like being around the athletic teams, coaches and media people. At least I'm living a good life and I'm happy." He was a member of the Congregation Beth Shalom.

He married Nancy Fantuzzi Tessar in Sioux City on June 22, 1986. They lived in South Sioux City. He is survived by his wife; three stepsons and their families, Tom Tessar of Cincinnati, Ohio, Jon Tessar of St. Paul, and Bill Tessar of Morehead, a sister-in-law, Ruth Cohn of Omaha; a niece, Susie Somberg of Omaha; a nephew, Steve Sherman of San Antonio, Texas; and six step Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel is handling arrangements. the last year or have been diagnosed previously with cancer.

For an appointment on Sept. 19, call Luke's Regional Medical Center at (712) 279- 3333. For an appointment on Sept. 20, call Medical Center Sioux City at (712) 279-2010. The screenings are sponsored by Mercy Medical Center Sioux City, St.

Luke's Regional Medical Center, Siouxland Regional Cancer Center, Sioux City Urological Associates and Siouxland Hematology Oncology Associates. Akron-Westfield eld wins $1,000 in competition DES MOINES Akron-Westfield Com- as part of their curriculum. The program in- tapes or computer software. A panel of munity School won second place and a cludes classroom materials, a student news- judges rates each entry. $1,000 cash prize in the Adventure Iowa paper and teacher lesson plans for four Pence Elementary School at Fairfield and program sponsored by the Iowa Depart- weeks of use.

Decorah Middle School placed first and ment of Economic Development's Division Schools participating in the program have both received $2,000 cash prizes. Woodof Tourism. an opportunity to take a trip to an Iowa bine Community School was among four field The program is for students in the fifth or attraction and then submit a report consist- schools receiving honorable mention and sixth grades who are studying Iowa history ing of videos, slides, photographs, audio received a $500 cash prize..