We are coming to the end of an era. We will have to learn to get along without Lori Bearden as our city clerk. Lori has been a tremendous asset to the city with her dedication and knowledge of the job. She has put in many long days keeping the city records straight and keeping our finances in top form. We have never had anything but top marks on city finances and records with Lori in charge.

Lori started her new job in State Center on March 18 but she never left Gladbrook out in the cold. She has put in many extra hours working for Gladbrook along with her full time job in State Center. You would see Lori in the office late at night and working both Saturday and Sunday. She has done this up until our new clerk started on April 25. Now Lori is helping our new clerk get started and is helping train her to the Gladbrook system. This kind of loyalty and caring for our town is hard to find. We all owe Lori a very large thank you and wish her the very best in her new job. Thank you, Lori!

As I said, we have a new city clerk in the person of Jackie Stephenson who started work on April 25 and is catching on fast. She has some big shoes to fill but she is very capable of doing it. Jackie is married to Scott Stephenson and they have two sons, Drayson and Liam and live here in Gladbrook. Both Jackie and Scott are very much involved in our community being in several different volunteer groups and organizations here in town. Stop into city hall and say hi. I know Jackie would like to meet all of you.

Along with Jackie, I don’t want to forget Barb DeWitt our office assistant. Barb has gone way above her job description and has worked many extra hours helping us get through the time without a full time city clerk. I would have been very hard to do without Barb’s help. Thank you, Barb!

One of Gladbrook’s long time businessmen has decided to retire that is George Goos. George has been an electrician here and the surrounding area for many years. He was born here and has worked here most of his life. Along with his wife, Pat, they raised three kids here and both Pat and George have and still do belong to several organizations here in town. When asked to help, both have always been willing. Thank you, George and Pat! We wish you both the best in your retirement.

There are still a few people who have not mowed their yards. It is past time! Please don’t make the city take action.

There is one thing that is still present here in this old and “dying” town that just doesn’t go away. The ghost of the theatre is still making its presence known. As it has in the past, owners of the Uptown Lounge and Mandy and staff of Spanky’s have been made aware of the presence. But maybe Gladbrook is not dying and our ghost wants to join us in making Gladbrook a better place to live and grow.

Coming up this month is Memorial Day with services at all the surrounding cemeteries and at Veteran’s Park along with a meal from 11:00 to 1:00 at the Memorial Building on May 30th. Corn Carnival is coming up June 23-26. See you at both events!

Keith Sash, Mayor