DESIGN COORDINATOR nick manwarren nmanwarren@messengernews.net
SALES DIRECTOR leanne darr ldarr@messengernews.net
SALES CONSULTANTS
jody kayser jkayser@messengernews.net
EDITOR bill shea bshea@messengernews.net
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS tom tourville lori berglund hailey brueschke brandon brueschke
COPYRIGHT 2025
Twist & Shout is published monthly by ogden newspapers inc. All content and opinions expressed may not be those of the publishers.
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HAUNTED HOUSE
at the Pocahontas Fire Station Shed located at 300 NW 7th Street (Highway 4) in Pocahontas, IA
Fundraiser for the Pocahontas Fire Department, Pocahontas Chamber of Commerce and a Pocahontas Community Project
PocaHAUNTus
OCTOBER 18, 24, 25, 31 & November 1 | 7–10 p.m.
Admission: $15
YOU CAN’T SPELL SPOOKY WITHOUT POKY.
Pumpkins Ponies and 20th Annual
HUMBOLDT — The 20th annual Pumpkins and Ponies event Oct. 11-12 will enable people to escape from clocks, calendars and screens to spend a fall day on a farm.
As the name implies, the two-day festival offers a chance to pick a pumpkin and ride a pony. The U.S. Veterans Mounted Drill Team will perform. There will also be live music, vendors offering various products, and food.
“It’s a harvest of smiles,” said Lonnie Larson, whose family hosts Pumpkins and Ponies on its Springvale Farm in Humboldt County.
Pumpkins and Ponies will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 11 and 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 12 on the farm at 2603 Lone Tree Road in Humboldt County. Admission and parking are free.
“The hallmark of the day is the ride to the pumpkin patch,” Larson said.
By BILL SHEA
The U.S. Veterans Mounted Drill Team is part of an initiative called Saddles After Service. That is an equestrian therapy program helping veterans and active service members find healing from PTSD, anxiety and other struggles that they face upon returning from war zones.
Live music will be performed by the Nedd Freeley Funn Band on Oct. 11 and Bad to the Bone on Oct.12.
About 20 vendors are expected for Pumpkins and Ponies. Food available at the event will include ribeye steak sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, chili dogs, carmel apples and all kinds of pies.
That is the spirit behind the Fall Festival to be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Wilson Brewer Park, 220 Ohio St. in Webster City.
WEBSTER CITY -There’s nothing like fall in the Midwest: crisp air, colorful leaves, and the joy of gathering. Fall festivals celebrate the season with food, music, family fun, and local traditions, creating memories that last a lifetime.
During the Fall Festival there will be plenty of family activities to enjoy including: henna tattoos, pumpkin painting with state Rep. Shannon Latham, mums, gourds and fall garden decor from Polly’s Garden Center, fall decor from Mickie’s Cute Creations, Country Twist Boutique, & Kaines Crystals & Rocks, playful kittens from The Cat Hut, s’mores making and yard games, Creative Colors face painting, classic car show at St. Thomas Aquinas School, and Pumpkin Palooza Specials at local retailers.
“
Anna Woodward Director of the Webster
Along with all the activities, guests will also be able to enjoy delicious food trucks that include Bellbottom Mobile Cafe, Berry Nice Sweet Treats, Taqueria El Paraiso, & The Emergency Scoop.
FALLfestival
at Wilson Brewer Park in Webster City
Guests can also enjoy live music and fall vendors.
The Fall Festival is sponsored by the Wilson Brewer Park Foundation board.
We’re thrilled to see these additional fall events taking place “
City Chamber of Commerce
“We’re thrilled to see these additional fall events taking place,” said Anna Woodward, director of the Webster City Chamber of Commerce. “I really appreciate the Wilson Brewer Park Foundation providing this Fall Festival.”
POCAHONTAS - PocaHAUNTus, an awardwinning haunted house, will be held again this year by the Pocahontas Fire Department and Pocahontas Chamber of Commerce to make for a fun and scary Halloween experience.
The dates for the haunted house include Oct. 18, 24, 25, 31, and Nov 1 from 7 to 10 p.m. for a lights-off experience.
“This will be a terrifying event,” said Parker Aden, executive director of Pocahontas Chamber of Commerce. “We want our guests to keep that in mind when attending the haunted house. Our lights-off time is recommended for those who are 13 and older, while we also will offer a lights-on time for those who are younger, so it is not as scary.”
Kids 12 and under will have to be with a parental guardian unless they are going during the lights-on time. Lights-on will only be offered this year from 6 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31.
All participants must sign a waiver and will be given instructions regarding the rules prior to entry. Both the waiver and rules can be viewed online at pokychamber.com
Waivers must be signed at the fire station and not prior to arrival.“This year’s haunted house is an all-new layout with new ideas and scares. You won’t want to miss this thrilling fundraiser,” said Aden.
PocaHAUNTUS will take place in the shed at the Pocahontas Fire Station, 300 N.W. Seventh St.
Tickets are $15 per person. Proceeds will benefit local nonprofits and community projects, the Fire Department, and the Chamber.
Parking will be available behind the Fire Station and in Rittgers Spine and Wellness. No one will be able to park in front of the fire station as it cannot be blocked in case of a fire.
There will be a concession stand available each evening for the haunted house.
For more information, follow the Facebook page, PocaHAUNTus – Poky Haunted House for the most up-to-date information.
This year’s haunted house is an all-new layout with new ideas and scares. You won’t want to miss this thrilling fundraiser “
Parker Aden Director of the Pocahontas Chamber of Commerce “
to offer new scares
By HAILEY BRUESCHKE
Monster’s Ball
returns to Eagles Club in Fort Dodge
The Eagles Club in Fort Dodge will host its 15th annual Monster’s Ball this Halloween season starting at 7 p.m. Oct. 25.
This annual event will feature live music from bands including 3 Finger Betty, Dirty $ Bills, and Section 7.
3 Finger Betty is from Des Moines, while Dirty $ Bills is from Humboldt. Section 7, known for its covers of songs by Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, Ozzy Osbourne and Poison, is from Fort Dodge.
Along with live music there will be hilarious games, awesome prizes, and a costume contest for guests to enjoy.
This is an all-ages event. Those 21 and older are required to show their ID at the door. Tickets for Monster’s Ball are $10 per person and can be purchased at the door.
The annual Monster’s Ball will be held on the third floor of 1018 First Ave. N. in Fort Dodge in the Eagle’s Ballroom.
Fort Dodge Area Symphony
25/26 Season Preview
Bringing first-class musical performances and educational experiences to the greater Fort Dodge area since 1949, the Fort Dodge Area Symphony proudly continues its tradition of excellence with the 2025–2026 season. This year’s concerts feature exhilarating performances of beloved classics alongside works by rising composers who are quickly earning their place in the spotlight. Join us for a season filled with beauty, energy, and inspiration - live with the Fort Dodge Area Symphony.
Concert Previews: Oktoberfest!
October 12, 2025 – 3:00 PM
Raise your steins for an unforgettable afternoon of music and merriment! Celebrate the spirit of Bavaria with Strauss’s Horn Concerto, timeless melodies from The Sound of Music, and Max Bruch’s Symphony No. 3 - a masterpiece of German Romanticism. With lush harmonies and sweeping themes, this concert will have you singing all the way home.
Under the Mistletoe
December 7, 2025 – 3:00 PM
Feel the warmth of the holidays through music that stirs the heart. Enjoy seasonal favorites like Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire and Mary, Did You Know? featuring the rich, resonant voice of baritone and Fort Dodge native Michael Richardson. Paired with selections from Bach, Fauré, and Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, this concert promises a heartwarming afternoon for all - whether you’re starting a new tradition or continuing a cherished one.
Love Is All You Need
February 8, 2026 – 3:00 PM
Love takes center stage in an inspired blend of timeless pop and classical splendor. Experience the legendary music of The Beatles alongside the lush beauty of Howard Hanson’s Symphony No. 2, “Romantic.” Whether you’re a lifelong Beatles fan, a classical music devotee, or simply moved by the power of music to connect
Beyond the Horizon
March 29, 2026
Youth Recital: 2:25 PM
Symphony Concert: 3:00 PM
Our season finale shines a spotlight on the future of music with the winners of our annual Young Artists Competition taking the stage. We set sail with Sullivan’s witty overture and soar into space with iconic themes from Star Wars. From triumphant fanfares to the unforgettable melodies of Luke, Leia, and Darth Vader, this concert celebrates Iowa’s finest young musicians and the powerful music of film and stage.
Good Eats &Drinks
FAST-FOOD:
Burger King 2814 5th
dining:
716 Main Humboldt
Amigos.................................. 280 N. 1st St.
Applebee’s ......................... 2810 5th Ave. S
Bloomers on Central ......... 900 Central Ave.
Buffalo Wild Wings ..................... 2909 5th Ave. S.
Fort Dodge Public Library 424 Central Ave. • Fort Dodge, IA
OCTOBER 7
TUNESday Tuesday featuring Jesse Wilson LIVE at Crossroads Hotel & Event Center
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Crossroads Hotel & Event Center 1518 3rd Ave NW • Fort Dodge, IA
OCTOBER 8
Hawkeye Community Theatre presents “Cash On Delivery”
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Hawkeye Community Theatre 521 North 12th Street, PO Box 32 Fort Dodge, IA
OCTOBER 9
Petals & Prosecco
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Smitty’s Garden Center 7 S. 23rd Street • Fort Dodge, IA
Hawkeye Community Theatre presents “Cash On Delivery”
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Hawkeye Community Theatre 521 North 12th Street, PO Box 32 Fort Dodge, IA
Will Barnett LIVE at Shiny Top Brewing
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Shiny Top Brewing
520 Central Avenue • Fort Dodge, IA
OCTOBER 10
Hawkeye Community Theatre presents “Cash On Delivery”
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Hawkeye Community Theatre 521 North 12th Street, PO Box 32 Fort Dodge, IA
OCTOBER 11
Slab Ceramics with Sam Henrikson at the Blanden Art Education Center
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Blanden Art Education Center
224 South 8th Street • Fort Dodge, IA
Hawkeye Community Theatre presents “Cash On Delivery”
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Hawkeye Community Theatre
521 North 12th Street, PO Box 32 Fort Dodge, IA
Adult Pumpkin Carving Night at O’Goodies Irish Pub
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
O’Goodies Irish Pub 16 N. 7th Street • Fort Dodge, IA
OCTOBER 12 “Oktoberfest” w/ The FD Area Symphony
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Fort Dodge Middle School
800 N. 32nd Street • Fort Dodge, IA
OCTOBER 13
Open Mic Night at River Hops Brewing
7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
River Hops Brewing
1014 Central Ave • Fort Dodge, IA
OCTOBER 14
TUNESday Tuesday
featuring Fred Love LIVE at Crossroads Hotel & Event Center
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Crossroads Hotel & Event Center
1518 3rd Ave NW • Fort Dodge, IA
OCTOBER 16
Jake Schrodt LIVE at Shiny Top
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Shiny Top Brewing
520 Central Avenue • Fort Dodge, IA
3rd Thursday JAM at Eagles Hideout Lounge
7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Eagles Hideout Lounge 1018 1st Avenue North •Fort Dodge, IA
OCTOBER 17
David Watson LIVE at O’Goodies Irish
8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
O’Goodies Irish Pub
16 N. 7th Street • Fort Dodge, IA
OCTOBER 19
FD Choral Society Concert
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Grace Lutheran Church
211 South 9th Street • Fort Dodge, IA
OCTOBER 21
TUNESday Tuesday featuring Rod Johnson LIVE at Crossroads Hotel & Event Center
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Crossroads Hotel & Event Center 1518 3rd Ave NW • Fort Dodge, IA
OCTOBER 23
Claudia Coltrain LIVE at Shiny Top
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Shiny Top Brewing 520 Central Avenue Fort Dodge, IA
OCTOBER 25
15th Annual Monster’s Ball at Eagles
7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Eagles 3rd Floor Ballroom 1018 1st Ave N • Fort Dodge, IA
OCTOBER 28
TUNESday Tuesday featuring Evan Pratt LIVE at Crossroads Hotel & Event Center
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Crossroads Hotel & Event Center 1518 3rd Ave NW • Fort Dodge, IA
OCTOBER 30
Liv McNair LIVE at Shiny Top
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Shiny Top Brewing 520 Central Avenue • Fort Dodge, IA
shiningstar
Growing up, was your family interested in arts and creativity? If so, how?
Growing up my family was definitely interested in the performing arts more than the visual arts, me and all of my siblings actually took piano lessons and we also loved listening to music.
What is your favorite aspect of photography?
Definitely taking the photos, and getting to interact and build a relationship with clients.
Jacob Sorenson
Age:18
Hometown: Humboldt Iowa Professional Aspirations: Wedding and Portrait photographer
What are your plans after graduating from Iowa Central Community College?
My plan after College is to continue growing my photography business and eventually go full time with it.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned about the photography world during your first year at Iowa Central Community College?
That taking good photos will only get you so far, you also need to prioritize a good client experience and make sure you are connecting with them.
What motivates you and why?
I love being able to bring the photo that I am envisioning in my head to life, that is a great feeling.
Who inspires you and why?
My instructor Rochelle Green, her knowledge of photography is amazing, and the way she cares for each of her students individually is something I greatly appreciate and aspire to do for other people.
Describe yourself in one word:
I would say creative, I love coming up with new ideas and bringing them to life!
Where do you see yourself in 25 years?
To
Favorite type of music to listen to and why?
I listen to a lot of different types, but my favorite would have to be worship music.
What’s one thing you’d like to try that you never have? Why?
I have always wanted to go fishing, but have never found the time to or gotten a license to.
By Tom Tourville
a look back GREASING IT! WITH CLUTCH & THE SHIFTERS
Sometimes the best concepts for the creation of a band starts in the oddest of places. Such was the case for Marshall, Minnesota’s, Clutch & The Shifters.
Most bands start out in the garage, with new equipment coming out of a box. Most kids were just learning the instruments, when they were starting a new band. Sometimes with exciting success, sometimes with a thud. It was all good, as it was only rock and roll.
In the case of Clutch & The Shifters it started in a theater class at Southwest State University (SWSU) in Marshall, Minnesota. It was after a theater class some of the students in SWSU’s theater program shared their love for live oldies grease shows, the kind that Sha Na Na was doing. You know the one, with a backing band and three guys out front singing, dancing, doing floor routines and entertaining the audience to the max and just greasing it. The group usually consisted of seven performers.
MN-sax. Chris did not perform full time, choosing to do work on an “as needed” basis.
All this fun began in 1971 when this group of theater majors decided to start their back to the ‘50s grease revival group. Let’s meet the Shifters: Lee Kanten from Ortonville, MN-bass, Lee’s brother, Don Kanten, also from Ortonville-guitar, Gary Peterson-Fairmont, MN-drums, Keith Hocking-Ellsworth, MN-keyboards and Chris Nolte from Fairmont,
The three/four front men included: Isaiah Witlock Jr-South Bend, IN, Pat Rasmussen-Jackson, MN, Jerry Lindberg-St Paul, MN and Clutch himself, Joe Keyes from Pipestone, MN. The group went to the costume shop in the Theater Department at SWSU and had their first stage outfits created. What a great idea.
After one year, Whitlock would leave the group and go into professional acting. He was replaced by Rasmussen until the group broke up in the Spring of 73. Keyes was an exceptional front man and singer. He was all about the show and became a fantastic front man.
Because of the group’s strong performances, Ralph Ortiz with Alpha Productions in Minneapolis, MN signed the band to his agency and things were about to change. In 1971 Ortiz put the group on the road almost full time, as they literally toured all across the nation with exceptionally strong followings in Ann Arbor and Detroit, MI. Other hot spots for the band were Minneapolis, MN, Orlando, FL, Denver CO and Little Rock, AR to name a few.
I asked Lee Kanten how was it they signed with Alpha Productions. He told me, “every agency needed at least one good oldies or grease act on the roster and Ortiz wanted us to be that group for Alpha.” They did a number of recordings, but unfortunately nothing was ever released for commercial or public distribution. That is sad, it would be fun to have been able to hear them today.
In the Spring of 1973, during a bus breakdown in South Dakota, Lee Kanten decided it was time to move on to the next stage of his life so he turned in his notice that he was leaving the band. Since he was one of the original founders of the Shifters, others started to leave the group. Soon the band was no more.
Today the Shifters are all over the U.S. Here’s a look: Lee Kanton is retired and living in Fairmont, MN, Don Kanten lives in Minneapolis, MN and is also retired and Chris Nolte is retired and lives in Grinnell, IA. All the before mentioned Shifters, still play music in various groups. Sadly, Gary Peterson and Keith Hocking are deceased.
Now for the front men: Jerry Lindberg is retired and lives in Virginia. Pat Rasmussen lives in Mankato, MN and is retired, Isiah Whitlock lives in New York City and still has an active acting career. You might have seen him in some of Spike Lee’s movies. As for Clutch himself, Joe Keyes, lives in Los Angeles, CA and has had a very successful career as an actor and a playwright. Like Whitlock, you have seen Joe on numerous TV shows and live theater productions around the greater Los Angeles area.
As I was talking with Lee Kanten for this story, he said some of his favorite ballrooms to play included: The Hollyhock in Hatfield, MN, the Sioux Historic Pavilion in Ortonville, MN and the Roof Garden Ballroom at Lake Okoboji, Iowa and not to forget the night the band played with the legendary Dion in Aberdeen, SD.
In 2009 Clutch & The Shifters were inducted into the Mid-America Music Hall of Fame which was the new name of the Minnesota Rock & Country Hall of fame that so many may remember. This was a great organization that recognized so many musicians. I‘m proud to have sat on their Board of Directors.
In the Fall of 1972, the group would travel to the Star Ballroom in Dakota City, IA and performed to a sold out crowd. Their show was really popular with the Dakota City area kids and adults.
I so wish I could have seen Clutch & The Shifters live, but that was not to be. I’m just happy I was able to share their story with you.
artistspot
Michael Richardson
Age: 34 • Hometown: Fort Dodge, IA
College: James Madison University; Buena Vista University; Iowa Central CC Profession: Elementary Music Teacher @ St. Edmond; Singer
What role did music and the arts play in your childhood growing up?
Music was probably the biggest part of my childhood and its involvement in my life only increased as I got older. I enjoyed playing sports but given the choice between sports or music (which was what it seemed like at most times), music won out a very good chunk of the time.
What is your earliest memory of music/art?
The earliest memory of music or art that I can recall is my mom singing to my sister and I before bed. I’m not sure what age it would have been because she sang to us and with us all the time.
At what point did you decide that you wanted to pursue a career educating students in music?
This is an interesting question, because I am not exactly sure how to answer that. I always felt like I would be a performer - not necessarily a teacher. I may have started my college career as a Music Ed. major but it quickly turned into a performance track. Being where I am now, doing what I do was not exactly part of the plan, but I am grateful for the opportunity to pass on what I know so early on and still being able to perform.
What was your college music experience like?
College was great musically! I was in multiple instrumental ensembles throughout my Iowa college tenure. At Iowa Central I was able to be in the concert band as both a trombonist and clarinetist, a brass choir as trombone, and jazz band as a trombone. At Morningside I played trombone in concert band. At Buena Vista I played trombone as well.
I was fortunate enough to be in at least two choirs at each college I went to aside from James Madison University: Morningside (College Choir (T2), Singing Men(B1), Vocal Jazz (B2) (though short-lived), and Phi Mu Alpha (T1)); Iowa Central CC (Concert Choir (B2), Vocal Jazz (T2, B1, B2); Western Iowa Tech (Concert Choir (B1), WITness (B2); and Buena Vista (Concert Choir (B2), Harmonious Beavers (T, B)).
James Madison University introduced me to the world of opera - and I loved it. More on that later though!
What was the biggest lesson you have learned while working in music education?
Don’t take yourself too seriously, have fun - loosen up. You know the stuff, it is just a matter of getting it to the students in a way that they understand.
What do you most enjoy about the music & arts scene in our community?
I like that there is live music almost every weekend or there is always or almost always arts-related activities.
Tell us about some of your music/arts related accomplishments.
I made OPUS Honor Choir in 8th Grade and I am a 3-time (So, J, S) All-Stater in Choir. I was a featured soloist at the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival in 2022 and 2023. I think my biggest music/arts related accomplishment though, is back in 2019 - when I nearly had a clean sweep of NATS (1st in State; 1st in Regionals/Districts; T-1 National Finals.
Who is your biggest role model and why?
My biggest role model was my dad. He taught me, or tried to teach me, as much as he could about life and ‘the real world.’ He died in April last year and I think that is when a lot of the things he had been saying to me all these years started making sense.
What are you most looking forward to as you step into your new Elementary music position at St. Edmond’s?
How to effectively teach so that each student is able to understand music in a fun, engaging way. I’m also looking forward to being able to learn right along with the students to whom are learning from me.
How do you spend your free time?
I like to spend my free time either gaming, doing musicrelated things (composing, playing, singing) or hanging out with my friends and family.
What would you tell one of your students considering music education as their college major?
Since I only teach up to Grade 5, I would say something like, “Be prepared for a lot of craziness, but that craziness is so SO worth it.”
FORT DODGE AREA SYMPHONY PRESENTS
76th Concert Season
Oktoberfest!
October 12, 2025 – 3:00 PM Fort Dodge Middle School Auditorium
Under the Mistletoe
December 7, 2025 – 3:00 PM Fort Dodge Middle School Auditorium
Love Is All You Need
February 8, 2026 – 3:00 PM Fort Dodge Middle School Auditorium
Beyond the Horizon
March 29, 2026
Youth Honors Recital – 2:25 PM
Symphony Concert – 3:00 PM Fort Dodge Middle School Auditorium
Scan for more information!
We can stop HIV, Iowa— by staying up-to-date on recommended screenings!
Health screenings help to identify diseases and chronic conditions before symptoms occur. The CDC recommends:
All people ages 13-64 should be screened for HIV at least once in their lifetime.
All people ages 18 and over should be screened for hepatitis B at least once in their lifetime.
All people ages 18 and over should be screened for hepatitis C at least once in their lifetime.
Pregnant women should be screened for HIV, hepatitis B & hepatitis C during each pregnancy.
Talk to your healthcare provider about getting screened! Unsure if you’ve had a screening? Ask them to check your records! Screenings are important because HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C don’t always have noticeable signs or symptoms. Some people should be tested more often —visit the web resources below to learn more!
Scan the QR codes below to learn more about recommended screenings:
https://stophiviowa.org/testing Scan here for HIV screening information
https://cdc.gov/hepatitis-b/testing/ Scan here for hepatitis B screening information
https://cdc.gov/hepatitis-c/testing/ Scan here for hepatitis C screening information
