Congratulations Carlsons!

Lloyd & Elaine Carlson were recognized with the annual Ricketts Leadership Award at the Ricketts Community Center, Sunday, January 15, 2012. The Carlsons have served Ricketts in the Community Club, the LWML, various church boards, Cub Scouts and the Volunteer Fire Department. Lloyd operated the LLL Grocery Store in Ricketts for many years.

The Carlsons married after each had been widowed. Their children from each's previous marriages serenaded them with a custom version of the old 'Brady Bunch' TV show theme, 'The Carlson Bunch.' Scores of well wishers joined them at the annual Ricketts Leadership Brunch where the Community Club served pancakes, French toast, sausages, coffee and treats.

Annual Leadership Brunch

Ricketts Community Annual Leadership Brunch- At the Ricketts Community Center on January 15th, 8:30am to 12:30pm. Free Will Donation. Pancakes, french toast, sausage, applesauce, pastries & drinks. Come see who the 'leader' will be.

~Other Area Events~

CO-U After Prom fundraiser- 2 lb containers of BBQ pork, The cost is $10 and your order must be submitted by January 10th. If you are interested, please contact Backy Kunze or Karleen Beeck. Thank you. Orders will be brought to church on January 22nd.

LWML Annual Mapleton Zone Luncheon- At St. John Lutheran Church in Charter Oak, Thursday, January 5th at 12:00. Jane Shever, Mapleton Zone President will present her report on last June's National LWML Convention held in Peoria, IL. We will draw for new prayer partners. If you'd like to attend and would like a prayer partner, or if you would like a prayer partner but cannot attend, please let Linda know by Tuesday January 3.

Annual Ricketts Leadership Award Brunch

Wayne and Wonnie Kuhlmann, recipients of the 2009 Ricketts Leadership Award

Wayne Kuhlmann:
- Born and raised in the Ricketts area where he has spent his entire life
- Graduated from Charter Oak High School
- Served 4 years in the US Navy aboard the USS Pilot, a navy mine sweeper
- Worked for 40 years at Farmers Savings Bank/Farmers State Bank (Ricketts & Schleswig) holding the positions of bookkeeper, teller, assistant cashier, cashier, Executive Vice President and served on the Board of Directors
- Has served as President and Treasure of the Crawford County Banker's Association
- Served many years on the Ricketts City Council and also served as City Clerk and Treasure
- Served as Soldier Township Clerk
- Served on many community committees helping to organize the first community club, serving as President, Secretary and Treasure
- Member of the VFW where he served as adjutant as well as being a member of the American Legion where he served as commander
- Is a charter member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church in which he held many offices and still serves the church whenever and however he can
- Was a charter member of the Charter Oak Tri-Community Medical Board where he served as treasure for 33 years
- Served as a volunteer on the Ricketts Fire Department for 20 + years
- Played 20 + years of fast-pitch softball with both the Ricketts Firemen squad and Schleswig clubs
- Is an avid fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and New York Yankees

Wonnie Kuhlmann:
- Born and raised in Schleswig
- Graduate of Schleswig HS and Morningside College
- Has resided in Ricketts since she married Wayne Kuhlmann in 1958
- Taught for 32 1/2 half years in the Schleswig Community School system in both Schleswig and Ricketts
- Has continued to substitute teach in Schleswig since her retirement from full-time teaching 1998
- Served on numerous committees in regards to the planning of Ricketts Steam & Antique Show celebrations
- Worked wherever needed to make the celebrations go off without a hitch; including setup and teardown of stands, building of floats for community organizations, etc.
- Served on committees in preparation for both the 75th and 100th anniversaries/celebrations for Ricketts
- Involved with the Rick-ettes
- Very active member St. Luke's Lutheran Church
- Helped with the organization of the 50th Aniversary of St. Luke's in 1999
- Involved in Ladies Aid, LWML and has held many offices in those organizations
- Enjoys gardening, the Iowa Hawkeyes and frequent trips to the local casinos to go "nickeling" (gambling)

The whole Kuhlmann Klan. Almost, unfortunately, their their daughter and her family couldn't come because of the weather, dense fog kept them home in Omaha.

Ruth and Alva Lil introduce this year's award winners

2010 Leadership Brunch

January 17th, 9:30 am- 12:30 pm at the Ricketts Community Center. They are serving French toast, pancakes, sausage, pastries and beverages. Admission is a free will donation. All are welcome. 2010 Leadership Award will be announced.

Wiebers wins Leadership Award

Bob Wiebers received this year's Ricketts Leadership Award. To help celebrate this honor are his children Janeal, Dale and Allan and his special friend Burnett, and a bunch of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Sunday, January 20, 2008 at the Ricketts Community Building, Weibers was recognized for his many contributions to the Ricketts community with their annual Leadership Award at a pankcake dinner

is a member of the Untied Church of Christ in Schleswig. And now calls Mapleton his home. Although he is not currently living in Ricketts, his heart is still here.

Bob and his late wife Dorothy raised their family on their local farm. During these years Bob played a big part in establishing the Ricketts Community Club in 1967 and stayed active as long as health allowed.

Both he and Dorothy were active with the Steam and Antique shows and the tractor pulls. The Weibers played important rolls in the 75th and 100th Anniversaries of Ricketts and the building of the Ricketts shelter house. Dorothy was an original member of the Ric-Etts in 1972. The Ricketts grocery store, and community building were both efforts made possible by the Community Club through many hours of volunteerism.

Both were active in the Jolly Club, Euchre and whatever took place in Ricketts. Over the years, Dorthy enjoyed being a member of Ric-Ettes, Jolly Club, euchre, bowling, Bible study and her membership at St. Luke Lutheran Church. She treasured the fellowship found in this community.

In more recent years, Bob enjoyed Jolly Club and playing euchre in Ricketts.

The kids remember when they were young and Bob would go to town for coffee, and somehow forget to come home. Dorothy would have to call in to tell him it was time for dinner.

Bob has 3 children, Janeal of Mapleton, and Dale and Allen of the Ricketts area.

Citizen of the Year Award Jan. 20th

The Ricketts Leadership Award Brunch will be held at the Ricketts Community Center, 9:30am-12:30pm on Saturday, January 20th. THey will be serving pancakes, French toast, coffee cakes, sausages and beverages. Cost: adults $5, Children 10 and under $3. Everyone welcome.