What a spectacular birthday bash weekend!! I'd like to hand out a lot of thank yous for making this event a success starting first with the Centennial Committee.
The dedication and commitment from this group over the last two years has been amazing. Next, thank you to Owen's city council, clerks, and department of public works for all of their support. Also, I'd like to thank Sheila Nyberg and Pete Kaz for making the ribbon cutting ceremony a success. In addition, thanks to special guests Representative Karen Hurd, Clark County Sheriff Kerry Kirn, Nancy Amacher and former Mayor Steve Heggemeier. A special thank you to the four former Miss Owens who attended and helped serve food from Kerry Ingredients and Smith Bros. and cake from Medford's County Market and Mauel's ice cream. They included Cara (Andreasen) Brzezinski 1980, Morgan (Mitchell) Mueller 1998, Crystal (Friedenfels) Shepherd 1999, and Kayla (Jalling) Jundt 2005. We look forward to seeing these four and hopefully more to take part in the Owen parade in September. Another thanks goes out to Coach Terry Laube and his state champion football team for attending. Thanks to Patty Steiner for her great rendition of the National Anthem. Thanks to the O-W Color Guard for honoring us with their presence. Curtiss Linder and Joe Harder from Clark Co Forestry and Parks did a great job helping with the planting of the trees.
Caleb Green's and Nathan Bier's emceeing was greatly appreciated. Thanks to all who participated in the open mic portion of the celebration. And what a wonderful job Tim Gelhaus did composing a song in honor of the city's 100th birthday. Anyone who wasn't in attendance can go to the Owen Centennial 2025 Facebook page to hear the song. Last but not least, thanks to Tim Nolan representing the OWAHS and his presentation of the three Golden Blackhawk Award recipients. Hopefully I didn't miss anyone, but if I did just know you were appreciated. Have a great week. Until next time.