Visit White’s Woodworking & Art Gallery

      On the east side of the square in the small town of Osceola is a very unique store.  This store, owned by Dan and Kim White, features 3500 square feet of beautiful framed art, a large variety of collectables, heirloom quality solid oak furniture, and unframed artwork.  Whites’ Woodworking & Art Gallery was opened July 4^th weekend in 1994.  The start of the retail gallery, however, was not the start of Whites’ Woodworking.

      Dan, a farmer, and Kim, a stay at home mom started their small business in December 1982 to help offset a down hog market.  Farming in the early eighties was difficult with high interest and low prices. In the beginning they would take their small woodworking projects to craft shows all over Southern Iowa.  Kim would design the projects and Dan would construct them.  Custom woodworking became a main stay.  As time progressed, they started to make picture frames in the standard sizes.  These were sold at craft shows and also for custom orders.  

      In 1985 it was suggested to them that the non-profit organization Ducks Unlimited needed picture frames for their fund raising events.  Kim started to make phone calls to local Ducks Unlimited Chapters asking them to give Whites’ Woodworking a chance to do their framing.  Dan would go to the timber, cut down oak trees, take the logs to the saw mill and dry the lumber in the wood kiln that he constructed.  This was the primary selling point to the chapters.  They liked the idea of having frames constructed from native lumber.  There were several chapters that made the decision to give the small company a try.  The woodworking shop was located in the hay mow of the barn and the frame shop was located in the basement.  Those were difficult days with many, many long hours.  Dan learned to cut mats the hard way.  He taught himself everything, doing research every way he could. 

    The business continued to grow.  Dan quit farming to work in the business full time.  In 1991 the State of Iowa Ducks Unlimited organization gave the state framing contract to Whites’ Woodworking.  They have been filling the framing needs for Iowa Ducks Unlimited ever since.  Also, in the late eighties another conservation group was introduced to the Whites.  This is the Pheasants Forever organization.  Currently Whites Woodworking frame for more than 150 Pheasants Forever Chapters nation wide.  They have shipped from New York to Oregon.  Even though they now use more oak lumber than they can cut from the timber, they still mill their own moldings.  These beautiful oak and walnut moldings make perfect frames for the wild life art used for the conservation groups.  Besides the framing done for the conservation groups, they do picture framing for many artists and wholesale framing for many organizations.  The frame shop and woodworking shop is still located 12 miles in the country at their home.

      In 1994 a location became available on the square in Osceola. The Whites decided to gamble that their picture framing reputation would help them launch a retail business.

     Since the inception of Whites’ Gallery, two moves have been necessary, each to a larger location.  With a talented staff to assist in frame design, Whites’ is known for their quality framing at very reasonable prices.  Their framing reputation along with the large selection of artists and collectables available at their store bring clients from all over.  If you are looking for something special and they don’t have it, they can get it for you.  The motto of their store is “Big City Selection, Small Town Charm”. 

       Customer service is the cornerstone of their business.  Dan once drove all the way to Wisconsin to fix a piece of glass that was broken during delivery of a Pheasants Forever print package.  Satisfaction is guaranteed when you shop with Whites’ Woodworking & Art Gallery.  Please stop by their or store or visit them online at www.whitesartgallery.com.

Visit Clarke County's website at: :www.osceolachamber.com/
 

Robinson’s of Osceola celebrates 75 years of service to Osceola

    People say, “Robinsons have everything”. Although this perception is not true, Robinsons of Osceola, Inc. have a vast selection of basic merchandise, which is displayed in three buildings that are connected by entrances, archways, and stairways.

      This year Robinsons are celebrating their 75^th anniversary, which is a usually long span of time for an independently owned store. R.A. Robinsons started the business in 1933 in the depths of the Great Depression as five and dime store. Inn time, he acquired a hardware store, appliance store, drug store, dry goods store, men’s and ladies apparel stores. These businesses were consolidated into adjoining buildings on the east side of Main Street across from the courthouse square in downtown Osceola. The store is truly a large convenience store with checkouts at the front and at the rear of the store with ample parking. 

     Besides their huge section of basic merchandise, Robinsons are noted for their customer service and reasonable prices. Their unique merchandise selection includes many hard to find items, gifts, fabric, sewing, craft supplies, 50 cent greeting cards and Robinson’s “Dollar Land” where all items are priced at one dollar each.

Southern Hills Winery Offers Unique Experience

 "They had remodeled an old barn and turned it into a quaint little tasting
room." "We drove through the vines and parked beside the winery." "The
tanks were HUGE!" "The wine maker met us at the door." "The smell of the
fermenting wine was fabulous."

Sound like dinner conversation after a trip to Napa or Sonoma? California
did not inspire these remarks. Native Iowa wineries sparked these memories.
Wine makers and their families are creating a whole new industry for the
state of Iowa and they are doing it for you and me.

Iowans are finding they do not need to go through airport security checks
before embarking on a winery tour. They can visit more than 60 wineries and
never cross the boundaries of the state. With a winery as a destination,
weekend drives can take a person to antique shops, craft boutiques, and down
home-style restaurants. You know the places I am talking about. The places
where the farmers and truck drivers eat. The places where you by a Christmas
tree ornament from the person that made it and eat a piece of pie served by the
woman that baked it. Places lost in the wi-fi world. Our native Iowa
wineries are a part of that down home venue. Yes, the wine maker quite
often will be behind the tasting bar. The facility might be a remodeled
farm building. The vines you see on an adjoining hill produced the fruit in
the wine, which you drink. The size may vary from a small weekend only
winery to a state of the art facility of huge proportion. Regardless, the
hospitality is Iowan, for Iowans, by Iowans, just like the wine.

Native Iowa wineries offer wine trails, vineyard tours, music shows, dinner
parties, gift shopping, bus tours, and wine made from fruit grown in Iowa.
Iowa is just not corn, beans, cattle, and hogs any more. We are grapes,
grapes are wine, and wine is fun. We are hearing visitors from other states
say, "Wine from Iowa? Never heard of such a thing." They try, they buy, and
they take wine home and enjoy the fruits from our "land between two rivers."

Southern Hills Winery opened in May of 2006 and offers wine with the
uniqueness that only Clarke County can offer. The wine is award winning and
becoming more and more popular as the word spreads. The banquet room offers
seating for up to 140 people and is available for weddings, receptions,
and reunions, as well as the casual get together. You can tour the winery
and the gift shop and if schedules permit, meet our Iowa born winemaker,
Lucas McIntire. Lucas comes to us with award winning experience and talents
beyond his years.

Iowa's only winery co-operative is Southern Hills. The 130 plus members
span all occupations and all walks of life. There are retirees, farmers,
doctors, lawyers, factory workers, engineers, electricians just to name a
few, but the list of talent in this pool of like-minded people goes on and
on. All share the same passion for wine and its creation. The members and
staff of SHW are proud of our winery and our wine.

We encourage every one, whether they like wine or not, to stop by and try
our product. The winery is conveniently located off I-35 at exit #34 and
is not far from shops, stores, local eateries, hotels, and Terribles' Casino.

The Iowa grape and wine industry is in its infancy. New wineries are
opening every year. The current operating wineries are steadily growing and
doing new things. One cannot visit a winery once and say, "I have been
there." Coming back a year or two later things quite often will be
different as the winery grows and expands, offering new experiences for the
traveler. Just like a child, the industry is growing and changing, and what
is there more exciting than watching a child grow? They are entertaining,
challenging, and rewarding, just like the rebirth of the Iowa wine industry.

For more information, call 641-342-2808.
 

Hopeville Harmony and Hills

             The first Sunday after Labor Day will once again bring a delightful day of music with the Hopeville Rural Music Reunion held in Hopeville Square County Park. The morning church service begins the day, and the jam sessions lasting until dusk, brings outstanding entertainment for the entire family.  Lunch is served and you can round it off with some of the best home-made pies you’ll ever taste.

            The timber hills around Hopeville, as with most of southern Iowa, possess a scenic beauty year round.  Mid October highlights the vast timber area blanketing it with fall colors.  The Grand River Valley, the wilderness area where Clarke, Union, Decatur and Ringgold counties meet, the H45 route to Stephens State Forest, as well as other areas of Clarke County is well worth seeking for autumn’s drive.

To reach the Hopeville Music Festival, from Hwy 34, turn south on R15 at Murray to H45, turn west 2 1/2 miles. for more information, contact Clarke County Conservation at 641-342-2808.

 Come visit our area. You’ll be glad you did.

 Clarke County Fairgrounds and Event Center

Invites Everyone To Inquire About Using Our Beautiful Facility

 In 2001, the Fair Board was contacted by the City of Osceola to consider relocating their facilities to allow for development of a new aquatic and recreation center.  Due to the needs of the Osceola community, the board decided to relocate to an undeveloped property just west of Osceola on Highway 34.

 The Clarke County Fair is a rich tradition that dates back to the early 1900’s.  It has always been a place for families to connect and bond.  Its Board places a special emphasis on providing quality education and enrichment opportunities for area youth.

 The Clarke County Fairgrounds and Event Center has been an exciting, growing venture in South Central Iowa.  The facility is poised to develop into a premier year-round entertainment venue for local, state and regional organizations, including livestock and machinery shows, judging contest, flea markets, craft shows, camper rallies, races, and jamborees.

 Since 2004, the Clarke County Fair has been held at its new location just west of Osceola on Highway 34.  Other events held at the new facility include:  Iowa Rodeo Cowboy Association (IRCA) Finals, Circuit Stop-Iowa High School Rodeo Association, Mud Bog Events, Tractor Pull, Pickup Pull, Old Iron Show, WHO’s Great Iowa Tractor Ride Hub Headquarters, Osceola Chamber/Main Street Halloween Haunted House, Household Auctions, and Demolition Derby.  Events such as these impact local entities such as hotels & motels, gas stations, restaurants and retail stores. 

 The fairgrounds continue to evolve into a complete facility consisting of: 

• Event Center
• Outside Arena
• Grandstand area with 300’ track
• Horse Barn
• Cattle Barn
• Hog Barn
• Sheep Barn
• Playground equipment area
• Restroom Facilities
• 60 unit Campground

 The Event Center is the newest addition to the fairgrounds.  The building has 9500 square feet of space and is estimated to seat 400 in the main meeting room.  It is ideal for wedding receptions, family reunions, meeting, craft shows, trade shows etc. 

 For rent information and campground information please log onto:  www.clarkecountyfair.com

 The Clarke County Fair Board thanks the entire community for their support in building the new facility that will be used for many years.  The project could not have been possible without the support of the community. 

 The great outdoors of Clarke County

      Clarke County is a great place for those who love the outdoors. Opportunities abound for hunting, fishing, picnicking, camping, or just enjoying the scenic beauty of the more than 20,000 acres of hardwood timber within the county.

     South Central Iowa is widely recognized for its outstanding pheasant and quail hunting, drawing hunters from throughout the Midwest. West Lake, two miles west of the city, is a 360 acre reservoir with excellent duck hunting and a fast growing population of Catfish, crappie, tiger-muskie, blue-gill and one of the state’s No. 1 game fish, the large-mount bass.

            Information of the public recreation areas of the county are listed below.

1.  Coyote Canyon Wildlife area

            Located 9 miles northwest of Osceola, signs are posted from county road R35. This 287 acre wildlife area is excellent habitat with a mixture of oak/hickory timber and private grasses. Hunting, mushrooming, berry picking, and hiking are the main activities.

 2.  Murray Roadside Park

   Located on the south side of Highway 34 at Murray Junction, ten miles west of Osceola. This park provides 12 acres for picnicking and a playground for kids. The park supplies a restroom that is a welcome site for travelers.

 3.  Hopeville Square Park

            This park is located in the town square of Hopeville, which now has a population of 25, but once was the largest town in Clarke County. It is in the SW corner of the county. The 4-acre square is shaded by huge old maple trees, towering over the picnic and playground area. This is the site for the Hopeville Rural Music Reunion, which is held the Sunday after Labor Day each September.

 4.  East Lake County Park

            East Lake is one mile east of Osceola on Highway 34. At 76 areas, it is not a large park, but offers all the facilities of many state parks. Six shelter houses, two playgrounds, a mile hiking trail around the lake, an overlook tower, suspension bridge and 13 acres of lake give people of all ages something to do. The Conservation Board also has their office and shop there. East Lake is used in the winter for cross country skiing, sledding and ice skating.

 5.  Redfern Timber Reserve

            To get to Redfern Timber, go ¾ mile east of Highway 69 on County Road H-45 then back north ¾ miles. Signs are posted. The 24 acres of hickory forest in Redfern Timber is designed as a nature classroom. Hiking trails criss-cross the woods with many footbridges and an overlook tower. The pond is used for fishing and the study of aquatic life in school field trips. Kids and adults like the walk the woods and be part of the forest. No hunting is allowed in this area.

 6.  Turkey Ridge Wildlife Area

            Find Turkey Ridge by going 2 miles east of Highway 69 on County Road h-45, then ¾ mile south. This 68 acre area has habitat for all types of wild creatures. Game animals such as deer, turkey, and quail like the mixture of grass and timber. You will also see many non-game species living in this wild area.  Hunting and hiking are the main human uses here.

 Managed by the City of Osceola:

A. West Lake Reservoir:

            Two miles west of Osceola (take Clay Street west) is 700 acres of public ground with 360 acres of water for fishing or hunting. Grassland and small clusters of timber surround the lake. Fishing and duck hunting are popular activities. A boat ramp is at the northwest corner. West Lake is managed by the Osceola Water Board.

B.  Q-Pond City Park          

            This 14 acre lake and 130 acre park is at the northwest corner of the City of Osceola. It was originally built as a water source for steam locomotives on the B.B. & Q railroad. The park is sued for fishing and picnicking and also has a playground on the west side. 

Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources:

C.  Stephens State Forest--West Whitebreast Unit

            930 acres of timber mixed with open grass and flood plots for wildlife make this the largest piece of public ground in Clarke county. There are over 300 acres more of this area overlapping into Lucas County. The main access is 4 ½ miles south from the east side of Woodburn. It is designed or hunting and primitive backpack camping only as no vehicles or horses are allowed on the area. Cross country skiing trails are mowed. It is managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

            Woodburn, Iowa also has four campsites with electricity at the Mable Frizell Memorial Park on Main Street in Woodburn, Woodburn is closest to the Clarke County portion of Stephen’s State Forest Park. This area offers outstanding deer and turkey hunting.

            For camping information, contact Anita Foland of the Clarke county Conservation Board at (641) 342-3960.

            The Osceola Reservoir west of the city, Grade Lake in the southern part of the city, and East Lake Park east of Osceola, are all known for good fishing. For more information on city lakes, contact the Osceola Parks and Recreation Department at (641)342-2288.

Terrible's towers over the Midwest
                                                                        If  you have recently traveled down Interstate 35 at night and you look to the sky  and see searchlights slicing through the clouds and the glow of neon lights beaming from the land, you must be nearing exit 34--
Terrible's Lakeside Casino, the hottest new destination casino in the Midwest bursting with Las Vegas  style entertainment and a variety of fast paced gaming.
     Herbst Gaming, Inc. assumed ownership of Lakeside Casino Resort on February 1, 2005. Since then they have been spicing up the look and feel of the new Terrrible's Lakeside Casino. Now Midwesterners don't have to board a plane to experience a touch of Las Vegas, instead, just jump in a vehicle, travel down Interstate 35 and exit at the 132 foot tall cowboy. This rather large sign has been welcoming travelers since its completion in November 2005.
     We encourage you to look past the abundance of blinking neon outside of Terrible's Lakeside and step into this newly remodeled gaming destination.  Inside you will not only find over 1,000 of your favorite slot machines ranging in denomination for $.01 to $25 and a variety of table games including craps, roulette, blackjack and many more, but you will also find everything else needed to have a fantastic getaway.
    Terrible’s outstanding accommodations include three great restaurants that are guaranteed to meet the needs of your taste buds, including the gourmet Landing Steakhouse, quality Wheelhouse Buffet and tasty Pier 777, whatever, you have a taste for, we have a dining outlet for you.
     Terrible's also supports a 60 room all suite hotel and 47 space full amenity RV park to help met your overnight desires and on your way out don't forget to stop by our Gift Shop for a souvenir.
     Yes, there are a lot of changes taking place here at Terrible's Lakeside Casino but don't ever doubt that Terrible's is still the most friendliest casino in the Midwest. For more information and upcoming entertainment/ promotions please visit ww.terribleherbst.com or call 1-877-477-5253 (LAKE).