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Home Care In Williamsburg, IA

Home Care Williamsburg, IA

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic George Wythe House gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Williamsburg, IA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

In-Home Care Williamsburg, IA

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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“Always Best is OK but doesn’t seem to make up hours very well. When the”

Always Best is OK but doesn’t seem to make up hours very well. When the caregiver is sick, nobody comes. I would think that they need a little more back up than they have right now. They give me a schedule, and billing is paid by Medicaid.
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“I knew a lady who works for Always Best Health Care that's why I chose”

I knew a lady who works for Always Best Health Care that's why I chose it. The caregiver is very good with a very good attitude. They were able to provide the caregiver for myself immediately. She accompanies me to shopping.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best is OK but doesn’t seem to make up hours very well. When the caregiver is sick, nobody comes. I would think that they need a little more back up than they have right now. They give me a schedule, and billing is paid by Medicaid.”

DouglasJJIWF
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I knew a lady who works for Always Best Health Care that's why I chose it. The caregiver is very good with a very good attitude. They were able to provide the caregiver for myself immediately. She accompanies me to shopping.”

Carol64210350

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Williamsburg, IA?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

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Senior Care Williamsburg, IA

Types of Elderly Care in Williamsburg, IA

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming
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Respite Care Williamsburg, IA
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
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Caregivers Williamsburg, IA
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Redoubt Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
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Home Care Williamsburg, IA
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Le Crocodile or visit Thomas Everard House, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

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In-Home Care Williamsburg, IA

Benefits of Home Care in Williamsburg, IA

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Williamsburg, IA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

Elderly Care Williamsburg, IA

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your IA's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
Senior Care Williamsburg, IA

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Williamsburg, IA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.

Respite Care Williamsburg, IA

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
Caregivers Williamsburg, IA

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • Charter Senior Living of Williamsburg
  • Commonwealth Senior Living at Williamsburg
  • Brookdale Chambrel Williamsburg
  • Cambridge Crossing Assisted Living
  • Edgeworth Park at New Town
  • Spring Arbor of Williamsburg
Home Care Williamsburg, IA

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

In-Home Care Williamsburg, IA

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Williamsburg, IA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

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Elderly Care Williamsburg, IA

Latest News in Williamsburg, IA

Fairfield can’t contain No. 1 Williamsburg

FAIRFIELD — Fairfield football faced off against one of the toughest teams in the state on Friday night in the Raiders of Williamsburg.It was a tough matchup for the Trojans (2-4) as the No. 1 Raiders (6-0) blistered to a 56-14 victory in the Class 3A District 5 clash.It didn’t take long for Williamsburg to find the end zone as it put seven points on the board on its first drive of the night.The Raiders drove over 60 yards in 13 plays and capped off the drive with a touchdown from Kellen Cockrell to Derek Wei...

FAIRFIELD — Fairfield football faced off against one of the toughest teams in the state on Friday night in the Raiders of Williamsburg.

It was a tough matchup for the Trojans (2-4) as the No. 1 Raiders (6-0) blistered to a 56-14 victory in the Class 3A District 5 clash.

It didn’t take long for Williamsburg to find the end zone as it put seven points on the board on its first drive of the night.

The Raiders drove over 60 yards in 13 plays and capped off the drive with a touchdown from Kellen Cockrell to Derek Weisskopf from 16 yards out.

The Trojans had a pair of opportunities to get the Raiders off the field, forcing Williamsburg into a fourth down, but they couldn’t get the stop.

Williamsburg continued to tack it on the rest of the quarter.

After a three and out by Fairfield, Weisskopf — who replaced an injured Cockrell at quarterback — connected with Braylon Wetjen for the 63-yard touchdown to make it 14-0.

Despite the quick 14 point deficit, Fairfield found a grove with the run game on its third possession of the night.

A mix of runs from Sam Weaton and Cason Miller moved the Trojans just over 20 yards down around the Raiders 30-yard line.

However, the Raider defense quickly thwarted any momentum as Weisskopf picked off Weaton and took it 77-yards to the house to push the Williamsburg lead to 21-0 with 1:30 left in the first quarter.

The Williamsburg defense continued to make plays.

On the second play of the Trojans next offensive possession, another pick-6 added to the Raiders total, 28-0.

While defense was clicking for Williamsburg, it was the defense for Fairfield that got them on the board as well.

After three straight punts, a 47-yard touchdown run by the Raiders was called back by holding. Three plays later and Lucas Konczal picked off Weisskopf.

On his way to the end zone, Konczal was stripped and Bode Hoskins recovered the ball in the end zone, notching a touchdown for the Trojans.

After the missed two point conversion, Fairfield trailed 28-6 with 4:26 left in the first half.

Any semblance of pulling within single digits in the first half was quickly silenced as the Raiders scored twice in the final four minutes, the last coming with one second remaining off a 77-yard run by Nile Sinn.

At the break, the Trojans trailed 42-6.

It was a deficit of which Fairfield could never make up.

Williamsburg went on to score 14 more in the third frame.

After a punt by the Trojans, the Raiders scored on their first play of the second half off a 35-yard touchdown pass from Weisskopf to Rayce Heitman.

Fairfield was forced to punt once again on its next drive and Weisskopf notched another touchdown pass, connecting with Caleb Welsh from nine yards out to make it 56-6 with 1:17 to go in the third.

The Trojans final score of the evening came with 3:17 left in the game. With some precision passing from Weaton, the Trojans were able to get down the field and Wyatt Johnson punched it in from five yards out to give Fairfield its second score of the night.

Weaton and Hoskins connected for the two point conversion to give the Trojans 14.

The Trojans will look to get back on track next week against South Tama (0-6).

Williamsburg girls 5th at Iowa City invitational

Boys win QuadThe Williamsburg girls placed fifth as a team Dec. 18 at the Iowa City Liberty Invitational.Phoenix Gryp (145) won gold, and Keston Spartt (125) and Valerie Alhenhofen (140) won silver.Iowa Valley placed seventh, led by Breanna Peach with the title at 235. Kylie Loffer (100) and Raelene Hakwins (170) earned runner-up.“Raelene and Kylie made the finals at two competitive brackets,” Iowa Valley Coach Jeremy Kriegel said. “They continue to grind out wins and are becoming two very compet...

Boys win Quad

The Williamsburg girls placed fifth as a team Dec. 18 at the Iowa City Liberty Invitational.

Phoenix Gryp (145) won gold, and Keston Spartt (125) and Valerie Alhenhofen (140) won silver.

Iowa Valley placed seventh, led by Breanna Peach with the title at 235. Kylie Loffer (100) and Raelene Hakwins (170) earned runner-up.

“Raelene and Kylie made the finals at two competitive brackets,” Iowa Valley Coach Jeremy Kriegel said. “They continue to grind out wins and are becoming two very competitive wrestlers.”

Stats

Iowa City Liberty Invitational

Team scores (Top 5 of 14) — 1. Southeast Polk 198; 2. Vinton-Shellsburg 158; 3. Independence 151; 4. Linn-Mar 145; 5. Williamsburg 130; PLUS: 7. Iowa Valley 82.

WILLIAMSBURG

105 — Anya Rivera, 3rd, 2-1. 115 — Madison Kirby, 3rd, 3-1. 120 — Ava Garcia, 7th, 2-2. 125 — Keston Spratt, 2nd, 2-1. 130 — Kaylin Becker, 7th, 2-2. 140 — Valerie Alhenhofen, 2nd, 2-1. 145 — Phoenix Gryp, 1st, 3-0. 155 — Lilly Ness, 4th, 2-2.

IOWA VALLEY

100 — Kylie Loffer, 2nd, 2-1. 125 — Skyler Hoyt, 1-2. 145 — Dakota Pedersen, 6th, 2-3. 170 — Raelene Hawkins, 2nd, 2-1. 235 — Breanna Peach, 1st, 2-0.

Boys wrestling

Meanwhile, the Williamsburg boys were the big winner at a local quadrangular Dec. 19 in Grinnell.

The Raiders went 3-0, beating Iowa Valley, 40-33, and topping English Valleys/Tri-Center 63-15 and Grinnell 55-14.

“I think you can see some improvement from our guys right now,” Williamsburg Coach Grant Eckenrod said. “We are an inexperienced team and have taken some lumps, but our kids are battling.

“We got some good wins and built up some momentum going into break.”

Iowa Valley went 2-1, losing to the Raiders but beating English Valleys/Tri-Center 63-9 and Grinnell 45-26.

The Tigers won half of the contested weights, but gave up two forfeits to the Raiders.

“We lost a couple toss up matches and missed out on some bonus point opportunities and it ended up costing us the dual,” Iowa Valley Coach Jeremy Kriegel said.

During the night, Taite Peach (215) earned his 100th career victory for Iowa Valley.

“He is a perfect example of what can happen if you buy into a program, work hard, and are coachable,” Kriegel said.

The sixth dual of the night was won by Grinnell over English Valleys/Tri-County 54-27. The Bears finished 0-3.

Stats

Iowa Valley 63, English Valleys/Tri-County 9

157 — Kolan Kriegel (IV) pinned Corey Breese 1:45. 165 — Ian Smith (IV) won by forfeit. 175 — Josh Read (IV) pinned Owen Jones: 29. 190 — Dawson Smith (IV) dec. Kaleb Bolinger 11-4. 215 — Taite Peach (IV) pinned Luke Moore 1:56. 285 — Garrett Hoyt (IV) won by forfeit. 106 — Cael Grove (EVTC) won by forfeit. 113 — Double forfeit. 120 — Robert Olson (IV) pinned Hunter Offerman 2:39. 126 — Drew Fisher (EVTC) dec. Danny Rios 7-1. 138 — Karter Thiessen (IV) won by forfeit. 144 — Chance Hoty (IV) pinned Keegan Walker 2:21. 150 — Dane Smith (IV) pinned Ben Flander 1:13.

Williamsburg 40, Iowa Valley 33

165 — Ian Smith (IV) pinned Brett Santiago 3:31. 175 — Evan Stohlmann (W) dec. Josh Read 1-0. 190 — Dawson Smith (IV) pinned Caleb Lacina 3:01. 215 — Taite Peach (IV) pinned Wyatt Wolter 1:30. 285 — Gavin Vesey (W) dec. Garrett Hoyt 7-2. 106 — Bowen Stratton (W) won by forfeit. 113 — Sam Parsons (W) won by forfeit. 120 — Lincoln Schropp (W) maj. dec. Robert Olson 16-3. 126 — Kyler Provin (W) pinned Danny Rios: 59. 132 — Anthony Fenton (W) pinned Jeffrey Crawford 2:48. 138 — Karter Thiessen (IV) pinned Dominic Fisher 4:57. 144 — Chance Hoyt (IV) pinned Sawyer Kirby 2:25. 150 — Nile Sinn (W) pinned Dane Smith 3:57. 157 — Nolan Kriegel (IV) dec. Logan Schmidt 7-2.

Iowa Valley 45, Grinnell 26

175 — Josh Ringler (G) tech. fall Josh Read 16-0 3:27. 190 — Dawson Smith (IV0 pinned Tyler Kostow 1:04. 215 — Taite Peach (IV) pinned Caden Witham: 47. 285 — Garrett Hoyt (IV) won by forfeit. 106 — Double forfeit. 113 — Brycen Horras (G) won by forfeit. 120 — Robert Olson (IV) won by forfeit. 126 — Levi Jack (G) dec. Danny Rios 12-10 SV-1. 132 — Logan McDonald (G) pinned Jeffrey Crawford 1:28. 138 — Matthew Mintle (G) pinned Karter Thiessen 1:42. 144 — Chance Hoyt (IV) pinned Alex Peiffer 1:15. 150 — Dane Smith (IV) dec. Alejandro Cantillo 9-6. 157 — Nolan Kriegel (IV) pinned Teylor Doty 2:27. 165 — Ian Smith (IV) won by forfeit.

Williamsburg 63, English Valleys/Tri-County 15

175 — Evan Stohlmann (W) pinned Owen Jones 3:46. 190 — Kaleb Bolinger (EVTC) pinned Caleb Lacina 3:45. 215 — Luke Moore (EVTC) dec. Gavin Vesey 6-2. 285 — Malachai Williams (W) won by forfeit. 106 — Bowen Stratton (W) pinned Cael Grove 1:26. 113 — Lincoln Schropp (W) won by forfeit. 120 — Nolan Kent (W) dec. Hunter Offerman 8-1. 126 — Kyler Provin (W) pinned Drew Fisher: 52. 132 — Anthony Fenton (W) pinned Jack Osborn 1:09. 138 — Dominic Fisher (W) won by forfeit. 144 — Sawyer Kirby (W) pinned Keegan Walker: 53. 150 — Nile Sinn (W) won by forfeit. 157 — Corey Breese (EVTC) pinned Logan Schmidt: 58. 165 — Brett Santiago (W) won by forfeit.

Williamsburg 55, Grinnell 14

157 — Teylor Doty (G) dec. Logan Schmidt 13-7. 165 — Josh Ringler (G) dec. Brett Santiago 6-3. 175 — Caleb Lacina (W) won by forfeit. 190 — Evan Stohlmann (W) dec. Tyler Kostow 6-2. 215 — Gavin Vesey (W) pinned Caden Witham 3:52. 285 — Malachai Williams (W) pinned Sterling Dwyer 1:57. 106 — Bowen Stratton (W) won by forfeit. 113 — Lincoln Schropp (W) pinned Brycen Horras 1:33. 120 — Nolan Kent (W) pinned Levi Jack 3:39. 126 — Kyler Provin (W) won by forfeit. 132 — Logan McDonald (G) tech. fall Anthony Fenton 17-0 2:48. 138 — Matthew Mintle (G) dec. Dominic Fisher 7-0. 144 — Sawyer Kirby (W) pinned Alex Peiffer 1:58. 150 — Nile Sinn (W) maj. dec. Alejandro Cantillo 11-1.

Grinnell 54, English Valleys/Tri-County 27

165 — Teylor Doty (G) won by forfeit. 175 — Josh Ringler (G) pinned Owen Jones 2:57. 190 — Kaleb Bolinger (EVTC) dec. Tyler Kostow 8-1. 215 — Luke Moore (EVTC) pinned Caden Witham: 38. 285 — Sterling Dwyer (G) won by forfeit. 106 — Cael Grove (EVTC) won by forfeit. 113 — Brycen Horras (G) won by forfeit. 120 — Hunter Offerman (EVTC) pinned Kai Gibson 1:45. 126 — Levi Jack (G) pinned Drew Fisher 2:55. 132 — Logan McDonald (G) pinned Jack Osborn 1:52. 138 — Matthew Mintle (G) won by forfeit. 144 — Alex Peiffer (G) pinned Keegan Walker 1:23. 150 — Aleandro Cantillo (G) pinned Ben Flander 3:12. 157 — Corey Breese (EVTC) pinned Owen Blakenfield 1:59.

Williamsburg neighbors bring Nativity to life

WILLIAMSBURG — Far from the desert sands that are its natural habitat, an Egyptian camel named Pharoah helps bring the Biblical Christmas story to life on a farm southwest of Williamsburg.Every few years — six since the last time — Dennis Oliver gathers sheep, donkeys, alpacas, llamas, camels and other exotic animals to create a roadside Nativity scene on his farm at 2663 M. Avenue.Mannequins from an old Younkers department store serve as Mary and Joseph and baby Jesus, but the animals are real.“W...

WILLIAMSBURG — Far from the desert sands that are its natural habitat, an Egyptian camel named Pharoah helps bring the Biblical Christmas story to life on a farm southwest of Williamsburg.

Every few years — six since the last time — Dennis Oliver gathers sheep, donkeys, alpacas, llamas, camels and other exotic animals to create a roadside Nativity scene on his farm at 2663 M. Avenue.

Mannequins from an old Younkers department store serve as Mary and Joseph and baby Jesus, but the animals are real.

“We like to have a variety of animals,” said Oliver. His Nativity contains primarily Biblical ones, he said.

Some Biblically authentic animals are harder to get than others, said Oliver. The Jacob’s four-horned sheep, one of oldest breeds, can be traced back to the Mediterranean thousands of years ago and is mentioned specifically in the Bible.

Oliver’s Nativity is lighted during the night and easy to see. Visitors have stopped to look since Oliver and his neighbors put it up before Thanksgiving.

“Word of mouth has spread pretty fast on it,” Oliver said. The animals and mannequins will be in their roadside enclosure through New Year’s Day.

Oliver puts out the display about every six years, “when we get the time and the motivation and the money to do it.”

“The last time we did it was 2017,” said Kelsi Cox. She and her husband Colin live a couple of miles north and help Oliver construct the live Nativity.

“The display is a tribute to our heritage and thanks for our American freedoms,” said Kelsi.

“It takes a lot of volunteer labor and time,” Oliver said. In addition to Kelsi and Colin, Chuck Martin, his son Mitch and neighbor Rick Zimmerman put in a lot of time and labor creating the display, Oliver said.

The neighbors put up a 40-foot pole to display a lighted star over the manger scene. They placed 80 big, round cornstalk bales in a semicircle to create a windbreak for the animals, and they put lights on the inside of the gates so people can see the animals from the road.

“We did have lights all the way around, but the camel’s been eating them,” said Oliver.

The display also requires money. The big bales cost $80 each, the small bales are $8, and the electrical setup cost about $1,800. Most people aren’t crazy enough to do something like this, Oliver said.

“The sheep we got just for this year,” said Cox. Paroah the camel has been on the Oliver farm for a while, purchased with the Nativity in mind, she said.

“Animals just fascinate me,” said Oliver.

When the Nativity is taken down, Kelsi will break the camel and train it so it can be ridden, said Oliver.

The camel from the last Nativity was trained so well that a Shriner bought it and took it the Shriner’s Hospitals to cheer up the children there.

“This camel has a similar disposition,” said Oliver.

“Animals age much more rapidly than humans, so we usually start with younger ones,” said Oliver. “And we do keep some of them around, and they become pets.”

Though living in pens, the animals “don’t have it too bad,” said Oliver. They are well fed on grain and alfalfa and are sheltered from the wind.

“If PETA comes by, they’ll be impressed with how well the animals are being cared for,” Oliver joked.

“We still have the freedom in America to do these things. And I’ve gotten so many emails and notes from people who drive by,” he said.

One woman passes the lighted display on her way to work at 3 a.m., Oliver said. She wrote that seeing the Nativity on those dark, cold mornings lifts her spirits.

After falling a game shy of the 2A title, Williamsburg fearing no one in 3A

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - Williamsburg has been beating the extreme heat by holding football practice at their indoor recreation center“I mean who would want to go out there, am I right,” senior defensive end and left guard Simeon Armbrecht said.“We’ve never been inside because it’s been this hot. We’ve played inside of course because of rain,” explained senior wide receiver and saftey Derek Weisskopf. “It’s been 100 to 120 on the field. That’s crazy.”Th...

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - Williamsburg has been beating the extreme heat by holding football practice at their indoor recreation center

“I mean who would want to go out there, am I right,” senior defensive end and left guard Simeon Armbrecht said.

“We’ve never been inside because it’s been this hot. We’ve played inside of course because of rain,” explained senior wide receiver and saftey Derek Weisskopf. “It’s been 100 to 120 on the field. That’s crazy.”

The Raiders are coming off a 12- 1 season where they finished as the Class 2A state runner ups. They return 9 starters from a season ago including Weisskopf, and Iowa commit, who is as versatile as they come.

“He’s kind of a combination of a guy that can run a little bit, strong enough to block as well as any lineman and he has great ball skills and the ability to jump,” Williamsburg football head coach Curt Richie.

He led Williamsburg in receiving, interceptions, punting and ranked third on the team in tackles.

“I don’t mind. Whatever works for the team,” Weisskopf said about playing multiple positions.

“He’s a quick learner and he’s willing to do whatever for his team. He’s a guy we feel like we need to utilize, move around and use his abilities,” Richie added.

Weisskopf will help lead a very talented receiving core, but there will be a new face at quarterback.

“We have two good quarterbacks that we can rely on and about four or five receivers we can put in the game. I can go play tight end and then come back and play receiver if I have to. It’s awesome that we have multiple guys who can be out there and play,” Weisskopf said.

The Raiders have made it to the UNI-Dome three of the last four years. Although they’ve bumped up to Class 3A, the team doesn’t expect their defensive play to drop off.

“Our defense is elite. We always have a good defense anytime I’ve been here,” Armbrecht said.

“We’re always going to be a defensive football team. Our guys take great pride in that. We always have,” Richie said.

On Friday, Williamsburg will meet West Branch for the third time. They’ll look to do what no other Raider team has done before which is come out on top against the Bears.

“We’ll be good on Friday. I think just need to match their physicality,” Armbrecht said.

“They are always traditionally good. They always battle well with Williamsburg, so hopefully we can get the dub,” Weisskopf added.

Williamsburg will host West Branch on Friday at 7:30 P.M. You can watch the game on KCRG-TV9 beginning at 7 P.M. with pregame coverage.

Copyright 2023 KCRG. All rights reserved.

Holiday giving begins for L.O.V.E Network

MARENGO — Calling themselves Lots of Very special Elves, L.O.V.E Network has started its annual holiday program. Every year, the Network gives financial assistance to low-income families and people in financial crisis so they can have a joyful holiday season.Applications have been distributed in the HLV, Iowa Valley, Williamsburg, Amana and English Valleys School District. Beginning in mid-November, anyone wishing to buy gifts for the applicants can pick up cards and shop for the specific needs listed.HLVRed L.O....

MARENGO — Calling themselves Lots of Very special Elves, L.O.V.E Network has started its annual holiday program. Every year, the Network gives financial assistance to low-income families and people in financial crisis so they can have a joyful holiday season.

Applications have been distributed in the HLV, Iowa Valley, Williamsburg, Amana and English Valleys School District. Beginning in mid-November, anyone wishing to buy gifts for the applicants can pick up cards and shop for the specific needs listed.

HLV

Red L.O.V.E. cards will be available on a Christmas tree at Victor’s Market before Thanksgiving. Shoppers will leave the top half of the card with contact information at the front counter, shop for the items on the card, wrap them and return them to Victor’s Market before Dec. 10.

In the HLV area, call Joan Doran at 319-330-4837 or Susan Wilgenbusch at 319-647-3727 for more information.

Iowa Valley

In the Iowa Valley school district, cards can be picked up from the Christmas tree at Grinnell Bank after Nov. 15. Wrapped gifts are due back under the tree by Dec. 7.

Anyone interested in donating money may do so at Grinnell State Bank, 1101 Court Ave., Marengo, IA 52301.

For more information, call Jane Fry at 319-350-1403.

Williamsburg, Amana

In Williamsburg and Amana school districts, gift tags will be available Nov. 15 at Williamsburg Farmer’s Trust and Saving Bank, Mercy Family Medicine in Williamsburg, Amana Family Practice and various churches in the community.

Wrapped gifts are due back at the location where the tag was taken by Dec. 8. Distribution of gifts will take place Dec. 11.

Monetary donations, which are used for family items that are not purchased with the gift tags, can be sent to Claudia Kleinmeyer, 158 Circle Dr., Williamsburg, IA 52361.

Contact Heather Subbert at 515-669-0658, Sandy Lynch at 319-430-7806 or Carmen Grimm at 319-389-3694 with questions.

English Valleys

In the English Valleys school district, gift tags will be available beginning Nov. 13 from local churches, English Valleys Malt Shop and North English Library. Gifts must be returned by Dec. 4.

Monetary donations may be sent to LOVE Network, P.O. Box 208, North English, IA, 52316.

Questions should be addressed to Sherry Garringer at 319-664-3025 during the day or 319-664-3701 in the evenings.

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