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Washington Evening Journal
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Washington, IA 52353
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New Montezuma American Legion building good for the community
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
MONTEZUMA — From wrestlers to crafters, community gatherings and veterans events, the new Montezuma Blakely-Stevens American Legion Post 169 building is quickly becoming a shining star for the Montezuma community.
One of the building’s most recent events was the Veterans Day Service Nov. 11, attended by nearly two hundred veterans, their families, friends and community members.
“It’s a nice building for our veterans and the community,” said Ron Hensel, Montezuma American Legion Commander, who helped spearhead the building project.
Following a potluck meal, Commander Hensel introduced the three Montezuma fifth graders who won the American Legion fifth grade flag essay contest.
Mackenzie Fleming, Ayva Olweny and Gage Haynie all read their essays. Each student was awarded a certificate and a $35 cash prize.
Following that was the introduction of Boys’ State Representatives Peyton Tindle and Larry Moore, who both shared about their time at boys’ state.
On the girls’ side, Bea Hensel, Montezuma American Legion Auxiliary President, introduced Sara Bos, who shared her experience at girls’ state.
Kami Mathes also attended girls’ state but was unable to attend the Veterans Day service due to an illness.
The guest speaker was Jim Keller, founder and curator of the Welcome Home Soldier Memorial in Albia.
The American Legion building is located at 803 E. Jefferson on two acres of land donated in June 2021 to the American Legion by Scott, Kevin and Kerri Carl, the grandchildren of the late Cloyd and Francis Carl of Montezuma.
Funding for the project came from several sources, including the sale of land owned by the American Legion located west of Lake Ponderosa.
The Legion held numerous watermelon and root beer float fundraisers during community events such as summer nights.
Other funds have come from Legion-sponsored car shows on the last Saturday in September. The fourth show was held Sept. 27.
Additional funds have come from an American Rescue Plan Act grant through the Poweshiek County Board of Supervisors. In addition, the American Legion received a sizable grant from the Poweshiek County Alliance.
Construction on the new 60- by 80-foot building began in the summer of 2024. The building opened its doors one year later, in August 2025.
The building features a large gathering area for meetings, community events, and celebrations. It also features an large kitchen with a serving counter, two stoves, two refrigerators and three sinks, a bar area, plenty of seating, a storage and HVAC room, restrooms, a patio and vestibule.
“It is a very nice facility for our community,” said Roger Schroeder, a member of the Sons of the American Legion. “The program was very good.”
Schroeder said the Montezuma Sons of the American Legion visited the Welcome Home Soldier Memorial and said it was great.
“Jim Keller gave us a personnel tour,” he added. “That made it very special.”
“It was wonderful,” said Chris Nolte. “There was lots of patriotism and the kids did a great job.”
“The building is a tribute to the dedication of the Legion, Auxiliary and Sons,” added Nolte. “It’s a great asset to Poweshiek County and Montezuma.”
“This is a great building,” said Uwe Meyer. “This is great for the community and for all of us.”
“The girls and boys state representatives were well spoken,” said Janice Albrecht, who was helping serve the veterans and attendees. “Our guest speaker did a great job. What a great program.”
Contact Hensel at 515-979-2705 for information on using the new Montezuma American Legion building for a family gathering or community event.
