Two librarians, Hiedi Tuerck and Emma Ryherd, have been directing the Summer Reading Program at the Newell Public Library. Hiedi has been assistant librarian with library director Jensen Bodholdt, but this summer she also helped Emma with children’s programming. The theme this year is “Read, Renew, Repeat.”

Some of the special events for the children at the Newell Library this summer were the Buena Vista conservationist, a magician, people coming from the Sanford Museum and also representatives from the Blank Park Zoo.

“They brought Zelda, a curly-hair tarantula and Mango, the monkey-tailed skunk,” Emma and Hiedi explained. “We also did craft activities like leaf stamping and making geode eggs. It’s a great thing for the kids in the summer.”

“It’s really fun working with the kids and working on activities with them,” Emma added.

Emma was born in Storm Lake and now lives with her mom, Laura Ryherd, in Newell. 

“I  graduated in May from Iowa Central Community College and I’ll go to Iowa State this fall to study psychology and minor in sociology,” she mentioned. “I like hanging out with my friends, being outside, canoeing and kayaking plus traveling and seeing new places and learning new things. And reading.”

Hiedi was originally from Las Vegas but wanted a slower pace of life.

“Now I live in Fonda with my two children, Gryffin, three and a half years old and Freya, six months old,” she mentioned. “I met my fiancé, Tyler North, when we were both working at Marketlink.”

As for hobbies, she likes hanging out with her kids, reading and baking. They have a turtle, six cats and a dog.

Hiedi has worked at the library for two years and three months but will be leaving the library August 3 to work at Lake Animal Hospital in Storm Lake.

These are several of their favorite recipes.

Hiedi’s recipes

Lemon Pepper Chicken

Chicken breast

Lemon pepper seasoning

Italian seasoning

Salt

Garlic powder

Start by flattening your chicken breasts. Make a single vertical cut down the middle of the chicken breast to help cook evenly. Season with the lemon pepper seasoning, Italian seasoning, garlic powder and salt to desired taste. Flip the chicken breast over and repeat the steps. Cook on medium-high heat for 15 minutes.

Butter Garlic Noodles

Angel hair noodles

Butter/margarine

Garlic powder

Salt

Pepper

Italian seasoning

Crushed red peppers (optional)

Grated Parmesan cheese

Bring a medium/large pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add in the angel hair noodles and bring it back to a boil. Cook for about 8-10 minutes. Drain the noodles when done and add 4 Tablespoons of butter/margarine. Season with garlic powder, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning and crushed red peppers (optional) to desired taste. Top with Parmesan cheese.

Emma’s recipes

Tater Tot Casserole

1 pound hamburger

2 cans cream of mushroom soup

Veggie mix

Tater tots

Garlic

Onion powder

Salt and pepper

Lawrys in meat

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Brown hamburger.

Mix all the ingredients together. Put tater tots on top.

Bake for 45 minutes.

Green Bean Casserole

3 cans green beans

2 cans cream of mushroom soup

Mushrooms (optional)

Dried onions

Garlic

Onion powder

Salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix all the ingredients together. Rinse cans with milk.

Cover casserole and bake for 30 minutes. Then put onions on top and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes.

Mom’s Banana Bread

Butter (soft)

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

3-4 bananas

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking soda

1¼ cups flour

Mix all together. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes in cake pan or loaf pan.