Most Interesting Urbandale People in 2011

Khayden Arnold

Khayden Arnold, 4, saved his mother, Raine Arnold, when she went into insulin shock in October by calling 911 and staying on the line with Polk County Sheriff dispatcher Maggie Brodeur until rescuers could locate them.  More than 45,000 people read Khayden's story when he was featured as Greatest Person of the Day on the Huffington Post website. 

Allison Little and Jamie Schillinger

Two child-care workers were modern-day Norma Raes when they organized their co-workers to go on strike against in Urbandale in September. Allison Little and Jamie Schillinger, co-directors of the Urbandale location, insisted that employees at the center be paid after weeks of not getting paychecks. The dispute eventually led Theresa Mulhern, owner of the financially troubled Urbandale center and one in West Des Moines, to close both centers, leaving about 78 workers without jobs and between 350 and 400 children in need of child care.

Eileen Boggess

Eileen Boggess, a former parochial school teacher, helped start the in 2008 and has presided over its astounding growth over three years. The pantry has it helps during that time.

Creighton Cox and Tony Montgomery

These two Urbandale men each sought to fill retiring City Councilwoman Mary Polson's seat in the November city elections. The election came down to an amazing three-vote difference between the two candidates, both in their 40s and from the west side of Urbandale. After a recount and a counting of absentee ballots, Cox still prevailed with a three-vote margin.

The Gass brothers

Warren, Roger, Ron, Darrell and Wayne Gass, all in their 80s and all members of Urbandale's , were honored on Veterans Day by Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad. The brothers may be the only five surviving siblings of World War II.

The Page family

In the 10 years since Sept. 11, 2001, Tracy and Robin Page, and their sons Nathan Page and Jason Benell, served six tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. One of the family members has been deployed for nearly then entire decade.

Eli Dobbs

Chad and Leslie Dobbs were sticklers about having their children wear helmets when they were playing on their bikes or scooters. In October, they were very grateful about that policy when their son Eli, 4, was run over by a truck rolling backwards out of a neighbor's driveway. Eli's helmet was crushed, but he was safe. 

Monte Halferty

A 45-year-old disabled man spends many of his days picking up trash and litter along Urbandale's recreational trails and sidewalks. Monte Halferty is passionate about the city's trails.