Wowing them in Vegas
Brooke Opheim wears bejeweled, feathered headdresses and designer costumes. She dances on million-dollar sets. At 26, the Fort Dodge native is part of a dying breed: a Las Vegas showgirl. Poised to step up to the role of a principal dancer in Jubilee! at Bally’s Hotel and Casino on the Strip, Opheim is dancing her dream — again. This is her second go-round in Jubilee! where Opheim has most recently been performing since 2007. Classic Vegas glitz and glamour, Jubilee! has been running for more than two decades and is one of only three stage shows on the Strip that still feature traditional showgirls. The show’s vignettes include the sinking of the Titanic and the destruction of the Temple of Samson and Delilah, but the stars of the show are the dancers —and their costumes. “I feel like I’m playing the part of a Las Vegas show girl. Once I have all the makeup on and are in the costumes, I feel like an actress on the stage,” Opheim said.
» Full StoryStem cell surgery in China
Lydia Black can see.
That’s a new concept for the 6-year-old, daughter of former Fort Dodger Doug Black, a wrestling standout at Fort Dodge Senior High who lives and teaches near Kansas City, Mo., and Juli Olmstead, of Columbia, Mo.
‘Eat-Right Cookbook’ aims to fight cancer
Getting a new cookbook means a few weeks of new menus for most families.
» Full StoryThe beauty of outdoor living
Gone are the tilting tiki torches and flimsy white plastic chairs. Nowadays, posh and panache can be found in the backyard.
» Full StoryGarden club winners named
More than 200 exhibits in horticulture, designs and crafts were part of the Fort Dodge Federated Garden Club annual flower show held Aug. 9 and 10 at the Crossroads Mall.
» Full StoryCounties name honorees for 4-H Hall of Fame
Iowa State 4-H and the Iowa 4-H Foundation sponsor a 4-H Hall of Fame to recognize the volunteers and staff who have given time and talent to the state 4-H program.
» Full Story


