South Tama advanced welding student Drew Belton is joined by Jeff Niedermann, Industrial Tech teacher, (left) and Pheasants Forever President Steve Armstrong in displaying some of the items the class created for the upcoming Marshall-Tama chapter auction on Oct. 19. News-Herald photos/John Speer

When items go up for auction at the Marshall-Tama Pheasants Forever banquet in Marshalltown on Oct. 19, some unique creations by South Tama High School advance welding class students will be among them.

This is the first year for a joint banquet for Marshall and Tama counties chapter President Steve Armstrong said. It will be held at the Marshall County Fairground in Marshalltown with the auction being one of the highlights of the evening.

Proceeds from the auction sales are used by the local Pheasants organization to preserve existing and to develop new habitat areas and provide information and education about pheasant conservation practices.

The Pheasants organization also awards student scholarships locally. In addition, the chapter donated $500 to South Tama industrial arts to purchase sheet metal to replenish the supply used to build the auction items.

Jeff Niedermann, industrial tech teacher at STC, said this is the third year his students have made items to be added to the auction offerings.

Marshall-Tama Pheasants Forever President Steve Armstrong (right) presents a $500 donation to South Tama Industrial Technologies teacher Jeff Niedermann. The money will be used to replace sheet metal supplies used to create items for the upcoming Pheasants Forever fundraising auction on Oct. 19.

He said the students “take pride” in their creations and realize they are aiding a worthy cause by making the items for Pheasants Forever.

South Tama High art students are also joining in by painting some of the pheasants portrayed in natural colors.

Among items crafted this year to be added to the auction listing are a hall tree, bench, dog feeder, coat rack and a pickup truck cargo holder.

The advanced welding class members at STC are Drew Belton, Eric Climber, Wes Kalinay, Drew Lacina, Dylan Musgrave, Shawn Purk, Tyler Quigley, Elmer Troxell jr., Grant Van De Walle and Forest Walke.