Riverside Hall of Fame Class of 2025
Josh Kallsen - Distinguished Graduate - Riverside Graduate Class of 1997
In 1993, Josh Kallsen moved to Carson, Iowa, just as the Riverside School District opened its doors. As a freshman in a brand-new school, he found common ground with classmates and teachers navigating the same transition. The supportive environment at Riverside fostered lasting friendships and connections with staff, many of whom remain part of his life today. Josh’s time as a Bulldog instilled a sense of community that continues to guide him.
After graduating in 1997, Josh embarked on a career in the electrical industry, starting as an apprentice and methodically advancing through every role and position possible. In 2007, he teamed up with fellow Riverside alum Cody Forristall (Class of 1998) to launch their own business, a bold step that paved the way for their acquisition of PowerTech in 2016. Under their leadership, PowerTech has become a known for excellence in electrical services and back up power generation. The company is renowned not only for quality but also for its commitment to supporting children’s programs and mental health initiatives in the community.
Josh’s passion for service shines through his extensive volunteer work. He has dedicated over a decade to the Carson Fire Department and currently serves as board chair for Advance Southwest Iowa Corporation and the Council Bluffs Industrial Foundation. He also holds board positions with the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, Council Bluffs Public Schools Foundation, and the Omaha Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association.
From his roots as a Riverside Bulldog to his role as an accomplished entrepreneur and community advocate, Josh’s journey reflects his unwavering dedication to excellence, partnership, and giving back.
Cody Forristall - Distinguished Graduate - Riverside Graduate Class of 1998
Cody Forristall graduated from Riverside in 1998 and went on to earn his degree from Iowa State University in 2002. He and his wife Suzy, are raising their two kids—Lincoln (9) and Renly (3)—who remain his proudest achievements.
Cody launched his first business in 2004, but things truly took off in 2007 when he partnered fellow Riverside Alum, Josh Kallsen. Together, they’ve built a series of successful companies, culminating in PowerTech—a values-driven business known as much for its growth as for its commitment to people and community.
Cody has served on numerous nonprofit boards, including the Nebraska Chapter of the Entrepreneur’s Organization (Past President), Make-A-Wish Nebraska, Children’s Square (Executive Team), the Jennie Edmundson Foundation, and the Iowa West Foundation Advisory Committee.
Under Cody and Josh’s leadership, PowerTech has been recognized with several honors, including the Jason Award, the 712 Initiative’s Good Neighbor Award, the REVolutionary Award, the Council Bluffs Chamber’s 2024 Business of the Year, and four appearances on the Inc. 5,000 list.
Through it all, Cody has stayed rooted in loyalty, hard work, and service—values that trace all the way back to his days at Riverside.
Hubert Merrill Houser - Distinguished Graduate - Carson-Macedonia Graduate Class of 1960
The late Hubert Merrill Houser was born on October 9, 1942. He and his four brothers-Darrell, Kent, Melvyn, and Lewis, grew up on a farm in the Wheeler Grove area East of Macedonia. He attended school in Macedonia, where he participated in FFA, music, and baseball. He graduated from Carson-Macedonia Community School in 1960 and attended Iowa State University to study Ag Business.
Agriculture, family, and serving were his life. He farmed and raised row-crops, had cow-calf herds, and a poultry operation. Hubert could never let a good project go to waste. They said you’d find them referenced on his To-Do Lists on legal pads throughout the house!
Hubert honored the legacy of his grandfather, Jim O Henry, who also served as Pottawattamie County Supervisor, State Representative, and Iowa Senator. Senator Hubert Houser served the people of his community, his country, his state, and his country.
Mr. Houser exemplified community service. He served two terms on the Carson-Macedonia School Board. He was on the Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors for 14 years (1979-1993), on the Iowa House of Representatives for 5 terms (1992-2001), United States Senate, 49th District for 4 terms (2002-2013). He served on various committees within the Legislature, including: Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, Ways and Means Committee, Economic Growth Committee, and Appropriations Sub-Committee. He was a member of the Pottawattamie County Cattlemen’s Association, Farm Bureau, and also served on the board for Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy.
Richard and (late) Sue Graves - Employees - Carson-Macedonia and Riverside
Richard and Sue Graves were teachers in the Carson-Macedonia/Riverside Community Schools from 1970 to1999. Richard taught High School Social Studies, PE, and Drivers Ed. He also coached high school sports including football, basketball, and track. He was the High School/Middle School Principal from 1975-1999. Sue was a first grade and Kindergarten teacher from 1970 to 1998.
Richard grew up in Peru, NE, where he graduated from Peru Prep in 1956. He went to Tarkio College where he played football and ran track. He met Sue Wilhite at Tarkio, they were married in 1958 in Gibson, IA. They moved to Oskaloosa, Iowa to attend William Penn College. Rich was on the football team and worked while he earned his Bachelor's degree. In 1960 he started his teaching and coaching career. Throughout his career he taught Social Studies, PE, and Drivers Ed, he coached football, basketball, and track in What Cheer, IA, Bayard, NE, Abraham Lincoln HS in Council Bluffs and Carson-Macedonia/Riverside Community Schools. He earned his Masters Degree from Northwest Missouri State University in 1976. In 1995 he was awarded the Southwest Iowa Middle School Principal of the Year Award. Richard was a member of the Carson United Methodist Church and the Masonic Lodge. He has watched many school athletic events and activities over the years and still enjoys watching the sporting events that are live streamed.
Sue grew up in Gibson, IA, where she graduated in 1956. She attended Drake University for a year then transferred to Tarkio College. Sue was a cheerleader, played basketball, sang, and was a member of the homecoming court. She attended the Tarkio Presbyterian Church. Sue earned her bachelor's degree from William Penn College. She taught for a year in Thornberg, IA, then took some time off to raise their two children, Michelle and Troy. In 1970 she returned to teaching at Carson-Macedonia Community School. She taught first grade for a couple of years then moved to Kindergarten. One of her favorite activities was the KDG Circus. She enjoyed putting together the acts and gathering costumes for the performances. Sue was a member of the Carson United Methodist Church. She helped with children' s music, sang in the choir, and participated in many other church, community, and school activities. She was involved in several Grist Mill musicals and community choir performances.
After retirement, Rich and Sue enjoyed spending time at the Lake of the Ozarks with family and friends and watching their grandchildren and great grandchildren which brought them endless happiness in their golden years.
2013 Riverside Cross Country Team, 4th Place at State, Head Coach: Alex Oliver; Team
The 2013 Riverside Boys Cross Country team competed at the state cross country meet on Saturday November 2, 2013 at Fort Dodge, IA.
The boys finished 4th with a total of 167 points besting their district competitors, St. Albert and Boyer Valley, who finished 6th and 7th place respectively. Senior Brady Ryun was the top runner for Riverside finishing 16th with a time of 17.26.2. Tim Brink and Brandon Sipherd finished 20th and 21st respectively. Juniors Adam Hartman and Jacob Vogel placed 39th and 71st, respectively. Sophomore Brandon Hering places 87th while Freshman Dean Hansen placed 95th. This was the first state race for Brandon and Dean.
Seniors Brady Ryun and Brandon Sipherd qualified to run in the 2013 All-Star Cross Country meet on Saturday, November 9, 2013 at DMACC on the Ankeny Campus. Alex Oliver was the coach.