“We’ve always been involved”, Belle said. “We think it’s important to give back as we all have the responsibility in the wellbeing of our community.” Dan rode with B.A.C.A. (Bikers Against Child Abuse) and served as a child advocate with CASA for over 10 years. Belle has organized and run many a fundraiser and volunteered on many committees wherever they have lived. One of the first things the Jaegers did was to join the Lamoni Area Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber will host a ribbon cutting ceremony at The Peppermill’s grand opening in the very near future.

They call Belle’s dream The Peppermill. Peppermills have always fascinated her– they remind her of a woman’s silhouette, being both elegant and strong. To her, this house is that…beautiful and strong. It has a rich history which she has researched and can be viewed in some pictures she has dating back to the 1800’s on their website (www.peppermillbnb.com). Dan says, “I’m just Belle’s handyman, and I’m helping her work on her dream.”

Since moving in, Dan has been working on its exterior – landscaping, clearing the property, power washing, and repairing drainage concerns. Belle has been unpacking boxes, painting, installing ceiling fans in every room, and removing old wallpaper. Belle’s passion can be found in the house’s architecture and woodworking. That excitement surfaces as they both decorate it and do some restoring. This is her peppermill.

They say their dream is “where Southern hospitality meets the Midwest.” It features three distinctly styled accommodations. The Lasso is on the 2nd story with a beautiful queen size bed and a sitting area. The Lacebark is the top room that faces the front of the 2nd story with a queen size bed with beautifully restored wood floors and a sitting area. A third guest room, The Twin Estates, is also on the 2nd story and accommodates guests with two antique full sized, wrought iron beds and – in addition – has a sitting area. The rooms were named after the streets on which Belle and Dan have previously lived.

The Peppermill will offer a full gourmet breakfast with dietary restriction considerations. The rotating menu choices include dishes such as stuffed French toast, frittatas, authentic Mexican breakfast entrees, omelets, vegetables, and fresh fruits. Juices, coffee, tea, and seasonal hot apple cider and hot cocoa are a few of the beverages offered. Custom add-ons include afternoon tea, a picnic for two, or a special dessert.

Belle and Dan met in college in South Texas. After meeting and talking, they realized they not only knew people and had experiences in common they graduated a year apart from the same high school. They married, graduated, and began careers in the Lone Star State. Dan spent 29 years with Dow Chemical, and for many years, Belle owned an interior decorating business. They have two children. Jacob Alan, their son, is a professional musician living in Austin. Sarah is currently a second-grade teacher in Lamoni.

They knew about Lamoni because both Sarah and Jacob Alan went to Spectacular, but it wasn’t until Jacob Alan went to Graceland that they first saw the city. Belle says she fell in love with the community instantly as they drove their son to Graceland for his freshman year – and could feel at ease even though he was hundreds of miles away from home. Sarah also attended and graduated from Graceland University. Over the years Belle and Dan have gotten to know the town on their many visits here. “Lamoni is like a little gem – you don’t find many communities like this anymore,” Belle said. “We see so much potential, and we hope to be a part of not only maintaining its uniqueness but to help revitalize our new community in a positive and great way.” Dan says they hope to make an impact and they thank everyone who’s made them feel welcomed and at home.

From: Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate.

July 2018