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Headlines

Thursday July 29

WeatherDelhi Dam Break - What You Can Do?

fundingEmergency Unemployment Compensation in Iowa

Road ConditionsIowa Road Conditions

Today's Obituaries

Wednesday July 28

LinksMyEntre.net Webinar - Leveraging the Media: How to get Free Publicity for Your Business

fundingRed Cross Grant Wood Area Chapter Joins Nationwide Fundraising Drive

Tuesday July 27

HealthDNR Recommends Checking Private Well Water Safety in Northeast Iowa

farmHay Storage Cost Analyzer Available from ISU Extension

Monday July 26

fundingIWD Announces a Deadline Extension for Emergency Unemployment Insurance Benefits

WeatherFlooding Closes Three North Iowa State Parks, Trout Moved from Manchester

Thursday July 15

LinksMyEntre.net Weibinar Today: What Does the Future Really Hold?

fundingIowa Health Department Receives $4 Million for Preparedness

Wednesday July 14

WeatherTall Corn Obstructs Views at Roadway Intersections and Railroad Crossings

campFloodwaters Receding from State Parks, Some Facilities Still Closed

Tuesday July 13

workerIowa’s Layoff Notification Law Now in Effect

HealthIDPH Issues Annual Disease Report

Monday July 12

fundingUSDA Awards $36 Million to Support Water Quality in Iowa

LinksMyEntre.net Weibinar: What Does the Future Really Hold?

Friday July 9

fundingNew Rules to Encourage More Small Wind Energy Development

WeatherGrowing Freight Demands Reaching Transportation Crisis

Thursday July 8

4h4-H Gets Academic Home in ISU College of Human Sciences

funding$35 Million in I-JOBS Funds to 71 Communities

Wednesday July 7

LinksWhat Parents Need to Know about Social Media

farmNow is the Time - Consider the Conservation Reserve

Tuesday July 6

4hDeadline Extended to July 15 for ‘Cook This!’ Youth Challenge at Iowa State Fair

HealthWet Conditions Prompt West Nile Concerns

Monday July 5

fundingIowan's Jobless and Injury Benefits Increase

Links$90 Million in Federal Grants to Improve Broadband Access in Iowa

Friday July 2

justice'Ed Thomas Bill' Form Now Available For Iowa Law Enforcement

WeatherRecent Survey Demonstrates Difficulties Faced By Unemployed Iowans

Thursday July 1

workerIowa DOT Cautions Travelers About Work Zones over July 4 Holiday

WeatherTexting While Driving Ban and New Seat Belt Law Take Effect

Wednesday June 30

retreatUIU Military Students Earn Degrees While Serving

LinksMyEntre.net Webinar: Identity Theft: Are you Protected?

Tuesday June 29

fundingIowa's Early Retirement Program Saves More Money than Anticipated

WeatherAvoid Areas of Heavy Smoke near Fireworks Displays

Monday June 28

4hGirls Develop Health and Confidence Through ISU Extension Programs

fundingTake Steps to Reduce Your Energy Bills and Stay Safe this Summer

Friday June 25

farmHeartland Acres Plans Second Annual Tractor Ride

no smokingLaw Prevents “Light” Terms on Cigarette Packs

fishJuly 1 Marks New Changes in Mowing/Haying in Right-of-Ways

Thursday June 24

retreat22 Iowa Students Earn Honors at National History Contest

4h4-H Volunteer Program Is Ideal for Former Teachers

Wednesday June 23

campCampgrounds Filling for July 4 Holiday

Weather'Operation Dry Water' Coming this Weekend

Tuesday June 22

farmNorthey Encourages Farmers to Update Listings on Iowa Hay and Straw Directory

HealthSending College Students off Safely

Monday June 21

HealthDyersville-Area Woman Air-Lifted to Iowa City after Motorcycle Accident

retreatNICC, UW-Platteville Instructor Invited to Oxford Round Table

decreaseIowa Unemployment Rate Dips Slightly to 6.8 Percent

LinksIowa Launches of Broadband Availability Map

Friday June 18

4hIowa 4-H Foundation Hires New Development Director

food2010 Guide to Locally Grown Meats, Fruits, Vegetables now Available

Thursday June 17

workerEducation, Training Providers Invited to Apply for Share of $5.8 Million for Green Job Training Opportunities

Weather“K2/Spice” Alert Issued by Iowa Drug Policy Coordinator

Wednesday June 16

LinksMyEntre.Net Webinar: For the Love of a Pickle

retreatIowa Ranks 2nd in America for Volunteering

Tuesday June 15

HealthIowa Asthma Plan Released

fishFish Iowa! Celebrating 20 Years of Leading Kids Outdoors

Monday June 14

4hGot a Special Interest? Start a New 4-H Club!

fundingSpecial Summer MyEntre.Net Webinar: Iowa Inventors Group Live Broadcast!

Friday June 11

fundingIowa’s Small Businesses Announce New Growth, Innovations

WeatherIowa Affected by Shortage of Pavement Marking Paint

Thursday June 10

NICCNICC Business Students Get Customer Service Edge

WeatherDCI's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force To Unveil New Web Site

funding$2,358,000 in I-JOBS Vision Iowa Grants

Wednesday June 9

fundingFinancial Support for Volunteer Work in State Parks Available

meeting2011-2015 Transportation Program Approved by Iowa Transportation Commission

Tuesday June 8

votePrimary Election Today

WeatherRumbling Down the Center of the Road

Monday June 7

fundingIowa Tourism Office Announces 11 Grants for Out-of-State Marketing

greenIowa Blazes Trail from Cornfields to Wind Fields

Friday June 4

fundingIWD Receives $4.8 Million Grant to Implement Youth Summer Employment Program

farmIowa Learning Farm Hosts Field Day in Delaware County

Thursday June 3

no smokingQuitline Iowa to Discontinue Free Patches, Gum

art34 Arts Grants Totaling $288,600 Announced

Wednesday June 2

LinksMyEntre.Net Webinar: Building Business Through Farmers Markets

WeatherIowa State Patrol Gears Up for 2nd Year of Safe Saturdays

Tuesday June 1

retreatU.S. Chamber of Commerce Recognizes Iowa’s Economic Growth

greenNew Rules Help Iowa’s Efforts to be Leader in Renewable Energy




Aftermath: Manchester prepares for RAGBRAI

Breach!
Posted 24 July 2010
Lake Delhi

Photos Courtesy of the Iowa State Patrol

Lake Delhi Dam
Front

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Hopkinton
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ISU Extension Entomologists Offer Recommendations on Protecting Ash Trees

Emerald Ash Borer Management Options from Iowa State University Extension on Vimeo.

Posted 26 May 2010
The recent discovery of the emerald ash borer (EAB) in northeastern Iowa (Allamakee County) has increased interest in this exotic, invasive insect and what Iowans can do to protect ash trees (Fraxinus species) on their property. Iowa State University Extension is collaborating with Iowa state regulatory agencies and local officials to limit the spread of EAB into other areas of Iowa. For a full list of EAB detection and education activities, please visit here.

Treatment options to protect ash trees from this destructive pest are available, but careful and thoughtful analysis is needed to circumvent spread of false information and excessive and needless use of insecticides. Forest, horticulture and insect specialists with ISU Extension have developed a guide that outlines your management options against EAB.

The first step for many is confirming that you do have an ash tree. Only ash trees are susceptible to EAB attack; all species and varieties of ash trees are at risk. Second is determining if the ash tree is in vigorous health. Trees must be healthy and growing for treatments to be effective.

Compromised trees that have mechanical injuries, loose bark or thin canopy or are struggling to grow in poor sites with limited rooting area, compacted soil or other stresses are not worth treating. If the tree is apparently healthy and is valuable in your landscape, then preventive treatment options may be considered.

Insecticide control measures against EAB should not be used unless you live within 15 miles of the confirmed EAB infestation. Based on today’s announcement, the upper portion of Allamakee County is within this risk zone. However, due to the isolated incidence and associated remote terrain of the infested site, treatment in Iowa is still not recommended at this time.

Protecting ash trees with insecticides is a long-term commitment. Most treatments will need to be reapplied annually or twice per year for an interminable number of years to protect the tree. With that in mind, many would be ahead to remove and replace susceptible trees.

ISU Extension has a publication on the topic, PM 2084, "Emerald Ash Borer Management Options," released June 2009. The publication can be downloaded from the ISU Extension Online Store here. The North Central Region IPM Center’s “Insecticide Options for Protecting Ash Trees from EAB” was issued May 2009 and is available on the ISU emerald ash borer website here.

Youth Are Leading Healthy Change in Region 4, Ranum Says

R4 from Iowa State University Extension on Vimeo.

Posted 10 May 2010
Youth are leading the charge for healthy change in northeast Iowa, according to Brenda Ranum, director for Iowa State University Extension’s Region 4, covering Allamakee, Chickasaw, Clayton, Fayette, Howard and Winneshiek counties.

“We have food and fitness clubs that started at the high school level, and we now have over 190 youth enrolled,” Ranum said. “They are working with food service staff, parents and concession stand volunteers to get healthier food options in the schools.”

That isn’t the only way the youth clubs are leading dramatic changes to improve northeast Iowans’ health, Ranum continued. A farm to school program involves the youth, their schools and communities in planning and implementing activities for school children. The high school students teach second graders about where their food comes from, using lessons developed by ISU Extension youth development specialist Vanette Grover.

“This has all led to producers in the region getting excited about the opportunities of bringing food into the cafeterias,” Ranum said. The farm to school group is working with producers, connecting them with food service staff and helping food services procure local food. The group also is working with the Department of Education and ISU Extension to share information about the rules and regulations that producers and food service workers need to know to order food and ensure it is safe.

Ranum is one of 20 regional extension education directors. The positions were created a year ago as part of ISU Extension’s restructuring plan to facilitate an issue-based approach to delivering ISU Extension programming and resources. Ranum works directly with county extension council members to meet their legal obligations as an elected body. Together they are identifying new ways to work across county borders, provide educational programming that addresses significant issues and evaluate the results of multi-county and regional efforts.

Ranum said the farm to school effort also is partnering with the medical community in Region 3 to get healthy food and fitness messages to young people.

“We’re really targeting zero to 8-year-olds. We just received a community wellness grant that’s going to help bring all these partners together over the next 18 months,” Ranum said. “It’s exciting that change is starting to happen already, toward making the healthy choice the easy choice in northeast Iowa.”

To learn more about ISU Extension programs, contact Ranum at 563-382-2949 or ranum@iastate.edu, or visit the ISU Extension website, www.extension.iastate.edu.


More Farmers Using ISU Extension Farm Financial Planning Analysis
Posted 19 April 2010
An increasing number of Iowa farm families are turning to Iowa State University Extension for a farm financial and production evaluation before making changes. Mike Duffy, ISU Extension farm financial planning program director, said demand for the program has picked up in recent months. Forty families requested the analysis during the first three months of 2010, compared to 57 families served by the program the previous 18 months.

“Evaluating your farm business and determining whether or not a change is desirable is an essential part of any farm management plan,” said Duffy. “The farm financial planning program helps farmers and farm families evaluate their situation. Some want to analyze their current operation as to its profitability, liquidity and risk bearing ability; others are looking at areas where improvements can be beneficial to their operation.”

 ISU Extension farm management associates conduct the farm financial planning program in a one-on-one counseling setting using a computerized model to evaluate the changes.  In addition to the analysis, they often provide referrals to other sources of information that might be available to the family. The program is currently funded by a grant from CF Industries which covers the time and travel of the associates running the analysis.

Ralph Mayer is one of the 12 Iowa farm management associates. “I begin by talking to the farmer, or farm family, to get a general idea what they are looking for from the analysis, as that will impact the information we need to run it.”

Mayer says that most frequently farmers want to evaluate a change to the operation – that might be renting an additional farm, buying a farm or changing a crop or livestock enterprise. At the conclusion of the conversation, Mayer asks the farmer to supply the basic information needed to run the analysis – financial and production information for the operation and information about any potential changes. “Having this information is extremely critical because the more detailed and accurate that information is, the more meaningful and useful the analysis will be.”

FINPAK, the computer analysis used by the program, provides in-depth information about the farm, evaluates it as it currently exists and gives information as to the financial impact that a change may have going forward. This “third party” point of view was exactly what Mary Clare and Anne Sweeney needed when they contacted ISU Extension for an analysis last winter.

The Sweeney sisters, fourth generation Dubuque County farmers, manage and work on the family farm with some help from their three brothers. “This computer assessment has helped us make better financial decisions, especially regarding our dilemma and uncertainty about whether to continue raising livestock or rent our entire farm,” said Mary Clare Sweeney in an email to Duffy. “The clear and concise printouts presented the financial ramifications of each of our options; we can now make much more realistic decisions.”

Sweeney was also impressed with the dedication of her farm associate, Charles Morine, when he traveled through bad weather and at a distance to conduct the program’s services. “Chuck explained the program very clearly and left no doubt in our minds as to the benefit of the analysis,” she continued. “He was able to answer related financial questions and direct us to other resources available in our area. We are very grateful for the help we received.”

Farmers interested in the farm financial planning analysis should contact their local extension office or Duffy at mduffy@iastate.edu.

To learn more about the program, visit the farm financial planning Web site www.extension.iastate.edu/farmanalysis.

Plain Jane’s Misadventures: The WAVA Conference
Front
Posted 18 March 2010
By Plain Jane Green

“Man’s mind, once stretched by a new idea, never goes back to its original dimensions,” Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.

Well, I certainly had a mind stretch this past weekend. I attended and was the luncheon speaker at the 3rd annual WAVA Conference held in Decorah, Iowa at the Hotel Winneshiek. This gathering emphasized Women Adding Value to Agriculture in ways that I had never dreamed of. I always knew that we women were pretty important to our farming operations, but hold unto your hats and let me fill you in on the details from this event sponsored by Iowa State University Extension, Farm Service Agency, Women, Land & Legacy, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Northeast Iowa Community College, Northeast Iowa Food & Farm Coalition, and Northeast Iowa Food & Fitness Initiative.

Informative Workshops…

Three workshop sessions were held throughout the day on Friday, March 5. Each session consisted of two different presenters with topics ranging from estate planning to gardening. The first session that I attended included some new techniques for gardening such as the benefits of a rain garden, how to promote bird and butterfly friendly flower gardens, and it also covered the watershed projects for clean water for our streams, communities and farms. Both presenters had lots of handouts and talked in laymen’s terms.

After lunch, I headed for a program that I thought would help me with my winter weight problems. It was titled, “Making the Healthy Choice the Easy Choice.” Ah-ha-- just exactly the type of program that I needed to get me going on doing some exercising, trying a new diet, and maybe even giving me some new recipes. None of this happened, but my mind was positively stretched to the max with all the new data that was impressed upon me. Whew! Little did I realize the overhaul that I was in for.

Disconnect between business and farmer…

The instructor got right down to the nitty-gritty from the get-go. She honed in on the disconnect between the local businesses and the local farmers. Her first question struck a nerve with we farm gals. Her question was, “Since we live in the farming heartland, why don’t we grow our own food?” She continued by stating that this particular region grew lots of corn, soybeans, wheat, and alfalfa, so why couldn’t it grow food for human consumption? She also informed the group that 80% of the food sold in the local grocery stores came from outside the area. Humpf?

Her question and information certainly got the attention of the audience and then she explained the money side of the equation. Cha-ching...millions of dollars being spent on food bought from outside the area. Wow! And by shifting a mere 25% of that food dollar to buying locally grown fruits and vegetables, millions of dollars could be kept in the area. Granted it would be a change for what farmers planted and grew but it would be a definite solution to the economic woes of the region.

Old ideas with a new slant…

Direct marketing of locally produced food is not a new concept. But with the new emphasis by the consumer of buying organic, healthy food for their families—well, the idea of locally produced food being locally available for purchase is a good one. The end result is an improved economy for the entire region. Keeping the food dollar working in the home community is the whole idea.

And as I cogitated over her program it reminded me of former times. Remember how our parents and grandparents sold or traded their cream and eggs to the local grocer? The money never left town, but was spent right there. Hm?

Our presenter had many handouts and graphics along with the concerns and regulations to meet in order for the program to go forward, but many of the ideas and implementations are already in the works. Good outcomes are happening in her local area and are serving as a model for other regions to adopt.

Getting rid of the baggage…

Our presenter than switched gears on us and explored the personal side of the food and fitness program. I thought, now I will get some help with my winter weight blues. Yes, I did get some help, but in a much different format.

Her talk included unloading childhood baggage. This didn’t mean some old baby fat that I have had around for 60 plus years. She meant that I had to change some of the old ideas that had been fostered on me as a child. Such things as, “You have to clean your plate before you are excused from the table!” I could change this by using a smaller plate or serving smaller portions of food in order to have a clean plate. The idea being that less food consumed yields fewer calories resulting in weight loss.

I tried this idea on my men for the noon meal today. Result…they used two small plates: one for their salad and one for their goulash. Possibly they ate less. Time will tell on this one…

Many good ideas for losing weight and staying healthy were given. She also suggested an online course entitled, “Small Steps to Health and Wealth.”  I think I’ll try to this online course and see what happens. It touts that “this course will help one take charge of one’s future by identifying small progress steps to reach health and wealth goals.”

Diamonds in the Rough…

My luncheon program, “Diamonds in the Rough,” involved reminding the women on just how important they are to the whole scheme of things in the agricultural world. Farm ladies are tough and strong, they are rare, and they are valuable just like diamonds. We had a good time and it was wonderful to visit with other farm ladies.

Mind Stretches for the Soul…

All in all it was a great conference upon which I have many thoughts to ponder. We farm gals sometimes get in a rut, and with this winter’s deep snow ruts, I definitely needed a breath of fresh air with a new outlook. The WAVA Conference gave me just that, and thus I encourage all of you to take in a conference, a meeting, or a get-together to renew your spirits and expand your minds. Mind stretches work wonders for the soul.

Photo Caption: Plain Jane Visits Iowa

Plain Jane Green was the luncheon speaker at the 3rd Women Adding Value to Agriculture Conference held recently in Decorah.  Plain Jane delighted a group of 45 farm wives and partners as she told of her misadventures of being a South Dakota farm wife, mother, and grandmother.  Jane has written two books titled “Plain Jane’s Misadventures, Volumes I and II.”  She also writes for three ag newspapers in SD and submitted the accompanying article about her visit to Iowa and the WAVA conference.

World's Largest Tractor Coming to Iowa
Front
Posted 8 March 2010
“Big Bud 16V - 747”, the world’s largest tractor, will be making its way to Iowa for the first time ever this spring. 

Arriving in April, Big Bud has representatives of Heartland Acres in Independence expecting big things for visitors who come to the agriculture museum.  “All of us who have worked to get “Big Bud” to come to Independence are very excited”, stated Heartland Acres Board member Craig Johnson.  “This is a great opportunity to bring more visitors to Independence and Northeast Iowa.” 

Built in Havre, Montana in 1977, “Big Bud” was 1 of over 500 “Big Bud” brand tractors that were built by Ron Harmon and the crew of the Northern Manufacturing Company.  “Big Bud” is the only 16V-747 model that was produced and was specifically designed to produce higher horsepower to deep-plow cotton fields for the Rossi Brothers near Bakersfield, California.  The tractor was built to produce 760 horsepower using a 16-cylinder Detroit Diesel engine but has operated at 980 horsepower. “Big Bud” measures 27 feet long, 20 feet wide, and 14 feet tall and weighs over 130,000 pounds.

“Big Bud” will be making its way to Iowa for the first time in history and with tractor enthusiasts located throughout the Midwest, an increase of tourists to Independence is almost certain.  “Big Bud is known globally so this is not only an exciting opportunity for our area, but for the entire Midwest”, commented Heartland Acres Events Manager Mike McGill.  “We have reached out to the state tourism office as well as over twenty other organizations that we partner with in ag tourism to help us as we plan for Big Bud’s arrival.”    

As a member benefit, Chamber members across the state will receive a discount on adult admission to Heartland Acres while Big Bud is being displayed.  “Participating organizations and their members will receive $2 off the adult admission by showing our staff this article, a membership card or by simply stating that they’re visiting as a member of the Chamber of Commerce”, added McGill. 

Visitor’s to Heartland Acres will be able to see “Big Bud 16V-747” from April 12th until July 31st; making it the longest stop at any site in its tour history.   

For more information about “Big Bud” and Heartland Acres visit www.heartlandacresusa.com or call 319-332-0123.
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