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USDA Places Priority on Renewable Energy Ventures

Earlier this month Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced the availability of $14.3 million in grants that will support the development of value-added agriculture business ventures and support President Bush's energy plan to develop alternative sources of renewable energy.

An important aspect of a farm is a fencing system. Fences control livestock, divide land and improve the organization -- not to mention the appearance -- of farmland. There are various fences on the market today, and it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. However, whether you're putting up fencing for the first time or replacing older fences, a little planning can ensure that a good fence lasts from 25 to 50 years. Here are the five most popular types of fencing from the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

RAIL

Are you a farmer interested in learning more about owning a windmill and producing and selling your own wind energy? Do you want to find out about energy crops you can grow to diversify your farming operation? Do you wonder where the money comes from to explore these options?

Art imitates life, they say. Sometimes life imitates art. Last week, it really did. The NBC drama "West Wing" aired an episode in which the national security advisor to the president heard of "contingency" plans to attack our very good neighbor to the north. Oh, Canada! Oh, my!

Recycle Easter Baskets

After the eggs and candy are gone, the baskets still remain. They're too good to throw away, so they go to the attic, garage, or basement to join generations of other stuff that's too good to throw away. Occasionally, they'll get out for a garage sale where they trade one attic for another.

Waukon's St. Patrick Day Parade photos.

The Waukon Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its annual banquet Saturday, April 9 at the Waukon Reception and Banquet Center. Social hour will begin at 6 p.m., with dinner being served at 7 p.m. and the evening’s program set to begin at 8 p.m. One of the highlights of the evening will be the announcement of Waukon’s “Person of the Year”.

The Waukon Lions Club will be hosting its annual Variety Show Saturday, April 2 in the Auditorium of Waukon Senior High School. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. for the event, with the show slated to start at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are currently available at Waukon State Bank, Farmers & Merchants Savings Bank, Citizens State Bank, Hartig Drug, and Elliott Jewelers, or from any Waukon Lions Club member.

Allamakee Substance Abuse Program (ASAP) will be hosting a Methamphetamine Support Group Tuesday, March 29 at 7 p.m. in the Large Conference Room at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. Family members and others directly impacted by a loved one’s meth use are invited to attend the meeting.

The 2005 Allamakee County Dairy Banquet is set for this Saturday, March 19 at the Allamakee County Fairgrounds Pavilion. The annual celebration recognizes the importance of the dairy industry in Allamakee County and the contributions dairy families make to this important industry.

The meal to kick off the event will be served from 7 - 8:30 p.m. with the program starting at 8 p.m. and a dance following the awards distribution and coronation of this year’s Allamakee County Dairy Princess.