by Jeremy Leitz, Allamakee County Executive Director (563) 568-2148
Upcoming Deadlines and Important Dates
• November 22: Office closed for Thanksgiving
Fall Certification
Unlike previous years, producers are no longer required to report their fall forage acres by December 15 to FSA. These crops can be reported in the spring, by July 15, along with your spring-planted crops. If you do insure any fall forage, make sure you still report this to your crop insurance agent.
Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
At this time, due to lack of a Farm Bill (previous one expired on 09/30/2018) there is no CRP signup. We will update the public once we know more.
Iowa Learning Farms, along with the Clayton County Soil and Water Conservation District, will host a cover crop field day Thursday, November 29 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Luana Savings Bank. The event is free, open to the whole family and includes a complimentary meal.
Farmers across Iowa are implementing cover crops to reduce soil erosion, improve soil health, limit nitrogen losses, and to provide a source of forage for grazing. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from local farmers about the benefits of cover crops, choosing seed varieties, innovative application methods, best management practices and opportunities for cost share.
Practical Farmers of Iowa begins its popular farmer-led webinar series – called “farminars.” Just as many farmers wrap up the 2018 growing season, farminar season begins again with practical knowledge led by, and for, row crop, livestock and fruit and vegetable farmers.
Held every Tuesday at 7 p.m. CST, each farminar focuses on a unique production or business management topic. All presentations are led by an experienced farmer or subject-matter expert, and attendees are able to ask questions in real time using a chatbox while they listen and watch a slideshow. The presentations are free for anyone with an internet connection.
John and Eileen Curtin of rural Waukon wave to the fans at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City as John was honored as a “Hawkeye Hero” on the football field during the first quarter of the Military Appreciation Day Iowa Hawkeye football home game vs. Northwestern Saturday, November 10. Curtin was nominated for the honor this past summer by his daughter-in-law, Olivia Curtin, who is married to the Curtins’ youngest son, Brad. The honor involved John and his wife, Eileen, being heralded by the Kinnick Stadium crowd as they stood near the 20-yard line during a first quarter media time-out while John’s history as a military veteran serving in Vietnam was announced over the stadium speaker system and photos of John were also shared on the stadium video screen. The Curtins also got to visit the field of Kinnick Stadium prior to the ballgame and toured the stadium press box, where they were able to meet Iowa Hawkeye football broadcaster Ed Podolak.
Retired Navy Master Chief Carl Christianson of Waukon provided introductions and opening remarks during the Thursday, November 8 flagpole dedication ceremony held at the Allamakee County Public Safety Center north of Waukon. Local veterans John Regan, Commander of the VFW and Tom Regan of the local American Legion assisted Allamakee County Sheriff Clark Mellick in preparing the American flag for its raising during the flagpole dedication ceremony (pictured above). Following the raising of the flag, Judge John Bauercamper of the First Judicial District addressed the public and veterans in attendance by discussing the symbolism and significance of the flag and the history of the Allamakee County Sheriff’s Department with 29 sheriffs having served since the County’s establishment.
A pair of Allamakee Community School District staff members were each honored during the Class 2A State Semifinals football game between the Waukon Indians and the Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley Nighthawks Saturday, November 10 at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. In the photo above, Waukon High School science teacher Michael Shupe (center) was one of three military veterans honored from each school participating in that semifinals contest. In the photo below, Waukon High School government teacher Jerry Keenan (far right) was one of three educators from each school participating in that semifinals contest honored for displaying spirit and morality in their teaching and coaching. View and find out how to purchase these photos and many more by clicking on the Photo Galleries link on this website.
Waukon Lions Club donates to Walk-On Waukon sidewalk project ... The Waukon Lions Club recently made a $2,000 donation to the Walk-On Waukon organization in support of the group’s proposed sidewalk project to help improve options for walking in the Waukon community. Pictured above at the donation presentation are, left to right, Jayne McCormick of Walk-On Waukon, Tom Phipps of the Waukon Lions Club, and Brooke Troendle and Jessica Wilkins of Walk-On Waukon. Standard photo by Robin Johnson.
Lions Club donates to tennis courts ... The Waukon Lions Club recently made a $2,500 donation to the Waukon Park, Recreation and Wellness Department for the new outdoor community tennis court project planned to have construction begin in Waukon in the Spring of 2019. Pictured above, left to right, at the donation presentation are Tom Phipps of the Waukon Lions Club and Waukon Park and Recreation Wellness Director Jeremy Strub. Standard photo by Robin Johnson.
According to statistics gathered by Helping Services for Youth & Families, one in four Iowa adults uses tobacco in some form; cigarettes are the most used. Tobacco is the leading cause of death for Iowans, taking the lives of more than 4,400 adults each year. Each year in Iowa, 1,300 kids (down from 2,100) under the age of 18 become new daily smokers.
The week of November 11-17 is Northeast Iowa’s Tobacco Awareness Week. November 15 marks the nationwide Great American Smokeout. This annual event encourages people to stop using tobacco for the day and to make plans to quit. The Boards of Supervisors from Allamakee, Delaware, Fayette, Howard and Winneshiek Counties have proclaimed Tobacco Awareness Week throughout their counties.
Main Street Lansing recently conducted a First Dollar Visit at 2nd Hand Heaven, located at 341 Main Street in Lansing. Pictured above at the First Dollar presentation, left to right, are Main Street Lansing representatives Judy Schild, Maryann Baldwin, Bruce Palmborg, Julie Papp and Jana Schoh, 2nd Hand Heaven owner Kim Kozelka, and Main Street Lansing representatives Mary Palmborg and Gary DeVilbiss. Submitted photo.
