News Center newsletter

Marvin and Janice Adam of Postville will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary with a card shower. Marvin Adam and Janice Guese were married May 6, 1967.

In honor of the occasion, cards may be sent to 133 Sunrise Drive, Postville, IA 52162. The couple requests no gifts.

Bryan and Kimie Berns of Waukon announce the birth of their daughter, Kameryn Lynn Berns, born April 4, 2017 at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. She weighed 9 lbs. 7 ozs. and measured 22 inches in length at the time of her birth. She joins brothers, Brody (11), Brayden (7) and Benjamin (4).

Grandparents are Randy and Lisa Murphy and Bernard and Eileen Berns, all of Waukon. Grace Murphy of Waukon is a great-grandparent.
 

by Jeremy Leitz, Allamakee County Executive Director (563) 568-2148

Upcoming Deadlines and Important Dates
• May 15 - August 1: Primary Nesting Season - No Mid-Contract Management Activities on CRP acres
• July 15: Report All Spring-Seeded Crops   
• August 1: ARC/PLC Sign-up

Crop Reporting
With spring planting right around the corner, Allamakee county farmers are reminded to report all spring planted crops to the FSA office by July 15 to remain eligible for FSA and other USDA programs. Please remember to bring planting dates with you. It is the producer’s responsibility to accurately report acres and producer’s shares in individual crops. Discrepancies found later may affect eligibility for all FSA-administered programs.

Farmers in northeast Iowa and the surrounding area are invited to attend the Northeast Iowa Farm Energy Fair Tuesday, June 13, 2017 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Northeast Iowa Community College in Calmar. The event will offer the opportunity to attend workshops about technical and financial assistance available for farm energy projects and time to meet with local contractors.

Workshops at the fair will focus on farm energy efficiency and on-site solar opportunities. Morning programming will dive into information regarding farm energy efficiency including lighting, grain drying, dairy equipment, financial incentives, and technical assistance programs.

Programming in the afternoon will focus on on-site farm solar energy production and the incentives that are available for farmers. Industry professionals, farm equipment specialists, solar contractors, and lighting suppliers will be available throughout the day to explore options for improved energy usage.

Submitted by Sara Berges, Allamakee SWCD

Plan now to facilitate successful cover crop establishment this fall.  Your herbicide program could prevent successful cover crop establishment or may restrict grazing/forage options for your cover crop.  Many herbicides prohibit grazing or feeding within a specified time frame, which would then prohibit cover crops planted on these fields to be used for feed. Make sure that you follow the restrictions listed on the label.  There are several resources available that compile information from herbicide labels regarding establishment of cover crops for grazing/forage.

by Dick Schilling, "Editor Emeritus"

... that May Day has come and gone for you as you read this. Given the many situations around the world, that international cry for help may have meaning. It is an American interpretation of the French phrase for “help me,” m’aider.

May is graduation time for high school students, and The Des Moines Register has named its all-state academic team. There are ten members of the “first” team, and 20 honorable mentions, if you will.

As I looked at photos and names, I was struck by the fact that half of the top ten appeared to have national backgrounds other than the United States. Four appeared Asian and one Indian. The nation, not early American.
Four of the next 20, likewise.

A couple ethnic groups more populous in Iowa are conspicuous by their absence.

To the Editor:

Happy spring fellow human earthlings!
 
I write these words on Earth Day, 2017. If you have been following the seven years of our exposing the damage caused at our beloved Effigy Mounds National Monument by federal employees you may care to know that we have recently received our last long awaited redacted (FOIA) Freedom of Information Act Request.

People lived here in the Driftless Area for thousands of years before our European ancestors arrived. These cultures had a very nature based society and revered their home to the extent they built earthworks, earth art many in the shape of other creatures.

Historically there were white folks who came on the scene who appreciated these mounds uniqueness and importance to the human story. The likes of locals Ellison Orr and others formed a group and petitioned congress for protection beginning around 1905. Effigy Mounds National Monument would finally be created in 1949.

As I was sitting down with my family for Easter dinner, I felt blessed to have wonderful company and plentiful food at our table. As we sliced our ham dinners, scooped scalloped corn on our plates, and buttered our rolls, we were thankful for the hard work of Iowa farmers toiling in the fields and tending to their livestock that made our meal possible. We are thankful for the perseverance, sacrifices, knowledge, and work ethic demonstrated by Iowa’s family farmers.

New events and activities available to help mark this year's milestone; former U of I quarterback Chuck Long attending

The 20th annual “Family Wellness Fair” will be held Wednesday, May 10 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. Health testing, exhibits and activities will all be providing a complete evening of entertainment and education for families of all ages.

This is the 20th annual event sponsored by Veterans Memorial Hospital and will include some special added attractions to celebrate this milestone. Everyone in the area communities is welcome to attend this free event which is offered in conjunction with the end of the annual Live Healthy Iowa Community Wellness Challenge.

Waukon High School seniors Tyler O'Neill and Mason Hermeier were selected as the 2017 Waukon High School Prom King and Queen at the annual event held Saturday, April 29. Hermeier was selected from a Queen court that also involved fellow seniors Heidi Dougherty, Deana Schlitter and Regan Wasson. O'Neill was chosen from a King court that also included fellow seniors Nathan Benzing, Kyle Jones and Blain Swenson. Photo by Krystal Johnson.