News Center newsletter

Upcoming Deadlines/Dates
May 14: CRP Mid-Contract Management
May 15 - August 1: Primary Nesting Season
June 2: ERP Phase 2
June 2: PARP
July 15: Spring Crop Reporting

Agronomy in the Field is a workshop series for women that provides learning opportunities for forage and crop production.

The focus is on developing agronomic decision-making skills that can be utilized on one’s own personal farm or family cropping operations, including water quality and conservation practices.

The workshops are organized by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and are useful for landowners, active farmers and farm families, and others in the agricultural industry interested in a refresher on agronomic basics. The workshops will include hands-on opportunities in fields to help participants solidify the concepts and information they learn.

It’s “almost” growing season. I can’t wait to get outside and get my garden going. How about you?

It’s exciting to grow plants in the spring and summer and it’s a great time to grow our faith as well. As the earth warms, it’s a wonderful time to intentionally invite God to expand our love, peace and faithfulness. So in that spirit, let me suggest four ways you can be about spiritual growth this time of year.

1. Dive into the Word
By “the word,” I mean the bible. Why read the bible? There are lots of reasons. Most of all is that by reading it, we can encounter God. The bible is living: “The word of God is alive and powerful... It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires” (Hebrews 4:12). There are apps for your phone to help you read the bible conveniently. So in the coming months, don’t just dive into the pool, dive into God’s amazing word. You’ll be glad you did!

To the Editor:

For the past 30 years state victim compensation funds have covered the cost for contraception and abortion care for rape victims. Plan B works to prevent unintended pregnancy by preventing ovulation and is a highly effective method to help rape victims avoid unintended pregnancy.

These non-taxpayer offender accountability funds are separate from taxpayer funds appropriated by legislators each year in the state budget process. Most startling, a majority of those served by these funds are juvenile victims of sexual abuse.

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird has halted this practice. She is not sure if this is an appropriate use of public funds even though these are not tax dollars. This is funding put forward from the fines, fees and penalties paid by convicted criminals.

Ronald G. Schultz, 79, of Lansing died Monday, April 24, 2023 at Gundersen Lutheran Health System in La Crosse, WI. Burial with military honors will be at Oakland Cemetery, Waukon. Friends may greet the family from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, May 9 at Thornburg - Grau Funeral Home in Lansing.

Ronald G. Schultz was born September 11, 1943 in Waukon, the son of Richard and Ruth (Iseli) Schultz. He was baptized and conformed at E.U.B. Church in Lansing. Ron attended country school in the Churchtown area and graduated from Lansing High School in 1961. He served in the U.S. Army for 11 years including during the Vietnam War from 1963-1964, where he escorted deceased military members returning home.

Lynn Ordell Bjerke, age 68, of West Union, formerly of Waukon, died January 19, 2023 after suffering a stroke. A Celebration of Life is scheduled to take place Saturday, May 13 at the Elgin Golf Club from 1-4 p.m. Refreshments will be served and all are invited to share memories.
 

Toni K. Kolsrud, 75, of Waterville died peacefully Saturday, April 29, 2023 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, WI, with her beloved family beside her. Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 6 at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Waukon with Fr. John Moser officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Waukon.

Friends may greet the family from 4-7 p.m. Friday, May 5 at Martin - Grau Funeral Home in Waukon, where there will be a 3:30 p.m. scripture service and a 5:30 p.m. American Legion/VFW Auxiliary service.

Toni Kathryn (Goltz) Kolsrud was born July 6, 1947 in Decorah, the daughter of Dale and Mary “Sis” (Campbell) Goltz. She was baptized at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Waukon and grew her strong, humble faith throughout her 75 years.

Kenneth “Sam” J. Hill, 84, of Harpers Ferry passed away Saturday, April 29, 2023 at Thornton Manor Nursing Home in Lansing after a spirited and courageous battle with cancer. Funeral services were held Tuesday, May 2 at Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service with Lisa Dalziel officiating. Burial was at Oak Hill Cemetery, both in Lansing.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Harpers Ferry Fire Department or the Mississippi Valley Sportsman’s Club.

Kenneth “Sam” J. Hill was born March 13, 1939 in Lansing, the son of John and Bertha (Cole) Hill. He was one of 10 children raised on a farm with a strong work ethic. Sam graduated from Waukon High School in 1957 and moved to Cedar Rapids.

Gary G. Gress, 77, of Waukon died Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse, WI. Funeral services were held Monday, May 1 at First Presbyterian Church in Waukon with Pastor Grant VanderVelden officiating. Burial was at Oakland Cemetery, Waukon. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

Gary Gene Gress was born August 9, 1945 in Waukon, the son of Raymond Edward Sr. and Laura Mae (Hamann) Gress. He attended Ludlow #5 country school in rural Waukon. March 6, 1971, he married Dorothy Ann Johnson at First Presbyterian Church in Waukon.

Gary worked at Northern Engraving in Waukon as a foreman until it closed. He also worked at Quillin’s, drove semi and hauled milk for Gary Bulman, and drove semi for IAS.

Original members of four local bands will be reuniting Friday evening of Mother’s Day Weekend, May 12, for one night in downtown Waukon. This benefit event features a reunion of 11 mostly local musicians, two of whom played together 45 years ago in a number of area bands including Rising Sun, Horizon, Jackson Junction and Deep River.

Many of the returning musicians are from Waukon, including brothers Bill Withers, Jim Withers and John Withers, along with Gary Hesla, Bob Bechtel, Dave Dougherty, Brad Prestemon, Todd Pickett and Joel Anderson. They will be joined by Keel Clemmens and Jamey Lideen, long-time band members over the years. Of the original 12 musicians, the late Pat Dougherty, will also be remembered during the event, with his brother, Dave, joining the band at times throughout the evening.