News Center newsletter

Josie Springman and Wes Collum of Cedar Rapids announce the birth of their son, Royal Wayne Collum, born July 18, 2024 at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. He weighed 6 lbs. 9 ozs. and measured 19-1/4 inches in length at the time of his birth. He joins a brother, Kaystyn Springman (5).

Grandparents are Debbie Honn of Waukon, Barry and Jerri Springman of Cedar Rapids, George and Suzanne Billmeyer of Covington and Dan Collum. Great-grandparents are Roger and Shari Honn of Cedar Rapids and Scott William.

Six Key Words for a Blessed & Happy Marriage

What is bigger: a quarter or the sun? This isn’t a trick question. So, what’s bigger: a quarter or the sun? Well, of course, we can all agree that the sun is much bigger than a quarter.  Yet, if we hold a quarter in front of our eyes, it can block the entire sun. Although the diameter of the sun is 864,000 miles wider than a quarter, if a quarter is held before our eyes, it can look bigger than the sun. Perspectives matter.

A husband loves his wife, and a wife loves her husband. Our spouses are the well-spring of many of life’s greatest blessings. Whether it be in our marriage or relationships with others, we often have a great love for the other person. However, because of our pride, their sins and failures can seem bigger than the person we love. Just as a quarter can look bigger than the sun when it is right before our eyes.

To the Editor:

I hope by now you’ve heard of Corner of Hope and the great things they are doing in this county to raise money to assist with agriculture needs in other parts of the world. The Standard has done a great job of educating all of us about the great work they and their parent organization, Growing Hope Globally, have done.

You may have even heard about the annual summer celebration Growing Hope Globally is having here this weekend. But what you may not have heard is that the local churches didn’t stop there.

Upcoming Deadlines/Dates
May 15 - August 1: CRP Primary Nesting Season
July 31: End of July Continuous CRP Batching Period
August 1: Nomination Period for COC Election in LAA

Learn the many options available when considering which cover crops to plant

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service are collaborating on a series of cover crop fact sheets for Iowa farmers interested in adopting the practice or trying new cover crops to achieve specific goals on their operation.

Thousands of Iowa farmers plant cover crops annually to help reduce soil erosion, increase soil organic matter, suppress weeds, minimize soil compaction, scavenge excess nutrients or provide supplemental livestock grazing. A large percentage of Iowa farmers use cereal rye, oats, wheat, radishes and turnips. However, there are many other cover crop options available.

The collection of fact sheets includes legumes like hairy vetch and cowpeas, broadleaves like flax and buckwheat, grasses such as millets and triticale, and brassicas like camelina and rapeseed.

Jacqueline (Jackie) Marie (Johnson) Keller, 78, wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, passed away July 16, 2024 in her home in Reedsburg, WI after experiencing a long illness. A private service will be held at a later date.

She is survived by her husband, Robert; her two children, Brenda (Ben) Poller of Verona, WI and Tim (Sara) of Yuma, AZ; five grandchildren, Zach and Jake Poller, Issac Keller, and Lexi and Tawny Felix; and three brothers, Carl (Julie) and Jeffery (Diana) of Waukon, and David (Robin) of Carroll.

Jackie was born in Cedar Rapids March 29, 1946 to Olaf and Doris (O’Brien) Johnson. She and her younger brother, Carl, with their  parents remained in Cedar Rapids until moving to Waukon in 1955 to the family farm at West Ridge. She attended Union Prairie #2 country school through 8th grade before receiving her high school diploma from St. Patrick’s High School in 1964. Jackie finished her education from St. Francis Nursing School in La Crosse, WI.

Gregory Alan Welsh was born September 22, 1958 to Esther and William Welsh, the oldest son of eight children. Raised on the family’s cattle farm in rural Lansing, Greg’s investment in small family farms started early. He graduated from Kee High School in Lansing in 1977.

He went on to major in Business at Loras College in Dubuque, graduating in 1981. After graduating, he worked for Iowa State University to help start their organic program. This work was the kick start to his career as a mentor and pioneer in the organic industry. He spent time traveling, finding himself, and further concreting his commitment to organic food production. He landed in California for a while working for Wonderlife Organics.

Sharon L. Gordon, 83, of Waukon died Friday, July 26, 2024, at Northgate Care Center in Waukon. Private family graveside services will be held in Rossville Cemetery. Martin - Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is handling the arrangements.

Sharon Lea Gordon was born August 9, 1940, in Waukon, the daughter of Leo Vernon and Pearl Margaret (Sires) Ehde. She graduated from Waukon High School in 1958. June 4, 1958, she married Ervin Fred Gordon at St. Mary’s Lycurgus Catholic Church in rural Waukon. Sharon and Ervin farmed in Jefferson Township, rural Waukon, and she also worked for Northern Engraving in both Waukon and Lansing.

Sharon was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Waukon and the women’s bowling league. She enjoyed fishing, working in her garden, watching the birds, and collecting bird figurines. Sharon also liked painting, doing puzzles, sewing, playing games with her grandchildren, and watching parades.

Arlene Campbell Rooney, 102, of Waukon died Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at Good Samaritan Center in Waukon. Memorial services will be held Wednesday, July 31 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 9 a.m. until the time of services Wednesday at the church. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is handling arrangements.

Mary K. Brandt, 99, of Atkins, formerly of Waukon, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at home in Atkins. Funeral services will be Friday, August 2 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 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the church Friday. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is handling the arrangements.

Mary’s spirit and strength lives in each of us and in the lives that she touched. She lives in all those who have been touched by the love, strength, conviction, wisdom, and the beauty of her soul. She was truly a special woman. Mary was a dear mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend; she has left behind a legacy of love, kindness, warmth, and strength. Mary was a gentle soul who touched so many lives in unforgettable grace.