Wow! We Iowans are going to California for a bowl game. Tons of Iowans will be going there to spend their money. Included in this bunch are hundreds of people, including the team, the band and lots of staff - all being paid for by the State of Iowa.
We are doing this in spite of the fact that just a few months ago we were scolded by the State of California because we had the temerity to not compel all sellers of health insurance companies in our state to cover sex change surgeries. Because Iowa gave that option to these companies, California also stated they would not pay for any of its State-paid employees to attend any functions in Iowa.
When I learned that the City wanted to hire a City Manager, I thought, “yes,” they could use one. I think they could use some help managing the budget and cut back on wasteful spending. For example, cutting down perfectly good trees, replacing of downtown plaza, replacing street lights with “prettier” ones, roofing of the former JCPenney building they don’t own, etc., etc. etc.
Now, I read in the council minutes the City Manager (hired to help eliminate wasteful spending) and council are discussing new furniture for City offices and comfy chairs in the council chambers. Where does putting tax dollars to good use fit into that one?
by Jeremy Leitz, Allamakee County Executive Director (563) 568-2148
Upcoming Deadlines/Dates
January 1: Closed in observance of New Year’s Holiday
January 8: ARCPLC Farm Bill Meeting
February 28: CRP General Signup
March 15: 2019 ARCPLC Election
June 30: 2020 ARCPLC Election
September 30: PLC Yield Update
USDA Safety Net Program Enrollment Opens for 2019 and 2020
Agricultural producers now can enroll in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs – two U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) safety net programs – for the 2019 and 2020 crop year.
The Crop Protection Network (CPN) has added an additional publication series to its wealth of print and PDF resources. Beginning in 2020, CPN’s online library at https://cropprotectionnetwork.org/resources/publications will feature annual Research Updates, highlighting advancements in crop-pest research.
These publications are intended to distill published, academic research articles into referable, easy-to-understand summaries. This ensures that growers, Certified Crop Advisors (CCAs), extension specialists and researchers and others in crop protection are armed with the most updated information possible when making crop protection decisions.
Event will focus on dairy herd management strategies
Iowa dairy producers will have the opportunity to learn about emerging dairy industry issues during the 2020 Dairy Days events hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. The program is scheduled at five eastern Iowa locations between Jan. 20 and Feb. 6.
“Producers have seen low milk prices in the last few years, causing added farm stress. Our goal is to help producers make sound herd management decisions that are backed by current and relevant information,” said Jennifer Bentley, dairy specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “We host these workshops for farmers to network, share ideas, and take back management tips to help improve profit margins.”
Topics will include ventilation options for freestall barns, dealing with farm stress, dairy market outlook, stress and metabolic responses on dairy cows, and group calf housing and its effects on calf behavior.
EMT Class offered beginning in January at NICC Waukon Center
by Lissa Blake
(Editor’s Note: This feature article is the fourth and final in a multi-part series addressing the need for additional Emergency Medical Services personnel in Allamakee County.)
Most people would agree that having emergency medical services (EMS) available to any community is essential. But until the Iowa State Legislature changes the law, ambulance services across the state will likely continue to struggle.
“Fire departments and law enforcement are considered essential and cities and townships have to provide those. In the rules for EMS, they may provide the service,” said Jeff Mitchell of Waterville. “The Iowa EMS Association has been working dramatically to try to get that changed, but at this time, they haven’t succeeded.”
Those familiar with the Dr. Seuss book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” may also be pointing fingers at the green, evil-smiling holiday villain when it comes to thoughts of a white Christmas. As evident in the photo above, the ground surrounding this local holiday display has very little snow cover remaining, and with daytime temperatures forecasted in the 40s through the remainder of this Christmas week, what little snow that does remain likely won’t stick around for long and the only precipitation that is forecasted to fall as the Christmas holiday approaches and is celebrated in the middle of this week is expected to be in the form of rain on Christmas Day.
Results of a recent market study have been analyzed and one thing is clear: those who are most concerned with the future of Lansing are full of ideas about how to make it a better place.
Main Street Lansing recently hosted its second public meeting to roll out market strategies that were identified from the results of that Lansing Market Study made available earlier this year.
After holding a meeting in September to reveal the results of those surveys, the volunteers coordinating the market study started formulating and prioritizing strategies to strengthen and improve downtown Lansing, based directly on what consumers and businesses stated in their surveys.
The lighted village display pictured above was donated to the Dolores Tillinghast Memorial Library in Harpers Ferry by local property owner Cindy Barta to use as a display during the holiday season. The village has been on display since the end of November and will remain in place until early January. Anyone can stop by during library hours to view the display or visit the library and all that it has to offer. “This display is a beautiful asset for our small community to enjoy, it has been enjoyed by many folks of all ages,” shared Dolores Tillinghast Memorial Library Director Jody Delaney. “It’s proof that our small libraries are so much more than books, although that’s very important as well.” Submitted photo.
Main Street Lansing held a ribbon cutting and First Dollar visit for The Good Life Gallery and Frame Shop, located at 249 Main Street in Lansing and under the ownership of Michael Kolsrud and Lesya Ryzhenkova. The Good Life offers hand-beaded art, framed paintings and photographs, and custom framing. Visitors will also have the chance to experience Ukrainian culture every time they visit. The Good Life strives to help people preserve their memories for the future, which is embodied by their slogan: “Live It, Love It, Frame It”. Pictured above at the ribbon cutting event are, left to right: Main Street Lansing representatives Andy Kelleher and Jana Schoh, The Good Life owners Michael Kolsrud and Lesya Ryzhenkova, and Main Street Lansing representative Maryann Baldwin. Submitted photos.
