Iowa State University Extension And Outreach To Offer Seminar On Farm Succession
(Le Mars) — Passing a farm on from one generation to the next generation for succession can often lead to problems and misunderstandings. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will hold an evening seminar Thursday, November 21st to address the concerns and issues of succession. The seminar is scheduled for the Le Mars Convention Center starting at 5:00 p.m. Gary Wright, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Farm Management Specialist for Northwest Iowa says communication between the generations is often the major obstacle to a successful succession.
Wright says often times it is confusing for multiple generations making a living off the land, as to who is the ultimate decision-maker for the farming operation.
Wright says the seminar will feature four different speakers, all addressing areas of succession.
The farm management specialist says the workshop seminar will last for four hours, and an evening meal will be served to attendees. Registration is $50 with the registration deadline today, Friday, November 15th.
Plymouth County Fair Board Elects New Officers
(Le Mars) — The Plymouth County Fair Board held elections of new officers during last evening’s board meeting. Loren Schnepf was elected as the president of the Plymouth County Fair Board, John Ahlers was elected as the fair board’s vice president, and Michael Beitelspacher and Gail Schoenrock were both re-elected as treasurer and secretary.
Plymouth County Fair Board Officer Team: Left to right, John Ahlers – Vice President, Gail Schoenrock – Secretary, Michael Beitelspacher – Treasurer, and Loren Schnepf – President.
The fair board also acknowledged the efforts of three of their directors for their work during the fair. Tanya Riemenschneider, Keith Koerselman and Michael Beitelspacher were given plaques acknowledging their efforts with the fair.
Honored Fair Board Directors: Keith Koerselman (far left) and Michael Beitelspacher (far right) were given the honor of “Fairman of the Year.” While Tanya Riemenschneider (center) was awarded the “Rookie Of The Year” plaque.
Total Motors To Hold “Coats and Cans” Campaign
(Le Mars) — Total Motors is again organizing their annual coat drive, but this year they are doing it in conjunction with a “can” or food drive. The re-branded program is called “Coats and Cans” and will kick off on Monday, November 18th and continue to Saturday, November 23rd. Mitch Christoffel serves as the Marketing Manager for the local auto dealership and explains the program.
Christoffel says they have also found the continual need for food or non-perishable food items becomes even more necessary as the holidays and colder weather approaches. This year the program has expanded to Total Motors Orange City location as well. He talks about the drop-off locations accepting both the donated coats and food items.
Christoffel says all the donated coats and cans will stay within the local area. With the early cold weather, organizers are adjusting and moving the coat drive earlier in the year.
Their effort to collect winter coats and accessories for kids and adults will still continue as it has in the past. Christoffel says they will accept either new or used coats that are in good condition.If the coat is not brand new, but gently used, Kathy Stone at Ideal Cleaners in Le Mars gives to the program by contributing her time and resources. All of the food and coats will be locally distributed immediately
following the conclusion of the program, in order to give necessary essentials to families and people in need before Thanksgiving.
Dr. Jill Biden To Make Campaign Stop In Le Mars
(Le Mars) — Dr. Jill Biden, the wife of former Vice President Joe Biden, is scheduled to make a campaign visit in Le Mars on Saturday, November 16th. Mrs. Biden will appear at the Bellissimo Coffee Works located at 410 4th Street Southwest at 3:45 p.m.
Her husband, Democrat Joe Biden, is running for president. The vice president made a stop through Le Mars and held a town hall meeting at Floyd Valley Healthcare, focusing on rural health care, back in mid-July.
Iowa Has More Than 600 Waterways With Impairments
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – State natural resources officials say Iowa will report 622 river, lake and wetland segments with impairments to the Environmental Protection Agency as part of its 2018 summary of water quality.
That’s a 2% increase over the 608 reported in the 2016 report.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says Thursday the 622 water body segments on this year’s list had 831 impairments. An impairment means a segment of a water body doesn’t meet established quality standards.
The most common river impairments in Iowa include bacteria presence and fish kills, for which the most common cause is animal waste.
Iowa has more pigs and egg-laying chickens than any other state, and it constantly struggles to balance water quality and agricultural interests.
The most severe problem for lakes is algae growth. That’s often the result of nutrients such as phosphorous from farm fertilizer washing from fields into the water.
Environmental activists Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement say it’s evidence the state is failing when it comes to improving water quality.
