Feenstra And Scholten Hold Televised Debate
(Sioux City) — The two main candidates for Iowa’s 4th District Congressional seat met in a debate Wednesday afternoon. Republican Randy Feenstra of Hull and Democrat J.D. Scholten of Sioux City discussed issues ranging from the pandemic’s effect on the state to term limits and immigration. The debate
heated up during a discussion on the ethanol industry’s economic downturn.
Scholten says Feenstra had betrayed Iowa farmers by receiving support from Texas Senator Ted Cruz, who has pushed to get waivers for oil refineries to not use the corn based product in their fuel.
Feenstra didn’t address the Cruz accusation, but said he has proven his support for ethanol during his service in the state senate and would continue to expand its use.
Feenstra also said he opposed the director of the Environmental Protection Administration and has called for his resignation. He then accused Scholten of supporting the “Green New Deal” proposed by Democratic House members that Feenstra says would harm Iowa farmers and the state’s economy.
Scholten says Feenstra is referring to his 2019 tweets when the Green New Deal was just an idea.
The debate was broadcast locally by KCAU-TV, Channel 9.
Senate Judiciary Committee Republican Members Approve Of Barrett For U-S Supreme Court — Democrats Boycott Confirmation Hearing Vote
(Washington, DC) — Iowa Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst voted with all the Republicans on the Judiciary Committee this morning (Thursday) to advance the Supreme Court nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett. Grassley said in a short speech that Judge Barrett would practice “judicial restraint.” He also criticized Democrats on the committee for boycotting
today’s vote. The Iowa Republican said “Our colleagues don’t think that they ought to represent their states and that’s what they’re not doing is representing their people when they don’t show up here.” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer called Barrett’s confirmation process “illegitimate” and a “mad rush.” A full Senate vote is set for Monday. No Supreme Court nominee
has ever been confirmed so close to a presidential election.
Extension Council Has Five Candidates
Le Mars – Voters will have the opportunity to elect four members of the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Plymouth County Council at the Nov. 3, 2020, general election.
Janelle Johnson, County Director says “The council members elected this year will be involved in bringing educational opportunities to Plymouth County for the next four years.” ISU Extension and Outreach Plymouth County educational programming is a cooperative effort involving local citizens, Iowa State University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Extension council members are elected at large, and all voters in the county are eligible to vote for four candidates.
Candidates on this year’s ballot include Ann Crosgrove, Rebecca Easton, Blaine Reuter, Ronald Rohlena and Ed Vondrak.
Ann R. Crosgrove from Le Mars, Iowa works at Primebank in Customer Service.
Ann states that as a current Extension Council member; of which she is serving out the term of Doug Martin, who passed away, and a former 4-H’er, she is learning quite a lot. Ann reports that she takes the decisions that the council makes for the county, youth and staff to heart. It is important for her to provide fair decisions on all the items that are brought to the Council. Ann goes on to state that the Council is the law of the Extension so
being fair to all sides and hearing all aspects of the issues is very
important. Ann’s background includes being on several committees including the Plymouth County Conservation Foundation (Treasurer and Secretary), Floyd Valley Healthcare Foundation Board, Floyd Valley Healthcare Gala, Floyd
Valley Healthcare Helping Children Benefit golf tournament, Alzheimer’s Wine and Chocolate (donation chair Le Mars event), Plymouth County Pioneer Village Christmas (Secretary), and Chamber Ambassador. Ann is also the Sunday School superintendent as well as a Sunday School teacher at St.
Paul Lutheran Church. Ann raises funds for Special Olympics Polar Plunge and is on the Communications Committee for the Plymouth County Fair as well as other various duties at the fair. Ann grew up on a farm west of Merrill, which she is proud to report is a Century Farm, and she has lived in Plymouth County
her entire life. Ann sees opportunities in daily life that Plymouth County Extension and Outreach can help with and she promotes all the programs Extension has to offer on all the committees she is on. Through her time on Extension Council, Ann has learned that it is much more than what people think of as just 4-H. Extension has many more programs that are offered; from
crop programs, horticulture to wellness and stress management. Ann goes on to state that letting people know about Extension resources and referring them to the Extension office, staff, field specialists, websites and council members will not only help our community, but our community and beyond. Ann looks forward to continuing to represent Plymouth County on the Extension
Council.
Rebecca Easton from Remsen, Iowa is employed as a Regulatory, Labeling and Specification Specialist at Perdue Premium Meat Company. Rebecca has been an
extension council member for the past four years and reports that she has enjoyed working with Extension and Outreach to plan programming that meets the needs and interests of the people in Plymouth County. According to Rebecca, she has worked in the food manufacturing industry; an industry that
employs a lot of people in this area, for over twenty years. Rebecca grew up on a farm family and is married to a farmer, so she knows how important extension is for our agricultural community. Rebecca’s two kids are involved with 4-H and Clover Kids and enjoy the opportunities for learning that Iowa State Extension offers. Rebecca sees maintaining participation for youth and adult programming to be a challenge for Extension. The format of programming is different and not necessarily ideal because of Covid 19; however, Rebecca feels that Extension needs to keep getting the word about what Extension has
to offer to the folks of Plymouth County. Rebecca feels that choosing programming that is current and on topic, along with partnering with other groups in the community is key.
Blaine Reuter, from Remsen, Iowa is a farmer, volunteer firefighter, dad and former member of 4-H and is interested in serving his community through Extension. Blaine feels he can help Extension flourish because he is pro ag and pro Plymouth County. Blaine states that he is interested in serving on
the Plymouth County Extension Council to provide new ideas; especially in the agriculture industry and see how Iowa State Extension Plymouth County can help.
Ronald Rohlena, from the southern edge of Plymouth County, resides in Sioux City. Ronald grew up in 4-H where he showed livestock, gave demonstrations and participated in and worked at county fairs. Ronald is a retired; a former teacher, coach, 7-12 High School Principal, Officer – Iowa National Guard, and Vice President of American Pop Corn Company (Jolly Time). Ronald was the recipient of the ISU Extension and Outreach Certificate of Achievement for Exceptional Volunteer Service in 2018. As a Master Gardener, Ronald is a member of Up From Earth Team where they grow, gather and distribute food to
the Food Bank and needy organizations. Ronald reports that “Plymouth County continues to be a SPECIAL place. The FAIR is amazing” going on to state that he doesn’t miss attending it. Ronald believes it takes teamwork, community involvement, and commitment and states that Plymouth County definitely has
that and he will continue to do his part volunteering when asked and needed to make it an even more “SPECIAL” place.
Edward Vondrak from Hinton currently lives on the same farm that he grew up on. Edward is employed part time at Mid States PMS and works on his farm.
Edward reports that he has been in 4-H since the age of nine as a 4-H member to Leader, as a parent to his sons where they each were in 4-H to now a grandparent. Edward feels he can impact this council in a new capacity having been involved in 4-H his whole life. Edward also served on the Hinton Community School Board for ten years and is currently a township trustee.
Edward reports that he has a great interest and desire to serve others and especially our youth, our future, stating “if they succeed, I succeed”.
Edward states he can help this Extension Council to flourish by bringing new ideas and a fresh perspective to the council while maintaining the high standards and quality we already enjoy. In closing, Edward states that anytime you can help youth or the taxpayers it’s a win for everyone.
Extension council members whose terms expire this year are Ann Crosgrove – Le Mars, IA; Rebecca Easton – Remsen, IA; Alex Popken – Orange City, IA; and Ronald Rohlena – Sioux City, IA. Carryover council members whose terms
continue beyond the end of 2020 are Karen Harrington – Le Mars, IA; Julie Madden – Akron, IA; Tanya Riemenschneider – Kingsley, IA; Steve Tonsfeldt – Remsen, IA; and Cynthia Wolff – Akron, IA.
Successful candidates will take office in January 2021. Extension council members make programming and budget decisions for ISU Extension and Outreach in Plymouth County. They work with decision makers, build relationships, and address local issues. Extension council members are advocates, stewards, and
everyday citizens who link people with life-changing programs. Through partnerships, they provide resources, research and education to assist Iowans.
Story County Mask Mandate Takes Effect Thursday
(Nevada, IA) — People in Story County are now required to wear a face covering in public to prevent the spread of COVID-19 when social distancing is not possible. The mask mandate went into effect today (Thursday). The requirement includes public transportation, ridesharing and taxi service.
The City of Ames has had a mask mandate since early September. Governor Kim Reynolds and the State Attorney General both say cities and counties do not have the authority to enforce mask mandates. The White House Coronavirus
Task Force is recommending a statewide mask mandate in Iowa, but Governor Reynolds has not chosen to issue one. State health officials reported a record number of COVID deaths and hospitalizations Wednesday.
Donald Trump Junior Campaigning In Dubuque
(Dubuque, IA) — President Trump’s son is headlining a “Make America Great Again” campaign rally in Dubuque this afternoon. Donald Trump, Junior will appear at the Grand River Center hours before the final presidential debate. Trump supporters who registered for tickets had to acknowledge the risk of COVID exposure by attending the event. There is a
face mask mandate in Dubuque.
DNR Finds Milk Spilled Into Creek
DENISON—Late Wednesday afternoon, county officials notified DNR of cloudy water in Willow Creek about four miles southwest of Denison.
When DNR field staff investigated, they found that dairy farmer Harold Chapman had dumped about 400 gallons of milk on the ground after a cooler failed. The milk flowed about one-fourth mile before entering Willow Creek near the intersection of 220th St. and Q Avenue.
When organic products like milk enter a stream, bacteria breaks them down — using up oxygen that fish and other aquatic animals depend upon. That can be deadly, especially in smaller streams.
DNR staff checked the creek and collected water samples. Stream flows were high and they did not find any dead fish. DNR will consider appropriate enforcement action.
Truck Runs Red Light Crashes Into Davenport Squad Car
(Davenport, IA) — A man is accused of running a red light and crashing into a Davenport police squad car early this morning (Thursday). The Davenport Police Department said the officer was driving just after midnight when a pickup ran a red
light and hit the front passenger side of the squad car at an intersection.
The officer driving wasn’t injured. The Iowa State Patrol issued the truck driver a ticket.
