The U.S. Agriculture Department predicted Thursday that corn production will total 14.8 billion bushels for the season ending in August 2013. That compares with 12.4 billion bushels a year ago. The government also predicted that corn stockpiles will be higher by the end of this August.  Analysts caution that the growing season is just beginning and many factors could affect production, including a hot, dry summer.  But if the forecast holds true, corn prices will fall and that likely will result in lower supermarket prices for products that use corn. Wheat production is expected to increase but soybean supplies will remain tight.

Officials with the Adair County Health System have announced Dr. Melissa Thompson, M.D., will be closing her family practice in Adair County.

Melissa Thompson, M.D. (photo from ACHS website)

The closing is effective on July 24th, 2012. Dr. Thompson released a letter to the public through the Adair County Health System, saying she will not be renewing her contract with ACHS, but will continue to see patients in the Greenfield and Fontanelle locations until July 24th. Thompson says by that time, Cassie Rassmussen, D.O. will be at Adair County and will be accepting patients.

Thompson said in her letter, that the decision to close her practice was not an easy one. She said “When I first came to Adair County in 2001, I was single with cats and dogs waiting at home for me. In the last 11 years, many changes have occurred. I am now married and have 2 young children, and my priorities have changed. My future plans are to concentrate on my family.” Thompson said also, that “It has been a privilege to work with the outstanding staff at Adair County Health System. Each of them have helped and supported me during my time here, and I will miss each of them.”

Adair County Health System will continue to provide quality care for patients in all three of the Adair County Medical Clinics in Greenfield, Stuart, and Fontanelle. If you have any questions please contact Angela Mortoza, CEO at 641-743-2123 or amortoza@adaircountyhealthsystem.org.

The Griswold Community School District’s Board of Education will hold a special meeting Friday evening (May 11th), in the Central Office at the Middle School/High School Building. According to Superintendent Dana Kunze, the Board will meet at 5:30-p.m., to hold a public hearing on the awarding of contracts for the re-roofing project.

The hearing will include the reading of a letter of recommendation from Estes Construction, and public input on the project. Following the hearing, the Board will made decisions on Personnel matters, award the Re-roofing contracts, and act on approving the parking lot redesign plan.