(Radio Iowa) This holiday weekend is expected to continue what has been a busy summer on Iowa’s lakes and rivers.
The D-N-R ‘s Susan Stoker, says two words describe the crowds she’s seeing during the summer weekends.

Stocker is the D-N-R Boating Law Administrator, and she says the big crowds haven’t led to a huge increase in problems.

You may have been out on your favorite lake several times — but Stoker says you need to be prepared for changes.

Stoker says. Some of those changes could have happened with recent rains across the state.

And she says you have to remember to make sure the person who is operating the boat doesn’t take part in the holiday cheer.

She says that can lead to an accident with serious injuries or deaths.

Today (Thursday) marks the start of teal and dove hunting seasons in Iowa. Nate Carr, a conservation officer with the Iowa D-N-R, says non-toxic shot is required and guns must be restricted to hold no more than three shells.

The daily bag limit for teal is six, while for dove, it’s 15. Carr says all forecasts point to a good season ahead for Iowa’s hunters.

Hunters need to maintain restraint with respect to the special teal season’s hours.

Teal seasons runs today through September 16th, while the dove season continues through November 29th.
www.iowadnr.gov

The numbers are in from the annual DNR roadside pheasant survey and they show the potential for another good year for hunters. DNR wildlife biologist, Todd Bogenschutz, says the bird count is nearly identical to 2021. “Last year, we had 20.4 — this year we are at 19.6 — so round them both off to 20. So yeah, they basically are right where we were last year on pheasants,” Bogenschutz says.

A pheasant flying over corn. (DNR photo)

It could end up being the second straight year of a big bird harvest. “Pheasant hunting was our best harvest and about 12 years last year, shot 375,000 roosters — our best harvest since 2008,” he says. Bogenschutz says reports of good survey numbers can get more hunters out this fall — but it’s not a given.

“We had 62,000 hunters in 2020, and last year, we had 63,000. So you know, we picked up about another thousand last fall. So you know, the hunters did well, last year, I’m sure visiting with friends they hear the stories. The forecast is kind of for similar, I would expect our numbers probably to stay about the same. But you know, they went up a little bit, that wouldn’t surprise me either,” he says.

The youth pheasant season is October 22nd and 23rd. The regular pheasant season opens October 29th and runs to January 10th.

(Radio Iowa) – A case of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease has been detected for the first time in the state. The virus – which can be deadly to rabbits and hares — was found in domesticated rabbits in Story County. State veterinarian Jeff Kaisand  says rabbit-owners should watch their pets for any signs of sickness before allowing them to interact with other rabbits.

Erin Kalkwarf works with A Home for Every Bunny. She says the central Iowa rabbit rescue is encouraging rabbit owners to get their pets vaccinated against the highly contagious virus.

Iowa D-N-R Wildlife biologist, Todd Bogenschutz, says there have been no cases reported in wild rabbits. He says they want to hear if hunters see something unusual.

You are also encouraged to report any suspected incidents of the disease to the Iowa Department of Agriculture.

(By Kendal Crawford, Iowa Public Radio/Dar Danielson Radio Iowa)

w/Kate Olson.

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(Glenwood, Iowa) – Mills County Emergency Management officials report a Burn Ban that had been in effect since August 6th, was lifted today (Tuesday). Here is the statement regarding the ban (click on the image to enlarge):

(Radio Iowa) – A couple of cities in central Iowa have found West Nile-infected mosquitoes in their monitoring traps. Iowa State University entomologist, Ryan Smith, says August and September are generally the peak months for the disease.
“West Nile virus is something that we refer to as being endemic, that means that we are going to see West Nile virus activity and potentially human cases every year,” Smith says. “Since it’s been introduced that that may vary from year to year and the intensity and or how many cases that we ultimately end up with.”

Ames and Des Moines announced they have found mosquitoes with West Nile. Smith does surveillance in seven counties and has found West Nile in three of them. He says mosquito populations are influenced by rainfall, and the drought that has expanded in the state has made an impact. “The numbers are maybe a little bit lower. Things are kind of on the quiet side right now. But when we look at the season as a whole, there’s actually been a pretty surprising number of mosquitoes kind of considering that for most of the year that it has been pretty much under drought-like conditions,” he says.

Smith says all the other things happening can sometimes overshadow West Nile. “It’s easy to kind of forget about, and if anything, I think these reports kind of serve as an additional reminder of it. West Nile is not something… most of the people are going to have very mild symptoms and won’t even know that they have it. But for those people who do develop a more severe infection, it could even be fatal,” Smith says.

Ryan Smith. (ISU photo)

Smith says it’s a reminder to take precautions against getting bitten if you are outdoors and mosquitoes are present. He says there isn’t anything else on the radar right now when it comes to mosquitoes. “At least right now, it is just our West Nile, our numbers of mosquitoes aren’t that high,” he says. Smith says you should still take precautions by wearing insect repellent, and dumping out any standing water where mosquitoes might breed.

ATLANTIC, IA – Produce in the Park welcomes B&D’s Homemade Ice Cream to the Atlantic City Park this Thursday, September 1. Market Manager Brigham Hoege reports B&D’s will be serving homemade ice cream and root beer floats, while Hungry Spartan Pizza will be selling pizza by the slice. Jason Reed will be performing a free concert, and 20 food and craft vendors are expected.

September 1 is a great day for free taste testing at the park. Maggie and Kelly Mueller of Noble Provisions will be this week’s Guest Chefs. Mullers sell beef at the market, and on September 1 they will be grilling burgers and offering free samples. To draw attention to seasonal produce, Mullers will be topping some burgers with locally grown tomatoes and onions.

Just across the park, Master Gardener Dottie Krogh will be offering samples of homemade apple butter and sharing recipes for folks who want to make their own at home. Shoppers who don’t want to make their own apple butter can buy apple butter from vendor Sue’s Country Garden.

A number of organizations will be visiting the park on September 1, including the Atlantic Public Library, Cass Health’s Senior Life Solutions, Atlantic Parks and Recreation, and the Atlantic Police Department. Atlantic Parks & Rec is bringing an improved version of the Water Battleship game to the park; kids and adults are reminded to wear clothing that can get a little wet!

Atlantic Parks and Recreation Director Bryant Rasmussen stands next to the new and improved Water Battleship game setup. People of all ages are invited to play water battleship at Produce in the Park on September 1

Atlantic Police Chief Devin Hogue will be at Produce in the Park asking folks to “lend a hand” in building a safer and stronger community. To represent that partnership, kids and adults at the park will be invited to cover their hands in washable paint and put their handprints on an Atlantic Police Department patrol car.

Additional details for the Sept. 1st Produce in the Park…

Date: Thursday, Sept. 1

Time: 4:30-6:30 PM

Location: Atlantic City Park (10 W. 7th St. Atlantic, IA 50022)

Food Trucks: B & D’s Homemade Ice Cream & root beer floats, Hungry Spartan Pizza

Live Music: Jason Reed

Celebrity Meet & Greet: Atlantic Police Chief Devin Hogue will be at the park with a squad car

Fresh, Local Produce: Green beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, zucchini, shallots, eggplant, garlic, potatoes, and more!

Meat: Beef, pork, chicken, and lamb

Staples: Farm-fresh eggs, honey, granola

Treats: Pastries, fresh-squeezed lemonade, popcorn

Crafts and more: Fall-scented candles and soaps, bath and body products, embroidered towels, car fresheners, plants for your home garden, art prints, and jewelry

Activities: Water Battleship and yard games with Atlantic Parks and Recreation, Atlantic Public Library (bring your library card!), Cass County Master Gardeners fall gardening and plant sale information and apple butter taste tests and recipes, Cass Health’s Senior Life Solutions

Guest Chef: Noble Provisions hamburgers

Free drawing for farm-fresh eggs (sponsored by the Cass County Local Food Policy Council)

Payment methods accepted: All vendors accept cash. Many accept credit cards, Venmo, and Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) Senior and WIC checks. All qualifying food vendors accept SNAP/EBT (also known as food stamps). All fresh produce vendors both accept and distribute Double Up Food Bucks (coupons given for SNAP/EBT purchases of fresh produce).

Produce in the Park September 2022 farmers markets are sponsored by the Atlantic Community Promotion Commission, Cass Health, Cass County Tourism, First Whitney Bank and Trust, the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce, and Deter Motor Co. For updates on Produce in the Park, follow Produce in the Park on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ProduceInThePark) or Instagram (www.instagram.com/produceintheparkatlanticia/), or visit the Produce in the Park website to sign up for the e-newsletter at www.produceintheparkatlanticiowa.com. For information on vending at the park, contact Market Manager Brigham Hoegh at produceintheparkatlanticiowa@gmail.com or 712-249-5870.

(Radio Iowa) – Monsoon isn’t a term we hear often in Iowa, but that may be what’s at least partly responsible for our prolonged drought conditions. Heavy rain in the southwestern U-S can draw moisture away from the Northern Plains. Meteorologist Doug Kluck, the climate services director for the National Weather Service Central Region, says that pattern has been spinning away for the past several weeks.

While large portions of Iowa have remained in drought for months, Kluck says long-term weather patterns have been moving more precipitation into the central parts of the country.

Kluck says with another La Nina possible, there is no guarantee that Southwestern moisture will continue.

Predictions are calling for a third year of La Nina, which could lead to a colder-than-normal winter across the Northern Plains.

(Des Moines, Iowa) – Officials with Cass County ISU Extension/Outreach report Linda, and the late Larry Shafer, of Cass County, were inducted into the 2022 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the 4-H Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fair on Sunday, Aug. 21st. Ninety-eight Iowa counties participated this year and selected 133 inductees for their outstanding service and dedication to 4-H. Inductees or their surviving family members were presented a certificate by the Iowa 4‑H Foundation President, Julie McGonegle, State 4-H Program Leader, Debbie Nistler, as they were introduced on stage.

Linda and the late Larry Shafer have been supporters of the Cass County 4-H Program and Cass County Fair for many years, having daughters Jennifer and Amy in fair in 4-H and FFA.  Linda was the Grove Township contact for food stand donations from 1998 to 2012 and again from 2015 to 2019.  She donated her time calling township citizens for donations of food to help keep the food stand stocked. Most recently, Linda has helped daughter Jenny in the static exhibit area on judging day. Linda says fair week is one of the best weeks of the year.  She enjoys seeing friends and watching Cass County’s youth learn so much through the opportunities and fun available to them through 4-H and FFA.

Counties select inductees for their exceptional work in contributing to the lives of 4-H members and the overall 4-H program, said Katie Bateman, Cass County Youth Coordinator. Many inductees serve as club leaders, youth mentors, fair superintendents or fair board members, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach County council members, county youth council members, fair judges, financial supporters, chaperones or ISU Extension and Outreach staff members. The inductees have demonstrated dedication, encouragement, commitment and guidance to Iowa’s 4-H’ers through the years.

Linda Shafer, 4H hall of fame. (Photo submitted)

“We are honored to recognize these special individuals, for their advocacy and dedication to the Iowa 4-H program,” shared Iowa 4-H Foundation Executive Director, Emily Saveraid. “This is a great way to honor the volunteers and staff across the state of Iowa that generously give their time and talents to foster positive partnerships with our 4-H youth,” said Tillie Good, Iowa 4-H staff and volunteer development manager.

The Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame was initiated in 2002 to help commemorate the 100th anniversary of 4-H. A summary of previous honorees was on display at the 2022 Iowa State Fair in the 4-H Exhibits Building.  These summaries are also available at the Iowa 4-H Foundation office in the Extension 4-H Youth Building at Iowa State University. Information about previous inductees to the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame also is available on the Iowa 4-H Foundation website, organized by year and by county. Go to www.iowa4hfoundation.org/ and select “Recognition” then “Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame.”