Jim Field visits with Sara Slater, Business & Tourism Coordinator of Audubon County Economic Development, about some coming events.

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(Atlantic, Iowa) – Last month, Cass County adopted a Recreational Trails Plan that serves as a guide to expanding recreational opportunities for residents of southwest Iowa. Officials with the Southwest Iowa Planning Council (SWIPCO), say on an often-overlooked piece of rural infrastructure, bicyclists come into view as they traverse the abandoned rail route that runs between Atlantic and Audubon. Seeing cyclists here is commonplace now—but it didn’t happen by accident. And, according to Nishna Valley Trails President Dave Chase, “The increased relevance of trail networks is a longstanding project, with a goal of connecting folks to nature and giving them more recreational opportunities right here at home.”

Nishna Valley Trail is a nonprofit organization that engages in advocacy of the development of recreational trails, including promoting development of the T-Bone Trail that will connect Atlantic and Cass County to national and state networks of recreational throughways. Chase says also, “It’s hard to understate how the development of these trails brings people together and makes our communities more desirable,” and, “With any desire to expand recreational opportunities comes the need for money,” he says.

With the influx of federal dollars via COVID-19 relief and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the potential for increased investment energizes conversations about the way forward for communities seeking to boost safe outdoor recreation. Last month, with the help of SWIPCO planning professionals, Cass County adopted its 2022 Recreational Trails Plan, a document that lays out plans for trails across the county and in each community—including multi-use pedestrian and bike trails (both paved and un-paved), as well as water trails and equestrian trails. The trail plan provides important context for individuals, government entities, and non-governmental organizations who have an interest in outdoor recreation and non-motorized transportation in the region.

No financial obligations for Cass County are attached to the plan—but the document itself is a crucial piece of a funding puzzle when it comes to state and federal grant opportunities. SWIPCO Planning Technician Dani Briggs says “While this document is largely non-binding and serves as a framework, many grants for trails and recreational development require counties to have an updated trail plan.” Briggs and SWIPCO worked to develop the plan with community stakeholders. She says “The Recreational Trails Plan lets folks know where your community wants to go as they decide whether to fund your proposed projects.” Briggs also notes that the group tasked with writing the Recreational Trails Plan solicited community input in an outdoor recreation survey of Cass County residents, which showed recreational trails among the top-desired amenities by respondents.

Stakeholders involved in the plan’s creation include municipal and county leaders, Cass County Iowa State University Extension, Atlantic Parks and Recreation, Cass County Conservation, Healthy Cass County, Golden Hills Resource Conservation and Development, Nishna Valley Trails, and community members who are committed to the development of recreational trails in the region. Over many months, they worked together to identify strengths and opportunities inherent in recreational trail development, seeking community input and, finally, approval from Cass County supervisors—who adopted the plan unanimously. Dave Chase says “This is really a project aimed at bringing people together in a way that’s fair, equitable, and accessible to anyone who wants to experience all of Cass County and southwest Iowa. That’s what it’s all about—taking this wonderful place and making it an even more attractive place to live, work, and raise a family.”

The complete 2022 Cass County Recreational Trails Plan can be found at the Cass County Conservation Office website (https://www.casscountyia.gov/county-departments/conservation-office/) under the Parks/Wildlife Information tab. Printed copies of the trails plan can be found at the Cass County Extension Office (805 W. 10th St. Atlantic, IA 50022), at the public library in Atlantic (407 Poplar St. Atlantic, IA 50022), and at City Hall in Massena (100 Main St. Massena, IA 50853).

(Radio Iowa) The U.S. Department of Agriculture is researching vaccines that could protect pigs against a deadly viral disease. African Swine Fever hasn’t been found in America, but was detected last year in the Dominican Republic and Haiti. No commercial vaccine is available. During a recent visit to Iowa, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said there’s progress on a potential vaccine for pigs. “We actually have five or six vaccines that we’re working on, one of which is currently under some test trials in Vietnam, and at least the initial round of tests are very, very positive,” Vilsack says, “so the hope is we eventually get to a point where we develop those vaccines.”

Vilsack says the U.S.D.A. hopes to open a facility in Manhattan, Kansas in 2024 where it can research and develop animal vaccines. Vilsack says the agency has been doing a lot of this work in New York, but that would move to the lab in Kansas, which could open in 2024. “That’s a lab that’s, from a biosafety perspective, really tight,” he says, “so we’ll be able to do a little bit more accelerated work on vaccines.”

Vilsack says the agency will study animal diseases that could come from another country and animal diseases that could infect humans.

(reporting by Katie Peikes, Iowa Public Radio)

Jim Field visits with LC Clinic Executive Director Hannah Shady as they prepare for the grand opening of their new Atlantic clinic location Saturday from 9:00 am – 11:00 am at 507 Chestnut St.

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The Cass County Conservation Board will hold a National Trails Day T-Bone Trail Ride, on Saturday, June 4, 2022. Program participants will meet at the I-80/T-Bone Trail Trailhead, North of Atlantic, beginning at 1-p.m.  There is no charges. Bike, walk, strollers…everyone is welcome! Come out and celebrate National Trails Day!  All ages/abilities welcome and Free!

The event will be cancelled if there is inclement weather.

AMES, Iowa – The latest version of Iowa State University’s Research and Demonstration Farms summary reports are now available online and in print. Nine farm reports are available, with a new look that includes larger headings, expanded tables and color photography. “I think the public will be excited by the new look, but they will also appreciate the fact that the reports contain the same data and the same information people are used to, just in a modernized package,” said Tim Goode, director of research and demonstration farms at Iowa State.

The reports date back to the early 1930s and were part of the agreement made with farmers and Iowa State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, when the first research farm was established in north central Iowa. “Part of the agreement was that we would publish site-specific research from each area, and that is what these publications do,” said Goode. “The reports provide replicated, unbiased, site-specific research that is published annually.” 

The reports can be downloaded from the Iowa State Extension Store and are also available at research farm field days and association meetings. They contain summary articles about crop and livestock research, including row crops, small grains, forages, specialty crops and other research being conducted across the state. The information is used by farmers, seed companies, veterinarians and nutritionists – essentially anyone who is involved with agriculture. Specialists with Iowa State conduct research at the farms year-round, with field days held during the spring, summer and fall. About 20,000 people visit the farms each year, including school-age youth. More than 130 Iowa State faculty members use the farms for teaching, research and extension.

Goode said the COVID pandemic presented some unique challenges for the farm, and during 2020, most outreach was done remotely. However, the research continued mostly as usual, with the same results delivered each year since the pandemic. He said he’s looking forward to the in-person field days and educational events this year, and collecting data that will be included in next year’s reports. “Another season is already starting and as data is compiled throughout the year, we’ll be ready to publish yet another research farm report,” said Goode.

The following 2021 farm reports are available:

• Agricultural Engineering/Agronomy Farm and Central Iowa Research Farms
• McNay Memorial Research and Demonstration Farm
• Armstrong Memorial Research and Demonstration Farm Neely-Kinyon Memorial Research and Demonstration Farm
• Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm and Muscatine Island Research and Demonstration Farm
• Northern Research and Demonstration Farm
• Western Research and Demonstration Farm
• Northeast Research and Demonstration Farm
• Horticulture Research Station
• Northwest Research and Demonstration Farm and Allee Demonstration Farm

June 1st:

• Elinor Ehrman of Anita (Winner)
• Sandy Cunningham of Atlantic

June 2nd:

• Isaiah Imhoff of Exira (Winner)
• Jan Steffen of Cumberland

June 3rd:

• Bob Boots of Atlantic (Winner)
• Raymond Dailey of Atlantic

June 4th:

• Linda South of Lewis (Winner)
• Janet Peterson of Atlantic

June 5th:

• Judi Nelson of Exira (Winner)

June 6th:

• Lorie Wolfe of Exira (Winner)
• Bailey Roenfeld of Atlantic
• Grayson Thomas Williams of Atlantic

June 7th:

• Dave Hansen of Brayton (Winner)
• Adam Peterson of Atlantic
• Lucas Mosier of Atlantic

June 8th:

• Mora Santisteban of Exira (Winner)
• Debbie Freund of Lewis

June 9th:

• Heather Chamber of Audubon (Winner)
• Josie Fiebelkorn of Exira
• Joyce Struble of Exira

June 10th:

• Julie Topolewski of Atlantic (Winner)
• Rosemary Petersen of Elk Horn
• Nathan Hagedorn of Audubon
• Doyle Kneisel of Griswold

June 11th:

• Kristi Euken of Atlantic (Winner)
• Charles Templeman of Atlantic

June 12th:

• no birthdays

June 13th:

• Heath Hepler of Atlantic (Winner)
• Paulette Cambridge of Atlantic
• Chris Knudsen of Marne

June 14th:

• Dale Elmquist of Atlantic (Winner)
• Lila Kunze of Lewis
• Ryleigh Anthofer of Exira

June 15th:

• Robert Nelsen of Exira (Winner)
• Kris Ford of Bridgewater

June 16th:

• Kalli Hartl of Audubon (Winner)

June 17th:

• Lincoln Thomas of Atlantic (Winner)
• Ruth Ann Bock of Hamlin
• Mike Huegerich of Exira

June 18th:

• Quintin Steffens of Atlantic (Winner)

June 19th:

• Hallie Ann Wedemeyer of Adair (Winner)

June 20th:

• Sue Brownlee of Atlantic (Winner)

June 21st:

• Kaden Dreyer of Atlantic (Winner)
• Tim Templemen of Atlantic
• Jeannie McMullen of Atlantic
• Kaitlin Embree of Massena

June 22nd:

• Taryn Nelson of Creston (Winner)

June 23rd:

• Joey Marie Teegerstrom of Elk Horn (Winner)
• Dianna Hilpipre of Brayton
• Jayme Farver of Wiota
• Grayson Hogberg of Atlantic
• Belva Kloppenburg of Atlantic
• Lauren Nicholas of Atlantic

June 24th:

• Bailey Riesgaard of Atlantic (Winner)
• Jason Lamp of Atlantic
• Adeline Paulsen
• Gail Butler of Atlantic
• Shirley Weideman of Atlantic
• Tom Paulsen of Exira
• Barb Rabe of Audubon

June 25th:

• Lee Kanning of Atlantic (Winner)

June 26th:

• Angie Redler of Marne (Winner)
• Gaylord Schelling of Atlantic
• Shelly Brown of Atlantic
• Dean Weber of Audubon

June 27th:

• Janice Petersen of Atlantic (Winner)

June 28th:

• Victor Perlacia-Monzon of Villisca (Winner)
• Lee Kanning of Atlantic
• Jeanie Bastin of Atlantic

June 29th:

• Grace Thomsen of Cumberland (Winner)
• LaVon Sager of Atlantic
• Rosalie Jensen of Hamlin

June 30th:

• Mason Loving of Atlantic (Winner)
• Ella Mathisen of Lewis
• Elaine Martens of Atlantic

ATLANTIC, IA – If a free concert by Jason Reed, a free bounce house for kids, and a free drawing for over 20 weeks’ worth of produce isn’t enough to convince folks to visit Produce in the Park in Atlantic on Thursday, June 2nd, a lineup of over 20 vendors might be. Market Manager Brigham Hoegh said products expected at the June 2nd farmers market include fresh produce, meats, honey, eggs, popcorn, lemonade, pastries, desserts, pizza, jewelry, soaps, candles, plants for home gardens, and more. Hoegh says while vendor numbers are expected to remain higher than recent years throughout the season, almost all vendors are expected to visit the park on opening night.

Dale Raasch (right) of Bridgewater Farm with his son, Tyler (left). Bridgewater Farm is one of over 20 vendors participating in Produce in the Park this summer

Expected June 2 Vendors and Products
Atlantic Atlas Cinema – Popcorn, lemonade, and more
Brun Ko Farm – Spinach, microgreens, kale, granola, beef, pork, and lamb
Bridgewater Farm – Certified organic produce including asparagus, lettuces, green onions, potatoes,
swiss chard and more, eggs, beef, pork, and chicken
DezaRae Farm Soaps – Goat milk soaps, lotions, and creams
Donna’s Jewelry – Jewelry, magnets, and more
Dragonfly Creations – Coasters, magnets, candles and tarts, soaps, beard oil, car freshies
Duane’s Creations – Jams and clocks
Frosting, Inc. – Cupcakes and cookies
Harrisdale Farmstead – Asparagus and rhubarb
Johnna Joy Designs – Jewelry and art
Hungry Spartan Pizza Food Truck
Kringleman Pastries – Danish Kringle, pastries, cinnamon rolls, and desserts
Midwest Candles by Brit – Candles and wax melts
Matilda Dawn Creations – Greeting cards and wall-sized Scrabble tiles
Molly’s Crafts – Squirrel feeders
Noble Provisions – Beef and pork
Piper’s Brae Farm – Aronia berries and products, eggs, honey
Rolling Acres Farm – Plants for your home garden
Smudge – Soaps, candles, bath bombs, and more
Sue’s Country Garden – Plants for your home garden, jams, and more
Ter-Bear Honey – Honey
Tracie Lobstein – Sewn and embroidered aprons, totes, clothing, and more
Produce in the Park June 2:

Time: 4:30-6:30 PM
Location: Atlantic City Park (10 W. 7th Street, Atlantic, IA 50022)
Free Live Music: Jason Reed
Food Truck: Hungry Spartan Pizza
Can’t Miss: Free drawing for 20 weeks of produce boxes from Bridgewater Farm (a $350 value!). All visitors to the park on June 2 age 18 and older are eligible to enter. (Sponsored by the Cass County Local Food Policy Council.)
Fun for Kids: Bounce house and more activities by Nishna Valley Family YMCA.
Self-Care Summer visiting organization: Atlantic Public Library
Visiting organizations: Master Gardeners and Cass County Grow Another Row
Payment methods accepted: All vendors accept cash. Many accept credit card and Venmo. 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 June 2022 farmers markets are sponsored by the Atlantic Community Promotion Commission, the Nishna Valley Family YMCA, Cass County Tourism, Cass Health, 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.

Jim Field visits with Tressa Wilcox and Kate Olson about the Cass County Master Gardeners Bus Tour Wednesday, June 8.  There is still room, so call today!

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w/Kate Olson.

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