(Radio Iowa) – Many Iowans will be meeting up next week with family members they haven’t seen in a while, and some of us need to mentally prepare ourselves so we’re not sucked into a squabble that ruins Thanksgiving. University of Iowa professor and psychologist Michele Williams says we just had the mid-term elections last week, but that’s likely something to be avoided, along with discussions about inflation, gas prices and the economy. Even vaccines can still be a touchy subject. “With the kind of triple threat of COVID is still around, we’re having the flu, we have RSV, so people are not necessarily going to be healthy this holiday season,” Williams says. “So there’s a lot to talk about that is potentially still divisive and so much in the media that people it may be on people’s minds.”

In order to keep family conversations civil, Williams says the key is to make discussions dialogues, not debates. Stay patient, she says, and tread carefully on potential hot-button topics. “If you were just talking about the price of gas or how the restaurant prices have gone up, so just things that you might talk about in a normal family gathering like, ‘Oh, where are you going?’ ‘We’re not sure if we’re gonna fly home to such-and-such because airline prices are still high,’ that could easily spill over to political perspective on how the economy is going.” She says some families manage conflict by deciding only to talk about football or the kids or other things that they have in common — and not politics.

“We need to listen more. Americans are not really good at listening. We’re good at talking, we’re good at having debates and trying to prove the other side wrong,” Williams says. “We need to kind of move that more to a dialogue where we’re interested and curious about the other side. So we need to listen and I think about it as listening with empathy and grace.” Williams is a UI professor of management and entrepreneurship in the Tippie College of Business and she’s a psychologist who specializes in management communications and relationships.

(Corning, Iowa) – A man from Griswold was arrested Saturday on drug charges, in Adams County. The Adams County Sheriff’s Office reports 36-year-old Carl Daniel was arrested after a probable cause search of his vehicle was enacted, following a traffic stop near the intersection of Dogwood Avenue and Highway 34, in Corning. Inside the vehicle, deputies found 23 grams of methamphetamine.

Carl Daniel faces charges that include Possession of a Controlled Substance/3rd offense – Meth; Poss. with the intent to deliver over 7 grams; Failure to Affix a Drug Tax Stamp, and Poss. of Drug Paraphernalia. He was being held in the Adams County Jail on $35,300 bond.

*Any potential criminal charges identified above are merely allegations, and any defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law*

(Afton, Iowa) – An SUV popped out of gear Sunday evening in Afton, and struck a gas pump, causing $10,000 damage. The Union County Sheriff’s Office reports no one was injured when the 1996 Ford Explorer backed out of a parking stall in the Afton Casey’s Store parking lot, rolled westward and into the middle gas pumps, causing disabling damage to the pump. The accident happened at around 6:50-p.m., as the vehicle’s driver, 37-year-old Travis J. Klos, of Afton, was out of the SUV.

The Ford sustained $3,000 damage but was able to be driven away. Klos was cited for Failure to Provide Proof of (insurance).

(Clarinda, Iowa) – As a reminder to our report on November 3rd, Page County Sheriff Lyle Palmer says the Sheriff’s Department’s “Operation Blessing” is underway. The Sheriff’s Department officially began taking requests yesterday (Saturday, Nov. 12), and continuing through Dec. 10th, for children who are in need of a gift. “Operation Blessing” strives to make sure every child in the rural areas of the County receives a Christmas gift.

The program covers children from birth to age 14, who reside in the communities of Shambaugh, Braddyville, College Springs, Yorktown, Coin, Blanchard, and Northboro as well as the rural areas, of Page County. The child must be a resident of the aforementioned communities, or rural Page County. The requests must come from a parent or guardian of the child and can be called into the Page County Sheriff’s Office at 712-542-5193, or reported in person by the parent or guardian at the Page County Sheriff’s Office located at 323 N 15th Street in Clarinda, IA. Each child will be given a first and second choice. It is suggested that a toy and clothing be requested.

Anyone wishing to donate money to the Page County Sheriff’s Office Operation Blessing program can either stop by the Page County Sheriff’s Office or mail the monetary donation to the Page County Sheriff’s Office at 323 North 15th Clarinda, Iowa, 51632. Monetary donations are taken year-round at the Office. The Page County Reserve Program started Operation Blessing in the mid 1980’s to ensure that every child in the rural areas of Page County had the opportunity to receive a gift at Christmas. It has continued every year since for almost 40 years. In these times, the program is adapting. Department deputies and staff will be delivering gifts just prior to Christmas Eve.

(Red Oak, Iowa) — Police in Red Oak report a man was arrested Saturday afternoon, on a Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department warrant. Authorities say 47-year-old Terry J. Aherns, of Red Oak, was arrested at around 2:24-p.m., on a warrant for Failure to Appear, on the charge of driving while suspended.

Aherns was transported to the Montgomery County Jail and is being held on $1000 cash only bond.

(Sidney, Iowa) – Fremont County Sheriff Kevin Aistrope reports that at around 1-p.m. today (Saturday, 11/12/22), Fremont County deputies were called to the area of 275th Street and Bluff Road near Hamburg for suspicious vehicle parked in the roadway.

Deputes made contact with a woman from Watson, Missouri, 38-year-old Elizabeth Craft. A records check revealed Craft had numerous felony warrants for her arrest out of the State of Kansas.

Craft (Fremont County Sheriff’s Dept. photo)

She was is being held without bond, pending extradition to Kansas.

The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest of an Omaha man on Friday afternoon following a traffic stop on I-29. At approximately 1:18 p.m. Deputies stopped a vehicle for speeding near the 3-mile marker of Interstate 29. The driver provided a false name to Deputies but was later identified as 23-year-old Raymond A’mahd Patterson of Omaha, NE.

He was placed under arrest, and provided a second false name to both Deputies and jail staff. He was found to have an active warrant for his arrest in Nebraska. He was charged with two counts of Providing False Information to Law Enforcement and Fugitive from Justice. Patterson was held without bond pending Iowa charges and extradition to Nebraska.

The Iowa DOT Motor Vehicle Enforcement assisted the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office with the arrest.

(Radio Iowa) – The Siouxland Chamber of Commerce is looking to help keep displaced Tyson foods employees in the Sioux City area workforce and in the community. Tyson announced plans last month to close down their corporate facility in neighboring Dakota Dunes, South Dakota to transfer those jobs to their main headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas. Chamber president Chris McGowan says he and other local leaders have reached out to Tyson about their decision to close the facility.

“It affects over 500 employees. They’re not just executives. It’s across the board. From administrative and clerical to very high ranking seasoned experienced executives,” he says. “We want to do everything we can to support our community in this process. From the very beginning, we have stated that we are respectfully requesting reconsideration of this decision.”

Tyson still operates a beef processing plant in Dakota City, Nebraska, another Tri-state border community to Sioux city. He’s hopeful Tyson will keep some of the Dunes workers here because of the 21 year relationship with the city, that includes their sponsorship of Sioux City’s Tyson events center arena: “They don’t have to listen to us they don’t have to communicate with us but we believe that our community for 21 years now since — Tyson acquired I-B-P — that this community has been a heck of a strong partner. In the meantime, the chamber is communicating with other companies in the Tri-state area who may have need of employees with the skill set from the Tyson corporate positions.

“You can go to the Suitland Chamber of Commerce website right now it has information about job postings for companies that are looking for people in this market right now. Additionally, you can scroll to the bottom of that page and you’re gonna see a list of companies who have created specific messages saying, we’re looking to hire people right now,” McGown says. “We want to retain as many people as possible. We want to make sure that those who wish to stay in our Siouxland Community, we’re doing everything in our power to make that possibility a reality.”

The website is Siouxland Chamber dot com.

Cass County 4-H’ers and their families, volunteers and supporters gathered on Sunday, November 6^th to celebrate the 2021-2022 4-H year at the 2022 County Convention. 4-H leaders reaching milestones were recognized for their service.  Receiving ten-year recognition were Charity Mundorf of Griswold Clubsters, Melissa Johnson of Grove HOT, and Kristy Pellett of Pymosa. Serving as a leader in Cass County for 35 years in is Jerry McCrory of the Union Leaders 4-H Club.

The 4-H Alumni Award given to a 4-H alumni that has stayed active in supporting the local 4-H program, was presented to Delbert & Lana Westphalen. Delbert and Lana have been an active part of the 4-H program for many years. Delbert has served as a member of Endowment Committee. Lana was a longtime King and Queen Superintendent. Lana was a Club leader for many years and their kids were also active in the program. They have continued to support the 4-H program in countless other ways through the years.

Tom Robinson received the Honorary Member award as a non-4-H’er that offers support and assistance to the local 4-H program.  Tom is very supportive as he helps Washington GEM 4-H Club do a radio ad each year. He also volunteers his time at county fair to emcee the Clover Kid Animal Showcase and announce the golf cart races. He is very visible and supportive of 4-H all year long.  (Photos below and story info. courtesy Cass County ISU Extension)

Pictured Left to Right: Trista Swain, Brock Henderson, Kristy York (podium) Miraylie Stuart, Claire Pellett, Olivia Olson, Keira Olson, Rio Johnson, Lily Johnson, Maddy Anderson, Parker Brock, and Elizabeth Anderson.

The Distinguished Service Award was presented to the late Cindy Koll and Something for You. Her family accepted the award on her behalf. This award goes to a business, group or organization within the community that has provided outstanding service to the 4-H program. Cindy has been active in supporting Cass County 4-H and the county fair. She was a cashier at the food stand for multiple years. At the store, Something For You, she would always help 4-H members with their fabric selection and would allow them to come back to get assistance with their quilting if needed. Following her passing this 4-H year, her support will be greatly missed.

Members and leaders of all eleven 4-H clubs in Cass County were presented on stage to receive recognition for club activities throughout the year and project awards. Intermediates and Junior 4-H members who completed a record book could also apply for project awards. Leaders review and nominate youth for project awards and overall awards based on their record.

The following juniors and intermediates received awards, listed by club. Members with an asterisk (*) next to their name denotes a member whose overall record book received a star award, a high rating.

Pictured Left to Right, Back Row: Parker Brock, Elizabeth Anderson, Rio Johnson, Brock Henderson, Keira Olson, Lily Johnson. Front Row: Claire Pellett, Trista Swain, Olivia Olson, Miraylie Stuart, and Maddy Anderson.

Bear Grove Blazers: *Catherine DeBord– Beef, Food & Nutrition, Swine, Visual Arts, *Dylen Dreager– Swine, *Keagan Dreager– Swine, *Walker Gary– Mechanics, Photography, Poultry, Visual Arts, *Michael Hocamp, *Mya Hocamp– Pets, *Lynsie Kardell– Meat Goat, Swine, *Macie Kloewer– Rabbit, Visual Arts

*Maggie Kloewer– Rabbit, Visual Arts, *Sophia Retallic– Food & Nutrition, *Basilio Sekap– Rabbit, Poultry, and *Nolan Sunderman– Self-Determined.

Benton Franklin: *Brookelyn Steffen– Beef, Food & Nutrition, Swine, and *Brylee Steffen– Beef, Food & Nutrition, Sewing & Needle Arts, Swine, Visual Arts

 Cowpokes: *Kayedance Sturm– Horse and Pony

Grant Guys and Gals: *Kinsey Burg– Food & Nutrition. Photography, Visual Arts, *Macy Burg– Citizenship & Civic Engagement, Photography, Woodworking, *Ada Hansen– Beef, Clothing & Fashion, Food & Nutrition, *Isaac Hansen– Beef, Citizenship, Food & Nutrition, Visual Arts, *Jenna Jensen– Beef, Food & Nutrition, Health, Outdoor Adventures, Swine, *Emma Meyer- Sheep, *Kennedy Meyer- Sheep, *Leah Ohms- Beef, Child Development, Sheep, Sewing & Needle Arts, Photography, Visual Arts, and *Kylee Wessling- Clothing & Fashion, Photography, Rabbit, Woodworking

Griswold Clubsters: *Raylea Amos- Beef, Clothing, Visual Arts, and *Josie Millikan– Family & Consumer, Management, Personal Development

 Grove HOT: *Lily Johnson– Clothing & Fashion, Goat, Photography, Poultry, Sewing & Needle Arts, Claire Schroder– Poultry, Rabbit, Sewing & Needle Arts, Sheep

Pleasant Noble United: *Conlan Amos- Visual Arts

Pymosa: *Olivia Olson- Woodworking, and *Miraylie Stuart- Beef

Union Leaders: *Oliver Becker– Goat, Photography, Poultry, Sewing & Needle Arts, *Bay Erickson- Clothing, Food & Nutrition, Home Improvement, and *Bryson Lee- Food & Nutrition, Photography

Washington GEM: *Colton Anderson, *Maddy Anderson, *Jacquie Freund– Horticulture, *Grant Petty, and *Quincy Robinson

Senior project awards were also presented. High school members turn in their record book at the club level to be reviewed then leaders nominate youth’s project records to be reviewed again at the county level. These project records should be well organized, neat, and show evidence of solid Citizenship, Communication, and Leadership. Points received determines if platinum, gold, silver, or bronze award is given. Senior project awards are listed by clubs.

Bear Grove Blazers: Elizabeth Anderson – platinum for Photography; Carter Witzman – platinum for Swine; Bryan York – platinum for Food & Nutrition, Home Improvement, Horticulture, Photography, Sewing & Needle Arts, and Visual Arts

Benton Franklin: Brock Henderson – gold for Beef

Grove HOT: Parker Brock – gold for Food & Nutrition and silver for Communications; Conner Johnson – gold for Photography and Poultry;  Rio Johnson – platinum for Clothing & Fashion, Communications, Dog, Food & Nutrition, Home Improvement, Pets, Photography, Poultry, Sewing & Needle Arts, and Visual Arts

Pleasant Noble United: Kaily Swain – platinum for Rabbit and Swine; and Trista Swain – platinum for Goat, Rabbit, and Swine

Pymosa: Keira Olson – platinum for Leadership; Claire Pellett – platinum for Beef and Food & Nutrition, gold for Dog and Home Improvement

Union Leaders: Rachel Becker – gold for Beef and Goat

All Seniors who complete record books are reviewed at the club level as well as the county level. Records are rated on organization, orderly, neat appearance, as well as for spelling and grammar. Points received determines if platinum, gold, silver, or bronze is awarded for overall record keeping award winners by club:

Bear Grove Blazers:  Elizabeth Anderson – platinum, Mia Kloewer – gold, David Retallic – platinum, Carter Witzman – platinum,  Bryan York – platinum

Benton Franklin: Brock Henderson – platinum

Grove HOT: Parker Brock – gold, Conner Johnson – gold, Rio Johnson – platinum

Pleasant Noble United: Kailey Swain – platinum, Trista Swain – platinum

Pymosa: Dayna Dreager – gold, Keira Olson – platinum, Callee Pellett – gold, Carter Pellett – platinum, Claire Pellett – platinum

Union Leaders: Rachel Becker – platinum, Sydney Becker – silver, Tristan Becker -silver

 Bryan York of Bear Grove Blazers received an award for the overall senior record book.

Senior 4-H’ers could also apply for County-Level awards, which required a special application and information regarding their overall 4-H experiences. Those were awarded as follows: Maddy Anderson received Merit Award, Elizabeth Anderson received Achievement Award, Trista Swain received Citizenship Award, Rio Johnson received Leadership Award, Brock Henderson received Learning through Leadership Award, Bryan York received the Danforth “I Dare You” Award.

Members who were participated in activities were asked to stand to be recognized. Members stood who served on a county committee, attended State 4-H Conference, applied for State Project Awards, participated in Club Volleyball, attended the multi-county Speak Out for Agriculture bus trip, attended Officer training or a county workshop along. Members also stood if they participated in a summer or winter camp, or exhibited at the Iowa State Fair this past year.

The 2022 County Fair Herdsmanship Winners were announced. Each club received a certificate and $25 for their club per species they won. Cowpokes won Horse Herdsmanship. Grove HOT won Poultry Herdsmanship. Pleasant Noble United won Goat Herdsmanship. Pymosa won Rabbit and Beef Herdsmanship. Washington GEM won Sheep and Swine Herdsmanship.

Bear Grove Blazers was recognized for the top window display during  National 4-H Week, top community service project, and as the Banner Club winner this past 4-H program year.

Top Officer Books were reviewed and announced. Top Secretary Book was from Pymosa 4-H club, Top Treasurer Book was Pleasant Noble United and Top Historian’s book was Washington GEM.

The afternoon concluded with the installation of eleven senior level 4-H’ers onto the 2022-2023 4-H Youth Council. Members are, Elizabeth Anderson of Bear Grove Blazers, Maddy Anderson of Washington GEM, Parker Brock of Grove HOT, Brock Henderson of Benton Franklin, Lily Johnson of Grove HOT, Rio Johnson  of Grove HOT, Keira Olson of Pymosa, Olivia Olson  of Pymosa, Claire Pellett of Pymosa, Miraylie Stuart of Pymosa, and Trista Swain of Pleasant Noble United.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Cass County 4-H is hosting a Find Out Night for the community and current 4-H or Clover Kid members to learn more about what the program does! On Tuesday, November 15th from 5:30pm-7:30pm you can come and go as you please through the Cass County Community Building, 805 W 10th Street in Atlantic to learn more about 4-H! This event is free, and you don’t need to RSVP.

A short program overview will be presented at 6:00pm and 7:00pm. Throughout the event you will be able to stop at different tables to learn more and ask questions. Information will be provided on why 4-H is free in Cass County, the basics of what 4-H is, including what it stands for and the motto, project areas to get involved with, along with various programs, activities, and workshops we offer to the youth.

This is a no-pressure event to learn more about opportunities for youth K-12 in the community to get involved in. Get all of your questions answered about 4-H and Clover Kids in Cass County and find a club that best suits you! For more information about 4-H visit our website, www.extension.iastate.edu/cass or call the office 712-243-1132.