AMES, IOWA – Stifling heat that has lingered over Iowa the past five days is leading to reports of cattle death losses across the state. “In some cases, producers have reported just one or two cattle dying, but reports of larger losses are starting to trickle in,” said Dal Grooms, communications director for the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association.

Compared to other animals, cattle rely on respiration more than sweating to cool off. The heavy humidity, lack of wind, and continued high temperatures through the night makes it very difficult for cattle to cool down.

“Producers are working hard to protect their cattle by providing shade, extra water, and sprinkling systems, and that is where their efforts need to be right now. But once this heat has passed, they need to concentrate on reporting any of their losses through the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) at their local FSA office,” Grooms said.

LIP is a program that has not been used much by Iowa livestock farmers, so it’s important that they understand how it works.

LIP only provides 30 days to report a loss after it has occurred. “While there are exclusions in the program, it is critical that producers make a timely ‘Notice of Loss’ report so they can be included if they qualify,” Grooms said. Once a report is made, and livestock continue to succumb because of the same weather event, those numbers can be included for the event.

ICA is recommending that producers document their losses, as well as the measures they took to protect the cattle. “Rendering truck receipts, photos, and third party verifications from veterinarians, extension personnel or insurance adjusters are important, as is noting the approximate weight of the cattle that died. Likewise, take photos of your sprinkler systems, pen set-up and shade,” Grooms said.

The 2008 farm bill included LIP, which provides benefits to producers for livestock deaths in excess of normal mortality caused by adverse weather. The details of the program are available from the Farm Service Agency (FSA), which administers the program. In most cases, the program will provide coverage up to 75% of the value of the animal.

For the payment, producers must file an ‘Application for Payment’ with FSA. LIP is scheduled to close on October 1st, and continued funding for it is unsure. “We encourage cattle producers to make that ‘Application for Payment’ as soon as they think their herd as fully recovered from this effects of this heat,” Grooms said. That is the time to also bring in documentation to the FSA office.

The indemnity may not make producers whole, but it does keep this situation from becoming a financial disaster, ICA said.

(Press Release — Iowa Cattleman’s Association)

A Council Bluffs man has been sentenced to over nine years in prison on drug charges,

Michael Tracy Snuttjer of Council Bluffs was sentenced to 109 months of prison for Conspiracy to Deliver Marijuana according to the US Attorney’s Office. After his prison term, US District Judge James Gritzner ordered Snuttjer to serve a four year term of supervised release. Snuttjer also forfeited to the government two Omaha condominiums as well as cash and other property.

On March 3, Snuttjer entered a guilty plea in Federal Court in Council Bluffs to Conspiracy to Deliver Marijuana in the amount of 100 kilograms or more. Investigators say Snuttjer obtained the marijuana from Mexico and brought it to Council Bluffs.

The investigation was conducted by the Southwest Iowa Narcotics Task Force, the Pottawattamie County Attorney’s Office, Iowa Division of Narcotic Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security, Internal Revenue Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

The Atlantic Police Department reports the arrest of two people Tuesday.

33-year-old Mahan Steven on Atlantic was arrested on a warrant for assault without intent causing serious injury. He was transported to the Cass County jail and booked.

30-year-old Tammy Bolin of Atlantic was arrested on a warrant for assault without intent causing injury. She was transported to the Cass County jail and booked.

A four-vehicle accident in Page County led to two Wiota residents being hospitalized.

The Iowa State Patrol says four vehicles were traveling westbound on Highway 2.

A Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by 54-year-old Hugh Hollinrake of Adair was stopped and signaling to turn left onto county road M48.

A Dodge mini-van driven by 22-year-old Richelle Hollinrake of Wallingford was behind Hugh and didn’t see him turning and quickly braked to avoid hitting Hugh.

A Subaru Impreza driven by 24-year-old Patricia Houghton of Lamoni was behind Richelle’s vehicle and swerved onto the shoulder to avoid hitting Richelle.

A Kawasaki motorcycle driven by 26-year-old Jeffrey Lillard of Wiota was behind Houghton and tried to brake to avoid contact, but ended up hitting Richelle’s vehicle.

Jeffrey Lillard and his passenger Elizabeth Lillard, both of Wiota, were taken by ambulance to the Shenandoah Hospital.

Total damage from the mishap amounted to about $5,000.

A section of interstate 680 in Pottawattamie County will have a lane closure due to continuing bridge work.

The right lane of eastbound 680 between I-29 (exit 71) and Pottawattamie County Road L-34 (exit 21) in the construction area near Crescent will be closed. The open lanes will have a smaller width restriction.

The bridge work is expected to last until mid-November.

The Iowa DOT reminds motorists to drive with caution, obey posted speed limits and other signs in the work area, and be aware that traffic fines for moving violations are at least double in work zones.

The Cass County Community Foundation would like to remind non-profits that the fall grant program is set to begin.

Currently $20,900 is available for this grant cycle. Only organizations providing services in Cass County are eligible. They must be able to demonstrate broad county support and supply a copy of their 501 IRS determination letter. Requests for general operational funds will not be considered. The CCCF’s mission is to provide funds to those nonprofit and governmental agencies that are involved in community betterment through their organizations.

Overall the Cass County Community Foundation will make about $120,000 available in grants and scholarships.

The deadline to apply for funds through the online grant application process is September 1^st. Application procedures and grant guidelines can be obtained online at www.iowacommunityfoundations.org/casscef.

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The Audubon County Board of Supervisors have submitted a contract proposal for Jansen Waterproofing of $57,828 for a project that would make improvements to the Audubon County Courthouse.

If approved, the funds will be used for the third phase of a larger project. The project would help prevent any water and other damage to the building.

The board submitted the contract bid at their meeting Monday. It will next have to be approved by the county attorney.

A swimming incident on the Nodaway River near Clarinda led to two young teens being taken to area hospitals.

The incident happened late Tuesday evening when boaters on the river noticed the two young swimmers appearing to be in distress. A call was then immediately made to authorities. When they arrived they noticed a young boy and girl swimming near the east side of the river near the Clarinda dam.

Clarinda Police say a boy who appeared to be under the age of 14 was pulled at about 10:30 PM. He was flown by lifenet helicopter and is believed to be in critical condition.

First responders were also able to dive in the river and to pull out a girl who appeared to be under the age of 14. When brought to land she was still unconscious and was taken by ambulance to the Clarinda Regional Hospital where she was believed to be in fair condition.

Witnesses say they saw the two teens enter the river sometime after 8:30 PM. An update is expected later today from Clarinda Police.