Branstad to Take Action on Dove Hunting

May 10th, 2012 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES (AP) — Gov. Terry Branstad says he plans to take action allowing hunters to shoot doves with lead shot this fall. Branstad spokesman Tim Albrecht says the governor will announce his plans during a news conference on Friday. Albrecht didn’t give specific details on what action the governor will take. The Iowa Natural Resources Commission last year passed a rule banning lead shot for dove hunting. The Legislature’s Administrative Rules Review Committee then agreed to postpone the rule. This year, the House passed a resolution to nullify the rule and allow lead shot. The measure died in the Senate. Opponents of dove hunting say the pellets contaminate the environment for other animals. Hunting groups says steel shot costs more and doesn’t work as well.

Posted in Ag/Outdoor, News, Sports |

FERTILIZER AND FARM CHEMICALS SPILL NORTH OF ORIENT

Ag/Outdoor, News

May 10th, 2012 by Ric Hanson

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources said Thursday (today), that an Agriland FS sprayer carrying more than 1,200 gallons of farm chemicals and water accidentally rolled off the north shoulder of County Highway G61 west of Orient Wednesday evening. The mixture contained eight gallons of Harness Extra, 2.6 gallons of Round-Up, 1,272 gallons of 32 percent nitrogen and 80 gallons of water.

About 600 gallons of product were recovered. Some product reached the south side of the highway where tile intakes discharge into Shanghai Creek, a tributary to the East Nodaway River. Field tests this morning 1 mile downstream in Shanghai Creek indicated less than 10 parts per million of ammonia. The creek is full and flowing fast, so either the ammonia is diluted, or it has not reached 1 mile down the creek yet.

No fish have been killed currently. If residents downstream notice changes in the water, or see dead fish, they should notify the DNR by calling the 24-hour spill number at 515-281-8694. A dam has been constructed in the ditch down gradient to where a culvert crosses the road. The product mixed with water is being pumped out. One Call has been notified, and as soon as One Call has been to the scene, the affected surface will be excavated and land applied.

Posted in Ag/Outdoor, News |

USDA projects record corn crop, fall in prices

Ag/Outdoor

May 10th, 2012 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture projects a record corn crop this year, topping the previous high by 11 percent. That could be good news for livestock producers relying on corn for feed and consumers who could see a slight drop in food prices. For farmers, lower prices are also likely. Corn for December delivery was down 9 cents per bushel Thursday to $5.07. It was trading as high as $6.60 in September. The USDA expects farmers to turn in 14.8 billion bushels, up 2.4 billion from the current year and 11 percent more than the previous record of 13 billion bushels in 2009. Farmers are expected to harvest 5 million more acres and get a record 166 bushels per acre, 2 bushels above the average of the last decade.

Posted in Ag/Outdoor |

Consumers could get a break from higher food prices by late fall.

News

May 10th, 2012 by Ric Hanson

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.

Posted in News |

THURSDAY, MAY 10th

Trading Post

May 10th, 2012 by Jim Field

FOR SALE: A 5-month old male YorkiPoo. Black with white chest and paws. Up-to-date shots and hypoallergenic. $250 and includes kennel, toys, clothes, treats, etc. For more info., call 712-249-2810.

WANTED: Willing to cut down trees if you cannot afford a tree service. The work would be done to help people out, as he would not use the wood for personal use. He would not be able to do anything more than 2 feet across…also could only cut down trees in more open areas. 778-4672.

WANTED: An older shed or part of a garage for some lumber. 778-4672.

FOR SALE: Firewood for campers. 778-4672.

FOR SALE: A 6 week old blue pit bull male puppy. $1,000 or OBO. For more info call 641-431-0765.

WANTED: Stand alone dog kennel for outside for a large dog or fencing sections. 769-2256

FOR SALE: 1986 Honda 4 wheeler. Has new wheels and a new battery. 250-4420.

FOR SALE: Computer table and a chair for $150. 243-7978

FOR SALE: A rocker/glider for $40. 243-7978

Posted in Trading Post |

Melissa Thompson, M.D. Leaving Adair County Health System

News

May 10th, 2012 by Ric Hanson

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.

Posted in News |

Griswold School Board to hold special meeting

News

May 10th, 2012 by Ric Hanson

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.

Posted in News |