OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The economy will likely remain slow in rural parts of 10 Plains and Western states in the months ahead. The overall Rural Mainstreet Index for the region remained in negative territory below 50 and declined to 44.7 in November from October’s 45.3. The index is based on Creighton University’s monthly survey of bankers.

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss the current low commodity prices and declining farm income continue to weigh on the rural economy. The index ranges between 0 and 100, with any number under 50 indicating a shrinking economy. The index tracking the price of farmland and ranchland declined to 36.5 in November from October’s already-weak 39.2.

Bankers from Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming were surveyed.

The Shelby County Emergency Management Agency is requesting participating businesses and County Fire Departments, to “Please place your Local Fire Danger Signs in the LOW category.” EMA Coordinator Bob Seivert says “This was a very short season, and not as dry as we typically see. The number of fire responses was markedly low, as compared to the past. We hope the regular updates on the potential for fires to spread have  reduced the number of fire responses, during our typically drier spring and fall seasons.”

Seivert said also, “The number of calls we get from the public reporting their controlled burns, and involvement of our Local Volunteer Fire Chiefs, is a partnership which improves many aspects of public safety. Thank you for your participation in this program!”

The 2017 East Pottawattamie County annual 4-H Jamboree awards ceremony was held on Sunday, November 12, 2017 at the Oakland Community Center in Oakland, Iowa at 1:00pm.  With approximately 100 people present, the afternoon got started with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by recognizing past honorary members, County Youth Committee, County Extension Council and our Extension Staff.  The new 2017-2018 County Youth Council members were introduced and installed.  Those members include Sarah Butcher, Claire Denning, Symantha Fisher, Julia Kock, Alexis Meek, Kyley Nelsen, Sidney Nelsen, Abigale Petersen, Camryn Pierson, Kinsey Scheffler, and Lydia Wede.

2017-2018 County Youth Council: Top row, left to right: Lydia Wede, Symantha Fisher, Sarah Butcher, Claire Denning, Alexis Meek, Camryn Pierson. Bottom row, left to right: Kinsey Scheffler, Kyley Nelsen, Abigale Petersen, Sidney Nelsen, Julia Kock.

The 2016-2017 Clover Kids members present got the chance to introduce themselves in front of the group and those who have completed 3rd grade and are graduating the Clover Kids program were recognized.  The afternoon followed with club introductions and project awards.  2016-2017 4-H members were recognized for their commitment to their goals in the project areas they have chosen.  To receive these awards, youth must have completed a record book, project records and worksheets associated with their chosen project areas.  A prayer and a short break for finger food snacks brought by all 4-H families to share followed the project awards.

As the awards ceremony started back up, winners were drawn for the 4-H raffle.  Shooting Sports awards were given by Steve and Amy Meek to those East Pott Hot Shot members who participated in the State 4-H Shoot Out.  Outstanding Member Awards were given next; those awards went to two 4-H members in each 4-H age group who were outstanding members in the 4-H program.  The next award was the 4-H Spirit Award, given to a 4-H member who is always excited about 4-H and show enthusiasm year round.  The award went to Abigale Petersen.  Each year 4-H club officers from each 4-H club are encouraged to complete their officer record book and submit them for awards.  This year 18 officers worked hard to complete and submit their books.  As the award ceremony continued, senior 4-H member’s record books were judged for Senior Elite Awards given to members in grades 9-12 for their overall 4-H career in the project area.  Those youth were given a certificate and a 4-H gift for their hard work.

Our final individual 4-H awards were given out in honor of 6 East Pottawattamie County 4-H and agriculture supporters.  These six youth were given a certificate and a 4-H gift for their hard work.  The next three awards went to 4-H clubs who worked hard throughout the 4-H year.  The Herdsmanship Award was given to Botna Valley Achievers 4-H club who worked hard to keep their livestock neat and in order during the Pottawattamie County Fair.  The Club Booth award was given to on Clover Kids group and one 4-H club who had the best club booth display in our static judging building at the County Fair.  These were given to the Botna Valley Achievers Clover Kids and Westside Feeders 4-H Club.  Finally, during National 4-H week in October 4-H clubs have the opportunity to decorate local businesses windows to show off their 4-H club and celebrate the week.  Botna Valley Achievers 4-H Club was chosen as the best window display for 2017.

The last two awards for the afternoon were given to those adults to have helped to make 4-H in East Pottawattamie great.  Each year leaders are recognized with their 5-year certificates and pins from Iowa State University.  This year leaders Bonnie Feigenbutz, Amy Meek and Lauren Schueman were awarded with their 5-year leadership pins.  The last award was the Honorary 4-H Member award, given to Jennifer Kock and Kathleen Jacobsen, members who have dedicated their time to the East Pottawattamie County 4-H program.  The afternoon finished with the 4-H pledge and the final 4-H raffle names being drawn for 4-H prizes.