West central Iowa farmers getting more help from Mother Nature than some

Below average precipitation across much of Iowa caused a drop in soil moisture, particularly in the northeastern part of the state during the week ending Aug. 17, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Statewide, topsoil moisture levels rated 8 percent very short, 23 percent short, 67 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus. West central Iowa is faring better,…

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Hot August Night a big hit

Car enthusiasts turned out to see cars and other area residents turned out to see each other at Hot August Night  Thursday on the courthouse square in Jefferson. With 350 cars, motorcycles and tractors, the vehicles packed all four blocks around the square and extended east toward the Sierra Community Theatre as well. An estimated 1,300 to 1,400 people checked…

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In the neighborhood

Rippey Fire Department Hosts Grain Bin Rescue Training ~by Anita Rowe, wife of firefighter, Brad Being a farmer in Iowa can be a pretty tough gig.  Whether you own a farm, work on a farm, live near a farm, or even just drive by a farm on occasion, chances are you’re aware of a good many dangers farmers face on…

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New strategies and a propane bus at Paton-Churdan

The Paton-Churdan staff and administration is excited about new things on tap for the 2014-15 school year. According to principal Annie Smith, the staff will develop a personalized education plan, or PEP, for every student. For many years, staff has created highly developed plans and strategies for students with special needs and those who are academically talented. At Paton-Churdan, staff…

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Pool hours told for end of season

The hours for the Jefferson municipal pool are changing this week with the start of school. The last day for the regular summer schedule with open swim from 1 to 8 pm and family hour from 5:30 to 6:30 is this Tuesday, Aug. 19. Starting Wednesday, Aug. 20, the weekday schedule will be adult lap swim from 11:30 am to…

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Another $10K for Grand Junction Community Center

The Glow Run held last month as part of Lincoln Highway Day in Grand Junction raised $5,200 for the building fund for the new Grand Junction Community Center. Junction Hilltop Wind Farm matched $5,000, for a total of $10,200. Pictured are (from left) Joann Dearborn and Diane Wise of the community center steering committee accepting a check from Glow Run organizer…

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