Rippey fire department disbanding

After providing firefighting services for 114 years, Rippey fire department has disbanded. The Washington Township trustees made that decision earlier this year. “In the years past we have been blessed with many faithful volunteers that have been committed to providing fire protection to the Washington Township residents,” a spokesperson for the trustees said.  “As time has passed, people have moved,…

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Monarch tagging program in GJ Sunday

Carla Hilgenberg has been tagging monarch butterflies through the Monarch Watch program for 28 years. She will discuss her work with the program on Sunday, Sept. 14, at 2 pm in Grand Junction. Hilgenberg, director of the Bayard public library, will present her program at the new shelter house built on the former site of the East Greene High School…

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Crops nearing time for harvest

Mostly dry conditions allowed Iowa farmers 6.0 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Sept. 7, 2025, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Disease pressure in row crops remained a concern to producers. Field activities included cutting and baling hay and harvesting corn silage. Topsoil moisture condition statewide rated 2 percent very short, 13 percent short, 75…

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Landus announces new CEO

Landus Cooperative board chair Tim Kolder announced Sept. 2 the appointment of Eric Heismeyer as the cooperative’s next CEO. The appointment is effective Sept. 3. Heismeyer has more than two decades of leadership experience in agriculture, having served in key roles with global agribusinesses including Bunge and ADM. A Landus announcement to members states that Heismeyer “is recognized for building…

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Corn, soybean crops in good shape and on schedule

With only spotty precipitation, Iowa farmers had 6.3 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Aug. 31, 2025, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Field activities included cutting and baling hay. Topsoil moisture condition statewide rated 1 percent very short, 9 percent short, 78 percent adequate and 12 percent surplus. Ratings in west central Iowa were 2…

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