DES MOINES, Iowa (June 2, 2025) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says Iowa farmers are hitting a key transition point in the growing season, as spring planting nears completion and attention shifts to crop maintenance and hay production.

“Planting is nearly complete across the state and most of the corn and soybeans have emerged. Many farmers are now turning their attention to applying crop protection products and baling hay,” said Secretary Naig. “While haze from Canadian wildfires has hung around the last few days, it’s expected to clear by mid-week. The forecast shows much of the state could receive some welcome rain in the week ahead.”

The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released its latest Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report for the week ending June 1, 2025, showing a productive week for growers thanks to favorable weather.

Field Conditions and Activity

Farmers enjoyed 5.4 days suitable for fieldwork, thanks to mostly dry conditions with only isolated showers. Primary activities included planting the final acres of corn and soybeans, spraying crops, and harvesting the first cutting of hay.

Moisture Levels

Topsoil moisture levels held mostly steady with:

• 5% very short

• 23% short

• 70% adequate

• 2% surplus

Subsoil moisture was rated:

• 5% very short

• 27% short

• 65% adequate

• 3% surplus

Corn and Soybeans

• Corn planting reached 97%, with 87% emerged—running six days ahead of last year and slightly ahead of the five-year average.

• Corn condition was reported as 84% good to excellent.

• Soybean planting hit 96%, with 79% emerged, which is ten days ahead of last year and four days ahead of average.

• Soybean condition came in at 81% good to excellent.

Small Grains and Forage

• Oats emerged reached 95%, and 41% of the crop is headed, which is ahead of both last year and the typical schedule.

• Oat condition remains strong, rated 85% good to excellent.

• First cutting of alfalfa hay is 61% complete, outpacing last year by nearly a week.

• Hay condition was rated 83% good to excellent, and pasture condition was also solid, with 73% good to excellent.

As the 2025 growing season continues to progress ahead of schedule in many areas, farmers are closely watching the weather forecast. A return of measurable rainfall would help maintain strong crop and pasture conditions heading into the summer.

The full weekly report is available at nass.usda.gov.

A 92-year-old woman reported missing in the Oakland Mills area Saturday evening has been safely located, according to the Henry County Sheriff’s Office.

A community alert was quickly issued, and law enforcement, emergency responders, and local volunteers began a coordinated search effort throughout the area. The public was asked to remain alert and contact the Sheriff’s Office with any sightings or information.

At 11:12 p.m., officials confirmed that Janet had been found in the nearby area. She was taken to a local hospital for a precautionary wellness check. No injuries or serious medical concerns have been reported at this time.

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office extended thanks to everyone who shared the alert and participated in the search.

“Community involvement played a critical role in this successful outcome,” the department said in a statement. “We’re grateful for the swift response and support.”

Anyone with further questions is encouraged to contact the Henry County Sheriff’s Office at 319-385-2712.

June has arrived, and with it comes the ever-popular First Thursday Sale at the HCHC Gift Shop—happening Thursday, June 5th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This is your chance to enjoy 25% off one item (some exclusions apply) and stock up on the perfect gifts, especially with Father’s Day right around the corner.

Whether you’re shopping for Dad or just browsing for something special, the gift shop has a wide selection to choose from—grilling accessories, games, home Décor, greeting cards, and more. Don’t miss out on the chance to grab a great deal on a thoughtful gift.

Check out the patriotic-themed apparel, decor, and jewelry—perfect for the summer season and upcoming July celebrations.

Please note: The 25% discount does not apply to food, flowers, cards, stamps, or books.

Mark your calendars and stop by the HCHC Gift Shop on Thursday, June 5^th for the First Thursday Sale.

The Skunk River will come alive with friendly competition and community spirit on Saturday, June 7, 2025, as local organizers host the 1st Annual “Save the Bridge” Catfish Tournament from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Held during Iowa’s Free Fishing Weekend, no license is required to participate, making this an accessible and fun event for all ages.

Participants will gather at the south shore of the Oakland Mills Dam Area at 6:00 AM for sign-up, with both boat and bank fishing allowed along the Skunk River in Henry County.

Each fisherman will be limited to five (5) catfish, and only one catfish can be entered in the Big Cat Competition. All fish must be alive at weigh-in, which will be held at 2:30 PM at the same south shore location.

The day will conclude with a community Fish Fry at 3:30 PM at Oakland Bait & Tackle, supported by freewill donations. The public is welcome to enjoy the food.

The tournament aims to raise awareness and support for preserving a local bridge, an iconic piece of infrastructure in the Oakland Mills area. For more information, contact Steve Davis at Oakland Bait & Tackle (319-217-0371) or Marc Ford (319-931-0871).

Park Place invites the community to join in a heartfelt celebration as we honor three resident veterans with a tribute they so deeply deserve. On Friday, June 6 at 2:30 p.m., a special Quilts of Valor Ceremony will take place at Park Place, recognizing the bravery and service of those who have worn our nation’s uniform.

In partnership with the Quilts of Valor Foundation, each honored veteran will receive a handcrafted quilt—each stitch sewn with appreciation, each pattern a symbol of comfort and gratitude. These quilts are more than fabric and thread; they are a tangible expression of a nation’s thanks.

Merle Smith- Navy

Guerdon Lee- Marines

Karl Messer-  National Guard

All community members, friends, and family are warmly encouraged to attend this uplifting ceremony. Whether you’re coming to support a loved one or to simply share a smile with a neighbor, your presence will help make this event even more special.

Because freedom isn’t free—and neither are hugs, smiles, or really good quilts.

Light refreshments will be served, and all are welcome.
For questions or additional information, please contact Ashlee at 319-470-3377.

The Lee County Narcotics Task Force has announced the arrest of a West Point woman following the execution of a search warrant at her residence.

Allison Lea Wolkenhauer, 42, faces a range of felony and misdemeanor charges stemming from the investigation. She is accused of possession of more than five grams of methamphetamine with intent to deliver while in possession of a firearm — a Class B felony.

In addition, Wolkenhauer is charged with three counts of Iowa drug tax stamp violations, each a Class D felony. She also faces several serious misdemeanor charges for alleged possession of controlled substances, including morphine, oxycodone, clonazepam, ecstasy, and marijuana. She was further charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, a simple misdemeanor.

The charges are the result of a coordinated law enforcement effort. The search warrant was executed by the Lee County Narcotics Task Force with assistance from the Lee County area Special Response Team (SRT), the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the Fort Madison Police Department, and the Keokuk Police Department’s K-9 unit, including K-9 officer Szolt.

Authorities emphasize that all charges are allegations, and Wolkenhauer is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Lee County Narcotics Task Force receives partial funding from the U.S. Department of Justice, with funds administered by the Iowa Governor’s Office of Drug Control Policy.

Detectives with the Fort Madison Police Department have arrested Bryan Morehouse, Jr., following an investigation that resulted in a warrant for his arrest on a charge of Sexual Assault in the 2nd Degree, a Class B felony under Iowa law.

Officers located Morehouse, Jr. inside a garage at 2133 Avenue E and took him into custody without incident. During the arrest, police discovered a baggie containing 1.7 grams of a crystalline substance among Morehouse Jr.’s personal belongings. The substance later field-tested presumptive positive for methamphetamine.

Morehouse, Jr. was transported to the Lee County Correctional Center, where he is being held on a $50,000 bond. In addition to the felony charge, he now faces an additional charge of Possession of a Controlled Substance, a serious misdemeanor.

The arrest follows an ongoing investigation led by Fort Madison Police Department detectives. The case remains active, and Morehouse, Jr. is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

The arrest was authorized and confirmed by Fort Madison Police Chief Cody Potthast.