Beginning farmers know the substantial initial investment it takes to farm, and those who currently farm are facing a projected 25% cut in their net farm income compared to last year. These situations have prompted interest in niche opportunities that require less land or can complement an existing family farm.

To meet this rising interest, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation’s Acres of Opportunity conference provides a space to learn from and network with farmers who have taken a diversified path.

The conference is slated for March 16 at the Bridge View Center in Ottumwa and will cover niche areas such as specialty meats, small grains, flower farming, regenerative grazing and more. Industry experts will also be present to talk about beginning farmer loans, branding opportunities and e-commerce.

Keynoting the event is Sarah Frey, CEO and founder of Frey Farms, the nation’s leading grower, shipper and marketer of fresh fruits and vegetables. Frey will share the importance of learning from each other’s challenges and drawing on the inspiration all around us.

Registration is free for Farm Bureau members and $60 per person for non-members. Register online by March 3 and view a full agenda at www.iowafarmbureau.com/acres.

For our 4-H seniors, make sure to submit your Senior Spotlight Form as well as a high quality photo to Kristen by March 1^st! The Senior 4H banners will be on display at the Fair as usual. Like previous years, the Henry County Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will be giving Senior Spotlight shout-outs to all of the 4-Hers on Facebook.

Form: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/henry/4h

Kristen’s Email: kbrinck@iastate.edu

The Mount Pleasant Police Department responded to a two-vehicle collision on February 6^th at the intersection of E Baker St and Beavers Drive.

Officers arrived at 12:54pm a found that a Buick Sedan, driven by Carolyn Dorothy of Mount Pleasant was westbound on E Baker, when it failed to stop at a stop sign. The Buick struck a Nissan Sedan driven by Brodie Wenger, also of Mount Pleasant. The Buick came to a stop on N Gran Avenue, temporarily blocking northbound traffic.

Total combined estimated damage is $7000. No injuries were reported at the time of the accident.

The Mount Pleasant InMotion show choir travels to Keokuk tomorrow for their second competition of the season. After a very successful home invitational last weekend, it seems excitement surrounds the group as they continue their charge this season.

The group, comprised of freshmen through seniors, and led by director Makenzie Kauffman-Ho is sure to put on a great show. According to the program, you can catch InMotion at 1:50pm on Saturday at the Keokuk High School. They are sandwiched between the only other 3A groups, Springfield and Fort Madison.  Tickets are $10 for adults and children under 5 are admitted for free.

A merger between two banks in our area has been made official.

Pilot Bancorp, Inc., the holding company of Pilot Grove Savings Bank, announced the signing of an agreement to merge Wayland State Bank with Pilot Grove Savings Bank.

This agreement is subject to shareholder and regulatory approval which is anticipated to occur in the 2nd quarter of 2024. The completed merger is expected to take place during the 3rd quarter of 2024.

This will create an estimated combined asset value of just shy of one billion dollars, at $942 Million. Wayland State Bank operates banks in Wayland, Winfield, and Mount Pleasant, Iowa.

Matt Morrison, Pilot Grove Savings Bank President and CEO commented, “We are delighted to welcome Wayland State Bank into the Pilot Grove Savings Bank family. It is rare to find a bank whose dedication to customer service and traditional banking values mirrors that of Pilot Grove. Our like-minded approach can only serve to produce a seamless transition for both the employees and customers.”

Wayland State Bank has been committed to the community, customers, and employees, for over 90 years. Led by a dedicated and progressive board of directors, they have become aware that more opportunities are available to enhance the value of Wayland State Bank to their communities.

They are very fortunate to join forces with a partner that allows us to fulfill that vision. “Pilot Grove will enable us to combine our strengths to form a team of community minded, experienced bankers who share a common value in providing innovative financial solutions and pledging our resources to promote agriculture, small business and home ownership,” CEO Robert Meyer said. “Our top priority is to make this transition as seamless as possible for our customers and employees.”

“The Pilot Grove team is excited to work with the employees and customers of Wayland State Bank,” Morrison said. “Banking rural Iowa communities is not only a specialty of Pilot Grove Savings Bank but a commitment. We are confident everyone will appreciate our focus on successful banking relationships and community growth.”

About Pilot Grove Savings Bank:

Pilot Grove Savings Bank was established on May 12, 1911, when 23 investors collectively pooled $10,000 to form the foundation of the bank. Beginning in a modest building on the sole street in Pilot Grove, Iowa, the institution’s journey has been marked by resilience and growth. Over the decades, the Home Office in Pilot Grove witnessed significant expansions, reflecting the bank’s commitment to accommodating its expanding services. Branch offices sprouted in neighboring towns, with notable additions in Houghton (1980), Donnellson (1983), West Point (1992), Mount Pleasant and Packwood (2000), Winfield (2004), Fort Madison (2011), Keokuk (2013), Fairfield (2014), and West Burlington (2020). Today, with over 100 employees, Pilot Grove Savings Bank remains steadfast in its founding values of trust, loyalty, and commitment, poised to embark on a new chapter through this merger with Wayland State Bank.

Scammers work awfully hard to take your money during tax season. Do not give out any personal information over the phone, which includes your bank account information.

A general rule of thumb, if you get a call that sounds too good to be true, it more than likely is.

Computer scams are ramping up in popularity as well. Make sure not to give out information or purchase gift cards as a form of payment.

According to the IRS website, scammers often impersonate the IRS by phone, email, or even in person. There are multiple ways to stay vigilant against these schemes.

The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email to request personal or financial information. Typically, the IRS first mails a paper bill to a person who owes taxes.

If you are suspicious of a potential scam, please report these to the IRS. Do not click on any links, reply, or take any other actions that may put you at risk. There are specific ways to pay taxes. The agency will not leave pre-recorded, urgent, or threatening messages on an answering system. They will never threaten to bring in police, call for immediate payment with a prepaid debit card, gift card, or wire transfer, or ask for checks to third parties. Finally, the IRS will not demand payment without giving the taxpayer an opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed.

Criminals can fake or spoof caller ID numbers to appear to be anywhere in the country. Scammers can even spoof an IRS office phone number or the numbers of various local, state, federal or tribal government agencies. Again, report scam calls to the IRS.

For more information:

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tips-to-help-taxpayers-spot-and-avoid-tax-scams