Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly April through November. Additionally, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship provides a weather summary each week during this time.

“Warmer and generally dry conditions allowed for harvest to take another big step forward, with soybeans nearing completion,” said Secretary Naig. “A significant weather system with the potential for widespread rain is expected to move through the state later this week, which could idle harvest but alleviate some of the drought conditions.”

The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s website at nass.usda.gov.

Crop Report
Dry and warmer than normal temperatures in Iowa this week resulted in 5.7 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending October 22, 2023, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Corn and soybean harvest continued to be the primary field activities for the week, although there were reports of fertilizer application and fall tillage.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 16 percent very short, 38 percent short, 44 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 28 percent very short, 43 percent short, 28 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus.

Corn harvested for grain reached 62 percent statewide, 2 days ahead of last year and 1 week ahead of the 5-year average. Moisture content of field corn being harvested for grain remained steady at 17 percent. Soybeans harvested reached 87 percent, 1 day ahead of last year and 10 days ahead of the average.

Pasture condition improved slightly to 19 percent good to excellent. Livestock conditions have been reported as generally good, while getting water to pastured cattle continued to be an issue.

Weather Summary
Provided by Justin Glisan, Ph.D., State Climatologist, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Temperatures through the reporting period were unseasonably warm across much of Iowa with positive departures up to four degrees in the northwest; the statewide average temperature was 52.0 degrees, 2.2 degrees above normal. Rainfall was also sparse with widespread deficits in the 0.40- to 0.60-inch range along with numerous stations reporting no measurable totals.  

Clouds cleared in northeastern Iowa through Sunday (15th) afternoon as overcast conditions and spotty light showers remained in southern Iowa. Brisk northwesterly winds held daytime temperatures in the low to mid-50s. The remaining cloud cover over the state quickly dissipated, leading to starry skies into Monday (16th) with morning lows in the upper 30s and low 40s. High temperatures varied from the upper 50s north to mid-60s south under sunny skies with northwesterly winds persisting. Calm to light and variable winds developed overnight with patchy fog across northeastern Iowa and morning lows on Tuesday (17th) in the 30s. Afternoon conditions were clear with southwesterly winds and high temperatures in the upper 60s and low 70s. Winds began shifting to the west as a low-pressure center propagated through Minnesota into Wednesday (18th) with morning lows holding in the 30s east to low 50s west. Light showers formed along the attendant cold front as it swept through the state in the late afternoon with temperatures holding in the upper 50s and low 60s. Additional showers formed in northwestern Iowa and then reformed over southeastern Iowa before dissipating near sunrise on Thursday (19th). Rainfall totals were widespread, though generally less than 0.20 inch; the highest amounts were found in north-central and southeastern Iowa with 0.32 inch in Swea City (Kossuth County), 0.34 inch in Wapello (Louisa County) and 0.40 inch at Keokuk Lock and Dam (Lee County).

Clouds gradually cleared in western Iowa later in the day with highs climbing into the upper 60s, while mid to upper 50s persisted under overcast skies. Light westerly winds persisted into Friday (20th) with morning lows in the upper 30s to mid-40s with patchy fog observed in central Iowa. Mostly sunny skies greeted Iowa through the day with highs varying from the mid-60s east to upper 70s west, where winds were out of the south; the statewide average high was 71 degrees, 10 degrees above normal. A weak and fast-moving cold front dropped southeast through Iowa into Saturday (21st), shifting winds to the northwest. Wind speeds increased as the sun rose with skies remaining clear and temperatures rising into the upper 50s and low 60s. Morning lows on Sunday (22nd) ranged from the mid-30s northwest to mid-40s southeast under clear skies and light winds.

Weekly precipitation totals ranged from no accumulation at stations across Iowa to 0.41 inch in Oskaloosa (Mahaska County). The statewide weekly average precipitation was 0.10 inch while the normal is 0.58 inch. Little Sioux (Harrison County) reported the week’s high temperature of 80 degrees on the 20th, 19 degrees above normal. Elkader (Clayton County) and Stanley (Buchanan County) reported the week’s low temperature of 28 degrees on the 18th, on average eight degrees below normal.

The Mount Pleasant City Council will meet in Regular Session Wednesday,

October 25, 2023, at City Hall, 307 E. Monroe Street, second-floor meeting room at 5:30 p.m.

AGENDA

1. Roll Call.
2. Consent Agenda: To the Public — All items with an asterisk (*) are routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion and a roll call of the Council members. There will be no separate discussion of items unless the Mayor, a Council member or citizen so request, in which event the item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and will be considered in its normal sequence on the Agenda.
3. Receive & file communications.
4. Approve agenda.

*5. Approve minutes of previous meetings.

*6. Approve payment of bills.

*7. Receive report of Officers.

8. Old Business-
   1. 2^nd reading of ordinance to amend accessory building and shipping contamer ordinance.
9. New Business
   1. Resolution approving the submission to Henry County Auditor’s Office of requests for reimbursement in FYE 24/25 of economic development cost incurred in the City’s urban renewal areas.
   2. Resolution authorizing internal advance to Tax Increment Revenue Fund (TIF) for costs of Bluegrass Road.
   3. Resolution authorizing internal advance to Tax Increment Revenue Fund (TIF) for costs of purchase, demolition, and refurbishing existing structure at 102 N. Harrison.
   4. Resolution authorizing internal advance to Tax Increment Revenue Fund (TIF) for costs of MID-AM sanitary sewer main extension.
   5. Resolution authorizing internal advance to Tax Increment Revenue Fund (TIF) for Fratco Property — WestGate Estates Engineering.

1. Resolution authorizing internal advance to Tax Increment Revenue Fund (TIF) for Main Street Mount Pleasant Exterior Grants.
2. Resolution authorizing internal advance to Tax Increment Revenue Fund (TIF) for West Washington 3-Lane Engineering Services.
3. Approve Annual Urban Renewal Report.

10. Public Forum.
11. Adjourn to meet in regular session on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at 5:30 p.m.

Oh deer. When travelling in Iowa, whether it be across the state or across town, there’s a good chance you encounter deer on your daily commute. Every fall and winter, it seems like deer love to cross the road at the most inconvenient times. While you may not be able to change the fact that deer might jump in front of your vehicle, you can change the likelihood that you and the deer get home safely.

Stay alert as you are traveling. There are many factors that increase the risk of vehicle-deer collisions. Fall deer behavior, crop harvest, and peak travel times for commuters are just a few of these factors.

To ensure your safety, “sweep” eye movements from ditch to ditch. This is especially important while driving during low light hours and near tree-lined areas.  Increase following distance between vehicles, because you never know when the car in front of you is going to slam on their brakes due to a deer in the road.

Don’t veer for deer. Resist the sudden impulse to jerk your wheel in one direction. Instead, firmly grasp the wheel while applying the brakes and honk your horn.

As dad always said, when there is one, there is always more. Deer very rarely travel by themselves, so don’t take off once one deer passes. Make sure the roadway is completely safe before increasing your speed.

There is no guarantee that you can avoid encounters with deer, but if you follow these tips, you should be able to drive away with out much more than a minor inconvenience.

U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley is accepting applications for his Spring 2024 internship program, an opportunity for college-age Iowans to learn firsthand about our federal government.

Internships are available in Grassley’s offices in Washington, D.C., Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Davenport, Des Moines, Sioux City and Waterloo. The Spring 2024 Washington internship program runs from January 2 – May 24. The Spring 2024 Iowa internship offers a flexible schedule and can often be adjusted to accommodate each student’s class and work obligations. To date, nearly 1,000 individuals have participated.  

“Nothing compares to real life work experience. That’s why every intern in my office has their own work assignment and responsibilities,” Grassley said. “In addition to learning the ins and outs of a congressional office, interns gain access to a strong network of professionals. I’m proud that many alumni of the Grassley internship program have gone on to excel in a variety of fields, including business, health care, technology, education, law and public service.”

Washington interns have the chance to immerse themselves in the policymaking process and work closely with our nation’s legislators. They gain invaluable professional experience through supporting permanent staff on administrative, legislative and communications projects. These interns may assist with local and national interviews, attend congressional hearings, briefings and votes, and visit the Senate floor.

Iowa interns work alongside Grassley’s constituent services specialists and regional directors, who play a pivotal role in the two-way representative government process. These interns attend community and business meetings and assist Iowans with issues involving federal agencies. With six offices across the state, this is an excellent option for students to supplement their studies with an impactful internship close to campus or home.

How to Apply:

Applications and resources are available on Grassley’s new internship page. Spring 2024 applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. For those seeking additional information or to submit their applications, please contact Tyler Henningsen at Internships_Grassley@grassley.senate.gov or call (202) 224-3744.

Mark Hempen of New London has announced his candidacy for the Southeastern Community College District 1 Trustee seat.  Hempen wants to directly support the successful initiatives currently going on at the college, as well as future initiatives to promote quality higher education in the southeast Iowa region.

“As I’ve lived and worked in southeast Iowa, I’ve seen SCC grow to become an award-winning institution.  I stand behind SCC’s positive path that has supported innumerable successful careers and will support efforts to created an education workforce to fulfill local job opportunities.  Many of Southeast Iowa’s largest achievements started with a degree from SCC.”

Hempen has gained extensive leadership experience in his career and his volunteer commitments in southeast Iowa.  After a successful career in radio and radio sales with KBUR/KGRS and later Titan Broadcasting in Burlington, he has served as the Foundation Director for Henry County Health Center for the past eight years.

He was previously elected to the New London City Council for 12 years, was appointed to the Mississippi Valley Regional Workforce Investment Board and the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission and has also volunteered as a member of the Red Flag Horseless Carriage Tour Board, the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber Ambassadors and the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce Board, where he was recognized as Volunteer of the Year.   He has gained extensive experience with public budgeting, board governance, fundraising and community relations.

Hempen believes his record of collaborative partnerships and positive relationship-building would be a positive addition to the SCC board and he asks for your vote on November 7^th.