DONNELLSON — First-time fair exhibitor Jessa Hawk is already making a name for herself in the horse arena at the Lee County Fair, competing in an ambitious ten classes during this year’s horse show. With her horse Poncho at her side and a bright smile on her face, Jessa shared her excitement and hard work in an interview Wednesday morning.

Of the ten classes she’s registered for, Jessa had completed three at the time of the interview — Western Pleasure, Western Walk-Trot, and Pony Halter.

When asked how her performances had gone so far, she beamed. “Pretty good,” she said. “Poncho’s done a good job for me.”

This marks Jessa’s first time showing horses at the Lee County Fair, but horses aren’t her only focus this week. Jessa is also showing pigs and rabbits, proving her dedication to a full 4-H experience. Of the two, rabbits seemed to be her favorite. “Yes,” she said with a grin when asked if they were fun. But keeping up with her animals takes effort. “There’s a lot of chores,” she said, especially with pigs — “a lot of dirty work.”

Fortunately, she has help. “Mom and Dad,” she said when asked who supports her with all the responsibilities.

Her mother, Tiffany Hawk, has a long history with horses and proudly supports Jessa’s participation. “We barrel raced all year long,” she said. “I’ve been into horses my whole life. So her whole life, she has also been into horses.”

The fair continues through the weekend, and Jessa’s next big moment is the pig show, scheduled for Friday. With her hard work and Poncho’s steady pace, Jessa Hawk is sure to make more memories — and maybe bring home some ribbons too.

DES MOINES, Iowa (July 7, 2025) – Farmers across Iowa made steady progress last week thanks to improved weather, logging an average of 4.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending July 6, according to the latest report from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Moisture levels remain favorable, with topsoil moisture rated at 73 percent adequate and 16 percent surplus. Only 1 percent of topsoil was reported as very short. Subsoil moisture conditions were similarly strong, with 73 percent adequate and 10 percent surplus.

Corn development continues to track well, with 15 percent of the crop silking—matching last year’s pace and coming in two days ahead of the five-year average. Some early reports indicated that corn in parts of the state has reached the dough stage. The condition of Iowa’s corn was reported as 86 percent good to excellent, with only 2 percent rated poor and none considered very poor.

Soybeans are also progressing ahead of schedule. Blooming reached 36 percent, three days ahead of last year and one day ahead of the average. Nine percent of soybeans were reported as setting pods. Overall, 79 percent of the state’s soybean crop was rated in good to excellent condition.

Small grain progress is strong as well. Iowa’s oat crop is 94 percent headed and 55 percent has turned color, with 9 percent already harvested for grain. Oats were rated 88 percent good to excellent.

Hay production also moved forward with 53 percent of the state’s second cutting of alfalfa hay complete. A few producers have begun their third cutting. Hay conditions remain strong, with 84 percent rated good to excellent. Pasture conditions followed suit, with 71 percent rated in the top two categories.

Despite high heat and humidity, livestock across the state were reported to be in generally good condition.

The crop report provides a snapshot of how Iowa’s agricultural season is progressing as farmers continue managing fieldwork and livestock during the peak of summer.

MOUNT PLEASANT, Iowa — Individuals interested in becoming substitute teachers in Iowa will soon have an opportunity to earn their authorization through a virtual course offered in partnership with the Mount Pleasant Community School District.

The Substitute Authorization Course (Course ID: 53969 – GP) is scheduled to be held virtually on Sunday, August 3, 2025, beginning at 5:00 p.m. This training is designed for individuals seeking the Substitute Authorization for grades PK-12, and completion of the course fulfills one of the key requirements to serve as a substitute teacher in Iowa schools.

The course is hosted through the AEA Learning Online system, and participants must register in advance via the platform’s secure sign-in at: https://sso2.aealearningonline.org/login.

The Substitute Authorization allows individuals who hold a minimum of an associate’s degree or have completed 60 college credit hours to teach in a variety of classroom settings when full-time educators are unavailable. The virtual course includes training in classroom management, ethics, diversity, and strategies for effective instruction.

This course is a valuable pathway for community members, retirees, college students, and others who want to support local schools and help fill ongoing staffing needs.

For more information on course content or eligibility, interested individuals should contact the Mount Pleasant Community School District or visit the AEA Learning Online site.

MOUNT PLEASANT, IOWA – Do you love Mount Pleasant and want to show it off to thousands of fairgoers? Now’s your chance! Organizers are calling on enthusiastic volunteers to help tell the story of Mount Pleasant at the 2025 Iowa State Fair.

Volunteers will be stationed in the air-conditioned Varied Industries Building, where they’ll hand out fun and informative materials, apply temporary tattoos to excited visitors, and share what makes Mount Pleasant one of Iowa’s standout destinations.

Each shift is just three hours long, with four volunteers needed per shift. That means plenty of time to enjoy the rest of the fair before or after working the booth.

How to Sign Up:
Those interested in volunteering can visit oldthreshers.org/fairsignup

Important Details:

• Tickets & Parking: Volunteers are responsible for purchasing their own admission and parking. Discounted tickets are available for $11/day at Hy-Vee Food Stores starting July 1. Prices increase to $16/day after August 6.
• Comfort & Perks: The booth is located in the air-conditioned Varied Industries Building—a welcome bonus during hot August days at the fair.

Organizers express heartfelt appreciation for everyone willing to give their time and energy. So if you’re ready to spread some hometown pride, sign up today and help make this year’s Iowa State Fair unforgettable

Fort Madison, Iowa – The Lee County Narcotics Task Force has announced the arrest of a Fort Madison man on a range of felony and misdemeanor drug charges following the execution of a search warrant at his residence.

Steven Austen Lynn, 27, of Fort Madison, is facing multiple charges stemming from a July 2025 investigation. Authorities report that Lynn was in possession of a large quantity of psilocybin mushrooms and various other controlled substances when officers searched his home.

Lynn has been charged with:

• Possession of psilocybin mushrooms with intent to deliver, a Class C felony
• Four counts of Iowa drug tax stamp violations, each a Class D felony
• Possession of methamphetamine, a serious misdemeanor
• Possession of marijuana/THC wax, a serious misdemeanor
• Possession of MDMA (ecstasy), a serious misdemeanor
• Possession of a weapon by an ineligible person, a serious misdemeanor
• Possession of drug paraphernalia, a simple misdemeanor

The charges are part of an ongoing investigation conducted by the Lee County Narcotics Task Force. The Fort Madison Police Department assisted with the search operation. As with all criminal cases, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Get ready to fire up the grills—Farm Bureau Day is bringing the sizzle to the Lee County Fair on Saturday, July 12th, with its annual Cookout Contest. This mouthwatering event promises fierce competition, savory flavors, and a chance for local grill masters to shine on a bigger stage.

The action kicks off with registration at 2:00 PM, followed by judging at 4:00 PM, and public tasting to follow, giving fairgoers a delicious way to spend their afternoon.

Competitors will be showcasing their skills across a variety of categories, including: Pork, Beef, Chicken, & Turkey. Those competing will be cooking for the Combo/Specialty, Team Champion, Youth Champion, & Overall Champion award.

The winners from each category will earn more than just bragging rights—they’ll advance to compete at the Iowa State Fair, representing Lee County in the statewide showdown.

For more information on the fair or contest rules, visit the Lee County Fair’s official website.