Crop Scout School Planned

By Theresa Rose · Tuesday, April 4th, 2023 at 3:42 pm CDT

Farmers and crop consultants can improve their knowledge of current issues by attending the Crop Scout School May 17, at the Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm near Crawfordsville.

The scout school, hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, is intended to be a foundational course, providing essential information for effective and efficient crop scouting.

Topics to be covered 

  • Crop scouting tips and tricks – Virgil Schmitt, extension field agronomist.
  • Corn and soybean growth and development and staging – Mark Licht, assistant professor agronomy and extension cropping systems specialist.
  • Crops disease identification – Ed Zaworski, extension specialist, plant pathologist.
  • Weed identification – Meaghan Anderson, extension field agronomist.
  • Insect pest identification – Ashley Dean, extension specialist, entomology.
  • Other crop issues and challenges (nutrient deficiencies, herbicide injury, etc.) – Virgil Schmitt and Rebecca Vittetoe, extension field agronomists.
  • Hands-on practice out in the field – Clarabell Probasco, Virgil Schmitt, and Rebecca Vittetoe, extension field agronomists.

“This Crop Scout School is a great opportunity to those wanting to refresh their knowledge and skills, as well as for those new to crop scouting,” said Rebecca Vittetoe. “The educational sessions, hands-on practice out in the field, and field guide publications, make this an exceptional value for those looking to increase their toolbox of resources to be better growers or crop scouts.”

Publications and resources included with registration 

  • Soybean Diseases and Corn Diseases booklets provide a combined 88-page compendium of soybean and corn diseases in Iowa and the greater north central region, in full color. Each guide is complete with disease life cycles and diagrams, as well as foliar disease estimation charts.
  • Field Crop Insects contains descriptions and color images of more than 55 pest and beneficial insects, as well as information on insect life cycle, damage, scouting and management options. There is also information on basic entomology and integrated pest management tactics.
  • Early, mid, and late season corn and soybean scouting cards are record keeping tools that outline diseases, insects, and disorders that occur to corn and soybean plants during the early, mid, and late parts of the growing season.
  • A digital Corn and Soybean Field Guide includes updated text and 375 images, illustrations, diagrams and tables to assist farmers with identifying corn and soybean diseases, insects and disorders found throughout the Midwest. This 158-page guide focuses on development stages, pesticide decisions and production-related topics to help you when scouting fields this summer.
  • A digital Weed Identification Field Guide 2nd Edition contains 35 illustrations and more than 250 high-quality photographs of weeds found in Iowa. Palmer amaranth information was added to this 108-page field guide, and information on herbicide resistance and management was updated from the first edition.

Advance registration is required. The cost of $100 includes the above printed and digital publications, lunch and refreshments. Registration for the course closes May 12, and the course is limited to 70 students.

The Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm is located at 3115 Louisa-Washington Road, Crawfordsville. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m., with the program running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

To register, visit https://go.iastate.edu/UADGBG For questions related to registration, contact Agriculture and Natural Resources Program Services at 515-294-6429 or anr@iastate.edu. For all other questions, contact Rebecca Vittetoe at 712-540-3319 or rka8@iastate.edu.

Governor Issues Disaster Proclamation for Six Additional Counties

By Theresa Rose · Tuesday, April 4th, 2023 at 3:27 pm CDT

DES MOINES – Today, Gov. Kim Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation for six additional counties in response to the March 31 severe weather. The governor’s proclamation allows state resources to be utilized to respond to and recover from the effects of this severe weather in Appanoose, Davis, Iowa, Jackson, Lucas, and Monroe counties.  

 

In addition, the proclamation activates the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program for qualifying residents, along with the Disaster Case Management Program, for those counties. The Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program provides grants of up to $5,000 for households with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Grants are available for home or car repairs, replacement of clothing or food, and temporary housing expenses. Original receipts are required for those seeking reimbursement for actual expenses related to storm recovery. The grant application and instructions are available on the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services website at https://dhs.iowa.gov/disaster-assistance-programs. Potential applicants have 45 days from the date of the proclamation to submit a claim.    

 

The Disaster Case Management Program addresses serious needs related to disaster-related hardship, injury, or adverse conditions. Disaster case managers work with clients to create a disaster recovery plan and provide guidance, advice, and referral to obtain a service or resource. There are no income eligibility requirements for this program; it closes 180 days from the date of the governor’s proclamation. For information on the Disaster Case Management Program, contact your local community action association or visit www.iowacommunityaction.org.  

 

On April 1 the governor issued a disaster proclamation for these 12 counties impacted by the March 31 severe weather: Cedar, Clinton, Delaware, Des Moines, Dubuque, Grundy, Johnson, Keokuk, Linn, Mahaska, Wapello, and Washington. This proclamation also activated the Iowa Individual Assistance Program and the Disaster Case Management Program. 

Arts IMPACT Celebrates National Poetry Month

By Theresa Rose · Tuesday, April 4th, 2023 at 3:25 pm CDT

Mount Pleasant Arts IMPACT is pleased to announce the launch of National Poetry Month this April. Cooperating with the Mount Pleasant Public Library, IMPACT’s mini-gallery display is a celebration of verse, creativity, and the power of words!

Get ready to be enthralled by the works of local talent represented by the poetry, artistry, and photography of Salem resident and retired mother Vicky Dovenspike. Vicky is the featured artist in the Arts IMPACT mini-gallery located in the Mount Pleasant Public Library and open for viewing during regular library hours this April and May.

A self-trained photographer, poet, and artist, Vicky masterfully intertwines her passions to create truly unique illustrations of her own poetry. She is a member of The Society of Great River Poets and has been published in Writers on The Avenue and Lyrical Iowa and The National Federation of State Poetry.

During her lifetime of interest in art she has worked with pencil, acrylic, and photography. She has shown extensively in local shows and through The Fort Madison Area Arts Association. Inspiration comes to her from life events, beauty in the world around her, and from people who impact her life.

COMPUTER POETRY BONUS

With all the current interest in artificial intelligence in the news, Arts IMPACT also presents in this show a selection of poetry showcasing the talents and abilities of artificial intelligence software ChatGPT. The computer was given the challenge of creating poetry selections on the subject of “Spring in Iowa” but written in the style of well-known and popular poets. On display are the computer-generated results of this challenge, and readers can judge for themselves how successfully the computer was able to respond to this “creative challenge.”

So what are you waiting for? Come see what’s new at the Mount Pleasant Arts IMPACT gallery in the Library this April and be part of the Poetry Month celebration. Embrace the energy, creativity, and passion of poetry — it’s an experience you won’t want to miss.

Renovations at Geode State Park to close beach area in 2023

By Theresa Rose · Tuesday, April 4th, 2023 at 3:18 pm CDT
The beach and surrounding facilities at Geode State Park will be closed for the 2023 recreational season beginning in late April due to a major road and parking lot construction project.

“In addition to the beach being closed, the road to the beach, the trail from the beach to the campground, beach shelters and beach restrooms will also be closed,” said Geode State Park manager Ulf Konig. The trail around the lake will remain open.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we improve the overall experience and accessibility to the beach and its facilities,” Konig said.

The construction project is expected to be completed by September. For more information about Geode State Park, visit www.iowadnr.gov/geode call the park office at (319) 392-4601.

 

 

Margaret Kathryn Bentzinger Gregory

By Theresa Rose · Tuesday, April 4th, 2023 at 3:16 pm CDT

Margaret Kathryn Bentzinger Gregory, aged 100, of Donnellson, Iowa died on March 30, 2023, at Addington Place Assisted Living of Ft. Madison, Iowa in the care of Southeast Iowa Regional Home Health Hospice.  Her life began in the room where she, her siblings and her mother were born.

Her birth was on September 2, 1922, to Carl M. and Edna Jane (Benjamin) Bentzinger. She was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings and one niece: Richard Alvin Bentzinger, Rosalie Jane Bentzinger and Rhoda Lee Gregory Brown. She is survived by her daughter: Rosalie Jane Gregory Mills, and her son: Carl Richeson Gregory, and grandchildren: Jason Novell Mills, Jeanne-Jo Gregory, Brian and Kelly Gregory and Alan Gregory. Also surviving are nieces and nephews: Rebecca Bentzinger, Sarah Bentzinger Clarahan, John Bentzinger, Philip Bentzinger, David Gregory, Jr., Gabrielle Gregory Elliott, Janet Gregory Moore, Susan Gregory Hilldrup. She has nine great nieces and nephews.

Margaret was a graduate of Donnellson High School and Iowa Wesleyan College, and was a Licensed Practical Nurse.

In 1944, Margaret met the love of her life, Robert Todd Gregory, a Naval Academy graduate and Naval Aviator taking flight training in Ottumwa, Iowa where she was living. They married eight weeks later.  Upon his death, they were married just short of 40 years.

Margaret accompanied her husband to duty stations until he was discharged from the Navy, and then to graduate schools at Iowa State, Florida State and the University of Illinois, where he completed his doctorate; then to professorships at the University of California at Santa Barbara, the University of Texas at Austin, and the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, in all of which he was a mathematician and computer science professor. Because of her faithful support of him in raising their children and overseeing their home during his schooling and throughout his teaching career, he was able to pursue a very successful and productive teaching, research, publishing and lecturing career.

Margaret accompanied her husband on sabbaticals where he did research, lectures and publishing in Switzerland, throughout Europe and Scandinavia, India, and Australia, and they travelled around the world together.

After her husband’s death, Margaret moved to Nashville, Tennessee with her sister, Rosalie; when Rosalie retired, they remodeled and moved back into their childhood home in Donnellson, where they lived until Rosalie’s death. Shortly thereafter, Margaret moved to Addington Place Assisted Living of Ft. Madison, Iowa.

Margaret was a member of PEO Sisterhood (of which she was the State President of Tennessee), Pi Beta Phi sorority, University Ladies’ Club and a faithful member of the Methodist and Baptist churches in the various places they lived.  Margaret and her husband taught the college Sunday School classes in Santa Barbara and Austin and hosted the college students in their home on Sunday evenings.  Margaret was an officer at a variety of levels of every organization with which she was involved.

After Margaret and Rosalie returned to Donnellson, Margaret joined the Garden Club, sang with the St. Barnabas Choir, and at her home church. She was a member of the United Methodist Women, sang in the church choir, served ice cream faithfully after church every Sunday, and she and Rosalie started and taught in the Kids’ Club.

Margaret and her husband attended the World Methodist Conference in Hawaii, and Margaret, her sister Rosalie and her daughter Rosalie Jane attended the World Methodist Conference in Nairobi, Kenya and traveled to several different countries on safari in Africa.

Margaret was devoted to her family and was the “eager mother” behind her son becoming an Eagle Scout.  After her husband’s death, Margaret found a letter he had written to his brother (their grandfather had raised racing horses), saying that when he met Margaret, “I knew a thoroughbred when I saw one.”  Margaret was indeed one amazing, remarkable woman.

Her body has been entrusted to the crematory of Schmitz Funeral Home for cremation.

The family is planning a Memorial Celebration for Margaret later this summer.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in her memory for the Donnellson United Methodist Church and can be mailed to the family at: Schmitz Funeral Home, P.O. Box 56, Donnellson, Iowa.

Schmitz Funeral Home of Donnellson is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.

Lois Alberta Noll

By Theresa Rose · Tuesday, April 4th, 2023 at 11:41 am CDT

Lois Alberta Noll, age 97, formerly of Stockport, Iowa passed away Sunday, April 2, 2023 at the Keota Health Care Center in Keota, Iowa.

Lois Alberta Noll was born May 16, 1925 in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, the second of twins, the daughter of Thomas and Susannah (Poulter) Phelps.  She grew up in the Harrisburg community and graduated from Bonaparte High School; in 1948 she graduated from Ottawa University in Kansas.  Lois and her sister worked for the war effort at Rock Island Arsenal on the B-17 line. She was united in marriage to Leonard A Noll on June 18, 1949 in Winchester, Kansas.  She taught school in Winchester along with farming with Leonard.  They moved to Iowa in 1956, to farm in the Stockport area.  She taught in Van Buren School for many years.  After her retirement she taught in the Van Buren Care Facility until her second retirement in 1997.  She was an active member of the Harrisburg Church, the HBW and other local organizations.  Lois enjoyed raising her family, quilting, gardening and going to the timber.

Lois is survived by her five sons, Russell (Kathy) Noll of Hillsboro, Ronald (Diane, DVM) Noll of New London, Steven (Linda) Noll of Lisbon, Christopher (Brenda) Noll of Bonaparte and CAPT Daniel (Kamar) Noll, SC, USN (ret) of Jacksonville, FL; 18 grandchildren; 39 great grandchildren; two sisters, twin Ruth Noren of Kansas City, MO and Mary Kongable of Winfield and two brothers, Bill (Leora) Phelps of Paola, KS and Dave (Lonna) Phelps of South Carolina.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two daughters Deborah Noll and Cheryl Maxfield and a son-in-law Lee Maxfield.

Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be 10:30 am on Monday, April 10, 2023, at the Olson~Powell Memorial Chapel in Mt. Pleasant.  Visitation will be Monday from 9:30 to service time.  Burial will be at the Vale Cemetery in Bonaparte.  A memorial fund has been established for the Bonaparte Baptist Church or the Vale Cemetery.  Messages and tributes may be directed to www.powellfuneralhomes.com.

Prep Boys Golf: Washington Led by Two Under Par Scores Takes First SEC Matchup

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, April 4th, 2023 at 11:38 am CDT

SEC Boys Golf- An early conference matchup for Southeast Iowa as Fairfield hosted Fort Madison, Keokuk, Mt. Pleasant, and Washington for a round of golf. It was the Demons who won the meet, shooting a solid 145 as a team followed by Fairfield with 166 total strokes. Mt. Pleasant finished in 3rd place with a score of 184 in a tight contest with Fort Madison that was separated by four strokes. Keokuk rounded out the group with a score of 208.

Washington had four golfers who shot under 40 on the day with Fairfield the only other team who had a golfer that shot under 40 in Austin Lisk with a 39. Rajan Roth had an incredible score of 33 on the day followed closely by Roman Roth with a 34. Drew Conrad and Luke Beenblossom both shot 39 for the afternoon.

The Panther’s top golfer was Nick Matheney with a score of 40. Reece Coffman was next as he shot a 43 on the day and Nate Dismang followed with a 46. Izaac Zihlman and Ben Meador both shot a 55 on the afternoon with Jason Rich finishing with a 60.

The Bloodhounds had four golfers tie for the team lead as Brennan Ulik, Brady Wade, Kane Williams, and Aidan Pennock all shot a 47 on the day. Fairfield saw solid scores from Dev Eisner, Landon Nodurft, Max Weaton, and Sam Weaton as they all shot under 50. Keokuk was led by Bryor Lindner with a final score of 45.

These teams will see each other again on April 6th at Fort Madison.

Sports, April 4th

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, April 4th, 2023 at 6:29 am CDT

High School Track and Field

Mt. Pleasant’s meet at Williamsburg has been canceled tonight.

The WACO relays have been canceled tonight.

Danville and Winfield-Mt. Union’s track meet at Mediapolis today has been canceled.

The Central Lee girls track meet at Fairfield tonight has been canceled and the boys will be competing on April 6th at the Pekin Invitational.

High School Soccer

The Mt. Pleasant boys and girls soccer teams dominated Columbus last night. The boys team found themselves tied at the end of the first half, but got the offense going in the second half to net three shots to win 3-0. Jonah Zimmer had 2 goals on the night with Kolbein Ostby adding a goal on a penalty kick.

The girls did not want to go back to overtime as they put up 5 goals in the second half to win 7-0 against the Wildcats. Charice Auwerda had quite the night, finishing with a hat-trick and an assist. Hailey Parrott put two in the back of the net. Elly Manning and Aurora Hummell each scored a goal. The girls will travel to play Washington on April 6th, while the boys will be at home against the Demons.

WACO’s boy soccer team’s next game will be against Highland on April 6th.

The Central Lee boys’ soccer team will take on Mediapolis on April 11th.

High School Golf

Winfield-Mt. Union hosted Louisa-Muscatine to open their season and the girls and boys teams both came away with victories. The boys team for the Wolves had 33 less strokes on the day as Cater Loyd (+5), Jake Edwards (+9), and Andrew Brown (+8) all shot under 10 over on the day. The varsity girls team shot 40 strokes under with Isabell Kann shooting the best on the day at 14 over. Lily Freeman and Alli Humphries both shot 55 on the day for the Wolves. Their next competition will be on April 13th against Wapello.

The New London boys and girls team will face off against Wapello on April 11th.

The Mt. Pleasant girls team will compete in the Fairfield Meet, while the boys team will travel to the Washington Meet with both competitions taking place April 6th.

The Central Lee boys team fell to Mediapolis 194 to 177 yesterday in total strokes. The top golfer for the Hawks was Mylan Lowenberg who shot a 43 on the day followed by Bo Herdrich with a 48. The Hawks will compete in the Van Buren County Meet on April 11th.

High School Tennis

The Mt. Pleasant girls team fell to Keokuk 8-1 yesterday. The lone victory of the match went to Bethany Drury in the #5 singles position in a commanding 8-2 fashion. The Panthers next meet will be April 6th against Fort Madison.

The Mt. Pleasant boys team handled business against Keokuk, sweeping the Chiefs 9-0. The most sets won by the Chiefs was two as Jake Ensminger, Elliot Cook, Tim Cam, and Gavin Ross all had at least one set where they shut out their opponent with Ensminger, Cam, and Ross tallying two. The Panthers will take on Fort Madison at home on April 6th.

Youth Basketball

The next event will be the Easter Weekend 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament held at Iowa Wesleyan University for 3rd graders through adults. For a registration form, contact Coach Ronnie Ashton at 319-931-2896 or Iowa Wesleyan’s Men’s Head Coach Jordan Ashton at 319-461-9023. Registration due by April 4th. It starts at 9am on April 8th.

March Madness

March Madness is in the books and despite a resilient San Diego State team, UConn is the second #4 seed to win the national championship. It is also the Huskies 5th championship in school history. Tristen Newton led the Huskies in points with 19 on the night.

Iowa Wesleyan Athletics

The Tiger softball team’s game against Clarke University has been canceled this afternoon.

The Tiger baseball team will take on Culver-Stockton today.

The Tiger golf teams finished up play in the Wildcat Classic yesterday and the men’s team stayed put and finished in 4th place. Brevin Wilson followed a strong day one with a better day two, shooting 13 over across the two days as he finished tied for 6th place. Trace White was the next Tiger as he finished tied for 14th shooting 19 over par. Culver-Stockton won the men’s side of things. Quincy won for the women with the Tigers also claiming 4th place. Aubrey Duncan and Michal Wohlleber stayed connected at the hip as they both shot 40 over par to finish tied for 12th place. The next event for the Tigers will be the SCC Invitational on April 10th.

The outdoor track and field teams are scheduled to compete at the Rittgers Invitational on April 7th at 10 am.

Iowa Wesleyan University Wrestling has experienced a lot of success in the last three years, especially on the women’s side of things. The Tigers have three wrestlers with the ability to compete at the World Championships or the Olympics. The three wrestlers looking to attend are Adaugo Nwachukwu, JoAnna Vanderwood, and Mia Palumbo. Head Coach Jake Kadel opted to establish a Tiger Wrestling Club through USA Wrestling and create a GoFundMe to help alleviate some of the costs for these wrestlers to chase their dreams.

“We’re just trying to gain additional funds to help support that and their efforts because it’s been a goal for them to try and reach the World Championships again.” If you would like to donate to the GoFundMe there is a link in the article on kilj.com.

Link: Tiger Wrestling Club, organized by Jacob Kadel

This Day in Sports History

1911 – Hugh Chalmers, automaker, suggests the idea of baseball MVP.

1948 – 84-year-old Connie Mack challenges 78-year-old Clark Griffith to a race from 3rd base to home; it ends in a tie.

1983 – 45th NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship: North Carolina State beats Houston, 54-52; Wolfpack win with buzzer-beating dunk by Lorenzo Charles off a desperation 30 foot shot from Dereck Whittenburg.