Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Lifts Order Cancelling Live Bird Exhibitions Due to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

By Theresa Rose · Friday, January 13th, 2023 at 7:01 am CDT

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship today announced that the November 10 order cancelling all live bird exhibitions at fairs and other gatherings of birds due to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been lifted. The order also prohibited live birds from being sold or transferred at livestock auction markets, swap meets, and exotic sales.

It has been 30 days since the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed a new infection of HPAI in domestic poultry in Iowa. The last confirmed case of HPAI in Iowa was announced on December 12.

“Commercial poultry producers and those with backyard birds should continue to be vigilant with their biosecurity because this destructive disease still poses a serious ongoing risk,” said Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. “We are continually monitoring highly pathogenic avian influenza case counts worldwide and we remain ready to quickly respond should spring migration bring us another enhanced level of threat.”

Commercial and backyard flock owners should prevent contact between their birds and wild birds. Sick birds or unusual deaths among birds should be immediately reported to state or federal officials. Biosecurity resources and best practices are available on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship website. If producers suspect signs of HPAI in their flocks, they should contact their veterinarian immediately. Possible cases must also be reported to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship at (515) 281-5305.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recent HPAI detections in birds do not present a public health concern. It remains safe to eat poultry products. As a reminder, consumers should always utilize the proper handling and cooking of eggs and poultry products. An internal temperature of 165˚F kills bacteria and viruses.

About HPAI

HPAI is highly contagious viral disease affecting bird populations. HPAI can travel in wild birds without those birds appearing sick, but is often fatal to domestic bird populations, including chickens and turkeys. The virus can spread through droppings or the nasal discharge of an infected bird, which can contaminate dust and soil.

Signs of HPAI may include:

  • Sudden increase in bird deaths without any clinical signs
  • Lethargy and/or lack of energy and appetite
  • Decrease in egg production
  • Soft, thin-shelled and/or misshapen eggs
  • Swelling of the head, eyelids, comb, wattles, and hocks
  • Purple/blue discoloration of the wattles, comb, and legs
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Coughing, sneezing, and/or nasal discharge (runny nose)
  • Stumbling and/or falling down
  • Diarrhea

 

For additional information on HPAI, please visit the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s website.

Signup for Crop Insurance Discount Program for Cover Crops Extended to Jan. 27

By Theresa Rose · Friday, January 13th, 2023 at 6:58 am CDT

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today extended the deadline to apply for the Crop Insurance Discount Program for cover crops to Jan. 27. Farmers who planted fall cover crops in 2022 can apply to receive $5 per acre discount on their 2023 crop insurance premiums.

“Cover crops offer many agronomic benefits to farmers and landowners while also helping to improve water quality,” said Secretary Naig. “At a time when crop input costs continue to rise, this innovative program will save farmers money while also providing improved water quality for Iowans and those downstream.”

In its sixth year, the program has helped increase cover crop acreage across the state and has been replicated in other Midwest states. Iowa has approximately three million acres of cover crops, a conservation practice that improves soil structure, enhances permeability and holds phosphorus and nitrogen in place.

Farmers and landowners may signup online before Jan. 27 at apply.cleanwateriowa.org.

Program Details

The Crop Insurance Discount Program is jointly administered by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA). Iowa’s program has served as a model and has been replicated by the USDA as well as Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana.

To qualify for the Crop Insurance Discount Program, the cover crop acres cannot be enrolled in other state or federal cost share programs. Farmers should visit the local USDA service center to learn about other cost share funding available to support the implementation of conservation practices. Some insurance policies, such as Whole-Farm Revenue Protection or those covered through written agreements, may be excluded. Participants must follow all existing farming practices required by their respective policy and work with their insurance agencies to maintain eligibility.

Southeast Iowa Farm Show Returns to Fairfield Arts & Convention Cente

By Theresa Rose · Friday, January 13th, 2023 at 6:56 am CDT

FAIRFIELD — The Kenny Norton Southeast Iowa Farm Show returns to Fairfield Arts &
Convention Center Saturday, March 4th from 9 am to 3 pm. Admission to the Farm Show is free
and open to the public.
Now in its eighth year, the show has become one of Iowa’s top ag expos, featuring the latest in
machinery, seed technology, grain handling, and more. Sponsors and exhibitors in
agri-businesses throughout Southeast Iowa will be showcasing their latest technology and
making connections with the community. Lunch will be available for purchase from 11 am to 2
pm, served up by the Jefferson County Pork Producers, and there will be attractions for children
and families throughout the day.
“Southeast Iowa Farm Show is one of the biggest and most important events we organize here,”
says Fairfield Arts & Convention Director Lindsay Bauer. “Fairfield’s culture is rooted in
agriculture and for us to be able to support growth in that industry is a big deal.”
The Farm Show will be followed by a performance by country music icon Billy Dean at 7:30 pm
that evening. Tickets to the Billy Dean concert are $18-$39 and are available to purchase at
fairfieldacc.com or by calling the Box Office at (641) 472-2787.
The Southeast Iowa Farm Show is supported by sponsorship by many area business leaders.
Current sponsors for 2023 include Jefferson County Farm Bureau, Pilot Grove Savings Bank,
BASF Ag Solutions, Heartland Co-op, Libertyville Savings Bank, Fairfield Precast Concrete, and
Hammes Vermeer LLC.
Businesses interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at this year’s expo are encouraged to contact
info@fairfieldacc.com for more information.

Sports, January 13th

By Slaten Swords · Friday, January 13th, 2023 at 6:31 am CDT

High School Basketball

The WACO boys’ team handled business last night against Hillcrest Academy 65-46. The Warriors stormed out to a 23-5 run to start the game. WACO will travel to play Wapello tonight with the girls playing at 6 pm followed by the boys.

The Winfield-Mt. Union Wolves will be traveling to play Pekin tonight with the girls playing at 6 pm. The girl’s team is currently 14-0 on the season, while the boys tout a 10-2 record.

Danville will be hosting Mediapolis tonight with the boys playing at 7:30 pm and the girls playing at 6 pm. The girl’s team comes into the game at 5-7 and the boy’s team is 9-3.

Holy Trinity Catholic will travel to play West Burlington tonight with the girls scheduled to start at 6 pm and the boys to follow.

The Central Lee Hawks will host New London tonight with the girls scheduled to play at 6 pm. This will be their second time playing one another this year with the Hawks winning the girl’s game and the Tigers winning the boy’s game.

Mt. Pleasant will be facing off against conference rival Fairfield, tonight with the girls on the road and the boys at home, both teams playing at 7:30 pm. KILJ will be covering the girls game with pregame scheduled to start at 7:15 pm.

High School Wrestling

The Mt. Pleasant boys’ team wrestled against Washington last night and fell 54-27 to the Demons. Bowen Davis picked up three points in a win over Lane Schrock. Jahmal Dodson, Christian Ossman-Falline, and William Birdsell all picked up wins by fall. Franklin Tousignant was the last Panther to pick up a win on the night via fall. The Panthers will look to bounce back tomorrow, January 14th, at a tournament at Centerville-Lakeview elementary.

New London celebrated their senior night last night with the Tigers picking up a win over Lone Tree but falling to Louisa-Muscatine and Burlington Notre Dame on the night. Dom Lopez and Trent Wilkerson were the two seniors being honored and Lopez went 3-0 on the night with Wilkerson going 2-1.

The Regional Qualifier for girls wrestling will start on January 27th and run through the 28th with the State Tournament to take place on February 2nd and 3rd.

High School Bowling

Mt. Pleasant will host Fairfield next Thursday, January 19th.

High School Football

The Iowa High School Athletic Association approved an amendment that will change the way football classification is done. In an effort to keep it balanced competitively, the IHSAA will be using a school’s free and reduced lunch count to determine a team’s classification. A school will have its annual enrollment and subtract 40 percent of the school’s free or reduced lunch count. The IHSAA will also be redistricting this offseason and releasing new schedules for the two year cycle before the fall season.

Iowa Wesleyan Athletics

The men’s and women’s basketball teams will travel to play Baptist Bible College tonight with the women playing at 5:30 pm and the men at 7 pm.

The men’s wrestling team will look to bounce back as they wrestle tomorrow, January 14th, at the Cliff Keen-Mike Duroe Invitational at Cornell College in Mount Vernon.

The women’s wrestling team will have another ranked match ahead of them as they travel to face off against Augsburg University on Sunday, January 15th.

The Tiger’s next indoor meet will be the Dutch Athletics Classic on January 14th.

New Head Coach for women’s soccer, Dr. Sofia Adams joined us on Tiger Nation yesterday and discussed her expectations for the team in the upcoming season.

“Lot of potential, a lot of potential. There’s some players that aren’t coming back that were key players, but I really feel though we’re not going to drop off in a lot of aspects.”

This Day in Sports History

1985 – 99 year old Otto Bucher from Switzerland becomes the oldest man to record a hole-in-one at Spanish GC La Manga’s 130-yard 12th hole.

2004 – Toronto’s Tom Fitzgerald and Gary Roberts become first teammates in NHL history to play their 1,000th NHL game on the same night as the Maple Leafs beat the visiting Calgary Flames, 4-1.

2019 – Houston guard James Harden scores 38 points in Rockets’ 116-108 loss to Orlando; 16th straight game with 30+ points matching Kobe Bryant’s NBA record streak; also goes 1 for 17 from 3-point arc, tying record for most misses.

New IHSAA Amendment to Hopefully Result in More Competitive High School Football

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, January 12th, 2023 at 4:57 pm CDT

High School Football- The Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) approved a football classification amendment that will take in a socioeconomic factor to figure out football classification starting in the 2023-2024 academic year. The amendment was first approved by the IHSAA’s Board of Control, then 80 percent of the voting schools agreed to the change.

The IHSAA will be using a school’s free and reduced lunch percentages along with their enrollment to figure out the final classification numbers. IHSAA executive director Tom Keating believes this will help with parity in the sport of football. The way free and reduced lunch percentages will adjust the classification is 40 percent of the school’s free or reduced lunch count will be reduced from their annual enrollment. An example would be if a school annual enrollment is 200 students and 100 students are on free or reduced lunch, then that school will have a count of 160 for final classification.

Keating added that they are hoping to fix the competitive imbalance.

“The State Board recognized the historical competitive challenges, supported by the data our staff assembled, which some of our schools have experienced.” 

The IHSAA will also be redistricting football this offseason, then releasing new schedules for the two-year cycle before the 2023-2024 season begins.

Iowa High School Girl’s Basketball Rankings: A #1 team falls and the Wolves Stay Undefeated

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, January 12th, 2023 at 4:20 pm CDT

Prep Girls’ Basketball- It is time for the weekly Iowa Girls High School Basketball Rankings complied by the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union. This week saw two local team drop out of the top 15, the Wolves gaining traction, and a couple top teams fall down the rankings

Class 1A had another week of stability with no teams dropping out of the top 15 and Algona Bishop Garrigan retaining the top spot. The only movement was Winfield-Mt. Union leapfrogging Burlington Notre Dame to be ranked 10th and the Nikes falling to 11th. The Wolves had a big win over 2A ranked #13 Mediapolis 54-38 with Bradie Buffington notching a 21-point 10-rebound double-double. Burlington Notre Dame has bounced back nicely from their three-game losing streak to go on a three-game winning streak including a big win over 2A ranked #12 West Burlington 48-44, fending off a fourth quarter comeback.

Dike-New Hartford, Central Lyon, and Sibley-Ocheyedan still hold the top three spots in Class 2A, respectively. Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont hopped one spot up the rankings from 5th to 4th after Treynor lost to Underwood 41-38 last Friday. Treynor fell to 9th and Underwood went from 9th to 7th. The biggest news was three teams dropping out of the top 15 in #10 West Monona, #12 West Burlington, and #13 Mediapolis. North Union went from unranked to 11th, South Central Calhoun took the vacant 12th spot, and Hinton rounds out the top 15 as the newly ranked team.

In a top five matchup last week between Solon and Benton Community, it was 4th ranked Solon who came out on top 36-35 with Callie Levin leading the scoring for the Spartans with 13 points. The 2nd ranked Bobcats fell to 4th and Solon moved one spot up to 3rd. Teams shifted around in the bottom half of the rankings, but no teams dropped out of the top 15 for Class 3A.

Class 4A saw the most shocking movement with Cedar Rapids Xavier falling from the top spot to 3rd after losing two straight heartbreakers to 12th ranked Iowa City West 58-57 and 3rd ranked North Polk 65-62. Dalla Center-Grimes takes over #1 spot followed by North Polk. Pella jumped five spots in the rankings from 15th to 10th after defeating #8 Indianola 54-43. Indianola is ranked 11th and the only team with a losing record in the top 15 in any of the classes. Winterset was the only team to drop out of the top 15 with Lewis Central taking the final spot sporting an 8-3 record.

The top four teams remained the same in Class 5A with Johnston and Pleasant Valley at #1 and #2, respectively, and they are both 13-0. Waukee Northwest went from 9th to unranked after a three-game losing streak to ranked opponents: #4 Valley, #7 Ankeny Centennial, and #6 Dowling Catholic. Cedar Falls skipped over Iowa City Liberty to be ranked 14th after going on a 4-game win streak including a win over 10th ranked Linn-Mar 53-45.

Melva J. Soppe

By Theresa Rose · Thursday, January 12th, 2023 at 3:29 pm CDT

Melva J. Soppe, 92, formerly of Fort Madison, Iowa, passed away at 5:00 a.m. Thursday, January 12, 2023, at the West Point Care Center in West Point, Iowa.

Born on September 6, 1930, in West Point, Iowa, the daughter of George and Wilhelmina “Minnie” (Umthum) Groene. On June 19, 1960, she married Melvin E. Soppe at Saint Mary’s of the Assumption Catholic Church in West Point. He preceded her in death on June 28, 1999.

Melva is survived by several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Melvin; two brothers: Wilfred and Elmer Groene; two sisters: Lorraine Overton-Scott and Adelaide Steffensmeier.

Melva was a member of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church Holy Family Parish in Fort Madison and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Eagles Club in Fort Madison. She worked for Sacred Heart Hospital and Fort Madison Community Hospital from 1952 until her retirement in 1992.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Kensington and West Point Care Center for the care they gave Melva over the last several years.

Family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 14, 2023, at Saint Mary’s of the Assumption Catholic Church in West Point.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 14, 2023, at Saint Mary’s of the Assumption Catholic Church in West Point, with Father Joseph Phung as celebrant.

Burial will be held in Calvary Cemetery in West Point.

A memorial has been established for the West Point Care Center.

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

Warning Regarding UnAuthorized T-Shirt Advertising

By Theresa Rose · Thursday, January 12th, 2023 at 3:25 pm CDT

Mount Pleasant Community School District Superintendent, John Henriksen, announced today(Thursday) that several business owners contacted him about an email they received from All American Publishing regarding the purchase of advertising for Mount Pleasant Community High School FFA  t-shirts.  He also stated that the email mentions FFA advisor, Brady Martin, implying the advisor has endorsed this project. Henriksen expressed that this project is not authorized by MPCSD and is no approved by the District Board of Directors.

However, Henriksen did say that the MPCHS FFA students will soon be taking orders for strawberries which is a School Board approved fundraiser.