Southeast Iowa Agricultural Research Association to Hold Open House and Field Day Ribbon cutting on new research farm facility

By Theresa Rose · Friday, August 5th, 2022 at 6:57 am CDT

CRAWFORDSVILLE, Iowa – Farmers and farm businesses in southeastern Iowa are invited to join the Southeast Iowa Agricultural Research Association and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach on Sept. 8 at the Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm for an open house and ribbon cutting for their new Research and Learning Center building and to celebrate the Southeast Research Farm’s 35th anniversary. The event will start at noon with a complimentary lunch, which will include hamburgers grilled by the Washington County Cattlemen.

Following lunch there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Research and Learning Center building with some comments from special guests from Iowa State University, including President Wendy Wintersteen; John Lawrence, vice president for extension and outreach; Dan Robison, endowed dean’s chair in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences; Kendall Lamkey, agronomy department chair; and Steve Harris, chair of the Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, and the Department of Entomology.

There will also a presentation looking back at the 35-year history of the Southeast Iowa Agricultural Research Association and the Southeast Research Farm by Tim Goode, Iowa State research farms manager, and a farm update provided by Cody Schneider, Southeast and Muscatine Island Research Farms superintendent.

The day will end with networking, informal discussions, field plot tours and dessert.

The association was founded in 1983 by local farmers from a 21-county area to collaborate with Iowa State on locally relevant research for southeast Iowa. An elected board of directors manages the association, with Iowa State staff coordinating research and demonstrations on the farm.

Anyone can be a member of the association. Membership fees are $25 for five years. Members receive notice of meetings and events and contribute to continuing support of agricultural research in southeast Iowa.

While there is no cost, for those who plan to attend, RSVP by Sept. 6 to help with the headcount for food either by going to https://go.iastate.edu/RWZOHU or by calling the ISU Extension and Outreach Johnson County office at 319-337-2145.

The Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm is located at 3115 Louisa-Washington Road, Crawfordsville, Iowa. To reach the farm, follow U.S. Highway 218 one-and-three-quarter miles south of Crawfordsville, then two miles east on County Road G-62, then three-quarters of a mile north. Signs will be posted near the farm.

Project sponsors included the Washington County Riverboat Foundation, Committee for Agricultural Development, local extension councils and others. If you are interested in contributing to the new Research and Learning Center, contact Ryan Drollette, farm management specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach and treasurer for Southeast Iowa Agricultural Research Association, at 319-337-2145 or seiara@iastate.edu. For more information, contact Schneider at schn145@iastate.edu.

Student Artwork Featured in Library Art Gallery

By Theresa Rose · Friday, August 5th, 2022 at 6:56 am CDT

In a first for Mount Pleasant Arts IMPACT, the new art exhibit in the public library showcases the work of student artists.

 

Twenty-seven artists, all studying under the guidance of local art professional Annie Guldberg, are ages six through adult. The students worked individually in one-on-one lessons over the summer with Annie in her Mount Pleasant studio.

 

As part of the learning process, each student was challenged to create a piece that included both an element of drawing and an element of painting. Part of the challenge assignment suggested students create a self-portrait in any style or a drawing of one or more of the students’ personal interests. The finished product was to include a painted portion on 11” x 14” canvas. These are the works shown in the Mount Pleasant public library gallery display.

 

The current exhibit in the Mount Pleasant Public Library includes 27 examples from the student work produced. A fascinating part of the exhibit is seeing how each individual artist worked through the project in his or her individual way.

 

Annie Guldberg’s main teaching philosophy is to encourage all her students to love the process of creation. She believes that art, like any skill, can be learned with the right tools and practice. Given a relaxing, encouraging, and creative environment, Annie believes students of any age can be inspired to create.

 

Annie is a professional artist who lives in Mount Pleasant. She teaches private one-on-one art lessons in her studio as well as creating work for sale in galleries around the midwest. She is also known for her commissioned artwork in oils. Her website is www. OilPainterAnnie.com for those wishing to see her work.

 

The Mount Pleasant Arts IMPACT art gallery is supported by the Enhance Henry County Foundation.

Inaugural Women in Ag Farm Crawl in Washington, Henry Counties

By Theresa Rose · Friday, August 5th, 2022 at 6:53 am CDT

WASHINGTON, Iowa – The inaugural Women in Ag Farm Crawl is set for Saturday, Aug. 27, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Washington County and the Washington County Women in Agriculture Advisory Board are planning the event.

The farm crawl will feature four tour stops in the Washington County and northern Henry County area. The purpose of the farm crawl is to provide a fun networking opportunity for women and also a learning opportunity.

The following destinations are on the tour:

  • Hilltop Dairy. A fourth-generation family dairy farm, this will be the first stop on the farm crawl. Doug Roth is the current owner and manager of Hilltop Dairy, along with his daughter, Madi. They will share more about their operation along with where their milk goes after it leaves the farm. This stop will include some taste testing of dairy products as well.
  • Geode Forestry. Located in northern Henry County, Geode Forestry serves landowners in Southeast Iowa and west-central Illinois. Learn more about Iowa’s forest and timber industry and get an overview of managing timber acres, including new plantings, timber management, upkeep, and marketing and selling.
  • Iowa State’s Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm. Located near Crawfordsville, this farm is one of the outlying research farms that Iowa State has around the state. The Southeast Iowa Agricultural Research Association owns the farm, but the farm is managed by Iowa State. Learn more about the research farm and some of the local research projects being conducted while enjoying lunch. Following lunch, there will be a tour of some of the research projects.
  • Revasser Winery. The last stop will be at the Revasser Winery, which will include an optional wine tasting for those 21 years or older who are interested in participating for $10. Learn more about this winery, viticulture and winemaking.

Participants will meet at the ISU Extension and Outreach Washington County office between 8-8:20 a.m., and the tour bus will leave for the first stop at 8:30 a.m. The bus will return to the extension office by 3 p.m.

Registration is $30. Register by calling the ISU Extension and Outreach Washington County office at 319-653-4811 or register online

Dorothy M. Halm

By Theresa Rose · Friday, August 5th, 2022 at 5:49 am CDT

Dorothy M. Halm, 82, of Mt. Pleasant passed away on Wednesday, August 3, 2022, surrounded by family.

Friends may call on Saturday, August 6, 2022, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant, the casket will remain closed per Dorothy’s wishes.  The family will not be present.  Private family services will be held and burial will be in the Forest Home Cemetery in Mt. Pleasant.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com

 

Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant, is caring for her arrangements.

 

William John “Hoot” Wilson

By Theresa Rose · Thursday, August 4th, 2022 at 5:51 pm CDT

William John “Hoot” Wilson, 57, of Mt. Pleasant, died Thursday, August 4, 2022 at his home.

According to his wishes, his body will be cremated and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Elliott Chapel, New London, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Dr. Harold C. “Pete” Rankin (final arrangements)

By Theresa Rose · Thursday, August 4th, 2022 at 5:37 pm CDT

Dr. Harold C. “Pete” Rankin of Mount Pleasant, Iowa, passed away on August 4, 2022, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Pete was born April 18, 1935, in Grand Chain, Illinois, the son of Harold and Daisy (Hill) Rankin.  He graduated from high school in Early, Iowa, in 1952. He received his Pharmacy Degree from Drake University in 1956, and medical degree from the University of Iowa in 1960.

On June 19, 1960, Pete was united in marriage to his lifelong partner, Janis Horne, at the Vermont Street United Methodist Church in Quincy, Illinois. Pete was a devoted and loving husband to Jan and father to their three daughters, Lynn, Cynthia and Laura.

Pete began his medical practice with an internship at the Delaware Hospital in Wilmington, Delaware and two years as a medic in the United States Air Force at K.I. Sawyer AFB in Sands, Michigan. He and Jan moved to Mount Pleasant in 1963. Pete served as a caring and compassionate family practice physician in the community for 35 years.  He also founded the kidney dialysis unit at Henry County Health Center in 1969, and was their director for 22 years.

Pete served his community as a trustee for Iowa Wesleyan University, president of the Chamber of Commerce, director for the Henry County Savings Bank, team doctor for the high school football team for over 20 years, and president of the Kidney Foundation of Iowa.

After retiring from his medical practice, he followed another passion and became a Master Gardener. Pete wrote a biweekly column, “Tip of the Trowel,” for local papers and was one of the founders of the Henry County Master Gardeners organization.

Pete was a member of the First United Methodist Church. He loved gardening, collecting Wedgwood, traveling, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed sports and was an avid Hawkeye fan. For 20 years, he and his wife enjoyed vacationing with their family at the Lake of the Ozarks. Pete was beloved for his kind spirit and gentle nature.

He is survived by his wife Janis; three daughters, Dr. Lynn Rankin (Steve Karlin) of Des Moines; Cynthia (Mark) Rauschert of Bushnell, Illinois; Laura (Paul) Bickle of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina; eight grandchildren, Addie (Mackenzie) Mumey of Decatur, Georgia; Anne (Austin) Raisor of Felicity, Ohio; Matt (Emma) Rauschert of Bushnell, Illinois; Maisie Karlin of Boston, Massachusetts; Lucy Karlin of Des Moines; Sam Bickle of Charlotte, North Carolina; John Bickle of Indianapolis, Indiana; and Molly Bickle of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina; two great grandchildren, Miller Mumey, Noelle Mumey; and a brother, Bruce Rankin of LaBelle, Florida.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be Thursday, August 11, 2022, from 10:00am – 4:00pm, at the Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. Family will be present from 2:00 – 4:00pm. A private family funeral will be held.

Pete and his family are very grateful for the caregivers at Sunrise Terrace and EveryStep Hospice who lovingly helped him through his illness. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation. Memorial donations in memory of Dr. Pete Rankin may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Mount Pleasant, Iowa, EveryStep Hospice (www.everystep.org) of Mount Pleasant, Iowa, and Sunrise Terrace of Winfield, Iowa.

 

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John Clark Schlatter

By Theresa Rose · Thursday, August 4th, 2022 at 4:38 pm CDT

John Clark Schlatter, 69, of Hopkins, MN peacefully passed away on Thursday February 10, 2022 at Emerald Crest Memory Care, surrounded by his loved ones.

John Clark Schlatter was born on January 24, 1953 in Mt Pleasant IA to Glenn and Jeanette (Zickefoose) Schlatter. John was a member of First Baptist Church in Mt. Pleasant and graduated from Mt Pleasant High School in 1972. After working for a year for the Mt Pleasant Newspaper he joined the Navy. He was stationed at the San Diego Naval base and proudly served his country for four years. Following his honorary discharge he remained in San Diego working for a printing company for the next 16 years. In 1988 he married Lori Moyle from LaCrosse, WI. They made their home in San Diego and their family became complete when their son, Nathan Timothy was born in 1991. In 1999, John packed up his family and they moved to the Twin Cities and settled in Hopkins, MN. John found his nitch in driving shuttle for various hotels in the area. He especially liked driving the airline pilots and hearing about their adventures.

John had a strong faith in God and was always involved in his church wherever he was. He loved playing his saxophone and praising God with his music. Most recently he was attending Life Church/Christian Family Church. John always had a special love for his dog, Cooper, who always brought him a smile. He would play with Cooper or just hold him and let Cooper lick his face – always made John giggle.

John is survived by his wife, Lori, of Hopkins, MN and his son, Nathan, of St. Louis Park, MN. His sister, Helen (Dennis) Friest of Radcliffe, IA, niece, Brenda (Ryan) Ritter of Tucson, AZ and nephews Brad (Jodi) Friest of Roland, IA and Brent Friest of Radcliffe, IA and nine great- nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, Richard and Elloise (Barton) Moyle and his sister-in-law, Linda Moyle.

A graveside service will be held at Forest Home Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant on Saturday, August 13th at 1 p.m.. A time of reminiscing and celebration of John’s life will be held at the First Baptist Church fellowship hall after the graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, gifts of love and friendship may be given to Timber Bay Youth Investment, PO Box 316, Medina, MN 55340 in John’s honor. The Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel is assisting John’s family with local arrangements.

Richard Eugene Elefson

By Theresa Rose · Thursday, August 4th, 2022 at 11:37 am CDT

Richard Eugene Elefson, 86, died Tuesday, August 2, 2022, at Columbus Regional Health in Columbus, Indiana.

Richard was born September 6, 1935, in Osage, Iowa, the son of Raymond and Josephine (Pullen) Elefson.  He received his bachelor’s degree in Commerce from the University of Iowa.  On June 23, 1957, Richard was united in marriage to Beverley Mills in Washington, Iowa.  He worked as a realtor for more than 60 years, and was a member of the Methodist Church as well as the National Association of Realtors.  Richard served his community as a city council member and mayor of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. He was an avid reader and enjoyed researching genealogy.

Richard is survived by his wife Beverley; four children: Steven (Alla) Elefson, Susan (John) Moriarty, Bradley Elefson, Amy (Wes) Doyle; and eight grandchildren: Stephanie, Alesa and Kateryna Elefson; Kelsey and Makenzie Moriarty; Kyle and Sarah Elefson; Shaelyn Doyle.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Josephine Elefson and sister Mary Jo Elefson.

Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 6, 2022, at the Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel in Mount Pleasant.  Pastor David Bracht-Wagner will officiate.  Burial will be in the Forest Home Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until time of service on Saturday.  A memorial fund has been established for the American Heart Association. www.powellfuneralhomes.com.