(Guthrie Center, Iowa) – The Guthrie County Fair began Thursday, in Guthrie Center, and continues through Labor Day (Sept. 4th).

Activities today (Friday) include:

• 4-H and FFA Swine show, 8:00 am.
• 4-H and FFA Horse Show, 8:30 a.m., followed by Open Class.
• Sheep and Goat Show, 12:30 pm.
• Clover Kids Show, 4:00 p.m.
• The grandstand event at 7-p.m. is the Grand River Rodeo.

Gate admission is $10-dollars, but Carnival rides and Grandstand Shows are FREE. Learn more at www.guthriecountyfair.com, or follow them on Facebook at Guthrie County Fair.

(Radio Iowa) – Iowa has been vexed by too much water — or not enough — this year, leading to natural disasters in multiple counties for flooding and for drought. The federal government is now offering low-interest loans to help Iowa businesses and non-profits recover. Kevin Wynne (WIN), spokesman for the U-S Small Business Administration, says they’re working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to aid non-profits in seven eastern Iowa counties that were hit by Mississippi River flooding between April 24th and May 13th, which prompted a federal disaster declaration. “They may be eligible for a FEMA Disaster Assistance Grant,” Wynne says, “so they’ll go to what’s called an applicant briefing and then they’ll come back to SBA if FEMA determines that they are not a critical service, meaning that they’re not a food kitchen or something along those lines, or a hospital or some kind of public infrastructure that supports a community.”

The low-interest federal disaster loans are now available in Allamakee, Clayton, Des Moines, Dubuque, Jackson, Lee and Scott counties. “The loans can go up to $2 million to meet the financial obligations and operating expenses and it’s got about a one year deferral on these as well,” Wynne says. “Low interest rate of 2.375% for the private nonprofits, and of course the businesses have it at 4%. Terms up to 30 years, makes recovery very affordable for these loans.”

The S-B-A loans can be used to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other assets. They can also be used to pay for improvements to protect, prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage from happening again. “These loans are for economic injury only,” Wynne says. “That means that they didn’t suffer any physical damage but they’re starting to see a decrease in revenues due to the fact that there was a declared disaster in those counties.”

The S-B-A is also offering low-interest loans to small, non-farm businesses in 18 Iowa counties that are being worst-hit by drought. “Businesses in farming towns are going to start seeing a decrease in revenue because farmers are unable to have any disposable income to go and shop in those cities and small towns,” Wynne says. “That’s why we offer these low-interest Disaster Assistance loans to these counties that were economically impacted by the drought.”

The counties covered under this program are: Cedar, Clarke, Decatur, Jasper, Johnson, Louisa, Lucas, Madison, Mahaska, Marion, Monroe, Muscatine, Polk, Ringgold, Scott, Union, Warren, and Wayne. “Those loans are also up to $2 million,” Wynne says. “They have to be used to do any kind of keeping the business afloat such as making payroll, making your rental expenses, keeping the lights on and getting your notes payable paid, just so that they can keep the operating expenses of the economically-impacted business through the disaster recovery periods.”

For information on any of the loans, call 800-659-2955 or visit SBA-dot-gov and follow the “Disaster” link.

(Radio Iowa) – Steam engines well over a century old are chugging to life in southeast Iowa as the annual Midwest Old Threshers Reunion gets underway in Mount Pleasant. Event spokesman Grant Davidson says the machines of yesterday that helped build Iowa into the farming giant it is today are all on display — and they’re still running strong.

The agricultural heritage event includes antique cars, tractors, vintage steam engines, and a steam-run railroad headed by a locomotive built in 1891.

(Midwest Old Threshers Reunion photo)

The five-day event draws tens of thousands of visitors to see the dozens of steam-powered contraptions that were once the latest technology for performing important chores in the field.

(UPDATED) – The latest Iowa Drought Monitor shows drought conditions have worsened. State Climatologist Justin Glisan says there’s been an 18 percent increase in extreme drought conditions since last week’s report. “The big standout that we see on the map this week is a big expansion of that D3 extreme drought category across north central into northeastern Iowa,” Glisan says. There’s a persistent area of extreme drought in southeast Iowa as well. Some farmers have begun chopping corn for silage because most leaves on the stalks have died. “Corn is drying up out there. Soybeans are dropping pods because of the heat and the dryness,” Glisan says. “Harvest is going to come at us fast given the drier conditions and the warmer temperatures that we’ve seen.”

Small sections of Fremont and Ringgold Counties are the only areas of Iowa considered to be drought-free and Glisan says nearly 99-and-a-half percent of the entire state is now in some level of drought. The U-S-D-A began issuing Drought Monitor reports 23 years ago. “This is going into the 166th week of at least D1, that moderate drought category somewhere in the state, so the longest drought that we’ve had since the Drought Monitor came into inception,” Glisan says, “but also longer term than the 1988 and 2012 droughts.” Those two drought years were more intense because of particularly warm temperatures in the upper Midwest, according to Glisan. Glisan says the statewide average rainfall is about three and a quarter inches in August — about an inch below normal, but Glisan says there’s wide variation in sections of the state.

“If you look at the climate divisions in eastern Iowa, so climate division 3 is the northeastern corner and then east central is where the nose of Iowa is — it’s the top 10 driest August on record,” Glisan says, “so that statewide average is skewed where we see higher precipitation totals across the southern part of the state.” The southern two tiers of Iowa got an average amount of rainfall during the past month. On this last day of August, there is no rain in the forecast anywhere in Iowa.

In southwest Iowa:

Parts of northern and eastern Pottawattamie County, all but the northeastern part of Cass County, along with the southern half of Adair County, most of Adams, and all of Union Counties, are considered Abnormally Dry.

Severe drought conditions exist in mainly the western half of Pott. County and the northern tier of Mills County, while other area counties are seeing a variety of Moderate to Abnormally dry conditions.

Extreme drought conditions are being experienced in a large portion of northeastern Iowa, and parts of seven southeastern Iowa counties.

w/Kate Olson.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (6.1MB)

Subscribe: RSS

The results from the D-N-R’s annual roadside survey show a 15 percent increase in the number of pheasants counted this year. Wildlife research biologist, Todd Bogenschutz (Boyg-en-shuts) says they counted 23 birds for each route.

Iowa’s weather has a big impact on pheasant numbers, and Bogenschutz says a mild winter coupled with a good spring weather for the hatch are paying off.

Bogenschutz says we’re probably looking at a harvest of around 300 to 400-thousand roosters this year, which would be one of the better seasons.

The hunter numbers this year will be around 60-thousand.

The youth pheasant season is October 21st and 22nd. The regular season opens on October 28th and runs through January 10th, 2024.

Today:  Widespread haze before 10:00 am, then widespread haze after noon.  Mostly sunny, with a high near 85.  South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tonight:  Widespread haze.  Partly cloudy, with a low around 60.  South southeast wind at 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.
Thursday:  Mostly sunny, with a high near 84.  Breezy, with a south wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Friday:  Sunny, with a high near 90.  Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Saturday:  Sunny, with a high near 96.  Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Sunday:  Sunny and hot, with a high near 97.  South wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Tuesday’s high was 86 and this morning’s low 56.  This day last year the high was 83 and the low 50.  The record high for August 30 in Atlantic is 101 set in 1947 and the record low is 33 degrees set in 1893.  This morning’s sunrise is at 6:43 am and tonight’s sunset is at 7:57 pm.

(Radio Iowa) – With highs forecast in the 90s across much of Iowa this weekend, it won’t feel at all like fall, but an autumnal activity will kick off that’s a sure sign the cooler weather is coming soon. Nate Carr, an Iowa D-N-R conservation officer for Hamilton and Hardin counties, says two popular Iowa hunting season are opening on Friday.

Iowa’s teal season is short and runs just through September 16th, while the dove season lasts through November 29th.

Carr says hunters will need to be prepared before they head for the field this weekend.

There’s also registration needed for HIP, or the Harvest Information Program. There’s no fee associated with HIP but hunters of migratory game birds are required to fill out the brief survey. Learn more at: www.iowadnr.gov.

The unofficial end to summer this weekend is expected to draw thousands of Iowans to their state parks and waterways.  The DNR reminds users to abide by all safety measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend.

Boating Safety

Boaters headed out to a lake, river, pond or any other waterway should follow these safety tips:

• Plan ahead and avoid peak hours and large crowds of boaters.
• Park your vehicles and trailers in designated parking spaces NOT in grass areas or they will be ticketed and towed.
• Alcohol and boating don’t mix. Wind, sun glare and heat can enhance the effects of alcohol, hindering the operator’s ability to make necessary decisions.
• The same limit of .08 for operating a vehicle under the influence applies to boating.
• Always have a designated operator that avoids consuming alcohol.
• Wear your life jacket, it floats, you don’t! Any children under the age 13 must wear a lifejacket at all times on a vessel underway in Iowa.
• Every boat or vessel must have a wearable life jacket for everyone on board; a USCG approved throw-able flotation device is also required on vessels 16 feet or longer.
• Make sure there is a charged fire extinguisher on board, as well as a horn/whistle.
• Slow down and watch for other boaters or personal watercraft.
• Avoid dams and other hazards on waterways.
• Obey all posted warning signs and rules.
• Drain plugs and other water draining devices must be removed and/or remain open during transport to avoid the spread of invasive species.

Beach & Swimming Safety

Wherever you choose to swim this Labor Day weekend, whether it’s a backyard pool, a pond or lake, or a public pool, please follow these safety tips:

• Keep young children at arm’s reach at all times. Never, even for a moment, leave small children alone or in the care of another young child while swimming.
• Drowning is silent.
• Learn how to perform CPR.
• Avoid alcohol use while swimming.
• Alcohol is prohibited at some public beaches.
• Glass bottles are prohibited on beaches.
• Stay within the roped area of the lake.
• Swim with a buddy.
• Obey posted signs and flags.
• Wear a life jacket or some kind of personal flotation device.
• Use sunscreen and drink plenty of water as needed.
• Iowa’s public beaches do not have lifeguards on duty.
• Check for bacteria levels at state park beaches at: https://www.iowadnr.gov/things-to-do/beach-monitoring
• Because the beaches are busier this summer, staff are encouraging visitors to utilize the non-peak times and days. For the busier beaches/parks, the non-peak days usually include Sundays through Thursdays, and Fridays before 5:00 pm. If you plan to go to the beaches on Saturdays, the non-peak hours are usually before noon.

Parks staff may temporarily close parking lots when they become full and limit the number of visitors at that point. The DNR recommends visitors go to another nearby park or beach that is not as heavily populated. Visitors are reminded to only park in designated parking spaces. All violators will be cited by staff.

State Parks/Campgrounds Safety

This weekend will be another very busy one if you plan to visit a state park and campground, use these safety tips to ensure an enjoyable time:

• Pack snacks, food, water and personal hygiene products, including hand sanitizer, to bring along for hiking and utilizing the state parks.
• Stay hydrated with plenty of fluids.
• Don’t hike alone and always have some way to communicate if you get lost and need help.
• Wear proper outdoor attire for hiking.
• Plan ahead for your visit to our parks and campgrounds. If a parking lot becomes full at a park or campground, staff may temporarily close the parking lots and limit the number of visitors at that point.
• If there is no parking available, do not park in the grass areas or any other area that is not a designated parking spot. All violators will be cited.
• Utilize the parks during non-peak times, which often include mornings and evenings.
• If a park is heavily populated, find another nearby state park that is less populated.
• Don’t transport firewood, buy it locally.
• Be respectful of your neighbors camping around you.
• Slow down on park roadways and obey posted speed limit signs. Families and kids are often walking or biking on the roads.
• “Carry In, Carry Out”—please pick up any trash and carry out what you carry into the park. Be respectful and care for our natural resources.
• Campers should dispose of trash in receptacles, not burn it in the campfires.
• Check the DNR website for all of the latest closures.
• If you plan to fish, be sure to have a current fishing license. You can purchase one by visiting www.iowadnr.gov/fishing, or by downloading the Go Outdoors Iowa app on your smartphone through the Google Play store or the App Store. You can also purchase your fishing license at some local retailers.

Paddling Safety

Whether it be tubing, paddleboarding, kayaking or canoeing, paddlers are enjoying the splash of the water, scenic views, and wildlife viewing from Iowa’s rivers, rapids and streams. Stay safe each time you paddle with these simple safety tips:

• With very low water levels in central and western Iowa, due to drought conditions, some waterways are not suitable for paddling, often leaving paddlers stranded.
• Always know your river conditions before you go paddling. For the latest river conditions, contact Iowa DNR Customer Service at 515-725-8200 or your local county conservation board for updates.
• Let others know where you will be paddling, including what access to what access, and when you are expected to return.
• Always wear your life jacket. Kids under age 13 must wear a life jacket at all times. The vessel must have enough life jackets for all members on board.
• Avoid sandbar crowds and “rafting” up together. Tubers are reminded not to go in groups larger than 10 and don’t tie tubes to one another.
• Check the Iowa DNR’s interactive paddler’s map at iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/Canoeing-Kayaking/Where-to-Paddle for updates on real-time hazards like downed trees and log jams, strainers and bridge construction. Pay attention to the dam warning signs and know where dams are located before you head out on the water.
  Find individual water trail maps, including access points at iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/Canoeing-Kayaking/Water-Trail-Maps-Brochures.

The shorter days and more moderate temperatures make this fall a great time for gardening projects.  The Cass County Master Gardeners invite you to their annual Fall Plant Sale, set for Saturday morning, September 9, at the Cass County Community Center, 805 W 10th Street on the Fairgrounds in Atlantic. The sale will be open to the public to purchase divided perennials suitable for fall planting. Plants expected to be on the sale include iris (bearded and Siberian), peonies, daylilies, spring-flowering bulbs, hostas, perennial geranium, anemone, baptista, salvia, sedum, garden mum, rudbeckia, clematis, oregano and other herbs, lily of the valley, yarrow, houseplants including aloe and more. There will also be a large collection of gently used garden decor, pots, books, and tools for shoppers to explore.

The sale begins at 8 AM, and will be held in the front parking lot of the Cass County Community Center on the fairgrounds in Atlantic. Interested gardeners are encouraged to arrive early for best plant selection, as the annual spring and fall sales occasionally sell out before 10 AM, especially high-demand plants.

The Master Gardeners will bring perennials dug and divided from their own gardens to the fall plant sale.  Community residents are also welcome to donate plants, and members may even help you dig! Please call in advance and make arrangements to drop off donated plants before the date of the plant sale. All funds raised from the sale support local Master Gardener projects such as community garden spaces, educational activities, grants and scholarships.

Many perennials work well for fall dividing and transplanting, including daylilies, peonies, garden phlox, bleeding heart, coneflowers, speedwell, and more. Iris and hosta can also be transplanted successfully in early fall.  By dividing the plant when it is not flowering, all the energy it produces can be directed to root and foliage growth, so plants overwinter in place and come back strong in the spring.  Additionally, the cooler weather is easier on the plants (and the gardener!), and the plants generally do not use as much water as in spring and summer.  Plants should be placed in the ground as early in fall as possible, but most can be successfully planted up until the ground freezes.  The plants should also be adequately watered until the ground freezes, which is particularly important in dry years. If you have questions about dividing and caring for plants, stop by the Extension Office or visit the online Extension Store to pick up a free publication on dividing and caring for perennial plants in the garden!

To donate items, or for more information about these events and other Master Gardener activities in Cass County, please call the Cass County Extension Office at 712-243-1132, stop by the office at 805 West 10th street in Atlantic, email Cass County Extension Director and Master Gardener Coordinator Kate Olson at keolson@iastate.edu or visit www.extension.iastate.edu/cass.  You are also invited to follow the Cass County Master Gardeners Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CassCoMG to keep up with local events and tips for gardening!