(Radio Iowa) — Iowa ethanol producers are hosting a delegation from Mexico this month. Iowa Renewable Fuels Association executive director Monte Shaw says it’s a group involved in retail fuel sales in Mexico. “They’ve had a state-owned oil monopoly for a long time that they’ve cracked open and are now allowing competition,” Shaw says. And in 2017 Mexico, began allowing fuel with a 10 percent ethanol blend to be sold OUTSIDE the the three largest cities in the country. Shaw says these changes make Mexico an “emerging” market for ethanol produced in the U.S.

“Right now, Mexico is the number two export market for US ethanol production,” Shaw says, “about 350 million gallons.” That’s roughly equal to the annual output of more than three of the largest ethanol plants in Iowa according to Shaw. Most of the U.S. ethanol exported to Mexico has been used to make perfumes, solvents and beverages.

Monona County, Iowa — Boaters on Blue Lake, in Onawa, will be restricted to operating their boat at no wake speed, which equates to roughly 5 mph, while the lake level is above flood stage.

The Blue Lake no wake restriction is effective immediately and will remain in place until the water level falls and allows the lake level to return to normal.

Due to the recent heavy rains, the water level on Blue Lake is 18 inches above normal levels and the potential exists for shoreline erosion and damage to docks as well as boater safety issues associated with flood related debris floating just under the water surface.

The DNR reminds boaters to use caution while on the waters this Fourth of July holiday and weekend due to the heavy boat traffic. Keep safety the number one priority and obey all posted rules as well as all boating laws.

DES MOINES – State, federal and local law enforcement agencies will be focusing on the boating while intoxicated law as part of the national Operation Dry Water campaign to draw public attention to the hazards of boating under the influence. Iowa DNR Conservation Officers will be heavily patrolling Iowa waterways over the Fourth of July holiday and during the Operation Dry Water campaign, July 5 – 7.  The DNR will be conducting heightened awareness and enforcement of boating under the influence laws in hopes to decrease the number of crashes, causing injuries and deaths and remove any impaired boat operators, providing a safe and enjoyable experience for boaters this season.

Susan Stocker, boating law administrator and education coordinator for the Iowa DNR, says “The effects of alcohol can be intensified when combined with wind and wave action and an extended time spent in the sun.  Operators may not think they are under the influence, but their judgment, reaction time, balance and vision indicate that they are.”

Tips to staying safe on the water this summer:

• Boat sober.Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in recreational boater deaths*. Alcohol and drug use impairs a boater’s judgment, balance, vision and reaction time.
• Wear your life jacket.
• Take a boating safety education course.

Operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal on all navigable waters of the State and can lead to serious injuries and consequences. In Iowa, it is illegal to operate a vessel with a BAC level of .08 or higher – the same as it is to operate a vehicle. If you are found to be impaired and operating a boat you will face the consequences.

2018 top areas for BWI arrests

Saylorville Lake: 9
Okoboji: 6
Coralville: 5
Lake Manawa: 5
Total BWI: 38

Some Iowa streams are still swollen and swift after a rainy end of June.  While some rivers remain dangerously high, others have dropped to safe levels for paddlers. Todd Robertson, paddling instructor and Outreach Coordinator for Rivers Programs at the Iowa DNR, says “High rivers are super powerful and have unpredictable current along with numerous deadly river hazards.  Piles of trees and branches can suck a paddler in and under with little chance of escape.” The Iowa DNR learned of a kayaking fatality on the South Skunk River last weekend.

Stay safe this holiday weekend and each time you paddle with these simple safety tips:

• Always wear your life jacket. Kids 12 and under must wear a life jacket at all times when underway on a recreational vessel on any Iowa water. It’s also law that those 13 and over, if not wearing their life jacket, must have a life jacket on board their vessel. “It’s best to wear your life jacket, not just store it on board,” encourages Robertson. “If you are not wearing your life jacket, it probably won’t be there when you really need it.”
• Tell a friend or loved one where you will be paddling, including what access to what access, and when you are expected to return. It will be easier to find you if you need help.
• Always know your rivers conditions before you go paddling.

For the latest river conditions, visit the USGS site for Iowa streamflow readings at https://waterdata.usgs.gov/ia/nwis/current/?type=flow. You can also call the local county conservation board where the river flows through and ask for an update. Check the Iowa DNR’s interactive paddlers map for updates on real-time hazards like downed trees and log jams, strainers and bridge construction: https://www.iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/Canoeing-Kayaking/Where-to-Paddle

NEWTON, Iowa (AP) — Biofuel plants in Iowa are adding milkweed and other native plants to their properties so monarch butterflies can fuel up during the annual migration. WHO-TV reports that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says the monarch butterfly could warrant protection if something isn’t done to boost its population. That’s why the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association started its project called the “Monarch Fueling Station” in December of 2018.

The Renewable Energy Group (REG) plant situated on the northeast side of Newton is one of the latest ethanol and biodiesel plants to join the cause. Plant manager Phil Abels says, “It’s a little bit of work to begin with and it’s a small amount of maintenance.” But he adds that “the value that will be received goes way beyond any effort.”

w/Kate Olson.

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Cass County: Corn $3.86, Beans $8.15
Adair County: Corn $3.83, Beans $8.18
Adams County: Corn $3.83, Beans $8.14
Audubon County: Corn $3.85, Beans $8.17
East Pottawattamie County: Corn $3.89, Beans $8.15
Guthrie County: Corn $3.88, Beans $8.19
Montgomery County: Corn $3.88, Beans $8.17
Shelby County: Corn $3.89, Beans $8.15

Oats $2.96 (always the same in all counties)

(Information from the area FSA Offices)

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources reports there are plenty of exciting activities are happening at state parks over Fourth of July weekend, including the Viking Lake and Prairie Rose State Parks.

Here’s what’s happening at Viking Lake State Park near Stanton (2780 Viking Lake Road):

Thursday, July 4th:

• Fourth of July Craft; 6pm – 7pm; Since fireworks are not allowed in the park, join DNR staff to make your own sparkle. Meet at the playground.

Friday, July 5th:

• Night Hike, 8:30-p.m. Until 9-p.m.; The hike will allow you to see what the nighttime has to offer at Viking Lake. Bring a flashlight and bug spray. Meet in the campground parking lot.

Saturday, July 6th:

• Water Safety Program at Viking Lake State Park, 10-to 10:30-a.m.; A program on life jacket safety and boating safety. Meet at the campground boat ramp.
• Kayaking, 10:30-a.m. To 11:30-a.m.; Learn about the different types of kayaks and how to use them. Then give it a try. Bring your own life jacket if you have one. Meet at the campground boat ramp.

Lots of activities are planned for Prairie Rose State Park near Harlan, as well (680 County Road M-47, near Harlan)…

Friday, July 5th:

• Canoeing, 10-a.m. To 11-a.m.;Please meet on the east side of Country Road M47 to canoe. All levels of experience are welcome. Ten canoes, life jackets, and paddles will be available to use.
• Atlatls Program, from 2-until 3-p.m.; Atlatls are tools that have been used for many years to help throw spears further and more accurately. Please meet just south of the main park entrance to give them a try.
• Bald Eagles Program, from 7-until 7:30-p.m.; Help celebrate the 4th of July holiday by learning about our national bird. The program will feature a live education Bald Eagle. Please meet near the playground and shower house.
• Stargazing, 9:30-to 10-p.m.;Please meet by the trail that leads to the dam (campsites 80-95). We will walk out on the dam to do some stargazing. Learn about our constellations and some of the stories behind them.

Monday, July 8th:

• Monday Morning Hike, 7:30-to 8-a.m.;Please meet at the park office to go hike around the east side of the lake (approximately 2 miles).

For more information on activities at State Parks across Iowa, click here: https://www.iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks/Park-Events?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

(Radio Iowa) — A charging bull caused an all terrain vehicle accident in northwest Iowa. Fifty-two-year old Joseph Eickholt of rural Hinton was checking his cattle Friday evening when a bull had turned and started charging after Eickholt and the ATV. In an effort to escape the bull, Eickholt drove through a wash-out causing his ATV to roll, throwing Eickholt from the machine. Eickholt was able to place a cell phone call to his family, who found him lying in the pasture. Eickholt was airlifted by a medical helicopter to Mercy One of Sioux City. Officials say his condition is not known, but determined not to be life threatening.

Officials with the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association report applications for the Iowa Beef Heifer Award program are due no later than Monday, July 1st. The program is designed to honor outstanding youth and future leaders of the beef industry. It was created to increase the interest and participation in the beef breeding heifer project by allowing youth to earn a certificate for the purchase of a breeding female. The program evaluates leadership and involvement in breed organizations and community activities as well as responsibilities and growth within their project. All 4-H, FFA and junior association members who own and exhibit a market beef or breeding heifer at the Iowa State Fair are eligible to enter. Applicants may participate in one of the following breed divisions: Angus, Charolais, Gelbvieh, Hereford, Limousin, Maine-Anjou, Red Angus, Salers, Shorthorn or Simmental.

Finalists for each breed will need to participate in a personal interview to be held at the Iowa State Fairgrounds with a panel of judges. Winners will be announced during the selection of the Grand Champion 4-H breeding heifer. The winner of each breed division will receive a certificate for the purchase of a registered female sponsored by the Iowa State Fair and the respective state breed association. Show halters are presented to runner-ups and are sponsored by Kent Feeds, Inc. of Muscatine.

The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) coordinates the application process. Program guidelines and applications can be found on the ICA Web site at www.iacattlemen.org or by calling (515) 296-2266. Applications are due to the ICA office in Ames no later than July 1.