More than just books

Jul 9, 2024 | MJB LIBRARY NEWS

By Karen Kelly | Special to the Times Vedette

On July 5 and 6, the Mary J. Barnett Library hosted class displays, class composites and Al Bell videos during the All-School Reunion. Saturday, Don Todd, Jr. presented a performance of his talk called “A Tale of Two Soldiers” about how his father, Dr. Donald Todd, Sr., and Dr. Herbert Neff during World War II and how they came to set up a medical practice in Guthrie Center. 

Story Hour

After a month-long hiatus, the preschool Story Hour will resume at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 12. The topic will be bugs. Story Hour is geared for pre-k youngsters, but everyone is welcome. Story Hour will be every Friday at 10 a.m.

Card Making Club

Card Making Club will meet on Thursday, July 18, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Led by Judi Zimmerline, participants will learn to make stunning, hand-made greeting cards. The $5 fee covers the cost of all provided materials. 

Cookbook Club

Cookbook Club will meet on Thursday, July 18 at 6:30 p.m. This month’s recipes will come from 2024 Taste of Home Magazines. Stop by the library to choose a recipe. Bring your prepared dish to the Cookbook Club to share and discuss recipes.

Friends of the Library

Community members who would like to join Friends of the Library are invited to come to the next meeting on Monday, Aug. 5 at 6:15 p.m. If you’re looking for an opportunity to volunteer your time in a meaningful way for our community, Friends of the Library is the organization for you. 

Magic Show

Kids, keep your calendar open on Wednesday, Aug. 7. The library will be hosting a magic show at 3:30 p.m. that day. Kids of all ages will enjoy this entertaining afternoon.

Adventure Pass

If you haven’t used an Adventure Pass to go to the Blank Park Zoo, the Des Moines Children’s Museum, or the Science Center of Iowa, go online to the MJB Library website to sign up. The adventure pass provides free admission for two adults and two children to these locations. See the website for more details. 

Many visitors to the MJB Library stopped in to enjoy the Al Bell videos during the All School Reunion.

Be sure to stop at the library during July to enjoy the collection of Americana Santas, bears and Longaberger baskets on loan from Glenda Bascom for the month.

While you’re out and about, make a stop at the library to see this beautiful quilt on loan to the library from Glenda Bascom. The quilt, which is the Lone Star pattern, was hand pieced and hand quilted by Beulah Whitman, Dr. Steve Bascom’s grandmother. The extraordinary quilt was a wedding gift to the Bascoms.

All School Reunion Guests enjoyed the display of class photo composites displayed in the Taylor Meeting Room.

The response to Donald Todd, Jr.’s talk at the MJB Library was so well attended that a second presentation was scheduled on Saturday afternoon.

Donald Todd, Jr. gave a repeat performance of his talk entitled “A Tale of Two Soldiers,” chronicling the history of his father’s medical practice in Guthrie Center. Dr. Donald Todd, Sr., and Dr. Herbert Neff came to Guthrie Center and began a successful medical practice in Guthrie Center following World War II.

Guthrie Center All School Reunion attendees visit while waiting for the presentation by Donald Todd, Jr. on Saturday after the parade.

Master Gardener fall training application opens July 12

Jul 9, 2024 | News

Master Gardeners embody the slogan “Learn it. Grow it. Teach it.” in their various volunteer roles. Master Gardeners choose from various types of volunteer projects including tending ornamental gardens, growing food donations for local food pantries and giving public presentations about horticulture topics.

From Iowa State University Extension and Outreach

The application window is opening July 12 for the 2024 fall Master Gardener training cohort, which will be offered in 44 counties or extension regions by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

Counties offering fall training include: Adair, Boone, Butler, Cass, Cerro Gordo, Clayton, Dallas, Delaware, Des Moines, Dubuque, Fayette, Floyd, Franklin, Hamilton, Hardin, Harrison, Iowa, Jasper, Johnson, Keokuk, Linn, Lyon, Madison, Marshall, Mills, Mitchell, Monona, Monroe, Muscatine, O’Brien, Osceola, Polk, Pottawattamie, Poweshiek, Ringgold, Scott, Sioux, Story, Tama, Union, Webster, Winneshiek, Woodbury and Worth.

Iowans wishing to become Master Gardener volunteers choose a county to complete training through, participate in online learning modules and attend at least four in-person training sessions organized by the county office. After passing the final exam, trainees put their knowledge to work with a 40-hour internship in their training county.

Applicants have from July 12 through Aug. 12 to apply for the fall session. Counties are seeking participants of all backgrounds and experience levels who desire to grow their horticultural knowledge and serve their communities. Learn more about the program online or through your ISU Extension and Outreach county office.

“Many people have misconceptions about what the Master Gardener Program truly is,” said Alicia Herzog, Master Gardener statewide coordinator with ISU Extension and Outreach. “The Master Gardener program is about more than just learning how to grow your best garden, although you will learn that as well. Trainees use knowledge gained in training to grow food for those in need, partner with area organizations to design green spaces and present programs in their local communities.”

The Iowa Master Gardener Program is a year-round volunteer service organization that utilizes university-trained volunteers who use research-based horticulture and gardening knowledge and practices to educate people and coordinate projects that promote healthy communities.

Local extension staff coordinators can help anyone with questions about joining Master Gardener training this year, including details of when and where in-person meetings will take place in their county or extension region.

Iowa State has offered Master Gardener training for more than 40 years, engaging more than 15,000 people in learning about gardening best practices.

For more information, Herzog can be reached at 515-294-3627 or aherzog@iastate.edu

Wheels for Meals benefit for youth summer lunch program rescheduled for July 13

Jul 9, 2024 | News

Special to the Times Vedette

The Wheels for Meals vehicle show originally planned in June has been rescheduled for Saturday, July 13 in Bayard. Rain showers forced the postponement, but organizers are hopeful for a bright and sunny day this time. Money raised will be used to provide healthy summer lunches for youngsters in several communities.

Pastor Bob Rogers had a vision in the spring of 2023 to make and deliver summer meals to youngsters in Bayard, Bagley, Jamaica, Yale and Linden. With the help of volunteers and generous donors, about 9,000 meals were provided to youngsters over a nine-week period in the summer.

The fundraiser is a car, truck, tractor and motorcycle show on July 13 on the Main Street of Bayard with classic vehicles or those that are a work in progress parked so enthusiasts can enjoy viewing them. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Separate vehicle classes will be offered with cash prizes. There is no cost for vehicles to participate. Youngsters will vote to determine the winners. Brandon Patrick is in charge of registration. Call 712-210-1942 to pre-register.

A barbecue meal will be served for a free will donation. Hot dogs and hamburgers are on the menu.

The youngsters will enjoy a variety of games, face painting and more. A foam pit will provide lots of “wet” fun, so bring your swim suits and towels.

Working through the Bayard Church of Christ, about $20,000 was spent on the meals in 2023. Large donations have been provided by the Ten Squared Men and Women to the summer lunch program so the funding for this year’s work is secured. Rogers is already looking ahead to 2025.

The meals were delivered to the five communities starting on June 3 and will continue for nine weeks through Aug. 5. Each sack contains five meals, enough for one week. About 200 children were served each week in 2023, but Rogers expects the program to be larger this summer. Linden topped last year’s figures with 60 meals each week followed by Bayard with 48, Yale with 30, Bagley with 28, and Jamaica with 12.

Pick-up is once a week on Mondays from 11 a.m. to noon. Meals are provided for no cost to any students younger than the age of 18. Pick up locations are: Bayard – Church of Christ; Bagley – Community Building; Jamaica – shelter next to Tojo’s; Yale – Community Building; Linden – town park; and Panora – south side of the middle school/high school building by the greenhouse.

Hope Lutheran Church initiated a similar program in Panora and is handling the arrangements there.

Weekly Crop Progress and Condition Report — July 9, 2024 

Jul 9, 2024 | Crop Report

From the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly April through November. Additionally, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship provides a weather summary each week during this time.

“Many parts of Iowa experienced a wet start to July. Now, we’re hoping for some summer heat to provide a much-needed boost to our crops,” said Secretary Naig. “With the continued impacts of Hurricane Beryl influencing the weather pattern, forecasts indicate a calmer storm track for Iowa and increased chances of warmer temperatures over the next few weeks.”

The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s website at nass.usda.gov.

Crop report

The south central and northeast portions of the State received heavy rains in comparison to the northwest portion of the State. These conditions only allowed Iowa farmers 3.5 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending July 7, 2024, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Concerns were expressed about getting hay put up and spraying for weeds due to frequent rain. 

Topsoil moisture condition rated 0 percent very short, 4 percent short, 77 percent adequate and 19 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 0 percent very short, 6 percent short, 77 percent adequate and 17 percent surplus.

Corn silking reached 17 percent, equal to last year but 4 days ahead of the five-year average. Corn condition was 76 percent good to excellent. Soybean crop blooming reached 32 percent, 2 days behind last year but equal to the average. Soybeans setting pods reached 5 percent. Soybean condition rated 76 percent good to excellent. Oat crop headed or beyond reached 95 percent. Oats turning color reached 63 percent, 5 days ahead of the average. Oats harvested for grain was 8 percent complete, 6 days ahead of the average. Oat condition rated 79 percent good to excellent.

The State’s second cutting of alfalfa hay reached 34 percent complete. Hay condition rated 81 percent good to excellent.  Pasture condition rated 73 percent good to excellent. Feedlot conditions remain muddy due to excess precipitation and flooding.

Weather summary

Provided by Justin Glisan, Ph.D., State Climatologist, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

July’s first reporting period was unseasonably wet for most of Iowa with many stations observing at least 150% of normal rainfall; portions of southern and northeast Iowa were particularly wet. Clouds and rainfall helped hold down temperatures as Iowa experienced cooler than average conditions; the statewide average temperature was 69.5 degrees, 4.2 degrees below normal.

Sunday (30th) afternoon was ideal across Iowa with daytime temperatures in the low to mid 70s, light winds and sunny skies. Winds swung around to an easterly direction through Monday (1st) morning with lows in the upper 50s and low 60s east to west under increasing clouds. Light to moderate showers pushed into western Iowa and moved east through the day while eastern Iowa remained clear with highs in the low 70s; temperatures held in the 60s under clouds and rain. Showers dissipated farther east just before sunset. A secondary disturbance brought widespread showers and thunderstorms over much of Iowa’s northwestern two-thirds overnight into Tuesday (2nd). Most stations received at least 0.25 inch with nearly 80 observing at least an inch and a statewide average of 0.66 inch. Very heavy rainfall was reported from slow-moving thunderstorms across a narrow band stretching from southwest to central Iowa; Truro (Madison County) measured 2.81 inches while two stations in Mills County, Hastings and Pacific Junction, collected 4.28 and 6.10 inches, respectively. Afternoon temperatures quickly rose into the mid to upper 80s over southeastern Iowa as a warm front lifted out of Missouri ahead of a strong low pressure center. As the low’s attendant cold front slammed into the warm and unstable airmass, a line of strong to severe thunderstorms fired in central Iowa and quickly advanced east. Several storms became tornado-warned with two confirmed tornadoes near Iowa City (Johnson County) and Nichols (Muscatine County). The line exited eastern Iowa after sunset with thundershowers remaining in southeastern Iowa into Wednesday (3rd) morning. Nearly 150 stations measured an inch of rainfall with 20 stations at or above 2.00 inches from central to eastern Iowa; an observer in Prole (Warren County) recorded 2.01 inches while 3.28 inches was reported in Pella (Marion County). A vast majority of Iowa’s stations reported measurable rainfall with a statewide average of 0.86 inch.

Conditions for the rest of the day were clear with a westerly wind and highs in the low to mid 80s. Showers and a few rumbles of thunder were observed through the overnight hours into Thursday (4th) along both north and south state lines. Rain totals were generally under 0.30 inch where it fell, though Estherville (Emmett County) collected 0.55 inch with 0.80 inch in Russell (Lucas County). Afternoon temperatures rose into the upper 70s and low 80s for much of Iowa as stronger thunderstorms fired along a cold front in northern Iowa through the late afternoon and evening hours. The narrow line sped across eastern Iowa just as Independence Day fireworks lit the night sky for most Iowans. Morning lows on Friday (5th) held in the low to mid 60s with 7:00 am rain totals highest over northern Iowa where most stations reported 0.25 to 0.75 inch; a handful of stations measured higher totals with 1.00 inch at Mount Auburn (Benton County) to 1.44 inches in Ringsted (Emmet County). Winds shifted northwesterly through the day with temperatures in the mid to upper 70s under partly sunny skies. Isolated showers continued to push into Iowa as a low pressure center spun over Wisconsin. Clearing skies and calm winds helped patchy fog form as lows remained in the 60s early Saturday (6th) morning. Isolated severe storms fired in north-central Iowa in the late afternoon ahead of another boundary that would bring stronger storms to the southwest later in the night. Additional storms were observed in central to eastern Iowa near daybreak on Sunday (7th). There were several pockets of heavier rainfall with 1.54 inches in Zearing (Story County) to 2.23 inches in Garwin (Tama County). Morning temperatures held in the upper 50s northwest to upper 60s southeast.

Weekly precipitation totals ranged from 0.27 inch in Remsen (Plymouth County) to 6.31 inches in Pacific Junction (Mills County). The statewide weekly average precipitation was 2.11 inches, nearly double the normal of 1.08 inches. Centerville (Appanoose County) reported the week’s high temperature of 91 degrees on the 2nd, six degrees above normal. Elkader (Clayton County) reported the week’s low temperature of 47 degrees on the 1st, 12 degrees below normal.

Cribbage results from July 8

Jul 9, 2024 | News

Special to the Times Vedette

On July 8, a total of 13 players participated. Sandy Rumelhart got a 24, 16 and 16. Charlotte Hollie got a 16 and a 20. Dave Richter hauled in a 17. Dennis Betts got a 16, 16, 24, 16 and 16. Rex Schoonover grabbed a 20 floating by, and Joanne Zieser  brought up the tail end with a 17.

The Guthrie Center cribbage players generally meet at Guthrie Center Library on Mondays at 8 a.m., at the assisted living rec room at 8 a.m. on Wednesdays, and at the Guthrie Center Activity Center at 1 p.m. on Fridays. Organizers say there is always room for more, and they will be glad to teach you how to play. They play for quarters on Wednesday and Friday.