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Farm Bureau webinar features ISU modeling to help farmers cut expenses, fine-tune spring nitrogen

Mar 10, 2026 | News

Special to the Times Vedette

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), in partnership with Iowa State University (ISU), is hosting a farmer webinar, “Why it Pays to Test Your Soil Nitrogen,” on March 27 at 1 p.m. The free webinar is designed to provide new data and tools to farmers regarding this season’s nitrate trends that translate into practical, cost-saving tips for planting season.

The webinar will feature ISU researchers Dr. Matt Helmers, Dr. Mike Castellano and Dr. Richard Roth, who will share findings from their recent modeling analysis of soil mineralization and the factors contributing to the unusual nitrogen levels this winter, along with the latest nitrogen fertility support tools available to farmers to reduce input costs and support yield goals while protecting water quality.

“We continuously strive to provide the latest science and practical solutions to farmers to help them make the best decisions for their farms,” said Shawn Richmond, IFBF conservation and natural resources policy advisor. “This webinar brings credible science together with real-world tools so farmers can make confident nitrogen decisions that help reduce costs at a time when margins are tight and input costs are high — all while continuing to improve soil and water outcomes.”

“Since 98% of the nitrogen in Iowa’s soil is naturally occurring, the key is understanding how environmental conditions drive its availability. Our new modeling sheds light on that and gives farmers new insight to fine-tune their nitrogen rates so they can balance economic returns with environmental stewardship,” said Dr. Castellano.

To register for the webinar, visit https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ZaEF2Vj1R-O4ah7jaXMHgg

Cribbage results from March 6 and March 9

Mar 10, 2026 | News

Special to the Times Vedette

On March 6, a total of eight players participated. Dennis Betts got a 16; Allen Pierce got a 17, and Dave Richter got a 16, 16, 17, 24 and 24.

On March 9, a total of five players participated. Dave Richter, Joanne Zieser and Robert Klever got a 16; Roy Carl had a 24.

The Guthrie Center cribbage players generally meet at Guthrie Center Library, 400 Grand St., on Mondays at 8 a.m. and at the New Homestead independent living dining hall, 2306 State St., at 8 a.m. on Wednesdays and 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.

What do you dream about?

Mar 9, 2026 | Publisher's Column

Not your goals or visions or plans. I mean, what do you literally dream about while sleeping? Well, if you are in the 95% of us who forget our dreams, you simply don’t recall. Seeing how most of us have four to six dreams that last up to 20 minutes each, that’s a lot of dreaming to forget. 

Do you sleepwalk? My brother Steve did when we were kids. I thought it was funny. He didn’t laugh. About 15% of people do sleepwalk, and it can be a dangerous habit, especially when it involves grooming oneself, cooking food or driving a car.

Do you dream about falling? More than half of Americans do, making this the most common recurring dream. It is followed by being chased, being back in school,or being naked in public — or in my case, all three at once. These kinds of dreams are likely brought on by stress.

Does everyone dream? The vast majority of us do, and even blind people can have visual dreams. If you are a pet owner, you likely know that animals dream, too. 

Do we dream in color? Most people do (in pastel colors, to be specific), but about 12% dream in black and white. Either way, the visual aspect is the primary sense. People rarely use their smell or taste senses in dreams.

Did you know that we can only dream about people we’ve seen before? Whether we know them well or just met them briefly, the people in our dreams are all people we have seen prior.

Do you have nightmares? Up to 85% of adults do, at least occasionally. Nightmares are common for children ages 3-6, but the serious ones usually diminish with age. As a child, I would dream that Santa Claus was chasing me down to kill me. I hid under my lower bunk bed in each dream and would wake up in a sweat when he would reach for me. Merry Christmas.

And finally, how about recurring dreams like being late, failing an exam, being attacked or losing control of a car? I often dream that I am driving a car too fast with hopes I can ramp over open water and land on ground. When it becomes apparent that I can’t, I wake up. Recurring dreams occur when people have to deal with unresolved conflicts in their lives. Hmmm.

Want to learn more about dreams? Check out the research behind the statistics I shared and much more at disturbmenot.co/dreams-facts.

Have a thoughtful Tuesday, and, as always, thanks for reading. 

Shane Goodman
Editor and Publisher
Times Vedette digital newsletter
shane@gctimesnews.com
641-332-2707

Sue Arlene Holbrook

Mar 6, 2026 | Obituaries

1943-2026

Sue Arlene Holbrook, 82, daughter of Roger and Arlene (Gillaspy) Templeton, was born June 12, 1943, in Des Moines and entered the presence of the Lord on March 2, 2026.

Sue graduated from Grimes High School in 1961. That fall, she attended the University of Northern Iowa (State College of Iowa at the time) where she met Jerry Holbrook. They were married on June 21, 1963, and made their first home in Orange Township (south of Waterloo). In addition to several places in Iowa, they traveled and lived in other states including Minnesota, New Hampshire and Ohio before settling in Panora, where they resided for 43 years. 

Sue may be remembered most for her outgoing personality, humor and laughter. She served in different roles at First Christian Church and Panora Church of the Brethren but especially loved singing and choir ministry. Sue enjoyed a variety of hobbies including gardening, porcelain doll making, theater participation, cooking, writing, doll houses and home decorating, and she was an accomplished seamstress. She was a long time hairstylist in Panora and also was compassionately involved in pet rescue through Panora Pets. Sue was a social person, loved people and had commented at one time, “I was put on this earth to make people laugh.” Above all, she had received Jesus and has now passed from this life to be reunited with Him. 

Sue is survived by her husband, Jerry Holbrook of Panora; daughter, Elizabeth Holbrook of Guthrie Center; sons, Jerry of Grimes and John of Mesa, Arizona; brothers, Bill Templeton of Panora and Steve Templeton of Hampshire, Illinois; as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and by her sister, Nancy Templeton.  

A Celebration of Life will take place at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the Panora First Christian Church with visitation starting at 10 a.m. and a luncheon to follow in the church basement. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials will be used at the discretion of the family. 

See you in a little while, Mom.  

Twigg Funeral Home, Panora, is entrusted with her services.