Special to the Times Vedette

On Wednesday, Jan. 8, six Sunshine Club members met with Janine Frettim at her home for a 1 p.m. meeting. New President Janine Frettim opened the meeting asking everyone to recite The Lord’s Prayer. Roll call was “What are you looking forward to in 2025?” Many interesting answers were given. The minutes of the December meeting were read with no corrections, and the Treasurer’s Report was given. Several members paid their dues. Next month’s meeting will be held at the Morrisburg Church with Trudy Woolman and Pat Trent hosting. Meeting adjourned with delicious snacks served. Cards completed the afternoon.

Special to the Times Vedette

Buena Vista University congratulates more than 560 students who were named to the Fall 2024 Dean’s List. The Dean’s List recognizes full-time students achieving a 3.5 grade point average or higher for the semester.

• Lacie Davis of Coon Rapids
• Audrey Franzeen of Guthrie Center
• Easton Hays of Coon Rapids
• Erin Hunsaker of Stuart
• Halley Joel of Stuart
• Gabriel Obert of Coon Rapids
• Drew Taylor of Redfield
• Evan Taylor of Redfield
• Claire Woodworth of Panora

Special to the Times Vedette

The Iowa State Bar Association (ISBA) announced a significant leadership transition. Dwight Dinkla, executive director of the ISBA, announced his retirement as executive director effective July 1, 2025, following nearly three decades of distinguished service and dedication to the association. To build on this legacy of excellence, the ISBA has appointed long-time assistant executive director Harry Shipley to succeed Dinkla.

Dwight Dinkla from Panora has served as the ISBA’s executive director since 1998, overseeing a period of pivotal change and innovation in the legal profession. Prior to 1998, Dinkla practiced law in Guthrie Center for 18 years and served three terms in the Iowa House of Representatives before being selected executive director for the state bar association.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to have been able to lead an association dedicated to supporting Iowa attorneys and their service to clients, the community, and the judicial system. It has been an honor and pleasure to work with the ISBA’s board of governors, legislative counsel, and the talented team at the ISBA,” Dinkla said.

Under Dinkla’s leadership, the ISBA has expanded its programs and publications, enhanced services for members, and increased engagement. Notably, the ISBA’s Annual Meeting in 2024 was particularly special as it celebrated the association’s 150th anniversary. Dinkla has also played a vital role in legislative advocacy and fostering relationships that have bolstered the ISBA’s success.

“Dwight Dinkla’s vision and leadership have left an indelible mark on the ISBA,” ISBA President Melvin O. Shaw said. “Under his guidance, the association has experienced significant advancement, establishing a strong foundation for the future. Dwight’s unwavering dedication to advancing the ISBA’s mission has ensured its continued ability to provide exceptional value and resources to members and the public. We are deeply grateful for his years of service and commitment to the ISBA.”

The ISBA will formally recognize Dwight Dinkla’s contributions and celebrate the transition in executive leadership during the ISBA’s Annual Meeting at Prairie Meadows Conference and Events Center between June 23-26, 2025.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette 

On Sunday, Jan. 12, a pan-fried chicken dinner is being held at the Guthrie Center American Legion Hall (entrance between Post Office and doctors’ office) from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The meal includes potato, vegetable and veggie bar. The cost is $12 per person, which includes 10 free games of bingo following the meal. Carryouts are available. Call 641-757-1378 to order.

A semi-trailer hauling lactic acid caught fire near the I-80 eastbound rest area near Adair.

Special to the Times Vedette

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is investigating a lactic acid spill near Adair in Adair County.

On Jan. 7, the DNR Field Office in Atlantic was notified of a semi-trailer on fire at the I-80 eastbound rest area, approximately three miles east of the city of Adair.

The semi, owned by World Way Freight Transport, was hauling poly totes of lactic acid when the driver noticed the trailer tires were smoking and pulled over at the rest area. The driver attempted to extinguish the fire, but was unsuccessful.

The Adair Fire Department responded to the incident and upon arrival observed the majority of the trailer and its contents were on-fire. It is estimated that approximately 550 gallons of lactic acid were lost due to the fire and firefighting activities.

Crews from the Iowa Department of Transportation placed sand in multiple locations in an attempt to capture the product. However, the acid and water mixture flowed through two storm drains, off the concrete, and onto adjacent farm ground. The mixture flowed approximately 200 feet in the field before entering a tile intake which outlets into an unnamed tributary of the South Fork Middle River, located approximately half a mile directly west of the rest area.

An environmental clean-up company arrived at approximately 8 p.m. to begin cleanup efforts. Samples have been collected. The area is being sanitized with a neutralizing agent, and the contaminated soil will be excavated or treated on-site.

The rest area will remain closed until clean-up is complete. Downstream users should avoid the area and remove cattle if needed. No dead fish have been observed in the river at this time, and the investigation is ongoing.

To report a release after hours, call the DNR’s emergency spill line at 515-725-8694. Quick reporting can help DNR staff identify the cause of an incident. The DNR website has more information about spill reporting requirements.

Special to the Times Vedette

Farmland values in Iowa remain stable according to the latest Benchmark Farm Value Trends Report issued by Farm Credit Services of America (FCSAmerica). While sales activity has slowed, cropland is showing pockets of strength.

“While the market remains stable overall, there are instances of significant deviations in sales prices, both above and below expectations,” said Tim Koch, FCSAmerica executive vice president of business development. “Prices above expectations are anomalies and don’t represent the broader trend.”

“While many of today’s buyers are well-positioned financially and capable of exceeding expected prices, most sales remain flat,” Koch added. “Buyers are increasingly cautious with their working capital, waiting for the right opportunities. This selectivity is driving a reduction in sales, with buyers focusing on high-quality, strategically located land.”

Interest rates are not expected to have a significant impact on the market, according to Koch. “Margins and availability of capital will play a more crucial role in influencing buyer behavior.”

Addressing pastureland trends, Koch said: “The pastureland market has strengthened in some areas, driven by profitability of the cow-calf sector. However, rising prices may lead some buyers to reduce herd sizes rather than expand their holdings, reallocating those funds to options with higher earning potential.”

State-by-State Comparisons

Over the last six months, the average of the benchmark value changes ranged from -2.8% to 5.7% with an overall average of 0.9%. The 12-month value changes ranged from -5.1% to 9.5% with an overall average of 1.6%. The major factors affecting the agricultural real estate market are lower commodity prices, profitability in the cattle market and limited supply of real estate for sale. Farmers and ranchers continue to be the predominant buyers.

*The chart above shows the average change in values by state based on FCSAmerica’s twice-a-year appraisals of 63 benchmark farms. 

Below is a state-by-state summary of benchmark values for cropland and pastureland over the past six and 12 months. 

• Iowa: Cropland values decreased -3.4% over the past six months and -6.9% over the past 12 months. 
• Nebraska: Over the last six months, cropland values decreased -0.6% and -0.2% over the last 12 months. Pastureland values saw a modest increase of 0.4% over 12 months. 
• South Dakota: Values for cropland increased 2.5% over the past six months and 3.6% over the past year. Pastureland in the state showed the strongest growth across the Associations, rising by 10.4% over six months and 21.6% over 12 months.
• Wyoming: Cropland values were stable over the past 6 months and increased 4.4% over the past year. Pastureland values rose by 1% over 12 months.

For more information on this report and land values, visit https://www.fcsamerica.com/resources/learning-center/latest-land-values.