CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — A revived Hurricane Ian is bearing down on South Carolina’s coast and the historic city of Charleston, with forecasters predicting a storm surge and floods. Earlier, the megastorm caused catastrophic damage in Florida, leaving people trapped in flooded homes and was blamed in at least six deaths in the state. With South Carolina’s coast under a hurricane warning, shopkeepers sandbagged storefronts in flood-prone areas and a steady stream of vehicles left Charleston for higher ground. In Florida, meanwhile, rescue crews piloted boats through inundated streets to save thousands from flooded homes and shattered buildings. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says at least 700 rescues were conducted in his state already, mostly by air.
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Miller joins lawsuit against pesticide makers for anticompetitive practices
Posted on by Sam Parsons
DES MOINES — Attorney General Tom Miller has joined a bipartisan group of 10 states and the Federal Trade Commission in filing a lawsuit against pesticide makers Syngenta and Corteva, alleging anti-competitive practices that have harmed farmers.
The complaint, filed in U.S. District Court in the Middle District of North Carolina, accuses the defendants of using “loyalty programs” with pesticide distributors to exclude generic competitors from the market. The programs reward distributors for selling Syngenta and Corteva products long after their patent and other protections have expired, thus inflating prices. “These unlawful business practices have cost farmers many millions of dollars a year,” the complaint alleges.
“Farmers are paying unnecessarily high prices for pesticides, on top of soaring costs for other inputs,” Miller said. “The defendants’ practices are unfair to smaller competitors and ultimately harm consumers.”
Miller’s office worked with the Illinois Attorney General’s Office to lead the states’ investigation.
The lawsuit accuses Syngenta and Corteva of violating state and federal laws, including the FTC Act and the Clayton Act. The FTC and state attorneys general ask the court to end the loyalty programs, and grant equitable monetary relief and attorney fees, among other remedies. The relief would include restitution for farmers in Iowa.
Syngenta — based in Basel, Switzerland, and a subsidiary of Sinochem Holdings Corp. of China — and Corteva, based in Indianapolis, are among the largest makers of crop-protection products in the United States. The companies’ products are used on a wide range of grains, vegetables, fruits, and other crops, helping improve yields and food security.
To encourage innovation, companies such as Syngenta and Corteva can initially develop, patent, and register active ingredients in their products and exploit their commercial potential for several years. After those protections expire, generic manufacturers may enter the market with products with the same active ingredients and relying on the same toxicology and environmental impact studies. This competition ordinarily leads to dramatic price reductions, benefiting farmers and consumers.
The complaint accuses Syngenta and Corteva of undermining this system by paying incentive payments, or “rebates,” to distributors on one condition: The distributor must keep its purchases of comparable generic products below a low threshold. Corteva and Syngenta have entered into loyalty-program agreements with substantially all leading distributors in the United States. In turn, the distributors sell the products containing the branded ingredients to retail outlets.
These loyalty programs enable the defendants to maintain high prices and dominant market positions years after exclusivity for an active ingredient has expired. They also have forced generic manufacturers out of the market, the lawsuit alleges.
The FTC commissioners voted today to pursue the lawsuit. In addition to Miller, the lawsuit was joined by the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oregon, Texas, and Wisconsin.
Educational Series, “A Journey Through Parkinson’s Disease,” Coming to Oskaloosa
Posted on by Sam Parsons
OSKALOOSA — Growing older is the greatest risk factor for acquiring Parkinson’s disease and many people live with symptoms for several years before being diagnosed. Often people in early stages of Parkinson’s disease assume their symptoms are part of normal aging or are due to other health problems they may have, such as arthritis. However, early Parkinson’s disease symptoms may not be that apparent and may even come and go. Frequently it is the spouse or other relatives who first notice slight problems with a loved one’s movements.
To learn about Parkinson’s disease, its effects, and possible treatments, register now to participate in “A Journey Through Parkinson’s Disease” an educational series from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Mahaska County Extension, along with Iowa State’s Department of Kinesiology, and Human Sciences Extension and Outreach are sponsoring the series in Oskaloosa beginning November 14.
The educational series consists of three, 1-hour sessions held on Mondays in November. Cathy Drost, a Human Sciences Specialist in Oskaloosa, will teach the classes, which include interactive lessons, discussions, and activities. Sessions are scheduled for November 14 through November 28 from 11:00-12:00 pm at the Oskaloosa Public Library at 301 South Market Street in the third floor meeting room. There is a no fee for the program. For more information or to register on-line go to https://go.iastate.edu/UAUFFP or contact Cathy Drost at 673-5841or by email at cdrost@iastate.edu.
“You will learn about the signs of Parkinson’s disease and how to seek medical care, as well as the cause of the disease and how specific treatments work. You will also learn about alternative therapies and in-home activities that can delay the progression of Parkinson’s disease, which is very important for continuing to live a full and happy life,” said Drost.
Central College to Host Service Day
Posted on by Sam Parsons
PELLA — Central College will hold its annual Service Day on Tuesday, Oct. 4. Service Day demonstrates Central’s commitment to empowering its students, staff and faculty to be engaged in their communities. It integrates learning through service and provides opportunities for the entire campus to connect, support and invest in their local, national and international communities.
On Service Day students, staff and faculty go to area communities and serve with local organizations for half-day service projects. Service Day is organized by Tori Fyfe, assistant director of Central’s community-based learning and a Class of 2020 graduate. She has been securing volunteer projects with partners since the beginning of August.
“Each year Central has the privilege of partnering with 40-plus local community organizations and nonprofits for our annual Service Day,” Fyfe says. “Our partners are doing remarkable and impactful work. Central is honored to support them in their efforts.”
Service Day is an alternative education day when some faculty turn the class experience into a service project. A few of the many projects this year include:
- Blank Park Zoo, Night Eyes event set up, Des Moines.
- City of Des Moines Rose Garden Restoration, Des Moines
- Community Youth Concepts – Stowe Heights Challenge Course Clean up, Des Moines
- Iowa Homeless Youth Center, organizing donation area, Des Moines.
- Lutheran Services of Iowa, Global Greens Farm clean up, Des Moines.
- Howell Station Recreation Area, pruning tree suckers and weeding playscape, Lake Red Rock.
- Centre for Arts & Artists, outdoor maintenance and clean up, Newton.
- Comfort House, Hospice of Pella, garden clean up, Pella.
- The Work of Our Hands, basement clean up, Pella.
- Hickory Glenn Park, tree planting and tree fencing, Pleasant Hills.
- Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, seed collection, Prairie City.
Central has held an annual Service Day since 2006. In the past seven years, Central Service Day has offered volunteer services to an average of 55 projects and donated an average of 1,817 hours each year.
In 2022, the national value placed on volunteer time is $29.95. On average, Central’s Service Day generates $54,419 of value in one day for area nonprofits and service organizations.
Alan Jackson To Be Honored As CMT Artist Of A Lifetime
Posted on by Bob Ballard
The “CMT Artist of the Year” celebration is happening next month, and Alan Jackson is set to get a huge honor. Producers just announced that Jackson will be recognized with the Artist of a Lifetime honor.
“I believe I’ve made more videos than just about anybody, and I know how important they have been in bringing my songs to life for the fans, so thank you, CMT, for all the years and for this sweet honor,” Alan shares. “I’m very proud.”
Previous Artist of a Lifetime honorees include Randy Travis (2021), Reba McEntire (2019), Loretta Lynn (2018), Shania Twain (2016), Kenny Rogers (2015) and Merle Haggard (2014).
The 2022 CMT Artist of the Year celebration will air October 14th at 9 pm. This year’s honorees include Carly Pearce, Cody Johnson, Kane Brown, Luke Combs and Walker Hayes,
Source: CMT
This day in Country Music History
Posted on by Bob Ballard
- Today in 1950, WSM-AM radio’s country music showcase, “Grand Ole Opry,” was telecast for the first time.
- Today in 1977, Elvis Presley’s “Welcome To My World” album was certified gold.
- Today in 1984, the album, “His Epic – The First Eleven – To Be Continued,” by Merle Haggard was released.
- Today in 1992, George Jones was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
- Today in 1996, the album, “The Closer You Get,” by Alabama was certified quadruple platinum.
- Today in 1997, LeAnn Rimes’ “You Light Up My Life” single was certified gold.
- Today in 1997, Patty Loveless released her ninth album “Long Stretch of Lonesome.”
- Today in 2002, the Chicks’ “Home” album was certified gold, platinum and double-platinum simultaneously.
- Today in 2003, Billy Currington’s self-titled album debuted.
- Today in 2006, George Strait lifts the Jamey Johnson-penned “Give It Away” to the top of the Billboard chart.
- Today in 2013, The Band Perry’s Kimberly Perry got engaged to Toronto Blue Jays catcher J.P. Arencibia at her parents’ home in Greeneville, Tennessee. The lovebirds exchanged “I do’s” the following June 19th (2014)…sadly they split in 2018.
- Today in 2014, Warner Bros. released the Blake Shelton album, “Bringing Back The Sunshine.”
- Today in 2015, Blake Shelton sang “Boys ‘Round Here” on the CW special “iHeart Radio Music Festival.” Lee Brice made a brief appearance on the two-hour show, with performances by Sam Smith, Puff Daddy and Fall Out Boy.
- Today in 2016, John Prine’s album, “For Better, Or Worse,” was released. It features duets with Lee Ann Womack, Miranda Lambert, Kacey Musgraves, Kathy Mattea, Morgane Stapleton, Alison Krauss and Iris DeMent, among others.
- Today in 2016, Thomas Rhett’s single, “Star Of The Show,” was released.
- Today in 2017, Blake Shelton was presented with a key to the city as he headlined a grand-opening concert at Ole Red Tishomingo in Oklahoma. He was joined on the bill by RaeLynn, Ronnie Milsap, John Conlee and Jeannie Seely.
- Today in 2017, Thomas Rhett’s “Life Changes” began a three-week run at #1 on the Billboard country albums chart.
- Today in 2019, Dan + Shay performed “Speechless,” “Tequila” and “10,000 Hours” at the second wedding of Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin at Somerset Chapel in Bluffton, South Carolina. Also attending were Kylie Jenner, Kendall Jenner, Billy Baldwin and Chynna Phillips.
- Today in 2019, Kane Brown’s “Homesick” went gold – and his song, “Good As You,” went platinum.
- Today in 2020, “Some Girl” singer Jameson Rodgers and Sarah Allison Turner got engages at Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe, the club where they met nine years prior. The lovebirds became Mr. And Mrs. the following September.
- Today in 2021, Justin Moore’s “With A Woman You Love” hit the airwaves. The same day? Blake Shelton’s single, “Come Back As A Country Boy,” was released.
MEET THE H & S FEED & COUNTRY STORE PET OF THE WEEK: “CALYPSO”
Posted on by Bob Ballard
This week’s H & S Feed & Country Store Pet of the Week is “Calypso”. Calypso is a sweet 6 month old Beauceron mix who’s very trainable. She’s fully vetted, and would love to find her ‘furr-ever’ home!
If you’d like to set up an appointment to meet Calypso or any of the pets at Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter, visit https://www.stephenmemorial.org/ and fill out an adoption application.
Check out our visit about Calypso with Shanna from Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter here:
People trapped, 2.5M without power as Ian drenches Florida
Posted on by Sam Parsons
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Hurricane Ian has left a path of destruction in southwest Florida, trapping people in flooded homes, damaging the roof of a hospital intensive care unit and knocking out power to 2.5 million people. It’s now aiming for the Atlantic Coast as a tropical storm. One of the strongest hurricanes to ever hit the U.S. is drenching the Florida peninsula overnight, threatening catastrophic flooding. In Port Charlotte, the storm surge flooded a lower-level emergency room even as winds tore off part of the roof of its intensive care unit. Staff and patients, some on ventilators, crowded into the middle floors of the four-story hospital.
Officials in 44 Iowa counties weigh in on carbon pipelines
Posted on by Sam Parsons
By O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa)
Officials in 44 Iowa counties have now taken action to express concerns about the three proposed carbon pipelines.
In the past week, the Adair and Floyd County Boards of Supervisors have sent letters to state regulators. Floyd County Supervisor Linda Tjaden says the proposed Summit and Navigator pipeline routes pass through Floyd County.
“It wasn’t strong language of doing an ordinance by any means or a resolution,” she says, “but what we did was two different letters and they basically said the same thing.”
The Floyd County letters express concern about training for emergency crews who’d have to respond to pipeline ruptures, as well as potential construction damage to land and drainage tiles. The letter about the Summit route also mentions it would pass through the Avenue of the Saints Development Park in Charles City and the pipeline could damage electrical, water and sewage utilities in the area.
“We’re trying to get a business, you know a factory or a business that’s going to come in and purchase that property and build on that,” Tjaden says.
The letter from the Floyd County supervisors also expresses concern about the use of eminent domain for “a private purpose.” State law allows pipeline developers to apply for eminent domain authority to gain access to properties where landowners have refused to grant voluntary easements.
The Adair County Board of Supervisors has sent the Iowa Utilities Board a letter, saying the board is not opposed to the purpose or construction of the pipeline, but is opposed to eminent domain being used “as a way of achieving it.” None of the three proposed pipeline routes run through Adair County, but there are nearby ethanol plants in Menlo and Corning. If those facilities are connected to a carbon capture pipeline in the future, the route would likely pass through Adair County.
Nominations Open for Women Impacting Agriculture
Posted on by Sam Parsons
AMES, Iowa – The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Women in Ag Leadership Conference is seeking Women Impacting Agriculture nominees. The winners will be honored at the 2022 Women in Ag Leadership Conference, to be held Nov. 29-30.
“The goal of the award is to honor women who are making positive changes in Iowa agriculture,” said Madeline Schultz, Women in Ag program manager with ISU Extension and Outreach.
Schultz invites nominations for women in all areas of agriculture including owners, managers and employees of Iowa farms, agricultural businesses and organizations. Nominees must also have a connection to ISU Extension and Outreach, either serving as a volunteer, Iowa State University alum or any unpaid position within the organization.
Honorees will receive a cash award, a personalized gift and conference registration. 2020 honoree Emily Boettcher said she enjoyed getting to network with new people and still keeps in touch with them today. She believes the award is a great example of the encouragement women in agriculture should share with each other.
“I would encourage people to nominate others,” said Boettcher. “They (people in agriculture) make the world go round.”
Nomination forms and additional information can be found at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/womeninag/women-impacting-agriculture-2022-call-nominations.
All Iowans who know a woman making a difference in agriculture are invited to submit their nominations no later than Friday, Oct. 7.
Questions can be directed to Schultz at schultz@iastate.edu.
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