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Fall Master Gardener Training Applications Close on August 18

AMES, Iowa – The application window opened July 17 for the fall 2023 Master Gardener training cohort, which will be offered in 55 counties or extension regions, including Mahaska County.

Iowans wishing to complete Master Gardener training 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 completing the 10-week training, trainees put their knowledge to work with a 40-hour internship in their training county.

Applicants have from July 17 to Aug. 18 to apply for the fall session. Training for the fall session begins Sept. 5.  Learn more about the program online or through Mahaska County Extension office, 212 North I Street, Oskaloosa.

“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 training 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.”

Master Gardeners are volunteers who use research-based information to educate people and coordinate projects that promote healthy communities.

Local extension staff 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 over 40 years, engaging more than 15,000 people in learning about gardening best practices.  Mahaska County has held local trainings since 2003 and has a local organization of previously trained volunteers.

For more information, contact Suzette Striegel at Mahaska County Extension  641-673-5841 or striegel@iastate.edu or Alicia Herzog at 515-294-3627, or aherzog@iastate.edu.

CHRIS YOUNG SHARES CO-WRITING CREDIT WITH DAVID BOWIE ON NEW TUNE

Chris Young teased on Instagram last week a new song he was working on – one with a riff

straight out of David Bowie‘s “Rebel Rebel” – called “Young Love & Saturday Nights.” A week later, we have the finished track and it’s a banger.

Chris lifted the guitar riff and melody straight from Bowie’s classic jam – enough so that Bowie actually has a co-write on the track. We got a snippet of it last week; check out both David Bowie’s “Rebel Rebel” and Chris Young’s finished track below.

This day in Country Music History

  • Today in 1948, Opry legend Roy Acuff announced his intent to run for governor of Tennessee. He did eventually run for office against the incumbent and lost. He also campaigned for the job twice more and was unsuccessful.
  • Today in 1969, Johnny Cash’s “Greatest Hits” album was certified gold.
  • Today in 1989, Patsy Cline’s “Greatest Hits” album was certified double platinum and Ricky Van Shelton’s album, “Wild-Eyed Dream,” was certified platinum.
  • Today in 1990, Kathy Mattea’s “Willow In The Wind” album was certified gold.
  • Today in 1991, Randy Travis’ album, “Heroes And Friends,” was certified platinum.
  • Today in 1992, Billy Ray Cyrus’ “Some Gave All” project was certified triple platinum.
  • Today in 1992, Billy Dean topped the country charts with the single, “Billy the Kid.”
  • Today in 1996, BlackHawk’s self-titled debut album was certified double platinum.
  • Today in 1998, Tanya Tucker filed a $300,000 lawsuit against Capitol Records Nashville, contending that the label willfully neglected her career.
  • Today in 2001, Tracy Byrd’s album, “Ten Rounds,” arrived in stores.
  • Today in 2002, Darryl Worley’s album, “I Miss My Friend,” debuted at #1 on “Billboard’s” Country Album chart.
  • Today in 2004, Toby Keith headlined his first stadium gig, which also featured Scotty Emerick, Al Ketchum, Gretchen Wilson, Montgomery Gentry and Jo Dee Messina.
  • Today in 2009, Lady Antebellum’s “I Run To You” was certified gold.
  • Today in 2012, Days after signing Florida Georgia Line, Republic Nashville released a remixed version of the duo’s debut single, “Cruise,” to radio.
  • Today in 2012, Little Big Town’s single, “Pontoon,” was certified gold by the RIAA.
  • Today in 2013, Miranda Lambert’s single, “Gunpowder & Lead,” went double-platinum. Carrie Underwood’s single, “Temporary Home,” was certified platinum by the RIAA on the same day.
  • Today in 2014, Maddie & Tae’s “Girl In A Country Song” video debuted on NPR’s website.
  • Today in 2015, Ashley Monroe’s album, “The Blade,” was released.
  • Today in 2015, the Eagles performed at CenturyLink Center in Bossier City, Louisiana. It marked the final concert for founding member Glenn Frey, who died six months later.
  • Today in 2016, Sheryl Crow was a contestant on the ABC-TV game show, “Match Game.” The same day? The Band Perry plays as ABC airs “Celebrity Family Feud.”

Woman found dead after grizzly bear encounter near Yellowstone National Park

WEST YELLOWSTONE (AP) — A woman was found dead in Montana on Saturday after coming into contact with a grizzly bear on a trail west of Yellowstone National Park.

The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks said in a statement on Sunday that the woman was found deceased on a trail near West Yellowstone, a Montana town nestled in the Custer Gallatin National Forest just west of Yellowstone National Park.

They said the woman was found deceased “following an apparent bear encounter” based on what investigators determined were grizzly bear tracks at the scene. The department said the investigation into the grizzly attack was ongoing.

Rangers issued an emergency closure of the area where the woman was found, which is popular with hikers.

Though the department’s statement said the death appeared to have followed the woman’s interaction with the bear, it did not confirm her cause of death.

The attack comes amid a rise in Montana’s grizzly bear population and an increase in sightings.

The department put out a news release last week warning visitors that staff had confirmed grizzly bear sightings throughout the state, “particularly in areas between the Northern Continental Divide and the Great Yellowstone ecosystems.”

They implored those camping and visiting parks to carry bear spray, store their food while outside and tend to their garbage.

Statewide Speed Awareness Day is This Wednesday

DES MOINES — Iowa’s 2023 daily traffic fatality count is over 20% higher than the 5-year average: an alarming trend. The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau is teaming up with law enforcement to keep drivers and passengers safe by raising awareness about the dangers of speeding and urging drivers to obey speed limits.

On July 26, Iowa will join Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, and Arkansas for a Speed Awareness Campaign. Law enforcement in your community will be on heightened alert for speeding vehicles and motorcycles.

Much like impaired driving, speeding is a selfish choice with deadly consequences for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely around another vehicle, a hazardous object, or an unexpected curve. Even the safest cars with the newest technologies are limited in how much they can help reduce the odds of a crash.

Tragically, Iowa experienced a dramatic 25% increase in speeding-related fatalities from 2020-2021. In 2021, speeding-related crashes killed 84 people on our roads, accounting for almost one-quarter of all crash fatalities.

“We are asking drivers to please slow down,” said GTSB Bureau Chief Brett Tjepkes. “Our goal is to save lives, and we’re putting all drivers on alert — the posted speed limit is the law. No excuses. On July 26 drivers will notice extra law enforcement on Iowa’s roads. If drivers choose to exceed the posted limit, they can expect a citation.”

The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau works with city, county, state, and local organizations to develop and implement strategies to reduce deaths and injuries on Iowa’s roadways using federally funded grants.

Swimming Not Recommended at Lake Red Rock’s Whitebreast and North Overlook Beaches

KNOXVILLE, Iowa – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District is recommending no swimming at Lake Red Rock’s Whitebreast and North Overlook Beaches due to elevated bacterial counts.

The beaches will be posted with “Swimming Not Recommended” signs until further testing indicates low bacteria counts. Sampling at the beaches is performed weekly by the Corps through a contract with Iowa State University.

Further information on water quality monitoring at Lake Red Rock may be obtained from the Lake Red Rock office by calling 641-828-7522 or by visiting: www.mvr.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Lake-Red-Rock/

Mahaska Health Celebrates 12th Annual Run in the Sun

OSKALOOSA — Mahaska Health Serenity House is hosting the 12th annual Run in the Sun 2k/5k event at the Statesman Community Stadium on August 5th, 2023. More than 300 runners, walkers, and volunteers are expected to attend the event in support of Mahaska Health Serenity House. Dr. Zacharjasz, Hospice Medical Director at Mahaska Health, the Mahaska Health Foundation Board, the Mahaska Health Hospice Auxiliary, and the Serenity House Care team are grateful for the generosity of the 2023 Run in the Sun participants and sponsors. 

Each year, the Run in the Sun event raises approximately $20,000 for the Mahaska Health Serenity House. Community members join the Mahaska Health team to run or walk together and give generously to support the families that the Serenity House cares for. 

“We are so grateful for the support of our community. The funds raised from Run in the Sun help us provide compassionate care to those in need and enhance the quality of life of our friends, neighbors, and the community we serve. New this year is a Kid’s Fun Run during the post-race family celebration! Run in the Sun is a wonderful opportunity to unite as a community and support those in need. We are so grateful for the support of our sponsors and participants, and we look forward to seeing everyone on race day!” Sharon DeKock, Director of the Hospice Serenity House.

To learn more and register visit, mahaskahealth.org/run2023

Actors and writers on strike rally in Philadelphia and Chicago as union action spreads

CHICAGO — Striking screenwriters and actors held rallies in Philadelphia and Chicago on Thursday as the labor dispute that has halted Hollywood spreads to more cities.

While Los Angeles and New York are the epicenters of strike actions, there are dozens of mid-sized and small locals across the country representing performers and writers.

“We have the same issues,” said Nikki Izanec, president of the Philadelphia SAG-AFTRA local, on her way to Thursday’s rally. “Lots of people pay attention to L.A. and New York, but our issues are the same as theirs.”

The Philadelphia rally at Love Park drew actors Sheryl Lee Ralph and Lisa Ann Walter, stars of the hit Philly-set TV show “Abbott Elementary.” Said Ralph: “Enough is enough and we demand more.” Actors David Morse and Brian Anthony Wilson also attended.

Leaders of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) voted unanimously last week to start striking, joining the Writers Guild of America, who walked out on May 2.

“We’re the voices of multi-trillion dollar TV theatrical streaming industry. And we all have a common goal, and that’s to make living wages in an industry that takes advantage of us,” said Izanec.

In Chicago, hundreds of strikers — many wearing black SAG T-shirts — marched and chanted at Millennium Park. “We’re union/United/Never be divided.” A small brass band accompanied the strikers and at one point played ”This Land Is Your Land.” One sign read: “Corporate Greed Stinks.” Cars honked their horns in support. Many unions were represented, including Teamsters and teachers.

The unions and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers — which represents studios, streamers and production companies — seem far apart, with no negotiations happening or planned.

“I feel like people would be surprised to hear that 87% of our members make under $26,000 a year, and that’s just under the amount that they need to qualify for health care. So that’s a national problem,” said Izanec.

Film and TV sets dot America. Cities like Chicago with shows like “Chicago Med,” “Chicago PD,” and “The Chi” have stopped filming until the strike is resolved. There were more than 30 major productions in Massachusetts last year. Strikers took to the street in Boston on Wednesday.

In Chicago, Courtney Rioux, a SAG-AFTRA member since 2010 who has had roles in “Chicago Med,” “Chicago Fire” and “Chicago PD,” took to the podium to rally fellow actors and writers to fight for protections from artificial intelligence and revenue from streaming.

“The whole business model has changed and our contract has not changed with it,” she said. “It’s billions of dollars in streaming and they’re crying broke.”

The rallies outside New York and Los Angeles are an important step to showing that many of the issues the actors and writers are fighting for are global ones, she said.

“We get so upset that people are saying Hollywood actors are on strike,” Rioux said. “We are not Hollywood actors. We are working class actors.”

“I think they’re saying Hollywood actors, because people have the feeling of like, ‘Oh, Hollywood actors are millionaires and they make so much money and they’re greedy.’ No, 86% of our members can’t qualify for health care.”

Disney CEO Bob Iger warned last week that it was not a good time for a strike, arguing that the entertainment industry’s recovery from the pandemic is not complete.

Izanec replied that she resents the fact that the average WGA member makes $69,000 a year and Iger makes $74,000 a day. “Most of us know that we’re performers and we’re middle class people. We’re trying to be middle class workers,” she said.

Key issues for both unions include residual payments, which have been nearly wiped out by the switch to the streaming system, and the unpaid use of their work and likeness by artificial intelligence avatars.

The AMPTP said it has offered fair terms on those and other issues.

In Los Angeles, strikers outside Netflix studios included Sarah Silverman, Aubrey Plaza, Chris Witaske and Kendrick Sampson. Kristen Schaal was seen on a picket line outside Disney studios.

Steamy heat wave due to arrive just in time for RAGBRAI

By Matt Kelley (Radio Iowa)

Those thousands of bicyclists who will trek across Iowa next week will face many challenges, not the least of which will be Iowa’s summer heat.

Meteorologist Kristy Carter, at the National Weather Service, says they’re predicting a heat wave to arrive right around the time the Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa begins on Sunday, meaning, those RAGBRAI riders will be roasting for much of the journey.

“We still have the generally cooler conditions through the rest of this week, but we are looking at that warming trend starting next week with some actually pretty hot conditions by roughly mid next week, where our heat index values may reach or near at least 100 degrees,” Carter says. “We are certainly looking at that signal for above-normal temperatures.”

So far, this July hasn’t been as brutal as in summers past, but forecasters say that’s about to change.

Carter says, “Right now, the official forecast only goes out through really next Wednesday, but we are looking at highs in the mid to upper 90s on both Tuesday and Wednesday.”

Depending on the humidity levels, the weather service may be issuing heat advisories or even heat warnings next week. “That’ll certainly be something we’ll be watching over the next several days, just to see how everything plays out with what are the temperatures, what are those dew point values,” Carter says. “Right now, our heat indices are, for the most part, below 100 and our forecast for next week, that’ll certainly be something we’ll be watching.”

The experts say one key way to stay safe when it’s sweltering outdoors is to limit physical activity, which isn’t an option for those who are pedaling their way across the state. Carter says RAGBRAI riders should follow the rest of the guidelines.

“Wear light-colored clothing, make sure to have plenty of water,” Carter says, “and just try to maybe bike a little bit earlier in the day, if possible, just to kind of avoid that late afternoon heat.”

The 50th annual ride starts Sunday in Sioux City and ends next Saturday, 500 miles later, in Davenport.

Ottumwa HyNoon Kiwanis to Hold Pork BBQ Fundraiser at Live After Five

OTTUMWA — The Ottumwa Hy-Noon Kiwanis Club will hold their annual Pork BBQ Dinner at Central Park from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 28th as part of “Live After Five.”

The BBQ dinner will include a BBQ pork sandwich, coleslaw, baked beans and a drink all for $10 per person.   Drive-up service will be available.  Those wishing drive-up service should drive on 2nd street to Court St., north on Court and right on 3rd to pick up orders.

Advance tickets are available from any Ottumwa Hy-Noon Kiwanian including, Suzanne Morrison at South Ottumwa Savings Bank and Sonja Ferrell at the Ottumwa Public Library.

Profits from the Kiwanis Pork BBQ will go the Children’s Library at the Ottumwa Public Library.  Since 2002 the Kiwanis organizations in Ottumwa have contributed $58,140 to the Ottumwa Public Library, primarily through funds raised at this event.

The Kiwanis would give special thank these supporting businesses – JBS, Keurig-Dr. Pepper, Warehouse BBQ,  Hotel Ottumwa,  City Ice and South Ottumwa Savings Bank.

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