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Commercial Manure Applicator Training Scheduled for Jan. 4

Posted on by Sam Parsons

AMES, Iowa — Commercial manure applicators can attend annual training to meet commercial manure applicator certification requirements on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources will conduct Commercial Manure Applicator training from 9 a.m. to noon at 69 locations in Iowa. Doors open at 8:30 a.m.

There is no fee for the workshop. Pre-registration is required. No walk-ins are allowed. Applicators must register by Dec. 27, 2023, with the ISU Extension and Outreach county office where they plan to attend. A complete list of workshop locations can be found on the Iowa Manure Management Action Group website.  To register to attend Mahaska county 9 am or 1 pm showing, please call 641-673-5841 or email Laura Ayala lkayala@iastate.edu.

New this year

Ten locations will offer live workshops for commercial manure applicator certification as part of the Confinement Site Manure Applicator Training. Attend the two-hour confinement site training, and the additional hour to fulfill your three hours of training. If you want the Confinement Site certification, you will be excused after two hours. However, if you want the commercial certification, you can stay for the extra hour to earn your three-hour certification.

The dates, counties, workshop locations and phone numbers for the 10 locations hosting a Live Commercial Manure Applicator Workshop are as follows:

  • Jan. 16, Osceola County, 1:30 p.m. Willow Creek County Recreation, 5945 Highway 9, Ocheyedan; 712-754-3648.
  • Jan. 16, Webster County, 1:30 p.m. ISU Extension and Outreach office in Fort Dodge; 515-576-2119.
  • Jan. 18, Johnson County, 9:30 a.m. ISU Extension and Outreach office in Iowa City; 319-337-2145.
  • Jan. 22, Wayne County, 1:30 p.m. ISU Extension and Outreach office in Corydon; 641-872-1755.
  • Jan. 29, Davis County, 1:30 p.m. ISU Extension and Outreach office in Bloomfield; 641-664-2730.
  • Jan. 30, Ida County, 1:30 p.m. Holstein Community Center in Holstein; 712-364-3003.
  • Feb. 6, Dallas County, 1:30 p.m. ISU Extension and Outreach office in Adel; 515-993-4281.
  • Feb. 8, Clay County, 1:30 p.m. ISU Extension and Outreach office in Spencer; 712-262-2264.
  • Feb. 13, Kossuth County, 1:30 p.m. ISU Extension and Outreach office in Algona; 515-295-2469.
  • Feb. 27, Boone County. 1:30 p.m. ISU Extension and Outreach office in Boone; 515-432-3882.

Commercial manure applicators needing to recertify and those wanting to certify for the first time should attend the statewide showing or one of the live workshops in their area. All certified commercial manure applicator licenses will expire on March 1, 2024. To avoid paying late fees, those wanting to renew must complete training requirements and submit forms and fees to the Department of Natural Resources before March 1. The law requires all commercial manure applicators to attend three hours of training annually to meet certification requirements.

Businesses that primarily truck or haul manure of any type or from any source are also required to meet certification requirements.

Those unable to attend the program on Jan. 4 or attend one of the 10 live workshop locations above, need to schedule time with their ISU Extension and Outreach county office to watch the training videos. Due to scheduling conflicts, extension offices will no longer accept walk-in appointments to watch these videos but do offer scheduled dates and times to provide this training.

If you can’t attend training during one of the scheduled reshow dates at your county extension office, you will be charged a $10 fee to view the training at your convenience. If attending the workshops or watching the three-hour video is not convenient, commercial applicators may contact their local Department of Natural Resources field office to schedule an appointment to take the certification exam. Another option for commercial manure applicators is to take their training online at the DNR MAC eLearning site. The applicator will need to sign in and get an A&A account.

In addition to the commercial manure applicator training offered on Jan. 4, ISU Extension and Outreach will also offer five dry/solid manure workshops for commercial manure applicators in February 2024. Information regarding these workshops and locations is available in the brochure online. Program requirements are the same as the regular commercial training program, but this training program is geared more toward dry/solid manure issues.

For more information about the commercial manure applicator certification program, contact your ISU Extension and Outreach County office or visit the Iowa State manure resources online.

Ottumwa Man in Custody After High-Speed Chase in Downtown Oskaloosa

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA — A high-speed chase in downtown Oskaloosa yesterday concluded with an Ottumwa man wanted on multiple outstanding warrants being taken into custody.

On December 14, 2023, at approximately 9:16 a.m., School Resource Officer Nord was patrolling in the area of the Oskaloosa High School complex and saw a man driving on N 3rd who he knew to be wanted on outstanding escape warrants. Officer Nord followed the male while calling other units for assistance, but the suspect fled at a high rate of speed.

The suspect, Aaron Keegel (27), continued to drive recklessly, putting the community in danger, so officers and deputies attempted pursuit intervention techniques to end the pursuit. Keegel ran on foot from the area of 1500 High Ave W before being taken into custody by county deputies and city officers in the 2700 block of Suffolk Rd.

Keegel, of Ottumwa, was lodged in the Mahaska County Jail for felony eluding, reckless driving, and driving while barred, along with three outstanding warrants for escape and assault. He is lodged without bond.

Members of the Oskaloosa Police Department were assisted in this investigation by members of the Mahaska County Sheriff’s Department and the Mahaska County 911 Center.

Luke Combs helping a fan who almost owed him $250,000 for selling unauthorized merchandise

Posted on by Sam Parsons

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Country singer Luke Combs is making amends to a disabled Florida woman who sells tumblers online after she was ordered to pay him $250,000 when she got snared in a crackdown his lawyers launched against companies that sell unauthorized merchandise with his image or name on it.

Combs in an Instagram video posted Wednesday said he told his attorneys to remove Nicol Harness from a lawsuit they filed in an Illinois federal court and that he was sending her $11,000. She had sold on Amazon 18 tumblers she had made with his name and likeness for $20 each, grossing $360.

The singer, who recently topped the country charts with his remake of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car,” also said he would start selling his own tumbler with the proceeds going to pay Harness’ medical bills — she has heart disease and was recently hospitalized. He also said he would fly Harness and her family to an upcoming concert so he could meet her.

He said his lawyers were only supposed to go after big companies that sell unauthorized goods, not fans who have a little business on the side. Most of the 45 other sellers sued appear to be large operations in Asia, court filings show. Under U.S. copyright law, sellers of unauthorized goods can be hit with stiff penalties and have their assets seized. They can also face criminal charges.

“This is not something that I would ever do. This is not the kind of person I am. I’m not greedy in any way, shape or form. Money is the last thing on my mind. I promise you guys that,” said Combs, a two-time Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year and three-time Grammy nominee.

Harness’ plight came to light on Tuesday in a story by Tampa TV station WFLA that went viral.

Harness told the station that Combs’ lawyers served her the lawsuit by email instead of in person, something the Northern District of Illinois federal court allows. She said the October lawsuit went to her junk mail folder and she never saw it.

When Harness didn’t respond as required within 30 days, the judge found her in default and imposed the $250,000 judgment. She discovered she had been sued when Amazon, obeying the judge’s order, froze the $5,500 she had in her account for possible seizure, meaning she couldn’t pay her bills.

She’s a big fan of the singer and had started selling the Combs tumbler after attending one of his concerts.

“It’s very stressful,” a weeping Harness told the station. “I didn’t mean any harm to Luke Combs. I quit selling the tumbler. I pulled it down. I just don’t understand. … This is not something I meant to go wrong like this. I just want to get back to my day-to-day life.”

Combs, in his Instagram video, said he learned of Harness and the lawsuit when he awoke at 5 a.m. Wednesday to go to the bathroom and saw the story. He said he had his manager get Harness’ contact information so he could call her and tell her he would make things right.

“I was so apologetic in talking with her. It just makes me sick, honestly, that this would happen, especially at the holidays. I can’t imagine being in her shoes,” Combs said.

A relieved Harness told the TV station Wednesday she was surprised when Combs called.

“He was a very nice guy, very understanding,” Harness said. “I explained to him what happened, he understood. I still can’t believe he called me and he is doing these things for me.”

Panel that sets tax revenue forecast sees ‘organic growth’ in Iowa economy

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa)

Members of the panel that predicts state tax revenue say recession fears are receding and, while total receipts are down slightly, that’s due to previously approved tax cuts.

The December report from the Revenue Estimating Conference sets the stage as Republican Governor Kim Reynolds and GOP lawmakers signal they hope to eventually eliminate the state income tax. Iowa Department of Management director Kraig Paulsen, the governor’s top budget advisor, is chairman of the Revenue Estimating Conference. “We continue to see modest growth in Iowa’s economy,” Paulsen said during this morning’s meeting, “and the revenue numbers coming in support this.”

By January, there will be $3.6 billion in the Taxpayer Relief Fund where unspent taxes are being deposited.

Paulsen said consumer spending in Iowa appears strong and, while, corporate income tax reductions have been made, total corporate tax receipts are up 15% over the past five months. “To me, this indicates continued organic growth within Iowa’s economy,” Paulsen said.

Clear Lake C-P-A David Underwood is another member of the tax-predicting panel.  “The continued discussion of when’s the recession coming — it seems like finally everybody’s decided, well, it hasn’t gotten here yet, so maybe we won’t have one at least in the near term,” Underwood said. “That consensus helps a little bit, that we aren’t just wondering when that bottom is going to fall out.”

The Revenue Estimating Conference predicts the State of Iowa will collect over $9.7 billion in taxes in the current budgeting year that ends June 30t, 2024. The prediction for the following 12 months is slightly less, primarily due to tax cuts approved in 2018 and 2022.

Stay safe as Iowa lakes freeze over

Posted on by Sam Parsons

DES MOINES — The recent blast of arctic air is growing ice on lakes and ponds across the northern two-thirds of Iowa. Anglers are ready to get out for the popular early ice fishing season.

“Many of us can’t wait to get out on the ice each winter,” said Joe Larscheid, chief of fisheries for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). “Ice fishing is a fun, inexpensive activity for anglers of all ages to get outdoors and avoid cabin fever.”

The DNR recommends a minimum of four inches of clear ice for fishing and at least five inches for snowmobiles and ATVs.

“Check ice thickness as you make your way to your favorite fishing spot,” Larscheid said. “Ice conditions change constantly and its thickness can vary across the lake. Trust your instincts – if the ice does not look right, don’t go out.”

A blanket of snow on top of an ice-covered lake insulates the ice, slowing the growth of ice and hiding potential hazards or weak spots. River ice is 15 percent weaker than lake ice. Ice with a bluish color is safer than clear ice.  Avoid slushy or honey-combed and stay away from dark spots on the ice.  Don’t walk into areas where the snow cover looks discolored.

Safety Tips on the Ice

  • No ice is 100 percent safe.
  • New ice is usually stronger than old ice.
  • Don’t go out alone – if the worst should happen, someone will be there to call for help or to help rescue.
  • Let someone know where you are going and when you will return.
  • Check ice thickness as you go out – there could be pockets of thin ice or places where ice recently formed.
  • Avoid off-colored snow or ice. It is usually a sign of weakness.
  • The insulating effect of snow slows down the freezing process.
  • Bring along these basic items to help keep you safe: hand warmers, ice cleats to help prevent falls, ice picks (wear around your neck) to help you crawl out of the water if you fall in, a life jacket, a floating safety rope, a whistle to call for help, a basic first aid kit and extra dry clothes including a pair of gloves.

“Getting Started with Backyard Chickens” Workshop Set for January 25 in Oskaloosa

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA — Learn the basics of choosing and caring for backyard chickens at a one-hour workshop Thursday January 25 in Oskaloosa. The workshop is sponsored by Mahaska County Extension and the ISU Extension and Outreach Small Farms program.

The workshop will be held at the Mahaska County Extension office, 212 North I Street, Oskaloosa.  It is open to the public, attendees of all ages are welcome.  There is no cost to attend, but registration is requested.

Instructor Christa Hartsook will cover how to order, care for, and protect your new flock. Topics include brooding chicks, appropriate feeders and waterers and coop construction tips. The workshop will also include showmanship concepts and tips for 4-H’ers attending county fair.

For more information, contact Suzette Striegel, Mahaska County Extension.  To register, call 641-673-5841 or email striegel@iastate.edu.

Coming home, staying home: ‘Apollo 13’ and ‘Home Alone’ among 25 films picked for national registry

Posted on by Sam Parsons

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Houston, we have a problem: Where’s Kevin?

Perhaps the ultimate coming-home movie, “Apollo 13,” and the ultimate staying-home one, “Home Alone,” are both being honored this year, selected for preservation in the National Film Registry They’re part of an annual group of 25 that this year spans more than 90 years of filmmaking.

The 2023 collection includes the sci-fi sequel “Terminator 2: Judgment Day,” the Disney animated classic “Lady and the Tramp,” and the searing, Oscar-winning drama “12 Years a Slave.” Just in time for the holidays, “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is included.

The oldest film is from 1921: “A Movie Trip Through Filmland,” a very early look at the impact of movies. The newest are both from 2013: “12 Years a Slave” and the Oscar-winning documentary “20 Feet From Stardom,” about backup singers.

The registry is housed at the Library of Congress, which since 1988 has selected movies for preservation based on their cultural and historic importance. The current picks bring the registry to 875 films — some, but not all, among the 2 million items in the library’s collection. Turner Classic Movies will host a TV special on Thursday, screening a selection of this year’s movies.

A look at some of the films entering the registry

”The Wedding Banquet” (1993): Ang Lee’s romantic comedy about a gay man from Taiwan trying to hide his orientation from his family, featuring an over-the-top wedding banquet.

”Bamboozled” (2000): Spike Lee’s stinging satire about race in entertainment, with Damon Wayans as a program executive at a cable network.

”Maya Lin: A Strong, Clear Vision” (1994): Freida Lee Mock’s Oscar-winning documentary about the artist who created two famous memorials.

“Apollo 13” (1995): Ron Howard’s impeccably told chronicle of the near-tragedy involving U.S astronauts trying to get back to Earth, featuring Tom Hanks and the famous (and slightly altered) quote: “Houston, we have a problem.”

“Desperately Seeking Susan” (1985): Susan Seidelman’s uniquely New York saga featuring Rosanna Arquette and none other than Madonna as the elusive Susan.

“Matewan” (1987): John Sayles’ tale of efforts in 1920 to unionize a company town in West Virginia.

“Home Alone” (1990): Chris Columbus’ holiday classic about, let’s face it, deeply questionable parenting that made wide-eyed Macaulay Culkin — aka Kevin — a star.

“Alambrista” (1977): Robert M. Young’s story of a Mexican migrant laborer in the United States.

“Fame” (1980): A story of students seeking fame at the High School of Performing Arts in New York City, and known for Irene Cara’s version of the title song.

“Lady and the Tramp” (1955): The classic Disney canine love story, featuring surely the most famous spaghetti kiss in animated film.

The Full List

“A Movie Trip Through Filmland” (1921); “Dinner at Eight” (1933); “Bohulano Family Film Collection” (1950s-1970s); “Helen Keller: In Her Story” (1954); “Lady and the Tramp” (1955); “Edge of the City: (1957); “We’re Alive” (1974); “Cruisin’ J-Town” (1975); “Alambrista” (1977); “Passing Through” (1977); “Fame” (1980); “Desperately Seeking Susan” (1985); “The Lighted Field” (1987); “Matewan” (1987); “Home Alone” (1990); “Queen of Diamonds” (1991); “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” (1991); “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993); “The Wedding Banquet” (1993); “Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision” (1994); “Apollo 13” (1995); “Bamboozled” (2000); “Love & Basketball” (2000); “12 Years a Slave” (2013); “20 Feet From Stardom” (2013).

Governor calls Satanic Temple display in Iowa Capitol objectionable

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa)

Governor Kim Reynolds says a display from the Satanic Temple of Iowa will stay in the Capitol in Des Moines this month, but she’s asking Iowans to join her in prayers focused on the nativity scene nearby.

The Satanic Temple display features a statue with a ram’s head surrounded by electronic candles. The group got a permit to put up the display in December. A Republican lawmaker called on the governor to have it removed. Reynolds, in a written statement issues yesterday morning, said she finds the display “objectionable,” but the governor said “in a free society the best response to objectionable speech is more speech.”

Reynolds encouraged Iowans to join her today in “praying over the Capitol,” where a nativity scene is also on display. Reynolds said the nativity “represents the true reason for the season.”

Reynolds joined a large crowd in the Capitol for a midday prayer service. The crowd gathered around a Christmas tree and nativity scene that are in the center of the Capitol’s first floor rotunda.

Hunters encouraged to discuss hunting plan, safety after weekend hunting incidents

Posted on by Sam Parsons

DES MOINES — The opening weekend of Iowa’s second gun deer season saw another 50,000-plus hunters’ enjoying time in the timber in pursuit of legendary whitetails. Unfortunately, there were three hunting incidents that serve as a reminder for hunters to review safety measures before heading out.

Two separate incidents involved the same issue – shooting at running deer – where deer were running between two hunters and one hunter was struck by a wayward shot from another in their party. The other incident involved a self-inflicted injury due to carelessly handling a firearm and lack of muzzle control.

All three required medical attention and all three were preventable, said Jamie Cook, hunter education coordinator for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

“We continue to stress that hunters should avoid shooting at running deer and to be sure of what is in front of and behind the deer before pulling the trigger,” Cook said. “If there is any question about taking a shot, don’t pull the trigger because once you pull the trigger, you can’t call the shot back and no deer is worth taking an unsafe shot. Another will come along.”

As a reminder, Cook said it is important to develop, review and follow a hunting plan that outlines how the hunt will unfold and the role and location for every member of the group while in the field.

“The hunting plan should also include reminders on not shooting at running deer, and safety basics of treating every gun as if it were loaded and always pointing the gun in a safe direction,” Cook said.

With almost 77,000 deer reported to date through the harvest reporting system, nearly all of the 2023 deer hunts have occurred without incident.

“We hunt with those who we are closest to – our friends and our family. This is just a reminder that things can happen in a split second,” Cook said. “At the end of the day, we all want to get home safely.”

There have been 12 hunting incidents and two fatalities across all hunting seasons this fall.

Ottumwa’s Citizen Police Academy Accepting Applications

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OTTUMWA — The Ottumwa Police Department will be holding their Annual Citizens Police Academy. The Academy gives citizens an opportunity to learn first-hand about local law enforcement.   The curriculum covers patrol operations, crime investigation, use of force, animal control, drug investigation, and more.  The 2024 Academy will meet every Monday at 6 PM (with an exception of Monday February 19th as it is a city holiday) beginning Monday, February 5, with the final session on Monday, April 1.

Registration is now open for the 2024 Citizens Police Academy.  Application forms are available online at ottumwa.us or at the Police Chief’s Office at the Ottumwa Police Department.  All completed applications must be turned in to the Police Chief’s Office or email to opd@ottumwa.us by Friday, January 12 before 3:00 PM.  The program is available free of charge.   Class size is limited.  Participants are accepted pending a basic criminal background check.

Persons with questions about the Academy can contact Ottumwa Police Chief Chad Farrington at 683-0629.

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