We all wear masks in various aspects of our lives to fulfill our daily roles, to be professional, to meet expectations. For people who experience mental health difficulties, including anyone with an eating disorder diagnosis, the mask is one that they often struggle to discard. The idea of being completely honest about who we are, admitting that we have struggles and difficulties is often overwhelming. We all want to fit in; to belong, and exposing ourselves as somebody who is struggling or less than perfect brings significant turmoil, angst, and distress. People may struggle with coming to terms with a diagnosis of mental illness and a journey to recovery which may not be straightforward.
by Jeremy Leitz, Allamakee County Executive Director (563) 568-2148
Upcoming Deadlines/Dates
September 20: Dairy Margin Coverage Program Sign-Up
December 6: Market Facilitation Program
Managed Haying Requests
For those who have stopped in to request managed haying on your CRP ground, make sure the bales are off as soon as possible to avoid killing of the seeding underneath, but no later than September 30. Any seeding destroyed due to the bales needs to be reseeded.
September Facility Loan Interest Rates
The interest rates for September are as follows:
• 1.625% for 3 years
• 1.625% for 5 years
• 1.750% for 7 years
• 1.875% for 10 years
• 1.875% for 12 years
• 2.000% for 15 years
Figure 1 ... Waterhemp seed, August 29. Submitted photo.
Figure 2 ... Giant ragweed seed, August 29. Submitted photo.
by Dr. Bob Hartzler, Professor of Agronomy - Integrated Crop Management News, and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
Problems caused by unfavorable conditions this season have resulted in greater than normal weed escapes. These weeds may reduce crop yields and definitely will contribute to future weed problems via new seed. While it is too late to protect crop yields, a common question is whether herbicides can be used to reduce the quantity of viable weed seed produced by weeds. While there is no simple answer due to the many different scenarios across the state, in most situations late-season applications are not warranted.
Figure 1 ... Ergot bodies (left to right) from bromegrass, rye and wheat. Submitted photo.
Figure 2 ... Mature ergot body on the seed head of bromegrass. Submitted photo.
Figure 3 ... Several ergot bodies on quackgrass. Submitted photo.
Figure 4 ... Ergot bodies will germinate giving rise to mushroom-like structures (1/2 to 3/4 inch in length) that release spores. Submitted photo.
Figure 5 ... At left, wheat spike with ergot body on uppermost spikelet and at right, wheat spike with honey dew (yellow to orange sticky sap) indicating a successful infection by the pathogen. Submitted photo.
by Andrew Friskop, North Dakota State University; Ethan Stoetzer, Iowa State University; Daren Mueller, Iowa State University; Darcy Telenko, Purdue University; and Keith Johnson, Purdue University
One plant disease to keep a lookout for when harvesting grains and grasses for animal and human consumption is ergot. The ergot pathogen generates toxic alkaloids that potentially could create problems with livestock feeding, and when trying to market a small grain crop. This article will review some of the commonly asked questions pertaining to ergot.
Flooding impact ... The Army Road boat launch ramp area east of New Albin was still under considerable water in late July. The ramp opened up for the first time this year August 2. Photo courtesy of Captain Ted Peck.
by Captain Ted Peck
The irreversible and profound impact of the Mississippi River flood of 2019 became evident just prior to the Labor Day weekend. The “Immortal River” is a never-ending source of subtle nuances and clues which can translate into amazing fishing results for those who can decipher what the river is whispering as it eases through the Driftless Area towards perpetual mingling with the Gulf of Mexico.
Work as a full-time fishing guide on Pool 9 for the past 18 years and nearly a half-century before that on Pool 13 nearly 190 miles downriver standing on the shoulders of four prior generations of “River Rats” has created an enigmatic relationship only the river’s soul could understand.
Artifacts on display ... The general public browsed through artifacts on display at the Thursday, August 29 Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) presentation held at the Meehan Memorial Lansing Public Library. The artifacts were discovered during the archaeological digging that was part of the DOT’s planning process for the Black Hawk Bridge project proposed to get underway within the next five years. Photo by Susan Cantine-Maxson.
Among the artifacts ... Among the artifacts on display at the Thursday, August 29 Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) presentation held at the Meehan Memorial Lansing Public Library were these larger items that include some pottery pieces and a pitcher and other crystal pieces. Some of the artifacts discovered during the archaeological digging that was part of the DOT’s planning process for the Black Hawk Bridge project were believed to date back to prehistoric times. Photo by Susan Cantine-Maxson.
by Susan Cantine-Maxson
Brennan Dolan, Cultural Resources Manager and Archaeologist for the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT), has become a familiar face at the Meehan Memorial Public Library in Lansing. Thursday, August 29, the Iowa DOT, represented by Dolan, and several others, met with interested area residents about the findings of the archaeological studies recently conducted in conjunction with the Black Hawk Bridge project.
Dolan has presented at informational meetings several times over the past few months in regard to the bridge project, keeping the public informed and gathering comments and information to share with Iowa DOT officials. A special guest at this meeting was Leah Rogers, whose archaeological firm, Tallgrass Archeology (Iowa City), along with Two Rivers Archaeology (Anamosa), had completed the archaeological excavations at the newly recorded sites for the proposed bridge replacement.
The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session twice within a week, including Tuesday, September 3 following the closure of the Allamakee County Courthouse Monday, September 2 in observance of the Labor Day holiday and again Monday, September 9.
SEPTEMBER 3 REGULAR SESSION
During Public Comment, Waukon City Council member John Ellingson discussed concerns relating to a stockpile of asphalt millings along Green Valley Road that are within the County’s right of way, potential drainage issues involving a water retention basin and some damage to 16th Avenue NW. Executive Director Val Reinke with Allamakee County Economic Development (ACED) provided a six-page schedule of events taking place in September within the county and provided an overview of several specific events.
Monday, September 16 at 5:30 p.m. at the Kerndt Brothers Community Center in Lansing, Main Street Lansing will host a public meeting to review the results of the Lansing market study survey. A total of 488 consumers responded to the survey, which was well past the goal needed to reach an accurate sample size of the community. In addition, 51 local businesses responded to a specialized survey created to dive deeper into business needs in Lansing.
For anyone who took the survey and may be interested in the various opinions expressed, this meeting will provide that opportunity. Additionally, attendees will be able to provide feedback and thoughts about the market study process moving forward.
After this September meeting, the Market Study Committee will have a work session in October to work on a plan of strategies to help the Lansing market. The final document should be completed by November.
The Waukon City Council met in regular session Tuesday, September 3 following the closure of Waukon City Hall Monday, September 2 in observance of the Labor Day holiday. The council addressed a full agenda of items including downtown trash cans, paint repair of the north water tower and street damage at 16th Avenue NW.
The Public Hearing on the proposed modifications of permitted uses on conditionally rezoned real estate for property located at 808 Fifth Avenue SW was opened and closed. City Clerk Lana Snitker indicated that no written or verbal comments have been received.
During Public Comment, resident and housing contractor Justin Piggott requested that the City look into the parking situation by a property at 208 Sixth Street NW. Under Departmental Reports, Assistant Police Chief Paul Wagner provided an update on testing completed by officer candidates with four individuals recently passing.
The State Library is partnering with the Iowa State Bar Association (ISBA) to bring free high-quality adult programming to public libraries of all sizes across the state. The ISBA People’s Law School provides educational events where members of the public can find answers to life’s legal questions. Speakers present information on a variety of legal topics and answer general questions.
Tuesday, September 17 the ISBA People’s Law School event focusing on Iowa’s child custody laws will livestream at Robey Memorial Library in Waukon. Topics to be discussed in this session include:
• An overview of the two types of child custody in Iowa
• Information on how child custody is decided in a divorce
• Examples of how child custody agreements may be modified
• Resources available to parents who are divorcing or seeking to change an existing custody agreement.
