Silos and Smokestacks 2009 Award Winners

Alan Hutchings Outstanding Visionary

Iowa Wine Trail

Outstanding Preservation in Agriculture
Four Mounds

Outstanding Partner
Grout Museum District

Outstanding Volunteer
Hollis & Bev Ryken, Ackley Heritage Center

"People's Choice" - Site of the Year
Reiman Gardens

View Photos of Winners

Golden Silo Awards are presented to individuals and organizations whose contributions demonstrate outstanding excellence in preserving and telling the stories of American agriculture.

Know Your Household Materials

Household materials are categorized as hazardous if they are corrosive, toxic, flammable or reactive. If not managed properly, these materials threaten human health, Iowa’s lakes and streams, and groundwater which supplies 80 percent of our drinking water.

What is hazardous?
Household products are considered hazardous if they have at least one of the following characteristics:
• Toxic: May cause injury or death upon being inhaled, ingested or absorbed through the skin.
• Caustic/Corrosive: Substance or its vapors can cause deterioration or irreversible alteration in body tissues and deteriorate or wear away the surface of other materials.
• Flammable: Can ignite or explode under normal working conditions.
• Reactive: Can explode through exposure to heat, sudden shock, pressure, or incompatible substances.

If a product is considered hazardous, the product label is required to alert the consumer using the words danger, poison, warning, or caution.

Many products such as cleaners, automotive fluids, pesticides, paints and thinners, mercury thermometers, fluorescent light bulbs and batteries are considered hazardous. For a list of many of the most common Household Hazardous Materials (HHM), along with advice on how to handle and dispose of them, see the HHM safety chart on the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) site http://www.iowadnr.gov/waste/hhm/.

Storage and disposal guidelines for household hazardous materials
• Follow manufacturer storage directions.
• Keep products out of the reach of children and animals.
• Store all household hazardous materials away from food items.
• Tightly seal lids and caps.
• Clearly label all containers before storing.
• Keep HHMs in original containers. NEVER place HHMs in food or beverage containers.
• Keep HHMs away from heat, flame or sources of ignition.
• Store HHMs containing volatile chemicals or those that warn of vapors in a well-ventilated area.
• Store HHMs in a cool dry place.
• Follow label directions for proper use, storage and disposal
• Don’t pour HHMs down the drain.
• Don’t put HHMs in the trash.

Regional Collection Centers
Regional Collection Centers (RCCs) are permanent collection facilities designed to assist the public and qualifying small businesses with proper management and disposal of hazardous waste. RCCs accept specific types of hazardous waste for disposal either through local outlets or through contracted service. They also provide a materials exchange (swap shop) and work to educate Iowans in proper purchasing and management techniques for HHMs.

In 2008 Iowa’s RCCs collected nearly 3.5 million pounds of household hazardous materials from 24,200 households and 1,450 small businesses. Currently 22 main facilities and 37 satellite facilities are operating across Iowa serving 88 counties. The Iowa DNR distributes grants to counties who wish to establish RCC service. 

picture courtesy of creative commons license at flickr.com

Managing Tough Times: Making Work Pay

In February, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 was signed into law by the President.  "ARRA includes key provisions that impact individual families," say Brenda Schmitt, ISU Extension Family Resource Management Field Specialist.

For tax years 2009 and 2010, the Making Work Pay provision of ARRA will provide a refundable tax credit of up to $400 for working individuals and up to $800 for married taxpayers filing joint returns.  This tax credit will be calculated at a rate of 6.2 percent of earned income and will phase out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income in excess of $75,000 or $150,000 for married couples filing jointly. For people who receive a paycheck and are subject to withholding, the credit will typically be handled by their employers through automated withholding changes in early spring. These changes may result in an increase in take-home pay. The amount of the credit must be reported on the employee's 2009 income tax return filed in 2010. Taxpayers who do not have taxes withheld by an employer during the year can also claim the credit on their 2009 tax return.

Employees do not have to submit a Form W-4, Employee Withholding Certificate, to get the automatic withholding change.

Employers are asked to begin applying these credits as soon as possible but no later than April 1, 2009.These changes may result in an increase in take-home pay. However, the amount of the credit still must be claimed on the taxpayer’s 2009 and 2010 income tax returns (e.g., on the 2009 return filed in 2010). Taxpayers who do not have taxes withheld by an employer during the year can also claim the credit on their tax return.  Note:  The $250 one time Economic Recovery Payment received by taxpayers from the Social Security Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs or the Railroad Retirement Board or the $250 Special Credit for Certain Retirees will reduce any eligible Making Work Pay Credit.

Caution: Some taxpayers may be underwithheld due to the reduced withholding. This may result in a balance due on the taxpayer’s 2009 tax return.  For example:

• Taxpayers (single or married) who have more than one job, or
• Taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income in excess of the allowable credit
• Married couples whose combined income will place them in a higher tax bracket. 
• Pension recipients with no earned income.

For taxpayers in the situations above it may be beneficial to re-calculate their withholding to ensure they have sufficient withholding to avoid owing any additional taxes for tax years 2009 and 2010. 

To avoid underwithholding, these taxpayers can claim fewer withholding allowances on Form W-4 (line 5 or request an additional amount to be withheld on line 6) or Form W-4P for pensioners. For additional help, visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov and use the “Withholding Calculator” or call 1-800-829-1040.

picture courtesy of theritters at flickr.com

4-H Youth Conference Just Around The Corner

Iowa State University is once again preparing for the annual convergence of more than 1,000 Iowa students with the State 4-H Youth Conference set for June 30- July 2, 2009.  This is the time to be registering as the deadline is creeping up fast, May 22.

“We are proud and lucky to have a good partnership with the academic departments on campus and they will be leading most of the workshops.  This is a great way for students to explore different majors and studies for their futures,” said Brenda Allen, 4-H youth development specialist with Iowa State University Extension.

The conference will include a wide array of workshops for the students, nearly half of which are geared toward educating students in making career choices or exposing them to the opportunities Iowa State University has to offer.  The conference also boasts three inspirational speakers who were hand picked by the State 4-H Council to pump up the delegates.

“The 2008-09 State Council has decided to shake things up and create a new conference experience for the delegates.  We hope to impact youth through service projects and hands-on experiences through workshops,” said Caitlin Andersen, the State 4-H Council conference co-chair.

While attending, students will enjoy an outside picnic, two dances and a formal banquet, all while getting a taste of living the campus life at ISU.  They will participate in a community service project to help the Story County area and will have the benefit of meeting students from other parts of the state.

“This event is open to all young people across Iowa.  We are excited about this year’s schedule and line-up of speakers and entertainment and believe our delegates will be too. The Iowa 4-H Youth Conference offers an amazing opportunity for youth from across the state to learn from each other, gain new leadership skills and be exposed to possible career and college opportunities.  It’s a fun-filled, action-packed three days that you won’t want to miss,” Allen said.

Students in the summer after their eighth grade year through grade 12 are encouraged to register. To register for the State 4-H Conference contact your Iowa State University Extension county office before May 22, 2009 or visit www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/stateconference. 

Area 4-H Youth Recognized

A Franklin County 4-H'ers has been recognized for their accomplishments at the Northeast Area 4-H Recognition Events held in Mason City and Oelwein. Opportunities for recognition include State 4-H Council, Iowa Youth Technology Team, National 4-H Conference, National 4-H Youth Congress, and state 4-H project awards.

The following will represent Franklin County: Austin Schnabel of Sheffield in the State 4-H Sport Fishing Project award program.

4-H'ers determined personal project goals, developed learning plans and evaluated their 4-H experiences. This information was summarized in their 4-H application for consideration by the Northeast Area Recognition Event volunteers. Each 4-H'er also participated in personal interviews.

Forty 4-H’ers in grades 9-12 submitted seventy-one award applications. In addition, more than twenty-five area youth and adults volunteered to review the 4-H’ers applications and conduct the personal interviews.

Assisting with Northeast Area award selection from Franklin County were Landon Plagge and Samantha Schermer of Latimer; and Lacey Elphic of Hampton. Jodi Varrelman of Hampton interviewed for the State 4-H Clothing Project award.




Hampton Today made possible by sponsors like: Michelle Hartman – Tupperware –641-373-8880 Denise Passehl – Watkins – 641-579-6227 Long Branch Supper Club – 641-458-8027 Patrick Palmer – The Computer Guy – 641-420-1234 Seven Stars Restaurant – 641-456-5378 Debra Brown – Melaleuca - 641-458-1114

fishing picture courtesy of flickr.com

Hampton Community Garden Plots Still Available

The Hampton Community Garden still has a few spots available. 10’ by 10’ and 10’ by 20’ plots are available to anyone who would like to try their hand at gardening. Rent for the plots will be $20 for the smaller plots and $40 for the larger plots. Some money will be refunded at the end of the year if the garden plot is cleaned up. The garden plots are located just east of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1405 North Federal. Applications are available at the Franklin County Extension Office, and are due May 1.

Water will be available. Gardeners need to furnish seeds, plants and the desire to start growing those vegetables. Gardening technical help is available from the Franklin County Extension Office. For more information on the Hampton Community Garden, contact Lead Gardener Sandy Eckhardt at 456-5244.

Hampton Today made possible by sponsors like: Michelle Hartman – Tupperware –641-373-8880 Denise Passehl – Watkins – 641-579-6227 Long Branch Supper Club – 641-458-8027 Patrick Palmer – The Computer Guy – 641-420-1234 Seven Stars Restaurant – 641-456-5378 Debra Brown – Melaleuca - 641-458-1114

peas pic by flickr.com

Whats Up in the Garden by Jackie Dohlman, Master Gardener

Tips on Snow Molds, Pruning Butterfly Bush, and Dividing Rhubarb Plants

Areas of my lawn that were covered with snow for most of the winter aren’t greening up. What could be wrong?

Snow molds may be responsible for the brown spots in your lawn. Two snow mold diseases, gray snow mold and pink snow mold, occur in Iowa. Gray snow mold is caused by two species of the fungus Typhula, while pink snow mold is caused by the fungus Microdochium nivale.

Symptoms of snow molds first appear when snow melts in late winter or early spring. Circular, straw-colored patches appear in the lawn as the snow recedes. Patches caused by gray snow mold may be a few inches to a few feet in diameter, while those caused by pink snow mold tend to be smaller, less than six inches across. These patches may continue to enlarge if the grass remains cool and wet. Grass in the patch may be matted and wet, with pink or gray colored fungal growth over the patch or on the edge. Gray snow mold causes small, pinhead-sized, round structures (sclerotia) to develop on the leaves and crowns of the grass plants.

Damage caused by snow molds is usually not serious. Affected areas typically green up, though more slowly than the rest of the lawn. Gently raking the affected areas may help to dry them out and prevent further fungal growth. In future years, problems with snow molds can be minimized by avoiding excessive nitrogen fertilization in fall, keeping the grass mowed until growth stops in fall, raking fallen leaves, and by not throwing or piling snow on problem areas. Affected areas will need to be overseeded if they fail to green up.

How should I prune my butterfly bush in spring?
The butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii) is actually a medium-sized, woody shrub. However, it’s often regarded as a herbaceous perennial in Iowa because the plant typically dies back to the ground each winter. In late winter/early spring, prune the butterfly bush back to within a few inches of the ground. The butterfly bush grows back rapidly after the dead wood is removed and blooms on the current year’s growth. The 6- to 12-inch-long flower spikes may be white, yellow, pink, blue, violet, or purple. By the end of summer, plants are often 5 to 6 feet tall.

When can I divide my rhubarb plants?
Early spring is the best time to divide rhubarb plants. Dig up plants as soon as the ground can be worked in spring. Divide each plant into sections with a large knife or spade. Each section should have at least two to three buds or shoots and a large section of the root system. Replant immediately. Set the divided sections in the ground at the same depth as they grew previously. Water thoroughly. Continue to water the plants on a weekly basis (during dry weather) through the remainder of the growing season.

Got gardening questions? Contact the Hortline at (515) 294-3108 (Monday - Friday; 10 a.m. -12 noon and 1 - 4:30 p.m.) or send an e-mail to hortline@iastate.edu. For more gardening information visit us at Yard and Garden Online at http://www.yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/

photo courtesy of Miss Chien at flickr.com

Home Show Expo in Iowa Falls Saturday

Saturday you can find me at the Iowa Falls Fire Department.  

That's at 321 Stevens Street.  

It's the Home Show Expo.  So I won't be the only one there.  There's quite a few of us.  We will have booths and samples and literature and just plain good conversation.

Each of us also gets to give a 1/2 hour presentation.  I'll be doing a program on cleaning your home with green products.  Denise will be talking about Watkins and I think she's bringing food samples! 

Don't be square.... be there! 

Sleep Tight .. Sleep Right

Tips for getting a good night's sleep

Getting a good night's sleep is important. According to information published by the National Sleep Foundation getting less than seven hours of sleep a night for seven consecutive nights can significantly impair alertness and motor performance. And a growing body of medical evidence links inadequate sleep with anger, anxiety, sadness, and daytime memory loss.

University of Pennsylvania researchers found that when study subjects were allowed to sleep only 4.5 hours a night for one week, they reported feeling more stressed, angry, sad, and mentally exhausted, with overall scores for mood and vigor declining steadily during the test period.

Noise levels (too high or too low), a room that is too warm or too cold and/or has too much light, and a noisy or restless bed partner are a few of the environmental factors that can influence the length and quality of our sleep.

Another factor is the sleeping surface itself: A mattress and pillows with the proper body support are essential to a good sleeping environment.

It's also important, particularly for those who suffer from allergies and asthma, that the sleeping surface be clean and dust-free according to The Soap and Detergent Association. Sheets should be changed at least weekly. Other bed linens, including mattress pads, blankets and comforters, should be washed at least four times a year. And don't overlook the pillows! They, too, should be washed frequently.

Check the pillow's label for care instructions. If the label is missing, try these general instructions. Wash the pillow on the gentle cycle, and then run it through the rinse cycle two or three times to remove all traces of detergent. After rinsing, run it through the washer's spin dry cycle at least twice to remove as much moisture as possible. Machine dry. Make sure the pillow is dry all the way through; several cycles may be required.

photo courtesy of creative commons attributes at flickr.com

Rabbit Workshop 4-15

All 4-H and FFA rabbit project members are invited the 4-H Foodstand at the Franklin County Fairgrounds, Wednesday, April 15, 7:00 p.m.

Topics to be covered include: rabbit tattooing, and a rabbit skillathon. Rabbits must be tattooed and have identification forms turned into the Franklin County Extension Office by May 15 to exhibit at the Franklin County Fair.

Members are encouraged to bring rabbits that need tattooed. Cost is $.50 per ear. For more information contact the Extension Office, 641-456-4811 or Darshan Feldman at 641-373-3049.

Hampton Today made possible by sponsors like: Michelle Hartman – Tupperware –641-373-8880 Denise Passehl – Watkins – 641-579-6227 Long Branch Supper Club – 641-458-8027 Patrick Palmer – The Computer Guy – 641-420-1234 Seven Stars Restaurant – 641-456-5378 Debra Brown – Melaleuca - 641-458-1114

photo courtesy of flickr.com