08/13/20: Area Happenings & Accomplishments

Relay For Life raises over $16K

The 2020 O’Brien County Relay For Life drew 10 teams and raised $16,672.00 for the American Cancer Society’s advocacy, education, patient services and research programs. The event was held Aug. 3 in Sheldon with a different look this year due to COVID-19 rules and social distancing guidelines.

Instead of the usual walk to raise funds, a picnic and parade were held. Take-and-go meals were served to individuals at the Sheldon City Park gazebo. Twenty-two survivors assembled at the Sheldon High School parking lot for a short program and drive by Fieldcrest Christian Retirement Home and down the traditional parade route. Many cars were decorated with loved ones’ information about their fight against cancer. The public gave them their support as they drove by.

Three hundred forty-one luminaria were on display at the enclosed shelter house in the park. Cindy Runger, chairman, would like to thank businesses and individuals of O’Brien County and the surrounding area for their generous support.

Bethke retires from UCB

Cheryl Bethke is retiring after serving United Community Bank in Hartley for more than 20 years. Though no party will be held, her coworkers have asked for a card shower in her honor.

Well wishes may be sent to 2821 Warbler Ave., Hartley.

Iowa DNR warns of cyanobacteria, cyanotoxins

The recent dry and hot weather has created conditions favorable for the formation of cyanobacteria, or blue-green, algal blooms in surface water. Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic bacteria that share some properties with algae and are found naturally in all surface waters, both freshwater and marine.

There are several types of cyanobacteria, some of which can generate one or more chemicals that are toxic to humans and animals. When conditions are favorable, cyanobacteria can rapidly multiply and cause algal blooms. Sometimes the cyanobacteria produce toxins that can be harmful. Toxin-producing strains in the Midwest are typically seen in early summer and late summer.

Factors that affect cyanobacterial bloom formation and persistence include: Stronger sunlight and longer duration, nutrient availability (both nitrogen and phosphorus), and water temperatures in the range of 60°F – 80°F

Information is available from several sources on the DNR’s Drinking Water Health Advisories webpage under the Cyanotoxin heading.

4-gal tourney held at Meadowbrook

Meadowbrook Golf Course sponsored a 4-gal best ball tournament on Wednesday, Aug. 5. After a misty, wet morning of golfing 18 holes, the 12 teams came into the clubhouse for lunch and prizes.

Prizes were awarded to flight winners, hole prize winners, $30 money tree drawing and door prizes. Winners of the three flights were also announced.

First Flight: first place (66), Team Marcella Suter; second place (67), Team LaVonne Peters; and third place (69), Team Lanette Bates.

Second Flight: first place (72), Team Cindi Groen; second place (73), Team Jeri Wescott; and third place (75), Team Kristen Leng.

Third Flight: first place (79), Team Teri Fredericks; second place (79), Team Becky Stoltz; and third place (79), Team Pat Graves.