04/15/21: Area Happenings & Accomplishments

Adopt a Pot in Hartley this spring

The Adopt a Pot program will once again return this spring in Hartley. Participants can contribute to the beautification effort in a variety of ways, be it through the donation of time, money, both or one.

Fifteen petunia-filled pots will be placed throughout the City With a Heart this spring. If interested, contact Sue Schulz (712) 261-2605 or Dyan Roth (712) 229-2503 by May 1.

Hydrant flushing in Hartley

The City of Hartley will be flushing hydrants starting Wednesday, April 21 through Friday, April 23.

Customers may experience periods of low water pressure and/or water discoloration. See the ad on Page 3 for more details.

SEP extended to Aug. 15

President Joe Biden last month extended the Special Enrollent Period (SEP) to Aug. 15, 2021. This extension allows Americans under age 65 to find the right health care coverage that fits their needs best, whether that means adusting their current plan or purchasing a new one.

See the ad on Page 5 for more details.

Village Northwest announces plans for July 4 party

Village Northwest Unlimited has announced there will be changes this year to its annual Independence Day Celebration scheduled for Friday, July 2.

The celebration is normally held on the VNU campus in Sheldon as a way to say "thank you" to the greater Sheldon community for its support of the Village and people with disabilities. Because of the ongoing pandemic, however, the health and safety of the vulnerable population served at VNU meant that hosting thousands of people on its campus would not be safe, so alternative ways were explored to host the event.

This year the celebration will be held at the Rise Festival grounds. The main event will be a concert performed by The Hepperly Band. The start time for the concert and other details for the Independence Day celebration will be announced at a future date.

The traditional Village fireworks display will be held after the concert. The Rise Festival grounds will provide a wonderful vantage point to watch one of the best firework displays in northwest Iowa.

Heyn wins KIWA Radio scholarship

Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn High School senior Samuel Heyn was named the winner of the $1,500 KIWA Radio scholarship last week.

Heyn, of Sanborn, is the son of Kara Heyn and Terry Heyn. He plans to attend the University of Iowa nd majori in sports broadcasting/statistics.

Clay County 4-H seeks nominations for Hall of Fame

Clay County 4-H is seeking nominations for the 2021 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame Inductee. The Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame honors 4-H volunteers, supporters and pioneers who have made a significant contribution to the Iowa 4-H Youth Development Program.

Nominees can include individuals who practice community citizenship, exemplary leadership in their profession or community, and character qualities exemplified by evidence of the role of the 4-H program in their life and their continuing commitment to 4-H and youth development. Individuals may also be former 4-H members who have achieved notable accomplishments or successes in their chosen career or life goals and who continue to use those successes to be a mentor or role model.

Nominations must be received by May 3 in the form of a letter to the Clay County Extension Office, 110 West 4th Street, Suite 100, Spencer, or emailed to [email protected]. There is no required formal application.

For more information please contact Isabel Dehrkoop or Michele Hogrefe at (712) 262-2264 or via email at [email protected] or [email protected].

OCEDC assists with financing for Fiesta Foods purchase

O'Brien County Economic Development Corporation (OCEDC) recently assisted Casey and Julie Connor with the purchase of Fiesta Foods in Hartley.

The Connors, who own two other stores in Lake Mills and Northwood under their Ace Market LLC brand, bought the Hartley business from Greg and Cathy Musch on April 1. OCEDC assisted financing of the purchase through an O'Brien County Revolving Fund Loan.

"O'Brien County Economic Development Corporation is pleased to be a part of this business purchase," OCEDC Executive Director Kiana Johnson said in a news release. "Fiesta Foods has been a key business in Hartley for many years. We are excited to see Ace Market dedicated to providing excellent grocery, meat and deli services to Hartley and neighboring communities."

The O'Brien County Revolving Fund Loan is used to attract, retain or expand business or industry. Revolving loan funds (RLF) may be used for land purchases, building purchases, building construction, machinery or equipment purchases, and any other uses deemed appropriate by the RLF committee.

Mark Brown to retire as V.P. at NCC

Mark Brown will be retiring as vice president-operations and finance at Northwest Iowa Community College on April 30. Brown has been at NCC for 13 years, since July of 2007.

Before coming to NCC, Brown was CFO at Foreign Candy Company, Audit Manager at Cain Ellsworth & Co. LLP, and Assistant Administrator at Sanford Sheldon.

"My favorite moments at NCC were the graduation ceremonies; knowing the students crossing the stage to receive their diploma or certificate were well equipped to have successful careers," Brown said.

Regarding his plans for retirement, he is looking forward to traveling, reading and volunteering.

Drought conditions improving after rainy, warm March

Drought conditions are improving across the state thanks to more precipitation than usual during March, according to the latest water summary update from the Iowa DNR.

In March, 2.62 inches of precipitation fell across the state, 0.5 inches above normal. Almost 60 percent of the state is now free from any dryness or drought designation, an improvement from conditions that existed a month ago.

The March rainfall was a half-inch above normal. Drought and abnormally dry conditions improved across Iowa during March as above-average precipitation helped ease dryness. Conditions at the beginning of March showed 52 percent of the state in dryness or drought and 41 percent at the end of the month.

March was a warmer than normal month, a reversal of the colder than normal February. Overall, the statewide average temperature was 42.3 degrees, or 6.4 degrees above normal. March's statewide average maximum temperature was 52.5 degrees, while the average minimum temperature was 32 degrees.

Desoto reported the month's high temperature of 78 degrees on March 29, 21 degrees above average. Elkader reported the month's low temperature of 7 degrees on March 2, 9 degrees below average.

Current streamflow conditions across most of the state remain in normal conditions.