06/08/23: Area Happenings & Accomplishments

Receives doctorate from RIT

On May 12, Jacob Hamilton received his Doctorate Degree in Mechanical Engineering, from the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, N.Y.

Dr. Hamilton is the son of Chris and Brenda Clark Hamilton, of Algona, and the grandson of Jack and Louise Clark, of Everly.

This fall he will begin a tenure track professor position at Iowa State University's College of Engineering.

ISU announces spring semester 2023 Dean's List

More than 9,800 Iowa State University students were recently recognized for outstanding academic achievement by being named to the spring semester Dean's List.

Students named to the Dean's List must have earned a grade point average of at least 3.50 on a 4.00 scale while carrying a minimum of 12 credit hours of graded course work. Students from the area are listed below.

Everly: Emily Marie Joenks, 4, Agricultural and Life Sciences Education; and Elle Christine Storey, 4, Management.

Hartley: Joseph David Ahlers, 4, Civil Engineering; Bryce Randall Batien, 4, Animal Ecology; Jesse Garcia Morataya, 2, Pre-Graphic Design; Seth David Morphew, 4, History; and Marty Deve Schmidt, 4, Human Development and Family Studies

Royal: Lauren Olivia Berberich, 1, Open Option (LAS); Kally Fahnlander, 4, Graphic Design; and Cole E. Maaland, 4, Civil Engineering.

ILCC releases spring honors list

Iowa Lakes Community College recently released the spring 2023 honors lists recognizing students who achieve the highest academic standards earning inclusion on the President's Honor List or Dean's List.

One hundred eighteen students made the President's Honor List, an honor achieved by those who recorded a 4.0 GPA, and 212 students made the Dean's List finishing with a 3.25 GPA or higher for the semester.

In addition to achieving the required GPA, students must also be full-time and enrolled in 12 or more graded credits to be eligible for the President's Honor List or Dean's lists.

Everly: Justina Cherry, President's List; Taisya Newcomer, President's List; and Anika Zittritsch, President's List.

Hartley: Lauri Myers, Dean's List; and Daisy Rodriguez, Dean's List.

Royal: Gabriella Carpenter, Dean's List.

Morningside University releases spring 2023 Dean's List

Morningside University recently announced the Dean's List for the spring semester of the 2022-23 academic year.

The Dean's List recognizes Morningside students who achieve a 3.67-grade point average or better and complete at least 12 credits of coursework with no grade below a "C-." Students that achieved a 4.0-grade point average are denoted with an asterisk (*).

Local students on the list were Tom Heetland and Jessica Riedemann, both of Hartley.

Iowa State honors spring graduates

Nearly 4,600 graduates received degrees from Iowa State University this spring.

Graduate and undergraduate commencement ceremonies were held May 11-13 at Hilton Coliseum. Local students who received their degrees are listed below.

Everly: Marty Schmidt, Bachelor of Science, Human Development and Family Studies.

Hartley: Madeline Bronstad, Bachelor of Science, Animal Science; and Seth Morphew, Bachelor of Science, History and Education Secondary, Magna Cum Laude.

May City: Jesse Castillo, Bachelor of Science, Meteorology, Summa Cum Laude.

Sanborn: Adam Heyn, Bachelor of Science, Finance, Cum Laude.

Wildfire smoke contributes to air quality exceedances in May

The Air Quality Bureau has recorded 33 exceedances of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) over the last 14 days. Smoke from wildfires in Northern Canada contributed to 32 ozone exceedances and one fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exceedance between May 18-31. Iowa has averaged less than four ozone exceedances per year over the last five years. These exceedances are the first of the NAAQS measured in Iowa this year.

Between May 18-31, 32 exceedances of the eight-hour ozone NAAQS were measured across Iowa. The locations and number of exceedances were: Clinton (3), Coggon (4), Davenport (2), Emmetsburg (4), Pisgah (6), Cedar Rapids (4), Scott County Park (5), and Waverly (4). The days with the highest ozone exceedances were May 23, 24 and 29; six exceedances occurred each day.

All 32 ozone exceedances were at a concentration level that EPA defines as "unhealthy for sensitive groups." Groups sensitive to ozone include people with lung diseases such as asthma, older adults, children and teenagers, and people who are active outdoors.

An exceedance of the NAAQS for fine particulate matter was also recorded at Emmetsburg on May 18. The national standard for fine particulate matter is 35 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3) averaged over a 24-hour period, and the 24-hour average at Emmetsburg on that day was 46.7 µg/m3. This level is considered "unhealthy for sensitive groups." Groups sensitive to particulate matter include people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teenagers, and outdoor workers.

Wildfire smoke carries large amounts of particulates and gases that may act as ozone precursors and can lead to exceedances of the NAAQS for both fine particulate matter and ozone. Smoke is lofted high into the air by the heat produced and can be transported by winds far from its origin. The smoke will cool depending on the current weather conditions and may rapidly descend or remain aloft. Air quality will be negatively impacted if it descends and reaches the surface.

Smoke from wildfires in Canada impacted Iowa beginning on May 18, with lingering influences extending to the end of the month. Intermittent and patchy smoke episodes are possible as long as the wildfires remain out of control.

Real-time air quality maps and information about the air quality index can be found on EPA's airnow.gov site. A graphic approximation of the extent and trajectory of the smoke plume can be seen on the map at fire.airnow.gov.

NWI fishing report

Courtesy docks are in for the season. Water temperatures were in the upper 60s to low 70s late last week. Most area water levels are a few inches over crest. The fish bite has been very good across most areas. Fishing from docks is getting easier as fish move to shallower water to spawn.

East Okoboji Lake: The water temperature was in the low 60s last Thursday.

Black crappie, fair. Bluegill, fair. Use a small hook and piece of worm. Walleye, good. Yellow perch, fair. Sorting will be needed.

Ingham Lake: Walleye, fair. Anglers have been successful morning and evening.

Lost Island Lake: Water temperatures were in the lower 70s last Thursday.

Black crappie, good. Walleye, good.

Minnewashta Lake: Black crappie, fair. Bluegill, fair. Pumpkinseed, good.

Silver Lake (Dickinson): Courtesy docks are in place.

Walleye, fair.

Spirit Lake: Water temperatures were in the upper 60s last Thursday.

Black bullhead, good. Anglers have been very successful fishing the north grade. Black crappie, fair. Many nice-sized fish have been seen lately. Bluegill, good. Try a small hook with a small piece of worm. Walleye, good. Leeches and minnows work well. Yellow perch, fair. Sorting may be needed.

West Okoboji Lake: Water temperatures were in the mid-60s last Thursday.

Black crappie, fair. Try small jigs tipped with a minnow. Bluegill, fair. Walleye, good. Leeches and minnows work well. Yellow perch, fair. Sorting may be needed.

Ag Hall of Fame nominations due June 16

The O'Brien County Agriculture Steering Committee has opened nominations to the 2023 Agriculture Hall of Fame from now until Friday, June 16.

The Value Added Agriculture Steering Committee established the annual Agriculture Hall of Fame Awards in 2001 to recognize outstanding citizens who make significant contributions to the agricultural community of O'Brien County and to encourage participation in the ag sector. In 2016, nominations were opened up to businesses that make a difference in the O'Brien County ag community.

Any person/business residing in O'Brien County or engaging in ag-related activity in the county is eligible for this award. The successful candidate must have demonstrated leadership, stewardship, community service and service to the agricultural industry.

Nomination forms are available at O'Brien County Economic Development or the Farm Bureau office, both in Primghar, or at http://www.obriencounty.com. The Hall of Fame Award winner will be announced at the O'Brien County Fair just prior to the Fair King and Queen Coronation Ceremony on Monday, July 24, at approximately 7:50 p.m.

The Value Added Ag Steering Committee was formed in 1998 when the O'Brien County Economic Development Corporation identified the need for a coordinated effort to promote value-added agriculture. The committee is a diverse group of producers, community and agri-business leaders that will search out and assist with the establishment of value-added agriculture to create economic opportunities for residents and to develop marketable products using ag resources in a manner consistent with the committee's quality of life statement.

For additional information on O'Brien County Agriculture Hall of Fame nominations, contact Kiana Johnson, O'Brien County Economic Development, at (712) 957-1313 or email [email protected].

Governor to dole out volunteer awards

Several local individuals and businesses will receive a Governor's Volunteer Award from Governor Kim Reynolds and Lt. Governor Adam Gregg this summer during a special recognition ceremony at Buena Vista University.

More than 600 awards are being presented this year during five ceremonies across Iowa. It is estimated that more than 150 communities in Iowa were served by this year's honorees.

Coordinated by Volunteer Iowa, the Governor's Volunteer Award program – now in its 39th year – provides an easy way for Iowa nonprofits, charitable organizations and government entities to honor their volunteers with a prestigious, state-level award. Local recipients include: Kevin C. Brown, Jann Gregory and Robert Johnson, all of Spencer; Beth Will, of Spirit Lake; Lakes Lifeskills Team, of Spirit Lake, 10 years of service; Lakes Regional Healthcare, of Spirit Lake, 10 years of service; and Spencer Hospital, of Spencer, 5 years of service.

Volunteer Iowa and its partner agencies work with organizations and individuals on three main fronts. The first is to help agencies develop quality programs that use service as a strategy to fulfill their missions and address Iowa's greatest areas of need. The second is to help engage Iowans in their communities by promoting service and expanding the volunteer base. Finally, the third area of work is to connect individuals with appropriate service opportunities by building the volunteer infrastructure.

Summer meal program sites to start in Iowa

As the school year comes to an end, the Iowa Department of Education this week released the location of the summer food program sites throughout the state.

Local sites included on the list are: East Elementary, 501 Normal College Ave., Sheldon, M-F, 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m .; Ocheyedan Town Hall, 869 Main St., Ocheyedan, M-F, 12-12:30 p.m .; S-O High School, 120 11th Ave. NE, Sibley, M-F, 11:45-12:30 p.m .; Johnson Elementary, 724 West 9th St., Spencer, M-F, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m .; Fairview Park Elementary, 724 West 9th St. Spencer, M-F, 7:45 a.m.-8:45 a.m. and 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m .; Sioux Central High School, 4440 US Hwy. 71, Sioux Rapids, M-F, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

The summer food program was created to help ensure low-income students who rely on free or reduced-price meals during the school year don't go hungry during the summer months. The Summer Food Service Program and Seamless Summer Option, funded by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), administered by the Iowa Department of Education, and operated by school districts and local organizations. Summer sites offer free meals for all children and teens age 18 and under.

Meals will be provided on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Livestock producers will need approval for antibiotics

Those who treat animals with antibiotics will need to pay close attention to the calendar. Beginning June 11, all medically important antibiotics previously available over-the-counter (OTC) can only be purchased directly from a veterinarian or with a prescription.

The change is part of the Food and Drug Administration's "Guidance for Industry: #263" rule, which is part of the FDA's five-year plan to enhance the stewardship of antibiotics, released in 2018. The same plan required the transfer of medically important feed and water antibiotics to veterinary feed directive (VFD) and prescription status in 2017.

According to Extension beef veterinarian Grant Dewell, the antibiotics affected include injectable, oral and mastitis therapy products. He expects the move to prescription (Rx) status will be less problematic than the VFD move in 2017, as most producers are familiar with prescription drugs and have been obtaining them through their veterinarian.

If producers do not already have a Veterinary Client Patient Relationship (VCPR), Dewell recommends they form a relationship with a veterinarian sooner rather than later.

"I would reach out to a veterinarian before you have a need for antibiotics," said Dewell. "You don't want to wait and find out you need something over the weekend, or when your veterinarian is busy helping other clients."

He advises against stockpiling OTC antibiotics, because they become less effective after their expiration dates. Besides losing efficacy from age, they can also be damaged by heat and sunlight so they should be stored carefully.

"As is the case with all drugs, only keep on hand what you really need," he said.

Although the change will require animal owners to work with veterinarians, this can also be an opportune time to review past prevention and treatment options.

"If you have to get a prescription anyway, there may be better antibiotics that you could use. You might also learn something new that could help prevent illness and potentially reduce the need to administer antibiotics," said Dewell.