Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
June brings historic rainfall to NWI
Some areas of northwest Iowa received more than half a year’s worth of rain during the final week of June, leading to significant flooding conditions, according to the latest water summary update by the Iowa DNR.
June’s preliminary statewide rainfall average was 5.22 inches. However, precipitation totals varied significantly across different regions of the state.
In northwest Iowa, Lake Park received 18.46 inches of rainfall during June, while the Rathbun Dam area only saw 1.96 inches. Some areas of southern and southeastern Iowa received below normal precipitation for the month, despite the historic rainfall.
The trend of wetter than normal months ended in June, with monthly average rainfall just below the statewide average. The U.S. Drought Monitor shows less than 1 percent of Iowa as abnormally dry, the lowest for the state in 218 weeks. June also showed an average statewide temperature of 50.7 degrees, or 2.1 degrees above normal.
“Averaged across the state, rainfall in June was just below normal. However, since June is normally the wettest month in the state, drought related conditions have been all but eliminated in the state. The last nine months have been wetter than normal, which continues the trend we’ve been seeing,” said Tim Hall, the DNR’s Hydrology Resources Coordinator, in a news release. “As we continue into summer months of increased water demand, we should continue the favorable hydrologic conditions in Iowa, with soil moisture and streamflow staying near normal levels.”
No-wake order lifted
The no-wake order in place at the Iowa Great Lakes was lifted on July 20. According to the Iowa DNR, Water has been receding around an inch a day on many lakes. Most ramps and accesses are out of the water.
Farmers Bank Stage lineup at Clay Co. Fair
The Farmers Bank Stage will feature six different acts during the 2024 Clay County Fair Sept. 7-15. This stage, offering free entertainment throughout the fair, promises a variety of performances for all attendees to enjoy.
Brad Weston will kick off the Clay County Fair from Sept. 7-9. This unique and hilarious comedy act is a theatrical thrill ride... on a unicycle... in a strait jacket! Brad’s show is full of surprises and will have the entire family laughing.
Kate Voss and the Hot Sauce will also take the stage Sept. 7-9. Kate Voss is an award-winning vocalist who will keep things fun with musical covers from Ray Charles, Brenda Lee, Chuck Berry, Patsy Cline, Hank Williams, Nancy Sinatra, and more from the 50s and 60s.
The Floras will be coming to the fair from Sept. 10-12. A husband-and-wife duo, Mark and Lisa, will share classic Americana hymns and Country Gospel songs. Audiences can expect to hear songs by Johnny and June, Hank Williams Sr., Patsy Cline, The Whites, and Loretta Lynn, as well as classic hymns.
The Marv Nissel Band will also be at the fair from Sept. 10-12. The Marv Nissel Band is a family band featuring different styles of polka that are sure to get your feet moving.
From Sept. 13-15, the Clay County Fair will welcome Uncle Muskrat. This acoustic string band has a true passion for Folk Bluegrass that will leave audiences with a love for this music genre.
Closing out the fair from Sept. 13-15 will be The String Showdown. A thrilling dueling string act, led by Greg Byers and Mike Lauer, will take audiences from the groovy tunes of the 60s to today’s top charts. Their interactive and humor-infused spectacle will amuse audiences of all ages.
