Biggest Little Paper In Town! 1

The PaperLaurens, Iowa

Our Town , Our Paper!

© Copyright My Laurens, Inc., 2010 All Rights Reserved.

Vol. 12 No. 24

October 17, 2018

www.thepapernow.com

Local News

Music Garden Almost Complete!Doc Van Genderen, John Pohlman and Keith Hoffman volunteered their time and talents to install three instruments in the Laurens Public Library Music Garden on a drizzly Friday. They are shown in front of the Library with The Swirl. This instrument was sponsored by the Oleson family in memory of Dwight, Leota and Dean Oleson. As they finished installation, school got out and the students descended on the instruments that had already been installed. They serenaded the workers as they finished their work!

Our Town Our Paper! 2

Announcements & Advertising

Laurens Missions and Ministry

3 Mile Walk Sunday, October 21

3:00 p.m.

Donations will support the Laurens Youth Group and the

Laurens Ministerial Emergency Fund

Walk begins at Bethany Lutheran Church and will finish at the

Laurens United Methodist Church. For more information and pledge forms call the Laurens United Methodist Church at 841-4476

HELP WANTEDPocahontas Mutual Insurance has a

full-time opening for a Clerical/Financial Assistant. Successful candidates must

be able to work accurately, have a basic understanding of debits and credits, computer skills, willing to learn the

Insurance industry and have a satisfactory background check.

Send resume and cover letter to: Pocahontas Mutual Insurance,

PO Box 99, Laurens, IA 50554.

Presents a

Join the Pocahontas and Buena Vista Women, Land, and Legacy Group for a fun-filled educational seminar. Guest speaker is one of our own

Women, Land, and Legacy participants, Margo Sievers. Chef Margo and the Cheffetettes, will discuss where our food comes from and how it ends up on our tables!

When: Monday, October 22, 2018 Time: 10:30 a.m.

Where: West Iowa Bank in Laurens

Registration: No cost, but pre-registration is required. To register, please call Larrette at Buena Vista NRCS Office at 712-732-3096 or email Larrette.kolbe@ia.usda.gov.

______________________________________________________________________ _____________

Women, Land and Legacy Buena Vista and Pocahontas Counties

“Set the Table, Mable”

Sponsored by: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA Farm Service Agency, ISU Extension and Outreach Pocahontas County, Buena Vista & Pocahontas Soil & Water Conservation Districts,

and Buena Vista & Pocahontas Women, Land Legacy Committee.

Bellinghausen 2 for 1 Match Challenge is drawing to a close.

There is still time to make the most of your donation, so get it in today!

Biggest Little Paper In Town! 3

At the Library & Advertising

At the Library with Glenda MulderOctober 17, 2018

Oh my goodness, I am even more excited this week than I was last week! Our Library Foundation’s Music Garden has begun to be installed! Friday morning our fabulous volunteers, led by Doc Van Genderen, installed the Pegasus and the Imbarimba. In the afternoon they installed the Swirl, the one that’s right in front of the library! Plans are that the Chimes will be installed next week. We are still waiting for the Tuned Drums and the mounting bracket for our LilyPad, the one we’ve had inside for almost a year, to be shipped. Stop by and give these a try! Thank you for your support of this library Foundation project! Speaking of the Library Foundation - our Fundraising Supper is tomorrow, Thursday, October 18 from 5-7 p.m. at the First Christian Church. Our menu consists of pulled pork sandwiches, coleslaw, cheesy potatoes & pineapple upside-down cake! It’s also time for our Fall Fund Drive, so get your donations

HOUSING PRESENTATIONTuesday, October 30 @ 6:00pm

Prairie Lakes AEA 500 NE 6th St., Pocahontas

Over the past several months, Pocahontas County has been working on a county wide housing assessment and strategy plan. We invite you to a public presentation on the results of the study, including findings and recommendations for each of the county’s nine communities.

Questions? 712-335-4636

ready. The more you give, the more fun events and projects the Foundation can sponsor. New projects chosen by the Foundation Board include: Digitizing the Laurens Sun 2015-2017, an Outdoor Charging Station, Replace Projector, provide more Educational Classes, Replace Stack Chairs, Supplement Puppet Collection and a New PA System. Thanks to your generous support, Continuing Library Foundation projects include: Children’s e-book subscription, Special Interest Programs, Programs for Children and Adults, Memorial Books, Books for New Baby Packets, CD Audio Books, Preschool Outreach Baskets, and Kids Summer Reading Supplies and Programs. Tonight, Wednesday the 17th, we will be hosting a program about the Sister City delegation’s visit to France this summer. I’ve seen some pictures of their travels, but am looking forward to hearing the stories that accompany them! Join us Wednesday at 7 p.m. to hear of the adventures of ChandlerTodd, Kennedy Tate, Kelly Tate, and TimLeith, Meredith Allen and their girls. New nonfiction this week includes Killing the SS: The Hunt for the Worst War Criminals in History by Bill O’Reilly and Fear: Trump

in the White House by Bob Woodward. In fiction we received An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green, 3 Beths by Jeff Abbott, Vendetta by Iris Johansen and Shell Game by Sara Paretsky. Book Club choice for October is The Aviator’s Wife by Melanie Benjamin. This historical fiction tells the story of the romance between a young aviator and an ambassador’s daughter. It is inspired by the Lindburghs and events of that era. Grab a copy and join our discussion October 22nd.

COMING EVENTS• Sister City Travel 7 pm Wednesday, October

17 • Foundation Supper 5-7 pm October 18

• Halloween Magician Larry Dunbar October31 at 7

• Tot Time Every Monday at 10 am startingSeptember 10

• Take it Tuesday 6:30 pm 1st Tuesday of themonth

• Book Club 7pm 4th Monday of the month• Card Class 4th Tuesday (sign up at the

library)

Our Town Our Paper! 4

P C E D C P A R T N E R S

GOLDPLATINUM • Availa Bank • Bank Iowa • Evertek, Inc. • Mid American Energy • Northwest Communications

• Black Hills Energy

• Arlington Place of Pocahontas • The Bottom Line • Jolliffe & Co. • Laurens Equipment

• Laurens Sun • Laurens Plumbing/

Hwy 10 Hardware • The Paper (MyLaurens)

• Pocahontas Fiber Network • Pocahontas Record-Democrat • Pocahontas Sales & Service • Powers Funeral Home

• Pocahontas State Bank • Pro Cooperative • Rolfe State Bank • United Bank of Iowa • Wells Ag Supply

• Palmer Mutual Telephone Co. • Pocahontas Community Hospital • Pocahontas Ford-Lincoln • Pocahontas Mutual Insurance

Association

FondaGilmore City

Havelock

LaurensPalmerPlover

and the Pocahontas County Board of Supervisors

PocahontasRolfe

Varina

• Sale Barn Realty & Auction • Wessels Oil Company • West Iowa Bank

SILVER

BRONZE • First Lutheran Church of Fonda • Fonda Museum • Fonda Specialty Care • G & O Logistics Inc. • Gray Field Hog Slat Replacement • Hopkins Insurance, Inc. • Hudson Realty • Hwy 7 Cafe • Hy-Vee Food Store & Pharmacy • Iowa State University Extension

& Outreach - Pocahontas County

• Jeffrey A. Johnson, L.P.A., P.C. • L.A. Styles • Laurens Care Center • Laurens Food Pride

• Adam & Eve Hairstyling • Ayers Construction • Ayers Storage Solutions • Ann Beneke • Bieri & Christensen Dentistry • Bruellman Bin Moving, Inc. • Bob Johnson Agency, Inc. • Clinical Massage - Jean Bunz • Cuts to Dye For • Dallas Olson Electric • Bob & Connie Dallenbach • Dixon Insurance Agency, Inc. • Dutchland Dairy • Ekstrand Construction • First Choice Financial Services • First Community Bank

• Tom & Mary Madsen • Murphy Apartments • Paintings in Oil • Pengo • Pocahontas County Soil &

Water Conservation • Pocahontas Farm & Home, Inc. • Pocahontas Inn & Suites • Pocahontas/Rolfe Vet Clinic • Poky Trading Company • Positech Corporation • Powers Insurance Agency, Inc. • Powhatan Travel Service • Rally Point • Rolfe Auto & Farm Supply/

Carquest

• Rolfe Flower Bin • Seiler Appliance, Inc. • Siepker Auto Repair • Siepker Insurance Agency • Sindergard Excavating • Smith-Loterbour-Powers

Funeral Home • Stover Construction • Thrifty Boutique • Tom’s Plumbing, Heating, &

Cooling • UnityPoint Clinic • Vonnahme Chiropractic Clinic • Woodley Insurance & Real

Estate

PARTNERSHIP LEVELS PLATINUM GOLD SILVER BRONZE $1,000 + $500 - $999 $250 - $499 $20 - $249

DONATIONS ARE APPRECIATED AND MAY BE SENT TO: PCEDC, P.O. BOX 212, POCAHONTAS, IA 50574

We would like to thank all who were supporting members of PCEDC in the past and welcome your continued support in fiscal year 2019!

Your continued support in fiscal year 2019 will be appreciated!

PCEDC BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Alex LeuFonda

JoAnn PetersBoard of Supervisors

LaVonne HooverGilmore City

Tom AtwoodGilmore City

VICE-CHAIRJohn Pohlman, Laurens

SECRETARYAngela Duitsman, Fonda

CHAIRCurt Sindergard, Rolfe

TREASUREREric List, Pocahontas

Brian DeweyPocahontas

Lars HersomPrivate Sector Rep.

Jeff IvesBoard of Supervisors

Rick JohnsonRolfe

Hilary ReedLaurens

Grant WellsPrivate Sector Rep.

Advertising

Biggest Little Paper In Town! 5

Local News & Advertising

Women’s Self Defense Class Held at the LibraryJessica from North Iowa Women's Self-Defense Initiative presented an amazing self-defense program at the Laurens Public Library recently! She went over the importance of planning ahead, being aware of your surroundings, and trusting your instincts. She talked about staying safe when dating, and simply when going out. She outlined red flag behaviors and other things to be aware of. She then talked about ways to defend yourself against different types of attack, and showed weak points and how to target them. Shown in the picture, our instructor demonstrating ways to break away if an attacker (portrayed by Kay Stoulil) grabs you by your ponytail.

Thank You!We thoroughly enjoyed all the good wishes that came our way for our 60th wedding anniversary. There were many blessings in our mail box!

Thanks to all,Jack and Sharon Edmonds

FOR RENTCLEAN, TWO BEDROOM

APARTMENT WTIH GARAGE!

PLEASE CALL AARON AT:

(712)841-2653- LEAVE AMESSAGE

6

Local News

The PaperPublished weekly by

My Laurens, Inc.112 Walnut St.

Laurens, IA 50554

Phone: (712) 841-2684

Fax:(712) 841-4662

Website: www.thepapernow.com

E-mail:publisher@mylaurens.com

Publisher: Rodney Johnson

Editor:Amanda Tendal

Rights to Use Content: The Paper, its content, archived materials, and our websites, are provided solely for your personal, non-commercial use. The Paper, its

content, our websites and all the materials available on our websites are the property of My Laurens, Inc., and are protected by applicable copyright, trademark, and intellectual property laws. You may download, print or transmit The Paper for your personal, non-commercial

use. Any commercial use of copyrighted materials requires prior authorization from My Laurens, Inc.

Unless explicitly authorized by My Laurens, Inc., you may not modify copy, create derivative works,

reproduce, republish, transmit, sell, or distribute in any manner or medium (including by email or other

electronic means) any material from The Paper or our websites for commercial purposes. You may not use The Paper or materials available on our websites, in a

manner that constitutes an infringement of our intellectual property rights/copyrights or that has not

been authorized by My Laurens, Inc.For information about requesting permission to

reproduce or distribute materials from The Paper, please contact My Laurens, Inc. at (712) 841-2684

or publisher@mylaurens.com.

Pocahontas County Housing Study Over the past several months, Pocahontas County Economic Development Commission (PCEDC) has been working on a county-wide housing assessment and strategy plan. The results of this study, which has included surveys, stakeholder group discussions, physical housing assessments, and demographic and economic analysis, are now available for review and comment. PCEDC would like to invite you to a public presentation on the Study’s findings and recommendations on Tuesday, October 30, 2018 at 6:00 PM at Prairie Lakes AEA, 500 NE 6th St, Pocahontas. Want to know more about what a housing plan is? Here are a few tips to help you out. What is a Housing Plan? A housing study or plan is a document focused on Pocahontas County’s housing supply. It addresses historic trends, the current condition of housing, changes in the real estate market, indexes how affordable housing is in the county, and projects demand for future housing across a range of types and price points. After analyzing this data, the plan makes specific policy and program recommendations that the county can implement to address issues and challenges facing the housing market. Why is a Plan Needed? Communities across Iowa are experiencing increasing housing shortages. Housing shortages can strain local economic development efforts, inconvenience residents, and present a challenge to housing affordability. No growth or slow growth in a housing market can result in stagnant or declining tax revenues and deteriorating and substandard housing. A housing plan is intended to give policy makers and housing developers a guidebook and a tool kit to ensure a healthy and functioning housing market that offers opportunities for safe, affordable housing to all residents. How is the Plan Implemented? Once completed, housing plans can be implemented through several interlocking means. Of course, the county and each community has a role in guiding land use and ensuring safe construction and habitable residential structures. Frequently, a local housing authority or non-profit organization will contribute their knowledge and skills in developing housing for those of the most modest means. Finally, in almost all cases, the policies and recommendations in a housing study will be designed to create a private market response to housing need as well. The document, by taking a holistic look at Pocahontas County’s housing market, invites a broad-based response to improving the overall housing quality and market health.

Our Town Our Paper!

Biggest Little Paper In Town! 7

Church

This Week at Laurens United Methodist ChurchPastor Ed Frank

Wed., Oct. 17th:NO Book ClubPuppet Troop practice @ 7 p.m.Administrative Council @ 8:15 p.m.

Thurs., Oct. 18th:Rachel Circle meeting @ 9:15 a.m. in the Wesley RoomDorcas Circle meeting @ 2 p.m. in the Wesley Room

Fri., Oct. 19th:Men’s Bible Study @ 7 a.m.

Sun., Oct. 21st:Adult Sunday School @ 9:00 a.m.Sunday School (kids) @ 9:10 a.m.Fellowship Coffee @ 9:30 a.m.Worship @ 10:30 a.m - Laity SundayChoir performs during WorshipLaurens Mission & Ministry Walk @ 3 p.m. beginning at the Bethany Lutheran Church ending at LUMCOutreach Committee event-movie following Mission & Ministry Walk

This Week at Bethany LutheranPastor Scott Baker

Thursday: October 18, 20189:00 AM ~ Morning Circle at church

Sunday: October 21, 20189:15 AM ~ Adult SS 9:30 AM ~ Coffee Fellowship9:30 AM ~ Youth SS 10:30 AM ~ Worship w/Communion & SS sing 11:30 AM ~ Potluck6:00 PM ~ Youth Group (HS) at FCC

Monday: October 22, 20187:00 PM ~ Hand Bell Rehearsal

Tuesday: October 23, 20187:30 AM ~ Prayer Group

Worship, Love, Accept~Together in Christ’s Name

This Week at First ChristianPastor Rev. Rita Cordell

Thursday, Oct. 18 5-7 p.m. - Laurens LibraryFoundation Supper here

Friday, Oct. 19 7 p.m. - AA

Sunday, Oct. 21 9:30 a.m. - Sunday School 10:30 a.m. - Worship 3:00 p.m. - Youth Group 3 Mile Walk

Resurrection of Our Lord Catholic ChurchPocahontas, IA -- Pastor: Very Rev. Craig Collison, VF

MASS TIMES:Daily Mass as scheduled in the weekly bulletinSaturday at 5:00 PMSunday at 10:30 AM

Confessions: Saturday 4:15 pm at Resurrection

Office: 16 SW 2nd Street, Pocahontas

Office Phone: 712-335-3242

Residence Phone: 712-335-8065

E-mail: colly@ncn.net

Pastoral Care: Sister Renae Hohensee, 563-552-8666

Our Town Our Paper! 8

2019 Garden Calendar Showcases Garden Beauty through the SeasonsGardens are integral parts of home landscapes, providing beauty in the form of colorful flowers, fruit, foliage and bark. The 2019 Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Garden Calendar showcases the beauty that can be found in gardens in backyards and public spaces. The 2019 Garden Calendar is titled “Gardens Through the Seasons” and uses stunning photography to showcase gardens throughout the year. “This year’s theme focuses on the fact that there is something going on in the garden throughout the whole year, not just in the spring, summer and fall,” said Richard Jauron, horticulture specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “Gardening is a year round activity.” A garden’s beauty is also enhanced by snow, blue skies, birds and butterflies while providing fresh, nutritious fruits and vegetables. The calendar’s photography underscores how gardens can be enjoyed throughout the year, not just during the growing season. “When selecting plants for the garden, we often choose plants that provide interest from spring to early fall,” Jauron said. “But holly with its red berries or a birch tree with its exfoliating bark are attractive additions to the garden in winter and keep it interesting throughout the year.” The large calendar grid also offers space to create a gardening journal to record the progress of your own garden. Monthly tips provide timely information for fruits and vegetables, lawn care, trees and shrubs and much more. Whether it be flowers, fruits, vegetables, trees or turfgrass, this annual calendar provides tips on a variety of topics so you can easily know what task should be completed next in your garden.

Iowa Concern Hotline Provides Resources for Iowa FarmersUncertainty in the farm economy makes this 24/7 resource extremely valuable

This has been a stressful year for Iowa farmers. Stagnant crop prices, trade disputes and a lukewarm forecast for the next several years have left many farmers worried about what the future will bring. “Farmers are concerned with how long low prices will last,” said Alejandro Plastina, assistant professor and extension economist with Iowa State University. “Is there something on the horizon with upward potential for farm income? Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be the case.” Net farm income for medium-sized farms increased in 2017 compared to the last two years and cash income has increased back to 2013 levels, according to Plastina. However, profitability is relatively low as the average operating profit margin is 4.4 percent. Uncertainty regarding trade agreements has also created problems within the farm economy. “The new government programs available to compensate farmers for losses due to increased tariffs will help, but the bigger problem is uncertainty in the medium term,” Plastina said. “Is this phase going to last for 10 years and how will land values react?” As farmers confront these conditions head-on, there are resources available through Iowa State University Extension and Outreach to navigate both questions they have about the profitability of their farm and about the well-being of themselves and their families. The Iowa Concern Hotline is a 24-hour a day, 7-day a week free, confidential resource for anyone with concerns or questions about farm finances, crisis and disaster response and personal health issues. Access to an attorney is also available to help provide legal education. When someone calls the Iowa Concern Hotline’s toll-free number (800-447-1985), trained specialists provide immediate support to either answer questions directly or get the caller in touch with experts who can provide additional information or support. “If someone calls who is dealing with stress and its effects, the first thing we do is to work with the person on that issue and provide immediate stress counseling,” said Tammy Jacobs, Iowa Concern Hotline coordinator. “We try to provide access to the assistance each individual needs.” Iowa Concern Hotline staffers work to provide contact information for ISU Extension and Outreach specialists who can help address specific questions or direct callers to other partners near where they live to help navigate through their current situation. “Whether they need to speak to an ISU Extension and Outreach farm management specialist, an attorney, someone with Iowa Mediation Service or a mental health specialist, we try to connect callers with the resources that will be most helpful to them,” Jacobs said.

Extension News

Biggest Little Paper In Town! 9

Extension News

Yard and Garden: Autumn Care of Evergreen TreesWe expect oaks, maples and sycamores to change colors and shed leaves each autumn, but many are surprised and concerned when evergreens begin to shed needles. Most conifers stay green all year, but they do drop needles in the fall – just not all of them. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists answer questions about evergreens, shedding light on what’s natural and what needs attention. To have additional questions answered, contact Hortline at 515-294-3108 or hortline@iastate.edu. In recent days, some of the needles on my white pines have turned yellow and begun dropping to the ground. Is this a problem? The yellowing and needle loss is probably due to seasonal needle drop. Deciduous trees, such as maple and ash, drop all of their leaves in fall. Though it largely goes unnoticed, evergreens also lose a portion of their foliage (needles) on a yearly basis. Seasonal needle drop on most evergreens occurs in fall. Needle loss is most noticeable

on white pines. As much as one-half of the needles on white pines may drop in early fall. Seasonal needle loss is less noticeable on spruces, firs and other pines as they retain a higher percentage of their needles. Seasonal needle drop is uniformly distributed throughout the inner part of the evergreen. It is the oldest needles which are shed. The needles turn uniformly yellow or brown and drop to the ground. There are several bands of holes around the trunk of my pine tree. Is the tree infested with borers? The holes were likely created by sapsuckers. Sapsuckers, members of the woodpecker family, damage trees by drilling holes in the trunk or large branches. Sapsucker damage is very distinctive. They drill uniform, quarter-inch holes in distinct rows. (In contrast, the holes created by insects are random.) Sap that flows from these wounds is eaten by the sapsuckers. They also feed on insects, such as ants, beetles and wasps, which are attracted to the sap. The damage caused by sapsuckers is usually not serious. Sapsuckers can destroy trees if they drill several rows of holes around the trunk within a small area. The bands of holes effectively girdle the tree trunk. To discourage additional damage to trees, home gardeners can wrap a piece of burlap around the damaged area. Another option

would be to spread a sticky substance, such as Tanglefoot, around the affected area. Trees most commonly attacked by sapsuckers include apple, crabapple, sugar maple, mountain ash, birch and pine. My Scotch pine suddenly turned brown and died this past summer. Why? Pine wilt is likely responsible for the death of the Scotch pine. Infected trees turn brown and die within a few months. Pine wilt mainly attacks Scotch pines. However, it may also infect Austrian, red and other non-native pines. Pine wilt is caused by the pinewood nematode, a microscopic worm. The nematodes clog the water-conducting vessels of the pine tree, causing the tree to wilt and die. It is spread from tree to tree by pine sawyer beetles. Infected, dying trees are often attacked by secondary bark beetles, which leave small holes in the trunk and carry a fungus that causes blue staining of the wood, often visible as blue radial wedges when the trunk is cut in cross-section. Pine wilt cannot be controlled with chemical treatments. Dead trees should be removed during the winter months when pine sawyer beetles are inactive. The dead trees should be promptly chipped, burned, or buried to reduce the risk of the beetles spreading the disease to healthy trees.

Our Town Our Paper! 10

Deadline for Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Certification NearsBeef producers are reminded that by January 1, 2019, they must have a current Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certificate in order to sell cattle to certain packers. To help producers comply with this requirement, Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach, Iowa Beef Center and Iowa Beef Industry Council are offering a series of “year-end” trainings in Northwest Iowa. Trainings are scheduled for the following dates and locations:

• Nov. 19 – New Dordt Ag Stewardship Center, Sioux Center.RSVP to: 712-737-4230.

• Nov. 28 – Northwest Iowa Community College, Sheldon.RSVP to: 712-957-5045.

• Dec. 4 – Sac County Extension, Sac City. RSVP to: 712-662-7131.

• Dec. 5 – Grace United Methodist Church, Spencer. RSVP to:712-262-2264.

• Dec. 11 – Plymouth County Extension, Le Mars. RSVP to:712-546-7835.

• Dec. 18 – Archer Coop Grain Company, Archer. RSVP to:712-723-5233.

All trainings will be from 10:00 a.m. to noon, except the Archertraining which will be from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. There is no cost to attend any BQA training, but, pre-registration is required in order to plan for meals and materials. To pre-register, call the number for the site you plan to attend. Pre-register by Nov. 14 for the Sioux Center or Sheldon sites. Registration for the four December trainings is two days prior to the workshop to be attended. If you are unable to attend one of the six trainings, BQA certification may be completed on-line by going to www.bqa.org. A listing of other trainings in Iowa is located on the Iowa Beef Industry Council webpage, which may be accessed at www.iabeef.org/resources/producer-resources/iowa-beef-quality-assurance-program. For a flier or more information on the Northwest Iowa BQA trainings, contact Beth Doran, ISU Extension and Outreach beef field specialist, at 712-737-4230 or doranb@iastate.edu.

Mosquito/Public Health Pest Management Course to be Offered Oct. 31Iowa State University Extension and Outreach County office will offer the Mosquito/Public Health Pest Management Continuing Instruction Course (CIC) for commercial pesticide applicators Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018. The program provided by the ISU Extension and Outreach Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) can be seen at office locations across Iowa. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. followed by sessions from 9 to 11:30 a.m. To register or to obtain additional information about the CIC, contact Dianne Dirks at the ISU Extension and Outreach Pocahontas County office by phoning 712-335-3103 or email dianned@iastate.edu. The course will provide continuing instruction credit for commercial pesticide applicators certified in categories 7D (Community Insect Management), 8 (Public Health Pest Control), and 10 (Research and Demonstration). The course will cover topics such as: equipment calibration; reduction of off-target/drift of pesticides; and pests, pest management, and pesticides. Additional information about this and other courses offered through the Pesticide Safety Education Program may be accessed at www.extension.iastate.edu/psep.

Extension News

Biggest Little Paper In Town! 11

School Board Minutes

Laurens-Marathon School Board MinutesRegular Meeting - October 8, 2018The Laurens Marathon School Board of Directors met October 8, 2018 in the Laurens Marathon media center. President Chuck Harrold called the meeting to order at 6:08 p.m. Roll call to establish quorum of present board members included President Chuck Harrold, Vice President Dorothy Lamberti, Pete Runneberg, Laura Todd, and Deb Kenobbie was absent. Also in attendance were Superintendent Scott Williamson, Principal Troy Oehlertz, Board Secretary Amy Hubbell, as well as a guest. Approve Agenda-Moved by Runneberg, seconded by Lamberti. 4-0 Motion approved. Reports-Superintendent-Scott Williamson-Discussed enrollment of students. There are 127 students attending Laurens-Marathon, 4 non-resident students open enrolled in, 88 resident students open enrolled out, 41 residents students tuitioned out to PAC and 16 students enrolled in preschool. Projected account balances at the end of fiscal year 2018 and what future account balances could be. Principal-Troy Oehlertz-Middle School had a field trip to PAC for homecoming coronation; Elementary participated in National Walk Day on October 4; In service was Sept 17-reviewed data for math and reading; Iowa Assessments will be electronic this year; Elementary teachers have participated in Math Talks Seminars; Laurens-Marathon will host a volleyball tournament Oct 11; Map testing is Oct 15-19 Board Secretary-Discussed the FY 2018 transportation report Consent Items-Lamberti moved, Todd seconded to approve the consent agenda items. Motion passes. 4-0; Sept 10, 2018 regular meeting notes and organizational board meeting notes; Financial Reports-Account balances and bills; 2nd readings of 100’s, 200’s, and 300’s board policies Personnel Items-Resignations-Kelsey Ruthart Action Items-Requested SBRC Allowable Growth per Special Education Deficit ($146,584.54)Runneberg moved, Todd seconded, passed 4-0; First Reading of Board Policy 414.1 Classified Employee Vacation Pay Runneberg moved, Lamberti second, passed 4-0; Declare 2011 Blue Bird Bus for sale. Will open the bid to all area schools and AEA. Bids due Dec 6, 2018; Todd moved, Runneberg second, passed 4-0; Wage for classified substitutes to $9.00 per hour Lamberti moved, Todd second, passed 4-0; Snow removal bid-make it a multi-year contract. Bids due back by November 9, 2018 Runneberg moved, Todd second, passed 4-0; Transportation for Junior High after competition-PAC will transport students all the way back to Laurens for $38.83 per trip Todd moved, Runneberg second, passed 4-0; First reading of Employee Hand Classified Todd moved, Lamberti second, passed 4-0 Discussion Items-Board Comments and Future Agenda Planning- Board members will not be able to attend the IASB meeting on October 10th in Spencer; Laure Todd, Chuck Harrold, Pete Runneberg will be attending the meeting on November 15 in Des Moines; Kid’s Korner-there were 21 families using Kid’s Korner services in 2017 and now there are 35 families. Children involved in the program has grown from 21 to 51. In August 2017 there was 218 children in attendance and now there is 501 children. There is a discussion on how there can be meals offered on non-student days, example would be professional development days for staff and vacation days during winter break; Discussed section 13 of the roof-will be replaced from the bids received from Elevate Roofing. Need to look at sections 14, 9, 6 because they will need replaced in the next year. Also look at sections 11 and 12 because they are aging and will need to be replaced in the next couple years. Stucco will be replaced on the south/west side of the wrestling room. Roof caps on the side of the gymnasium have been blown up from the wind and will be repaired. Need to have discussion on if we need to keep the Crow’s nest at the ball fields. Thank you to Laurens United Methodist, Bethany Lutheran Church, Pocahontas County Board of Supervisors and First Christian Church for donating school supplies. Thank you to Heart ‘n Home and Laurens Chamber and Boosters for donating refreshments for the teachers. Thank you to Blackstone Exteriors for the donation to the Elementary Reading Program. With no further business to discuss, Todd moved, Lamberti seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 p.m. Motion passed 4-0. The next regular board meeting will be November 12, 2018.