Adair County News
For Love of Country (Posted on 11/20/2009)
Members of the Nodaway Valley Early Out 4-H Club practice folding the American flag during their meeting on Veterans Day. Larry Riley, American Legion Head-Endres Post #265, was the guest presenter and shared flag etiquette. 
4-H Awards Day 2009 (Posted on 11/17/2009)
Anne Michael Langguth, Miss Iowa, challenged 4-H'ers and their families to make "good for you" choices at Adair County's 4-H Awards Day held Sunday, November 8, 2009. See photos and complete results here. Early Learning Webinars (Posted on 10/30/2009)
Have you heard about our webinars? Early childhood professionals can now participate in online learning that is convenient, cost effective and easy. Visit the Early Learning Webinar Website: www.extension.iastate.edu/childcare/earlylearning for more information. Adair County Programs for Young Families (Posted on 10/28/2009)
“Calmer babies equal calmer parents!” Learn how to transport your baby from screaming into serenity…in minutes. Nina Utterback, Growing Strong Families Parent Educator for Adair County Extension, will share tips at a special meeting on Tuesday, December 1st at the Family Supports Center (formerly Crook’s Clothing Building) in Greenfield. The program is slated to run from 6:30-7:30 p.m. See complete listing of upcoming programs for young families here. 
Adair County 4-H'ers Do Well at Ak-Sar-Ben (Posted on 10/21/2009)
An Adair County 4-H'er exhibited the Grand Champion Market Steer at the Ak-Sar-Ben Livestock Exposition in Omaha. She first claimed the Division II championship before claiming the top prize. Her brother also competed for the championship by taking reserve honors in Division II with his steer. Emergency Volunteer Survey Being Conducted (Posted on 10/20/2009)
Just 10 minutes of your time now can make a big difference if Adair County is faced with an emergency. Emergency Management personnel need to be able to quickly assess a situation and to quickly activate volunteers. Complete an on-line survey to help establish a data base of the skills and interests of potential volunteers. This is one small way you can make a big difference. Agriculture: Food and Jobs (Posted on 10/15/2009)
Iowa agriculture puts healthy, affordable food choices on the table of today’s consumers and it boosts county and state economies, according to a recently-completed economic analysis sponsored by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF). Production agriculture and ag-related industries directly and indirectly employ one of every six Iowans (or 17 percent of the state’s workforce), based on 2007 Census of Agriculture data. Check out the impact of agriculture in Adair County. 
Youth Leadership Deadlines Fast Approaching (Posted on 9/4/2009)
High school teens wishing to develop and use their leadership skills have a number of options through the 4-H program. Sign-up deadlines for these leadership opportunities are rapidly approaching. 
Adair County Shines at State Recognition Event (Posted on 9/1/2009)
Adair County 4-H'ers - Ben Baudler, Emily Bingaman, Joanna Blomquist, Kelsie Cass, Rachel and Susan Herr, Joceline Holliday, Laura Marnin, Velista Martin, and Gina Wallace - were among the 100 4-H members invited to participate in the Iowa 4-H Recognition Day, August 29, at Iowa State University 
Family Storyteller a Big Hit (Posted on 7/10/2009)
Family Storyteller a Big Hit
Twelve families completed the Family Storyteller series at the Greenfield Library. The six week program is focused on building the early literacy skills of preschool age children though family reading and fun time. The program was sponsored by Growing Strong Families, an initiative of Adair County Extension, with funding support from the Creston Cluster Decat and FACT Empowerment. A monthly book club has been established in Adair County for graduates of the Family Storyteller program.
Talk Turkey (Posted on 7/9/2009)
November is time to "Talk Turkey". According to Barb Fuller, Nutrition and Health Program Specialist, plan to enjoy the traditional Holiday turkey. 
An Apple a Day (Posted on 7/8/2009)
Does an apple a day, keep the doctor away? A medium sized apple has less than a 100 calories and is a good source of antioxidants. According to Barb Fuller, ISU Nutrition and Health Program Specialist, apples are also a great source of fiber and are easy to store. Preschool tuition assisstance for Adair County children (Posted on 6/19/2009)
Tuition assistance, in the form of FACT Empowerment need-based scholarships, is available for Adair County children enrolling in preschool this fall. A child must reside within Adair County and be at least three-years-old and no older than five to be eligible. Children must enroll in a preschool served by the FACT Empowerment area that has achieved or is working towards a quality rating. Fill out an application. 
Lambs and Meat Goats Weighed for County Fair (Posted on 5/12/2009)
Numbers contninue to rise for both the 4-H and FFA sheep division and meat goats division at the 2009 Adair County Fair. Twenty-four exhibitors weighed and tagged 137 market lambs. This is up 35 head from last year. Ten exhibitors weighed and tagged 42 meat goats, up 10 head from last year. 
When Things Don't Go Well, Help Your Child Succeed (Posted on 5/7/2009)
It’s natural for parents to try to soften the blow for their children when things don’t go well. But parents can help children view failures and setbacks as learning experiences. Donna K. Donald, family life program specialists suggests parents affirm feelings, listen carefully, and then encourage the child to try again.
H1N1 Virus Information (Posted on 4/28/2009)
Adair County Health Systems provides up-to-date information about H1N1 and the symptoms. 
Adair County 4-H Youth Leaders are Active (Posted on 4/27/2009)
Adair County 4-H Council member, Steven P., shares his love of robotics with others during a day-long workshop. Science and technology is a 4-H project area that has experienced a surge of interest. For more information about how to get involved in youth science activities contact the Extension office. 
Free Field Guides Available for Farmers (Posted on 4/22/2009)
Farmers can pick up free pocket size field guides at the Adair County Extension office. One guide can be used to maintain field records needed for pesticide application. Additional pocket guides are available for soybean cyst nematode management, soybean aphid management, and soybean disease and pest management. Each of the guides feature color photos that make identifying insects, diseases, and herbicide injury easier.
Hay Market News (Posted on 3/31/2009)
Check out Mid - to - Late October 2009 hay prices. These are hay prices paid at auction in the recent past weeks. Most price information is obtained from USDA Hay Market News. Personal contacts of local Iowa hay auctions secured price information for these market outlets. 
Adair County Fair Trophy Donors (Posted on 3/13/2009)
More than 140 trophies are presented during the course of the fair for outstanding achievement in everything from the Grand Champion Market Beef to the Top Clothing Selection Entry. Click here for a complete listing of trophy donors for the 2009 Adair County Fair. 
Making Dollars and Sense of Your Finance$ (Posted on 2/25/2009)
Making Dollars & Sense of Your Finance$ offers individuals and families useful and sensible financial information to navigate the recession and personal financial situations. This edition focuses on ideas and tips for practical strategies in savings. 
Middle School ISU Ag & Life Sciences Trip (Posted on 2/24/2009)
Who committed the crime? Middle school students collected DNA to help solve the mystery. The experience was part of a microbiology investigation lab at Iowa State University in Ames.
Iowa 4-H Center 2009 Summer Camp (Posted on 2/20/2009)
There are twelve new camps for 2009! Discounts are available for 4-H members and early-registrations postmarked by April 1. Financial aid forms for Iowa 4-H Foundation scholarships are due to Adair County Extension by May 1. 
2008 Land Values (Posted on 1/4/2009)
Adair County land values increased by 12.4% in 2008 according to the ISU Annual Land Value Survey. Results of the survey show the average value for Adair County land in 2007 as $2742 and in $3081 in 2008. The state average went up 14.3%. 
Plan for Playground Safety before Kids Play in the Backyard (Posted on 1/2/2009)
Spring weather and backyard playgrounds are beckoning children. “But be sure the playground equipment is safe before you let them play on it,” says Donna K. Donald, Iowa State University Extension family life field specialist. Mrs. Donald offers suggestions to improve the safety of your backyard play area. ISU Extension's Energy Tips (Posted on 1/1/2009)
Extension’s Energy Tip for June 2009
If you have to drive, combine errands into one trip. Several short trips, each from a cold start, can use twice as much fuel as one trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm. Get more driving and car maintenance tips. 
Adair County 4-H Youth Council 2008-09 (Posted on 12/15/2008)
Keep up-to-date with Adair County 4-H Youth Council by looking at current members, meeting minutes, agendas, and special projects. Adair County 4-H Newsletters (Posted on 11/19/2008)
Click here to view the last twelve issues of the Adair County 4-H Newsletter prepared monthly to keep you up-to-date on Adair County 4-H. 
2008 Adair County 4-H Awards Day (Posted on 11/12/2008)
Adair County 4-H Clubs, members, volunteers, and community friends were recognized for their outstanding work during the group's annual Awards Day held Sunday, November 9th. See complete results and photos here. 
Become a Friend of 4-H Record Keeper (Posted on 9/23/2008)
Recordkeeping skills are an important life skill. The Youth Action Committee encourages recordkeeping by offering a $10.00 incentive to every 4-H'er that completes a record book in addition to providing recognition for outstanding project work based on their records. Individuals and businesses can support this effort by becoming a Friend of 4-H Record keeper. 
Join NV Early Out Club (Posted on 9/22/2008)
Join the NV Early Out Club and have fun with friends while you complete cool projects. Learn new games, complete service projects, and make and eat great snacks. NV Early Out meets on early out Wednesdays at the NV Middle School in Fontanelle. 2008-09 Southwest Iowa Area 4-H Council (Posted on 8/20/2008)
Applications are being taken for the 2008-09 Southwest Iowa Area 4-H Council. Representatives from each county are chosen to serve on the council. Applications are due to the Adair County Extension Office by Friday, September 12th. 
Citizenship Washington Focus (Posted on 8/19/2008)
High Schoolers should consider going on the Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) trip. CWF is a week-long trip, June 6-13, to Washington, D.C. and the National 4-H Conerence Center. Registrations due November 17th. 
Stretching Food Dollars (Posted on 8/8/2008)
Food prices are increasing. Here are some tips to save money at the grocery store. 
Career Adventure Trips (Posted on 5/8/2008)
Exploring career options is one important component of the career development process. Area students used their spring break to master new skills and explore options in the field of natural resources during the Springbrook Overnight Adventure. A group of students also traveled to ISU to visit the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Veterinary Medicine.
Career adventures for middle school students are a joint effort between ISU Extension-Adair County and Nodaway Valley AmeriCorps State of Promise Initiative. Special funding is provided with a grant from the Creston Cluster Decat project. 
Time for a Fruit & Vegetable Check Up? (Posted on 4/3/2008)
Spring is here and it's time to start thinking about planting a garden and all the wonderful fresh produce that will be available. But before then, are you eating enough fruits and vegetables? 
Put Some "Fun" in Your Relationship (Posted on 3/27/2008)
When was the last time you did something together with your spouse or partner that was fun? With a little effort and planning, couples can put some fun into their relationship, says Donna Donald, a family life specialist with Iowa State University Extension. Kelly Laughery Memorial 4-H Community Service Scholarships (Posted on 3/20/2008)
Kelly Laughery was a member of the Adair County 4-H Youth Council from 2000-2001 to 2003-2004. In her short life she reached out and served the Adair County community in many ways from spearheading a cemetery restoration project to working at literally hundreds of day camps. The Adair County 4-H Community Service Scholarship has been renamed in her honor. 
Skies Still Can Be "Friendly" If You Plan Ahead for Air Travel (Posted on 1/7/2008)
"Airline travel is more complicated than it used to be," says Donna Donald, a family life specialist with Iowa State University Extension. But traveling by air can be a good experience if you take time to plan ahead and prepare for those little unexpected delays. 
"Time Out" for Kids (Posted on 12/5/2007)
Football teams aren't the only ones who can benefit from a "time out," says Donna Donald, a family life specialist with Iowa State University Extension. Many parents use time outs to discipline their children. Time out can be a good way for both parents and children to cool off and prevent further misbehavior. Used properly, time out can be a learning opportunity, and that's the true meaning of discipline. 
Statewide 4-H Recognition (Posted on 11/12/2007)
Adair County 4-H was well represented at the statewide 4-H Recognition Event. Elizabeth Baudler, Natalie Bohling, Kelsie Cass, Rachel Herr, Velista Martin, and Katrina Schulteis all advanced to the state level from SW Iowa 4-H awards competition. 
Help Your Children Succeed At Learning (Posted on 9/26/2007)
Parents can make a big difference in the attitudes their children have about school and learning. You can model to them that learning is an ongoing and enjoyable experience. Donna Donald, Iowa State University Extension family life specialist, says one place to start is by making the home an interesting and fun learning place. Fall Online Course Designed for Relationship Educators, Counselors (Posted on 9/25/2007)
Journeys is a new online course starting September 14 for professionals and non-professionals who provide education and counseling to couples. Donna K. Donald, Iowa State University Extension family life program specialist, suggests you consider this course if you want to increase your knowledge and skills in working with couples. 
Support Children's Connection to Nature (Posted on 8/27/2007)
In our busy society, children are often on tight schedules of school, extracurricular activities and child care. Recent research suggests that children are exposed less and less to the world of nature. “However, children who interact with nature learn a wide range of valuable skills that will help them in school and life,” according to Donna Donald, Iowa State University (ISU) Extension family life specialist. 
Reading Readiness Starts Early (Posted on 8/9/2007)
Three simple strategies can help children prepare for reading when they start school. "Using these strategies daily along with reading books and other printed materials with children will put them on the road to success in school," according to Donna
Donald, Iowa State University Extension family life specialist. 
Alfalfa Harvest Reminder (Posted on 8/1/2007)
Alfalfa plants cut immediately after a partial freeze (non-killing
frost) and which experience further normal growing temperatures
will start new regrowth from crown buds, using accumulated proteins and carbohydrates that would otherwise be used for over wintering and regrowth the following spring. When these late-recovering plants experience a killing freeze a few days or weeks later, they will be physiologically weaker and more susceptible to winter injury. 
Negotiating the Step-Parent Role (Posted on 4/17/2007)
Step-parents can feel like second class citizens. An important step to family harmony is for both the biological parent and the step-parent to decide on house rules. Rules must be worked out as a partnership or they will not work. Then hold a family meeting where the biological parent presents the set of rules. 
Helping Teens Make Good Decisions (Posted on 2/26/2007)
Why don't teens and adults see eye-to-eye on "risky" behaviors involving drugs, alcohol and sexual activity? Given differences parents can still help their teens make good decisions. Tax Deductions for 4-H Adult Volunteers (Posted on 2/1/2007)
Your contributions to a 4-H club, the county 4-H program, or the 4-H foundation, whether made in cash or in goods contributed, are tax deductible if you itemize deductions on Schedule A of Form 1040. Some expenses you incur in your 4-H work are also deductible. 
Awards Day 2006 (Posted on 1/10/2007)
Approximately 275 people attended Adair County 4-H Awards Day, Sunday, November 12th. 4-H clubs, individual members, and adult volunteer leaders and alumni were honored for their outstanding work during the group's annual event. Click here to view award results and photos. 
Thrive By 5 (Posted on 12/13/2006)
Thrive by FiveTM: Teaching Your Preschooler About Spending and Saving--free activities and other resources for parents who want to encourage healthy attitudes about money in young children. 
What About Grandfathers? (Posted on 12/11/2006)
Grandparents play an important role in the development of their grandchildren. According to recent studies, 95 percent of people over age 65 who have adult children also have grandchildren. This means men today can expect to spend the majority of their adult years in this important role. Researchers have found that grandchildren who have a close relationship with a grandfather are likely to perform well in school, display positive emotional adjustment, have higher self-esteem and have a greater ability to develop and maintain friendships. 
Wind Energy Production: Legal Issues and Related Concerns for Landowners (Posted on 9/30/2006)
Wind farming presents numerous legal issues that landowners must consider carefully before entering into an agreement with a wind development company. Read information presented by Roger A. McEowen, Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation, Iowa State University, on wind energy production. 
Adair County Community Directory (Posted on 9/28/2006)
Check-out the new community directory. The Adair County Community Directory has been updated with important information from Child Care to a listing of Important Phone Numbers that everyone should have at easy reach. 
Time with Grandparents Still Can Be Grand (Posted on 8/22/2006)
Being a grandparent is not what it used to be; but it is one of the greatest roles you will play, and the payoff is priceless. Grandparents remain a vital connection between the past and the future, no matter the circumstances. 
Conquer Your Time Traps (Posted on 3/3/2006)
Families tend to over commit their time and energy and end up having too much to do and too little time in which to do it. We cannot manufacture more time, but we can make better use of the time we have.
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