Make ONE CALL Before you Dig
(Posted on 5/13/2008)
Iowa law requires that any person, whether a homeowner or professional contractor, planning to engage in any form of excavation within the state of Iowa, must notify the “Iowa One Call” notification system.This includes projects such as: installing a fence, planting trees or shrubs, putting in a new driveway, building a patio, deck, garage, outdoor shed or any structure that requires any form of digging, installing a septic system or water drainage system, terracing or landscaping.

Tips for Planning Receptions and Parties
(Posted on 5/9/2008)
Spring and summer is when families and friends gather for graduations, weddings, picnics and barbeques. It is a time for fun and memories. Iowa State University Extension has tips for your decision making need to have a safe and happy celebration.

Simplify Your Life
(Posted on 5/9/2008)
The average American uses far more than his or her share of our planet’s resources. Choosing simplicity involves clearing away clutter that detracts from the true purpose and beauty of your life.

Put Some "Fun" In Your Relationship
(Posted on 5/9/2008)
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.

Tips for Saving Money at the Grocery Store
(Posted on 5/9/2008)
If the total on the register at the grocery store is lightening your checkbook more than you would like, there are some strategies that may help to reduce what you spend.

Open Class Fairbook Now Available On-Line!
(Posted on 5/9/2008)
Welcome to the on-line version of the 2008 Ida County Open Class Fair Book! Whether you have a flair for vegetables, flowers, needlework, or crafts the Ida County Fair has just the class for you to display your talents.

Investor Information on the Web - How Do You Judge Quality?
(Posted on 5/7/2008)
In today's Internet world, there are numerous Web sites with the words investing, money or finances in their titles, but how do you know which ones are reliable?

Family Ties Newsletter
(Posted on 5/6/2008)
Check out this important and useful information for your family!

Frequently Requested Publications
(Posted on 5/5/2008)
Land Value Surveys, Cash Rental Rates, Custom Farm Rates, Herbicide Guides, Consumer Information, Gardening & Horticulture Tips are just a few of the frequently requested resources from the Ida County Extension Office. Check out this link to quickly access these publications and many more!

Food for Fitness and Fun
(Posted on 5/5/2008)
ISU Extension has easy to prepare recipes, fun activities, and healthy tips to help you and your family stay fit. Check out this link to find the current and archived newsletters with research based information on these and other wellness related topics.

Free Web Course Helps You Get the Most From Your Money
(Posted on 5/5/2008)
A free online course, offered through Iowa State University Extension, is helping people get a grip on their money. The course – Take Control of Your Money – makes it possible to learn money management skills in the privacy of home. The 7-step process covers spending habits, getting out of debt, and increasing savings.

May is Beef Month and More!
(Posted on 4/30/2008)
While many people celebrate graduations, confirmations, and first communions in May, here is a list of other celebrations for the Month of May with links to their activities and events. These range from Beef Month in Iowa to National Asthma Awareness Month.

Class of 2008 - Graduation Gift Ideas!
(Posted on 4/30/2008)
If you are looking over those graduation announcements and wondering what gift to give that special graduate, take a look at some suggestions we have put together to help with your decision-making needs.

Start Smart -- an FDIC Resource for Teens
(Posted on 4/29/2008)
If you're a teen-ager, learning how to save, spend and protect your cash is one of the most important things you can do. The FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) has developed a new guide called "Start Smart: Money Management for Teens."

Subprime Lending Receives Attention
(Posted on 4/29/2008)
Subprime lending is receiving attention in the news as major financial institutions who invested heavily in this commodity now have to deal with increased numbers of foreclosures.

Take a Hike - Woodland Wildflowers are Emerging!
(Posted on 4/29/2008)
Woodland wildflowers are emerging in local woodlands and should be in bloom for the next several weeks.

Promote Positive Self Esteem for Girls and Their Moms
(Posted on 4/29/2008)
Girl Talk promotes positive self-esteem while helping fifth and sixth grade girls and their moms/caregivers develop and practice communication skills. Read on for more information about this program from ISU Extension in Ida County.

Clover Connection 4-H Newsletter
(Posted on 4/29/2008)
To stay "connected" with Ida County 4-H take a look at the current Clover Connection newsletter.

Extension Tip of the Week
(Posted on 4/28/2008)
Extension Tip of the Week (TOW) is a feature that can be sent to you directly by e-mail. These tips, sent weekly, will be brief and timely, cover a variety of topics.

ISU Extension Book Receives Arbor Day Foundation Award
(Posted on 4/22/2008)
“The Forest Where Ashley Lives,” a children’s book published by Iowa State University Extension, has received an Education Award from the Arbor Day Foundation, a nonprofit education and conservation organization.

ISU Offers Master Gardener Summer Session
(Posted on 4/18/2008)
If you want to know more about trees, gardening, plant diseases, insect diagnosis, vegetables, turfgrass, fruits and the latest in horticultural research ISU has just the program for you!

After Tax Season Advice
(Posted on 4/17/2008)
With the passing of “tax season” many people think hard about their finances. Some people face financial CRISIS as holiday bills piled up. Some people set new goals or resolutions at the new year. Some people take an honest look at their total debt or total income. Some people simply say “It's time for a fresh start with my finances.” Does one of these descriptions fit you? If so, read on for financial tips from ISU Extension.

National Playground Safety Week, April 21-25
(Posted on 4/17/2008)
Swing into playground safety during National Playground Safety Week, April 21-25.

Planning Rebate Use Can Benefit Personal Finances
(Posted on 4/17/2008)
Americans are considering how to use their government rebate money — the economic stimulus payments the federal government is sending out after May 15. ISU Extension specialist says take time to plan how to use the rebate money.

Time For a Place of Your Own?
(Posted on 4/9/2008)
Purchasing a home is probably the biggest purchase you'll ever make. It's an exciting experience and not a simple task. Extension's online course will help you decide if now is a good time to buy a home, prepare for the home buying process and shop for a mortgage that works for you.

Yard & Garden Publications Available
(Posted on 4/4/2008)
As the time arrives to think about your yard and garden, let ISU Extension help you with publications on these topics.

It's Time for Spring Yard & Garden Chores
(Posted on 4/4/2008)
After a long (seemingly endless) winter, spring has finally arrived. While spring is an enjoyable time, there are a number of outdoor chores that need to be done to enhance our yards and gardens. These chores include applying preemergence herbicides to lawns, dividing perennials, removing mulch from strawberries, pruning roses and many others.

Will Insurance Protect You From Storm Damage?
(Posted on 4/4/2008)
A tree fell on the roof, strong winds blew out the car windows, the sewer backed up into the basement. Storm damage comes in many forms. Will insurance cover the damage?

Need Help With Bugs, Bugging You?
(Posted on 3/10/2008)
When it comes to delivering information to people who need it, the Department of Entomology is at the forefront. Our extension personnel bring timely programs to locations throughout Iowa, and our science-based recommendations to Iowa's growers are conveniently available online. Whether it is pests around your home, garden or field...Let ISU Extension offer you help.

Raising Healthy Kids
(Posted on 3/10/2008)
Raising Healthy Kids is a series of publications designed to help parents, communities, and childcare providers address important health and nutrition questions.

Too Busy to Get More Physical Activity and Nutrition Information?
(Posted on 3/10/2008)
A common excuse for not getting more physical activity and making better nutritional choices is the lack of time. “In research examining barriers to making healthy behavior change, individuals frequently mention lack of time,” says Ruth Litchfield, Iowa State University Extension nutrition specialist.

Develop Markets for Fruits and Vegetables
(Posted on 3/10/2008)
Producers interested in learning how to market local fruits and vegetables to foodservice and retail distributors are invited to attend one of a series of meetings sponsored by ISU Extension.

Strengthening Families Program Facilitator Training Photos
(Posted on 2/21/2008)
Check out the photos from the Strengthening Families Program Facilitator Training!

Your Retirement is in Your Hands
(Posted on 2/7/2008)
American workers increasingly need to take responsibility for their own retirement savings, usually through a 401k, an IRA or a similar tax-preferred investment. What steps do you need to take? No matter where you are in your retirement planning process, you'll find useful information in ISU Extension's publication series.

Smart Uses for Your Tax Refund
(Posted on 2/7/2008)
New computer? New recliner? Nice vacation? Those are all great ideas. But before you spend the money, try to think through all the options - even the ones that aren't especially exciting or glamorous. ISU Extension has information to help you make those decisions.

Consumer Privacy: Who's Got Your Number
(Posted on 2/7/2008)
Protecting our personal information has become an essential skill for living in our society, yet not everyone has heard about the steps we can take to protect ourselves. From taking our Social Security number off our drivers' licenses and other documents to reducing the junk mail and telemarketing calls we receive, there is much we can do to protect ourselves.

Need Information Quickly?
(Posted on 1/29/2008)
When you need expert answers in a hurry, rely on Iowa State University Extension Hotlines. Select this easy button or the blue text for links to these Hotlines.

WOMEN’S AG NETWORKING EDUCATION TEAM (NET)
(Posted on 1/25/2008)
The Iowa Women in Agriculture programs’ intent is to identify the unique needs of women who are involved in agricultural production and in agribusiness and to provide the network of resources and expertise necessary to successfully meet those needs.The Women’s Ag Networking Team (NET) is an internet based networking system where women can receive answers to their questions from a panel of experts via email.

Have You Heard, Extension is in the News?
(Posted on 1/23/2008)
Check out these links to Extension news releases for the latest happenings with ISU Extension. Whether you are into grape vines, p-index levels, finances, or childcare...this site has it all.

Just in Time Parenting
(Posted on 12/20/2007)
When can a baby eat solid foods? How do you know when a baby has an ear infection? eXtension’s new online resource, Just in Time Parenting, provides round-the-clock access to information and experts.

CEUs Available for Childcare Providers
(Posted on 12/19/2007)
Ida County Extension offers CEUs for Childcare Providers. Check-out these Self Study Kits at the Extension Office. The kit cost is $5 (which includes one certificate) and the CEU's are optional for an additional fee. The check out time is 5 days.

Teach Your Preschooler About Spending & Saving
(Posted on 11/14/2007)
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.

I SPY... Iowa State Programs and Activities for Youth Pre K-12
(Posted on 11/14/2007)
I SPY some fun for little red Cys! If you are looking for programs and activities designed with your children in mind you have come to the right place. Check out these Iowa State Programs for Youth (ISPY) offered in the summer and as continuous events.

Join 4-H!!
(Posted on 10/8/2007)
If you or someone you know is interested in joining 4-H this is a great place to start for information about the Ida County 4-H Program. Check out the links we have created for enrollment, re-enrollment and club support.

Financial Security for All
(Posted on 10/8/2007)
Check out eXtension’s Financial Security for All Web site to find information on attaining personal financial security. Learn about everything from investing, retirement, and estate planning to household records, teaching children about money and on-line calculation tools.

ISU Offers Home Buyers Certification Course On-Line
(Posted on 6/25/2007)
The American dream of homeownership is an exciting experience, but it may be challenging. According to Mary Yearns, ISU Extension housing specialist and course author, “A Place of Your Own lets you focus on finding a home that fits your needs and your budget. It will help you prepare for the home-buying process and shop for a mortgage that works for you.”

GirLinks @ Iowa State
(Posted on 4/26/2007)
GirLinks is an online mentoring program where high school girls (grades 9-12) interested in science, math, engineering, and technology can talk with wonderful female undergraduate students in these fields, one on one, vial email.

Let These Tools Simplify Your Calculations
(Posted on 4/6/2007)
Whether you need quick conversion charts, corn nitrogen rate calculations, soil management and residue calculations or an animal unit calculator you have come to the right resource with Iowa State University Extension.

ISU Beginning Farmer Center Transitions Next Generation Farmers
(Posted on 1/31/2007)
The Beginning Farmer Center focuses exclusively on the needs and issues facing beginning farmers. This Center facilitates the matching of beginning farmers with existing farmers who want to transition their farm businesses to the next generation.

ISU Offers Small Business Development Center
(Posted on 1/31/2007)
Since 1981, the Iowa Small Business Development Centers have provided expert and confidential business counseling services to entrepreneurs in all 99 Iowa counties. As an outreach program for the College of Business the SBDC can help existing business owners and entrepreneurs with the assistance and resources they need.

Start Your ISU Adventures Here
(Posted on 1/22/2007)
Considering Iowa State University for your college education? Let Ida County Extension help you with this decision.

Extension Provides Community Economic Development Resources
(Posted on 12/13/2006)
Whether you are interested in a particular community or a county wide economic development group, you can find these resources on the links we have built into Ida County Extension's web page.

Ida County Poverty and Food Needs Profile
(Posted on 5/18/2006)
For information regarding Ida County demographics, food accessibility, food-related health issues, and food assistance programs check out this profile.