Home and Family Information

Local News

grocery cart

Reducing Food Costs at the Grocery Store
(Posted on 4/30/2008)
Food costs are rising; consider these tips to reduce the cost at the cash register.

Turn Off the TV and Tune Into Your Family
(Posted on 4/16/2008)
Are you ready to change your TV viewing habits? Here are a number of helpful suggestions for breaking the TV addiction and tuning into your family.

Some Alternative Activities For Children And Families
(Posted on 4/16/2008)
Try one some of these “Family Fun Ideas” when the TV is OFF!

couples

Put Some ‘Fun’ in Your Relationship
(Posted on 3/28/2008)
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.

eXtension Has the Answers For You
(Posted on 2/12/2008)
Have you searched the Internet looking for reliable, research based information that is also credible? Look no further.

airplane

Skies Still Can be ‘Friendly’ If Plan Ahead for Air Travel
(Posted on 1/9/2008)
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.

television

Television Signals Changing
(Posted on 12/20/2007)
Users of old indoor antennas and rooftop antennas will need converter boxes when TV signals change to digital signals in 2009.

‘Time Out’ Isn’t Just for Football Teams — It Works for Kids, Too
(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.

Do Not Call Registry

Do Not Call List Registry
(Posted on 1/12/2007)
Are you getting marketing calls at home that you don't want?Cell phone numbers have been added to the telemarketers list. There are a number of options that you can try to help curb those unwanted calls.Check out information on how to get off of both lists!!!

Computer

Useful Web Sites
(Posted on 8/4/2004)
Useful websites for you and your family, covering issues of health, finances, crop management.

News from Iowa State University Extension

Care for Yourself/WISEWOMAN Helps Reduce Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
(Posted on 4/30/2008)
Care for Yourself/WISEWOMANThe community-based intervention program empowers low-income, primarily rural women to make lifestyle changes to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease.
Have Trailer, Will Demonstrate Universal Design
(Posted on 4/30/2008)
trailer with portable display showing universal designGive ISU Extension specialist Mary Yearns a trailer and she’ll figure out a way to demonstrate how universal design makes a home more useful and accessible.
Iowans Worry Their Paychecks Won’t Cover Basic Costs in 2008
(Posted on 4/23/2008)
A new survey shows nearly one-third of Iowans worry family income won't meet expenses. Horizons communities are a step ahead. They have ISU Extension-trained leaders working on poverty and economic decline.
ISU Extension Book Receives Arbor Day Foundation Award
(Posted on 4/21/2008)
The Forest Where Ashley Lives“The Forest Where Ashley Lives,” a children’s book published by Iowa State University Extension, has received an Education Award from this nonprofit education and conservation organization.

Staff

Erin Christensen-Program Assistant, Growing Strong Families
Phone: 712-523-2137
Fax:
Email: erinc@iastate.edu

Joyce Lash-Families Field Specialist
Phone: 641-464-3333
Fax:
Email: lash@iastate.edu

Donna Donald-Families Field Specialist
Phone: 641-446-4723
Fax:
Email: ddonald@iastate.edu

Lori Henrichs-Program Assistant, Growing Strong Families
Phone: (712) 523-2137
Fax: (712) 523-2139
Email: lorih@iastate.edu

Kim Brantner-County Extension Education Director
Phone: (712) 523-2137
Fax: (712) 523-2139
Email: brantner@iastate.edu

Resources from ISU Extension