Crisis Center

The Rural Iowa Crisis Center is in need of help.

The efforts of the Rural Iowa Crisis Center are ongoing, including their offering aid to those relocating from an abusive situation. Crisis Center Director Vickie Hodge says all types of household items, big and small, are needed.

In short, anything needed to outfit a home, right down to laundry baskets, household cleaning supplies, and paper products. Hodge says diapers especially are always in short supply. Children's clothes are also needed.

Donating those unwanted and no longer needed items around the house can be beneficial to the giver, as well as the receiver. The Crisis Center is a 501 c (3) organization and can offer a tax-deductible receipt for any donations.

Hodge adds the center is also in need of volunteers – to man the 24-hour crisis line, or to provide child care while victims attend counseling sessions.

To schedule a time to drop off donate items or to explore volunteer opportunities, call the Rural Iowa Crisis Center at 782-2706.

To access the Rural Iowa Crisis Center 24-hour Crisis Hotline, call 1-800-782-6632.

Flags at Half-Staff

Gov. Terry Branstad has ordered all flags in Iowa be flown at half-staff Monday, July 18, in honor of Iowa National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Terryl Pasker, 39, formerly of Cedar Rapids.
 
Sgt. 1st Class Terryl Pasker was killed in action Saturday, July 9, during a mounted patrol in Panjshir Province, Afghanistan. Pasker was assigned to Co. B, 334th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, Iowa Army National Guard, Cedar Rapids.

Flags will be at half-staff on the State Capitol Building and on flag displays in the Capitol Complex, and upon all public buildings, grounds, and facilities throughout the state. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.

Adams County Sheriff

The Adams County Sheriff's office reports Janelle Blaisure, 18, Corning, was arrested Thursday, for violating a protection order.

Clarke County Sheriff

The Clarke County Sheriff's office reports the arrest of Nathan David Gillespie, 28, Osceola, on Thursday. Gillespie is charged with Domestic Abuse Assault and is being held in the Clarke County Jail awaiting arraignment.

Tina Marie Jensen, 44, Osceola, was arrested Thursday and charged with Domestic Abuse Assault. She is also being held in the Clarke County Jail awaiting arraignment.

Neely-Kinyon Field Day

The Neely-Kinyon Research and Demonstration Farm near Greenfield will host its annual Field Day Wednesday, July 27 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Growing perennial energy crops and tips for no-till farming will highlight the day, including cover crop management and integrating perennial prairie strips with row crops to enhance soil quality.

Guests can tour research plots and visit The Conservation Station, a special interest for the kids.

The event is free and open to the public and includes a complimentary dinner.

Clarke County Fair

The Clarke County Fair begins Wednesday with exhibit check-in. Everything should be in place by evening in preparation for judging on Thursday.

Thursday will feature the 4-H & FFA horse show and Family Fun Evening.

Friday the livestock judging continues. Evening entertainment will feature the Midwest Pullers Association Pick-up Pull.

Saturday will host the Farm Bureau Cook-out Contest at 2 p.m., along with a Youth Cook-out Contest. Aiming Toward the Treasure will be at 4 p.m. with the Demo Derby at 7.

Sunday features the Beef Shows with a Dog Trial Exposition at 4 p.m. and an Exhibitor Dance at night.

Monday is time to clean up the fairgrounds before the Exhibitor and buyer barbecue at 4:30, followed by the Livestock Sale at 6 p.m.

For a full schedule of events contact the Clarke County Extension Office.

Madison County Fair

The Madison County Fair begins Wednesday with the 4-H Horse Show at 8 a.m. Afternoon will bring the Goat & Dairy Cattle Show, Pet shows, and the 4-H Style Show. The Fair Queen and King will be crowned at 6:30, followed by the Demo Derby.

Thursday features Outdoor Adventures: Kids vs. Wild, an Ag Mystery Walk, and a Horseshoe Pitching Contest. The Bill Riley Talent Show and Rodeo will fill the evening.

On Friday, fairgoers can take in the Beef, Swine, and Dog Shows; with a rodeo and karaoke in the evening.

Saturday will be filled with Swine, Mules, Tractor Pulls, and 4-Wheeler races. The evening's entertainment will be a teen dance and a 4x4 Mud Run.

Cowboy Church will be Sunday Morning, followed by the Farm Bureau Cook-out Contest, 4-H Fun Horse Show and 4x4 Mud Run.

A full schedule of events and other information can be found at madisoncountyfair.net

Adair County Fair

The Adair County Fair is booked for July 20-24 in Greenfield.

As is tradition, the fair kicks off with the Annual Barbeque Wednesday at 6 p.m., grilled by the livestock producer groups. Little Miss Adair County and the Fair Queen and King will be crowned while RBJ Band performs from the Gazebo. Fireworks will top off the evening.

Thursday offers the Swine Show, Horse Show, and 4-H Fashion Review, with the Heartland Rodeo providing Grandstand entertainment at night.

Friday is Senior Citizen and Conservation Day. Special activities for the Seniors will take place throughout the day, and Conservation Awards will be given out at noon. Meat Goats, Rabbits, Dairy and Dairy Goats, and Bucket/Bottle Calves will all have their shows; and there will be a Text Messaging Contest at 6 p.m. Evening entertainment will be Motocross/ATV races.

Saturday is Beef Show day, along with the quilt and antique machinery shows. The Baby Show is at 10 a.m. and helicopter rides will be available beginning at 11. Saturday's evening Grandstand show will be the Demo Derby.

The fair comes to a close on Sunday with the Sheep Show, Community Church Service and Co-ed Mud Volleyball. The Livestock Sale begins at 2:45 and the evening ends with Mud-Bog Races and a Teen Dance.