laurens, iowa march 29, 2017 - the paper now

Biggest Little Paper In Town! 1

The PaperLaurens, Iowa

Our Town , Our Paper!

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

Vol. 10 No. 48

March 29, 2017

www.thepapernow.com

Local News

What’s Happening at Laurens Congregate MealsThe Laurens Congregate Meals have been in our area as an incorporated non-profit for forty years this year. The mission of the program is to serve nutritious, tasty meals to people of the area at noon five days a week at the Laurens City Hall downstairs meeting room. Over the years, we have served thousands of meals to so many wonderful people. The goal is to continue the program into the future by keeping the on-site and home-delivered meals available to anyone in the area who needs or wants to participate. The Meal Program is designed to help people stay healthy and active by serving a tasty, balanced meal once a day, to help residents stay safely independent longer, and to help distribute useful and ever

changing healthy aging and survival information as it becomes available. Another benefit of having the program in town is to have a meeting site for a specialized exercise program that meets three times a week at 11:00 Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The exercises are low impact and highlight

flexibility and balance. A new program we are working on is called "Fresh Conversations". The focus of this activity is to present nutritional facts, to share new

recipes with a focus on something well balanced, new and tempting, and to make the act of eating well smart and fun. The purpose of the fundraising and the membership drive is to keep the Meal Program active and cost effective. The action of people needing and taking the meals keep the staff motivated and excited to come to work. Participation is one way to gauge the success of the program and a way to keep staff working. Participation is now so important

that the current Membership Drive is going to help us count everyone who takes a meal and hopefully encourage more to join the ranks of participants. Both home-delivered and on-site diners are welcome to take advantage of the program and, as the need is right now; greatly needed! We appreciate everyone who participates in the program. The on-site diners, the home-delivered diners, and all the wonderful volunteers who help deliver meals and help on site are the heroes that have kept the meals available all forty years. The wonderful people who have donated funds to the non-profit have seen the benefits over the years of keeping the program a lasting part of the caring history of the community of Laurens. An open invitation is issued to everyone in the area willing to step forward to keep the Laurens Congregate Meals service available.

Our Town Our Paper! 2

Local News & Advertising

Ron Demers of KTIV at Albert City Public Library The Albert City Public Library proudly presents Ron Demers, Chief Meteorologist and Weather Anchor from KTIV, on Thursday, April 6, 2017 at 7pm. Ron, a Storm Lake native, is the son of Bob and Marilyn Demers. He has one brother and five sisters that made for a lively, entertaining household growing up. He graduated from St. Mary's in 1988. He worked part time for KAYL Radio the summer of 1989 and 1990, anchoring sports and weather, which eventually led to doing the news. Ron went to Briar Cliff University for his Bachelor of Arts in Mass

Communications and a Minor in Music. He then became a meteorologist through Mississippi State University. While in college, Ron was news editor of the campus newspaper, worked at KWIT radio, and started an internship at KTIV, all in the same year. KTIV's internship turned into a part time job as editor and reporter, which led to a full time reporter job upon graduation. Shortly thereafter, Ron started doing the weekend weather. His interest in the weather grew and he took the morning weather position at KTIV. When Ron was growing up, he never would have guessed he'd be doing weather for the station he grew up watching! Of course, now Ron is Chief Meteorologist and Weather Anchor of Channel 4 News at 5, 6, and 10 p.m. Ron was awarded the coveted Seal of Approval from the American Meteorologist Society in 1998. Ron and his wife, Katie, live in

Sioux City with their four children. He enjoys playing the piano, creating video tributes for people, and playing a round of golf when he has a chance. Come, meet our local celebrity, Ron Demers! He will tell us all about the weather with time for Q&A and possibly some musical entertainment! Refreshments will be served after the program.

Friday, March 31st Special is fish or

chicken tacos or you can order off our full

menu!

The club will be open on Fridays for lunch from 11a.m-1 p.m.

Limited lunch menu and to go ordering

available.

(712) 841-2287

Laurens Genies to MeetThe Laurens Genies will meet Friday, March 31 at 2:00 p.m. at the Laurens Public Library. The program will be about “Early Spring Memories – Blizzards and Blossoms” moderated by Jeanette Korrect. Members are asked to share their own memories and stories about March or April weather – perhaps a story that has been handed down in the family. Anyone who is interested in family research and genealogy is cordially invited to attend.


Garden Extravaganza 2017Mark Your Calendars for the Pocahontas County Master Gardeners 11th Annual Garden Extravaganza on April 7, 5-7 p.m. and April 8, 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at the Expo Center located at the Pocahontas Fairgrounds. The Garden Extravaganza will feature garden plants and décor for sale, door prizes, classes, workshops, and educational handouts. NEW this year will be a Friday Evening Session from 5 -7 p.m. with wine tasting and appetizers. On Saturday, the Pocahontas Garden Club will serve coffee and rolls at 9:00 a.m. for a nominal fee and a maid-rite lunch from 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. for a small fee. Saturday presentations will be held in the Fair Office at 9:15 a.m. with Marlene Boernsen, Boernsen Bees presenting on Beekeeping and 10:30 a.m. with Kevin Fehr, Iowa Lakes Community College presenting on Pollinator Gardens.

Local News

Driver’s License Station Closed The Driver’s License Station at the Pocahontas County Treasurer’s Office will be closed on Wednesday, April 5, 2017 for staff to attend a mandatory District Driver’s License Issuance Conference. If you have any questions, please contact our office at (712) 335-4334.

First Cooperative AssociationYard Person - Laurens

The duties for this position include dumping grain for customers, maintaining grain quality, maintaining our facilities and assist with other location duties as necessary.

The individual we hire must take pride in their work and aggressively pursue their duties. In exchange for your dedication our company offers competitive pay and excellent benefits.

You may get more information and apply online for either of these positions on our website at www.firstcoop.com under the Employment Section, or obtain an application at one of our

locations, or contact:Jerry Weiler

Human Resources Director960 Riverview Dr, PO Box 60, Cherokee, IA 51012

Ph. 712-225-5400 or 888-216-1647Email: [email protected]



Celtic Guitarist Jerry Barlow Returns to Fonda Arts CenterThe Fonda Arts Center is pleased to once again welcome Celtic fingerstyle guitarist Jerry Barlow in concert. The performance will be on Saturday, April 8th, at 7 p.m. at the Arts Center on the NW corner of Fourth and Main in Fonda. A wine tasting with InnSpiration Winery will precede the concert at 6 p.m. Tickets for the event are $12 in advance or at the door. Limited seating is available. Barlow is a warm, accessible performer and storyteller. His unique and skillfully delivered repertoire incorporates favorite traditional pieces as well as his own Celtic-inspired compositions. His expressive arrangements of lively jigs, spirited reels, and haunting airs is described as music to soothe the soul, warm the heart and lift the spirit. In concert, Jerry brings traditional Celtic tunes alive by sharing the history, humor, and legends behind the music. “Jerry Barlow … a performer who is skilled, funny and riveting. Out of the many musicians performing today, the vast majority are skilled in either performing on their instrument or in entertaining an audience. It’s very rare and extremely enjoyable to see a musician at the very top of his craft in both

areas,” says Scott Beach, Director of Colorado Celtic Entertainment. Barlow’s latest CD, VOYAGE OF HOPE, was released in early September. It features songs about the Irish immigration to America in the mid-1800s. His 2011 recording, FIELDS AND FENCES, was one of five nominees for Instrumental Album of the Year by the Independent Music Awards. The Indie Acoustic Project selected the title song from Jerry’s CD, BRING DOWN THE STORM, as “one of the best songs of 2006.” Music from all of Barlow’s recordings can be heard regularly on National Public Radio stations. He has been featured in Fingerstyle Guitar magazine, and was profiled in Celtic Connection. He has performed in the Gates Auditorium for the University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music, the Arvada Center for the Performing Arts, and is a favorite of High plains Public Radio’s Living Room Concert Series in Amarillo, TX. For more information, contact 712.288.6278 or www.jerrybarlow.com.

Garage Sale117 S 4th St. - Laurens

April 6 - 1-8 p.m. April 7 - 1-8 p.m.

April 8 - 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

Girls Clothes 6-8, Boys Clothes 5-7, Playground set,

Precious Moments, Christmas decorations, Lots of Kids toys, books

and bikes.


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: [email protected]

Publisher: Rodney Johnson

Editor:Amanda Tendal

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At the Library & Advertising

At the Library with Glenda MulderMarch 29, 2017

Next week will be a fun and busy one at the library! You know the first Tuesday of the month means it’s “Take it Tuesday,” right? Deb is going to share some of her secrets to making those cute decorations she makes out of used lightbulbs. This seems appropriate, since Earth Day is in

April, right? Since it’s also Easter season, we will be making cute little bunnies. Grab a friend and join the fun Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Also next week is a program about the Foster Care system. The Laurens Area Youth Group is partnering with Iowa KidsNet to provide foster kids with backpacks and needed supplies as they transition to a new living arrangement. Please join us on Wednesday, April, 5th at 7 p.m. to hear how you can help fill backpacks and also learn about the Foster Care system. New books recently include: All by Myself Alone by Mary Higgins Clark, Ebb Tide by Beverly Lewis, Orphans Tale by Pam Jenoff, Bone Box by Faye Kellerman, All the Missing Girls by Megan Miranda, Black Box by James Patterson, Women in the Castle by James Shattuck, Vicious Circle by C. J. Box, Missippi Blood by Greg Iles, Man Overboard by J. A. Jance, If Not for You by Debbie Macomber, Forever a Hero by Linda Lael Miller, Murder on the Serpentine by Anne Perry, Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See and Mangrove Lightning by Randy Wayne White. New DVDs lately include: Sing, Moana, The Trolls and Sully.

COMING EVENTS

• Tot Time every Monday at 10 a.m.• Card Making 4th Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.

• Take it Tuesday - 1st Tuesday at 6:30p.m.• Book Club 4th Monday at 7 p.m.

• Iowa KidsNet Foster Care Needs Program – cosponsored by Laurens Ecumenical Youth Group, Wednesday, April 5th at 7 p.m.

• “German Iowa & the Global Midwest” July 5-17


Wants to See the Ruby Slippers Devan Garman wrote, "I just can't believe that I can visit the Smithsonian. At the Smithsonian we would see fossils, the ruby slippers from the Wizard of Oz, George Washington's teeth, minerals, meteorites and all manner of historical artifacts." Devan was writing to Charger Pride seeking a boost for a trip to Washington, D. C. "I will be seeing some of America's greatest landmarks. I am super hyped," he wrote.

Devan's request paid off for him as it did for several other L-M Middle School social studies students. You can reach the booster group at: [email protected] To be continued...

Advertising & Announcements

Jack Link’s is the global meat snacks leader and fastest-growing meat snack manufacturer worldwide. The Jack Link’s brand represents a heritage of quality and consumer trust. Well known for its iconic “Messin’ With Sasquatch” advertising campaign, Jack Link’s offers more than 100 premium meat snack products at retail outlets in more than 40 countries. Check out JackLinks.com for more information on the brand.

JOB OPENINGS OPERATIONS-SHIPPING/RECEIVING

SECONDARY MANUFACTURING-PACKAGING Pre-employment drug screening Climate controlled facility Health, dental, vision available after 60 days for full time employees Health (BCBS) premiums starting at $28.74 bi-weekly-80% employer paid 401K match; EAP program Company paid short-term disability and life insurance Vacation accruals begin at 6 months Referral bonus Jack Links Company Store Excellent attendance, willingness to learn, work well with others, good math skills, overtime when needed, able to be certified on pallet jack & fork lift Pick up application at: Jack Links, Inc. 210 North 1st Street Laurens, IA 50554 Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:00pm JOIN THE #1 MEAT SNACK TEAM EEO/AA EMPLOYER M/F/D/V

Knight of Columbus Turkey Dinner

Sunday, April 9th

Serving 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 pm

Sacred Heart Parish Center

Adults $10.00 12 and Under $5.00



Summer Help Wanted:

The City of Laurens is now taking applications for lifeguards,

$7.25/hr first year; pool manager, salary to be determined; and

summer parks department positions, $9.50/hr for the first year. Applications will be accepted at

Laurens City Hall through April 3. The City of Laurens is an

equal opportunity employer.

The City of Laurens is taking sealed bids for nuisance contract work. Contract Bid Forms may be picked

up at City Hall and must be received by noon on April 3.

Any questions, please contact City Manager, Hilary Reed,

at 712-841-4526.

April 2 - Jr. High & High School 5-8 p.m. at the Baptist ChurchApril 9 - Jr. High & High School 5-8 p.m. at the Baptist Church

April 15 - 7 p.m. Practice & Set-Up for Sunrise Service at

First ChristianApril 16 - Easter Sunrise Service

at First Christian at 7 A.M.NO EVENING YOUTH GROUP

April 23 - Junior High 6-8 p.m. at the Baptist Church

April 30 - High School 6-8 p.m. at the Baptist Church

Lenten Lunch Schedule:

March 29 - Sacred Heart Catholic ChurchApril 5 - First Christian Church

All lunches at 11:30 a.m. with a love offering

Blood Drive Pocahontas Expo Center

12:30-5:30 p.m.Wednesday, April 5

Schedule Your Appointment at:www.lifeservebloodcenter.org

or call: 800-287-4903


Announcements

WHY NOT YOU!!!

The Laurens Area Youth Group is excited to partner with Iowa KidsNet to provide Foster kids with backpacks and needed supplies as they transition to a new living arrangement.

Please join us on Wednesday, April 5th at 7 p.m. at the Laurens Public Library

to hear how you can help fill backpacks and about the Foster Care

system. Maybe you have considered being a Foster parent but were not

sure how, we will have Bambi Schrader from Iowa KidsNet with us that night to answer questions you might have. Bambi has been working in Foster care and adoption for over 20 years and will

share with you her personal experience of being a foster/adoptive parent and more about the need for local foster/adoptive homes.

Children deserve loving and stable families – can you be that family??


Announcements

COME JOIN US FOR LUNCH

SUNDAY, APRIL 2ND 12-2P.M

BETHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH

SERVING BEEF BURGERS

CHIPS, BAR, AND A DRINK

FREE WILL DONATION

SUPPORTING THE YOUTH GOING ON THE BOUNDARY WATERS TRIP THIS SUMMER.


Church

This Week at Laurens United Methodist ChurchWed., March 29th:Book Club @ 9 a.m.Confirmation Class @ 6 p.m.

Thurs., March 30th:UMW Special Membership mtg @ 9:30 a.m.

Fri., March 31st:Mens Bible Study @ 7 a.m.

Sun., April 2nd: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.Holy CommunionChoir Easter Cantata practice @ 7 p.m.

Mon., April 3rd:Quilt Club @ 7p.m.

This Week at Bethany LutheranWednesday: March 29, 201711:30 AM ~ Lenten Luncheon at SHCC5:30-6:30 PM ~ Lenten Soup Supper6:30 PM ~ Lenten Bible Study

Thursday: March 30, 20173:30-5:00 PM ~ Kid’s Club at FCC

Sunday: April 2, 2017Fifth Sunday in Lent9:00 AM ~ SS & Confirmation9:15 AM ~ Coffee Fellowship9:15 AM ~ Adult SS10:30 AM ~ Worship w/Communion 12:00-2:00 PM ~ Youth Beef Burger Lunch Fundraiser at BLC5-8 PM ~ Youth Group (JH& HS) at Baptist

Tuesday: April 4, 201710:00 AM ~ Coffee Time5:00 PM ~ W/M Mtg.

Wednesday: April 5, 201711:30 AM ~ Lenten Luncheon at FCC5:30-6:30 PM ~ Lenten Soup Supper6:30 PM ~ Lenten Bible Study

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

This Week at First Christian ChurchPastor Rev. Rita Cordell

Wednesday, March 29 11:30 a.m. - Lenten Lunch at Sacred Heart 1:00 p.m. - Willing Workers

Thursday, March 30 2:00 p.m. - Coffee with Pastor3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Kid’s Club at FCC

Friday, March 31 7:00 p.m. - AA

Sunday, April 2 9:30 a.m. - Sunday School 10:30 a.m. - Worship 4:00 p.m. - Service at Laurens Care Center 5:00-8:00 p.m. - JR. High & High School Youth Group at New Hope Baptist Church

Sacred Heart Catholic Church Laurens

Pastor ~ Fr. John J. Gerald Weekday Mass : Friday, 8:00 AM Weekend Mass: Sunday, 8:30 AM (July – October) Religious Education Classes: Wednesdays (September – May) Rosary Society – Meetings TBA Knights of Columbus – Second Tuesday of the Month Sacred Heart Parish Council - Fourth Tuesday of the Month Cluster Parishes St. Joseph Catholic Church, Sioux Rapids Weekday Mass: 8:00am (Monday & Wednesday)

Weekend Mass: Saturday, 5:00 PM (July – October) St. Louis Catholic Church, Royal

Weekend Mass: Sunday, 10:30 PM (July - October) Weekday Mass: 8:00am (Tuesday & Thursday)

Sacred Heart Church LaurensPastor ~ Father Francis Makwinja Weekday Mass : Friday, 8:00 AMWeekend Mass: Saturday, 5:00 PM (March - June)

Cluster Parishes:St. Joseph Catholic Church, Sioux RapidsWeekday Mass: Monday & Wednesday, 8:00 AMWeekend Mass: Sunday, 10:30 AM (March – June))

St. Louis Catholic Church, RoyalWeekday Mass: Tuesday & Thursday, 8:00 AMWeekend Mass: Sunday, 8:30 AM (March- June)

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Extension News

Yard and Garden: Preparing Garden Soil for Spring Planting Although snow is on the ground in much of Iowa, spring is upon us. It’s time to think about planting gardens, but before that happens, proper care must be taken to ensure the soil is ready for growth. That means fertilizing soil, testing it and, perhaps, applying materials like lime. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists can help answer questions about proper spring garden preparations. To have additional questions answered, contact the ISU Hortline at 515-294-3108 or [email protected]. What type of fertilizer should I apply to my garden? To determine the garden’s fertility needs, submit a soil sample to a soil testing laboratory in fall or early spring. Apply and incorporate the recommended type and amount of fertilizer into the top 6 to 8 inches of soil prior to planting. If the fertility level of the soil is unknown, apply and incorporate one pound of 10-10-10 or a similar analysis fertilizer per 100 square feet. How can I have my garden soil tested? Soil testing is done by private and state laboratories. In Iowa, gardeners can submit soil samples to the ISU Soil and Plant Analysis Laboratory. A soil sample information sheet and instructions for taking soil samples can be found at http://soiltesting.agron.iastate.edu/Forms.html. Should I apply lime to my garden? In Iowa, gardeners should apply lime to gardens and lawns only when recommended by a soil test. A soil test will indicate the current soil pH and, if necessary, the amount of lime to apply to the area. Liming materials include ground limestone, which is mainly calcium carbonate (CaCO3), and dolomitic limestone, which contains calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate (MgCO3). Lime is applied to acidic soils to raise the soil pH. The soil pH is important because it affects the availability of essential plant nutrients. The pH scale runs from 0 to 14. Any pH below 7.0 is acidic and any pH above 7.0 is alkaline. A pH of 7.0 indicates a neutral soil. The optimum pH range for most flowers, vegetables and other horticultural crops is between 6.0 and 7.0. Lime is applied to acidic soils with a pH below 6.0 to raise the pH into the optimum range. However, an application of lime to an alkaline soil can raise the soil pH to excessively high levels, reducing the availability of plant nutrients and leading to poor plant growth. Will an application of gypsum improve a clay soil? Advertisements for gypsum sometimes claim that gypsum will help loosen heavy, clay soils and improve soil drainage. However, the addition of gypsum to lawns and gardens in Iowa is of little benefit. Gypsum is chiefly used to amend sodic soils. Sodic soils are found mainly in arid regions of the western United States. Core aeration is the best way to improve growing conditions for lawns established on clay soils. The core aerator should remove soil cores that are approximately three-fourths of an inch in diameter and 3 inches long. There should be 20 to 40 holes per square foot. April and September are the best times to aerate lawns in Iowa. Vegetable and flower gardens can be improved by applying and incorporating organic matter, such as compost, well-rotted manure, or sphagnum peat moss, into the soil. Work the organic matter into the top 8 to 12 inches of soil.


Registration Open for Summer Camps Offered through Iowa 4-H ProgramYouth may now register for a variety of themed 4-H summer camps

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is offering several themed 4-H summer camps. These three- to six-day camp experiences offer Iowa youth the opportunity to meet other students from around the state who share their interests, while experiencing a high quality educational program. “Youth attending camp gain a new perspective and appreciation of natural resources in Iowa,” said Jacki Luckstead, 4-H camping and shooting sports program specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “Partnerships with Iowa State University bring rich curriculum and opportunities for each camper.” Financial assistance is available through the Iowa 4-H Foundation. Applications can be found on the foundation's website and are due to county extension offices by April 25, 2017. Youth do not need to be members in the Iowa 4-H program to attend, or to apply for financial assistance. Youth who are from military families qualify for a $75 discount. 2017 Camp Offerings June 9-11, there will be a Safety and Education in Shooting Sports camp for youth to develop skills in archery, air rifle, small bore, shotgun trap, muzzleloader and wildlife. An official hunter safety course field day will be provided by the Department of Natural Resources during the camp. Registration is $200. Youth interested in science and technology in grades 5-8 can participate in Drone Discovery Camp June 19-22, a hands-on learning adventure that will explore the science behind drones and how they are used to solve real-world problems. Registration is $350. Youth entering grades 5-8 can register for Spanish Immersion camp June 25-29. This camp, provided in partnership with Iowa State University World Languages & Cultures, will be an action-packed and culturally invigorating camp that teaches about the traditions, food, music and art of today’s Hispanic/Latino population, while building a strong base for future language learning. Registration is $400. In partnership with Iowa State University College of Business, Young Women in Business Leadership camp will be offered July 9-14 through an application process. Young women accepted to this camping experience will participate at no cost. Participants will experience the Iowa State University campus, explore business majors, build leadership skills and make a positive impact on the local community by working on a real-world project for a nonprofit organization. This camp experience is open to girls entering grades 9-12. Youth entering grades 9-12 who have an interest in design and technology can enroll in Design Dimensions Camp, held July 9-14. Participants will learn how to create and manipulate structures and objects, use 3D printing, develop their own typeface, and much more. Registration is $495 for overnight camp and $345 for day camp. Additional information on grade ranges, costs and times is available on the Iowa 4-H website. Registration is open now, and each camp registration closes two weeks prior to its start date. For more information, or to register, visit http://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/content/2017-state-4-h-camp-information.

Extension News


Tips for a Successful Yard this YearSmall Farm Sustainability newsletter helps homeowners cultivate healthy lawns With spring just around the corner, it will soon be time to begin working in the yard. Mowing features prominently into any yard maintenance plan, with many cool-season turfgrasses showing their greatest period of growth from March to May. How to care for a lawn and set it up for success throughout the spring, summer and fall is the subject of 'Tips for a Successful Yard this Year', an article in the March edition of the Small Farm Sustainability newsletter. The March issue also discusses beef cattle production, acreage ponds, prescribed burns, and pruning trees and shrubs. It is recommended that each mowing should cut grass by one-third, meaning if the ideal height of grass is 2.5 inches tall it should be mowed every time it reaches 3.25”. Make sure mower blades remain sharp and avoid compacting the same areas of the yard by using alternate mowing patterns. “Allowing grass to get too high and taking too much off at once will

Extension News

result in scalping, which damages the plants,” said Nick Christians, professor of horticulture at Iowa State University. “If you go on vacation and it’s grown several inches beyond normal when you return, it’s a good idea to raise the mower height and then gradually lower it back down to normal as opposed to cutting it back to its regular height right away.” Spring is also the time of year to prevent weeds from appearing in a yard. Pre-emergence herbicides should be applied in the spring to keep annual weeds such as crabgrass and goosegrass from germinating. “Crabgrass is one of the biggest weed problems we have in this region,” said Christians. “Crabgrass germinates in the spring and there are chemicals available that will stop the germinating seed and won’t hurt a bluegrass lawn.” Fertilizer application can also be done during the spring. “Homeowners need to apply some sort of fertilizer, a lawn will deteriorate over time without it,” Christians said. “Pre-emergence fertilizers can be easily applied that stops crabgrass and give healthy turfgrass the nitrogen it needs.”

2017 Pocahontas County Fair 4-H/FFA Market Lamb Weigh InAll 4-H and FFA members that will exhibit market lambs at the 2017 Pocahontas County Fair must weigh their lambs on Saturday, April 8 from 9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. at the fairgrounds in Pocahontas. If you have any questions, please call 335-3103 or email [email protected]

2017 Pocahontas County Fair 4-H/FFA Dog TrainingThere will be an organizational meeting on Sunday, April 2 at 4:00 p.m. at the fairgrounds in Pocahontas. If you are exhibiting a dog at the fair and cannot attend this meeting, make sure you call the ISU Extension and Outreach Office Pocahontas County at 712-335-3103 for complete details on the summer practice schedule. You must have your dog’s vaccination papers turned into the Extension Office before the meeting on Sunday, April 2. If you do not have your vaccination papers turned in, leave your dog at home.


City Council Minutes

March 20th, 2017

The Laurens City Council met in regular session at the Municipal Building at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 20th, 2017. Mayor Rod Johnson called the meeting to order. Present were Council members Pat Sullivan, Rich Newgard, Julie Potter, Sid Enockson, City Attorney Ann Beneke, City Manager Hilary Reed, City Clerk Joan Hoben, Public Works Director Julian Johnsen, and Chief of Police Chris Toner.

Newgard motioned to approve the consent agenda consisting of the agenda, minutes from the March 6th, 2017, meeting, in addition to the list of claims. Potter seconded. All ayes. Motion carried.

CLAIMS 03-20-2017

ACCO WATER PLANT CHEMICALS 4,290.45

AFLAC GROUP INSURANCE 558.28

AIRGAS OXYGEN CYLINDERS 28.44 AMAZON BOOKS & DVDS 173.87 FIDELITY LIFE APRIL EYE CARE INSURANCE 177.02 BAKER & TAYLOR BOOKS & DVDS 530.85 BLAKE WILEY MILEAGE 173.80 CENTURY BUSINESS PRODUCTS COPIER MAINT 131.49 COUNSEL NEW COPIER 2,049.55 DELTA DENTAL APRIL DENTAL INSURANCE 870.12 HILARY REED MILEAGE 17.44 INTERNATIONAL ASSC CHIEFS POLICE MEMBERSHIP 150.00 IRS FED/FICA TAX 4,076.38 JCL SOLUTIONS CLEANING SUPPLIES 35.71 JOHN DEERE FINANCIAL STREET SUPPLIES 105.29 CHAMBER OF COMERCE MEMBERSHIP 50.00 LAURENS FOOD PRIDE FIRE DEPT. SUPPLIES 3.49 LAURENS HOUSE OF PRINT COPY PAPER 45.00 LMPC MARCH PHONE FEES 475.04 LMU FEB UTILITIES 13.69 LAURENS PLUMBING OUTDOOR LED LIGHTS 2,573.30 LAURENS STATE BANK POSTAGE AND SUBBLIES 99.31 MET BOBALEE TESTING 704.00 PERSONNEL CONCEPTS LABOR POSTERS 15.85 POCAHONTAS CO. TREASURER PROPERTY TAXES 1,170.50 POC. COMMUNITY HOSPITAL AMBULANCE SUPPLIES 35.00 POCAHONTAS CO SOLID WASTE FEB LANDFILL FEES 5,341.62 R WISE CONSTRUCTION PAY REQUEST #2 20,410.00 RB LUMBER COMPANY WATER PLANT SUPPLIES 17.26 SANTANDER LEASING STREET SWEEPER & FIRETRUCK PAYMENT 4,852.15 SHAMROCK RECYCLE, INC. FEB CURBSIDE RECYCLING 1,604.61 STORM LAKE TIMES SUBSCRIPTION RENEWAL 57.95 TIM READ SUMMER PROGRAM 800.00 TRUCK EQUIPMENT STREET SWEEPER & FIRETRUCK PAYMENT 369.23 VERIZON WIRELESS MARCH CELL PHONE 384.51 WELLMARK APRIL HEALTH 8,511.87

TOTAL 60,903.07

PAYROLL 3/13/2017 001 GENERAL 4,120.27

210 ROAD USE TAX 1,230.78 600 WATER 1,741.13 610 SEWER 1,842.83 670 GARBAGE 2,040.16

TOTAL 10,975.17

PAID TOTAL 71,878.24


BY FUND

001 GENERAL 14,582.06

110 ROAD USE TAX 2,131.72

112 EMPLOYEE BENEFITS 5,343.92 200 DEBT SERVICE 3,390.81 321 OWNER OCCUPIED HOUSING 20,410.00 600 WATER 8,841.22 610 SEWER 5,646.04 670 GARBAGE 11,532.47

TOTAL BY FUND 71,878.24

Lois Jirgens, Anne Walstead, and Pat Frantz presented a check to Mayor Johnson as a

donation for cemetery restoration. The City of Laurens will sponsor the Cemetery Tour held June 25th at 2:00 p.m.

After receiving a letter via Vaughn DeLoss, from Kim Triggs, regarding Godbersen and Smith as subcontractors on the West Main and Bissell project, Enockson moved to delay action until Thursday, March 23rd at 7:00 p.m. to further look into the subcontractor’s intent. Sullivan seconded. Ayes: Newgard, Sullivan, Enockson. Nays: Potter. Motion carried.

Sullivan motioned to approve the final pay request for the Madsen project pending satisfactory inspection. Enockson seconded. All ayes. Motion carried.

Potter motioned to proclaim April as Keep Laurens Beautiful month. Enockson seconded. All ayes. Motion carried.

A discussion on semi tractors was held. The tractors weigh too much for the roads, and the city will begin to enforce rules within city ordinance.

No discussion was held on the Parish center as no new information had been obtained. Citywide cleanup days will be held the first week of May. Potter moved to adjourn at 5:39 p.m. Enockson seconded. All ayes. Motion carried.

__________________________________ ____________________________________ Rod Johnson, Mayor Hilary Reed, City Clerk/Manager

City Council Minutes

March 23rd, 2017

The Laurens City Council met in special session at the Municipal Building at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 23rd, 2017. Mayor Rod Johnson called the meeting to order. Present were Council members Jean Swanson, Pat Sullivan, Rich Newgard, Julie Potter, Sid Enockson, City Attorney Ann Beneke, City Manager Hilary Reed, City Clerk Joan Hoben, Public Works Director Julian Johnsen, and Chief of Police Chris Toner.

Much discussion was held with options of how to proceed forward with the West Main and Bissell Project. Advice from hired legal counsel, experienced in dealing with bonding companies, states it is in the best interest of the City of Laurens to not terminate Vaughn DeLoss Construction’s contract on basis that it is hard to argue that Mr. DeLoss has not performed under the amended contract. Moreover, after discussion with a present representative of an affected business, an earlier start date was established.

Enockson motioned to move forward with Vaughn DeLoss Construction with Godbersen and Smith as paving subcontractors starting April 17th, 2017 and a completion date of August 15th, 2017. Swanson seconded. Ayes: Swanson, Sullivan, Newgard, Enockson. Nays: Potter. Motion carried.

Potter moved to adjourn at 7:52 p.m. Enockson seconded. All ayes. Motion carried.

________________________________ ___________________________________ Rod Johnson, Mayor Hilary Reed, City Clerk


LMPC Minutes

March 17, 2017 The Utility Board of Trustees of Laurens, Iowa met in regular session at the Municipal Building, 272 N. Third Street, Laurens, Iowa, at 11:30 a.m. on the above date. Present were Trustees Richard Main, Ben Storms and Jerry Runneberg. Also present were General Manager Chad Cleveland and Krista Allen of Consortia Consulting. The agenda for the March 17, 2017 meeting stands approved as presented. Krista Allen of Consortia Consulting presented the Board with a cash flow analysis report on the Communications Utility as well as a cost analysis on each of the communication services to help us understand where are rates should be. At this time, Internet and Telephone are able to carry Cable TV and still have a small net income at the end of the year. This is going to change in 2018. The report has a number of recommendations for us to consider. The Board thanked Krista for her presentation and directed the General Manager to review her recommendations and report back to the Board as to how soon we can implement some changes. Motion by Trustee Storms and seconded by Trustee Runneberg to approve the minutes of the February 21, 2017 meeting. Ayes: All. Nays: None. Motion carried. Motion by Trustee Runneberg and seconded by Trustee Storms to approve the summary of receipts for February 2017 in the amount of $409,668.23 and the list of expenses for February 2017 in the amount of $495,545.43. Ayes: All. Nays: None. Motion carried. Summary of Receipts A/R Electric $ 292,663.48 A/R Communications $ 65,926.64 Carrier Access Fees $ 4,408.18 Electric Write off Recoveries $ 745.46 Comm. Write-off Recoveries $ 89.55 A/P City of Laurens $ (25.00) Electric Deposits $ 1,571.36 Internet Deposits $ 208.00 Telephone Deposits $ 50.00 Marathon Energy Sales $ 17,503.80 Marathon Principal Payment $ 1,112.47 Marathon Interest Payment $ 471.05 Merchandise/Services Electric $ 1,380.00 Merchandise/Services Comm. $ 134.00 Attachment H Revenues $ 19,761.79 Attachment H Set Aside $ (745.00) Tower Lease $ 900.00 Miscellaneous Cable TV $ 331.33 Miscellaneous Telephone $ 65.12 Electric Office Supplies $ 30.00 Electric Property Insurance Dividend $ 1,851.60 Internet Property Insurance Dividend $ 771.50 Telephone Property Insurance Dividend $ 308.60 Electric Receipts $ 336,321.01 Cable TV Property Insurance Dividend $ 154.30 Communications Receipts $ 73,347.22 Total Cash Receipts $ 409,668.23 Total Cash Receipts $ 409,668.23 List of Expenses A & M Laundry Dust Mops & Mats $ 85.28 AFLAC Employee Premiums $ 227.40 Alliant Energy Natural Gas $ 275.32 Aureon CALEA/SS7/Switching $ 461.84


LMPC Minutes

Avesis Group Vision Insurance $ 114.52 Big 10 Network Programming Fees $ 632.70 Border States Electric Supplies $ 315.19 BSG Clearing Solutions LECC Invoice $ 42.25 Century Link Access Transport Fees $ 551.12 Century Link Lexcis Directory Listings $ 32.68 Cleveland, Chad Meeting Expenses $ 504.84 Consortia Consulting Consulting Contract $ 1,700.00 Customers Deposit Refunds $ 706.48 Department of Energy WAPA Power Bill $ 38,997.14 DGR Engineering Engineering Services $ 4,964.96 Echo Group Supplies $ 519.86 Employee Benefit Systems Self-Funding Claims $ 26.72 Employee Benefit Systems Administration Fees $ 120.00 Fox Sports Net North Programming Fees $ 1,750.00 Global Equipment Company Supplies $ 145.89 Hearst Television Programming Fees $ 732.83 Henningsen, Kevin Safety Footwear $ 139.99 Hopson, J. Robert GASB 45 Report $ 600.00 ICMA Retirement Employee Contributions $ 1,700.00 Internal Revenue Service Payroll Taxes $ 8,344.61 Iowa Department of Revenue Sales Tax $ 8,584.00 Iowa Department of Revenue State Withholding $ 1,459.00 Iowa Public Employees Retirement System IPERS Contributions $ 4,898.77 J & J Service Center Vehicle Repairs $ 2,583.25 KTIV – TV Programming Fees $ 685.90 Laurens, City of Utility Billing $ 82,945.50 Laurens Equipment Supplies $ 25.52 Laurens Food Pride Supplies $ 2.99 Laurens House of Print Supplies $ 48.15 Laurens Municipal Power & Communications Communications Bill $ 274.30 Laurens Plumbing/Hwy 10 Hardware Supplies $ 459.77 Laurens State Bank Investments/CTS Improvements $ 216,000.00 Laurens State Bank Service Charges $ 59.78 Laurens Sun Publications $ 264.20 Long Lines Switching/Internet/Billing/LD $ 7,639.39 Merchant Bankcard Credit Card Processing Fees $ 394.95 MidAmerican Energy Neal 4 Operations $ 17,000.00 National Cable Television Cooperative Programming Fees $ 15,190.30 Neustar, Inc. LNP/SOW Fees $ 409.99 New Pig Corporation Supplies $ 370.78 Newgard Auto Parts Tools/Shop/Vehicle Supplies $ 1,490.67 Nexstar Broadcasting Programming Fees $ 1,913.30 NIMECA Power Bill $ 30,982.30 Office Elements Supplies $ 252.53 Payroll Salaried, Hourly & Overtime $ 21,886.19 Pop Media Programming Fees $ 654.87 Pro Cooperative Fuel $ 369.18 RB Lumber Company Supplies $ 303.05 Rovi Guides Programming Fees $ 627.11 Siepker Auto Repair Vehicle Repairs $ 93.04 Sinclair Broadcast Group Programming Fees $ 910.35 Spencer Municipal Utilities Programming/Transport Fees $ 1,738.26 Stuart C. Irby Supplies $ 94.37 Tower Distribution Company Programming Fees $ 830.30 Verizon Wireless Wireless Service $ 270.85


LMPC Minutes

Webb Wireless Re-lamp Tower $ 665.00 Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Insurance Premiums $ 8,701.89 Zcorum Cable Modem Provisioning $ 774.01 Total $ 495,545.43 Electric Expenses $ 442,715.81 Communications Expenses $ 52,829.62 Total Expenses $ 495,545.43 The Trustees reviewed the Utility Funds Report and the Income Statement for February 2017. Motion by Trustee Storms and seconded by Trustee Runneberg to authorize the Investment Committee to reinvest CD #70587 upon maturity. Ayes: All. Nays: None. Motion carried. Motion by Trustee Runneberg and seconded by Trustee Storms to approve the New Home Cash Incentive Program for 2017. Ayes: All. Nays: None. Motion carried. Motion by Trustee Storms and seconded by Trustee Runneberg to approve the Transmission – Service Agreement with Aureon. This agreement provides Laurens with the Des Moines and Sioux City local broadcast channels from Aureon over fiber. Ayes: All. Nays: None. Motion carried. Discussion was held on the Electric Utility cash flow analysis that was presented to the Board in January by DGR Engineering. The cash flow analysis shows that the Electric Utility will need to raise rates by 3% in 2017. Trustee Runneberg introduced the following Resolution entitled “A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE ELECTRICITY RATES OF THE LAURENS MUNICIPAL LIGHT AND POWER PLANT” and moved that the same be adopted. Trustee Storms seconded the motion to adopt. The roll was called and the vote was: Ayes: Main, Runneberg and Storms. Nays: None. Whereupon, Chairman Main declared the resolution duly adopted as follows: A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE ELECTRICITY RATES OF THE LAURENS MUNICIPAL LIGHT AND POWER PLANT WHEREAS, pursuant to an election held in the year 1947, the Municipal Electric System in and for the City of Laurens, Pocahontas County, Iowa was established; and WHEREAS, pursuant to an election held in the year 1949, the management and control of the Laurens Municipal Light and Power Plant was put in the hands of the Board of Trustees; and WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees may, by resolution, establish, impose, adjust and provide for the collection of rates to be charged for the electricity and use of the services provided by the Laurens Municipal Light and Power Plant. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Trustees of the City of Laurens, Pocahontas County, Iowa that the new electric rates shall be as follows: Section 1. The Electric Utility shall increase the electric rates as recommended in the Cash Flow Analysis presented by DGR Engineering on January 27, 2017. The electric rates shall be increased by 3% across the board and shall go into effect on May 15, 2017. The new electric rates shall be as follows: RESIDENTIAL RATE: Applicable to residential customers for all domestic uses in single-family dwellings and individually metered apartments, including the use of motors, not more than 5 HP individual capacity. Water heating units shall not exceed 10 kW simultaneous capacity. Space heating and air conditioning shall be served under this rate schedule. CHARACTER OF SERVICE: Single-phase, 60 Hertz, 120/240 Volt, 400 Amp maximum, 3-wire, single meter.


LMPC Minutes

MONTHLY CHARGES: Customer Charge $ 15.00 per month Plus Energy Charge $ 0.0790 per kWh SMALL COMMERCIAL RATE: Applicable to all commercial customers for lighting, heating, cooking, refrigeration, power to motors and other approved uses where the monthly metered demand does not exceed 10 kW in a 12-month period. CHARACTER OF SERVICE: Single-phase, 60 Hertz, at available secondary voltages. Utility furnishes one transformer and one meter. MONTHLY CHARGES: Customer Charge $ 15.00 per month Plus Energy Charge $ 0.1070 per kWh LARGE COMMERCIAL RATE: Applicable to all commercial customers for lighting, heating, cooking, refrigeration, power to motors and other approved uses where the monthly metered demand for single-phase exceeds 10 kW and three-phase does not exceed 50 kW in a 12-month period. CHARACTER OF SERVICE: Single-phase or Three-phase, 60 Hertz, at available secondary voltages. Utility furnishes one transformer and one meter. MONTHLY CHARGES: Customer Charge $ 29.00 per month Plus Energy Charge $ 0.0635 per kWh Plus Demand Charge $ 8.50 per kW INDUSTRIAL RATE: Applicable to all commercial or industrial customers for three-phase service for lighting, heating, cooking, refrigeration, power to motors and other approved uses where the monthly metered demand for three-phase exceeds 50 kW. CHARACTER OF SERVICE: Three-phase, 60 Hertz, at available secondary voltages. Utility furnishes one transformer and one meter. MONTHLY CHARGES: Customer Charge $ 36.00 per month Plus Energy Charge $ 0.0355 per kWh Plus Demand Charge $ 14.95 per kW OTHER PROVISIONS: MINIMUM BILL: Monthly customer charge plus demand charges if applicable. PENALTY: The electric bill shall be due and payable upon receipt. If the electric bill is not paid by the 20th day after billing, a late payment fee of 1.5% of the balance due will apply. If said 20th day after billing falls on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday, the deadline for payment without penalty will be extended to the next working day. DELINQUENT NOTICE: A $5.00 charge will be incurred on all delinquent accounts that require the preparation and delivery of a delinquent notice. 24 or 48 HOUR DISCONNECT NOTICE: A $15.00 charge will be incurred on all delinquent accounts that require the preparation and delivery of a 24 or 48 hour disconnect notice.


LMPC Minutes

SALES TAX: Sales tax will be added to all electric bills so as to be in compliance with the provisions of the laws of Iowa. METERED DEMAND: The metered demand shall be the maximum kilowatt demand established by the consumer for any period of 15 consecutive minutes during the month as indicated or recorded by a demand meter. BILLING DEMAND (Industrial Class Only): The demand to be billed shall be the adjusted metered demand for the month but not less than 40% of the highest demand during the preceding eleven (11) months. RECONNECTION FEES: If a customer, whose service has been disconnected, either by his/her order or by reason of delinquency, requests a reconnection of such service within twelve (12) months of the time of disconnection, a reconnection charge equal to the sum of the monthly minimum charges for the period of disconnection shall also be collected. The minimum reconnection charge shall be equal to the sum of three months’ minimum charges. The minimum reconnection fees are as follows:

Residential $ 45.00 Small Commercial $ 45.00 Large Commercial $ 87.00 Industrial $108.00

This resolution shall be effective upon approval and publication as provided by law. Passed and approved this 17th day of March, 2017. Richard Main Chairman, Board of Trustees Laurens Municipal Light and Power Plant ATTEST: Chad Cleveland Secretary, Board of Trustees Laurens Municipal Light and Power Plant Discussion was held on IT Support for the City/Utility fiber network. The Utility has visited with three different providers and received two different proposals. The General Manager recommended that we accept the proposal from RDI out of Milford, Iowa. Motion by Trustee Storms and seconded by Trustee Runneberg to accept the proposal from RDI, who will troubleshoot, repair, map and document our fiber network for $12,500.00 subject to the approval of the Laurens City Council, as we will be sharing the cost of this service. Ayes: All. Nays: None. Motion carried. There being no further business, on motion and vote, the meeting adjourned at 2:15 p.m. Richard Main Chairman, Board of Trustees Laurens Municipal Light and Power Plant ATTEST: Chad Cleveland Secretary, Board of Trustees Laurens Municipal Light and Power Plant

laurens, iowa march 29, 2017 - the paper now

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