Neighbors Organic initative deadline March 4 Iowa farmers must apply by March 4 to receive financial assistance in fiscal year 2011 through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program Organic Initiative. This year nearly $1.4 million is available statewide for applying organic farming practices. In the last two years, Iowans received nearly $5 million through the organic initiative. Through this initiative, producers who transition to organic agriculture can receive special assistance for meeting their conservation goals. In addition, previously certified organic producers can receive EQIP assistance for applying new conservation practices to their operation to treat a natural resource concern. Under EQIP, the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service helps farmers apply conservation practices to optimize environmental benefits on working agricultural lands. These practices include, but
are not limited to, cover crops, nutrient and pest management, prescribed grazing, residue and tillage management and seasonal high tunnel systems for crops. Applicants with certified organic operations must submit a copy of their current Organic System Plan to NRCS. Producers who apply for assistance to transition their operation to organic production will be required to submit a selfcertification letter stating the applicant agrees to develop and implement conservation practices consistent with an OSP. All organic initiative applicants must provide the name and contact information of the USDA-accredited certifying agent who certified the organic operation. Organic producers can receive up to $20,000 per year or $80,000 over six years through this initiative. To apply for an EQIP contract visit NRCS at your local USDA Service Center.
Graduates from basic training at Lackland Airman Erica H. Lambertsen graduated from basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas Dec. 30, 2010. She was one of 39 graduates out of 711 chosen to take part in the honor flights. This means she met or exceeded all qualifications to earn the privilege. She is presently at Fort Sam Houston where she will receive her medical lab requirements. Lambertsen is a 2010 graduate of Logan-
January 19, 2011
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NEW SESSION BEGINS IWCC continuing education classes
Rep. Matt Windschitl (R-Missouri Valley) is seen signing his oath of office in the Iowa House chambers as the 84th General Assembly kicked off Jan. 10 at the Capitol. Windschitl was re-elected Nov. 2. During the session you can reach Windschitl at matt.windschitl@legis.state.ia.us or through the House switchboard at 515-281-32221. Photo submitted
Photos needed for Loess Hills calendar Photographs are now being accepted for Images of Western Iowa: The Loess Hills 2012 calendar. “Images will be accepted through Feb. 15. There is no monetary reward for images, but if an image is published in the calendar, the photographer gets a free calendar and discounts on multiple copies,” said president Colleen Shol. Pictures are needed from all seven counties along the Missouri River. “The Loess Hills, their activities, flowers and animals are wonderful subjects for calendars and photographers from all over come to
Western Iowa and take photographys,” Shol said. Profits from the calendar help support the effort of the Loess Hills Hospitality Association, that promotes and educates about the Loess Hills unique landforms. “Photographs on shiny paper or digital forms are both accepted, although digital forms do produce better images,” Shol said. Submission forms are available at the Loess Hills Visitor Center and Gift Shop, P.O. Box 51 in Moorhead or by calling 712-644-7692 for forms or more information.
The Shelby County Center of Iowa Western Community College in Harlan is offering the following upcoming continuing education classes: Taekwondo: Learn the basic kicks and blocks as well as the rudiments of self-defense and competitive Taekwondo. 6 to 8 p.m., Jan. 20, 16 sessions, $105. Hatha Yoga Level I: Through postures, alignment, breathing techniques and relaxation, these yoga classes embody a style that honors Yoga’s ancient tradition. 7 p.m., Jan. 24, eight sessions, $69. Energy Medicine for Women: Based on the work of Donna Eden it directly addresses improving women’s health. 11 a.m. to 2 .m., Jan. 29 and 30, two sessions, $69. QuickBooks Level I: Learn the accounting software program that allows you to set up your business records according to your needs. 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Feb. 5, three sessions. Intro to Computers Accelerated: Learn basic computer concepts, such as turning on and off correctly, parts of computer and their functions, desktop icons, using the mouse etc. 1 to 3 p.m., Feb. 7, two sessions, $59. Invisible Machine Appliqué: It will take a second look to see how this
method is done on a sewing machine. 6 to 9 p.m., Feb. 7, one session, $25. Microsoft PowerPoint: Learn the basics of PowerPoint, what it is used for and techniques. 10 a.m. to noon, Feb. 7, two sessions. Children in the Middle: Provides education and affirmation for parents with the primary focus on the needs of children of all ages. 6 to 10 p.m., Feb. 15, one session, $40. Microsoft Expression Web: Save hundreds of dollars on professional web design fees by learning to create your own web site. 6 to 9 p.m., Feb. 17, sex sessions, $195. Driving Unimpaired: Required course for anyone arrested for drinking and driving. Two sessions; 6 to 10 p.m., Feb. 18 and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Feb. 19. Digital Cameras: Learn how to take pictures with a digital camera and prepare them for presentations, web pages, documents and/or email to friends and family. 10 a.m. to noon, Feb. 21, two sessions, $59. Microsoft Word for Windows: Learn how to create, edit, save and print a document, etc. 1 to 3:30 p.m., Feb. 21, two sessions, $99. For more information or to register call the Shelby County Center at 712-7553568.
Harrison County Humane Society meets The Harrison County Airman Erica Lambertsen Magnolia and the daughter Humane Society met Dec. of Terry and Sandy 9. Those present included, Larry and Gayle Hayes, Lambertsen of Logan. Kathy Alvis, John Riley, Jon McElderry, Diana Milovich, Lisa Brooks, Jenell Gorham, Paula Allen, Melissa Vana, Christina Dickinson, Jeanette Riley, LuAnn Kahle and Helen Rogers. $373,273. Minutes of the Nov. 11 Disbursements totaled $2,207,775 for the year meeting were approved and ended June 30, 2010. They put on the Web site. Treasurer’s report: Total included $243,697 for employee salaries and ben- funds of $24,193.32. efits, $13,634 for interest Collections for November, on bonds and $1,590,034 $2,744 and expenses of in closure and postclosure $2,120.02. Jeanette Riley requested to rent a larger care costs. A copy of the audit lock box at the bank as report is available for there are multiple items to review in the Office of the keep there. A larger one is Auditor of State and the $45 per year. This was Harrison County Landfill approved. Shiverfest: The reindeer Commission’s office.
Audit completed for HC Landfill Commission Williams and Company, Certified Public Accountants, released the auditor report Jan. 12 of the Harrison County Landfill Commission in Logan. Williams and Company reported the Harrison County Landfill Commission had total revenues of $929,533 for the year ended June 30, 2010, which included tipping fees of $502,873 and county and city assessments of
Logan Herald-Observer
provided by Terry and Audrey Evans were a huge drawing for the group. They took in $230 for pictures taken. Next year Hayes will bring his laptop and use digital cards for printing while some other members take pictures which will speed up the process. Signs will be posted for cost of pictures and caution tape around the reindeer corral for everyone’s safety. It was requested that Jeanette write a receipt to Terry and Audrey Evans for their donated fee of bringing the reindeer. Santa Paws: Went well, but not as many attended this year. The group sent out 500 flyers with the school children in the LoMa school and also placed flyers around town. Next year this will take place the day after Shiverfest so people will know that is the schedule.
Kennel update: Larry has one opening right now. He and Gayle found two dumped kittens and brought them in and adopted them. Larry and Gayle adopted Petey and absorbed the cost of neutering. Larry is looking for a carport to be placed over his kennel. He would also like to add a kennel. Grant money received was for the purchase of kennels. Larry is looking for good prices to add one. Two weeks is the time frame to keep dogs before putting them up for adoption as they get dewormed when they are first brought in and then another in two weeks. Plus they receive a Parvo shot. LuAnn Helen said a grant of $3,000 had been applied for from the Iowa West Foundation and only $2,000 granted, but the Wubena Rand Foundation issued the other $1,000.
More grants are being investigated. Membership Drive: January is the kick off membership drive. The group discussed various ways to make the drive a success. Also discussed was the possibility of doing a raffle. February is Spay and Neuter awareness month: Discussed doing a write-up for the paper. A date in January will be set up for a spay and neuter clinic. There are grants available for the purchase of surgical equipment. The possibility of a traveling clinic with Pawbuster was discussed. 28E Agreement: Kathy presented a sample agreement. The group will ask the cities what can be budgeted for the Humane Society. It would not be for animal control, just for a shelter and adoption facility.
Be Prepared for Early-and Possibly Unwanted Retirement
The Woodbine Twiner
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Ideal for
Publishes
• Banks • Financial Planners • Insurance Agents • Real Estate Agents • Office Supply Stores
Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2011
Advertising Deadline is Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011
Call Daryn Morriss or Loyal Fairman for more information or to reserve your ad space.
Phone: 712.647.2821 • Fax: 712.647.3081
Given the economic climate we’re in, you may one day be faced with a downsizing or otherwise forced to retire earlier than you had planned. But even if that happens, you can still maintain control of your financial future — if you make the right moves. Unfortunately, many of us are ill prepared for events such as forced early retirement. In 2009, more people filed for Social Security than any year in history, with a big increase in the number receiving reduced benefits because they filed before their full retirement age. And they paid a heavy price, too — 62-year-old workers who filed for benefits early lost about 25 percent of their monthly benefits over waiting until their “full” retirement age of 66, according to the Social Security Administration. Of course, if you are forced to take an early retirement, you, too, may need to tap into your Social Security earlier than you planned. But that’s just the beginning — you might also need to start withdrawals from your IRA and your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan, even though you had planned on leaving those accounts intact for a few more years. And that’s why you won’t want to wait until early
retirement is thrust upon you before taking action. While you’re still working, consider these steps: • Boost your contributions to retirement plans. Put as much as you can possibly afford into your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored plan. Every time your salary goes up, try to increase the amount you contribute to your retirement plan. Also, contribute regularly to your traditional or Roth IRA. • Be prepared to rebalance your portfolio. If you’re facing a forced early retirement, or even if you think it’s a possibility, you may want to rebalance your portfolio to provide more opportunities for income. Talk to your financial advisor about income strategies appropriate for your particular situation. • Build up cash accounts. Even during “normal” times, it’s a good idea to keep an emergency fund, in cash or other liquid vehicles, containing six to 12 months’ worth of living expenses. If you suspect a forced early retirement is heading your way, try to beef up your cash holdings as much as possible. • Repay any 401(k) loans. Once you’ve left your employer, you may be forced to repay a 401(k) loan within two
Scott Thompson 115 N. Ave., Suite 200 Logan, IA 51546 (712) 644-3692 www.edwardjones.com Toll Free: 866-644-3692 Member SIPC
months — an obvious hardship during a stressful time. • Work part-time. Even if you were forced to retire from one job, it doesn’t mean you couldn’t find another. This might be the perfect time to take a part-time job in an area in which you’ve always wanted to work. • Get some help. By consulting with a professional financial advisor, you may find that you actually can afford to retire early. A financial advisor can help you develop those income and spending strategies that are appropriate for your situation. And the earlier you get this type of help, the more options you ultimately may have. You may not be able to avert an unwanted, early retirement, but by preparing for it, as far in advance as possible, you can improve your chances of maintaining the retirement lifestyle you’ve envisioned. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.