Neil
Happy Retirement
and Jennifer Hennessy. Bryan has been with the firm since 2013. Jenny has been with the firm since 2008.
Hacker Nelson & Co. is a public accounting firm serving a diverse base of clients from their offices in Decorah, New Hampton and Waukon. Hacker Nelson & Co. has evolved from a partnership formed in the 1950s to become the largest locally-owned accounting firm in Northeast Iowa.
Hacker,
DHS to host Veterans Day breakfast
and program
Decorah High School will host a Veterans Day breakfast and program for veterans and their families on Monday, Nov. 11. Coffee will be served in the high school cafeteria starting at 7:30 a.m., and breakfast will be served to veterans and their family members beginning at 8:30 a.m.
The Veterans Day program will be held in the high school auditorium at 9:45 a.m. The VFW Color Guard will post the colors. The DHS Wind Ensemble and the DHS Concert Choir will perform throughout the program.
The morning’s breakfast and program will also recognize military men and women connected to Decorah. Those who would like to submit a photo of a family member who has served
or is serving in the military to be added to the Wall of Veterans should bring a copy of a photo no larger than a 5-by-7 to the Decorah High School office. Pictures can also be emailed with information to denise.gulrud@decorah.school. Submitted photos should include individual’s name, military branch, years of service and conflicts in which they have served.
The deadline to submit photos and information is Friday, Nov. 1. Questions may be directed to Denise Gulrud at Decorah High School at 563-382-3643 or denise.gulrud@decorah.school.
Parking will be available in the lot on the west side of the high school. Veterans and their family members may enter through either the auditorium doors or the doors off the west parking lot.
American Legion of Iowa Foundation funds scholarship
Upper Iowa University is a proud recipient of The American Legion of Iowa Foundation scholarship award program. Thanks to the funds, two UIU students will each receive a $1,000 scholarship. Recipients must be a veteran, spouse of a
veteran, dependent child of a veteran or active military service person, and resident of Iowa. The selected students will be formally recognized Saturday, April 12, 2025, during the UIU Honors and Awards Banquet on the Fayette Campus.
New Minowa Players to hold ‘Doctor Dolittle’ ‘auditions
Auditions for New Minowa Players’ January production of “Doctor Dolittle” will held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 at the New Minowa Players Theatre — 906 South Mill St. in Decorah. Auditions are open to all adults and to children age 9 and above. Performance dates will be Jan. 16-19 and Jan. 24-25. Interested parties should visit newminowaplayers.org/auditions and complete an online auditoin form. Adults interested in a named role are
Jim Juve’s
Upcoming Dance
November Dances
asked to prepare a short monologue and sing approximately 60 seconds of music. Links to possible choices can be found on the audition form, but any short monologue and musical selection is acceptable. Children and adults who prefer a chorus role are invited to sing any short song of their choice. Questions may be directed to Sheryl Scheffert at sherylscheffert@gmail.com or 563-379-5738.
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DINING GUIDE
(flu) is an illness that infects the nose, throat and lungs
Children younger than 5, people 65 and older, and those with certain chronic conditions are at higher risk of flu complications.
Protect yourself from the flu by washing your hands and avoiding close contact with those who are sick. There are also several flu vaccines available, including shots and nasal sprays
Ask your family’s healthcare providers about flu prevention
VETThank You
ERANS
Ground Pounder:
BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER
Seventy-seven-year-old John Juve of Decorah answered Uncle Sam’s call to Vietnam on Nov. 27, 1967, and by May of 1968, as one of the newer members of the United States Army’s 25th Infantry Division, he was searching the Viet Cong’s famous underground tunnels at Cu Chi — 30 miles north of Saigon — with nothing but a pistol and a flashlight.
The 25th’s basecamp at Cu Chi was located south of the Viet Cong stronghold known as the Iron Triangle and was near — and in some cases above — the Cu Chi tunnels.
“Going down into those tunnels is horrifying,” Juve said. “I carried a .45 pistol and a flashlight, and after the second or third time down there, I put
the flashlight out on the end of a stick, and when I’d come to a corner, I’d stick that flashlight out there and wiggle it around a little to see if anything happened.”
Juve never encountered an enemy soldier in those tunnels, but that didn’t necessarily make searching them any less exhausting.
“You’re just so nervous down there that you don’t even have time to pray,” he said. “And, you never had room to turn around either. It was awful.”
rained at 4 o’clock every day, which was like getting a hot shower — with all your clothes and gear on. One good thing was the jungle boots we were issued. They were canvas boots with hard toes and heels, and every time you stepped down, they pumped the water out of them. But, we were in water all the time, so we had to get new boots about every two to three weeks. It was rice patties and jungle where we were, and we really had to take good care of our feet.”
Members of the 25th also took care of one another, as Juve found out while crossing a river one day.
But Juve, a 1967 Decorah High School graduate and farmer’s son, wasn’t a tunnel rat. Rather, his time in the tunnels was simply the 25th’s way of hazing new members, and he soon assumed his regular duties as a radio operator — first for a platoon and then for his company commander. “I carried a 45-pound radio on my back and everything else soldiers carried, so it got pretty heavy,” Juve said. “It was 110 degrees in the shade, and the mosquito is the national bird over there. They were huge. I didn’t really think things could be as bad as they were — hot, sticky. You can’t see far in the jungle. The enemy could be walking right beside you, and you couldn’t see them. But, it
“The radio I carried had two antennas,” Juve said. “The tall one was for open country, and the other was for in the jungle. We were crossing a river, and one of the things we always did was, when you’re crossing a river, you walk where the guy in front of you walked. I started crossing, and I must have stepped one way a little too far, and I went down with all that weight on my back, and I don’t like water. So, I was underwater trying to unhook my radio, and
Veteran Juve continued on next page
Veteran Juve
all
During
in Vietnam, Juve earned two Bronze Stars — the first of which he earned during his first month with the 25th.
“We were in our night position, and we got attacked,” Juve said. “A mortar landed between a couple guys and screwed them up real bad. So, I carried one of them out to get him out of the firefight. It’s just something you do. You don’t think about it — just do it.”
Juve called for a dust-off, slang for a medevac helicopter, but the wounded soldier he was carrying — like countless others — didn’t survive.
“The first person I saw killed was a good friend of mine,” said Juve. “He was from South Dakota. After that, I didn’t get close to anyone, because when you lose them ... It just doesn’t work.”
Juve earned his second Bronze Star in April of 1969, when his company came under enemy fire. His company commander ran for cover one way, while Juve took cover in the other direction. But, Juve knew he needed to get near his company commander to call in coordinates for mortar and shelling targets. Knowing the risk he was taking while under fire, Juve ran across a wide clearing in the brush to reconnect with his company commander. While running across that clearing, an enemy bullet actually struck Juve’s rifle but left him unscathed. But, on another occasion, Juve wasn’t as lucky. As his platoon hunkered down for the night, they were attacked again.
CCelebrating
VETERANS DAY, NOVEMBER 11
BENEFITS INCLUDE:
“We were in our night position again, and we got mortared again,” he said. “I dove into a bunker, and my back got in, but my legs didn’t. So, I got shelled in the back of my legs.”
Juve’s injuries weren’t very
“I went to the mess hall, and I looked over and said ‘Gee, I know that guy,’” he said. Juve’s company mostly patrolled the lowlands of Vietnam, and it rarely encountered hills or mountains, except one which stands out in Juve’s memory — the Black Virgin Mountain, which is about 40 miles northwest of Cu Chi and just off the heavily-contested Ho Chi Minh Trail.
“We had some problems with it,” Juve said. “They did fly us into the area around the mountain once or twice. They’d shoot at us as we were going up the
Veteran Juve
continued on page 12
• Service connected compensation
• Non-service connected pension
• Health care enrollment/medical
• Surviving spouse benefits
• Grave flag holder
• Service connected Lifetime Hunting/Fishing License
• Annual Armed Forces Veteran Hunting/Fishing license
• Veteran Designation on DL/ID card
• Veterans license plates
• Disabled veterans homestead tax credit for veterans/surviving spouses (who are in receipt of 100% service connected, DIC or IU who are P&T) Applicants must apply by July 1st
• Property tax exemption
• PACT Act benefits
• Assist with filling out an array of VA forms...and more
• If referrals are needed, a Contracted Licensed Psychologist is available who provides claim and/or counseling services. Contact us for more information and eligibility.
• Our services are confidential and free of charge to veterans and their families.
• Check out our county webpage: www.winneshiekcounty.org
• Contact our office with any questions about benefits.
& to
area Veterans, Active Military, National Guard, or Reserves and their families are invited to a in the Community Building at the Winneshiek Co. Fair Grounds. Veterans will also receive a Lynch BBQ meat and seasoning gift package. There will be twenty (20) - $1,000.00 drawings at 6:15 P.M. To participate, you must be a Veteran, Active Military, National Guard, or in the Reserves. The twenty winners will each get to decide which non-profit, military-based group that the funds will be directed to. We will also be drawing for a flag to be flown over the U.S. Capital in honor of the winning Veteran ’s name. The flag drawing will be held immediately following the $20,000.00 giveaway. Sign up will be held during the event, one entry per person. Winners will not need to be present at the time of the drawing, but must attend to sign up their name.
Please RSVP to 563 -776-3046 or Email Jamee.Schmitt@lynchfamilycompanies.com
THANK YOU FOR YOUR S ERVICE
Winneshiek County Commission of Veterans Affairs assists veterans/ spouses/dependents in applying for VA Federal,
County benefits. We work together with the Federal Veterans Administration. serious, but they were bad enough to earn him a Purple Heart and a hospital bed for a couple weeks, during which time he happened to cross paths with a fellow Decorah area resident Jim Ehrie.
Volunteering is good for your health
Volunteering makes an immeasurable difference in the lives of volunteers and those they help. Many people may be surprised to learn how positive volunteering can be for volunteers. Indeed, studies show that volunteering leads to better physical and mental health, among other benefits.
According to an article published by the American Heart Association and Jeffrey Burr, a professor of gerontology at the University of Massachusetts Boston, “compared to non-volunteers, volunteers have less depression, less anxiety, higher self-esteem, greater happiness, and a greater sense of meaning in life.” Burr and the AHA note the health benefits of volunteering occur among all ages, and
a deep look at how volunteer efforts are good for personal health shows just how profound giving back can be.
• Reduces stress: The Mayo Clinic reports that volunteering reduces stress and increases positive, relaxed feelings by releasing dopamine. When volunteers spend time in service to others, they report feeling a sense of meaning and appreciation, both of which can have stress-reducing effects.
• Lowers depression: Research has shown that volunteering leads to lower rates of depression and anxiety, particularly among people 65 and older.
• Provides a sense of purpose: AmeriCorps reports volunteering can provide a sense of pur-
pose in older adults, which can help replace feelings of inadequacy due to loss of major role identities, such as wage earner or parent. This sense of purpose can improve life satisfaction and happiness.
• Reduces blood pressure: According to researchers at Carnegie Mellon University, older adults who volunteered for at least 200 hours annually decrease their risk of high blood pressure by 40 percent. This also may lower risk of heart dis-
ease and stroke.
• Eliminates feelings of isolation: Volunteers working together link people to others and their communities. This can help people overcome feelings of isolation, which may come from being new to a community or being a senior and having a smaller social circle.
• Increases happiness: Those who volunteer regularly tend to be happier and more empathetic towards others. Volunteering also instils a sense of pride that
can make people happier.
• Keeps the mind active: Individuals who volunteer can improve their cognitive health.
That’s because volunteering engages a person in new skills, requires them to solve problems and keeps them mentally stimulated through various activities.
• Improves physical health:
Some volunteer activities will involve physical tasks that can contribute to improved physical health because they constitute moderate exercise. Volunteering offers a number of benefits that can improve both physical and mental health for those donating their time to help others.
Decorah IowaWORKS to host drive-thru job fair
The Decorah IowaWORKS Center, in partnership with Fayette County Economic Development and the West Union Main Street Chamber, recently announced it plans to host a “One-Stop Job Shop” drive-thru job fair. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024 at Lilac Plaza (Quillin’s Grocery Store parking lot), located at 303 IA-150 in West Union.
Organizers expect the “One-Stop Job Shop” drive-thru job fair to offer a safe, efficient and convenient way for job seekers to explore employment opportunities from the comfort of their vehicles. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about job openings across various
industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, retail and more.
“We are excited to bring this innovative job fair format to West Union,” said Victor Ochoa, business engagement consultant for Iowa Workforce Development. “Our goal is to make the job search process as accessible as possible for our community. Whether you are looking for a new career path or re-entering the workforce, this event is an excellent opportunity to connect with local employers.” For more information about the event, contact Ochoa at 563-556-5800 ext. 48120 or victor.ochoa@iwd. iowa.gov.
REWARDSReader
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AUCTION CALENDAR
SATURDAY, NOV. 16
- Mervil Mabb: Guns, fishing tools in Postville. Monroe Auction Service, 563-380-1676.
TUESDAY, NOV. 19Sweeney Machinery Consignment Auction. Sale held at Sweeney Auction Center Waukon, Ia. Sweeney Auction Service Waukon. 563-568-2464. www. sweeneyauctionservice. com
SATURDAY, NOV. 30 - Guns & Sporting Good Auction. Sale held at Sweeney Auction Center Waukon, Ia. Sweeney Auction Service Waukon. 563-568-2464. www.sweeneyauctionservice.com
BRUENING ROCK PRODUCTS, INC
hill, and they’d shoot at us when we reached the top because of all the tunnels. It didn’t really work too well.”
But, Juve said his first and only tour of duty in Vietnam was more exhausting than anything else.
“When we’d go out in the jungle, we’d be gone for a week,” he said. “By the end of that
week, we were pretty well worn out, and when we’d come back, we might get a couple days rest, and we might not. That was my job. I was a ground pounder.” Juve’s tour of duty was nearing its end by May of 1969, when he received an unforgettable call over the radio. A member of the 25th was to go back to the United States early due to
a family emergency — and Juve was shocked to find out who the message was for.
“We’re out in the bush,” he said, “and I got a call on the radio from the command post saying one of our sergeants got an emergency leave, and they started spelling my name, not knowing they were talking to me.
‘How long till he’s ready to go?’
and I said, ‘He’s ready now!’” Juve’s brother-in-law David Gavle had died in a car accident just two days before the end of Juve’s tour. The radio operator arrived back home the day after his brother-in-law’s funeral.
After that, Juve was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, until his honorable discharge in November. He married his wife Nan-
cy in June 1970, and together they have two children and two grandchildren. For the rest of his career, John worked in the beer business and eventually retired from Budweiser in West Union.
Today, John and Nancy live a serene life together. John, a member of VFW Post 1977, enjoys working as a handyman from time to time, and as a hobby, he
builds wooden toys and goes fishing. He rarely thinks about Vietnam, and in fact, he said he might even go back one day.
“Years ago, some guys that were in Vietnam and I said if we ever win the Powerball, we were all going to go back to Vietnam,” said Juve. “But, nobody’s won the Powerball yet.”
Friday from
2024
HOME &Harvest
The ballroom is the heart of the Horn Hollow house. Here’s a look at the before-and-after pictures. The renovations highlight the 12-foot ceilings and open-living concept. The room boasts 8-foot windows, several quaint sitting areas, a renovated fireplace and vintage piano, dating back to the 1860s. Modern furnishings have been paired with some custom-made pieces to complete the look. (Photo by Roz Weis) Horn Hollow estate restoration nearly complete ISU Extention o ers e ective approach to waterhemp control COMING UP NEXT WEEK Matter’s Schoolhouse brought back to life
A new chapter begins for Horn Hollow estate Extensive renovations nearly complete
BY ROZ WEIS DECORAH LEADER STAFF WRITER
When Danielle Dotzenrod had a chance to buy a historic farmhouse near Decorah, she couldn’t have imagined the depth of the project.
To say she got more than she bargained for is an understatement. “Not one square inch of the house wasn’t touched in the renovation,” Doteznrod said.
She and her partner Jim Wicka had their work cut out for them when things began in 2022. Now, exactly two years later, the ambitious restoration of the celebrated Horn Hollow is nearing completion in the new year.
After seeing the “before” pictures prior to renovation, a firstlook inside the revived home is staggering. The home sat empty for many years, and ongoing remodeling proved to be a challenge for Dotzenrod, Wicka, Danielle’s father Jimmy Dotzenrod and her stepfather Mark Sweitzer. Years of neglect had been hard on the house — the entire renovation encompassed two years, and it has taken a proverbial village to complete the work. Dotzenrod said the home has been painstakingly restored from top to bottom “with new plumbing, heating and air conditioning, electrical, you name it.”
There are still a few tasks to complete, but Dotzenrod said a
continued on the next page
Horn Hollow
The new stylish white kitchen boasts modern appliances and statement lighting fixtures. (Photo by Roz Weis)
The Horn Hollow kitchen, pictured here before the renovation.
TOP PHOTO- A landmark renovation project is nearing completion near Decorah. Horn Hollow will reopen its doors in the new year. (Photo by Roz Weis)
HOME & H arvest
faithful painter, restoration experts, construction crews, local vendors and family members have helped bring the project full-circle and given the historic structure a new lease on life. She praised the work of vendors involved in the overhaul of Horn Hollow, such as Isaac Packnett, TG Home Improvement, Tlusty Drywall, Dan Polashek Tile and Stone, Bear McCasland and Ramstad Construction, Upper Iowa Spray Foam Insulation, S&K Custom Furniture, Keven Benjegerdes, Triple M Furniture, McCabe Electric, Countywide Plumbing and Heating, Flyline Painting, Jacob Fauts, Tim Byrnes, Rolf Peterson and Home Factotum, Wadsworth Window
Dotzenrod of Decorah is pictured on the front steps of the restored Horn Hollow house. Dotzenrod took on the challenge of rebuilding the steps herself during the renovation. (Photo by Roz Weis)
ABOVE- A photo of a Christmas gathering at the historic Horn Hollow home has been shared by the Winneshiek County Historical Society. The guests, numbering around 25, posed for the photographer in the front of the house, with a baby being held high in the air.
continued from previous page
estate.
Restoration, Brenen’s Painting, Mobile Glass, Rockweiler’s, Johanningmeier Stone, Ossian Lumber, Gossling Woodworking and Richard Meredith. Supply chain issues and finding available laborers proved to
be taxing during the full-blown renovation. Despite delays, the work has stayed on pace.
Horn Hollow now has all the amenities of a luxury country home, but retained the charm and grandeur of a 150-year-old
“This is the only house of its kind in Winneshiek County that is situated in the rural countryside, as opposed to being in Decorah or in town,” Dotzenrod said.
After Before
The house was built by English immigrant Henry Harcourt Horn in 1869. It is situated a few miles northwest of Decorah. Horn wrote a book titled “An English Colony in Iowa,” which tells of his voyage to America, the journey Westward and more. It also provides several insights into the home’s construction. The 3,600-square-foot residence is a Georgian structure constructed of red, clay brick reportedly purchased from an establishment in McGregor.
The house was built on a stone foundation and boasts many crowning features from the Georgian period, with a grand staircase, 12-foot ceilings on both the main and upper levels, two chimneys, wide eves and arched 8-foot statement windows throughout the house. The restored home boasts four bedrooms upstairs and two full baths.
Horn Hollow continued on the next page
Horn Hollow
Danielle
Danielle Dotzenrod is pictured in the new foyer at Horn Hollow, which has taken on a completely new look following renovation. Before-and-after photos show the transformation of the grand staircase, with restored balusters and spindles. (Photos by Roz Weis)
A vintage piano dating back to the 1860s is pictured above. A new keyboard was placed inside the vintage piece. At left, one of the custom made furnishings in the formal living room.
RAMSTAD CONSTRUCTION
How to create a welcoming entertaining space at home
The lasting effects of the pandemic that swept across the globe in 2020 will be studied for years to come. Though some consequences have yet to be discovered, others, including a heightened desire to entertain loved ones at home, were already apparent even before the world emerged from the darkest days of the pandemic.
A 2021 study from ButcherBox found that 46 percent of survey respondents were excited to host and entertain guests in their home. Such gatherings were given the green light years ago and homeowners have maintained their enthusiasm for entertaining. With that in mind, homeowners looking to upgrade their entertaining spaces can look to these tips as they prepare to welcome guests into their homes.
Establish various seating areas
What
The time and energy Dotzenzrod poured into the restoration was documented on film and featured on a recent episode of the series “In With the Old,” which is produced by the Magnolia Network and Chief Creative Officers Chip and Joanna Gaines — stars of the popular HGTV series “Fixer Upper.”
Dotzenrod’s renovation of Horn Hollow was broadcast during the series’ fifth season of “In
With the Old.” The episode, titled “Return to Horn Hollow in Decorah, Iowa,” has since been broadcast on HBO Max, Magnolia, Discovery+ and Youtube. Dotzenrod, taking in all that’s
been accomplished within the historic home, says a piece of her heart will stay at Horn Hollow and she is fulfilling her dream of renovating the manor, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
She admits being stung by the “renovation bug,” and she isn’t opposed to another project in the future.
“I’ve learned so much,” she said. “Honestly, if the right buyer came along and would cherish this house, I would move on to another renovation so I could save another old house for another family to love and call home.”
Ample seating is a must when welcoming guests into your home. Open layouts make it easier to add seating without feeling cramped, so homeowners whose properties feature such design schemes may find it easier to accommodate more guests than homes with more traditional, compartmentalized layouts. When arranging seating, aim to create multiple seating areas so guests can speak privately to one another if they so desire. Multiple seating areas also ensure more than one conversation can take place at a time. That’s especially useful when hosting a game watch, as some guests may come for the game while others may be more interested in socializing than the score.
Designate spaces for children
Kids are typically part of the equation when entertaining at home, so it’s important that hosts create spaces for them as well. A basement or children’s playroom can do the trick. If the weather outside is welcoming, a fenced-in backyard with games and a trampoline can provide the perfect space for kids to have fun while the adults get to engage in conversation and catch up with friends and family apart from boisterous youngsters.
Add lighting
Dimly lit rooms may be a homeowner’s desired aesthetic when no one’s visiting, but lack of light can give the impression
can do guests some good. If guests will be spending ample time in a Florida room or outdoors, ensure ample seating is available and make sure those spaces are well lit as well.
Entertaining at home is wildly popular, and homeowners can employ some simple strategies to make their homes welcoming spaces for friends and family.
HOME & H arvest
ISU researchers call cover crops an effective approach to waterhemp control
BY SETH BOYES
DECORAH LEADER NEWS EDITOR
A native plant species has been causing Iowa’s agricultural producers headaches for several decades, but staff with Iowa State University’s Extension and Outreach Program said the use of cover crops can help farmers minimize potential crop loss.
The rise of waterhemp
Meaghan Anderson, a field agronomist with the ISU Extension Office, said Iowa’s soybean producers may have an easier time using cereal rye to suppress weedy waterhemp in their fields than corn producers might. The native weed has become increasingly present in the Midwest over the past several decades and has become resistant to seven different groups of chemical herbicides. (Photo courtesy of Meaghan Anderson)
Waterhemp — a plant in the same family as pigweed — is found in Iowa and much of the western corn belt, according to information from ISU. The plant can stand up to 8 feet tall and produce thousands of small seeds. Waterhemp wasn’t considered a major weed in Iowa’s agricultural community until the 1990s, according to information from ISU, though early researchers indicated the weed may have been present in crop fields as far east as Indiana during the 1950s.
Meaghan Anderson, a field agronomist with the ISU Extension Office, said waterhemp sprouts from relatively shallow soil. She and other Iowa State researchers said the plant’s rise as an agricultural annoyance may have been aided by changes in farm practices during the 1980s, when many producers began practicing conservation tillage to minimize soil erosion.
“In addition to changes in tillage, the 1970s and ‘80s were the golden era of herbicide discovery,” Robert Hartzler, a professor with ISU’s Agronomy Department, wrote in 2019. “Farms became much more reliant on herbicides during the 1980s, and waterhemp is extremely well adapted to this control tactic.”
He went on to say, though it doesn’t entirely explain what he called the weed’s migration pattern across the region, waterhemp’s prevalence in both Iowa and Illinois seemed to coincide with the widespread use of particular chemical herbicides. Hartzler said the majority of waterhemp in Iowa and Illinois became resistant to those types of herbicides within approximately five years. Today, waterhemp is resistant to seven groups of herbicides, according to Anderson, which she noted leaves producers with few chemical options to combat the problematic plant.
“We’re seeing this happen all over the place, not just in Iowa,” Anderson said during an Oct. 9 webinar. “Across the Midwest, we’re seeing herbicide resistance issues resulting in problems controlling waterhemp, meaning we’re dealing with more waterhemp plants, and we’re seeing that problem get worse every year.”
A non-chemical strategy
Anderson said there’s no broad solution to the issue, but she and other researchers believe the use of cover crops is a proven method for keeping waterhemp in check and reducing crop loss. Cover crops are a method of protecting and enriching farmland by growing plants like legumes or grasses on fields which would otherwise be bare between production seasons, according to ISU. The crops are eventually terminated, rather than harvested, and form a barrier of plant material which helps suppress weeds and other undesirable plants. Anderson predicted farmers who take up non-chemical strategies to complement their herbicides will be the ones who are ultimately more successful at keeping the weed at bay.
“Herbicides have traditionally been a big hammer, and they’re a very effective way to control weeds until they aren’t,” she said. “Now we really need to think about preserving the utility of our chemicals — our herbicides — by bringing in other tactics to help those herbicides continue to be efficacious long into the future.”
Anderson said the use of cover crops may mean farm operations will be looking at later planting dates for their main crop as they allow the cover crop mature. She noted corn producers will likely have trouble implementing a rye cover crop, as it tends to compete with the corn. However, she said soybeans are more tolerant of an overlap with a rye
3 challenges facing the agricultural sector
The agricultural sector is crucial to the survival and health of billions of people across the globe. Though it’s obvious that modern agriculture is vital to feeding a global population that was greater than eight billion people at the dawn of 2024, the United Nations notes that agri-
culture also boosts prosperity and economies by providing jobs. That reality only underscores the notion that the challenges facing the agricultural sector are facing everyone, even those whose livelihoods are not directly linked to the industry. According to Earth.org,
an organization that offers environmental news, data analysis, research, and policy solutions, the following are three sizable challenges facing modern agriculture.
1. Climate change
Perhaps no challenge is greater for humanity in the 21st century than climate change, and the agricultural sector is no exception. Climate change has caused shifting weather patterns marked by unpredictability and potentially disastrous developments like prolonged drought. Estimates from NASA indicate corn yields may decrease by 24 percent by the end of this cen-
tury, a potentially dangerous development linked to a host of factors, including a shifting climate and elevated surface carbon dioxide concentrations that can be traced to human-caused greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Population growth
The booming global population is attributable to numerous factors, including longer life expectancies in developed nations due to medical advancements. How to keep the global population fed at a time when the climate is
cover crop.
“We can plant them over a much wider window, and we can actually in some cases terminate at or shortly after planting and not incur any yield penalties as a result of that,” Anderson said.
She said some ag producers may want to consider a field-specific approach to their cover crops or target particular areas of a field prone to wet conditions in which waterhemp prefers to grow.
Anderson herself previously conducted research on the effectiveness of cereal rye against waterhemp. She found an accumulation of between 2,500 and 3,000 pounds of rye per acre — a crop she said would measure about 18 to 20 inches tall — delayed the emergence of waterhemp by approximately two weeks. She went on to stress that cover crops won’t entirely eliminate waterhemp within a crop field, but she said the shift in its emergence can limit the number of seeds produced by each unwanted plant. Fewer seeds reaching the germination stage can allow producers to apply less herbicide, she said, and fewer chemical applications can help slow waterhemp’s resistance to herbicides.
“That cover crop can act like a residual herbicide for up to maybe six weeks, which depends a lot on your cover crop species, the size of the species, the spring weather that we’re having and things like that, but it can absolutely help in suppressing these weeds,” Anderson said.
adversely affecting crop yields is a significant challenge facing both humanity and the agricultural sector. As the population grows, so, does the demand for water, which also must be used to grow crops. Navigating this challenge will be significant, and how it’s managed could affect the economic stability of the agricultural industry in the decades to come.
3. Investment Perhaps no industry is more vital to human survival than agriculture. Earth.org notes that countries with strong agricultural sectors often boast higher standards of living and health than nations with a less productive agricultural industry. Despite that, Earth.org notes that
investment in the agricultural sector is not commensurate with the growing population. Supporting measures to invest more heavily in the agricultural sector could reduce food shortages in the decades to come and ensure the agricultural sector is better positioned to address the many challenges it is already confronting in the 21st century. The challenges facing the agricultural sector affect those who work in the industry but also the global population as a whole. Recognition of that reality may compel more people to support measures designed to ensure the agricultural sector can thrive and help the world to overcome potentially devastating challenges in the decades ahead.
HOME & H arvest
How to cut costs on home renovations
Do you still have an avocado green kitchen? Is your living room dank and dark? Perhaps there is only one bathroom for a family of six? Answering yes to any of these questions could serve as the catalyst for a home renovation project.
Home improvement projects come in all shapes and sizes — some with huge budgets and others that are more cost-conscious. Regardless of what homeowners hope to achieve with their renovations, a common goal across any price point is a desire to save as much money as possible. Home renovations can be expensive, but there are ways to cut costs.
Assess the merit of the project
Remodeling magazine annually publishes a “Cost vs. Value Report” that lists the average cost and return on investment homeowners can expect of var-
Who doesn’t have a space at home that serves as a catch-all for items that seemingly have no other home? For many, this storage wasteland where items go to be forgotten tends to be the garage. Before long, clutter can overwhelm the space and create an eyesore. Garage clutter also makes the space less functional by making it harder to park a vehicle or store equipment.
Organizing a garage takes work, but the end result can improve the appearance, free up space, make work more efficient, and make it easier to find and use tools more readily. Here are some ways to get started on organizing your garage.
Start with cleaning and culling
One of the first steps when organizing a garage is to thoroughly analyze what is needed and what can be removed from
ious types of projects. If you’re planning to sell your home soon, it may be best to focus on repairs and renovations that will generate the most substantial ROI.
Hire a contractor
Even avid do-it-yourselfers can sometimes benefit from a contractor’s expertise, particularly for complex tasks. Don’t waste money by trying tough jobs yourself; rely on an experienced contractor who can get supplies for less money and will do the job right the first time. Compare bids from several different contractors and figure out the best value.
Refurbish existing features
Rather than a complete gut and rebuild, figure out where you can revitalize existing fixtures and more. For example, refinishing existing cabinets
can save you up to 50 percent compared with the cost of new cabinetry, according to Angi (formerly Angie’s List), a cost comparison and business review resource.
Choose midgrade materials
Certain materials may be all the rage but they come with a higher price tag. Angi reports that granite counters could be $60 to $100 per square foot. However, a composite or laminate that looks like granite and wears well may be $10 to 40 per square foot. Figure out where you can choose middle-of-the-road materials for maximum value.
Avoid peak seasons
You’ll pay more to install a deck or a pool right before the outdoor entertaining season. There also may be a premium to get work done right before a major holiday. Therefore, con-
Garage storage solutions
the garage. If items belong elsewhere, such as in a shed or the basement, move these items
first. Discard damaged or broken items. Next, move on to tools or gear that hasn’t been used in some time. Will you use it again? If the item has been collecting dust for years, you likely already know the answer to that question. Pile all items in the driveway
so you have a clean slate with which to start. Measure the room to figure out the dimensions so you’ll know how much wall space is available for storage.
Free up floor space
The ultimate goal of a garage storage renovation is to make floor space available, according to Stacey Schweiger of Sunshine Organizing. Lifting items off the floor makes access easier, and protects items should there be a flood or leaks.
sult the calendar to find an off time for a renovation and book it then to save.
Do some prep work
You might be able to save by doing some of the demolition and preparatory work yourself. For example, you can tear up old carpeting before the installation of new tile floors. Perhaps you can mend and patch up walls before a paint job.
Buy a display item
Former showroom kitchens and baths often are sourced at a fraction of their recommended retail prices, according to Real Homes, a home remodel guide based in the United Kingdom. Retailers often update their displays and you may score existing showroom items at a discount.
Renovations can be expensive, but there are many different ways to cut costs.
Consider weight
When investing in shelving and racks, remember that many of the items stored in garages tend to be heavy. It’s important to ensure that shelves and hooks are heavy-duty and able to withstand the weight of pressure put on them. Verify the maximum weight so that racks will not buckle or tip over and cause issues.
Warning signs a bathroom needs work
Homeowners know that the work involved in maintaining a home is never done. The end of one project has a tendency to roll into the planning of another, and so it goes for years on end.
Fortunate are the homeowners who get to choose when to
Small signs of fading
Stains, peeling paint, cracked paint, and gaps in grout are small signs of fading that indicate a bathroom is in need of renovation if not a complete remodel. These issues also can serve as warning signs of larger issues, such as water issues and structural problems, so they should not be merely written off as minor problems or eyesores.
begin
Utilize overhead space
Overhead storage can be reserved for items that aren’t used frequently, such as seasonal decorations or luggage.
Out of sight
Some items should be stored out of sight and beyond the reach of children and pets. Cabinets and containers can be used and locked to secure materials, such as fertilizers, paints, solvents, and other chemicals.
Additional ideas
a renovation project, but it’s far more common that homeowners spot an issue and then realize it’s time to renovate. When it comes to bathrooms, which can be among the more expensive spaces to renovate in a home, homeowners can keep an eye out for various signs suggesting the room needs a remodel.
Mold and mildew
Rising water bills Some signs a bathroom could use a little TLC are not necessarily confined to the room itself. If water bills are rising significantly and do not align with price increases or an uptick in water consumption, homeowners may have leaking pipes. Such pipes might be beneath a bathroom sink or behind tiled walls. Discoloration on the walls, peeling paint or wallpaper and/ or a musty odor may indicate leaks inside a bathroom wall. If coupled with rising water bills, these signs could be indicative of a significant issue that requires immediate attention.
Issues with tiles
Cracked or damaged tiles in the shower and bathtub or even on the floor are unsightly and also pose a safety hazard. Cracked floor tiles can lead to slips and falls, which can be especially harmful to older residents. And cracked tiles within the shower and tub area can indicate water problems behind the walls or general disrepair. Such issues should be addressed before they escalate into something larger.
A combination of wall shelves, overhead shelves, cabinets, and wall hooks can help homeowners create more floor area. Organization becomes easier when everything has a designated space it can be easily returned to.
Magnets, pegboards, organization bins and systems, and similar products can be used to corral small or errant items like hand tools, fasteners and more. Garage organization will take some planning and time, but the end result can be well worth the effort.
Mold and mildew is perhaps the most glaring sign a bathroom needs to be renovated or remodeled. Mold and mildew pose a notable threat to human health, as the United States Environmental Protection Agency reports that molds can cause allergic reactions. Individuals sensitive to mold may develop symptoms that mimic reactions to outdoor allergens like pollen, including sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and dermatitis (skin rash). Mold can also trigger asthma attacks in people allergic to mold who have the condition. Mold can grow in poorly ventilated bathrooms, such as those without a fan or ones in which fans are not working properly. Mold and mildew will return if it’s merely scrubbed away, so the underlying cause of mold must be addressed to prevent its return.
A dated vibe
Of course, some issues affecting a bathroom are not necessarily health or safety hazards but more an affront to homeowners’ grasp of current styles and trends. If walking into a bathroom unintentionally feels like stepping backward into a bygone era, then it’s probably time to consider a renovation or remodeling job. Various signs can indicate to homeowners it’s time to consider a bathroom renovation.
