GOING DEEP >>
Creston’s Haylee LaMasters hits two homeruns in Panther sweep of Denison Thursday. The Panthers are in the “thick of things” in the race for H-10 title. See SPORTS, page 1S.
creston
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FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014
Winborn resigns from city council By KYLE WILSON
CNA managing editor kwilson@crestonnews.com
This week, Loyal Winborn, ward 2 city councilman, announced his resignation from Creston City Council. Winborn — information technology systems networking instructor at Southwestern Community College for the past eight years — has accepted an IT director position at South Hamilton School District in Jewell located about 20 miles from Ames. “I loved my job at the Winborn college,” Winborn said. “They were one of the best employers I’ve ever had. But, this move will get the kids closer to grandparents and more services (for my son Evan) in Ames. It’s been a privilege and pleasure to serve on this council.” Winborn’s final city council meeting will be July 1. He’s served on the council since January 2008.
It’s what’s for dinner Despite record high prices, local grocery store managers and Iowa Beef Industry say consumers continue to make beef a staple for dinner ■
By JAKE WADDINGHAM
CNA associate editor jwaddingham@crestonnews.com
G
round beef prices in the U.S. have soared 76 percent since 2009 and are now the highest on record while the size of the beef herd has dropped to its lowest numbers in at least six decades according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). But consumer habits have not shifted away from this staple food, which Creston HyVee Manager Chuck Irelan credits to a consistent effort by the beef industry to keep buyers informed. “I think that the information has been out there enough that the increase in prices have not been a shock,” Irelan said. “Customers have come in and know what to expect.” The USDA predicts that beef prices will rise faster than almost any other commodity
this year. Beef demand peaks during the summer, especially during the Fourth of July holiday. The to- Irelan tal herd has been diminished by drought in Texas and high feed prices. According to the USDA, the U.S. started the year with only 87.7 million head. Cattle herds take time to replenish. A calf born in the spring of 2013 would be bred this year, might have a calf in 2015 and that calf couldn’t come to market until 2016. The NPR-Truven Health Analytics Health Poll predicts the overall improvement of the economy will prevent consumers from getting priced out of the beef market. “I have not seen anyone proclaim that we are rebuilding the herd,” said Iowa Beef Industry Council Executive Director
Nancy Degner. “What we are hearing from auction markets and producers, however, is there are fewer older cows going to market.” Despite the price spike, both Irelan and Degner agree there are still multiple ways to keep beef on the menu in a cost-effective manner. Jim Anthony, meat department manager at Fareway in Creston, said business has been good as customers prepare for the Fourth of July holiday.
Please see WINBORN, Page 2
Programs for ‘at risk’ could benefit local farmers
Save some green
Irelan said HyVee has continued to work for the best deals possible from their buyer to keep prices as low as possible for customers. “Look at the cuts that are on feature,” Degner said. “All stores have ads that feature beef. If you find a cut that is good in price, buy extra, properly wrap it and store it.” Irelan said steaks are always a popular choice this time of Please see BEEF PRICES, Page 2
By SARAH BROWN
CNA staff reporter sbrown@crestonnews.com
Buried within the 959 pages of farm bill text, changes have been made by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that not only benefit low-income families, but, potentially local farmers, too. In a report released by the USDA in March, the agency cited “further efforts to increase fruit and vegetable consumption by children” as their reason for increasing Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) cash value vouchers (CVVs) for Hynes children from $6 to $8 per month. Karla Hynes, WIC/Maternal Child Health director at Women, Infants and Children, said the increase does not cover all of a child’s needs for fresh produce, but “it helps.” Hynes said WIC works to promote eating
CNA photo by JAKE WADDINGHAM
Rolling in: A storm front passes over Lorimor Thursday afternoon. The official weather station for Creston shows Lorimor receiving almost three inches of rain. Earlier in the day, strong storms caused significant tree damage near Arispe.
WEEKEND WEATHER
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Volume 131 No. 15
2014
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Please see FARMERS, Page 2
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