LUI’S SQUAD
THROWBACK THURSDAY
New Southwestern Community College volleyball coach harbors hopes for young SWCC squad. Read more in SPORTS, page 8A. >>
Ten years ago, Vaughn Seckington of Creston was Iowan of the Day at the Iowa State Fair. What else was happening in the news 10 years ago? See our Throwback Thursday feature on page 2A. >>
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014
New year, new faces at Creston Schools CNA photo by JAKE WADDINGHAM
This stand of corn was knocked over from strong winds during Tuesday’s storm system that caused isolated damage to buildings and crops in eastern Union County. State Climatologist Harry Hilaker said some areas reported light hail, which is typically in areas with high wind.
Record-breaking harvest expected for corn, soybeans By JAKE WADDINGHAM
bushels to be harvested this fall. Illinois is a close second, with an estimated 2.22 billion bushel corn crop.
CNA associate editor • jwaddingham@crestonnews.com
Weather
It is shaping up to be another record-breaking year for farmers. The U.S Department of Agriculture updated their expectations in the Aug. 12 report, predicting this year’s corn crop to reach 14 billion bushels and soybean crop to reach 3.8 billion bushels. The estimate surpasses last year’s harvest record of 13.9 billion bushels for corn. The previous record for soybeans was 3.4 billion bushels in 2009. “Even when we were dry the weather was cooler,” said Gavilon manager Dean Michaelson. “We have had very few days over 90, so the dry spell did not stress the crop.” Iowa looks to remain the nation’s top producer in corn with an expected 2.44 billion
Some timely rains and cooler summer temperatures have helped boost the 2014 yields. State Climatologist Harry Hilaker said the recent rain will help southwest Iowa get through a small rise in temperatures that is expected to last through Sunday. “We haven’t had a lot of heat and humidity, so this warm spell should last a fair amount of time by this year’s standards,” Hilaker said. “This is not going to be the start of a long weather pattern ... not much negative impact expected.” Tuesday’s storm system provided most of the area with much needed rain for both corn and soybeans. There were some isolated reports of corn damage in eastern Union County.
“Most of the state is still waiting for a rain like that to occur, especially northeast Iowa that keeps missing the rain,” Hilaker said. “Crops are not deteriorating quickly, but they could be improving rather quickly.” The warmer week ahead is also inviting for farmers who were forced to replant or plant late due to the unpredictable spring weather. The heat and humidity should help speed up the crop maturity.
Market prices The record numbers are putting downward pressure market prices, forcing farmers to take control of the market by holding back their harvest. Many are building more on-farm storage facilities and waiting to sell for a higher profit. On July 1, corn was $3.89 at Gavilon Grain for the October and November new crop. Six weeks later, it has dropped to $3.21.
“It all depends on the weather,” said Michaelson. “We were dry for a while (in July) and that might have affected the corn yields, but we have had some real good rains in August for the soybeans and so has most of the midwest.” Corn continues to grow in demand from farmers feeding animals, exporting their crop to the rest of the world and supporting the ethanol industry. Michaelson said if there is enough storage, he expects farmers to hold on tight to as much of their harvest as possible to see if demand increases and prices recover. Soybeans also took a hit. On July 1, Gavilon Grain reported $10.83 for October and November new crop. Prices over the past six weeks have dropped more than a dollar, coming in at $9.65 yesterday. This is the lowest soybeans have been since 2010.
There will be 15 new faces floating around the Creston school buildings this year. Meet these educators and read some background about each one. Susan Andersen ■ See a photo of Age: 55 Formerly of: Adair- these new teachCasey ers on page 14 Teaching: Middleschool technology, shared of today’s with Murray newspaper. Experience: Four years Family: Three kids Fun fact: Enjoys doing theater Jarrett Belden Age: 40 Formerly of: Carterville, Ill. Teaching: Eighth-grade American history, shared with Murray Experience: First year Family: Wife, 13-year-old daughter, nine-year-old son Fun fact: Has visited nearly every state in the continental United States Please see NEW TEACHERS, Page 14
Iowa judge reverses ban over court photos WEST UNION (AP) — A judge has reversed a ban that prohibited an Iowa news photographer from publishing photos taken at a courthouse. Community Media Group, which owns the Fayette County Union in West Union, said Wednesday that District Judge Richard Stochl lifted the ban placed on Jerry Blue. Blue was scolded on Aug. 11 by Judge Joel Dalrymple for taking photos of a courtroom hearing without advanced permission. The hearing involved a local mayor Please see JUDGE, Page 2
Fire damages community building in Adair County CNA photo by KYLE WILSON
This Burlington Northern Santa Fe train locomotive plunged off the tracks this morning near the New York Avenue railroad crossing in Creston. No injuries are being reported. The crossing is to remain open today. No further details were available as of press time.
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Volume 131 No. 58
2014
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CASEY (AP) — A fire has severely damaged a community building in the central Iowa city of Casey. KCCI-TV reports the fire started early Wednesday in the Casey Community Building. Firefighters from 15 communities responded to fight the fire, which continued to smolder
hours later. Fire crews say the building was engulfed in flames when the first crews arrived. Firefighters were aided by heavy rain that swept through the area about 3:30 a.m. Casey is a city of about 400 people, about 40 miles north of Creston.
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