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Sixty-six FFA members submitted 374 exhibits in the Farm Crops contest judged Thursday, August 8, at the 2024 Iowa State Fair.Janelle Clark of Albia FFA, Albia, was awarded the Champion Premier Exhibit Award and also won the Reserve Champion Premier Exhibit Award.Ellen Olson of Calamus Wheatland FFA, Wheatland, was awarded the Champion Sweepstake Trophy.

A group of nearly forty Iowa Republican lawmakers announced their plan to file lawsuits in state and Federal courts asking for rulings that the Iowa Utilities Commission’s approval of the Summit pipeline project is illegal and unconstitutional.  The IUC’s June decision, which has sparked outrage across the state, has been condemned as not only disastrous and dangerous but also a clear violation of the rights of Iowa landowners.

The saw and ax skills of Iowans were put to the test in the Timber Sports competitions held Tuesday, August 13, at the 2024 Iowa State Fair.Bow Saw1) Dan Newton, Collins2) Dakota Rundlett, Vinton3) Dave Cox, OskaloosaBucksaw1) Dave Cox, Oskaloosa2) Lucas Monson, Boone3) David Lamme, Sioux CenterOne Man Crosscut1) Dakota Rundlett, Vinton2) Dave Cox,

At today's Lions Club meeting, local firefighter and horse enthusiast, Shelby Van Weelden, captivated the audience with a remarkable presentation about her recent 600-mile horseback ride across Mongolia. This adventurous journey took place on semi-wild horses, with riders receiving a new horse every 100 miles, drawn by lottery. Shelby shared the unpredictability and excitement of never knowing what kind of horse she would get until it was time to mount.

UPDATED:On Tuesday night, an area Union High School student passed away as the result of a car accident in Black Hawk County. The accident happened following a volleyball game in Jesup. The Union School District has canceled all extracurricular and co-curricular activities through Sunday, September 15. The following statement was released by the school district/ John Howard, Superintendent said,"Dear Union Families:It is with tremendous sadness that I share this update with you.

Laurie Orner along with her husband Mike and their sons Brock, Brady and Brant raise a small herd of 20 cattle outside of Shellsburg. Naturally, the scenery lends itself to the sort of photo contest that Ortner entered a few months ago. In a contest organized by the Iowa Cattlemen's Association, the "I am an Iowa Cattleman" the contest brought more than 200 entries of cattle of every kind.

At Tuesday's Benton County Supervisor meeting, an item on the agenda included the dismissal of a lawsuit filed by Kirsten Nelson. Nelson was the first HR Director in Benton County. The board voted to approve the dismissal.So far, the two lawsuits filed by HR Directors, have resulted in cash payments of $170,000 this year alone. The total cost is higher considering additional benefits granted in the Sue Wilber case.

The Benton County Board of Supervisors met on Tuesday with a relatively short agenda. Present were Rick Primmer, Tracy Seeman and Gary Bierschenk. Following a call to order, the board approved the agenda, minutes, claims. The ARPA claims were then approved as follows:Wirtanen Concrete (Transportation Concrete Work) - $5,490True North Consulting (County 911 Radio Project) - $4,428 Tracy Seeman (Transportation Concrete Work) - $8,663.

Skilled artists around Iowa competed in the Hand Knitting of the Fabric and Threads Competition judged before the start of the 2024 Iowa State Fair. Each piece is judged upon design, workmanship and finishing.Lisa Case of Iowa City was awarded Best of Show and Sweepstakes awards.The Fabric and Threads exhibits are on display every day of the Fair from 9 a.

High Point Exhibitor honors were awarded to Taylor McCreedy of Atlantic FFA, Atlantic, at the FFA Horse Show judged Tuesday and Wednesday prior to the 2024 Iowa State Fair and Thursday, August 8, the first day of the Fair.Khloe Glew of Maquoketa Valley FFA, Delhi, received Reserve Grand High Point Exhibitor honors.Additional results follow:Champion Barrel Racing: Dally Orman, Agri-Power FFA, EddyvilleReserve Champion Barrel Racing: Addison Kerwin, Baxter FFA, BaxterChampion Flag Race: Emerson Hiemstra, Pleasantville FFA, PleasantvilleReserve Champion Flag Race: Abbey Votava, Pella FFA, PellaChampion Pole Bending: Haiden Spray, Pella FFA, PellaReserve Champion Pole Bending: Addison Dow, Brokaw FFA, ClarindaChampion Draft Breeds: Riley Benda, Central Trail FFA, LeonReserve Draft Breeds: Riley Benda, Central Trail FFA, LeonChampion Trail Class: Morgan Hanson, IKM-Manning FFA, ManningReserve Champion Trail Class: Taylor McCreedy, Atlantic FFA, AtlanticChampion Heavy Hitch Draft Team: Riley Benda, Central Trail FFA, LeonChampion English Walk Trot: Khloe Glew, Maquoketa Valley FFA, DelhiReserve Champion English Walk Trot: Taylor McCreedy, Atlantic FFA, AtlanticChampion English Pleasure: Taylor McCreedy, Atlantic FFA, AtlanticReserve Champion English Pleasure: Morgan Hanson, IKM-Manning FFA, ManningChampion English Equitation: Morgan Hanson, IKM-Manning FFA, ManningReserve Champion English Equitation: Taylor McCreedy, Atlantic FFA, AtlanticChampion Open Walk/Trot: Madison Higgins, Greene County FFA, JeffersonReserve Champion Open Walk/Trot: Shay Henson, Martensdale-St.