May City firemen hosting soup supper

The May City Fire Department will hold its annual soup supper on Saturday, Feb. 4 from 5-7 p.m.

Free will donations will be accepted. See the ad on Page 5 for more details.

Daycare fundraiser announced

The Hartley Community Daycare Center will hold its annual fundraiser on Saturday, March 4.

The evening will feature a prime rib meal and casino games. See the ad on Page 8 for more details

Red’s carryout menu

Red’s Catering in downtown Hartley will be serving three carryout specials on Wednesday, Feb. 1 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. See the ad on Page 5.

Nature walk Feb. 1 at Oneota Lodge

Clay County Conservation and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach invite adults to join them for a winter nature walk on Wednesday, Feb. 1, from 5-6 p.m. Participants should meet at Oneota Lodge and are encouraged to dress for the weather.

The short winter hike will feature scenic views, hot beverages and snacks, and snowshoes, if the weather merits them.

Bree Blom from Clay County Conservation will be guiding participants on a fun nature walk. The event is free, but an RSVP is requested to plan for supplies. Call (712) 262-2264 to RSVP.

Upcoming events at Hartley library

Between the Covers Book Club will meet in the front room of the Hartley Public Library on Tuesday, Jan. 31, at 5 p.m. The book that will be discussed is “Where the Forest Meets the Stars” by Glendy Vanderah. Newcomers are welcome to attend.

The library will also host a screening of “The Martian,” at 6 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 27. The screening is part of a series of films to be shown that are book-to-movie adaptations. The book of the same name was written by Andy Weir and was read by Between the Covers Book Club in 2021. Popcorn will be provided.

Movie night at Melvin FRC

The next movie night at the First Reformed Church in Melvin will be Sunday evening, January 29 at 7 p.m. At that time the movie “Lifemark” will be shown.

The movie is based on a true story of an 18-year-old boy named David whose comfortable world is turned upside down when his birthmother unexpectedly reaches out to him, longing to meet the son she’s only held once. With the encouragement of his adoptive parents, David sets out on a journey of discovery that leads to a staggering truth from his past. “Lifemark” is an incredible story that celebrates the gift of life.

Refreshments will be served during a brief intermission.

Career Day Scholarship application period is open

The application acceptance period for the O’Brien County Career Day Scholarship remains open through April 5.

In partnership with local businesses, O’Brien County Career Day awards two successful applicants with a $500 scholarship to be used towards student loan debt, other educational expenses or expenses that assist in the preparation for their career or business in O’Brien County.

“Talented workforce recruitment is a strategic priority for O’Brien County Career Day,” said Kiana Johnson, O’Brien County Economic Development Executive Director, in a news release. “The annual O’Brien County Career Day is a day set aside for high school sophomores where they have the opportunity to explore the many careers available to them right here in O’Brien County. To expand on that initiative, we launched a scholarship program to assist in incentivizing our area’s top talent to return or stay in O’Brien County.”

To be eligible to receive the O’Brien County Career Day Scholarship in 2023, an applicant must have received or will receive a high school diploma or high school equivalency diploma in 2017 to 2023 from a participating school (Sheldon, Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn, South O’Brien or MMCRU) and be or will be employed or self-employed in O’Brien County; and/or be or will be a resident in O’Brien County and return the following year as a guest of honor to the O’Brien County Career Day.

Applicants can download the scholarship application and complete guidelines from https://www.obriencounty.com/career-day/career-day-scholarship-2023.

Applications must be submitted to Kiana Johnson, O’Brien County Economic Development Executive Director, P.O. Box 616, Primghar, IA 51245, or via email to ocedc@tcaexpress.net by April 5.

For more information on O’Brien County Career Day or the scholarship, contact Johnson at (712) 957-1313 or ocedc@tcaexpress.net.

Planter University comes to Sutherland Feb. 6

Specialists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach are teaming up with Iowa State Ag and Biosystems Engineering specialists to bring planter equipment expertise to farms across the state in February.

The workshops are an opportunity for farmers, agricultural service providers, equipment and precision ag dealers, and others to gain insight into how planters function, optimize settings for individual seed, field and equipment needs, and improve understanding of planter wear and calibration.

“Planter University will go far beyond a typical planter clinic, offering attendees direct access to specialists with expertise in planter technology and settings,” said Rebecca Vittetoe, Extension field agronomist in a news release. “We are excited to offer this opportunity across the state for a second year.”

Specialists from the Iowa State Digital Ag group will lead each workshop and focus on small-group, hands-on learning with row units representing a variety of technologies currently available for planters. The Digital Ag group is renowned for their key industry partnerships and unique expertise in equipment and precision agriculture. Meetings will also offer continuing education credits for Certified Crop Advisers.

The nearest Planter University program will be held on Monday, Feb. 6, at Northwest Research and Demonstration Farm near Sutherland. Attendance will be limited to maintain small group sizes and allow for hands-on activities. Registration is $85 and closes seven days ahead of the meeting.

Register online at https://www.aep.iastate.edu/planter/. Registration includes lunch, refreshments, reference materials, seed depth tool, closing wheel hold-up bracket and CCA credits. The workshop will begin with check-in and refreshments at 8:30 a.m. and adjourn at approximately 2:30 p.m.

For more information, contact Extension field agronomists Leah Ten Napel at (712) 541-3493 or Gentry Sorenson at (641) 430-6715.

Estate planning workshop Feb. 13 at Storm Lake

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will host an educational estate planning workshop on Monday, Feb. 13, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Prairie Lakes AEA Building in Storm Lake.

The workshop will be led by Jennifer Harrington, staff attorney and legal consultant with the Iowa State University Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation.

Key topics will include a review of the probate process, as well as its pros and cons; information on trusts, wills, joint ownership and transfer on death; options for transferring different land ownership types; federal estate and gift tax basics; and the Iowa inheritance tax.

Workshop fee is $25 per person or $35 per couple with preregistration required by Feb. 9 to plan accordingly for space and a complimentary lunch.

To preregister for the program or for more information, contact Stacie Hewett, Buena Vista County Extension Office and Program Coordinator, at (712) 732-5056 or email shewett@iastate.edu.

Master Gardener training offered in Clay County

The application window is open for this year’s winter Master Gardener training in Clay, Dickinson, Emmet and Palo Alto counties.

Iowans wishing to complete Master Gardener training choose a county through which to complete training, participate in online learning modules and attend at least four in-person training sessions organized by the county office. After completing the 10-week training, trainees put their knowledge to work with a 40-hour internship in their training county.

Interested applicants have until Feb. 3 to apply for the winter session, with training starting Feb. 20 and continuing through April 28.

According to Alicia Herzog, Master Gardener Statewide Coordinator with ISU Extension and Outreach, the Master Gardener training program is about more than just learning how to grow your best garden. Trainees also use knowledge gained in training to grow food for those in need, partner with area organizations to design green spaces and present programs in their local communities.

Master Gardeners are volunteers who use research-based information to educate people and coordinate projects that promote healthy communities.

“Master Gardeners come from many different backgrounds but have a few key things in common: they love gardening, they love learning and they love contributing to their local communities,” said Sarah Dirks, Extension adult program coordinator in Clay County. “If you want to deepen your horticultural knowledge and serve your community, join us this year.”

Registration fee for the 10-week training is $150 per participant. Scholarships are available. Learn more about the program online at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/mastergardener/. For for more localized information, contact Clay County Extension at (712) 262-2264.

Regular hours at Royal library

Hours at the Royal Public Library are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 3-5 p.m .; and Tuesday and Saturday, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Hope Lutheran food pantry

Current hours for the food pantry at Hope Lutheran Church in Everly are Wednesdays, 1-5 p.m. Everyone is allowed to come in and pick out their food, but masks are required.

Al Anon meetings

Al Anon meetings are held at the following locations each week:

Wednesday, 8 p.m., 511 Southmoor, Spencer; Thursday, 8 p.m., Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Royal; Sunday, 7 p.m., Sanford Medical Center, 118 N 7th Ave., Sheldon.

All are welcome to attend.

H-M-S menus

Monday, Jan. 30: Breakfast – Cereal, pop tart (9-12), fruit, juice; Lunch – Popcorn chicken, mashed potatoes, cooked carrots, peaches, roll (9-12).

Tuesday, Jan. 31: Breakfast – Cinni minnis, fruit, juice; Lunch – Turkey and cheese on bun, baked beans, cucumbers, apples.

Milk is served with each meal. Fruit/veggie bar offered daily.