Biggest Little Paper In Town! 1

The PaperLaurens, Iowa

Our Town , Our Paper!

© Copyright My Laurens, Inc., 2010 All Rights Reserved.

Vol. 13 No. 39

March 11, 2020

www.thepapernow.com

Local News

COVID-19 Information for Local ResidentsWith 13 positive cases of COVID-19 in Iowa, there are specific actions all local residents can take to help prevent the spread of all viruses, including influenza and COVID-19:

• Cover your coughs and sneezes with atissue or your upper arm/elbow

• Clean your hands frequently withsoap and water

• Contain germs by staying home whenill

It is normal to be concerned about anew virus. Being uncertain and anxious about COVID-19 is normal, especially with reports of illness and death in other countries. It is important to understand the risk of influenza is much higher than the risk of COVID-19 in Iowa right now. It is important to note there are seven different coronaviruses known to infect humans. There are four common coronaviruses (229E, NL63, OC43 and HKU1) that circulate widely. Most people will get infected with one or more of the common human coronaviruses in their lifetime. IDPH recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of all respiratory viruses, including:

• Wash your hands often with soap andwater for at least 20 seconds.

• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizerthat contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, andmouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact with people whoare sick.

• Stay home when you are sick.• Cover your mouth with your upper

arm or tissue when coughing or sneezing.• Clean and disinfect frequently

touched objects and surfaces. The CDC does not recommend face masks for the general public. Symptoms of COVID-19 are not distinguishable from other common respiratory illnesses, such as influenza or RSV. If someone is experiencing symptoms such as fever and shortness of breath, healthcare providers will also ask if their symptoms occurred within 14 days of travel to an affected geographical region, or if they have been in contact with an individual with a confirmed case of COVID-19. If someone is concerned that due to their travels in a country where the virus risk is high or if they have been in contact with someone with a laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19, then they should call their public health agency, the hospital emergency department, or their medical clinic to determine the process for being tested. If they have not traveled in an affected region or have not been exposed to a person known to have COVID-19, they should come to the clinic, don a mask,

and then they will be tested for other respiratory illnesses which are more prevalent in our region currently. The CDC has issued several travel alerts for areas affected by COVID-19. Visit the CDC’s Information for Travel page for the most up-to-date alerts. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/. Residents should prepare for the potential of COVID-19 in the same way they prepare for severe weather or other events that could disrupt their normal routine. This includes making a plan and discussing it with your family. What would you do if you could not go to work or school because of illness? What if your day care provider was ill? How would you get groceries if you were ill? These are all questions to consider. For information and updates related to COVID-19, visit https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus and follow IDPH on Facebook. In addition, a public hotline has been established for Iowans with questions about COVID-19. The line is available 24/7 by calling 2-1-1

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Local News & Advertising

FOR SALE

Huge Price Reduction for this 1800 Sq Ft Commercial Building. Great office space, storage facility, or convert to a residence.

Endless possibilities at a great price of only $15,000.

Office Phone: (712) 335-3817 Donna Hudson, Broker: (712) 358-0633

Laurens Women’s Club to MeetLaurens Women’s Club will meet on Friday, March 13 at 1:30 p.m. at the Laurens Public Library. Orene Cressler will present the program: “About the Honor Flight”. Members of the serving committee will be Anne Walstead and Pat Frantz. Carol Hoffman will give the book report for the month.

Laurens Ambulance Service Fundraiser Sunday, March 2211:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Bethany Lutheran Church

Serving baked potato bar and ice cream sundaes.

Free will offering.

Please come out & support our local ambulance crew!

4-H/FFA MarketLamb & GoatWeigh InAll market lambs and meat goats that will be exhibited at the 2020 Pocahontas County Fair will need to be weighed at the April 4 weigh-in date, Saturday, April 4, 9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Tags are $1 and will need to be paid for at weigh in.

4-H/FFA DerbySwine Weigh InAll derby swine that will be exhibited at the 2020 Pocahontas County Fair will need to be weighed at the April 4 weigh-in date, Saturday, April 4, 10:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Tags are $1 and will need to be paid for at weigh in. Each 4-H’er may weigh in 5 pigs, but only exhibit 2 derby pigs. 75 POUND MAXIMUM WEIGHT.

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If you or someone you care about is living with a brain injury, you are not alone. We are a group who lives with or cares for someone who lives with brain injury! We exist to support,

encourage, understand, inform and provide fellowship for brain injury survivors and those involved in their lives.

Northwest Iowa TBI Support GroupA monthly support group held 2nd Thursday of the month

Location: United Methodist Church, 201 W. Main St., Laurens (Park and enter on the south side of the church off of Olive St)

Time: 6:00 p.m.Contact: Rob Schramm by calling: (515) 570-9816

or e-mail: NWIowaTBIGroup@gmail.com

Announcements & Advertising

SummER HELp WAntEd: The City of Laurens is now taking

applications for lifeguards, $7.25/hr first year; pool manager, salary to

be determined; and summer parks department positions, $10.00/hour

for the first year. Applications will be accepted at

Laurens City Hall through April 1. The City of Laurens is an

equal opportunity employer.

The City of Laurens is taking sealed

bids for nuisance contract work.

Contract Bid Forms may be picked up

at City Hall and must be received

by noon on April 1.

Any questions, please contact City Manager, Hilary Reed, at (712) 841-4526.

Clothes Closet at First Christian ChurchIf you are in need of good, clean, serviceable clothes, check out the Clothes Closet at First Christian Church at 324 W. Section Line Rd, Laurens. Hours of operation 4th Thursday of the month from 1-4 p.m. If you or someone you know is cleaning out your closet and have good, serviceable, clean clothes you no longer wear, First Christian Church is accepting donations. The clothes you donate will stay here to help others in our community. You may bring donations to the church on the first or third Thursday afternoon of each month.

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Advertising

Saturday, March 21, 2020 • 10:00 AM 11 7 E A S T S T R E E T • L A U R E N S I A 5 0 5 5 4

Fuchs Construction Retirement

AUCTION

For Questions call Don Fuchs, 712-845-6009

See You At The Auction!

Auctioneers & Clerks Winegarden Auctioneering LLC & AssociatesAuctioneers: Rick Winegarden, Cell 712-358-0974

Jim Malecek • Chad Lynch POCAHONTAS, IOWA ~ 712-335-3117

Pictures & More Auctions at: salebarn.ncn.net

* * * * * * BUILDING SELLS FIRST AT 10 AM * * * * * * 40’ X 80’ METAL BUILDING

• 7’x16’ Overhead Door on West Side • 12’ Overhead Door on North Side• All Concrete Floor • Legal Description – South 100’ x 110’ in NW PT SE NE Laurens, Inc. • Very nice storage building on the east edge of Laurens sitting on a nice sized lot.

TERMS FOR BUILDING will be 25% down day of auction with balance due upon receipt of marketable title on or before April 24, 2020. Property is Sold as Is! Property is Sold contingent of Seller Approval day of Auction.

* * * * * * SELLS AFTER BUILDING AUCTION * * * * * * MINI EXCAVATOR, LIFT & ATV2008 Takeuchi TB-135 Mini Excavator,

1,900 Hrs, Open Rops, 8,800lbs, Hyd. Front Push Blade, Hyd. Thumb, 26” Smooth Bucket, 18” & 36” Teeth Buckets, Excellent Condition

Traverse Model #8040 Lift, 40’ Boom Reach, 8K lb Lift, John Deere Diesel Engine, Most of the cylinders have been rebuilt in the last Year, Good Running Machine

Man Lift For Lift 1988 Honda Fourtrax 4x4 ATV, Near

New Tires

VEHICLES, DUMP TRUCK & TRAILERS 2002 Ford F-350 4 Door Pickup W/ Flatbed

& Toolboxes, 144K Miles, 7.3L Turbo Diesel, Good Cond.

1989 Chevrolet 1500 Ext. Cab 4x4 Pickup, Long Box, 150K Miles, Topper, Maroon/Silver in Color

1997 Ford F-700 Dump Truck, 111,777 Miles, 429 Gas Motor, 5+2 Transmis-sion, 12’ Dump Box W/ 3 Stage Single Cylinder

2019 Lamar 22’ Flatbed Trailer, Tandem Axle W/ Heavy 8 Bolt Axles, W/ Steel HD Flip Over Ramps, Like New

2018 United 20’ Enclosed Trailer, Rear Ramp Door, Side Door, Tie Downs & Shelves Inside, Like New Condition

DCT 16’ Car Trailer W/ 5 Bolt Axles

CONSTRUCTION TOOLS Tapco Pro-15 Metal Brake W/ Roll Holder Multi Vibe 12’ Power Screet, 4 Stroke

Motor Wacker WP1550 Packer Mikasa Stand-up Packer 2- Wacker 36” Walk behind Power TrowelsClipper Concrete Saw, W/ Kohler Motor Husqvarna Handheld Concrete Saw 20- Sections of Scaffolding W/ Wheels

CONSTRUCTION TOOLS (CONT’D) 8- Aluminum Scaffolding Planks Rockwell Uni-Saw Table Saw 18- Wall Adjustable Braces DeWalt Compound Miter Saw Kushlan Portable Cement Mixer Pallet Fork Mover Air Hoses Electric Cords 2- Werner 24’ Aluminum Ext. Ladders 8+ Fiberglass Step Ladders Homelite 5500-Watt Gas Powered

Generator Concrete Blankets Pro-Tech Table Saw Wheelbarrows Work lights Trowels Many Concrete Hand Tools Concrete Steel Stakes Craftsman 12” Radial Arm Saw 100lb Air Jack Hammer 2- 60lb Air Jack Hammer Hitachi Miter Saw 10+ Air Nailers Parts Washer Earthquake Gas Powered Auger Torch Set, Complete W/ Mid-Sized Tanks Sheet Rock Jack 100 Gallon Spray Tank Many Numerous Hand Tools Shovels, Rakes, Post Augers Cordless Drills Electric Drills, Saws & Sanders Hilti Power Driver 3-Site Lasers Gas Powered Pressure Washer Drill Press JD Knipco Heater Many Numerous Toolboxes Lots of Numerous Hand Tools

LUMBER, STEEL, & HARDWARE & MISC. Lots of New & Used Lumber Wood Trim Doors Windows Sheet Steel Tar Paper Insulation Ridge Vent Lots of Various Hardware Including Screws & Nails Landscaping Block Cement Blocks

ANTIQUES

Road King Road Grader Drag Line Bucket Civil Defense Siren

Auctioneers Note

After 29 years in the construction business, Don & Nancy will be selling

Equipment, Vehicles, Trailers, Construction Tools & Misc. items. You

will not want to miss this auction! Several Items not listed.

Loader available sale day. Building will sell first followed by all other items with Trucks, Trailers, Mini Ex and equipment towards the end of the Auction. See you at the Auction!

Rick

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At the Library

The PaperPublished weekly by

My Laurens, Inc.112 Walnut St.

Laurens, IA 50554

Phone: (712) 841-2684

Fax:(712) 841-4662

Website: www.thepapernow.com

E-mail:publisher@mylaurens.com

Publisher: Rodney Johnson

Editor:Amanda Tendal

Rights to Use Content: The Paper, its content, archived materials, and our websites, are provided solely for your personal, non-commercial use. The Paper, its

content, our websites and all the materials available on our websites are the property of My Laurens, Inc., and are protected by applicable copyright, trademark, and intellectual property laws. You may download, print or transmit The Paper for your personal, non-commercial

use. Any commercial use of copyrighted materials requires prior authorization from My Laurens, Inc.

Unless explicitly authorized by My Laurens, Inc., you may not modify copy, create derivative works,

reproduce, republish, transmit, sell, or distribute in any manner or medium (including by email or other

electronic means) any material from The Paper or our websites for commercial purposes. You may not use The Paper or materials available on our websites, in a

manner that constitutes an infringement of our intellectual property rights/copyrights or that has not

been authorized by My Laurens, Inc.For information about requesting permission to

reproduce or distribute materials from The Paper, please contact My Laurens, Inc. at (712) 841-2684

or publisher@mylaurens.com.

At the Library with Glenda MulderMarch 11, 2020

Whew! Glad to report the new website is up with no glitches! I’m getting great feedback from our patrons, but still have this nagging feeling there is something I forgot to put on it! Please let me know if you figure out what that is! New novels this week include: Journey of the Pharaohs by Clive Cussler, The Boy From The Woods by Harlan Coben, The Grace Kelly Dress by Brenda Janowitz, Unreasonable Doubt by Phillip Margolian and Oona Out of Order by Margarita Montimore. In nonfiction we received: Find Your Path: Honor your body, fuel your soul, and get strong with the Fit52 life by Carrie Underwood. In memory of Ron Cowan, we received The Ultimate Retirement Guide for 50+: Winning Strategies to Make Your Money Last a Lifetime by Suze Orman and Operation Chastise: The RAF's most brilliant attack of World War II by Max Hastings. This week I will be traveling to Des Moines for a State Library Advisory Panel meeting. This meeting will be a bit different as it is a joint meeting with The Commission of Libraries. From the agenda it appears the main item of business is to get an update, and then discuss the State Library's federal budget priorities. After this meeting, we will head across the Street to (the most amazing and beautiful library I have ever been in!) the State Law Library in the Capitol for Iowa Library Association’s Legislative Day. There we will meet our local senators and representatives to share our viewpoints, mostly about our budgetary priorities. This last part is outside of my comfort zone, but it’s good to do things like that once in a while. And I’ll be doing it in a beautiful, historic library. Book Club Choice for March is Sold on a Monday by Kristina McMorris. I have heard such good reports on this book, I don’t think our catalog’s one sentence preview does it justice, but I’ll give it to you anyway. “When struggling reporter Ellis Reed takes a photograph of a sign advertising two children for sale in 1931, it leads to his big break and evokes memories from his past.” Grab a copy and join our discussion Monday, March 23 at 7 p.m.

COMING EVENTS• Tot Time Every Monday at 10 a.m.

• Book Club 7 p.m., 4th Monday of the month• Card Making 6:30 p.m. 4th Tuesday monthly

• Take it Tuesday 6:00 p.m. the 1st Tuesday of the month• History of Agriculture by Darcy Maulsby 7 p.m. May 12

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Announcements

Come & Go Baby ShowerEmily (Hankey) & Cody Dewall are welcoming a new little light in their lives. Please join us for a Come and Go Baby Shower to celebrate on Saturday, March 21 from 1-3 P.M. at the Pocahontas Community Hospital Conference Room. Please use the East enterance. Emily is registered at Target and Amazon.

SAVE THE DATES-VBS in Rembrandt June 1-5Ready for a quest? The Knights of North Castle are going on a Quest for the King's Armor, June 1-5 at the Rembrandt-Linn Grove area Vacation Bible School. Valiant knights will meet 8:30 am to noon Monday through Friday, with a Community Celebration Service & Feast at 10:30 am on Sunday, June 7. The VBS serves area children ages 4 through those completing sixth grade. Knights will explore the King's Armor and learn to "be strong in the Lord and the strength of His power." Along the way, we'll experience cool music, exciting science, creative crafts, fun recreation, super snacks, and memorable Bible stories, as we learn how God's armor works in our daily lives, to serve and follow Jesus our Lord. Sponsoring churches are Our Savior's, Trinity, and Immanuel Lutheran churches, and Riverside Evangelical Free Church. All activities will be at the Rembrandt castle. Invite a friend to go on this quest with you! And get more information by contacting any of the churches, or call 286-5579.

“Touch of Broadway” to Perform at Fonda Arts CenterWinter weather is on the way out, and as further proof that Spring is coming, “Touch of Broadway” will be performing at the Fonda Arts Center on Sunday, March 22nd, at 3 p.m.!

Touch of Broadway is thetraveling part of the Buena Vista Community Theater, and has been on the road for almost two decades, sharing its impressive talent in an uplifting, family oriented show. This year, “Aspects of Love: He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not” will bring to mind a field of daisies or dandelions, a best friend, and plucking the petals one by one. This promises to be an afternoon of delightful entertainment, friends and refreshments, sure to send you away with a smile on your face and a bounce in your step! Tickets can be arranged in advance by calling Annie at 712-288-6278, Mary at 712-288-6681, or can be purchased at the door. All this happening at the Fonda Arts Center, on the Northwest corner of Fourth and Main Streets in Fonda. Everyone welcome!

Opal Rankin Information Requested for Cemetery TourInformation requested about Opal Rankin (Mrs. Henry Rankin) for the Laurens Cemetery Tour this year. Please share memories of her. Perhaps you remember her as a seamstress or maybe she was your neighbor or friend. She sewed uniforms for baton and flag twirlers for the marching band. Please reply to Grace Hertz, gradon@ncn.net.

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Local News & Advertising

Storage Units For Rent

Cold storage or climate control units available.

Please call: (712) 845-2653for prices and availability.

4-H Special SwineChallenge MeetingAll 4-H’ers that would like to participate in the 4-H special swine challenge this year are encouraged to attend the informational parent/child meeting on Monday, March 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Office Pocahontas County. This project is for 4-H’ers that live in town or cannot have pigs due to parents occupation in the swine industry. If you would like to participate, but cannot attend the meeting, contact Lisa at 712-335-3103 or lzeman@ iastate.edu

4-H Rabbit Judge’s TrainingThere will be a 4-H Rabbit Judges training Saturday, April 4, in Red Oak from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. This is a workshop for anyone interested in judging rabbit shows at fairs. Email Mike Anderson at mikeande@iastate.edu to RSVP by Monday, March 30.

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Church

This Week at Bethany LutheranPastor David E. Klappenbach

Wednesday: March 11, 202011:30 AM ~ Lenten Luncheon at BLC5:30 PM ~ Lenten Soup Supper6:30 PM ~ Lenten Evening ServiceCouncil Mtg. to follow service

Sunday: March 15, 2020Third Sunday in Lent9:15 AM ~ Adult SS9:30 AM ~ Youth SS & Coffee Fellowship10:30 AM ~ Worship w/Communion11:30 AM ~ Potluck6:00 PM ~ Youth Group (JH & HS) at BLC

Tuesday: March 17, 20207:30 AM ~ Prayer Group9:30 AM ~ Tuesday coffee at Bethany

Wednesday: March 18, 202011:30 AM ~ Lenten Luncheon at UMC5:30 PM ~ Lenten Soup Supper6:30 PM ~ Lenten Evening Service

Worship, Love, Accept~Together in Christ’s Name

This Week at First ChristianPastor Rev. Rita Cordell712-845-6164

Wednesday, March 11 11:30 a.m. - Lenten Luncheon at BLC7:00 - p.m. Lydia Group

Friday, March 13 7:00 p.m. - A.A.

Sunday, March 15 9:30 a.m. - Sunday School 10:30 a.m. - Worship 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. - JR. & SR. High Youth Group at Bethany Lutheran Church

Resurrection of Our Lord Catholic ChurchPocahontas, IA -- Pastor: Very Rev. Craig Collison, VF

MASS TIMES:Daily Mass as scheduled in the weekly bulletinSaturday at 5:00 PM and Sunday at 10:30 AMConfessions: Saturday 4:15 pm at Resurrection

Office: 16 SW 2nd Street, PocahontasOffice Phone: 712-335-3242 Residence Phone: 712-335-8065E-mail: colly@ncn.net Pastoral Care: Sister Renae Hohensee, 563-552-8666

This Week at Laurens United Methodist ChurchPastor Ed Frank

Wed., March 11:Book Club @ 9 a.m.Crochet Club @ 10 a.m.Lenten Lunch @ 11:30 a.m. here at LUMC

Thurs., March 12:Brain Trauma Support Group @ 6 p.m.

Fri., March 13:Men’s Bible Study @ 7 a.m.Pastor Ed on vacation through March 19

Sun., March 15:Adult Sunday School @ 9:00 a.m.Sunday School (kids) @ 9:10 a.m.Fellowship Coffee @ 10:30 a.m.Jean Murray filling the pulpitLaurens Area Youth Group (Jr. & Sr. High) meeting from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at BLC

Wed., March 18:Book Club @ 9 a.m.Crochet Club @ 10 a.m.Lenten Lunch @ 11:30 a.m. here at LUMCCaring Cards 5 p.m.-8 p.m.Administrative Council meeting @ 7 p.m.Hands of Hope Puppet Troop @ 7 p.m.

New Hope Baptist Church202 Byron St, Laurens

New Hope Baptist Church invites you to join us for Sunday School at 10 a.m. and our Worship Service at 11 a.m. Additionally all are welcome to attend our weekly Bible Study held each Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m.

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Extension News

Yard and Garden: Start Onions the Right WayOnions are an indispensable vegetable in the kitchen. Onions are easy to grow and take up little space in the garden. Follow the recommendations of Iowa State University horticulture specialists for successful onion growing. Contact the Hortline at hortline@iastate.edu, or 515-294-3108 with any additional questions.

Which onion cultivar should Iplant? When considering onions for a home garden, the suggested onion cultivars in Iowa include:

• ‘Blush’ (brownish pink skin, globe-shaped, excellent storage).

• ‘Candy’ (yellow-brown skin, globe-shaped, short term storage).

• ‘Copra’ (yellow-brown skin, excellentstorage).

• ‘Patterson’ (yellow-brown skin, globe-shaped, excellent storage).

• ‘Red Burgermaster’ (bright red, globe-shaped, good storage).

• ‘Redwing’ (deep red skin, globe-shaped, excellent storage).

• ‘Red Zeppelin’ (deep red, globe-shaped, excellent storage).

• ‘Stuttgarter’ (light brown skin,flattened globe, excellent storage, from sets).

• ‘Walla Walla’ (yellow-brown skin,flattened globe, short-term storage).

• ‘Yellow Sweet Spanish’ (yellow-brownskin, globe-shaped, short-term storage). An important aspect of onion bulb development is the photoperiod, or day length. Day length (the number of daylight hours) determines when bulb development begins. Short-day cultivars meet their photoperiod requirement and begin to form bulbs earlier than long-day cultivars. Long-day onion cultivars are the best choice for gardeners in Iowa and

other northern areas. The amount of onion foliage present at bulb initiation is important, as the onion’s foliage manufactures food for bulb development. Short-day cultivars generally produce small bulbs when grown in northern areas because of the small amount of foliage present at bulb initiation. Long-day cultivars produce larger bulbs, as they can produce more foliage before bulb initiation occurs. Onions can be grown from seeds, sets or transplants. Gardeners typically select their planting method based on cost, use, availability and ease of planting. Growing onions from seeds is the least expensive planting method. However, it is also the most difficult as seed germination is sometimes sporadic, resulting in poor stands. How do I sow onion seeds indoors? Using a well-drained growing medium, sow onion seeds in flats or plug trays approximately eight to 10 weeks before you intend to plant them outdoors. As soon as the seeds germinate, place the onion seedlings under fluorescent lights. The light fixture should be placed no more than 4-6 inches above the seedlings. Growing temperatures should be 55-65 degrees Fahrenheit. Insufficient light and temperatures above 65 F promote spindly growth. Thin the onion seedlings (within two to three weeks of germination) if the plants are crowded. When the seedlings become 5 inches tall, clip them back to 4 inches with a pair of scissors. Harden or acclimate the onion seedlings outdoors for several days before planting into the garden. Initially, place the plants in a shady, protected location. Then gradually expose the plants to longer periods of sunlight. Bring the seedlings back indoors if nighttime temperatures are forecast to drop to 32 F or below. Early April to early May is the best time to plant onion seedlings in the garden. Plant onion transplants from early April to early May. When planting, place the roots and the lower white portions of the plants below ground level. Space

transplants 1 inch apart when grown for green onions and 2-3 inches apart when grown for mature storage onions. How do I sow seeds in the garden? Onion seeds should be planted as soon as the ground can be worked in spring (late March or early April in southern Iowa, early to mid-April in central Iowa, and mid to late April in northern portions of the state). Cover the seeds with one-half to three-quarters of an inch of soil. Thin the planting when the seedlings are 2-4 inches tall. For large storage onions, plants should be spaced 2-3 inches apart after thinning.

Before planting sets, separate the bulbs into two size groups — those smaller than a nickel in diameter and those larger than a nickel. The larger sets often bolt (produce a flower stalk) and don’t produce good-sized bulbs. Use the larger sets for green onions. The smaller sets can be allowed to develop into mature onions. Plant sets from early April to early May. Sets should be planted at a depth of 1 to 1.5 inches. Space sets 1 inch apart when grown for green onions and 2-3 inches apart when grown for mature storage onions.

4-H Dog MeetingAll 4-H members that would like to participate in the Dog training classes this year are invited to a parent/child informational meeting Tuesday, April 14, 7:00 p.m. at the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Office in Pocahontas. Do not bring your dog to this meeting. You will need to provide a copy of your dog's vaccination papers before they may participate in the practice. If you are unable to attend the meeting but would like complete details, please call the Extension office at 712-335-3103.

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City Council Minutes

March 2nd, 2020 The Laurens City Council met in regular session at the Municipal Building at 5:00 p.m. on

Monday, March 2nd, 2020. Mayor Pro Tem called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. Present were Council members Jean Swanson, Aaron Christenson, John Jamison, Julie Potter, City Manager Hilary Reed, City Clerk Joan Hoben, Public Works Director Julian Johnsen, and Chief of Police Tom Shaw.

Jamison moved to approve the consent agenda including the minutes from the February 17th, 2020, meeting and the list of claims. Christenson seconded. All ayes; motion carried.

CLAIMS 03-02-2020

A&M SERVICES, INC. MOPS, RUGS, RAGS 94.24

ALLIANT ENERGY MONTHLY GAS FEE 555.49

BOMGAARS CLOTHING ALLOWANCE 234.52

CAHOY PUMP SERVICE, INC. WATER PLANT EQUIPMENT 4,252.00

DGR ENGINEERING ENGINEER AT LAGOON 2,821.00 FIRE SVC TRAINING BUREAU TRAINING 50.00

GALLS CLOTHING ALLOWANCE 109.29 GOWRIE POLICE DEPARTMENT TRAINING 75.00

HEIMAN ESPOT LITEBOX KIT 649.50

HILARY REED MILEAGE FOR MEETING 37.50

IACMA RETIREMENT 457 450.00

IRS FED/FICA TAX 4,136.19

IOWA PRISON INDUSTRIES ATV/GOLF CART PERMIT 42.20

IPERS IPERS 5,143.87

IPERS/PD PROTECTED IPERS 1,810.79

JAMES LITWILLER CLOTHING ALLOWANCE 96.43

JULIAN JOHNSEN EXPENSES FROM CONFERENCE 847.08

LMPC MONTHLY PHONE 486.91

LMU MONTHLY UTILITY 7,451.96 NORTH LAKE TRUCK REPAIR TRUCK REPAIR 40.05

PETE RUNNEBERG EXPENSES FROM CONFERENCE 35.99 PRIME BENEFITS SYSTEM GROUP INSURANCE 96.25 SANTANDER LEASING MONTHLY PUMPER PAYMENT 1,461.34 TREASURER STATE OF IA FEB 2020 SALES TAX 4,620.00 UNITYPOINT HEALTH MEDICAL EQUIPMENT 48.75 US BANK FUEL 328.05 USPS POSTAGE UTILITY BILLING 323.00

TOTAL 36,297.40

PAYROLL 2/24/2020 001 GENERAL 4,362.08

210 ROAD USE TAX 1,310.97 600 WATER 2,314.44 610 SEWER 1,981.06 670 GARBAGE 2,335.21

TOTAL 12,303.76

PAYROLL TOTAL 12,303.76

PAID TOTAL 48,601.16

001 GENERAL 15,067.30

110 ROAD USE TAX 4,620.80 112 EMPLOYEE BENEFITS 56.86 600 WATER 15,813.36 610 SEWER 7,952.45 670 GARBAGE 5,090.39

TOTAL BY FUND 48,601.16

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City Council Minutes

REVENUES GENERAL 28,613.22

ROAD USE TAX 15,520.09

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS 1,988.67

EMERGENCY LEVY 63.50

LOCAL OPTION 8,257.03

TAX INCREMENT FINANCING 471.06

POCKET PARK TOTAL 125.00

HOMETOWN PRIDE 8,000.00

DEBT SERVICE 2,063.09

PERPETUAL CARE 320.00

WATER 43,372.56

SEWER 30,195.05

GARBAGE 19,933.63

STORM WATER 3,018.84

TOTAL

161,941.74

John Newgard was present to ask the council for a portion of forgiveness on his sewer bills due to

a frozen pipe and a broken fitting. After much discussion, Potter motioned, based on past precedence not to forgive due to the charges being more than one month old. Christenson seconded. Newgard abstained. Motion carried, 4-0.

Garthlene Bell, Ambulance Director, asked the council for approval on hiring Ethan Runneberg as an ambulance driver. Swanson moved to approve hiring Ethan Runneberg as an ambulance driver. Jamison seconded. All ayes, motion carried.

Garthlene Bell then gave an annual update on the ambulance. Jamison moved to approve re-setting the Date for Budget Public Hearing to Friday, March 27th at

12:00 p.m. in council chambers. Christenson seconded. All ayes; motion carried. Potter moved to set the date for town clean up days to the first week of May. Tuesday’s garbage

will be picked up May 5th, and Thursday’s garbage will be picked up May 7th. Jamison seconded. All ayes; motion carried.

Potter moved to adjourn at 5:36 p.m. Jamison seconded. All ayes. Motion carried.

___________________________________ ______________________________________ Rich Newgard, Mayor Pro Tem Hilary Reed, City Clerk