Business

PREMIERE NATIONAL WINE COMPETITION RECOGNIZES ACHIEVEMENT

  Fireside Winery receives accolades during Jefferson Cup Invitational Wine Competition   In the wine world few wine competitions possess the prestige associated with it as does the Jefferson Cup Invitational Wine Competition.  Organized and led by Doug Frost, one of three people in the world to hold both the Master of Sommelier and Master of Wines accreditations – and for the second year in a row Fireside Winery was invited to the competition.

BENTON COUNTY FARM BUREAU RECOGNIZED AS A TOP PERFORMER

Craig Lang left, David Wrage, Craig Hill, right present award to Wrage   David Wrage received the Benton County Farm Bureau Federation recognition award at the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) annual meeting in Des Moines on December 1st. IFBF President Craig Lang, left, and IFBF Vice President Craig Hill, right, made the presentation to David Wrage (center). Benton County Farm Bureau received an Outstanding designation for its 2010 programs related to policy development; policy implementation; communication; ag education; strengthening the organization; and promoting the benefits of membership.

Make This Holiday Season a 'Green' One

  Everywhere you look there are signs of the holidays – decorations, Christmas trees, festive lawn decorations and advertisements for this year’s “must-have” gifts. Unfortunately, along with all of this holiday cheer comes a tremendous amount of additional waste. During the few weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, we generate an additional one million tons of waste per week compared to any other time of the year.

PUBLIC INPUT NEEDED FOR NORTHERN IOWA WATERSHED PLANNING

  Public Workshops Planned in Both Cedar Falls and Toddville   The Iowa-Cedar River Basin Interagency Planning Team will be hosting several community visioning workshops on Dec. 7 and 8.  The group is asking city officials, businesses, neighborhoods and residents that live and work within the Dry Creek, Dry Run Creek and Lime Creek Watersheds to define a vision and direction for their local watershed.

Co-op Connection Card Puts value in your wallet!

If you carry this card, the Co-op Connections Card, see story for benefits!   ECI REC's commitment goes beyond providing safe, reliable, and affordable electricity…. East-Central Iowa REC, a Touchstone Energy® cooperative, is pleased to announce we have introduce the Co-op Connections® Card to our members. All 6,899 members should be receiving their card and two key-fobs in the mail later this week.

Winter Feeding Decisions for the Cow Herd

  During most Iowa winters, hay is an adequate choice to meet nutritional needs of gestating beef cows when fed free choice. However, this summer’s continual rain caused over-mature or otherwise damaged hay resulting in decreased feed value.   Iowa State University (ISU) Extension beef program specialist Denise Schwab said the problem is widespread.

Evening Meal Schedule

Evening Meals -Serving Time: 5:30-6:30 pm   Tuesday, December 7th Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes/Gravy, Peas, Pears, Bread Pudding w/Raisins, WW Bread, Margarine and Milk. Activity: Pinochle/5 Crown/Spades @ 6:00 pm     Tuesday, December 21st Lasagna, Garlic Bread, Green Beans, Fruited Jello, Cereal Bar and Milk.

Alliant Energy encourages customers to use energy efficiency practices

  As loved ones gather across the country to enjoy Thanksgiving Day dinner, Alliant Energy encourages customers to remember the value of energy by implementing energy efficiency practices as they prepare their holiday feast.    According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, the average cost of the goods for this year’s traditional Thanksgiving dinner for ten people is approximately $43.

Cattle Feeders: Risk and margin management workshops this winter

  The Iowa Beef Center (IBC) at Iowa State University (ISU) invites cattle feeders to one of a series of risk and margin management workshops this winter. Locations in northwest, north central and northeast Iowa are set for December and locations in southern Iowa are being scheduled for early January.   Russ Euken, ISU Extension beef program specialist said producers will learn about risk management tools like futures, options, and livestock insurance, and how to use those tools in their operations.

4th STREET DINER NEWS

  4th Street Diner HACAP North Benton Center 202 East Fourth St Vinton, IA 52349 319-472-4761 Serving Buffet from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM, Monday through  Friday. A choice of salads is available on the buffet. Everyone is WELCOME! Suggested contribution for  individuals 60 years old or older, and their spouse  (regardless of age) is $2.