It’s official; the new year has begun. The first four books with 2023 publication dates have arrived at the library! Ellen and I had guessed that the first book to appear with 2023 date would be by either James Patterson or Danielle Steel.
Two Sidney residents were recently named to the fall semester 2022 dean’s list at Iowa State University. Taylersue Hickman, a first-year cyber security engineering student, and Abigail Renee Whitehead, a second-year psychology student, were among the more than 10,200 ISU students on the list.
Many gardeners struggle with their property’s shaded areas. True, turfgrass won’t grow in heavy shade (anywhere with less than 6 hours of direct, full sun), but there are many plants which prefer either partial or even full shade. All it takes is a shift in your landscape vision for shaded areas to go from thin, unthrifty turf to the healthy restful gems of your landscape. Benefits & Challenges of Shade First, soil moisture doesn’t evaporate as quickly from shaded areas, which reduces the need for watering during most of the year. Shaded areas are also cooler, making it easier for plants to tolerate hot summer days. And, once established, a shade garden is fairly low maintenance.
Every two years since 1982, the Iowa Farm and Rural Life poll has asked farmers to report on changes in quality of life, defined as “the degree of satisfaction with all aspects of life,” for their families and families in their communities.
Even though mental health is key to overall health, the general lack of awareness about what to say or how to help family, loved ones, and neighbors keeps people from seeking treatment. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Division of Behavioral Health (DBH) is encouraging individuals to speak out about breaking the stigma of mental health to create a strong and supportive community.
In 2022, the Hamburg Fire Department reported a 46 percent increase in call volume over 2021. According to the department’s Facebook page, the 28 members of the department had 98 calls during the year, which does not include training time, equipment/ truck checks, and other efforts needed to keep the department going.
Consumers familiar with the disparity in price between organic fruits and vegetables and conventional alternatives may be curious if that difference in price pays off with healthier foods. According to a 2014 study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, it does. Researchers behind the study concluded that the antioxidant compounds in organic fruits and vegetables deliver between 20 and 40 percent higher antioxidant activity. That’s a significant benefit, as the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health notes that antioxidantrich fruits, vegetables and legumes are associated with a lower risk of various diseases, including cardiovascular diseases and cancer, and deaths from all causes. In addition, the Mayo Clinic notes that organically grown produce has traditionally had lower levels of pesticide residue than conventionally grown alternatives, though safety measures governing conventional produce and residue levels have changed in recent years and reduced that gap.
Home renovations provide a host of benefits. Such projects can increase resale value and improve on the safety, aesthetics and functionality of a home.
Third Monday: Hamburg Community School District board meeting, Marnie Simons Elementary, 309 S St., 5 p.m. (712) 382-2017. Wednesdays: Fremont County Board of Supervisors meeting, Fremont County Courthouse boardroom, 506 Fillmore St., Sidney. 9 a.m. (712) 374-2031.
There will be plenty of activities taking place on Saturday, Jan. 28, in the Al Wheeler Activity Center (AWAC), with the Peru State National Alumni (NAA) Chili Feed being the highlight of the day. This will be the 13th annual hosting of the event on the Campus of a Thousand Oaks.