Entries are closed and final details are being finalized. If anyone is looking for the 4-H show schedule it can be found on our website at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/clay, click on 4-H & youth tab and then county fair. There are many useful links under this tab.

As Iowans continue to rebuild from storms, it is essential to stay vigilant about storm-related scams. Here are some common scams to watch out for:

There’s a sign out front of Hope Church that proclaims: “Put God first and everything else will fall into place.” That is almost word for word, but you get the idea. It works no matter your political persuasion, economic status, your work life/profession or anything else you can name.

Imagine sitting down after a hard day’s work with your family and enjoying a wonderful meal. As your stomach rumbles in hunger and the aroma of delicious home cooking permeates your nostrils, suddenly a stranger knocks on your door and demands a slice of your land ― a piece of your heritage, passed down from your grandparents. They tell you it’s for “public benefit,” “the greater good,” “to help farmers” and for a “good cause.”

At the end of 2025, pro-growth, pro-worker, pro-family tax policies authorized by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act are set to expire. These provisions include the nearly doubled standard deduction for Iowa families, tax cuts for small businesses, investment incentives for our farmers, manufacturers, and job creators, and other tax items.

Tomatoes are popular vegetables in the home garden. Most gardeners currently are enjoying their harvests. However, tomatoes are susceptible to a range of disorders that can compromise their quality and yield. In this article, horticulturists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach discuss what you can do when you encounter issues with your tomatoes.

Why are my tomatoes cracking?

Certain dates, holidays and events cause us to pause from the routine of everyday life and reflect. In that reflection, various emotions are elicited ― joy, sorrow, appreciation and many others. We set important dates apart from regular calendar days, in order to remember and to celebrate. Birthdays are significant for us to consider the gift of life and also to recognize time itself as a gift.

Is this our best?

That’s a question that permeated my youth.

Teachers asked it.

Employers asked it.

Leaders asked it.

In turn, of ourselves, we asked it.

I rarely hear that question anymore.

We would like to acknowledge all of the musicians who took the time and joined us for this summer's Spencer Municipal Band season. They graciously showed up at our rehearsals and concerts and performed a variety of pieces for the enjoyment of our community.

Capitalism can be brutal. One study found that of all the companies started in 1998, only 31% of them remained just seven years later. It is likely much less than that today. Another report showed that over half of Fortune 500 companies disappeared in the last 20 years. Another comparison seemed to be appropriate considering the recently concluded Paris Olympics. You might remember Carl Lewis, who dominated sprinting events in the 1984 LA Olympics.

The Clay County Fair is only 24 days away, but it is not too late to get involved!

Prepare some space in the garden or a container for a fall harvest of radishes. They’ll grow and taste best when harvested during cooler weather and some are ready to harvest in just 25 days.

There are a variety of radishes suited to everyone’s taste. Most of us have tried the peppery flavored, round and red ones but you’ll find mild to pungent flavored radishes in various colors and shapes.

August.

Hot. Dry. Miserable.

To be fair, August’s early days haven’t been that bad this year. But August has always been one of my least favorite months. It’s long, hot 31 days drag on forever as my anticipation for the most wonderful time of the year builds.

Q: How are you working to address affordable child care for families?

Strong families are the foundation of strong communities. As a husband and father of four, it is important to me that we advance policies that strengthen families and support children, especially those in need. That’s why — during my time in Congress — I have worked as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee to uplift our families and support our children.