Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Awards presented to 33 farm families

August 21, 2026

DES MOINES — Gov. Kim Reynolds, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and Iowa Department of Natural Resources Director Kayla Lyon recognized 33 Iowa farm families with Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Awards during a ceremony at the 2026 Iowa State Fair. The Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award recognizes farmers and farm families who demonstrate outstanding voluntary efforts to improve and protect Iowa’s soil and water resources while also serving as leaders in their communities. This year’s recipients utilize a wide range of conservation practices, including cover crops, ...

Storybook Trail on the Prairie!

August 21, 2026

PRAIRIE CITY — Those who enjoy exploring the tallgrass prairie and reading, make sure to join the monthly storybook activity this summer along the 1/2-mile Overlook Trail loop at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, 9981 Pacific St., Prairie City. People can read the story posted on signs along the trail while soaking in the sights and sounds of the tallgrass prairie. The trail is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. This month’s featured book is "The Magic of Bees." Admission is free. Pack and lunch and eat at the picnic tables near the visitor center entrance. To find the ...

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

August 20, 2026

Aug. 21 Cards, Senior Citizens Center, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Cards/Games, Senior Citizens Center, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Service Dog Foster Program, Information Session, Iowa Valley Community College District, 5:30 p.m. Live Music By Steve Grismore, Tannin, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

ALMANAC

August 20, 2026

LOCAL GRAINS The prices paid for cash grain in central Iowa at the close of trade on Aug. 19, 2026. Corn: $4.31 - 4.45 Soybeans: $11.87 - 11.99 Weather Reporting Guidelines Temperatures Yesterday's High 81 Yesterday's Low 64 Last High 85 Last Low 67 Precipitation Through 7 a.m. 0.00 inches Year-to-date 33.26 inches Last year-to-date 33.76 inches Barometer Today at 4:00 p.m. 29.95 Daylight Sunrise Tomorrow 6:25 a.m. Sunset Tomorrow 8:04 p.m. River Level Yesterday at 4 p.m. 11.14 ft. (flood stage is 18 feet for low-lying areas of Marshall County.)

Pachyderm Forum to discuss data centers

August 20, 2026

The Marshall County Republican Pachyderm Forum will meet at noon on Aug. 21 at Legends American Cafe. The program will be the first of two panel discussions on the current data bank issues facing Marshalltown and Marshall County voters and elected officials. Speakers for the first session will address the issue from the city's perspective. They include Board of Adjustment member Mark Eaton, At-Large Counselor Gary Thompson and 3rd Ward Counselor Greg Nichols. The goal is to separate fact from fiction and identify real questions facing the decision makers. After initial comments from ...

Road Closures

August 20, 2026

The Marshall County Road Department has closed the 2900 mile of Yates Avenue from 8 a.m. on Aug. 19 to 4 p.m. on Aug. 20 for a culvert replacement. The road is closed to through traffic and there is no posted detour. The 2800 mile of Newby Avenue has been closed as of 8 a.m. on Aug. 19 with work expected to end by 4 p.m. on Aug. 24. Road crews are working on regrading the E-63 intersection. There is no posted detour route. For more information contact the Road Department at 641-754-6343.