Latest news with #4-H
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Wagner rummage sale raises thousands to support local cancer patients
Jun. 3—WAGNER, S.D. — It's not hard to find a rummage sale — especially this time of year. But one in Wagner is different. It doesn't just clear out closets — it raises thousands of dollars for cancer patients and their families, keeping every dollar local and every effort deeply personal. The Wagner Cancer Walk and Rummage organization has been a fixture in the community for 16 years. Founded by longtime 4-H leader Arlis Kafka, the event was born from a simple yet powerful realization: the money raised in small towns like Wagner was being sent to larger cities, while people right at home were struggling. "I remember cleaning for a man going through cancer treatment. I saw firsthand how hard it was — not just physically, but financially," Kafka said. "At the same time, I learned that the money our 4-H kids had raised for cancer through Relay for Life didn't stay here. That didn't sit right with me." That moment sparked an idea to keep Wagner's generosity close to home. The Wagner Cancer Walk began in 2007 as a fundraiser organized by the local 4-H Club, timed to coincide with the weekend of the 4-H Achievement Days. The first year featured selling luminaries and T-shirts, serving a community meal and honoring those currently battling cancer as well as remembering those who had lost their fight. Inspired again by the 4-H Club's tradition, Kafka added a rummage sale to the effort — building on the club's annual rummage sale that helped raise funds for their own expenses. What started as a simple fundraiser has since grown into one of the area's largest and most supported events, with every dollar raised staying in the local community. Today, the organization directly helps cancer patients in Wagner, Lake Andes, Marty, Dante and Pickstown. Held each June at the Wagner National Guard Armory, the sale is a massive undertaking. This year's runs June 4 to June 6. In the days before opening, volunteers transform the armory into a rummage wonderland — setting up 128 tables, racks of clothes and even shopping carts to help manage the crowds. They accept household items, small appliances, clothes, toys, books, bedding and furniture—just no old TVs or computers. As donations come in, so do stories, and that's how Vice President Jeanne Horner first found her way to the cause. She met Kafka at another rummage sale, where a young woman was raising money for a cancer run. "Arlis told me about her rummage that supported a walk right here in Wagner," Horner said. "I was hooked." For Horner, who lost both of her parents to cancer, the mission is deeply personal. "Back then, there just wasn't much that could be done. My dad didn't even make it a year after diagnosis," she said. "So now, when I see survivors coming back year after year, it gives me hope. There can be life on the other side of cancer." That hope is backed by action. Thanks to funds raised through the rummage and annual walk, the organization now provides local cancer patients with $500 in Chamber Bucks every six months — offering tangible relief while supporting local businesses. Most years, the sale generates between $12,000 and $17,000. Last year alone, the group was able to assist 28 cancer patients. "We've come a long way from giving $50 checks that first year," Kafka said. The impact goes beyond June. In August, the organization hosts the Wagner Cancer Walk at Wagner Lake. This year's walk is set for August 9 at 7 p.m. The evening includes a community meal, a lakeside walk, survivor group photo, memorial tributes, a Chinese lantern release and a fireworks display donated by Bouza Fireworks in honor of owner Justin Bouza's mother, Missy Wunder. The event also honors those lost with a tribute video and a garden flag memorial. A pink concrete ribbon now graces the park, created in memory of Wunder and Deb Soulek — just one of many lasting tributes along the organization's path. Putting on an event of this scale takes an army — about 36 volunteers, many of them retirees who "just keep going," according to Horner. "We finally got some men involved in recent years," she said. "But it's truly amazing how much is accomplished in one week." That sense of shared purpose runs deep. "You talk to people in town —at the bank, the grocery store, city hall — and everyone wants to help," Horner said. "One year, we got free ice cream to give out. Another year, free Doritos. People just want to be part of it." As Horner sees it, the community's generosity comes from a place of understanding. "Sadly, almost everyone has been touched by cancer," Horner said. "That's why they give — and that's why we keep going." The Wagner Cancer Rummage will be held June 4 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., June 5 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and June 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All proceeds go to support cancer patients in Wagner and surrounding communities.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Today, farmers planting corn and soybean are using less acreage and seeing higher yields
For the last month and a half, tractors have been pulling fertilizer carts, tillage equipment and planters on our roads and in the fields as planting season begins. Corn and soybeans are the primary focus of spring planting in Muskingum County. Based on the latest completed statistics from 2023, some 24,000 acres of corn and 20,000 acres of soybeans will be planted. In line with these statistics, more than 10% of Muskingum County's 424,960 acres will be used for growing these two crops this summer. During the past more than 80 years, significant changes in crop production have taken place in the ever changing farming industry. In 1950, Muskingum County had approximately 26,000 acres in corn, just a little more than the 24,000 current acres. But a big change has taken place in county wheat production, which declined from the14,000 acres reported in 1950 to 680 acres reported in 2023. In 1950, soybeans were pretty much an afterthought in agriculture production with fewer than 600 acres planted. In fact, soybeans did not even show up in the county agricultural report until 1940 when 100 acres were planted. As soybean profits increased in the 1970s and 1980s to the present, so has the acreage planted, seemingly replacing wheat acreage on county farms. The decreased wheat acreage has had several side effects including a decrease in the supply of straw for livestock bedding, making the straw more valuable than in the past. Total crop acreage in Muskingum County seems to have remained fairly consistent over the last 75 years, even though the crops planted have changed. An additional factor that has changed is the yield per acre. The 26,000 acres of corn planted in 1950 produced only an average of 50 bushels per acre, or about 650,000 bushels total, while the 24,000 acres of corn planted in 2023 had an estimated average of 175 bushels an acre for a total of 4.2 million total bushels. The soybeans of 1950 produced only 20 bushels per acre. Soybeans in 2023 were reported to be averaging 50 bushels per acre. Going back to the Civil War era, corn is reported to have averaged 33 bushels per acre and wheat only 10 bushels per acre. Some sources say that during the Civil War more than 80,000 acres, almost twice the current crop acreage, were in production growing additional crops such as rye, buckwheat, oats and barley. I have trouble even thinking about feeding the armies, let alone the family members at home on crop yields of 33 and 10 bushels per acre. Agriculture is always changing. What you saw yesterday growing, planting and harvesting in the fields may not be what you see tomorrow. Exciting changes have taken place and more are just around the corner as our farmers continue to produce more on less land than ever before. Chuck Bell is a former 4-H educator for Muskingum County. This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: Farmers see higher yields for corn and soybean planted on less acreage
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
2025 Madison County Fair and Rodeo preparations underway
MADISON COUNTY, Neb. (KCAU) — The Madison County Fair and Rodeo is preparing for their annual festivities. The Madison County Fair is taking place from July 8 to 13, and to gear up for the event. Officials have been planting flowers, mowing, landscaping, and repairing the buildings. Story continues below Top Story: Potential SNAP cuts could impact food banks in Siouxland Lights & Sirens: 1 dead after truck crashes into backhoe near Norfolk Sports: Local Iowa high school girls playoff soccer highlights and scores (5-28-25) Weather: Get the latest weather forecast here At the fair, visitors can enjoy rides, food and beverage vendors, 4-H booths and exhibits, rodeos, a rabbit show, a dog show, and activities involving art. To see a full schedule, click here. Interested in music? The fair will feature performances by Jo Dee Messina, Kameron Marlowe, Hairball, the Rude Band, and Rosendo Robles. The fair's website said there is a clear bag policy in place. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
‘Basically forced medication': Florida's Ron DeSantis signs farm bill rewriting rules on water, agriculture
Florida just rewrote a large chunk of its agricultural rule book. On May 15, Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 700 into law. The 100-plus page 'Florida Farm Bill' rewires state agriculture from the faucet to the skies. Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) The law bans community water fluoridation, forbids plant-based drinks from using words like 'milk,' grounds activist drones, shields 4-H projects from zoning fights and lets growers sue banks that deny loans over climate policies. Most provisions kick in by July 1, reshaping daily life for farmers and consumers alike. Here's how these changes could impact Floridians. The headline change of the bill is a statewide ban on adding fluoride to drinking water. The law doesn't specifically mention fluoride; rather the law bans 'The use of any additives in a public water system which do not meet the definition of a water quality additive as defined in s. 403.852, or the use of any additives included primarily for health-related purposes." DeSantis called fluoridation 'forced medication on people' and said residents can add the mineral at home if they wish. Florida is only the second state to ban fluoride in drinking water; Utah outlawed it in March. But officials and medical experts are concerned about the long-term impact. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava shared a statement in which she said, in part: 'I am deeply disappointed by the Florida Legislature's decision to pursue a statewide ban on water fluoridation, a decision that disregards the overwhelming consensus of dentists, doctors, and medical experts and will end a practice that has been in place for decades to protect our health.' The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and American Dental Association still rank water fluoridation among the top public-health wins of the 20th century, noting it cuts cavities by more than 25% even in the toothpaste era. Hawaii, where only 11% of residents get fluoridated water, records the nation's worst child-decay rate — 71% of third-graders have tooth decay, compared to the national average of 52%. The CDC notes that cavities often go untreated and can cause pain and severe infections that may result in issues with eating, playing and learning. In some cases, cavities can lead to abscesses, which can, in rare cases, lead to death. Read more: This is how American car dealers use the '4-square method' to make big profits off you — and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs The bill also orders 'truth in labeling,' targeting plant-based or lab-grown products. These products can no longer use the words milk, meat, poultry or eggs. "If it's not grown on a hoof, you're not going to be able to call it meat," Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson said at the signing ceremony held on his property. "And if it's not out of an udder, you're not going to be able to call it milk." For producers, this law change means they must make changes to labeling including removing the word "milk" from packaging for milk alternatives like soy milk, oat milk and almond milk. Shoppers can expect clearer language on the products they buy and, possibly, a modest price hike as procedures scramble to update their packaging. The law also covers three other farm-related topics, including drone usage over farms, 4-H funding and how lenders extend credit to farmers. Flying a drone over agricultural or hunting land without written consent is now illegal. Florida House of Representatives Member Danny Alvarez said the measure ensures farmers are protected. "Our farmers and hunters are the backbone of Florida's heritage, and they deserve to be protected from those who would use drones to intimidate and disrupt them. I'm glad to see Commissioner Simpson lead forward and fight back against those who would try to cause them harm,' shared Rep. Alvarez Drones have been used by activists looking to monitor poaching and illegal deforestation and keep a watchful eye on zoos and aquariums. In 2013, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) launched a drone campaign to track illegal hunting in Massachusetts. They've also been used to get a bird's-eye view of factory farms in the midwest. However, no major news sources have reported on any Florida farmers being harassed by drones. In fact, farmers are beginning to use drones to detect pests and signs of stress in crops. The bill also protects 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) programs. Under the bill, local governments are banned from zoning changes that make it harder for 4-H and FFA programs to operate. Schools can now classify on-campus barns and gardens as 'agricultural,' shielding student livestock projects from zoning disputes and even providing scholarships for FFA dues. And a bill provision called 'Florida Farmer Financial Protection Act' bars lenders from denying credit to producers because of environmental, social or governance (ESG) standards and lets farmers sue if they suspect discrimination. Anthony DiMarco, executive vice-president of government relations at the Florida Bankers Association, was reported to have objected to the provision, saying it would increase lawsuits against lenders, bar banks from cutting ties with high-risk clients such as medical-marijuana firms and encourage other industries to demand the same legal weapon. With fluoride on its way out, labels changing, drones grounded and lenders on notice, Florida's farm bill is redrawing the state's agricultural landscape — leaving dentists, plant-based brands and bankers bracing for what comes next. Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Exciting adventures await at 4-H camp Bristol Hills this summer
CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. (WROC) — After 36 hours of beautiful weather across the region, many are looking ahead to the summer months – and for some families, that means planning for summer camp, where kids can get outside and make the most of the season. 4-H Camp Bristol Hills is all about connecting with nature, offering a wide variety of programs for campers of all ages. But no matter which path you choose, there's one thing you'll never forget — the legendary Big M. 'One of our big pieces as for 4-Hers are what we call the big M: belonging, independence, generosity and mastery. We work really hard to create a space where everybody feels they belong, where they can build, like, good, meaningful friendships,' said Jessica Middleton, one of 4-H's directors. As 4-H celebrates its centennial year, they're pulling out all the stops. Campers can look forward to exciting expansions to the archery range and ropes course, along with a lineup of brand-new events that promise to make this milestone year unforgettable. 'We're going to be doing our very first ever five K race. It'll be an ultra race here at camp,' said Jim Hooper, another director of the camp. 'We're also going to be closing out our centennial celebration this year with a gala. Our big fundraiser for this year is going to be our pool house. We are looking to replace our entire pool, complex, if you will, the pool and the pool house. So that'll be a big capital campaign coming up, starting probably this fall.' Local entrepreneur helping people fight cancer with her innovative device Even with all the exciting new features the camp offers each year, 4-H's camp directors never lose sight of what they cherish most. 'I always love getting to see how this whole place, like, reimagines itself. Every week we get a whole new batch of campers, and, we get staff that, you know, build those community connections, build a relationship, and just kind of getting the chance to walk around camp is a constant reminder of what a lucky place we work in, and to be able to see the growth and development from our staff that have been coming back year after year, from seeing our campers go from sprout campers that day campers to progression campers, and seeing them develop all the way up through CIT and leadership programs,' Hooper said. Click here to learn more about 4-h's summer programs. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
