Page 7 - Clear Lake Mirror Reporter E-Edition 6/3/2015

Ag./BusinessClear Lake Mirror-Reporter June 3, 2015 • Page 7

Crop and Weather Report NIACC receives metalworking
skills scholarship
Cold, wet weather slows
farmers down across Iowa
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture soil moisture levels. South central Iowa North Iowa Area Community students the opportunity for NIMS
Bill Northey commented on the Iowa reported over one-third surplus subsoil Ribbon cutting at the Barrel College (NIACC) was awarded schol- certifications further affirms that our
Crops and Weather report released by moisture levels. arship dollars as part of a new part- students have acquired the technical
the USDA National Agricultural Sta- Ninety-seven percent of the corn Seth Thackery, of the Barrel Drive-In, celebrated his initial remodeling project nership with the National Institute skills necessary for workplace success.”
tistical Service. crop has been planted, behind last with a ribbon cutting with the Clear Lake Area Chamber First Mates. The Barrel for Metalworking Skills (NIMS), the “With this program, we hope to
“Unfortunately wet weather con- year’s progress for the first time this sea- has been a Chamber member since 1958. -Submitted photo precision manufacturing industry’s support more high schools and com-
tinues and is limiting the ability of son. Corn emerged reached 90 percent, premier standards and certification munity colleges as they build high-
farmers to get into the field. Soybean just 2 days ahead of last year and the Gute receives ABCM Corporation body, and the Gene Haas Foundation quality programs that use NIMS
planting is now four days behind the 5-year average. Eighty percent of the Person Directed Care Award (GHF), which provides scholarships standards and credentials in order to
five-year average. Southwest Iowa has corn crop was rated good to excellent. to schools for students entering tech- deliver the most relevant and inno-
been the most delayed by the weath- Soybean planting reached 78 per- Oakwood Care Cen- nical training programs. The partner- vative training,” said the Gene Haas
er with only 37 percent of soybeans cent complete, one week behind 2014, ter, owned and operated ship will help enhance a robust train- Foundation Board. “This provides our
planted compared to 78 percent for the and 4 days behind average. Southwest by ABCM Corporation, ing program to prepare more students country’s manufacturers an excellent
statewide average,” Northey said and south central Iowa continued to is pleased to announce for success in precision machining workforce.”
Cool temperatures and persistent lag behind in the planting of their ex- careers. As part of the program, NIACC
wet conditions hindered fieldwork in pected soybean acreage with only 37 The NIACC Tool and Die is receiving an $825 contribution to-
Iowa during the week ending May 31, and 50 percent of their soybean crop Program has recently restructured the ward implementing industry-recog-
2015, according to the USDA, Na- in the ground, respectively. Soybean existing curriculum requirements nized NIMS standards and credentials
tional Agricultural Statistics Service. emergence reached 53 percent, slightly with local industry needs by integrat- into their machine training programs
Statewide there were only 2.3 days suit- behind last year and normal. Oat emer- ing certifications linked to nationally and seeking national recognition
able for fieldwork. Operators reported gence is nearly complete, while oats recognized, portable credentials. “The through NIMS accreditation. The
standing water in some fields and the headed reached 8 percent this week, partnership with NIMS further re- program will also cover costs for 22
need to replant in areas of some fields. almost one week behind the 5-year av- flects that our Tool and Die program students to gain NIMS credentials
Producers are still concerned about erage. Oat condition rated 81 percent is of the highest quality and meets in- that certify foundational skills in pre-
muddy feedlots and limited spraying good to excellent. dustry standards,” said Donna Orton, cision machining.
due to wet fields. Frequent rains continued to slow Interim Vice President of Academic Schools can apply for a GHF-
Topsoil moisture levels rated to progress on the first cutting of alfalfa Affairs. “Aligning our curriculum to NIMS Credentialing Scholarship.
0 percent very short, 2 percent short, hay with just 18 percent complete. Hay NIMS standards and providing our
76 percent adequate and 22 percent conditions rated 82 percent good to ex- that Person Directed Care
surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 0 cellent. Coordinator, Kelly Gute,
percent very short, 6 percent short, 79 Pasture condition improved to 76 has been awarded the Optimum Health Chiropractic
percent adequate and 15 percent sur- percent good to excellent. Livestock ABCM Corporation Per- Bringing you and your
plus. Southwest and south central Iowa conditions were described as good with son Directed Care Award. family better health and
both reported 50 percent surplus top- cool temperatures and no heat stress. She embraces this way of
thinking and living, giv- a better way of life.
ing others the leadership
and mentoring needed so
Unemployment rate drops all benefit from this posi- 641-357-1211
tive lifestyle change. She
is a guide to other ABCM 506 Main Avenue, Clear Lake
Iowa’s seasonally adjusted unem- ment shed 900 due to losses in local homes, helping them to Visit our new website at www.drnickmccolley.com Dr. Nick McColley
ployment rate dropped to 3.8 percent government; the majority of that drop understand this mission Palmer Graduate
in April from 4.0 percent in March. was seasonal and education-related.
The state’s jobless rate was 4.4 percent Despite the loss, the state continues of Person Directed Care Lip Drink®
one year ago. The U.S. unemployment to hover above last year’s employment (PDC). This high stan-
rate dropped to 5.4 percent in April. mark (+20,400). dard is made up of 94 SPF 15 Lip Balm
“While there was a loss of 1,700 Construction advanced this achievable standards. KELLY GUTE
jobs in nonfarm employment in Iowa, month (+2,400) due to strong hiring Feel quenched with
those losses were offset by the overall in highway and infrastructure projects Oakwood Care Cen- a subtle sheen. Leave
increase in the number of Iowans work- coupled with larger-than-seasonal gains ter successfully implemented all 94 benchmarks and has achieved the three-year
ing,” said Beth Townsend, director of within specialty finishing contractor certification due to Gute’s leadership. An award ceremony and presentation was your lips feeling
Iowa Workforce Development. “April’s employment. This month’s increase made by ABCM Corporation’s Jane Askeland on May 13 during the Family moisturized, protected
unemployment rate of 3.8 percent re- marks the third-consecutive month Fiesta Event.
flects an increase of more than 23,000 that this sector has increased. The oth- “We are very proud of Kelly, not only for all she has done to earn this and refreshed.
working Iowans compared to a year er services sector increased this month award, but for all she continues to do to ensure we remain certified,” said Oak-
ago. IWD is working hard with our (+1,600), as did leisure and hospital- wood Care Center’s Administrator, Sheri Weaver Isvik. “With this award, Kelly Call to schedule your
employer partners to find employees to ity (+600) and education and health also receives an all-expense paid trip to the Person Directed Care National Con- appointment.
meet an ever increasing need for quali- services (+200). Alternatively, slightly ference in Chicago in August.”
fied and skilled employees within the over half the sectors shed employment This is Gute’s second achievement award this year. She was also nominated
State of Iowa.” this month and were led by manufac- and received the ABCM Corporation’s “Catch Me At My Best” Award in Febru-
The number of unemployed Io- turing (-3,200). The decline was pri- ary for her work as PDC Coordinator.
wans decreased to 65,500 in April from marily due to layoffs in durable goods The PDC Committee was developed, and eight core values were used as
68,000 in March. The current estimate manufacturing (-2,700) coupled with a the foundation for the standards of certification. The eight core values include:
is 8,600 lower than the year ago level of smaller loss within nondurable goods Shared Vision, Individualized Lifestyle, Relationships, Empowerment, Home-
74,100. factories (-500). Trade and transpor- like Environment, Lifelong Learning, Customer Service, and Positive Work En- Located at
The total number of working Io- tation shed jobs this month due to vironment.Oakwood Care Center is one of the 30 rehabilitation and long term First Avenue Studios
wans increased to 1,647,700 in April. an unexpected drop in retail (-1,000), care centers and 24 Independent and Assisted Living Apartments owned and 306 1st Avenue North
This figure is 600 higher than March while financial activities pared jobs for operated by ABCM Corporation. ABCM Corporation is a multi-level provider
and 23,700 higher than one year ago. the second consecutive month (-700). and has been a leader in long term care for over 50 years across Iowa. Clear Lake
Total nonfarm employment shed Smaller losses this month occurred
1,700 jobs in April, lowering non- in professional and business services 357-8007
farm employment to 1,566,000. This (-300), mining (-200), and informa-
month’s loss was the first of 2015 for tion services (-200). POTATO BAR & AUCTION
the state and was heavily influenced Compared to last April, nonfarm
by losses in manufacturing, trade and employment has steadily increased Open Bible Church
transportation, finance, and govern- with private industry adding most
ment. The last drop in nonfarm em- of the jobs (+17,500). Construction 608 S. 8th St., Clear Lake
ployment for Iowa occurred in Sep- continues to add jobs, expanding on
tember of 2014. While private sectors a surge started in 2014 and is now up Potato Bar serving from Sunday
combined for 800 jobs lost, govern- 5,600 jobs versus last year. 11:45 am to 12:30 pm June 7th

Is your DRYER keeping up with Auction immediately after lunch
all the BEACH TOWELS?
Meal includes Baked Potato with topping choices,
Zilge’s Appliance has a large variety of dryers Salad, Dessert & Drink
- gas and electric, starting at
$399/Electric and $499/Gas Adults $5 • Kids 8 and under $3

Check out the big, AUCTION
energy efficient
Maytag Maxima Featuring Pastor Will Hunsaker as Auctioneer
7.4 cubic feet =
Braces for a child, by Dr. Jason Skinner, DDS
20 towels at Once!
HUMUNGUS! (this is approximately a $4,500 value and will be sold
to the highest bidder).
Stop in or call
Zilges Appliance Center Homemade Baked Goods, Antiques, Jewelry,
We can repair or replace it. Gift Baskets, Quilt, Hand-Crafted Wooden Signs and

641-423-2473 other Craft Items. Large Handmade Rag Rug,
myzilges.com or Household Items,
[email protected]
Merchandise and Gift Certificates from various area
businesses including Meals, Oil Changes, Auto Detailing,

Hair Care and much more still coming in.

Come, check it out Sunday, June 7th.
Shop for yourself or for gifts.

26 6th Street SE, Mason City • 641-423-2473 We hope you can join us for the fun as we work together, through
missions, to help others. All proceeds go toward Missions
Monday-Friday 9am to 7pm • Saturday 9am-5pm
A sincere thank you to all who donated time, merchandise
Where Quality, Service, and Fair Prices Meet and/or services, as well as to those who attend.