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The
Official Newspaper of Anamosa, located in Jones County, Iowa
Anamosa News
Since 1855
 Thursday,
October 4, 2007 |
Twin Rivers Pheasants Forever Wins Field and Stream Award, Gears Up for Banquet
by Michelle Phillips |
The Twin Rivers Pheasants Forever (TRPF) Chapter has won the prestigious Field and Stream Heroes of Conservation, Conservation Organization of the Year.
“I don’t think anyone in Pheasants Forever has ever received an award of this magnitude,” said TRPF President Rod Smith, who was one of five chapter members who traveled to New York on September 20 to accept the trophy.
The group was chosen from about five or six finalists after being nominated by Pheasants Forever Regional Director, Tom Fuller.
“If you take a look at all of the conservation organizations across the United States, there are a lot that are great,” said Fuller. “What singles out this chapter is that they are taking money and putting it into the ground. They take big ideas and make them happen.”
Fuller was referring to the TRPF’s land acquisitions over the past few years. Smith said in 2007 alone the group raised funds to purchase land at Muskrat Slough, Lost Canyon, Hale Wildlife Area and Scotch Grove Prairie.
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Board members of Twin Rivers Pheasants Forever were at the Museum of Natural History in New York City September 20. The group received the Field & Stream Conservation Organization of the Year award for 2007 at the Heroes of Conservation Gala. Pictured with the board is Secretary of the Department of Interior who was the guest speaker at the event, Dirk Kempthorne.
Pictured L-R: Joe Strang, Rod Smith, Dennis Hora, Kempthorne, Matt McQuillen and Wayne Hora. |
The money came from the chapter as well as grants. TRPF member Matt McQuillen has been instrumental in helping to raise the funds and work with landowners.
“Matt is very passionate about Pheasants Forever. He’s the point guard that makes it happen,” Smith said.
Smith included that TRPF had never solicited land and that owners had contacted the group to propose the sale of land.
“That speaks volumes that residents in Jones and Dubuque counties believe in conservation,” Smith commented. “We are all very proud and honored that people see the future the way we do.”
The TRPF chapter is currently planning it’s 23rd annual banquet, which will be held at the Berndes Center in Monticello on October 13 at 5 p.m. The event is the group’s largest fundraiser and offers dinner, raffles and drawings.
All of the money raised at the banquet stays with the local chapter and allows them to purchase land as well as organize youth events like the upcoming Youth Hunting Outing in Sabula.
Smith added that youth involvement is very important to continue practices started by the chapter.
“You have to have people who want to use it,” he said of the land and pointed out that it was for everyone to enjoy, not just conservation groups.
Smith said the organization has about 250 members. A committee of about 23 members organizes the banquet.
“Good things happen to good people and we’ve got something good going on, Smith concluded. |
Jones County Landfill Closes
By Michelle Phillips |
The Jones County Landfill took in its last load of trash on October 1. The landfill was required to meet DNR regulations set up by the EPA or close. The regulations required all landfills in Iowa to line their existing facilities, construct new landfills or build transfer stations and contract the pick-up. Jones County chose to build a transfer station.
The new transfer station will collect trash from collectors around the county and haul it to Illinois by semi. Clark Hagen of Monticello has contracted with the county to do the hauling.
Jones County Landfill Board President Stuart Ireland said he expected the transition to go smoothly.
“Anything that could be taken before can still be taken now,” he said.
Although all the bills are not yet in, the transfer station is expected to cost approximately $400,000. It took about two months to construct the facility, which is located at the landfill site.
As for the old landfill, it will be covered according to DNR specifications. |
A Bountiful Harvest at Lena’s Pumpkin Patch
By Michelle Phillips |
When you stop by Lena’s Pumpkin Patch, owners Lena Gilbert and JD Robbins will offer you a hot chocolate or cider and help you pick out the perfect pumpkin. That’s because the couple has created a family friendly atmosphere to help their customers enjoy the seasonal goodies offered at the Springville farm.
“Our goal has been to keep everything homey and natural,” explained Gilbert.
The pumpkin patch began two years ago and offers a variety of squash, 20 varieties to be exact. There is even a brochure to describe the different types.
“We have stuff you can’t find in the store,” Robbins said of the squash, which includes several heirloom varieties.
A bountiful supply of pumpkins, gourds, Indian corn, corn shocks, apples and jam is also available. In addition, kids can find Halloween items and trick or treat accessories to make Beggar’s Night safer and a lot more fun.
“The jam comes from an Amish family in Kalona that I know personally. There product is top quality,” Gilbert stated.
A junior corn maze has become an attraction for kids and adults alike. Visitors can also go out into the pumpkin patch to pick out a pumpkin right off the vine.
“We have about four acres of pumpkins and squash,” said Gilbert.
Special events will take at Lena’s Pumpkin Patch on weekends in October. The events are as follows:
October 6 and 7: West coast balloon artist, Zeus, will entertain kids.
October 13 and 14: Last Hope Animal Rescue will be on hand with info and pets for adoption. The group will be at the pumpkin patch from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. each day.
October 20 and 21: Wood carving demos by Tony Burns.
The regular hours for Lena’s Pumpkin Patch are everyday except Wednesday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Since Halloween is on a Wednesday this year, the pumpkin patch will also be open Halloween from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
“People are encouraged to come in costume,” Gilbert added.
All events at the pumpkin patch are free, including the junior corn maze.
For more information, call Lena’s Pumpkin Patch at 319-854-7097. |
Lena Gilbert of Lena’s Pumpkin Patch talks to a customer on her “pumpkin phone.”
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Box 108, 208 W. Main Street, Anamosa, IA 52205
319-462-3511,
FAX 319-462-4540
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Anamosa Journal-Eureka / Town Crier 2005
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