Marion Iowa News

Monsanto Mobile Tech Unit to Visit Kirkwood

Posted 8 March 2010
A rolling showcase of modern agricultural trends is coming to Kirkwood Community College. The Monsanto Mobile Technology Unit (MTU) is part of an educational program that showcases the latest advances in plant breeding and trait technology.

The 53-foot long traveling unit offers 1,000 square feet of exhibit space. This unique display is open to the Cedar Rapids community for guided tours.

When: Tuesday, March 9, 2010 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Thursday, March 11, 2010 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Where: Kirkwood Community College
6301 Kirkwood Blvd. S.W.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52406

The mobile display unit will be parked in the area located between Washington Hall and the Horticulture and Floral Careers Building, accessible from the South Entrance located on Kirkwood Blvd. or the entrance from 76th Ave.

The MTU visits rural communities, agricultural trade shows and other special events across the country, providing guests with a firsthand look at how Monsanto is applying advanced science to help farmers be more profitable and create new market opportunities for their crops.

Kirkwood Ag Science Student Ambassadors will also be on hand at the exhibit, offering tours and information on the college's agricultural education programs.

For additional information, you may visit:

• http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/MonsantoMTU?v=wall&ref=search -- to follow the MTU on Facebook
• www.monsanto.com/beltwide09/mtu.asp to view video footage
• www.monsanto.com/features/mobile_tech.asp to read an article

From Sap to Syrup: Interest in Making Maple Syrup Grows in Iowa

Sap to Syrup...In Iowa? from Iowa State University Extension on Vimeo.

Posted 1 March 2010
More and more Iowans are seeking what literally has been an untapped resource — the sap in the state’s maple trees, says Jesse Randall, a forester with Iowa State University Extension. They want to make maple syrup, and Randall and Iowa State’s Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management are showing them how, just in time for the 2010 syrup season.

Iowa DOT Asks Iowans to Put Safety First
Posted 4 February 2010
A series of winter storms this year has caused many Iowans to become stranded or their vehicles to run off the road. No one can predict when he or she might become the next victim of bad weather, but we can all be prepared just in case.

It can happen to you. The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) has developed a short video that identifies the basic necessities that you should carry in your vehicle, and describes what you should do if you become stranded.

To survive, stay inside your vehicle and use the resources in your survival kit. Do not attempt to walk for help or try to remove your vehicle from the snow.

Don’t put if off any longer. Now is the time to assemble your survival kit. Learn what to carry and tips to survive by watching this new video at http://www.iowadot.gov/ or http://www.youtube.com/iowadot

RAGBRAI Overnight Towns Announced

Posted 31 January 2010
The overnight stops for RAGBRAI XXXVII have been announced. 

This year's RAGBRAI participants will encounter one of the flatest and shortest routes in the event's history.  RAGBRAI 2010, which will cover 442 miles from Sioux City to Dubuque July 25th through the 31st, is ranked the 3rd easiest as far as hills and mileage is concerned. 

Overnight towns include Storm Lake, Algona, Clear Lake, Charles City, Waterloo and Manchester.

Cool Video: Bionic Contact Lenses

Bionic contact lenses

Posted 25 January 2010
The wave of the future!

Two New 'Wild' License Plates Revealed 

Posted 12 January 2010
Two new Iowa license plates to help fund natural resources will be available for purchase at county treasurers' offices this spring. The plates were unveiled by Lt. Gov. Patty Judge Saturday at the State Capitol during the Resource Enhancement And Protection (REAP) Congress.

The two new designs, featuring a brook trout and a deer, will attract two of the largest groups of Iowan outdoor enthusiasts, anglers and deer hunters, said Ross Harrison, DNR REAP coordinator. The license plates were designed by Cedar Rapids artist Greg Bordignon. At a purchase price of $45, and annual renewal of $25 for the numbered plates, the REAP program receives $35 from each purchase and $10 from renewals. The DNR's Wildlife Diversity program gets $10 from the purchase and $15 from renewals.

The two new plates join three others dedicated to those natural resource programs: the goldfinch/rose, pheasant and eagle plates which together generate about $1 million a year and outsell all of the state's other specialty plates. Bordignon also designed the current pheasant and eagle plates.

Harrison predicted the two new plates may double the current income within two years because of the popularity of the designs. "The brook trout is Iowa's only native trout, and is the best indicator of water quality of any fish species."

REAP provides funding to cities, counties and state conservation efforts, as well as to landowners and conservation organizations and individuals. Currently funded at $18 million in appropriations from state gaming revenues, the license plate income is added on top of that amount. REAP's public participation component includes a congress every two year for citizen input into running the program.

The DNR's nongame wildlife program uses its license plate revenue to match federal money for projects dealing with wildlife that are not hunted or fished, and therefore not managed by use of hunting and fishing license revenue.

    Resource Enhancement And Protection, plate information

Cool Internet Video

Posted 11 January 2010
The 24/7 Network is proud to present a new feature for 2010.  It will not come as a surprise that the crew at JJC Media spends a lot of time on the internet.  We come across a lot of really cool stuff and will share it with you using a couple of new features: Cool Internet Video and Cool Internet Tools.  If you come across cool things to share please let us know at jjcmedia@jjcmedia.com.

Today's Cool Internet Video:  Kseniya Simonova is a Ukrainian artist who just won Ukraine's version of "America's Got Talent." She uses a giant light box, dramatic music, imagination and "sand painting" skills to interpret Germany's invasion and occupation of Ukraine during WWII.

Marion Iowa News