The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) encourages producers and landowners to enroll in the Grassland Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) starting next week through May 13, 2022.  Grassland CRP provides a unique opportunity for farmers, ranchers, and agricultural landowners to keep land in agricultural production and supplement their income while improving their soils and permanent grass cover.   The program had its highest enrollment in history in 2021 and is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s broader effort to equip producers with the tools they need to help address climate change and invest in the long-term health of our natural resources.

Grassland CRP is a federally funded voluntary working lands program. Through the program, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) provides annual rental payments to landowners to maintain and conserve grasslands while allowing producers to graze, hay, and produce seed on that land.  Maintaining the existing permanent cover provides several benefits, including reducing erosion, providing wildlife habitat and migration corridors, and capturing and maintaining carbon in the soil and cover. 
 

“Grassland CRP is an important working lands conservation tool that offers a win-win to both our country’s producers and the environment by supporting and enabling grazing activities, while at the same time promoting plant and animal biodiversity and stemming rangeland conversion,” said Susan Houston, Acting FSA State Executive Director in Indiana. “We had a successful signup last year, and we look forward to broadening our base and working with new producers, particularly our historically underserved producers, to ensure they can access the program and its many benefits.”  

FSA provides participants with annual rental payments and cost-share assistance. The annual rental rate varies by county with a national minimum rental rate of $13 per acre for this signup. Contract duration is 10 or 15 years. 

Broadening Reach of Program 

As part of the Agency’s Justice40 efforts, producers and landowners who are historically underserved, including beginning farmers and military veterans, will receive 10 additional ranking points to enhance their offers. 

Additionally, USDA is working to broaden the scope and reach of Grassland CRP by leveraging the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program?(CREP) to engage historically underserved communities. CREP is a partnership program that enables states, Tribal governments, non-profit, and private entities to partner with FSA to implement CRP practices and address high priority conservation and environmental objectives. Interested entities are encouraged to contact FSA. 

More Information on CRP 

Landowners and producers interested in Grassland CRP should contact their local USDA Service Center to learn more or to apply for the program before the May 13 deadline.  Additionally, fact sheets and other resources are available atfsa.usda.gov/crp.

Signed into law in 1985, CRP is one of the largest voluntary private-lands conservation programs in the United States. The working lands signup announced today demonstrates how much it has evolved from the original program that was primarily intended to control soil erosion and only had the option to take enrolled land out of production. The program has expanded over the years and now supports a greater variety of conservation and wildlife benefits, along with the associated economic benefits.
 

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit usda.gov. 

Indiana Department of Transportation contractor TGB Unlimited Inc. will be converting the intersection of State Road 8 and State Road 23 to a four-way stop.

The installation process may require intermittent lane closures at this intersection after Monday, April 4, as well as work alongside the roadway when all lanes are open. Motorists should exercise caution and watch for workers in this area. 

Currently, traffic on State Road 23 has a stop sign and yields to any State Road 8 traffic. This new four-way stop will go live sometime before mid-May and will require all traffic on State Road 23 and State Road 8 to stop. 

Indiana Department of Transportation contractor RAM Construction Services will close State Road 23 in Starke County between C.R. 150 S and State Road 8 on or after Monday, April 4.

The road will be closed for approximately three weeks for a bridge deck overlay project over the Yellow River. Motorists should seek an alternate route.

The Indiana Department of Transportation will be closing State Road 331 between State Road 10 and U.S. 30 for approximately three days beginning on or after Tuesday, March 29.

The roadway will be closed for a culvert replacement maintenance project. Motorists should seek an alternate route.

Fulton County Public Library will host a community blood drive with the American Red Cross on Thursday, March 24 from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Rochester Branch

For more information or to make an appointment to donate, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or sign up online at redcrossblood.org with sponsor code fultonlib or zip code 46975.

“The Fulton County Public Library is committed to strengthening our community and helping meet hospital and patient needs through blood donations,” said Andrea Stineback, Library Director. “This blood drive is our way of giving staff, colleagues, and neighbors an opportunity to help save lives.”

Blood is a perishable product that can only come from volunteer blood donors. With someone in the U.S. needing blood every two seconds, blood products must be constantly replenished, according to the Red Cross.

“We urge community members to donate blood and help ensure that patients in local hospitals have a supply of blood ready and waiting before an emergency occurs. There’s no better feeling than knowing that your blood donation may give someone a second chance at life.”

Donors of all blood types are needed, especially those with types O negative, B negative and A negative. According to the Red Cross, type O negative is the universal blood type that can be safely transfused to anyone, and is often used to treat trauma patients. 

The American Pickers are excited to return to Indiana! They plan to film episodes of The History Channel hit television series in May 2022.
 

AMERICAN PICKERS is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique “picking” on The History Channel. The hit show follows skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques. They are always excited to find sizeable, unique collections and learn the interesting stories behind them.
 

As they hit the back roads from coast to coast, the Pickers are on a mission to recycle and rescue forgotten relics. Along the way, they want to meet characters with remarkable and exceptional items. They hope to give historically significant objects a new lease on life while learning a thing or two about America’s past along the way. The Pickers have seen a lot of rusty gold over the years and are always looking to discover something they’ve never seen before. They are ready to find extraordinary items and hear fascinating tales about them.
 

We at American Pickers continue to take the pandemic very seriously and will be following all guidelines and protocols for safe filming outlined by the state and CDC. Nevertheless, we are excited to continue reaching the many collectors in the area to discuss their years of picking and are eager to hear their memorable stories!
 

The American Pickers TV Show is looking for leads and would love to explore your hidden treasure. If you or someone you know has a large, private collection or accumulation of antiques that the Pickers can spend the better part of the day looking through, send us your name, phone number, location, and description of the collection with photos to: americanpickers@cineflix.com or call (646) 493-2184, or through Facebook: @GotAPick .

Delays and Cancellations Friday, March 11, 2022

Schools

Eastern Pulaski Community School Corporation 2-hour delay

Rochester Community Schools Bus #8 is running 15 minutes behind

Businesses

Sunday, March 13, marks an hour of lost sleep, but starts the long-awaited days of more sunlight ahead. Take the time this weekend to adjust your clocks and consider taking three key safety steps to protect against possible risks you and your family might face.

“Spring is a time of renewal and a good reminder to reassess our disaster readiness,” said Kevin M. Sligh, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “As we recommit to doing our part to stop the spread of COVID-19, let’s also ensure our families know what to do in an emergency and verify our homes are as resilient as possible to all hazards.”

1. Verify your carbon monoxide and smoke detector work. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for testing the equipment to ensure it is functioning appropriately. Invest in new detectors if they’re near or past the manufacturer’s recommended replacement age.   
2. Help stop the pandemic by getting vaccinated. Studies show that COVID-19 vaccines are effective at keeping you from getting COVID-19. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine will also help keep you from getting seriously ill even if you do get the virus. Be sure to continue taking precautions in public places as well, including wearing a mask, staying six feet apart from others, avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces, and washing your hands often. To learn more, visit www.cdc.gov.  
3. Confirm your insurance coverage & home inventory list are up-to-date. Review your insurance policies and meet with your agent to ensure you’re fully covered for the hazards that most threaten your area. Keep an up-to-date record of your household items and valuable belongings. Take photos and videos of appliances, fixtures, and the interior and exterior structure of your property. Have jewelry and artwork appraised. These documents are important when filing insurance claims.

Attorney General Todd Rokita is alerting Hoosiers of important consumer protection concerns for products recalled in February.

Attorney General Rokita encourages consumers to take advantage of opportunities available for those who purchased the recalled items.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the following consumer products were recalled in February:

Chest of Drawers from BFG North Carolina

SureClose READYFIT 180° Hinge-Closer Sets from D&D Technologies

All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) from Maxtrade

Koyo Bounca The Squig Plush Toys from Games Workshop

Children’s Robes from BAOPTEIL

Tennis Tables from Escalade Sports

Geek Heat Personal Heaters from Home Easy

Children’s Nightgowns from AllMeInGeld

Lanyards with Carabiners from Petzl Recalls

Kids Crew Socks from Stance

Seats from Harbor Freight Tools

Children’s Stackable Toys from Stack Em’ Up Books

WORX Electric Pressure Washers from Positec USA

Electric Space Heaters from Shop LC

Mattresses from Serta

All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and Snowmobiles from BRP

Children’s Sleepwear from Esme

Utility Vehicles from American Landmaster

Freestanding Gas Ranges from Viking Range

Snap Duo Trend Strollers from Valco

Scarves from In-Things

Double-Wick Autumn Candles from Anecdote Candles

Golf Cars and PTV’s from Yamaha

Robotic Lawnmowers from Husqvarna

Children’s Sleepwear from H&M

Snowmobiles from Polaris Industries

Infant Walkers from Zeno

BrushX Hot Air Brushes from Ecom Brands

Inspector Play Kits from Lovevery

Menorahs from TJX

Teethers from Bebe au Lait

Children’s Handbags from Kelly Wynne

If you believe you recently purchased a recalled product, stop using it immediately and check its recall notice. Then follow the notice’s instructions, including where to return the product or what steps must be taken to receive a replacement product.

To view recalls issued prior to February, visit the Consumer Protection Safety Commission website.

The Board of Directors of the Palestine Cemetery, Inc., of Palestine, Indiana, reminds its patrons that all grave decorations must be removed or brought into compliance with the cemetery regulations by April 1, 2022, to allow for spring cleanup.  Decorations not in compliance with cemetery regulations after April 1, 2022, will be disposed of. 

The following are regulations of the Palestine Cemetery, Inc. regarding plantings, flowers, and shrubbery:

All flowers must be placed within the line of the headstone, on cement or in a cement urn, or fastened to the headstone securely. 

No wires, glass, shepherd’s hooks, or hanging baskets may be set in the ground.

All shrubbery shall be maintained or it will be removed at the owner’s expense.

Winter grave blankets are permitted if removed by April 1.

All plantings and/or shrubbery must have approval of the Cemetery Board prior to planting.

Questions may be directed to the sexton of the Palestine Cemetery, Inc., Brett Boggs, at (574) 551-2432.