July 14, 2008
DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge will be hosting an all-night fishing event on Desoto Lake the evening of Saturday July 19th, 2008. The refuge will remain open to fishing Saturday night into Sunday morning. The refuge will close at its normal closing time of one-half hour after sunset on Sunday evening July 20th. After sunset on the 19th, all traffic entering and exiting the refuge will need to use the south entrance near Wilson Island State Park as the north entrance will be closed for the night. The refuge is a federal fee area and a $3.00 daily entrance fee, an annual refuge pass, or a valid federal duck stamp is required for each vehicle. Anglers using boats will need to comply with state regulations and are cautioned to ensure their navigation lights, as well as all other required equipment are in good working order. State boating regulations as well as the no-wake limit will be strictly enforced. With the exception of the closing hours, all other refuge regulations will still apply during the one night event. Camping is not permitted on the refuge and tents will not be allowed. Camping is available at adjoining Wilson Island State Park. Anglers should bring their own artificial lights as fires are strictly prohibited. The refuge is asking that everyone who participates to bring garbage bags and pick up litter around the area they fish. Litter has become a large problem at DeSoto, and it is hoped that anglers visiting the refuge will help keep the area clean for the next family to enjoy.
Southbound U.S. 71 at Interstate 80 will be closed beginning Monday, July 14, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation’s (Iowa DOT) Creston construction office. Traffic will be moved in a head-to-head pattern in the northbound lanes. The southbound lanes are expected to remain closed for one week, weather permitting. While the closure is in place, traffic in the head-to-head pattern will be restricted to one 12-foot lane in each direction. Motorists are urged to use caution in the work zone. Allow ample space between vehicles, minimize distractions and obey all traffic signs.
After devastating Iowa floods and high gas prices negatively impacted the economy, The Museum of Religious Arts has chosen, after much discussion, to waive their admission fee for a limited time in honor of Iowa’s museums that have been affected by harsh rains, winds and flooding in 2008. The timing could not be better to walk the tranquil grounds surrounding the MRA. For a limited time, visit the Museum of Religious Arts, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Groups are welcome by appointment by calling 712-644-3888. The Museum of Religious Arts is a nonprofit organization located in Logan.
The Shelby County Fair is winding down after a week of fun filled entertainment for all, but it isn’t over yet. Today the Open class Swine has their show this morning and the 4H/FFA livestock auction will be held this afternoon in the show arena. Rich Goshorn from the Shelby County Fair board says the animals will sell beginning with the chickens at 4:30. Clip. The money from the sale of the livestock goes to the youth who brought the animal to fair (clip). Past support at the livestock auction has been great and Goshorn is hoping for another great year. (clip) That auction begins at the show arena on the fair grounds at 4:30 this afternoon.