Farm's garden to be on display

SUTHERLAND-Are you looking for a way to cut costs at the grocery store?

Iowa State University Extension may have a solution.

Through the Eight Gardens in Eight Days program, horticulturist Cindy Haynes hopes to educate Iowans on the potential to save money by growing produce at home.

Established nearly 20 years ago, the annual program is presenting home demonstration gardens developed by the Extension in eight communities, including Sutherland, throughout July and August. The other gardens are in Rock Rapids, Fruitland, Kanawha, Gilbert, Nashua, Chariton and Lewis.

Each year, Haynes chooses to incorporate different flowers and plants contingent on what the gardening trends are.

This year’s theme, mainly chosen because of the national economic crisis, deals with growing vegetables that can stretch your dollar. By incorporating the option of canning and preserving produce, Haynes chose products like winter squash, tomatoes, potatoes and onions for planting in the statewide gardens.

“They’re all easy to grow, and they keep a long time,” she said. “Tomatoes might need to be canned or frozen, but potatoes and onions can just be stored in a cool basement.”

Because Haynes always likes to incorporate something fun into the gardens, she planted white pumpkins, or “ghostly pumpkins,” this year.

“They take up a lot of space, and they are nice looking plants,” she said. “We planted a big one and a little one. That way, the pumpkin patch isn’t all orange. It’s a nice comparison of the different varieties of cultivators you might select.”

The final trend that the Extension settled on was incorporating unusual flowers and ornamental grasses.

“We always like to show the newer, unusual zinnias and marigolds that come out,” Haynes said. “We like to demonstrate how they perform in Iowa. Sometimes we see some real winners and sometimes we see some real dogs.”

On the field days, Haynes sees how each plant is handling the Iowa weather. The Sutherland field day, which is the last of the eight, will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, at the Northwest Research and Demonstration Farm in O’Brien County, located six miles southwest of Sutherland, at 6320 500th St.

After speeches from Del Brokshus, owner of Del’s Garden Center in Spencer, and Haynes, the garden, which features five varieties of pumpkins, six varieties of squash, a wide selection of flowers, giant corn, wild grass, tomatoes, onions, potatoes, beets, beans and sweet potatoes, will be open for tours.

Research farm superintendent Ryan Rusk said complimentary root beer floats and grilled sweet corn also will be served.

“The field days are always a good interactive learning period,” Rusk said. “It’s just a good chance to relate with other gardeners and have an enjoyable evening out.”

AT A GLANCE:
What: Eight Gardens in Eight Days tour stop
When: 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12
Where: Iowa State University Northwest Research and Demonstration Farm in O’Brien County, 6320 500th St., Sutherland
For more info: Contact ISU horticulturist Cindy Haynes at (515) 294-4006 or chaynes@iastate.edu

This article appeared in the July 25, 2009 edition of The South O'Brien Sun.

White: This is right fit for me

SUTHERLAND-Chris White has held many jobs over the years.

From a police officer to an insurance adjuster to retail management.

But, it’s his current gig he likes the most.

The 42-year-old White took over as nursing home administrator at Sutherland Care Center on June 15.

It was perfect timing for the Sutherland resident, as he had just completed his online master’s degree in business administration with a concentration in health care management 10 days prior.

“I was going to Salt Lake City when I was called and offered the job,” White said. “I was like, ‘Well, I’ll be back on the 13th,’ which was a Saturday, and he asked if I could start that Monday. ‘I said sure.’ The timing couldn’t have gotten any better, really.”

His interested in being involved with the geriatric population was piqued when he began volunteering at a Golden Living nursing facility in Rapid City, SD.

“I just enjoyed working with the people and decided to go back to school to get my license,” he said.

Since doing so, White has been nothing but pleased.

“This is the right fit for me. I really enjoy the residents and the business aspect of it,” he said. “And, when I need a break, I can go out and play some bingo or play cards with the guys. It’s really nice.”

As the nursing home administrator, White takes responsibility for the residents receiving high-quality care, works with department heads to make sure certain needs are being met, addresses any concerns that arise from residents or residents’ families and keeps on top of state and federal regulations to insure the facility stays in compliance.

“Overall, I’m just in charge of the entire facility and make sure we’re providing everything we need to,” White said.

Since taking over duties from Jaime Dodd, the previous nursing home administrator, White has faced nothing but high expectations at Sutherland Care Center.

“It has a good history of taking care of people and having a good staff, and I really found that to be true,” he said. “They’re very dedicated to their jobs and to the residents. Hopefully, we can maintain that. That would be a great goal.”

Other goals White has for the facility include expanding services to residents in Larrabee, Peterson and Paullina and possibly opening up the therapy department to the general public.

“I just somehow want to give back to the community, because the community of Sutherland is really involved, and that’s a great thing,” White said. “It really supports the care center with a lot of volunteers.”


AT A GLANCE:
Name: Chris White
Position: Nursing home administrator at Sutherland Care Center
Start date: June 15
Age: 42
Residence: Sutherland
Education: Earned bachelor of business administration degree with a concentration in health care management from American InterContinental University, an online program based in Atlanta in 2005; earned health-care administration license in 2006; earned master of business administration degree with a concentration in health-care management from Stevens Henager College, an online program based in Salt Lake City in 2009
Family: Son, Benjamin, 13
Hobbies: Playing softball, reading, doing computer work, cooking

This article appeared in the July 25, 2009 edition of The South O'Brien Sun.

Library gets its start in log cabin

SUTHERLAND-William and Roma Woods must have really liked to read.

After all, if it wasn't for them, the Gen. N.B. Baker Library in Sutherland may not exist.

The Woods legacy
The Woodes began the first library in O'Brien County in their already crowded 16-by-18 foot log cabin during the fall of 1874.

As Sutherland did not yet exist, the cabin was located seven miles northwest of the former O'Brien County seat, Old O'Brien, which would have been situated between Sutherland and Peterson, and 14 miles southeast of Primghar.

But, before the library could be finalized, William was called away to Des Moines, where he made his vision known to an old friend whom he served under during the Civil War - Adj. Gen. Nathaniel B. Baker.

Baker was just as enthusiastic about starting a library in O'Brien County as William was, so the two worked together to form a constitution and bylaws. Within the first three weeks, the library had 39 subscribers, a meeting had been held in the cabin, officers were elected and the constitution and bylaws were adopted.

And, in turn for Baker's support and assistance to the Woods, the library was deemed the Gen. N.B. Baker Library.

Soon, the library subscribed to eight magazines: Littel's, Harper's, Schibner's, St. Nicholas, The Agriculturalist, Galaxy, Arthur's Magazine and Peterson's. Roma's friends from all over Iowa donated additional magazines and books, and patrons came from as far away as two dozen miles to check out material. Nonsubscribers could check out books for a 5-cent fee.

The next spring, a room was added onto the cabin and one wall of shelving was dedicated to the rapidly growing collection of reading material. Capital stock shares also were sold for $10, payable at 10 cents per year, which allowed for the purchase of additional books and magazines.

The library kept growing, until grasshoppers came in 1876 and only two subscribers could pay their fees. While the library did not close, it suffered until the Northwestern Railroad came through in 1880-81 and the town of Sutherland was established.

In turn, William and Roma, along with the library, moved to town, and business began to pick up once again.

As the librarians changed throughout the years, so did the location of the library, oftentimes ending up back at the Woodses' home, until it made its permanent residence at the abandoned "Little Schoolhouse" in 1924, with a bequest from the will of Roma.

The building was purchased from the Sutherland School District and was established as the Woods Memorial Building.

Present Day
Mary Draper became involved with the Gen. N.B. Baker Library 25 years ago.

But, the Sutherland native's ambitions began long before that.

"Growing up, I spent lots of time at the library," Draper said. "I always wanted to be a librarian."

So, after graduating from Sutherland High School, Draper applied for a position. While there weren't any openings at the time, Draper later was hired as an assistant and took on the role of director a couple of years later.

During her time at the library, Draper has seen many changes take place.

In 1989, the library underwent a remodeling project, adding an elevator and making it handicap accessible.

In March of the same year, the library was inducted into the State Library of Iowa's Public Library Accreditation Program, becoming the first accredited library in O'Brien County, and joining 105 others in the state.

Computers were added later, and in November 1997, the library began offering the use of free Internet to all patrons.

Although Draper said the Gen. N.B. Baker Library is used quite a bit for a small town, libraries throughout the entire country have seen an increase in number of patrons as a result of the national economic downturn.

"A lot of people have let their computer access go at home and have begun borrowing books instead of buying them," Draper said.

Regardless, she still would like to see more residents take advantage of the amenities the library has to offer.

"We provide entertainment, education, access to whatever information you need, free computers and job help," Draper said.

This article appeared in the April 11, 2009 edition of The South O'Brien Sun.

Funds sought for Willoway

Sutherland's dream is coming true.

Albeit, one step at a time.

After Cornerstone Senior Communities of Remsen, a nonprofit corporation that owns and operates residential and health-care facilities for seniors, finalized its purchase of the Willoway Complex in November of 2008, the board of directors began considering plans to improve and expand services in the building that will benefit the entire Sutherland area.

Although Cornerstone still is seeking funding to remodel the second floor of the Willoway Complex into more apartments, the fitness center currently situated on the second floor will need to be moved. So, the community is remaining one step ahead by making sure the second floor is clear before funding comes in.

The fitness center is not moving too far, though.

It soon will make its home on the lower level of the complex, where Wurth Chiropractic once held its offices.

Securing funds
Just as Cornerstone needs to secure funding for the remodel of the second floor of the Willoway Complex, the same needed to be done for the transfer and addition of new equipment for the fitness center. So, Cornerstone applied for and received a Revolving Loan Fund equipment loan through the O'Brien County Economic Development Corporation.

Through the years, the RLF loans, which are designed for new businesses or existing businesses in the county wishing to expand, have been funded by a $50,000-a-year contribution by the O'Brien County Board of Supervisors.

"Typically, the original loan requests were for $10,000-$15,000, but it's gotten to a point where they are larger now, around $100,000," said Kiana Johnson, director of the O'Brien County Economic Development Corporation. "What we'll do, is finance one-third of the total project cost, not to exceed $100,000."

The RLF fund was exhausted in 2005 and the OCEDC no longer had money to loan out to businesses, so the corporation applied for a $500,000 grant through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and was awarded the funds in 2006.

"This loan with Cornerstone exhausts the remaining $500,000 we had to lend out, so in the meantime, the original RLF fund the board of supervisors have funded yearly has now revolved back into an excess of $200,000, which sounds like quite a bit of money, but when you look at $200,000, that's only two businesses that we can help at the moment," Johnson said. "Every community in O'Brien County has benefited from those RLF funds except for Calumet, as we have not had a business from Calumet apply."

For the community of Sutherland alone, the OCEDC has assisted with four new business startups: JTV Manufacturing Inc., Bogenrief Studios, Hale's Guitars and 2 Brothers Mechanical.

"This program has been very successful," said Mark Cody, Cornerstone board chairman and Sutherland Economic Development director. "It's helped out a lot. Even the money the county supervisors began with has all been lent out, and now is being returned back in."

And, with the current national economic crisis, Johnson has been working to stress the importance of the RLF program to the board of supervisors.

"I know every department has looked at budget cuts, and we really don't want to cut capital investments, especially in a time when the economy is bad," she said. "The return on our dollar has been a great impact for the county as a whole, ad we really appreciate that the supervisors have funded that and continue funding that because it is really important."

Getting ready
In preparation of its April opening, Willoway Complex manager Jim Streufert has been revamping the new lower level location, which is situated next to the indoor swimming pool.

Five New Live Fitness cardiovascular machines and six street machines will grace the new fitness center.

"The only things from the original fitness center that are going to come down here are the dumb bells and bar bells," Cody said.

Baum Harmon Mercy Hospital is helping Streufert set up the fitness center, so the machines are each situated properly, said Cody.

"We haven't quite decided what we're doing with the old equipment upstairs," Cody said. "Some of it could possibly be for sale, because mainly just the free weights are coming downstairs."

The rubber floor from the current fitness center also will make the trek downstairs, Streufert said.

The facility is slated to open during the first part of April if the new equipment arrives at the complex.

"I think it's feasible if the equipment comes timely," Streufert said. "If we don't open during the first part of April, we'll be open by the middle for sure."

This article appeared in the March 28, 2009 edition of The South O'Brien Sun.