Community

AMES ? Practical Farmers of Iowa will host its sixth annual Next Generation Retreat Feb. 21-22 at the Center for Energy and Environmental Education at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls.All beginning farmers are welcome to attend, regardless of age, farm enterprise, location or size.The Next Generation Retreat is designed to bring beginning farmers together to build a peer support group as well as ...

The Tractor Supply Company store in Fairfield will host a valentine-themed pet adoption event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.?Come out to meet adorable cats and dogs who want to become the love of your life,? said Laura Conti of Heavenly Pet Sanctuary.During the adoption event, local 4-H members will have a bake sale.?So you can enjoy a sweet Valentine?s Day treat while you meet the animals or go shopping,? ...

Several Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center blood drives are scheduled in the area during February.A blood drive is set from 3-6:30 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds Activity Building. Donors who last gave blood on or before Dec. 24 are eligible to participate again. For appointments, call the Ottumwa Telerecruitment Department at 800-452-1097 or visit the website www.bloodcenterimpact.org.Lo...

Science-fiction fans are invited to a Valentine?s Day dance party hosted by the local USS Starfield Star Trek fan club from 8-11 p.m. Friday in the third-floor ballroom of the Victorian home at 405 S. Main St.Singles and couples are invited. Star Trek costumes are optional. No alcohol is permitted.Tickets will be available at the door. The $5 entry fee includes snacks, beverages and chocolate, plus a chance to ...

Jefferson County ISU Extension Office will host a Seed Treatment Continuing Instructional Course for commercial pesticide applicators Feb. 26.The program will be shown at locations across Iowa through the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Pest Management and the Environment program.Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., and the course runs from 9-11 a.m. The registration fee is $35 on or before Feb. 19 ...

LOCKRIDGE ? The Lockridge Fire and Rescue Department will be holding its annual soup supper and auction from 5-7 p.m. Saturday in the former Lockridge Elementary School.For more information or to donate items, call Lockridge Fire Chief Jeremy Loving at 319-931-2973.

During February, National Spay Neuter Month, Noah?s Ark?s Caring Community Spay Neuter Assistance Program and area veterinary clinics are sponsoring the 14th annual promotion by offering surgery discounts during the month.Participating clinics include Fairfield Animal Hospital, Richland and Sigourney veterinary clinics, Village Vet in Birmingham and Keosauqua Veterinary Clinic.Call the clinics directly to make ...

Neal and Cheryl McMullin of rural Batavia will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary Sunday.Neal McMullin and Cheryl Dale were married Feb. 16, 1964. The Rev. Ed Philgreen officiated the ceremony at the Agency United Methodist Church in Agency.The couple has two sons, Doug McMullin and wife Bonnie of Ottumwa and Tim McMullin and wife Angie of Williamsburg. They also have six grandchildren.Mr. McMullin ...

BONAPARTE ? Bonaparte Main Street will host ?Wine about Winter? at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Whiteley Opera House in Bonaparte.?Wine about Winter? includes dinner, drinks, dancing and karaoke. The sit-down meal will begin promptly at 6 p.m., with music and karaoke, with Starship Enterprises, beginning at 7 p.m.The three-course meal includes tossed salad, roast beef with whipped horseradish, scalloped potatoes, ...

OTTUMWA ? Performing arts scholarship auditions will be Saturday in the Arts and Sciences Center on the Ottumwa campus of Indian Hills Community College. High school seniors interested in participating in theatre, jazz band or vocal music at IHCC are encouraged to participate. Students who are unable to audition Saturday can schedule an appointment for a different time throughout February.Performing arts ...

DRAKE UNIVERSITYDES MOINES ? The following local residents have been named to the Drake University President?s List and Dean?s List for the fall 2013 semester.Jenna Nelson of Fairfield and Ashley Thompson of Libertyville were named to the president?s list. Students must have a perfect 4.0 grade-point average to receive this honor.Megan Palmer and Jayme Shelby, both of Fairfield, and Lauren Oliver of Batavia, ...

MONDAYIndoor Mini Triathlon, Roosevelt Community Recreation Center. Call to set up an appointment for any time during the week. Information and registration: 472-6159 or www.fairfieldparksandrec.org.Birmingham Lions Club, valentine party, Birmingham Lions Building, 7 p.m.Youth Fitness Class, for third- through eighth-graders, Roosevelt Community Recreation Center, 5:15-6:15 p.m. $3 per class; free with ...