Biggest Little Paper In Town! 1

The PaperLaur ens, Iowa

Our Town, Our Paper!

© Copyright My Laurens, Inc., 2010 All Rights Reserved.

Vol. 9 No. 43

February 17, 2016

www.thepapernow.com

Local News

Two L-M Graduates Named to Simpson College Dean’s List!Simpson College released its 2015 fall semester Dean's List. To qualify for the Dean's List, students must receive a 3.70-3.99 grade point average. Two Laurens-Marathon graduates were among the list! Kristen Alstott, daughter of Dave & Carolyn Alstott of Laurens and Addalyn Boettcher, daughter of Jeff & Judy Boettcher of Storm Lake. Kristen is a 2014 L-M graduate and Addalyn a 2015 L-M graduate.

“Hearts of Gold” Winners Announced!The Laurens Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the winners of our "Hearts of Gold" gift baskets. On Thursday, February 11th the names of Steve Schutz and Kylie Maurer were drawn and announced. A huge thank you to Kylie, Steve and everyone else who purchased the tickets. The Chamber has many projects going on to improve our community and have a variety of fund-raising efforts to assist in these projects. "Hearts of Gold" proceeds is ear-marked for an electronic sign. An even bigger thank you goes to all of the Laurens Chamber of Commerce members who contributed to the baskets and made them absolutely filled with wonderful gifts!

Next up on the Chamber's calendar is the Easter Egg Hunt! You can always check everything out on the website www.laurenschamber.com

LMPCPocahontas Mutual Insurance

Rally PointSilver Dollar Saloon

The Bottom LineTown & Country

Treasure ChestII Unique

Vintage MarketplaceWendy Hopkins Designs

West Iowa BankWoodley Insurance

City of LaurensCuts To Dye For

Dallenbach InsuranceHeart 'n Home

Hwy 10 HardwareHy-Vee

JH Design StudioJolliffe & Co.

Laurens Care CenterLaurens EquipmentLaurens Plumbing

Our Town Our Paper! 2

Local News

2016 Laurens Summer Ball Registration

Sunday, February 28, 2:00-4:00 PM United Methodist Church in Laurens

For ALL kids who have completed Kindergarten through 6th Grade.

Registration cost is $20 per child, or a maximum of $40 per family.

Registrations must be received by March 1st. Registration forms will be sent home from

school on Friday, February 19th.

We will have some used ball pants, shoes, gloves and etc. available during registration.

If you have any questions please contact:

Allison Price at 314-413-6402 Amy Saunders at 712-450-0049 Emily Hubbell at 712-358-0046

Donations Needed Laurens Summer Ball

Please bring any gently used ball pants, shoes, gloves, hats or shirts to Laurens Summer Ball Registration.

Sunday, February 28, 2016 from 2:00-4:00 PM United Methodist Church in Laurens

If you are unable drop off, please contact Allison Price at 314-413-6402

Biggest Little Paper In Town! 3

At the Library

Author/Speaker Margaret Smolik Coming to Albert City Public Library Author and speaker, Margaret Smolik, will be at the Albert City Public Library on Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 at 7p.m., sharing her life story as a young girl during WWII, life in refugee camps during Hitler's tyranny and her family's move to Austria and then the emigration to the United States of America, settling in Iowa in 1952. In the author's own words: “My family came from Croatia, a country that for seventy years (1920-1990) was part of Yugoslavia. The town I grew up in is located in the north central agricultural region, and we lived on a farm with my grandparents. I am the youngest of three daughters. All three of us were born during Hitler's rise to power and the devastating events of WWII. After Hitler marched into Yugoslavia in 1941 and expanded his forces in 1943, my family lost their farm land and for two years survived in refugee camps. After the war, we lived in Austria until we emigrated to the United States, to Iowa, in 1952.” Margaret's book, Like A Haystack,

published in the summer of 2014, provides details about the life of her family and the challenges they faced in their many moves. Some stories are sad; some are humorous; some

tell about normal, everyday life. Most importantly, those who read them can come to understand and learn from first-hand experience what difficulties displaced people encounter. The book focuses on several crucial dynamics: *The contrast between life in WW II Europe and America *The endurance needed to survive war, cruelty, and

suffering *The tensions that result between young and old in adjusting to new cultures and values *The willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve the "American dream" Since the book's publication, Margaret has given many presentations to service and social clubs, book study groups, public libraries, students, 4-H club members, and other organizations. She accepts invitations to share her experiences. She likes to entertain her audiences with humorous stories about cultural traditions and the music of Croatia and Austria. She plays several selections from her collection of CDs. One of her favorite is Austrian yodeling! Margaret's familiarity with Croatian, German, English, and a

bit of French, has given her a solid base on which to build her love of language. She learns words and the rules of grammar easily and enjoys copy-editing. She has edited five books and invites writers to contact her. Margaret Smolik is a professional copy-editor and author. She earned BS and MS degrees from Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa, and taught English and composition for many years including North Iowa Area Community College, Mason City, Iowa. She and her husband Gary raised four children. Currently living in Osage, IA, she is an active member of her community and writers' club. Mark your calendars and do not miss this great program! Margaret will be signing and selling her book after her presentation. Refreshments will be served.

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Obituaries

Services Held for Jimmy R. Teepe Jr.Jimmy R. Teepe Jr. - age 41, of Laurens, passed away Thursday, February 11, 2016, at the Pocahontas Community Hospital in Pocahontas, Iowa. Jimmy Roy Teepe Jr. was born October 6, 1974, in Fairmont, Minnesota. He was the son of Jimmy and Gloria (Mitchell) Teepe. He attended Oelwein and Spencer schools. Jimmy worked as a farm hand for many years. Jim and Stephanie met on December 6, 1996. He made his home in Linn Grove until 2001, when he moved to Laurens and began working at Pengo the next year. On June 7, 2003, Jimmy married Stephanie Bailey in Laurens. The couple settled in Laurens where Jimmy continued working for Pengo until he was forced to retire due to ill health. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Survivors include his wife, Stephanie of Laurens; sons, Damon, Dalton and Jaydon daughter,

Tasha; his parents Jimmy Teepe Sr. of Laurens and Gloria Mitchell of Spencer; sisters, Kay Washington of Laurens, Billie Jo Watkins of Marathon and Brittney Teepe of Laurens and grandmother, Helen Teepe. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Leonard Teepe Sr. and his grandparents, Howard and Dorothy Mitchell. Memorial service was held on Wednesday, February 17, 2016, at 10 a.m. at Powers Funeral Home in Laurens. Visitation was held one hour prior to memorial service.

Services to be Held for Marlene SchmidtMarlene C. Schmidt - age 82, of Laurens, passed away on Tuesday, February 9, 2016 at the St. Luke Lutheran Home in Spencer, Iowa. Marlene Christine Ernst was born April 18, 1933, in Mallard, Iowa. She was the daughter of Aaron and Bernice (Brechler) Ernst. Marlene lived with her paternal grandparents, John & Anna (Bushman) Ernst until the third grade and she and her brother Richard spent most summers and weekends with their paternal grandparents. Marlene was baptized in the Curlew Church of the Brethern. She married Everett Charles Schmidt on June 1, 1952, at the Methodist Church in Mallard. Marlene was a mother, homemaker and seamstress. She was an active member of the Laurens Methodist Church, having been the Wedding Coordinator for many years, and taught Sunday school for numerous years and was on many committees, including UMW Church committee. Marlene was

a charter member of Questers, a member of Stitchers, a past Girl Scout leader and a Hospice Volunteer. She took great pride in baking her pies, which she made for many people over the years. Survivors include her son, Tom (Judy) Schmidt of Laurens; daughters, Kim (Pat) Kelly of Carroll and Siri (Philip) Christy of Spencer; half sisters, Wanda Smith of Mankato, MN and Geri Maday of Fairmont, MN and half-brother, Bill Engle of Yuma, AZ; grandchildren: T.J. (Lacey) Schmidt, Chris Schmidt, Melissa Kelly, John (Anna) Kelly, Andrea (Doug Ketcham) Christy, Allison (Brandon Martin) Christy and Andrew Christy; three great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law: Marilyn Ernst and Rosabelle “Toots” Johnson and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Everett; paternal grandparents, John and Anna Ernst; maternal grandparents, Louis and Christina Brechler; parents, Aaron and Laurine; brother, Richard and half- sister, Arlene Parker. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m., on Thursday, February 18, 2016 at Powers Funeral Home in Laurens. Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, February 19, 2016 at United Methodist Church in Laurens.

Biggest Little Paper In Town! 5

Local News & Advertising

5:00 – 7:30 P.M. Adults $10.00

Children (12 & under) $5.00

Knights of Columbus

Sacred Heart Parish Center 250 Ralston Street Laurens, IA 50554

Lenten Lunch Schedule:

Feb. 17th ~ Laurens Care Center (program by New Hope Baptist Church)

Feb. 24th ~ Bethany Lutheran Church March 2nd ~ Laurens United Methodist Church

March 9th ~ Sacred Heart Catholic Church March 16th ~ First Christian Church

All lunches will be held @ 11:30 A.M. with a Love Offering.

Laurens Public Library Event Calendar

• Baby Sitting Clinic 11:00-4:00 February 24• Lego MindStorm Robotics 4:00-6:00 February 24

• Tot Time every Monday at 10 am• Tell Me a Yarn Mondays 5-7 pm

• Writers Free for All is 3rd Monday of the month at 7 pm• Book Club is 4th Monday of the month at 7 pm

• Card Making is the 4th Tuesday of the month• Cricut Play Date March 1st at 6:30 p.m.

Thank YouThank you to Laurens Chamber and everyone involved with

Cocktails and Mocktails for the basket that I won!

Steve Schutz

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Local News & Advertising

We’re excited to announce that we now have an option to donate online. We chose YouCaring as the funding

source because it is the cheapest of the online funding sources. Each donation to the Laurens New Pool will only be charged

a customary 2.9% + $.30 processor fee instead of the 7.9% + $.30 for other sites. Thank you for continuing

to support the Laurens Pool Project. Large donations can

still be sent to the City of Laurens.

Here is the link:https://www.youcaring.com/residents-of-laurens-501476

 

TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATIONS can be sent to: Laurens Pool Project

c/o City of Laurens272 North 3rd Street,

Laurens, IA 50554Like us on Facebook: Laurens Pool Projectwww.laurens-ia.com

ATTENTION:RESIDENTIAL REMODELING CONTRACTORS

The City of Laurens is seeking qualified general contractors to bid on remodeling jobs within the City. The work is being financed through a grant from the Iowa Economic Development Authority. Typical repairs may include re-roofing, re-siding, foundation repair, window/door repair and/or replacement, painting, electrical and mechanical work.

No person will be excluded from the opportunity to submit bids on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, handicap, political affiliation, citizenship, or family status.

Minority and women contractors are encouraged to participate. Contractors with Certifications of training in Lead-Safe Work Practices will be required on some projects.

The first Open Houses will be held on February 8, 2016 with Bid Letting on February 23, 2016.

Interested contractors should contact: Simmering-Cory, Inc. PO Box 141 Clear Lake, IA 50428 641-357-7554 or Laurens City Hall. E.O.E.

Upcoming Class Reunion The Laurens Classes of 1970 and 1971 will be holding a reunion on July 9, 2016 beginning at 5:00 at the Laurens Country Club. The event will be in conjunction with the Laurens Summer Fest, so additional ways to participate will be available. Those in the Class of 1970 are encouraged to contact Bob Stewart at 515-556-4900, roberthstewart@yahoo.com; and the Class of 1971 should contact Frank Koenig at 319-212-0688, frnkkoenig@hotmail.com. Classmates should also join the Facebook reunion page. A splendid time is guaranteed for all!

Friday Night, February 19th Special:

Soup, Salad & Dessert for $10.00

Chili or Corn ChowderFull menu also available!

Serving from 5-8PM

Biggest Little Paper In Town! 7

Advertising & Anouncements

The PaperPublished weekly by

My Laurens, Inc.112 Walnut St.

Laurens, IA 50554

Phone: (712) 841-2684

Fax: (712) 841-4662

Website: www.thepapernow.com

E-mail: publisher@mylaurens.com

Publisher: Rodney Johnson

Editor:Amanda Tendal

Rights to Use Content: The Paper, its content, archived materials, and our websites, are provided solely for your personal, non-commercial use. The Paper, its

content, our websites and all the materials available on our websites are the property of My Laurens, Inc., and are protected by applicable copyright, trademark, and intellectual property laws. You may download, print or transmit The Paper for your personal, non-commercial

use. Any commercial use of copyrighted materials requires prior authorization from My Laurens, Inc.

Unless explicitly authorized by My Laurens, Inc., you may not modify copy, create derivative works,

reproduce, republish, transmit, sell, or distribute in any manner or medium (including by email or other

electronic means) any material from The Paper or our websites for commercial purposes. You may not use The Paper or materials available on our websites, in a

manner that constitutes an infringement of our intellectual property rights/copyrights or that has not

been authorized by My Laurens, Inc.For information about requesting permission to

reproduce or distribute materials from The Paper, please contact My Laurens, Inc. at (712) 841-2684

or publisher@mylaurens.com.

 

LAURENS AREA YOUTH GROUP FEBRUARY SCHEDULE 

FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH 

FEBRUARY 7TH JUNIOR HIGH 

FEBRUARY 14TH HIGH SCHOOL 

FEBRUARY 21ST JUNIOR HIGH 

FEBRUARY 28TH HIGH SCHOOL 

 

SOUP AND PIE SUPPER First Christian Church in Laurens

Wednesday, February 17 from 5-7 p.m. Serving chicken noodle soup, broccoli cheese

soup, chili and pie. Adults - $6, Children under 12 - $2.50.

Take-out & delivery available – Call: 841-2455

Our Town Our Paper! 8

Advertising

SAVE THE DATE BECAUSE YOU ARE INVITED TO THE 

FIRST ANNUAL 

  RELAX AND CREATE DAY RETREAT  

If you are looking for a place to Scrapbook, meet new people and laugh, then this is the event for you!  Come and escape for a day of Scrapbooking!  Join us for the entire day, on February 27 from 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM at the Parish Center in Laurens, 263 Ralston St Laurens, IA 50554.  Space is limited so please be sure to reserve your seat today! Cost will be $35.00 per person, all proceeds will be given to the Junior – Senior Laurens Marathon After Prom. INCLUDES: 

ROLLS, LUNCH AND SUPPER GOODY BAGS MAKE & TAKE PROJECT INTERNET CLOSE TO MY HEART VENDER RAFFLE UNLOAD AND LOAD VALET

          REGISTRATION FORM 

NAME: 

 

ADDRESS: 

 

E‐MAIL ADDRESS: 

 

TELEPHONE: 

 

SCRAPING FRIENDS SEATING REQUEST: 

FRIEND 

FRIEND 

ELECTRIC OUTLET    YES                       NO 

PLEASE SEND REGISTRATION TO THE BELOW ADDRESS, MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO L‐M AFTER PROM. 

KRISTIN FANSEGA 712-299-6795 OR LAURIE SULLIVAN 712-358-0078 344 S. 1st Street 428 E Garfield St. Laurens, IA 50554 Laurens, IA 50554

Biggest Little Paper In Town! 9

Advertising & Announcements

2016 Laurens Kiwanis Show

Saturday, March 19 at 7 p.m.

Laurens-Marathon School Gym

Featuring: The Senders

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Band

Adults: $10Students: $5

FOR SALE by Laurens-Marathon School

1998 Ford VanSmall V8 - 133,232 miles

A sealed bid must be received by March 11, 2016 by 1:00 p.m

Contact Jim Hodgell at: 712-841-5000 ext. 113

135 N 3rd St—Laurens 712.841.6986

MONDAY $2.00 BUD & BUDLIGHT

WEDNESDAY LUNCH

11AM - 1PM FEBRUARY 24

CHICKEN CASSEROLE

CARROTS CHERRY CRISP

THURSDAY CREATE YOUR

VERY OWN PERSONAL PAN PIZZA

5-7pm

FRIDAY HAPPY HOUR

~ 5-7pm

1/2 PRICE

TACO TUESDAY

5-8PM

WEDNESDAY

DRINK SPECIALS

4-6PM ~

SAVE 50¢

ON ALL

135 N 3rd St—Laurens 712.841.6986

MONDAY $2.00 BUD & BUDLIGHT

WEDNESDAY LUNCH

11AM - 1PM FEBRUARY 24

CHICKEN CASSEROLE

CARROTS CHERRY CRISP

THURSDAY CREATE YOUR

VERY OWN PERSONAL PAN PIZZA

5-7pm

FRIDAY HAPPY HOUR

~ 5-7pm

1/2 PRICE

TACO TUESDAY

5-8PM

WEDNESDAY

DRINK SPECIALS

4-6PM ~

SAVE 50¢

ON ALL

135 N 3rd St—Laurens 712.841.6986

MONDAY $2.00 BUD & BUDLIGHT

WEDNESDAY LUNCH

11AM - 1PM FEBRUARY 24

CHICKEN CASSEROLE

CARROTS CHERRY CRISP

THURSDAY CREATE YOUR

VERY OWN PERSONAL PAN PIZZA

5-7pm

FRIDAY HAPPY HOUR

~ 5-7pm

1/2 PRICE

TACO TUESDAY

5-8PM

WEDNESDAY

DRINK SPECIALS

4-6PM ~

SAVE 50¢

ON ALL

World Day of PrayerWorld Day of Prayer is Friday, March 4 at 2 p.m. in the Bethany Lutheran Church, Laurens. Everyone is welcome to attend!

Great Job Jazz Band!I wish to thank the middle school jazz band for their performance on Feb 13th at the Jazz Fest in Pleasant Hill, IA. They were great and it was a really great day of music. Our music rocks at Laurens-Marathon School!

Jean Swanson

Our Town Our Paper! 10

Church

This Week at Laurens United Methodist ChurchWed., Feb. 17th:Puppet Troop practice @ 6:30 p.m.Administrative Council mtg @ 8:15 p.m.

Thurs., Feb. 18th:Rachel Circle meeting @ 9:15 a.m.Bible Study @ 7 p.m. (Linda Lingo’s home)

Fri., Feb. 19th:Men’s Bible Study @ 7 a.m.Funeral service for Marlene Schmidt @ 10:30 a.m.

Sun., Feb. 21st:Sunday School @ 9:10 a.m.Fellowship @ 9:30 a.m.Worship @ 10:30 a.m.Baptism of Wyatt John Kraft during worship Choir performs Swim Team/Summer Ball registration here in Fellowship Hall from 2-4 p.m.

This Week at Bethany LutheranWednesday: February 17, 20165-7 PM ~ FCC Men’s Soup Supper5 PM ~ Christian Ed/Youth Mtg.6 PM ~ 125th Steering Committee Mtg.7 PM ~ Lenten Evening ServiceCouncil Mtg. to follow

Thursday: February 18, 20163:30-5 PM ~ Kid’s Club at FCC7 PM ~ Hand Bell Rehearsal

Sunday: February 21, 2016Second Sunday in Lent 9:00 AM ~ SS & Confirmation9:15 AM ~ Coffee Fellowship 10:30 AM ~ Worship w/SS Skit & Songs11:30 AM ~ Potluck 6 PM ~ Youth Group (JH) at FCC

Tuesday: February 23, 201610 AM ~ Coffee Time

Wednesday: February 24, 201611:30 AM ~ Lenten Luncheon at BLC5-7 PM ~ Laurens Area Youth Group Spaghetti Fundraiser at UMC7 PM ~ Lenten Evening Service

Grace Lutheran Church Marathon, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church Albert City & St John Lutheran Church Rural Albert City Pastor John Mayer

Satrudays 5 p.m. Worship Service @ Grace Lutheran Church - Marathon

Sundays 10:30 a.m. Worship @ Our Savior's Lutheran Church - Albert City

Sundays 9:00 a.m. @ St John Lutheran Church Rural - Albert City

This Week at First Christian ChurchPastor Rev. Rita Cordell

Wednesday, Feb. 17 5-7 p.m. - Soup Supper Thursday, Feb. 18 3:30-5 p.m. - Kid’s Club at First Christian

Friday, Feb. 19 7 p.m. - AA Sunday, Feb. 21 9:30 a.m. - Sunday School 10:30 a.m. - Worship6-8 p.m. - JR. High Youth Group at First Christian

Sacred Heart Catholic Church Laurens

Pastor ~ Fr. John J. Gerald Weekday Mass : Friday, 8:00 AM Weekend Mass: Sunday, 8:30 AM (July – October) Religious Education Classes: Wednesdays (September – May) Rosary Society – Meetings TBA Knights of Columbus – Second Tuesday of the Month Sacred Heart Parish Council - Fourth Tuesday of the Month Cluster Parishes St. Joseph Catholic Church, Sioux Rapids Weekday Mass: 8:00am (Monday & Wednesday)

Weekend Mass: Saturday, 5:00 PM (July – October) St. Louis Catholic Church, Royal

Weekend Mass: Sunday, 10:30 PM (July - October) Weekday Mass: 8:00am (Tuesday & Thursday)

Sacred Heart Church LaurensFather Francis MakwinjaWeekday Mass : Friday at 8:00 AMWeekend Mass: Sunday at 10:30 AM (November - February)Cluster ParishesSt. Joseph Catholic Church, Sioux RapidsWeekday Mass: (Monday&Wednesday) - 8:00 AM Weekend Mass: Sunday - 8:30 AM (November - February) St. Louis Catholic Church, RoyalWeekday Mass: (Tuesday & Thursday) - 8:00 AMWeekend Mass: Saturday - 5:00 PM (November - February)

Biggest Little Paper In Town! 11

Extension News

Babysitting Clinic 2016 ISU Extension and Outreach will be holding a Babysitting Clinic for 5th and 6th graders. It will be held on Wednesday, February 24, 2016 from 11:00am – 4:00pm at the Laurens Public Library (273 N 3rd St.). Participants will learn the basics of CPR, home safety, money management, how to make a healthy snack. They will finish the day discussing the ages and stages of young children. Participants are asked to bring their own sack lunch. Register early for the class size is limited to 20 participants. For question, please contact Program Coordinator, Holly Frerk, at (712) 335-3103 or e-mail hfrerk@iastate.edu.

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Seed Treatment Course Scheduled for February 24Pocahontas County will host a Seed Treatment Continuing Instruction Course (CIC) for commercial pesticide applicators, Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016. The program will be shown at locations across Iowa through the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP). Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., and the course runs from 9 to 11 a.m. To register or to obtain additional information about the CIC, contact Dianne Dirks at the ISU Extension and Outreach office in Pocahontas County by phoning 712-335-3103 or email dianned@iastate.edu . The course will provide continuing instruction credit for commercial pesticide applicators certified in categories 4 and 10. Topics to be covered include neonics in groundwater, seed treatments and pollinators, evaluation of seed applied nematicides on soybeans, seed treatment IPM, seed treatment stewardship, and seed treatment labels. Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be offered. Interested participants should bring their CCA number to the program.Additional information and registration forms for this and other courses offered by the PSEP team can be accessed at www.extension.iastate.edu/PSEP/.

Introduction to Lego Mindstorm RobotsISU Extension and Outreach Pocahontas County will offer an introduction to Lego Mindstorm Robots at the Laurens Public Library for all children in 4th – 12th grade. Thanks in part to the Pocahontas Community Foundation Grant, and the continued generous support of the Pocahontas County 4-H Endowment, we are hoping to give all the children in Pocahontas County the opportunity to experience the constructing of these robots. Master Robotics instructor Sue Jarvis will offer 2 sessions Wednesday, February 24 and Wednesday, March 23 from 4:00-6:00 pm at the Laurens Public Library. This is for beginners, so if you are already a member of the 4-H Aperture Club or the 4th grade after school Robotics Club, you will not need to attend these sessions. Space is limited to the first 10 children in 4th-12th grade that sign up. Registration forms are available at the Extension Office and the Laurens Public Library. If you need additional information, please phone the ISU Extension and Outreach Office at (712) 335-3103.

Our Town Our Paper! 12

Extension News

Yard and Garden: Forcing Flowering Bulbs Indoors During WinterWith snow covering the ground across much of Iowa, the current winter climate isn’t hospitable for outdoor growth of flowers. But it’s the perfect time to prepare for spring by forcing bulbs indoors. Which plants work best with this method? What are some tips that will lead to success? Forcing bulbs indoors can be challenging, but Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists can help. To have additional questions answered, contact the ISU Hortline at 515-294-3108 or hortline@iastate.edu. My amaryllis has finished blooming. How do I care for the amaryllis if I wish to save it? After the flowers fade, cut off the flower stalk with a sharp knife. Make the cut 1 to 2 inches above the bulb. Don’t damage the foliage. For the bulb to bloom again next season, the plant must replenish its depleted food reserves. The strap-like leaves manufacture food, which is stored in the bulb. Place the plant in a sunny window and water when the soil surface is nearly dry.

Fertilize the amaryllis every two to four weeks with a dilute fertilizer solution. The amaryllis can be moved outdoors in late May. Harden or acclimate the plant to the outdoors by placing it in a shady, protected area for two or three days, then gradually expose it to longer periods of direct sun. Once hardened, select a site in partial to full sun. Dig a hole and set the pot into the ground. Outdoors, continue to water the plant during dry weather. Also, continue to fertilize the amaryllis once or twice a month through July. Bring the plant indoors in mid-September. Plants left indoors should be kept in a sunny window. What should I do with my paperwhite narcissus bulbs after they are done blooming? Paperwhite narcissus bulbs should be discarded after flowering. Paperwhites cannot be successfully forced again and are not winter hardy outdoors. Can I save tulips that have been forced indoors? Tulips, hyacinths and most other spring flowering bulbs usually are discarded after forcing. Most forced bulbs perform poorly when panted outdoors and attempts to force them again are usually unsuccessful. Daffodils, however, are an exception. Forced daffodil bulbs can be successfully planted

outdoors and may bloom well for many years. The care after flowering is important if attempting to save forced bulbs. After flowering, remove the spent flowers and place the plants in a sunny window. Water regularly until the foliage begins to yellow. At this point, gradually cut back on the watering until the foliage withers and dries. Cut off the dead foliage. Carefully remove the bulbs from the potting soil. Allow the bulbs to dry for one to two weeks, then store them in a cool, dry location until fall planting.

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