The annual Fourth Grade Safety Day was held on Tuesday, May 5, at the Clayton County Fairgrounds. A total of 242 fourth-grade students, teachers, and staff members from MFL MarMac, Clayton Ridge, Central, Postville, and Edgewood-Colesburg attended the event, which was coordinated by Clayton County ISU Extension and Outreach.

Many volunteers from local businesses and organizations contributed to the day by giving presentations on a variety of safety topics. Presentations were provided by the following groups and organizations: Bodensteiner Implement of Elkader with PTO Safety, Substance Abuse Services for Clayton County with Alcohol and Tobacco Safety, Clayton County Visiting Nurse Association on Breathing, Choking and Stop the Bleed, Iowa Department of Natural Recourses and Clayton County Conservation with Boating and Water Safety, Garnavillo Fire Department with Fire Safety, Mobile Mamma with Internet and Phone Safety, Allamakee - Clayton REC with Electrical Safety, and the Area Education Agency with Food Safety, and Canadian Pacific, Kansas City Railroad Police talked about Railroad Safety. Farm Safety from Iowa State University Extension and out Reach Youth Program Specialist.

Youth from local FFA chapters also gave presentations on several topics. Clayton Ridge FFA members spoke about animal safety and farm machinery safety. Central FFA members covered topics including lawn care safety, ATV safety, and four-wheeler safety.

A special thank-you goes to Bodensteiner Implement of Elkader for providing a lawn mower, and to T&T Powersports of Elkader for supplying an ATV and a four-wheeler for demonstration purposes. Also, to the Clayton County Fair Board who has let us use the fairgrounds with their spacious buildings and facilities for this impactful program.

Here are a few facts students learned from the presenters.

“Wear life jackets when on a boat.” “Leave babies alone in their cribs on their back.” “Don’t wear baggy clothing by the spinning thing.” PTO, power take off. “I learned you can get a large fine if you put a penny on the railroad rail.” “Don’t touch powerlines!”

Clayton County fourth-grade students had fun while learning how to stay safe and respond to emergency situations. The day concluded with an ice cream treat courtesy of the Clayton County Dairy Promotion Committee.

For questions or information about other programs like Safety Day, contact the Clayton County Extension and Outreach office at 563-245-1451.

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Adam Sadewasser talking about the dangers of smoking.

Angie Dougherty illustrating where the safe zone is located and how important it is to be seen by the driver of large equipment while people are working.

Ryan Wagner and Joe Ash showing Lightning Liz what can happen when she touches electoral wires.

Central FFA students talking about wearing a helmet and proactive clothing when riding an all-terrain vehicle.

122 Market Sheep & Goats Weighed for Clayton County Fair

Clayton County 4-H and FFA members enrolled a total of 57 lambs and 65 meat goats at the weigh-in held May 2 at the fairgrounds in National. These lamb and meat goats are now eligible to compete in the market show at the Clayton County Fair on August 8. Daily rate-of-gain will be determined on the lambs and goats. This will be used in the evaluation of the project by the judge at the fair.

There were 24 4-H’ers and FFA members who tagged market lambs this year, which is up 9 youth and up 11 head from last year. 34 youth participated in the goat weigh-in, which is up 10 youth, and up 9 head from 2025. 10 meat goats were retinal imagined for state fair competition.

For more information on 4-H livestock projects, please contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Office in Clayton County at 563-245-1451.

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Virtual Grant Writing 101 Workshop Offered May 19

Jen Hargrove and Esther Crompton

Nonprofit, government and school district representatives can strengthen their grant writing skills by registering for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s Grant Writing 101 workshop, which will be held virtually on May 19 at 10 a.m.

“With funding opportunities becoming more competitive, having a strong proposal matters more than ever,” said Jen Hargrove, community development specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “This workshop helps participants focus on what reviewers look for and gives them practical tools to improve their chances of success.”

The two-hour online session covers grant terminology, how to find funding opportunities, how to align a project with funder priorities and techniques for writing persuasive narratives and budgets. The format is interactive and includes examples and take-home templates.

“Whether you are new to grant writing or looking to sharpen your skills, the goal is the same,” Hargrove said. “We want to help organizations tell a compelling story and submit proposals that stand out.”

Registration is $40 per person and closes on May 17. For more information, visit the Grant Writing webpage or contact Jen Hargrove at hargrove@iastate.edu.

Additional Stories Published Online

The following news releases have been published on the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach website.

May Is Arthritis Awareness Month: Walk Toward Better HealthPublished: May 6, 2026

Arthritis Awareness Month shines a spotlight on the millions of Americans living with arthritis and the daily challenges the condition brings. While arthritis can limit mobility and cause persistent pain, evidence continues to show that a regular walking routine can make a meaningful difference, said Dawn Dunnegan with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

Clay County Trailblazers Take Top Honors at State Wildlife Habitat Education Program CompetitionPublished: May 5, 2026

Clay County’s Trailblazers claimed top honors at the State Wildlife Habitat Education Program state competition, as youth across Iowa showcased wildlife knowledge, habitat skills and hands-on conservation learning at Lakeside Lab.

Iowa 4-H Hosts Two-Day Equine Extravaganza for YouthPublished: May 5, 2026

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach hosted its annual Equine Extravaganza April 11-12 at the Ellsworth Community College Equestrian Center in Iowa Falls, welcoming 71 youth from 19 counties for two days of equine education, competition and creative expression.

Virtual Grant Writing 101 Workshop Offered May 19Published: May 5, 2026