Fayette Crop sees big harvest

“Surveyors said corn harvest has begun and soybean harvest will start between late September and will be in full
swing by October.


”

Teams of Fayette County citizens drove throughout the county on Tuesday to perform the annual Crop Survey sponsored by Farm Bureau. Assigned to the northwest quadrant of the county were (left to right) David Schaal, a St. Peter farmer, Jay Chapman of St. Peter Ag and Lotz Trucking, and Lance Jenne of South Central FS. In fields not far from Vandalia Lake, the team judged a corn field to produce 192-193 bushels per acre and a soybean field capable of 45-48 BPA. They would hit several fields and to keep adjusting the averages.

DISTRICT ENROLLMENT STILL FALLING

Overall enrollment for Unit #204 schools as of August 31 was reported at 498, a drop of ten from this time last year. Pre kindergarten was not included in the 2009 early count, and that program was eliminated from the 2010 curriculum due to lack of financing.

Grade school enrollment of 347 boasts a second grade of 45 students. First, third and fifth grades interestingly enough, are the smallest, near the 30 mark. Overall, the grade school average class size, including kindergarten, is 38.56 students.

High school enrollment is up by ten students. A freshman class of 38 replaces the graduating class of 30. Average class size is up to 36.5, whereas it began at 34 a year ago.

Four special needs children are being taught in district this year rather than being bussed out of town for special classes.

Kindergarten 41

First Grade 30

Second Grade 45

Third Grade 33

Fourth Grade 40

Fifth Grade 32

Sixth Grade 40

Seventh Grade 44

Eighth Grade 42

††Freshmen 38

††Sophomores 40

††Juniors 36

††Seniors 32

EARLY HARVEST AND TRACTOR PULL CONFLICT

Saturday was the best day Tractor Pull enthusiasts have seen for two years. Rather than being rained out as in the past, all events were held and participants were heading home by late afternoon.

They were tested on the ‘red dog’ track in Lions Park. All categories had competitors, especially the biggest tractors. Many came from nearby vicinities of Shumway, Butler, Litchfield, but there were pullers from distances too.

While Tractor Pulling is still relatively new here, several local folks participated. Tim Otto and Jeremy Marx pulled with their military “deuce and a halves.”

Marx won the Barnyard Class pull, Larry O’Dell second and Dennis Virden third.

An event that was largely missed in two previous pulls were semi trucks: those over-the-road tractors. Brian Williams of Bingham brought his. These drivers form a special associa-tion. Each truck pulled twice. As a group, they donated half of their winnings back to the Tractor Pull committee.

Ken Mayo, avid photographer and son-in-law of the late Mike Miller, won the 50-50 pot and donated his share back.

Unblemished sunshine ruled the afternoon. Choice bleacher seating went unused as many familiar faces were missing on the track and from the sidelines due to corn harvesting. The early harvest is said to be two weeks if not a month ahead of normal.

The 62nd Pana Tri-County Fair began Wednesday and runs through Monday at the fairgrounds on the east side of Pana. Find the schedule of events in the RNJ. This fair is famous for its horse racing and a full slate Friday afternoon through Monday, featuring quad racing for the first time.

Grandstand entertainment each evening includes queen pageants, tractor pull, speed show, teen beach party, mud drags and demolition derby.

Monday’s Labor Day Parade is always a crowd pleaser. It opens the marching season for Ramsey Marching Rams. The parade kicks off at 10 a.m.