The Press-Dispatch
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1351690
The grass is getting greener, as are the winter annual weeds in the fields. The trees are starting to show signs of breaking dormancy. On the farm, the shop is busy with spring maintenance of equipment, preparations for planting underway, and a good deal of grain still left in the bin. Hopefully, wheat was top- dressed with nitrogen during the last brief dry period. Sprayers for spring burndown of weeds in no-till fields or tillage equipment for disruption in tilled fields should be about ready to hit the fields when conditions allow. Planting season will be fully underway in a little over two weeks. With warmer weath- er and the itch to get out into the fields, safety concerns become a little more im- portant. The inclination to get things done a little too quickly can result in ac- cidents. Winter grain hauling seems to have progressed with some regularity, and on-farm storage capacity continues to increase generally over time. With in- creased capacity and uncertainty in pric- es, tendencies to hold grain on-farm also increase. Holding grain can result in a greater profit, but holding grain can also result in having to haul grain to the ele- vator at less than ideal times. Certain- ly no one wants to halt field operations to haul grain, although that action does occur. When it does, safety around grain bins and augurs are more imperative, as the desire to fill quickly and go may com- promise safe filling and haul- ing of trucks or emptying of bins. When the grain trucks hit the roads this time of year, farmers exhibit a bit more urgency in getting to the elevator and back to the farm quickly. Drivers need to be a lit- tle more cautious for erratic activity, and not just from grain trucks, as large equipment preparations will see more sprayers, fertilizer trucks, and planters on the roads. Farmers know to start looking for ways to pull to the side when three or more vehicles line up behind, and drivers need to know not to pass on a double yellow. In the shop, working around hydrau- lic lines and pressurized hoses present potential for injury. Farmers could use this time to check chemical labels for the year, ensuring all the proper per- sonal protective equipment is on farm and ready for use during tank filling and mixing. If using dicamba products, ensure a training has been attended in 2021. If using paraquat products, consider going ahead and getting that training out of the way if needed, as the training is required once every three years. Yes, the personal health, safety, and wellness con- siderations are also in play given the in- stance of coronavirus circulating this year. Wear a mask. Avoid large pub- lic gatherings. Wash hands frequently. Avoid touching the face. Avoid touching other people's faces. Stay on the farm or at home if sick. Luckily, farmer self-iso- lation can usually also involve toiling in the shop, feeding calves, or obsessive- ly checking markets on the computer. Use enough personal hygiene products to keep yourself clean, and keep an eye on the vaccine availability for your age group. For more information, contact Hans at 812-838 -1331 or hschmitz@pur- due.edu. The Press-Dispatch Wednesday, March 17, 2021 A-9 women of the new freshman class in the House of Representatives—the largest number of conservative women to win seats in the House in U.S. history—a group that more than doubled the num- ber of right-leaning women in Congress? And what about the Condoleezza Rices, the Joni Ernsts and the Carly Fiorinas of the country? I won't hold my breath. Yet these trailblazing conservative women and many who came before them helped build this great beacon of freedom we call America. Just as we honor our nation's Found- ers on Independence Day, the contribu- tions of Black icons during Black History Month, and those who defended our na- tion on Veterans Day and Memorial Day, Women's History Month is an important opportunity for us to pause and honor the profound contributions of women both past and present. That means honoring the accomplishments of all those who contributed to the kind of nation we live in today—not just those whose politics or policies find favor with the left. In that spirit, I want to take a moment to recognize my personal hero, someone who transcends left versus right politics. Someone who remains a shining exam- ple of American heroism whom every American can look up to. And someone who should be celebrated during both Black History Month and Women's His- tory Month. Her name was Harriet Tubman. As most schoolchildren know, Tubman was the most famous "conductor" in the Underground Railroad. A fter escaping slavery herself, she risked her freedom and her life by returning to the South sev- eral times to free hundreds of others. But what is not as well known is that she was also a very capable spy and scout for the Union Army. She recruited former slaves to col- lect intelligence about Confederate po- sitions and movements and personally gathered additional intelligence by ques- tioning escaping slaves. Some of that in- telligence resulted in the Army tasking her to lead—yes, lead—Union troops on a successful raid of several plantations in South Carolina, freeing an estimated 750 men, women and children, and seizing or destroying millions of dollars of Confed- erate supplies. As a result, she would quietly go down in history as the first woman—Black or White—to plan and lead a military raid during the Civil War. Just last month during Black History Month, Tubman was inducted into the Military Intelli- gence Corps Hall of Fame, a well-de- served honor, even if it was over a centu- ry-and-a-half after the fact. Tubman's example has inspired me throughout my life to help others and to always fight for what's right. One story about her goes, as she was leading slaves to freedom, she would tell them, if you want to taste freedom, keep going; if you see lights in the woods, keep going; if you hear the dogs barking, keep going. I would add one more line for my mes- sage to the conservative women of today: Despite the trials, despite the dismissals and despite the attacks, if you want to save this country for your children and grandchildren, keep going. Kay James is President of The Heritage Foundation and is a leader in government, academia and the conservative movement. ELEMENTS Continued from page 8 to learn how it's actually done. So, with a bit of anticipation, I watched the e- learning pro- cess by the two grandkids. It was amazing. They had zoom programs for reading, and a series of question and answer sessions, reading sessions, some tests and then a break at certain intervals. Here's, what I found. None of the kids had to hurry up and get dressed. There was no rush to drive to school. They could wear pajamas and still participate, and parents don't have to worry about hurry- ing up in the afternoon to pick them up. Classmates participating in the zoom could all be seen, and heard, and the teacher was so accommodating to the new mode of learning, it was as though everyone was present in class. What a different and new world we live in. ••• I would often ask my grand- kids and their parents how they are coping with this com- bination of e- learning and ac- tual in- school learning. It seems to me the kids are try- ing to adjust to this new sys- tem. They would just shrug their shoulders and say "It's alright." When asked if they miss the old pre-pandemic system, it seems like they tru- ly do. I'm not an expert, nor have I studied enough about how the students have coped, the impact on academic perfor- mance, or the impact on men- tal health and socialization. What I know is, family sup- port plus the enduring pa- tience of teachers are so im- portant. Advanced technology in electronics and communica- tions has been a saving grace as well. So, as the pandemic seems to fade out, thank God, we hope we all can heal and be back to normal as soon as possible. We must care for, support and love one another, for they are the ingredients that will as- sure our survival. We all look forward to a great spring and summer. I can hardly wait. ••• Humor of the week: A hus- band brought his wife to a counselor because he noticed she started to show some form of anxiety and sad moods. A fter a lengthy question and answer session by the therapist, he said, "I think she needs lots of praise and encouragement, a pat on the back and a loving hug on a dai- ly basis. That can make a dif- ference. Did you notice how she perked up when I demon- strated how to do it? " The husband then said, "That would be awesome. But, I can only bring her here twice a week. I have trouble driving long distances." Here's another good one: Two elderly ladies visited each other frequently. One day, one of the ladies started to use her T V remote control to make a phone call, and the other one tried to change the T V programs using her cell phone. They kept helping each oth- er, but both their hearing aids would not work, because their batteries were dead. They were getting frustrat- ed. But like good friends, they just had to have a good laugh once they figured it out. Someday, we'll all be there. Have a good week. Don't for- get, it's still Lent. Court Report FELONY Pike County Circuit Court John D. Allen II charged with count I confinement, a level 6 felony, count II disorderly conduct and count III crimi- nal mischief. James R. Coy charged with count I re- sisting law enforcement, a level 6 felony, and count II reckless driving. Jenny Byrd charged with neglect of a dependent, a level 6 felony. Derek L. Morgan charged with count I possession of methamphetamine, a level 6 felony, and count II possession of par- aphernalia. Michael Crow charged with unlawful possession of a syringe, a level 6 felony. TRAFFIC AND MISDEMEANORS Pike County Circuit Court Kaitlyn M. Courtney charged with mi- nor in possession of alcohol. Johnathan D. Chapman charged with possession of marijuana. Oscar Villalobos charged with minor consuming alcohol. Logan Rex Montgomery charged with count I operating a vehicle with an ACE of .15 or more and count II operating a ve- hicle while intoxicated. Michael W. French charged with pos- session of a device or substance used to interfere with a drug or alcohol screen- ing. Joshua Lee Hyneman charged with count I invasion of privacy, count II pos- session of marijuana and count III pos- session of paraphernalia. Keegan D. Wineinger charged with possession of marijuana. Amber L. Nelson charged with crim- inal trespass. Michael W. French charged with crim- inal trespass. CIVIL Pike County Circuit Court Chelsa Knepp and Ryan Knepp sues David Kennedy on complaint. Crown Asset Management, LLC sues Rachel Smitson on complaint. WindGate Properties, LLC sues Scott Denney on complaint. Paige Leigh Hulsbeck petitions for name change. Ashely Roberson sues Mason Rober- son for dissolution of marriage. Donna Townley sues Bryan Townley for dissolution of marriage. SMALL CLAIMS Pike County Circuit Court Pike County School Corporation sues Aaron Hall on complaint. Pike County School Corporation sues Tiffany Nossett on complaint. Pike County School Corporation sues Kurt A. Gulledge on complaint. Pike County School Corporation sues Jennifer N. Gayhart on complaint. Pike County School Corporation sues Melissa Fuller on complaint. Pike County School Corporation sues Rachel Sanders on complaint. Pike County School Corporation sues Kris Franklin on complaint. Pike County School Corporation sues Amanda Sullivan on complaint. Pike County School Corporation sues Stella Melhiser on complaint. Pike County School Corporation sues Mark Russel on complaint. Pike County School Corporation sues Blake Fleming on complaint. Pike County School Corporation sues Crystal Marcum on complaint. Pike County School Corporation sues Scott Hendrixson on complaint. Pike County School Corporation sues Christina Potts on complaint. Pike County School Corporation sues Ronald Gross on complaint. Pike County School Corporation sues Wayne Moore on complaint. Pike County School Corporation sues Josh Schoppenhorst on complaint. Pike County School Corporation sues Tina Gulledge on complaint. Pike County School Corporation sues Danielle Davis on complaint. Pike County School Corporation sues Brooke Knebel on complaint. Pike County School Corporation sues Jarrod Johnson on complaint. Pike County School Corporation sues Amanda Dunn on complaint. Pike County School Corporation sues Gerald Fisher on complaint. INFRACTIONS Pike County Circuit Court Mitchell W. Rabe charged with operat- ing with expired plates. Gabrielle E. McCoy charged with op- erating with expired plates. Sabra B. Smith charged with speeding, exceeding 55 mph. Rodolfo Gonzalez charged with speed- ing, exceeding 55 mph. Justin Wayne Lee charged with count I speeding and count II registration and display of registration. Zachary T. Starkey charged with speeding, exceeding 55 mph. Brianna D. Pollard charged with oper- ating with expired plates. Logan P. Parrott charged with speed- ing. Derek A. Sanders charged with seat- belt violation. Amber L. Wood charged with speed- ing, exceeding 70 mph. Todd L. Wilson charged with speed- ing, exceeding 55 mph. Alexander D. Embry charged with speeding, exceeding 55 mph. Kelsi C. Hance charged with speeding in school zone. Cloey E. Pledger charged with speed- ing, exceeding 70 mph. Roger A. Britton charged with speed- ing, exceeding 70 mph. Addison R. Hildenbrand charged with speeding. Mattea K. Riker charged with speed- ing. De'Vonte A. Danzey II charged with speeding, exceeding 70 mph. Brent T. Miller charged with driving too fast for conditions. Cody A. Kendall charged with driving while suspended. Mark Dotterweich charged with driv- ing while suspended. Alexis Brianne Jackson charged with speeding, exceeding 30 mph. Jennifer Sue Siek charged with speed- ing, exceeding 55 mph. Lauren A. Harvey charged with speed- ing, exceeding 70 mph. Keith M. Bartley charged with speed- ing, exceeding 55 mph. Zachariah M. Phillips charged with speeding, exceeding 70 mph. David L. Harper charged with speed- ing, exceeding 70 mph. Jeremy L. Loveless charged with speeding, exceeding 55 mph. Ariel C. Eck charged with speeding, exceeding 70 mph. Rachel K. Gill charged with speeding, exceeding 70 mph. Nu Zung Poih charged with speeding, exceeding 70 mph. Emmanuel J. Graber charged with seatbelt violation. al emergency, we should skip that study and give one dose a real-world test. "You have to act quickly. Bureaucrats are just not used to doing that." On T V, Fauci once said: "You can do both! You can get as many people in their first dose at the same time as ad- hering within reason to the timetable of the second dose." But we can't do both. There are tradeoffs in life. "We have to take into ac- count scarcity," says Tabar- rok. "This is what economists are good at: thinking about scarcity and thinking about tradeoffs." America's bureaucratic medical approval process is all about following certain rules. "They've been too slow. They've made mistakes," com- plains Tabarrok. "The FDA did not allow private companies to start testing." That meant that for weeks, labs sat idle. The bureaucracy also slowed the distribution of vac- cines. "We had the doses stock- piled... ready to go. The state governments weren't ready. They didn't have websites ready," Tabarrok points out. "Even though they'd been told months and months, this is coming, vaccines are coming... get ready. And they said, Oh, we don't have enough money. Give me a break. They have tons of money." "They acted more quickly than they usually do," I point out. "Not fast enough," replies Tabarrok. Fortunately, people outside government stepped up. Olivia Adams, a software engineer in Massachusetts, got frustrated with her state's vaccine website and built a site that makes it easier to find COVID-19 vaccine ap- pointments. So did Huge Ma, an engineer in New York. "It's been amazing to see how much expertise there is in the world, outside the usual expert channels," says Tabar- rok. "The government has just been behind the virus every single step of the way." Fortunately, big greedy cor- porations were on the ball. "Thank God for the manu- facturers of vaccines for Mod- erna and Pfizer and Johnson and Johnson that have been the one saving grace in this crisis. Capitalism has brought us the vaccines at a faster pace than ever before. And most of that was due to lifting of gov- ernment regulations." He's right. At the beginning of the pandemic, the FDA lift- ed regulations, which allowed companies to create vaccines more quickly. Without that freedom, vaccine approval would have taken years. When the pandemic ends, politicians will take credit, but the solution, as usual, be- gan when politicians got out of the way. John Stossel is author of "Give Me a Break: How I Ex- posed Hucksters, Cheats, and Scam Artists and Became the Scourge of the Liberal Media." EXPERTS Continued from page 8 PLUSES Continued from page 8 The governors' joint state- ment declares: "A state's abili- ty to keep businesses open and people employed should not be a penalizing factor when dis- tributing funds. If Congress is going to provide aid to states, it should be on an equitable population basis." But it isn't. The way Con- gress passes out money is akin to assigning the highest per- forming students an F and the lowest performers an A. May- be this is what the left means by "equity." The last shall be first. Most red states have al- ready balanced their budgets. So how will Republican gover- nors use their free money? Here's a better idea: Rather than squander the money with more bureaucratic spending and the risk of inflating a finan- cial bubble in their state bud- gets in the years ahead, devote every penny of these funds to finance tax reform and relief. Eight states have no state in- come tax. Those states are Alaska, Nevada, South Dako- ta, Washington, Florida, Wy- oming, Tennessee and Texas. It would be rough justice for the blue-state bailout. If Dem- ocrats take the red states' money, Republican governors should make their states in- come-tax-free havens and steal the blue states' families and businesses. The states with- out income taxes create twice as many jobs as the high-tax blue states. If you think California, Il- linois, New Jersey and New York are melting down now, wait until they have to compete against regions of the country in the South and the mountain states with no income taxes. Will the last person in New York please turn out the lights? Stephen Moore is a senior fellow at the Heritage Founda- tion and an economic consul- tant with FreedomWorks. He is the co-author of "Trumponom- ics: Inside the America First Plan to Revive the American Economy." CLIMATE Continued from page 8 Down on the Farm By Hans Schmitz, Purdue Extension Educator Farm safety as activity gears up It takes 3 mInutes to subscrIbe to 812-354-8500