Dayton Leader

07/03/2025

Roads will be slick tomorrow morning, please plan accordingly.

06/03/2025

The Dayton Leader has been delayed due to weather and should be in subscriber mailboxes and on newsstands within the next few days. We apologize for any inconvenience. Thank you.

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06/03/2025

𝑯𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝑭𝒂𝒓𝒎 𝑩𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒖 𝒔𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒂𝒓𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑

Congratulations to Hanna Hicks for being chosen as one of Webster County Farm Bureau’s $750 scholarship winners! Hanna is the daughter of Travis and Michelle Hicks of Farnhamville and is currently a senior at Southeast Valley High School. She is planning to attend Iowa Central Community College in the fall and in the future, will transfer to Iowa State University where she will pursue a degree in Agricultural Education and Animal Science.

During high school, Hanna has been involved in several agricultural related activities including being reporter and president for the FFA Central Plains Chapter, where she also participated with multiple can drives, plant sales from within the school greenhouse, clean-up of retired teachers’ yards, and received several awards. She also belonged to the SE Valley FCCLA Chapter in roles of leadership and officer team, where she helped with decorating, plant sales, “Cookies with Santa” program, and received awards. In addition, Hanna has received accolades in 4-H, helped clean up the golf course while on the team, worked on the yearbook, and was a reporter while belonging to National Honor Society. As Webster County Pork Queen, Hanna had the opportunity to travel around to help grill for events, including the Iowa State Fair.

Growing up on a family farm just outside of Farnhamville, Hanna stated that she was immersed in the world of agriculture from a young age. The Hicks farm is home to corn, soybeans, cattle, and hogs. Being family-run, everyone pitches in, and she’s been involved since she was little. Her responsibilities are diverse and ever-changing, from getting nursery pigs in and vaccinating both hogs and cattle, to moving nursery pigs into finishers, loading fat hogs, hauling bales, and running daily chores and parts runs. Hanna juggles these tasks around school hours, on weekends, and during the summer.

Hanna shared, “I think Iowa Farm Bureau has a huge impact on agriculture in general, but more specifically rural Iowa. They advocate for the farmers themselves and want what is best for them. With all of the changes in society today, I think that farmers kind of get a bad rap, which is sad because they are providing for the world. But by having a company like Iowa Farm Bureau, they can get the support that they need.” She continued, “My field of study will support the mission of the Iowa Farm Bureau because I will be educating the future of agriculture. I will support and encourage the youth to go into agricultural studies. This will add to the population of agriculture and continue the traditions of rural Iowa.”

Hanna’s roots are deeply planted in the state, and she intends to stay in rural Iowa. “I want to stay in this area because I am used to the agricultural practices used in this area. I also would like to stay in this area to be close to my family and to continue to help on their farm.” She continued, “Agriculture is important to my family and I because it is our business and what supports us. I am a fourth-generation farmer and have grown up with it all my life, just like my dad and grandpa. This industry means so much to me because I am able to do what I love every single day. Watching the things you work so hard for everyday is the best and most accomplished feeling ever.”

Hanna believes she is a worthy investment for the Farm Bureau, “I will be in agriculture my whole life, no matter what career path I choose!” The financial support will help her through college, where she wants to learn how to educate the next generation of agriculturalists.

Webster County Farm Bureau congratulates Hanna and sends its best wishes for all her future endeavors. Hanna’s scholarship application has been forwarded to the Iowa Farm Bureau for consideration for one of the twenty-seven $2,500 scholarships.

06/03/2025

The JH wrestling meet scheduled for today @ Southeast Valley has been postponed to Thursday, March 13

06/03/2025

UPDATES from Southeast Valley schools:
JH Wrestling meet postponed to Thursday March 13.

Dayton Elementary Family Fun Night rescheduled to Thursday, March 27th from 5:30-7. There will be a parent meeting from 5:30-6:00 while kids play games in the gym. A meal will follow from 6-7.

Farnhamville Elementary Family Fun Night will remain on Thursday March 13th from 5-7pm as scheduled

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06/03/2025

Middle School Students of the Month!!

5th grade- Serenity Cunnigan. Serenity is a very kind and respectful student. She is an active participant in class and is a role model to her peers.

6th grade- Gavin Rude. Gavin pays attention to details and puts forth great effort on his assignments. He is willing to help his classmates and teachers out, oftentimes even without being asked.

7th grade- Braxtin Hansen- Braxtin has a positive attitude and has a strong work ethic. Braxtin encourages her peers and is willing to work with others.

8th grade-Emma Hayes. Emma went above and beyond in the classroom. She's a hard worker, respectful, and a positive influence for others.

06/03/2025

Webster County Alert:

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 6 PM CST FRIDAY..BAND OF ACCUMULATING SNOWFALL LATER TODAY INTO FRIDAY...
A band of precipitation will spread from Nebraska into western Iowa
late today and central and eastern Iowa tonight. With temperatures
near freezing mostly rain is expected in southern Iowa, but in north
central Iowa a band of accumulating snowfall is forecast which will
lead to hazardous driving conditions by tonight and into Friday.

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 3 and 6
inches.

* WHERE...Portions of western into north central Iowa.

* WHEN...From 9 PM this evening to 6 PM CST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions
could impact the Friday morning and evening commutes.
Slow down and use caution while traveling.

For the latest travel conditions, check the Iowa 511 app,
www.511ia.org, or dial 511.

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06/03/2025

No school for Southeast Valley tomorrow

05/03/2025

The latest Webster County alert:

Wind Advisory issued March 5 at 2:43PM CST until March 5 at 6:00PM CST by NWS Des Moines IA
* WHAT...Northwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph.

* WHERE...Portions of northwest into western and southern Iowa.

* WHEN...Until 6 PM CST this evening.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree
limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Strong winds will continue to cause blowing
snow at times which may lead to slick travel conditions.

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05/03/2025

May 18, 2015 Beth Marrs 2 Comments We receive many calls during the spring and summer regarding power outages and freezer and refrigerator food safety. The callers may have experienced extreme weather conditions such as a severe storm or flooding, or other reasons. One of the best ways to mitigate t...

05/03/2025

05/03/2025

Due to the hazardous weather and travel not being advised all Community Health Center locations are closed today.

05/03/2025

Webster County EMS Vote, Unofficial:
Registered Voters 22,431 - Total Ballots 4,129 : 18.41% - Write-in Ballots
0
Webster County Public Measure A
Number of Precincts 18
Precincts Reporting 18
YES 3,447 83.60%
NO 676 16.40%
Undervote 6
Overvote 0

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04/03/2025

Due to the winter weather forecast, there will be NO School at Southeast Valley on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. Everyone stay safe.

04/03/2025

Dayton Elementary’s Spring Concert
3rd & 4th Grade Concert – March 4th at 6:00 PM
at the Dayton Community Center