Dodge County Fair Seeks Applicants For 2019 Fairest Of The Fair The Dodge County Fair Association is seeking ambitious, enthusiastic and outgoing individuals, age 18 as of January 1, to enter the 2019 Dodge County Fairest of the Fair contest. Scholarship money, gifts and interview experience are only some of the benefits of being named Fairest of the Fair. The 2019 Fairest of the Fair represents the Dodge County Fair Association as the hostess of the 132nd Dodge County Fair and participates in media and promotion events for the fair. Opportunities include radio interviews, main stage and 4-H emcee events and assistance in the planning of the next Fairest of the Fair contest.

Iron Ridge Golden Youth Met The May 8 meeting of the Iron Ridge Golden Youth at the Iron Ridge Community Center began with blood pressure checks taken by Iron Ridge First Responders Kim Groteleuschen and Joshia Brath. Thank you, volunteers. A lunch was served by Wilma Giese and Jeanne Hermann who were graciously thanked by 13 members present. Darlene Rios called the meeting to order. Roll call was taken and minutes of the April meeting given by Wilma Giese. Members were reminded that Jean Doerfert would appreciate cards and calls during her health issues. Treasurer Sharon Zinke presented her report. Filed for audit. We took a moment of silence to thank all our veterans being honored on Memorial Day.

Keep Wildlife Wild: Admire Fawns From Afar, Mom Is Near As the weather warms and people spend more time outdoors, state wildlife officials remind everyone that many young wild animals are born this time of year, including whitetailed deer fawns. Newborn fawns hide quietly for long periods of time while their mothers feed nearby. A quiet fawn found alone is not abandoned. To ensure their safety and to keep wildlife wild, the public should enjoy viewing fawns from afar. According to Department of Natural Resources wildlife health conservation specialist Amanda Kamps, cochair of the Keep Wildlife Wild team, people often come across a fawn lying down alone in their yard or even next to a building and mistakenly think the fawn has been abandoned. In fact, a fawn that is lying down quietly has not been abandoned; the mother doe is nearby. 'The best chance of survival for a young fawn is to be quiet and still, concealing itself in its surrounding environment,' said Kamps. 'Very young fawns are not able to keep up with their mom, so instead she will leave her fawn concealed in a place where she feels it is safe.' The natural protective behavior of a mother doe is different than that of human mothers. Hiding quietly is a fawn's best protection from predators, especially in the first few days of life. Because young fawns have very little scent, predators cannot see, hear or smell them so long as they stay still and quiet. It is typical for a mother doe to leave her young fawns unattended except for brief nursing visits a few times a day. Occasionally, she will move her fawn to a new hiding place. What Do I Do If I Find

Cool, Refreshing And Straight From The Garden – Mint MELINDA MYERS Add a bit of cool flavor to your beverages and meals this summer with homegrown mint. Try using peppermint leaves in fruit cocktails and ice cream. Add spearmint to your tea or use the leaves to season lamb and jelly. Or try chocolate mint for a unique sweet and refreshing flavor in desserts and drinks.

May's Heavy Rains, Snow Demand Boaters' Attention The wet spring with May's heavy rainfalls and snowstorms have swelled some Wisconsin lakes, streams and rivers into flood stages. High water marked by surging currents and hidden floating debris has Department of Natural Resources officials urging all water users to check local water conditions, to know the area's weather forecasts and to wear your life jackets. DNR Bureau of Law Enforcement Captain April Dombrowski says the higher, fast-moving water also can tax an individual's boating and paddling skills.

Drain And Clean In Between To Stop Invasive Species And Protect Wisconsin's Waters Draining live wells, bait buckets and bilges every time they leave a boat launch or fishing access is a great way for anglers to help keep our waters healthy by stopping the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS). 'It's a great thing that the majority of lakes and rivers in Wisconsin don't yet have aquatic invasive species in them, but that makes it even more important that we protect our waters from those that do,' says Todd Ambs, DNR assistant deputy secretary. Clean Boats, Clean Waters boat inspectors made up of volunteers, regional aquatic invasive species partners and WDNR staff will talk with anglers and boaters at launches around the state. At many lakes and river accesses, they will also hand out free ice packs to remind people that icing is the best way to keep fish fresh. 'Fishing success is tied to healthy lakes, rivers and streams. Anglers can help by not moving water that may contain tiny, even microscopic, species. Putting your catch on ice not only keeps the fish fresher and tastier, but it means you don't need to worry about moving AIS in your live well or bucket to another body of water,' Ambs says. Anglers are the best messengers to spread the word by passing on prevention steps to those new to the sport as well as to others who don't know the law and reasons behind it. People who use social media can also spread the word about the importance of draining livewells and other equipment by posting photos and messages using #JustDrainIt or #stopaquatichitchhikers.