March 2014 newsletter

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE @www.psbiowa.com and enter the SCAVENGER HUNT. One entry per week per person. Contest will run from March 3, 2014 through April 14, 2014. No purchase necessary.

is proud to sponsor the

Elma Area Scholarship

First Day of Spring March 20, 2014

One-year scholarships are available annually to students graduating from Crestwood High School, Charles City High School, New Hampton High School, Osage High School or Riceville High School. Students must consider Elma or Alta Vista, Iowa, their home town and must be planning on attending an accredited university, junior college, or trade school within the state of Iowa. Involvement in extra-curricular activities, community service work, and most importantly the student’s financial need will be considered. Applications are due March 7, 2014. For more information or to apply go to www.cfneia.org or call the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa at 319.287.9106.

MEMBER FDIC 328 Main St. * P.O. Box 357 * Elma, IA 50628 * Ph.: 641-393-2301 * Fax: 641-393-2556 * www.psbiowa.com

MARCH CALANDER OF EVENTS Mar. 2

Colonial Manor Smorgasbord.

Mar. 3

Peoples Savings Bank will be serving refreshments. Blood pressure testing available from 9-9:30 a.m.

Mar. 5 Mar. 5

6:30 p.m. Ash Wednesday Lenten service at United Lutheran Chester, lunch follows.

Mar. 5

Bridge Organization Meeting, 6:30 p.m. at the community room at Peoples Savings Bank. Open to the public.

Mar. 6

Afton Oaks Euchre Tournament.

Mar. 6

TOPS meet at Elma Public Library at 10 a.m. for weigh-in and 10:30 a.m. meeting. Everyone welcome!

Mar. 7

City of Elma Recycling, Hawkeye Sanitation.

Mar. 7

5:30 p.m. Colonial Manor Music by Chester Proctor.

Mar. 8

8:30 a.m. St. Paul’s Maple Leaf Lutheran Church Men’s breakfast and Bible Study.

Mar. 9

Spring Forward - Daylight Savings Time begins. Set clocks ahead one hour.

Mar. 10

Elma City Council Meeting.

Mar. 10

1:30 p.m. Colonial Manor Auxiliary meeting. 2:30 p.m. Colonial Manor Music by Gery Froiland.

Mar. 12

Colonial Manor Birthday Meal.

Mar. 12

6:30 p.m. Lenten service at St. Paul’s Maple Leaf Lutheran Church, 5:45 p.m. super.

Mar. 13

1:30 p.m. Care Givers Support Group Meeting, back room of Peoples Savings Bank. Everyone Welcome!

Mar. 13


Mar. 13

10:30 a.m. Colonial Manor Ecumenical Service, Rev. Mike Simiele. 1:45 a.m. Colonial Manor, visits from 2-3rd grade. 7:00 p.m. Colonial Manor Mennonite Youth Group

Mar. 13


Mar. 17 Mar. 17

11:30 a.m. Colonial Manor St. Patrick’s Day Family Potluck.

Mar. 18

5:30 p.m. Colonial Manor Music by Tim Howland.

Mar. 19

12:30 p.m.—2:30 p.m. Elma Public Library Game Day.

Mar. 19

Colonial Manor Community Soup Supper.

Mar. 19

6:30 p.m. Lenten service at Unite Lutheran Church, Chester, lunch following

Mar. 20

MARCH CALANDER OF EVENTS, CON’T Mar. 20


Mar. 20


Mar. 21

City of Elma Recycling, Hawkeye Sanitation.

Mar. 26

6:30 p.m. Lenten service at St. Paul’s Maple Leaf Lutheran Church, 5:45 p.m. super.

Mar. 27


Mar. 27


Mar. 27

1:45 p.m. Colonial Manor visits from 2-3rd Grade. 3:00 p.m. Colonial Manor Ecumenical Service, Rev. Tim Sir.

Corn and Beans

Hogs

As of this writing, cash corn is $4.28 and beans are $12.94. March corn futures are $4.45 currently. Support is at $4.40 then $4.33. Resistance is at $4.48 then $4.55. March soybean futures are currently at $13.43. Support is at $13.32 then $13.15. Resistance is at $13.49 then $13.66.

As of this writing, cash hogs were as high as $66, up as much as $8 from last month. Pork product prices continue to rise with packers cutting in the black. Pork demand will continue to benefit from high retail beef prices.

Cash corn is $0.09 higher and cash soybeans are $0.10 higher then a month ago. USDA’s February supply and demand report was considered bullish for corn and neutral for soybeans. Projected corn exports were increased by 150 million bushels to 1.6 billion bushels. Exports have been huge lately. However after the $.35 rally over the last four weeks US corn is now at a premium compared to corn from Ukraine, Canada and Argentina. USDA left projected ending old crop soybeans unchanged at 150 million bushels. China has been canceling and rolling soy purchases. This week they cancelled 10 million bushels of soybeans. They are also trying to negotiate with grain companies to let them originate more soybeans from South America, where cash soybeans are over $1 per bushel less than current US prices. If you have old crop to sell remember to reward rallies with scale up sales. We are now half-way to setting the February price guarantee for revenue crop insurance policies. Month to date average prices are: December corn $4.58, November soybeans $11.19. As you look at your crop insurance before the March 15 deadline to make changes to your crop insurance policies, be sure to remember the premium which looks expensive, is providing both advisors are projecting even larger ending stocks barring a weather disaster and lower corn and soybean prices for the new crop. Feel free to stop in and discuss your plans with Brad, Bruce or myself. DOUG UTHE

Cattle As of this writing, cash cattle are $143, steady to down $1 from last month. Choice boxed beef values fell more than $8.50 per cwt. in the week ending February 12, but movement improved from the previous week. Tight feedlot inventories will continue to provide support to the market. However further upside is limited and downside risk is large. Be sure to protect your downside with forward sales and or hedges. The cattle market is where the grain market was a year ago. It will definitely go lower we just don’t know when and by how much.

INVESTMENTS Terms in Months Min. Balance APY 6 $1000.00 .30% 9 $1000.00 .35% 12 $1000.00 .40% 18 $1000.00 .45% 24 $1000.00 .60% 30 $1000.00 .65% 36 $1000.00 .90% 48 $1000.00 1.10% 60 $1000.00 1.25% ———————————————————— 6 $10,000.00 .35% 9 $10,000.00 .40% 12 $10,000.00 .45% 18 $10,000.00 .50% 24 $10,000.00 .70% 30 $10,000.00 .75% 36 $10,000.00 1.00% 48 $10,000.00 1.20% 60 $10,000.00 1.35%

ATTENTION: To all our Young Super Saver Customers under the age of 18... Stop in and make a deposit of $5.00 or more into your personal savings account and become eligible to have your name in a drawing held once a month, around the 20th, for a free gift. Winners will be listed in the following newsletter. Also, don’t forget to bring your Report Cards in for Crackin’ the Books. We will pay you for your grades. Keep up the good work! FEBRUARY Super Saver Winners: Jayden Burke Daryl Martin Katlyn Burke Wesley Martin Kayla Burke Makayla Praska Lewis Holdeman Addison Ptacek Chandler Ludwig Kathryn Zimmerman Stop in and pick up your free gift!!

SUBSTANTIAL PENALTY FOR EARLY WITHDRAWAL. MEMBER FDIC. These rate are effective Feb.25th, rates may change weekly on Tuesdays. For current yields, please call the bank at (641) 393-2301

New LOOK and new FEATURES on our website. Not only does our website have a new look, it also has several new features for you to enjoy. We will still have the same address – www.psbiowa.com. Take a moment to check it out this month and find the pig each week for a chance to win a Microsoft Surface! On the website you can find:



Information on all our services including mobile banking, online banking, checking, savings, and loans!



Login access to online banking



Loan applications and other forms.



Link to an ATM locator of where you can find no fee ATM’s



Archive of our newsletters



Deposit rates

www.psbiowa.com



Weather forecast, including radar



Markets

Book mark it or save it to your favorites!



Blogs on financial tips and resources



Links to a variety of resources including Ag Decision Maker, Savings Bond Calculators, Kelly Blue Book, and more!



Information on the Elma area



And more!

ROLLER SKATING IS BACK!! Ages 0-3rd grade 6:00-7:30 p.m. Ages 4th grade-Adults 7:30-9:00 p.m. The cost is $2.00 for entry and skate rental . Come enjoy some fun with family and friends. The following dates will be Friday nights for roller skating... February 28th March 7th March 21st March 28th If Howard Winneshiek School dismisses early or cancels due to bad weather, skating will be cancelled. Any questions or concerns please call Kris Thiele @ 641-220-4933.

Attention all Crafters, Businesses and Hobbyists Mark your calendars and plan to be a part of the

2014 SPRING EXTRAVAGANZA Saturday, May 3rd, 2014 At the Elma Memorial Hall in Elma, Iowa

To reserve your table(s) or get more information please contact Vicky Block at 641-229-5982, Sue Miller at 641-393-2412 or Ann O’Brien at 641-393-2242 Tables will be $35.00 each. Must be registered and paid by April 15th, 2014 to reserve your spot. Sponsored by Elma Activities & Events

Elma Elementary School Happenings… District wide Preschool and Kindergarten round-up was held the week of February 3rd. This gives the district an idea of next fall’s incoming numbers. If you are aware of any potential 4 or 5 year olds, please have them contact the Elma School office. Please note that any Kindergarten packets will be forwarded to the Cresco campus. Valentine’s Day parties were held in the classrooms during the afternoon of February 14. Special activities, exchanging valentines and treats make for fun memories with classmates. Parent-Teacher conferences will be held on February 18 and 20. Conferences are a great way for parents and teachers to review their expectations and discuss the child’s performance. There will be no school on Monday, February 17 in observance of Presidents’ Day and also no school on Friday, February 21. Dads and Donuts is to be held on Friday, February 28 during breakfast from 7:45 – 8:30 a.m. This special event gives dads/ father figure an opportunity to share breakfast with their children and visit in their school setting.

Classroom News… The preschoolers have been investigating with snow and ice. In our water table they had blocks of ice and snow, and they tried to build structures using the ice and snow. They discovered that the snow helps the ice stick together. Then we did an experiment to see what would make ice melt the fastest. We put different types of salt and even sugar on blocks of ice and we discovered that sidewalk salt melts the ice the fastest. We are now beginning to learn about our teeth. We have been discussing why it is important to take care of our teeth, how to take care of them, and healthy foods to eat that will keep our teeth healthy. On February 4th, students in kindergarten and first grade had a fun time celebrating our 100th day of school. There was so much to do that we had to finish the next day. For our activities we created cupcakes with 100 sprinkles, made an ice cream cone with 10 scoops (counting by 10’s), their self-portrait of them at 100 years old, a bubble gum machine with 100 gum balls, and we played a roll to 100 game.

MARCH 2014 LIBRARY LIMELIGHT Did you ever have one of those days where one or two big things go wrong and you wonder why you bothered to get up that morning? Well, we had a day like that, Wed., Jan. 29. One of those extremely cold days and our pressure tank on our well freezes up, so no water from Tuesday night until Wednesday afternoon when our plumber was able to replace the tank, get the pipes unfrozen and get water running to the house and cattle again. But wait there's more, then our youngest daughter calls from Cresco, the brakes have gone out of her car and she can't drive it. So Pat goes to Cresco, gets the car to a repair shop and brings her home. Thankfully, nobody was hurt and we survived showering at my mom's, but like the old saying goes, “When it rains, it pours.” A Weather Reminder: Due to inclement weather the library may not open, or have shortened hours. Please call the library before venturing out to make sure we are open (393-8100). Thank you and stay safe! NEIBORS – web site is http://neibors.lib.overdrive.com Go to the web site, find the Elma Library, type in your Patron Number and you will be connected to download ebooks and audio books. Help with purchase of book: Recently I learned of a book called Jayni's Bridge-A Collection of Writings on Faith, Love and Living with ALS. It is the story of Mary Jane 'Jayni' Riley Blackburn, originally from this area and sister to Chuck Riley. The cost of the book is $120.00, so if anyone is interested in helping the library out by making a donation toward this book, we would love to add it to our collection. Coming Soon Look for the Elma Library on Facebook. We are working on setting up a page, so hopefully in March you can find us and 'Like' us on Facebook. Dates to Remember March 2 – Read Across America – Dr. Seuss' Birthday March 13 & 27 – Crochet Group from 2:00 pm to ? March 17 – Happy St. Patrick's Day March 19 – Game Day from 12:30 – 3:00 P.M. March (TBD) – Cards with Rhonda from 12:30 – 3:00 P.M Donations: Marge Ludwig-donation toward Jayni's Bridge; Eleanor Burke donated books Memorials: Donations in memory of Florence Kinney, Irene Shimak gave in memory of Florence Kinney & Lucille Gansen, Joe & Shirley Praska and Roger & Marilee Nibaur gave in memory of Ronald Anderson, Alberta Friedrich & Mary Stabola gave in memory of Florence Kinney, Judy Rouchka gave in memory of Rosaleen Knutson, Tom & Barb Schroeder and Mary Dvorak gave in memory of Charles Boyle. Thank you for remembering the library. New books for Adults Include: First Love by James Patterson, Wind Chime Point by Sherryl Woods, Soul Healing Miracles by Dr.Zhi Gang Sha, Jayni's Bridge by Ericka Ervin, All Things Hidden by Tracie Peterson, Secretariat's Meadow by Kate Chenery Tweedy, 101 Ground Training Exercises for Horses by Cherry Hill, Lyons on Horses by John Lyons, Horse Sense for People by Monty Roberts, Shy Boy by Monty Roberts, The Eighty-Dollar Champion by Elizabeth Letts, The Ghost Horse by Joe Layden, Battleship: A Daring Heiress, A Teenage Jockey... by Dorothy Ours, A Promise Kept by Robin Lee Hatcher, and A Miracle of Hope by Ruth Reid. New books for Youth Include: Club CSI:Case of Disappearing Dog by David Lewman, In The Bag! By Monica Kulling, Wile E. Coyote-Simple Machines by Mark Weakland, Wile E. Coyote-Energy by Suzanne Slade, Berenstain Bears Easter Parade by Mike Berenstain, Lucky Dog by Kirby Larson, My Body Belongs to Me by ProFamila, Olivia Helps Mother Nature by Lauren Forte, Working the Farm by Mara Conlon, Crossing the Country by Ace Landers, Trucks in the City by Kris Hirschmann, Fighting the Fire by Jenne Simon, At the Construction Site by Samantha Brooke, and Lego Superhero Phonics Set by Quinlan B. Lee. New Movies Include: Horse Crazy,The Gypsy Warriors, The Little Rascals, Stone Cold, Category 7, 007 Licence To Kill, 8 Western Movies Pack, 4 Movie Collection, Stuart Little 1&2, Epic, We're the Millers, Parental Guidance, Jack the Giant Slayer, World War Z, The Grey, Fast & Furious 6, MUD Library Hours Monday 10 A.M.-8 P.M., Tuesday 2 P.M.-8 P.M., Wednesday 2 P.M.-8 P.M., Thursday 10 A.M.-8 P.M., Friday 9 A.M.-3 P.M., Saturday 9 A.M.-3 P.M.

We have BRIDGE BUCKS AVAILABLE… They are gift certificates like checks, issued in increments of $5 up to a maximum of $25. They may be redeemed at most Elma businesses. Stop in To PEOPLES SAVINGS BANK for more information. Will make great, Birthday, Anniversary, Wedding gifts ect...

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES INTERNET BANKING: Sign up now by going to our website www.psbiowa.com. Getting the most current banking information is a powerful feature. You will be able to keep track of your accounts, giving you more control over your money. Some of the Banking Tasks you will be able to do are: *Check current balance *Transfer money between accounts *Access interest information *View transaction and activity information *View and print an entire statement *Reconcile your account without waiting for a monthly statement *View both current and previous months’ account statements *And much more *You can NOW see images of checks/deposits. E-STATEMENTS: Sign up at the bank or call to receive statements by e-mail. MOBILE BANKING: Sign up by going to our website www.psbiowa.com. 24 HOUR VOICE ACCESS: You may call 24 hrs. a day, 7 days a week to receive bank information on your account. Call (641) 393-2750 or (877) 540-7444. GIFT CARDS: Peoples Savings Bank has Gift Cards available for any occasion. The minimum amount to apply on a card is $10.00. These gift cards may be used at any merchant location where debit cards are accepted. There is a $2.00 fee for each card. Stop in and see us for more details. We have available: Presidents Dollar coins…United States Mint Proof Sets. Black Leather check book/wallet…$9.00

FOR YOUR INFORMATION ...To be included in the monthly drawings for gift certificates, please bring your newsletter labels in the bank by the 20th of the month.

PEOPLES SAVINGS BANK PO BOX 357 ELMA, IOWA 50628 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

PSB HOURS: Lobby:

Monday –Friday 7:30 a.m.—3: 00 p.m. Saturday 7:30 a.m.—10:00 a.m.

Drive-Up: Monday-Friday 7:00 a.m. –3:30 p.m. Saturday 7:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. All business conducted after 3:00 p.m. will be posted on the next business day. ATM activity conducted after 3:00 p.m. will be posted the next business day. 328 Main St. PO Box 357 Elma, IA 50628 Ph.: 641-393-2301 Fax: 641-393-2556 www.psbiowa.com

PSB will be glad to print communityoriented information in the CALENDAR OF EVENTS feature of our newsletter. If you have an item to submit, please contact us at (641) 393-2301. Deadline to submit an item is the 15th of the month preceding the event.

PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID ELMA, IA 50628 PERMIT NO. 18