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PRESIDENTS MESSAGE              July 2026 Newsletter Hello all of you summer sizzling outdoor adventurers. Hot weather is a time to do outside work early in the day. Be careful. 1. At our June Ikes board meeting, we discussed several topics. So here is a brief summary. The pond has had a lot of algae growth in past years. This year a professional service was employed. However, this will continue to be an ongoing situation exasperated by hot weather and runoff water from the watershed which is rich in nutrients. A suggestion for using Karmex DFD chemical was suggested. Upon review with TylerRenze of Habitat Solution, Karmex has its place in very restricted uses. It has an active ingredient called diuron. It is not labeled for commercial uses, is highly toxic to fish, and therefore is not our option. Tyler has been invited to attend the July meeting for more input. The Ikes pond is an important feature of our property. We must face reality to retain it with quality water and control of pond vegetation.
2. Range users: All firearms users are requested to please adhere to the rules. Some are not. Target stake stands made of 2 x 2 wood frames are being shot at and ruined. Use common sense to avoid damages. This old problem continues as a vexing headache for the Ikes. Firearms use at the range is a serious matter. Abuse is a threat to your chosen activity.
3. July election of board members for the new year, beginning in August 2026. Many present candidates will stay on. Several are indicating the need to step down. An obvious source of potential candidates should come from active and influential firearms range users, particularly those who truly value the opportunity to use the gun ranges. Please consider stepping up to fill a vital role in Ikes programs/services to members. Contact any present board members to offer your service into the future.
4. As the President for the past two years, and member for at least 50 plus years, I will be stepping away from any board member position. Times change. Downsizing is in our immediate and long term future as my wife and I adjust to things we can control and try to adapt to things we cannot. Life is what it is, always a surprise or two. Our list of obligations must be evaluated and slowly reduced, a fact we cannot ignore. I am still a certified DNR hunter safety instructor and will offer that service for a few more years. And, if the Ikes board so desires, I can help facilitate Scholarship Program applications for a few more years. Just be advised that these items will also have to transition into the history book. Thanks to all of you for the past positive accomplishments you all have been a part of. It is recognized. Garry Brandenburg Board President Email: brandegb@heartofiowa.net. 641-750-4914 Page 1 of 3 BOARD MEMBER BALLOT Here are the members on the ballot for this year. We have 12 candidates for the 11 spots. We have people that have been on the Board for many years and would be willing to make room for some new board members. We definitely could use some new members and fresh ideas. If you are interested in being on the Board of Directors please let us know. You can contact; Bob Backes (641-752-1355, bobby.backes@gmail.com) or Garry Brandenburg (brandegb@heartofiowa.net). ____________________________________________________________________________________ Board Member Ballot 2026/2027: Vote for no more than 11. Ballots will be counted on July 8. ___ Ed Moore ___ Tom Ohlfest ___ Bob Backes ___ Tim Powers ___ Yan Qiu ___ Doug Randall ___ Chuck Strobbe ___ Scott Peters ___ Steve Woodall ___ Dick Kelly ___ Jamie Williams ___ Luke Mckibben ____________________________________ Write In _____________________________________________________________________________________ Bring your ballot to the meeting July 8 or vote by email to brandegb@heartofiowa.net or reply to this newsletter email (bobby.backes@gmail.com}
A BIG THANK YOU Thanks to Garry Brandenburg for serving as our Board President the last two years (and also for his other responsibilities). He always did an excellent job directing our meetings and keeping us on track.
UPCOMING EVENTS BOARD MEETING: Wednesday July 8, 6:00 PM at the Izaak Walton League Clubhouse.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Jamie Wiliams sponsored by Ed Moore Lorena Rivera Reyes sponsored by Ed Moore Doug Boyd sponsored by Ed Moore Brian Boggess sponsored by Ed Moore Don & Lisa Rowley sponsored by Ed Moore Page 2 of 3 Our new trailer being used for the May Sporting Clay Shoot The trailer is definitely a handy addition to the Ikes for conducting our sporting clay shoots. Makes setup much easier, stores all the equipment nicely, eliminates the extra handling and opens up storage space in the Ike's shop. Nice work by Mark Dolash and his helpers. Published monthly Marshalltown, IA 50158 Edition 534 July 2026