Home Care In Garrison, IA

In 1972, Gordon Garrison purchased 300 acres of farmland in Emmet County, a rectangle near the Minnesota border one county to the east of the Iowa Great Lakes.

The Iowa State University agricultural engineering graduate began raising sheep and crops. He also set about working to restore the “prairie pothole” ecology of shallow wetlands that was common in northwestern Iowa when white settlers began arriving 175 years ago.

Garrison built a house on his land in 1999. He still lives there, although his quality of life has taken a troubling turn since he put down roots there.

Life for Garrison and his neighbors changed significantly in December 2015 when New Fashion Pork LLP built a CAFO, or a confined animal feeding operation, uphill from and adjacent to Garrison’s property. The confinement building — which the state allows to house 4,400 to 8,800 hogs, depending on their size — is about a half mile from Garrison’s property.

A subsidiary of New Fashion Pork owns more agricultural land adjacent to Garrison’s property. That land is used for disposal of hog manure.

More:Suing hog confinements for pollution, odor just became harder with Iowa Supreme Court ruling

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It is important to remember that Gordon Garrison and his family arrived and built their home before the hog confinement entered the picture. It is important to remember that he was there before the Legislature passed the “right-to-farm” law in 2020 that provides livestock producers with broad immunity from lawsuits as long as they comply with state and federal regulations.

This isn’t a matter of a family moving to an agricultural area and then being surprised to find there are unpleasant odors associated with livestock. Nevertheless, the Iowa law says animal-feeding operations “shall not be found to interfere with another person’s comfortable use and enjoyment of the person’s life or property.”

Garrison’s comfortable use and enjoyment of his property changed after the CAFO was built. He experienced nausea and dizziness from the odor and said it was sometimes so intense he could not work outside. Nearby landowners corroborated his complaints.

That’s what brought Garrison before the Iowa Supreme Court. But in the topsy-turvy world in which we live these days in Iowa, the justices last month sided with New Fashion Pork in Garrison’s lawsuit against the CAFO over its noxious odors and manure pollution reaching onto his land.

The 4-3 decision also threw out the Supreme Court’s own legal test that has guided the courts of Iowa for 18 years in deciding questions of whether a CAFO is operating as a public nuisance. The court’s decision said, “CAFOs are controversial, but it is not our role to second-guess the Legislature’s policy choices.”

The three justices who sided with Garrison — Brent Appel, Christopher McDonald and Dana Oxley — delivered an important lesson on Iowans’ inalienable rights, which stand above laws the Legislature enacts. But the four-justice majority wasn’t buying the analysis.

Appel wrote in his dissent, “We must never forget that the Iowa founders presented a rights-based constitution to the voters of Iowa. And the rights provided in the Iowa Constitution are superior and above the vicissitudes of politics.”

He continued: “The first article in the Iowa Constitution is the Iowa Bill of Rights, and the first section of the first article is what has been called the inalienable rights or the natural rights clause. ‘All men and women are, by nature, free and equal, and have certain inalienable rights — among which are those of enjoying and defending life and liberty, acquiring, possessing and protecting property, and pursuing and obtaining safety and happiness.’”

More:Commission rejects request to tighten rules for Iowa livestock operations in sensitive areas

More:Editorial: Manure from ag operations ruins waterways. When will Iowans get their fill of filthy water?

In the understatement of the day, he added, “The founders were well aware of the capability of special interests to dominate the halls of government. … The Iowa Bill of Rights is a shield that protects the people’s rights from the political process.”

As you read Appel’s lesson on the history of special interests in Iowa government, circa 1857, you can easily jump forward to today and think of “agricultural interests” and state political leaders’ lack of concern about the growing water quality problems across Iowa and the quality-of-life concerns arising from the hog confinements like the one sending odors over the home of Gordon Garrison and funneling manure onto his property.

Appel wrote, “The central issue in this case is this: Can the government, consistent with article I, section 1 of the Iowa Constitution, enact a statute that authorizes a landowner to appropriate or take for the landowner’s benefit the property interest of a neighboring landowner, without any compensation or benefit to the other owner?”

He added, “In other words, are we telling the existing property owners that they are required to ‘take one for the team’ as the private owners next door emit nuisance odors under a scheme of statutory immunity?”

McDonald was equally blunt:

“The Iowa Constitution affords strong protection for private property. These interrelated constitutional provisions preclude the government from immunizing private nuisancers from having to pay full compensation for depriving another of the right to use and enjoy property. At least they did until today. The majority overturns well-supported and well-established case law and eviscerates the right to possess, use, enjoy, and protect property.”

Randy Evans, a retired Iowa journalist, can be reached at [email protected].

Gov. Terry Branstad rode in it in a parade. Nebraska Governor and Senator Ben Nelson, too. And Toby Keith. And Jeff Foxworthy.

The people who went to the Garrison Fun Day and saw “Ruthie,” the rusty 1929 Model A that is decked out in a variety of humorous hillbilly decorations may not have guessed that they were looking at a celebrity act that has entertained thousands at county fairs, parades and other events in 41 states.

But Hillbilly Bob and his car have indeed become that famous. A stuffed squirrel in an orange hunter’s outfit was pictured, said Bob, on the front page of the Dallas Morning News. Dozens of newspapers have included stories and photos of Bob and Ruthie

It all began about 20 years ago, when Bob rebuilt Ruthie. Then he decided to add a couple of humorous items, people began noticing. So he added more stuff, and received more attention.

“The badder it looked, the better they liked it,” says Bob.

Now, the car is so full of hillbilly relics that there is barely room for Bob to sit; but that’s okay because there is also a tractor seat attached to the front bumper. Bob calls it his fishing perch.

A variety of signs with hillbilly themes cover the car, especially the back window. Inside the back seat are photos of some of Bob’s ancestors, including his Grandma Bertha Hill and his Great-Grandfather Hill. Bob lives on the family farm which also includes the cemetery where his father, grandfather and great-grandfather were buried. Someday, says Bob, he will be laid to rest near them.

One of the new additions to Ruthie is a hunting squirrel, holding a gun and wearing blaze orange. The squirrel rests atop a Bible between the front seats.

A mailbox has been attached to the side; Bob says he is still trying to get his own zip code. That makes sense, considering that he has hauled Ruthie more than 300,000 miles in the past two decades.

Bob’s first bike, which his father made, and his dad’s old ice skates, are also among the items attached to the back of the car.

One of Bob’s favorite toys is the goat that blows up balloons, which he gives to children. Another his is pandolin, a guitar made from a bedpan.

Ruthie also has “Meals on Wheels,” an area under the hood where Bob says he can cook an egg in a skillet, using the heat from the engine.

Hillbilly Bob also uses his Ruthie and his unique traveling show to share his faith as a Christian. See one story about Bob's faith HERE.

David Garrison was born in Jacksonville, Illinois and has lived in many parts of the US while developing his art. He now resides in the mid-west, USA, and France.

David graduated from the prestigious American Academy of Art in Chicago, Illinois. He is an internationally recognized master with more than 50 years of experience as a professional artist. David has shown his work on three continents and has paintings that appear in galleries and private collections throughout North America, Europe, Russia, and China.

David was the Guest of Honor at the 21st Salon International Amicake Regionals DU Groups RENAULTÎLE-DE-FRANCE. This exhibit was in Paris, France. At the exhibit Salon des Artistes Contemporians (inFrance), he was awarded the Lead Crystal Award for excellence in the field of fine art. His piece was considered the best of all France and he is the only American artist to be honored with this prestigiousaward.

In a New York exhibit, David won the top award with his pastel of a hot air balloon, and his pastel “Paris Ballerina” was accepted into the Connecticut Pastel Society’s 19th Annual National ExhibitionRenaissance.

He holds workshops in his art studio in Burlington, Iowa as well as in many other states.

David Garrison is an internationally recognized pastelist with over 50 years of experience. He is a professional artist who has shown his work on three continents. His paintings appear in galleries and private collections throughout North America and Europe.

Garrison has exhibited extensively in both North America and France. His work has been shown twice in China. It was featured as part of a traveling exhibit of oil landscapes. The show traversed Asia, ending in the Grand Museum of Art in St. Petersburg, Russia.

During these international shows, Garrison has earned several very prestigious awards. He won first place in the Hudson Valley Art Association’s annual exhibit in White Plains, New York. Garrison is the only American to ever be awarded the Lead Crystal award for “art excellence” in the exhibition of contemporary artists sponsored by the City of Bueil, France. He was awarded the “Master of Light” and “Master Pastelist” titles by the Societe Pastellistes de France (Pastel Society of France).

Garrison was elected to the American Artist Professional League. He has exhibited in the league’s headquarters at the Salmagundi Club in New York City. He has been asked to teach workshops by both the Societe Pastellistes de France (the oldest and most difficult to be elected to in all of Europe) and the Pastel Society of America (New York City).

His murals are currently displayed in some of the finest hotels along the eastern seaboard, as well as the Midwest. These include Marriot Hotels, Hampton Inn and Suites, Hilton Gardens, and Holiday Inns. Some of Garrison’s murals adorn public welcome centers around Iowa. They can be seen in both Burlington and Fort Madison. Iowa’s Governor gave the address at the public unveiling of the Fort Madison mural.His work can also be found in the private collections of some of the leading political figures in Iowa. They have been bought by classical entertainers and collectors of fine art on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.

David Garrison was born in Jacksonville, Illinois and has lived in many parts of the US while developing his art. He now resides in the mid-west, USA, and France.

David graduated from the prestigious American Academy of Art in Chicago, Illinois. He is an internationally recognized master with more than 50 years of experience as a professional artist. David has shown his work on three continents and has paintings that appear in galleries and private collections throughout North America, Europe, Russia, and China.

David was the Guest of Honor at the 21st Salon International Amicake Regionals DU Groups RENAULTÎLE-DE-FRANCE. This exhibit was in Paris, France. At the exhibit Salon des Artistes Contemporians (inFrance), he was awarded the Lead Crystal Award for excellence in the field of fine art. His piece was considered the best of all France and he is the only American artist to be honored with this prestigiousaward.

In a New York exhibit, David won the top award with his pastel of a hot air balloon, and his pastel “Paris Ballerina” was accepted into the Connecticut Pastel Society’s 19th Annual National ExhibitionRenaissance.

He holds workshops in his art studio in Burlington, Iowa as well as in many other states.

David Garrison is an internationally recognized pastelist with over 50 years of experience. He is a professional artist who has shown his work on three continents. His paintings appear in galleries and private collections throughout North America and Europe.

Garrison has exhibited extensively in both North America and France. His work has been shown twice in China. It was featured as part of a traveling exhibit of oil landscapes. The show traversed Asia, ending in the Grand Museum of Art in St. Petersburg, Russia.

During these international shows, Garrison has earned several very prestigious awards. He won first place in the Hudson Valley Art Association’s annual exhibit in White Plains, New York. Garrison is the only American to ever be awarded the Lead Crystal award for “art excellence” in the exhibition of contemporary artists sponsored by the City of Bueil, France. He was awarded the “Master of Light” and “Master Pastelist” titles by the Societe Pastellistes de France (Pastel Society of France).

Garrison was elected to the American Artist Professional League. He has exhibited in the league’s headquarters at the Salmagundi Club in New York City. He has been asked to teach workshops by both the Societe Pastellistes de France (the oldest and most difficult to be elected to in all of Europe) and the Pastel Society of America (New York City).

His murals are currently displayed in some of the finest hotels along the eastern seaboard, as well as the Midwest. These include Marriot Hotels, Hampton Inn and Suites, Hilton Gardens, and Holiday Inns. Some of Garrison’s murals adorn public welcome centers around Iowa. They can be seen in both Burlington and Fort Madison. Iowa’s Governor gave the address at the public unveiling of the Fort Madison mural.His work can also be found in the private collections of some of the leading political figures in Iowa. They have been bought by classical entertainers and collectors of fine art on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.

Marlyn and Ann Jorgensen, of Garrison, have been named Iowa Master Farmers by Wallaces Farmer magazine. They are among four Iowa farm families that were recognized during ceremonies in West Des Moines on March 19. The other families are Roy and Phyllis Bardole, of Rippey; Brian and Cindy Kemp, of Sibley; and Gene and Marita Rouse, of Huxley.

The Iowa Master Farmer Award was initiated in 1926 by then editor Henry A. Wallace. Deserving Iowa farm families have been recognized every year since with the exception of 1932-37 – during the Great Depression; during World War II from 1942-45; and in 1962. The 2014 selections bring the total to 441 Iowans who have been honored since 1926.

Marlyn and Ann Jorgensen have been outstanding leaders for Iowa and U.S. agriculture for nearly four decades. They married while in college at ISU. Marlyn worked briefly for ISU Extension; the couple moved to northeast Iowa and rented a farm, then moved to Benton County in 1967 to begin farming where Ann grew up.

Marlyn and Ann bought the farm from Ann’s parents and formed a legal partnership (Jorg Anna Farms), which still exists. Marlyn handles the production and Ann the financial side, including marketing. They raised four children – Christopher, Peter, Tim and Jennifer. They once produced 10,000 farrow-to-finish hogs, and Marlyn was named an Iowa Master Pork Producer.

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Today, Tim does the farming with help from Marlyn. The farm still grows corn and soybeans, using soil-saving no-till, minimum till, terraces, contouring and a number of other conservation practices. Marlyn has served on local, state and national boards. A past president of the American Soybean Association, he served on the Iowa Soybean Association board for 16 years. He was elected to the ASA board in 1983 and served until 1992, and was ASA president in 1989-90. He helped establish the national soybean checkoff, and in 1995 received ASA’s highest honor, the ASA Lifetime Achievement Award.

In 1997 Marlyn partnered with two neighboring farmers to start Iowa Soy Specialties, a local soybean processing company. “We wanted to make soy foods for human consumption,” Marlyn explains. “We shipped our product all over the U.S. and secured 33 local investors, mostly farmers, who received a great return on their investment when we sold the company four years later.”

The Jorgensens are active church members: Marlyn has held offices in the Benton County Farm Bureau, Garrison Lions Club, and other service organizations.

Darla and Jeff Garrison are giving triplet girls care and hope for having happy lives

Racing through the store, picking out new outfits with the money each received as a gift, the three 10-year-old girls still attract attention, just like any set of triplets. No one would ever expect that two of them were once physically attached to one another.

“When they encounter something they can’t do,” says their mom Darla Garrison, “they don t dwell on it too long.”

Indeed, Macey and Mackenzie – formerly conjoined twins who each have one leg – rely on prosthetics, but in every other way keep pace with their triplet sister Madeline.

Born attached at the pelvis with a shared third leg and entwined intestines, Macey and Mackenzie faced hurdles that would have challenged any family. Yet they carried an extra burden: Their birth parents, who had not seen a doctor during the pregnancy, had drug problems and were unable to care for them.

Enter Darla and Jeff Garrison. Over the years Darla, 42, a homemaker, and Jeff, 52, a construction worker, had welcomed several neglected or medically fragile foster children into their home, only to see each one move on. But they’d always wanted girls to expand their biological family of three healthy boys – Tyler, 20; Matt, 17; and Luke, 16.

Two years after doctors at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles separated Macey and Mackenzie in 2003, the Garrisons adopted all three girls and moved from California to a farm in Indianola, Iowa. Their goal, as they told PEOPLE for a 2010 profile, was to create the kind of country childhood Darla and Jeff themselves had known and treasured.

Since then, Macey and Mackenzie have thrived, says Linda Kontis, cofounder of the foster-care agency that placed them.

“When you raise children who are handicapped in any way, when they’re surrounded by people who treat them like regular kids, that becomes how they see themselves,” Kontis says. “It wasn’t just Darla and Jeff, they took in these girls as a family unit. And that’s why they re fabulous kids today.”

Macey and Mackenzie – who each weighed 2.2 pounds at birth – have overcome learning delays to be almost equal with their peers when they enter fifth grade in the fall.

“The girls have succeeded through hard work and the commitment by their family. Their progression is wonderful and inspiring,” says Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Pediatric Surgeon James Stein, who performed the multi-staged separation in 2003.

Macey, the quieter and more girly of the two, enjoys playing inside and coloring, says Darla. The outdoorsy Mackenzie helped a 12-year-old neighbor train for track last spring by running up and down the Garrisons’ driveway.

And along with Madeline, all three girls have embraced household chores, including washing dishes, putting away laundry, feeding the cats and dogs to help out their mom, who was inspired by her experience with the girls to begin studying last year for a degree in physical therapy.

“I see them actually maturing,” says Darla. “Now that I’m in school, I’m not as available, and they’ve really stepped up. They’re pretty proud of that. They do a lot for 10-year-olds, really.”

But 10-year-old girls they still are. “We used to have Bieber fever, but we’ve outgrown it,” says their mom. “We’re loving on Hunter Hayes these days. And also One Direction.”

Macey and Mackenzie’s rapid growth required them to swap out new prostheses three times this past school year.

“We’re not to the point yet where they can just go out and about with their prosthetic legs,” says Darla. “It’s a balance issue. You have to train and train, and that’s what we’re doing with them at school.”

Crutches are a constant, as are the ostomy bags that each of the girls must wear and change frequently – the primary excuse for their occasional down moments.

“Ostomies do upset your daily life,” says Darla. “That’s a lot of responsibility for a kid to make sure everything s intact and they’re not going to run into some trouble when they’re out somewhere. The positive is that modern medicine has allowed them to be alive.”

Darla says that her daughters do everything they can to participate in activities like other kids their age.

“Mackenzie wanted to buy Rollerblades or a skateboard,” says Darla. “I couldn’t let her do it. She was bummed for a little while, but she got over it and found some other interest, and to me that is amazing. We talked about a bike. I’m not sure we sold her on the bike yet.”

Macey speaks up for her sister: “Are you out of your mind?” she says to Darla. “How are we going to ride bikes?”

“It’s possible,” Darla says. “We’re going to make it happen.”

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