Hello, In an effort to protect family farmers' and the citizens' health, we will be accepting donations to help defray legal expenses that will incur to appeal Judge Stephen Carroll's decision regarding Worth County's Rural Health and Family Protection Ordinance. During the March 17th board meeting, The Worth County Board of Supervisors elected to appeal Judge Carroll's ruling against their health ordinance. The ordinance was written by the Worth County Board of Health and a special community task force of eleven citizens. It sets standards for air and water quality which could impact animal confinement feeding operations and outlines a complaint procedure. It also sets standards for worker safety and water pollution. It covers any new operations and gives existing operations until Jan 1, 2012 to be in full compliance, unless a bona fide complaint is validated earlier. This ordinance was adopted by the Worth County Board of Supervisors in the summer of 2001, and immediately challenged legally by a group of local hog producers backed by the Farm Bureau. This ordinance and its journey through the legal system are seen to be a pioneer test case for this issue in the state. Many counties have enacted similar ordinances based on this one, or are considering doing so. A successful appeal to this ruling will have the effect of giving counties the right to take back control of health issues within their own borders. The board expressed concern about the costs that may be incurred. As this appeal could have an impact on all Iowa counties and their citizens, it seems appropriate to ask the citizens for monetary support. We believe the appeal could cost up to $20,000. It is important to let the Supreme Court decide whether local county governments have the ability and intelligence to protect its citizens' right to good health by requiring that producers protect our air and water. The outcome of this case may determine whether Iowa counties have a right to protect their residents health by passing ordinances which may effect livestock feeding operations. Your contributions will play a significant role in making this happen and will be greatly appreciated now and for many generations to come. Please mail your contributions to: Worth County Legal Defense Fund P,O. Box 122 Hanlontown, IA Thanks for your support Contact people: Curt Evans 3833 Dogwood Ave. Joice, IA 50446 e-mail <A HREF="mailto:[log in to unmask]">[log in to unmask]</A> Evelyn Holtan P.O. Box 85 Hanlontown, IA 50444 Jim Rice 3806 Grouse Ave Hanlontown, IA 50446 Erin E. Jordahl Director, Iowa Chapter Sierra Club 3839 Merle Hay Road, Suite 280 Des Moines, IA 50310 515-277-8868 [log in to unmask] www.iowa.sierraclub.org - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To get off the IOWA-TOPICS list, send any message to: [log in to unmask]