Annual Jasper County Pheasants Forever Banquet set for Friday

The 24th Annual Jasper County Pheasants Forever Banquet is scheduled for Friday at the Iowa Speedway in Newton.

Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., with the meal beginning at 6:30 p.m. Proceeds from the event will fund local conservation projects, including land purchases, native prairie plantings, youth programs and environmental education. Advance tickets can be purchased by those interested in being entered in an earlybird raffle. Tickets also will be available at the door on Friday.

For more information about the event or to purchase tickets, contact Darrell Batterson at (641) 792-8398 or Bruce Showalter at (641) 791-2387.

Over the years, Jasper County Pheasants Forever has helped to purchase several pieces of land, including a 253-acre piece of public hunting property located south of Reasnor, a 31.5-acre fen in western Jasper County and several parcels in adjoining counties.

The local PF group also provides free seed each year for landowners to develop wildlife food plots and helps individuals with the cost of establishing prairie. In addition, Jasper County Pheasants Forever has funded several educational projects, including The Hook, Line and Sinker Fishing Derby, Off the Beaten Path Trail Race and an Annual Youth Mentored Hunt. All of these donated funds were obtained by generous support at the Pheasants Forever banquet.