JR Hubele introduced his brother in law, Bryan Tomm, as the program. Bryan told the Rotarians and guests that Tulane University is hosting a Nitrogen Reduction Challenge. This challenge is due to the fact that the Mississippi Basin of the Gulf of Mexico is the 2nd largest dead zone in the world. A major contributor to this fact is due to the nitrogen runoff from the cornfields of the Midwest. Hundreds of teams from around the world answered the challenge. Bryan and JR’s team were selected as a top 5 finalist. The other teams are from Australia, Berkley, Ca, Cornell University in New York, Cropsmith from Farmer City, Illinois and the team from Carmi. Their alternate nitrification inhibitor uses electricity to treat the soil. Bryan estimates that the reduction in nitrogen effectively reduces the cost to 10% of current cost. Bryan noted that Monsanto has become interested in their idea. Bryan and JR fielded several questions from the crowd.
In club business, Rotarians will have a fish fry on Friday, May 12th at the American Legion. It will be from 5-7 PM and the cost will be $10. Tom Logan named Kenny Harrelson the phantom. Kent Armstrong won the honor of selecting the pink ball in the 50/50 drawing but did not select the pink ball so the pot rolls over. Little Giant and Andy Williams served up a delicious meal of ribs, scalloped potatoes and peas. The Carmi Rotary club meets at noon on Thursday at the First United Methodist Church. Anyone wishing to get involved is encouraged to come help Rotary with the many local projects and charities that are supported. You can follow us on Facebook.
