The Scott  County Health Department, in partnership with the City of Davenport, announces this week the beginning of an awareness campaign, entitled "Live Lead Free", about lead paint and its effects. The goal is to promote testing of homes built before 1978, and of children six years of age and under.

The program and its services are made possible through a grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and will commemorate the 35 with a tie to unleaded gasoline. Selected Hy-Vees, Casey's General Stores, and Mother Hubbard's Cupboards in the county will feature gas pump public service ads with the campaign image.

Lead was eliminated from paint in 1978 and from gasoline in 1995. However, homes built before 1978 may still harbor exposed lead paint. The campaign provides information from the Scott County Health Department ) on screenings of at-risk dwellings (563-326-8618) and free health screenings for children up to six years of age (www.scottcountyiowa.com/health/lead.php).

Children six and under are especially prone to exposure and the effects of lead paint, and should be tested every year beginning at one year of age until six years of age. Iowa law requires that all children entering kindergarten show proof of one lead test.

"With the removal of lead from gasoline, one source of lead in the environment was eliminated.  

However, many county residents are living in homes that still contain exposed lead paint," said Edward Rivers, Director of the Scott County Health Department.   "Placing our message at gas pumps is a very direct way of getting it out, and the comparison with unleaded gasoline is thought-provoking.  It will be seen every day by a large number of people, and we hope it will reach those who need it most.  We thank our partners in the community for making this possible."

For more information on living lead free, visit the Scott County Health Department's Web site at www.scottcountyiowa.com/health

Sibley FFA Student Brings Home the Beef in Iowa State Fair Show

Breanna Gradert of Sibley exhibited the Supreme Female Champion in the FFA Breeding Beef Show held Thursday at the 2013 Iowa State Fair.

Gradert's entry was also named Champion Maine-Anjou Heifer. The commercial heifer belonging to Kale Spengler of Durant earned the Reserve Supreme Female title.

Additional results below:

Champion Angus Bull: Erin Steele, Anita

Reserve Champion Angus Bull: Katie Friederichs, Walcott

Champion All Other Breeds Bull: Rachel Rigdon, Mediapolis

Reserve Champion All Other Breeds Bull: Cody Korthaus, Moulton

Champion Angus Cow-Calf: Kale Kiesewetter, Letts

Reserve Champion Angus Cow-Calf: Maria Wagemester, Clinton

Champion All Other Breeds Cow-Calf: Alexandra Hunter, DeWitt

Reserve Champion All Other Breeds Cow-Calf: Katlyn Ruth, Iowa City

Champion Crossbred Cow-Calf: Rachel Maloy, Ottumwa

Reserve Champion Crossbred Cow-Calf: Ragen Maloy, Ottumwa

Champion Overall Cow-Calf: Kale Kiesewetter, Clinton

Reserve Champion Overall Cow-Calf: Rachel Maloy, Ottumwa

Champion Angus Heifer: Leo Kruse, Osage

Reserve Champion Angus Heifer: Erin Steele, Anita

Champion Charolais Heifer: Brandon Reynolds, Indianola

Reserve Champion Charolais Heifer: Kaylee Snyder, Bloomfield

Champion Chianina Heifer: Bailey Core, Pleasantville

Reserve Champion Chianina Heifer: Mallory Bormann, Algona

Champion Hereford Heifer: Colton Black, Chariton

Reserve Champion Hereford Heifer: Jenna Kauzlarich, Knoxville

Champion Limousin Heifer: Aaron Linhart, Leon

Reserve Champion Limousin Heifer: Aaron Linhart, Leon

Champion Maine-Anjou Heifer: Breanna Gradert, Sibley

Reserve Champion Maine-Anjour Heifer: Kellen Suntken, Belmond

Champion Appendix Maine-Anjou Heifer: Ashley Kress, Audubon

Reserve Champion Appendix Maine-Anjou Heifer: Troy Shaw, Ogden

Champion Simmental Heifer: Katlyn Ruth, Iowa City

Reserve Champion Simmental Heifer: Michaella Beckman, New London

Champion Foundation Simmental Heifer: Matthew Noland, Adair

Reserve Champion Foundation Simmental Heifer: Reed Shockley, Keokuk

Champion All Other Breeds Heifer: Chad Obrecht, Oakland

Reserve Champion All Other Breeds Heifer: Mikaela Boss, Manchester

Champion Commercial Heifer: Kale Spengler, Durant

Reserve Champion Commercial Heifer: Bailey Core, Pleasantville

Awards Given in FFA Poultry Competition at Iowa State Fair

Sixty-four FFA members exhibited 354 birds in the Poultry Show judged Thursday at the 2013 Iowa State Fair.

Kelly Colehour of Anamosa showed the Grand Champion Market Broiler. Runner-up to

Colehour and claiming the Reserve Champion Market Broiler title was Isaac Luzum of Decorah.

The Grand Champion Breeding Birds title went to Kristin Samson of Newton. Emily Meerdink of Hawarden claimed the Reserve Champion Breeding Birds title.

Breed division winners in the FFA Poultry Show included:

Champion American: Payton Rivera, Durant

Reserve Champion American: Payton Rivera, Durant

Champion Mediterranean: Jay McCoskey, Jewell

Reserve Champion Mediterranean: Jay McCoskey, Jewell

Champion English: Emily Meerdink, Hawarden

Reserve Champion English: Emily Meerdink, Hawarden

Champion Miscellaneous: Darcey Tjaden, Wyoming

Reserve Champion Miscellaneous: Darcey Tjaden, Wyoming

Champion Bantam, Old English Game: Ben Parcher, Rudd

Reserve Champion Bantam, Old English Game: Ben Parcher, Rudd

Champion Bantam, Rose Comb, Clean Legged: Payton Rivera, Durant

Reserve Champion Bantam, Rose Comb, Clean Legged: Payton Rivera, Durant

Champion Bantam, Any Other Comb, Clean Legged: Gabi Martens, Wyoming

Champion Bantam, Feather Legged: Kristin Samson, Newton

Reserve Champion Bantam, Feather Legged: Gabi Martens, Wyoming

Champion Bantam, Single Comb, Clean Legged: Cami Maurer, Wilton

Reserve Champion Bantam, Single Comb, Clean Legged: Cami Maurer, Wilton

Champion Market Ducks: Arianna Jamieson, Newton

Champion Breeding Ducks: Alaina Martensen, Onslow

Reserve Champion Breeding Ducks: Mary Broadfoot, Charlotte

Champion Breeding Geese: Myranda Bartels, Elma

Reserve Champion Breeding Geese: Myranda Bartels, Elma

Champion Market Turkeys: Cassidy Simmons, Guthrie Center

Reserve Champion Market Turkeys: Cassidy Simmons, Guthrie Center

Champion Asiatic: Emily Meerdink, Hawarden

Reserve Champion Asiatic: Alaina Martensen, Onslow

Champion Continental: Alaina Martensen, Onslow

Reserve Champion Continental: Madalyn Boehm, Elgin

Champion Large Fowl: Emily Meerdink, Hawarden

Reserve Champion Large Fowl: Emily Meerdink, Hawarden

Champion Bantam: Kristin Samson, Newton

Reserve Champion Bantam: Payton Rivera, Durant

Champion Roasters: Ben Friederichs, Walcott

Reserve Champion Roasters: Koltin Sulzner, DeWitt

Champion Commercial: Cassidy Simmons, Guthrie Center

Reserve Champion Commercial: Arianna Jamieson, Newton

Judges Award Top Honors at Iowa State Fair Columbia Sheep Show

Three Minnesota exhibitors collected top honors in the Columbia Sheep show judged Friday at the 2013 Iowa State Fair.

Isaiah Bauck of New York Mills, Minn., showed the Champion Ram and Champion Ewe and placed first in the Premier Exhibitor contest.

Charles and Louise Worm of Lakefield, Minn., showed the Reserve Champion Ram and took third place in the Premier Exhibitor contest. Reserve Champion Ewe banner was awarded to Thiesen Columbias of Windom, Minn., who also earned second place in the Premier Exhibitor contest.

Complete results below (names, hometowns and animal identification):

Yearling Ram

1) Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn., Bauck 2-17, 2/22/2012, 420681

2) Charles and Louise Worm, Lakefield, Minn., Rench 1266, 1/10/2012, U20560

3) Charles and Louise Worm, Lakefield, Minn., Worm 200, 9/14/2011, U20696

4) Hi-Way C Columbias, Mindoro, Wis., Hi-Way C 150, 2/13/2012, U20513

Color Yearling Ram

1) Travaille Family Columbias, Sibley, HF 12-1025, 1/15/2012, 055376

Fall Ram Lamb

1) Micki Williams, Freeport, Ill., M Williams 1302 QR, 9/13/2012, U 21655

2) Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn., Bauck 2-96, 10/14/2012

3) Charles and Louise Worm, Lakefield, Minn., Worm 310, 10/21/2012, Applied For

4) Dar Braet, Calamus, Fall Ram, 9/17/2012

5) Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn., Bauck 2-93, 9/30/2012, 422025

6) Travaille Family Columbias, Sibley, Travaille F12-11, 9/17/2012, U22003

7) Thiesen Family Columbias, Windom, Minn., Frey 12-8, 9/13/2012

8) Hi-Way C Columbias, Mindoro, Wis., Hi-Way C 170, 9/12/2012, U21854

9) Travaille Family Columbia's, Sibley, Travaille F12-17, 9/19/2012, U 22002

January Ram Lamb

1) Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn., Bauck 3-4, 1/14/2013, 422028

2) Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn., Bauck 3-2, 1/10/2013, 422026

3) Thiesen Family Columbias, Windom, Minn., Thiesen 503, 1/25/2013, 621823

4) Hi-Way C Columbias, Mindoro, Wis., Hi-Way C 172, 1/17/2013, U21858

5) Charles and Louise Worm, Lakefield, Minn., Worm 330, 1/6/2013

6) Hi-Way C Columbias, Mindoro, Wis., Hi-Way C 174, 1/17/2013, U21862

February Ram Lamb

1) Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn., Bauck 3-18, 2/21/2013, 422031

2) Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn., Bauck 372, 2/19/2013, 622030

3) Charles and Louise Worm, Lakefield, Minn., Worm, 2/2/2013

4) Micki Williams, Freeport, Ill. , M Williams 1326 QR, 2/11/2013, U 21920

5) Travaille Family Columbia's, Sibley, Travaille 13-99, 2/25/2013

6) Charles and Louise Worm, Lakefield, Minn., Worm 3029, 2/1/2013

7) Hi-Way C Columbias, Mindoro, Wis., Hi-Way C 179, 2/2/2013, U21850

8) Thiesen Family Columbias, Windom, Minn., Thiesen 514, 2/16/2013, 621825

March and After Ram Lamb

1) Hi-Way C Columbias, Mindoro, Wis., Hi-Way C 187, 3/3/2013, U21863

2) Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn., Bauck 3-28, 3/22/2013, 622037

3) Thiesen Family Columbias, Windom, Minn., Thiesen 398, 3/10/2013

4) Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn., Bauck 3-24, 3/4/2013, 422036

5) Hi-Way C Columbias, Mindoro, Wis., Hi-Way C 189, 3/5/2013, U21849

Color Ram Lamb - All Ages

1) Duane Bauck, New York Mills, Minn., CJ 3-15, 2/20/2013, 422014

2) Duane Bauck, New York Mills, Minn., 65 3-7, 1/6/2013, 422013

Pair of Ram Lambs

1) Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn.

2) Charles and Louise Worm, Lakefield, Minn.

3) Hi-Way C Columbias, Mindoro, Wis.

4) Duane Bauck, New York Mills, Minn.

5) Micki Williams, Freeport, Ill.

6) Thiesen Family Columbias, Windom, Minn.

7) Travaille Family Columbias, Sibley

Yearling Ewe

1) Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn., Bauck, 2/17/2012, 620674

2) Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn., Bauck 1-81, 9/29/2011, 620663

3) Travaille Family Columbias, Sibley, Travaille 12-38, 2/10/2012

4) Charles and Louise Worm, Lakefield, Minn., Worm 204, 9/25/2011, U20697

5) Thiesen Family Columbias, Windom, Minn., Thiesen 571, 2/2/2012, 620647

6) Hi-Way C Columbias, Mindoro, Wis., Hi-Way C 148, 1/28/2012, U20512

7) Micki Williams, Freeport, Ill., M Williams 1216 QR, 1/24/2012, U 20346

8) Charles and Louise Worm, Lakefield, Minn., Worm 243, 2/17/2012, U20928

9) Thiesen Family Columbias, Windom, Minn., Thiesen 598, 3/3/2012, 620537

10) Travaille Family Columbias, Sibley, Travaille 12-84, 2/18/2012

11) Hi-Way C Columbias, Mindoro, Wis., Hi-Way C 159, 3/1/2012, U20524

12) Micki Williams, Freeport, Ill., M Williams 1209 QR, 1/21/2012, U 20339

Pair of Yearling Ewes

1) Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn.

2) Charles and Louise Worm, Lakefield, Minn.

3) Travaille Family Columbias, Sibley

4) Thiesen Family Columbias, Windom, Minn.

5) Hi-Way C Columbias, Mindoro, Wis.

6) Micki Williams, Freeport, Ill.

Fall Ewe Lamb

1) Thiesen Family Columbias, Windom, Minn., Frey 12-5, 9/9/2012

2) Hi-Way C Columbias, Mindoro, Wis., Hi-Way C 169, 9/12/2012, U21855

3) Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn., Bauck 2-68, 10/14/2012

4) Charles and Louise Worm, Lakefield, Minn., Worm 305, 10/2/2012

5) Thiesen Family Columbias, Windom, Minn., M Williams 1301, 9/13/2012

6) Micki Williams, Freeport, Ill., M Williams 1308 QR, 9/15/2012, U 21665

7) Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn., Bauck 2-67, 9/22/2012, 622021

8) Travaille Family Columbias, Sibley, Travaille F12-08, 9/17/2012, U22004

9) Shane Travaille, Sibley, Frey 12-7, 9/11/2012

10) Chad Travaille, Sibley, Bauck 2-73, 10/10/2012

11) Travaille Family Columbias, Sibley, Travaille F12-10, 9/17/2012

January Ewe Lamb

1) Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn., Bauck 3-30, 1/10/2013, 422064

2) Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn., Bauck 3-32, 1/14/2013, 622029

3) Thiesen Family Columbias, Windom, Minn., Man the 100, 1/29/2013

4) Hi-Way C Columbias, Mindoro, Wis., Hi-Way C 175, 1/19/2013, U21861

5) Travaille Family Columbias, Sibley, Travaille 13-38, 1/30/2013

6) Micki Williams, Freeport, Ill., M Williams 1324 RR, 1/31/2013, U 21916

7) Chad Travaille, Sibley, Kuehne 1305, 1/18/2013

8) Thiesen Family Columbias, Windom, Minn., Thiesen 502, 1/25/2013, 621818

9) Hi-Way C Columbias, Mindoro, Wis., Hi-Way C 173, 1/17/2013, U21859

10) Travaille Family Columbias, Sibley, Travaille 13-39, 1/30/2013, U 22010

February Ewe Lamb

1) Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn., Bauck 3-44, 2/28/2013, 422033

2) Micki Williams, Freeport, Ill., M Williams 1325 QR, 2/11/2013, U 21917

3) Thiesen Family Columbias, Windom, Minn., Thiesen 508, 2/3/2013, 621821

4) Charles and Louise Worm, Lakefield, Minn., Worm 339, 2/16/2013

5) Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn., Bauck 3-40, 2/17/2013, 422032

6) Hi-Way C Columbias, Mindoro, Wis., Hi-Way C 180, 2/2/2013, U21847

7) Thiesen Family Columbias, Windom, Minn., Thiesen 511, 2/7/2013, 621830

8) Travaille Family Columbias, Sibley, Travaille 13-96, 2/25/2013

9) Dar Braet, Calamus, Feb Ewe Lamb, 2/4/2013

10) Charles and Louise Worm, Lakefield, Minn., Worm 338, 2/16/2013

March and After Ewe Lamb

1) Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn., Bauck 3-56, 3/18/2013, 622034

2) Thiesen Family Columbias, Windom, Minn., Thiesen 520, 3/2/2013, 621831

3) Hi-Way C Columbias, Mindoro, Wis., Hi-Way C 186, 3/2/2013, U21853

4) Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn., Bauck 3-97, 3/18/2013, 622035

5) Dar Braet, Calamus, 2/23/2013

6) Travaille Family Columbias, Sibley, Travaille 13-109, 3/2/2013

7) Charles and Louise Worm, Lakefield, Minn., Worm 345, 3/4/2013

8) Charles and Louise Worm, Lakefield, Minn., Worm 344, 3/11/2013

9) Hi-Way C Columbias, Mindoro, Wis., Hi-Way C 185, 3/2/2013, U21852

10) Thiesen Family Columbias, Windom, Minn., Thiesen 524, 3/5/2013, 621828

Color Ewe Lamb-All Ages

1) Duane Bauck, New York Mills, Minn., 65 3-35, 1/30/2013, 622016

2) Duane Bauck, New York Mills, Minn., CJ 3-47, 2/27/2013, 622017

Pair of Ewe Lambs

1) Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn.

2) Thiesen Family Columbias, Windom, Minn.

3) Micki Williams, Freeport, Ill.

4) Hi-Way C Columbias, Mindoro, Wis.

5) Charles and Louise Worm, Lakefield, Minn.

6) Travaille Family Columbia's, Sibley

7) Chad Travaille, Sibley

8) Dar Braet, Calamus

9) Duane Bauck, New York Mills, Minn.

Pair of Lambs

1) Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn.

2) Micki Williams, Freeport, Ill.

3) Thiesen Family Columbias, Windom, Minn.

4) Hi-Way C Columbias, Mindoro, Wis.

5) Charles and Louise Worm, Lakefield, Minn.

6) Travaille Family Columbia's, Sibley

7) Dar Braet, Calamus

8) Duane Bauck, New York Mills, Minn.

Young Flock

1) Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn.

2) Micki Williams, Freeport, Ill.

3) Thiesen Family Columbias, Windom, Minn.

4) Charles and Louise Worm, Lakefield, Minn.

5) Hi-Way C Columbias, Mindoro, Wis.

6) Travaille Family Columbia's, Sibley

7) Dar Braet, Calamus

Flock

1) Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn.

2) Charles and Louise Worm, Lakefield, Minn.

3) Thiesen Family Columbias, Windom, Minn.

4) Micki Williams, Freeport, Ill.

5) Travaille Family Columbia's, Sibley

6) Hi-Way C Columbias, Mindoro, Wis.

Champion Ram: Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn., Bauck 2-17

Reserve Champion Ram: Charles & Louise Worm, Lakefield, Minn., Rench 1266

Champion Ewe: Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn., Bauck

Reserve Champion Ewe: Thiesen Family Columbias, Windom, Minn., Frey 12-5

"Nothing Compares" to the 2013 Iowa State Fair, August 8-18. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours may vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

* * *

by Dr. Janey Thornton, USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services

As the Department of Agriculture's Deputy Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services, I am on a mission to make sure all of our nation's children have the best possible chance at a healthy life and a bright future. So, I'm very encouraged by some recent news from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):  the rate of obesity among low-income pre-school children appears to be declining for the first time in decades.

The declining rates show that our collective efforts?at the Federal, State and community level?are helping to gain ground on childhood obesity, particularly among some of the more vulnerable populations in our country.  Low-income children are often at a big disadvantage when it comes to getting the food they need to grow up healthy and strong, which is why the nutrition programs and resources available through USDA are so vital.

Programs like WIC?with its new, healthier food package offerings for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and young children, including more fruits and vegetables and more whole grains?and the Child and Adult Care Food Program?with its increasing emphasis on nutrition and physical activity for young children?are making a difference in the lives of millions of children.

Our efforts don't stop there. School-aged children are now getting healthier and more nutritious school meals and snacks, thanks to the support of First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! initiative and historic changes implemented under the historic Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act.  We're supporting healthy, local foods in schools through our Farm to School grant program, and we're improving access to fresh produce and healthy foods for children and families that receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.

So what can you do to make a change in your home and community? Parents and caregivers can use educational materials like Healthy Eating for Preschoolers and Nutrition and Wellness Tips for Young Children to help teach young children healthy habits from the start. Teachers, principals and school food service professionals can use nutrition education materials like the Great Garden Detective curriculum provided through Team Nutrition to motivate older children to eat healthy and try new foods. Kids can explore MyPlate Kids Place and take the MyPlate Pledge to commit to making healthy food choices at school and at home. And parents, teachers, and kids alike can get active and learn about healthy foods with Let's Move! in school, at home and in their communities.

Don't get me wrong?we still have a long way to go before America's childhood obesity epidemic is a thing of the past.  Far too many?1 out of every 8?preschoolers are still obese.  Unfortunately, obesity in these early childhood years sets the perfect stage for serious health problems throughout the entire lifespan. 

We at USDA are proud of our ongoing efforts to ensure the health of America's next generation, and we know that, combined with your efforts at home, we are beginning to see real results in thefight against early childhood obesity.

Dr. Janey Thornton serves as USDA's Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services Deputy Under Secretary.  Before coming to USDA, Dr. Thornton served as School Nutrition Director for Hardin County Schools in Elizabethtown, Kentucky and served as president of the 55,000-member School Nutrition Association during the 2006-2007 school year. Learn more about USDA's efforts to improve child nutrition and visit ChooseMyPlate.gov for quick, easy nutrition and diet tips for families.

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By Jason Alderman

One of the most important decisions you'll make when writing your will is determining who should be named executor of your estate. Even if you're just leaving behind household goods and a small savings account, someone - whether appointed by you or the state court - must settle your affairs.

Some people consider it an honor - or duty - to take responsibility for ensuring that their loved one's final wishes are carried out. But serving as an executor can be onerous and time-consuming, even for those with a strong financial or legal background. In a worst-case scenario, executors who act imprudently or in violation of their duties can be sued by beneficiaries and creditors.

Plus, you'll likely have to deal with the dreaded probate, a court-supervised process of locating and determining the value of the deceased's assets, paying final bills and taxes, and distributing what's left to the heirs.

Before you agree to serve as an estate's executor, make sure you understand what will be required of you. Major responsibilities often include :

• Manage paperwork on behalf of the estate, including the will, trusts, insurance policies, bank, investment and retirement account statements, birth and death certificates, marriage, prenuptial agreement or divorce papers, military service records, real estate deeds, tax records, etc.
• If the estate is complicated or likely to be contentious, you may want to hire a lawyer and/or accountant to help navigate the maze of paperwork.
• File a certified copy of the will with the local probate court, which will determine if probate is necessary.
• If the probate court confirms you as executor, you'll be issued a document called "letters testamentary," which gives you legal authority to act on the estate's behalf, including opening a bank account in the name of the estate to pay outstanding debts (loans, utilities, medical bills, credit card balances, etc.)
• Notify all interested parties of the death. These might include : government agencies (Social Security, Veterans Administration, Medicare, U.S. Post Office, DMV); financial institutions; creditors; current and former employers; retirement plan administrators; investment firms; insurance companies; doctors and other professionals; landlord or tenants; utilities, etc.
• You'll often need to send a copy of the death certificate to close out accounts, claim insurance benefits, change ownership of assets or accounts to the estate or a beneficiary, so order ample copies through the funeral home or county health department.
• Locate assets, including personal property, bank accounts and safe deposit box contents, and ensure that they are protected until sold or distributed to inheritors. This may involve updating home and car insurance, changing locks, overseeing appraisals of property that must be sold, etc.
• Collect money owed to the estate, such as outstanding wages, insurance benefits, retirement plan benefits and rents.
• Notify heirs about their bequest.
• File the deceased's final federal, state and local tax returns, as well as federal and state estate tax returns, if applicable.
• Once probate has closed, you will distribute the remaining assets to named beneficiaries.
• Because acting as an executor can be very time-consuming (often taking months or years), you are allowed to charge the estate a fee for your time - usually a percentage of the estate's value, as dictated by state law.

In short, both parties should thoroughly understand what's required of an estate's executor to make sure it's a good fit. There's no shame in saying no if it's beyond your abilities, and plenty of professional help is available - and advisable - if you do need assistance.