Home News Thursday Afternoon News, January 20th

Thursday Afternoon News, January 20th

Iowa Pork Congress To Feature “Taste” Contest With Chefs

(Des Moines) — Pork producers from across the state will converge at Des Moines next week for the annual Iowa Pork Congress.  The industry trade show along with the educational sessions will take place on Wednesday and Thursday, but on Monday, several chefs have been invited to participate in the “Taste” contest.  Dal Grooms serves as the Director of Communications for the Iowa Pork Producers Association.  She says at least ten chefs from across Iowa have been invited to create an interesting pork entrée using ground pork.

Grooms says although the competition is fun, there is a reason for the contest.  She says 30 years ago, few restaurants would offer any pork entrée items.  Now today, thanks in part to the pork check-off program with promotion slogans as “Pork, the other white meat”, and “Be Inspired” pork entrees is becoming more popular as a regular featured menu item.

Grooms says many recipes that call for ground beef can be substituted with ground pork.

 

 

 

Voting Delegates To Iowa Pork Congress Will Decide Policy

(Des Moines) — On Tuesday, voting delegates from the 99-county pork producer organizations will decide upon resolutions and establish policy.  Grooms says a special task force report will be delivered to the county delegates that looks at the responsibilities of the member-based pork association, and the responsibilities of the Pork Board with the required investments.

Another topic to be discussed is a proposal to lower the rates for the pork checkoff program.  Currently, producers’ share of the pork checkoff is 45 cents per $100 dollars value of pork.  Membership dues are utilized for lobbying purposes, while check-off funds can only be used for promotion and education, research, market development, and exports.

The industry trade show and seminars will be featured on Wednesday, January 26th, and Thursday, January 27th.  The Master Pork Producers banquet will be held Wednesday evening.  KLEM will have special reports from the Iowa Pork Congress next week.

 

 

 

Charges Dropped Against Man Accused of Breaking Into Wright County Hog Operation

(Clarion, IA)  —  Charges are dismissed against a man accused of breaking into a Wright County hog operation in 2020, placing hidden cameras and stealing a live piglet.  The trial of 35-year-old Matthew A. Johnson of Berkley, California was set to begin today (Thursday) for third-degree burglary, electronic or mechanical eavesdropping and agricultural production facility trespass.  On Tuesday, Wright County assistant attorney Joseph Corrow filed a motion to dismiss the charges.  Johnson was being prosecuted under the Iowa Ag Gag law.  A Wright County Judge dismissed the charges with prejudice, meaning the defendant cannot be charged with these crimes for the offense again.

 

 

 

Visitation For Prairie City Police Chief Who Died of COVID Complications

(Des Moines, IA)  —  There’s a visitation later today (Thursday 5 to 8 p-m) in Des Moines for Prairie City Police Chief Michael German.  German died last Thursday from COVID-19 complications and the city considers it a line of duty death.  The funeral for Chief German is Friday at 10:30 a-m at New Hope Assemble of God Church in Urbandale.  After the funeral a procession will escort his body to the Highland Funeral Home in Des Moines.  Law enforcement vehicles are expected to line the route.

 

 

 

Man and Woman Found Dead in West Des Moines Home

(West Des Moines, IA)  —  Police in West Des Moines are investigating the deaths of a two people in a home.   Officers doing a welfare check Wednesday morning entered the house and found a man and woman dead.  Investigators do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the public.  Their names haven’t been released.

 

 

 

Albia Woman Killed in Car vs. Train Crash in Monroe County

(Albia, IA)  —  A woman from Albia is dead after her vehicle was struck by an Amtrak train Thursday morning.  The Iowa State Patrol says 58-year-old Melinda Stewart crossed the railroad tracks near Avery when the train hit the passenger side of her Jeep.  State troopers say Stewart died at the scene.  No one on the train was hurt.