Iowa Pork Producers Association recognizes Plymouth County for outreach, involvement
The Iowa Pork Producers Association announced Plymouth County as winners of two awards during the annual Iowa Pork Congress on Wednesday.
Plymouth County was one of five counties that were recognized for the County Outreach award. The award recognizes counties for their pork promotional and educational efforts. Plymouth County showed appreciation for the 185th Guard troops in Sioux City before their deployment by grilling and serving pork chops on the base. The meal was a thank-you to local service members, many of whom work on farms in the community or are farmers themselves, and reflected the group’s commitment to supporting those who serve. County members who participated also had the opportunity to tour the base, making the event a meaningful experience for everyone involved.
The IPPA Membership and Leadership Committee also recognizes and rewards counties who are keeping an active presence in their communities through the County Involvement Awards program, with awards determined by a points system. Plymouth County finished in the top five of point-getters, receiving a $1,000 award for their efforts in promoting the pork industry.
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“Yeti-Set-Read!” adult and teen reading program underway
The Le Mars Public Library’s adult and teen reading program “Yeti-Set-Read!” is underway, having started on January 18th.
Many people make New Year’s resolutions to reduce screen time and read more books in the year ahead, and library director Shirley Taylor says the program can help people reach their reading goals. She says that many studies have shown that reading outside of work and school assignments has many benefits, and that (quote) “the barrier to reading more tends to be a perceived lack of time, but if you read just 20-30 minutes a day, you are on your way to building a solid reading habit.”
The reading program for adults and teens will provide participants with a way to track their progress and incorporate gamification, which is a great way to make behavior change easier by rewarding prizes for the desired behavior. Reading fiction, non-fiction, print books, audio books, and eBooks all provide benefits and count towards the goals of the reading program. If you can read for just 6 hours and complete one activity, you can win a prize. If you continue to read, you can earn additional prizes, a free movie ticket, and be entered into the grand prize drawing.
Participants can register online or in the library now; the program and all events are free. The Teen and Adult Winter Reading Programs will run from January 19th to March 13th.
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Sioux City man who painted manholes seeks to have charges dropped
A Sioux City man who gained national attention for painting flowers on manhole covers has asked a judge to dismiss charges against him. Police arrested Brandon Bradshaw in November for criminal mischief and drinking in public. Bradshaw’s attorney told a judge the mayor of Sioux City had signed an agreement to dismiss the charges against him after the public supported him.
Bradshaw said Wednesday he didn’t mean to break the law with his painting.
The prosecutor says the County Attorney’s Office did not sign off on the agreement to drop the charges. Bradshaw says depending on the outcome of the case, he plans to continue spreading joy through his artwork. The community of Sac City, inspired by Bradshaw, encouraged residents to paint manholes in their town. The judge says she will issue a ruling later in the case.
(Story via Radio Iowa)
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