SIMPCO holds annual meeting, presents awards to local community leaders
The Siouxland Interstate Metropolitan Planning Council (SIMPCO) held their annual meeting and awards ceremony last week at the Akron Golf Club in Akron, with Plymouth County community leaders among those honored.
Le Mars community development director Mark Gaul, Le Mars Fire-Rescue Chief Dave Schipper, and Akron city administrator Dan Rolfes all received the Community Leader Award, which recognizes exceptional leadership, advocacy, and impact on the Siouxland region. Hinton mayor Kelly Kreber and Kingsley councilmember Keith Bohle both received the Outstanding Support Award, while the city of Akron was honored as the Community of the Year.
SIMPCO executive director Michelle Bostinelos and board chairman Jon Winkel presented the awards, recognizing individuals for their service to the organization and to the Siouxland region. Congratulations to all recipients!
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Le Mars Municipal Band announces details on Fourth of July concert
The Le Mars Municipal Band will present a special Independence Day concert, “America 250,” on Saturday, July 4th at Foster Park in Le Mars. According to the band, the program will “celebrate the people, traditions, history, and democratic ideals that have shaped America over the past two and a half centuries.”
Under the direction of Dr. Christopher Brandt, the concert will feature a collection of beloved patriotic works and American classics, including National Emblem, Esprit de Corps, Black Granite, Shenandoah, America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Salute, and John Philip Sousa’s iconic The Stars and Stripes Forever. The concert will feature an Armed Forces Salute, during which veterans and active-duty service members will be invited to stand and be recognized as the official songs of each branch of the United States Armed Forces are performed.
In a press release, Brandt stated that the program will reflect not only on the nation’s history but also on the importance of civic engagement, community involvement, and the enduring role citizens play in sustaining democracy. The band extends special thanks to Ray’s Midbell Music, who will sponsor the concert.
The Le Mars Municipal Band’s special Independence Day concert will begin at 7:30pm on Saturday, July 4th at Foster Park. Admission is free.
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Cost of July 4th cookout out up, but below inflation
Iowa Farm Bureau Economist Christopher Pudenz says a study by the American Farm Bureau Federation finds the Fourth of July cookout will cost you a little more this year.
The 250th anniversary meal is the most expensive since they started the July 4th survey in 2016. But Pudenz says the cost is below inflation.
The eggs used to make the egg salad in the survey saw the biggest drop in price, down nearly 18 percent.
The protein or meat portion of the July 4th feast increased, with hamburger up five-and-a-half percent and pork up four-point seven percent. Pudenz says part of that is demand hasn’t wavered.
Pudenz says the U-S-D-A reports that farmers only see six cents of every dollar spent on food, as the rest of it goes to the processing, marketing and distribution side.
(Story via Radio Iowa)
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