This is Character Counts Week in Iowa, which celebrates the six pillars of character including Caring, Citizenship, Fairness, Respect, Responsibility and Trustworthiness.  Amy Smit is with the Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University in Des Moines. “We try to think of something different to do every year with it and this year we don’t have to look very far to find news stories that are kind of sad or might make us fearful or angry. You can’t ignore the negative,  that’s part of the human experience and I think sometimes that can move us to change the world around us. For Character Counts Week  we really want to be inspired by the good things that are happening out there,” Smit says.

She says they are asking people to share their good stories. “We know that there’s tons and tons of great people doing great things and those stories don’t always get the platform they deserve,” Smith says. “We’re asking everyone to find those great stories that they might stumble upon through their social media feeds or that they hear about — and we want to fill the world with those great positive stories.”

Representatives from the program went to Waterloo Monday to formally present  their School of Character award to Poyner Elementary in Waterloo so that everyone there could share in the moment. She says the often present the Character Awards in August and only a few administrators or staff get to attend that event.

You may find out more about Character Counts at www.drake.edu/raycenter.

(Radio Iowa)

The Creston Police Department is reporting three arrests. Early this (Tuesday) morning, 40-year old Shane Sanden, of Creston, was arrested for Public Intoxication. He was being held in the Union County Jail on $300 bond. Monday afternoon, Creston Police arrested 21-year old Dakota Rosch, of Creston, for Driving While Revoked. He was released from the Union County Jail on a $1000 bond. And, 34-year old Elizabeth Nelson, of Creston, was arrested for OWI 1st Offense. She was released from the Union County Jail on a $1000 bond.