Iowa’s largest pork producer is launching a program in all 99 Iowa counties that aims to feed protein-packed sandwiches to needy children. Allyson Ladd is marketing specialist for Iowa Select Farms which is starting what it’s calling the Power Snack program. Ladd says, “How it works is, we work with local school officials, principals, lunch coordinators, and we give all children that are on the Free & Reduced Lunch Program coupons that can be used four times throughout the school year.”

The program is now going statewide after it had been tried as a pilot program in several Iowa communities and Ladd says the coupons were a success. “Those coupons are for $5 for a pound of shaved ham and a $3 coupon that will get them a loaf of whole wheat bread,” Ladd says, “so kids will be able to prepare their very own power snacks.” She says recent studies find one in eight children in Iowa are food insecure, meaning they’re not sure where their next meal may be coming from. “This year, more than 18,000 K-through-12 Iowa students are going to benefit from the Power Snack program,” Ladd says, “which will be about 72,000 coupons total. We’re bringing a lot of nutrition to Iowa children in need.”

Learn more at the Iowa Select Farms Facebook page or at www.iowaselect.com.

(Radio Iowa)

The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce reports businesses in Atlantic will participate in the 7th Annual Small Business Saturday (Nov. 25th), to support small businesses. Bailey Smith, Executive Director at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce said “We’re excited to partner with all the Atlantic Area businesses to create shopping incentives and activities to celebrate Small Business Saturday.” Earlier this month, Atlantic was recognized as a Neighborhood Champion. American Express recognizes communities that have strong participation. The on-going Shop Local Initiative and Passport Program, presented by First Whitney Bank & Trust, and overall community support has helped Atlantic achieve the national recognition.

Smith said “It’s a great opportunity for Atlantic to receive positive, national exposure. Atlantic has everything you need and this day is just an added reminder for the community how important their support and participation in shopping local is to keeping Atlantic a vibrant place to live.” Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to supporting the local businesses that create jobs, boost the economy and preserve neighborhoods around the country. This Saturday, shop these participating businesses:

• Akin Building Center
• Howard’s Clothing
• Aunt B’s
• Renew Ag Supply
• Bonnesen’s
• Rex Pharmacy
• Brown’s Shoe Fit
• Robinsons True Value
• Brymons Interiors
• Something For You
• Cappel’s Ace Hardware
• Steffens Cycle Shop
• Complementary Care Health & Wellness
• The Picker’s Parlor
• Hanson’s Fine Jewelry
• The Uppercut & More Boutique

Bring your receipts from participating businesses to the Rock Island Depot between 11-a.m. to 4-p.m. Saturday, to be entered into a drawing for $250 in AtlantiCash. Receive double stamps on your Shop Local Passport at participating business, found at www.atlanticiowa.com.

The Holiday Ice Skating Rink, presented by Megan Roberts, State Farm will also be held this weekend. Community members will get to enjoy a skate on the Ice Skating Rink in front of the Historic Rock Island Depot with skates provided at a low cost. The Ice Skating Rink will be in town Saturday from 11-a.m. until 9-p.m., and on Sunday from 11-a.m. until 4-p.m. You can also enjoy free Carriage Rides Saturday from Noon until 3-p.m., with Granny’s Kettle Korn available for purchase. Admission Fees and other details can be found at www.christmasinatlantic.com.

Officials with the Cass County Health System (CCHS) remind area residents that the Atlantic Medical Center and the satellite clinics in Anita, Griswold, and Massena will be closed for Thanksgiving. The Atlantic Medical Center will be open on Friday, however, the satellite clinics will remain closed until Monday, the 27th.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — An Iowa City man charged with sexually assaulting numerous students and employees on the University of Iowa campus has taken a plea deal. Court records say 34-year-old Adam Weinstein entered an Alford plea Tuesday to assault with intent to commit injury and assault with intent to commit sexual abuse. In an Alford plea, a person doesn’t admit guilt but acknowledges there is enough evidence for a likely conviction.

Prosecutors dropped several other charges in exchange for Weinstein’s pleas. His sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 12. Police say Weinstein sexually assaulted, groped and harassed at least eight women on the campus during a 15-hour period on Nov. 10, 2015. Police say the incidents took place at the university hospital, near residence halls and the law school.

A New Vienna native who has been the state’s drug czar has been appointed by Governor Kim Reynolds to take over as the executive director for the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs. Steve Lukan replaces Jodi Tymeson who announced her retirement last month. “I am very excited for the opportunity, we have a great team here and I’m looking forward to helping veterans here in Iowa and to working with people and hopefully we can do some good things,” Lukan says.

Lukan is a veteran who joined the U-S Navy after graduating from Dyersville Beckman High School. He served four years, earning four promotions and obtaining the rank of Petty Officer Second Class. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and Navy Achievement Medal. Lukan says appreciation for the military has always been important to him and his family. “I’ve come from several generations where we’ve all served in the military and extended family has served in the military,” Lukan says. “I think it’s just a wonderful opportunity to help those people who have served out country, and I like to think of them as some of the finest men and women out there, and I’m just thankful for the opportunity to do it.”

While serving as a state representative for Delaware and Dubuque counties, Lukan championed the creation of the House Veterans Affairs Committee and enacted legislation to help disabled veterans through the establishment of the Veterans Trust Fund. Lukan says he is looking into proposing a few changes to some of the existing laws, but wants to get settled in to his new position before releasing details.

(Radio Iowa)