Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced the launch of the brand-new Choose Iowa Dairy Innovation Grant Program, which has been created to increase on-farm dairy processing, reduce farm labor costs, and expand the availability of Iowa dairy products for consumers.

The grant program, which was authorized during the 2023 legislative session and is administered by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, has an overall budget of $750,000 for the first year. With the legislative intent of assisting smaller dairies and farmers, the highly competitive program will match up to $100,000 per project. The concept builds off the success of other recent Iowa cost-share grant programs, including the Choose Iowa Value-Added Grant and the Butchery Innovation and Revitalization Program, both of which are also aimed at increasing the availability of local food and boosting local processing capacity.

“Choose Iowa is our state’s signature brand for local food and beverages, and it is about connecting consumers to the great Iowa products that are grown, raised and made here in Iowa. By helping Iowa dairy farms cost-share the addition of new on-farm processing equipment or labor-saving technology through Choose Iowa Dairy Innovation Grant Program, Iowa consumers will ultimately benefit from the availability of more Iowa-made and locally produced dairy products,” said Secretary Naig. “We are excited to identify the most innovative and creative dairy projects through this program, which we know will create new markets for farmers, more choices for consumers, and additional economic activity in our rural communities.”

The cost-share grants could, for example, help dairies invest in pasteurization equipment, processing vats, packaging and labeling products, robots, health monitoring, automated feeding systems or cleaning assistance. The program funds are not eligible to cover start-up costs, advertising, public relations, salary/benefits/wages, existing debt or any expenses incurred prior to awarding the grant.

The following are example scenarios that would be eligible for the cost-share grants.

• Farmer A wants to purchase a $120,000 rotary cup filling machine to fill yogurt. Farmer A requests $60,000. Farmer A must have $60,000 of his own funding with either personal cash or financing to match.
• Farmer B is purchasing health monitoring equipment for his herd for $65,000. Farmer B is requesting $32,500. Farmer B must have $32,500 in funding with cash or financing for the match.
• Farmer C is purchasing two robotic milkers for $380,000. Farmer C can apply for up to $100,000. Farmer C must provide the remaining $280,000 to receive $100,000.

Successful applicants must be located in Iowa, have fewer than 50 employees, and be in good standing with pertinent regulatory agencies. Only dairies permitted and inspected by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship are eligible. Full details about the cost-share grant program, including financial matching requirements, application, eligibility and scoring are available on the Choose Iowa website.

Applications should be submitted through the online portal on the Choose Iowa website and are due by 12:00 p.m. on Friday, February 9, 2024. Grant recipients will be announced in March 2024. Questions about the Choose Iowa Dairy Innovation Fund Grant Program may be directed to Choose Iowa Director Beth Romer at chooseiowagrant@iowaagriculture.gov.

The Mount Pleasant Music Department needs your help. With the recent weather related cancellation of the Jazz Band clinic and Variety Show, efforts have been shifted to the annual Show Choir Invitational which will take place on Saturday, February 3rd.

This is the 30^th Anniversary of this event, which was started by choir director Bob Anderson and band director Jim DePriest. Over the course of 30 years, this has blossomed into a proud community event, and they need the community. This is a large fundraiser for the choir students, band students, and even elementary students.

Here’s how you can help:

Any person that volunteers to work 2 shifts the day of the event gets in for free.

FOOD/KITCHEN DONATIONS:

https://m.signupgenius.com/…

KITCHEN VOLUNTEER:

https://m.signupgenius.com/…

CONCESSIONS VOLUNTEER:

https://m.signupgenius.com/…

EVENT VOLUNTEER:

https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508094AA9AE23A1F49-46951643-mtpleasant&source=gmail-imap&ust=1703739708000000&usg=AOvVaw2sLBJ4byvprhr8Jzgg-q_b

They appreciate all those who have already signed up and volunteered your time. They would appreciate any and all help they can get for this fun and exciting weekend of show choir!

The 30^th Annual Music InMotion Show Choir Invitational at the Mount Pleasant High School will take place on Saturday, February 3^rd.

There are certain rules that the citizens on Mount Pleasant must follow regarding the new trash pickup system. Whichever container you have, it must be at the curb by 6 AM on your scheduled trash pickup day. The carts must be placed with the handle and wheels facing the house and be six feet away from any objects. You cannot place the container directly under a tree, as there must be atleast 15 feet of clearance above the container. Please only place the trash can out when it is full, and close the lid. A reminder that no other trash containers will be accepted. It must be the city approved container.

On January 15, 2024, Des Moines County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to 809 Main St. in Mediapolis, Iowa for a domestic disturbance.

Upon arrival, deputies located Joshua John Maish, 45, of Mediapolis. They were advised that there was an assault in which the victim was taken to the ground and held down by her throat by Maish. The victim’s neck had marks consistent with being held down by her throat.

Deputies spoke with both parties involved, and as a result, Joshua John Maish, was placed under arrest for domestic abuse assault-strangulation with bodily injury, a class D Felony. He was transported to the Des Moines County Correctional Center.

The storm rolls on. That’s right, the National Weather Service is expecting additional snow fall Wednesday night through Thursday, and Thursday night through Friday. Currently, there is a low probability of 2 inches or more, but we need to be prepared for anything.

On top of the extra 1-4 inches of snow, dangerous wind chills are back. Enjoy the heat wave today, because there is a high probability of welcoming -20 to -40 wind chills each morning from Friday through Sunday.

25-35 mph wind gusts could lead to hazardous travel conditions Thursday and Friday, with blowing and drifting snow.

With this next round of the winter storm, stay indoors during those extra cold mornings and wear plenty of layers if you do need to venture into the outdoor world.

Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate today announced that nominations are now open for the 2024 John Lewis Youth Leadership Award. Iowans aged 25 or younger who have made a meaningful commitment to addressing civil rights and bringing about authentic change in their communities are eligible.

“Many young Iowans will hear throughout their young adulthood that they are the leaders of tomorrow, but I maintain that most of these Iowans are already accomplished leaders in their own right,” said Secretary Pate. “The John Lewis Youth Leadership Award is just one way for our office to recognize the bright young Iowans who are dedicated to making a difference in their communities.”

This will be the third time Iowans have been honored with the John Lewis Youth Leadership Award. Most recently, Secretary Pate recognized SirMichael Carrington Williams-Thomas, a 9^th grader from West Des Moines, and J.J. Kapur, an American Connections Corps Fellow at CultureAll with the award.

“Congressman John Lewis has made a long-lasting impact on so many of us and we are honored to recognize his legacy with this award,” said Secretary Pate. “So many young Iowans are exemplifying the leadership abilities of Congressman Lewis in their everyday lives, and we are lucky to be a small part of it.”

The John Lewis Youth Leadership Award was established in 2021 by the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) as a way for every state to honor the extraordinary accomplishments of Congressman John Lewis. Secretaries of State across the nation are encouraged to recognize gifted, civic-minded young people with demonstrated leadership abilities with the award each year. The deadline to submit nominations is noon on Friday, March 1, 2024.