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The Week in Social 9/20 - 9/24

The Week in Social rounds up the best of Iowa’s uplifting stories, exciting initiatives and fun events from all 99 counties discovered through social media. In a time where every bit of good news is cherished, this series is devoted to being a fun, lighthearted way to stay informed about Iowa’s good news.


Iowa City Named No. 13 Happiest City in the Country

According to USA Today, Iowa City is ranked the No. 13 happiest city in the country. What makes Iowa City so special? According to the study, Iowa City excels in the areas of housing and transportation, food access and financial stability.


Centerville Breaks Guinness World Record

Centerville experienced sweet victory as community members broke the Guinness world record for the largest serving of pancakes. The community decided to attempt the record breaking on its Pancake Day which started in 1948 as a way for manufacturers to show appreciation for their employees with free pancakes. With 100 volunteers determined to break the record, the community served up 14,280 delicious pancakes.


The Crunch Berry Run Adds Color to Cedar Rapids

Looking to add a little color to your life? This Saturday, Cedar Rapids will host the Crunch Berry Run, a family-friendly run or walk filled with colored chalk. After crossing the finish line, the party continues with Crunch Berries, music and family-friendly activities. All proceeds for the event will go toward Murals & More’s mission to cultivate public art in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Registration comes with a t-shirt and sunglasses, so you can show off your colors earned during the race.


99 Counties Later, the Freedom Rock Tour Ends

For the last eight years, Ray “Bubba” Sorensen traveled around Iowa painting rocks to honor veterans who have served across the state. Sorensen painted a rock for all 99 counties in Iowa, and his last rock for Linn County will be dedicated at the 2022 Linn County Fair. Up next? A 100th Freedom Rock in Iowa will be auctioned off with a portion of the proceeds going to a veterans’ charity to be announced later. After that, Sorensen wants to place a Freedom Rock in each of the 50 states.

“I enjoy traveling the state, and this has sustained my family. My knowledge of the branches (of the military) and the state’s history is wildly different than when I started. There’s a rush of feelings, but it’ll be nice to put a bow on it,” said Sorensen, “I do this to pay my debts and to say thank you.”


Iowa Receives Grants for Renewable Energy Infrastructure

United States Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced $464 million in investments of renewable energy infrastructure. Five grants from this fund are being distributed to businesses in Iowa. Lowering the energy costs for small businesses and agricultural helps expand economic development and employment opportunities in Iowa. Three grants will be used to purchase and install solar arrays and two will be used to install LED light fixtures. Combined, these grants could save Iowa business owners around $56,133 each year.

Published September 28, 2021

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