The Perry Area Chamber of Commerce hosts the 35th Annual BRR- Bike Ride to Rippey- Saturday, February 4. This annual 24 mile round trip bike ride from Perry to Rippey and back rolls on regardless of the weather. Known as the "Original WINTER Bike Ride", BRR riders have experienced frigid temperatures and wind chills while plowing through a foot of snow and have also enjoyed springlike temperatures at 60 degrees! Attendance has grown every year with riders and guests attending from all over Iowa and the country. Hosted by the Perry Area Chamber of Commerce, BRR is a frozen-filled day of biking, prizes and entertainment. This year's theme- EmBRRacing the Chill- was captured brilliantly by avid bicyclist, BRR veteran of 26 years and award winning cartoonist Brian Duffy. The theme is used in promotional materials and on merchandise. BRR registration, the official start, and other morning activities will all take place in beautiful downtown Perry. Schedule of Events: Breakfast- Lions Club (open to the public) Hotel Pattee 7 to 10:30 am Registration and pickup of materials for pre-registered riders- Town Craft Building (1122 Willis) 8 am to noon Ride Kickoff by Chuck Scheib's cannon- Second and Willis at 10 am. CITY OF RIPPEY: East Greene Youth Fellowship will host a baked potato bar at the church. Proceeds benefit their annual mission trips. Lion's Club will serve roast beef sundaes at the former Masonic Building in the Community Room at Third St and Main Street. Rippey Fire Department will host a beer tent. Public safety officials have requested riders depart from Rippey no later than 3 pm to ensure a safe return to Perry before sunset. PERRY BUSINESSES & HISTORICAL DOWNTOWN: All retail stores, restaurant and bars will be open throughout the day. Riders may pre-register for the ride at www.bikeiowa.com or call the Perry Area Chamber of Commerce for a registration form. The pre-registration fee and/or day of ride fee includes: 35th Annual BRR tshirt; traditional commemorative lapel pin (first 300); ticket for hot chocolate break midway to Rippey; free sag wagon; automatically entered in drawing to win $500 in Perry Bucks; admission to McCreary Center for swimming, sauna, whirlpool; plus coupons and discounts from area businesses. A Support the Ride Registration fee (day of ride only no merchandise included). For more information, or to register for the ride, please contact the Perry Area Chamber of Commerce at 515-465-4601 or via email at perrychamber@perryia.org. www.perryia.org. -The Scranton Journal ...   Read More

Lyle Hansen, Jr. was named 2011 Audubon Citizen of the Year during the Community Banquet held Saturday night. Hansen, a principle at Southwest Iowa Real Estate in Audubon was presented the award by last year's recipient, Tom Nielsen, who is a former co-worker of Hansen's. The Audubon Fire Department was given a special Community Award for their dedication and service and Audubon County Economic Development gave a presentation on various projects and successes of the past year. The Community Banquet is sponsored by the Audubon Chamber of Commerce and Audubon County Economic Development and is a way to recognize the achievements of the community on an annual basis. Members of both boards are recognized and the outgoing Chamber President is presented with a plaque. This year's outgoing president is Pat Curtis. A dinner with entertainment and auction was also held. Proceeds from the event benefit the Audubon Chamber of Commerce....   Read More

Megan Kading, school board president for the Adair-Casey school district was honored November 17 by the Iowa Association of School Boards. IASB members Mike Sexton, left, and Scott Hansen, right, presented Kading with a certificate for completing the Better Boardsmanship requirements. The Iowa Association of School Boards recognizes that learning and leadership on the part of school board members makes a difference at the board table and for students. At IASB's 66th Annual Convention on November 17, Adair-Casey school board president Megan Kading was honored for making that difference. Through IASB's Better Boardsmanship Awards Program, Kading received an Award of Achievement certificate. This award recognizes board members who put forth extra time and energy to strengthen their boardsmanship abilities through formal in-service programs, workshops and other commitments such as advocating with legislators or serving on statewide committees or boards. IASB board president Russ Wiesley commended Kading for her hard work. "Each individual in this select group of board members takes extra steps to make sure they are informed and capable as they strive to improve outcomes for students," Wiesley said. More than 80 school board members were recipients of this acclaimed award. - Adair News...   Read More