Et Cetera
What we're reading:The Last Murder at the End of the World
This week I started reading Stuart Turton's latest novel 'The Last Murder at the End of the World.' The novel contains an intricate map on the inside cover and begins with a cast list, so I know I'll need to take notes! The cover art is beautiful, and the pages are tipped in color, so it looks gorgeous on my reading table.Turton is known for his puzzling, cerebral mysteries; I'm five chapters in and am happy to be along for the ride. What we're reading: James
VPL Note: "James" by Percival Everett is available for checkout in regular type.I thoroughly enjoyed this retelling of Mark Twain's "Huckleberry Finn"! If you have never read the original, I highly recommend that you do so. Years ago, it was practically 'required reading' as a rite of passage. As times changed, several of Twain's works were banned as racist and/or for having inappropriate themes. Trees for Kids grant applications due August 26
The popular Trees for Kids grant program is accepting applications through August 26.Grantees can be awarded up to $2,500 to purchase trees and mulch. All trees for this program must be planted on public community grounds (park, community center, public school, etc.) Youth are required to be engaged in the process, most often helping to plant the trees on site.
What we're reading: Family Family
I loved this book! 'Family Family' by Laurie Frankel is one of my favorite kind of stories, stories that bring you into the experience of others, that welcome you into their world, and leave you with a deeper understanding of humanity. This novel looks straight into the eyes of several people whose lives have been touched by adoption and never blinks. Cicada Quest Video Documents the Type of Cicadas Emerging in Iowa
Learn about the 17-year cicada by watching Cicada Quest: A Symphony of NatureAre you curious about the cicadas that are emerging in eastern Iowa? Maybe you’ve noticed the notorious buzzing sound they make, or maybe you’ve encountered a swarm of cicadas on your property or local park.The Integrated Pest Management team with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach produced a short video entitled: ‘Cicada Quest: A Symphony of Nature’ to help answer questions and share interesting information about periodical cicadas. Learn to Hunt program opens registration for beginner fur harvesting workshops
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is offering a program to teach skills needed to trap furbearers to people with little to no trapping experience.The workshop will feature knowledge and skill building sessions with instructors that will teach the basics of trapping in Iowa.“For those interested in the tradition of trapping as a means of sourcing fur, this program provides the opportunity to gain the skills and the knowledge it takes to do it all yourself,” said Jamie Cook, program coordinator with the Iowa DNR.
What we're reading: Rules for Vanishing
By Heather EganI have a tendency to stay away from YA Fiction (does that make me old?!) but am kind of smitten with Kate Alice Marshall lately. "Rules for Vanishing" is a YA Horror novel by Kate Alice Marshall available on the Libby app and it had all the trappings of an easy weekend read:1) Two missing girls2) A mysterious "Road" that appears and disappears that no one ever returns from!3) A game with a sing-song legend that needs played to find the missing girls. University of Wisconsin-Platteville announces Chancellor's List
The University of Wisconsin-Platteville announced its Chancellor's List, honoring those with perfect 4.0 grade-point averages for the spring 2024 semester. Students from this area who earned the 4.0 grade-point average include:Vinton Cloey Fall, Criminal Justice BS, UW-Platteville
Grant funds available for tree planting in communities impacted by derecho
The Iowa Legislature appropriated state infrastructure funds to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to be used for a community-based tree planting program for derecho recovery tree planting.The Community Forestry Grant Program provides reimbursable grants to purchase and plant trees suitable to Iowa in counties included in the 2020 Governor’s disaster proclamation.
University of Wisconsin-Platteville announces Dean's List
The University of Wisconsin-Platteville announces its Dean's List, honoring those full-time students who earned high honors in the spring 2024 semester. College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture and the College of Liberal Arts and Education require grade-point averages of 3.75 and above for Dean's List honors, while the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science requires students to reach at least a 3.