Nominate a "Local Olympian" today!

This week marks a much calmer week without the World Pork Expo on the Fairgrounds. As strange as it was to see the Fairgrounds filled, it’s just as strange to see the Fairgrounds bare again too.

Two weeks from this Friday marks the last day to submit Iowan of the Day nominations. As much as I’ve loved reading through old nominations, I can’t wait to see this year’s Iowan of the Day winners.

Caroline Lehman of New London, Iowa is the fifth and halfway point of my 2015 Iowan of the Day spotlights.

Lehman is best known for her work as curator for the Dover Museum in New London. Lehman creates exhibits and goes above and beyond to educate the New London community about Iowa’s history. Through the State Historical Society of Iowa, Lehman worked to bring a traveling exhibit about Iowa’s involvement in the Civil War to New London. Lehman was also influential in getting a railroad depot moved across Iowa to place in the Dover Museum’s railroad collection.

If this wasn’t enough, Lehman served as a committee chair for the 175th annual celebration of New London’s founding. During the celebration, the event honored local veterans and brought the community together.

Lehman also volunteers with her church, works with the local wellness center, serves as secretary of the Henry County Historic Preservation Commission and prepares food for shut-ins and funeral dinners. Lehman’s work has not gone unnoticed by the community as she was recognized as Citizen of the Year in 2009.

People from across Iowa do outstanding things for their community and through this program we’re striving to “celebrate local Olympians.” If you know of someone who deserves recognition, consider nominating them as Iowan of the Day! I would love to see more applications than I have been receiving and would appreciate your help in spreading the word. Tell your friends, family and coworkers to nominate a community member today!

-Audra