DES MOINES, IOWA (07/23/2019) — The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation and Cookies Food Products are pleased to present Mary Kimberly Rueter of DeWitt as an Iowan of the Day for the 2019 Iowa State Fair.
Retired from her position as general manager and managing editor of her community newspaper, the DeWitt Observer, Rueter had a career of more than 41 years. Her experience in the newspaper field cultivated an interest in transparency and openness in government as well as the need for freedom of information.
Rueter has a long history of volunteerism, ranging from 16 years as a member of the Mississippi Bend AEA board of directors and long-time service on local education and hospital foundations. She also served on the DeWitt Chamber and Development Company's board of director's committee and was president of the Iowa Newspaper Foundation.
Recognized for her work, Rueter was honored with the "Communicator of Achievement" award for the National Federation of Press Women and by the Iowa Newspaper Association as a Master Editor Publisher and a recipient of its Distinguished Service Award.
Rueter's day of recognition will be Saturday, August 17, at the 2019 Iowa State Fair. She will be recognized with a presentation on the Anne and Bill Riley stage at 1PM. Along with accommodations at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown, she will receive a gift bag, Grandstand tickets, use of the Iowan of the Day golf cart, a cash prize, Iowa State Fair admission tickets, and VIP parking.
Founded in 1997, the Iowan of the Day program allows the Blue Ribbon Foundation to recognize Iowa's most outstanding individuals. The program continues to honor Iowans across the state who have made a difference in the lives of others, while upholding the characteristics associated with Iowa- dependability, integrity, hard work and sense of community.
The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Since its inception in 1993, the Foundation has generated $150 million for renovations and improvements to the Iowa State Fairgrounds. For more information, visit our website at www.BlueRibbonFoundation.org, contact the Blue Ribbon Foundation at 515-262-3111 Ext. 371 or Info@BlueRibbonFoundation.org.
