Pork-er Run attracts 37 ATVs

     A total of 105 tickets were sold, and 37 ATVs were in attendance for the Jones County Pork Producers’ Pork-er Run Sept. 21.

     It was the first time for the event, which raised funds to provide college scholarships to youth in Jones County. Enthusiastic participants filled the parking lot at the Hale Tap at the start of the event despite intermittent rain showers.

     “I’m shocked at what’s out here right now,” said Abby Jaeger, secretary of the Pork Producers. “We’re excited.”

     Participants had a pulled pork lunch at the Hale Tap and Supper Club, then traveled to Rack’s Swinging Door in Wyoming, then to The Grove in Scotch Grove, with a pork-themed beverage served at each stop. The group then returned to the Hale Tap.

     Steve Klein, co-owner of the Hale Tap with Matt Walshire, said the club was happy to host part of the event.

     “The local gal (Jaeger) had a lot to do with setting it up, and she just asked us if we were interested,” Klein said. “They had a lot bigger turnout than they expected.”

     “The bars were more than excited,” Jaeger said. “These guys were awesome to work with.”

     It was a big event for the revitalized Jones County Pork Producers, who now number about 40 members including president Adam Decker, vice president Todd Heffelfinger, treasurer Hilary Hogan, and Jaeger.

     “We restructured in the past year, and we were like, ‘What can we do?’ ” Jaeger said. “One of our goals this year was to have an event of some sort. So this is it.”