It always is a plus when a community has the support of a corporate giant like General Mills.

It is an absolute plus when that corporate business also gives back to that community through its own employees and its own initiative.

General Mills has been a Newton county corporate partner for the last 22 years. During that time they have been a major sponsor of the Y, local law enforcement and even The News' Hometown Heroes project. That's just a few of their generous involvements.

We are proud that a quarter of the nation's number one cereal is produced in Newton County. Cheerios, which was first introduced in 1941, has grown from its first iteration - Cheerioats - to 11 brands including the ever-popular Honey Nut Cheerios.

We salute the employees and staff of our local General Mills plant for your 22 years of service to our community and congratulate you on the 70th anniversary of the creation of our favorite oat cereal.