The Cities of Neola and McClelland were the recent recipients of Walnut Communications Growing Communities Grants. The Neola Volunteer Fire Department (NVFD) was awarded a $900 grant. They’ll use the money to purchase 20 pairs of the Innotex 795 firefighting and rescue gloves, at a cost of $95.00 per set.

The NVFD currently consists of 19 active members who aid in services to the city of Neola as well as portions of Pottawattamie and Harrison Counties. NVFD covers approximately 83 square miles in Pottawattamie and Harrison County and 38 miles of I-80 and I-680 interstates. In 2015, the NVFD made 121 fire and rescue/ambulance calls.

The City of McClelland received a Walnut Communications Growing Communities grant in the amount of $750. The grant moneys are to be used for a main street beautification project. More specifically, to hang welcome banners and plant flowers this spring, and also for fall and Christmas décor later this year.

Walnut Communications G.M./President Bruce Heyne presents a check to Sue Stenlund a City Council Member in McClelland.

Walnut Communications says it is proud to support local non-profit groups with their Growing Communities grant program. Grants of up to $10,000 per calendar year are awarded across the eight communities the company serves: Walnut, Avoca, Shelby, Minden, Neola, Persia, Underwood and McClelland. The application can be found on their website at www.walnutcommunications.com.

General Manager and President of Walnut Communications, Bruce Heyne presents a check to Fire Chief Paul Ward and Greg Heine on behalf of the Neola Fire Department.