Community betterment projects in the Malvern area stand to receive a huge financial boost thanks to the generosity of a local man. Allen Hall, Chair of the Mills County Community Foundation, says through the estate of William L. Costello, a foundation was created that has grown to $2.5 million. “Bill” Costello was a fourth generation insurance agent in the Costello Insurance Agency established in 1912. He passed away at age 65 in October of 2012.

As a native of Malvern, Bill Costello’s roots ran deep in the community. He graduated from Malvern High School in 1965 and received his Bachelor of Science degree from Northwest Missouri State University in 1971 while also serving in the Army National Guard. He finished his National Guard service with the Glenwood unit. Through his years owning and operating the Costello Agency, his commitment deepened to his clients, the residents of the community, and for community service and betterment projects. He began elements of his foundation in 2003 with the Mills County Community Foundation by starting the William L. Costello Endowed Fund stating on numerous occasions.

In 2007 he created the William L. Costello NWMSU Endowed Scholarship Fund for local graduating high school seniors. He then began honing his estate plans and the grant making details for his foundation which emphasized community betterment projects that would dovetail with the Mills County Community Foundation. He determined that plans for utilizing Costello funds for the betterment of the Malvern area community must be submitted annually by nonprofit groups by September 1st to the Mills County Community Foundation for consideration by the board.

The announcement of the William L. Costello Foundation is timed with National Community Foundation Week and the Mills County Community Foundation fall grant distribution of $94,400 to Mills County nonprofit agencies. This total includes $63,600 from the William L. Costello Endowed Fund. Next year the Costello fund will have approximately $113,000 to grant to Malvern area nonprofit projects.

Mills County Community Foundation has distributed over $2.8 million in grants and scholarships over the last 14 years and is affiliated with eight other countywide community foundations collectively known as the Community Foundations of Southwest Iowa and the Omaha Community Foundation. For information about donating or establishing an individual foundation/fund, please contact any of the Board Members, or call Dennis Nissen, Iowa Foundations Director, at 800-794-3458.

ALTOONA, Iowa (AP) – A trade group has been given the greenlight to move ahead with plans to keep dog racing alive in Iowa. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission approved a racetrack license for pari-mutuel wagering on Thursday to the Iowa Greyhound Association. It gives the group authority to operate the Dubuque Greyhound Park at Mystique Casino.

Commission administrator Brian J. Ohorilko says the approved license is based on several conditions, including issues of security and financing. IGA will need to update the commission on them before they’re operational on Jan. 1.

The approval for a license follows a state law this year that will cease dog racing in Council Bluffs at the end of 2015. The racetrack in Dubuque will eventually be the sole location for live dog racing in the state.

The Cass County Chapter of the Salvation Army is kicking-off its annual “Red Kettle” campaign. Steve Livengood, of Atlantic, is serving his first year as chair of the event, which is being run differently this year, from years past. Livengood says volunteers will be out at various locations in Atlantic on Saturday’s only, instead of Saturday and Sunday. He says 90-percent of what is collected here stays in Cass County. Last year, $7,443 was raised, but that was over both days.

The kettles will be in place on Saturday’s, beginning November 29th . The other dates include December 6th, 13th, and 20th. For those who want to serve as volunteer bell ringers, Livengood says you won’t have to stand out in the cold nearly as long this year. The shifts will be 90 minutes long instead of two-hours. The first shift starts at 10-a.m. They’ll end at 4-p.m., and be positioned at four locations in Atlantic. They include both main entrances to the Wal-Mart Store, at Hy-Vee, and at Fareway.

Livengood says they need help at Wal-Mart and Fareway, because the Hy-Vee site is already covered by the Atlantic Kiwanis and others. The bell ringers will take donations in the form of cash, checks and loose change. Livengood said the money raised is for children and families in the County who are in need.

If you’d like to volunteer as a Salvation Army Bell Ringer, call Steve Livengood at 712-243-5445. Leave your name, phone number and the time most convenient for you to work a shift. Be sure to dress warmly and bring a smile. The bell and kettle will be waiting for you. You can even bring a friend to help out.