The new Iowa Economic Development Authority Board met today (Thursday) in Des Moines, with its members taking action on approving awards that will create up to 593 jobs in Iowa and retain another 105 jobs. The board approved incentives for planned or proposed projects located in Des Moines, Charles City, Fort Dodge, Coralville, Urbandale, Davenport, Underwood and Independence. The incentives went to companies whose business is in the areas of technology, manufacturing, food processing and biosciences.

In western Iowa, Link Snacks in Underwood was approved by the board for $40,000 in direct financial assistance plus tax incentives to Link Snacks, Inc., to expand it’s operations. The money will be used for the acquisition of an existing building in the city of Underwood to establish a second distribution center in Iowa for its products.

The company’s other center is in Laurens.  Link Snacks,Inc. is one of the fastest-growing meat snack manufacturers in the world, and sells their products in more than 40 countries.  This $9.4 million capital investment is expected to create 131 new jobs.

GLENWOOD, Iowa (AP) – A Glenwood man is being held on $25,000 bond after being charged in connection with the death of his 5-month-old son. Authorities say 35-year-old Jason Curtis was arrested Wednesday on Felony charges of child endangerment, neglect of a dependent person and willful injury. They say Curtis called for help on July 14th because his son was barely breathing. When emergency crews arrived they found the child unresponsive. He was pronounced dead at a Council Bluffs hospital. Special Agent in Charge with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Terry Klooster, says an autopsy showed Jackson Curtis died of head trauma. Klooster declined to say how the injury was inflicted because the investigation is continuing. Curtis appeared in court this (Thursday) morning.