June 16, 2023 (DES MOINES, IA) – The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Board, today (Friday), approved awards for three companies, which will assist in the creation of 89 jobs and result in $26 million in new capital investment for the state. These projects are located in Red Oak, Waterloo and Dallas County. The board also approved grants through the Entrepreneurial Investment Award program.

Specializing in motion and control technologies, Parker-Hannifin Corporation in Red Oak, provides precision-engineered solutions for mobile, industrial and aerospace markets. The company plans to make investments in manufacturing machinery and equipment that will support the need to expand production at their Red Oak location. The project represents a capital investment of $2.5 million and was awarded tax benefits through the High Quality Jobs (HQJ) program. It is expected to create 65 jobs, of which 35 are incented at a qualifying wage of $22.60 per hour.

Osmundson Manufacturing to expand facility in Dallas County: Osmundson Manufacturing Co., a fifth-generation family-owned company, designs agricultural disc, coulter and seeding blades for original equipment manufacturers and distributors worldwide. The company plans to expand its Perry facility by approximately 20,000 square feet to increase manufacturing capacity and employee amenities. The board awarded this $19 million capital investment project tax benefits through the HQJ program. It is expected to create 17 jobs, of which two are incented at a qualifying wage of $28.70 per hour.

Dignity Apparel to purchase building in Waterloo: Dignity Apparel LLC manufactures garments with domestically sourced fabrics for Image Pointe, its wholly owned subsidiary that offers design and distribution services. Through real estate holding company JP Management Corporation, the project plans to acquire a 77,000 square-foot building in Waterloo, including remodeling space and purchasing equipment and software to accommodate growth. The project represents a capital investment of $4.5 million dollars and is expected to create seven jobs at a qualifying wage of $21.01 per hour. The board awarded tax benefits through the HQJ program.

Grants awarded to two initiatives supporting entrepreneurs…

The Entrepreneurial Investment Award (EIA) program provides financial assistance to service providers that offer technical and financial assistance to entrepreneurs and startup companies seeking to create, locate or expand a business in Iowa. The award is in the form of a grant through a competitive application process.

Landus Innovation Connector supports the growth of innovative agricultural technologies through mentorship and direct connections to the marketplace for entrepreneurs and scale-up companies. Companies will receive access to ag resources and services, including market strategy assistance, industry information, a collaborative space to share farming solutions, and a direct connection to the marketplace. The Landus Connector was awarded a $120,000 grant from the EIA program to be used for key personnel, promotion of technology to farmers, and venture events.

Pi515’s Girls’ Entrepreneurship Incubator is an initiative focused on empowering and supporting aspiring young women entrepreneurs through mentorship, workshops, networking, market exposure and resources. The incubator aims to create an environment that helps young women launch and grow businesses. Pi515 was awarded a $200,000 grant from the EIA program to facilitate community outreach, engage and involve young women, develop curriculum, and recruit key personnel.

Award recommendations for these funds are made by the EIA Review Committee to the IEDA Board for approval. Download a spreadsheet with today’s awards here.

(Cedar Rapids, Iowa) – The Atlantic FFA Horse Judging team competed Tuesday (June 13) in the annual Iowa FFA Horse Career Development Event held at Kirkwood Community College. Members of the team included: Kayedance Sturm, Rylee Harlan, and Lily Willrich.

Atlantic FFA Advisor Eric Miller says this year 33 chapters participated in this year’s Career Development Event designed to provide the student an opportunity to display their agricultural knowledge and skills in the area of Equine Science. The 112 individual contestants evaluated halter and performance classes. They also answered questions over the classes and gave oral reasons to explain their placings. A written examination was included along with a team problem solving competition.

When asked about their favorite part of the contest Lily Willrich said, “My favorite part of the competition was learning how so many different things, builds, and movements to look at in a horse. Especially what someone like a professional judge looks at in a horse. I also really enjoyed meeting people from all over Iowa.” Kayedance Sturm commented that her favorite part was getting to talk to other people after having to be quiet for 6 hours during the competition.” When asked what her favorite part of the day was, Rylee Harlan said, “Making new friends and getting to see and learn about all the different horses’.

Horse Judging Team -from Left to right:
Kayedance Sturm, Rylee Harlan Lily Willrich. (Photo courtesy Eric Miller)

Sturm led the Atlantic team placing 32nd, Harlan was second with a 36 and Willrich rounded out the scores by placing 62nd out of 112 individuals. Atlantic FFA Advisor Eric Miller said, “I was extremely happy with the team’s performance. These FFA members are just beginning their FFA career as incoming freshmen. They placed 9th as a team in Questions and Reasons so their future is bright.” (click on the photo to enlarge) >>>

(Radio Iowa) – The Iowa Lakes Community College campus in Algona will be hosting a free one-hour seminar about credit scores for area business owners and entrepreneurs. Shelly Brown is the coordinator for the college’s Tietz Entrepreneurial Center in Algona. She says step one for anyone is to check the accuracy of your credit report. “The information that’s on your credit report is used to generate your credit score,” Brown says. “…Step two is understanding what goes into a credit score from a financial lender’s standpoint.” According to a recent Federal Reserve survey, lenders are toughening the standards for loans, which makes it even harder for most small businesses and start-ups to get loans. Brown says the seminar will cover ways to improve a credit score.

“For a new business owner it’s important to have a good understanding, good handle on their credit score because they need to secure financing for that start up, whereas an individual who’s been in business for a couple of years the credit score is still very, very critical because they may need it to establish a larger line of credit or perhaps they are going to try to secure funding for a new project, new growth expansion, a new additional location.” The seminar is scheduled for Wednesday, June 28th, from 6 to 7 p.m.

(Radio Iowa) – The Iowa Supreme Court has declined to remove the injunction against the 2018 law that would limit abortion once a fetal heartbeat is detected. Abortion will remain legal up to 20 weeks of pregnancy. Chief Justice Susan Christenson, and justices Thomas Waterman and Edward Mansfield voted against removing the injunction. Justices Christopher McDonald, Mathew McDermott and David May voted to remove the injunction, while Justice Dana Oxley did not vote. The 3-3 tie leaves the injunction in place.

Justice Waterman wrote the ruling was never appealed when it was enacted, and the law was not legal at the time it passed before the Supreme Court’s ruling that abortion is not a right, and those are important reasons to deny the appeal. Justice McDonald wrote the dissent — saying that it is almost universally accepted that courts have inherent authority to modify or dissolve a permanent injunction based on changes in fact or law without regard to the passage of time.

Governor Kim Reynolds issued a statement calling the lack of action by the court disappointing. It says “Not only does it disregard Iowa voters who elected representatives willing to stand up for the rights of unborn children, but it has sided with a single judge in a single county who struck down Iowa’s legislation based on principles that now have been flat-out rejected by the U-S Supreme Court.

Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart released a statement saying “I am thrilled that the Iowa Supreme Court will not stand in the way of Iowans who need abortion care, especially when our friends and neighbors already have to navigate so many barriers to health care. Our job as Democrats going forward is to listen to the needs of our fellow Iowans and ensure that folks in every corner of the state can access the medical care they need, no matter where they live or what’s in their wallet.

Maggie DeWitte of Pulse Life Advocates, formerly Iowa Right to Life, had this reaction to the decision: “Profoundly disappointed. You know, we already passed a heartbeat bill once. And that law would have saved an estimated 2000 Iowans lives every year,” she says. DeWitte says the recent election the kept Republicans in control of all branches of state government showed Iowans support the bill. “We affirmed that decision by reelecting our governor, and a legislature that’s, you know, committed to protecting innocent children in the womb. And so it’s it’s very disappointing. You know, lawmaking is the job of the people’s elected representatives, and not unelected judges,” DeWitte says.

There is the possibility that the governor could call a special session to pass the bill again. “I would be supportive of that, the quicker that we can get the next step going in terms of saving innocent human lives, we would be supportive of that 100 percent,” she says. DeWitte says the overturning of the U-S Supreme Court decision making abortion legal one year ago has opened the door to move forward, and they will continue to work on ending abortion.

“We have a long ways to go. And that’s why groups like Pulse Life Advocates and others in the life community are working every day tirelessly to change hearts and minds,” DeWitte says. “And it goes back to the simple idea that all human life is valuable and dignity and therefore should be protected.”
Planned Parenthood will hold a news conference this afternoon to respond to the ruling.

(Lewis, Iowa) – The Cass County Conservation Board (CCCB) has several, upcoming events. On June 24th, there will be Stand-up Paddleboard demonstrations at the Cold Springs Park beach. There are limited spots available on the 24th, so place call 712-769-2372, to reserve your place for either the 1-p.m. or 2:30-p.m. demonstration and a chance to try out a paddleboard for yourself. Te program will be canceled if there is unsafe weather. There is no charge. The only requirements are that participants weigh LESS than 250-pounds, children must be 16-years of age or older, and participants should bring a life jacket. If you cannot bring a life jacket, one will be provided for you.

Conservation officials say Stand Up Paddleboarding is the fastest growing sport in the paddling community, not only across the country, but especially here in land-locked areas like Iowa. It’s fun, healthy as a total body work-out and offers a unique perspective when it comes to being on the water.

The Conservation Board will host a “Movie in the Park” campground program, June 30th, at 9:30-p.m. The featured movie is “Minions: Rise of Gru.” The movie will be shown at the Campground Shelter at Cold Springs Park. There is no charge to attend, and you do not have to be a registered camper in order to attend the movie. In the event of rain, the movie will be rescheduled.

And finally, the Cass County Conservation Board will hold a “Gourmet S’mores Charcuterie” program, at 7-p.m., on July 1st. That also takes place at the Cold Springs Park campground shelter, near Lewis. Learn how to make Gourmet S’more desserts over a fire. Please bring your own place settings for samples. A suggested free-will donation of 5-dollars per person will help to defer the cost of supplies for the program. And again, you do not have to be a registered camper to attend this event.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Master Gardener group says they are excited to host a tour of four private gardens in the Atlantic area, on Sunday afternoon June 25, 2023. The tour will feature both town and country garden spaces for participants to explore at their leisure and gain inspiration for their own garden spaces while enjoying a variety of garden styles and designs. Gardens will be open for touring between 2-and 6-p.m., and may be visited in any order. Tickets should be presented at each location for admission, and for each garden visited participants will earn an entry to win a planter by Imagine Gifts and Greenhouse.

Highlights from featured gardens included wooded and shade gardens, landscaped garden paths, garden ponds and streams, fairy and gnome garden décor, customized berms, themed garden areas, gazebos and seating areas, pollinator gardens, perennial beds and more! Follow the Cass County Master Gardeners on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/CassCoMG for sneak peeks of featured garden spaces leading up to the day of the tour.

The tour is coordinated by the Cass County Master Gardeners, but is open to everyone interested in touring and learning about gardening. Tickets for the tour are $10 each, with all proceeds going to support master gardener projects and scholarships. Tickets are available now for purchase at the Cass County Extension office, and a registration form can also be found on the Cass County Extension website at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/cass. A map of the tour locations and description of each garden is on each ticket purchased. Additional tickets may be purchased at any of the four locations on the day of the event.

Other upcoming events from the Cass County Master Gardeners include educational activities at the Produce in the Park Market and other summer events, and their annual Fall Plant Sale on Saturday September 9th. For more information about Master Gardener activities in Cass County, visit https://www.extension.iastate.edu/cass/master-gardener-program, call the Cass County Extension Office at 712-243-1132, or email Cass County Extension Director and Master Gardener Coordinator Kate Olson at keolson@iastate.edu.  In addition, you are invited to follow the Cass County Master Gardeners at their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CassCoMG to keep up with local events and tips for gardening

(Glenwood, Iowa) – The Mills County Sheriff’s Office reports two, recent arrests. Thursday afternoon, 25-year-old Willie Ray Johnson, of Gulfport, MS, was arrested for Domestic Abuse Assault. Johnson was being held without bond in the Mills County Jail. And, Tuesday afternoon, 30-year-old Victor Hugo Campos-Penaloza, of St. Louis, MO., was arrested in St. Charles, MO., on a Mills County warrant for 1st Degree Theft. His bond was set at $5,000.

There were also two incidents reported to the Mills County Sheriff’s Office: Officials with the Silver City Post Office told authorities on June 6th, that there had been an incident of attempted burglary in the 3rd degree. And, on June 14th, a woman from Omaha reported an incident of Identity Theft occurred in Mills County, at a location on Ingrum Avenue.

Additional information on those incidents was not provided.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Atlantic School District Superintendent Steve Barber, Wednesday (June 14, 2023), presented the School Board with his final report. Mr. Barber is leaving the District at the end of this month. He mentioned the Atlantic Community School District currently has five teaching positions that have yet to be filled.

Mr. Barber’s replacement, Dr. Beth Johnson, is in the process of interviewing for the Transportation Director’s position left vacant by the resignation of Mark Weis, who is leaving the District effective July 1, 2023.

Steve Barber said most of the summer projects will begin July 1^st, also. They include: The Washington Elementary School playground; High School storage shed; HS Auditorium lighting; carpets at the HS, ELC and Schuler; and Washington EVR units.

The lower elementary Summer Experience count he said is around 140 students, while the upper grades are averaging 50-to 60 students. The Atlantic School Board approved the hiring of Casey Pelzer, as the Middle School Principal.

In other business, the Atlantic School Board, Wednesday, approved an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding), with regard to the iJag (Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates) program. Steve Barber said Guy Somers “has done a wonderful job [with the program], and that he “continues to look at ways to improve [it].” For the 2023-24 school year, 28 students have registered for the program.

The Board also approved an agreement with the Green Hills AEA for managed services designed to enhance the school district in the continuation of protecting the system, and enhancing cybersecurity measures.

(Creston, Iowa) – The Creston Police Department reports 22-year-old Chase Isaiah Ditzler, of Creston, was arrested at around 4:24-p.m. Thursday, at the Creston/Union County Law Enforcement Center. Ditzler was taken into custody for Violation of Parole, Theft in the 2nd Degree, and Theft in the 5th Degree. He was brought to the Union County Jail and held without bond, until seen by a Judge.

(DES MOINES) – Governor Reynolds, Thursday, celebrated national homeownership month with the announcement of the opening of the second annual Iowa Homeownership Incubator competition. The Iowa Homeownership Incubator is a challenge to Iowa lending institutions and real estate professionals to think innovatively about advancing financial literacy around homeownership among all Iowans, with the winning idea receiving a $20,000 grant to help implement the initiative.

“Homeownership is one of the leading drivers of economic security and wealth creation for Iowans which is why we’re pleased to announce the Iowa Homeownership Incubator to help drive innovation in this area,” said Governor Reynolds. “Iowa is already ranked among the top in the nation for first-time homebuyers and supporting financial literacy efforts will allow us to welcome many more Iowans home.”

“Homeownership benefits Iowans, communities and businesses alike,” said Iowa Finance Authority and Iowa Economic Development Authority Director Debi Durham. “The ability to affordably own a home is a key element to attracting and retaining our workforce but Iowans first must realize that homeownership may be within their reach, which is exactly what this incubator competition sets out to do.”

The Iowa Homeownership Incubator requires partnerships amongst a lending institution or real estate company and a community organization or business, and the winning pitch will be awarded $20,000 to educate Iowans about financial literacy as it relates to homeownership and assistance programs available to them, including IFA’s programs for low to moderate homebuyers. Proposals must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on Aug. 1. Finalists will be determined by the Iowa Finance Authority and the Iowa Association of REALTORS® and will be invited to make their pitch to a panel of industry judges, who will determine the winner at the HousingIowa Conference in Cedar Rapids on Sept. 6.

“It’s no secret that homeownership is good for Iowans and good for Iowa,” said Iowa Association of REALTORS® CEO Gavin Blair.  “We look forward to seeing the innovative ideas for moving financial literacy around homeownership forward so we can open the door to homeownership for many more Iowans.”

More information about the Iowa Homeownership Incubator, including submission guidelines is available at housingiowaconference.com.