November 6, 2024 (DES MOINES) — The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) today (Wednesday) awarded $930,808 in Main Street Iowa Challenge Grants to 10 communities around the state. The grants help redevelop or rehabilitate underused buildings as a way to stimulate economic growth and further investment in Iowa’s historic main streets.

Projects include:

• Transforming two vacant historic buildings in downtown Keokuk into first-floor commercial space and upper-story housing.
• Rehabilitating a historic gas station along Lincoln Highway in Woodbine to accommodate a one-stop hub for real estate services.
• Enhancing the facades of five historic storefronts, including the thriving Lansing Hardware Hank retail business in Lansing, to create a cohesive look and elevate the visual appeal of the entire block.

Debi Durham Director of IEDA and the Iowa Finance Authority says “Challenge Grants help us preserve rich historic character while breathing new life into our traditional downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts. New businesses and residents are drawn to energized main streets, which radiates outward to grow local economies across the state.” The grants are administered through IEDA’s Iowa Downtown Resource Center and Main Street Iowa programs. The funding will be distributed in the form of matching grants to the selected Main Street programs. The estimated total cost of these 10 projects is more than $3.3 million.

Since the first Challenge Grants were awarded in 2002, more than $15.5 million in funds have leveraged more than $70.5 million in further investment. See the full list of grantees and their projects, below:

(Radio Iowa) – Iowans have overwhelmingly approved two amendments to the Iowa Constitution. In mid-2017, when Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds took over in the middle of Terry Branstad’s sixth term as governor, some questioned whether the new governor had the authority to appoint a new lieutenant governor. The amendment makes it clear all future governors in similar circumstances would have that power.

The other amendment deals with elections. it says only citizens of the United States can vote in Iowa elections. The Iowa Constitution, as originally written, said every citizen of the U-S may vote in state elections. That amendment also says 17 year olds can vote in Primaries if they’ll be 18 on the day of the General Election. That’s already state law.

Iowa Capital Dispatch (image)

Both amendments will become part of the Iowa constitution in a few weeks when state officials sign off on vote totals in the official canvas of votes.

(Red Oak, Iowa) – An Absentee ballot worker in Montgomery County is questioning why he was removed from the absentee and special voter precinct board Tuesday night. Joey Norris spoke before the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors during their meeting this (Wednesday) morning after he was asked to leave the counting area Tuesday.

Norris said he believes he was chosen by Auditor Jill Ozuna for those attributes during the primary audit, to work during the general election.

Norris said “There was a a lot of focus on getting done with the count early,” and that he was asked to leave without just cause, by Auditor Ozuna.

He said his questions were treated with “disdain.” Norris’ father James Norris said his son is experienced and knowledgeable in the ballot auditing process, and in following the rules.

He said his son’s removal feels like retribution against the Norris family (for their opposition to the Summit Carbon Solutions carbon capture pipeline), and that he “takes that personally.”

Board policy does not require them to respond to public comments made following the public’s opportunity to speak. In other business, the Montgomery Board of Supervisors set a canvass of the Nov. 5^th votes to take place during their regular meeting that begins at 8:30-a.m. On November 12^th. And, the Board received a regular weekly report from County Engineer Karen Albert.

She said also they are working on plans for projects in their 5-year construction program.

And, the Montgomery County Supervisors passed a Resolution abating the taxes on land owned by the City of Elliott.

UPDATE: Bailey Smith says “Due to unforeseen circumstances with shipping of the AtlantiCash, we have to move the date!!” AtlantiCash is now expected to be available on Saturday, NOVEMBER 30TH.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce encourages you to get a kick start to your holiday shopping, and purchase discount AtlantiCash, presented by First Whitney Bank & Trust, NOVEMBER 30TH only, at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce. Bailey Smith, Executive Director at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce said “This is one of our favorite events of the year. AtlantiCash is money that has to be spent at local businesses, so not only does it boost Local Option Sales Tax, but it also supports all of our incredible businesses who have so much to offer this holiday season. Last year, we sold $40,000 in 45 minutes, so the goal is to sell another $40,000 this year.”

From 9 AM – 12 PM Saturday, November 30TH only, AtlantiCash will be available in packs of $100 for $80, a 20% discount. Shoppers can purchase up to three packs. Payment must be made at time of purchase in the form of cash or check only. There is a first-come, first-purchased basis with only a limited amount of AtlantiCash available. Purchase will not be allowed before Saturday and bundles cannot be reserved for later pickup. To sweeten the deal of discount AtlantiCash, the Atlantic Area Chamber’s latest custom Christmas ornaments will be available at a discount when you purchase AtlantiCash. On Saturday only, you can purchase an ornament one for $12 or a bundle of three for $35.

The Holiday Open House will also be taking place that Saturday, beginning when retailers open. Businesses will be offering a holiday sneak peek as well as treats, giveaways and special promotions. For a list of participating retailers, visit www.atlanticiowa.com. Discount AtlantiCash and the Holiday Open House are brought to you by First Whitney Bank & Trust, Cappel’s Ace Hardware, Rush CPA & Associates and Property Connection Real Estate.

Pick up your Christmas brochure from area retail businesses, ‘like’ the Chamber on Facebook or follow on Instagram to find dates and details to celebrate Christmas in Atlantic. You can find a complete list of activities and a printable version of the brochure at www.atlanticiowa.com.

Capture the Christmas magic with #MyAtlanticIA and post to the Atlantic Area Chamber’s Facebook page or Instagram (AtlanticIowaFan). Contact the Atlantic Area Chamber with any questions at chamber@atlanticiowa.com or call 712-243-3017. Christmas in Atlantic is presented by Gregg Young of Atlantic.

GUTHRIE COUNTY, Iowa — Guthrie County residents, Tuesday, voted down the new tax to fund emergency medical services and declare EMS an essential service. The Public Measure garnered 53.9% of the 60% approval needed for it to pass. Guthrie County was among a dozen across Iowa to ask for voters’ approval to fund countywide emergency medical services. The ballot measure asked for 75 cents per $1,000 dollars of assessed value on all taxable property in Guthrie County. It would have raised more than $750,000 a year.

Senate File 615, signed into law by Gov. Kim Reynolds in June 2021, provides the framework for counties to deem the service essential. It allows them to create a referendum to raise property taxes to fund EMS.

(Photo and logo provided to the Iowa Capital Dispatch, courtesy City of Stuart EMS)

As we’ve mentioned, the EMS measure passed in Cass County, with 76.4% of the vote. Page County voters failed to pass the EMS measure, with a 50.6% vote. In Sac County, the EMS initiative received 74.2% of the vote. Taylor County voters failed to approve their EMS initiative. It fell short of the 60% majority by 3.4%, or 56.6% yes to 43.4% no.