CR pledges $5 million for lake project
Cedar Rapids City Council pledged up to $5 million for a $20 million project to turn a former Alliant Energy cooling pond into a 120-acre recreational lake north of downtown, the Cedar Rapids Gazette reported. Studies have shown the lake has minimal contamination and is safe for use. In addition, work to add an observation deck to Mount Trashmore, a 200-foot-tall former landfill, is underway and there is talk of a new suspension bridge over the Cedar River to the Cedar River Trail near the old landfill.
ISU details plans for approved RN-BSN program
Iowa State University hopes to enroll 50 registered nurses in the initial class of its new RN-BSN program that will begin in fall 2018. The program, developed by ISU in partnership with Des Moines Area Community College and Mary Greeley Medical Center, is open to anyone with an associate nursing degree. Jonathan Wickert, ISU senior vice president and provost, said in an ISU article that the program will help meet a statewide need to increase the number of nurses with a bachelor's degree. "It also opens opportunities for research and outreach with local school districts, residential living facilities and other providers focused on improving the health of our community," he said. The program was approved by the Iowa Board of Regents earlier this month, but still requires approval from the Iowa Board of Nursing. Once classes begin, the program will seek accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Galloway to lead new advisory services unit for Bridgepoint
Bridgepoint Merchant Banking announced today it has hired Paul Galloway as a managing principal. Galloway, who most recently was senior investment manager with DuPont Pioneer, will launch Bridgepoint Advisory Services, which will focus on debt, equity, merger & acquisition and corporate finance projects. The new business unit will enable the Des Moines-based firm to provide companies with institutional-grade services in an advisory capacity, even if they aren't immediately considering a transaction, said Managing Principal Adam Claypool. Galloway has more than 23 years of experience across industries in banking, agribusiness, utilities and diversified financial services. Prior to DuPont Pioneer, Galloway held audit, investment and M&A decision making roles at Principal Financial Group, Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines and MidAmerican Energy Co. He has advised on nearly 50 capital projects valued at $47 billion over his career. He has an MBA in finance from the University of Iowa and holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.
New marathon route brings action to Court Avenue
The IMT Des Moines Marathon unveiled its new race course today, with the most notable change being the start and finish lines moving to Court Avenue. At a press conference held in front of the downtown Hy-Vee, Race Director Chris Burch said the location will also host a block party to celebrate the race festivities. A route map can be found here.
CORRECTION: A KCCI news item in our morning Daily incorrectly stated that the city of Clive had banned bridge jumping on its popular Greenbelt Trail. The Clive City Council voted to make it illegal to congregate, loiter or climb on bridges in the city, but voted against an outright ban on jumping. In addition, the new rule still must pass two additional readings at the July 13 and 27 City Council meetings before it takes effect. Changes can still be made to the ordinance at the planned council meetings.