Posts by jretzlaff
Nonprofit arts and culture groups watching for potential executive orders
Statewide nonprofit and arts and culture groups are saying executive orders could be signed as early as today, possibly affecting how they operate. The anticipated executive orders may involve federal funding cuts and increased scrutiny …
Read More2025 Healthiest State Annual Award winners announced
The Healthiest State Initiative has announced the winners of the 2025 Healthiest State Annual Awards. The winners were recognized during a ceremony at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny for their efforts to improve the …
Read MoreIowa Farm Bureau awards 106 scholarships to current and future college students
The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation has awarded 106 scholarships to Iowa high school seniors and college students who are continuing their education in agriculture-related fields. This includes 27 first-time recipients and 76 students who had …
Read MoreIndianola council selects next city manager
Jacob Meshke has been hired as Indianola’s city manager.
Jacob MeshkeThe city council on Monday approved an employment agreement with Meshke, who currently is deputy city manager in Brookings, S.D.
Meshke, who will be …
Read MoreRural Mainstreet Index drops to 40.0, bankers support tariffs
The Rural Mainstreet Index, produced by economists at Creighton University, is down for the 19th of the past 20 months.
The index dipped below growth neutral in April, according to …
Read MoreSimpson president Jay Byers dies unexpectedly
Jay Byers, president of Simpson College and former president and CEO of the Greater Des Moines Partnership, has died unexpectedly, the Des Moines Register reports. Byers, 54, was found dead today at the Sigler House, …
Read MoreIowa Lean Consortium names new director
The Iowa Lean Consortium, a program of the Center for Industrial Research and Service at Iowa State University, announced the appointment of Emily Betz as director. She succeeds Tracy Schuster. Betz has been a member …
Read MoreDelta Dental of Iowa Foundation announces 2024 total giving
Delta Dental of Iowa announced its foundation committed $3.6 million to 324 organizations to address oral and overall health needs in 2024. The funding supported projects such as loan repayments for Iowa dentists, system and …
Read MoreLabor force participation remains same in March
Iowa’s labor force participation rate held steady at 67% in March as 1,700 Iowans entered the labor force. The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.4% in March, up slightly from 3.3% in February, according …
Read MoreHubbell Construction receives national award
Hubbell Construction Services, a division of Hubbell Realty Co., received an “AGC in the Community” Special Recognition Award from the Association of General Contractors of America for its Homes of Hope Hubbell Extreme Build. The …
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