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The Insider Notebook

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On Franklin Junior High project, councilman has a voice but not a vote

Bill Gray is a man with a platform, but on one subject at least he is trying to “keep my opinions on a leash.”

The subject is an ambitious plan to redevelop the old Franklin …

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Kosovo launches U.S. business outreach in Iowa

Kosovo plans to offer free land with no property taxes to qualifying U.S. businesses interested in opening shop in the European nation and launched the pitch this week in Iowa.

Kosovo is particularly interested in …

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NOTEBOOK: Great Moment

There were some great moments at the Forty Under 40 event, including the photo of smiling class member Joe Murphy bookended by his bawling twins. Another big chuckle came when class member Reed McManigal, a …

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NOTEBOOK: ‘Do something that truly matters’

Kathryn Kunert, the MidAmerican Energy exec named this year’s Forty Under 40 Alumnus of the Year, had a confession at the reception honoring this year’s class (which brought the total number of honorees to 800).…

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NOTEBOOK: The art of canning

State curator Leo Landis opened the latest Tomorrow Plan Speaker Series session — which focused on food and battling hunger — with a look back at canning practices historically. He described Iowa State College’s work …

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NOTEBOOK: Nothing pedestrian about paseo at Gray’s Station, or is it?

Hubbell Realty Co. is continuing its redevelopment march across 75 acres of former industrial and railroad land south Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway.
It is dropping some nifty words along the way as it presents …

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NOTEBOOK – One Good Read: Staying on Target

Target has proved itself as the big box with staying power, and you have to wonder why. Part-time Des Moines resident Laura Rowley has some answers. Rowley is a journalist, author and retail consultant who …

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NOTEBOOK – One Good Read: One of these days, you’ll get to pay for the pleasure of driving in Manhattan

Many, many years ago, I maneuvered a vehicle — a Volkswagen Bus — in and around Manhattan. The view from the edges was spectacular. It was early evening and we looked out the many windows …

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NOTEBOOK – One Good Read: Coworking heaven? Belize

There have been times when our writers have asked for permission to find a quiet corner at home or perhaps at Java Joes to write stories. But I doubt Publisher and Executive Editor Chris Conetzkey …

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NOTEBOOK – One Good Read: Are we wasting food that is OK?

Like many other savvy consumers, I sometimes miss the fact that I have food around that is past the “use by” date on the label. I have been most surprised, and perplexed, if I find …