ROCK VALLEY FIRM RECEIVES STATE ASSISTANCE FOR EXPANSION PROJECT
A Rock Valley firm will receive state economic development funding to expand its manufacturing facility. Kooima Company LLC will receive 11,6 million dollars to lease an 82-thousand square foot building, and install automated systems and equipment. The funds come in the form of tax credits under the High Quality Jobs program at Iowa Economic Development Authority. 11 new jobs will be created, at a qualifying wage of $25.97 per hour. Kooima company specializes in tube laser cutting, flat laser cutting, machining, welding, robotic forming and tube bending.
MUSEUM MANGER
The Plymouth County Historical Museum continues it’s “Museum Manger” display this weekend. Over 400 Christmas nativities are on display on a full floor of the museum. Some of the nativities are brought in by area residents. Others have been donated to the museum. “Museum Manger” is open through January 12. The museum will be closed on January 1. The display is on the fourth floor of the museum, and is located in a study hall of the former Le Mars high school building. The museum is completely handicapped-assessable.
GRASSLEY HAILS PANEL’S RULING ON MEXICO’S PROPOSED GMO CORN BAN
U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley welcomed a dispute panel’s ruling under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement. The panel sided with the U.S., confirming that Mexico’s proposed restrictions on GMO corn from the U.S. runs counter to the free trade policy. Four years ago, then-Mexican president Andrews Obrador decreed that Mexico would no longer accept imports of GMO corn from the United States by 2024. The U.S. Trade Representative challenged the proposed ban. The dispute panel’s decision gives Mexico 45 days to bring their trade policies into compliance. Iowa exports 16 million tons of corn to Mexico annually. Over 90% of all corn acreage in the U.S. is planted with genetically-engineered seeds.
PLANNING AHEAD COULD HELP YOU STAY IN YOUR HOME AS YOU AGE
A national study by A-A-R-P finds about three quarters of people 50 or older want to stay in their own homes as they get older. A-A-R-P vice president Rodney Harrell says whether you live in Iowa or somewhere else, your chances for living at home increase if you plan ahead.
Harrell says take a look at some scenarios and how your home fits into them as you get older.
Harrell says getting together and making your dad’s home easier to get around in is better to do now instead of after an accident.
You might discuss if a home with a lot of stairs is a challenge your family members want to face as they get older, or do they want to make a change. He says these conversation can be a lot easier before you’re forced to take action.
Harrell says. He says if your family members like their neighborhood and the amenities it offers, you can talk about ways to modify the home to adjust for them as they get older.
MINDEN’S MAYOR SAYS IT MAY TAKE A DECADE TO RECOVER FROM APRIL’S MASSIVE TORNADO
The mayor of a small western Iowa town devastated by an E-F-3 tornado eight months ago says he’s pleased with the progress of rebuilding, but admits a full recovery could take up to a decade. Minden Mayor Kevin Zimmerman says the twister on April 26th destroyed 50 homes and 90 percent of the businesses. Zimmerman estimates the damage in Minden could easily exceed 12 MILLION dollars. He says some residents have struggled with insurance claims, which delayed some rebuilding.
