Breaking News

Local Business

Spanish-English leadership series proves successful at Mary Ann’s Specialty Foods

WEBSTER CITY — Iowa Central Community College partnered with Mary Ann’s Specialty Foods utilizing 260F funding to deliver a Spanish-English Leadership Series, a program designed to upskill employees and support workforce cohesion across production teams. “At Mary Ann’s Specialty Foods, success isn’t just about quality products—it’s about empowering people,” said Anna Woodward, assistant director of Economic Development for Iowa Central Community College. “In a multi-generational meatpacking plant, language barriers once stood in the way of efficiency, safety, and ...

The family farm

Tim Christensen made no bones about it. Beginning and proceeding through the farm transition and succession process can be difficult. But his best advice was not to put it off. “Start the process today,” he said. “Whether you’re on the farm or not, everyone needs an estate plan. ...

Century Farm Pottery embraces the circle of life

BOONE — There have been many seasons to Yana Reid’s life. The seasons blend together, one leading into the next, each giving her life a richness and connection to the heritage she treasures as a Native American. The values Reid learned growing up on the Rosebud Reservation in south ...

Conrad named ‘Supplier of Year’

Tiffany Conrad, Visit Fort Dodge’s Community Sales Manager, was honored last month being named Supplier of the Year by Meeting Professionals International (MPI) at the Heartland Chapter’s annual meeting in Omaha. “Tiffany is the kind of volunteer every planner dreams of working ...

Professional Developers of Iowa announce 2026 legislative priorities

The Professional Developers of Iowa Board of Directors recently approved its 2026 legislative priorities, which were announced at its annual fall conference. PDI is the state association of economic development professionals united to strengthen communities and drive long-term growth for Iowa. PDI’s more than 300 members come from disciplines including community, county and regional economic developers, utilities, legal and financial firms, universities, community colleges, engineering and construction firms, and rail transportation companies. PDI’s 2026 legislative priorities ...

Raising beef the natural way

CLARION — The Hereford cattle gracefully grazing pasture ground at Grand View Beef are not just 100% grass fed and grass finished, but also are hormone-free, as well as traceable — something that’s incredibly important to the Severson family. The family has been farming near Clarion ...