Hundreds of student volunteers will travel to Clarke County next summer to provide free home repairs for qualifying residents through the nationally recognized Workcamp program. Homeowners who may benefit from assistance are encouraged to apply now as organizers begin planning for the July 2027 service week.
Click through to read more and see how you can apply or volunteer…
A new hands-on fabrication course from Southwestern Community College is giving students and working professionals an opportunity to build valuable manufacturing skills without leaving Clarke County. Registration is now open for the fall semester beginning August 25.
Click through to learn more about this great opportunity…
When the air conditioning system at Full Harvest Senior Housing unexpectedly failed during one of the hottest stretches of the summer, a quick community-focused response helped ensure residents wouldn’t have to endure dangerous indoor temperatures. Temporary portable air conditioning units, purchased by the CCDC, are now keeping residents cool while a new HVAC system is installed, demonstrating the power of local partnerships and a community that looks after its neighbors.
Click through to read more about this special effort…
The Business Record’s Made in Iowa Podcast host Leisa Fox admits to John Kempen, Plant Manager at Osceola Foods (Hormel) her addition to all things bacon and John helps explain the operation’s success and how Hormel and Osceola Foods is meeting the demand for meat products across the globe through systems engineering and advanced, predictive A.I. operations.
Click through to watch the most recent Clarke County manufacturing feature…
the Des Moines Business Record’s Made in Iowa Podcast.
Podcast host Leisa Fox joins the Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC) at the ORBIT Center to welcome Nathan Grismore, HR Manager at Osceola’s Altec Body Plant.
Click through to watc the most recent Clarke County manufacturing feature…
Clarke County, Iowa manufacturer, Paul Mueller Company, spends some time on the Des Moines Business Record’s Made in Iowa Podcast.
Click through to watch/hear the podcast and the latest workforce innovations brought to Clarke County by the team at Paul Mueller!
At its June meeting, the Clarke County Development Corporation Board approved nearly $240,000 in grant funding to support projects across Clarke County. From youth organizations and community infrastructure to continued housing development and emergency facility improvements, these investments reflect CCDC’s commitment to strengthening quality of life, expanding opportunities, and supporting long-term growth across the region.
Read more about the organizations and initiatives receiving support this month…
Southwestern Community College is offering an eight-week Electrical Workforce Training program at the ORBIT Center in Osceola from July 8 through August 26. The hybrid course combines online learning, classroom instruction, and hands-on lab training to help workers and employers build in-demand electrical skills.
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The Osceola City Council recently approved a new three-home development by Parson Creek Company, LLC through the Osceola Housing Incentive (O-HI) Program. The project brings the total number of homes approved through the program to seven since its launch in 2025 and highlights ongoing efforts to expand affordable new housing opportunities in Osceola.
Click through to read more about the next addition to our local neighborhood…
At last Wednesday’s board of director’s meeting, the CCDC voted to provide support to Families First, the organization founded by local children and families advocate, Fern Underwood. This vote continues more than 15 years of support for Fern’s legacy: ensuring children have access to activities and programming regardless of income level.
Click through to read more about the vote and how Fern’s efforts continue to impact local children and families