Cheryl Allen

2 weeks ago | thenews-ia.com | Cheryl Allen

KALONAThe startup phase of a business is always exciting. The brain buzzes with ideas and you can’t beat the rush of seeing them become real in front of your eyes. There are setbacks, sure, but for the most part you’re focused on building and growth and success, however you might define that. But life as a business owner isn’t a straight-up trajectory. Your desires change, your needs change.

2 weeks ago | thenews-ia.com | Cheryl Allen

WELLMANThe Wellman City Council held a public hearing Monday night for the FY26 proposed property tax levy, which no members of the public attended. The regular business meeting followed, at which the council approved the concept for a veterans and first responders memorial to be constructed at the city-owned property on Highway 22, currently home to an LED sign. “Half it is going to be for the veterans.

2 weeks ago | thenews-ia.com | Cheryl Allen

CEDAR RAPIDSMid-Prairie Virtual Academy graduate Madeline O’Donnell brought to life the character of Henrietta Leavitt on March 28-30 at the Ballentyne Auditorium in Cedar Rapids during performances of “Silent Sky,” Kirkwood Community College’s spring play. The drama tells the true story of the trailblazing 19th-century astronomer who defied societal expectations to explore the stars.

2 weeks ago | thenews-ia.com | Cheryl Allen

LONE TREE“What is absolutely true about Lone Tree that you can’t generalize to any other community in the Johnson County area?”That’s the question five Lone Tree natives contemplated Monday afternoon when asked by Robyn Hepker, a designer with Benson & Hepker Design of Iowa City. Their task? Brainstorm some ideas that will give Hepker material to work with when creating a logo and tagline for the newly formed Lone Tree Economic Development Committee.

2 weeks ago | thenews-ia.com | Cheryl Allen

KALONAAt this weekend’s 3rd annual Poetry Palooza in Des Moines, the James A. Autry Award for Poetry & Leadership was given to Mary Swander, author, performer, teacher and Kalona resident. The award honors her strong ties to the Iowa poetry community and inspirational leadership in advancing arts and culture. “I have always thought that poetry needed to come out of the turret and become present in the lives of ordinary people,” Swander said.