PRESS RELEASE
For more information contact:
Tina Hoffman, Iowa Economic Development Authority, 515.725.3150
 
West Union Green Streetscape on Profiles Series May 6
 
West Union's green pilot streetscape project and partnership with the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) will be featured on an educational television program, "Profiles Series" with host Larry King, on Monday, May 6, 2013 at 6:00 am on the Discovery Channel. The half-hour program will include other feature segments and commentary by host Larry King from the studio. A production team gathered footage in West Union on November 1, 2012. This included interviews with West Union City Administrator Robert Vagts, former West Union mayor Merlin Dunt, Business Owner Dick Woodard, and IEDA Community Development Division Administrator Tim Waddell.
 
The segment will focus on the streetscape's design and implementation, including the stormwater management and district geothermal system. It will highlight the local connections between downtown revitalization, sustainability, and economic development, in addition to the commitment needed to accomplish the project.
 
"Profiles Series" produces educational programming on a variety of important subjects and issues: Environmental, Health & Medical, Educational, Business and Agriculture. Its host, Emmy Award-winning Larry King, has been dubbed "the most remarkable talk-show host on TV ever" by TV Guide and "master of the mic" by "TIME" magazine.

Jeff Geerts, Special Projects Manager for Iowa Economic Development Authority has written a very special article about the West Union Green Pilot Project. The feature story, "West Union, Iowa: Small town, big vision", was published in District Energy Magazine. Click on the file below to enjoy the article.

Kaleidoscope Kicks off Campaign for Building Project

The Kaleidoscope Kids Childcare Center Board of Directors has recruited additional volunteers to form a Capital Campaign Leadership Team.  The group of approximately 35 community and rural volunteers has been meeting for several weeks now planning a major fundraising campaign to help finance building a new Kaleidoscope Kids Childcare Center close to North Fayette High School.
    
Mike and Barb Heins and LeRoy and Marcia Soppe have volunteered to lead this fundraising effort as Capital Campaign Co Chairs.  In addition, Don Mueller and Steve Story have volunteered as Capital Campaign Honorary Co Chairs.  Other campaign volunteers include:  Kathy Bauer, Kevin Baumler, Ron Beerman, Courtney Bentley, Robin Bostrom, Tobin Britt, Deb Chensvold, Deb Dessel, Al Enyart, John and Sally Falb, Tami Guyer, Carolyn Havenstrite, Kara Johnson, Pastor Scott Kober, Janell McElree, LeAnn Meyer, Steve Murray, Mary O'Kones, Ron and Barb O'Kones, Deb Rovang, Nicole Russler, Bob Vagts, Jessica Wegner, Deb Willhite, and Bill Ziegler. This group of volunteers is meeting with Fayette County businesses and individuals to explain the value of Kaleidoscope, the need for a new facility, and the opportunity to financially support this building project.

The Kaleidoscope Building Project is an 8,500 square foot new childcare facility to be built next to the high school at the former swimming pool site.  This facility will be built for childcare unlike the current facility which is the lower level of the United Methodist Church.  Bathroom facilities and other structures will be built appropriately sized for children and placed in the classroom which is normal for a childcare facility, air conditioning will be installed since Kaleidoscope is open year-round, and quiet rooms will be  located away from active learning areas.

Total project costs are estimated at approximately $1.6 million with funds coming from the Kaleidoscope Capital Fundraising Campaign, a Community Development Block Grant will be applied for, a loan, and foundation grant applications will be submitted. Volunteers plan for a campaign to be complete within the next several weeks, submit grant applications following the successful local fundraising campaign, and begin construction in 2013.

You are needed to be a participate in this project and campaign and can do that by contacting Kaleidoscope Kids at 563-422-5379 or any of the volunteers mentioned in this article.