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The latest economic development news for Calhoun County.

Peterson Transportation, Inc. Keeps on Truckin’

Call them the living embodiment of the American cowboy tradition. The truckers and other team members with Peterson Transportation, Inc. (PTI) near Manson know that trucking isn’t just about transporting goods from one place to another. It’s about resilience, adaptability and navigating the challenges and opportunities that are part of the journey.

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Soaking Good Fun in Lohrville

Remember “The Little Engine That Could”? This classic children’s story that reflects the values of optimism, hard work and perseverance has come to life in Lohrville, where volunteers are nearing their goal of installing a train-themed spray pad in the city park.

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Established and New Ag Companies Help Calhoun County Grow

Farming touches everyone’s life daily, especially in Calhoun County, where 28% of employment (more than 1,700 jobs) comes from crop and livestock production, or ag-related industries. Among these ag businesses are Manson Ag Service, Inc., which has served the area since 2000, and Lauver Farm Solutions, a new venture founded in 2023.

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Making our voices heard: CCEDC Executive Director talks small business with U.S. Senators

Testifying before Congress can be nerve-wracking, but Calhoun County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) Executive Director Theresa Hildreth appreciated the opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities of rural business succession planning with U.S. senators in Washington, D.C. in late January.

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Hunting in Calhoun County: An Economic Force for Conservation

What if you could enjoy some fresh air and exercise, leave the stress of schedules and deadlines behind, and experience nature at its own pace? Hunters enjoy it all in Calhoun County.

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Store on 4 Offers Unique, Iowa Items

Every day is a good day to support local businesses, thanks to entrepreneurs who are creating opportunities in the most unlikely places in Calhoun County.

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Opportunity Exists Here: Local Leaders Envision the Future of Calhoun County

Strategic planning means bringing the future into the present so you can do something about it now.

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“Uber for EMS:” Calhoun County Promotes Iowa United First Aid

When the unthinkable happens—whether that’s a car crash, a farm accident, or a heart attack—minutes count. But what if an ambulance crew can’t get there fast enough?

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Small-Format Fareway in Rockwell City Thrives

“We’ve received tremendous support from Rockwell City and surrounding communities since we opened Fareway Rockwell City on February 9, 2022,” said store manager Dave Kistenmacher. “While we’ve been open more than a year and half, people still thank us for coming to Rockwell City.”

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3 Ways the Pork Industry Benefits Calhoun County

When you think of pork, did you realize that Calhoun County’s pig farmers are serving up a whole lot more than bacon, ham and pork chops? Pork production in the county also helps fund local schools and libraries, thanks to the property taxes these farmers and landowners pay. There are more than 800 farms in Calhoun County (813, to be exact, according to 2017 USDA Census of Agriculture data), and a number of these are pig farms.

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Dr. Julia Richardson Provides Quality Care, Close to Home

Profound childhood experiences can leave a lifelong impact and even shape a career. That’s true for Dr. Julia (Collison) Richardson, a Lake City native who has returned to Calhoun County to begin her medical career at Stewart Memorial Community Hospital (SMCH).

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Historic Highway 20 Shop Hop

There’s a saying that a thousand candles can be lighted from the flame of one candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened.

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Calhoun County Business Park

The right location can make all the difference when it comes to a company’s success. The 115-acre Calhoun County Business Park offers plenty of room to grow at a prime location along four-lane Highway 20.

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Hardware and Hotrods: Young Entrepreneurs Help Gentry Hardware Thrive in Rockwell City

There’s just something memorable about stepping into a small-town hardware store. The distinctive aroma of lawn fertilizer. The dazzling sight of colorful paint samples. The metallic rattle of bolts and screws scooped out of bulk bins.

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Meet Theresa Hildreth, Calhoun County Economic Development’s New Executive Director

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you’re a leader like Theresa Hildreth. Calhoun County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) is pleased to welcome Theresa as our new executive director and would like to help you get to know her better.

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Saddle Up for a Short History of Western Days in Lake City

Sometimes it’s easy to take things for granted, especially if they’ve been around a long time. Consider the Western Days celebration and annual rodeo in Lake City.

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Visit Veterans' Memorials Throughout Calhoun County

The willingness of America’s veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude, especially in Calhoun County.

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Local Ownership Helps Lake City Hardware Thrive

There are some structures that have stood the test of time in Lake City’s downtown business district, including Lake City Hardware. The Lake City Graphic described the structure as a “magnificent building” when it was completed in 1898.

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Welcome Home: Lohrville Showcases Homes for Iowa

       Many rural communities across Iowa are struggling with housing shortages, but Lohrville is embracing a creative approach to this challenge. From the outside, their solution looks like a modern, ranch-style home on the north side of Highway 175. There’s so much more to this remarkable story, though.

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Jolley Good: Biscuits & Gravy Breakfast Serves Up Community Pride

    Plenty of Iowa’s rural communities support pancake days or soup suppers, but there’s nothing quite like Jolley’s Famous Biscuits & Gravy Breakfast. Comfort-food aficionados willing to brave Iowa’s icy winter mornings swell the population of this tiny Calhoun County town (approximate population 28) by at least five to six times when breakfast is served. 

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Beat the Winter Blues with TWINterfest

    Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean we can’t play outside here in Calhoun County. If you think there’s nothing exciting to do here in the winter, you haven’t been to TWINterfest at Twin Lakes, which offers everything from thrilling ice oval races (with motorcycles, ATVs and UTVs) to relaxing snow yoga (“snowga”) to the polar plunge, where you can literally jump in the lake!

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Shining Bright: J&J Candles Offers Array of Popular Products

Walking into the J&J Candles shop south of Manson is a total sensory experience, from the vibrant rows of colorful candles on the display shelves to the enticing aromas near the work area where new candles take shape. Overseeing it all is Janis Miller, the self-proclaimed “Crazy Candle Lady.” 

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Pomeroy Park Honors Veterans in a Big Way

While it might seem like a simple memorial, there are powerful stories in the stones in the Pomeroy Veteran’s Park. This remarkable tribute proves how a small Calhoun County town can achieve big things.

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Traditions Offers Food, Fun at Twin Lakes

When you’re near Twin Lakes, be sure to cruise over to Traditions by car, truck, motorcycle, bike or boat for an ice cream treat, a beverage or a meal with modern flair and a side of nostalgia. (Yes, there’s a dock for your convenience!)

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Calhoun County Business Park Groundbreaking

Calhoun County’s first business park begins construction near four-lane U.S. Highway 20.

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Calhoun County Economic Development Corp. Joins Western Iowa Advantage

Calhoun County Economic Development Corp. (CCEDC) has recently joined the Western Iowa Advantage cooperative economic development marketing region.

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Calhoun County Housing Study Complete

Residents and community leaders are invited to attend a public forum on November 1.

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Gov. Reynolds, Lt. Gov. Gregg announce nominations for Iowa Opportunity Zones

The census tract in Calhoun County including Rockwell City, Pomeroy, Jolley, and unincorporated areas has been selected as one of the 62 Iowa census tracts nominated for Opportunity Zone designation by the Office of Governor Kim Reynolds and Iowa Economic Development Authority.

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