Local Officials Learn About Zoning

Two dozen local officials from three communities in Poweshiek County, including the City of Montezuma, participated in "Introduction to Planning and Zoning", a workshop presented by ISU Extension on Thursday, October 4th at the Montezuma City Office.  The 3-hour workshop focused on a history of zoning policy in the United States, the State of Iowa, and glimpse at the layers involved in implementing a zoning plan for communities.  A solid zoning map and comprehensive plan aids communities in the establishment of logical land-use plans, utilizing public resources more effectively, and provides a clear roadmap for commmunity growth strategies and infrastructure improvements. 

Montezuma has been exploring the need to implement zoning and to update an aging comprehensive plan for the city.  The city council will likely diliberate on the knowledge gained from participating in the workshop and make a decision in the near future about whether zoning is right for Montezuma.  Grinnell, Malcom, Brooklyn, and Poweshiek County all have zoning plans in place.   

Windstream Announces Faster DSL Service

Residential and business customers within the City of Montezuma will soon benefit from faster broadband Internet service provided by Windstream.  Recent improvements, including the completion of a fiber optic loop and other equipment will allow Windstream customers to upgrade their service up to 12 Mbps.  The expanded capabilities and speeds will alleviate the service interuptions and bottlenecks that many have been experiencing in the community due to an older information pipeline.  This is especially good news for the business community, customers who enjoy streaming services for music, video and gaming, and for future economic development in Montezuma.  Current cable modem customers will need to upgrade to DSL to be eligible for the improvements.  The new service will be available by Monday, October 8th.  Lake Ponderosa and rural customers will not benefit from the new changes until a later date, which has not yet been announced.  Please visit the local Windstream office for details on pricing.  Local businesses should expect a sales call from Windstream in the coming weeks. 

Poweshiek County Museum Now Open

The fantastic NEW County Museum is now open in Montezuma!  Stop by this weekend to tour the museum at the Historic Old Poweshiek County Jail, and also enjoy the Civil War Exhibit, "Trial by Fire".  Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m., and Sunday 7 a.m.-2 p.m.  Pancake Breakfast at the Memorial Hall on Sunday until 1 p.m.

Montezuma Booster Harvest Market on Saturday

Drop by the Montezuma Memorial Hall on Saturday, October 6th and enjoy the Annual Harvest Market sponsored by the Montezuma Boosters.  Arts and craft vendors, home businesses, and breakfast and lunch will be served by the After Prom Committee.

Master Gardeners to Meet in Montezuma

Join Poweshiek County Master Gardeners at their monthly club meeting on Wednesday, October 10th, 6 p.m. at Foster Center at Diamond Lake in Montezuma.

Anyone in the area who has completed Master Gardener Training, or would like to learn more about the Master Gardener Program should attend this meeting.

Participants will learn about Master Gardener educational opportunities, networking events, community activities and other events Master Gardeners participate in throughout the year.

For more information call the Poweshiek County Master Gardeners at (641) 623-5188 or Email Cathy Lents at:  clents@iastate.edu

Dream Big Grow Here Voting Now

Support Montezuma small businesses and entrepreneurs who are going after $15,000 in grant funding to grow their ventures.  Online voting is open now through October 15th.  Vote for our Montezuma partipants:  Just4U Gifts, Heartland Pediatric Feeding Services, Momma Teresa Salsa and Healthy Energy Drink.  Vote at www.dreambiggrowhere.com.  And don't forget you can vote everyday! 

Iowa Downtown Resource Center Visit

The Iowa Downtown Resource Center will be visiting Montezuma on Wednesday & Thursday, October 17th & 18th.  The purpose of the DRC team visit is to conduct a series of short interviews with residents and stakeholders throughout the community as we continue to strive toward a unified vision for Montezuma's historic downtown district.  Montezuma Community Development needs your help!  The goal is to interview as many people possible over the course of the two-day visit, 250 people total.  This is a huge undertaking for just one person to coordinate.  You can help by spreading the word to your friends, neighbors, favorite businesses, organizations you belong to, community leaders that you know should be involved, and more. 

Several 30-minute interviews will be taking place at the Montezuma Public Library throughout both days of the DRC visit.  The second day will culminate with a public forum at the Montezuma Memorial Hall at 7 PM.  The forum will be open to anyone in the community that wants to hear the DRC team's preliminary recommendations for the future of our downtown.  If you wish to participate in an interview time, just give me a call and leave a message or drop me an email with your name, time you wish to interview, and what group you represent.  The interview schedule below is a guideline, but can be interchanged to meet the needs of anyone that wants to be involved.  Groups are limited to 12.   

You can learn more about the Iowa Downtown Resource Center by visiting, www.iowaeconomicdevelopment.com/community.  The Downtown Resource Center visit is being underwritten by the City of Montezuma.

Feel free to forward this information to your contacts by clicking on any of the share buttons at the end of this post.  Thank you for your time and consideration. 

Terence Blain, MCD Director

Office:  641-623-7600

MontezumaIowaOrg@yahoo.com

 

 

Wednesday, October 17th

 

1:00   Seniors and Retirees

1:30   Small business and downtown property owners

2:00   Local industry and employee representatives

2:30   Community service organizations

 

3:30   Local industry and employee representatives

4:00   County and local officials

4:30   Community service organizations

5:00   Small business and downtown property owners

 

6:00   Community service organizations and school

6:30   Small business and downtown property owners

7:00   Montezuma and Lake Ponderosa Residents

7:30   Montezuma and Lake Ponderosa Residents

 

Thursday, October 18th

 

8:30   Small business and downtown property owners

9:00   Local industry and employee representatives

9:30   Montezuma and Lake Ponderosa Residents

 

10:30  Local media

11:00  Montezuma and Lake Ponderosa Residents

11:30  Open Group

12:00  Open Group

 

7:30 Public Forum at the Montezuma Memorial Hall on Thursday

Everyone Welcome!



 

 

MCD Board of Director's Minutes

The Board of Directors for Montezuma Community Development met in regular session on September 6, 2012 at the Montezuma City Office.  Board members present:  Jo Ahrens, Aaron McCaslen, Andrea Martin, Charlie Sheets, Clayton Hjelmland and Terence Blain.  Absent:  Joel Kercheval and Christy McCaslen.

President McCaslen called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. followed by a reading of the minutes from June 2012.  Sheets led the motion, followed by Hjelmland to approve the minutes as read.  The treasurer's report was discussed, with Blain indicating that over $10,000 in operating budget funding had been received since June.  Martin led a motion to approve the treasurer's report, following a second by Ahrens.  Both reports carried with unanimous approval.

Blain presented a quarterly executive summary explaining the activities and accomplishments of the organization since early summer.  In light of the extensive meeting agenda, Blain requested that board members review the summary and ask questions at a later time, and as they arise. 

Tax attorney Mike Horn was present to speak about the organization's tax-exempt status application and to answer any questions for the board.  Horn explained that McCaslen will need to sign a power of attorney as an officer for the organization.  He also gave information on contributions to the organization, including those that exceed $250 in exchange for goods and services, and counseled the board on verbage needed to accompany a certificate of contribution in the event that this type of contribution is received.  Horn informed the board that the tax-exempt application, one-time filing fee will be $850 made payable to the United States Treasury.  The board entered a motion to approve the payment, led by Sheets and seconded by Hjelmland.  A payment of $850 was approved by the board. 

Blain led a discussion to update the board on the city's contract with First Children's Finance to complete a financial feasibility study, break even analysis and business plan for the future community daycare facility and program in Montezuma.  McCaslen spoke on behalf of the city council and Ahrens spoke on behalf of the daycare committee on the importance of the study as a necessary step in the process.  FCF will work with the daycare committee and local stakeholders in authoring the plan, which would be complete by the end of February 2013.  Blain suggested that MCD's future role in the project could be to solicit private investment to furnish the new facility.  

Sheets and McCaslen updated the board on the south housing development, including the changes in the original plan to maximize the development with 31 buildable lots.  Sheets discussed the pre-construction meeting that occurred earlier that day, with plans to begin moving dirt early and completing as much work as possible during the fall months.  Paving of streets would not begin until the spring of 2013.  Blain encouraged the board members to attend the official ground breaking ceremony scheduled for Monday, September 24 at 10:00 a.m. 

Blain updated the board on efforts to bring revitalization to the downtown historic district and commercial center of Montezuma.  He has been in meetings with downtown building and business owners to provide information on CDBG funding through the state for a facade improvement grant.  The project has been well received, but more information is needed before full community support (a requirement for the grant) can be gained.  A tour of Belle Plaine's completed downtown project has been scheduled, with plans to meet with that city's officials to talk about the process and to gain a better understanding of what Montezuma can expect.  A final arm of moving the grant application forward is the Iowa Downtown Resource Center visit on October 17th and 18th.  Blain has been working on the schedule for the 2-day community engagement, which includes small group meetings for the community to help vision the future of Montezuma's downtown.  The board encouraged all the steps being taken to move the downtown project forward. 

Blain presented an annual fundraising campaign that focuses on funding the regular operating budget of the organization, and also allows for private investment in community development projects for Montezuma.  One-time contributions and monthly budget options through secured electronic funds transfer from contributor's bank accounts provide two options for those who want to participate financially in the organization's mission.  Blain explained that partnerships are important in accomplishing what needs to be done.  The 2013 operating budget goal is $39,500 ($17,000 commitment from the city) with a goal of $36,000 in private investment.  Blain will work with Poweshiek Development on other marketing materials that enhance the campaign, and plans to begin a mailing to the community in the coming weeks.  Sheets made a motion to approve the fundraising campaign, with a second by Martin.  The board unanimously approved the campaign. 

Blain also presented a revised strategic plan for the organization.  Blain and Martin have been working together to break the plan framework into categories, including prioritizing and suggested timeframes.  The plan categories include:  Downtown Revitalization & Community Planning, Community Growth & Services, and Community Marketing & Promotion.  The board will study the details of the plan and continue the discussion at the next board meeting. 

Sheets led a short discussion on providing a job description with key responsibilities for the executive director position.  Blain has encouraged this as a step to continue building organizational structure and capacity.  Sheets with work with Kercheval on presenting a job description in the near future.  Hjelmland contributed that bringing core groups of people together to work on community projects has been a step in the right direction. 

The next board meeting has been set for Monday, October 15 at 6:00 p.m.

McCalsen adjourned the meeting at 7:28 p.m.

Downtown Belle Plaine Walking Tour and Q&A:  Leaving from the City Office at 3:15 p.m. Thursday, September 13.  We will return by 6:00 p.m.  Downtown business and building owners are invited to attend.  Please call the MCD office to reserve a spot in the carpool, or you may meet us in Belle Plaine at their City Office at 4:00 p.m.  The address is 1207 8th Ave. in Belle Plaine. 

Community Zoning & Planning Workshop:  ISU Extension will present a worshop on Community Zoning & Planning for local officals at the Montezuma City Office on Thursday, October 4 beginning at 5:30 p.m.  The cost is $25 and includes materials and dinner.  Montezuma officials may attend at no cost.  Please contact the MCD office to RSVP your plans to attend.  Space is limited.  641-623-7600. 

Downtown Fall Clean-Up:  Saturday, October 13 at 9:00 a.m.  Bring your rakes and workgloves.  Time to get ready for the cold weather season.  This a great volunteer and community service opportunity.  Meet at the Bill of Rights Memorial on the square. 

Iowa Downtown Resource Center Visit:  Wednesday and Thursday, October 17 and 18.  Plan to participate as we vision together the future of Montezuma's downtown.  Save the date!

An Invitation to Participate in

Downtown Revitalization

As a business or building owner in downtown Montezuma or as a local contractor, you have a personal stake in the future vitality of our newly recognized historic district and central business area.  The City of Montezuma, Montezuma Community Development, Poweshiek Development, Region 6 Planning, and the Iowa Economic Development Authority are working in partnership to begin lining up a strategy for bringing much needed revitalization to the core of our community.  In addition to possible sources of funding for historic preservation, Montezuma also has an opportunity to apply for a façade improvement grant through the Iowa Economic Development Authority.  Montezuma could be eligible for as much as $500,000 to bring transformation to our storefronts that would positively impact the future of downtown for years to come.   Many communities in our area have benefited from a project such as this, including Belle Plaine and Bloomfield. 

There are several criteria that must be met in order to proceed with the façade grant application.  The city has already adopted a necessary resolution to identify the need for downtown revitalization.  They have also made a financial commitment to sponsor a two-day community engagement with Iowa’s Downtown Resource Center.  Later in the year, the city will receive a written plan with recommendations for downtown from the DRC team. 

Over the next few months there will be many opportunities to gather information, share input and pledge your support for downtown revitalization.  This includes your own financial participation in downtown façade improvements.   To participate, downtown building owners should plan to contribute 10-30% of the total project cost.  The investment in this improvement project is considerably less than most grant programs which require a 50% match.  But before we can proceed, we need to find out who is on board and begin to look at design and cost estimates just so you know what will be expected.  If Montezuma receives the grant, there would be a 12-18 month lead time to come up with your contribution.  The project could be complete by 2015. 

The grant application deadline is closing in January, so we need to come together as a community to explore what is possible.   Please save the dates for these important events and plan to participate.  If you would like to attend and carpool to the walking tour scheduled with the City of Belle Plaine, please call the MCD office by Monday, September 10th.  

FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT INFORMATION MEETING

Tuesday, September 4^th, Choose 9 a.m. OR 6 p.m. – Montezuma Public Library

For downtown business and building owners, financial institutions, and local contractors

DOWNTOWN BELLE PLAINE WALKING TOUR

Thursday, September 14^th at 4 p.m.– RSVP by Monday, September 10^th

We will tour Belle Plain’s completed downtown project and meet with local officials for Q&A

IOWA’S DOWNTOWN RESOURCE CENTER COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Wednesday & Thursday October 17^th & 18^th – Community Interviews

Thursday, October 18^th at 7:00 p.m. – Public Forum at the Montezuma Memorial Hall

Input and visioning for the future of Montezuma’s downtown

South Housing Development News

Bonham Trail, a popular area on the southside of Montezuma, will add a nearby recreational amenity to the South Housing Development that is scheduled to break ground in the coming weeks.  The 31-lot development will make way for single-family and multi-family housing units along the Barnes City Highway.  The City of Montezuma and local utilities including Montezuma Light & Power, MMS Consulting of Iowa City and local general contractor Sheets Excavating, are working together to complete the development by Spring 2013.  Montezuma Community Development will host a ground breaking ceremony in the near future.  A pre-construction conference is scheduled for this week. 

An Invitation to Participate in a Community Planning & Zoning Workshop

Thursday, October 4th from 5:30 to 8:45 p.m.

Montezuma City Hall, 501 East Main Street

$25 registration at the door includes materials and dinner

(Montezuma officials no charge)

The City of Montezuma and Montezuma Community Development invite you to participate in a special workshop “Introduction to Planning & Zoning for Local Officials”.   The three-hour workshop from Iowa State University Extension has been designed to introduce the basic principles of land-use planning and development management to elected officials, planning and zoning officials and board of adjustment members.

Community development and land-use planning create ongoing challenges for Iowa’s city and county officials, many of whom have not been formally trained, according to Gary Taylor, assistant professor of Community and Regional Planning at ISU.

“Introduction to Planning and Zoning for Local Officials” presents case scenarios in a highly interactive format highlighting issues frequently faced in the land-use process. Subjects covered during the training include roles and responsibilities of land-use decision makers, the planning and zoning commission, the zoning board of adjustment, common legal issues, rezoning, nonconforming uses, variances and special uses, and conflict of interest procedures.

Please RSVP your plans to attend the upcoming workshop by Monday, September 17^th, or direct your questions by calling or emailing the Montezuma Community Development office.

Montezuma Website Info Updates Needed

Did you know that Montezuma's community website, www.montezumaiowa.org averages 600 hits per week, and includes complimentary listings for public community calendar events, free business directory listings, and information and resources on getting connected in Montezuma?  Facebook and other social media outlets are regularly linked to the information which often peaks daily traffic to the site by as many as 200 users.  Over 22,000 hits have been made to the community website since October 2011.  If your business or organization information needs to be updated or added, please contact the Montezuma Community Development office.

Build a Better Business with Bagels

Thursday, August 16, 2012

8:00-9:30 a.m.

Iowa Valley Community College, Grinnell Center

123 Sixth Avenue

By Scott Bailey, the Black-Ink, Co.

By writing your 100 Days Plan, communicating it repetitively, measuring progress against it weekly, you will establish needed credibility and build momentum. This plan provides a baseline by which to measure great achievement right from the start. It tees up team successes in the first week, the first month and the first quarter. A first 100 Days plan will be useful for taking on a new assignment or startup up a new business. Whether you do this yourself or are advising others in how to accelerate their startup, you will want to hear additional detail in each of these four key areas.

Recently Scott Bailey completed a 20 year career with Pella Corporation in various financial and strategic roles including Finance Manager of a Pella Distributor (Boston, MA), Controller of Pella's 500 employee manufacturing plant in Carroll, Iowa and Distribution Development Manager overseeing a channel of 50 independent business owners (across the US and Canada).

His new endeavor is as president of In the Black - Ink Co, providing general management consulting to improve cash flow from business operations. One of the CFO services his company provides is coaching CEOs and young executives seeking to get a handle on the numbers. Scott's passion is to make the financial perspective clear and simple for CEOs to achieve their business dreams.

The presentation, part of the Build a Better Business...with bagels, will be from 8 - 9:30 a.m. on Thursday August 16 at Iowa Valley Community College in Grinnell.

The Regional Alliance for Innovative Development is dedicated to providing outreach, education, training, and networking opportunities to small business owners and entrepreneurs in Poweshiek County area. This effort is coordinated by Iowa Valley Community College District, Poweshiek Iowa Development, Grinnell Chamber of Commerce, ISU Poweshiek County Extension, and other supporting partners.

Small Business Workshop

 

Tuesday, Sept 11 and Thursday, Sept 13

5:45 to 9:00 pm

Newton DMACC Campus

600 N. 2nd Avenue West

Newton Development Confrerence Room 264

Dreaming of starting your own business or growing your existing business but aren't sure how? You aren't alone. This SCORE workshop will provide you with an array of information to guide you. The following subject will be discussed.

• Business plans
• Legal
• Marketing
• Insurance
• Banking
• Accounting
• Personal factors
• Financial statements
• Sales forecasting
• 12 month cash flow projections
• Amortization Schedules

The workshop is free of charge. Please do register by Monday, Sept 10 by calling Newton Development at 641.787.8210.

Poweshiek County Leadership Program

Poweshiek County residents are encouraged to participate in the Poweshiek Leadership Program (PLP). The PLP program meets nine times from September through May. The session topics are: The Leader Within, Community Resources, Our Agricultural Economy, We The People, It Takes A Village, Education Recruitment and Retention, It's Your Turn, County and Local Governance, Tenth Annual Golf Outing, and Embrace The Challenge.

“The Poweshiek Leadership Program opened my eyes to the opportunities that exist in our county. The information and contacts gathered during the meetings helped produce longlasting relationships that will better serve the Poweshiek community."

Scott Collings, Jensen Optometrists, Grinnell, IA

The PLP program is co-sponsored by Iowa Valley Continuing Education, Poweshiek Iowa Development/Pow I-80, ISU/Poweshiek County Extension, and Imagine Grinnell.

For more information, contact Catherine Lents at 641-623-5188, Poweshiek County Extension, 114 S. 3rd St., Montezuma, IA.  Or visit www.iowavalley.edu. Applications for enrollment are also available at the city office. 

Tuesday, August 14th

Farmers Market 3-6 p.m.

Summer Nights on the Square 6-8 p.m.

Sunday, August 19th

Sunday Brunch from 8 to Noon

Montezuma Country Club

By Donation

Council Approves Housing Development Plan

On Monday evening the Montezuma City Council unanimously approved a plan for the south housing development as presented by MMS Consulting of Iowa City.  The plan includes a mixed-use development of 24 lots, which will include zoning for single-family and multi-family housing.  MMS is currently accepting bids from general contractors, with the option for an eager contractor to deliver the development as early as November of this year.  The alternate date for completion is June 1, 2013.  Bids from contractors will be reviewed and accepted before work begins.  The estimated project cost is $620,000, but may be well below the estimates after a bid has been accepted.  Recommendations for the Housing Review Board will be introduced to the council in the coming weeks.  The new board will oversee individual lot and building designs to ensure city ordinances and subdivision covenants are met prior to the building permit process. 

In addition, the Iowa Finance Authority is conducting a comprehensive, statewide housing study in partnership with RDG Planning & Design.  An online survey has been established to narrow down needs for specific areas and communities, including Montezuma.  The quick 10-minute survey will assist the Iowa Finance Authority in strategic planning to better serve the current needs of Iowans.  Follow the link for the survey:

www.RDGUSA.com/IowaHousing

Better Choices, Better Health Workshop Coming Soon!

Montezuma will host a six-week workshop focused on finding practical ways to deal with pain, fatigue, stress, and to make better choices with nutrition and exercise. Persons with chronic conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, heart disease, chronic pain, or anxiety may find new ways to manage complicated conditions through understanding new treatment options and by finding better ways to talk with doctors and family members about your health. Better Choices, Better Health is sponsored in part by the Hawkeye Valley Area Agency on Aging and the Community Transformation Grant through the CDC. The workshop will be held at the Montezuma Public Library on Thursdays from 1-3:30 p.m. beginning October 4th and ending November 8th. The $20 cost will cover materials, with scholarships available for those who are 60 or older. Information to sign-up for the class is forthcoming. 

 

Montezuma Exploring Congregate Meals Program

 

The Hawkeye Valley Area Agency on Aging has been working in cooperation with MCD to explore the need to offer a congregate meal and activity center for local persons ages 60 and older.  Grinnell and Brooklyn offer similar programs through their Healthy Lifestyles Centers.  In the coming weeks, HVAAA will be looking at possible locations and surveying community needs.  Congregate meals would be offered daily, Monday through Friday and the designated facility would also serve as a drop-in center and gathering place for planned activities.  HVAAA hopes to begin offering other services and support programs, including workshops on bettering health and empowerment programs for caregivers. 

 

Business Grants Available, Up to $15,000!

 

The Iowa Innovation Gateway is pleased to announce the Dream Big, Grow Here contest for local entrepreneurs. Up to $5000 is available to one lucky recipient in a six county region, with an opportunity to take a shot at the $10,000 statewide grand prize. The contest is for start-up or existing small business owners or entrepreneurs who are 16 years or older, have fewer than 50 employees, and are located in Poweshiek, Jasper, Mahaska, Marion, Marshall or Story counties. Applications for the grant are accepted from September 1-25, 2012, with grants awarded based on public voting support. For more information, visit: www.dreambiggrowhere.com.

Farmers Market

Tuesdays 3-6 p.m.

Poweshiek County Historical Society & Museum

Summer Nights on the Square

Tuesday, August 14 from 6-8 p.m.

Tuesday, September 11 from 6-8 p.m.

Live Music, Food, Games, Antique Cars

All-Iowa Writers Conference

Saturday, September 15

Montezuma High School

October Save-the-Date

Civil War Exhibition, Fri-Sun, Oct. 5-7

Annual Harvest Market, Sat, Oct. 6

Fall Community Clean-Up, Sat, Oct. 13 @ 9:00 a.m.

Downtown Resource Center Visit, Wed-Thurs, Oct. 17-18

Downtown Public Forum, Thurs, Oct. 18 @ 7:30 p.m.

Poweshiek County Career Fair, August 1

In response to the ever tightening labor market and to assist local employment needs, Poweshiek Iowa Development's Workforce Coalition is proud to partner with Iowa Workforce Development and Iowa Valley Community College Grinnell to host a career fair. The career fair is Wednesday, August 1, 2012 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Iowa Valley Community College , 123 Sixth Avenue , in Grinnell.  This event is open to any business or organization that has job openings. Employers will be accepting applications during this event. This event is free for all job seekers. Job seekers are encouraged to dress in appropriate attire for their business type.  Employers interested in participating should contact Poweshiek Iowa Development at (641) 236-1626 or e-mail deb@powi80.com. Registration forms and full details are available at www.powi80.com under “workforce”.

Daycare Committee to meet with First Children's Finance & USDA Rural Development

The Montezuma Day Care Committee will meet on Wednesday, August 1st to begin looking at ways to fund the community daycare project.  Representatives from First Children's Finance and the USDA Rural Development office will be on hand to present information towards expediting the local project.  First Children's Finance provides loans and technical assistance in 10 states including Iowa.  The organization also provides consulting services to communities who are planning childcare facilities, which may include a feasibility study for the Montezuma project.  USDA Rural Development provides some grants and a variety of loan options through their network of services for small communities.  A Community Development Block Grant through the state may also be a source of funding.  The City of Montezuma has made a commitment to participate financially, and plans a future work session once more information on the project cost comes in. 

Drum Corp International Competition, August 3

If you have never witnessed a live Drum Corp International event, a rare opportunity is coming to the region on Friday, August 3, at 7 p.m.  Oskaloosa Community Stadium at the Lacey Sports Complex will host Music on the March 2, an extravaganza of nine corp performances including the Colt Cadets of Dubuque, Blue Devils B from Concord, CA, Spartans from Nashua, NH, Genesis from Edinburg, TX, Revolution of San Antonio, Legends from Kalamazoo, Velvet Knights from Pasadena, Les Stentors of Sherbrooke, Quebec, and the Racine Scouts from Wisconsin.  DCI organizations have become known as the major league of marching music.  Any former Montezuma marching band alumni will be sure to enjoy this show, and it will also be a great inspiration for aspiring musicians of all ages.  You may purchase tickets in advance at www.colts.org or at the gate after 3 p.m. (tickets go fast).  Tickets are $9-12 for general admission and $20 for VIP seats.  Oskaloosa Community Stadium is located at 2060 238th Street in Oskaloosa. 

Keep Iowa Beautiful at the Iowa State Fair, August 9-19

Keep Iowa Beautiful will host a booth at the Iowa Sate Fair Varied Industries Building each day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.  Montezuma has received two grants from the KIB organization this year, so be sure to stop by and say hello and thank you to our friends from Keep Iowa Beautiful.  If you happen to be at the fair on Tuesday, August 14, come by the booth between 1-5 p.m. to talk to Terence!  Pairs of volunteers are still needed to staff the booth, shifts are from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., 1-5 p.m. and 5-9 p.m.  KIB will provide the $10 gate admission and a t-shirt.  Contact Bill Jackson at 515-323-6537.

Better Choices, Better Health Workshop Coming Soon!

Montezuma will host a six-week workshop focused on finding practical ways to deal with pain, fatigue, stress, and to make better choices with nutrition and exercise.  Persons with chronic conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, heart disease, chronic pain, or anxiety may find new ways to manage complicated conditions through understanding new treatment options  and by finding better ways to talk with doctors and family members about your health.  Better Choices, Better Health is sponsored in part by the Hawkeye Valley Area Agency on Aging and the Community Transformation Grant through the CDC.  The workshop will be held at the Montezuma Public Library on Thursdays from 1-3:30 p.m. beginning October 4th and ending November 8th.  The $20 cost will cover materials, with scholarships available for those who are 60 or older.  Information to sign-up for the class is forthcoming. 

Dream Big, Grow Here Contest, Up to $15,000 in Grants!

The Iowa Innovation Gateway is pleased to announce the Dream Big, Grow Here contest for local entrepreneurs.  Up to $5000 is available to one lucky recipient in a six county region, with an opportunity to take a shot at the $10,000 statewide grand prize.  The contest is for start-up or existing small business owners or entrepreneurs who are 16 years or older, have fewer than 50 employees, and are located in Poweshiek, Jasper, Mahaska, Marion, Marshall or Story counties.  Applications for the grant are accepted from September 1-25, 2012, with grants awarded based on public voting support.  For more information, visit:  www.dreambiggrowhere.com.

MCD Committee Meeting Reminders

Mon. July 30 - Downtown Revitalization Meeting
 6 p.m.  City Hall

Wed. August 1 - Daycare Committee
 9 a.m. City Hall

Wed. August 1 -  MCD Board Meeting
5 p.m. City Hall

Save the Date

Iowa's Downtown Resource Center Visit

Wednesday & Thursday, October 17th & 18th

Downtown Revitalization Public Forum
Thursday, October 18th
7:00 p.m. Montezuma Memorial Hall