This is where you will find ALL news from the ClarkeCountyLife.com Web site in chronological order.
Clarke County has taken an important step toward becoming a designated Opportunity Zone, with Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Economic Development Authority approving Census Tract 9603 for Iowa’s Opportunity Zone 2.0 nomination.
The designation encompasses essentially all of Clarke County west of I-35 and could provide a new pathway for attracting private investment!
Click through to read more about this exciting new development…
A smart equipment purchase by the Friends of Clarke County Conservation, combined with a quick and flexible response from CCDC, is bringing new playground equipment to East Lake Park. CCDC has approved a NEXUS Spark Grant to help make the project happen.
Check out the latest on the new playground equipment coming to East Lake Park…
A major step forward has been announced for the proposed mixed-use development at 101 W. Washington Street in downtown Osceola. “The Washington,” a 22 unit new residential complex with ground-floor commercial space, has been awarded more than $700,000 in Iowa Workforce Housing Tax Credits, clearing an important hurdle toward making the project a reality.
Click through to read more about this exciting new development…
As part of the Annual Water Main Replacement Program to improve and modernize Osceola’s water infrastructure, Osceola Water Works is moving forward with plans to replace an aging water main located along the 100 and 200 blocks of North Lincoln Street. This area has experienced repeated water
Southwestern Community College (SWCC) is expanding its welding training opportunities in Osceola with a new hands-on MIG welding course beginning throughout October. The 32-hour course will provide practical training in Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG), with applications in manufacturing, maintenance, fabrication, agriculture and more.
Click through to learn more about this exciting new offer…
Iowa Workforce Development and the Clarke County Development Corporation are bringing local business owners, managers, HR professionals and industry leaders together for an Employer Listening Session on September 14.
This is an opportunity to share what you’re seeing in the workplace, from hiring and recruitment challenges to skills gaps, employee retention, and more.
Interested? Click through to the latest update to learn more…
During Water and Wastewater Workers of Iowa Week, August 23–29, 2026, Osceola Water Works is proud to recognize the hardworking team of professionals who keep our water systems safe and reliable.
Click through to read more…
The Osceola Mini-Pitch project is one step closer to becoming a reality. With more than $180,000 already raised, the Kick It Forward team has reached the final stretch of its fundraising campaign—and a $35,000 grant from CCDC will help push the project into construction.
The new facility will add another unique recreational and quality-of-life asset to Osceola, providing a dedicated space for soccer, youth athletics and community activities.
Click through to the latest update to learn more…
The Clarke County Water Supply Project has reached another major milestone in its decades-long effort to secure a sufficient, long-term water solution for South-Central Iowa.
Click through to the latest update to learn more…
Local employers know their workforce needs better than anyone, and now’s the time to help shape local training opportunities.
The CCDC, SWCC, and the Industrial Technology Advisory Board have launched a regional Workforce Training Survey to guide future leadership, technical, and continuing education programming at the ORBIT Center and SWCC Osceola Center. Take a few minutes to participate and help build a stronger workforce for Clarke County.
Read more and access the survey here…
The Clarke Tech Housing Program has secured two future home sites, creating a stronger foundation for years of hands-on learning and new housing in Osceola.
With new community partnerships investing back into the program, the future of student-built housing in Osceola has never been brighter.
Take a look at the latest to learn more…
Osceola Water Works is proud to recognize Water Treatment Plant Foreman Cory Gallup for obtaining the Grade IV Iowa DNR Water Treatment Operator license, the highest level of water treatment certification offered by the State of Iowa.
Click through to read more about Cory’s accomplishment…
Clarke Elementary will begin the 2026-27 school year with a new leadership team and a new administrative structure.
Elementary Principal Cory Wenthe, who previously served as associate principal, is joined by Associate Principals Annie Halsband and James Puderbaugh. Together, the trio marks the first time Clarke Elementary has operated with two associate principals working alongside its principal.
Click through read more about the latest changes at the elementary…
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…
In response to ongoing concerns surrounding water quality in the Des Moines area, the Osceola Water Board voted last week to reaffirm its commitment to providing customers with safe, high quality drinking water by increasing the frequency of nitrate sampling at the Osceola water treatment facility. Beginning
