ORBIT Center Marks a New Era for South-Central Iowa’s Workforce

ORBIT Center Osceola Iowa SWCC

The Clarke County Development Corporation and Southwestern Community College celebrated the grand opening of the new ORBIT Center — an advanced training hub designed to strengthen south-central Iowa’s workforce and prepare students and employees for high-demand manufacturing careers.

Click through to read more about the event and how the ORBIT Center will impact the future of business in south-central Iowa…

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More than $23,000 provided to Osceola Big Chief FFA Greenhouse Project

clarke community schools FFA program

The Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC) has awarded a SPARK Grant for more than $23,000 to help the Osceola Big Chief FFA expand hands-on agricultural education at Clarke Community Schools. The funding will support the installation of a new 12’ x 32’ greenhouse, giving students real-world experience in plant science, sustainability, and agribusiness.

This project—supported through CCDC’s new NEXUS Funding Program will grow more than plants; it will cultivate future leaders, innovators, and community builders right here in Clarke County.

Click through to learn more about this exciting venture for Clarke’s students…

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Are You Ready for the 2025 Community Non-Profit Forum?

2025 Community Non-Profit Forum Clarke County Development Corporation

Each fall, the Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC) organizes and hosts the Community Non-Profit Forum, offering local organizations a platform to network, share their achievements, and outline their plans for the upcoming year. At this event, local nonprofits and community groups are invited to highlight their biggest

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CCDC Approves $50,000 Grant to OCMS Building Improvement Program

osceola chamber main street building improvement grant

At the October 8th meeting of the Clarke County Development Corporation board of directors a $50,000 grant was approved to support the Osceola Chamber Main Street Building Improvement Program, helping local business owners make vital repairs and upgrades to keep downtown thriving.

This marks the fourth year of partnership between CCDC and OCMS—fueling community growth, preserving historic character, and ensuring our business district continues to shine.

Learn more about this year’s projects and how the program continues to strengthen the heart of Osceola…

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Osceola Prepares to Launch First-of-Its-Kind Mini-Pitch Facility

Mini Pitch Soccer in Southern Iowa

The City of Osceola, in collaboration with Kick It Forward, Osceola Chamber Main Street, and Musco Lighting, is proud to announce the launch of the Osceola Mini-Pitch Initiative. The first of its kind in Clarke County, the Osceola Mini Pitch initiative will offer the chance to play, connect, and grow in a facility that has the quality of a “mini-stadium,” yet the intimacy and accessibility suited for a growing community.

Check out the details surrounding the new initiative and how you can participate…

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Reservoir Draft Plan-EIS Gets Approval to Move on to Next Stage

The Clarke County Reservoir project took another big step forward when Scott Cagle, Assistant State Conservationist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), made a special trip to Osceola to officially sign the draft Plan-EIS agreement, marking a key milestone in moving the long-awaited project closer to final federal review.

Click through to read about the latest progress and the next steps for the project…

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Clarke County Historical Society and Museum Honors CCDC for Support of Museum Improvements

Clarke County historical Museum Clarke County Iowa

The Clarke County Historical Society and Museum recently presented a plaque to the Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC) in recognition of its generous financial support for improvements at the Historical Museum, including critical heating and air conditioning upgrades.

Click through to read more about the award and the latest for Clarke County Historical Museum…

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OCMS and CCDC Partner to Host Small Business Emergency Preparedness Workshop

small business preparedness seminar osceola iowa

Osceola Chamber Main Street (OCMS) and the Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC) are teaming up with the Iowa Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to host a Small Business Emergency Preparedness Workshop on Wednesday, September 17, from 3–5 p.m.

The session will provide business owners and community organizations with practical tools to protect employees, maintain operations, and recover quickly when disaster strikes. With nearly 40% of small businesses never reopening after major disruptions, this workshop is a timely opportunity to build resilience and ensure long-term stability.

Space is limited—local businesses and organizations are encouraged to register early.

Click through to read more about the event and get signed up TODAY!

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City of Murray Receives $1.75 Million Grant to Drive Community Revitalization

Murray Iowa grant

The City of Murray, Iowa has been awarded a $1.75 million grant from the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s (IEDA) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Comprehensive Neighborhood Revitalization Program—a significant investment for this rural Iowa community of just over 600 residents.

Click through to read more about the grant and the impact it will have on the City of Murray…

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Clarke County Sheriff Seeks New Team Member

law enforcement jobs in clarke county iowa

The Clarke County Sheriff has opened applications for a Dispatcher position. This new team member would work second shift and has very competitive starting wage and advancement potential — a great way to get your start in law enforcement! 

Click through to read more about the position or to use links to apply…

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Clarke County Reservoir Project Advances Toward Key Federal Steps

reservoir progress steps

The Clarke County Reservoir Commission (CCRC) is making steady progress and is entering a critical phase that will open the door to federal funding and take the CCRC closer to soliciting bids for a final reservoir design.

Click through to read more about the latest steps to realizing the reservoir in Clarke County, Iowa…

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Clarke County Development Corporation Launches New NEXUS Funding Program to Streamline Community Investment

funding grant opportunities in clarke county iowa

The Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC) has officially launched the NEXUS Funding Program — a major update to its grant and funding structure, designed to make community investment more consistent and impactful. Replacing legacy programs like the Discretionary and Pillars Grants, NEXUS introduces four clear funding avenues for qualifying nonprofit organizations.

Click through to learn more about the program, view guidelines, and get updates on application availability…

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Preserving a piece of history – The Little White Church

Supporting the community through a Pillars Grant for foundation renovation, the CCDC recently helped the “Little White Church” in Woodburn, Iowa reclaim part of its history and spark a renewed vision for its future.

Check out the latest updates and read the fascinating story of the historic Woodburn landmark…

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Get Ready for the 3rd Annual JunctionTown Showdown at Clarke County Fairgrounds

Can you hear the engines roar? Well, wait until July 3rd… The 3rd Annual JunctionTown Showdown truck and tractor pull is the perfect weekend event for the whole family. It kicks off at the Clarke County fairgrounds in Osceola, Iowa Thursday!

Click through to see event details and more on how you can make this part of your exciting 4th of July weekend activities!

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New ORBIT Center Hosts Statewide Economic Development Roundtable

Educators and Economic Development professionals, joined local industry leaders last week to hear about the latest activities at the ORBIT (Osceola Regional Business and Industry Training) Center. Through a collaborative roundtable discussion they saw how the center is taking shape, and the potential impact it will have on the future of south-central Iowa’s workforce.

Click the link to learn more the roundtable and the exciting vision for the ORBIT Center…

Clarke County, Iowa has so much more to offer. Click to read more...