Community

SWISHER– One of Iowa’s most heavily used shooting ranges was the recipient of a cleanup project led by volunteers who stepped in after the local range manager was sidelined with a non-work-related injury.
The Hawkeye Wildlife Area shooting range, between Iowa City and Cedar Rapids, is a popular destination for avid target shooters to sharpen their skills and site in their rifles. The range consists of three separate ranges– a 100-yard range, a 50-yard range and a 25-yard range. Range rules require users clean up after themselves and take out what they bring in.

BOONE– Fareway Stores, Inc. announced a $200,000 donation to the Iowa Chamber of Commerce Executives (ICCE). The donation provides for $1,000-$2,000 in gift cards to ICCE chamber of commerce members in the communities Fareway serves.
“ICCE’s members have the pulse in their communities on how to best serve their small business members during this time of need,” said Fareway President and CEO Reynolds W. Cramer. “We hope this donation helps small businesses and their employees that are facing challenges during this crisis.”

JOHNSTON– Students will not return to classes for the 2019-2020 school year after Governor Kim Reynolds issued her third and final proclamation for the schools during her daily COVID-19 press conference Friday, April 17, at the State Emergency Operations Center in Johnston.
“I regret to say Iowa schools will not reopen for this school year,” Reynolds said.

NORTH LIBERTY– The COVID-19 epidemic has led to many changes in local businesses with some forced to close for the duration, and others having to alter how they serve their customers in an effort to “flatten the curve” of the number of infected people.
North Liberty True Value Hardware was among the first to shift their business model as they initiated curbside pick-up and delivery services early on.
“We did it right when the news came out,” owner Doug Christner said. “It was one of the first things we did. We posted on our sign out front and advertised it on our Facebook page.”

NORTH LIBERTY– “We have made the disappointing, but careful, decision to cancel the 2020 edition of North Liberty Blues & BBQ, originally scheduled for July 11,” announced North Liberty Communications Director Nick Bergus.
Bergus, also a member of the Blues & BBQ planning committee, said while the festival is still three months away, planning started last fall, and the current pandemic makes holding the festival even more challenging and potentially irresponsible.