UCDA promotes Union County

Mindy Stalker, the executive director of the Union County Development Association, spoke with the Union County Board of Supervisors Wednesday about various ways the organization is promoting the county.

Giving a belated quarterly update, Stalker outlined how the organization, whose mission is "to strengthen the economic base and well being of Union County," is working to portray the county in a positive light.

Presenting the third edition of UCDA’s “Choose UC” magazine, Stalker said UCDA has focused on “why people choose to live in Union County and what brought them here.” Stalker said UCDA is open to hearing from anyone new to Union County and have their stories featured in future editions.

UCDA has opened applications for their Client Services and Marketing Coordinator position following previous coordinator Olivia Cheer’s acceptance to the Creston Chamber of Commerce Director position.

Apartments on 1001 West Jefferson Street are actively being developed, with UCDA looking for a buyer to the complex which will hold 36 apartments.

Uptown clean-up days will continue with sponsors from local businesses. A clean-up day on Aug. 7 was sponsored by BUNN, with additional days scheduled for the first Thursday of the month for Sept. 4 with MATURA Head Start and Oct. 2 with Hy-Vee.

Taking inspiration from Afton’s volunteer-based clean-up days, UCDA will create a grant program for up to five smaller cities in Union County to hold their own city clean-up day. Stalker said UCDA will help provide matching funds to offset waste removal.

Stalker gave an update to county-wide trail projects in Union County, continuing discussions which began with a public meeting in July. Reporting good turnout and over 100 responses on a public survey, Stalker said another meeting will take place in November.

The trail project will “hone in on connecting Creston and Afton” according to Stalker, with UCDA to publicize a proposed map of the trail closer to the meeting.

After congratulating the county on another successful Union County Fair, Stalker said the acquired land the fairgrounds had received is planned to be developed into campgrounds.

In other Union County news...

Representatives from Heartland Management Alliance discussed various updates to their Afton CARE facility. The facility is a senior living home which receives funding from Union County.

Heartland CEO Kendalyn Huff, CFO Carol Smith and CARE Administrator Joni Brammer discussed various purchases with the board. Decisions were tabled on agenda items involving an updated phone system and replacement van, but Heartland was expected to apply through Union County’s claims process.

Sue Rusk was appointed as a rural library trustee for Gibson Memorial Library. A rural trustee represents rural areas in Union County on the library board.