Business

What better way to start Valentine’s Day than with a free rose with breakfast?   The first 50 customers at participating McDonald's locations in the Cedar Falls/Waterloo-area to drive-thru and order breakfast on Valentine’s Day will receive a free rose with their order!*  

Will you join Iowa Businesses Against Trafficking (IBAT)? IBAT is an educational and recognition program for businesses to learn the signs and raise awareness of human trafficking. The program celebrated its second anniversary in January, during Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month. Since launching this program, IBAT has gained over 700 members from across the state and has connected with over 350,000 employees.

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is now accepting applications for the 2024 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program through March 1, 2024. The grant program, which is designed to support projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops grown in Iowa by increasing demand, yields or awareness, is administered by the Department with funding from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Farmers can estimate the cost of producing various crops in 2024 by using data published in the January edition of Ag Decision Maker.The article “Estimated Costs of Crop Production” includes average production costs for corn, corn silage, soybeans, alfalfa and pasture maintenance. Decision tools are also available that allow farmers to enter their own numbers, so they can estimate production costs on their own farm.

Vinton is getting ready to welcome a brand new business to downtown Vinton. H2 Pizza announced, "The rumors are true…H² Pizza is coming to downtown Vinton!What is H² Pizza? The idea of H² Pizza came from our passion for good pizza with a cold drink. From there we set out for the best recipe with a remarkable location. Our ingredients and recipe will be based on a Vinton hometown favorite, The ORIGINAL Jolly Roger’s Pizza recipe! We are now located in a building that has a great view and is in the process of getting newly renovated.

Vinton Parks and Recreation Department is taking applications for their 2024 summer season. All positions are part-time and may require certifications. Deadline to apply: February 22.

Trinity Lutheran Church is now accepting applications for their TLC Preschool. Offering a quality education with a Christian foundation, the preschool has openings for 3 and 4 year old. 3 year old preschool is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9-11:30 for $85 per month.4 year old preschool is held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30-11:30 and $95 per month.

Two cost-free days of learning and engaging with other farm couplesFarm couples who are looking for a chance to review their goals while learning and relaxing in a scenic part of the state should consider attending the Farm Couple Getaway, Feb. 16-17 in northeast Iowa.This no-cost event is organized by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, with support from the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation and ISU Extension and Outreach Winneshiek County.

By Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig2023 marked 100 years since the Iowa Legislature created the position of Iowa Secretary of Agriculture. In that time, fifteen different Iowans have had the opportunity to lead the talented team at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Though much has changed since 1923, one thing has remained consistent: a commitment to serving Iowans and promoting our state's thriving agriculture.