Osage today 2014

Construction is wrapping up at Valent BioSciences Corp., the $146 million manufacturing facility on the southeast edge of town. A view of the top of a fermentor and harvest tank. Above: A view of the plant from the southwest.

OSAGE TODAY INSIDE: • VBC heads to finish line with $146 million complex • Johnson Oil continues local tradition • Building permits climb in busy town • Message from Osage Development

2014 Progress Edition

Volume 149, No. 13

C2 ✦ WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

MITCHELL COUNTY PRESS NEWS ✦ OSAGE TODAY

VBC heads to finish line for $146 million plant valentbiosciences.com/careers.

One at the North Iowa Regional Career Fair held at North Iowa alent BioSciences Corp. (VBC), is charg- Area Community College from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesing towards compleday, April 2, in the NIACC tion of its the $146 gymnasium. The other two are million complex in Osage, some two years from noon to 7 p.m. on Thursafter officials broke ground on 73 day, April 2, and from 7 a.m. to noon on Friday, April 3, at the acres just southeast of Osage.

VBC plant located at 2142 350th Strong collaborations with its Street, Osage. construction management firm, During this time, applicants Gilbane Inc. Co., Mitchell County will be able to speak directly with Economic Development, City of representatives from VBC. Osage, Mitchell County, Osage Richards said Municipal Utilishe feels the ties, Heartland company has Power Coopbeen fortunate erative, Dairyto have hired land Power the first half of Cooperative, employees largely Mitchell County from North Iowa Enterprise Zone – a tribute to a Commission skilled workforce. and the North She is confident Iowa Area the balance of Community workers will College have all combined also come from this part of for a successful the state. project, said “We have Plant Manager found it has Karen Richards.

Karen Richards, VBC Plant been a good VBC already Manager experience so had – and will far, and I am continue to really pleased have – a long with the skill base in Northpartnership with A to Z Drying east Iowa,” she added. of Osage.

She is also finding Osage a The company, which began welcoming community, and a construction in the summer of good home for a manufactur2012, will largely complete its work this summer, said Richards, ing plant for the world’s leading producer of biorationals. who came on board in her posiThis facility will be the largest tion last fall. single investment of any comVBC is halfway through its hiring process, which to date has pany in the world to support the included the hiring of quality manufacturing and formulating of biorational products. control and quality assurance Biorational production positions, office personnel, proincludes a broad range of subduction engineers and supervistances used in agriculture, pubsors, and maintenance staff.

“Now, we are in the midst of lic health, forestry, aquaculture, turf, structural pest control, hiring our production workers,” and home and garden markets.

Richards said.

There will be three opporBiorational products are typically tunities for job seekers to apply derived from natural or biologifor positions at VBC, in addical origins and include biological pesticides as well as products tion to online applications at the company’s website of www.

See VBC, 10 DEB NICKLAY

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Of The Press-News

“We have found it has been a good experience so far, and I am really pleased with the skill base in Northeast Iowa.”

Seed fermentors

Photos courtesy of VBC

HPLC Lab

Mitchell County Press News ✦ Osage Today Wednesday, March 26, 2014 ✦ C3

From the Osage Development Corporation

O

sage Development Corporation President Kevin Kolbet shared some of ODC’s history in an effort to recall how this organization has impacted Osage’s progress over the years.

“ODC was organized in 1958 “to promote economic development in Osage and the surrounding area.”

Its current mission is “to focus on new investment, job retention/creation, opportunity, and serve as a resource to support other community development initiatives that enhance the quality of life Kolbet in Osage.”

In the mid-1960’s, the Chicago Great Western Railroad announced it would be abandoning its railroad line from Osage to McIntire and its property in Osage would be sold. The parcel was located from Main Street to just north of the Osage City Cemetery between Second and Third streets.

The companies situated on this property leased the land from the railroad.

Eventually, after court proceedings and countless volunteer hours by attorney Keith McKinley, ODC purchased the property from the CGWRR. ODC then sold parcels that were developed to the respective local businesses and made the remaining tracts available for industrial development. In cooperation with the City of Osage, the Northwest Industrial Park has been developed on this land.

Following the fire that destroyed the Appleton Glove and Mitten facility in 1969, ODC, the City of Osage, and the Osage Municipal Utilities worked with Joseph Lessard to retain a manufacturing plant in Osage. A new, 30,000-square foot building was constructed in the Northwest Industrial Park east of the cemetery and just north of Poplar Street and was leased to the Lessards. The company, Fox River Mills, became the initial development in the park in 1970 and has expanded four times since then. Fox River Mills is an international leader in the manufacturing of sports and leisure hosiery and hand wear.

In 1972, Mon-Ray Windows constructed a 20,000-square foot facility

north of the Fox River plant to produce aluminum windows and doors for the residential and commercial markets.

Since then, the company, now known as Osage Manufacturing, has constructed a new facility and Fox River purchased Osage Manufacturing’s original building.

Fox River has partnered with ODC in utilizing a portion of this building to incubate ARTIK/OEM, a Canadian-based manufacturing company which has been one of ODC’s recent success stories.

In 1974, ODC was contacted by representatives of the State of Iowa to meet with a Chicago-based printing company that was looking for a Midwest location to construct a custom forms printing plant. ODC purchased 50 acres south of the Osage Community Schools and sold 30 acres to Wallace Business Forms which constructed a new plant in 1975 in the newly-developed Southeast Industrial Park. The company name was changed to Wallace Computer Services, Inc., and it later purchased a subsidiary company, Tops Business Forms. With ODC’s persistence and financial assistance, Wallace constructed a Tops facility in the Industrial Park in 1986. The two plants have undergone two ownership changes since then and are now owned and operated by the R.R. Donnelley Co. The A to Z Drying Co. started in operation in an existing facility on State Street between Second and Third streets in 1975. A to Z has expanded extensively since then in cooperation with ODC and the City of Osage and has constructed numerous buildings and additions south of the Wallace/Tops plants in recent years. Its presence in Osage was the driving force which precipitated the siting of the Valent BioSciences Corporation’s world headquarters now under construction in southeast Osage.

In 1986, ODC purchased a twosquare-block parcel where the Mitchell County Highway Department owned facilities. A new street was constructed through the property and all of the necessary utilities were installed, including a second, 500,000 gallon elevated water storage facility (to match the water tower in the southwest part of the city). Some of the property was sold to Fox River to enhance its campus of corporate offices See development, 12C

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1429 East Main, PO Box 245 OSAGE, IA 50461-0245 641-732-3337 www.kolbetrealtors.com Complete Professional Real Estate Services

C4 ✦ WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

MITCHELL COUNTY PRESS NEWS ✦ OSAGE TODAY

Over $2.6 million Johnson Oil Co. in building permits changes hands filed in 2013

their home community of Osage for many years.

Dennis purchased Brees ohnson Oil Co., in Osage has been Oil Co. from Earl and sold after some 30 Dora Bruesewitz in 1983; Randi joined the busiyears of ownership of Dennis and ness a year later, the same year they expanded the Randi Johnson, operation and purchased but its new owners are Brown Oil Co., of Stajust as committed as the cyville. The business Johnsons to keeping its grew to include nine focus local. employees, includThe Johnsons sold the ing their sister, Cindee business to Carl Brumm Clark, who worked with and Michelle Richardson the company until its of Riceville on Jan. 27.

January sale. Their dad, The Johnsons will remain DEB NICKLAY, The Press-News working with the business Harley, has been another Johnson Oil Co., Carl Brumm and Michelle Richardson, center, with mainstay of the busifor about the next year, former owners Dennis Johnson, left, and Randi Johnson, right. ness, “watching markets; said Dennis, so there is a keeping us on track,” comfortable transition.

They also have a LP storage Brumm is a Toeterville said Randi.

Dennis plans to stay area native who also oper- facility east of Riceville.

“We could not have in the area and remain Brumm and Richardson ates an aerial crop dustdone anything without active in volunteer activihave been financially supthe exceptional employees ing business. Richardson ties; Randi said he was ported in their venture by previously worked in a who have been with us all still mulling over what his the Jim Koenigs family. these years, especially our fuel transport business plan is after the transition “Without the assistance and has a background and sister Cindee, and Frank is complete. of the Jim Koenigs fameducation in business and Helfter and Jim Gerk,” Mutual friends of the Randi said. “They were all finance. The pair moved to ily and Denny and Randi Johnsons and Brumm and Johnson, Carl and I would Osage in January.

Richardson approached the with us for a long time, not have been able to buy They said they do not new owners with the sug- and have always been into and own this busihave plans to markedly really loyal.” gestion of purchasing the ness,” Richardson said. change the business; all Over the years, the bulk gasoline, diesel and “Our goal is to maintain employees and the compropane delivery business, business eventually came the same level of exceppany name will remain to include a side bulk located on the northern tional customer service the same. transport business, said edge of Osage on HighThey do plan to expand that the Johnsons and their Dennis. The 12-semi and way 218. employees have fulfilled their storage, doubling bobtail fleet travels 12 “We had this good all of these years. That is opportunity and given our counties in North Iowa and their LP storage capacity our mission.”

by August, said Brumm. southern Minnesota. skills sets, felt like this was a good fit for us,” said Richardson.

Brumm agreed, adding he liked the idea of continuing a local business operation.

“We thought this was a We have the financial solutions for your needs. great way to be involved in We’ve been serving Mitchell County for over the community,” he said.

157 years! Stop in today to learn more!

“It was great for us; we didn’t want someone from, First Citizens National Bank say, Illinois taking over the www.firstcitizensnb.com business and not knowing 501 Main Street customers or the commuJohn Molitor Sean Pitkin nity,” said Randi.

Osage, IA 50461 Community Vice President The Johnsons have 641-732-3701 Member FDIC President Lending Officer been heavily involved in DEB NICKLAY

J

Of The Press-News

DEB NICKLAY

For The Press-News

OSAGE | Over $2.6 million in building permits were filed with the city of Osage in 2013, reflecting a 25 percent increase in valuation for new construction, remodels and additions over 2012.

A total 43 permits worth $2,685,602 were filed in 2013, compared to 47 permits valued at $2,024,853 the year before.

The increase in valuation shows a healthy continuance of good things happening in Osage, said Public Works Director Jerry Dunlay.

“It’s been wonderful,” he said, adding that a combination of a good community, good planning and good city incentives for growth have combined to keep Osage on the upward track.

He said the city is in the enviable position of looking for places to build. The latest planned subdivision, Maple View First, located at the intersection of Kirkwood Avenue and 357th St., is filling, he said.

The construction of Valent BioSciences Co., as well as other growth partnerships in both the city and county, have brought new homeowners to town.

Dunlay said not all new construction occurs in new subdivisions. He said the city has been good about taking down dilapidated homes when needed, providing opportunities for new homes.

Tax abatements have provided good incentives as well.

The city also provides credits for people taking down old or dilapidated structures to help off-set the cost of removal. The city provides $750 for those that qualify; the Floyd-Mitchell-Chickasaw Landfill also provides a $300 reduction in tipping fees for such removals, Dunlay said.

Permits for seven new homes and four duplexes were filed in 2013, with values ranging from $140,000 to $275,000. The duplexes, on Oak Court, are valued at $180,000 for each dual unit.

Building permits for business or industry were comparatively quiet in 2013, with A to Z Drying planning a $250,000 building addition and North Country Equipment (to be known as Ag Power as of April 1) adding a $40,000 addition.

The following permits represent new construction or remodeling projects in the City of Osage.

• Don Ahrens, 309 S. Eighth St., new home, $275,000.

• Cynthia Goff, 215 Cedar St., sunroom, $24,000.

• Pat Theis, 321 S. 8th St., new home, $200,000.

• Charles White, 114 Park St., storage building, $3,900.

• Allan Field, 5 Clayton Blvd., new home, $200,000.

See PERMITS, 9C

Proud Supporter

Mitchell County Press News ✦ Osage Today Wednesday, March 26, 2014 ✦ C5

OSAGE CHAMBER Of COMMERCE invEStORS

808 Main Street, Osage, Iowa Phone 732-3163 chamber@osage.net www.osagechamber.com

OffIce hOurS: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Weekdays

the Osage Chamber Of Commerce Promotes Osage As the Place to Do Business And Helps in Providing Quality Of Life for those Who Work And Live in Osage.

2014 Chamber Investors Access Business Systems Adams Plumbing & Heating AmericInn of Osage Apple Valley Assisted Living Art’s Shoe & Repair Astrup Drug (Smart Pharmacy) Betty McCarthy Bisbee Income Tax & Account.

Bree’s Tire Service Brumm Construction C uS BAnk Cabin Coffee Casey’s General Store #1799 Casey’s General Store #2229 CCI Flooring Cedar River Complex Cedar Springs Camp Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home City of Osage Cleveland Turett Cooper’s Osage Auto Inc. Croell Redi-Mix, Inc. Culligan Softwater Service of MC Debbie’s Quilt Shop & Gifts Drs. Polking & Polking DDS MC Dungey’s Furniture & Gifts Edward Jones Investments Eichmeier Auto Repair Emerson’s On Main Evans Printing Evergreen Senior Living Ewe & Eye Faith Lutheran Home & Assisted Living

First Citizens national Bank Flat Pie & Red Eye Fox Auction Company Fox River Mills Frames and More Gary’s Lawn Mowing & Snow-Blowing Service Gifts Galore Goodale Custom Pumping Govern Farms & Homes Gross & McPhail H & R Block Hawkeye Grafix Heaven On Earth Therapeutic Massage Herb’s Auto Repair Hometown Connections/Radio Shack Dealer Home Trust & Savings Bank Iowa State Representative Josh Byrnes ISu Mitchell County Extension Jendro Sanitation Jim Roll Electric Johnson Oil & LP Judy Champion k & B Mid-State Construction kolbet Realtors kountry kupboard kwik Star LR Falk Construction Larson’s Hardware Hank Larson Law Office LeaBrian’s Hairstyling & Spa

Lenz Signs Main Realty Maple Inn of Osage B&B Mark’s Tractor & Implement Mauser Insurance Mayer’s Digging Mckinley Auto & RV Milkhouse Candles Outlet Mitchell Co. Abstract Mitchell County Ag. Society Mitchell County Historical Society Mitchell County ISu Extension Office Mitchell County Press-news Mitchell County Regional Health Center Murphy Smith & Company, PLC national Poultry Equipment new York Life Insurance north Country Equipment LLC north Iowa Area Community College north Iowa Broadcasting Olsen Implement Osage Co-Op Elevator Osage Development Corp Osage Education Association Osage Insurance Services Osage Municipal utilities Osage Payless Foods Osage Rehab/Health Care Center Osage Veterinary Clinic Pollard Pest Control & Lawn Care Prairie Lakes Church RR Donnelley

Randall Construction Rusty’s Last Call S and S Locker Save the Date See ‘n Sew Shaved Ice LLC Spahn & Rose Sparrow Photography Stan’s Drive In State Farm Insurance Agency Stillwater Greenhouse Street Chiropractic PC Subway Sunny Brae Golf Course Super 8 Motel Taste by unc’s Cheesecake Teluwut Grille House & Pub Tolivar Dist.

The Flower Gallery The Front Porch The Rustic Corner The Stitchery nook TOPS Business Forms Tres Amigos Mexican Rest. united Way of north Central Iowa Val Blossoms Verizon Wireless Z Wireless Walk & Murphy PLC Attor.

Weber Auto Parts (nAPA) Wright Plumbing & Heating Yaggy Colby Associates

C6 ✦ Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Mitchell County Press News ✦ Osage Today

It’s a great day in Osage!

Wendy Heuton, Executive Director

T

Osage Chamber of Commerce‌

he Osage Chamber of Commerce continues to promote the community as North Iowa’s premiere community – a great place to live, shop, dine, do business, work, play

and relax.

It’s not an easy job owning and operating a small business in a community of our size, and competing with larger communities close by – so having a Main Street with few bare storefronts represents a big tribute to their resourcefulness, their hard work and their willingness to do whatever it takes to bring good Heuton products and services to our town. Our downtown district, along with businesses located on the west and eastern edges, are humming with customers.

This past year we saw new businesses start and expand in Osage. Ribbon cuttings celebrated the businesses of Lifetime Artistry and Taxidermy, Taste: Unc’s Cheesecakes, The Cleveland Turret, Cabin Coffee, The Wash Tub, Mitchell County Abstract, the Maple Inn Bread and Breakfast; and Heaven On Earth Therapeutic Massage.

There were expansions and ownership changes, too. Katie Arickx’ Five-18 Boutique expanded into a storefront on Main Street, while her photography business remained in its spot on Sixth Street; Jim Roll took over Machin and Wild Electric to become Jim Roll Electric; and the Mitchell County Abstract Co., office is now owned by Larry and Jessica Voight. Johnson Oil Co., owned

by Dennis and Randi Johnson since the 1980s, was sold to Carl Brumm and Michelle Richardson in January. The $146 million Valent BioSciences Corp., under construction for the past two years, is headed toward its official opening on June 27.

Osage continues to offer a full slate of amenities and services. For dining, we have Tres Amigos Mexican Restaurant, Flat Pie and Red Eye, Teluwut Grille House & Pub, Kountry Kupboard, Subway, Lucy’s Lunchbox, Taste: By Unc’s

Cheesecakes, China House and Osage Bowl, among others.

Both Osage and Mitchell County are lucky to have quality health care provided

by Mitchell County Regional Health Care Center with its newly-remodeled emergency room. The Center is also home to SMART Pharmacy, which offers free delivery service; and services by Dr. Robert Roggensack’s eye services office.

Banks, investment firms, tax accounts, insurance agents, real estate agents, law firms, agricultural, plumbing and heating, and construction and contracting firms provide a wide array of services. Osage is also home to a healthy manufacturing community, from RR Donnelly and TOPS, to Fox River Mills and Milkhouse Candles.

There always seems to be “something doing” in Osage. One of our brightest jewels is the Cedar River Complex, whose Wellness Center, Events Center, Krapek Family Fine Arts Auditorium and Mitchell County Historical Society Museum provide a wealth of activities, exercise and entertainment for our busy community. Our schools are ranked among the best and we have a wide church community.

With all the activity, it’s great to have more rooms for visitors, out-of-town family members, business colleagues and executives, thanks to establishments such as the AmericInn, Super 8 Motel and the new Maple Inn Bed & Breakfast.

And, the activity will come in spades this year. In addition to an already lively community of attractions including our Friday Night Outs, we have added new events this year, including our Summer Treasures Fest on June 7. That event will feature refurbished and repurposed items, as well as antiques and products from our area greenhouses.

We also excited about the addition of the downtown Farmer’s Market, to be held from 8 a.m. — noon every Saturday beginning on May 17, and from 2-5 p.m. on Wednesdays, in a green space area by the old Fire Hall, on South Seventh Street. These will be featured through September.

All of these qualities make Osage a destination location to work, to play and do business! Join us, support us – and watch us grow!

“… having a Main Street with few bare storefronts represents a big tribute to their resourcefulness, their hard work and their willingness to do whatever it takes to bring good products and services to our town. Our downtown district, along with businesses located on the west and eastern edges, are humming with customers.”

Strong protection for your home

FARMERS MUTUAL INSURANCE ASSN. 708 Chase Street • Osage, IA • Phone 641-732-3778

TOWN & COUNTRY INSURANCE AGENCY 711 Main Street • Osage, IA • Phone 641-732-5576

Mitchell County Press News ✦ Osage Today Wednesday, March 26, 2014 ✦ C7

Ribbon-cuttings celebrate new businesses The following reflect the various ribbon-cuttings celebrated by new business in Osage in 2013.

• ‌Cabin Coffee: Kristi and Doug Feldman brought a Cabin Coffee franchise a location shared with Taste: By Unc’s Cheesecakes at 518 Main St. • ‌Cleveland Turret: Ken and Diane Emerson open the Cleveland Turret, a shop of antique and new retail gifts and specialty items, at 618 Main St., in the Cleveland Building.

• ‌Heaven on Earth Therapeutic Massage: Holly Marr celebrates a new location at 119B North Fifth St. • ‌Lifelong Artistry and Taxidermy: Rich and Amber Gonnerman open an Osage establishment at 722 ½ Main St. • ‌Maple Inn Bed and Breakfast: Bruce and Pattie McGhan Forshay open their bed and breakfast at 830 Main St. • ‌Taste: By Unc’s Cheesecake: Jess Goodale returned to her hometown to open Taste: By Unc’s Cheesecakes at 518 Main St., a space she shares with Cabin Coffee.

• ‌Wash Tub: Tony and Stephen May open a new laundromat and dog wash service at 1231 Main St. • ‌Mitchell County Abstract Co.: Jessica and Larry Voight now own and operate the business at 519 Main St.

Press-News photos

Cabin Coffee — From left, Ken Emerson, Deanna Huemann, Wendy Heuton, Doug and Kristi Feldman, owners; Nan Jakobson; Lindsay Voight, Kara Naig, Jessica Jeffries, Allan Young, Marsha Stricker and Lacey Huisman.

See more photos on pages C8, C9, C13

Ag Power Enterprises, Inc.

Formerly North Country Equipment

Serving for over 35 years: Hwy 9 East Osage, IA 641-732-3719

Serving for over 41 years: Hwy 105 East Northwood, IA 641-324-1154

Your home for quality parts, service and sales.

C8 ✦ Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Mitchell County Press News ✦ Osage Today

Osage Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cuttings

The Press-News Photos

The Cleveland Turret — Allan Young, Wendy Heuton, Diane Emerson, Ken Emerson, Ric Lancaster, Nan Jakobson, Lindsay Voight, Marsha Stricker and Jessica Jeffries.

Lifelong Artistry & Taxidermy — Wendy Heuton, owner Rich Gonnerman, Nan Jakobson, owner Amber Gonnerman, Jean Brumm, Deanna Huemann and Lacey Huisman.

See more photos on pages C7, C9, C13

Heaven on Earth Therapuetic Massage — Marsha Stricker, Nan Jakobson, owner Holly Marr, Kate Waitek, Wendy Heuton, Jessica Jeffries and Allan Young.

It’s about being healthy... and so much more!

The Cedar River Complex is a community recreation destination offering everyone a place to meet, play, learn and enjoy. Visit us to learn more about the wellness classes, performances, youth programs, rental spaces and museum exhibits offered.

Day passes and punch passes available! Children 5 and under are free!

events center

1006 chestnut street . osage, ia 50461

wellness center . museum . auditorium Mitchell County Abstract Co. — Jean Brumm, Wendy Heuton, Nan Jakobson, owners Larry and Jessica Voight, Deanna Huemann and Lacey Huisman.

info@cedarrivercomplex.com www.cedarrivercomplex.com

809 sawyer drive . osage, ia 50461

641-832-3600

Mitchell County Press News ✦ Osage Today Wednesday, March 26, 2014 ✦ C9

Osage Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cuttings

We Are Worry-Free Living Many people regard the decision to move to a retirement community as a lifestyle choice that increases their leisure time and gains them access to services and amenities to help maintain their current lifestyle.

Our services and Amenities (Services Included in the basic monthly fee.)

Press-News photos

Maple Inn Bed & Breakfast — Allan Young, Nan Jakobson, Wendy Heuton, Patricia McGhan Forshay, Bruce Forshay, Jessica Jeffries and Marsha Stricker.

See more photos on pages C7, C8, C13

Permits From 4C • Douglas and Sue Guy, 511 S. Second St., garage, $450.

• Darlene Anderson, 102 N. Ninth St., gazebo, $5,000.

• Brett Darrow, 1109 S. Fourth St., new home, $250,000.

• Patricia Forshay, 830 Main St., deck, $4,000.

• Gary Morische, 1315 State St., storage building, $2,780.

• Connell Kenny, 1027 Maple St., garage, $8,000.

• Charleyann Hemann, 420 Pleasant St., storage building, $3,345.

• Oliver Jeffries, 1118 Division St., storage building, $2,700.

• Mark DeWalle, 106 St. Ninth St., storage building, $2,027.

• Derek and Jessica Balsley, 417 S. Third St., deck, $2,000.

• Richard Schmidt, 218 N. 13th St., carport, $3,000.

• Amanda Powers, 1120 Chase St., garage addition, $8,000.

• Doug Grimm and Janet Wagner, 1120 Oak

St., garage, $40,000.

• Dennis and Ginger Thompson, 1119 Heritage Dr., shed, $1,600.

• A to Z Drying, 1000 Wallace Rd., building addition, $250,000.

• Shannon Cordes, 1309 State St., storage building, $1,500.

• David Onken, 319 S. First St., storage building, $1,500.

• Sue Schwab, 606 Mechanic St., garage, $7,300.

• Common Ground LLC (four permits), 1324 and 1326 Oak Court; 1325 and 1327 Oak Court; 1315 and 1317 Oak Court; and 1305 and 1307 Oak Court, four duplexes, $180,000 each.

• Arnold Potter, 219 S. 12th St., garage, $55,000.

• John Machin, 1214 Ash St., new home, $150,000.

• Tony Adams, 7 Clayton Blvd., new home, $174,000.

• Brendhan Wagner, 518 Main St., sign, $3,000.

• Chad Halbach, 911 N.

Seventh St. storage building, $35,000.

• Derek Balsley, 417 S. Third St., garage, $10,000.

• North Country Equipment, 2197 Highway 218, building addition, $40,000.

• Andrew Davis, 632 S. Second St., open porch, $1,700.

• Jim Rodemaker, 415 Vine St., storage building, $10,000.

• Robert Jones, 6 Clayton Blvd., new home, $140,000.

• Doug Virnala, 815 N. Eighth St., storage building, $500.

• Frank Hackenmiller, 1133 Mechanic St., storage building, $300.

• Dennis Johnson, 1115 Pine St., sunroom, $15,000.

• James Werner, 815 Oak St., garage, $8,500.

• John Olson, 420 Oak St., storage building, $1,500.

• Jason Wagner, 603 Maple St., home addition, $25,000.

• TOTAL: $2,685,602.

services: • Room: with all utilities (except telephone and cable TV) • Board - 3 meals/day • Blood Pressure monitoring • Weight Monitoring • Toenail & Fingernail care • Medication counseling • Wound Care • Healthcare counseling • Bath assistance • Bedding Change weekly • Two loads of personal laundry weekly

Building Amenities

• Beautifully decorated single-story apt. bldg. • Exterior walking paths & gardens • Easy access to free laundry facilities • 24-Hour beverage bar in dining room • On-site beauty/barber shop • On-site exercise room • Free parking • TV Lounge • Reading Areas • Private Chapel • Use of all common areas... lounge, dining, activity area & more 405 27th Ave. s., clear lake Across from state Park

(641) 357-7083

second location at 300 lyndale st., Osage, iA

(641) 832-2270

third location at 801 Blunt Parkway, charles city, iA

(641) 257-3003

www.avassistedliving.com

C10 ✦ Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Mitchell County Press News ✦ Osage Today

vbc: The 130,000-square foot facility is “state-of-the-art” From 2 used for crop stress management, enhanced plant physiology benefits, and root growth management.

They are characterized as being highly specific in their activity while delivering distinct economic, health, or environmental benefits. Fermentation is a critical process in the manufacturing of biorational products and uses naturally occurring microorganisms to produce low-risk, environmentally compatible products for use in targeted markets around the world.

Richards gave an example: Suppose you are developing a pesticide for the control of caterpillars on a variety of vegetable

crops. The biorational developed for the pest would be highly specific to caterpillars and would not have an adverse effect on any other organisms such as fish, bees, birds, or other mammals.

Production will take place in a 130,000-square foot facility that is divided roughly into thirds: administration, quality control and manufacturing. Another building directly south of the main plant is the central utilities plant which provides services such as air, steam, and chilled water.

The manufacturing plant houses multiple fermentation tanks. The area also includes downstream

processing, centrifugation, evaporation, extraction, crystallization and drying.

“It is truly state-ofthe-art,” Richards said.

The first of the smaller fermentation tanks will come online at the end of April, when an “engineering run” will be conducted. By the end of June, a 100,000-liter fermenter will be become active. Others will come on line in a sequential fashion, into the fall.

The other large piece of the construction project is construction of a new wastewater pre-treatment facility in collaboration with the City of Osage and Mitchell County.

Photos courtesy of VBC

A view of the plant's recovery tanks

Valent BioSciences Corporation (VBC) is the global leader in the development, commercialization, and manufacturing of biorational products for agriculture, public health, and forestry around the world. With a 50-year history of innovation and value creation, and sales in 95 countries, VBC is known first and foremost for the quality and consistency of its science-based fermentation products.

As VBC continues its rapid growth, we are opening a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Osage, Iowa. We are always looking for people who are driven by excellence and have a passion for the environment and for products that help to maximize human potential through health and a safe and abundant food supply. To find out more, please visit the Careers section at www.valentbiosciences.com or send your resume to osagejobs@valentbiosciences.com

Creating Value through teChnology and PeoPle

MITCHELL COUNTY PRESS NEWS ✦ OSAGE TODAY

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014 ✦ C11

DEB NICKLAY, Mitchell County Press-News

ABOVE: Lewiston Monument Co. employees work to secure sections of the Mitchell County Veterans Memorial, in preparation of the demolition of the Mitchell County Courthouse. The memorial will find a new home at the new courthouse.

BELOW: Cupola atop the Mitchell County Courthouse; the architecture of the new courthouse will pay homage to the iconic symbol of Mitchell County government.

Submitted photo

The west elevation of the proposed Mitchell County Courthouse, as prepared by FEH Architects.

Looking ahead: A new courthouse

DEB NICKLAY

Of The Press-News

OSAGE — While most progress in a town is gauged by business and industrial openings, this year will also mark a new government facility to be built in Osage.

It is expected the Mitchell County Board of Supervisors will vote to approve a new construction this spring of a courthouse and proceed to sell bonds to finance the building. Estimated cost is $7.2 million.

The former courthouse, built in 1858, was

demolished in February.

Since its closure when structural concerns were raised by an engineer’s

report, employees have been working from offices located at Town and Country Plaza, while the magistrate and district courts have been working out of quarters located at Fox River Mills, Inc. Two earlier reverse referendums were taken to election when the board was petitioned to hold the referendums, which is allowed by law.

Both failed to achieve the “supermajority” of 60 percent passage.

The new courthouse is expected to be twice as large as the former courthouse, and be built at the same location.

C12 ✦ WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

MITCHELL COUNTY PRESS NEWS ✦ OSAGE TODAY

DEVELOPMENT: Working with others for a presence for development From 3C and manufacturing facilities. In recent years, ODC sold part of this property to NFI Iowa upon which it built a new manufacturing facility recently sold to a group of local investors who leased part of it to another new start-up, Dossette, Inc., and part of it to Valent BioSciences, Inc., where it has been conducting its human resource functions and preliminary planning until moving to its permanent new location.

ODC purchased and sold a commercial property south of Osage along Lancer Avenue to National Poultry Equipment Co., a few years ago to assist in that company’s initial start-up.

Over the years, ODC has developed brochures, held industry visitations, assisted in community and county planning, discussed speculative building proposals, assisted in community entrance signs, followed each and every “lead” presented to it, organized laborshed analyses, evaluated retail trade “leakage,” conducted housing initiatives (CDBG rehabilitation program, new construction loans to contractors, independent housing study — Evergreen, assisted living

support — Apple Valley, enterprise zone — flood program new housing starts, etc.), encouraged and assisted the Chamber of Commerce initiatives including Main Street Iowa application, facilitated the creation of Osage Community Day Care, provided community tours, assisted in physician recruitment, provided support for the hospital expansion and renovations, and supported all of the community capital projects: school, library, city hall, safety center, CRC, street paving, etc.

For the last 10 years, at the direction of the thenIowa Department of Economic Development, ODC has partnered with Mitchell County Economic Development Commission to present a unified, county-wide presence for economic development initiatives and allowing the State of Iowa a single point of contact for same.

ODC appoints one of MCEDC’s members from its board. Rick Bodensteiner currently serves in that position.

ODC, a private corporation comprised of citizens interested in advancing the economic development in the area is governed by a

State Farm Insurance

Osage Co-op Elevator

Craig E. Eisenman 732-5313

732-3768

Established in

1939

Under present management since 1999

nine-member volunteer board of directors who meet on an “as needed” basis and who hold an annual meeting of shareholders. Anyone interested in becoming a shareholder and in volunteering their time to advance its mission can contact any of the following current board members for information: Steve Bass, Rick Bodensteiner, Kevin Kolbet, Doug Krabbe, Becky Lessard, John Molitor, Lou Ann Murphy, Royce Tack, or Mark Taets. Ex officio members are Dennis Fannin, OMU general manager; and Jerry Dunlay, Osage Public Works Director.

ODC thanks all of its partners: Mitchell County

Farmers Mutual Insurance Association Norman E. Johnson President

732-3778

Economic Development Commission, Mitchell County Board of Supervisors, Mayor Steve Cooper and the Osage City Council, Osage Public Works Director Jerry Dunlay, all of our existing industries, and all of the local businesses.

Agriculture is our roots. Our farm partners experienced significant flooding leading to, for the first time in many producers’ lifetimes, not being able to plant some crops in 2013 (which followed the drought of 2012). But, as we have seen, we have some of the best farmland in the world. Enhanced, value-added products will be produced here in the future. The livestock

Construction

732-3789

732-4258

www.hometrustbank.com

Established in

Established in

Savings Bank Established in

1899

1922

Roy’s Body Shop, Inc.

Mayer’s Digging Co.

HEARD Insurance

Osage Auto Salvage

Dave, Chris, Jared & John

732-3603

732-4372 Established in Late Model Collision Specialists Serving the Osage Area For

Established in

1946

Serving the Osage Area For

Serving the Osage Area For 68 Years

Serving the Osage Area For 68 Years

1946

Jerry, Pat, John & PeeWee

1933

Serving the Osage Area For 81 Years

Established in

732-5823

Randall

Serving the Osage Area For 92 Years

Serving the Osage Area For 115 Years

1874

that permeates each citizen. With it, Osage can continue to grow and provide families with an excellent community to live, work, raise a family, and have fun. Our existing industries will stay strong and add profit to owners and shareholders due to the strong, educated, See DEVELOPMENT, 14C

L.R. Falk Construction Co.

Established in

69 Years

industries will flourish, as the feedstuffs are abundant and the by-products of the value-added industries are utilized to produce more profit from livestock.

Economic development is much more than courting new industry to town.

It is a mindset that all residents are in charge of. It is a “hospitality” attitude

in 2004.

Home Trust &

Established in

1945

East business deve lopment in Osage, as seen

1952

62 Years

732-4004 Established in

1957

Serving the Osage Area For 57 Years

Mitchell County Press News ✦ OSAGE TODAY Wednesday, March 26, 2014 ✦ C13

OSAGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RIBBON CUTTINGS

The Press-News photos

The Wash Tub — Jean Brumm, Nan Jakobson, Wendy Heuton, owner Tony May, Lacey Huisman and Deanna Huemann.

Tony’s Body Shop 732-3540 Established in

1963

Johnson Chemicals Co. 732-4246 Established in

1964

Under Present Ownership Since 1995

Serving the Osage Area For 50 Years

Wright Plumbing & Heating

Mark’s Tractor & lmpl. Inc.

732-5208 Established in

1977

Serving the Osage Area for

37 Years

732-5044 Established in

1977

Serving the Osage Area For 37 Years

Style-Mor Beauty Salon 732-3631

Established in

1965

Taste: By Unc’s Cheesecakes — Nan Jakobson, Jean Brumm, Wendy Heuton, owner Jessica Goodale, Alexis Adams, Lacey Huisman and Deanna Huemann.

See more photos on pages C7, C8, C9

Osage Faith NewYork Veterinary Lutheran Life Clinic, P.C. Home Don Fox, LUTCF, CLTC 732-3671

732-5511

732-4973

Established in

Established in

Established in

Serving the Osage Area For 49 Years

Under Present Ownership Since

Serving the Osage Area For 47 Years

Serving the Osage Area For 45 Years

Kolbet Realtors

Scharper Services L.L.C.

Mauser Insurance

732-3630

Larson’s Hardware Hank & Rental

Established in

732-4261

Phyllis Levendusky, owner, stylist, Helen Gerk, stylist Linda Schroeder, stylist

Kevin, Janean & Phil Kolbet

732-3337 Established in

1977

Serving the Osage Area For 37 Years

1965 1992

1967

1977

Established in

Serving the Osage Area For 37 Years

Serving the Osage Area For 35 Years

1979

1969

732-4682 800-373-6081 Established in

1981

Serving the Osage Area For 33 Years

C14 ✦ Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Mitchell County Press News ✦ Osage Today

Looking back at a year of Chamber events, 2013

Press-News photos

Press-News photo

Music, music, music, highlighted the Fourth of July parade.

DEVELOPMENT From 12C motivated, and reliable workforce not available in other parts of the country.

Corporate leadership will recognize the value in our industrial facilities, community infrastructure, and business climate and will look for ways to bring more operations here.

These same leaders will identify the advantages of doing business in an

Dungey’s Furniture and Gifts 732-4424 Established

1987

Serving the Osage Area For 27 Years

environment of clean air, abundant clean water, and the beautiful four seasons!

As this year unfolds, you will continue to see new faces, new students, new church-goers, new neighbors, new initiatives, and some new challenges.

Embrace them with a positive attitude, warm hospitality, and a “cando” spirit.

HomeTown Connection Radio Shack

Dealer - 732-3466

A lively accordionist at the Fourth of July Parade, one of the Chamber’s major events, in 2013.

Cooper’s Osage Auto 732-3795 Established in

1981

Serving the Osage Area For 33 Years

Bisbee

IncomeTax & Accounting Services 732-3445

Paul’s Plumbing and Heating 732-5924

Established in

1982

Flags and honors, courtesy of the American Legion Color Guard, led the Fourth of July parade.

Adams Painting & Drywall Inc.

732-4770 Dan & Sheila Adams Established in

1982

Established in

1984

Serving the Osage Area For 32 Years

Serving the Osage Area For 30 Years

Weber Auto Parts

Kountry Kupboard

STREET

732-4005

732-5315

Established in

Established in

Established in

Serving the Osage Area For 27 Years

Serving the Osage Area For 25 Years

Serving the Osage Area For 19 Years

Serving the Osage Area For 13 Years

1989

732-5728

Serving the Osage Area For 32 Years

Established in

1987

Pollard Pest Control

1995

2001

Chiropractic PC Dr.Aaron Street Dr. Scott Nerland Dr. Zach Muller 732-4665 Established in

2002

Serving the Osage Area For 12 Years

Mitchell County Press News ✦ Osage Today Wednesday, March 26, 2014 ✦ C15

Looking back at a year of Chamber events, 2013 RIGHT: Drawing the winners of the Great Holiday Giveaway in Osage, a popular event at the end of the year. Lisa Bye, Home Trust & Savings Bank; Jessica Jeffries, C US Bank; Dee Onken, First Citizens National Bank; and Wendy Heuton, Chamber of Commerce Director pick names of the lucky winners.

Submitted photo

ABOVE: One small guy isn’t so sure about Santa Claus, during the Christmas Gala in December.

ABOVE RIGHT: It was cold, but the sub-zero temps did not dim the spirit of these carolers, part of the Holiday Gala.

Deb Nicklay PHOTOS, The Press-News

CUSB

1533 Main St. Osage

Faith Home Assisted Living

732-5546

832-2580

Established in

Established in

1888

Serving the Osage Area For 12 Years

2006

Serving the Osage Area For 8 Years

Osage Medical Massage Center

AppleValley Assisted Living

732-5616

832-2270

Established in

Established in

June 2006 Serving the Osage Area For 8 Years

2008

Serving the Osage Area For 6 Years

Nicholson Towing & Repair Matt & Alissa Nicholson 732-5835 Established in

2009

Serving the Osage Area For 5 Years

C16 ✦ Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Mitchell County Press News ✦ Osage Today

Miriam Webster defines progress as gradual betterment.

Mitchell County Regional Health Center defines progress as...

Continuous improvement to patient centered quality healthcare services by maintaining a trusted partnership with you and your family.

MCRHC Progress...

Emergency room remodel

Same day surgery remodel

Patient portal - patient access to healthcare records

Two new clinic providers

Health coach in the Osage Clinic

Coming soon...Another new clinic provider!

Offering you convenient access to four quality clinics!

St. Ansgar Osage 140 West 4th Street, Suite 1 620 N. Eighth Street St. Ansgar, IA 50472 Osage, IA 50461 PHONE: 641.736.4401 PHONE: 641.732.6100 FAX: 641.736.4407 FAX: 641.732.6108 Stacyville Riceville 411 S. Broad Street 109 Westward Dr., Ste. 6 Stacyville, IA 50476 Riceville, IA 50466 PHONE: 641-737-2406 PHONE: 641-985-2122 FAX: 641-737-2447 FAX: 641-985-2839 MITCHELL COUNTY REGIONAL

Your trusted healthcare partner for life.

616 N. Eighth Street Osage, IA 50461 www.mcrhc.com

HEALTH CENTER A Partner with Mercy Health Network - North Iowa