Exciting news for Red Oak! The Red Oak Chamber and Industry Association, in partnership with Southwestern Community College and the Red Oak Community School District, will revive the building trades program at ROCHS for the 2024/2025 school year. This initiative will lead to building a new home and equip students with essential skills. Want to learn more? Visit the chamber office to see the blueprints!

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development has announced the opening of the Lakin Foundation Child Development Center in Stanton, Iowa. Funded by a $1 million grant, this facility will enhance childcare access for families in rural Montgomery County. With over 11,000 square feet, it features larger classrooms and outdoor playgrounds for over 130 children, positively impacting the community and improving life for families in rural Iowa.

A $165 million investment fund aims to transform 51 communities in southwest Iowa, reversing over a century of economic decline. Led by the Charles E. Lakin Foundation, the initiative will provide grants to cities that create sustainable plans and secure local donors. Focusing on housing, child care, and education, the fund seeks to foster growth and opportunity. Learn how this project will reshape southwest Iowa’s future and its communities. Discover the fund’s distribution and potential impact!