Community Economic Development

Local Highlights

March 14, 2013

OSAGE, Iowa – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will celebrate Extension Week throughout the state March 25-29, 2013.

“It’s one way we can say ‘thank you’ to the many volunteers, community leaders, organizations, agencies and other partners who support ISU Extension work in Iowa,” said Gary Hall, Regional Director for ISU Extension and Outreach in Cerro Gordo, Floyd, Franklin, Mitchell and Worth counties.

“As a land-grant university, Iowa State was founded on three big ideas: to open higher education to all, to teach practical classes and to share knowledge far beyond the campus borders,” Hall said. “Extension focuses on Healthy People, Healthy Environments, and Healthy Economies.

County extension offices will be holding open houses and other activities throughout the week, and Cy, the Iowa State University mascot, will be making special appearances around the state.

The Mitchell County Extension and Outreach office will be celebrating Extension Week with registrations for door prizes throughout the week and a drawing for winners during an Open House from 2-4 p.m Thursday, March 28th.  Prizes include ISU Extension and Outreach lawn chairs, coffee mugs, and garden calendars. During the open house, popcorn and lemonade will be served.

In addition, a coloring contest is being offered for age groups 3-5 years, 6-8 years, and 9-10 years, prizes in each age group include 4-H color changing water bottles. The picture of Cy can be picked up anytime at the Mitchell County Extension office at 315 Main St, Osage or online here and should be returned by Thursday, March 28th. Need not be present to win!

February 22, 2013

It’s that time of year again: Tax Seasonand Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is here to help!  The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program will provide free income tax return preparation in Osageat the ISU Extension and Outreach office located at 315 Main St., Osage,  on Feb. 22 and March 15 from 9 AM – 4 PM.  Appointments are preferred, but walk-insarewelcome. This service is available to those with less than $50,000 household income.  The VITA program does not do farm income, the buying and selling of property, stocks or bonds.  Those also wanting assistance in completing the IA Rent Reimbursement papers are welcome as well. 

In order for your VITA Tax Counselor to prepare your return, the following documentation is required: Picture I.D.; Social Security card (or Military I.D. with social security number) of taxpayer, spouse and all dependents listed on the tax return; income statements for wages, interest, dividends, pensions, social security, and other income (W-2s, and 1099s); expense statements to itemize deductions; a copy of last year's tax return (if available); and the bank account and routing numbers if direct deposit of refunds (or to debit payment of any taxes due) is desired.  For more informationor to schedule an appointment, call 641-530-3308.

Statewide Resources

  • ISU Extension assists Iowa communities in planning and encouraging sustainable community and economic development that lead to positive quality of life for all citizens.

  • Program Builder is a tool where community leaders can review and make selections from a variety of technical assistance, consulting and educational programs that will improve the quality of life in your community.

  • RECAP provides data and research on local economic, demographic, and social trends for business and communities.

  • Reports of recent and historical trends in the local retail trade sector by city.

  • Nonprofit Management Academies enhance the management skills of those serving nonprofit sector.

  • Helping the College of Engineering and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach carry out their land-grant university mission to improve the quality of life in Iowa by enhancing the performance of Iowa industry.

  • The CVC facilitates networking among small and medium size rural communities, sponsors policy analyses, engages communities in dialogue, and fosters discussion among rural and urban interests.

  • Data on each county in Iowa including population demographics, education, retail sales, personal income, employment, occupation, housing, and family characteristics.

  • See all the resources ISU Extension offers for to help you manage your farm business.

  • Provides opportunities for youth to develop skills they can use now and throughout their life, empowering them to reach their full potential working and learning in partnership with caring adults.

  • Specialists have compiled a list of resources to help you prepare for and recover from natural disasters. Remember to take care of yourself and your family first; then deal with the things lost to the disaster.

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