Latest news with #GreatAmericanMainStreetAward
Yahoo
a day ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Des Moines closing splash pads, some pools to reduce water consumption
DES MOINES, Iowa — The City of Des Moines announced Friday afternoon that it will be temporarily closing its splash pads and some pools to reduce water consumption. The announcement comes after Central Iowa Water Works implemented a first-ever ban on lawn watering Thursday to reduce the strain on water treatment facilities to remove near-record levels of nitrates in the Des Moines and Racoon rivers. Jefferson celebrates Great American Main Street Award Des Moines city officials said all spraygrounds, splash pools, and wading pools will be shut off beginning Friday. However, four of the city's pools and aquatic centers will remain open. Those locations include the Ashworth Swimming Pool, the Nahas Family Aquatic Center, the Northwest Family Aquatic Center, and the Teachout Family Aquatic Center. Birdland pool remains closed as the city works to install a new filter. According to CIWW, the lawn watering ban will be in effect for the foreseeable future until nitrate levels in the rivers decrease. As of Thursday, the nitrate levels in the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers were 17.3 mg/L and 15.4 mg/L, respectively. The last time nitrate levels in the rivers were that high was in 2013, when they reached over 14 mg/L in the Des Moines and 24 mg/L in the Raccoon. Metro News: Former Ankeny teacher sentenced to prison for sexually exploiting student Iowa-based ice cream sandwich now available at Costco locations across Midwest CIWW enacts ban on lawn watering as nitrate levels climb Brad Edwards joining WHO 13 as a contributor on July 1st Greg Edwards on making Des Moines a destination Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Jefferson celebrates Great American Main Street Award
JEFFERSON, Iowa – Earlier this year, Jefferson was honored as a winner of the Great American Main Street Award by Main Street America, the highest honor a Main Street community can receive. Woodworking meets Broadway in small town Iowa Jefferson Matters' Executive Director Matt Wetrich said it's a reflection of 13 years of hard work to revamp the historic central business district in a struggling small town, as well as turn Jefferson into an enticing destination and welcoming hometown. He joined Today in Iowa's Calyn Thompson during the Live On Location coverage to discuss the recognition. You can check out all the stories from Today in Iowa's week-long focus on Jefferson here: Live on Location in Jefferson. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Warren County barn fire claims life of 81-year-old man
WARREN COUNTY, Iowa — One person is dead following a barn fire in Warren County earlier this week. The Northern Warren Fire Department said it was dispatched to a structure fire on Geneva Street in the Spring Hill area shortly before 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Former Ankeny teacher sentenced to prison for sexually exploiting student When they arrived, they found a barn fully engulfed in flames and a victim with severe burn were able to pull an 81-year-old male victim from the structure before emergency crews got there. He was transported by MercyOne Air Med to a regional hospital in critical condition, but died from his injuries despite lifesaving efforts. A second person was being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The identities of the victims are not being released at this time. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Boater still missing in western Iowa Jefferson celebrates Great American Main Street Award Warren County barn fire claims life of 81-year-old man Dad and sons play catch to 'Handle Hard Better' Knoxville's Ken Locke Stadium holds ribbon cutting Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Jefferson wins national Main Street award
JEFFERSON, Iowa — Main Street America recognized Jefferson Matters, along with Denison, TX Main Street, and Raton MainStreet as the winners of the 2025 Great American Main Street Award. Main Street America said the three organizations received the award as they all serve as exemplary models for resiliency, creative placemaking, and commitment to preservation-based economic development. The awards were handed out at the Main Street America Conference in Philadelphia on Monday. The award was so big, that around 20 members of the Jefferson Matters leadership community were on hand in Philadelphia for the big news. 'I'm just really proud of the community of Jefferson,' said Matt Wetrich, Executive Director of Jefferson Matters. 'It's a huge community-wide endeavor, a lot of key partnerships. You have to have everybody kind of pulling in the same direction that's one of the things that we pride ourselves in this partnerships and collaboration.' Restricting student cellphone use sent to Gov. Kim Reynolds' desk to be signed into law In a news release Jefferson Matters explained that 'Jefferson was honored as a winner of the Great American Main Street Award by Main Street America — the highest honor a Main Street community can receive. This is a reward for and reflection of 13 years of hard work to revamp the historic central business district in a struggling small town and turning Jefferson into an enticing destination and welcoming hometown.' Jefferson Matters also listed some of its accomplishments. Which include: Transforming $6 million of public investment into $18 million of private investment Helping open 45 net new businesses Facilitating the creation of 101 net new jobs Catalyzing the rehabilitation of 115 buildings Leveraging more than 57,000 volunteer hours Jefferson was also commended for efforts to make the community more inclusive. 'Our economic development group started multicultural family resource center, and Sarah Huddleston is the executive director that she came with us,' said Wetrich. 'This was some really forward thinking, for such a small community. To have a chance of growing, we need to be more welcoming.' 'Jefferson not only embodies the spirit of a thriving Main Street community but also serves as a model of innovation and community engagement for Main Street programs across the state and the nation,' said Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority. Jefferson will hold a celebration of the award on Monday, April 14. There will also be a news conference where community members will speak on this high honor for the community. Iowa News: Jefferson wins national Main Street award Restricting student cellphone use sent to Gov. Kim Reynolds' desk to be signed into law Iowa House Republicans send school funding bill to Gov. Reynolds amid House Democrats' warning of cuts WHO 13 Farm Report: Tuesday, April 8th Colfax pharmacy foresees closure if PBM reform bill doesn't pass Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
USA Today
20-02-2025
- USA Today
Why this historic Ohio River town is perfect for weekend getaways
Day-trippers are flocking to this hidden gem in the Midwest The Broadway Fountain is a centerpiece of downtown Madison, Indiana — Photo courtesy of Bernie Kasper Advertisement Perched along a scenic bend of the Ohio River near Cincinnati, Louisville, and Indianapolis, the small town of Madison, Indiana, is a slice of Americana that thrives in the modern age while keeping its soul intact. Madison is home to America's largest contiguous National Historic Landmark District, where elegant mansions and storefronts create a living museum of architectural treasures. Yet, this picturesque hamlet is anything but a sleepy relic of the past, and people are taking notice. In 2024, Madison made a clean sweep, claiming the Indiana Chamber of Commerce's Community of the Year Award, a Great American Main Street Award, and ranking first in USA TODAY 10BEST Readers' Choice Award for Best Small Town in the Midwest. Interested in discovering what all the buzz is about? Here's what you need to know to plan a fun getaway to this Midwest gem. Things to do in Madison, Indiana Madison's historic Main Street is a National Historic Landmark District — Photo courtesy of Bernie Kasper Madison has a lot more going for it than charm. It hits all the right notes as "Indiana's Music City," with live tunes spilling out of a half-dozen venues throughout the week. You'll find wineries that pass the sommelier test and festivals that bring the Ohio River waterfront to life. The town's pride is its 133-block historic district, which is filled with 19th century storefronts housing shops, art galleries, restaurants, and music venues. The Greek Revival and Federal-style buildings may look like the 1850s, but the craft coffee shops, chocolatier, and artisanal bakeries are very now. If you're interested in history, rifle through the many antique shops or visit the Schroeder Saddletree Factory Museum, which tells the story of American manufacturing innovation. Although there are many historic mansions and churches throughout Madison, architecture enthusiasts should visit the Lanier Mansion, an 1844 Greek Revival masterpiece with gorgeous formal gardens, and the Shrewsbury-Windle House, which features a stunning three-story spiral staircase. Madison, Indiana, is an Ohio River Valley town worth checking out — Photo courtesy of Brent Spry Madison's riverfront, once a bustling port for steamboats, is now known as the Riverwalk Trail, where visitors have a front-row seat to river traffic, sunset views, strolls, bike rides, and summer concerts and festivals. During a Rockin Thunder River Tour, you can spot eagles and hear about old-timey life on the river. Creative spirits soar during the Madison Chautauqua Festival of Art in Madison, Indiana — Photo courtesy of Laura Gardner Summer is an ideal time to plan a trip to Madison. You'll find great live music here year-round, but in July, there's the Madison Regatta and Roostertail Music Festival. In August, foodies flock to the Madison Ribberfest BBQ & Blues, a decades-old tradition blending savory barbecue with soulful blues. Come September, there's the Unbroken Circle Music Festival and the two-day Madison Chautauqua Festival of Art, a massive juried art show with nearly 250 entries. Minutes from downtown Madison, Indiana, Clifty Falls State Park is home to hiking trails and stunning waterfalls — Photo courtesy of Bernie Kasper Outdoor enthusiasts can visit Clifty Falls State Park, just minutes from downtown. The park features 70-foot gorges, hiking trails, and impressive waterfalls. Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge offers bird-watching, wildlife viewing, and photography opportunities. Where to eat in Madison, Indiana The absurdly delicious Hoosier pork tenderloin sandwich is a mainstay in Madison, Indiana — Photo courtesy of Clifty Inn Madison's food scene features everything from refined dining to comfortable classics. Shipley's Tavern, established in 1867, and Hinkle's Sandwich Shop, a fixture since 1933, feature Hoosier and Ohio River Valley staples like juicy burgers and huge pork tenderloin sandwiches. A visit to Madison Farmers Market, the oldest farmers market in Indiana, is always a fun excursion. Got a sweet tooth? Falls Restaurant at Clifty Inn, overlooking the scenic Ohio River, serves an award-winning sugar cream pie. River Oak Chophouse rivals high-end steakhouses in any major city. Red Roaster Coffee Company crafts artisanal beverages in a converted 19th century storefront, and Horst's Little Bakery Haus nods to the Ohio River Valley's German heritage with traditional stollen and fresh donuts. Wineries in Madison Lanthier Winery is one of the top wineries in Indiana — Photo courtesy of Leigh Davis Three wineries have put Madison on the wine-tasting map. Thomas Family Winery offers award-winning wines and hard ciders in a restored 1850s carriage house. Stream Cliff Farm Winery, located on Indiana's oldest herb farm, combines wine tasting with stunning gardens and a farm-to-table cafe. Lanthier Winery, one of the top wineries in the state, charms visitors with its courtyard garden, complimentary wine tastings, and annual holiday events. Hotels in Madison, Indiana There are a variety of stays downtown, from boutique hotels to guesthouses — Photo courtesy of Visit Madison In the heart of downtown, The Chandler Hotel had past lives as a livery stable and as a warehouse for the Madison Courier, the town's newspaper. Bed-and-breakfast fans will appreciate the Iron Gate Inn, an 1840 Federal mansion. The Fairfield Inn & Suites Madison Historic Eagle Cotton Mill was once a cotton mill and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Historic Hotels of America member. For something more intimate, it's worth looking into guesthouses like Stablemaster's Quarters and 2nd Street Carriage House & Inn.
