Category: Business

JOHNSTON, IOWA — Fareway Stores announced a month-long initiative throughout November aimed at supporting individuals and families facing food insecurity in the communities we serve. As part of their ongoing commitment to giving back, they say, Fareway is making it easier than ever for customers to help nourish their neighbors.

PERRY – ADR, a leading manufacturer of axles, suspensions and braking systems for agricultural and industrial machinery, said that is strengthened its presence on American soil by acquiring a site in the town of Perry, Iowa, for the construction of the new headquarters of ADR Axles USA Inc.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Hormel Foods Corporation, an Austin, Minn. establishment, is recalling approximately 4,874,815 pounds of foodservice ready-to-eat frozen chicken products that may be contaminated with pieces of metal.

The problem was discovered after the establishment received multiple complaints from foodservice customers finding metal in their frozen chicken breast and chicken thigh products. Hormel Foods determined that the metal originated from the conveyor belt used in production.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – 75 million Americans will get a 2.8 percent increase in monthly Social Security benefits and SSI payments in 2026, the federal agency announced this week.

CLEAR LAKE – Clear Lake continues to build and thrive off it’s tourist-friendly foundation, as the community this week is now home to the Surf District Arch, showing the way toward their historic area of town.

MASON CITY — Mason City celebrated another milestone in downtown revitalization Wednesday afternoon with a ribbon cutting for the new Delaware Avenue Apartments. The event marks the latest step in the city’s efforts to expand quality housing options and support its growing workforce.

“The new apartments add quality housing options right in the heart of downtown — supporting our growing workforce and adding new energy to Mason City’s core,” city hall explained.

MASON CITY – The NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center and North Iowa Area Small Business Development Center (SBDC) are celebrating Billie Asmus of Hampton, Iowa, the founder and CEO of Repaint Studios, for securing an investment deal on ABC’s hit show Shark Tank.

Car buyers in the market for a new sled are aghast at the sticker shock inflected upon them when they stroll onto dealership lots, as prices have soared amidst a troubling economy for many.

JBS USA marked a major milestone with the groundbreaking of its new state-of-the-art sausage production facility in Perry, Iowa, on October 14, 2025.

MASON CITY – We’ve seen some of this before – a fence around the parking lot at Southbridge Mall, a job trailer on the site, and big promises – but this time, officials claim construction is really happening in downtown Mason City on the long-awaiting hotel that will transform the skyline, connect a lonely skywalk, and bring up to 100 or more fresh souls and their wallets to patronize area businesses.

MASON CITY – The NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center and North Iowa Area SBDC are announced that  Steve Strasheim of Twisted River Farm in Mitchell, IA as the October 2025 Entrepreneur of the Month.

BENTONVILLE, ARKANSAS — Walmart announced this week it is moving to eliminate synthetic dyes and the use of an additional 30 ingredients, including certain preservatives, artificial sweeteners and fat substitutes from its private brand food products.

WASHINGTON – On Monday, the Treasury Department and IRS issued proposed regulations identifying the occupations that customarily and regularly received tips before 2025, and therefore may be eligible for the deduction. The proposed regulations also address the definition of “qualified tips” and other requirements taxpayers must comply with to claim the deduction. 

The “No Tax on Tips” provision, enacted with OBBBA, allows employees and self-employed individuals to deduct up to $25,000 of qualified tips they received in a year, per return. Eligible taxpayers may claim the deduction on their 2025 tax return that they file next year. 

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Star Tribune announced plans to stop operating its own printing facility, axe 125 employees, and switch to a Gannett printing facility in Des Moines. (Sounds like doubling down on a dead end strategy, since print newspapers are ancient history in modern times.)

DES MOINES – Dozens of new townhomes are coming to Charles City after millions in state tax credits were awarded to an Urbandale developer.