Part of a series by Tari Robertson,

Features Editor, THE NEWS

Heading into his third month on the job, Buchanan County’s new Economic Development Director Nate Clayberg hopes to “build bridges” toward greater economic development.

“This county has so much going for it,” Clayberg observes, “not the least of which is its convenient location to major highways, interstates, and large metropolitan areas.”

Furthermore, Clayberg feels that Buchanan County offers a dedicated workforce with a strong work ethic. “The people in this county are hardworking, genuine and give their trust immediately … that is, until someone gives them a reason not to … and that makes Buchanan County a special place. My charge, as the county’s new economic director, is to improve quality of life and build relationships with the residents, towns and public officials in this county … and hopefully, (my background) will prove to be an asset in that charge.”

Read the full story in THE NEWS this week.

“Healthy Meals in a Hurry” was held at the Grace United Methodist Church in Lamont on Feb. 23.

It was an evening of fun and ‘hands-on’ activity, as participants learned the value of making smart food choices, food safety, and various knife skills, participants also prepared two of the main dishes featured in the Healthy Meals in a Hurry Cookbook.

The program was sponsored in part by the Lamont Area Horizons Program and the Buchanan County ISU Extension Office.

For future programming; please go the website:  www.extension.iastate.edu/buchanan

Pictured, from left: Jodi Meyer, Nick Allsup, Alex Allsup, Rita Sandhagen, Laura Morine, Karen Murley.

(Photo Courtesy Extension Office)

Deadline for applications is March 12

Buchanan County Habitat for Humanity organizers have announced that a lot in Independence has been purchased for the next Habitat home in the county.

Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit ecumenical Christian housing ministry, was founded in 1986. The organization builds affordable houses around the world with volunteer labor and donations of funds and materials. In the last couple years, local Habitat homes have been built in Winthrop and Jesup.

Those interested in assisting with the project, or those who would like to apply to be the Independence Habitat homeowner, should contact Independence Area Chamber of Commerce, Volunteer Co-op, or B & D Services. Application deadline is March 12.

Habitat homes are “sold” to partner families at no profit and financed with affordable loans. Habitat homeowners are chosen based on their level of need, their willingness to become partners in the program and their ability to repay the loan. For more information, call (319) 334-6922.