Maker/Space Project: A New Way To Develop A Skilled Workforce
A Maker/Space is a place designed for “hands on learning” with all the tools/equipment/technology needed for junior and senior high school students, as well as folks in the community that would like to learn new and/or different job skills. WDC in partnership with Wilton Public Library, the Wilton, Durant and West Liberty junior and senior high schools, as well as Muscatine Community College (MCC) and Eastern Iowa Community College have come together to create this much needed environment. This project received a sizable donation from the Townsend Foundation to buy equipment and MCC is lending us one of the classrooms at Wilton Community Center. We are on our way so stay tuned!
Congratulations to Industrial Packaging!
Industrial Packaging was given Iowa Area Development Group’s 2021 Iowa Venture Award. This award is given to businesses who exhibit entrepreneurial leadership, investment and job creation. Industrial Packaging Corporation was founded in Tomahawk, Wisconsin, in 1989 to produce corrugated product for the packaging market. In 2002, they expanded their operations with a new plant in Wilton. In 2019, they more than doubled their Wilton operation with a 30,000-square-foot addition, adding a second honeycomb panel line. Congratulations Industrial Packaging!
Chandler Pointe Apartments Coming Soon!
Construction is going well on the new housing development of 35 one-and-two bedroom apartments for 55 and older residents with mixed income levels. The Chandler Pointe apartments will feature a modern, open design and have amenities such as dishwashers, in-unit washer and dryers, and extra storage space. Community spaces include a solarium and community room residents can use for social/recreation, educational and wellness events. In addition, Chandler Pointe will provide emergency alert systems and on-site management to ensure it remains a place people are proud to call home. Completion date is expected by late 2022.
Historic Tours in Muscatine County
Recently the Muscatine County Historic Preservation Commission (MCHPC) with the help of the Wilton Certified Local Government (CLG) completed a survey of historic country schools and churches in Muscatine County. This survey took 19 months to complete with the help of many volunteers who collectively logged 1200 volunteer hours. These historic locations have been GPS located on the county’s MAGIC Map (accessible under historic locations). We identified 104 county school sites and 37 county churches, with the final phase being placement of signage for these historic locations. These groups are now working on signage design and specification so the physical location of the school or church will be designated and historic tours can begin.