The Village of Iola Community Development Authority (CDA) Board convened Tuesday, June 10, at 4 p.m. at the Iola Village Hall to finalize key community improvement initiatives, including a $25,000 donation to the Iola-Scandinavia School District for theater upgrades and the adoption of a final design for the Hwy 161 welcome sign.
Present at the meeting were committee members Jennifer Schustek, Jim Rasmussen, and Sharyl Peterson. Absent were Mark Sether and Ed Staal.
Additional attendees included community members and staff such as Greg Loescher, Clifford Mishler, Scott Bestul, Laura J. Krogwold (Clerk/Treasurer), and Missy Fenn (Deputy Clerk/Treasurer).
During the meeting, Chairperson Jennifer Schustek introduced a resolution redirecting an unallocated $25,000 donation from the Krause Foundation to the Iola-Scandinavia School District’s theater project. The foundation, which contributed the funds three years prior without specifying a use, recently expressed its desire for the money to support the school’s arts program. The motion, seconded by Board Member Sharyl Peterson, passed unanimously.
Schustek remarked that the CDA was formed “for the purpose of making improvements that benefit everyone in the Village.” She affirmed that the theater project aligned with this goal by enhancing local arts and education.
Community Engaged by Goats, Excited for Covered Bridge
The meeting opened with a local favorite topic: goats. Schustek provided an update on the village’s creative buckthorn removal initiative, where goats were used to clear invasive plants. “People came from all around the area to watch the goats in action,” she shared enthusiastically. The goats will return in the fall for a second round of cleanup.
Attention then turned to the Covered Bridge project. Clerk staff distributed layout plans provided by C. Wasrud, revealing a detailed blueprint of the forthcoming structure. The board confirmed a projected cost of $6,650, intending to complete construction by Labor Day.
Welcome sign and park projects
Board Member Jim Rasmussen presented the finalized design for the Highway 161 welcome sign, which received unanimous approval following a motion by Rasmussen and seconded by Peterson.
While Olson Park improvements were also on the agenda, discussions were deferred until future meetings when relevant stakeholders, including C. Nelson and ISRA representatives, could attend.