Annie Smith Barkalow's stories

Corda Credit Union pursuing new location in Coralville
Corda Credit Union is pursuing plans for a new branch in Coralville. The credit union is in the process of purchasing a 3.2 acre lot at 404 Second St., which contains the former McGrath automotive dealership. This would be the…
Wilson’s Orchard & Farm thrives in Des Moines
Five months after officially opening its Des Moines location, Iowa City-based Wilson’s Orchard & Farm…

JoCo Board of Supervisors oust executive director
This story has been updated to include comments from Guillermo Morales. The Johnson County Board…

Iowa City Council considers lower parking rates, new permits
The Iowa City Council is exploring proposals to reduce downtown parking meter rates and create…

Knutson Construction closing, laying off 40 workers next month
Knutson Construction Services Midwest Inc. in Iowa City is shuttering its operations and laying off…

Kirkwood’s inaugural Jones County Leadership Council focuses on student success, workforce development
With cooler weather proclaiming the advent of a new school year, Kirkwood Community College is…

Tasha Lard empowers Black entrepreneurs through community and mentorship
Tasha Lard dipped her toes into entrepreneurship during the pandemic, a time when most businesses…

New report identifies crucial challenges in Iowa’s health care industry
The overall landscape of Iowa’s health care industry is looking bleak, according to recent findings…

North Liberty’s new Pizza Ranch combines dining, entertainment
A new restaurant in North Liberty is offering diners more than just pizza and wings…

Iowa City Council debates new ordinances to limit tobacco retailers
The Iowa City council continues to debate methods of discouraging tobacco and vape shops from…

Iowa’s youth labor law leaves small businesses and teen workers in hot water
An Iowa bill meant to expand employment opportunities has backfired on the businesses it aimed…

Coffee Emporium sold to North Liberty couple, rebranding and expansion ahead
A popular Johnson County coffee chain has switched hands. Coffee Emporium, which has locations in…

North Liberty is booming. Here’s a list of housing developments in the works
You don’t have to be an expert in real estate or economic development to see…

Durham talks triumph, challenges of downtown revitalization
Size doesn’t matter – at least to the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA). The way…

Iowa City businesses get a boost with CoSign+ program
Iowa City has been recognized as one of the top 50 best places for families…

Mount Mercy and St. Ambrose announce historic merger
In a landmark decision, Cedar Rapids’ Mount Mercy University entered into a “strategic combination” agreement…
