Annie Smith Barkalow's stories

A painter on an extension ladder works on a second story building facade in downtown Anamosa on July 8, 2025.

City of Anamosa in final phase of downtown revitalization efforts

The city of Anamosa lies at the confluence of the Wapsipinicon River and Buffalo Creek, flanked by Highway 151 to the east and the river to the west. Overlooking the junction of these two waterways is Riverside Cemetery, the final…

Mercy Iowa City tackles contract disputes, dissolutions

Mercy Iowa City is seeking relief from its executory contract with the Steindler Orthopedic Clinic,…

Mercy Iowa City

Fourth time’s a charm; vacant Iowa City lot seeks to rezone once more

A vacant lot in Iowa City is once again up for rezoning consideration, following the…

Iowa City lot, Moss Ridge, is seeking to rezone

Mercy bondholder, trustee seek proceeds from sale of assets

Mercy Iowa City bondholder, Preston Community Capital, is seeking court approval to distribute sale proceeds…

Mercy Iowa City, located at 500 E. Market St.

Washington pork producer JWV Pork closes Washington site, lays off workers

Major Iowa pork producer JWV Pork, 2504 Quince Ave., Washington, Iowa, has laid off 65…

JWV Pork logo

Iowa City Community Theatre purchases land for new theater; will join South of 6 businesses

For years, the Iowa City Community Theatre (ICCT) has charmed its audience from its venue…

A sign marks the new location of the Iowa City Community Theatre.

YMCA of Washington County awarded $4k Sports Tourism grant

At its Jan. 11 meeting, the Enhance Iowa Board awarded an estimated $1.8 million in…

Runners at the starting line of the Kewash Half Marathon.

International plastics manufacturer to add training facility in Iowa City

Austrian-based company Alpla, Inc. has plans to develop a training facility in Iowa City to…

Greater Iowa City, Inc. seeks collaboration with Iowa City Council

Johnson County’s economic development organization, Greater Iowa City, Inc., is seeking a closer collaboration between…

The Greater Iowa City, Inc. blue banner displays its new logo.

Food nonprofits see fruitful year, despite ongoing drought

2023 wasn’t exactly a banner year for agriculture – Iowa saw its third year of…

Farm Coordinator Sarah Nelson harvest-garlic scapes.

Immigration & Business Luncheon to focus on perspective, inclusion

The Catherine McAuley Center is hosting its second annual Immigration & Business Luncheon, a “celebration…

JOANN Fabric facing financial uncertainty

A popular fabric and craft store is facing financial uncertainty after declining sales and heavy…

JOANN Fabric and Craft store at 1676 Sycamore St. in Iowa City.

Scouted or scammed? Employment scams becoming more prevalent

Aly McConnell was thrilled when a message popped up in her email inbox offering her…

employment scams unemployment tax

CBJ Newsmakers: Iowa City Marketplace sale imminent

This story is a part of the CBJ’s Newsmakers edition. This year-end wrap-up from the…

Brookwood Capital Advisors is selling the Iowa City Marketplace in auction next month. CREDIT NOAH TONG

Amish-inspired market coming to Washington

Good smells – and tastes – are coming Washington’s way. This spring, Washington residents will…

A rendering of Dutch Market, LLC.

J&P Cycles closes Anamosa retail store

National motorcycle retailer J&P Cycles announced its Anamosa location is closing, eight years after it…

J&P Cycles is closing its Anamosa location.