The county is easing virus restrictions by partially reopening senior centers and formally adopting a “recommended” rather than “mandated” mask policy. Discussion on the mask issue linked back to recent decisions at the state level,…

A new housing initiative is taking shape locally. To learn more, this Register reporter sat down with Jonathon Goering, economic development director at Thrive Allen County. He explained how “Thrive was selected to participate in…

Thrive Allen County’s transportation program is changing lives. “To me it’s been a godsend,” said Iolan Loren Mitchell, in reference to the local initiative. The 83-year-old said his daughter had been giving him rides to…

Allen County has been awarded a transportation grant in excess of $70,000. Jessica Thompson, director of development for Thrive Allen County, confirmed the state’s award of the 5311 grant, and said it would “allow us…

In recent years, a group of steely determined volunteers, equipped with various grants and an occasional assist from the city helped convert empty industrial land and an abandoned railroad right-of-way near Iola into one of…

Allen County Regional Airport may soon be expanding. But what does that mean exactly? To find out more, this Register reporter sat down with Jonathon Goering, economic development director at Thrive Allen County, and Allen…

Right now, local pastures are a tinderbox. Hence emergency management director Jason Trego said that due to high winds, the threat of grassland fires on Tuesday was an “extreme danger,” and today the danger is…

Allen County’s newest transportation program is facing a delay. Lisse Regehr, CEO of Thrive Allen County, briefed Allen County commissioners at their meeting Tuesday on the program’s challenges of hiring a driver for the new…

This week Iola received $350,000 to buy a new fire engine. Or half of one. Fire engines these days cost a staggering $700,000. The gift takes the form of a Community Development Block Grant awarded…

A local organization is offering rides to the COVID-19 vaccination clinics. Beginning Thursday, Thrive Allen County will provide transportation to the clinics. Thursday’s is targeted to Allen County residents age 85 and older. The clinic…