04/27/2026
The Kiester Economic Development Authority has wrapped up another year. Here’s a brief review of some of the accomplishments:
In 2024, we secured a grant for $15,000 grant and established a Commercial Façade Improvement Program. This grant program allowed businesses to apply for grants up to $5,000 of which could be used to cover half of the expenses of various improvements.
• Forever Berma’s: improved roof and storefronts of two buildings
• Gold Eagle: New signage
• Kiester American Legion: New signage
• Kee Theatre: New neon on the marquee
• Kee Kafe: landscaping
The Kiester EDA secured a $13,000 grant from Taylor Family Farms Foundation, $5,000 from the Cannon Valley Foundation, $1,000 donation from The Kiester Fire Relief Association for $1,000, and a pledge of $1,000 from the Kiester Legion to assist with the construction of a pickle ball court which is scheduled to be built this May 2026. This project is also partially supported with city/EDA funds. Volunteers will be needed to help with the installation of fencing and other small tasks. The estimated cost of this project is $26,000 and donations in any amount are welcome. A plaque will be installed on-site recognizing donors who give in amounts of $500 or more.
Paint Your Town Grant funds were secured and used to refresh the crosswalks, curbs and parking lines and park equipment. Paint was also used for a barn quilt installation that was painted entirely by volunteers this previous summer and fall. Installation of barn quilts will occur as weather permits. Funds from the EDA was used to purchase plywood, paintbrushes, sealer and small incidentals. Twelve volunteers made the project possible by donating 37 hours of volunteer time.
The EDA board identified the defunct hog transfer station, the old Smithfield lot on the south side of town, as property that was a safety concern and eye sore. Board president Al Bauman contacted the owner with concerns, and they eventually transferred the property back to the city. We then requested bids for demolition and clean-up. The lot is now successfully cleaned up. This property will soon be listed with Leland Realty for $15,500.
Lack of daycare providers in the area was also identified as a major need in our community and surrounding areas. While unable to identify any properties that would be appropriate for a non-residential daycare site, data was collected and contacts and some grant funding is available. Contact the city clerk if you would like more information and a board member will contact you to share information and help you get connected to resources.
We lost one of our original members from when the EDA was reorganized. Larry Dahleen served as our treasurer and did an excellent job with budgeting, providing a positive influence and a deep commitment to our town. Following Larry’s passing, he was replaced by Kurt Grobe. Kurt shared a desire to see our town prosper before moving to Florida; his position has since been filled by Paul Martin. Board member Michele Alphs recently resigned from the board due to time constraints.
The EDA board has also continued our business highlight visits. If your business has not yet been contacted and you’d like to be featured, please message us on our page.
For 2026, we are hoping to secure grants to update the town’s Welcome to Kiester and will continue to seek out funding to help improve our town and local businesses. The board is also exploring possibilities to rehabilitate the former athletic field after the city streets’ project is complete. Currently, we are exploring a walking path and possible campsites, rustic and/or with electric.
Here’s hope for even bigger and better things in 2026.
Sincerely,
Al Baumann
Michelle Gurung
Karen Busch
Brandon Hagenson
Paul Martin
Jason Garvick
💓 Special thanks to all of the volunteers, businesses and nonprofits who have helped make all of this possible! 💓
Look for the barn quilts to be going up soon and a post once they are up.
