Clarke County

Sitting squarely in the crosshairs of I-35, Highway 34 and Highway 69, Osceola is on the move! It will un- dergo major changes with infrastructure improvements to the Historic Downtown District, the Highway 34 corridor and Highway 69-Main Street.

Three new businesses enhance Highway 34: Community First Credit Union, Family Dollar Store, and a “Quick Visit Clinic”. Newly constructed sidewalks line both sides of the newly resurfaced highway.

Just off I-35 at the Clay Street Exit, Revelton Distill- ing Company commands attention. Rob and Christi Tay- lor built the multi-million-dollar operation by following a green business plan and cultivating partnerships. They use American-made products; hire mostly local contractors; procure grain and honey from nearby producers and make the used mash available to feed livestock. It is one of the few grain-glass distilleries around.

Recently, Revelton was added to the Iowa Tourism’s new Iowa Distillery Passport program, one of eight dis- tilleries participating. The passport, available at traveliowa.com/passport, provides a free digital mobile road map to distilleries statewide, complete with curated discounts and deals

The downtown streetscape begins in the spring of 2024. The long-planned super project suffered setbacks because of increased wastewater management costs, but it will provide upgraded infrastructure and a needed facelift to the Historic Downtown: wider sidewalks, and sidewalks on all sides of the courtyard; ADA bump outs at crossings; new lights and sound system, water permeable hardscape will allow for water drainage and a water detention area will prevent flooding; and a pocket park including a mural, ADA seating and plantings will give purpose to an empty lot.

These changes are sure to attract more businesses, upper story housing and tourism to the downtown.

Osceola amenities continue to improve and expand. The walking/biking trails are nearly complete from East Lake Park all the way to Q-Pond. The new East Lake Park campgrounds and amphitheater are finished, and a planned adjacent dog park will be conveniently close to all the Park activities.