The Kalona City Council met on Monday to discuss their pop-up food pantry event and updates on city projects. City Administrator Ryan Schlabaugh also gave an update on the “Too Many Unknown Soldiers” monument saying all the parts of the monument are set to be received this week and the turnaround for completion will be quick. With the Riverside Casino suspending operations because of recommended business closures due to COVID-19, the Washington County Riverboat Foundation suspended their spring grant awards. In response, Kalona City projects like the pocket park on B Avenue, equipment removal at Shiloh, and phase two of city hall landscaping may be put on hold for completion at a later date.

Schlabaugh says he doesn’t want to overcommit and not be able to fund these projects properly. The Kalona community center bond funding will not be affected by the suspension of spring grant awards. Schlabaugh also shared the success the cities of Kalona, Riverside, and Wellman had at Saturday’s event. Over 4,440 pounds of food was distributed and delivered to those with food insecurity. Due to the amount of donated food received and overall success, the three cities are working on plans for another food pantry event on May 2nd.