The good Two Iowa fire departments will receive funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, which will be used to increase the effectiveness of fire operations and to support fire fighter safety at the Saylor Township Fire Department in Polk County, which was awarded

The good The state Department of Education said last week that Iowa’s graduation rate increased to more than 89 percent, the highest in the nation and up nearly 1 percentage point from 2011. Iowa’s four-year graduation rate ranks first nationally. Graduation rates increased in 172 of Iowa’s 318 school districts

The good Des Moines Public Schools will be able to hire 40 to 50 additional teachers in 2013-14, even if state lawmakers freeze school aid, according to a press release sent to Cityview last week. Budget projections show the district can expect a surplus of at least $3.4 million in

The good VolunteerLocal of Des Moines received national accolades last week when it was selected from a record-number of applicants as a winner of the Blue Ribbon Small Business Award. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce chose VolunteerLocal because of its dedication to the principles of free enterprise and its contributions

The good The Des Moines Symphony was presented the prestigious Bravo Encore Award at the eighth-annual Bravo Greater Des Moines Awards Gala last week. A record 1,300 people arrived for the celebration. “This is an especially great honor coming during the Symphony’s 75th Anniversary Season,” said Music Director and Conductor

The good The Des Moines Area Association of Realtors Foundation recently announced that, since 2000, it has given more than $300,000 to local Des Moines charities to meet community needs. The Foundation donated $41,000 in 2012 to Central Iowa Shelter, Anawim House, Children and Families of Iowa, House of Mercy,

The good Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) recently received several awards at the 94th annual national convention in Nashville, Tenn., for outstanding state Farm Bureau activities. IFBF was honored with five awards of excellence in all program areas including education and outreach, leadership development, member services, policy development and implementation

The good Bravo Greater Des Moines recently awarded a total of $274,083 to 18 central Iowa arts and cultural organizations as part of its FY2013 Capital Campaign and Projects (CCP) Grant allocation process. The award amount and number of applicants are record-breaking for the regional arts council. Through 28E agreements

The good Inspired by her friend who lives with a disability, a 9-year-old Ankeny girl named Elizabeth Overberg recently went campaigning door to door and raised $721 for the proposed Ankeny Miracle League Field project. The Ankeny Miracle League Field is an all-inclusive recreational facility designed for children with special