Johnston City officials are considering updating roads, lighting and sewer and stormwater systems.

Earlier this week, officials met with residents to hear feedback on the proposals for the oldest parts of the city that date back to 1900s.

Updating the sewage system is a must Councilman Dave Lindeman told the Des Moines Register but moving power lines underground could cost $20,000 per household according to MidAmerican Energy.

Another meeting is set in a month time with more detailed costing and designs.

Iowa Public Television has announced its 7th annual reading road trip tour that is set to reach 67 Iowa communities this summer.

Host of IPTV KIDS Clubhouse, Dan Wardell will lead the tour that takes in numerous libraries. You can keep up to speed with the tour on Wardell’s online journal.

Select central Iowa destinations from the Reading Road Trip schedule:

90 years on, one local architectural firm has adapted to technological changes to remain at the forefront.

frk architects + engineers celebrates 90 years of service this year – making it one of the oldest architectural firms in the state.  

“Having such a rich history doesn’t happen by coincidence,” says managing partner Dave Briden. “We have always had a reputation of working very hard to serve our clients well and to build long lasting relationships with them.  That’s the key to our success.”

In 1923 it was all drawing boards and reams of paper, now it’s sophisticated computer software that helps them design public and commercial buildings including the B’nai Jeshurun Temple in Des Moines, Kum and Go’s throughout the Midwest, The Adventureland Inn in Altoona, and the Cass County Courthouse in Atlantic. 

The West Des Moines based company is currently working on several new school buildings including Johnston’s new high school.