The Kiwanis Club of Marshalltown “Noon” held its regular meeting Tuesday at the American Legion Hall, 1301 S. Sixth St. President Linda Dodd Smith called the meeting to order. After the pledge to the flag, Harold Cline led a prayer. Happy Dollars were donated by Mike Gowdy and Jim Bacino.

Bacino introduced Kenn Vinson as speaker. His topic was the new Alliant Energy “Marshalltown Generating Station.” Vinson shared pictures as he explained the power plant. The Marshalltown Generating Station went into operation on April 1. The highly efficient, cost-competitive natural gas facility is providing clean energy for 500,000 homes and businesses. The 650-megawatt capacity generating station is anticipated to be the most efficient natural gas-fueled facility ever built in Iowa and one of the top five most efficient natural gas-fueled facilities in the U.S. It emits less than half the carbon dioxide, two-thirds less nitrogen oxides and roughly 99 percent less sulfur and mercury than traditional coal-fired generation. The $645 million investment to build the Marshalltown Generating Station represents the largest project in the history of Marshall County. During construction, there were typically 800 workers on site, and nearly $50 million dollars came into the community benefitting many local suppliers and vendors. The facility replaced 14 less efficient, smaller older generating units and it was constructed with sustainability at the forefront. The new natural gas power generator needs 90 percent less water supply than the units it replaced.

The Marshalltown Noon Kiwanis Club will offer a 30-day free trial membership, including meals to those interested in checking out a service club. This will be an excellent way to introduce new people to serving the community. We meet Tuesday at 12 p.m. at the American Legion building on South Sixth Street. Offer for limited time only.

Next week on May 30 the Kiwanis Club of Marshalltown (Noon) will not meet so members can celebrate Memorial Day with their families.

Donations were collected for the Under Privileged Children’s Fund.

Anyone in the community wishing information about Kiwanis is invited to visit one of the regular meetings or check this website: www.marshalltownkiwanis.org/

Like the club on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MarshalltownKiwanis