A deteriorating building downtown should be declared abandoned, says a court filing by the city of Oelwein, which is seeking ownership. A court hearing in the years-long legal conflict involving the building at 27 S. Frederick — former home of Seams So Simple — is pending as court officials are trying to contact owner Gary Wright about setting a date. Wright took ownership of the building in the fall of 2021. He planned to repair and renovate it to operate a dog grooming business. He has not been able to bring the building up to code. The latest legal filing, … Continue reading City petitions to take ownership of ‘deteriorating’ building downtown

Ashley Industrial Molding staff donated 155 pounds of food to Plentiful Pantry in Oelwein. Pantry officials say it will help so much over the holidays. Courtesy photo Continue reading Ashley employees donate to Plentiful Pantry

It could take until February for repairs to get done at Viper Lanes in Oelwein, according to a social media post by the bowling alley’s ownership. Viper Lanes and P.J.s Bar and Grill closed “until further notice” earlier this week after Oelwein was soaked by an estimated 1.4 inches of rain overnight Monday. Prior to the rain event, the business had gotten a permit from the city to re-deck and coat a commercial roof. “The damage inside the business is extensive and will take an estimated 2 to 4 months or more to repair,” says a post put up Saturday … Continue reading Repairs to Viper Lanes likely to take months