Two Guard Armories to Close

Two of the state’s National Guard Armories are being closed down. Late Friday, the Iowa National Guard announced the Guard Armory in Clarinda closed July 31st, and the Armory in Mapleton will be closed down October 31st. A prepared statement referred to the two Armories as “aging facilities” that require too much maintenance. The Clarinda Armory is 50 years old. The Mapleton Armory was built 53 years ago. Clarinda’s soldiers have been reassigned to the Armory in nearby Shenandoah. Mapleton’s soldiers are being reassigned to Council Bluffs. Armories in Villisca,Atlantic and Sioux Center were closed last year.