Dubuque-based Flexsteel Industries Inc. ceased operations at its New Paris, Ind., recreational vehicle seating factory and its manufacturing operations in Lancaster, Pa., yesterday. The company intends to continue its warehousing and shipping operations in Lancaster. The board of directors also declared a fourth-quarter dividend of 13 cents per share payable Oct. 1, to shareholders on record as of Sept. 19.

Heartland Express Inc. said Monday its board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of 2 cents per share. The Coralville-based company said the dividend is payable Oct. 2 to shareholders of record Sept. 19.

Des Moines was named the second-best place in the United States for affordable homes by CNN, with a median home price of $105,000. Fort Smith, Ark. was ranked No. 1 with a median home price of $87,000.

Blank Park Zoo will be hosting a country-style gala called “Uptown Hoedown” to benefit the zoo on Saturday, Sept. 27, at 5:30 p.m. The event will include food, drinks, entertainment and a sneak peak at the new zoo expansion plans. Tickets are $125 and available online at www.blankparkzoo.com. Funds from the gala support the educational programs at the zoo as well as training, veterinary care and general operations.

The grand-opening ceremony for TPI Composites Inc.’s newest wind blade factory in Newton is scheduled for Sept. 16 at 10 a.m. The 316,000-square-foot plant will produce high-performance wind turbine blades for GE Energy’s 1.5-megawatt wind turbines and will employ nearly 500 workers.

Healthy Polk 2020, a group representing area residents and community leaders, with direction from the Polk County Health Department, is seeking resident input on a community health plan for the next 10 years. A series of Community Conversations scheduled for September and October will facilitate dialogue, and a complete schedule can be found at www.healthypolk.org.