OTTUMWA, IOWA -- The Blue Zones committee chose 11 Iowa communities as finalists for their health initiative, and Ottumwa made the cut.

54 towns across the state submitted applications showing their dedication to health and wellness. Ottumwa will now have to plan on how to best display health initiatives to the Blue Zones committee.

Along with Ottumwa, the other cities chosen were Ames, Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids, Clinton, Davenport, Mason City, Muscatine, Sioux City, Spencer and Waterloo.

The site visits will be done next month, with final Blue Zones Institute demonstration training being completed over the summer.

Smaller communities, with a population of 10,000 or less, will find out if they were selected as finalists next month. Fairfield hopes to follow in Ottumwa's footsteps.

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Ottumwa makes a healthy living push

Ottumwa needs your help to be a blue zone