I have searched for information on December 17 in Iowa history and found some interesting facts:

1. On December 17, 1903, the Wright Brothers made the first successful powered flight in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Although this did not occur in Iowa, the Wright Brothers' pioneer aviation work has influenced the development of aviation in Iowa and the whole world.

2. On December 17, 1927, the Iowa State Highway Commission approved a plan to construct a highway from Sioux City to Dubuque. The project was part of a large-scale effort to improve Iowa's transportation infrastructure and connect the state's major cities.

3. On December 17, 1958, Iowa Governor Herschel Loveless announced a new program aimed to attract more tourists to the state. The program sought to highlight Iowa's natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and cultural attractions to potential visitors from across the country.

4. On December 17, 1976, the first segment of the Des Moines Skywalk System opened, connecting the Polk County Courthouse to the State Capitol Complex. Over the following years, the Skywalk System expanded to cover more than four miles and become a key feature of downtown Des Moines.

5. On December 17, 1985, Iowa State University football coach Jim Walden resigned after five seasons. During his tenure, Walden led the Cyclones to two winning seasons and one bowl appearance, and he is credited with laying the foundation for future successes in ISU football.