Lost Dog

An older female dog (shepherd breed) was found near Harold Godbersen Drive today. She is very calm and friendly. If anyone has any information regarding this lost dog, please contact City Hall at 364-2428.

 

Fireworks Update Battle Creek Fire Department

The update everyone has been waiting for. Battle Creek Fireworks are scheduled for August 19th at dusk! See you all there.

 

happy family sitting on floor and watching the fireworks

Dog At Large

**This animal is still looking for her owner***

The City of Ida Grove has picked up a lost black, female dog with a green collar. She was picked up in the Dawn and Sunset area of town. If anyone has any information, please contact City Hall at 712-364-2428. We would like to see this animal get home to his owner.

 

Statewide Tornado Drill

Emergency Management will be testing the emergency sirens today at 10:00 a.m. as part of the Statewide Tornado Drill.

Recreation Director Position Opening

The City of Ida Grove (population 2,051) has an immediate opening for Recreation Director. Responsibilities would include management of a 20,000 square foot recreation center with the following amenities: weight room, aerobic room, gymnasium/walking track, two racquetball courts, indoor pool, spa, wading pool, sauna, golf room/golf simulator, card room, and community room with full kitchen. Membership totals are over 350 and draws from surrounding communities. Additional duties would include oversight of scheduling of events and programs at the ball fields, management of an aquatic center which is located next door to the recreation center and recreational programming such as youth tackle football, volleyball, basketball, and middle school softball and baseball as well as exercise classes and special events. For more information on the Ida Grove Community Recreation Center go to www.idagroverec.org. Job applications and complete job description may be obtained at City Hall (temporarily located inside the Rec Center), 311 Barnes Street, by visiting www.idagroveia.com or by emailing [email protected].

A degree in Parks and Recreation, Leisure Services, or related field is desired, but not required. Previous professional experience in recreation centers or swimming pools is preferred. Residency requirement within six months. Starting salary is negotiable.

Job Application

Recreation Director Job Description

Send cover letter, resume, and references to:

City of Ida Grove, Attn:  City Clerk, PO Box 236, Ida Grove, IA 51445

The City of Ida Grove is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Position open until filled.

Disaster Proclamation

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
Governor Kim Reynolds ★ Lt. Governor Adam Gregg
Gov. Reynolds issues disaster proclamation for six counties

DES MOINES – Gov. Kim Reynolds has issued a disaster proclamation for six counties in response to recent severe weather. The governor’s proclamation allows state resources to be utilized to respond to, and recover from, the effects of this severe weather in Boone, Des Moines, Hamilton, Ida, Lyon and Webster counties.

In addition, the proclamation activates the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program for qualifying residents, along with the Disaster Case Management Program, for the six counties. The Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program provides grants of up to $5,000 for households with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level for a family of three. Grants are available for home or car repairs, replacement of clothing or food, and temporary housing expenses. Original receipts are required for those seeking reimbursement for actual expenses related to storm recovery. The grant application and instructions are available on the Iowa Department of Human Services website at https://dhs.iowa.gov/disaster-assistance-programs. Potential applicants have 45 days from the date of the proclamation to submit a claim.

The Disaster Case Management Program addresses serious needs related to disaster-related hardship, injury, or adverse conditions. Disaster case managers work with clients to create a disaster recovery plan and provide guidance, advice, and referral to obtain a service or resource. There are no income eligibility requirements for this program; it closes 180 days from the date of the governor’s proclamation. For information on the Disaster Case Management Program, contact your local community action association or visit www.iowacommunityaction.org.

 

There is an application for the grant that needs to be submitted to our local community action agency, Mid-Sioux Opportunity, located in Remsen. Applications must be submitted by 7/15.

There is an income qualification piece to this process as well. The grant maximum is $5,000.

Federal Poverty Level x 200%

Persons in Household :        1          $13,590           $27,180

                                               2          $18,310           $36,620

                                               3          $23,030           $46,060

                                               4          $27,750           $55,500

                                               5          $32,470           $64,940

Lost Dog

The City has picked up a lost Australian Shepherd. If anyone has any information on getting this dog back to its rightful owner please contact City Hall at 364-2428.

Human Trafficking Forum

Fight back against human trafficking. Learn what to look for and what to do when you see it. There will be a human trafficking forum on Thursday, November 11, 2021 at 6:45 p.m. at the Cobblestone Inn, Holstein Iowa. Guest speakers include Sheriff Wade Harriman and Sister Shirley Fineran.  This is free and open to the public. With parent approval, young people are encouraged to attend.

If you would like more information, please contact: [email protected]

New Welcome Signs!

The City of Ida Grove signs are officially up!  We were awarded $9,000 from the Siouxland Community Foundation and also MidAmerican for $500.00. They look amazing! Be sure to check them out as you travel from the east and west! 

Assistance Application

Iowa households experiencing a loss of income related to COVID-19 can apply for financial assistance if they are at risk due to any unpaid electric, natural gas, or water bills between March 17 and October 31, 2020.

The application deadline has been extended through December 4, 2020.

For more information, call 877-463-3269 or 515-348-8976 or click the link below to apply for assistance.

Click Here For Utility Assistance Application

PROCLAMATION HONORING THE OABCIG FALCON FOOTBALL TEAM

Click Here for Proclamation

From the Mayor

Hello Ida Grove. First off this week I wanted to talk about COVID. I have gotten several messages about worries in our county. We are taking some additional steps in the city to keep our employees safe. We are encouraging rotating in city hall and working from home. Trying to keep our social distancing. We have moved all city council meetings and other city meetings back to electronic meetings. We did discuss at our council meeting last night that we would close city hall to the public, except by appointment only. The numbers have been getting high in our county. As of today Ida County has had 2055 tested, 353 positive, 170 recovered and 5 deaths. One death is too many. My thoughts and prayers go out to these families. Let us do our part to be a part of the solution and not add to the problem. We are our own first line of defense. Hospitals are at capacity, healthcare workers are depleted. I really encourage people to stay home if they are sick or if someone in their household tests positive. Social Distance when you can if you cannot wear a mask. Wash hands frequently and sanitize. Lets work together to beat this virus. Please be safe out there. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by COVID. Also praying for our country with this election going on. Praying for our leadership. No matter who is announced President; we are America and I feel we will all pull together and be stronger. Just wanted to give a shout out to the OABCIG Football Team. Congratulations on your trip to the dome in Cedar Falls. Bring home the Championship! The community is very proud of you guys!

Feel free to reach out to me with any concerns or questions.

[email protected]

Very Humble and Proud to Serve Ida Grove

Mayor Devlun Whiteing

Thank You Ida Grove Fire Department!

The City of Ida Grove would like to thank the Ida Grove Fire Department for their help in removing the beaver dam underneath the Rohwer Street bridge. We appreciate all that you do for our community! Keep up the great work!

 

Members Needed -Make A Difference In Your Community

The City of Ida Grove has an open seat with the Planning and Zoning Committee. This is a great opportunity to be involved with your community. Planning and Zoning is an advisory committee for City Council. Meetings are held on the 1st Wednesday of every month.  Anyone interested is encouraged to contact City Hall at 364-2428.

Thank you, Siouxland Community Foundation

The City of Ida Grove applied and has been awarded a grant from the Siouxland Community Foundation (Ida County Community Betterment Foundation) in the amount of $9,000.  The grant award will go towards the purchase of two “Welcome Signs” on the East and West entrance of Ida Grove!  The City is extremely grateful for this award and we cannot wait to get started on the project!  The Ida Grove Public Library and the Ida Grove Rec Center also applied and were awarded funding for their projects.  Follow their social media pages for additional information!

Pictured left to right:  Lisa Witten – Ida County Community Betterment Foundation Board Member, Heather Sweeden – City Clerk, Devlun Whiteing – Mayor

Message to the Citizens of Ida Grove

The City of Ida Grove has received several complaints about suspicious and/or illegal activity going on in Ida Grove.  These complaints have been shared to City Hall, Council Members, and the Mayor by concerned citizens.   The City met with the Sheriff’s Office this week.  We assure you we are working on this issue.  The one thing we all can do is report any illegal or suspicious activity directly to the Sheriff’s Office at 712-364-3146.  We need to get every call documented in real time, not the next day or a week after.  The City and the Sheriff’s Department are working together to resolve this.

Source Water Protection Plan

YOU ARE INVITED!

 

The City of Ida Grove is pleased to announce that we are in the process of developing a collaborative Source Water Protection effort between our city officials, community members, and members of our rural community. We would like to welcome you to a meeting regarding Source Water, our current protection efforts and how we can move forward together in developing a long term plan for keeping our drinking water clean!

PLEASE JOIN US!

April 24, 2018

6:00pm

Ida Grove Community Rec Center

Source Water Protection Plan

 

YOUR PARTICIPATION IS GREATLY VALUED!

 

For more information, contact Bridget Durst:

712-262-4177

[email protected]

 

Property Tax Credit

Who is Eligible?

Iowa residents, if your total household income is less than $22,855 and one of the following applies:

  • 65 years of age or older as of December 31, 2017
  • Totally disabled and age 18 to 64, as of December 31, 2017

For assistance contact:

Ida County Treasurer’s Office

712-364-2625

Ask for Traci Riessen the Ida County Treasurer

Source Water Protection Plan

YOU ARE INVITED!

The City of Ida Grove is pleased to announce that we are in the beginning stages of a collaborative Source Water Protection effort between our city officials, community members, and members of our rural community.  We would like to welcome you to an open planning meeting regarding Source Water, our current protection efforts and how we can move forward together in developing a long term plan for keeping our drinking water clean.

PLEASE JOIN US!

March 13, 2018

6:00pm

Ida Grove Community Rec Center

YOUR PARTICIPATION IS GREATLY VALUED!

For more information, contact Bridget Durst:

712-262-4177

[email protected]

City of Ida Grove: 712-364-2428

Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program

The Western Iowa Community Improvement Regional Housing Trust Fund is working in partnership with SIMPCO to make available an Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program.  The mission of the program is to further the preservation and development of affordable housing and grow affordable housing opportunities for low-to-moderate income households in Ida County.

Eligible repairs include: repair or replacement of heating, electrical, and plumbing systems; roofs; windows; ADA accessibility and other repair work necessary to address substandard health or safety conditions.

Some program requirements are:

  • All households assisted shall have gross annual incomes under 80% of the county SHTF income limit.
  • The property must be a single family unit.
  • Applicants shall own and occupy the property to be assisted and shall be current on taxes, utilities, mortgage payments, and housing insurance.
  • The property must remain the principal residence of the homeowner for five years.

Funding is limited and will be distributed throughout the service area to the extent possible and approved on a “First Ready, First Served” basis.  Forms and additional program information is available by contacting Amanda Harper at SIMPCO (712)-279-6286 or by visiting simpco.org.

Ida Grove Economic Development Corporation

Ida Grove aspires to be a community defined by the creativity, diversity and innovation of its citizens and businesses. So if you or anyone you know enjoy economic development, have an undiscovered creative streak, love working with and interacting with equally committed people………  being on the Ida Grove Economic Development Corporation is definitely for YOU!

The Economic Development Corporation is created to advise the City of Ida Grove regarding local business retention and recruitment. The corporation is responsible for developing and recommending policies, procedures, organizations, and ordinances to the City Council for adoption that best suit the community for a healthy and diversified economy. The corporation provides businesses with an atmosphere to locate, innovate, grow, and prosper within our community.

The Economic Development Corporation’s areas of interest include developing plans and programs for the following:

  • Planning and Development
  • Support of projects and procedures that are in accordance with the purpose, spirit, and intent of the City Comprehensive Plan.
  • Promote redevelopment of business.
  • Take advantage of different local, state, and federal grant programs.
  • Work in conjunction with the Ida Grove Chamber of Commerce, the City of Ida Grove and Ida County Economic Development in the recruitment of new businesses to the area, as well as retaining established businesses.

Mayor and Business Leaders Meet with Governor

 

Mayor Whiteing recently met with Governor Reynolds and Lieutenant Governor Adam Gregg in Ida Grove to discuss current and future employer needs as well as economic development. This event was coordinated by Ida County Economic Development.  The meeting included representatives from GOMACO, Midwest Industries, United Bank of Iowa, First State Bank, Horn Memorial Hospital, OABCIG Schools, and other professional organizations.  “It was great to have the Governor Reynold’s attention locally,” said Whiteing.  “Both the governor and lieutenant governor gave us examples of similar sized towns that are working with their schools and industry to keep their youth workforce local.  It is also nice to see that some of her suggestions, like applying for DNR grants and tourism awards, are things we are already doing to keep our community a great place to live.”  “It was a great experience for all involved.  It is not everyday that we have our governor in our own backyard.”

King Theatre Renovation Board’s 2nd Annual Garden Party & Art Walk

Enjoy a walk through the Harskamps’ Oasis…

Come walk the gardens and enjoy artwork by local artist Ken Harskamp – treats provided by Darts Harskamp! The weather is looking PERFECT for our second annual garden party and art walk hosted by the Harskamps. Enjoy a leisurely garden tour – self-guided or with our hosts – and then take a walk through Ken’s art gallery.

$15 per person or $25 for two – all proceeds go to our King Theatre Renovation. See you tomorrow, Saturday, July 8th, from 10 am to 2 pm, at the Harskamp residence, 609 Moorehead Street in Ida Grove.

Handicap accessibility at the alley behind the residence.

King Theatre Stabilized by Talented Local Team

Thanks to a team assembled by Ida Grove’s Dan Gosch, the King Theatre’s south side has been stabilized, allowing the theatre board to move forward with this important project. West Central Construction, owned and operated by Jim and Pat Redenius, was on hand at the building today to hoist a 10″ H-beam in place under the roof’s joists and supported by cribbing on both sides.

In addition to West Central Construction, the King Theatre Board thanks Kevin Nulle for the use of his forklift, Dan Roeder for the use of his forklift and payloader; the City of Ida Grove for the use of the city’s payloader; and Godbersen-Smith for the use of the 10″ H-beam. If it was not for this team of talented people, the project would not advance as it now most certainly, and passionately, will. Long live the King.

 

King Theatre Alley Wall Collapses

Theatre alley wall collapse

Last night, the back of the theater collapsed at approximately 6:20 p.m. No one was in the building when it happened. Volunteers left early due to the storms moving through the area. Volunteer Fire and Ambulance departments were on hand to secure the area.

Doug Clough, King Theatre Board Chair, said, “We thank the firemen and ambulance crews for their quick action. We are beyond blessed to have had no volunteers hurt during this incident; if someone would have been hurt, this would be far more tragic than a delay in opening our theater. God is good.”

The board’s project coordinator is coordinating efforts to shore up the back of the roof to make the building structurally safe. The group will then put up some kind of screening to keep people, animals and rain out until the wall is repaired.

“This is just one hurdle out of many that that our King Theatre Renovation Board has faced for this important Ida Grove landmark.” said Clough. “Our board would like to assure citizens that when the King is up and running and people comment how great it is, we will affirm their faithful support by saying, LONG LIVE THE KING.”

 

Heritage Days’ Farmer’s Market

Farmer’s Market TODAY downtown at 2nd and Main.

IT’S HERITAGE DAYS!! Start your celebration by visiting the Farmers’ Market on 2nd Street in downtown Ida Grove. We have four produce vendors, a fresh flower vendor, wine and wine tasting, an organic meat vendor, a baked goods vendor, and a vendor who sells brown, blue, green, and buff eggs! Rita Pierson will be available with her artisan chocolates.

And grilling to raise funds for the King Theater Renovation will feature beef ribeye sandwich meals for $5 and shirts for a $20 donation.

So get in on the action and join your friends and neighbors from 4:30 to 6:30 PM on Thursday.

 

Fireworks Use in the City Limits

The Battle Creek 4th of July Show is one of the best ways to enjoy fireworks

While fireworks are nothing new to Iowa small towns around the 4th of July holiday, capitol hill legislation has made sales and use of certain fireworks legal this year. Here are some tidbits of information for all Ida Grovians to consider this inaugural year:

– The legislated fireworks can only be displayed/set off on the user’s property or another private citizen’s property who has agreed to the use.

– Our city’s noise ordinance is still in effect and applies to fireworks use; no noise-oriented fireworks after 10pm per our noise ordinance.

– Fireworks cannot be used in city parks or other public areas unless allowed by city council decision.

Safety is also a key factor in using fireworks; local hospitals see a rise in burn victims during this time of year. Use common sense and caution.

 

Ida County Sanitation’s New Pick-up System Under Way

Ida County Sanitations New Trash Cans

All Ida Grovians should have received new garbage cans from Ida County Sanitation (ICS) during the past two weeks. The new system is designed to allow citizens to use one waste receptacle and to roll it to their curb for ICS to mechanically pick and dump the trash into their truck.

Recycling practices have not changed.

“We’ve had good reception to the change and a few bumps in the road,” said Justin Georg, ICS owner and operator. George has had a few questions from customers, and – in an effort to make the transition as easy as possible – offers the answers to all citizens in an FAQ here:

Q. Can I get a smaller can?

A. Yes! We had 50 smaller cans and they have all been used. New cans should be available in 2 – 3 weeks.

Q. Do I have to fill up the can before it will be picked up?

A. No. If you have any amount of trash in the can, it can be set out for collection.

Q. If I damage my can, do I have to buy a new one?

A. If you are responsible for damaging your can and it cannot be used as designed for pick up, then you must buy a can that can be picked up by our trucks. Our can cost $70 at this time. Some hardware stores do sell similar cans. Cans can also be rented through ICS… call Justin Georg at 369.1677. If you need more than one can, you may also buy another.

Q. If I have large items that need to be picked up, what do I do?

A. Call ICS at 369.1677 to schedule pickup; please give ICS a full day’s notice.

Q. If I have further questions about this service, who do I call?

A. Justin Georg, 369.1677. If you have a billing question, please call Ida Grove City Hall at 364.2428.

 

Ida Area Farmer’s Market – TONIGHT!

Farmer’s Market vendors are working for your enjoyment…

The Ida Area Farmers’ Market will be a 2nd & Main with its produce vendors, winemaker, fresh flower lady, organic meat producer, and baked goods vendors. Genevieve Voss and Rita Pierson will again be at the market with jewelry, home decor, artisan chocolates, and much more. Lori Loehr, a new vendor, will join us to sell brown and blue eggs! The After Prom Committee will be serving smoked turkey sandwiches, baked beans, chips, and a beverage for $6. Carryouts will be available. So join your friends and neighbors and support the kids and their parents. 4:30 to 6:30 pm in downtown Ida Grove.

 

Relay Iowa Is Coming to Ida Grove!

Relay Iowa Comes through Ida Grove

Runners and support staff participating in Relay Iowa will be in Ida Grove on Friday, June 9th, 2017.

Relay Iowa is the World’s Longest Relay Run! Teams of up to 12 participants run 339 miles to cross Iowa over a long weekend. Runners build their own team and then work together to break down the distance into segments of their choice.

There will be many people and extra vehicles in and around Ida Grove for this event. The route from Anthon to Ida Grove can be seen at http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/859820157. The route from Ida Grove to Lake City is shown at http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/859995567. Please watch for the runners and their support on your way to and from work to help keep them and yourselves safe.

Keep your eyes peeled for runners during this special event

Week two at our Ida Area Farmer’s Market

Verdean Kruse is a regular at the Ida Area Farmer’s Market

WEEK TWO at the market Thursday 4:30pm to 6:30pm in downtown Ida Grove. Genevieve Voss will be in attendance with her home decor, jewelry, and much more. Also Rita Pierson (Cocoa Bellissimo) will be offering her artisan chocolates. Some of our produce vendors will be available as well as our new vendor, Cherri Sloan, who will be selling baked goods. Cherri has been baking for the Farmers’ Market in Jefferson for 5 years. Come and check her out!! And Faith will be in the park with fresh flowers. The Junior Competition Dancers will be grilling burgers, and offering chips, beans, pop or water, and desserts for $6 to raise money for their future competitions. So join the your friends and neighbors for the fun!

 

King Theatre Renovation Board Meetings

The King Theatre Board meets the first and third Wednesday of every month. The public is welcome to attend board meetings. These occur at United Bank of Iowa’s main headquarters at Main and 2nd beginning at 5:15 pm. The board also has volunteer labor nights 5:15 – 7 pm on Tuesdays and Thursday evenings. The public is welcome to come help or just view the progress of this important community project.

 

Ida Area Farmer’s Market Makes 2017 Debut Thursday, June 1st!

It’s starting again this upcoming Thursday, June 1st! Come to the Ida Area Farmers’ Market, located east of our downtown Main and 2nd Street intersection. Fresh produce Thursdays from 4:30-6:30 p.m. June 1 through September 28, 2017. It’s local, it’s fresh, it supports our community members. Vendors and their wares include Cherri Sloan, baked goods; Cocoa Bellissimo, artisan chocolates (part time); K & S Produce (Kenny Tietsort & Doug VanHouten), produce; Lakefront Gardens & Gifts (Genevieve Voss), home decor, jewelry, misc.; Faith Johnson, fresh flowers; Shettler’s Gardens, produce; Old Town Vineyard & Winery (John & Lenee Sinnott), wine & wine tasting; Thankful Harvest (Tom & Grace German), organic meat, produce, & baked goods; Quimby Street Creations (Gloria Sykes), knitted items (part time); Susan Spotts, produce; and Golden Horizons will be there the last Thursday of every month selling handmade crafts. Some of the produce available the first day will be asparagus and rhubarb. The Heritage Days Board will also be on hand to grill out as a fundraiser for our hometown celebration occurring the final week of June.

It’s fresh. It’s local. It benefits our community!

Firemen, King Theatre Board among Ida County Betterment Grant recipients

Scott Van Dusen, Ida Grove Fire Department Fire Chief, and Devlun Whiteing, Assistant Fire Chief, accept their Ida County Betterment Grant Award

Fire Chief Scott Van Dusen and Assistant Chief Devlun Whiteing were on hand Sunday, May 7th, to accept an Ida County Betterment Grant at the Arthur Community Hall. The Ida Grove Fire Department received $10,000 dollars. “We will use these funds toward the replacement of 10+ year old bunker gear – coats and pants,” stated Whiteing. “The fire department itself will put $4000 towards the project which will replace seven sets of bunker gear.”

Traci Van Houten, Doug Clough, and Ryan Goodman of the King Theatre Renovation Board also attended the 2 pm event. The board also received the top dollar amount of $10,000 which will be used to bring the building rear door above alley level to prevent rain from entering the building. “We’re grateful for this monetary injection afforded to us by the Ida County Betterment Foundation,” said Goodman. “We will put it to good use for our community!”

 

King Theatre Progress

Showing a holiday movie during our 100th anniversary can happen with community involvement!

In this week’s edition of the Ida County Courier, King Theatre Renovation Board Chair Doug Clough updates our community on the progress of this project and the ambitious goal of showing a holiday movie in December. You can find his letter on page A5 and a special ad on the bottom right-hand corner of page A3 for those who are interested in contributing to the King’s longevity. If you’d like to put some gloves on and work, we have volunteer nights Tuesday and Thursday from 5:15pm to 7pm.

 

Daylight Savings Time Reminder

Spring forward one hour at 2 am Sunday, March 12th

Daylight savings is tomorrow Sunday, March 12th. Remember to set your clocks ahead one hour before hitting the hay. This is also a good opportunity to replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide testers. Enjoy the rest of your weekend – and, remember – once the temps warm up again, you’re going to love that extra hour of sunlight!

 

Ida County Fair July 19-25

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